Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Potentials of Penampang should be exploited: Bosi

PENAMPANG: Parti Keadilan Rakyat divisional chief Dr Edwin Bosi wants the potential of Penampang to be exploited to the fullest.

Bosi who is also the State PKR information chief, has high hopes for the district as Penampang has so much to offer.

“First, I would like to see every child in Penampang being given an opportunity to go to school, excel and become successful in any field they pursue. Human resource development is fundamental to the future wellbeing of the native Kadazans.

“I would also like to see conservation work on the Crocker Range so that our people and country can benefit, and the world can benefit. I like to see eco and research tourism flourishing in Penampang,” he said.

According to him, with the Crocker Range at their backyard, residents in Penampang can promote and develop the traditional and herbal medicinal sector.

He also said he would like to see a strong rubber industry integrated with pineapples in Penampang and that freshwater fish breeding become a lucrative business in the district.

“As Penampang is gradually turning into a suburb of Kota Kinabalu, proper town and infrastructure planning must be in place,” he said after a gotong royong in Kampung Tampasak, last Saturday

Bosi told the villagers there that they should not be dependent on the Government for everything and they should also criticise the Government should it fail to perform as promised or expected.

They should also complain about the Government of the day if it does not perform, he said adding, “After all, we deserve the Government we voted for. I can only advise the people that the general election is coming soon and this is their opportunity to decide whether they should give BN another chance.”

Bosi urged the villagers to be bold and rational and said if they were not happy with the BN’s performance, then it is time to give PKR an opportunity to govern the country.

Wed 31st Oct - Drunk vandals among 12 held in Putatan

PENAMPANG: Three drunk men were among 12 people detained during an anti-crime operation in Putatan on Monday night.

The trio were picked up after police caught them breaking the window of one of the houses in the area.

District Police Chief DSP Madang Usat said the trios were known for doing vandalism, especially when they were drunk.

Also arrested during the operation, which was carried out between 11pm and 2am, were six drug addicts, including two teenage girls.

“The four boys, aged between 18 and 29, are believed to be involved in several housebreaking case, including the one reported on October 12 in Petagas. One of them is also believed involved in a car theft reported in Tanjung Aru,” he said, adding the vehicle, a van, was recovered at Taman Friendship in Putatan.

The two girls, aged 16 and 17, one who is still a student at a school in Ranau and the other no longer schooling, are not members of the gang.

“The two girls are just friends of the four men. They all tested positive for drugs,” Madang noted.

He added the remaining three suspects, all men, were arrested for possessing stolen items.

“The three men will be investigated under Section 411 of the Penal Code for having stolen items, and we seized four sets of VCD players from them,” said Madang.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - EVENT

• Diploma in Early Childhood - Education organised by Persatuan Tadika Sabah on Nov 19 (Monday). Details: Anne Wee 016-5858173, Anne Lasimbang 019-8806018.
  
  
• The Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu and the Eye clinic of Queen Elizabeth Hospital jointly organising a Diabetes Awareness and Sight conservation project on Nov 17(Saturday) from 8am to 1pm at the Atrium, Asia City Complex, in with the World Diabetes Day. Free screening for public members during the project. Details call, Dr Molly Mathew 019-8507190, Francis 016-8128899 or Margaret 019- 8128390.

• The Sabah Government Pensioners Association Charity Golf 2007 teeing off on November 10 (Saturday) at SGCC by TYT Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah. All golfers are welcome. Hole-in-one prizes one unit Mazda Fighter 4WD D/Cab and other attractive prizes are waiting for the lucky golfers. Details call Philip Wong 012- 8386006, David Chong 012-8244680 or Lucy 088-211282, 012-8287890.

• St Michael School Penampang (Class of 1982 marking its 25thsilver anniversary) Reunion Dinner on December 22(Saturday) at Putera Ballroom, Luyang. For details and tickets, please call Fidelis 019- 8136564, Celestina 013—8772377, Justina 019—8337105, Mary 012—8382565, Vera 019-8606563,Julita 016-8412539 or Tony 019-8114791.

• St Michael School Penampang, Class of ‘92 Reunion Dinner on December 15 (Saturday). Venue: Atlantis Restaurant, Jalan Bundusan.Time: 6.30pm to 11pm.
  Details call, Christopher Masudal (SSc) 013-8678837,IvyJennifer Lojuti(5B) 016-8319883, Daniel Edmund(5K) 013-8562583 or Rudy Boyou(5M) 019-8133701.

• Kota Kinabalu Advanced Toastmasters Club -Training meeting on November 6(Tuesday) at 7.30pm at 5th Floor, Wisma Yakim . All are welcome.
  Details please call Dora Danny 088-262910 or Richard ‘A Gontusan 016-8322586.
  
  
• KK Music Society’s 2nd ABRSM High Scorers’ concert
  Date: November 4 2007 (Sunday)
  Time: 3pm to 5pm
  Venue: Menara Tun Mustapha’s mini theatre
  Contact: 012-8285111/ 088-211655
  
  
• 5K St.Francis Convent’s Parents and Teachers’ Association’s charity dinner
  Date: November 162007
  Time: 6pm
  Venue: Putera Ballroom Buick Padang
  Contact: Freddie Insiong (0 16-8038141),
  ZamaliaYaacub (0138851010) or the school (088224S59)

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Sabah students doing well in examinations

KUALA LUMPUR: It is not true that Sabah students have performed badly in Government examinations.

The Education Ministry’s parliamentary secretary, Komala Devi, said based on the ministry’s analysis, there was no truth in the allegation.

“In fact, some students in Sabah have achieved the highest scores in certain subjects such as the Bahasa Malaysia subject in the PMR examination where the passing average was 96 percent, surpassing the national average of 92.7 percent.

“The excellent result in the Bahasa Malaysia was also seen in the SPM examination where students in Sabah
scored 94.1 percent, higher that the national average of 90 percent,” she said in reply to Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau in Parliament yesterday.

Komala however pointed out that students in Sabah had performed below the national average in certain subjects such as English and Mathematics.

Madius had asked the ministry about the poor performance of students in Sabah and what were the steps taken by the Government to rectify the problem.

Komala said the ministry had taken various steps to help students who are poor in certain subjects to improve in their studies.

She said the remedial measures were to assist students throughout the country, especially those in the rural and interior areas.

One of the steps is the diagnostic test which identifies the problems or obstacles which are commonly faced by the students.

“Intervention programmes such as the PROTIM, Gerak Gempur PPSMI, adopted school programme as well as extra classes have also been implemented,” she added.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Constitutional issue of major importance settled

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Justices of Peace Council (MAJAPS) has welcomed the Federal Court’s decision on Oct 23, that the child convict’s detention at the King’s pleasure for murder was constitutional.

Its Honorary Secretary-General, Datuk Lawrence Thien, said it finally settled a constitutional issue of major importance by taking into account the interests of the child convict, the victim and the public.

The court based its judgment on the limit of judicial power of the court imposed by Federal Law, in this case, Section 97 of the Child Act 2001 as a result of amendment of Article 121(1) of the Federal Constitution, he said yesterday.

On Oct 23, Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, Court of Appeal President Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Alauddin Mohd Sheriff, Chief Judge of Sabah and ,Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi unanimously allowed the appeal by the prosecution.

They also set aside the Court of Appeal’s release order and reinstated the order of the High Court that the boy, aged 17, is to be detained at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The Court of Appeal, in a decision delivered on July 25, this year ordered the release of the boy after ruling that his detention at the pleasure of the King was unconstitutional.

The boy was convicted of murdering his tuition teacher’s 11-year-old daughter four years ago by stabbing her.

“It is noteworthy and reassuring that in his judgment the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, while agreeing the child convict’s detention was constitutional on the ground that the detention was an alternative order made by the court for sentence or punishment on a child convict, affirmed that the doctrines of separation of power and independence of the judiciary are still very much basic features of our Federal Constitution despite the said amendment,” said Lawrence in a statement.

“MAJAPS lauds and shares the sentiments of the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak in preserving the courts’ common low powers which are so essential in our country governmented by the rule of law,” he added.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Confab to boost rural health services: Pairin

KOTA KINABALU: The International Conference on Rural Medicine (ICORM) provides an excellent platform for local and international bodies to exchange ideas and seek collaborative opportunities, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Pairin Kitingan.

Pairin, who is also Minister of Rural Development, said the conference provides an avenue for deliberation and updates on the development of various aspects of rural medicine.

The first ICORM was organised by the School of Medicine of Universiti Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO and United Nations University.

The three-day event discusses, among other matters, issues in the delivery of health care services, training, education and the challenges faced during planning, implementation and monitoring of the health services provided.

The conference, which also features an exhibition on medicine and health care advancement, receives overwhelming response with 350 local and overseas participants.

“With such great response from you, both internationally and nationally, I believe that this conference has indeed achieved its objectives especially in lifting the level of health of people in the rural areas, which will permit them to lead a socially and economically productive life,” said Pairin during the event closing ceremony last night.

Congratulating the organisers for the success, he said the conference is in line with the Government’s continuous effort to promote better health care.

He said the Government’s responsibility towards the health of the people can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures.

“I am sure this conference has addressed the main health problems in the rural areas, such as how promotive, preventative, curative and rehabilitative services can be provided accordingly,” said Pairin.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Malaysian mother battles on for child custody in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: Despite ,the odds stacked against her, a defiant young Malaysian mother is continuing her fight in Pakistan for custody of her 11-year-old son from her estranged Pakistani husband.

Siti Nadzirah Mohd Nasir, 20, who hails from Rawang, wants to take over custody of Arman Khan, who is now living with her husband Fazal Azim Abdul Aziz 24, in Runer, Pakistan.

“I want my baby back,” Siti told Peshawar Provisional Chief Justice Tariq Parvez Khan as she broke down in tears in the courtroom packed with lawyers.

Her persuasion and emotional plea moved those present and forced the judge to give her another option to continue her custody battle with her husband and his family.

Taking cognizance of all vital factors, such as the baby’s health and future, the chief justice after a long deliberation then transferred her case back to the Peshawar district court, which be described as the “guardian court” that was in a better jurisdiction to solve the complex case.

He also directed the district court to instruct Fazal o bring the child to visit the mother every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at the Malaysian Embassy in Islamabad, where Siti and her mother Siti Abdullah are temporarily staying.

“In 30 days the father must bring the child to the mother for four visits, at least for five to six hours (every visit) so that by then the child will be acquainted with the mother. She (Siti) will also understand the emotional aspect of it (the, issue),” he said.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - Poor children to be open for sponsorship

Rotary Club to introduce sponsor-a-child scheme
SANDAKAN: The Rotary Club of Sandakan is introducing a sponsor-a-child scheme next year where the public can choose to “adopt” an unfortunate child for the whole 12 months and receive reports on their academic progress and living standards.

“We do not have to look to other countries to find the poor and the unfortunate. Dig a little deeper into our backyard and we will find hordes of unfortunate children who are victims of circumstance and are born poor,” Club president Cindy Mahsan said.

She said the Rotary Club of Sandakan found such kids in Sandakan and some who are living as far as Mile 30. Four children were found living in a small wooden shed by themselves under the care of relatives.

“They have no choice but to do adult chores with their bare hands. Fortunately, they have food to consume. Others are not so lucky. Their daily menu often comprises steamed rice topped with instant noodles,” Cindy said.

She added that going to school was no luxury for these children. Two siblings aged seven and 12, have to wake up at four in the morning and walk to the bus station to wait for the public transportation to take them to school.

“The journey to their school takes an hour so they have to be at the bus station by 5am. They are not orphans but owing to their family’s financial condition and more often chaotic relationship between their parents, they are neglected and deprived,” Cindy said.

All of these students were recommended by their respective school principals to be put under the Education Care programme which was started by the Rotary Club of Sandakan three years ago, she added.

“This programme aims to nurture and financially care for the unfortunate children. Each selected genuine unfortunate kid will have their educational expense paid, receive monthly pocket money, free medical consultation and treatment, free quarterly education tutoring and assistance, basic food supply among them for a year,” she said.

According to Cindy, the number of students sponsored by the Club has now increased from six to 18. The annual expenses for each student is more than RM1 ,000 and the Club has been lucky to have received a generous donation of RM10,000 from Tanah Emas Corporation Bhd at the 2007-2008 term.

“The programme relies solely on public donation in cash and in kind. The proposed minimum sponsorship fee is RM500 per child, but the Club will accept any donation less than the minimum amount. For further information, those who are keen to sponsor one, can visit www.rotarysandakan.com,” she said.

The 18 confirmed children for 2008 are Chong Vun Teng, Petronella, Annabelle Soh Xiao Wei and Vincent Kong of SJK (C ) Pei Ying; Lai Qiao Keo, Tee Han Jin and Fong Pui Yee of SJK (C) Lok Yuk; Tai Shin Yi, Esther Chow Sook Fuen, Wong Sai Yan, Wong Chun Kit and Wong Khin Chiun of SJK (C) Tai Tong; Saziah Tan and Tan Yau Chung of SJK (C) Pea Hwa; Vieatreas Lai Pui Pui and Chung Ga Yuan of SJK (C) Syn Hua; Patrick Liau Wui Loong and Liew Ming Chung of SJK (C) Ming Chung.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - ACA probe widens

EMBEZZLEMENT of public funds: Several welfare officers face action

KOTA KINABALU: More civil servants may face court action as Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) continues investigation into embezzlement of public funds following revelations in the 2006 Auditor— General’s Report.

ACA State Director Latifah Md Yatim said Monday staff of Welfare Department offices in several other
districts are being investigated after five civil servants from the department in two district offices were brought to court early last week.

“There are investigations in other districts as well.., we will make announcement if we make any arrest,” said Latifah, who declined to reveal further details.

Three staff from Welfare Department office in Tuaran and two Penampang District Treasury officers were charged with 28 counts of corruption in a Sessions Court here last Tuesday.

All five, comprising a district treasurer, a clerk, a community development assistant, an administrative assistant and a general worker, were allegedly involved in issuing payment vouchers using the names of dead people.

They were released on bail pending their trials in December this year and January next year for issuing false payment vouchers under the Senior Citizens Assistance Scheme between years 2003 and 2006.

The 2006 Auditor-General’s Report revealed that 20 of the 125 randomly selected scheme recipients in Sabah have been reported dead to the National Registration Department.

Latifah, who spoke to reporters at the ACA Hari Raya Open House at Federal Administration Complex yesterday, said the Agency would conduct a thorough investigation into all alleged corruption cases regardless of the suspects’ position or rank.

“We will investigate each case fairly, be it involving rank and file or top officers. If there is enough evidence, action will be taken against them, regardless of their position. No one is above the law,” she stressed.

According to her, the information and tips received by ACA so far this year showed an increase compared to last year.

As at Oct 8 this year, ACA had received 1,001 tips and opened 167 investigation papers resulting in the arrest of 51 people, she said.

Throughout 2006, ACA received 1,054 tips, opened 110 investigation papers and made 64 arrests.

Of the 51 arrested so far this year, seven are top officers, 26 from support group and 18 are not government staff, according to Latifah.

“We believe the figure will continue to increase and surpass last year’s statistics before the end of this year,” she said.

To further enhance its effectiveness in fighting corruption, ACA Sabah is planning to open a new branch office in Keningau in addition to its existing branch offices in Tawau and Sandakan and headquarters in Kota Kinabalu, she said.

She added that ACA Sabah had recently received four additional officers, three for Sandakan branch and one for Kota Kinabalu to better handle the increasing number of corruption cases in the State.

In its effort to promote awareness and educate the public on corruption, ACA will organise a forum at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) this Nov 5.

Wed 31st Oct 2007 - 4,000 transparent ballot boxes arrive here

KOTA KINABALU: About 4,000 see-through ballot boxes which will be used in the next general election arrived at the Election Commission office at Federal Administration Complex at Putra Jaya in Likas.

The plastic boxes will be distributed to the election officers throughout the State once the green light is given by the Election Commission (EC).

EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Rahman has said that the introduction of see-through ballot boxes to replace the black metal boxes is to make voting more transparent.

Other election items such as voting partitions, posters and election forms are expected to arrive this week.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007 - Sure win for Sabah BN

Musa says Sabahans will support the party that can bring development to them

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) will have no problem winning the coming general election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said Sabahans were matured enough to evaluate which party truly cared for their welfare and could bring development to the State.

“The rakyat nowadays are not like in the past. They are able to evaluate which party they should support and could bring development to Sabah,” Musa said in his speech at the SAPP open house held at the Kampung Likas multi-purpose hall on Sunday night.

Musa, who is also the State Barisan Nasional chairman, said that the vision of Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and other party components in the BN was to bring development to the State and make sure all the people would benefit from progress in the State.

He urged the relevant authorities to make sure every project planned for the people could be implemented according to schedule.

He said the allocation given to Sabah in the Ninth Malaysia Plan involving RM20.8 billion should be used wisely so that development could be brought to the people, and thus enhanced their standard of living.

Meanwhile, Musa also voiced happiness that the people were living in harmony and unity.

“Even though we are from different cultures, races and religions, we are still able to celebrate the cultural events in a harmonious way.

“People who come to Sabah have praised the Sabahans’ attitudes for willing to understand each other. And tonight is the evidence of our unity,” he said, at the same time urging all the people to maintain the harmonious relationship.Meanwhile, Musa congratulated SAPP president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee for receiving the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK) from the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah in conjunction with his 61st birthday recently.

He said that Yong was a good leader who was not selfish and wanted to see the development of Sabah.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007 - Information and resource centre for urban poor launched

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been chosen for the implementation of a pioneer project known as Pusat Sejahtera, a one-stop information and resource centre for people in urban areas who are still living in poverty.

Deputy Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said at the launch of the Pusat Sejahtera for the Kota Kinabalu City Hall here yesterday, that a similar facility would be set up in Sandakan and Tawau.

She said the government had allocated RM50,000 for each local authority to set up the office, which would be manned by a coordinating officer and two part-time administrative assistants.


“The setting up of the Pusat Sejahtera and other projects under the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme is aimed at achieving the goal set by the government to eradicate abject poverty and bring down the poverty rate in the country to 2.8 per cent by 2010,” said Azizah.

Some 250 poor families from Sepanggar attended the event held at Taman Jaya Diri in Sepanggar.

Azizah said the poor families identified in the urban areas would be provided with government assistance under the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme.
She said the Pusat Sejahtera would serve as a reference and resource centre for the urban poor to make inquiries, lodge reports and get counselling services about the various types of government’s assistances.

“The coordinating officer and the two assistants are entrusted with the task of registering and updating the profile of poor families and in giving out government’s assistance,” said Azizah.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007- Limestone caves will attract visitors to Kudat

KUDAT: Over 20 limestone caves exist on Balambangan Island which is located in the proposed run Mustapha Park in the Kudat-Banggi area.

With archaeological findings which date back to the Pleistocene (Pleisto - most; cene - recent) era The Ice Age between 1.75 million to 11,000 years ago), and intriguing chambers and Limestone formations, the caves have the potential to attract both Local and foreign visitors to Kudat. This was stated by Mr Ludi Apin, Park Manager of Sabah Parks, who gave a talk on conservation programmes in Sabah during a recent seminar on Conservation of Natural Resources at the State Library Branch in Kudat.

The importance of the caves was highlighted during a recent Familiarisation trip by Land and Survey Department Director Datuk Haji Osman Jamal. During the trip led by WWF-Malaysia’s Chief Technical Officer Dr Rahimatsah Amat and Sabah Parks Director Paul Basintal, the beauty of the caves and its potential as an cotourism site was discussed.

Osman has pledged his support:towards the gazetting of the proposed Tun Mustapha Park, which includes Balambangan Island. Artifacts estimated to be 16,000 years old which were found by researchers from the Malaysian archaeo1ogical Research Centre (PPAM) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in August 1997 highlight the importance of Balambangan Island. The find included bones and 36 items made out of animal bones believed to be tools used in the Pleistocene era.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007 - Award of contracts to be balanced for both systems: CM

KOTA KINABALU: The number of Government contracts to be awarded through direct negotiations will be balanced with those awarded through open tender, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Musa in responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) suggestion that the use of direct negotiations in awarding of Government projects should be reduced, said the State Government is in fact currently practicing open tender except for projects that need to be completed urgently.

The problem with the open tender is that sometimes it takes a long time but sometimes we need certain projects to be completed as soon as possible. We will use the open tender system wherever we can,” said Musa.

The PAC earlier this month proposed that the number of Government contracts being awarded through direct negotiations be reduced except for those requiring specific expertise.

Its chairman, Datuk ShahnirAbdul Samad, said this was to avoid problems such as financial irregularities arising from the poor monitoring of projects.


Musa who was met after the Federal Departments Han Rays Open House here yesterday, said steps would be taken by the Government to ensure that the direct negotiations method would not be misused by the related parties for their own benefit.

“We will make sure that it will not be misused by certain parties, for instance to increase prices. We will do this from time to time to control the prices from going too high,” he said.

Musa, who is also the State Finance Minister, said the State Government would also list all Government contracts which had been rewarded through direct negotiations under the Ninth Malaysian Plan as proposed by
PAC.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007 - It’s strategic secret: Pairin

PBS President declines to disclose whether party will field new faces

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan is keeping it a secret whether the party will field any new faces in the next general election.

Pairin in a quick reply to the question posed by reporters yesterday, said: “That’s my secret”.

“We haven’t discussed about it yet. As it is always the case, you ask me the same question every election.

“You know, overall our strategy is to field the same people, but under certain circumstances wherever it is necessary, of course there will always be some changes.

“At this point of time that is all I can say. I cannot say what I am going to do, because it is a strategic secret at the moment,” he said.

Pairin told reporters this after officiating the joint annual general meeting of the party’s Youth and Women wings held at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building here yesterday.

When asked about the BN Convention where a component patty is not allowed to field the same person in both state and parliamentary constituencies, Pairin said, “We don’t know about the statement and it can be subjected to certain changes. Election will be as it is and what is important is that we all face the election.”

Pairin, who is also the ‘Huguan Siou’ or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, was confident the Barisan Nasional (BN) would secure a convincing victory in the next general election.

PBS holds four parliamentary and 13 seats in the State Legislative Assembly.

The PBS Congress is scheduled for November 11 and is expected to be opened by Abdullah, who is also the BN chairman.

Pairin meanwhile called on Sabahans to rally behind the BN in the next general election to ensure continued development.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the BN has shown its full commitment and capability in championing the cause of the people.

He said the present Government’s noble intention is to develop the nation and deliver the goods to the people as can be seen in the big allocation for development under the Ninth Malaysian Plan(9MP) and the 2008 Budget.

“Of course, this is in tandem with “There might be some weaknesses the aspirations of the PBS to champion here and there but the Government is the rights of the people. We are aware obviously trying its level best to meet of the BN Government’s sincerity in the expectations of the people,” he bringing about development for the said.

Tuesday 30th Oct 2007 - Man and two wives killed

SEMPORNA: A 51-year-old man who lost control of his vehicle was killed along with his two wives in an accident on Saturday at Kilometer 34 of the Semporna-Kunak Road.

District Police Chief DSP Mohd Azim Khan Abdullah said the victim, Asman Tajal who worked as a driver with the Tawau Water Department and his two wives were killed on the spot.

All three were thrown out from the Isuzu Invader in the accident that
occurred at about 12 noon.

Asman’s first wife was identified as Norhayati Karim, 48, while his second wife, was Siti Arrai bte Abd Haning, 29.

Mohd Azim said they were traveling from Kunak towards Semporna when the vehicle veered off the road at a corner.

Travelling with them were their three children, Sahida Asnian, 3,
Narelinah Asman, 13, and Lokman Asman, 18. They suffered injuries

Tuesday 30th October 2007 - SAPP assures of undivided support of Musa’s leadership

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) fully supports Datuk Seri Musa Aman as Sabah Chief Minister and State Barisan Nasional chairman in bringing development to the people.

Its president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee said under the leadership of Musa, the political situation in the State was stable with people living in harmony and unity.

“What we have seen today is unity and harmony, and this is what has been practised under his leadership,” said Yong during the SAPP open house held at Kampung Likas multi-purpose hall here on Sunday night.

He also said that SAPP would continue to work hard to enhance the people’s economy and standard of living.

“We will also work hard together, with the other parties in the Barisan Nasional (BN), to ensure that we win the coming general election,” Yong added, at the same time urging all the people to put aside any disputes in order to stand together in unity.

Meanwhile, the SAPP president also said that the party also accepted cultural diversity as it was an asset of our multi-cultural country in the global village that was accepted by the people.

“Many aspects of life show our harmony in cultural diversity such as the practice of open houses by the various communities. At cultural events like tonight, our multi-racial people celebrate together,” he said.

He said one popular way of celebrating the cultural events was the community dancing and also the line dancing.

“Line dancing is a community activity bringing people of all ages and race together,” he said.

He further said line dancing such as ‘Poco-poco’ dance was popular in Malaysia and had become a community cultural dance performed by all the races.

“I sense that the negative feelings over the Poco-poco dance have got something to do with the underlying uneasiness of some locals over the perceived influence of imported cultures. I feel that the dance is only an activity, which does not distort our culture in any way,” Yong added.

Thousands of people attended the open house. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, Assistant Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Melanie Chia Chui Ket, Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Eric Majimbun and Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - Tuaran capture taekwondo title

KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran exponents emerged as the overall champions in the 34th State Taekwondo Championships at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex multi-purpose hall in Likas, yesterday.

They bagged 11 gold, five silver and seven bronze medals to edge their nearest rivals Kota Kinabalu for the Youth and Sports Minister’s Trophy.

Kota Kinabalu collected 10 gold, four silver and five bronze medals followed in third spot by last year’s champions Universiti Malaysia Sabah, (UMS) with five golds, five silvers and four bronzes.

Tuaran dominated both the men and women’s open besides placing second in both boys and girls’ events.

In the men’s open, they won three golds, one silver and two bronzes while UMS took two golds, two silvers and two bronzes to finish second. Papar were third with one gold and one silver.

Tuaran bagged four golds, one silver and one bronze in the women’s open, followed by UMS with three golds, three silvers and two bronzes and Kota Kinabalu with one gold and one silver.

Kota Kinabalu were however unstoppable in the junior competitions for exponents aged 14-17, scooping five golds, one silver and two bronzes to edge Tuaran (two golds, two silvers) and State Prisons Department (two golds).

In the girls’ event, Kota Kinabalu also proved superior with three golds and two silvers, while Tuaran bagged two golds, one silver and four bronzes.

Sandakan were third with two golds. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk
Liew Yun Fah presented the prizes. Also present were United Sabah Taekwondo Association (USTA) president Datuk David Chong Ket Sui, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Suzannah Liaw and USTA deputy president cum organising chairman Datuk James Sabinus.

Fourteen teams with 150 exponents from across the State took part in the two-day championships.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - Couples get wedding tips at bridal fair

KOTA KINABALU: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu yesterday once again organised a bridal fair to give an opportunity for couples to plan their special event and choose their wedding outfits from local top designers who displayed their exquisite collections.



The Bridal Fair October 2007 gave the public, especially those who plan to get married, more opportunities to meet up with the resort’s wedding specialists to get some information on ideas and service to meet the most practical budget, photography, flowers, wedding decoration and view a
collection of the latest bridal gowns. They also offered valuable tips and advice for the couples and helped them to plan for their special day as well as to give insights into how to make their marriage occasion more memorable.


“Along with the bridal show, the event also has a spread of other attractions designed to offer valuable tips and advice for the couples and others,” said Tina Goh, the Public Relations Manager of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.

Among the local wedding professionals present during the event were De Paris Wedding Gallery, The Wedding Planner and Event Management, Allure Hair Salon, Sound Tech Engineering, Traditional Wedding Auspicious Service, Florina Florist, Kwong Hin and Asiaeuro Wines & Spirits.

A stunning fashion and hair show featuring various up-styles for bridal hairdo was also held during the event at the Atrium Lounge from 11am to 5pm.
“Couples who make a booking with deposit at the event will be given special benefits such as corkage, special accommodation rate for family members attending the wedding and a chance to win a honeymoon to Bali with return airfares courtesy of Royal Brunei Airlines and accommodation at a Hyatt property in Bali,” Tina said.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - Tamu Besar makes Kota Belud known internationally: CM

KOTA BELUD: The residents in the district should take pride of the fact that the Tamu Besar here has been featured in the annual tourism calendar event to promote Sabah overseas, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.





He said that because of the Tamu Besar, the district is now known internationally.

As such, Musa urged the residents here to take greater efforts in coming up with quality tourism products, apart from preserving their unique Cultural heritage.



“The uniqueness of the customs and traditions of the various local communities here is actually a great attraction to visitors from overseas,” he said at the launch of the annual Iamu Besar here yesterday.


He expressed his confidence that locally-made products such as the unique headgears, food covers and mattresses as well as other handicraft products held great potential for exports.

Musa was represented by Deputy Chief Minister cum Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin.


Also present were Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister cum Usukan Assemblyman Datuk Japlin Hj Akim, Tempasuk Assemblyman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Hj Mulia, Kadamaian Assemblyman Herbert Timbon Lagadan, District Officer Mohd Najib Muntok and other senior civil servants and community leaders.

Musa said that the Tamu Besar had transformed from a barter trade centre that depicted the way of life of the various ethnic groups into a commercial event that showcased the cultural heritage and locally-made products from the district.

“I hope that the festival will be fully exploited by the residents here to enhance their economy and wellbeing, apart from preserving their cultural heritage from the influence of external elements,” he said.

Musa commended the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and its subsidiary, Seri Pelancongan Sdn Bhd, for spearheading the efforts of promoting the Tamu Besar as one of the tourist attractions for visitors from overseas.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - CM: Govt to upgrade rural health services

Standard of rural health in Sabah still lagging behind

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government aims to improve and diversify suitable methods to upgrade the standards of health and health services to rural communities, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the standard of rural health here is still lagging behind most of the other states in Malaysia, as shown by the increasing prevalence of communicable diseases.

“Communicable diseases in rural areas are not a new phenomenon, and is on the rise, especially among those who suffer from lifestyle-related diseases. Hence, there is a need for exposure to quality medical education,” he said at the welcoming dinner for participants of the 1st International Conference on Rural Medicine (ICORM) 2007.


In his speech, delivered by Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai at the Magellan Sutera here last night, Musa said it is imperative for the medical fraternity to approach rural health with a holistic view anchored on knowledge and exposure.

“The reality that we have to face is that the status of health in this State is still lagging behind and statistics show that there is no indication of a reduction in the percentage of communicable diseases in rural areas here.

“This conference provides the ideal stage for those concerned to fulfill the current wants and needs.

“The exchange of ideas among medical experts is necessary because in the end it would benefit and enrich their respective experience and abilities in contributing to universal health and medical research.

“The issues raised can become a guide in developing ideas to raise awareness on the importance of developing and widening the scope of knowledge in various diseases and suitable health services and methods
for residents of rural areas.

“A holistic approach is needed in applying knowledge and exposure in handling these problems, specifically for the local populace which comprises many different races and cultures,” he said.

Around 250 medical professionals and students are participating in the Oct 28-31 conference, jointly organized by the School of Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the United Nations University
(UNIJ).

At least 23 local and international speakers will present papers during the three-day conference, including from UMS, UKM, UNU, WONCA, the WHO, the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand.

Among the topics that will be covered include Issues and Challenges in Rural Medicine, Health Promotion Initiatives in Rural Medicine, Perspectives of Rural Medicine in the Asia-Pacific Region and also clinical skills and workshop sessions.

During the dinner, Yee also launched the first edition of the Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences in conjunction with the conference.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - Horror crash kills brothers

Vehicle crashes into tree and split in two, killing the two youths instantly

KOTA KINABALU: Two brothers on a night out with friends were killed when the car they were traveling in split in two after crashing into a tree at Km 3.5, Jalan
Kolam in Luyang, near here early yesterday.

Eighteen-year-old Ho Chun Seong and his brother Ho Chun Leong, 21, were thrown out of the car and were killed instantly due to serious head injuries.

The brothers had only recently started work as apprentices, with Chun Leong attached to a workshop and Chun Seong at a furniture factory.

Family members said the brothers were on their way to have a meal with their friends in town.

It was believed the two were traveling at a high speed from Luyang direction when the car skidded and smashed into the tree at the road divider around 3.30am.

The impact of the crash broke the car into two with the front section hurled to the other side of the road where it hit a Hilux four-wheel drive coming from the opposite direction.

The Hilux was badly damaged but its driver sustained only minor injuries, said City Police Chief ACP Ahmad Sofi Zakaria when confirming the incident.

He said the victims’ bodies had been sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a postmortem.

The police were investigating to determine whether the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Monday 29th Oct 2007 - M’sia’s first spaceman returns home

SEPANG: Malaysia’s first man in space Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha returned to the country yesterday, happy to have accomplished his mission well but sad over the death of his brother.

Soon after his arrival at the KL International Airport (KLIA) at 5.30pm, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was whisked off to Seremban to visit the grave of his brother, Sheikh Mustapha Al Masrie, at the Tuan Haji Said Muslim cemetery.


Sheikh Mustapha Al Masrie, 32, had died on Saturday without regaining consciousness from a coma which he had lapsed into after hitting a pillar outside a restaurant in Jalan Klang Lama on Sunday.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had missed the flight out of Bangkok after his flight from Russia was delayed and the brother’s funeral had to go on in his absence.

He was greeted at the KLIA by Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry secretary- general Datuk Abd Hanan Alang Endot, about 100 Umno Youth members from the Sepang Branch and a number of students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and UKM Hospital.

In Seremban, after visiting his brother’s grave, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor told reporters he needed some time to recover from the sadness over his brother’s death, and would return to inspire Malaysians with stories of his space venture.

He said his family, particularly his mother Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad, needed his support most of all now.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had arrived at the state mosque at 6.15pm in a convoy of vehicles of the National Astronaut Programme and some policemen.

He was greeted by his father, Datuk Sheikh Mustapha, mother, elder brothers Sheikh Ahmad and Sheikh Taufik, and youngest brother Sheikh Awiz and other close relatives. He hugged his father and carried the son of his late brother, Sheikh Aiman Shukor, three.

The family then proceeded to the cemetery.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is expected to be on leave for three days to observe the “tahlil” prayers for his late brother.

Meanwhile, the country’s other astronaut, Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, is scheduled to return home at 6am today.