Wednesday, October 31, 2007

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.