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Police have new leads, special team to handle shooting case BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Police have new leads, special team to handle shooting case

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 02:04 PM PST

TAWAU: Police have studied the footage of closed-circuit television cameras at 25 premises which were damaged in the shooting incident around Kota Kinabalu last Friday and have found new leads about the suspects and the routes they took.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said Sabah police had also set up a special team, led by its CID chief SAC Omar Mammah, to investigate the case from all aspects and to hold road blocks to find the culprits.

He said initial investigation confirmed that the shooting incident was the work of mischievous teenagers who went on firing marbles with air-rifles at the glass doors of the affected premises.

"However, it's too early to tell whether they are moving individually or as an organised crime gang, or is it masterminded by a certain quarter wishing to cause uneasiness among the people," he told reporters here Saturday night.

It was reported that the incident, which began at 11.45pm on Friday involved a total of 13 business premises in Karamunsing, nine in Luyang and three banks in Inanam.

Hamza also advised the public not to trust rumours that the culprits were shooting at people, especially those being circulated through the social media.

He said such rumours were not true and that the shooters' targets were only premises and not people.

"This is probably the act of those who do not like to see peace and stability in the state," he said.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Jauteh Dikun, when contacted, refuted the allegation that another shooting incident which damaged several premises here had occurred last night.

He also refuted the report that the suspects in the case had been arrested.

He said both the allegation and the report were baseless.

"There was no new incident reported as at last night," he added.

In Johor Baharu, Deputy Inspector-General of Police  Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin stressed that the shooting incident had nothing to do with terrorists but was the work of youths up to mischief.

"No arrests have been made yet," he told reporters when met at the opening ceremony of the Seri Alam police station yesterday.

The opening ceremony was performed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. — Bernama

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LDP faction urges ROS to clarify AGM issue

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 01:51 PM PST

KOTA KINABALU: LDP Karambunai divisional chief Loretto Padua Jr is urging the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to clarify the issue of the party's annual general meeting which was held on Oct 19-20 last year.

According to Loretto, ROS had initially issued a letter saying that there is no LDP AGM or election to be held on the two dates but former LDP Secretary General Datuk Teo Chee Kang and his supporters have gone against the instruction and proceeded to hold the meeting.

"I was present at the meeting in ROS' headquarters in Putrajaya last year where LDP President Datuk VK Liew, myself, Datuk Pang Nyuk Ming, Datuk Teo, Datuk Chin Su Phin and a couple of LDP leaders brought the matter up to the ROS director.

"It was the Director who said that there would be no meeting or election on Oct 19 and 20 and ROS issued a letter stating that which VK signed but Teo and his supporters did not. So how is it that ROS had, in January said that it had studied and endorsed the AGM and election which had been held on these two dates when it has in the first place said there was no meeting or election?" Loretto said.

Speaking to members and leaders of three LDP divisions including Karambunai here yesterday, Loretto who was appointed LDP Secretary General by Liew also wants ROS to explain why an individual who had been sacked from the party was allowed to organize and hold the meeting as well as election.

"The issue that we have to deal with now is to find out if Teo's sacking by VK was valid, if yes then why was he allowed to hold the meeting and election," he said.

Loretto also told those who attended the luncheon that ROS has no jurisdiction to decide on cases involving disputes in political parties as its role is only as mediator.

ROS can only issue a show cause letter to those involved in the dispute asking them why they feel that their party should not be registered, he said adding that if they do not reply within 30 days, the party will be deregistered.

Loretto also claimed that ROS has not been cooperative with them as their requests for a copy of the letter endorsing Teo's leadership has yet to be complied with.

"We have informed ROS of the change in address, fax number, telephone number and even included our (Liew and his) personal email addresses in our request letters but to no avail," he lamented.

"All Datuk VK wanted was a fair and clean party election but he was denied that by Teo and his supporters," Loretto claimed.

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Most oppose ISA revival call

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 01:49 PM PST

by Nancy Lai. Posted on January 13, 2014, Monday

KOTA KINABALU: Leaders from both political divide were mostly in agreement that there was no need to revive the Internal Security Act (ISA) as proposed by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad and supported by IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

For Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, he said that while the frustration of certain people over the issue of crime and sensitivities in this country is understandable, everyone must accept the fact that the era of ISA is over in Malaysia.

"We have moved on. We are now in the era of citizen empowerment. What becomes of this great nation will be largely determined by the people of Malaysia. They will decide if this country will be better off and progressive or worse off and totally wasted.

"I am of the opinion that the majority of Malaysians are peace loving and sensible individuals who will steer the country to moderation, level headedness and kindness. For those who are foolish enough to cross the line, we have enough laws as it is to handle them without resorting to ISA," the Kota Belud Member of Parliament stressed.

LDP president Datuk Teo Chee Kang when asked for his comment pointed out that the the proposal to repeal the Internal Security Act 1960  (ISA) was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak on 15 September 2011 with the aspiration to realize a mature, modern and functioning democracy; preserve public order; enhance civil liberty and maintain racial harmony.

"With the enactment of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act which took effect in June 2012, we have struck the right balance between preservation of public order and the enhancement of civil liberty.

"The new Act was applied for the arrest of 104 Filipino intruders in the Kampung Tanduo incident. Unless there exist new circumstances that warrant changes in the law, its position should not be disturbed," the Minister of Special Tasks and Tanjung Kapor assemblyman stressed.

Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing was of the opinion that it was ridiculous for Mahathir to suggest the re-introduction of ISA.

He said that it was a hard fought victory for the rakyat to have the draconian law repealed in Parliament.

"There are adequate laws to deal with all sorts of extremism in the country today. The reason for the resurgence of extremism is the seemingly weak leadership in the government today. When the ugly head of racial and religious extremism appeared the government seems to take a partisan stand.

"The so-called fatwa by a mufti on protesters is the most dangerous form of extremism as it was a dictum pronounced from a religious platform which has very serious repercussions. The  government should have taken quick action to arrest the Mufti. The ISA is out of date. Citizens must have recourse to self-defense in a court of law," the Tamparuli assemblyman pointed out.

SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee pointed out that past abuses of ISA had discredited the preventive law. The integrity and political independence of the police has not been sufficiently restored in the public mind to be conducive to bring back the ISA.

What the police needs is more resources backed by commitment to fighting crime, he opined.

Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said that whatever law made must benefit the people.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi has said that the ISA will not be revived but added that the government will amend existing Acts or create new ones to address the actions of extremists which is the same as ISA, the Klias assemblyman pointed out.

"To me people will not be happy with any law that they deem will not benefit and protect them," he stressed.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary general, Datuk Johnny Mositun, said he was appalled at the idea of bringing back the ISA that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib's administration had repealed and replaced with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012  (SOSMA).

"It will be a sad day for the country and a backward step in Malaysia's march towards becoming a truly mature democracy if that happens. Datuk Seri Najib's administration gave full thought to the matter before repealing the ISA and replacing it with SOSMA. Malaysia has laws to deal with any given situation. For now it is best to leave it at that," Mositun said.

Mositun said it was his opinion that the police and other enforcement agencies and institutions should confine themselves to carrying out their duties effectively, efficiently and impartially and leave the matter of laws and their interpretation to the legislature and judiciary respectively.

Mositun said laws had to be drawn up with a conscience based on fairness to all, particularly the people at large and not for the convenience of certain individuals or select quarters.

Mositun pointed out that BN was in the process of cleaning up its image and aspired to relate more closely with the rakyat to show it was truly a government of the people.

"Those advocating authoritarianism and 'unfettered powers' for government, whatever the excuse, are out of sync with the times and mood of people everywhere, not just in Malaysia. Today's better educated and more information savvy Malaysians can no longer be brow-beaten or threatened into acquiescence like before," he said.

Mositun said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib appeared to be listening to the people when he repealed the ISA and other unpopular laws because he did not want to impose unpalatable laws on them.

"It is unfortunate that others, for whatever real or imaginary reasons, are unwilling to see things the Prime Minister's way," Mositun said and added that security laws could be refined and loopholes closed as the need arises without having to revive the ISA.

"The ISA was more than just a law. It had come to be seen as a hated symbol of oppression and a tool to suppress political dissent synonymous with the BN government. Datuk Seri Najib did right to repeal it because it had the potential to become the nemesis of the BN government," he said.

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Lahad Datu villages hit by floods

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 01:48 PM PST

by Azmie Lim. Posted on January 13, 2014, Monday

LAHAD DATU: The continuous rains here for the past two days caused several villages and roads to become flooded.

From a survey carried out by The Borneo Post, several areas like Kampung Ulu and Hilir Sapagaya, Kampung Tamoi, Kampung Manau and few villages at Jalan Segama were found flooded.

The District Fire and Rescue Department chief, Mohd Apandi Mahmood, said, the Fire and Rescue department personnel are on the alert and ready to face any eventuality for any rescue operations.

"So far, the situation appears to be still under control and we are regularly monitoring the affected areas to ensure no untoward incidents occur," he said, when contacted.

Apandi added that the public could immediately contact the Fire and Rescue Department in the event of any incident.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Officer, Juraimin Haji Jadil, during his visit to the affected areas said that the District Office and the District Council along with the other government agencies are ready to face any eventualities.

He said that they have prepared evacuation centres to face any possibility should the continuous rain persist and will assist in the search and rescue operation, if necessary.

He also advised the people to stay alert and to take good care of their family and immediately move to safer area in the event of flood in their areas.

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Five illegals nabbed after boat engine breaks down

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 01:47 PM PST

LAHAD DATU: Four men and a woman from the Philippines were detained while trying to enter the country through the waters near Pulau Pamaguan, Sandakan on Friday.

Director General of Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Datuk Mohammad Mentek, said the five were detained at about 9.30pm when the speed boat they were traveling in developed engine failure.

Mohammad said, before the arrest, the speed boat was seen clinging to another boat by the general operation force (GOF) personnel in charge of Pulau Pamaguan post.

"Further inspection on the speed boat by the GOF personnel found five persons who did not have any identification documents and were suspected to be illegal immigrants.

"Initial investigation revealed that the five of them were heading towards Sandakan from Pulau Bakungan Besar (Philippines territory)," he said in a statement yesterday.

According to Mohammad, all the suspects, aged between 24 and 48 years-old, were detained under Ops Tayang by the Pulau Pamaguan post's GOF personnel that is monitored by Esscom.

He said Ops Tayang was launched to increase the security control and enforcement at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) covering Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau and Semporna.

Mohammad added that all those detained will be sent to Sandakan police station for further investigation and action.

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Astro plans biggest coverage of CNY

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 01:46 PM PST

by Mariah Doksil. Posted on January 13, 2014, Monday

KOTA KINABALU: Astro will be making the largest coverage ever during the Chinese New Year (CNY) Countdown Gala this year at Kwan Yin Tong Temple in Ipoh, Perak.

Its Chinese Customer Business vice president Choo Chi Han said there will be live crossovers at seven locations during the event, namely Penang, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Yong Peng, Bentong, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

"Throughout the years of CNY celebrations, we have been giving Malaysian households a uniquely Astro experience by leveraging on our CNY album which has become a trademark success, as well as our very own Countdown Gala slated on the eve of Chinese New Year.

"We're topping that off with comprehensive local and foreign content supported by on-ground events such as Carnivals during this festive season," he told a press conference after hosting a media CNY luncheon at The Glass Restaurant, Suria Sabah yesterday.

Choo said a number of successful stories were aired in Astro's Chinese channel in 2013, and it is the right time to add more content in its programme this year.

"Our Chinese Golden Melody 2013 has seen an increase in ratings and audience base, reaching 70 per cent of the total Chinese subs, while Malaysian Music Countdown Concert held in Seremban attracted over 20,000 audience, the highest rated programme compared to other foreign countdown shows that were aired on Astro.

"Local content was sold to several foreign broadcasters such as MediaCorp (the Axian series), Starhub (XTY) and some HHD programmes (IPTV in Taiwan) and Polling Night on 2013 General Election was the number one show among Chinese subs and Astro channels in the last five years," he said.

Choo believe, the local content, which is telling the story of Malaysians, will be a strong attraction for Astro viewers, especially among the Chinese community.

After CNY, Choo said, Astro will be putting more documentary series, deepening and expanding stories and values of Malaysian Chinese, while its entertainment experience will be never like before.

"As we continue to leverage on the variety of talent search and reality shows, come March, all our flagship programmes namely ASQ, CGM, HHK, MACIP and BTG channels are set to kick start auditions for the competitions this year.

"HHL is back with a brand new format to expand its reach to more on-ground audience, and will be among the first talent shows to tap onto the international level.

"An all new creation, Chinese version of Raja Lawak, which is King of Comedy, will be introduced to the Chinese viewers in the search of standup comedians. It will eventually spin off into weekly shows and the next CNY movie," he said, adding that Hokkien programmes will be also expanding its territories.

"In addition to the mentioned HHK and HHD documentary and lifestyle content, there are plans for expansion of HH franchise such as HH Mission, New Hokkien telemovie and sitcom, own Hokkien music and launch album with in-house talents and also to produce regional Hokkien documentary and variety shows.

Meanwhile, Astro Regional Manager for Sabah and Sarawak, Alison Lau, said NJOI channel, which was launched in December 2011 will give customers in Malaysia immediate access to 42 TV and radio channels, comprising lifelong learning, information and entertainment programmes for a one-time payment, with no monthly subscription required.

"NJOI Prepaid, on the other hand, is a pay-as-you watch service and is now available to all NJOI customers nationwide. With NJOI Prepaid, NJOI customers have the option to access additional content on top of the existing 42 TV and radio channels, in accordance with their viewing needs and budgets.

"NJOI Prepaid introduces more choices with a la carte options based on channels rather than packs, greater flexibility. A total of 12 channels are currently available, including 4 Chinese channels, TVB Xing He, SHX, Celestial Movies and HHD," she said.

After the press conference, media representatives were given free viewing of the latest movie, The Journey, at the Golden Screen Cinema.

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