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DPM rules out Umno entering <b>Sarawak</b> - The Borneo Post Online Berita Sarawak - News 2 Sarawak

DPM rules out Umno entering <b>Sarawak</b> - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 13 Feb 2014 11:42 AM PST

by Lim How Pimreporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 14, 2014, Friday

KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said he did not see the need for Umno to spread its wings to Sarawak given that PBB had done a good job.

Muhyiddin, also deputy president of Umno, opined the political structure of Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) remained strong and stable while PBB had achieved what Umno wanted for Sarawak.

"PBB has become the stronghold of BN in Sarawak while other component parties all rally behind it. PBB plays a role in Sarawak as important as that of Umno in Peninsular Malaysia.

"Most important, not only the party's success matters but also the objectives that have been achieved. PBB has achieved what we want to achieve in Sarawak, which include unity, progress, stability and prosperity," he told a press conference after a closed-door dialogue with consumers, hawkers, traders and suppliers at a hotel here.

Muhyiddin, however, did not affirmatively state that Umno would stay out of the state.

To a question, he said his earlier meeting with state BN leaders did not specifically touch on the 11th Sarawak state election.

"To my knowledge, the current term expires in June 2016. What is more important is to take steps to ensure Sarawak remains a fixed deposit state of Barisan Nasional.

"I hope the people of Sarawak will continue to give strong support to the new leadership."

On the dialogue, Muhyiddin said sound suggestions had been put forward by several individuals during the one-and-a-half hour meeting.

He pledged to look into all proposals and ideas to help Sarawakians cushion the impact of higher cost of living.

"I have been to a local market where people offered direct feedback. They say the prices are reasonable amidst the rising cost of living. Nevertheless, we will ensure people of Sarawak will not be severely affected by it."

He added the government would see to it that more initiatives be launched to reach out to the low-income and needy group.

Among which, he said, the government could consider running more Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) outlets in the state to offer essential items at a reasonable rate.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof were among those present.

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<b>Sarawak</b> committed to developing sepak takraw — Paruwadi <b>...</b>

Posted: 14 Feb 2014 08:48 AM PST

KUCHING: The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) vice president Datuk Paruwadi Musa gave his assurance on Thursday that Sarawak will continue to develop sepaktakraw in the future.

He said all it takes is that Sarawakians need to give the current top officials of PSM to sort out a few problems which are currently plaguing the national body.

Acknowledging that PSM are currently going through a rough patch, Paruwadi too lamented
that the ongoing roadshows of protest by a few former national players will never help the cause.

It was reported in the media recently that group of former national players went around the country on a tour of road shows, calling for the top PSM officials to be replaced.

"I call for everyone not only in Sarawak but nationwide to let the affiliate state associations deal with matters involving the national team and restore national pride.

"Please give us a chance and do not add more mess to what is already is right now," he added.

He said the road shows and protest by the some of the former nationals are unprofessional and somewhat unethical.

The national team was paced under much scrutiny recently as they have failed to exert their dominance at international competitions and meets.

Sepak takraw is considered by Malaysians as a national sport.

It was th national team's dismal performances at the SEA Games in Myanmar last December which proved to be the final straw on the horse's back, prompting the Federal Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to call for an overhaul in the country's sepak takraw system.

During the time, Malaysia's men's team only won the bronze medal which is below par by the country's standard.

Paruwadi, a Sarawak native himself, was speaking to reporters after a golf team friendly match between Bumi Kita, a golf team of a company based in Sarawak and Peta Road Line Marking from Kuala Lumpur here at the Damai Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

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A good time for local flower trade this Valentine&#39;s Day – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 14 Feb 2014 08:43 AM PST

by Sharon Kong and Yvonne Tuah, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 15, 2014, Saturday

KUCHING: The act of giving flowers is known by many to be the most basic act of love, especially on Valentine's Day when the most common flowers given to loved ones are roses.

As you drive around Kuching, you will notice that without fail, vendors, florists and gift stores stock up on roses for sale.

Fresh roses are usually imported from countries such as India, Kenya, and China, with most pop-up stall vendors sourcing these flowers from a single supplier who distributes all over Sarawak.

"Most of our flowers come from India, while only certain types come from China," revealed a vendor who only wanted to be known as Ting. "This is because most of the China flower exports are from India anyway."

When met by The Borneo Post, Ting said flowers were no longer solely imported from China due to cold weather conditions over the past two months which has affected production and supply of fresh roses.

Many local florists have started receiving orders for these bouquets since February 10, indicating the consistent high demand during this special day.

Professional Florist Sdn Bhd owner Chong Mui Ping highlighted that they do receive orders for 99-rose bouquets heftily priced above the RM1,000 range. This compares with the commonly-purchased single stalk sold at RM15.

"Most of our Valentine's Day bouquet orders consist of fresh flowers, not those made from artificial materials," she observed.

Meanwhile, the lack of fresh roses supply from China has led some vendors to push for artificial flowers. In fact, some prefer to stock these products as they have a longer lifespan than fresh flowers.

For example, The Flower Shop owner Sim Yi noted that she has orders and walk-in customers buying such these artificial roses especially if the receiver of the gift has allergies to flowers.

As of Thursday, prices of a single stalk of rose at vendors and florists started at RM12 to RM20 but were generally priced according to the size of the roses.

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