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Riot ready to be SUPP president BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Riot ready to be SUPP president

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:19 AM PST

by Jonathan Chia reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 24, 2014, Monday

SERIAN: SUPP deputy president Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem is prepared to vie for the party presidency in the next triennial delegates conference (TDC) if there's sufficient support from delegates.

Riot, who is also SUPP Serian Branch chairman and minister of human resources, said he was willing to shoulder the 'herculean' task to save the party from being deregistered if Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and Tan Sri Peter Chin could not reconcile.

Wong is SUPP Sibu Branch chief while Chin is party president. They have been at loggerheads since the last TDC, which was held in Kuching in December 2011.

"If there is no solution to the two factions, and if requested by the majority of delegates to stand, I'm prepared even to (stand) to be SUPP president," Riot said.

"I see that the two (factions) cannot see eye-to-eye and cannot even have a cup of coffee together.

"Perhaps, the saviour of the party may be a neutral man, like Richard Riot Jaem. With 23 years of experience at the federal level, I think I know what I am doing," he said after chairing SUPP Serian Branch meeting here yesterday.

Riot was asked to comment whether he was willing to contest for the party's top post in the next TDC to save it from deregistration. The TDC must be held by December this year.

SUPP's political deck of cards is on shaky grounds as it was slapped with a show-cause letter last Jan 6 by the Registrar of Societies (ROS). The party was given 30 days to explain why they should not be deregistered, and they replied.

But there has been no word from the ROS thus far.

Riot said there would be no problem for him to contest to become SUPP's top man considering that the party was a multi-racial party.

In realising the risk he was taking, Riot stated: "If you're not daring enough, might as well don't become a politician and minister.

"As a minister and SUPP deputy president, I must contribute to ensure that SUPP is saved from being deregistered."

He hoped delegates would give him a term or three years to lead the party, adding that if he failed to discharge his duties as president, he would gracefully step down.

Admitting that he was not happy with the current situation in the party, Riot said as the deputy president he had to toe the line and not go against the "boss" and decisions of the party's Central Working Committee.

If elected SUPP president, he said his priorities would be to get many young and capable leaders to hold key posts in the party as well as unite all members.

"Actually, I have my plans on how to go about it. (To me), the most important is I will get as many young people as possible.

"We also need the 'old people' to play the supporting roles, but the key players or frontliners must be the young people."

Although Riot did not specifically mentioned who the 'old people' he was referring to, he was obviously referring to those who were defeated in the previous state and general elections, but still holding key positions in the party.

Asked if he agreed to suggestions that there are too many 'old people' in SUPP leadership, he said: "Of course. They should resign, especially those who lost, and give chance (to others).

"Why contest when you have lost? If me, I will give to somebody else."

He believed the future of SUPP is still there, but it depended very much on the party leaders.

"I believe that one day, the Chinese and non-Chinese in the urban areas will realise that SUPP is still very relevant, and they will come back, maybe not in five years from now.

"But as I have said, God willing, hopefully if I become the president, the first thing I will do is to get as many programmes for the youths as possible because by having programmes for them, it will indirectly attract them to join the party."

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Kuching ahead of other cities in Malaysia — Abg Johari

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST

KUCHING: Kuching is ahead of other cities in Malaysia through its effort to promote a green environment and a liveable city with support from the local councils and its residents.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg attributed this achievement to the city's residents, who he said had always put the city as their priority, turning it into one of the recognisable cities in the nation's tourism map.

"The people of Kuching realise the need for a sustainable surrounding and clean air, thus programmes such as running and cycling have always received good response from members of the public," he said at the 'First Car Free Day 2014 in Kuching City' held at Esplanade Kuching yesterday.

In his capacity as state's tourism minister, he said he is keen to promote Kuching as the 'Venice of the East', adding that the wish would be realised if everyone works towards it.

Earlier, Kuching North (DBKU) commissioner Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Julai said the objective of the car free day, involving selected roads within the city, was to educate residents on the importance of thinking globally and acting locally.

"We urge citizens to support this measure by cycling or walking within the designated roads. This is among the steps taken towards DBKU's effort for a clean and healthy city," stressed Wahap.

He further said residents should understand that roads are meant to be shared and thus urged everyone to pledge their support towards making Kuching a healthy city.

The event yesterday also saw the presentation of donations derived from 'Kayuhan Mesra Warisan' where participants donated proceeds from the events to the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS).

The Car Free Day is part of DBKU's Clean, Beautiful and Safe (CBS) effort through its 2013-2017 Enhancement Plan with the assistance of the Tourism Ministry.

Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusuf, Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo were among those present at the event.

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SPDP supreme council backs move to reconcile with G5

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:16 AM PST

by Jeremy Veno reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 24, 2014, Monday

KUCHING: SPDP supreme council members yesterday endorsed the call by party president Tan Sri William Mawan to reconcile with members of the G5.

In a four-hour meeting, the party also gave Mawan and deputy president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing the mandate to further discuss the matter which is believed to be vital for the party's overall strength in the coming 11th state election.

"Consolidation would also mean reconciliation as SPDP is all about moving forward and in tandem with the country's development," Mawan told a press conference after chairing the party's supreme council meeting in the party headquarters at Jalan Badruddin here yesterday.

The state election may be a few years away but top BN leaders at the federal and state levels have given directives to all state BN component parties to reconsolidate, Mawan pointed out.

Mawan, who is also BN vice-chairman, said even though the G5, a moniker referring to party-less assemblypersons Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie (Tasik Biru), Datuk Sylvester Entrie Muran (Marudi), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau) and former Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, had been dismissed from the party for gross insubordination, they were welcome to rejoin the party and that SPDP was ready for reconciliation.

"SPDP is ready to extend an olive branch to the five for the betterment of the state Barisan Nasional (BN) and for the BN to win all state and parliamentary seats allocated to us (SPDP)," he added.

As of yesterday, officials at party headquarters said they had yet to receive any membership application from members of the G5 to rejoin the party.

"We will definitely accept their application to rejoin SPDP but if they do not come forward and register, there is nothing we can do," Mawan pointed out.

On a separate matter, Mawan said SPDP was open to any suggestion or initiative for a possible merger with SUPP.

According to him, the idea is worth examining especially if the move augers well for the strength of SPDP and the state BN as a whole.

"However, we are still waiting for SUPP to make the necessary move but as it is now, there is still not much substance for SPDP to react," said Mawan, who is also Saratok MP and Pakan assemblyman.

On the federal cabinet reshuffle which is due in June this year, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had personally given him the assurance that SPDP would be allocated at least one post.

"That is why we are quite cool and will not react in a manner inconsistent with our stand as a BN component party but rather leave the whole issue to the prime minister," he added.

He also said SPDP will arrange a courtesy call on the prime minister in Putrajaya to show their support to his leadership and capabilities to consolidate all the BN component parties.

On the appointment of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem as the next chief minister, Mawan said the party has full confidence on Adenan leading the state.

Adenan's appointment will not worry SPDP as the system is already in place to ensure leadership continuity, he added.

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MCPF veep: Curb violence among students now

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:15 AM PST

SIBU: Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) is calling for concerted efforts to curb violence among students and teenagers in the country.

Its vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said although the problems were not alarming now, steps ought to be taken by the relevant authorities, schools, parents and other stakeholders to prevent it from gaining a foothold in institutions of learning.

Even the National Parent–Teacher Association Collaborative Council is concerned about the situation. It recently raised the alarm about various disturbing development in schools, which it described as "frightening" and "worrying".

According to Bukit Aman, Lee said, student involvement in crimes make up only 0.9 per cent of the crime index in the country, while the Education Ministry said student involvement in indiscipline made up only 2.06 per cent of the student population in the country.

"Matters of indiscipline in schools, such as truancy, misbehaviour, thefts and fights leading to violence and injury must not be tolerated even if such problems are not alarming in our schools," he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee also urged crime prevention clubs initiated by MCPF in all schools to be more proactive in creating greater awareness about crime prevention and the need to curb indiscipline in schools.

"The entire subject of bullies in schools and other forms of indiscipline must be looked at seriously with the objective of identifying our weaknesses and then taking steps to address them by school headmasters and disciplinary teachers," he said.

"If disciplinary problems exist in school, they must be dealt head on. A state of denial must not be allowed whenever a problem exists in schools."

Lee also said while schools had to take steps to tighten discipline among students, police liaison officers must make more frequent visits to schools to interact with students and teachers to prevent students from being involved in gangsterism, crimes, and other social ills.

He said the `culture' of violence sprouting in educational institutions worried him.

"What can we expect when the reality today is that our children are being fed on a daily diet of violence?

"Viciousness, revenge and outright cruelty are becoming the norm in many of our movies and films as well as those coming from the Internet. These acts are often glamorised. Even cartoons are starting to contain violent scenes."

Lee said in line with educating school children on crime prevention, MCPF had worked with the Ministry of Education to set up crime prevention clubs in both primary and secondary schools.

"To date, 6,082 clubs have been set up in both primary and secondary schools involving some 421,154 students.

"These clubs not only serve to create awareness about crime prevention among the students but also to instil in them good noble values."

On character development, Lee said character is the real standard bearer of what it takes for both children and adults alike to succeed in life.

"The success of our education system is judged not only by the academic achievements of our students. The success of our system needs also to be judged by the quality of the people the education system produces – their integrity and discipline, character, their attitude towards work, their ability to be team-players, and their sense of responsibility and commitment to society."

Also present was Datu Dr Yusoff Nook, state Security Unit director in the Chief Minister's Department.

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Policy to treat all races as equals will be upheld — Taib

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:14 AM PST

by Anthony Josephreporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 24, 2014, Monday

MIRI: The policy where all races in the state are treated as equals must be preserved in order to nurture greater understanding among the people, said Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Speaking at the 'Satu Malaysia Satu Hua Zhong' Chinese New Year function here on Saturday, the outgoing chief minister said due to the multi-racial makeup of the state, the majority or dominant race policies would not work.

"I think we have learned to be more open and to cooperate because nobody desires to be dominant or to dominate other people in whatever we plan for the future," he said at the gathering that was organised by the Federation of Miri Chinese Association.

Among those present were Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, and Federation of Miri Division Chinese Association president Hii Teck Yun.

The close cooperation among all races in the state, he said, had enabled the government to ensure there were ample opportunities for everyone, and this is especially so in the field of education.

"As you can see in the last few years, the escalation of education has touched all races.

"Our policy is such that we can develop the state properly without the feeling of insecurity arising between other groups.

"You can expect the next chief minister (Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem) and his cabinet to treasure any opportunity to create close interaction between all the races."

Taib will be stepping down as chief minister this coming Friday after helming the state for nearly 33 years.

"This is going to be my last speech as chief minister to you and addressing you in a Chinese New Year gathering. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you, especially business friends, community leaders and even the ordinary guys, who have been working very hard to transform Miri from a very humble beginning into a thriving town economically.

"Miri has also been able to attract people in the timber and oil industry, and built up a strong business community to support its growth.

"As a person born in Miri, I want to take the opportunity to say 'thank you' to all of you for all your contributions."

At the function, Taib presented a RM100,000 donation to the association for their activities and programs.

Taib also witnessed the endorsement of the most 'ma' (Chinese word for horse) calligraphy by the Malaysia Book of Records.

The association successfully created 4,088 'ma' characters at the gathering.

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Miri’s transformation due to private sector’s willingness to share wealth

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 11:13 AM PST

MIRI: The unselfishness and willingness of the private sector to share their wealth has benefited both the people and Miri as a whole.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said such attitude and far-sightedness have transformed Miri from a small fishing village into what it is now — a resort city.

"They have complemented and contributed to government efforts to bring development and progress to the city. The development and progress of Miri create various job and business opportunities for the people," said Taib at the earth-breaking ceremony for the Miri Water Theme Park in Senadin here yesterday.

Commending the effort made by Miri Housing Group particularly its executive chairman Datuk Lau Siu Wai in developing the water theme park and other development projects, he said development and progress not only benefit the locals but also attract people from outside.

"This is a sign that the private sector is always making continuous efforts to bring development and progress to Miri," he added.

Taib said in the past the proposed project would have been considered unnecessary as it is entertainment oriented but it is now a need and demanded by the younger generation who are mostly confined to their rooms surfing the Internet and playing computer games.

"If no efforts are made to bring them out from their rooms it will affect their interaction with their family, relatives and friends and this is not healthy for them and society. This is now a major problem in Korea and we don't want this to happen to us," said Taib, adding that the theme park would provide them a venue to engage in healthy activities and exercise.

He also said the theme park would be another attraction for the city.

"The proposed mammoth project will help to transform Senadin in the northern part of Miri not only into a lively residential estate but also a business, recreational, leisure and educational centre," he added.

To be the first of its kind and largest theme park in East Malaysia, it is the brainchild of prominent businessman Datuk Lau Siu Wai.

Sprawling over 500 acres in the proximity of Curtin University, it will exceed Sunway Lagoon in terms of size. On the drawing board are giant waterslides, water tubes, swimming and wading pools.

The proposed project would not just be a theme park but a new resort township of sorts because it would feature two hotels, six blocks of condominium towers, a commercial centre and a mega mall boasting two million square feet of retail space.

The mammoth project would cost about RM1 billion and would be developed in three phases. Phase I is slated to kick-off after the earth breaking ceremony, and the whole three phases are scheduled to be completed in five years time.

It would also have an old folk healthcare centre. Once completed, this project will transform Miri, particularly Senadin, into the 'Venice of the East', complete with lakes and water canals for canoes and small boats to ply all the way to the South China Sea.

Miri Housing Group envisions that this place will eventually become the hub for water sports, kayaking and canoeing activities.

Among those attending the ceremony were Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang and local dignitaries.

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