» »Unlabelled » Typhoon Rammasun kills 20 in Philippines BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

06:38:00

Typhoon Rammasun kills 20 in Philippines BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Typhoon Rammasun kills 20 in Philippines

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 07:36 PM PDT

MANILA: Typhoon Rammasun left at least 20 people dead, seven injured and five missing in the Philippines, Xinhua news agency reports citing the state disaster agency.

Among the victims, 10 in the country's midwest were killed by collapsed wall, falling objects or fallen trees, said National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Alexander Pama.

Other fatalities came from Central Luzon, Bicol Regon and Eastern Visayas who either died due to heart attack, were killed by falling objects or were drowned.

About half a million people in 105,500 families were affected by the typhoon, with some 76,600 families or 423,000 people currently living in 605 evacuation centres.

A total of 165 domestic flights and 89 international flights were cancelled due to bad weather.

Power interruption also hit 11 provinces and three cities, including Metro Manila.

Typhoon Rammasun left the Philippines last night, heading for South China Sea. –BERNAMA

Print Friendly

Assembly suspends Junz Wong for six months

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:36 AM PDT

OPPOSITION newbie Wong Hon Jun, better known as Junz Wong, has been suspended for six months from the State Legislative Assembly after a motion to shelve him was tabled and passed by the House.

The first time assemblyman, representing Likas, was given the suspension after he was accused of sensationalizing and misleading the House and the public on a crime that did not happened.

Speaker, Datuk Seri Salleh Said, handed down the punishment recommended by the State assembly's Rights and Privileges Committee, after a majority of the members voted for it despite attempts by fellow opposition representatives to defend the first time Likas assemblyman.

Wong in January this year had highlighted in his Facebook account about a purported armed robbery involving a teenage girl victim outside a public toilet in Suria Sabah.

According to Junz, he was informed by the the girl that she suffered cuts after she was attacked by the robber and he posted the picture of the said injuries on the Internet.

However, the girl later admitted that the robbery never took place and that the injuries were self inflicted.

Special Tasks Minister, Datuk Teo Chee Kang, in proposing the sentence, said the DAP representative has been given his rights to be heard and to defend himself before the Committee as well as to speak in the Dewan.

All the facts pertaining to charges against Wong has also been thoroughly examined leading to the Committee's decision and recommendation to the Dewan.

"The girl alleged that she encountered a robbery and as a result from it she suffered cuts. It came to the knowledge of the YB (Wong) and without verifying the facts he posted on Facebook with the following comment, "KK no longer safe for public". The fact is the girl injured herself to get the attention of her parents," he said.

Teo also presented to the Dewan that Wong in his statement in the previous sitting appeared to try and justify his action of spreading the false information on the incident when he said the girl had lodged a police report on the incident.

However, he reminded, the police report was only filed on January 7, a day after Wong posted the photos and his comment in this Facebook account.

"He therefore cannot use the police report as justification for spreading the photos and information on the Internet," said Teo.

Earlier, opposition chief, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, appealed for leniency for Wong, suggesting to the House to only bar him from following the remainder of the Assembly sitting, which ended yesterday, and to warn him not to repeat the same mistake again, on the account that he was a newcomer and not yet fluent with rules and regulations of the House.

He also questioned the objectivity of the Committee in arriving at the decision, based on the fact that there was technically no representative from the opposition sitting on the panel.

"According to the regulation, there must be at least one representative from the opposition in the committee. However, YB Melanie Chia of Luyang, who was appointed into the committee, was no longer in the opposition.

"We, in Pakatan Rakyat, has agreed to recommend a representative from DAP but he was never appointed while the committee continued to deliberate on the charges and punished YB Likas. So, I would like to suggest that we consider a more lenient punishment.

"Wong's mistake was to believe the claim (by the girl), and the police too has confirmed there were cuts," he said.

Teo, in responding to this, said that it was only a coincidence that Melanie applied to join Barisan Nasional through MCA after she was appointed to represent the opposition in the Rights and Privileges Committee.

He added that the House's standing order does not provide for the committee to appoint a new member to replace Melanie, who has not withdrawn from the duty given to her.

"In this situation, it is impossible for the committee to restore the balance in its membership. What is important, however, is that YB Likas has been given the opportunity to defend himself," he said.

Earlier, Api-Api representative, Christina Liew, also tried to defend Wong by demanding that the House reject the committee's recommendation to punish the latter.

She said suspending Wong for highlighting a problem related to him by his constituent was tantamount to denying him his natural rights as the elected representative voted by the people.

Print Friendly

People questioning ESSCom’s effectiveness – Lajim

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:36 AM PDT

THE kidnappings and murder incidents that have continued to transpire between 2000 and 2013 are indications that ESSCom's establishment has not have a significant impact on securing the safety of Sabah's east coast, said Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin.

And it has resulted in the people questioning ESSCom's effectiveness to look after the security and peace at Sabah's east coast, the Klias assemblyman added at the state assembly sitting, yesterday.

He claimed that ESSCom had failed to provide concrete excuses, actions and prevention plans each time an untoward incident occurred at the affected sites.

And that ESSCom only provided standard arguments such as 'the involvement of insiders', 'surveillance activities are hampered due to the vast coastline', 'intelligence weakness' and others, said Lajim.

He added that the failures to address the recurrences of kidnappings and intrusions had brought negative implications to the people, investors and foreign tourists.

As a result of the negative activities, an estimated 76 Chinese flights to Kota Kinabalu had been cancelled recently, he said.

Further worsening the situation were the travel advisories against visiting Sabah issued by the US, Britain and Germany, he said.

Since January to July, four kidnapping incidents have occurred.

The first one occurred on April 3 with the kidnapping of 29-year-old Gao Huo Yun from China and Marcy Dayawan, a Filipina resort worker at the Singamata Reef Resort in Semporna. This was followed with the kidnapping of fish farm manager, Yang Zai Lin, also from China, at Pulau Baik, Lahad Datu on May 6. Then on June 16, a Suluk worker was kidnapped in Semporna by armed gunmen and on July 12, eight armed men attacked two police marine personnel and caused the death of Corporal Rajah Jamuan. The armed men kidnapped Constable Zakia Aleip. The incident occurred at Pulau Mabul, Semporna at about 11.30pm.

"We believe the encroachment, kidnapping and murder are due to the failure of addressing several key issues effectively by the government," he said.

Lajim then forwarded the following suggestions which he hoped would be implemented fully by the government.

He said his suggestions were to speed up the presentation and announcement on the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the identity card issue, the Sabah citizenship issue, and that political parties and non governmental organisations (NGOs) conduct the initiative to screen through the authenticity of identity cards issued in Sabah.

He said the initiative must be followed with the re-issuance of new identity cards for Malaysians in Sabah.

He also suggested to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the intrusion case, as well as the murder and kidnapping case in Pulau Mabul on July 12.

Meanwhile, Tunku assemblyman Datuk Mohd Suhaili said the repeated kidnappings would have negative implications on the state's economy.

Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Jeffrey Kitingan urged the government to look into the border issue and proposed for a permanent settlement of the long-standing issue with the Sulu Sultan by providing a one-off compensation payment.

His proposal was immediately contradicted by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman who said the issue of Sabah claim should not be raised as Sabah was part of Malaysia.

On hearing Musa's reply, Jeffrey said he agreed with what the Chief Minister had said but mentioned also of the threats affecting Sabah, such as the large number of inland foreigners now residing in the state.

"This is a breeding ground (for them)," he said

Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang interjected and said there were no guarantees that the intrusion and other untoward activities would stop after the one-off payment was made to the Sulu Sultanate.

Tambunan assemblyman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan then called point of order 44 and informed the house that Sabah does not recognise the claim by the Sulu Sultanate and hence, payment issues do not arise.

Jeffrey argued that the Sabah claim was part of the solution to the Sabah security issue.

Among his other suggestions was for the issuance of the Sabah identity card exclusively for the people of Sabah.

Print Friendly

Rare show of solidarity

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:34 AM PDT

by Nancy Lai, Murib Morpi, Jenne Lajiun, Rebecca Chong. Posted on July 17, 2014, Thursday

ELECTED representatives from both sides of the political divide came together in a rare show of solidarity as security issues and kidnapping for ransom in the East Coast took centre stage during the final day of the State Legislative Assembly sitting here, yesterday.

A total of 14 assemblyman deliberated on the issue where they highlighted weaknesses in the State's security measures, particularly the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), and suggested improvements towards better protecting the State waters against cross border criminal elements.

It started when the House approved a special motion tabled by Pantai Manis assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, to postpone the sitting under Standing Order 23, to allow members to discuss the incident in Mabul last weekend where a marine police personnel was killed by armed intruders.

The late Saturday evening incident saw a heavily armed group attired in fatigue pants, black clothes and face mask, ambushed and shot dead Corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32 and was also believed to have kidnapped Constable Zakia Aleip, 26.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also ESSCom chairman, wrapped up the debate by assuring that all stakeholders will continue to work together to address the issue.

He said ensuring the security in the East Coast, which is notorious for its porous borders, is a huge task that requires active support and participation from all parties, namely the government, the private sector and the public.

"To make sure that security is at a good level at all times, there must be strategic collaboration among all security agencies. We will continue working towards achieving our goals to protect our sovereignty.

"This is a big responsibility that also calls for participation from the local communities, leaders and all state and federal agencies. Informed and coordinated effort held jointly with the Philippines security authorities is also vital.

"On top of that, the issue of security need not be politicized by any parties looking to exploit the situation for their own gain," he said

Musa informed the House that various measures has and will be taken through ESSCom and platforms to strengthen security along the East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), including to increase the assets and personnel deployed along the 10-district corridor spanning from Tawau all the way to Kudat.

"We have, among other things, deployed additional 30 vessels for the Marine Police. The presence of security forces has increased as they now patrol the east coast more frequently. The response time of the police and military has also improved.

"We are also taking effort to promote community policing, in addition to integrated operation between the military, the General Operation Force (GOF) and other local agencies as well as their counterparts in the Philippines. We are also working with the Philippines in terms of intelligence gathering and strategic information sharing," he said.

He also reported that many additional security posts have been set up under ESSCom to improve monitoring capability along the state waters while various operations were held on land to deal with illegal immigrants and other potential security threats.

"These included 23 operations under Ops Gasak and various integrated operations. We also conducted monitoring from the air, built five new police stations and upgraded three stations in strategic tourism areas. Security personnel are now stationed at all islands where tourism activities are present.

"We are involving everyone, the stakeholders, chalet and caged fish operators, youth, and Sabah Suluk Associations. This is what we are doing but we are fully aware that it is sometimes easier said than done. We have done a lot and we will continue to improve where necessary," he said.

Musa also said that efforts needed to be taken to address negative perception towards ESSCom and the security authorities in dealing with the kidnapping and other security-related problems in the State.

Print Friendly

Teo clears misconception on oil royalty payment

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:33 AM PDT

THERE is a general misconception with regard to the oil and gas royalty paid to Sabah by the Federal Government, Minister of Special Functions Datuk Teo Chee Kang said.

Teo told the State Assembly sitting that people assumed that Sabah was paid 5 per cent of oil royalty and the Federal Government would get 95 per cent of the profit which is not right.

"I wish to correct the wrong perception because the oil and gas industry is one that requires intense capital as the cost is high," Teo said yesterday.

Those who are familiar with the oil and gas industry know that in the extraction of oil and production, the companies involved all follow a fiscal regime which is consisting of three components.

"Firstly, cash payments which some people prefer to call it royalty like in our case the first component consists of 5 per cent cash payment for the state and 5 per cent for the federal government. The second component would be the cost of the oil including the cost of exploration, exploitation extraction and purification among others.

"The cost for all this is an astronomic figure, Petronas itself is unable to undertake the cost and I would like to remind the YBs and the House that we were recently briefed by Petronas' Chief Executive Officer, President and senior officers (about the matter)," he said.

According to Teo, those who know about the oil and gas industry understand that the exploration exercise may take between RM8 billion to RM12 billion and the exercise may not be successful all the time.

All this takes high risk, therefore, Petronas has to work with other big companies to share the risk and profit, he said, adding that the production cost is expected to be between 50 per cent and 70 per cent which means that for everything barrel of oil extracted 10 per cent is for cash payment, 50 to 70 per cent for exploration costs and the remaining 20 per cent is taxable by Petronas at 30 per cent on the nett.

"Then the company has to share what is left with its risk sharing partner. Therefore, the oil and gas business is one with intense capital and high risk. It is not like what people say that Sabah gets 5 per cent while the federal government gets 95 per cent… That is a wrong perception," he stressed.

Meanwhile, in reply to Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan suggesting that the state government request for its right to the oil found in the state to be restored as per Section 24 (Cap.1968) of the Land Ordinance, Teo said that the vesting of the ownership, right, privileges and everything in relation to oil is vested by way of Petroleum Development Act 1974.

"By virtue of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 all those rights together with the signing of the instrument as prescribed under the act which is more commonly known as the Oil Agreement dated June 1976, all the rights are now vested in a corporation incorporated under the same Act which is Petronas. Actually, it is a misconception to say that we still have the right by virtue of Section 24 of the Land Ordinance," he stressed.

He stressed that the state Government is always open to renegotiation for what Sabah deserves but is doing it through the correct channel as there is no need to be confrontational about it.

On Dr Jeffrey's question if the state government can find ways to ensure it has direct participation in the 16 new oil fields found in Sabah, Teo assured him that it would demand and find ways to participate in the oil production, exploitation, upstream and downstream industry.

"For example, a state government owned company M3energy Sdn Bhd will be conducting the extraction of oil production in one of the newly found fields," he said.

Print Friendly

Call for ‘shoot-to-kill’ order too hasty – Bosi

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:32 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: The order to shoot to kill is a hasty call by the government when one of our "boys" in blue is under the captivity of the intruders.

This call was made by Kepayan assemblyman, Dr Edwin Bosi during the State Assembly sitting yesterday.

"That is my take on this order to shoot to kill. I have said that the government and ESSCOM must be creative and innovative in tackling the menace across the Sulu Sea and within the mainland."

He recounted that historically, "we have learned that the Sulu Sea has never been a safe place to be in".

"Pirates were there and they are still there. The Suluks have been in North Borneo longer than many other citizens. That is why they are defined as native of Sabah."

"They believe that Sabah belongs to the Sultan of Sulu and this is given credence when Sabah pays a sum of RM5,300 per year to the Sultan of Sulu," he added.

He said that the peaceful co-existence between the Suluk and the people of Sabah is one of convenience.

"Sabah took thousands of refugees from Southern Philippines during the 70s, provided them with citizenship and made them to vote."

He then warned that Tanduo was just the beginning of a far more complex and protracted conflict.

"It is claiming their land back by force. The intensity of their effort is akin to the Palestinians wanting to claim back their land. We have to expect more problems. Political solution should have been pursued but the decision to give many illegals from Southern Philippines citizenship has aggravated the situation. For a short term political gain we are now facing one threat that can explode in our face."

"How do we identify our enemies? Tanduo has proven that many of them were and are Malaysians. The dead are buried in Sabah. Our enemies are living with us."

He then provided several proposals for solutions.

His first solution was to find a political solution to the Sabah claim. "We have to find a way to resolve this matter as these people are highly charged on their claim on Sabah," he said.

His second solution was to use economic activity as per the BIMP EAGA and cited that economic development was a right approach to reducing the conflict.

Thirdly, he proposed for the re-issuance of the identity card for all Malaysians in Sabah, with strict procedure to follow.

Lastly, he said that the security forces should be beefed up. He also said that this should include reviving the second Sabah Rangers.

Print Friendly