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Salleh calls on authorities to monitor agitators promoting separation of Sabah from Malaysia BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Sabah - New 2 Borneo

Salleh calls on authorities to monitor agitators promoting separation of Sabah from Malaysia

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 11:58 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said yesterday called on the relevant authorities to monitor the activity of certain individuals and groups who are using social media platforms to incite people to separate Sabah from Malaysia.

Salleh, who is also Usukan assemblyman, said such an extreme ideology spread by those quarters via Facebook and Twitter should be monitored and controlled as it was dangerous and could shake the country's stability and safety.

"I found that in Sabah, there is an effort being done by certain groups and individuals to promote the idea of having Sabah separated from Malaysia," he told reporters
after attending Aidilfitri open house organised by Sabah Information Department at Wisma Dang Bandang here yesterday.

Salleh, who is also Sabah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chief, said those individuals and groups were using the term 'self determination' in questioning the formation of Malaysia and its existence after Singapore pulled out of the Federation of Malaysia.

He said some of them had even called on the people to fly only the Sabah flag and not the Jalur Gemilang, to question the contract on the formation of Malaysia and to take Sabah issues to the United Nations.

As such, he also called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police to take stern action against individuals and groups who were using social media platforms to trigger the fire of hate, rebel and betrayal to the country. — Bernama

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Parents claim abusive teacher make students behave like gangsters

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 11:21 AM PDT

by Christy Chok. Posted on August 19, 2014, Tuesday

TAWAU: A secondary school teacher, who is reportedly abusive towards her students for the last few months, has apparently caused 17 of her students to start behaving in an aggressive manner like gangsters.

Liew, 44, and her 14-year-old daughter approached Tawau Gerakan Party complaint bureau chief James Leong Yun Fui at his office here yesterday afternoon to seek his help in the matter.

Speaking on behalf of some of the students' parents, Liew said this matter had arisen since April this year and of late had become more serious as the teacher was now, reportedly, using rods or broomsticks to beat the back side of the students or poke at their abdominal area.

"It could be a life threatening situation if a sharp rod or broomstick is used on the students. This teacher is also known to have thrown marker pen, books, chairs as well as water bottles at the students during class, and sometimes even to the extent of pulling their hair.

"Apart from these physical abuse, she is also reportedly prone to dishing out oral abuse by uttering rude words or cursing the students with invectives such as,'babi', 'anjing', 'kurang ajar', 'bodoh' and'pergi mati'," Liew said.

Liew said she had been told that the teacher was fond of playing with her handphone and had at times, slept in class after allocating homework to the students. Sometimes, she would also punish the students for playing in the sun outside the classroom.

Liew said she and the other parents were worried that the behaviour of this teacher would have dire consequences on the upbringing of their children, besides being life threatening.

As such, they felt it was necessary to raise this matter for the attention of the authorities concerned to deal with appropriately to avoid any untoward incidents from happening.

As a parent, she noticed that her daughter had become more aggressive at home over the last few months, especially towards her younger brother.

Liew added she had raised this matter with the school but her complaint was disregarded. She had also tried to contact the school principal many times but her calls were never picked up or returned.

"I'm disappointed, to say the least, at being told by the school that it would be futile to make such complaint as it could bring unfavorable outcome to the parents. The school reportedly told her that the complaints would have no effect on them (teachers) being government servants," she said.

James asked the parents to present their written complaint to him so that he can submit it to the Education Department and Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching for further action.

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Time for BN components to formulate better framework – UPKO

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 10:25 AM PDT

KOTA KINABALU: The time has now come for all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to sit together to formulate a better framework on enhancement of political cooperation in order to give the best service to the constituents in Kadamaian.

United Pasokmomogum Kadazadusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) Kota Belud chief Ewon Benedick who stated this yesterday, said strong cooperation was vital for BN in Kadamaian so that it can win back the constituents' support.

"On behalf of UPKO Kota Belud, I congratulate Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Kadamaian for successfully having their annual general meeting and divisional election. As widely reported, their delegates have chosen a new divisional chief and deputy chief.

"All Barisan Nasional component parties in Kadamaian i.e. UPKO, PBRS and PBS, including Umno and LDP, have now concluded their divisional election. As the division head of UPKO Kota Belud and also heading the Constituency Liaison Committee (CLC) Kadamaian, I welcome all the elected chiefs from PBS and PBRS," he said in a statement.

Ewon reiterated that the time had come for all these component parties to sit together to formulate a better framework on enhancement of political cooperation in order to give the best service to the constituents.

"I have personally spoken to Kota Belud BN chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Salleh Tun Said Keruak on the need of this meeting, including to discuss how best the resources and power sharing concept can be translated into reality.

"I believe each party has their own strength and if put together in unison, it will certainly help BN win back Kadamaian," he said.

According to Ewon, a lesson must be learnt from the past because judging from the present scenario, no single component party can win in the area, therefore strong cooperation through joint programmes and fairer allocation of political appointment is vital.

Leaders of all parties must also be articulated enough to pursue the aspirations of the rakyat, and at the same time be able to deliver what has been tasked by the government to them, he said.

"Prior to the general election last year, we have launched an effort to strengthen the cooperation among PBS, UPKO and PBRS in Kadamaian a week after it was launched in KDCA, and we were the only constituency which has done that.

"I must say that there are still lots of effort to be done and UPKO Kota Belud under my leadership is ever ready to play its roles towards better and stronger political cooperation. This in a way can be a step towards political merger in the constituency.

"We offer to once again lead the organising of such programmes and I will convey to the new chief of PBS and PBRS for this renewed unity effort. It can also be rotated so that each component party has the opportunity to host this kind of unity programme.

"Let us strive for what is best and deliver for the rakyat, pursue their aspirations. With better cooperation and unity, we can achieve more for the constituency," he said.

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Goggle my statement on ‘Rumpun Melayu’, says Masidi

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 10:24 AM PDT

by Jenne Lajiun. Posted on August 19, 2014, Tuesday

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun yesterday said that there was a misunderstanding on his 'Rumpun Melayu' statement because those who disapproved it did not make an effort to check with the actual facts.

"Go and Google it," he said on the statement which created uproar on the social media.

Masidi pointed out that the 'Rumpun Melayu' is a cultural perspective and includes West Malaysia and the Philippines.

At the same time, he said those who disapproved of his statement had failed to differentiate the difference between the word 'rumpun' meaning cluster or group and 'suku kaum' which refers to one's race.

"These are two different words.

"I don't know why it is a controversy. My advice for them is to read about it and to not condemn me … I did not introduce the concept," he said after launching the Education Ministry's Psychology and Counselling Unit's psychosocial workshop yesterday.

Angkatan Perubahan Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing has taken exception to Masidi's statement alleging that the Kadazandusuns belong to the Malay race.

The Tamparuli assemblyman said that the statement by Masidi about the Kadazandusun race as belonging to the Malay race is highly questionable.

"I believe the majority of Kadazandusuns in Sabah will not agree that they are Malays as suggested by Masidi," he opined.

The term 'Rumpun Melayu' is only a topographical term used to denote the various people living in South-East Asia or in what is called the Malay Archipelago, which according to anthropologists would include the Filipino tribal people, Bumburing said.

Socially and culturally, the Kadazandusuns are not Malays in the real sense of the word. Politically, they are not Malays either. Umno Sabah has provided a very convenient definition of the Malay ethnicity to include the Kadazandusuns in order to accept them into Umno Sabah and enable Malaya to colonise Sabah, he claimed.

"The most important issue we need to consider is the constitutional definition of a Malay, which states that a Malay is one who habitually practises the Malay culture and must be a Muslim. How in the world could Masidi group together all the KDMs, including those non-Muslim KDMs as Malays? The Umno constitution states that the party is a Malay party and Umno only relaxed the provision to enable it to enter Sabah," he said.

Meanwhile, Masidi urged environmentalist Dr C Y Vun and Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) to engage with the authority to resolve the water pollution issue at the Moyog River yesterday.

He told reporters who brought the matter to his attention that the issue was handled by various channels and stated that among them were the Penampang District Office and the Public Works Department.

"Sometimes when the matter is brought to our attention, we find out that they (the project) adhered to all the requirements," he said.

Dr Vun has expressed his disappointment with the relevant ministry and government authorities for turning a 'blind eye' to the plight of villagers in Penampang whose livelihood has been affected by water pollution for many years now.

He said this was not the first time villagers of Kampung Moyog and Kampung Togudon had complained about the pollution in Moyog River caused by quarry operation of a private company.

"In April 2010, as a member of the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA), I made a call through the The Borneo Post urging the relevant authorities to suspend the quarry operation of the company as it is polluting the river.

"Alas, until today, no action has been taken by the ministry concerned and the relevant government authorities," he said on Sunday, when commenting a complaint by the villagers in a local daily.

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SUCCC sets up East Coast Security Committee

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 10:22 AM PDT

by Chok Sim Yee. Posted on August 19, 2014, Tuesday

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) has set up an East Coast Security Committee to provide input to the government or enforcement agencies on security matters.

Its president, Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah, said the committee is headed by Lahad Datu Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Mok Teng Sang, while Gan, who is also Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce president, is the vice chief of the committee.

The East Coast Security Committee also includes Kunak Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Pong Kim Wai as secretary, as well as Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Lo Su Fui, Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Chia Hock Ak and Kudat Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Pak Chee Eng as committee members.

Gan made the announcement yesterday after chairing the first SUCCC executive and supervisory committee meeting after the election.

He said the East Coast Security Committee was set up following the abduction cases in Semporna, Lahad Datu and Kunak recently.

"SUCCC takes the kidnapping cases very seriously, especially the safety of the Chinese business community, which is why we formed this committee.

"This committee will communicate with the government or police (on security matters) on behalf of SUCCC in the future," he said.

Apart from the East Coast Security Committee, SUCCC executive and supervisory committee members have also resolved to form a Youth Entrepreneur Committee, as well as a Tax Committee headed by Datuk Ricky Chang.

Gan said the Tax Committee played an important role for SUCCC to learn more about income tax, customs tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST), thus experienced accountants were appointed into the committee.

The committee members have also resolved to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in Tawau on September 12 to table the SUCCC financial report and study loans report, both of which were not passed in the recent SUCCC annual general meeting (AGM) held in Labuan in July.

Gan said SUCCC would also be amending its constitution, especially provisions that were no longer relevant. A committee will be set up for this purpose and its members are appointed by Gan.

"I have suggested all Chinese chamber presidents review the constitution and provide their feedback to the committee," he said, adding that any proposed amendments will have to be passed in the EGM on September 12.

SUCCC has also decided to hold the next AGM in Tawau as well as an installation ceremony for the newly-elected executive and supervisory committee members. However, the details have yet to be finalized.

Gan disclosed that SUCCC has hired a new full-time chief of executive secretaries who will report for duty on September 1.

"When I was re-elected as president, my aspiration is to bring SUCCC to greater heights and serve the business community. I do not have any other intentions," he said.

Earlier on, Gan said all 22 Chinese chambers had attended the meeting, one of which was represented by a proxy.

He said the two-hour meeting was carried out in a smooth and peaceful manner.

Gan said there had been some minor friction during the SUCCC election, which he deemed as normal.

With the election over, Gan hoped that all committee members would let bygones be bygones.

"We should regroup and unite within SUCCC in order to safeguard the interest of the Chinese business community.

"Furthermore, we should cooperate with the government to bring development and prosperity to our State," he said.

The meeting saw the appointment of honorary presidents, honorary advisors, legal advisors and members to various committees such as City Point Complex Building Committee, Tourism Committee, Agriculture Committee, Education and Culture Committee, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Human Resource Development Committee, Reforestation Joint Venture Project Committee and others.

Also present at the meeting were SUCCC supervisory committee chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Chong Nyuk Yong, SUCCC deputy president Lo Su Fui, SUCCC secretary general Datuk Ling Tiong Chai and SUCCC treasurer general Pong Kim Wai.

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25 nabbed, 23 motorcycles seized

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 10:21 AM PDT

LAHAD DATU: The police detained 25 motorcyclists and seized 23 motorcycles during 'Ops Cantas Khas Trafik' which was aimed at reducing crime, including illegal racing, along Jalan Pantai here on Sunday.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Hamzah Ahmad said yesterday that the operation was launched following complaints from the public that illegal racing was disturbing the peace.

He said 25 persons aged between 17 and 26 were detained during the operation for various offences, such as not having a motorcycle riding license, expired road tax and modification of registration numbers.

"A total of 23 motorcycles were also seized and 20 summonses were issued," he said.

According to Hamzah, all those detained were taken to the narcotic unit but they all tested negative for drug abuse.

He said the police were committed to reducing the crime rate to ensure the safety and peace of the public in the district.

"Therefore, we will continue to set up road blocks to combat crime in this district and provide peace to the public," he said, adding that the cases were being investigated under Section 15 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 26 (1) of the same act.

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