Pakatan Rakyat Sabah

Elderly woman’s loss of citizenship upsets Barisan members in Sabah - Star

2008-09-29T11:24:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sept 29, 2008

An elderly woman has lost her bumiputra status and her citizenship after the National Registration Department discovered flaws in her original documents.

Yong Lee Hua @ Piang Lin, 78, has now been issued a red identity card meant for permanent residents.

The department’s public relations officer, Janisah Mohd Noor, declined to say what the flaws were.

Yong said she lost her blue identity card when her purse was stolen in May last year.

In Sabah, if either one’s parents is a bumiputra, the children will be accorded bumiputra status.

Janisah said the department had discovered anomalies after scrutinising Yong’s records and a detailed probe was being conducted.

It had been reported that department officials had asked Yong, who holds a native certificate issued in 1963, to apply for citizenship after she was given the red identity card.

On Saturday, Parti Upko deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing said the party would review its position in Barisan Nasional if the department failed to rectify its mistake in making Yong a permanent resident.

Bumburing said that taking away the citizenship of bumiputras and forcing them to take permanent resident status displayed incompetence of a department riddled with controversies.

Meanwhile, both Barisan and opposition party officials said the episode was another clear reason why both the state’s National Registration and Immigration departments should be headed by Sabahans.

Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Johnny Mositun said a Sabahan would be more sensitive to the problems faced by the people in the state.

The Government should look into this issue seriously and rectify any weaknesses to safeguard the interest of Sabahans, said Mositun, who is also the Sabah State Assembly deputy speaker.

SAPP to proceed with no-confidence motion - NST

2008-07-13T22:34:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Jul 13, 2008

In an about-turn, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has reiterated its initial stand that it has lost confidence in the prime minister.
Its secretary-general, Datuk Richard Yong, said this in a statement posted on its official website yesterday to clarify news reports that SAPP had dropped its no-confidence motion.

He reiterated that the party would proceed with the proposed motion of no-confidence against the prime minister when the time comes.

But, he added, that it would not be carried out at the moment in order not to fall into the trap of some racialist opportunists, especially in view of the current volatile situation in the country.

He also noted that its MP for Tawau, Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui, had at Parliament House yesterday clarified the news reports on her interview on Monday which had been distorted as she had never said SAPP had dropped the proposed motion.
Meanwhile, at the Parliament lobby yesterday, SAPP deputy president Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun said the party was still upholding its position on the matter of a motion of no confidence against Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"To be frank, we have not forwarded the motion yet but we may do so in future," he said.

Eric, who is also Sepanggar MP, noted that the party would probably not file the motion at this point of time.

"We have to look at all the scenarios that are happening around us. So, at the moment it may not be suitable (to file the motion)," he said.

When asked about the apparent threats made against him and Chua, Eric remained cautious.

"The threat is in the past, but I cannot say that (it is over). However, I feel safe in Malaysia. This is our country and we should feel safe in our own country."

Two rebel MPs to back motion - Malaysiakini

2008-07-13T22:09:00.000+08:00

Jul 13, 2008

Two rebel lawmakers from Abdullah's ruling BN coalition have vowed to back the opposition debate.

Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) parliamentarians Eric Enchin Majimbun and Chua Soon Bui have pledged their vote for an opposition motion of no-confidence against Abdullah.

More news at: www.malaysiakini.com

SAPP ticks off two other BN parties - The Star

2008-07-05T17:23:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jul 5, 2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR

A spat has started between rebellious Sabah Progressive Party and two other Barisan Nasional parties as the party prepares to reply to a show-cause letter.

The SAPP felt it was wrong for two Sabah brethrens to push for its expulsion from Barisan Nasional when all it was doing was fighting for a better future for Sabahans.

The party deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan, who opposes his president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's no confidence move against the Prime Minister, ticked off Parti Bersatu Sabah and Liberal Democratic Party.

Tan, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said that the move by PBS and LDP to allegedly table and second a motion at the Barisan management and supreme council meeting to expel SAPP was wrong.

He claimed that the two components had shown their bias against SAPP even before the party had a chance to explain its views in response to the show-cause letter.

However, both LDP and PBS have denied claims made in new reports that the two parties were pushing for SAPP’s expulsion and asked Tan to check his facts.

PBS president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan denied the report on his party's move to sack SAPP as a "rumour" on an online news portal that was quoted in a national news agency report.

Pairin said that it was a baseless and ridiculous claim that could cause a split in Barisan.

LDP Information Chief Albert Kok Yuk Ken said Tan should have checked his facts before making any statements.

SAPP has been given 30 days from July 1 to reply to a show-cause letter from Barisan after which the ruling coalition will decide on whether to reprimand, suspend or sack the party of two MPs and four assemblymen.

YONG: Plenty of time to reply to showcause letter - NST

2008-07-03T20:18:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU, THURS: Jul 3, 2008

The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) had ample time to reply to a show-cause letter from the Barisan Nasional (BN) which it received on Tuesday, said its president Datuk Yong Teck Lee.

SAPP had 30 days to respond to the letter which was issued on June 30, he said.

He declined to delve on the issue.

The show-cause letter demanded an explanation on three main issues, namely the party’s proposed vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, its statement that there was no guarantee that SAPP would still be in BN after August, and SAPP’s loss of confidence in the Prime Minister.

Last week, BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said SAPP would be given 30 days to reply and defend itself, after which the supreme council would meet again to decide whether to issue the component party a warning, impose a suspension or to expel it from the coalition.

Dompok: Give federal royalty to Sabah - NST

2008-07-01T15:49:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 30, 2008

Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok has suggested that the five per cent royalty the Federal Government receives from Petronas for oil extracted from Sabah be given back to the state.
He said it would be a wise move in response to the persistent call by Sabah leaders for an increase in oil royalty.

"If we want to give Sabah more money, this is the easiest thing to do for now."

He said changing the agreement with Petronas in which Sabah and the Federal Government would each receive a five per cent oil royalty would be a hassle.

Dompok said he agreed with the principle that Sabah should get more money for its oil.
"To Sabahans, that is the right thing to do."

Dompok, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, was speaking after attending a seminar on oil and gas development in Sabah organised by the party's Youth wing.

He said developing the oil and gas industry in Sabah was important and could be the anchor of the Sabah Development Corridor. He added the industry would would provide job opportunities for the people.

He also said the Sabah-Sarawak gas pipeline project to the Petronas LNG complex in Bintulu would not allow Sabahans to be involved in the industry.

He suggested that the government develop the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal in Kimanis instead.

He said he was made to understand that the gas pipeline project was to be halted but according to reports, Petronas would proceed with the RM390 million project.

"I think the Sabah government should insist that the pipeline be stopped. It is in Sabah's interests to look at the bigger picture."

Dompok said he had spoken to the prime minister and Petronas and was waiting for their response.

Anifah suggests a CM-led task force - The Star

2008-06-27T00:19:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU:

A high-level task force headed by the Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman is the best option to solve Sabah’s illegal immigrant problem, said Umno Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman.

He said the Chief Minister must chair the committee as it was the only “constitutional way” forward to resolve the long-standing problem.

“The Deputy Prime Minister could sit in as a patron of such a committee,” said Anifah.

He said a Royal Commission of Inquiry or Parliamentary Select Committee could not constitutionally address the issue.

He said that under the Constitution, immigration matters in Sabah and Sarawak come under the purview of the respective chief ministers.

Anifah’s statements come in the light of arguments by some Sabah leaders who have called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the complex problem.

Some are calling for a Royal Commission to probe claims that foreigners had obtained Malaysian citizenship through the backdoor and that was reflected in an abnormal rise in Sabah’s population.

Among the reasons why they wanted an inquiry was to investigate allegations that MyKads were issued under an alleged government-sponsored project dubbed Project IC that came to light during the Likas polls petition case in 1999.

SAPP to Umno's Anifah: Go independent and lead us - The Star

2008-06-27T00:16:00.002+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 27, 2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR

The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is calling on Umno Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman to lead an independent group of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak.

MPs representing different parties from the two states can move the process of political change forward, SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said in a statement.

Yong said that several MPs from Sabah, Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia have deliberated on the current political scenario in recent days.

“This is the window of opportunity that SAPP has relentlessly reminded our leaders and people to not let slip by,” he said.

Yong said that Anifah, who is Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman's brother, was brave and farsighted to have stepped forward to identify himself with Sabah and its people the issues raised by SAPP.

Anifah has come forward at a time when some other Sabah Barisan parties have turned their guns to attack SAPP in the name of the “Barisan Spirit”, instead of fighting for the people and their state.

Yong claimed that Anifah has refused to subscribe to divide-and-rule tactics and has come up with a fresh angle to the current struggle of Sabah to regain the autonomy of the State of Sabah (and Sarawak) by re-examining Article 161E(4) of the Constitution concerning immigration to the State.

Article 161 touches on the “Safeguards for the constitutional position of States of Sabah and Sarawak”, including matters of citizenship, the jurisdiction of the High Court in Borneo, religion, language and native rights arising from the “Twenty Points” leading to the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.

Anifah on Wednesday said that the Chief Minister of Sabah should head a high level task force to tackle the illegal immigrant problem, as under Article 161, matters of immigration came under the chief minister's jurisdiction.

Over the last four decades, this special position and autonomy have been gradually eroded, whereby power is increasingly concentrated in the central government and its leadership, he added.

Two Sabah MPs recalled home after 'threats' - The Star

2008-06-24T19:57:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 24, 2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR

The two MPs of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) have been recalled home to Sabah for security reasons, said party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee.

He claimed that the two MPs – Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) – had been threatened by certain quarters over SAPP’s decision to support a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister.

The two MPs, who were in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Parliament meeting which began yesterday, were told to return immediately.

“In view of this disturbing turn of events, SAPP has taken extra precautions for the safety of the MPs by calling them back to the party headquarters for consultations on the next course of action, including the safety of their persons, families and the security of their offices,” Yong said.

Heading home: Majimbum and Dr Chua

He said that ever since SAPP announced the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister on June 18, the SAPP had been advised by “friendly parties not to underestimate the risky consequences and likely threats to SAPP and its leaders.”

“Events in the last 24 hours have taken a disturbing turn. Among others, we have received reports of intimidation and bullying (against us),” he said.

Yong said the two MPs and their aides had received SMS messages and unidentified phone calls implying threats.

Other threats included several illegal banners instigating unspecified actions against Dr Chua appearing overnight in Tawau and a planned demonstration at her office in Tawau scheduled for today.

SAPP had advised Tawau officials to lodge police reports, not to provoke the demonstrators and to take leave from the office until the tension had eased, he said in a statement.

In Kota Kinabalu, Yong claimed that aggressive words touching on racial incitement were used at a Sepanggar Barisan Nasional gathering held at the Umno headquarters on Saturday.

“SAPP truly appreciates and is very encouraged by the tremendous outpouring of support for the SAPP’s move on a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister,” he said.

“Our perseverance on this course of action is very much helped in knowing that the people are with us.”

He said Malaysians from peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak have also come forward to support its cause.

“We can feel the pent up frustrations of ordinary Malaysians who want change, a change for the better,” Yong said.

He said SAPP felt overwhelmed with the discussion in the printed media, on the Internet and on blogs, and through e-mail and SMS messages “be it in favour or not of SAPP, that have successfully brought the Sabah issues into the national focus.”

When asked to comment on Yong's statement that Majimbun and Dr Chua had not turned up in Parliament yesterday because they had received death threats, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said “they were making things up”.

“In Malaysia we don’t go to that extent. It’s ridiculous. They must be joking. Who is going to threaten them? Barisan doesn’t do that,” he said

Upko undecided on no-confidence vote - The Star

2008-06-22T20:52:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 22, 2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR

Upko has not decided on which way to go should a no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister come up in Parliament, its deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing said.

However, party president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok had earlier said the party had "no plans to play hero" during such a vote.

Bumburing said whatever the decision, Upko would participate in any debate should the vote come up.

"We cannot deny that we share Sabah Progressive Party’s views on issues pertaining to the migrant problem.

"We are firm about this and we are unhappy about so called Cabinet Committee to tackle Sabah’s illegal immigrant woes," he said.

Bumburing said a similar committee set up in 2002 had only one meeting.

"It's almost forgotten and now they are talking of the same thing,” he said, adding that a Royal Commission of Inquiry was a better option as it would be able to act on the problem firmly.

Upko has four MPs – party president and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Bumburing who is Tuaran MP, Datuk Dr Marcus Majigoh (Putatan MP) and Datuk Siringan Gubat (Ranau MP).

Meanwhile, Sepanggar Barisan Nasional membes held a protest over their MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun’s support for the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister.

A large number of members from various component parties in the division demonstrated at the Sepanggar Umno office here and said the no-confidence motion did not have the endorsement of the parties in the area.

Among the component parties represented were Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, MCA and Gerakan.

Those present demanded that Eric respect the Barisan leadership under Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Karambunai Umno assemblyman Datuk Jainab Ahmad, whose constituency is within the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency, slammed Eric and SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee and accused them of trying to break up the national coalition.

"Taking such a step without consulting us shows that they don’t believe in the Barisan spirit and consensus,” Jainab said, adding that as Umno leaders they strongly condemned SAPP’s move of no confidence.

PBS Sepanggar division head Darwi Abdullah called Yong a traitor to the voters and said he should just leave the coalition.

SAPP may be issued show-cause letter - The Star

2008-06-21T23:07:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Jun 21, 2008

Barisan Nasional is considering issuing a show-cause letter to Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) for deciding to go ahead with a move to support a no-confidence vote against Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

On Friday, the SAPP supreme council endorsed its president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's call to support a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister in Parliament on Monday.

Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor told mstar.com.my that he would discuss this with Abdullah, the coalition's chairman.

"I will ask for Abdullah's views for SAPP to be slapped with a show-cause letter on its decision to go ahead with a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister," he added.

"Barisan is like a family. They (SAPP) are like a son who wants to remain in the family but cannot get along with the father," he said.

Tengku Adnan said he believed the motion would not be tabled on Monday because several procedures must be adhered to first.

"Furthermore, until Sunday, the motion had yet to be filed. If it is accepted, it will have to go through certain procedures and I don't think it will be proposed in Parliament on Monday as claimed by SAPP," he said.

Yong Denies Being Offered DPM's Post

2008-06-21T22:53:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee has described Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin's inkling of him being offered the deputy prime minister's post as absurd.

"I don't dream of becoming Deputy Prime Minister. Perhaps, because I was loud in voicing out issues affecting Sabah he can say anything, talking like an insane man.

"If not because superb victories of Sabah and Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN)... BN would have fallen in the last election. So, what's wrong with us asking for little attention.

"Khairy is a young man. He has to learn a lot," Yong said during a meet-the-people function at the Likas multipurpose hall near here Saturday.

Khairy said Friday that Yong's criticism of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was believed due to him being taken in by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's offer.

He said he was made to understand that Yong would be appointed to the number two post in government if Anwar who is former deputy prime minister, became Prime Minister.

Yong said he was not greedy pursuing for posts in government.

"I was offered senatorship and become Special Envoy to Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) but I did not accept it because I saw it as a political bribe so that I stop raising Sabah issues.

"Had I accepted the post... I would have gained but what I am championing are the interests of the Sabah people and state and not for personal sake," he said.

Yong said the attempt by certain parties to use the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to "intimidate" him so that he abandon his fight for the Sabah people was a political threat.

"Even if I were to be imprisoned, many other Sabah leaders can continue the struggle for Sabah people," he said.

Friday, ACA Director-General Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said the agency would investigate the SAPP president in connection with graft totalling RM5 million allegedly occurring when he was Sabah Chief Minister.

On "political autonomy", Yong said Sabah had the right for it to reduce federal government's intervention in state administration.

"Presently... the appointment of the chief minister, ministers even BN candidates are all decided in Kuala Lumpur... everything referred to Kuala Lumpur.

"So, the time has come for Sabah to be given political autonomy so that what was provided under the constitution is decided by the Sabah people themselves," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Yong said SAPP would undergo a rebranding exercise to strengthen the party including its membership.

"Some people perceive SAPP as a party representing the Chinese. Actually, SAPP is multiracial and this is why we are carrying out rebranding," he said.

He also said SAPP would hold briefing sessions on current issues statewide from Saturday.

Asked whether SAPP would take action on its deputy president, Datuk Raymond Tan, who disagreed with the decision of the party's Supreme Council on moving a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister, Yong said it would not.

‘Sandakan rebellion’ fomenting within SAPP - The Star

2008-06-21T15:18:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 21, 2008

The split emerging from within the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has been dubbed the “Sandakan rebellion” as it is being led by party leaders of the east coast of the state.

Party deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah is the assemblyman for Tanjung Papat which is in Sandakan. With him is party youth chief Au Kam Wah, who is assemblyman of Elopura which is also in Sandakan.

They are expected to secure the support of former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Tham Nyip Shen, an ex-Elopura assemblyman.

“Whatever action I am taking from now is on my own prerogative,” said Tan, who is Deputy Chief Minister and state Infrastructure Development Minister.

He and Au were seen leaving immediately after yesterday’s SAPP supreme council meeting and did not stay for the press conference.

He later told The Star that he was preparing to brief Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman as to what had transpired at the meeting.

Tan said at the meeting, he told members that the party could not proceed with the motion against the Prime Minister after deciding to remain in the ruling coalition.

“How could we move a motion against the very leader of the coalition to which we belong? That is utterly confusing,” he said.

He added that meeting dragged on for hours when the SAPP supreme council members debated at length over the matter.

“There was no consensus on the motion against the Prime Minister. There was a split,” Tan said.

When contacted, Au said he supported Tan’s motion at the supreme council to reject Yong’s no-confidence move.

He however was reluctant to say if he was moving in tangent with Tan in the so-called Sandakan rebellion.

Tan to stay on in SAPP even if party expelled - The Star

2008-06-21T15:15:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 21, 2008 By RUBEN SARIO

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan said he intends to remain in the party even if it is expelled from Barisan Nasional over its no-confidence move against the Prime Minister.

Tan, who is openly opposing SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's no-confidence move, said he felt the party that he joined at its formation in 1994 needed him even more now.

He told reporters here on Saturday that he would not entertain any invitation to join other Barisan Nasional component parties “for now.”

Tan, a Deputy Chief Minister, told reporters at the Kota Kinabalu international airport here before flying before flying back to Sandakan that he was also prepared to face the consequences of opposing Yong over the no-confidence move.

Tan said he was appealing to federal leaders not to take any action against SAPP leaders and members that would be perceived as attempts to threaten them.

He said he was shocked at Yong's disclosure in the midst of the SAPP supreme council meeting on Friday that the Anti Corruption Agency was investigating him for a case dating back some 12 years.

Anwar Offering Yong DPM's Post?

2008-06-21T07:32:00.001+08:00

KOTA BAHARU, June 20 (Bernama)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's declaration that his party has lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is believed due to him being taken in by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's offer.

Umno Youth vice chief Khairy Jamaluddin said he was made to understand that Yong would be appointed to the number two post in government if Anwar was to be Prime Minister.

"I heard loads were offered (to Yong) like the deputy prime minister's post and oil royalties.

"Actually I want to know what was the offer which came individually from Anwar to Yong. Was Yong offered the DPM's job if Anwar becomes PM?. If this is true, it proves it is not a stance based on principles but with conditions because they did meet," he told reporters at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport here Friday.

Earlier, Khairy held a closed-door meeting with 14 Umno Youth heads in Kelantan.

He also criticised the move by Yong and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser who held the meeting in Hong Kong.

"In terms of morality this is wrong because after admitting he had met Anwar and then wanting to support a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, he still not being direct and said not leaving Barisan Nasional (BN). This raises questions.

"Why would they meet in Hong Kong? Afraid of people seeing? This raises a lot of questions. We know the Anwar and Yong history in 1994 which brought down the Sabah government. This is not something new," Khairy said.

The Rembau Member of Parliament said SAPP's move to table a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister also showed the party's inconsistent stance.

This was because, he said, it was inconceivable that BN component parties would want to support the motion of no-confidence against the BN chairman and at the same time wanted to champion the politics brought by the BN.

He said Yong had also been alleged to have used his position as party president to get their support on his stance with regard to the motion.

"I was made to understand most SAPP Supreme Council members disagreed with Yong's stance but he managed to get their approval.

"The question is, will those in SAPP who do not support Yong come forward to make a different stance that is more consistent, namely if they want to continue with the BN, must support the BN chairman? There is no choice for any party in the BN not to support its chairman," he said.

As a member of Parliament also, he said, he would see whether SAPP members of Parliament -- Chua Soon Bui of Tawau who is also the party's deputy president and Datuk Eric Majimbun of Sepanggar -- would table and support the motion.

"I hope the BN chief whip will take proper action if they proceed with the plan," he said.

Senatorship, BIMP-EAGA, Special Rep Political Bribe, Says Yong

2008-06-20T23:36:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU, June 20 (Bernama)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee today admitted he received a letter, offering the post of senator and special envoy to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Yong said he was offered both posts through a letter from the Cabinet Division of the Prime Minister's Department on Tuesday, a day before he declared that the party had lost confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

However, the former chief minister said he regarded the offer as "political bribery" to stop him from voicing out issues related to Sabah.

"The offer was delivered to me through the chief minister. He (the chief minister) said that if I agree, the prime minister would make the announcement.

"I said I'm going to reject it even if the announcement is made... so it won't be nice," he told reporters here.

Yong was asked to comment on a statement by Abdullah yesterday that he had offered the two posts to the SAPP president.

"There is nothing personal but I'm surprise when he (the prime minister) mentioned about personal greed... I've never asked for personal things from the prime minister.

"The senatorship is suggested by the chief minister. I said, fine but I rather not accept it because people would see it as an attempt to shut me up. So it's not true that I had personal greed.

"I also said that if it is true, let other SAPP leaders who are qualified (to be offered the posts)," he said.

He also questioned what he said was the "perfect timing" for a corruption case to surface.

"This is an attempt to cultivate a climate of fear," he told reporters after chairing the SAPP supreme council meeting.

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) said Friday it was investigating Yong over an alleged bribery case involving RM5 million when he was the chief minister in 1996.

This was following a revelation in the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday that Yong had ordered the payment of over RM5 million profit from the sale of shares belonging to a state-owned company to his selected agents in 1996.

Yong said: "In this particular investigation, the ACA had taken my statements four or five years ago. I don't know how many hours I was at the ACA office, don't tell me it has suddenly resurfaced today.

"The timing is perfect," he said.

SAPP supreme council endorses motion - The Star

2008-06-20T22:14:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 20, 2008

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) supreme council has endorsed the decision to support a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Parliament on Monday.

The council, however, did not make any decision on its position in the Barisan Nasional

SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the supreme council endorsed the decision after considering all views.

Except for deputy presidents Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun and Likas assemblyman Datuk Liew Teck Chan who are overseas, all supreme council members were present during meeting at the party's headquarters in Luyang.

SAPP Kemuka Undi Tidak Percaya - BN Bergolak

2008-06-20T10:52:00.000+08:00

BN: No action against Sapp - Malaysiakini

2008-06-20T10:45:00.000+08:00

Barisan Nasional supreme council today resolved not to take action against Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) until it gets an "official statement" from the party for its planned no-confidence vote against the prime minister.

Yong: SAPP will respond on Friday - The Star

2008-06-19T23:18:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 19, 2008

Datuk Yong Teck Lee said his party will respond in full on Friday to the so-called decision of the Barisan Nasional emergency supreme council meeting in Putrajaya.

“Was the Barisan meeting held to take action against or expel SAPP from Barisan?

“What does Barisan headquarters consider to be the status of SAPP (for it) to be excluded from the meeting?” he said in an SMS when asked for the party’s reaction to the Barisan supreme council's decision.

SAPP, which was not notified of the emergency meeting, will hold its own supreme council meeting on Friday.

UPKO denies Dompok leaving BN - NST

2008-06-19T18:12:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Jun 19, 2008 By Hamidah Atan

The Pertubuhan Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (Upko) yesterday denied that its president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will leave the Barisan Nasional.

Its secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said Dompok and other Upko leaders would remain loyal to BN chairman and prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"No one in Upko is leaving the BN. We don't have problem with Abdullah or the BN, so, the question of us leaving the coalition does not arise.

"We are now focussing on divisional and branch meetings and we don't have time for such."

SAPP's 14 Points "Sabah Issues"

2008-06-19T07:10:00.002+08:00

SAPP’s 14 points submitted to PM
Taken from SAPP's blog

1. Political autonomy should be enhanced so that Sabah can manage its own affairs, including the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor, 9th
Malaysia Plan projects and the civil service.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

2. Respect for and recognition of the State Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister of the day. At times, Sabah representatives bad mouth other
Sabah leaders in front of federal leaders. This has made Sabah look divided and therefore easily manipulated.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

3. Sabah needs increased representation at the national political (Cabinet) and
administrative (civil service) main stream and revival of the Ministry of Special Affairs for Sabah and Sarawak.

Response from the Federal Government? PM announced 2 for civil service. No reply on Minister of Special Affairs.

4. A non-racial approach to national unity and the empowerment of minority groups are also important in nation building to stop the polarization of racial
and religious communities in the country.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

5. There is also a need to clarify once and for all the validity of post-NEP New Economic Policy) policies so that any affirmative action must reach the target groups, irrespective of race, that is the people truly in need of
assistance.

Response from the Federal Government? No clarification to date.

6. The government must embark on an immediate action plan to solve the illegal immigrant situation in Sabah, including the syndicated My Kad and other dubious documents, that has been a source of unhappiness among the people.

Response from the Federal Government? Cabinet Committee merely window dressing.
(Same committee was announced in 2004)

7. The closure of the JPPS (Federal Department of Development) in Sabah. The
reason for JPPS's existence is long gone.

Response from the Federal Government? Closure affirmative, only after more than a decade. 38 local staff not given post.

8. Abolition of the double taxation on oil palm in the form of cooking oil subsidies paid ever since June 2007. This taxation should be refunded to the oil palm planters concerned. On the other hand, Sabah does not benefit from the other rice-producing regions in the country. In fact, we pay more for the rice that we consume in Sabah.

Response from the Federal Government? A new tax of 7.5% will be imposed on CPO millers in Sabah and Sarawak and 15% from Peninsular Malaysia. Questionable Windfall Profit Levy.

9. To address the higher freight charges, exorbitant air fares, increasing costs of living, inefficient internet broad band services, electric power break downs, bureaucratic red tape and a host of other entrenched interests (BERNAS monopoly, proton car prices, newspaper prices, KLIA-spoke and wheel policy (against an open air policy), etc..) have staked up against a State like Sabah.

Response from the Federal Government? No action.

10. Federal negligence, the abrupt way that the Money Lenders Act 1951 (Act 400) was extended to Sabah on 1 January 2008. No mechanism was put in place to administer the new law. This has caused much confusion, financial losses and potential legal disputes in Sabah. How can this be allowed to happen in the first place? How can the Sabah Money Lenders Ordinance 1901 (Sabah Cap 81) be brushed aside just like that? Where is the hurry to displace an already established administration of the Sabah Money Lenders Ordinance that has worked well for a century? Now, Sabah is left to bear the consequent losses.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

11. Proposal to make legally binding (on the Federal Treasury) the compensation of loss of revenues due to Sabah under the Part V of the 10th Schedule of the
Federal Constitution (Additional Sources of Revenue Assigned to Borneo States).
This relates to import duty and excise duty on petroleum products in Sabah and Sarawak. Parliamentary amendments (necessitated by the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA)pact) to the Sales Tax Act 1972 in 1999 had caused Sabah and Sarawak to lose this revenue which amounted to about RM 200 million per annum per state.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

12. The Special Status of the High Courts in Sabah and Sarawak under Article 121 of the Federal Constitution must be borne in mind too. The amendments to the Sabah Advocates Ordinance 1953 proposed by the Sabah Law Association has been long overdue to be made into federal law. This is so that the Legal Profession Act need not be extended to Sabah (and Sarawak).

Response from the Federal Government? None.

13. Proposal that Petronas money should be used to build the Labuan bridge
because Labuan needs a bridge to the main land.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

14. To seek an increase of oil royalties to 20%.

Response from the Federal Government? None.

SAPP MPs to move no-confidence vote - Press Coference

2008-06-18T21:34:00.001+08:00

Musa Regrets SAPP's Support For A Vote Of No Confidence On PM

2008-06-18T21:00:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU, June 18 (Bernama)

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has expressed disappointment over the declaration by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee that his party's members of parliament will support a no-confidence vote on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I'm not sure what is SAPP's real motive in making such a move," he said in a statement.

"As a Barisan Nasional (BN) component party president, Yong's act was uncalled for and unprecedented in the spirit of camaraderie adopted by BN all this while."

Musa, who is Sabah BN chairman, was commenting on the declaration by Yong today that his party had lost confidence in Abdullah.

Yong claimed that the party's two members of parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday.

Yong, a former Sabah Chief Minister, said Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun, who is now overseas on official duty, had made his stand in a signed press statement, while Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui, also took a similar position in a signed statement.

SAPP Hints Coalition Of Independent Reps

2008-06-18T20:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama)

Sabah Progessive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, who on Wednesday declared in Kota Kinabalu that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has hinted the possibility of several elected representatives from Sabah abandoning Barisan Nasional (BN) to serve as independent elected representatives.

The former Sabah chief minister also ruled out the possibility of these "independent MPs" and state assemblymen joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)-led Pakatan Rakyat should they decide to quit the ruling coalition.

Yong, who has been critical of Abdullah's political decisions on Sabah and what he described as "unpopular" measures pertaining to fuel price hikes and illegal immigrants' issues in the state, said they were not keen to cross over to a peninsula-based opposition party.

"We don't want that. What we want is if there is any political party in the state, it should be a Sabah-based party, looking after the affairs in the state and its people," he said in an interview with Bernama in Kota Kinabalu recently.

"We don't foresee ourselves joining any other peninsula-based opposition party if we ever decide to dump BN. Maybe only in terms of a loose coalition (with a peninsula-based opposition party)," he added.

He, however, declined to say whether SAPP itself would leave the BN.

"Let's wait and see," said Yong, who declared in Kota Kinabalu that the party's two members of parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday.

Several SAPP leaders, when met, indicated that several state politicians from other parties had shown interest in joining the "coalition of independent representatives".

"It's not just SAPP only. It will be a bigger coalition of independent members of parliament and assemblymen, at least until the next general election," said one leader who declined to identified.

It is learnt that about 10 to 18 Sabah MPs and assemblymen would announce their decision to quit BN and jump-start the "independents" pack" in a matter of days.

"Just watch out for this Saturday. It could be another political tsunami," an aide to the SAPP chief said.

Meanwhile, a political observer said several MPs from Sabah could announce their stance in the BN after the SAPP holds its emergency supreme council meeting this Friday.

PM Says Teck Lee Acted Out Of Personal Greed

2008-06-18T20:52:00.002+08:00

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama)

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee's latest action has been due to the fact that "I have not been able to satisfy his personal greed."

Abdullah did not elaborate. However, his aides told Bernama that the prime minister would elaborate at a later date.

Yong declared in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday that his party had lost confidence in Abdullah.

Of late, the former Sabah chief minister has been critical of Abdullah's political decisions on Sabah as well as the move to increase fuel prices.

SAPP declares loss of confidence in PM Abdullah - The Sun

2008-06-18T20:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU (June 18, 2008)

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee today declared that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, further fuelling speculation that the Chinese-based party will leave the ruling front on Friday (June 20).

He claimed that the party's two Members of Parliament (Sepanggar and Tawau) would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister in the coming Parliament sitting on Monday (June 23).

Whether the motion will be tabled by the two MPs or another MP will be decided in due course, the party said in a statement.

Yong, who was a former Sabah Chief Minister, said party deputy president, Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun, who is now overseas on official duty, had made his stand in a signed press statement, while Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui, who is a party vice-president, will also take a similar position in a signed statement.

"Whether the motion will be tabled by our MPs or another MP will be decided in due course," he told a press conference.

Bernama quoted Yong as saying Eric is expected to return to Malaysia in time for the Parliament session on June 23.

SAPP is one of the 14 components of the Barisan Nasional (BN), the ruling coalition in the federal government.

Chua, who was present in the press conference, said in her statement that SAPP is of the opinion that if the top leadership cannot perform, then he should make way for other able leader to take over.

"People have lost confidence in the present leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Even Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and other Umno leaders have asked their own president to step down," she said.

She added that no concrete actions had been taken despite repeated requests made by SAPP to the PM on illegal immigrants. "Our sovereignty is threatened."

She said the people, especially in Sabah, "the poorest state", are burdened by the sharp fuel price hikes, and there are no holistic economic solutions planned.

"We would fail in our role as elected representatives if the issues raised by the Sabah people on poor delivery systems, corruption, wastage of resources, lack of transparency and no sense of accountability were ignored. These issues have been similarly expressed by my MP colleagues from Umno, Datuk Ghapur (Salleh), Datuk Anifah (Aman) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar."

According to a statement posted on SAPP's official website under "breaking news" today, SAPP is calling a press conference after its supreme council meeting on Friday (June 20) to address the question of the party's membership in the BN.

On why it is making this stand now, the statement said it was because there is a window of opportunity which closes by August after which Sabah would be "forgotten" again.

"The nation's attention would switch to MCA and Umno elections, people will be pre-occupied with the fasting month, Hari Raya, school exams and year end events. Political fatigue in the national mainstream over Sabah issues would set in."

The food and energy crises have compounded the problems faced by Sabah and made its claim for a 20% oil royalty a more urgent one, so that she could "insulate" themselves from the effects of rising oil prices. The federal government had said no to this request.

In the 2008 polls, Umno won 13 parliament and 36 state seats, MCA (one state), PBS (three parliament, 11 state), Upko (four parliament and four state), PBRS (one parliament, one state), LDP (one parliament, three state). DAP has one parliament and a state seat.

Key facts on Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)

> Registered on Jan 21, 1994, and founded by Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee after resigning from the ruling Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) on Jan 20 also as deputy president of PBS as well as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development in the state cabinet.

> It contested in state elections, only weeks after its formation.

> Under BN's Chief Minister rotation system, Yong was made chief minister in 1996 for two years.

> It currently has two MPs and four state assemblymen, namely Datuk Liew Teck Chan (Likas), Melanie Chia Chui Ket (Luyang), Au Kam Wah (Elopura) and Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah (Tanjong Papat).

Reactions:

Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the firm bravery of SAPP and its two MPs for defending the rights of Malaysians, and especially those of Sabahans.

He said he had two discussions with Datuk Yong Teck Lee on good governance and dedication to the principles of accountability.

He said PKR's commitment to Sabahans, bumiputra and otherwise, include 20% oil royalties to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, as well as proportionate and just representation for Sabah and Sarawak.

"I call upon other friends to act quickly in order to guarantee stable politics and efficient economic management that will lead to dynamic growth and equitable distribution."

> MCA president and Kulai MP Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said his party will stand steadfastly with Abdullah and the coalition.

"The Malaysian economy is suffering from escalating inflationary pressures, rising food and fuel prices now. The country and the people of Malaysia are going through very challenging times. What the country needs now is political and economic stability.

"It would be best that all of us, both the BN and the PR, accept the results of the 12th general election. Our priority should be to continue to work hard to fulfil our election pledges, restore confidence and stability for the nation."

> MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party, with about 630,000 members, will remain loyal with BN and continue to support the prime minister.

He has instructed the three MIC members of parliament to support the prime minister, especially in parliament. This is the first time we have a BN component party not supporting the prime minister. We will not let the prime minister down because he was elected by the people."

> Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he found it "unusual" for SAPP to support or move a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and yet still remain in the BN. He added that their move would have been more effective if they were to leave the coalition.

REACTION to Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's statement yesterday that his party had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and that the party's two MPs would support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister when the Dewan Rakyat resumes sitting on Monday:

> Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the bravery of SAPP and its two MPs for defending the rights of Malaysians, and especially those of Sabahans.

He said he had two discussions with Datuk Yong Teck Lee on good governance and dedication to the principles of accountability.

He said PKR's commitment to Sabahans, bumiputra and otherwise, include 20% oil royalties to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu, as well as proportionate and just representation for Sabah and Sarawak.

"I call upon other friends to act quickly in order to guarantee stable politics and efficient economic management that will lead to dynamic growth and equitable distribution," Anwar said.

> MCA president and MP for Kulai Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said his party will stand steadfastly with Abdullah and the coalition

"The economy is suffering from escalating inflationary pressures, rising food and fuel prices now. The country and the people are going through very challenging times. What the country needs now is political and economic stability," he said.

"It would be best that all of us, both the BN and the PR, accept the results of the 12th general election. Our priority should be to continue to work hard to fulfill our election pledges, restore confidence and stability for the nation."

> MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party, with about 630,000 members, will remain loyal with BN and continue to support the prime minister.

He has instructed the three MIC members of parliament to support the prime minister especially in parliament. This is the first time we have a BN component party not supporting the prime minister. We will not let the prime minister down because he was elected by the people."

> Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he found it "unusual" for SAPP to support or move a no-confidence motion against the prime minister and yet still remain in the BN. He said their move would have been more effective if they were to leave the coalition.

No provision for no-faith motion

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)'s bid to be make history by supporting a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday (June 23) when the Dewan Rakyat resumes meeting, may not happen as planned.

The Parliamentary Standing Orders do not have special provision for a no-confidence motion, and as such it needs to be tabled as an ordinary motion under Standing Order 27, which requires 14 days notice.

Veteran MP and former parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) said he saw little possibility of this motion being tabled on Monday.

"The only way for a no-confidence motion to be tabled and debated on Monday is for the Speaker to treat it as a substantive and extraordinary motion which should take precedence and priority over all parliamentary business which does not need to comply with the requisite 14-day notice and publishing it as the first item of parliamentary business after Question Time in the Parliamentary Order of Business on Monday," he said in a statement today.

"In doing so, however, the Speaker is likely to be in direct loggerheads with the government of the day and must be prepared to pay the consequences of such a decision."

Lim said there had never been any no-confidence motion against the prime minister in Malaysian parliamentary history.

SAPP Full Press Statement - June 18, 2008

2008-06-18T17:01:00.001+08:00

Click to enlarge

Sapp MPs to move no-confidence vote - Malaysiakini

2008-06-18T16:42:00.001+08:00

Jun 18, 08 10:44am

Sabah Progressive Party (Sapp) today announced that it would move a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when Parliament resumes on Monday.

It is the first time in the history of the nation that a vote of no-confidence is to be moved against a prime minister.

"In the coming sitting of the Parliament session starting Monday, June 23, our MPs will support a vote of no confidence on the PM.

"Whether the motion will be tabled by our party MP or another MP will be decided in due course," said a press statement released today.

Sapp has two parliamentarians - Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau) and Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) - and four state assemblypersons.

More at: www.malaysiakini.com

SAPP Poll as at June 18, 2008

2008-06-18T16:38:00.003+08:00

Question:

What do you think SAPP should do?

Stay on with BN - 2%

Leave BN and Non-Align - 11%

Leave BN and join Pakatan Rakyat - 85%

Total vote todate: 2833 now 5945

SAPP denies quit BN rumour - NST

2008-06-17T22:56:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Jun 17, 2008

A senior Sabah Progressive Party leader has dismissed reports that the party is on the verge of leaving the Barisan Nasional.

SAPP deputy president Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said the party had no intention of ditching the coalition which it joined in 1994.

"No, it (leaving the BN) is absolutely not true," he told reporters here.

He said the speculation could have come about because of the party's vocal stance on various issues affecting the state.

"Despite the speculation, we will continue to be vocal when it comes to matters concerning the state and its people," said Tan, who is the deputy chief minister representing the Chinese.

Tan said the federal government had taken steps to address some of the issues raised by the party.

Talk about SAPP leaving the BN began circulating following a recent statement by its president, Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, that the party would review its position in the BN if no action was taken on the issues it had raised.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he had spoken to Yong, who did not mention anything about SAPP quitting the BN.

"There is no reason for any of the component parties in Sabah to leave the coalition," he said.

Musa, who is state BN and Umno chief, considered the reports as just speculation. Yong could not be contacted.

Several SAPP supreme council members gave differing statements, with some saying that the possibility of the party pulling out of the BN could not be ruled out. Others said there was no truth to it.

"Anything is possible. Let us just wait and see," said a supreme council member.

Another supreme council member said the party was monitoring developments in Umno before making any decision.

BN big guns head for Sabah - The Sun

2008-06-17T22:44:00.002+08:00

PETALING JAYA (June 17, 2008): By Kong See Hoh

Several Barisan Nasional (BN) top guns, including Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, are in Sabah to pre-empt a domino effect in case a component party quits the coalition as rumoured.

Word that three, and not just one, as hinted by Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, BN component parties from the state may abandon ship have the BN leaders making a beeline for the Land Below the Wind to prevent a shift in political landscape.

According to a report in Oriental Daily News today, aside from the Datuk Yong Teck Lee-led Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), speculation is rife that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), which is headed by Kadazandusun paramount leader Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitinggan, and Tan Sri Bernard Dompok's Upko (United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation) may also leave the coalition.

Upko has four MPs, whereas PBS and SAPP have three and two MPs respectively.

BN controls all 25 parliamentary seats in the state except Kota Kinabalu which went to DAP in the March 8 general election.

If the three parties indeed leave the coalition but opt not to join the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR), BN will still have 131 MPs (49 more than PR's) and not under any threat of being toppled, but such a development will serve to boost the Opposition's morale at the crucial time and allow PR to up the ante against BN.

A Sabah Umno man told the daily that Sabahans know the rules of the game well as far as party-hopping is concern.

"(In Sabah) You've to try your best to be both the 'peg' and the 'hole' and you don't rule out any possibility."

Apart from the rumoured rendezvous with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Hongkong and the Philippines, some leaders of Sabah BN component parties are said to have met Tengku Razaleigh, who is eying the Umno No. 1 post, for possible cooperation should the Umno veteran win in the party election.

Anwar, being the one-time Umno leader tasked with Sabah affairs, knows the in and out of Sabah politics, and with the help of PKR state chief, he can create a political storm in the state. The BN top leadership is trying its best to keep the situation under control.

Apart from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who flew into the state today, Khairy Jamaluddin (Umno youth vice-chief) has been in Kota Kinabalu for the past days, and Tengku Adnan (BN secretary-general) arrived in the state on Monday.

Also in the state are Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib and Nor Mohamed (second finance minister).

The report said Nor Mohamed posed the sensitive question of party-hopping during his meeting with Pairin on Sunday but did not get a reply.

It is understood that Sabah parties are asking for the 5% oil royalty to be increased to 20% and want a solution to the problem of illegal immigrants in the state.

Sources told the daily that although several BN component parties in the state are considering quitting the coalition, they have no intention of joining PR yet.

This is seen as a tactical move to keep their bargaining power.

But this will no doubt lend credence to PR's plan to take control of the federal government by Sept 16, or Malaysia Day.

A poll being carried out by SAPP (http://sapphq.blogspot.com) showed 42% of the respondents believe the party should leave the BN, 47% say it should join PR and only 9% want it to remain with the coalition.

The report said the three parties have different reasons for wanting to leave the BN – from grudges with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to 'sibling' rivalry.

It is understood that SAPP was not happy that it was not given the Kota Kinabalu seat to contest, and Yong felt he was denied the chance to contest the election as a result.

Rubbing salt to his wound was the fact that after the election the Liberal Democratic Party's only MP, party president Datuk V.K. Liew, was named deputy minister of international trade and industry, when his SAPP, which has two MPs, did not get any post.

Upko's Dompok cannot see eye to eye with the federal government on certain religious issues.

There is also talk that Dompok is also not happy that he was given only the post of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department whereas PBS No. 2 Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili is holding the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister's post.

It is also an open secret that Dompok is not on good terms with Musa.

On the other hand, PBS has made no secrets of its anti-illegal immigrant sentiments and its resentment that the federal government is not doing very much to overcome the problem.

Yusof creates Sabah history - NST

2008-06-03T09:40:00.001+08:00

Yusof Sarangit spent most of his career in the Foreign Ministry.

KOTA KINABALU: June 3, 2008

Yusof Sarangit has become the first Sabahan to be appointed Sabah's federal financial officer.

Over the years, the Jusa C grade post was filled by federal officers from outside the state, much to the chagrin of locals.

So, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Yusof's appointment recently, it was met with applause by Sabahans who saw it as a symbolic gesture to mark their harvest festival, Tadau Kaamatan.

"My appointment means a lot to federal officers from Sabah as it shows the government recognises their ability and the heavy responsibility which comes with the job.

"I believe this will encourage more Sabahans to join the federal civil service. This will contribute positively towards national unity," he said here yesterday.

Yusof, 48, from Kampung Segangan in Lahad Datu, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Universiti Malaya.

"I am thankful to Allah for the promotion and appointment as Sabah Federal Financial Officer. My thanks are also to the prime minister and government for trusting me with this responsibility."

Yusof said his appointment showed the prime minister was sensitive and committed to resolving issues faced by Sabahans.

He promised to carry out his duties fairly, transparently and to the best of his ability, aimed at bringing development to the state.

Yusof began his civil service career as a geologist and went on to the Foreign Ministry with a string of postings, including to Nigeria and Japan.

His last post was deputy federal state secretary from 2006 till last month. - Bernama

Sabah to reap whole lot of benefits from Federal Government

2008-06-01T10:44:00.001+08:00

The Star - June 1 ,2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR, RUBEN SARIO and TEH ENG HOCK

KOTA KINABALU:

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi kicked off his two-day visit to Sabah with good news to the people of the state.

The Prime Minister’s “Kaamatan gift” covered a range of areas, many of which are seen by the people in the state as urgently needed to solve the problems they face.

Little dancers: Abdullah, his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman (third from right), Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah (second from right) and wife Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Jaapar (right) being greeted by little dancers during the Kaamatan Open House in Kota Kinabalu last night.

He made the announcement during a press conference after meeting with Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders and civil servants yesterday.

Abdullah said many of the issues were raised during his visit to the state on April 7.

“We, in the Federal Government, have considered the request made and are acting upon it,” he said, adding that they needed to act on them step by step.

Among the most significant is abolishing the Sabah Federal Development Department (JPSS) which had come under a lot of criticism. The Sabah State Development Office will take its place.

The five division development offices in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, Beaufort/Keningau and Kota Belud would be abolished.

The move resulted in the abolishment of 207 positions and the staff of the JPSS would be placed in the Sabah District Offices and their emolument of RM1.69mil would be paid by the Federal Government.

With the abolishment of the JPPS, federal funding for agencies like the Public Works Department and Health Department would go through the local development offices.

Abdullah said Sabah would enjoy a RM1bil special allocation for rural development.

A new formula to distribute the allocation would be used. The new formula would give 35% weightage to population, 35% to district area and 30% to the development or poverty rate.

Although Sabah received the second highest allocation of RM18.46bil under the 9th Malaysia Plan, Abdullah said the state needed more funds and this would be rectified under the mid-term review of the 9th Malaysia Plan.

A review of the implementation mechanism would also be carried out.

Other benefits include the direct channelling of development allocation of 11 ministries, namely the Prime Minister’s Department; Finance; Works; Rural Development; Health; Education; Housing and Local Government; Tourism; Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage; Youth and Sports and Home Affairs.

A panel co-chaired by the Sabah state secretary and Sabah federal secretary had been formed to identify and streamline overlapping roles in state and federal departments.

The Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department would also review development projects together with the Sabah and Sarawak state economic planning units before approving and implementing them.

Abdullah said a high-powered Cabinet committee under Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be set up to tackle Sabah’s long standing illegal immigrant and refugee problem.

He added that the National Security Council had increased the number of detention centres in the state from three to five, with the new centres in Papar and Sandakan.

The Government pledged to continue to reduce the hardcore poverty level to 2.8% by 2010.

A focus group on poverty had been set up for “poverty mapping” and to monitor and coordinate the implementation of poverty eradication programmes.

Abdullah also made several other announcements. He said Prof Datuk Kamarulzaman Ampong would become the first Sabahan vice chancellor effective June 18 while Yusof Saringit, also a Sabahan, would become federal Chief Financial Officer for the state.

He added that Petronas would set up a 300MW-gas powered plant in Kimanis and also come out with a master plan to set up downstream petroleum industry in Sabah.

An additional RM400,000 allocation would be given to each state constituency for rural projects, he added.

He also said the implementation of a 40% import duty on chicken parts for Sabah and Sarawak would be deferred to Aug 31.

Call the Philippines' bluff on Sabah claim - NST

2008-05-30T20:50:00.000+08:00

May 30, 2008 By JOHN TEO

Nur Misuari has broached the idea of referring the Sabah dispute to the International Court of Justice.

THE International Court of Justice's split decision in the case of Pedra Branca has established a clear precedent regarding sovereignty over disputed territories, in the two recent cases wherein Malaysia referred disputes to the court.

In an echo of the decision to award Sipadan and Ligitan off Sabah to Malaysia when sovereignty over the islands was disputed by Indonesia, the ICJ awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore over an indisputable premise: the island republic has maintained and operated a lighthouse there over many years. This despite clear documentary evidence that ownership of the island had originally belonged with Johor.

The case already has some regional ramifications. Nur Misuari, the disgraced former governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the Philippines, recently reprieved from incarceration by President Gloria Arroyo, lost little time in pronouncing an intention to refer the question of Sabah to the ICJ.

Misuari is, of course, merely posturing in hopes of making a political comeback. Threatening a revival of the Sabah claim is every populist Filipino politician's way to rouse the masses, usually accompanied by attempts to whip up popular sentiment over alleged instances of mistreatment of the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in Sabah.

Raising the Sabah bogey is also the weapon of choice for Philippine politicians whenever they have a particular axe to grind against Malaysia. And Misuari clearly has a personal grudge against us -- he had fled to our shores in hopes of escaping the long arm of Philippine law only to have the Malaysian government send him back home.

Whatever his personal agenda, Misuari broaching the idea of referring the Sabah dispute to the ICJ is obviously a non-starter, as any ICJ referral must first meet with the mutual consent of both disputant countries.

That said, the precedent set by the Sipadan and Ligitan and Pedra Branca cases should actually embolden Malaysia to heartily welcome any official Philippine proposal to refer the Sabah claim to the ICJ for final resolution once and for all.

While the Philippines may have a leg to stand on based on the proprietary rights of the heirs of the Sulu sultanate over Sabah, Malaysian sovereignty over Sabah is an altogether different matter entirely.

Sabah will have been 45 years independent within Malaysia this September, and is internationally recognised as a constituent state of the Malaysian federation. It was under British colonial rule before that and hardly any of us living today can recall a time when the Sulu sultanate exercised any political influence, much less control, over it. The ICJ will have an easy time deciding for Malaysia, if you ask me.

Political posturing out of the Philippines over Sabah is only a minor nuisance to us, and has not prevented both our countries from developing otherwise good neighbourly relations. We can easily live with the prevailing status quo because, if anything, the Sabah claim will only further weaken over time.

But if Arroyo is actually casting about for something appropriately statesman-like with which to end her presidency in two years' time, she might want to consider bringing closure to the wound afflicting our bilateral relations since her father initiated the Sabah claim when he was president, at the time of Malaysia's formation.

The avenue of impartial arbitration offered by the ICJ provides perfect political cover from any accusation of a national sell-out were the Philippines to initiate unilateral steps to drop the claim -- a fraught political process even if attempted.

Three of the five original member countries of Asean have now shown enough maturity to submit their territorial disputes to the ICJ.

The Sabah claim is, of course, in a league of its own, but if Malaysia and the Philippines can agree to also take this route to finally resolve it, Asean would really be leading the world in the peaceful resolution of such disputes between nations by adhering to the norms of established international law.

Call for ICJ arbitration dismissed - The Star

2008-05-29T09:31:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 29, 2008

Sabah has dismissed Moro leader Nur Misuari's call for the Philippines to take its claim on Sabah to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a non-issue.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman made the statement in reaction to the call. He declined further comment.

State leaders have repeatedly stated in the past that Sabah was an integral part of the Federation of Malaysia.

Nur Misuari, a former rebel leader and governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, was recently released on bail for charges of rebellion, and has returned to lead the Moro National Liberation Front.

In Davao in the Philippines on Sunday, he challenged Malaysia to show proof that Sabah belonged to the federation.

Nur Misuari was arrested in Sandakan on Nov 24, 2001 for alleged illegal entry when he was fleeing from Philippines forces and was later handed over to Manila in January 2002.

On the protracted migrant problem in Sabah, Musa said the authorities were finding it difficult to deport Filipinos because of the lack of cooperation of their embassy.

Truth sought on Project IC - The Star

2008-05-29T09:28:00.002+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 29, 2008

In just six years from 2002, Sabah’s population grew a whopping 12% and a Parliamentary Select Committee on illegal immigrants is no substitute for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to address this issue, said Upko’s secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.

“Upko’s call for a Royal Commission is actually to address a very specific issue and that is to determine the truth behind Project IC which is the mother of all illegal immigrants-related problems in Sabah.

“A Royal Commission of Inquiry is no longer an option but a necessity if the Government is serious about putting things right,” he said yesterday.

The Prime Minister’s Department in a written reply to a question from Sepangar MP Datuk Eric Majimbun had disclosed that between 2002 and 2008, Sabah’s population had jumped by 12% or 333,500, from 2.73 million to to 3.06 million people.

“One cannot help but attribute the extraordinary increase in the population of Sabah to the existence of the so-called Project IC. There is no other credible explanation,” he said.

He also asked why no action had been taken on police reports concerning Project IC.

The former Tuaran MP also called on the Government to investigate claims by former ISA detainee Hassnar Ibrahim who, during the Likas election petition trial, testified that he was directly involved in a government-sanctioned project to award identity cards to foreigners in Sabah to tip the demographic balance in the state.

Yong: It's time for action - NST

2008-05-27T14:01:00.002+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 27, 2008 By Julia Chan

The government should not be distracted by the debate over whether it was better to have a royal commission or select committee to deal with the illegal immigrant issue.

Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said action was needed urgently as ensuring the sovereignty of the country and security of the people was the government's duties.

"The government must not fail to defend the country's borders and protect citizens against huge numbers of illegals immigrants."

Yong said the government should show firm political will and bring in the military, as well as setting up a consulate in Davao, Zamboanga and invite the Philippines to set up a consulate in Sabah.

"Malaysia should use its leverage in international bodies like Asean and the OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) to get the Philippines government to co-operate.

"Malaysia can also suspend the Zamboanga-Sandakan ferry, impose a bond on visitors, require ferry passengers to possess return tickets and step up enforcement at all levels."

Politicians have been debating over whether to have a parliamentary select committee or royal commission to deal with the illegal immigrant issue.

Yong is in favour of a royal commission.

He said a select committee was formed by the Sabah assembly in May 2001 with seven members, including himself, but after meeting twice in the same year and issuing an official document, there was no follow-up action.

"I doubt whether another select committee, even at parliamentary level, will make a difference.

"The formation of a royal commission, a favourite subject of the PBS before joining Barisan Nasional in 2003, is up to the federal cabinet, not Parliament. And as revealed by a PBS supreme council member, it was a PBS cabinet member who lobbied against the setting up of a royal commission.

"The only logical and remaining step is for ministers from Sabah to ask the cabinet to approve the formation of a royal commission similar to the commissions for the V.K. Lingam video clip, the police, the Anti-Corruption Agency and judicial appointments."

Parliament Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee had last week rejected a motion by DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang to amend the motion of thanks on the royal address to include a request for a royal commission to be set up to deal with the illegal immigrant problem.

Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman backed the call and proposed a parliamentary select committee instead, citing that Sabah MPs would like to participate in the problem-solving process.

PBRS offers to help EC weed out phantom voters - The Star

2008-05-27T13:40:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: May 27, 2008 By LOONG MENG YEE

The move to clean up the electoral roll is both urgent and necessary, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said.

He said the Election Commission (EC) must carry out an extensive job to clean up the electoral roll in Sabah.

The problem is too massive, especially in Sabah« TAN SRI JOSEPH KURUP

“We can assist them. We can tell them who the phantom voters are,” he said when met in Parliament here yesterday.

He was commenting on EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman’s proposal for a fresh electoral roll to be drawn up to stop criticisms from various parties that it lacked integrity.

Kurup, who is Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president, added that to be fair, the EC had been trying its best to clean up the roll over the years.

“But the problem is too massive, especially in Sabah,” he added.

He cited the example of the identity card of a dead person ending up in the possession of someone else, usually an illegal immigrant.

“In the March 8 general election, the problem still appeared but was not as rampant,” said Kurup.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said “the whole thing is a non-issue”.

“I believe, if you have majority support, you will win the election. At the end of the day, it is about support from your voters,” he said.

Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the move was timely considering it had been 50 years since the first general election was held.

“This is especially so as there have been many complaints of alleged discrepancies,” he added.

PKR vice-president Mohd Azmin Ali and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng agreed that there was a need for a new electoral roll and also urged Abdul Rashid to resign.

“The process to re-register must, however, also be clean and independent from the ruling government. The best is to conduct an automatic voter registration.”

Mohd Azmin said PKR had previously provided the EC with ample evidence of phantom voters.

“The EC chairman must take full responsibility for the problem of phantom voters. The chairman must be changed,” he added.

Pairin: Enough talk, time to act - NST

2008-05-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

PENAMPANG: May 26, 2008

As the Barisan Nasional parties debate over how to deal with illegal immigrants in the state, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan urged the government to take action.

The deputy chief minister yesterday said the large population of illegal immigrants had to and could be dealt with using existing means.

"The authorities are empowered to investigate, arrest and deport illegal immigrants according to the law and for now that is where the political will should be.

"This is where action and attention is needed and the request has been made by us long before any of these arguments surfaced," he said at the traditional food competition held in conjunction with the state's Pesta Kaamatan at the Hongkod Koisaan building.

He said the setting up of either a parliamentary committee, as proposed by Sabah BN backbenchers, or a commission, as proposed by the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun and Murut Organisation (Upko), would take time.

"We have an existing force made up of various authorities such as the police and Immigration Department who can take action by going into the plantations, construction sites, squatter colonies and on the streets.

"The government should increase funds and manpower to these departments to effectively deal with the problem.

"It has been done successfully before," he said, referring to the 2002 integrated operation code named Ops Nyah II which targeted squatter colonies and their migrant residents.

Pairin said the state had detention camps to facilitate such operations.

"It's all about having strong political will.

"We cannot allow the problem of this large population of illegal immigrants to threaten our citizens and sovereignty. Action must be taken and now is the time."

Upko had said that the formation of a royal commission of inquiry on illegal immigrants would provide the platform for more effective action.

The Sabah BN Backbenchers Club, meanwhile, said it was in favour of a parliamentary select committee which included leaders from the state.

Lim: Committee not as powerful as Royal Commission - The Star

2008-05-25T13:09:00.000+08:00

IPOH: May 25, 2008

The Parliamentary Select Committee on illegal immigrants in Sabah will not have as much powers as a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

In response to Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman’s notion that Sabah MPs felt the committee was a better option, Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang said it would not be as a commission.

“The select committee will have no power to subpoena top government officials to turn up for questioning,” he told a press conference yesterday.

He said officials had refused to turn up and cooperate when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity tried to subpoena a top Immigration Department officer and a National Registration Department officer on the illegal immigrant issue in Sabah.

Lim said this was one of the reasons why Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who was Minister in the Prime Minister Department at the time, resigned from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity.

“A Royal Commission is different because it has the power to subpoena and even take criminal action against those who refuse to turn up.”

Lim said the illegal immigrants in Sabah had been a problem for 30 years.

Deputy speaker: I rejected PKR's offer - Malaysiakini

2008-05-24T22:53:00.001+08:00

Deputy speaker: I rejected PKR's offer
May 24, 08 5:59pm

Parliament deputy speaker Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar revealed today that he was once approached by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to cross over to the party.

According to The Borneo Post, the Santubong parliamentarian said a few PKR members approached him in Kuching several days after the federal cabinet was announced in March.

However, the politician disappointed the opposition party by expressing his loyalty to Barisan Nasional.

“I also told them that I did not believe that other Barisan MPs would be willing to cross over to PKR to form the federal government with a simple majority.

“Why should 30 or so MPs cross over to the PKR just for the sake of forming a government with a slim majority?

“The BN has already formed a strong government though eight seats short of a two-third majority,” he was quoted as saying.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member said the coalition’s failure to secure a two-third majority in Parliament following the results of the March 8 general election should not be considered as a drawback.

According to him, the two-third majority was only useful when enacting and amending constitutional laws as other laws could still be passed even with simple majority.

More news at www.malaysiakini.com

Don’t dismiss the rumbles - The Star

2008-05-24T19:58:00.000+08:00

ON THE BEAT
BY WONG CHUN WAI

Sabahan politicians are voicing their grouses, and a good piece of advice for Putrajaya would be to take what they are saying seriously.

THE voices of Sabahans are literally being heard in the Dewan Rakyat these days. Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia speaks in his heavily accented Sabah Bahasa Malaysia, which his fellow Members of Parliament are learning to follow.

Reporters on the parliamentary beat now have to check with each other what Pandikar is saying to ensure they get his quotes right.

But that’s not all. Sabahan MPs are now the centre of attention as speculation over the possible crossover of these politicians to Pakatan Rakyat (PR) fires the imagination of the nation.

They have cleverly voiced their unhappiness at the state of affairs back home in the Dewan Rakyat, issuing subtle threats of crossing over but remaining non-committal to any side. In short, they have said plenty but have not committed themselves to anyone.

Sabahan politicians are known for their political skills, having pulled the carpet from under the feet of the Barisan Nasional before.

I remember the PBS pulling out of the Barisan on the eve of a general election. Then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was at Angkasapuri for a concert when Datuk Joseph Pairin in Sabah announced that his party was pulling out from the coalition.

Ironically, the 70s catchy disco song, Hands On, by Ottawan was being sung as the power play took stage.

As the finale ended, Dr Mahathir adjourned for supper, and it was then that Information Minister Datuk Mohamed Rahmat whispered the bad news to him.

Dr Mahathir displayed no emotion and continued to eat. He finally decided to speak to the press close to midnight.

But he struck back hard at the rebellion, which he described as “a stab in the back”, and he used the full federal authority to punish the PBS.

Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili was arrested under the Internal Security Act on charges of endangering national security while Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who headed a PBS think-tank then, was arrested for plotting to take Sabah out of the federation.

That was not all: Umno decided to expand to Sabah and by 1994, splinter parties from the PBS had been formed.

Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the PBS deputy president, had set up the United Pasokmomugun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation with himself as president.

Datuk Yong Teck Lee, another PBS deputy president, formed the Sabah Progressive Party and the MCA also set foot in Sabah, splitting the Chinese clout deeper.

It took a long time before the PBS was allowed back to the Barisan.

Now, more than a decade later, PBS leaders, having learnt the painful lesson of being left out in the cold, prefer to be less vocal even as the country’s political temperature shoots up and the uncertainties continue.

But Yong and Dompok are speaking up again. Together with other Sabah leaders from Umno, they are grumbling that they have got a raw deal.

Citing issues from the allocation of seats and positions to the lack of development in Sabah, they are now demanding to be treated rightly and fairly.

We have delivered the votes and now, it’s your turn to deliver: that’s their call, if not an ultimatum, to the Prime Minister.

Last week, both Yong and Dompok warned Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of the very real possibility of crossovers to PR, saying the Sabah MPs were frustrated.

It is reliably learnt that when Yong met Abdullah, he appealed to the latter three times to take it seriously in order to drive home the point.

Yong gave Abdullah until August, barely three months from now, because the Sabahan politicians are aware that if the defections cannot be executed, the issue would fizzle out.

PR also realises that it needs to show some results, at least a few defections, or its threat would not be taken seriously.

The media-savvy Sabah politicians understand the short attention span of Malaysians.

If it takes too long, then the likelihood of a strong crossover to reduce the numbers on the government bench, if not topple the Government, would diminish.

From the media focus on the Olympics to the fasting month in September, it would also have its impact on the timing of the defections.

A good piece of advice for Putrajaya would be to take what the Sabahans are saying seriously

Government must take immediate steps to develop Sabah - The Star

2008-05-24T19:52:00.000+08:00

COMMENT BY V.K.CHIN

SABAH Barisan’s Members of Parliament are flexing their muscles to get a better deal for the state. They are demanding that the federal government immediately look into their grouses.

Basically, they want more development for the state, and that its MPs be given important portfolios in the federal Cabinet. Otherwise they might look for other options to fulfil their objectives.

They based their latest demand on the fact that Sabahans had been taken for granted for too long though the state Barisan had always delivered support to prop up the federal government.

They are becoming more vocal because it is their support that is keeping Barisan’s simple majority in Parliament. They would now like to be given due recognition for their unstinting support all these years.

Their timing is also excellent, with the emergence of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat. The Pakatan gained an astonishing 82 parliamentary seats and control of five state governments.

With Barisan reeling from this shocking election result, Sabah MPs believe it is now the right time to ask for their due, as their support is crucial to the survival of the Barisan government.

In the past few weeks, all the talk of crossovers to Pakatan had created uncertainties in Barisan ranks, and there were daily reports that Sabah’s MPs were the target.

But even if all the Sabah MPs were to defect, it would still not be sufficient to topple the Government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In this respect, it is encouraging that all Umno MPs threw their support behind Pak Lah at a meeting on Tuesday and, hopefully, this will put to rest all speculation on crossovers.

Sabah MPs from all component parties had managed to put across their unhappiness personally to Pak Lah, who had taken note of all of them.

However, even the state’s MPs realise that it would take some time to implement all that they asked for. In fact, such development had already been spelt out in the 9th Malaysia Plan, which is now in progress.

Even if all the money is available, a quickened pace of implementation could only be possible when all the elements, such as manpower and equipment, are in place.

It is also quite unrealistic to expect that all the basic amenities, such as electricity, water, roads, clinics and other facilities be installed immediately on par with those in urban areas.

So, just handing money over to the state government will not solve all the problems. The Peninsular Malaysia experience has shown that after 50 years of Merdeka, many rural areas are still lacking facilities.

The state government should be happy that its complaints have been acknowledged, and its federal ministers and deputy ministers should keep on monitoring the situation

PBS leaders at odds over Royal Commission on 'Project IC' - The Star

2008-05-24T19:43:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 24, 2008 By Muguntan Vanar

The issue of Sabah’s illegal immigrants appears to have put Parti Bersatu Sabah leaders at odds with each other.

Outspoken PBS supreme council member Dr Chong Eng Leong wants the party to support the opposition motion for a Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants associated with Project IC or more popularly dubbed Project Dr M.

Chong said that the proposal for a commission of inquiry by DAP’s Lim Kit Siang was not anti-Barisan or pro-Pakatan Rakyat but a matter of defending the sovereignty of Sabah within Malaysia.

He said that a Parliamentary Select Committee on Sabah illegal immigrants was not going to work, as a previous similar committee headed by Tan Sri Bernard Dompok failed to get relevant agencies to give replies to hard questions on the identity card issue.

He described his party’s deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili’s efforts in pushing for solutions to the illegal immigrant problem after becoming a federal minister in 2004 as a disappointment.

Chong said that Dr Maximus had blocked him from representing PBS to present memos on illegal immigrant papers to Suhakam and also the Parliamentary Select Committee on Unity between 2004 and 2006.

“Dr Maximus is only interested in self advancement,” he alleged and accused his deputy president of trying to stop Sabah MPs from voting for the Royal Commission of Inquiry motion that was disallowed by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee.

He said Dr Maximus had told him in late 2001 that once PBS returned to Barisan, the illegal immigrant problem would be solved but since becoming a minister he had been advising Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan against PBS sending in memorandums to various groups as it was tantamount to stabbing Barisan in the back again.

He said that the issue was serious and with Sabah holding up the Federal Government’s majority in Parliament, it was important for the state and its political parties to pursue issues pertaining to Project IC.

“What is there to hide? We can reason out with the Prime Minister,” he added

Illegal Immigrant Issues in Sabah

2008-05-24T13:35:00.000+08:00

May 24, 2008

Sabah MPs prefer select committee (The Star)
By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional MPs are likely to pursue the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on illegal immigrants in Sabah.

Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman said Sabah MPs felt that it was a better option than the move by DAP adviser and Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the longstanding problem.

Anifah said Lim’s move for an amendment to the motion of thanks for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s address on Thursday in order to establish the commission was just to gain political mileage.

“We don’t need a Royal Commission of Inquiry, we prefer a Parliamentary Select Committee as all Barisan components can be involved,” he said, adding that he suggested for a committee during his debate on the Royal Address.

He said that Royal Commission would not include MPs and may not even have Sabah leaders on the commission.

Lim’s motion was rejected by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee stating that it was impolite and that the motion had no connection with the King’s address and should be tabled as a separate motion.

Yesterday, Lim applied for the House to review Kiandee’s decision on the motion to amend the motion of thanks, claiming that the decision was wrong and misconceived as it was contrary to parliamentary conventions and practices.

The move by Lim was widely seen as a test of the support of Sabah MPs who have been critical about Sabah’s illegal immigrant problem which they say is threatening the social fabric, security and sovereignty of the country.

Sabah MPs want direct involvement (NST)

KOTA KINABALU: A Parliamentary Select Committee is a much better way to go about finding a solution to the illegal immigrant problem in Sabah, rather than a royal commission of inquiry.

Sabah MP Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Anifah Aman said the state MPs were not in favour of a royal commission of inquiry as it would exclude them from the problem-solving process.

"We here in Sabah don't agree with the idea.

"It's not that we are evading the issue, we just want to be directly involved with it and we are capable of doing it ourselves. There are a lot of channels to address the problem," said Anifah.

The Kimanis MP said as the illegal immigrant problem was a long-standing issue, most MPs have had to answer questions about it and were thus able to put forward the people's grievances and be part of the solution.

"Why should we have to sit back and listen to what an outsider decides about our problem and tell us what to do? We don't know who will be on the panel. Maybe only one or two people from here (Sabah).

"We, as the people's representatives, know the people's problems and we, from all the BN component parties, will be represented.

"We want to help and be part of solving the problem permanently for the good of our people."

Anifah said he would propose the Parliamentary Select Committee in June, where he will table a motion in Parliament.

Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Datuk Ronald Kiandee had on Thursday rejected the motion by DAP adviser and Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang to amend the motion of thanks to the royal address by adding: "That a royal commission be established to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah as it is feared that their number may be bigger than Sabah's population following statements made during the debate in the first term of the 12th parliament session".

ACA quizzes Kota Belud MP - The Sun

2008-05-23T09:23:00.000+08:00

ACA quizzes Kota Belud MP

KUALA LUMPUR (May 22, 2008): by S.Tamarai Chelvi

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has started an investigation into a disclosure in Parliament by Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan that he was offered enough money to last "two or three future generations" to defect to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Its Director of Investigation Datuk Mohd Shukri Abdul told theSun when contacted today that an ACA officer had lodged a report on the disclosure which was reported in the newspaper, adding that Abdul Rahman is also being investigated on why he failed to report the bribery attempt.

Shukri agreed with a statement by Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam that it was an offence not to report bribery attempts and that Abdul Rahman had also a moral responsibility to do so, as a people's elected representative.

Shukri said once the investigation is completed, the ACA will submit investigation papers to the Attorney-General (A-G) and it is up to the A-G to make decision on whether there was a case for prosecution.

TheSun had reported today that Abdul Rahman had yet to lodge a report with the ACA. He told the newspaper he would do so when PKR names 30 MPs it claims are jumping ship so that the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can form the next government.

The MP had said in Parliament last week that he was promised a cabinet post as well as money to cross over to PKR, describing the sum as sufficient to "last two or three future generations".

The issue created waves in Parliament today, when Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang accused Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs of not being committed to fighting corruption, citing Abdul Rahman's case.

In reply, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nazri Abdul Aziz refuted theSun report, saying the ACA has contacted Abdul Rahman on the matter.

“I was contacted by the ACA to ask what kind of action to be taken. I told him to see Kota Belud to get his information,” he told Lim.

Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) then interjected, asking why the ACA was contacting him first and ask for his instruction before taking action, saying it was as if the agency does not know its own jurisdiction.

Nazri then clarified that the ACA did not seek his permission but was only informing him about the case as he is the minister in charge of Parliament.

Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) then asked whether Abdul Rahman could confirm in Parliament that he made such statement (that he was offered the money), and if it was true, he could be arrested immediately under citizen's arrest.

Abdul Rahman was seen standing for some time, waiting for deputy speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi’s nod for him to speak and for Nazri to give way.

However, Nazri ignored Abdul Rahman, saying it was true that Abdul Rahman made that statement in the Dewan.

"Let me give the answer. No need (for Abdul Rahman to speak). He can only stand to seek explanation from me. I am still the Minister in the PM’s Department. If you (Karpal) Singh want to ask him, do it outside. He (Abdul Rahman) cannot stand up. He’s a new MP. He does not know. It’s okay. He cannot stand up," he said repeatedly to shouts by Karpal Singh asking him to give way to Abdul Rahman to explain himself.

Dissatisfaction against leadership - The Star

2008-05-20T09:14:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 20, 2008

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must take note of the dissatisfaction against his leadership, Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman said.

“There must be something deeply wrong. It is not one person’s (Dr Mahathir) dissatisfaction or Sabah's ... if you talk to MPs from Sarawak or even Peninsular Malaysia, you'll see that they are unhappy, but because of party line, they keep quiet.

“I think it is time for the leadership to differentiate between self-interest and the interest of the party and nation,” said Anifah, who made it clear that he intends to remain in the party.

Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Dr Mahathir’s resignation was sending shockwaves because of his immense influence among Umno grassroots.

“I think the nation is in for exciting politics. I also believe Sabah MPs will now consider supporting Lim Kit Siang’s motion in Parliament today for a Royal Commission on the Sabah illegal immigrant problem,” he added.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh said that Dr Mahathir, as a veteran politician, had sent a message by quitting the party and it was another call for the leadership to listen to the voices within the party.

“They (leadership) have to listen and rectify. It is not necessary for Abdullah to resign but respond to the voices of the people,” said Ghapur, who added that he had no intention of quitting the party but wanted to see Sabah's needs attended to.

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said it was unbecoming of Dr Mahathir to abruptly quit from the party as it would trigger speculation among the people.

“My hope is that the Umno top leadership will make an effort to meet Dr Mahathir and thrash out the problems between them,” he said.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman, who is Sabah Umno chief, is expected to issue a statement today, according to his office while Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said he would wait for further developments before commenting

Lim to bring up Sabah’s problem - The Star

2008-05-19T14:35:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 19, 2008

Sabah’s longstanding illegal immigrant problem may be discussed at length in Parliament this week if a motion concerning the issue is allowed.

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said yesterday he would table a motion to amend the motion of thanks on the royal address on tomorrow’s sitting.

The amendment, he said, called for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to resolve the long-standing problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah, to the extent that there was legitimate fear that Sabahans were being outnumbered by foreigners in their own state.

Lim, the Ipoh Timur MP, said he had given notice to Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia on the motion on Friday.

He said the establishment of the Royal Commission of Inquiry would become a reality if Barisan MPs lent their support to the motion.

“It can be considered somewhat a test for the Barisan MPs who have voiced their concerns in and out of Parliament over the Government’s complete indifference to the problem.

“Malaysians will be watching to see what the Sabah and other MPs will do,” he said Sunday after launching the Sabah DAP Kaamatan (harvest festival).

Dompok: Crossovers a real threat - The Star

2008-05-17T01:52:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: May 17, 2008 By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

Another president of a Sabah Barisan Nasional component party has sounded the alarm bell that the possibility of crossovers is very real.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the frustrations of Sabahans and their representatives in getting the Federal Government to solve their long list of problems are “extremely real” and talk about MPs crossing over to join the Opposition is symptomatic of this frustration.

He said the longstanding issues affecting Sabahans could no longer be “swept under the carpet” and MPs were under a lot of pressure to resolve the people’s problems.

Any decision for Upko to leave the Barisan fold will be made by the party and not by him, Dompok stressed to the press Friday.

He said that while Upko’s three other MPs had not raised the subject of leaving the party “at the moment,” he admitted: “Their frustrations are real. I think no one can deny it”.

When asked if any of the Upko MPs, including himself, had been approached by the Opposition leaders, Dompok replied: “Not yet as far as I know.

“But if these people (from the Pakatan Rakyat) want to talk to me in Parliament, there is no reason why I should not talk to them. We are all MPs anyway.”

He said there were still many issues, among them immigrants and basic infrastructure, waiting to be resolved in Sabah.

“The people of Sabah have been taken for granted because we are a laidback, easy-going people. The state is thousands of miles away from the nation’s capital. As they say, out of sight, out of mind,” he said.

Dompok said constituents in Sabah have always been vocal but failed to grab the media’s attention until “recent changes in the political environment”.

To a question, he said that the majority of the grassroots wanted action and they would not mind if their MPs crossed over to the Opposition, as long as their problems were ironed out and their demands were met.

“There are people who condemn crossovers, saying that it is immoral and such. But who are they and why are they taking the moral high ground, when in their previous lives, they too, have done it.

“But if you ask me, I don’t think the Opposition will make the numbers,” he said.

Asked if Barisan should be worried that crossovers would eventually become a reality, Dompok said that the Government must be confident of doing the right thing.

“If you are confident, no one is going to desert you,” he said.

'YB lain usah sibuk jawab bagi pihak Pak Lah' - NST

2008-05-15T23:32:00.000+08:00

'YB lain usah sibuk jawab bagi pihak Pak Lah'

May 15, 2008

AHLI Parlimen Kalabakan, Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh memberi amaran kepada wakil rakyat yang lain supaya tidak mempersoalkan keikhlasan Ahli Parlimen dari Sabah terhadap Barisan Nasional (BN) dan berhenti bertindak bagi pihak kerajaan dalam menjawab sebarang isu mengenai Sabah.

Sambil membidas Datuk Mohamed Abdul Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) mengenai kenyataan beliau mengenai Ahli Parlimen Sabah ketika membahaskan usul terima kasih terhadap titah diraja semalam, Abdul Ghapur berkata, sepatutnya dalam BN, Ahli Parlimen tidak patut mencabar satu sama lain.

"Sri Gading masih berpemikiran penjajah, tidak terbuka. Apa yang saya titik beratkan ialah kita mahu BN diperbaiki, saya bercakap mengenai Sabah, pembangunannya, mengenai masalah pendatang tanpa izin...kenapa orang lain mahu mencabar kami," katanya ketika ditemui di lobi Parlimen di sini, semalam.

Kelmarin, Mohamed menasihatkan wakil BN Sabah supaya tidak mempertikaikan pelantikan menteri oleh pucuk pimpinan dan jangan bongkak dengan kemenangan mereka pada pilihan raya umum lalu.

Abdul Ghapur berkata, setiap pandangan yang dibangkitkan Ahli Parlimen Sabah di Parlimen ialah untuk menyuarakan kebimbangan rakyat, terutama isu pembangunan dan pendatang tanpa izin.

"Jangan salahkan kami (membangkitkan itu) sebab kalau salahkan kami, penduduk Sabah mendesak kami berhenti daripada parti," katanya.

Abdul Ghapur berkata, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi patut diberi masa menangani masalah di Sabah.

"Tak apa... Pak Lah mungkin sedang memikirkannya, tetapi jangan tanya Sri Gading (Mohamed) untuk menjawabnya pada kami," katanya.

Sementara itu, Menteri Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan, Datuk Shafie Apdal menolak tanggapan Ahli Parlimen dari Sabah yang membidas kerajaan Pusat pada sidang Dewan Rakyat sebagai antiperpaduan dan anti-Semenanjung.

Katanya, mereka (Ahli Parlimen Sabah) hanya inginkan pendapat atau pandangan mereka diberi perhatian serta mendapat tindakan sewajarnya dari Kerajaan Pusat.

"Ahli Parlimen dari Sabah bukan hendak bergaduh, cuma membangkitkan masalah yang timbul. Ini tidak boleh dijadikan tanggapan mengatakan Ahli Parlimen Sabah tidak suka perpaduan dan anti-Semenanjung.

"Ia bukan jalan memecah belahkan perpaduan. Apa yang mereka minta ialah lebih banyak pembangunan di Sabah," katanya.

Mengenai keluhan pembahagian portfolio menteri yang kurang penting kepada Sabah, Shafie berkata: "Kita sudah biasa dalam keadaan ini. Apa yang diberi, kita terima."

'Opposition offered us millions to switch camps' - NST

2008-05-15T20:05:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: May 15, 2008

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin was approached by PKR leaders.

Millions of ringgit have allegedly been offered to tempt Barisan Nasional MPs from Sabah to join the opposition.

Sabah backbenchers yesterday said they were approached with incentives of cash and positions to jump ship, as rumours swirled in Dewan Rakyat of impending defections to the Pakatan Rakyat camp.

The rumoured amounts ranged from RM5 million to RM30 million for each MP - more if he brings others with him.

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said he was approached by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders after the general election and enticed to abandon BN.

Talk of crossovers intensified after the formation of the cabinet in March, and has been kept at fever pitch by the PKR leadership ever since.

"There was a discussion but it did not go to the extent of money being offered," Bung Mokhtar said.

"Maybe because I did not show much interest from the outset that they did not go to the next stage of offering me money," said the Kinabatanagan Umno division chief.

Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahalan (BN-Silam) was lured not just with money but the prospect of "making history in creating a new Malaysia".

"They made it sound like it was some sort of national duty," he said.

He voiced his displeasure in the House while debating the Royal Address on Tuesday evening.

"I will say that a certain amount of money was offered," he said.

Pressed further on the amount, he said: "If I take it, I will be wealthy for two or three generations."

Abdul Rahman said a cabinet post was also thrown in as part of the deal for him to leave BN. He denied he would switch sides, saying to do so would go against his stand against corruption.

Abdul Rahman said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was looking into the needs of the grassroots in Sabah and Sarawak.

"You have to give time for all this to be looked into and implemented," he said.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh who, along with Kinamis MP Datuk Anifah Aman, had been at the centre of defection rumours due to his vocal discontent in the Dewan, said he did not see what the big deal was about BN MPs jumping ship.

"They can jump if they are not satisfied but I won't jump. If I am not happy, I will leave BN and form my own party because the party that we jump to may question us again.

"We have to voice out what is necessary. Yes, I did mention that Sabah and Sarawak contributed 54 seats and if it was not because of us, BN would have lost but no one should question our credibility or sincerity because of this.

"If we keep quiet, the people of Sabah will start pressuring us to quit the party," he said.

Ghapur refused to comment on rumours that he had been offered RM30 million.

Anifah was equally evasive about the opposition's offers.

"The offers are not important. What is important are the interests of the Sabah people," he said.

The former deputy minister was upset that his call for the federal government to pay more attention to Sabah was taken out of context.

"If we can't raise our issues and grouses in Parliament, then where else can we go?"

Both Ghapur and Anifah had declined deputy minister's posts two months ago.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) said the party's doors were open to all MPs but denied monetary rewards were involved.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, however, attributed the rumours and allegations of defections to Anwar.

"I was told that they were going to form a new government today but here I am still doing my duties as the education minister.

"We are moving forward by reinventing BN and Umno while they have been moving the dates on which they would be forming a new government."

He said the people were tired of Anwar's boasting of being the prime minister-in-waiting.

"I do not deny that things are not perfect in Sabah and Sarawak but we spent billions to bring development to both states and we are trying hard to address the issues," he said.

Those who bait others are 'political prostitutes' - NST

2008-05-15T10:42:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: May 15, 2008

Sabah Umno deputy chief Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal has come out strongly to condemn political crossovers as immoral.

"Crossing over is not impossible. But what (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is doing is immoral.

"It's the basic fundamental of democracy - the people's right to chose - that he's trying to wipe out. People have given their mandate.

"We don't buy over their people. We can afford to, but we don't," Shafie said.

Shafie's condemnation was echoed by Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek who slammed politicians who tried to persuade members of opposing parties to switch sides, labelling them as "political prostitutes".

"It is the peak of immorality and is similar to prostitution. Leaders who try to plead for crossovers are political prostitutes," he said after visiting New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad at Balai Berita yesterday.

Shabery said only those who were addicted to prostitution would use such methods to achieve political satisfaction.

He said he had heard the views of party members, including those from Sabah.

"Nobody said they wanted to jump parties."

He said Sabah MPs had issues they wanted to bring up in Parliament.

"Although their views have a certain sting, they were well received by other members and the government will pay attention," he said.

"Just because they have a strong stand on certain issues, it does not mean they are going to leave the party," said Shabery.

He agreed. "They (Sabah MPs) are raising concerns of the people on the ground.

"You can't conclude that they want to cross over just because they raise them.

"But I won't say that they won't (cross over). But my advice is they should not do that.

"How can we be sure that it will be a better world if we jump over? Is there any guarantee we'll be treated better just by promising us 20 per cent oil royalty?"

When asked about promises made by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to provide water and electricity supplies besides increasing development in Sabah, Shafie said: "When Anwar held the position of deputy prime minister and finance minister, he gave the same promises but failed to deliver or improve the situation in Balung or my constituency."

Shafie said BN members had pride and were not "cheap politicians".

"Our leaders are not swayed by money or status."

On rumours of offers of up to RM30 million being offered for BN reps to cross over, Shafie said: "That is immoral on the part of the person offering it and on the part of whoever has the intention of accepting it.

"It means they are looking at RM30 million and not the people's needs. That is not worthy of a person who was elected.

"If an MP no longer believes in the party he or she stood for, then switch parties in the next election but don't hop because someone is paying you to.

"Not being responsible in this case amounts to treachery."

On whether he could vouch for the loyalty of Umno MPs in Sabah, Shafie said: "So far, I believe in them, unless they're lying.

On the strong statements by Sabah MPs about crossovers, including that there was "no harm" in doing so, Shafie maintained that they were only raising concerns of the people on the ground.

Asked to comment on Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman's comments that there was no harm in crossing over, and Datuk Seri Ghapur Salleh's warning of the tsunami hitting Sabah next, he said: "It's not a question of betrayal but a question of the trust the people have given you.

"When I stood as a BN candidate, I convinced voters that BN is the right platform to fight for development, and the people voted for it.

"Voters believed that BN can deliver, but when what is promised is not delivered... It's just a reflection of sentiments on the ground."

On Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's statement that something must be done before September or BN faced the risk of crossovers, he said this reflected the views from the ground.

"Come to Sabah and listen to the ordinary folk. They're asking for more development."

Questioned why the talk revolved around crossovers if the complaints were about development, Shafie said: "Because Anwar is the one raising it, the one trying to woo BN MPs over."

Sabah for Sabahans - The Star

2008-05-15T10:22:00.000+08:00

May 15, 2008 COMMENT BY FUI K. SOONG

The disenfranchisement and the resentment in Sabah towards federal politics and policies are very real, realities created by the BN administration. The dynamics that are being witnessed today is just a situation ripe to play mind games with.

SABAH for Sabahans” gained its zenith of popularity during the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) rule in the state.

To a puritan federalist it is almost treasonable. But to many proud Sabahans who remember the 1980’s struggles, it was a term that gave rise to a generation of Sabahans whose political consciousness was awoken by a sense of identity that was multi-racial, open and most of all, confident. We stood tall because we had dared challenge the federal regime of the day.

With all the talk of Sabah MPs crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat, and if anyone believes this to be another wave of Sabah defiance, they are dead wrong.

Sabahans still stand in awe when we see the shape of Mount Kinabalu sitting in the blue hues of our state flag. And in reality, the mountain is an awesome sight by itself. “Sabah Maju Jaya” is still sung with great pride by every Sabahan with no exception to any race.

We should be so insulted to be painted as a bunch of shenanigans with no virtue, moral standing or principles.

The disenfranchisement and the resentment towards federal politics and policies thus far, are very real. But these are realities created by the BN rule. The dynamics that we witness today is just a situation ripe to play mind games with.

Sabahans have to live every day of their lives alongside reportedly, two million illegal immigrants compared to one million locals. Their children litter the streets in the cities begging for scraps and odd jobs, unable to attend school, as they have no official papers.

By the day, Kota Kinabalu is looking more like Manila than Malaysia. By any moral standard, how can we allow poverty and human suffering to come to this level – whether or not we choose to recognise them as full citizens is another matter.

Sabah ranked from being the richest state in 1970’s to being the poorest state. Using UNDP’s numbers, Sabah has a poverty rate of 23.0% compared to Wilayah Persekutuan-KL of 1.5%!

In the district of Nabawan, the poverty rate is as high as 70.8%, as 21,568 households live in hardcore poverty. The dropout rate is 50%, twice the national figure and most schools located in the rural areas are equipped with very poor facilities.

Children are so poor that they do not even have soap to clean themselves with. Children attend classes naked because parents sell their free uniforms to feed their families.

In the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the total allocation for Sabah makes up 7.69% compared with 15.06% for the Federal Territories.

These are just hard numbers.

Sabah won 24 out of 25 seats contested. However, it’s still only 25 seats out of the 140 seats garnered by the BN. The lack of representation at ministerial level in truth is limited when both the states combined only represent 1.7 million out of the 10.9 million registered voters.

While Sabah and Sarawak may have held a crucial deciding factor to retain BN’s simple majority in this elections, many of the seats were won due to lack of cohesion among the Opposition parties. The extent of gerrymandering also contributed to no small amount to BN’s wins in the state.

Is this why Sabah representatives often complain that they are not treated with respect in all the political platforms from the Cabinet to grassroots, including those within their parties?

Today, both sides of the political fence paint Anwar Ibrahim in the same breath as how we saw Pairin Kitingan or PBS in the 80’s.

To begin with, Anwar Ibrahim is no Sabahan. In the 90’s, he was Finance Minister and PM-in-waiting “hero-rised” as a leader with international stature but in small-town Sabah, the people saw him as no more than an errand boy for Tun Dr Mahathir.

That said, has there been a credible Sabah leader that has been able to articulate our pain and concerns?

Is it really about more representation in the Cabinet and more royalties? Younger generations of Sabahans, unlike previous decades, are less likely to be anti-Federal.

Many of them have studied in Peninsular Malaysia in both private and public colleges and universities. They know what is like to live in a greater Malaysia beyond their Sabah shores.

Most also know that the 20-point agreement (signed when Sabah joined Malaysia) cannot be practically implemented if we are to finally come to terms with being part of Malaysia.

But what does it mean to be a Sabahan when two-thirds of the population are illegals? If the BN government does not want the situation to be hijacked by the Opposition, this is the first thing it must address – bring back what matters most to Sabah, our land.

The illegal migrant situation has become so bad that we already have a second, if not third generation of Filipinos and Indonesians born in Sabah.

In the name of humanity, I am not sure if we can even morally deport them without causing social mayhem and a localised economic collapse. But we need a definite closure because we need to move on.

“Sabah for Sabahans” conjures a lot of idealism as well as realities for many Sabahans even today but it does not mean we are less proud of who we are and what we still stand for. RESPECT and DIGNITY.

Whoever captures that, gets to rule.

Fui K. Soong is CEO of Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP), a think tank of MCA, an organisation dedicated to research on the removal of barriers and bias in policies that impede Malaysian unity, racial harmony and economic prosperity. You can e-mail her at fui4545@yahoo.com.

Anifah: Once the defections start, there's no stopping - The Sun

2008-05-14T22:10:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR (May 14, 2008): By Liew-Ann Phang

If and when East Malaysian Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians defect, the ruling coalition cannot do anything anymore (to stop the defections), said Datuk Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis).

Anifah, one of the many Sabahan and Sarawakian MPs who voiced their concern and dissatisfaction over BN’s lack of attention to issues in the two states in debates on the motion of thanks on the royal address, did not discount himself from doing the same.

"I will do it (defect) if it is in the best interest of the people," he told reporters in Parliament lobby today.

However, Anifah defended that the Sabah leaders were actually trying to stop the people from defecting.

When asked about the up till August time frame given by Datuk Yong Teck Lee (Sabah Progressive Party President and Gaya MP), Anifah said people were getting impatient and were drawn to the 20% oil royalty offer by Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

"It makes a lot of difference for Sabah. Whether it becomes a reality, is debatable. What we are saying is 'look into our grievances', the problem of illegal immigrants.

"If you can set up the Judicial Appointment Commission and the Malaysian Commission against Corruption, why can’t you set up a commission to look into this matter," he lamented.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan likened the situation to the government being the doctor who is not treating the aches and pains of the people, the patient.

"It is just like when we are sick, the doctor doesn’t treat you to get rid of that pain in the body, you will continue to feel sick and unhappy and miserable. The aches and pains have been expressed in the Dewan and the patient has been talking and telling the doctor they need treatment," he said, adding that Sabah MPs were merely protecting the country and its sovereignty.

"This means illegal immigrants must be sent away. We have laws which must be enforced. Who are you choosing, your citizens or the illegal immigrants? Of course your citizens must be protected," said Pairin.

On the oil royalty, Kitingan said it needed to be considered "as I see it as a lopsided agreement".

"It is also being fully exploited by the Opposition and the agreement has to be studied. You can’t just dismiss it as not being lopsided but there must be a discussion with all the MPs and leaders to look at the facts and figures so that the people are satisfied," he added.

Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) denies any knowledge of MPs "jumping ship" and says he isn’t one, for now.

However, he quipped: "If I am not satisfied, I will form my own party. Why should I jump? I don’t want to jump because the other party will also tie my legs, like BN". "All I am saying to the leadership is we don’t want to be second class citizens."

Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) said the election gave the people a chance to change the political model of country and he is all for a two-party system in the country.

On Yong’s ultimatum that his party may leave BN in August if the state issues are not resolved, Abdul Rahman said he believed Yong said it in good faith as he was only presenting the views of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

Koh: BN must address issues, grievances of Sabahans - The Sun

2008-05-14T21:59:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (May 14, 2008): By Bernard Cheah

The Federal Government should take concrete steps to address the issues and grievances of the Sabahans as expressed by their Barisan Nasional (BN) component party leaders, said Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

"Some of these issues, such as illegal migrants from the Philippines and Indonesia, have been long-standing issues, affecting the livelihood, social fabric and security of the Sabahans," he said in a press statement today.

"This undesirable situation had led to much discontent amongst Sabahans who have also raised questions about how some illegal migrants managed to get permanent resident and even citizen status."

Koh said it is necessary to set up a Royal Commission of Enquiry to prevent more illegal migrants from entering Sabah, as requested by some BN component parties.

He also added that there should be more basic infrastructure projects in Sabah, especially to improve road transportation and utilities, such as water and electricity supply, in order to provide better quality of life.

"From my recent conversations with Sabah BN leaders, it is clear that they are very much concerned about seeking policies and programmes to provide acceptable solutions to such issues affecting the Sabah people, and not so much about seeking high positions for themselves," Koh said.

Although Sabah is blessed with many natural resources, such as petroleum, gas and rich bio-diversity of tropical forest, Sabah still has the highest rate of poverty at over 20%.

Sabah, S'wak reject 'tai ko Umno' - Malaysiakini

2008-05-13T18:21:00.001+08:00

Sabah, S'wak reject 'tai ko Umno'

By Tony Thien | May 13, 08 1:29pm

If Umno wants to save Barisan Nasional, it has to stop its MCPXtai ko (big brother) stance, especially with component parties in Sabah and Sarawak, said an academic based in Kuching.

The two states, especially Sabah, have been trying to get federal attention to problems associated with illegal immigrants, who are deemed to pose a serious threat to security, welfare and livelihood of the local people.

The academic, who declined to be named, said increasingly critical parliamentarians from Sabah have raised valid demands, but “federal leaders appear not to be interested”. He warned that
political allegiance could shift any time if this continues.

Kalabakan MP Abdul Ghapur Salleh (left), a former Sabah deputy chief minister, said yesterday that state leaders would have no qualms about switching parties - although not immediately to Pakatan Rakyat - or forming a new party in the interim.

Abdul Ghafur had questioned why certain states - including Perak which the BN lost to Pakatan - have more representatives in the federal cabinet.

In a latest development, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) leader Yong Teck Lee, a former chief minister, said today that none of its two MPs would defect for now.

However, he did not discount the possibility of crossovers after August.

Sarawak leaders less vocal

Although Sarawak leaders have been less vocal, they appear to be no less unhappy with Kuala Lumpur. Despite contributing 30 parliamentary seats to the federal BN's tally in the general election, they feel that they have not been given a fair share of cabinet representation.

“This is clearly a ‘big brother’ attitude, taking the best for themselves and leaving the crumbs to others,” noted a political observer.

Another analyst pointed to the way the Election Commission has listed the political parties in the table of election results. In spite of severe losses, the MCA and MIC are placed second and third after Umno.

The analyst said that the right order should be: Umno (79 seats), MCA (15), PBB (14), SUPP (6), PRS (6), SPDP (4), UPKO (4), MIC(3), PBS(3), SAPP (2), Gerakan (2), LDP (1) and PBRS (1).

The BN won 140 seats, while opposition parties improved their performance with an unprecedented 82 seats.

SAPP gives Barisan an ultimatum - The Star

2008-05-13T18:04:00.001+08:00

SAPP gives Barisan an ultimatum

KUALA LUMPUR: May 13, 2008 By ELIZABETH LOOI

SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee has given Barisan Nasional until August to resolve the issues in Sabah.

After August, there will be no guarantee that SAPP members will remain in Barisan, he said.

He however said the 16 Sabah MPs, who were speculated to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat on Wednesday, were not from SAPP.

He added that this did not mean Barisan leaders should rule out the possibility that his members could leave the coalition in the near future.

He said now is the time for Sabah to demand requests from the Federal Government.

"This is the best time for Sabah but it is also the most important time for Barisan to do something for Sabah because if we do not do something, Sabah will be returned to its subservient role after August as September is the fasting month, October is the Hari Raya festivities and December is when the Umno general election will be held.

"If nothing happens, an explosion will happen in January, where the Opposition will come into play," he told reporters Tuesday in the Parliament lobby here.

Asked if he was approached by Pakatan Rakyat or the party’s de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said it was not necessary to be approached as Anwar had already announced an attractive offer during the election campaign.

"Anwar is clearly a factor, the announcement of Sabah getting 20% of oil royalties means we will get RM2bil a year," he said.

Yong also said the real issue in Sabah was not whether the Barisan MPs would cross over but the actual problems that Sabah had been facing.

"A crossover only concerns the central Government because it is worried about its own stability," he said.

He also said if nothing happens until next January, Barisan leaders would "come after those Sabah MPs who are speaking up now."

Earlier, Yong met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and requested that he resolve the issues in Sabah.

He said Abdullah was concerned and said that the Government would look into the issues.

Yong also said the issues such as illegal immigrants and cooking oil subsidies were not new but Barisan had not been doing anything to help them.

Citing the example of the Cooking Oil Subsidy Scheme, he said it was not fair for the Government to force Sabah palm oil planters to bear the subsidies since June 2007, when cooking oil is consumed by the whole country.

"Sabah planters made up two-thirds of the numbers in the country so basically they are paying two-thirds of the subsidies.

"We have raised this issue but the Government kept saying they will look into it and they have been looking into the issue for 11 months already," he said.

PKR came a-courting, say Sabah MPs - The Star

2008-05-13T09:04:00.000+08:00

PKR came a-courting, say Sabah MPs

May 13, 2008

SEVERAL Sabah MPs have been approached – directly or indirectly – to cross over, Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong said.

Admitting that he had been approached by PKR, the second-term MP said democracy allowed the “freedom of affiliation”.

“It is a pressure cooker. We are listening to feedback from the ground and we are in the middle of the people and the Federal (Government).

“We are all adults and it is nothing wrong for other people to come and talk to you,” he said, adding that he knew of a few other Sabah MPs who had also been approached by the Opposition.

Asked if he was considering the offer, he said he had not seen PKR’s manifesto but said he was interested in knowing the Opposition's position regarding Sabah folk.

“I stood against an independent candidate and not PKR so I have not seen their manifesto. I am more concerned about what they can offer the people of Sabah,” he said.

Former deputy minister Datuk Anifah Aman declined to say if he had been approached.

“I am still very much an Umno man. I have not talked to anybody and I have my own mind,” said the Kimanis MP.

Backbencher’s Club deputy chairman and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said he was approached some time ago.

But he said he had not given it a second thought.

“What for? Barisan is still strong. Crossing over will erode the people's trust in the MP,” he said.

Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric E. Majimbun said many Barisan MPs from Sabah and Sarawak were frustrated that the coalition leaders did not trust their loyalty to Barisan Nasional.

“We used to be the back-up parties that supported Barisan but now we are the ones who helped them form the government with a simple majority.

“And now, they are trying to show their appreciation by investigating us just because there is talk about MPs crossing over. Is this the way to thank us?” he asked.

Datuk Dr Marcos Mojigoh (BN - Putatan) said there was no such thing as crossing over.

“Basically, we behave like the Opposition at times. The intention of the Government to help the people is sincere but the implementation is the problem.

“We are questioning the delivery system. It is also a reminder to Barisan not to be too arrogant. You have to be fair to all,” he said.

Sabah MPs: Don't brush us aside - The Star

2008-05-13T09:03:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: May 13, 2008

Sabah Barisan Nasional politicians became the focus of attention yesterday as they continued to claim that the Federal Government is not giving enough attention to the state.

Their statements come in light of speculation that some of their numbers are being courted by Pakatan Rakyat.

> Umno’s Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh called on the Prime Minister to reshuffle the Cabinet by the end of the year to include Sabah MPs in key ministerial posts. He said there would be serious implications in the next general election if nothing was done.

> PBS’ Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong admitted that he and several others had been approached by PKR and that he felt as if he was in a pressure cooker.

> Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said the MPs were not being disloyal to Barisan Nasional but were just raising the sentiments of the people.

Dewan Rakyat: MP calls for Cabinet reshuffle - The Star

2008-05-12T16:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: May 12, 2008 By LEE YUK PENG

Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Gapur Salleh has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to reshuffle the Cabinet to give Sabahan MPs key ministerial posts by the end of the year.

He also asked for an increase of oil royalty from 5% to 20% so that the RM500mil allocation would be increased to RM2bil and a lot of problems could be solved with that fund, he said.

"We can solve the problems ourselves with that big chunk of money,'' he said while debating at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

At the Parliament lobby, when asked whether he would leave Barisan Nasional to join another party, Ghapur said no. “If we can solve the problem from within, why should we look outside?" he said.

He also denied meeting with Parti Keadilan Rakyat de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ghapur, who resigned from the Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister post few days after the Cabinet line-up was announced, said it was an insult to Sabahan MPs to be given a total of three ministerial posts while it was Sabah and Sarawak MPs who helped Barisan secure simple majority to win in the recent polls.

"They are tasked to look after museum (referring to Datuk Shafie Apdal and technology (referring to Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili) and one in the Prime Minister's Department (Tan Sri Bernard Dompok).

"These are not important Cabinet posts.

"I dared not take up the post of the deputy minister. People in Sabah are not happy with the allocation,'' he said, adding that Barisan should be fair in allocating the number of ministers from each state.

"One state has seven ministers (referring to Johor), another state lost its state government and yet has four ministers (referring to Selangor).''

Throughout the speech, Ghapur highlighted the discrimination between the peninsula and Sabah right from the allocation to infrastructure, education to tourism and others.

"Where is keadilan (justice) here,'' he asked, to which many Keadilan MPs waved at him and said "we are here."

When Ghapur finished his speech, it was lunch break and he was surrounded by Opposition MPs who wanted to shake his hand.

Over 30 Barisan MPs have decided to cross over, says PKR Sabah chief - The Star

2008-05-12T10:09:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 12, 2008

Parti Keadilan Rakyat is in “real” discussions with Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament (MPs) to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.

“The discussions are on. They are very real. Over 30 Barisan MPs have decided to join the opposition coalition. The opposition only need 30 more MPs from Barisan to form the federal government. It is only a matter of time,” said PKR Sabah liasion chief Ansari Abdullah.

He dismissed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s claim that PKR was only playing politics with their statements about Barisan MPs ready to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat.

“At this very moment, there are Barisan MPs in discussion with our leaders in Kuala Lumpur and some have also talked to me,” Ansari told reporters here yesterday.

He said that Najib’s claims that PKR statements was just a political gimmick was his own reading, unlike former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who had a better understanding of the political situation in the country.

On the issue of DAP chairman Karpal Singh questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan, Ansari said it was impolite to raise the matter.

However, he asked why no action was taken against Umno leaders who questioned the Perlis and Terengganu rulers during the confusion before the appointments of their respective Mentris Besar.

“If they want to take action, they should also act against those Umno leaders who publicly voiced their unhappiness over the Rulers’ decisions,” he said, adding that Karpal, who should not have voiced it publicly, was only discussing the powers on points of law.

Sabah Govt seeking federal committee to study requests made to PM - NST

2008-05-09T18:45:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU, Fri: May 9, 2008 By Joniston Bangkuai

The Sabah Government wants a federal-level committee to be set up to study the requests made to the prime minister by Sabah Barisan Nasional component parties.

Deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said such a committee is crucial to ensure all requests are given due attention and consideration.

Leaders of state BN component parties had made certain requests during separate meetings with Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi early last month.
Pairin said Sabah is not making demands, but merely a request based on the aspirations of the people and the needs of the state.

He said one could refer to the recent speech in parliament by Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman who spoke about the feelings and aspirations of the people of Sabah.

"We know the federal leadership are wise enough to consider the content of the request," said Pairin, the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president.

On the opposition's claim that some MPs in Sabah would be joining Pakatan Rakyat soon, Pairin said it is not surprising.

He recalled that in 1994 Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan had made similar efforts to bring down the then PBS state government.

"We can see that PKR have their own agenda - one wants to become prime minister and the other one chief minister," Pairin said.

Nevertheless, he said, the BN does not see it as a trivial matter, but something important that needs immediate attention and a solution.

Lajim disgrees with Anifah's defection view - NST

2008-05-09T18:40:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA, Fri: May 9, 2008 By Deborah Loh

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukim does not agree with fellow Sabah MP Datuk Anifah Aman’s acceptance of political crossovers.

“I do not agree. That is his personal view,” Lajim said of Anifah’s remarks in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday that there was “no harm” for Barisan Nasional MPs to join Pakatan Rakyat.

Anifah, the MP for Kimanis, had said that there may be “a handful who may want to move” and added that crossing over of politicians was not as serious compared to the millions of voters who had chosen the opposition in the five states the BN lost.

Anifah also said he was against an anti-hopping law. He then stressed that his remarks did not mean he was planning to cross over.

Lajim, the MP for Beaufort and also its Umno division chief, said he did not know if other Sabah MPs had discussed Anifah’s remarks.

He said he did not know if the threat of crossovers was as Anifah had said it was.

Lajim was speaking to reporters after launching the ministry’s “Zero Fatality Vision” and a road safety campaign at Dataran Putra here yesterday.

He was appointed to fill the deputy transport minister post after Anifah declined it.

Anifah’s statement manifestation of what needs to be done in Sabah, says Ghani - NST

2008-05-08T17:49:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA, Thurs: May 8, 2008

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman has described the statement by Sabah backbencher, Kimanis Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Anifah Aman as a manifestation of what needs to be done to meet the expectations of Sabahans.

Anifah was quoted as saying in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that there was no harm in Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs in Sabah defecting to the opposition.

He said this during the debate on the royal address after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datoh) asked him if Sabah backbenchers were tempted to cross over to the opposition.

In response to Anifah’s statement, Abdul Ghani who is also Johor Umno chief and Mentri Besar, said: “I think he is speaking on behalf of the people of Sabah on the need to fulfil the expectations of the people of Sabah.

“That is more important to me and I interpret what he said. Of course (for) Sabah, (there is) a lot more that needs to be done in the state.

“I think it (Anifah’s statement) is more of a manifestation of what more needs to be done for the people of Sabah,” he told reporters after a signing ceremony between the Employees Providend Fund (EPF) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADBC) on the purchase of EPF’s 25 percent stake in RHB Capital, here today

State Barisan leaders want more autonomy and Cabinet positions - The Star

2008-05-08T14:36:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: March 30, 2008 By MUGUNTAN VANAR

Barisan Nasional leaders in Sabah feel they have delivered the seats to the party. Now, it's time to collect.

Sabah and Sarawak hold 54 of the 140 seats Barisan won in the general election and the Sabah MPs now want a bigger say.

They are likely to ask for more political autonomy and an increase in political representation in the Federal Government when they meet the Prime Minister soon.

The planned meeting between Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sabah's Barisan leaders has been touted as “an unprecedented chance” to start a new chapter in the relationship between the East Malaysian state and Peninsular Malaysia.

Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee described Abdullah’s planned dialogues with Sabah assemblymen and MPs as a “great idea”.

He added that the talks could open a new chapter in Sabah’s participation in the national mainstream political scenario.

“We have to go beyond the recent election manifesto and the usual ‘let’s work together’ talk,” he said, adding that the focus should be on summing up the most urgent and serious issues affecting the state and press for urgent implementation.

“For a start, political autonomy should be enhanced so that Sabah can manage its own affairs,

“At the same time, Sabah needs increased representation at the federal mainstream, be it political (Cabinet), administrative (civil service) or the economic and social aspects of the country,” he added.

Sabah Barisan secretary Datuk Karim Bujang hopes that Abdullah will be able to see a lot of things from the ground during his dialogue.

“We hope he gets a clearer picture of what Sabah’s people are really thinking of.”

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said a consensus on the priorities of Sabah would be more efficiently conveyed if the state Barisan holds a meeting before the dialogue.

Sabah Umno assistant secretary Datuk Masidi Manjun said an interactive dialogue was a good opportunity for the state leaders to put through their thoughts on what exactly Sabah wants in the current political scenario.

“We are not pushy but at the same time we want the Prime Minister to hear us out,” he added.

Although the Chief Minister’s Department said they have yet to be informed when Abdullah will be in Sabah, they expect it anytime.

Even as the state leaders are planning for talks with the Prime Minister, six other Sabah Umno leaders met with the Prime Minister in Putrajaya yesterday to discuss grassroots feelings in the state.

The Umno leaders, including two MPs and an assemblyman, were invited for a breakfast meeting.

They were Datuk Ghapur Salleh, who resigned as deputy minister of natural resources and environment, Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Raden and Pantai Manis assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, who was dropped as state agriculture minister from the Cabinet of Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman.

The others were former Kota Belud MP Datuk Salleh Tun Said, who is also president of United Sabah Bajau Organisation (Usbo), and former Tempasuk assemblyman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, who is Usbo secretary-general, as well as dropped MP Datuk Sr Yusof Yacob. The three of them were not fielded in the recent general election.

All were reluctant to discuss what transpired during the discussion.

It is understood that the Prime Minister was interested in finding out the feelings on the ground and if there was a sense of restlessness among Sabah Barisan leaders and coalition supporters.

Rahim, the Papar Umno division chief, said: “It was like a father-and-sons meeting. We just discussed the current situation.”

Ghapur, meanwhile, said he explained his reasons for his resignation and they discussed the current political situation in general.

Ghapur resigned from Abdullah’s line-up eight days after taking up his appointment while Musa’s brother Datuk Anifah Aman, the MP for Kimanis, rejected outright the deputy transport minister portfolio.

Following Ghapur’s resignation and Anifah’s rejection of the appointment, there have been calls for bigger representation in the Cabinet with more key and full minister portfolios for Sabah leaders.

Others who have called for better representation in the Federal Government were SAPP president Yong and Upko chief Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

Dompok, a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said there was a need for more serious reflection of the mandate of the people of Sabah for the Barisan.

MPs from Sabah and Sarawak warn Government of the ‘consequences’ - The Star

2008-05-08T14:34:00.001+08:00

May 8, 2008

PARLIAMENTARIANS from Sabah and Sarawak joined the growing chorus reminding the Federal Government of its previous promises to the rakyat.

Former Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Anifah Aman (BN - Kimanis)and the outspoken Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN - Kinabatangan)warned of the “consequences” of any failure by the Government to make good its promises.

"Please fulfil your promises so we can also fulfil ours" - DATUK ANIFAH AMAN
Debating on the motion of thanks on the royal address, Anifah said talk of MPs from Sabah switching allegiance to Pakatan Rakyat could be equated to “moving house.”

“What’s the point of moving to a terrace house if one is already living in a bungalow? However, for some of us, there seems to be no pleasure in living in this bungalow. What’s the point of living in a bungalow if one has to sleep beside the toilet?

“Only a few groups living in the bungalow seem to enjoy the benefits,” he said, adding that there were some prominent leaders from Peninsula Malaysia who thought they knew Sabah when they had only been to Kota Kinabalu.

“They ignore the opinions of people like us who have spent time serving our people deep in the interior areas,” he said.

Anifah said he also agreed with a suggestion from Datuk Eric E.Majimbun (BN-Sepanggar) that a ministry be specially set up for Sabah and Sarawak.

“One after another, the promises have been given to us but these have never been fulfilled. Please fulfil your promises so we can also fulfil ours,” he pleaded, adding that despite having been in Malaysia for so long, there were still outstanding problems in the state and that Sabahans were not interested in mere rhetoric or development plans that were confined to books.

Anifah, who turned down a post in this Cabinet, said it was also important to study the reasons why MPs switched parties.

“It’s not important that MPs ‘jump’, what’s important is that our rakyat should also not ‘jump’ in the process,” he said, adding that Sabahan MPs had to voice their grouses so that their voters would not turn against them.

Bung Mokhtar said if the Federal Government could provide basic necessities like water and electricity to the interior areas in Sabah, the voters there were clever enough to decide which party to vote for.

“Backbenchers demand what has been promised to the people. We ‘correct’ the governance. The Government has to take this warning before it is too late,” he said.

Nancy Shukri (BN - Batang Sadong) said although Sarawak was grateful for all that the Barisan Nasional Government had done for the people, “there was still a lot of work.”

Anifah Expounds Feelings Of Sabah People

2008-05-08T08:07:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama)

Kimanis Member of Parliament Datuk Anifah Aman said Wednesday Sabah elected representatives were looked upon with suspicion for raising the grievances of the people of the state which he claimed had been marginalised for a long time from mainstream development.

"When we voice the people's aspirations, it does not mean that we oppose the government. When we use strong words, it does not mean that we want to switch political parties. "What we want to inform this House is that the people of Sabah did not switch camps like those in the five states in the peninsula," he said when speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat.

However, he said, it was not wrong to switch parties or "vacate a bungalow and move in to a terrace house if we are not given sufficient room in the bungalow".

"Let it be, even if it were a terrace house. We will all enjoy the same facilities. Even when we live in a bungalow, we still sleep by the toilet," he said.

The "bungalow, terrace house" phrase was used by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier when he asked Anifah, who had declined the post of deputy transport minister, whether he agreed that it was pointless to move out of a bungalow, meaning the Barisan Nasional (BN), and move in to a terrace house, in reference to the opposition alliance.

"I agree. What's the use of switching from a big house to a small house? But, if there is no room for us in the big house, what's wrong with it (moving to a small house)?

"Therefore, certain people must take the appropriate action because we have contributed many seats (in the elections) for many terms. Do not marginalise us," Anifah said.

He also said that he could not understand why Sabah elected representatives were targeted when the issue of party crossovers were raised by the opposition and the BN.

"We are only a handful of people in Sabah. Why the concern when a few people want to cross over when, in the peninsula, tens of thousands of people in the five states have switched camps?" he said.

He said: "Before the opposition gets excited, I myself have no intention to cross over."

In jest, Anifah asked the House to ask the crossover specialist. The statement prompted Datuk Ibrahim Ali (IND-Pasir Mas) to stand and voice his dissatisfaction for often being referred to as "the frog prince" for whom switching parties was nothing new.

The issue of crossovers was raised by Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) who asked whether the Kimanis MP had received a report on the Sabah BN MPs who wanted to join the Opposition.

(Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reportedly said that several BN elected representatives in Sabah would join the Opposition, thus enabling the Opposition to form the federal government.)

Anifah said during the debate he disagreed with the proposal to introduce an anti-party hopping law because it would portray Malaysia as a police state.

"If a party leader deviates from the objective, do we want to sacrifice the people's interests to support that leader?" he said.

Anifah, who had been deputy minister of plantation industries and commodities for two terms prior to the March 8 general election, raised several issues related to the welfare of the people of Sabah.

These included their involvement in decision-making levels at the federal level, the returns to the state government from government-linked companies utilising resources in Sabah, oil royalty, and infrastructure facilities for the people.

He said there were MPs from the peninsula who did not really understand the Sabah people and drew conclusions based on their visits to cities such as Kota Kinabalu.

"We elected representatives go down to the ground in our constituencies every week and tackle the people's problems. Only we know the real situation. We have been independent for more than 40 years but our children still walk for miles and in the mud to get to school.

"I know that it will take time to tackle all these issues but I hope that they can be resolved before the next general election," he said.

MP WRITES: Striving to make Tawau productive - NST

2008-05-07T22:55:00.000+08:00

Datuk Chua Soon Bui (BN- Tawau)

MY beautiful Tawau is tainted with social problems.

It feels good to be back in a bigger and more exciting Parliament as the representative for Tawau, but I realise that my job goes beyond debating development plans for the third largest town in Sabah.

While I am all geared up to focus on national issues such as corruption and the delivery system, I am very worried about the illegal immigrants in my constituency.

They are the main cause of high crime rates and health problems like tuberculosis and AIDS.

Many children are stateless in Tawau because of marriages between locals and illegal immigrants.

I need to boldly voice my views to stop the problem, and this can range from pushing for an identity for stateless people or amending the law to prevent illegal immigrants.

At the same time, I want Tawau to be recognised as a food production zone. We have large tracts of land that can be used to plant crops or set up food production industries.

The government can promote Tawau's renowned Noni fruit powder, that is known as a powerful anti-oxidant, or market palm honey as a natural sweetener.

This will boost Tawau's exports because the supply is increased to meet the demand.

We all love chocolates, but how many people know that Tawau can serve as the country's cocoa haven?

I want to use our cocoa industry to sell Tawau as a major tourist attraction.

We also have a lot of oil palm products that can be developed as an alternative energy source, instead of having coal-powered plants that damage the environment.

As a woman MP, I will also play my part to raise awareness on women rights and continue to push for gender equality at all levels.

Sabah: Komponen baru sertai Pakatan Rakyat? - Malaysiakini

2008-05-07T19:48:00.001+08:00

May 7, 08 5:26pm

Pakatan Rakyat dijangka mempunyai komponen baru dari Sabah, dan ini menguatkan lagi desas-desus bahawa ia cuba menarik ahli parlimen Barisan Nasional (BN) menyertai mereka.

Selain daripada PKR, DAP dan PAS, kata naib presiden PKR, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, komponen-komponen baru dijangka menyertai Pakatan Rakyat Sabah.

Menurut laporan Bernama, beliau berkata, Pakatan Rakyat Sabah akan dibentuk tidak lama lagi untuk membentuk kumpulan pembangkang secara rasmi dan menyelaraskan aktivitinya di negeri itu.

Dalam pilihanraya umum 8 Mac lalu, Pakatan memenangi satu kerusi negeri dan satu kerusi parlimen - kedua-duanya dimenangi oleh calon DAP.

Manakala di Semenanjung, Pakatan menguasai lima negeri di Semenanjung - Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor dan Kelantan.

"Jika pembangkang berharap untuk menang dan memerintah negeri ini di masa depan, ia perlu mula merancang dan bekerjasama mulai sekarang.

"Kami tidak boleh berpecah dan bersaing sesama sendiri sepertimana pada pilihan raya umum lepas, kerana kami hanya ada satu parti untuk dilawan, kerajaan BN," katanya dalam kenyataan hari ini.

Sebaik sahaja Pakatan Rakyat dibentuk secara rasminya di Sabah, wakil rakyatnya akan mendapat maklumat penuh dan sokongan penyelidikan untuk memastikan ahlinya menjalankan tugas mereka secara professional dalam Dewan Undangan Negeri dan Parlimen, katanya.

Opposition to set up Pakatan Rakyat in Sabah - The Star

2008-05-07T19:20:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: May 7, 2008

Sabah's opposition parties are coming together under the Pakatan Rakyat umbrella by establishing the state chapter of the opposition grouping.

PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the setting up of the Pakatan Rakyat Sabah (PRS) would enable opposition parties here to coordinate their activities.

"If the Opposition hopes to win and rule the state in the future, it must begin to plan and work together now.

"We cannot afford to be split and in competition among ourselves, like in the last elections, as we have one common opponent, the Barisan Nasional," he said Wednesday.

He said Pakatan Rakyat Sabah would among others formalise cooperation among the Opposition parties in Sabah and outline its common vision and policies for Sabah.

Dr Jeffrey said the grouping would also adopt, coordinate and implement policies formalised by Pakatan Rakyat in the peninsula.

He said the umbrella grouping would also discuss plans and strategies for the next general elections and share responsibilities on issues against the current administration.

Once the Pakatan Rakyat is formalised in Sabah, its elected representatives will have full information and research backing to ensure its members act like professionals in the Assembly or Parliament.