'Respect what we enjoyed since long ago'

Kota Kinabalu: A Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) backbencher on Wednesday rallied behind in support of Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) over the "Allah" issue, saying the religious freedom enjoyed in this country should be respected by all in line with the 1Malaysia concept.
Ranau MP, Datuk Siringan Gubat, said in Sabah the 1Malaysia concept developed a long time ago, even in matters related to religion, including the use of the word "Allah".
He said the word was widely used by followers of Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB), a large Christian denomination, since before independence and there was no problem.
Many SIB followers use the Bahasa Melayu translated word of God that is "Allah Bapa" in their prayers, he said.
"Most of us in Sabah have family members who are of different religions.
I have so many Muslims in my own family, especially in Ranau and other places as far as in Kuala Lumpur.
"One of them is even married to an Ustaz in the peninsulaÉand we do not have any problem," he said.
"So we have to respect what we have already enjoyed since long time ago.
It is just unfortunate that this suddenly became an issue in the country last year," said Siringan who is also Upko Vice President.
Dompok, who is Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister and Upko President, on Tuesday said everyone should respect and give full freedom to the court to carry out its responsibility over the use of "Allah" in the Catholic church's weekly publication, the Herald.
He said some of the comments and reactions with regard to the decision by the High Court on Dec 31 in Kuala Lumpur is not helping the effort to strengthen unity and relations between races in the country.
MCA said the High Court ruling in allowing Herald to use the word "Allah" in its publication is a matter of law and should be maintained.
Its spokesman and political education bureau chairman Gan Ping Sieu claimed it was a historical fact that the term "Allah" predates Islam, with Arab Christians in the countries like Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Yemen referring to God as "Allah".
The High Court ruling is a matter of law in upholding the rights of Malaysians as provided by the Federal Constitution, and hence should be maintained as that and should not be stirred into a religious debate nor politicised as a racial or religious issue

Church damaged in midnight fire

KUALA LUMPUR: The Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati here was damaged after a group of youths threw flammable materials into the ground floor of the church located in a shoplot.
No one was injured in the incident as the church was empty at that time.
It was believed the incident, which occurred at about 12.30am, happened after a group of youths on motorcycles rode up to the church, smashed the glass panels on the ground floor of the three-storey building and later threw some materials into the building that started a fire.
Church lay leader Rtd Major Peter Yeow, 62, said witnesses were not near enough to get a closer look at the youths who sped away after the act.
The witnesses then called the police as well as the Fire and Rescue Department, which arrived within minutes and doused the fire.
City CID chief SAC 11 Datuk Ku Chin Wah confirmed the incident.
It is believed that a molotov cocktail was thrown into the church.
SAC Ku said the police were investigating the incident from all angles.

FSM recognises Musa as Father of Development and Progress

Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM) recognises Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman as the Father of Sabah's Development and Progress.
The recognition was fitting because of the Chief Minister's far-sightedness in bringing development and progress to the State, said its President, Datuk Wong Ken Thau.
The Chief Minister had brought tremendous development to Sabah, said Wong in his speech at the FSM's 26th Annual Dinner at Ocean Seafood Village Restaurant, here, Friday.
Supporting the recognition and concurring with FSM were the Federation of Sabah Chinese Associations President, Datuk Sari Nuar, and Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce President, Datuk Kenneth Yen.
Meanwhile, FSM would be forming a state logistics council with the aim to bring down the cost of conducting business in Sabah and spur industrial growth.
It would study the logistics of operating businesses in Sabah through a more focused and holistic manner by firstly identifying gaps that prevent efficiency and eventually seeking solution to close such gaps, he said.
He said the council would comprise captains of industries, trade associations and relevant government ministries and departments.
"The setting up of the council aims to complement the Government's effort in helping Sabah bring down the cost of doing business and to spur industrial growth," he said.
Wong said one of FSM's main agendas was to address the high cost of conducting business in Sabah, which had become an issue plaguing the industry for decades.
High shipping charges was a contributor to the high cost of production in the State and, therefore, Sabah welcomed the announcement by the Transport Ministry over the partial liberalisation of shipping routes for container cargoes between the peninsula and East Malaysia, he said.
Wong said FSM believed the positive impact of the move that took effect on June 3 this year would be felt in the long run.
FSM also urged the Government to further improve and upgrade the Sepanggar Bay Container Port in order to meet the criteria for hub seaport status.
Wong said with more economic activities, it meant Sabah would have more opportunities for its products to be marketed at a competitive price both locally and internationally.

Woman on way to deliver killed in crash

Penampang: A 27-year-old mother-to-be died in an accident along Jalan Petagas, early Saturday, while on her way to deliver her first child at Likas Hospital.
Masnih Manan, the eldest in the family, was travelling in a Perodua Kancil with three other family members when the tragedy occurred around 3am.
The three were her brother-cum-driver Hamdan Manan, 26, his wife Rina Murnni Abdullah, 26 and the deceased's mother Jernih Awang Raya, 58.
District Police Chief, DSP Madang Usat, said Masnih was sitting on the front passenger seat when another car suddenly entered their lane.
"They were heading to the hospital then. When they reached the Petronas gas station in Petagas, their car collided with a Four Wheel Drive," he said, Saturday.
He said the driver of the Toyota Prado was heading to Lok Kawi road from Lintas when he lost control of his vehicle.
"He skidded and landed on the other side of the road where the victim's car was travelling causing them to ram into each other," he said.
The impact caused serious damage to the Perodua Kancil, causing all four passengers, including the driver, to suffer serious injuries.
District Rescue and Fire team was deployed to the scene to help pull out the trapped victims. The driver, his wife and their mother suffered broken legs and were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
Masnih died on the spot and was rushed to the hospital for post mortem to save her baby girl but was pronounced dead.
Madang advised road users to take extra precaution when on the road.
"This is very serious. Road users need to be very careful as accidents can happen in a split second. Take care of the your safety, your family and other people," he said.

RM8b tourism revenue goal

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government aims to double tourism receipts under the 10th Malaysia Plan (1011-2015) to RM8 billion and increase arrivals to 3.55 million (2.2 million domestic and 1.35 million international visitors).
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said his Ministry in the meantime had set a target of RM4 billion in tourism receipts and 2.3 million tourist arrivals for next year, as outlined in the State budget.
"These numbers are achievable but they would definitely be far-reached and out-of-sight if we do not put our house in order. It is shared responsibility," he said at the sixth Sabah Tourism Awards ceremony at Magellan Sutera, Saturday.
According to him, the task required three major requirements - namely on the stake holders' side to enhance human resource development throughout the industry, service quality (much more than a smile on the face) and on the Government's part to continue providing basic infrastructure.
He assured that the Government would take continuous effort to improve basic infrastructure in order to facilitate, stimulate and encourage the development of new tourism products and attractions, as identified for the 10MP and under Sabah Development Corridor.
"My Ministry is committed to make it happen to work closely with the relevant ministries and agencies both Federal and State, especially with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia," he said.
"We are partners and stake holders. We have a common goal - to fill the aircrafts, the hotels, tour coaches, tour boats, restaurants and sites with paying passengers and visitors," he said.
More than 34 awards were presented to the various tourism players such as hotels, restaurants, tourist guides, tour operators and individuals in the glittering biennial awards night that was emceed by Gan Poh Tiau and Daphne Iking.
Two individuals who had contributed immensely to the tourism sector in Sabah were honoured with the Minister Special Awards, with the citation read by Masidi himself. The recipients were Lynette Silver and Dr Michael Patrick Chong.
Lynette is noted for her work in promoting Sabah and the sacrifice of Australian soldiers in World War Two through her research on the Death Walk March and recently The Last Camp Site, also announced in her acceptance speech that the Australian Government would be contributing RM120,000 to the development of the The Last Camp Site.
Dr Chong, a dentist, had produced a coffeetable book on Sabah and films on Sabah's pygmy elephants, among others. Masidi accompanied by his Assistant Datuk Bolkiah Ismail and Sabah Tourism Chairman, Datuk Tengku Adlin also presented Special Appreciation Awards to three locals for their contribution in the promotion of culture of Sabah.
They were Hajah Pandian Sulaiman, 59, from Kota Belud, Nonjiring Mantuku, 49 from Kudat and Nasiradi Abdullah, 67 from Sandakan.
Also receiving the Special Appreciation Awards were the airlines companies servicing Sabah namely, Malaysia Airlines, Maswings, Royal Brunei, Jet Star Asia, Air Asia, Silk Air, Korean Air, Asiana, Dragon Air and Cebu Pacific.
The best 5-Star hotel award was won by Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, while the 2-star and below award went to Grace Hotel, Lahad Datu.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley defended the Nature Lodge Award category it won in 2007 while Miso Walai Homestay won the Homestay category.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge also won the Best Tourism Attraction Award with its Canopy Walkway, while the Best Tourism Attraction for non-nature went to KK Waterfront.
There were two winners for Best New Tour Package - Sandakan Death March Walking Tour, TYK Adventure Tours Sdn Bhd and the 4D3N Borneo Rainforest Lodge Package, Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd.
The Best Inbound Tour Operator was won by Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd, while the Best Overseas Operator were Hong Kong Wing On Travel Services Ltd (Hong Kong), Hong Thai Travel Services Ltd (Macau), H.I.S Co Ltd (Japan), Hanatour Service Inc (Korea), Richmond International Travel (Taiwan) and Infinity Holidays (Australia).
The Best Destination Management Company award went to Pacific World Destination East Sdn Bhd, while the Best Spa Experience Award went to the Ka'andaman Traditional Healing Garden (stand-alone) and The Spa Dalit Bay, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort (hotel/resort).
This year's award for the cleanest town for the City Hall and municipal councils category was won by Sandakan Municipal Council while the category for District Councils was won by Kuala Penyu.
Wisma Merdeka was adjudged the Best Shopping Complex in Sabah, while the best night spot experience award for stand-alone outlet category was won by the Cock & Bull Bistro KK, Waterfront and the category for hotel or resort went to Shenanigan's Fun Pub, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.
For the Best Food Outlet, Tepi Laut Makan Street, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort took the honour for the Best Restaurant category while Kak Nong Restaurant won for the Best Kopi Tiam category.
In the award for print and electronic media, the best tourism article was won by Jaswinder Kaur, Beverly Rodrigues (magazine), Yusuke Abe (article published overseas) and Francoise Fombertaux from Australian Broadcasting Corporation for Compass: Windows to Sandakan (television programme international).
Also honoured were tour guides, winning the Best General Tour Guide was Hajalima Lamasa while the Best Specialised Tour Guide Award went to Ben Duncan Angkee

DAP rep lodges counter report over Native Cert

Kota Kinabalu: Sri Tanjung Assemblyman Jimmy Wong has lodged a counter report, asking police to investigate the authenticity of the Native Certificate that he obtained about 30 years ago.
Speaking to reporters, Saturday, he said he read the Daily Express on Nov.
19 about a police report lodged against him by Sabah Umno Youth chief, Azman Roslan and Sabah Upko Youth chief, Arthur Sen, to investigate the Native Certificate in his possession.
Sekong Assemblyman Datuk Samsudin Yahya had earlier questioned Wong's eligibility to possess a Native Certificate during the proceedings of the recently-concluded Budget sitting.
"I therefore lodged the police report at 4.20pm at Karamunsing Police Station on Friday because I want the police to scrutinise the Native Certificate to see whether it is genuine or not," he said.
"If it is proven to be fake (and) so this involves a cheating case and falsifying of documents I must take this matter to the court because I have been cheated and as a result I was accused of cheating the public," he said.
He also clarified that he never asked that other Native Certificate holders be investigated when he was involved in an exchange of words with BN assemblymen in the State Assembly.
"My sentence was cut off because the microphone was switched off. What I said was that if you want to investigate me you should also investigate all those illegals who are holding blue ICs," he said.
Wong said he was also puzzled over why Samsudin raised his Native Certificate issue when he should be focussing on the Budget.
Wong said he obtained the certificate more than 30 years ago as "my mother's blood connection is Sino-Kadazan (through) my grandmother".
"And I never used it (Native Certificate) or abused it," he said, while claiming that the move to question his integrity in the State Assembly was politically-motivated.
On the special committee being set up to investigate him, Wong shot back, asking if the State Government ever set up a special committee to investigate illegal immigrants in the thousands who have MyKads in Sabah.
"They treat me worse than foreigners. I'm a Malaysian born in Sabah and I think this is an insult to the aspirations of the 1Malaysia concept coined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"Questioning the identity of local born people is not good for national unity. In fact, I was made to understand that there are Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, especially those at the divisional level, who originally came from neighbouring countries, and were brought up here after obtaining the MyKad, and this should be investigated," he added.
"Never mind, if I am the small fish being used to catch the big fish," he said.
"If I am dirty then I challengeÉis there any BN Assemblyman who is cleaner than me? I challenge them to declare their assets," he said, adding that despite being the only real elected opposition people's representative, "we are not here to be bullied".
Sabah DAP chief Dr Hiew King Cheu who was also at the Press conference said it was disappointing that the BN assemblymen chose the House to raise such issue instead of concentrating on the debate on the State 2010 Budget.
"This shows the quality of the BN assemblymen. I have asked many Sabahans about this and they tell me that this is nonsensical," he said.

Studies find Kaiduan suitable for dam

STUDIES funded by the Asian Development Bank in 1987 identified Kaiduan as a suitable site for the construction of the proposed RM2.8 billion dam.
Infrastructure Development Minister, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, said the study entitled "Second Sabah Water Supply Project" by the bank and the "Water Supply Resources Master Plan for Sabah" study in 1994 determined this.
However, while the mega project is still at a "site study" and "further investigation" phase, he said the company entrusted to carry out another feasibility study, WCT Berhad, must take into account all aspects, including its impact and effect on the social landscape, economy and the environment.
"My Ministry will also monitor the development of the study and ensure the negative effects would be minimised and that the project benefits the people, especially in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, Putatan and Papar, in particular," he said when winding up for his Ministry, Thursday.
According to him, initial study by WCT showed the present water supply would not be able to sustain demand in Kota Kinabalu and its immediate districts after 2010.
It is for this reason, he said, that the dam is proposed at Kaiduan to ensure water supply is adequate for KK, Tuaran, Penampang, Putatan and Papar until 2050.
He said the proposed Kaiduan Dam in Papar would only involve an area of 5.2 square kilometres.
"The number of villages affected is also only four and not eleven as reported in the mass media," he said, adding that the number of houses to be affected is only 22 units while the number of villagers expected to be relocated are between 250 and 300.
And if the project is implemented, Pairin assured that the affected villagers would be compensated and given titled land the size of the land acquired by the Government.
The villagers concerned would also be provided houses and basic amenities such as water and electricity supply and road infrastructure.
He said the number of consumers expected to benefit from the Second Phase Kota Kinabalu Water Supply Project is 1.1 million when the first phase of the project is completed by 2016.
To this end, he said the people in Sabah should emulate the spirit of cooperation displayed by the people in Sarawak to its Government for the sake of development in the State.
The Bakun Dam, he said, involved a water catchment area of 14,750 square kilometres with the submerged area being 696 square kilometres and the affected villagers numbering about 10,000.
Pairin said each time they make plans to construct a plant or water supply system in an area, his Ministry would take into consideration not only how to sustain the present water supply but also how to ensure water supply in the future.
He said the "under-utilised" Segaliud Water Treatment Plant would be able to cater to the demand in Sandakan until 2020.
"If we only build the plant to accommodate the present need then certainly the problem of water supply shortage in Sandakan would recur (in the future) and cause the people there to suffer again," he said.
As for water supply problems in Sukau, he said the treatment plant would be completed in March next year.
He said the water treatment plant would have the capacity to provide treated water to about 2,000 houses in Sukau district.
He said the Ministry is very concerned with water needs in rural areas, hence the inclusion of water supply projects under the Rural Water Supply Programme (BALB) under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).
The Tungku Water Treatment Plant, he said, has already been approved and would commence construction next year.
On severe water supply disruption at Jalan Abaka, Jalan Chester and Jalan Tanduk in Tawau, Pairin said the Water Department has identified the damage and was now in the process of repairing it.
"In the long term, the reticulation pipes in Bandar Tawau Lama would be replaced with new reticulation pipes," he said.
On Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Jimmy Wong's suggestion that the Government give the first 30 cubic metres of water free to consumers, he said the Selangor Government is able to do it because the water tariff for commercial and industrial consumers in Selangor is high.
He said due to this situation, the consumers there automatically would receive free "cross subsidised" water supply for the first 30 cubic metres.
"But the water tariff for domestic and commercial users in Sabah, they are charged a uniform rate of 90 sen per cubic metre," he said.
The tariff, he said, is much lower compared to the water tariff imposed in Selangor.
And if they were to give free water to the consumers, he said they would not be able to contribute to the State's revenue.
Pairin, nevertheless, said the water tariff in Sabah has not been reviewed since 1981.
"Maybe it is time that my Ministry review the water tariff because the cost of production and water supply has increased," he said.
On the issue of roads raised by the assemblymen, he said many of their requests would be listed under the 10MP.
On repairing bridges throughout Sabah, Pairin said a programme to strengthen the linking infrastructure is being implemented and expected to be completed in the 10MP.
He said of the RM386.22 million allocation to his Ministry for development expenditure, RM170.43 million would be allocated to the Public Works Department (PWD), RM172.37 million to the Water Department, RM19.09 million to the Sabah Railway Department and RM24.33 million to the Ports and Harbour Department.
Of the RM170.43 million allocated to the PWD, he said RM114.65 million would go towards road projects, RM21.34 million for bridge projects, RM28.35 million for sewerage projects and RM6.09 million for building projects.
He said his Ministry would be spending RM50 million to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) in Sabah.
It also would be spending RM1 million to build or upgrade water treatment plants, he said, adding that RM5.03 million is for pipe connection, RM3.85 million to upgrade the main, distribution and reticulation pipes, RM1.13 million to build, replace and upgrade water pumps, RM99.97 million to pay water concessionaires and RM11.59 million for emergency or unanticipated water supply programmes throughout the State.