The Kelantan Religious and Malay Customs Council president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz said the decision was taken as a measure to contain the spread of Covid-19. — Reuters pic
KOTA BARU, Nov 14 ― The Kelantan Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maik) has directed all surau and mosques in the state to suspend religious lectures from today until November 28.
Maik president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz said the decision was taken as a measure to contain the spread of Covid-19.
He said Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V, as the state religious head, had consented to the matter.
“Due to the increase in cases of late in the country, Kelantan included, Maik has decided to suspend all religious lectures, including al-Quran recital classes,” he said in a statement today.
Tengku Mohamad Rizam, who is also Tengku Temenggong Kelantan said the fardu (obligatory) and sunat (voluntary) prayers can be performed as usual according to the standard operating procedures issued by Maik. ― Bernama
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A general view of Medan 88, Salak Tinggi amid the enhanced movement control order November 12, 2020. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― Residents of Medan 88, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang, who have yet to return since the area was placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) last Wednesday are urged to surrender themselves immediately or be arrested by the police.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they should go home to undergo the Covid-19 screening test as a measure to break the virus infection.
“We do not care if they run away or are afraid to return (since Medan 88 was placed under EMCO), what is important is that they surrender and we will arrest the employers who conspired with them (taking the residents away).
“We want them to return so that we can do the Covid-19 screening test on them and determine their health status,” he said when met after appearing on Bernama TV talk show, Budget 2021: Empowering Defence, here last night.
He said this when asked on the Medan 88 residents who did not return home after the area was placed under EMCO.
“My concern is that, if they go to other places and spread the Covid-19 virus to other, then it will be more difficult to break the chain of the infection.
“Those who have returned (to Medan 88), Alhamdulillah, those who have not, don’t wait until you are arrested,” he added.
It was reported earlier that about 400 residents of Medan 88 did not return home after receiving information that the area would be placed under EMCO.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin said they would get information on the location of workers from Medan 88, who allegedly did not return to their respective home, from their employers and colleagues. ― Bernama
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Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing (right) says the Sarawak Coastguard is expected to operate next year. ― Picture by Sulok Tawie
KUCHING, Nov 14 ― The Sarawak Coastguard is expected to operate next year, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, he said that the Sarawak government has set up the Sarawak Coastguard to protect 788 kilometres of Sarawak coastline and RM90 million has been allocated in the State Budget 2020 to undertake various programmes and projects.
“The assets for Sarawak Coastguard include six interceptors, 51 newly recruited coastguards, and nine patrol boats. There will be several Coastguard headquarters and offices proposed under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said when updating the august House on the State Security and Enforcement Unit.
On matters of the State Service Modernisation Unit, Masing informed that in addressing the immediate needs for better services to the rural communities, the Sarawak government has taken the initiative to install new ‘Very Small Aperture Terminal’ (VSAT) at public areas.
“Under this initiative, the government will provide free internet connection to the public through the existing SarawakNet infrastructure using VSAT technology, where each site will be provided with 30 megabits per second (Mbps) bandwidth. As of now, a total of 3,069 devices have been registered under Phase I initiative comprising 20 villages in eight divisions. While for Phase II, 40 villages have been identified and will commence in November 2020,” he said.
He added that this initiative will provide better internet performance experience to the rural communities and subsequently will increase the take-up rate and bridge the digital divide between the rural and the urban areas.
Masing, who is Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister, also spoke about the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).
“In order to leverage on the digital economy for a quality and equitable connectivity, the Sarawak government has approved the implementation of 600 SMA rural telecommunication or SMART towers.
“To date, 202 of these towers have been completed providing connection to the rural areas, while the remaining towers will be installed in stages by 2022,” he said.
Touching on Fintech development, the minister said that Sarawak Pay, the first Sarawak government-owned Fintech platform, has now overtaken the likes of Touch and Go eWallet, Boost and GrabPay in terms of subscribers.
“In addition, the Sarawak government leveraged on Sarawak Pay to expeditiously channel the much needed aid to the micro businesses under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 2.0 programme within days. The Fintech platform provides the means for quick registration of those businesses previously not recorded so that they are not left out from the crucial aid,” he said.
Noting that Digital Economy eventually is to be driven by the private sector, Masing pointed out that the Sarawak government is investing heavily in ensuring that the private sector and the young innovators in Sarawak are given the necessary access and aid to digital economy with the establishment of seven digital innovation hubs covering Sarikei, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu and Sibu.
He added that another six innovation hubs are in the pipeline to be implemented in other divisions. ― Borneo Post
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PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing reiterated that he had no malicious intention against anyone especially to Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. ― Picture via Facebook
SIBU, Nov 14 ― Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing yesterday urged his critics not to jump to conclusion without looking at the big picture of what he brought up during his speech while debating the Supply Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.
He reiterated that he had no malicious intention against anyone especially to Health director-general (D-G) Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah should strive to check the facts of his full text of speech in parliament instead of relying on news reports which have been sensationalised based on a one-sided report from Democratic Action Party (DAP) Jelutong MP RSN Rayer’s antics in Parliament.
He also asked Abdul Karim to explain why he was so taken aback by his statements.
“As a member of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), who is considered a senior politician, he should understand the deeper issue before speaking.
“And if you truly feel all GPS members are part of the same family, then do me the courtesy of contacting me directly to understand the ins and outs of the matter before commenting,” Tiong said in a statement yesterday.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP said he disagreed with Abdul Karim’s statement that what he said in parliament should not come from the mouth of a Sarawakian MP and a GPS leader.
“As wakil rakyat, we must be courageous in voicing out for our grassroots. Aren’t we responsible to be the channel for their grievances and thoughts? Even though doing so may attract brickbats and censure from all corners, we should stand up and speak for the people instead of letting them be ignored ,” he said.
He also asked Abdul Karim what Dr Noor Hisham has done for Sarawak in terms of fighting the pandemic.
“Think of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that Sarawak had been severely lacking in the past, forcing frontliners to cut out plastic bags to become makeshift PPE and others need to buy their own PPE.
“This alone causes doubt in the effectiveness of the country’s fight against Covid-19, and questions still remain about whether the system is comprehensive enough to carry us through. Does Abdul Karim think these questions and doubts deserve to be addressed?” he asked.
Tiong, on the other hand, thanked Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing for reminding him of the improper use of words and supporting his views that the Health D-G must also personally understand the situation at the grassroots level and discuss strategies to combat the Covid-19 pademic with community leaders.
“I must reiterate yet again that I had in no way mean to offend our frontline personnel. In fact, I specifically noted their selfless dedication in fighting the pandemic. What I had pointed out is the personal accountability and responsibility of the Health D-G during this difficult period.
“These issues must be taken much more seriously, for the health and future of all Malaysians. There is zero reason to drag religion and ethnicity into this matter,” he said.
Tiong who is also Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, added that his concerns for the people were genuine as Covid-19 pandemic has devastated livelihood of the people throughout the country.
He said he only wanted Dr Noor Hisham to go to the ground often in order to understand how best to address the pandemic which has worsened.
He also asked Dr Noor Hisham why he had gone to Sabah in August when the cases were relatively low but not in the past few weeks when the cases have increased sharply.
“Surely there had been some extraordinary measures other than the usual precautions that could have been put in place to prevent this surge of cases recently,” he said.
Tiong reiterated that there was nothing wrong in asking Dr Noor Hisham to go down to the ground to see for himself the real problems and shortcomings faced by the frontliners.
“If you still do not understand, I would like to repeat it here again that I am not maligning you nor your reputation. Asking whether one is ‘takut mati’ should not be construed as pulling religion into the matter and neither should you. It is an entirely normal layperson term.
“In highlighting the weaknesses and shortcoming that the D-G must look into, I am merely doing my duty in presenting the sentiments of the frontliners and rakyat, who want and deserve some real answers,” Tiong added.
Meanwhile, Tiong said, he would not like to prolong the issue but instead hoped that everyone regardless of their political affiliations to stand united to fight Covid-19 pandemic. ― Borneo Post
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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is expected to receive six MD530G helicopters in stages beginning from June next year. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is expected to receive six MD530G helicopters in stages beginning from June next year, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Without providing further details, Ismail Sabri who is also Senior Defence Minister said, however, the assets would need to undergo evaluation test and meet MAF’s criteria before Malaysia proceeds to accept them.
“This is to find out whether the helicopters are suitable to become MAF’s asset or not.
“Today, a team has departed for the United States (US) to carry out the test before the helicopters are certified as MAF assets,” he said after appearing as the guest of Bernama TV’s programme Ruang Bicara: Budget 2021 at Wisma Bernama here, last night.
Ismail Sabri said another team would be sent to the US to carry out the certification process if the helicopters were suitable to become MAF’s asset.
Meanwhile, he said the Defence Ministry was in the process of applying to the Public Service Department to increase the number of MAF personnel, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. ― Bernama
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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says based on the Federal Constitution, matters relating to Islamic religious affairs are under the authority of the state and any decision has to be approved by the Sultan or Raja of the state. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 ― The permission to open a mosque and setting the number of congregation members is subject to the state’s authority and is not within the jurisdiction of the federal government, says Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said based on the Federal Constitution, matters relating to Islamic religious affairs are under the authority of the state and any decision has to be approved by the Sultan or Raja of the state.
“The National Security Council can develop the Standard Operating Procedures related to various fields but not for mosques.
“Any matters relating to the religion is under the authority of the state and must be approved by the Sultan of the respective state. We cannot (open the mosque completely) like Turkey because it must be based on the decision of the state,” he said when appearing as a guest on Ruang Bicara programme aired over Bernama TV here yesterday.
Ismail Sabri said this when asked about the size of the congregation allowed in mosques and whether the Turkish approach of allowing mosques to open despite the threat of Covid-19 can be implemented in Malaysia.
Commenting further, he said as an example on Islamic religious affairs, the approved number of congregation members in the Federal Territory depends on the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. ― Bernama
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Sarawak deputy chief minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan — Borneo Post Online pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan today gave the Dewan Undangan Negeri a litany of Pakatan Harapan (PH) failures in the short time that it held the Federal government, asserting that the coalition did not keep its promises to the people.
In his winding up speech today, he said: “PH was given the opportunity to govern the country for 22 months. Look at what happened. The value of our currency dropped, ‘bursa saham jatuh’ (stock market collapsed) and the confidence level among investors ‘hilang’ (lost).”
The Urban Development and Resources Minister said the then PH government had also cancelled projects that were previously approved for Sarawak.
He added that social welfare assistance for the people was trimmed, the fund to rebuild the homes of the poor reduced and the cancellation of the PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loan payment did not happen.
“There was no recognition of UEC (United Examinations Certificate of Chinese schools), unlike Sarawak which has recognised UEC. The promise of 20 per cent (oil and gas) royalties to Sarawak was not fulfilled, the promise of 50 per cent of tax revenue collected from Sarawak being given back to Sarawak was also an empty promise.
“All these have proven that Peninsula-based parties with PH are just ‘pembulak’ (liars). PH is actually a coalition that one cannot depend upon. As far as Sarawak is concerned, the PH government is merely a government that is good at cutting subsidies, cancelling projects and politicking,” he told the august House.
Awang Tengah pointed out that only Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) could safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak and to unite its people.
He said the constitutional amendment Bill passed yesterday, which lowered the qualifying age to be elected into the DUN and defined ‘resident in the state’ in the Sarawak Constitution, was a clear reflection of GPS’ desire to protect Sarawak.
“Indeed, it was disappointing that the opposition chose not to support the constitutional amendment bill. That shows their true colours.
“Fortunately, in Sarawak we have a stable government under the strong leadership of the chief minister to unite and guide us through this very challenging time, put us on the right path to economic recovery and propel Sarawak towards greater prosperity,” he added.
Awang Tengah pledged that GPS would always fight for the rights of Sarawak and the state’s ruling coalition had done so without fear.
He reminded all that GPS had won the battle on State Sales Tax (SST) against Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and the state had taken control of its onshore mining.
“GPS is a responsible government that has proven its sincerity and ability to govern Sarawak well. We have not gone bankrupt as claimed by the former PH minister. This has not happened and will not happen under GPS,” he said.
PH wrested the government from Barisan Nasional in the 2018 general election but collapsed in February this year when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as prime minister. — Borneo Post Online
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Medical personnel in personal protective equipment conduct swab tests at a kindergarten in George Town November 13, 2020. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 13 — About 150 students at a private kindergarten in George Town were swabbed on the premises today after a pupil and a teacher tested positive for Covid-19.
The pupils, aged between five and six years old, and their parents turned up at the kindergarten for the swab tests by Health Department personnel early this morning.
It is learnt that a pupil at the kindergarten tested positive for Covid-19 last week, followed by a teacher yesterday.
A source said the five-year-old child has not been to class since last Thursday.
He claimed that the kindergarten was not informed of its pupil’s positive result.
Meanwhile, swab tests are currently being conducted on workers at another factory in Bayan Lepas.
This comes as several workers at the factory tested positive for Covid-19.
This week, other factories in Bayan Lepas have also conducted swab tests on their workers in response to the Intan and Bayan Clusters.
Penang recorded 63 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 1,510.
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A man has been remanded for three days for investigations after he allegedly drove against traffic for 1.4km on the North-South Highway.― Picture by Hari Anggara
TAPAH, Nov 13 — A man has been remanded for three days for investigations after he allegedly drove against the traffic at KM355.4 on the north-bound side of the North-South Highway, near Bidor here, on Wednesday.
Tapah district police chief Supt Wan Azharuddin Wan Ismail said the 34-year-old suspect, a salesman in Port Klang, is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“The three-day remand order was granted by the Tapah Magistrate’s Court today,” he told Bernama when contacted.
The man was driving a Perodua Axia from Klang, Selangor to Bidor for Deepavali celebrations at about 6pm when he was said to have made a U-turn at the Sungkai exit on seeing a roadblock and then drove against the traffic for 1.4km on the highway.
Wan Azharuddin said a Toyota Rush and a trailer crashed while trying to avoid the Perodua Axia but no one was injured in the incident. — Bernama
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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attends the 37th Asean Summit via video conference in Kuala Lumpur November 12, 2020. — Picture via Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia respects India’s decision of not joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) but remains hopeful that the Asean Dialogue Partner country will join the trade pact in the future, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister, in his intervention at the 17th Asean-India Summit yesterday, expressed his appreciation for India’s active participation and valuable contributions in the RCEP negotiations and forming the RCEP Agreement.
India opted out from the RCEP negotiations in November 2019. With that, the RCEP, which is scheduled to be signed on the last day of the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings this Sunday, will include the 10 Member States of Asean as well as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Muhyiddin noted that Malaysia and Asean view India as an important and strategic partner and that trade between Asean and India have increased tremendously over the years.
He said in 2019, India was the sixth largest trading partner among Asean Dialogue Partners with total merchandise trade reaching US$77 billion (RM320 billion).
“This partnership augurs well in the pursuit of Asean’s economic development initiatives and also in the evolving economic architecture in Asia. In this context, both sides must redouble the efforts to exploit greater potential that exists in trade and other economic relations,” he said at the summit, held within the 37th Asean Summit and related meetings.
Asean-India dialogue relations from a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992 was upgraded to a full dialogue partnership in December 1995.
The relationship was further elevated with the convening of the Asean-India Summit in 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said he is pleased that officials from both sides have agreed on the way forward for the review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (Aitiga).
Malaysia, he said, looks forward to the review to make Aitiga more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for businesses.
Malaysia strongly believes that the review is important to ensure Aitiga remains relevant and ensure further improvements on trade relations and enhancing the supply chain for the prosperity of both Asean and India, he said.
The prime minister said he hoped all sides refrain from imposing unnecessary and increasing protectionist measures that may impair the difficulties and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Both Asean and India must work together to ensure that our borders remain open and trade procedures are more facilitative,” he said.
Muhyiddin also highlighted the importance of adopting digital solutions in (economic) recovery efforts by seizing opportunities provided by digital transformation such as e-Commerce and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Malaysia believes that digital transformation will help us “futureproof” the economic growth of our region. Therefore, Asean and India must accelerate digitalisation and business reform to tackle these new challenges particularly to achieve sustainable growth as well as for the business to stay afloat,” he said.
The prime minister is leading the Malaysian delegation at the biannual summit virtually from here (Kuala Lumpur) which runs till Sunday.
The summit is chaired by Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as Asean Chair 2020 under the theme ”Cohesive and Responsive Asean.”
Asean, established in 1967, comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. — Bernama
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Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah menzahirkan rasa puas hati apabila rakyat memberi kerjasama baik mematuhi Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP). ― PIcture courtesy of Instagram/Istana Negara
KUANTAN, Nov 13 — Aspects of the new normal and the standard operating procedure (SOP) to contain the Covid-19 pandemic should be emphasised at all flood relief centres in Pahang, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said he was confident that the state administration would be adequately prepared to deal with the floods and reminded all parties to work together to ease the people’s burden during the monsoon season.
His Majesty also told mosques in Pahang to hold regular solat hajat (prayer of need) to seek protection for the state from untoward incidents.
He said this at the end of a briefing on preparations to tackle the floods in Pahang for 2020/2021, which was given by Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan here today.
Tengku Panglima Raja Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah also attended the briefing.
His Majesty thanked the state government and related agencies for making thorough preparations for the floods, including by presenting the latest data at the hour-long briefing, which began at 10.30 am at Istana Abdulaziz.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and state secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak were among others present at the briefing. — Bernama
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The man, who was arrested yesterday, was brought to the Selayang Courts Complex at 8.30am today. — Reuters pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The Selayang Magistrate’s Court today ordered a man to be remanded for seven days for investigation into the odour pollution incident in Sungai Selangor that disrupted piped water supply to several areas in the Klang Valley on Tuesday.
Magistrate Nur Hafizah Rajuni issued the remand order against the 58-year-old man.
The man, who was arrested yesterday, was brought to the Selayang Courts Complex at 8.30am today.
He is being held for investigation in accordance with Section 430 of the Penal Code for allegedly committing mischief by causing a diminution in the supply of water for agricultural purposes, or for food or drink for human beings or for animals.
The section provides for a jail term of between five and 30 years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
On November 11, four individuals including two directors of a road construction company, aged between 33 and 43, were remanded for seven days until Nov 17 in connection with the same incident.
The two company directors are a 40-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, while the other two, both men, included a Bangladeshi national.
Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) had announced that the water treatment plants (LRAs) in Rantau Panjang and Sungai Selangor Phase (SSP) 1, 2 and 3 had ceased operations, causing an unscheduled water disruption involving 1,139,008 consumer accounts in 1,279 areas in the Klang Valley, following the odour pollution in Sungai Selangor. — Bernama
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Malaysia recorded a GDP of just 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter in the past few years — Picture by Firdaus Latif
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia’s economy has shown a recovery from the second quarter of 2020 when the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrunk by a record low of 17.1 per cent, as it now marks a smaller decline of -2.7 per cent in the third quarter this year.
In a joint presentation online today by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), DOSM’s Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted: “In the third quarter, Malaysia’s GDP growth rebounded significantly by registering -2.7 per cent from a sharp decline of -17.1 per cent in the previous quarter.”
Malaysia recorded a GDP of just 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, as compared to the first quarter in the past few years (4.5 per cent in Q1 2019, 5.2 per cent in Q1 2018, and 5.6 per cent in Q1 2017).
In the second quarter of 2020, Malaysia’s economy shrunk by a record low of 17.1 per cent. The last record low was about 22 years ago, in the fourth quarter of 1998 when the GDP declined by 11.2 per cent.
The last time that Malaysia had recorded negative rates for quarterly GDP growth was in 2009.
BNM had in April said Malaysia’s GDP growth rate for the entire year of 2020 is projected to be between -2.0 and 0.5 per cent, but in August revised the forecast for 2020 downwards to between -3.5 per cent and -5.5 per cent.
BNM had in August also predicted that the economy will rebound in 2021, with a projected GDP growth rate of 5.5 per cent to 8.0 per cent.
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Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said a maximum of 30 people can gather at a house of worship at any one time by practising physical distancing of at least one metre, depending on the size of the premises. — Picture by Farhan Najib
IPOH, Nov 13 — Non-Muslim houses of worship in Perak are allowed to operate from 7am to 10pm daily during the conditional movement control order (CMCO) period, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
He said a maximum of 30 people can gather at a house of worship at any one time by practising physical distancing of at least one metre, depending on the size of the premises.
“The activities at these non-Muslim houses of worship must be conducted in accordance with the standard operating procedure set by the National Security Council,” he said in a statement here today.
The government has imposed a four-week CMCO from November 9 to December 6 in all states in peninsular Malaysia except Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan. — Bernama
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Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC) had taken various measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to help the tourism industry to recover. — Borneo Post pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — Sarawak’s tourism sector is expected to slowly recover in 2021, anticipating a total of 1.4 million in visitors’ arrival with estimated tourism receipt of RM3.5 billion, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said from January to October this year the visitors’ arrival to the state had dropped 68.8 per cent to 1.17 million, as compared to the corresponding period in 2019 at 3.76 million.
“The tourism receipt has declined 69.8 per cent to RM 2.82 billion as compare to the same corresponding period in 2019 (RM9.34 billion).
“By end of year 2020, Sarawak projects an estimated visitors’ arrival of 1.2 million which is a decline of 76 per cent from the initial target of 5 million before the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said in his winding speech at State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
In response to this, Awang Tengah said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC) had taken various measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to help the tourism industry to recover.
One of the measures, he added, was the ‘Sia Sitok Sarawak’ intra-state travel campaign initiated by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
“The campaign is also part of Sarawak Tourism’s stimulus measures to give a boost to the local tourism industry ad a good way of sustaining and maintaining the tourism eco-system for the industry players such as tourists and park guides, drivers, operators, retail, handicraft and restaurants during these challenging times,” he added.
In supporting the revival of tourism in the state, he said the Visitor Incentives Package (VIP) was created for inter-state travel to provide the state travel agencies or tour operators with support for bringing in domestic and international visitors to the state.
For business events industry, the ministry through Sarawak Convention Bureau also offers support packages covering a wider range of claimable items, Delegate Wellness Pack, sponsored half-day city tours to aid delegate boosting, costs of virtual platforms for hybrid events and greater flexibility with achievement target.
“During this low season of visitors’ arrival, MTAC has continued to invest timely on the upskilling and continuous capacity building of the tourism industry.This include Regional Specific Tourist Guides (RSTG) courses, e-Tourism (e-Pelancongan) courses, online ecosystem fund and tribe digital campus.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, MTAC continues to support domestic events with watchful eyes on the necessary SOPs. This helps the local industry to sustain through this difficult time,” he added. — Borneo Post Online
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Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said instead 82,555 new businesses had been registered based on the data released by Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) from April 1 to July 19. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Nov — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has described as inaccurate a report that more than 30,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have closed their operations since the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) due to Covid-19 which began in March.
Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said instead 82,555 new businesses had been registered based on the data released by Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) from April 1 to July 19.
“This shows that the current Covid19 situation does not prevent anyone from venturing into business, instead businesses are following the current trends and needs of using e-commerce platform as their marketing medium for supplying products or services,” he said in a statement today.
Wan Junaidi recaped his written answer in Parliament on November 5, in which the ministry stated that based on SSM’s statistics 9,675 companies ceased operations during the March 18-June 9, 2020 period and 22,794 companies wound up business from June 10 to September 2020.
“This statement indicates what happened during the period of March to September, as it does not only refer to SME companies that have closed operations, but covers all registered companies with SSM,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Entrepreneur Development Ministry has always taken proactive initiatives and asked entrepreneurs to think positively in facing the Covid-19 situation by capitalising on knowledge provided (without any fees or charges) by government agencies to prepare themselves for new ways/methods of doing business.
Additionally, he said entrepreneurs also need to adapt their business to the new norms, empower business through digitalisation and intensify their promotional strategies.
“SMEs also need to maintain customer information data, relationship with customers and good reputation of their product brand in order for their products to be remembered by their customers after the MCO has ended,” he added. — Bernama
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ESSCom commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said the 40-year-old suspect was carrying the illegal immigrants in a lorry along the Kota Kinabalu-Beluran route when they were nabbed at about 8.40pm on Wednesday. ― Bernama pic
BELURAN, Nov 13 — The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has arrested a local man for allegedly trying to smuggle in 13 illegal immigrants here.
ESSCom commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said the 40-year-old suspect was carrying the illegal immigrants in a lorry along the Kota Kinabalu-Beluran route when they were nabbed at about 8.40pm on Wednesday.
They were using an illegal trail to avoid the Sapi Nangoh road checkpoint when travelling from Beluran to farms in the area, he said in a statement today.
“On checking, 13 passengers including a nine-month-old baby and three-year-old child who were without identification documents were found in the back of the lorry,” he added.
“The suspects, aged between nine months and 42 years old, were taken to the Beluran police station for further action, he said.
Ahmad Fuad said a six-member team from the 20th Battalion General Operations Force had mounted the operation at the illegal trail following a tip-off.
He said the lorry, valued at about RM100,000, was confiscated.
Ahmad Fuad said ESSCom, in collaboration with the armed forces, police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, would continue to tighten patrols along the land and sea borders in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). — Bernama
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University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) ex-president, Wong Yan Ke, arrives at the Petaling Jaya magistrate court November 13, 2020. — Pictures by Miera Zulyana
PETALING JAYA, Nov 13 — Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate Wong Yan Ke has claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court today to a charge of alleged disobedience to an order issued by a civil servant during a police raid at a house in Petaling Jaya last week.
He is accused of committing the offence at Jalan 17/48, Petaling Jaya, Selangor at 3.30pm on November 7.
According to the charge, he is accused of disobeying an order promulgated by police officer Assistant Superintendent Lee Robert to cease his Facebook Live recording during an ongoing police raid at the time of the incident.
The charge, under Section 188 of the Penal Code, carries a penalty of a maximum of one month’s jail, or a fine of up to RM400, or both.
Wong, 24, pleaded not guilty to the charge when read by a court interpreter.
University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) ex-president Wong Yan Ke (left) and his lawyers arrive at the Petaling Jaya magistrate court November 13, 2020.
Lawyer Rajsurian Pillai, who represented Wong, then argued for the court to impose a lower bail as there was nothing to suggest his client would abscond or was a flight risk, before further arguing that bails are meant to secure an accused’s attendance.
He also argued his client was a fresh graduate currently under the employment of Klang MP Charles Santiago and had rendered his full cooperation to the authorities throughout the investigation process.
Magistrate Nurshahira Abdul Salim then set bail at RM1,000 with one surety with no additional condition.
On November 7, Wong was arrested while he was filming and broadcasting a raid in connection with an investigation involving the University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) over a controversial statement on the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The probe, under the Sedition Act, was in relation to Umany’s published article on its Facebook page titled “Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not intervene in national affairs”.
MORE TO COME
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Penang exco Jagdeep Singh Deo said all wet markets in the state will also be sanitised regularly to ensure the safety of market-goers. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
GEORGE TOWN, Nov 13 — All wet markets in the state will be regularly sanitised in compliance with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the conditional movement control order (CMCO), said state exco Jagdeep Singh Deo.
The Local Government, Housing and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman said although a suspected Covid-19 case has been linked to Taman Free School Market, the market is still open.
“The market will be sanitised as per the SOPs but it will remain open,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry has yet to confirm the suspected Covid-19 case.
He said all wet markets in the state will also be sanitised regularly to ensure the safety of market-goers.
“We will ensure market-goers continue to comply with the CMCO SOPs,” he said.
A check at Taman Free School Market showed that the market is open as usual but is less crowded.
Jagdeep said all markets are allowed to operate as usual during the CMCO.
People exercise at a park located at Island Glades in Penang November 13, 2020. — Picture by Steven KE Ooi
Meanwhile, the open spaces and parks in Jalan Gangsa, Lorong Delima 11, Lorong Delima 9 and Solok Tembaga have reopened to the public for individual activities such as jogging, cycling and outdoor exercises.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the public can use these parks as usual but they must comply with the CMCO SOPs and not conduct activities in groups of more than 10 people.
She said indoor activities at the Japanese Garden on Jalan Mas are still not allowed for now.
Indoor activities at the Japanese Garden were suspended due to the Tembaga Cluster.
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Concubine Lane in Ipoh, which used to be packed with visitors, is now deserted following the implementation of the conditional movement control order. — Pictures by Farhan Najib
IPOH, Nov 13 — Businesses in some parts of Ipoh, which had once hoped to bounce back after lockdown restrictions were eased two months ago, now seem ready to throw in the towel following the reimplementation of the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
A recent check by Malay Mail showed that most tourist spots around Ipoh are empty, with many restaurants and shops in the vicinity closed.
Ooi, who works at Restoran Wong Koh Kee, said that the business dropped about 90 per cent due to the conditional movement control order in Ipoh November 12, 2020.
A 69-year-old worker, who only wanted to be known as Ooi, at Restoran Wong Koh Kee, said that business has been badly affected by the latest travel restrictions.
“We’re just waiting to go bankrupt. Our business has dropped by about 90 per cent,” he told Malay Mail when met at the restaurant on Concubine Lane here.
He said that even regular patrons are not visiting the restaurant, which has been in operation for the last 80 years, anymore.
“The number of our loyal customers has dropped drastically. People are scared to dine out,” he added.
Cheng Pui Pui cleans a table at Restoran Ipoh Kong Heng in Ipoh November 12, 2020.
Cheng Pui Pui, 40, who sells coffee and drinks at Restoran Ipoh Kong Heng, said that the business has taken a hit since the CMCO was enforced in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The situation has now been made worse after other states followed suit.
“Our customers are mostly tourists from neighbouring states like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
“With the current lockdown, no one can travel across states for holiday purposes and this has affected our business. Even business on weekends is bad,” she said.
Billy Chang, who runs the Gu Joi Mei enterprise in Concubine Lane, speaks to Malay Mail during an interview.
Billy Chang, 40, who runs Gu Joi Mei Enterprise on Concubine Lane here said that he has no choice but to remain open even though he has had fewer customers lately.
“I still need to pay rent and for that I need an income. Closing the shop will only make the situation worse.
“The reimplementation of the CMCO has hit small businesses like us hard. Hopefully, it can be lifted soon and will not be extended,” he said.
Loh, who works at Jelly Bar at Concubine Lane, speaks to Malay Mail during an interview in Ipoh.
Meanwhile, a 24-year-old worker at Jelly Bar, who only wanted to be known as Loh, said that he will close next week if business doesn’t improve.
“No point opening the shop when there are no customers. Let’s see how it goes this week. If the worst comes to the worst, we might only open on weekends,” he said.
FM Fast Food Corner owner Chin Yew Wai waits for customers at his shop at Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar in Ipoh November 12, 2020.
FM Fast Food Corner owner Chin Yew Wai, 43, on Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar here, said that he is planning to open on certain days of the week throughout the CMCO as customer numbers are dropping with each passing day.
“Maybe, it is wise to only open two or three days a week during this period. It could save us the cost of utilities.
“If Covid-19 cases show no sign of decreasing and if the lockdown is extended, we will probably move our business to an online platform,” he said.
Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd shop supervisor Tan Han Seng (right) serves drinks to a customer in Ipoh November 12, 2020.
Meanwhile, Tan Han Seng, 36, who works as a supervisor at Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd, said business has dropped by about 80 per cent.
“Our business depends on customers from Ipoh now. People can’t cross state lines and inter-district travel is also banned at the moment.
“We are no longer seeing any profit in the business. We only make enough to pay for utilities and cover other business costs. We don’t know how long we can survive like this,” he said.
Last week, Putrajaya announced that all states in peninsula Malaysia except for Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan will be placed under a conditional movement control order (CMCO) for four weeks from November 9 to December 6.
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Air Selangor said that the remaining 16 areas would receive supply in stages. — Picture by Firdaus Latif
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Water supply to 1,263 areas or 99 per cent of the total 1,279 areas in the Klang Valley affected by the unscheduled disruption has been fully restored as of 6 am today.
Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) Corporate Communications head Elina Baseri said in a statement that the remaining 16 areas would receive supply in stages.
She said areas in Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor recorded 100 per cent recovery rate, while Klang/Shah Alam (92 per cent), Hulu Selangor (91).
“Air Selangor hopes that consumers whose water supply has been restored to use it prudently to ensure the recovery process in the other affected areas can be done smoothly and according to schedule.
“Consumers can still get alternative water supply from public water taps and service centres,” she said.
Information on water supply restoration would be updated from time to time through its official communication channels, namely the Air Selangor mobile application, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and via its website at www.airselangor.com.
On Tuesday, Air Selangor announced that operations at the Rantau Panjang and SSP 1, 2 and 3 LRAs had to be suspended due to pollution of raw water resources. — Bernama
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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (right) looks on as Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) speaks at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur November 9, 2020. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The second week of the 14th Parliament is the start of the debate on the 2021 Budget which saw several demands made by the government and Opposition blocs.
The debate started by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) on Monday who stressed that the budget would only be supported if it really help the people cope with the Covid-19 pandemic by paying attention to the withdrawal of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the extension of the loan moratorium.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak (BN-Pekan) expressed that Barisan Nasional (BN) will support the 2021 budget on condition that the one-off withdrawal of up to RM10,000 from Account 1 of the EPF and the loan moratorium extension were approved.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Langkawi) and three Independent MPs representing the Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) party, on the other hand, reserved their stand on whether to support or reject the budget and hoped that the constructive suggestions made will be given a place in Budget 2021 before it was approved.
Other MPs who debated the Supply Bill 2021 also questioned the allocation of more than RM80 million to revive the Special Affairs Department (JASA) which was considered irrelevant at a time when the country was struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, they suggested that the allocation be used to purchase health equipment and supplies to fight Covid-19.
Most MPs, whether from the government or the Opposition bloc wanted the 2021 budget to be amended in accordance with their respective demands to help the people face the impact of Covid-19.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) said the finance minister only needed to make a ministerial statement regarding the EPF and the moratorium in his winding-up speech before the voting process begins.
“I hope that will be done, (and) the statement on the one-off withdrawal of the EPF Account 1 will be included,” he said when met by Bernama.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Rashid Hasnon said the EPF one-off withdrawal and the extension of the moratorium could be added to the 2021 budget by simply including them in the finance minister’s winding-up speech as it does not involve government spending.
“Yes, it can be done, because it does not involve government money, the minister can even announce it outside the hall,” he told Bernama when contacted.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is scheduled to wind up the the debate on the Supply Bill 2021 at the policy level during the fourth week of the sitting.
Meanwhile, a commotion erupted in the Dewan Rakyat sitting when Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu), while debating the Supply Bill 2021, said that ‘DG (Health director-general) takut mati’ (is afraid of dying).
Tiong had questioned why Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah did not go out into the field to see for himself the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, instead only holding daily press conferences via live telecast.
The shouting match saw RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) was ejected from the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Another commotion broke out when the controversial statement was raised again yesterday which ended with Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng being showed the exit and suspended for five days from attending the sitting.
The Parliament sitting for this week sits for only four hours, from 10 am to 2 pm daily from Monday to Thursday, with only 80 Members of Parliament — 41 from the government and 39 from the Opposition and Independent — are allowed to be in the House at any one time. — Bernama
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Assistant Minister Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh speaks during the State Legislative Assembly setting. — Borneo Post Online
KUCHING, Nov 13 — The state government’s policy of 30 per cent Bumiputera contractors participation in projects does not apply to private sector-controlled industrial sectors such as in the Kidurong Industrial Area and Samalaju Industrial Park.
Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said such policy is only for projects funded by the state government under the annual allocation to ministries, departments and agencies.
“Therefore, I would encourage the private sector to give the same opportunity and priority to the Bumiputera contractors in their projects, as long as these contractors are qualified and capable,” he told the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
Malcolm was replying to Majang Renggi (GPS-Samalaju) who asked about actions taken by the ministry to increase Bumiputera contractors participation in Kidurong Industrial Area and Samalaju Industrial Park.
To a supplementary question, Malcom said Bumiputera contractors were offered 16 out of 36 contracts for projects under the jurisdiction of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) which is a government agency.
He said these contracts were valued at RM500 million, and among the projects is the construction of factories for investors in the Samalaju Industrial Park.
He also said Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has also put in the effort to ensure fair involvement and participation of Bumiputera contractors and vendors in local development projects. — Borneo Post Online
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GPS backbencher Rolland Duat Jubin suggested this after hearing of news that MPB subsidiary Sara Spice Sdn Bhd is taking over the pepper purchase operation. — Borneo Post Online pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — A Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) backbencher has suggested that the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), which is now a federal agency, be returned as an agency under Sarawak.
Rolland Duat Jubin (GPS-Meluan) suggested this after hearing of news that MPB subsidiary Sara Spice Sdn Bhd is taking over the pepper purchase operation.
“I am worried that this move will cause the interests of smallholders to be sidelined. They will be more concerned with profits than the interests of the smallholders. Recently, those wanting to sell pepper were told to use gunny sacks belonging to them (Sara Spice), which is very inconvenient for the smallholders.
“We also heard that they want to bring big investors to open big farms here. It is clear that they do not think about ways to help smallholders, but want to do big business only,” he said when debating the 2021 State Budget yesterday.
By returning MPB to Sarawak, Duat said the state would be able to properly plan and manage the development of the pepper industry.
“I think this proposal is relevant because the majority of pepper growers are here in Sarawak,” he said. Duat said MPB should pay full attention to the development of smallholder while Sara Spice to focus only on pepper promotion activities and not to engage in business.
“With pepper prices falling (now only RM8 per kg) we see that MPB does not seem to have a clear direction to address the problem of falling pepper prices and help small pepper growers.
“The Board has lost its clear direction,” he said.
On another matter, Duat said there is a need to build a new clinic in Julau to replace the existing one because it can no longer accommodate the growing population, which is about 34,500 people.
He said the present clinic, sitting on a 0.8ha land, was originally a building owned by Julau District Council, and was taken over by the Health Department in 1957 to be used as a clinic.
“We already have a new site and the land has been taken over by the federal government. I hope this request of the people will be brought up to the attention of federal government, or built with the state’s own funds,” he added. — Borneo Post Online
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Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh also said the government must insist that these mega projects be properly implemented without cost overruns and through open tender to prevent financial leakages. — Borneo Post pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — The state government should award mega projects exclusively to Sarawakian contractors in line with the spirit of ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said.
He also said the government must insist that these mega projects be properly implemented without cost overruns and through open tender to prevent financial leakages.
“These projects must also be divided into many packages rather than one contractor doing 1,000km (of road), better to have 10 contractors to do 100km each, with a limit imposed on contracts awarded to a single contractor,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Wong, who is Bawang Assan assemblyman, conceded that people would find it strange that he had quit as a senior state cabinet minister and relegated himself to a backbencher position after some 30 years in the government, particularly when he almost reached the twilight years of his political career.
“But as people say, some are given responsibilities, while others assume responsibilities. But for me, I have responsibilities thrust upon me. One may argue why I did not object to some of the development projects when the papers were presented in the cabinet while I was a minister.
“Why didn’t I object? I would like to quote what the chief minister said in his winding-up speech delivered on July 18, 2018: ‘Even though I have been part of the government that looks after Sarawak for more than 30 years ago, I have been unable to be totally involved in the planning and development of all issues that needed to be done, by nature of the limited individual involvement in government of our respective portfolios and areas of focus’.”
Wong pointed out that cabinet members were bound by collective decision and collective responsibilities.
“Now that I am totally out of cabinet, I am now, to quote the chief minister again, ‘in the position to have an overview and total involvement in the government development projects’.
“Whatever I say comes from my genuine concern about the state development initiatives,” he said.
Wong resigned from the state cabinet on July 15 last year. He was the Second Finance Minister from July 2004 to August 25, 2019. — Borneo Post Online
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SFC's Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) Miri was dispatched to the location upon receiving a call from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) when they discovered the large reptile in the drain on November 10. — Borneo Post Online pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — A 800kg crocodile found inside a drain behind a school in Limbang has been euthanised due to it being severely injured after it was shot in the head by a member of the public.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) Miri was dispatched to the location upon receiving a call from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) when they discovered the large reptile in the drain on November 10.
They later discovered that the crocodile had been shot and wounded, SFC said in a press statement yesterday.
“The reptile has been put to sleep today (Thursday) and buried in an undisclosed location. The samples were taken for further investigation and its bones will be collected after the flesh decays.”
SFC added that it was investigating the shooting of the crocodile.
SFC CEO Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, who is also the Controller of Wild Life, was quoted as saying that he was disappointed with the lack of consciousness by the public.
“This is classified as a case of killing a protected species. A crocodile in a drain does not amount to be killed as permitted or inferred in the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998.”
“They should secure it from escaping and report it to the relevant authority for further action. We don’t want this to be a norm where the public can simply kill protected species and report it as endangering life,” he said.
He then reminded people who live near rivers to be extra careful and not take matters into their own hands as these reptiles are dangerous.
Members of the public are encouraged to notify the nearest SFC offices of any crocodile sightings in their area, he said.
SFC hotlines at various regions are reachable at 019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8332737 (Bintulu) or 019-8290994 (Miri). — Borneo Post Online
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Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol said DAP has always been very critical of the state government, more so because the party’s political masters are not Sarawakians. — Borneo Post Online pic
KUCHING, Nov 13 — Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) has been urged to reconsider any decision to work with Democratic Action Party (DAP) especially as the latter is a peninsula-based party.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol said DAP has always been very critical of the state government, more so because the party’s political masters are not Sarawakians.
“I suggest that PSB reconsider its working cooperation with DAP. Moreover, most PSB members were once critical towards DAP, calling it racist and a party that spins the truth,” he said in a press statement yesterday.
Abdullah asserted that those in DAP Sarawak have “no right or moral virtue” to talk about the struggles, rights and interests of Sarawakians because they represent political masters who are ‘outsiders’.
According to him, party leaders from Peninsular Malaysia who were invited by DAP Sarawak to visit the state would almost always end up condemning the state administration which was run by Sarawakians.
“Do we need to be reminded of the DAP leaders’ broken promises for Sarawakians when they were part of the ruling federal government?”
Meanwhile, on the need to amend Article 16 of the Sarawak Constitution, Abdullah said the people have to firstly grasp the rationale behind the amendment apart from the intention and objectives.
He stressed it was important to understand that research and cross-referencing with other Acts including the Immigration Act were carried out before a fresh Bill to amend the Sarawak Constitution was tabled, and subsequently passed, in the DUN yesterday.
The amendment Bill was first tabled in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday but was deferred by the Speaker due to ‘anomalies’.
“In a nutshell, the objective to amend the Article is to allow Sarawakians at the age of 18 and above to become DUN members. Secondly, it is to make sure that only Sarawakians can contest in state elections,” Abdullah said.
“I am sure all of us (Sarawakians) agree that only Sarawakians can be members of the DUN. We do not want ‘nomadic’ politicians for instance one particular DAP top leader who has contested in almost every place in Peninsular Malaysia,” he added, referring to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.
Abdullah also voiced disappointment with DAP assemblymen for criticising the state government when debating on the amended Bill, accusing them of trying to score political points by instigating the people against the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
The fact that the DUN Speaker had deferred the amended Bill and allowed its re-submission with anomalies and vagueness clarified, showed that the latter was impartial, reasonable and not biased against the opposition, he said.
“This is therefore contrary to allegations frequently thrown by the opposition towards him (Speaker),” he added. — Borneo Post Online
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SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the committee will still require nurseries and kindergartens in Kuching to remain closed until the Covid-19 situation stabilises. — Picture courtesy of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)
KUCHING, Nov 13 — All nurseries and kindergartens in Kuching will remain closed during the conditional movement control order (CMCO) despite the earlier announcement that they could reopen if there was an urgent need from frontliner parents.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) decided this following a discussion on the matter yesterday morning.
“We have discussed this morning, and we see that the situation in Kuching is not stable and looking at the distribution of positive cases which is not concentrated in one area. I worry that it will spread to nurseries and kindergartens as the cases today (yesterday) also include children,” said SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at a Covid-19 press conference yesterday.
Thus, the committee will still require nurseries and kindergartens in Kuching to remain closed until the situation stabilises, despite receiving requests from operators to reopen, he said.
The committee had announced on Oct 29 that all early childhood education institutions in Kuching which is in the red zone were to be closed.
On Wednesday, Minister of Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah announced that nursery and kindergarten operators in Kuching could forward their request to the SDMC to reopen should there be urgent demand.
She told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly that this would be a relief for frontliners who did not have anyone to look after their young children while they were at work.
Meanwhile, the SDMC is proposing to allow tuition centres in green zones in the state to resume operations.
However, the committee is still awaiting decision by the relevant ministry, said Uggah. — Borneo Post Online
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A general view of Universiti Malaya March 17, 2020. — Picture by Hari Anggara
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) has withdrawn a Facebook post deemed critical of the Agong and issued an apology.
In a statement today, Umany said it had reached the decision after discussions with several constitutional experts.
The student union added that it wished “to affirm our adherence to the constitutional monarchy system in Malaysia and respect the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the Constitution”.
“We would like to apologise to Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the public for our lack of thorough understanding of the Constitution,” they said in a statement to the press.
Umany reiterated that the post was for the purposes of academic discussion and that no malicious damage or sedition was ever intended.
In the same statement, it also urged the government to stop all and future investigations under the Sedition Act and Communications and Multimedia Act.
“As the Sedition Act and Communications and Multimedia Act are in fact archaic and draconian laws that trample on freedom of speech, we call upon the police to halt all investigations and possible prosecutions under these Acts, and urge the government to repeal the draconian laws immediately in order to safeguard freedom of speech for every citizen,” it said.
On November 8, the media reported Bukit Aman CID deputy director (Investigation and Legal) DCP Mior Faridalathrash Wahid as saying that the police were investigating the Umany president under the Sedition Act over the posting.
Meanwhile, the University of Malaya was also previously reported to be conducting its own investigations into the post entitled “Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not intervene in national affairs” which was shared on Umany’s Facebook page on October 30.
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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attends the 37th Asean Summit via video conference in Kuala Lumpur November 12, 2020. — Picture via Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Malaysia remains in strong solidarity with the people of Palestine and supports concrete and honest efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions through negotiations involving the parties concerned.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his intervention at the 37th Asean Summit plenary session today, said the only viable solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is through the two-State solution — based on the pre-1967 borders — with East Jerusalem as the Capital of Palestine.
The prime minister is leading the Malaysian delegation to attend the biannual summit virtually from here (Kuala Lumpur), which runs from today until this Sunday.
The summit is chaired by Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as Asean Chair 2020 under the theme ”Cohesive and Responsive Asean.”
In his intervention, Muhyiddin also strongly condemns the actions by irresponsible individuals or groups “who cloak themselves in the name of religion to justify their heinous acts of terrorism”.
Touching on freedom of speech, the prime minister said although essential to democracy, it is a tool that must be expressed with responsibility, and should not be utilised to justify harm, stoke hatred and propagate Islamophobia.
Also part of the Malaysian delegation to the 37th Asean Summit is Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as well as Senior Minister and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Asean, established in 1967, comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. — Bernama
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Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attends the 37th Asean Summit via video conference in Kuala Lumpur November 12, 2020. — Picture via Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Malaysia is firm with its stand that matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.
He said it must be resolved in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
“Malaysia is of the view that all parties need to work together to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability and trade.
“As a coastal state, it is a matter of great significance that our maritime area is safe for international trade to prosper,” he said in his intervention during the plenary session of the 37th Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit and related meetings which begin Thursday.
Muhyiddin leads Malaysia's delegation to the meetings which are held virtually, from Kuala Lumpur.
Themed “Cohesive and Responsive Asean", this year's Asean Summit, hosted by Vietnam, are held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The prime minister also reiterated Malaysia's view that while international law guarantees the freedom of navigation, the presence of warships and vessels in the South China Sea has the potential to increase the tension that may, in turn, result in miscalculations which may affect peace, security and stability in the region.
On another note, Muhyiddin said Asean will remain a strategic player as a bloc in the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, which can only be achieved when all member states continue to communicate and work as a united bloc.
“The reality is that as small nations, we must coalesce with those who share similar values that would be able to defend and promote Asean Centrality, the region’s interest and with external parties.
“Malaysia hopes that with the many deliberations which Asean has worked on, our collective efforts may pave the way to the realisation of our aim to be the one Asean community that we all wanted – an entity that shares the one vision and aspiration in propelling our Asean Community to a greater height and strategic position which would contribute greatly to international peace, stability, security and prosperity,” he added.
The prime minister also welcomed the endorsement of Australia’s proposal for an annual Asean-Australia Leaders’ summits beginning from 2021. — Bernama
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