
Gazettement of villages in Kukusan not politically driven, says Harapan Rakyat president
TAWAU (May 15): The approval process for land surveying and the gazettement of four squatter villages in the Kukusan state constituency will be expedited to ensure formal recognition is granted in the near future.
President of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, stressed that the move is not a political gimmick ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election, as the villagers have resided in the area for over four decades.
'It now depends on the villagers themselves to accelerate their submission of required documentation to the Tawau Land and Survey Department (JTU),' he said.
Liew disclosed that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the State Cabinet have agreed to approve a total of 88.54 acres, covering Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Block 4 and Kampung Hiltop in Tawau.
'This is the official letter of land approval issued by the Land and Survey Office. Do not insult my intentions. I am here solely to help the people. What we are doing is to ensure that these long-established settlements can remain peacefully without interference,' he told over 500 residents of Kampung Sentosa Block 4 here on Wednesday.
He further explained that once the gazettement is finalised, the villages will be eligible for government assistance, including community halls, road access and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Housing Aid Programme.
'Some individuals have questioned and criticised the legitimacy of this approval, claiming it cannot be achieved in the near term. Do not incite hatred among the people.
We are sincere in our efforts to help. Let us work together to ensure swift approval so that we can begin long-term planning for the orderly development of these squatter areas in Kukusan,' he said.
Liew added that once gazetted, it would be up to the constituents of Kukusan whether or not to support the current government in the upcoming state election.
'If you feel that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has served you well, then continue supporting them to ensure continuity. The government has not dissolved yet, and this approval is in the interest of the people, not for me personally, but for the future of Kukusan residents,' he said.
He also presented a land registration receipt as proof that the gazettement process is underway through the Tawau Land and Survey Office.
'Even when I was not an elected representative, I have always fought for the people's welfare using my own resources to assist those in need.
'What matters most is that the community remains united, regardless of race or religion. Our goal is to eradicate squatter issues in Kukusan once and for all,' he added.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Country needs a constructive opposition, says Liew
ISKANDAR PUTERI: For the sake of democracy, DAP strategic director Liew Chin Tong hopes the country could have a constructive opposition. He said the opposition has failed to be a constructive check and balance for the government. Liew, who is also Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, said the opposition currently lacks clear direction. 'They need to decide whether they want to be a constructive opposition in Parliament or if they just want to play with issues and sentiments. 'So far, the current opposition has failed to live up to the expectation of a constructive opposition,' he said at a press conference here on Saturday (July 26). He said that for the sake of democracy, he hoped the country could have a constructive opposition. 'We hope that the opposition will be able to articulate policies, contribute to policy making and give good ideas,' he said. Liew said this when asked about the 'Turun Anwar' rally. When asked if his party remained supportive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim amid the rally, he said they would. 'Of course, we are supportive of the Prime Minister, but I don't think I want to go into that," he said, adding that he would issue a statement on the matter later.


Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Masidi: ‘Sabah Tanah Airku' embodies spirit of Sabah's political struggle
Masidi, Gagasan Rakyat leaders, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component members leaders and the delegates after the opening ceremony today. KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) deputy president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has called on Sabahans to take inspiration from the state anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku,' describing it as the soul of Sabah's political identity and the guiding force for its future. Speaking at the opening of Gagasan Rakyat's Women, Youth, and Beliawanis joint annual convention here today, Masidi pushed back against persistent accusations of betrayal directed at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, saying that the final judgment belongs to the people. 'I will never betray the people of Sabah. I understand the hopes and aspirations of our people. What matters most is not what others say about us, but whether the rakyat believe we deserve to carry forward Sabah's mandate. And I believe we do,' he stressed. Masidi pointed out that the message behind Sabah Tanah Airku, sung at every official function, encapsulates the very values GRS upholds: unity, pride, and relentless commitment to progress. 'The entire spirit of our political life, our love for Sabah, our dream for development, our hope for unity, is captured in that one song. When we say 'Sabah First,' it is not merely a slogan. It is the essence of who we are, and it comes directly from the mandate embedded in our anthem,' Masidi said. He stressed that 'Sabah Maju Jaya' slogan frequently criticized by political opponents, is not a partisan catchphrase but a continuation of the aspirations laid out in the state anthem. 'When someone mocks or belittles 'Sabah Maju Jaya', what they are really doing is belittling their own state. They are mocking their own state anthem. Sabah Maju Jaya was not created by GRS. It is actually a part of our inherited history, and we must uphold it as the foundation of our effort and struggle. 'We want to always be independent, not just physically free, but mentally free. Free to think and determine what is best for Sabah. We do not want our thinking to be influenced by outside elements that make us lose our Sabahan identity. We want to remain Sabahans, with thoughts that are our own. 'And that is why we focus on local parties, because we want Sabah to develop based on its own model of progress. Not because someone else wants us to do this or that. Yes, we want to be friends with others, but we will make friends on our own terms, not on terms dictated by others. This is our struggle,' he stressed. He also took aim at detractors who offer constant criticism without solutions, pointing out, 'People can talk, people can criticize. But there are those who are good at criticizing yet say very little about what their plans are to solve problems. 'I understand there is criticism every day, in the newspapers, in the State Assembly. That is true. But for me, it has reached a point where: 'What you say is your problem, not my problem.' 'Let's focus on what truly matters. We have a track record. What do the critics have to show for themselves? We are not here to silence criticism—we are here to deliver results. Let our work speak for us.' With the state gearing up for the next election, he warned of the consequences of losing local control and GRS' achievements must be defended. 'That is why we must win this election. Because we want Sabah to progress, because we love Sabah, and we want these achievements to be multiplied in the future. We are not merely defending GRS' achievement, we are defending the future of our people, especially the younger generation. 'If we lose this government, others will take over. And if that happens, what will become of Sabah in 10 years? Will our youth still have a place? Will Sabahans still be in charge of Sabah?' he questioned. 'We are not just defending GRS' track record. We are defending the future of our people—especially our young ones. Sabah's future is too important to be handed away,' he said. In a passionate conclusion, Masidi urged unity and focus. 'Let go of petty quarrels. Don't let small conflicts become walls that block big dreams. This is not about individual ambition. This is about ensuring Sabahans remain masters in their own homeland,' he said. 'You are the master. You own Sabah. Not someone else. We, the people of Sabah, must determine our future. No one else,' said Masidi. Gagasan Rakyat lead masidi manjun Sabah state election Sabah Tanah Airku


Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah among top 5 in terms of projects: Hajiji
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji said the implementation of programmes and projects should not solely fall on the shoulders of one agency, rather all agencies and ministries should play a significant role in ensuring their success. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is among the top five states in the country in terms of development projects and programmes completion, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic). Based on the MyProjek report, he said a total of 1,271 projects, comprising 396 continuity projects and 876 new ones, are being implemented this year in Sabah. 'Of the figure, 1,171 projects or RM5.584 billion are physical projects while another 100 or RM355.24 million are non-physical projects. I urge everyone to step up to ensure Sabah achieves the best in terms of projects or programmes implementation in Malaysia,' he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here Thursday. Despite the good performance, the Chief Minister emphasised that it should not be an excuse to become complacent and slow down the momentum in monitoring government programmes or projects. 'Instead, it should serve as an indicator for us to work harder to improve and complete every programme and project more swiftly, accurately and in an orderly manner, ultimately bringing benefits to all the people,' he said. Hajiji said the implementation of programmes and projects should not solely fall on the shoulders of one agency, rather all agencies and ministries should play a significant role in ensuring their success. The Chief Minister said the State Government has also made efforts to strengthen the State's financial governance by enhancing financial management procedures and guidelines. This is carried out through the evaluation and consideration of procurement procedures as well as the appointment of concessions as a mechanism to address development issues in the State, he said. 'In addition, each agency or ministry must monitor more frequently the disbursement of allocated funds to ensure they are fully utilised and benefit the people. 'Payments to contractors and consultants must also be made promptly, accurately and in an orderly fashion to ensure that project implementation in the state is not disrupted or delayed,' he said. The Chief Minister also reminded the Council to ensure all pressing development needs are addressed swiftly. Hajiji said the State Government is also relentless in carrying out initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan to implement income enhancement and productivity improvement programmes to address the poor and hardcore poor issues, which is dynamic. 'Through these initiatives, we are not only helping to increase income but also strive to assist targeted groups to get out of poverty. 'Our concern is also evident through our relentless efforts and hard work in ensuring that every national or State agenda is adhered to, improved upon and further enhanced,' he said. Hajiji said the continuous provision of needs and facilities to the people, through the upgrading of public amenities, basic facilities, social infrastructure and social service assistance, has provided multiple benefits to the poor in Sabah. In addition, he said the Human Capital and People's Wellbeing thrust in the Hala Tuju SMJ Development Plan also focuses on developing the potential of the people through education, training and social wellbeing. 'This includes initiatives to improve living standards, provide educational opportunities and comprehensively empower human capital, while also educating the society to be more aware and inclined to participate in or contribute to the implementation of programmes that benefit target groups such as the poor and hardcore poor,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia