Latest news with #IskandarDzulkifli
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Masidi: Let the court decide guilt, not public opinion
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: PUTATAN: Two Sabah assemblymen facing graft charges over mineral exploration licenses are innocent until proven guilty in court, said Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Deputy President, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. He stressed that legal proceedings must be respected and that both lawmakers deserve the opportunity to clear their names. "Charges do not mean guilt. Let the court decide. They must be given a fair chance to defend themselves," he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Petagas Division Conference. The two government-aligned assemblymen, both serving as Assistant Ministers, were previously detained by the MACC and are scheduled to be charged on June 30, along with a whistleblower identified as Albert Tei. When asked about the potential political fallout for GRS ahead of the state election (PRN17), Masidi downplayed the impact, stating that the priority is to uphold the rule of law above politics. * 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
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS urged to field young candidate for Petagas
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: PUTATAN: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is being urged to consider a young candidate for the Petagas seat in the upcoming state election (PRN17) to reflect the demographic makeup of the constituency. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Petagas Division Chief, Mohd Isquzawan Israq Arsit, said over 60 percent of registered voters in the area are aged 18 to 40 and are more inclined to support leaders closer to their age group. 'Young voters want approachable leaders who understand their concerns. With Undi18 in effect, it's only right to field a youth candidate in Petagas,' he said during the division's annual conference on Friday. He stressed the need for a balanced representation across GRS, including experienced leaders, women, and youth. However, he added that the division would respect the party leadership's final decision. 'The leadership knows best who can secure victory in Petagas, and we will support whoever is chosen," 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
Daily Express
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat confident of seizing Tanjung Aru from Warisan
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Tanjung Aru Division of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) is confident that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will reclaim the Tanjung Aru state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). Division committee member, Dr. Mohd Ritchie Jay Cheng, said the confidence stems from the coalition's consistent grassroots engagement and outreach efforts in the constituency. "We are confident that we can take back the Tanjung Aru seat from Warisan in the next state election, based on our ongoing efforts to connect with and serve the people here. "The people are able to judge for themselves which party is capable of delivering real progress for Sabah, as seen through the initiatives rolled out by the GRS-led government to benefit communities at all levels," he said. He made the remarks after handing over life jackets and signal lights to registered fishermen at Kampung Sembulan Lama on Sunday (22 June). Speaking on the aid distribution, Dr. Mohd Ritchie, who also chairs the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association, said a total of 150 units of similar aid were being distributed to fishermen in the area. Advertisement The initiative included 50 life jackets and signal lights each for fishermen in Kampung Sembulan Lama, Kampung Tanjung Aru, and Pulau Gaya. "We're concerned about the safety needs of fishermen, especially when out at sea. Life jackets and signal lights are essential for their protection," he said. He added that this was just the first phase of assistance, with plans underway to expand the programme to benefit more fishermen in the near future. The Tanjung Aru state seat is currently held by Datuk Junz Wong of Warisan, who won the seat for a second term during the 2018 state election. * 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
Daily Express
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
No reason for PBS to leave GRS: Veep
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ruslan described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam rejected speculation that PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Air Ku (Star) might leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the coming state election. The Lumadan Assemblyman said there is no reason for such action, as PBS and Star would remain in the coalition following their long-standing agreement. Advertisement He described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. 'Our understanding within GRS has been established for a long time, especially as we work together in the State Government administration, bringing various initiatives for the people that have made the opposition feel threatened. Therefore, these claims are just rumours as we approach the 17th state election and there are certainly attempts to weaken GRS' strength,' he said after officiating the Lumadan PBS Division Youth Leadership Camp on Saturday. Ruslan was responding to speculation about grassroots pressure for PBS and Star to leave GRS to ensure local party aspirations are realised following concerns that GRS' potential cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could affect seats both parties wish to contest. When asked whether GRS should go solo or cooperate with PH in the state election, Ruslan personally believes the current political scenario suggests GRS should contest alone. However, he acknowledged that cooperation with PH is also important to maintain Federal-State government relations for the people's benefit. He noted that PH prefers GRS, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to continue leading the State Government rather than Umno, as demonstrated during the previous Langkah Kinabalu episode. 'Looking at the scenario, it would be good for us to contest solo, but cooperation between Federal and State governments is also very important and beneficial. 'We cannot just throw away PH after they supported us during the previous coup attempt, especially when PH and Umno cooperate at the Federal level. However, this is my personal opinion, and we leave it entirely to GRS leadership to make whatever decisions,' he said. For the record, PBS currently holds seven seats, namely Tandek, Matunggong, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Lumadan, Kundasang and Telupid, while Star holds six seats, namely Paginatan, Tambunan, Sook, Bingkor, Tulid and Liawan. * 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
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
New Membakut Community Hall soon
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ariffin officiating the ground breaking ceremony. MEMBAKUT: Membakut residents will soon enjoy safer and more comfortable public facilities with the construction of a new community hall in town. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, who is Membakut assemblyman said the hall, which replaces an outdated facility, is being constructed on the same site with a larger footprint. Advertisement The Sabah state government has allocated RM6 million for the project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months, he said. The project was approved last year by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and is scheduled for completion by 2027, said Ariffin. 'The upgraded hall will not only include improved basic amenities, but also a badminton court and the capacity to accommodate over 2,000 people at a time,' said Ariffin after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony on behalf of the Chief Minister. 'This new facility will support a wide range of large-scale social events and will become a new landmark for the district,' he added. Also present were Klias assembly man Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, who is also PGRS Klias Division Chief, Ampuan Hasyim Ampuan Mamut PGRS Bongawan Division Chief; and State Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin. In another development, Ariffin, who also leads the PGRS Membakut Division, said the party is fully prepared to face the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). He said that preparations are underway at all levels, including identifying party members at branch level, with active involvement from the PGRS Women's Wing. 'PGRS Membakut now has more than 8,000 registered members, but what is most important is our service to the people, particularly in the areas of welfare and public interest. 'With nearly 19,000 voters in the area, our focus must include not just our members, but the broader community as well. Reaching out to everyone is essential,' he said. Earlier, Ariffin also presented Sabah's People's Touch Assistance (SKR) and education aid to students and symbolically handed over keys to SMJ Homes on behalf of the Chief Minister. The ceremony also included the presentation of appointment letters to 40 newly appointed Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons for the Bongawan and Membakut constituencies. * 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
