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Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
If Sarawak can, Sabah can: SAPP
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong called on Sabahans to take ownership of their future as the State Assembly is set to dissolve automatically by Nov. 11, paving the way for the state election. The SAPP Sec-Gen said the election presents an important opportunity for the people to strengthen state autonomy and ensure Sabah's direction remains in the hands of its own people. Speaking at the joint annual meeting of the SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees in Penampang, Yong, who is a Deputy Speaker, believes the future of Sabah must be decided by Sabahans themselves. 'This is a critical moment. We must defend our sovereignty and ensure the key to our future remains in our own hands,' he said. Citing neighbour Sarawak, Yong pointed to its achievements in financial independence. 'Sarawak has stood firm in asserting its rights. It recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, more than double Sabah's RM6.4 billion. It has established its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows what's possible when a state holds control over its finances.' In contrast, he laments Sabah still relies heavily on federal allocations and has yet to realise the 40 per cent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Despite five changes in the federal leadership, he said, progress on MA63 has remained elusive. He also called on Sabahans to closely follow the Sabah Law Society's legal action which goes to trial on July 7, seeking to enforce the 40 per cent revenue entitlement. 'If successful, just from inland revenue alone, this could mean at least RM2 billion more for Sabah,' he said. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future is decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he stressed. SAPP Kepayan CLC Chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual meeting carried special weight with the state election looming, describing it as a time for serious reflection on Sabah's future. He drew comparisons to Sarawak's firm stance on oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media. 'Everything Sarawak asked for has been delivered, step by step. Today, Sarawak is wealthier than Putrajaya. If we in Sabah want the same outcome, the only way forward is to vote for local parties,' Chong said. He said SAPP, which pulled out of Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first to openly champion the Sabah autonomy movement and has consistently defended state rights. 'In recent times, some peninsula-based parties have started claiming they too support autonomy. But these are empty words designed to confuse the public and blur the facts,' he said. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea just to ask what is rightfully ours.' He urged Sabahans to stop believing the notion that such aspirations are impossible. 'Sarawak has already proven otherwise. Blindly following others will only lead to confusion, and in the end, all we'll be left with are more taxes.' * 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
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabahans must hold own key, says SAPP
Richard (front row, third from left), Chong (fourth from left) and Aloysius (second from left) with SAPP members at the annual general meeting. KOTA KINABALU (June 28): The people of Sabah must defend their sovereignty and make sure the key to their future stays in their own hands in the coming state election, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president cum secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong We Kong. 'Sarawak has stood firm in defending its rights. Its state government recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, which is more than twice the revenue of Sabah. 'Sarawak has already set up its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows a high level of financial independence. In comparison, Sabah's revenue during the same period is only RM6.4 billion. Our financial structure still relies heavily on federal allocations.' Richard, who also serves as Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, made these remarks on Friday evening while officiating the annual general meeting of SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees, held jointly in Penampang. He pointed out that Sabah has yet to fully implement the 40 percent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'This continues to prevent us from having genuine financial control.' He added that even after five prime ministers, MA63 has made little real progress and Sabah continues to be sidelined. Richard urged everyone in Sabah to pay close attention to the court case brought by the Sabah Law Society, which will be heard on July 7. 'This case is seeking to legally enforce our 40 percent revenue entitlement, which allows, just from inland revenue alone, Sabah to gain at least RM2 billion more. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future must be decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he added. SAPP Kepayan CLC chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual general meeting is especially important as the state election draws near. 'This is a moment for us to seriously reflect on the future of Sabah,' he said. He emphasised that Sarawak has been consistent in standing its ground on issues such as oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media narrative. The federal government does not dare to cross Sarawak's lines. Everything Sarawak has asked for has been fulfilled, step by step. 'Today, Sarawak is financially richer than the federal government. If we in Sabah want the same, there is only one way forward. We must vote for local parties.' Chong said that SAPP, since leaving Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first party to openly champion the cause of Sabah autonomy, and had never shied away from speaking out. 'Parties from Peninsular Malaysia, however, now claim that they also support autonomy. But such talk is only meant to confuse the public and blur the facts. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea to ask for what is rightfully ours,' he added. Chong called on Sabah voters to stop being deceived that this is impossible. Sarawak is already a living example of what can be done. 'Blindly following others will only cause us to lose our direction. In the end, all we will get is tax, tax and more tax.' SAPP Moyog CLC chairman Aloysius Danim Siap said that the party has always taken a practical and down-to-earth approach, and engaged the grassroots directly and does not rely on empty slogans. 'Our leaders are consistent in both word and action. We never back down when it comes to defending Sabah's sovereignty. Real progress must be concrete and deliverable,' he said.
Sinar Daily
18-06-2025
- Sinar Daily
Kelantan records 601 commercial crime cases, losses exceed RM14 million
KOTA BHARU - Kelantan recorded a total of 601 commercial crime cases were during the first five months of this year, resulting in losses amounting to RM14.1 million, according to state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. He said that based on statistics comparing cases and financial losses by the modus operandi of commercial crimes, the cyber and multimedia crime category recorded the highest number of cases at 401 incidents, or 67 per cent of the total and resulting in losses amounting to RM7.47 million. "Common cybercrimes include online fraud such as phone scams, fake purchases via social media, job scams, and love scams. "The second highest category involves investment scam cases, the use of electronic cards, and other related crimes, with 105 cases recorded, accounting for 17.4 per cent, and losses totaling RM4.54 million,' he said at a press conference after the monthly assembly for June, held at the Kelantan contingent police headquarters here today. Meanwhile, crimes related to finance, banking, cooperatives, and insurance recorded 81 cases (13.47 per cent), with total losses amounting to RM966,336.38. "For cases involving forgery, embezzlement, and land-related offences, only seven cases were recorded (1.16 per cent), with losses amounting to RM85,000. Corporate cases also recorded seven cases (1.16 per cent), but with significantly higher losses of RM1.05 million,' he said. Mohd Yusoff added that the police are intensifying awareness and prevention efforts through collaboration with relevant agencies and the public to combat the increasingly complex nature of commercial crimes. "Over the past few months, we have seen an alarming rise in street crimes, including robbery, snatch theft, housebreaking, as well as a growing number of commercial crimes occurring through online platforms. "Crimes such as online fraud, investment scams, and identity theft now not only result in financial losses but also impact the emotional well-being and sense of security within the community,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
Kelantan sees 601 commercial crimes, RM14.1m in losses
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan recorded a total of 601 commercial crime cases were during the first five months of this year, resulting in losses amounting to RM14.1 million, according to state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. He said that based on statistics comparing cases and financial losses by the modus operandi of commercial crimes, the cyber and multimedia crime category recorded the highest number of cases at 401 incidents, or 67 per cent of the total and resulting in losses amounting to RM7.47 million. 'Common cybercrimes include online fraud such as phone scams, fake purchases via social media, job scams, and love scams. 'The second highest category involves investment scam cases, the use of electronic cards, and other related crimes, with 105 cases recorded, accounting for 17.4 per cent , and losses totaling RM4.54 million,' he said at a press conference after the monthly assembly for June, held at the Kelantan contingent police headquarters here today. Meanwhile, crimes related to finance, banking, cooperatives, and insurance recorded 81 cases (13.47 per cent), with total losses amounting to RM966,336.38. 'For cases involving forgery, embezzlement, and land-related offences, only seven cases were recorded (1.16 per cent), with losses amounting to RM85,000. Corporate cases also recorded seven cases (1.16 per cent), but with significantly higher losses of RM1.05 million,' he said. Mohd Yusoff added that the police are intensifying awareness and prevention efforts through collaboration with relevant agencies and the public to combat the increasingly complex nature of commercial crimes. 'Over the past few months, we have seen an alarming rise in street crimes, including robbery, snatch theft, housebreaking, as well as a growing number of commercial crimes occurring through online platforms. 'Crimes such as online fraud, investment scams, and identity theft now not only result in financial losses but also impact the emotional well-being and sense of security within the community,' he said.
The Star
18-06-2025
- The Star
Kelantan records 601 commercial crime cases, losses exceed RM14mil
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan recorded a total of 601 commercial crime cases were during the first five months of this year, resulting in losses amounting to RM14.1 million, according to state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. He said that based on statistics comparing cases and financial losses by the modus operandi of commercial crimes, the cyber and multimedia crime category recorded the highest number of cases at 401 incidents, or 67% of the total and resulting in losses amounting to RM7.47mil. "Common cybercrimes include online fraud such as phone scams, fake purchases via social media, job scams, and love scams. "The second highest category involves investment scam cases, the use of electronic cards, and other related crimes, with 105 cases recorded, accounting for 17.4 per cent, and losses totaling RM4.54mil," he said at a press conference after the monthly assembly for June, held at the Kelantan contingent police headquarters here on Wednesday (June 18). Meanwhile, crimes related to finance, banking, cooperatives, and insurance recorded 81 cases (13.47%), with total losses amounting to RM966,336.38. "For cases involving forgery, embezzlement, and land-related offences, only seven cases were recorded (1.16%), with losses amounting to RM85,000. Corporate cases also recorded seven cases (1.16%), but with significantly higher losses of RM1.05mil," he said. Mohd Yusoff added that the police are intensifying awareness and prevention efforts through collaboration with relevant agencies and the public to combat the increasingly complex nature of commercial crimes. "Over the past few months, we have seen an alarming rise in street crimes, including robbery, snatch theft, housebreaking, as well as a growing number of commercial crimes occurring through online platforms. "Crimes such as online fraud, investment scams, and identity theft now not only result in financial losses but also impact the emotional well-being and sense of security within the community," he said. - Bernama
