Latest news with #SabahStateAssembly
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
New tax law scrutinised over judicial review powers
Legislative agenda: Masidi (left) arriving at the Sabah State Assembly in Kota Kinabalu. — Bernama KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah assembly passed sweeping amendments to a state tax law that strengthens collection and enforcement, amid concerns from lawmakers over its powers and potential to raise living costs. Legislators from both the Opposition and backbench also questioned the inclusion of a clause in the Sabah Sales Tax Enactment (Amendment 2025) that limits the court's ability to review the tax rate and how it is collected. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the amendments were to remove grey areas, plug loopholes and put in place a collection system that would benefit taxpayers. Speaking during the winding up of the debates on the 37 amendments, Masidi said that the state had sought the assistance of tax consultants and the state Attorney General in drafting the amendments to ensure that the new system was fair and clear. 'They are meant to ensure that all processes are conducted strictly with transparency and accountability. It also gives taxpayers justice and ensures that their rights are protected,' he said. During the debates, nominated assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee (GRS-SAPP) raised concerns over an amendment to restrict judicial review, including on the amount of the tax. 'Last week, the Federal Court struck down a part of the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) because it was unconstitutional,' he said, referring to an apex court ruling that the requirement in the PAA to inform police before a rally was unconstitutional. 'I do not believe that our state assembly can limit judicial review,' he said. In response, Masidi gave his assurance that the power of judicial review would be maintained and no law should be exempted. 'In this amendment, we have an appeal tribunal if someone is not satisfied. This makes the amendment more transparent actually,' he said. He said the Sabah finance ministry, the tax collection agency and taxpayers will receive more clarity about the process. 'If they are unhappy, they can go to the tribunal court,' said Masidi. In response to concerns raised by Yong and Jamil Hamzah (Warisan-Bugaya), Masidi said the enactment did not overlap with federal taxes and both governments have separate laws and powers. State Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) questioned whether a new state tax would further burden the people. Instead of introducing new state taxes, he said Sabah should pursue the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) promise that 40% of all federal tax revenue be returned to Sabah. Shafie's concerns were echoed by Datuk Darell Leiking (Warisan-Moyog). Also at the Sabah State Assembly, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Bill 2025 formalises Sabah's commitment to climate leadership and recognises its rare global status as a net carbon sink. He tabled the Bill for its second reading yesterday, describing the legislation as a milestone. The newly-passed Bill establishes a two-tier governance system led by the Sabah Climate Action Council and a director to oversee carbon governance and greenhouse gas emissions. It also enshrines in law that all carbon rights belong to the state government. Crucially, the Bill mandates greenhouse gas reporting, the creation of a climate fund and the involvement of indigenous communities, especially in carbon projects taking place on native customary land. 'This gives us a significant and strategic head start in an increasingly carbon-constrained global economy. This means Sabah has already gone beyond what the world is asking for under the Paris Agreement. 'We have already done our part for Malaysia's 2050 net zero commitment under that agreement,' Madingkir said. He said the Bill provides a pathway for Sabah to lead nationally and internationally on climate governance, with full recognition of its constitutional rights over land, forests and water.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Chong's use of Hakka in assembly not offensive, says Warisan leader
Parti Warisan Pekan Sandakan chief Stanley Tan Vui Chung (right) defended Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong (centre) following a heated exchange in the Sabah State Assembly over the Esteel project. KOTA KINABALU: Elopura assemblyman's brief use of Hakka during a heated exchange in the Sabah State Assembly did not contain any harmful or rude language and should not be seen as a problem, says Parti Warisan's Pekan Sandakan branch chief. Stanley Tan Vui Chung said the lawmaker, Calvin Chong, was simply expressing frustration over the delayed progress of the RM31bil Esteel Sabah project and that the use of dialects in the House was not uncommon given Sabah's multicultural context. 'In Sabah, many elected reps speak in localised Malay mixed with native dialects. What Calvin said in Hakka was not offensive or vulgar in any way,' Tan said in a statement on Tuesday (July 8). 'If it were truly inappropriate, the Speaker would have issued a warning or ordered him out. But instead, both parties were only asked to calm down,' he added. The confrontation took place on Monday (July 7) when Chong questioned why there was still no visible activity at the Esteel steel plant site in Sipitang, despite repeated announcements that it would be a major catalyst for Sabah's industrial growth. Chong also sought clarification on the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) status, land tenure, and the absence of Sabahan directors on the company's board — and questioned potential overlaps with mineral exploration companies. Phoong, however, defended the project's progress, citing signed lease agreements, a RM35mil deposit, a federal manufacturing licence, and a secured gas supply from Petronas and Sabah Energy Corporation. He also said a jetty contract had been awarded to China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). However, tensions escalated when Phoong criticised Chong for going to the media and lodging a police report instead of formally raising the matter in the House. Phoong had also lodged a police report against Chong. Tan clarified that Chong had, in fact, prepared documents to speak on the matter in the assembly, but was preemptively accused before getting the opportunity to do so. 'Calvin was speaking up on behalf of the people. That is his duty. Unfortunately, instead of being heard, he was accused of politicising the issue,' he said. Tan also pointed out that heavy machinery was only seen arriving at the project site about two weeks after Chong filed his police report, and that media coverage on the project's progress only surfaced in recent days. 'Why the delay? Why only move after being pressured? These are legitimate questions,' he said, adding that asking for transparency does not mean being anti-development. The Esteel project, first announced at RM19.6bil, has since been revised to RM31bil to include downstream facilities and a deepwater jetty. The government maintains that construction is ongoing in phases.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah passes landmark climate change and carbon bill
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, positioning Sabah as a national leader in environmental protection and climate resilience. Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the Bill safeguards Sabah's status as a 'net carbon sink' – one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. Sabah currently accounts for 36pc of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. He called this a 'strategic economic asset' that must be protected through sound governance to avoid losing its environmental advantage, while noting that Sabah is also one of Malaysia's most climate-vulnerable regions. The new law will create a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that climate benefits reach all Sabahans. Abidin said success will require investment, capacity-building, and collaboration across all levels, with a focus on using Sabah's natural advantage wisely. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah legalises 40 villages, reallocates forest land with minimal impact
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has approved the removal of 16,729 hectares from 10 forest reserves to legalise 40 villages in seven districts, benefiting over 12,000 residents. Assistant Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said these villages, some existing since 1985, deserve legal recognition and land security. Most of the land (15,978 hectares) comes from the Sipitang area, aiding 36 villages in Sipitang, Tenom, and Kemabong. Smaller areas in Pitas, Ranau, Kalabakan, Tawau, and Sebatik will also gain village status, with some land used for border security and public facilities. Despite the reductions, Sabah's total forest area drops only 0.47pc, from 3.575 million to 3.558 million hectares. The government will replace the removed land with areas of equal size and quality, aiming to meet its goal of protecting 30pc of Sabah's land under the 2018 Forest Policy. The Bill also sets the stage for these villages to be officially gazetted under the Land Ordinance, ensuring legal, welfare, and development benefits for the communities. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah assembly passes sales tax amendment bill
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly passed the Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 today, aimed at strengthening the state's taxation framework and improving revenue governance. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the 37 amendments were part of a broader effort to modernise the revenue system to be more transparent, effective, and fair. He assured that the revised law provides mechanisms for appeal, instalment payments, and composite assessments, prioritising fairness and taxpayer rights. However, nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee raised constitutional concerns, especially over a clause limiting judicial review. Kapayan assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang supported the bill in principle but objected to provisions requiring payment before appeal, the inclusion of "negligence" as an offence, and potentially excessive anti-avoidance powers. Despite the concerns, the bill was passed by voice vote. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
