Latest news with #SabahStateLegislativeAssembly
Borneo Post
15 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.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. The Prince of Wales meets Kleber Karipuna (third right), indigenous leader of Brazil's Karipuna people from Amapa, Jennifer Lasimbang (second right), former member of Sabah State Legislative Assembly, and Juan Carlos Jintiach, general secretary for the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (Frank Augstein/PA) He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' Marina Silva, right, Brazil's minister of environment and climate, has invited William to Cop30 (Frank Augstein/PA) William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. The Prince of Wales meets Kleber Karipuna (third right), indigenous leader of Brazil's Karipuna people from Amapa, Jennifer Lasimbang (second right), former member of Sabah State Legislative Assembly, and Juan Carlos Jintiach, general secretary for the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (Frank Augstein/PA) He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' Marina Silva, right, Brazil's minister of environment and climate, has invited William to Cop30 (Frank Augstein/PA) William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
No compromise on people's welfare: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji and Musa during the banquet. Kota Kinabalu: The rakyat's well-being remains the top priority of the State Government, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor. He said various infrastructure facilities are being provided to boost the state's development and progress, including in rural and interior areas. Basic necessities such as clean water supply, electricity, and roads — all crucial for both the people and the state — will continue to be prioritised, with efforts to repair, upgrade, and enhance them from time to time. 'Therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of every government officer to play their part in ensuring an efficient and transparent service delivery system, while promoting a high-performance work culture aligned with the principle that the people are the main clients in the public sector. 'In this modern and sophisticated era, service delivery must not only be fast, but also responsive, accurate, and inclusive. 'Efficient public service is what the people want, and at the same time, it serves as a foundation for the success of state development,' he said during the Sabah State Banquet in conjunction with the 74th Official Birthday Celebration of the Head of State at the Banquet Hall, Menara Kinabalu, on Saturday. Advertisement Present were Head of State, Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, the Chief Minister's wife Datin Seri Datuk Juliah Salag, Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya, members of the state cabinet, and other dignitaries. In line with this, the Chief Minister called on all parties — from state leadership to members of the public service — to always carry out their entrusted duties and responsibilities sincerely and honestly, with loyalty, dedication, and integrity. He added that the trust placed by the people in the State Government must be fully upheld and executed with excellence. 'Our main objective is to ensure the state is governed efficiently to drive smooth development processes, as envisioned and hoped for by all of us. 'Indeed, the State Government remains committed to excellence in advancing state development and the people's well-being — especially under the wisdom and leadership of His Excellency the Governor, who is the symbol of sovereignty, unity, and harmony in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to strengthening and empowering a culture of integrity, good governance, and anti-corruption through strategic collaboration with enforcement agencies. 'This includes cooperation with the police, the National Audit Department, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). 'Values of integrity, accountability, and good governance are not only fundamental principles for holistic state development but also serve as key pillars in safeguarding the sovereignty, prosperity, and stability of the state,' 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
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Shafie mandated by majority, not appointed by backdoor
Daniel John Jambun KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal had the majority support and was not appointed through the backdoor after the state election in 2018. Shafie was sworn in after it was clear that he commanded majority support in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. The six UPKO assemblymen who switched sides broke no law. They acted in good conscience and aligned with the reform movement that swept Malaysia after the 14th General Election. President of Borneo's Plight In Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) and Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS), Daniel John Jambun, pointed this out when responding to the opinion piece titled 'Let's Not Rewrite History: The Real Backdoor Chief Minister Was Shafie Apdal' authored by Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun, a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council 'While the writer attempts to posture as a constitutional purist, his narrative is riddled with distortion, selective amnesia, and a desperate attempt to whitewash the true political betrayal that unfolded under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),' said Daniel in a statement on Sunday. He said the real constitutional crisis happened when two Chief Ministers were sworn in within 48 hours — a crisis triggered not by Shafie, but by the premature swearing-in of Musa Aman without verified majority support. 'Musa himself challenged Shafie's appointment in court. But midway through the proceedings, Musa withdrew the case — because he realised he could not prove he held majority support. If his position was legally and morally sound, why back down? 'In a parliamentary democracy, it is the support of the majority of elected representatives — not who is sworn in first — that determines the legitimacy of government. (USNO vs PBS 1985 applies.)' Daniel also said that GRS did not contest the 2020 state election as a formal coalition. There was no GRS logo. The parties contested under separate banners — Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and others — without a common manifesto or electoral mandate. 'The so-called GRS government was only formed after the election, through a series of political defections and federally orchestrated deals. That is the very definition of a backdoor government. 'In contrast, Warisan Plus contested as a clear coalition, with a unified manifesto, and won the most seats as a single bloc. But the people's mandate was overturned — not at the ballot box, but in hotel rooms and elite negotiations backed by external interference. 'Before Clarence Malakun points fingers, he should reflect on the coalition he now defends — one born not of the people's mandate, but of political manipulation and opportunism,' he said. Daniel said the accusation that Shafie's administration was dominated by 'Semporna loyalists' is nothing more than racial dog-whistling and baseless slander. 'Warisan's government was inclusive and reflective of Sabah's rich ethnic and regional diversity — from Penampang to Kota Belud, from Tenom to Kudat. 'Ironically, the current GRS government is far more centralised, filled with recycled Barisan elites, and dependent on federal-linked proxies and political appointments. Where is the meritocracy they claim to uphold?' he asked. Daniel also said the claim that Warisan sabotaged the Telibong 2 and Sandakan water projects is false. These projects were paused for due diligence due to inflated costs, procurement irregularities, and governance concerns. 'The real failure lies in GRS's inability to resolve Sabah's worsening water crisis despite receiving billions in allocations. The people are suffering even more today — and this government must take responsibility,' he said. On the accusations linking Warisan to 'Project IC 2.0', Daniel said they are recycled political slander. 'If there was any genuine wrongdoing, why has the GRS government — after nearly four years in power — failed to take legal action or produce credible evidence? 'In truth, the influx of undocumented immigrants and stateless individuals long predates Warisan's administration. For instance: In 2014, under Barisan Nasional's rule, official estimates already placed the number of undocumented foreigners in Sabah at over 800,000.
