Latest news with #StateElection
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Robert Tawik also denies involvement in mining scandal
Robert Tawik KOTA KINABALU (July 1): Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik has denied allegations linking him to applications for mineral exploration licenses or receiving any funds related to such activities. The Assistant Minister of State Public Works described the accusations as politically motivated slander ahead of the approaching State Election. He stated that he has never been involved in any mining license applications or received any form of funding related to such activities. 'These allegations are baseless and malicious. They are desperate attempts to tarnish my image and damage the reputation of the state government,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. Robert affirmed his full cooperation with the authorities if required. 'As a leader, I remain committed and focused on fulfilling my responsibilities to the people. I will not be swayed or distracted by these unethical political attacks,' he emphasized. He also urged all parties to refrain from using slander as a political tool and instead engage in mature and responsible politics for the greater good of Sabah. STAR Sabah president and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan as well as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Sri Panglima Jahid Jahim have also denied allegations linking them to the bribery scandal. The allegations were published by Malaysiakini in an article dated June 28, 2025, titled 'Lagi Kejutan Sabah: Skandal pelombongan selubungi STAR, pemimpin tertinggi PBS'. Besides Jeffrey, Jahid and Robert, the news portal claimed that three other leaders were also involved in the scandal. Meanwhile, Robert has stressed the need for responsible discourse and unity in addressing Sabah's development challenges. Responding to recent statement by Sabah Umno vice youth chief Bobby Balang, he said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor's call for the public to exercise wisdom when navigating unverified claims on social media was a timely reminder in the digital age. 'The Chief Minister never questioned the intelligence of Sabahans. On the contrary, he urged for discernment – especially when misinformation can spread rapidly online and damage reputations without evidence,' her said. Robert said the government welcomes public scrutiny and is committed to transparency and good governance. 'Let's be clear – there is no room in this administration for corruption to be swept under the carpet. GRS remains steadfast in strengthening institutional integrity and taking action when wrongdoing is proven,' he said. He acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure and utility services, but said the current state leadership has taken proactive steps to address long-standing issues that were inherited from previous administrations. 'Development is not a cover for corruption. It is our mission. Real progress requires both infrastructure improvements and public trust – and that is what we are working hard to earn,' he added. Robert urged for constructive engagement from all political players, particularly those in the unity government at the federal level. 'It's easy to criticise from the sidelines, but Sabahans deserve solutions, not just soundbites. We call on all parties to work together for the people's benefit – that is true leadership.'
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Port of Albany increased grain ship capacity ‘several' years away and more than $10 million in planning
Bigger grain and fertiliser ships could one day berth at the Port of Albany, but it will take 'several years' and more than $10 million in planning before the project breaks ground. The Port of Albany received $10.8 million in the recent State Budget for the design and redevelopment of Berth 1 and Berth 2 to support an increased capacity for grain, fertiliser and mineral sands exports. A State Government spokeswoman said the funding would bankroll engineering designs, preliminary environmental studies and regulatory approvals to 'inform a business case' for an upgraded general purpose berth at the port. Southern Ports has engaged British professional services company Arup to support the planning work as head consultancy. 'Early planning work is already under way but given its nature and complexity, is expected to take several years to complete,' she said. 'Any upgrades to berth capacity would deliver numerous State and regional benefits for farmers, including sustaining demand for grain exports to global markets, as well as the import of fertiliser each year to support higher grower yields. 'More broadly, future development of the Port would also position it for growth in additional grain exports, cruise tourism, fertiliser imports, project cargo such as wind turbines, other dry bulk, and contribute to the ongoing economic prosperity of the Great Southern region.' Grain export records tumbled at the Port of Albany in 2022-23, powered by WA farmers' record grain harvest of 26 million tonnes, with a history-making 4.1Mt exported from the Great Southern port that year. Planning and development work for upgrades at the Port of Albany were promised by WA Labor in February prior to the State Election, with then-ports minister David Michael describing the upgrades as 'critical for the ongoing strength of our local industries and economy'. Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks welcomed the funding and said it built on work 'already under way'. 'It allows us to progress the early designs and environmental studies required to bring the project a step closer,' he said. 'This planning and development work to renew our critical but ageing berth infrastructure is essential to the Port of Albany's future and its continued role in driving trade, cruise tourism and economic prosperity within the Great Southern region.' Farmers in the Albany Port Zone produced their biggest crop on record last harvest at 5.27 million tonnes, nearly all of which was destined to be shipped to various export markets from the Port of Albany. A CBH spokesman said the co-operative welcomed the investment into regional port infrastructure and it 'looks forwards to engaging with port authorities'. Grain production is expected to increase across as farmers across the region start to use more paddocks for cropping, rather than livestock production, as WA's sheep flock continues to decline.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
UMNO general assembly postponed to November due to Sabah polls
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 UMNO General Assembly, initially set for August 20–23, has been postponed to November 26–29 to allow the party to focus on the upcoming Sabah State Election. The decision was made during the UMNO Supreme Council meeting held at Menara Dato' Onn, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed the postponement, stating that the move was necessary to ensure proper preparations for the Sabah polls. The Sabah State Legislative Assembly's term will automatically expire on November 11, triggering the 17th state election. The meeting, chaired by UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was attended by Vice Presidents Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, along with other Supreme Council members. In addition to the assembly's postponement, the Supreme Council agreed to conduct a mid-term review of the Malaysian Unity Government's performance. This includes assessing UMNO's contributions within the administration and government-linked agencies. Asyraf Wajdi also clarified that UMNO discourages member absorption from other Unity Government component parties to maintain harmony. The meeting further decided that the Supreme Council may review disciplinary appeals from members under Clause 20.12 of the UMNO Constitution. The party also extended gratitude to the Terengganu and Perak UMNO Liaison Bodies for aiding victims of the June 10 Gerik bus crash, which killed 15 Sultan Idris Education University students.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Activist warns of youth manipulation amid rising politicisation ahead of Sabah polls
Aksyah Nasrah KOTA KINABALU (June 22): As Sabah gears up for its 17th State Election, activist and local political observer Aksyah Nasrah has voiced concern over what he described as a growing trend of university students and youth being exploited by opposition parties for short-term political gain. He described the development as alarming, particularly as respected institutions like Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are being pulled into politically motivated movements. 'UMS was established to educate and shape the future of Sabah's youth, not to be misused as a political tool under the guise of integrity and anti-corruption. Is this what UMS was originally founded for?' he questioned in a statement issued Sunday. Aksyah also doubted the sincerity of those participating in recent protests, claiming their actions do not reflect the values and character of UMS students or the cultural norms of Sabahans. 'If we observe the facial expressions of those in the recent demonstration, many of them are not genuine UMS students and certainly do not represent the spirit of native Sabahans,' he alleged. He went on to reveal screenshots, purportedly from WhatsApp conversations, suggesting that participants were paid RM50 each to join the protest — raising serious questions about the authenticity and integrity of the organisers. 'If it's true that participants were paid, then clearly this is not about integrity or anti-corruption. It's about quick gains and personal interest. Sadly, the damage done may be long-lasting,' he said. Aksyah went so far as to describe the movement as part of a broader anarchist agenda that could threaten Sabah's social harmony and political stability, warning of long-term consequences for the state. He also took aim at a group of students who had lodged police reports allegedly insulting the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) of Sabah. 'What's most disappointing is that some of these individuals aren't even from Sabah. They come from outside the state yet insult the TYT, who is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We have never interfered in their home states, but now they are trying to burn down ours,' he said. Aksyah described their actions as not only disrespectful but potentially inflammatory, especially with the state election looming. 'The real question is — who is behind all this? What's the motive behind the slogans about integrity and reform? These are not spontaneous actions but coordinated, agenda-driven moves meant to destabilise and incite public unrest,' he claimed. He also expressed appreciation for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the GRS-PH Plus government, crediting them with maintaining development momentum and political stability under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap. 'Objectively, the State Government under Hajiji's leadership has charted a clear path forward. There is no real reason for students or outsiders to protest. Their actions only serve to derail development efforts,' he said. Aksyah stressed that political stability and unity are vital for progress, and that disruptive acts must cease for the good of Sabah. 'If we want to earn respect and achieve success, we must prioritise stability and unity as our foundation. If this situation continues, our hopes of uplifting the dignity and future of our people will remain out of reach,' he concluded.
West Australian
22-06-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Opposition alliance parties only going to get closer says Zempilas following all or nothing Love comments
Basil Zempilas has denied the Opposition Alliance is close to splitting up despite comments by his Nationals counterpart Shane Love that the junior partner would break the agreement if it was not formalised. Speaking to media on Sunday, Mr Zempilas said he was surprised to see Mr Love's comments and thought the two parties were working well together. 'I'm not disappointed, but I was surprised only because the sense that perhaps was portrayed does not match the reality,' he said. 'The absolute sense is that from those inside both teams and those who have been observing the early weeks of this new parliament, we are working very well together as a cohesive, high-functioning, united Opposition Alliance.' The comments come after The Sunday Times reported comments from Mr Love saying the two parties should go it alone if a formal Coalition agreement could not be met. 'To be anything in the middle (of being fully separate or in a formal Coalition) has really not proven successful,' Mr Love said. 'For me, we either have an agreement where we are definitely working together, or we be separate.' The traditional Coalition partners have had a tense relationship in recent times. In late 2024, leading up to March's State election, the alliance was on the brink after Mr Love pledged not to form a Coalition government with the Liberals unless they agreed to rewrite Labor's firearm law reform. Mr Zempilas said he believed the two parties were stronger together but that a formal Coalition agreement took time to develop. 'I've got a very good vantage point, I'm well aware of how well we're working together, I'm very aware of how good the relationship between Shane Love as leader of the Nationals and my own relationship as leader of the Liberal Party is,' he said. 'We're working very, very well together. My sense is that we are nowhere near a walking away, in fact if anything, we are only going to get stronger and come closer together.' Mr Love clarified his comments on Sunday in a statement, saying if the parties were to win the 2029 State Election, they needed to do it together. 'The current Opposition alliance is functioning well, our parliamentary relationship is focused, co-operative, and firmly united in holding the Cook Labor Government to account,' he said. 'The Nationals WA recognise the pressing need for a longer-term Opposition agreement that provides clarity, stability, and strategic direction beyond the current short-term Alliance. 'While we await the Liberal Party's return to the negotiating table, the Opposition parliamentary teams will continue to work together effectively.' Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti slammed the disunity of the opposition. 'The Nationals and Liberal Party have been a mess for many, many years so this is of no surprise,' she said. 'My analysis is it's like watching an episode of The Big Brother house and they keep going into the diary room to complain about each other.'
