Look beyond poco-poco, Perak mufti told

"..at the end, it depended on the ‘niat’ (intention) of a person in doing the act that rendered a certain act as forbidden."Said MP Kuala Selangor Dzulkefly Ahmad

(Source:FMT news) March 31,2011 by G Vinod

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS’ Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad today called upon Perak Mufti Harrussani Zakaria to get his priorities right and focus on bigger issues plaguing the nation.
Referring to the recent Perak Fatwa committee’s decision to declare the ‘poco-poco’ dance as unlawful, Dzulkefly said religious leaders should instead monitor the government to ensure it was steadfast in the path of righteousness.
“I am not defending ‘poco-poco’ but the mufti should instead address issues like good governance, integrity and rule of law. These are very important Islamic values,”said Dzulkefly who is also PAS central committee member.
On Tuesday, Harussani told a Malay daily that the state Fatwa committee decided to ban the dance as it had elements of Christianity and spirit worship.
Calling the dance ban as uncalled for, Dzulkefly said the senior mufti should put things into the right perspective, including objecting to the use of gutter politics by BN politicians, which were un-Islamic.
“This is more important now, not ‘poco-poco’.
“Islam solves the bigger issues. Once you solve the bigger problems, the smaller ones will go away by itself,”he said.

Don’t give Islam bad name

Sharing Dzulkefly’s views, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said the Perak Fatwa committee must understand the spirit of Islam before declaring certain things as ‘haram’ (forbidden).
In Islam, Khalid said, everything is allowed unless there are specific practises within it which rendered it forbidden.
He added that at the end, it depended on the ‘niat’ (intention) of a person in doing the act that rendered a certain act as forbidden.
“For example, in ancient days kings are treated as gods but it is no longer the case now. Just because they were treated as gods in the past does not mean having kings are un-Islamic now.
“The same applies ‘poco-poco’. If a person dances to the tunes with a religious connotation in his heart, then the act can be questioned but if you dance it just for recreation then there is no problem,”said Khalid.
He called upon the state religious committee to dissect an issue thoroughly before issuing an edict to safeguard the good name of Islam.
“If not, people will have a bad impression over Islam. People may think that we cannot accept certain good things,”he said.

 

Rosmah: Govt and NGOs must collaborate to help homeless

She said it was crucial to understand why some segments of society remained homeless despite many programmes to help them. 

“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said

________________________________________________

(Source: TheStar news) Tuesday March 29,2011

KUALA LUMPUR: Collaborative efforts between the Government and NGOs are needed to tackle homelessness in the country, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said.

She said it was crucial to understand why some segments of society remained homeless despite many programmes to help them.

“Material loss may have forced some people onto the streets but the reason for them remaining homeless is something else entirely. It could perhaps be their loss of will and spirit to continue living.


Charity begins at home: Rosmah and Shahrizat witnessing the mock cheque presentation between AmBank Corporate Finance director Syed Anuar Syed Ali (left) and Kechara Soup Kitchen president Datuk Ruby Khong at Jalan Barat here yesterday. Also present are Kitchen patron Datuk Dr Victor Wee(second from left) and National Welfare Foundation CEO Datuk Sayed A. Rahman Sayed Mohd.



“We are very lucky to have NGOs like Kechara Soup Kitchen working with government agencies to help the homeless.


“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said in her speech before opening the KSK Building here yesterday.


The building, located in Jalan Barat off Jalan Imbi, has been in operation since Sept 23 last year. It provides hot vegetarian lunches from Monday to Friday to homeless people in the area for free.

Renovated at a cost of RM400,000, the building also welcomes walk-in customers who may pay any amount for their meals as donations.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who also attended the function, announced that the ministry will open a new shelter called Bangunan Ehsan at Jalan Lekiu on April 9. The shelter will provide 76 beds for males and females.

Big wins' in GTP report -Malaysia

"Of the six NKRAs, focus should be on Combating Corruption though we may not always have witnesses or figures but still believe corruption commonly takes place even with many civil services specially in Sabah"

(Source:@TheSunDaily - thesun news)

Big wins' in GTP report
By Pauline Wong

PETALING JAYA (March 27, 2011): The Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Annual Report 2010 released this evening showed that the programme, launched in January last year to radically transform the way in which the government works, has been a resounding success.

Each of the six national key result areas (NKRA) showed an overall positive outcome, with significant "big wins" including the biggest drop in crime statistics since independence and the introduction of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to combat corruption.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak expressed satisfaction at the outcomes.

"It registered many "firsts" that have directly or indirectly enhanced the lives of millions," he said in the foreword to a 250-page report issued by the Prime Minister's Department.

The six NKRAs are Crime Reduction, Combating Corruption, Improving Student Outcomes, Raising the Living Standards of Low Income Households, Rural Basic Infrastructure Improvement and Improving Urban Public Transportation.

> The NKRA for Crime Reduction scored two major achievements: street crime and index crime (serious and regularly occurring crimes affecting the national crime index) went down by 35% and 15% respectively.

Also, police recorded 6,842 arrests and confiscations for snatch theft, vehicle theft and house break-ins. Close to 500 closed-circuit televisions, 2,594 light posts and 343 safety mirrors have been installed under the Safe City programme under this NKRA.

To increase police presence, 14,222 police officers were redeployed in crime hotspot areas. These initiatives resulted in a 55.8% satisfaction with police services compared to 35.8% in 2009, according to a survey by UK-based survey house Taylor Nelson Sofres.

> The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 was one of the landmark achievements of the NKRA for Combating Corruption.

The act aims to encourage whistleblowers to come forward with reports of improper conduct by granting them protection of identity, immunity from criminal or civil liability as well as protection against any action taken against them.

Other key initiatives include stiffer minimum sentences, the speedy prosecution of corruption cases, and a "name and shame" database of 284 (and growing) convicted offenders. Compliance units to prevent corrupt practices in the police force, Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs, Road Transport Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have also been set up.

These initiatives contributed to 48% of Malaysians agreeing that the government's efforts to fight corruption is effective in the Transparency International (TI) Global Corruption Barometer 2010. However, the report showed that Malaysia's TI Corruption Perception Index Score remains low at 4.4, falling short of the 4.9 target set (a score of 10 indicates least corrupt).

> In improving student outcomes, key initiatives to reward high performing schools, teachers and headmasters resulted in a more than 90% achievement of targets set.

The pre-school enrolment rate exceeded expectations at 72.42%, with 1,500 pre-school classes rolled out (including nine in remote areas of Sabah and Sarawak), enabling more than 700,000 children aged four and five to get a headstart.

An 85% literacy rate and 91% numeracy rate was also scored after the Literacy and Numeracy Screening test for Year One pupils last September. More than 100 out of 290 primary schools reported as much as a 40% improvement in the school average grade, and 20 high-performing schools have been identified.

> In the NKRA for raising living standards of low-income households, one major achievement reported was the complete removal of all 44,535 families in the hardcore poor category.

Through the Akhiri Zaman Miskin (end poverty), or 1Azam, programmes, poor households are given aid in finding employment, starting small home businesses or embarking on agriculture projects to earn a living.

In addition, other initiatives in collaboration with the Health Ministry have contributed to achieving the targets in this NKRA.

Four 1Malaysia mobile clinics provide medical treatment to poor households in rural areas, and 50 1Malaysia clinics have provided basic medical care for the low income group.

> With 35% of Malaysians living in rural areas, improving rural basic infrastructure is paramount to ensure every layer of society has equal access to modern facilities and wealth, stated the report.

To this end, a total of 783.1km of rural roads have been built or upgraded, 36,273 and 27,266 households connected to treated water and electricity supply, and 16,962 houses for the rural poor have been built or restored.

> Improving urban public transportation however, was the only one of the six NKRA that showed slow progress, with many of its initiatives and projects delayed due to various reasons.

Delays in the mobilisation of the Land Public Transport Commission as a body to effectively regulate and monitor bus and rail operators caused difficulties in project delivery and smooth integration of the public transport system.

Other hiccups included an inability to come to an agreement with private bus operators in the distribution of bus routes; internal structure and bureaucracy issues with government agencies responsible for urban transport which resulted in a lack of coordination; and the lack of capable local contractors to refurbish the KTM Komuter trains.

However, there were some successes, namely the RM570 million integrated transport terminal (ITT) in Bandar Tasik Selatan, which now diverts some 500 southbound express buses from congested city centres on a daily basis.

Also this year, the ITT Gombak is expected to be built and 270 more buses will be introduced into existing routes by September.

Rail passengers can look forward to 13 four-coach trains for the Kelana Jaya LRT line which will be delivered mid year. They will help increase passenger loads and improve the efficiency of the rail system.

SAPP Tenom gesa kaji kedudukan NCR

Tenom, Mac 23, 2011: NAIB Presiden Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP), Jimmy Jawatah mengalu-alukan kesediaan kerajaan Sabah sepertimana yang ditegaskan Ketua Menteri Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman baru-baru ini.

Dalam kenyataannya, Musa berkata bahawa beliau akan mengkaji dan meneliti kawasan tanah adat (NCR) yang termasuk dalam kawasan Hutan Simpan kerana Jimmy mengharapkan agar kajian itu menjurus kepada kelulusan untuk menempatkan perkampungan penduduk asal.

Katanya, keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi baru-baru ini berhubung kes pencerobohan Hutan Simpan Imahit yang membebaskan 6 penduduk Kuala Tomani dari tuduhan itu membuktikan bahawa hak asasi rakyat terhadap tanah NCR tetap utuh.

"Sungguhpun begitu, kita minta kerajaan agar terus mengazetkan mana-mana kawasan tanah NCR itu yang dikeluarkan dari kawasan Hutan Simpan supaya penduduk di kawasan terbabit tidak lagi merasa tergugat kedudukan mereka," kata beliau lagi.

Jimmy yang juga Pengerusi CLC, SAPP Tenom berkata demikian ketika melancarkan jentera pilihanraya bagi Dun Melalap, Kemabong dan Parlimen Tenom di Pejabat Perhubungan parti itu di Tenom sebagai persiapan menghadapi pilihanraya umum kali ke-13 (PRU13) yang akan diadakan dalam masa terdekat ini.

Beliau menegaskan bahawa masalah tanah NCR yang berada di kawasan Hutan Simpan sepatutnya pihak kerajaan negeri sudah menyelesaikan masalah tersebut lebih awal lagi jika pihak terbabit termasuk wakil rakyat berkenaan melakukan kajian yang serius berhubung perkara itu berdasarkan peruntukan undang-undang yang sedia ada.

Dalam pada itu, ketika ditanya berhubung cadangan Presiden Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Dato’ Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail mengenai pemberian status kerakyatan ‘Penduduk Tetap’ (PR) tetapi tiada hak mengundi dalam pilihanraya kepada PATI sepertimana tercatat dalam ‘Buku Jingga’ parti itu Jimmy berkata;

"Kepimpinan SAPP menentang dasar itu dan ia suatu cadangan yang tidak relevan dalam keadaan sekarang. Sedangkan kita (SAPP) bertungkus lumus mendesak kerajaan mengusir PATI selain mengadakan kempen memungut tandatangan mendesak kerajaan menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Siasatan DiRaja (RCI) bagi menyiasat pemberian kad pengenalan dan kerakyatan kepada PATI," tegas Jimmy.

Tegasnya, kepimpinan SAPP memandang serius masalah kebanjiran PATI di Sabah yang dianggarkan kira-kira 600,000 dikesan memiliki dokumen sah seperti kad pengenalan dan kerakyatan negara ini. 


(Bahan berita : SAPP official website in bahasa Oleh: MAIL MATHEW )

Malaysia 'probably transit point for WMD parts'

"Malaysia would strictly enforce a new law to curb trafficking of nuclear weapons components after being linked with the illegal supply of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya. "- Said Najib Razak, Malaysia Prime Minister

(Sources: Yahoo and AFP news) March 22, 2011


(AFP/File – File photo shows cargo ships dock at Malaysia's Klang port on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia is probably an illicit transit point for parts used in weapons of mass destruction, the home minister was quoted as saying Tuesday after police seized suspected weapons equipment.

"It is safe for me to say that Malaysia is likely being used as a transit point and not as a destination point for WMD," home minister Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

Police said last week they had asked the country's nuclear agency for a report on parts seized from a ship bound for western Asia.

The local Sun daily had reported that authorities impounded two containers of "parts of an equipment believed used to make weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear warhead" in early March from a Malaysian-registered ship.

The dismantled equipment was seized at Port Klang, west of Kuala Lumpur, from the ship after it arrived from China, that report said.

The parts were among items subject to controlled and restricted sale by the UN Security Council and under international law, it said, adding that captain and crew were questioned before being allowed to leave port with their vessel.

Hishammuddin, who oversees domestic security, said that Malaysia had now sought the assistance of foreign experts to examine the seized parts, according to the Star.
Last April, Premier Najib Razak said Malaysia would strictly enforce a new law to curb trafficking of nuclear weapons components after being linked with the illegal supply of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya.

Review of nuclear plants proposal in wake of Japan earthquake

"How Possibly Does A Leader Going Round And Round A Track Help The Nation Grow? Do Be One Good Leader Like Those Who Let Our Voices Be Heard! " 

(source: masslive.com- The Associated Press news) March 14,2011


BOSTON (AP) — Sen. John Kerry is urging the Obama administration to rethink its push for a new generation of nuclear power plants.
The Massachusetts Democrat said the devastating earthquake in Japan that led to two hydrogen explosions at a tsunami-stricken nuclear power facility should automatically cause the administration to back off calls for new nuclear plants in the United States.
Kerry said Monday that new plants shouldn't be built until they can be designed to guarantee that the nuclear core won't break apart even under the most extreme kinds of stress like an earthquake.
He said without that guarantee no community will accept a nuclear plant nearby.
President Barack Obama has said the country needs to expand its energy sources, from wind and solar to a new generation of nuclear power plants.

_________________________________________________

At the parliament in Malaysia,
(Source: SAPP official website)
It's time to review nuclear plant proposal

(Kuala Lumpur, March 22, 2011): Datuk Chua Soon Bui , Member of Parliament Tawau who is the Vice President of SAPP said while the world shared the grief with Japan on the Holocaust of the double disaster of earthquake and Tsunami which devastated Japan leading to millions homeless, and thousands of death.

"We Parliamentarians from Malaysia, and I from the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) shared the burden of sorrow and convey our deepest condolences to the Japan Government and the people of Japan.

"We mourned with Japan on the loss of lives, homes destroyed, we sympathized and concern to the families who lost their closed family members, relatives and friends, we understand the anxiety and agony for the missing, the burden of pain is beyond imagination.

She agrees with the government that it's time we extend our helping hands, to give assistance, offer our emotional and moral support, so that it makes it easier for them to brace through the challenges and sustain a high spirit to recover from these nightmares and hardship.

"The explosions of the Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Japan have added more fear and anxiety to the people in the region on their safety and we pray that the matter will be resolved successfully so as to avert any possible disastrous aftermath.

"In the line of these devastation, we have much to learn from Japan on the efficiency of their authorities to combat the disaster, their strong social culture, their strong family and community ties, and the discipline of the people, the readiness of the people to face these emergencies.

"The recent visits to the DIET members of parliament (MP) by a delegation of 28 Malaysian Parliamentarians during our peace mission to Japan organised by UPF (universal peace federation ) were well received and fruitful. We are concerned that we have lost communication with the UPF Japan after the disaster and pray that they are safe and well.

WE FROM THE DELEGATION THE UPF WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY OUR SINCERE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES, THE INFRASTRUCTURES AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"We are also saddened by threats faced by the people at the FUKUSHIMA nuclear plant explosions and also urged the relevant ministries and authorities to keep the Malaysian public inform on the contagious effect of the possible nuclear particles to Malaysia and food security.

She also would like to urge the Ministry of Energy, green technology and water to ABOLISH the building of the nuclear power plant in Malaysia especially in Sabah. She urge the Ministry to take hints from Germany whom had just announced its closed down of 7 nuclear power plants, Austria also object to building of this source of energy. I am confident that we can resolve to many other alternative renewable energy in Malaysia if we are for sighted enough for the benefits of our children and grand-children.

"The people of Sabah are worried and wanted to know whether the government has any policy in term of resources , training especially on disaster management in tackling radiation risks from a foreign country because Sabah is very near the neighboring Bataan nuclear power plant near Manila , Philippines and also many in China.

With this, she supported the motion of the resolutions.

Sarawak assembly dissolved

(Sources: TheStar online news)
updated: March 21, 2011 MYT 1:21:05 PM
updated: March 22, 2011 Tuesday



Asfia with a copy of the dissolution proclamation signed by Salahuddin in Kuching. According to Aziz, the EC would receive the notice today and the officials meet tomorrow at Pullman Kuching. A press conference has been scheduled at noon to announce the eagerly awaited nomination and polling dates. The state election is the tenth. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

Speaker receives proclamation of dissolution signed by Yang di-Pertua Negeri

KUCHING: The Sarawak state assembly was dissolved on Monday, paving the way for the 10th state election.

Speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar told a news conference here that the proclamation of the dissolution, signed by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, was received this morning.

He said that the notice of dissolution would be handed over to Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof on Tuesday.

The EC is expected to meet here on Wednesday to decide on the dates for the nomination and polling.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud announced on Saturday that the state assembly would be dissolved Monday.

The Barisan Nasional has been in control of 63 of the 71 seats in the assembly since Engkilili assemblyman Dr Jonical Rayong Ngipa, who contested on an opposition Sarawak National Party ticket in the last state election on May 20, 2006, joined the Barisan last year.

The DAP holds six seats while PKR has one and Parti Cinta Malaysia, through an Independent representative, has another one. — Bernama

City Hall and Luyang Assemblywoman's Office Clean up playground

(Source: The Borneo Post news)
(March 19, 2011, Saturday)
KOTA KINABALU: City Hall and the Luyang assemblywoman’s Office (LAO) yesterday cleaned up the Golden City playground here.
Recently, the office received complaints from people in the area on the poor conditions of the playground, which is frequently used to carry out activities such as tai chi exercise.
The one-and-a-half-hour clean-up programme, which started around 10am, was jointly carried out by LAO and City Hall’s Landscaping Department officers and personnel.
A spokesperson for Luyang People’s Representative Office, Frankie Yap, said they were doing the work voluntarily although they may not be holding any posts in the government.
He said that public are welcome to voice their grouses to the office by contacting 088-235968 or 088-272968.

(CLEANING IN PROGRESS: City Hall personnel cleaning up the

Golden City playground on March 18, 2011 Friday.)

________________________________________________


N16 Luyang Assemblywoman's Office

(YB Puan Melanie Chia Chui Ket -Sabah Luyang Assemblywoman
She is also SAPP Vice-President cum Women Chief)

Red birth certificates for foreigners’ children

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun
Hussin





Source:The Borneo Post -by Ripin Mintow)

March 19,2011 Saturday
KOTA KINABALU: Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussin said that children of foreigners born in Malaysia would be issued with red birth certificates from July 1, this year.

He said the move aimed at stemming the long-standing migrant problem, particularly in Sabah, is to remind foreign parents
that holding a birth certificate does not automatically mean that their children are Malaysians.

Announcing this here yesterday, Hishammuddin said the nationwide initiative to be carried by the National Registration Department (NRD) would see the birth certificate format which is different from those issued to Malaysians.

“As a start, NRD will issue red birth certificates to children of foreigners,” he said, explaining that presently green birth certificates were issued
to both locals and foreigners; and a child’s nationality is determined based on the nationality of
the parents.
Datuk Seri Hishammudin

“Our aim is to inform the parents of foreign children early that they cannot assume that just because their children were born in the country, they could automatically consider their children as Malaysians.

“It is also aimed at clearing any confusion among the people about
the nationality of the children,” said Hishammuddin, who is in the state to witness Ops X Rampas KK, a rescue drill by special forces to free hostages in an aircraft at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

He said the move would also make it easier for all government agencies to easily identify the nationalities of the persons having dealings with them.

However, he said those foreign children already holding green birth certificates will remain but if they applied for an “extract of birth certificate” from any NRD office, they would get a red birth certificate copy.

He said for those children who were identified as foreigners at birth but later verified as Malaysians through verification process under the country’s laws, the red birth certificates would be changed to green with
an indicator on the certificate.

Hishammuddin said the suggestion for different coloured birth certificates was among 22 proposals suggested by the special lab on Sabah immigrants that was tabled at the fifth Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers and Illegal Immigrants chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Thursday.

He said the 22 proposals were in addition to the 48 proposals and initiatives proposed by the special lab on foreign worker management held at the national level.

Hishammuddin said the implementation of the proposal from Sabah showed that the federal government was serious in tackling the long-standing problem of foreign migrants in Sabah.

“This issue is of great concern to the people of Sabah who want to see a comprehensive solution to the problem.

“Taking into account the complexity and seriousness of the issue in Sabah, apart from the complex geographical and demographic situation, it is best for the Sabah people to come out with their strategy to solve it,” he said, adding that was why a special lab for Sabah was set up.

The Federal Government, assured Hishammuddin, will give whatever assistance necessary to assist the people of the state to resolve the problem.

He said the special lab in Sabah involved 27 officers from state and federal agencies and their proposals were tabled and endorsed in the state cabinet on July 7, last year.

Most of the 22 proposals had been agreed and adopted in principle by the cabinet committee and would be tabled at the Cabinet meeting in the near future, he said.

However, steps were already being taken to implement various measures proposed by Sabah, he added.

Kota Kinabalu officially joins Earth Hour

(Source: The Borneo Post -by Nancy Lai)
March 18, 2011, Friday



(GOOD INITIATIVE... Masidi (fourth left), City Hall Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir (fourth right), City Hall Director General Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Rizal and members of the organising committee giving their 'thumbs-up" to the Earth Hour initiative. Photo souce:TheBorneoPost)

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu will officially participate in the Earth Hour 2011 Campaign to show its support and concern towards climate change.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Sabah Environment Action Council, together with Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, would lead the way by switching off non-essential lights for an hour on March 26, between 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

“In Sabah, Earth Hour will be practised for the third time. But this year, DBKK will be taking part in this campaign officially for the first time and will switch off more than 500 of its street lights for an hour, in support of this campaign,” he said at a press conference about the global event which will be observed on March 26. The areas involved will be City Hall’s Central Business District and the Jalan Tun Fuad all the way to Menara Tun Mustapha.

This effort reflects the Government’s seriousness in addressing the global climate changes, he said, adding that so far 188 individuals and 23 organisations have pledged their support to Earth Hour.

Masidi hopes that more local authorities will emulate City Hall and pledge their support to Earth Hour and the same goes to individuals as well as organisations in the state.

Those interested can register themselves through City Hall’s website, www.dbkk.sabah.gov.my or call the Earth Hour Secretariat at 088-244000 extension 422.

“Apart from that, DBKK will be organising a photography competition involving Kota Kinabalu, before and during Earth Hour.

“This is a good way to document society’s involvement in the campaign through the camera lens while instilling appreciation towards the environment,” he said and announced that the cash prizes will be doubled much to the delight of the organisers.

Winner of the photography competition will receive RM2,000 while the second and third place winners will receive RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively. There will also be five consolation prizes of RM200 each and all the winners will also receive a certificate.

EAC has also allocated RM5,000 to SM All Saints in Likas to implement a power-saving campaign in conjunction with Earh Hour. Among the activities planned are a song composing contest, mural drawing and electricity saving contest among the students’ parents, teachers and school staff.

Those participating in the contest will submit copies of their electricity bill to the school management and those who manage to reduce their bill by a minimum of 10 per cent will be eligible for a prize.

“This is a very good programme and I think we can consider giving incentives to those who manage to reduce their electricity bill by more than 10 per cent,” he said, adding that the campaign was in an experimental stage and if successful, could be considered to be expanded to other schools in the state.

Masidi urged more Sabahans to adopt a sustainable lifestyle by discarding old habits and adopting new ones such as recycling, reducing use of electricity, compositing among others.

“Easy things like saving electrical usage, choosing energy-saving appliances, using public transportation and recycling items can make a difference to the environment,” he said.

He also pointed out that being in the dark for an hour during Earth Hour was not enough to change or impact global climate.

It was the message to rejuvenate the environment and reduce carbon footprints that needed to be spread to societies across the globe, he added.

“As individuals, we can play a role in reducing greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane that contribute to increased global temperature, and by re-evaluating our lifestyles.

“Let us take it beyond the one hour and play our part in living a sustainable lifestyle,” he stressed.

Masidi also congratulated the Gaya Teachers Training College which is a member of the Sabah Environment Education Network (SEEN) for taking a proactive step towards reducing electricity use on its premises.

The six-month campaign from April to October last year saw the college’s electricity bill reduced by 35 per cent and saving RM55,747.15, Masidi said.

“This proves that we can save electricity by changing our lifestyle and attitude,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu general manager Rizal Ruriko Kasim said the hotel’s newly renovated pool area would be used as the venue for observing Earth Hour which is also observed by Global Hyatt worldwide.

It starts off with the lights being switched off at 8.30pm sharp and during that one hour, a video produced by WWF about the Earth Hour initiative will be shown to those who turn up in support of the event.

“We, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, show our support by being the venue and integrate whatever programmes City Hall and EAC have lined up,” he said.

Tawau MP objects to nuclear energy power plants

(Source:The Borneo Post)

Posted on March 19, 2011, Saturday

TAWAU: Tawau member of parliament Datuk Chua Soon Bui has expressed strong objection to the building of nuclear energy power plants in any part of Malaysia, especially in Sabah, after learning the lessons from the recent devastation of the nuclear power plants in Fukushima, Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami recently.

Chua said members of parliament had been given a briefing by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water on the proposed building of a nuclear power plant in Malaysia by 2021.

“Korea and Japan have utilised nuclear energy for over 50 years with little alternative energy sources. Both countries have exhibited excellent work culture, good work attitude, high technology and highly skilled human resources required by nuclear technology.

“At a time when the risk of radiation occurs due to the explosions of the nuclear power plants, 50 skilled technicians have voluntarily opted to guard the plants.

“They have sacrificed their lives for the survival and benefit of the Japanese people. They risk exposure to radiation with the possibly of death within two weeks.

“This is the culture of patriotism at its highest, a sense of loyalty to their emperor and country. In their attempt to contain the devastation, we have also witnessed the readiness of the government in disaster management and the readiness of the people to face the effects of the disaster without power, water and food,” Chua said yesterday.

According to her, Malaysia still has abundant natural resources and should start to plan for sustainable renewal energy production now before it gets too late.

The government has changed the name of the ministry to what it is now, and our Prime Minister and the government’s commitment speaks volume in the effort to reduce GHG (green house gas).

The abrogated plan to install a coal power plant at Sinakut, Lahad Datu on the other hand reflected the government’s tendency to bulldoze through development without considering the impact on the environment nor the interest of the people.

Chua was also given to understand that about 40 per cent of solar glass panels and some of the storage voltages cells in the world market were manufactured in Malaysia.

“That gives us all the more reasons for Malaysia to work on solar power plant or integrated power production,” she said.

“Although I have received a reply from the ministry to say that it would be too expensive to build but we should consider the long-term benefit it could bring to the country as solar power is free. We should also work on other sustainable energy sources such as biomass or methane gas from oil palm mills,” she added.

Taking the hint from Germany which had closed down seven of their nuclear power plants, Chua reiterated that she would object to any nuclear energy power plant to be built in Malaysia.

Bahasa Malaysia Bible Holy Scriptures Desecrated

-"The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia."-

(Sources: NECF Malaysia website)

马来西亚基督教联会
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

2011年3月17日
马来西亚基督教联会对污辱圣经之事媒体文告
（以英文为准）

马来西亚基督教社群因政府不但污辱而且污损圣经，而心灵深深的被创伤。

最初听到政府答应退回在吧生港口及古晋被扣押的马来西亚文圣经时，大家都感到欣慰和欢
喜。

可是欢喜却是短暂，很快就变成悲伤和哀悼，因为退回是带有某些条件的：每本圣经必须印


“”上一个系列编号，有关控制出版可兰经部门的印章，以及奉内政部之命等字。

这意味着，如今马来西亚文圣经被视为限制品，也是人控制了上帝的话语。这完全是冒犯基
督徒之事。所有尊敬宗教经典的人士都会对此行动感到震惊。

马来西亚基督教社群一直都采取善意行动，极大忍耐，并不以牺牲本身基本信仰的原则，去
寻求解决方案。政府却没有投桃报李。这么多年来，政府通过有系统性及不合理条件和限制
的实施，不断的更移目标。

我们从来没有同意用任何字眼来说明圣经只供基督徒用。1982年发出的命令是根据1960年
内安法令，也没有提到必须印任何的字眼在任何的马来西亚文圣经上。

所以，我们完全不能接受，最新内政部
2011年3月15日的来函，对退还扣押圣经的一连串新
施加的条件。我们永远不会同意任何污辱圣经之事，因为上帝的话语对我们来说是神圣的。

我们也完全拒绝政府对马来西亚文圣经的论点，即此圣经有损国家利益和危害马来西亚的安
全，并且被列为颠覆刊物。

作为基督徒，我们不知为何我们的圣经会成为国家安全的威胁。但我们许多人却可以见证，
圣经所带来的希望，以及医治破碎生命和家庭。

因此，我们坚持政府撤回有关施加退回在吧生港口及古晋被扣押圣经的条件。鉴于有的圣经
已经可能被印上有关的条件，我们将不会接收这些的圣经。

我们呼吁所有的马来西亚人，从西马到沙巴和砂拉越，各阶层人士，一起团结，拒绝任何企
图在我们所爱的国家里，限制宗教自由。

我们邀请所有在马来西亚的基督徒保持冷静，并继续为此事得到一个有尊严及尊敬的方案祷
告。2011年3月20日的星期日是标志圣经在吧生港口被扣押的第二周年，我们呼吁所有在马
来西亚和其他地方的人，以这天为祷告和安静反思的日子。

此致，

马来西亚基督教联会
会长黄满興主教以及全体执委会。

Press Statements and Articles

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

17th March 2011

CFM MEDIA STATEMENT

Holy Scriptures Desecrated

The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.

Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.

However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words "by order of the Minister of Home Affairs".

This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.

The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the "goal posts" over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.

We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.

The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.

We also wholly reject the Government's contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.

As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.

We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.

We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.

We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.

Yours sincerely,

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Young Always Need The Truth- Rights For Sabah

"History should not be distorted and should be accurate" - said Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.

"While others have seen the opportunities and hopes for the people of Sabah, Are the Malaysians in Sabah aware and courageous enough to take the opportunities in their own hands to defend our rights and justice for all." - Datuk Chua Soon Bui-MP from Tawau, Sabah 

(Sources:Sapp official website)

Inconvenient Truth - Rights Of Sabah

Tawau, March 17, 2011: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President, Datuk Chua Soon Bui, said it is really shocking that the UMNO Youth from Sabah has taken such a step to lodge a police report against Tan Sri Simon Sipaun (ex-Vice chairman from SUHAKAM, also an ex-state secretary) for his comment at the Inter-party dialogue and leadership seminar. (Source:TanSri Simon Sipaun's speech)

"Many of the long overdue untold truth were revealed at the seminar which a lot of people especially the younger generations are not aware of.

"The truth hurts and the truth is always painful to the ears for some. It is sheer ignorance and arrogance that information on the formation of Malaysia, the Malaysia agreement, the consequential relationship between the federal and state authorities, the Rights of Sabah and Sarawak within the federation, the changes in the civil society related to racial polarization, threatening of illegal immigrations (Source:jayzap2008.wordpress.com in 2008), citizenship given to dubious people, were denied. Such information shields lights on the erosion of our rights, strategy for the future development of Sabah and in the best interest of the people in Sabah," Chua stressed.

"Despite of the many years of appeal from Sabah on the recognition of 16th September 1963 as the birth of Malaysia, it was only last year, 47 years later, that government has fully recognized, publicized on such important part of the history. History should not be distorted and should be accurate said Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.

"I have known Tan Sri Simon Sipaun for some years especially when he was in Suhakam and have been in contact on the issues on illegal immigrants and Native Customary Rights on natives land. He is the only one from Suhakam who took so much pain and hard work to research, to go to the ground especially the very rural villages to investigate such issues that are unjust to the people of Sabah, where a lot of politicians had not even visited. All these had spoken volumes in themselves, and I know none others who are more knowledgeable and brave enough to talk about this subject matter, credit should be given. The final recognition will come from the people of Sabah, and in the form of votes.

"Malaysians in Sabah should also take hints from the Prime Minister that Sabah and Sarawak are the fixed deposit of the BN government of today. Isn't it time for Malaysians in Sabah to voice out our concerns on the sufferings of the people in the poorest state in Malaysia but is rich in resources, the unfair development and inequitable sharing of wealth, the threatening of illegal immigrants, the Cabbotage policies, the employment opportunities and many many more. It is the window of opportunity that the people of Sabah are made aware of all these facts ,wthether the government is sincerely dealing with the difficulties faced by the people or rather turning a deaf ear, or report to the police to seek an easy way out politically. She said please don't insult the intelligence of the people in Sabah.

"The message by Raja Petra (Source:Raja Petra talks at ANU) is very clear, as he said during his recent public lecture at the Australian National University in Canberra, that "Key to Putrajaya" is in the hands of Sabah and Sarawak, "Whoever rules Sabah and Sarawak will rule the whole Malaysia".

"While others have seen the opportunities and hopes for the people of Sabah, Are the Malaysians in Sabah aware and courageous enough to take the opportunities in their own hands to defend our rights and justice for all.

Chua further urged the people to understand and discover this potentials of these opportunities. She said, "IT IS MORE THAN SABAH THAT WE CHOOSE TO SEE, IT IS SABAH AS HOW WE CHOOSE TO MOULD IT", and she has made that choice.

——————————————————————————————

(取自沙巴进步党中文网络）


“具知識和勇氣談論沙課題”
蔡順梅: 西門西豹揭真相


2011-03-17(本報訊)斗湖區國會議員拿督蔡順梅指出，前人權委員會委員丹斯里西門西豹揭開許多隐藏已久的真相，正是可以保護沙巴人民權利、沙巴未來發展策略，以及確保沙巴人民的利益免受蚕食的資訊。

她說，這些有關馬來西亞成立的資訊，如馬來西亞協議、聯邦與州政府的關系、沙巴與砂拉越在聯邦内的權利、公民社會因種族比例而改变、非法移民的威脅、批准公民權予可疑者等全盤被否决，是一種無知與傲慢的做法。

“這些資訊都是許多人，尤其是年輕一代所不了解的真相…我知道，真相總是傷人，甚至也對一些人來說，總是刺耳的！”

也是沙巴進步黨副主席的蔡順梅是針對西門日前在跨黨派對話和領袖研討會上揭開有許多隐藏已久的真相言論，於昨日發表文告這麼置評。她也對西門所發表的這一席話，竟遭到沙巴巫青團報警對付而感到非常震驚。

她同時表示，雖然沙巴在過去多年來一直要求把1963年9月16日公認為馬來西亞的誕生日，但是直到47年後的去年，政府才正式承認這個歷史的重要一頁，正如西門所言，歷史不應被扭曲，歷史應該是正確的。

她說，她認識西門多年，尤其是當對方在人權委員會時，彼等經常聯系討論非法移民和原住民習俗地的權利等課題。

Nuclear accidents and energy policy

Datuk Yong Teck Lee-SAPP President
(Photo source: from Sapp official website)

"At the moment, the Malaysian government has no guidelines on precautions to be taken by citizens in the event of a regional nuclear accident. I doubt whether the authorities and the medical services have the resources, training and disaster management capabilities in tackling radiation risks coming from a foreign country."said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee

(Sources: SAPP official website)

Kota Kinabalu, March 16, 2011: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee, said with so much negative publicity generated by the Japanese Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants in the aftermath of the earth quake and tsunami, it is has become highly unlikely that the Malaysian government will proceed with any final decision to build nuclear power plants for the foreseeable future.

"However, we should be concerned about other nuclear plants which are dangerously near to Sabah should a nuclear accident happen. For instance, the Philippines's Bataan Nuclear Plant near Manila. This Bataan plant is being mothballed but might be rehabilitated as the Philippines is running out of energy options. There are also several nuclear plants in Guangdong and other parts of Southern China.

"At the moment, the Malaysian government has no guidelines on precautions to be taken by citizens in the event of a regional nuclear accident. I doubt whether the authorities and the medical services have the resources, training and disaster management capabilities in tackling radiation risks coming a foreign country.

"Japan, China and other countries have little options for their energy needs. That is why they go nuclear.

"But Malaysia has the Four-Fuel strategy of using oil, hydropower, coal and natural gas. In the case of Sabah, it is very sad that we are still without an energy policy.

"Oil fuels have become prohibitively expensive, coal has been rejected and hydro power projects are not getting anywhere. The only viable option left is natural gas. But we are not allowed to use our natural gas because the gas is exported via Bintulu to give billions of ringgit in profit to Petronas. This is economic exploitation, pure and simple.

"Natural gas remains our most viable option for the next decade supported by bio-mass, mini-hydros and other sustainable energy sources. But Sabah wasted precious three years debating about the controversial coal power plant. Without any further delay, the government must commit itself to building a natural gas pipeline from Kinamis to Sandakan.

"Or else Sabahans will be condemned to suffer electric power shortages and high electric tariffs." 

Malaysia Cabinet has not decided on nuclear power plants project

(Source:TheStar news)
Thursday March 17,2011
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to construct nuclear power plants for electricity has not been decided yet by the Cabinet, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

The Malaysian Nuclear Power Corporation, tasked with setting up nuclear power plants, would be the best source of information as it received all reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency, he said yesterday.

“I think we have to wait for the report to be presented by the nuclear development agency under the Prime Minister’s Department,” he told reporters after unveiling a line of locally developed and manufactured electric scooters.

Chin announced plans to build two 1,000MW nuclear power plants in December last year, resulting in mixed reaction from the public.

One plant was expected to be ready by 2021, and the other a year later.

He did not answer further questions on whether the Government would still push for the construction of the two power plants in light of the damage to Japan’s four nuclear reactors from a massive earthquake which struck the country last Friday.

In Cyberjaya, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reiterated his stand against having a nuclear power plant in this country.

He noted that during his premiership, the Government had decided on four fuel strategies namely oil, gas, coal and hydro.

“We had bad experience already with nuclear. I don’t know whether people are aware about it,” Bernama quoted the former prime minister as saying yesterday.

Asked whether he would advise Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak not to have nuclear power plants, Dr Mahathir said: “I’m not an adviser. That is why I use my blog.”

In Klang, Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong suggested Malaysia focus more on solar energy.

“Malaysia is set to become the world’s number three producer of solar cells while we have zero production capacity for nuclear. The Federal Government must start incorporating logic into its energy planning policies,” she said in a statement.

Malaysia should learn from Japan & focus on Safer Energy Supply-by Charles Santiago

"Japan has had 60 years of experience with nuclear power,yet there has still been a history of accidents. Malaysia should learn from the lesson and use a more safer plan instead of propose NUKE Plan"

(Source:post by Charles Santiago-MP for Klang on March 14,2011)

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin yesterday indicated that Malaysia’s plan to build two nuclear power plants will proceed despite the nuclear emergency and meltdown in Japan.

He suggested that the “government will not do it secretly without informing the public”.

The Minister’s response comes two days after what is considered as the worst nuclear emergency involving a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl disaster 25 years ago.

The tragedy surrounding the 11th March 2011 tsunami in Japan also signals a warning about the dangers of nuclear energy. Following the earthquake and tsunami, several Japanese nuclear power plants are in a state of emergency.

The New York Times reports that partial meltdowns had occurred at two crippled reactors and indicated possibilities of a second explosion. Four more reactors are facing serious cooling problems.

Japan declared a nuclear emergency when one reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant

Fukushima Daiichi 1, has experienced a partial meltdown and explosion.

Fukushima is one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world.

The ongoing crisis at the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant in Futuba, just 150 miles north of Tokyo, suggests that nuclear plants pose a tremendous risk to the public and environment, even with safety protocols and management expertise designed to handle natural disasters.

Japan has had nearly 60 years of experience with nuclear power, yet there has still been a history of accidents. In 1999, there was a major accident at Tokaimura where a nuclear fuel-enrichment facility had an out-of-control reaction, leading to radiation leakage affecting hundreds of people and crippling the local agriculture industry.

If a country with as much expertise and experience as Japan can fall foul of nuclear accidents, then Malaysia should not go nuclear as the risks and costs of failure are too great.

The problem with nuclear power, compared to all other sources of electricity, is that if and when things do go wrong, the consequences are far, far worse. No problem can occur at a solar power plant that can lead to 200,000 residents having to flee for safety beyond a 10 km radius. This is what happened this weekend in Japan as Fukushima went out of control.

The Japanese government has ordered the largest mobilization of their Self-Defense Forces since World War II to assist in the relief effort.

In the Fukushima case, ironically, the earthquake knocked out the station’s own electricity supply, leaving the pumps unable to supply coolant to the reactor. The backup diesel generator was also knocked out by the waters of the tsunami.

A nuclear reactor is like a giant pressurised water boiler, it requires vast quantities of water to cool the reactor, which is why nuclear plants are usually next to rivers or the sea.

However, this leaves them vulnerable to water-related disasters such as tsunamis, floods and storm surges, or even droughts. Location near water also means that any pollution can quickly spread to other areas.

Malaysia sees more than its fair share of flood-related disasters. Any nuclear plant built locally could well suffer a similar problem.

The misfortune at the Fukushima plant has resulted in radiation levels 1,000-times the normal level in the control room and eight times over normal immediately outside.

Experts have already expressed concern that there is a possibility of a hydrogen explosion following further meltdown, and the culture of secrecy prevalent in the local political system – a culture the Barisan Nasional government shares – may make it hard to figure out what has gone wrong.

Japan has already suffered the scandal of the 1995 Monju plant leak that was covered up by the government-linked agency managing it.

Radioactive poisoning of the local population and environment is but one problem. The other is the economic cost of such disasters. Not only could a power plant worth billions be rendered so contaminated as to be useless, a surrounding 20 km area could also be left unfit for human use.

Furthermore, under Malaysia’s atomic energy law, nuclear plant operators are not liable for any damage resulting from natural disasters.

Japan embarked on nuclear energy because they lacked domestic fossil fuel alternatives, and because their industrialisation took place well before renewable energies such as solar power were widely available.

Malaysia has no such excuse as we have oil, gas, biomass, hydro resources, and abundant sunshine; not to mention that we are now set to be the world’s number three producer of solar cells.

26 April marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. This anniversary and the events in Japan should be a reminder that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Malaysia should exercise wisdom, forego nuclear, and pursue safer, cleaner and healthier forms of energy supply.

Thus, I call upon Minister Peter Chin to abandon all ideas to continue with the nuclear adventure.


Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang.

___________________________________________________

Gugur Idea Nuklear called by Charles Santiago MP Klang
(Source: TVSelangor)



___________________________________


Third blast heard at Japan nuclear plant - authorities
(source: at RT new - rt.com)