MACC logo. Bernama file photo

KOTA KINABALU: The aggressive action taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a very positive move and should not be politicised, according to a local non-governmental organisation leader.

Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (MPSS) secretary Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said MACC’s “aggressive” action was proof of its transparency as an independent body which is not bound to the agenda of any party with interests in an investigation.

“The public should support the MACC’s efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power in the country and they should not be influenced by any party which tries to cast doubts on MACC’s credibility.

“The MACC is carrying out its duties in line with the laws. Its aggressive action is not selective and should not be labeled as an attack on any political party, especially the opposition in Sabah,” he told Bernama here today.

Mohd Zaki was commenting on the MACC’s investigation into the misuse of public funds for rural development projects in Sabah.

To date, MACC has detained several people who were previously connected to a ministry to help in the investigations. – Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Three members of two political parties were ordered by the Magistrate’s Court here to undergo a five-day remand for investigation of the alleged siphoning of funds meant for rural projects in Sabah.

Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus made the order on Warisan Youth chief, Dato Mohd Azis Jamman, 43; Tenom Umno Youth chief, Jamawi Jaafar, 43; and Tawau Umno Youth Chief, Ariffin Kassim, 44. They are being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

MACC deputy public prosecutor Rustam Sanip applied for a seven-day remand, but the court granted five days, which will started from today until October 14.

Hearing of the remand application was made in the magistrate’s chambers and ended at 1.58pm.

In the meantime, the remand of the Parti Warisan Sabah vice president and a businessman who were allegedly involved in the alleged embezzlement of the fund extended for three and four days, respectively.

The 46-year-old politician and 52-year-old company director were brought before the magistrate at 2.01pm and ended at 3pm.

They were also investigated by the MACC under Section 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009.

Warisan youth chief was represented by counsels Cedric Choo and Norazmi Alimat, Loretto Padua Sipin Jr, while Tenom youth chief was represented by counsels Azhier Farhan Arisin, Shahlan Jusri, Arthur Bonnie and Mohd Razali Razi.

Counsel Hamid Ismail represented the Tawau youth chief.

Counsels Martin Tommy, Cedric Choo, Loretto, Norazmi Alimat and Jaikol Situn represented the 46-year-old politician while counsel Edward Paul represented the director.

KOTA KINABALU: A younger brother of Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last night to assist in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.

Hamid Apdal, a 52-year-old Umno Semporna division member, was arrested at the MACC office here at 9.30pm.

He turned up at the Sabah MACC Prevention office in the morning.

It is also learnt that MACC went to Hamid’s house in Putatan as part of its investigation and left around 6pm.

The MACC has apprehended six persons to assist in the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion from a Rural and Regional Development Ministry allocation meant for development projects in Sabah.

They were Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony, Warisan Youth chief Datuk Aziz Jamman, 43, Tenom Umno Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar, 43, Tawau Umno Youth chief Ariffin Kassim, 44, and a 52-year-old businessman.

A 40-year-old former deputy under secretary (infrastructure) from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was also detained in Putrajaya over the case and remanded for six days until October 11.

The Magistrate’s Court here yesterday remanded Aziz, Jamawi and Ariffin for five days effective yesterday to assist in investigations into misappropriation of RM180 million of RM1.5 billion meant for rural projects in Sabah.

Magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus issued the order after granting the MACC’s application to remand the three individuals until Oct 14 under Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.

The magistrate also extended the remand on Anthony and the businessman for another four and three days respectively.

MACC is investigating some 60 companies that were awarded projects for the supply of water, electricity and roads to help people in rural Sabah.

SANDAKAN: Two suspects are being actively hunted by the police for alleged involvement in the robbery of two hotels here yesterday.

Sandakan police chief ACP Mohd Azhar Hamin revealed that the first robbery took place at around 2.05 am at a hotel in Bandar Utama at Mile 6 Labuk Road.

The two suspects were reportedly wearing jacket, dark trousers and a helmet when they went to the hotel counter and threatened two workers with a knife and a pistol while demanding for money.

The frightened worker collected all the money from the counter, totaling RM454, and gave it to the suspects who then fled on a motorcycle.

The second robbery took place around 3.14 am at a hotel in Bandar Kim Fung, at Mile 4 Labuk Road where two workers at the counter were confronted by two men, one armed with a cleaver and the other a pistol.

The robber brandished the pistol at the workers and demanded money and valuables from them. The frightened workers handed RM810 in cash and a ZTE brand mobile phone to the robbers who also escaped on a motorcycle.

“All the four victims were not harmed during the incidents. Further investigations are being carried out and I urge the public with information of the case to come forward to assist the police in the investigation and to locate the suspects,” Azhar said.

Police also advised the public not to make any speculation over the cases as it could affect the peace and harmony in the district.

Both cases are being investigated under Section 4 of Firearms Act (Increased Penalty) 1971.

TAWAU: A 14-year-old local girl has been reported missing from home.

Aimi Syafiqah Roslan, a student of SMK Jalan Apas, here had also gone missing in 2016 but she returned home safely three days later.

Her 48-year-old mother found her daughter missing in her room about 11.30am on October 2. She lodged a police report at 6.57pm on October 9 when her daughter did not return home.

The mother said her daughter was getting ready to go to school at 11am on October 2.

After she had taken her shower a few minutes later, she found her daughter missing in her room.

She tried to look for her around the house but could not find her.

She tried to contact her daughter’s hand phone but it had been turned off. Her school uniform was still in her bedroom.

It is believed the girl wanted to be with her friends without being supervised by her mother.

She always hanged out with a group of motorcyclists in the town and skipped school.

Previously, her mother had taken her daughter to the National Anti-Drugs Agency for a counseling session since she began to smoke, but her urine tested negative.

KOTA KINABALU: The median monthly household income for Malaysians has increased to RM5,228 in 2016 as opposed to RM4,585 in 2014, with a growth rate of 6.6 per cent per annum at nominal value, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia 2016 Report of Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey.

In terms of real value, the median monthly household income grew at 4.4 per cent, which means Malaysian household income grew faster than the inflation rate of 2.1 per cent for the past two years.

This debunks the popular notion that income in Malaysia is stagnant or income increment does not match the rising prices of goods and services, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

“Meanwhile, the overall incidence of poverty has improved from 0.6 per cent in 2014 to 0.4 per cent in 2016. In 2009 poverty incidence was at 3.8 per cent. The Economic Transformation Program, the brainchild of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Abdul Razak, which kicked off in 2010 has come to fruition as more people escaped the poverty trap since 2009.

“Incidence of poverty in all states have declined, most significantly being the state of Sabah at the rate of 4 per cent in 2014 to 2.9 per cent in 2016. This serves as the epitome of success reflective of the unshakeable commitment and efforts by both the state government under Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and the federal government. The strength of their close relationship has delivered positive results for the people of Sabah,” he said.

The Kota Belud Member of Parliament added that by the same token, there are some quarters who would be quick to point that Sabah has the highest poverty rate in Malaysia and subsequently blame the government.

“But if they diligently weigh the economic structure of Sabah, they would have a better understanding as to why Sabah has a higher poverty rate as opposed to other states,” he said explaining that the agriculture sector constitutes 27 per cent of Sabah’s economy, the highest in Malaysia, while the manufacturing sector only contributes 8.3 per cent, which is relatively lower compared to other states, and the mining sector, mainly oil and gas, is not as huge as some people have thought.

“Sabah’s mining sector is only 62 per cent of Sarawak’s size in the same sector,” said Abdul Rahman.

He pointed out that it would not be a stretch to imagine that this happened due to the fact that Sabah was almost neglected in terms of infrastructure and development for more than two decades under the longest-serving Prime Minister.

It is only under the tenure of the current Prime Minister that the development of Sabah has been made a priority, he said.

Abdul Rahman in a statement yesterday said that the Malaysian household income distribution has also shown considerable improvement. The Gini coefficient which measures inequality of distribution has declined to 0.399 from 0.401 (2014).

Evidently, this shows that income inequality between households in Malaysia has progressively decreased as the median income of the bottom 40 per cent (B40) grew from RM2,629 (2014) to RM3,000 (2016), with a growth rate of 6.6 per cent annually, faster than the top 20 per cent (T20) household income growth of 6.2 per cent while the middle 40 per cent (M40) recorded the highest growth of 6.9 per cent per annum.

“Today’s report summarizes the accomplishments achieved by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in term of economic prowess. It also nipped the perception that Malaysia’s impressive GDP growth in recent years has not benefited the people.

“BN’s impressive economic performance is evident: steadily rising household income, declining incidence of poverty and decreasing income inequality,” he said.

MACC logo. Bernama file photo

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday summoned a younger brother of a former federal minister to its office here today over the investigation into the alleged embezzlement  of over RM1.5 billion in funds meant for rural development projects in Sabah.

A source said the individual had gone to the MACC office yesterday morning.

So far, six people, among them four political party leaders and a businessman, have been remanded to assist in the investigation. —Bernama

The suspect under remand for five days.

KOTA KINABALU: The younger brother of Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal was ordered by the Magistrate’s Court here to undergo five-day remand to facilitate the investigation of the alleged embezzlement of rural infrastructure development funds in Sabah.

Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie made the order on the 52-year-old Umno Semporna division member, who is being investigated under Section 17 (a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.

MACC investigating officer Mohd Faliq Basirudin had applied for seven days of remand but the magistrate had granted five days after hearing submissions from both parties.

The suspect was brought into the magistrate’s chambers at 12.05pm and the hearing ended at 12.45pm.

The remand started today until October 15.

Counsels Martin Timmy, Cedric Choo, Hamid Ismail and Loretto Padua Sipin Jr represented the suspect.

KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Religion and Harmony Bureau chief Yew Chau Khiong yesterday condemned Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer Zamihan Mat Zain for expressing seditious and insulting remarks against non-Muslims in a six-minute video uploaded to Online Majlis Ilmu account of a social media site.

Zamihan has reportedly criticized the Johor Sultan for banning Muslim-only laundrette in the state, and also making offensive remarks calling the Chinese unhygienic for not washing up after urinating and defecating, and for consuming pork and alcohol.

Yew, who is also LDP Supreme Council member, said the preacher then said that it is justified for Muslims not wanting to use washing machines that have washed clothes worn by the Chinese.

He said Zamihan had, in a religious lecture at the Masjid Tengku Ampuan Jemaah in Shah Alam, said it was not right to disallow Muslim-only launderette as Malaysia is an Islamic country and the rulers are all Muslims. Zamihan also took a hit at other non-Islamic religions for not emphasizing hygiene, and therefore justifying the need to have launderettes for Muslims only.

“His statements have caused much anger and dissatisfaction among the Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.”

Yew said Malaysia, especially Sabah, has always upheld the spirit of moderation to ensure racial and religious harmony were preserved.

“Malaysia is a secular state under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).  Sabah and Sarawak have not agreed on Malaysia becoming a theocratic state during the formation of the Federation in 1963.”

Yew said he was disconcerted and angered by Zamihan’s remarks.

“Malaysians should understand the need for mutual acceptance and toleration in this secular nation. We should all be proud that Malaysians of diverse races and cultures live in harmony, rather than making attempts to damage peace in our beloved country,” said Yew who  urged the police to arrest Zamihan under the Sedition Act 1948 for making such remarks.

“We must convey a clear message to all the rakyat, politicians and religious leaders that Malaysia, or Sabah, does not tolerate this kind of extremist culture.

“Such irresponsible statements will tear apart our religious harmony and create tension in the society.”

Yew also criticized the recent beer bottle-smashing antics outside the Selangor secretariat office to protest against  the Oktoberfest beer festival.

“The people must remain vigilant and be determined in preserving our existing harmonious culture, and stop extremist individuals from entering Sabah,” he said.

Yew commended and agreed with the Malay rulers, who through the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal Tan Sri Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, issued a statement saying that “as a religion that encourages its followers to be respectful, moderate, and inclusive, the reputation of Islam must not ever be tainted by the divisive actions of certain groups or individuals which may lead to rifts among the rakyat”.

The Malay rulers have urged Malaysians to remember to abide by the core principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara which remains the foundation of Malaysia’s diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds which ensures mutual respect among all citizens. The rulers maintained that unity among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious people is key to ensuring the country’s ongoing stability.

Syed Danial said the Rukunegara, which was proclaimed as our national philosophy by the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Aug 31, 1970, outlined five aspirations and five guiding principles for the country that should continue to serve as a compass to all parties, be they leaders, government officials or citizens of our country.

As such, Yew hoped that all Malaysian citizens would safeguard the spirit of the Federal Constitution and fight against religious and racial extremism.

LAHAD DATU: A proposal paper to set up a sea checkpoint centre at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) has been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to be reviewed, said Commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali.

He said subsequently, the paper would be tabled in parliament before it is gazetted and implemented at the sea routes in Esszone, including for merchant vessels.

“We will implement the sea check points as planned with the National Security Council including the federal and state government agencies,” he told reporters after officiating an Esscom community programme here yesterday. — Bernama

LAHAD DATU: The arrest of Abu Sayyaf members in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah has no negative effect on security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) and the situation there is calm and under control.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) commander Hazani DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the security forces were aware of the situation in the surrounding areas and the people need not be worried.

He told the press yesterday that these Abu Sayyaf members had entered Sabah before the incident in Marawi, possibly due to lapse in security during the period. They were able to obtain fake identification card that enabled them to infiltrate to Peninsular Malaysia.

Under the circumstances, he stressed that the security forces are now focusing on tightening the security aspect which had led to the arrest of these individuals.

Hazani also said a proposal paper to set up a sea checkpoint centre at the ESSZone had been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to be reviewed.

He said subsequently, the paper would be tabled in parliament before it is gazetted and implemented at the sea routes in ESSZone, including for merchant vessels.

“We will implement the sea check points as planned with the National Security Council, including the federal and state government agencies,” he said.

Hazani had proposed the centre to increase security in the ESSZone and curb cross-border crimes.

He said generally, the proposal for the centre which would be the main gateway for all boats and ships into the mainland in the ESSZone area had been well-received and agreed to by the Deputy Prime Minister and heads of the national security forces.

Hazani also said cooperation from all parties, including the local authorities (PBT), is required to enable the ESSCom to carry out its duties to further strengthen security in the ESSZone.

However he said that all this while, the PBT had been providing good cooperation in working together with ESSCom in efforts to increase security in ESSZone.

Hazani said the cooperation between the PBT and ESSCom was based on existing laws and regulations and did not violate any PBT’s regulations.

“All parties, including the district officers in ESSZone should work together with ESSCom to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country, especially in Sabah east coast,” he said at the press conference after officiating at the ‘Semarak Rakyat Bersama ESSCom’ programme, yesterday.

Earlier in his speech, he urged the community, including the younger generation, to work together to maintain national security and sovereignty.

He said the younger generation would inherit the country in the future, therefore, they should realize the importance of maintaining the security and sovereignty of the country.

Hazani also thanked the government for their concern and commitment to boost security in Sabah, especially in ESSZone by assigning about 11,000 security forces and assets worth about RM100 million.

Also present were ESSCom chief executive officer Noor Alam Khan A Wahid Khan and district officer Iman Ali.

KOTA KINABALU: Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali and his brand of bigotry has no place in Sabah, said United Pasok Momogum Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) secretary general Datuk Donald Mojuntin.

He said that Ibrahim and the likes of him are a threat to civil society.

“He likes to ‘cari hal’ where there is no problem. Upko agrees with and support in the statement made by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Tan Sri TC Goh,” Mojuntin said in a statement yesterday.

The inter-relationship among Sabahans of various races, religions and cultures is a shining example of true acceptance and intergration, Mojuntin stressed.

“It is no surprise that irrespective of political affiliation or ideology, Sabahans are offended by the irresponsible remarks made by Ibrahim. This issue goes beyond politics. Peace and harmony in a civilised society is a fundamental necessity. All citizens must strive for it and must make it their duty to protect,” he added.

Mojuntin pointed out that the Chinese community is an intrinsic part of our beloved Sabah and has contributed significantly to the development of this State in all aspects.

The community’s call for the recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) must be seriously considered, he said, adding that it makes sense as renowned educational institutions all over the world recognise it.

“It is important for our country’s relevance in the world economic sphere, especially with the emergence of China as an economic powerhouse. We are sure that the BN government knows this and is presently looking towards a resolution to this matter.

“Upko also believes that laws regulating race relations have to be drawn up in order to control and curb emerging extremism in Malaysia. We must nip the problem in the bud before the situation becomes uncontrollable and before peace, harmony and the fragile fabric of our society are destroyed,” he said.

Speaking at the Perkasa special annual conference held in Tuaran over the weekend, Ibrahim told the minorities in Sabah to stop making ‘nonsensical’ demands and just be thankful they are recognised as Malaysians.

He said minorities in Sabah should not cross the line to the point of denying the rights of indigenous people in the state.

Ibrahim was referring to the Chinese community’s demand for the recognition of the UEC, adding that such demand is akin to stepping on the heads of the indigenous people.

Meanwhile, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri  deputy presiden, Datuk Sylvester J Disimon yesterday joined the chorus of voices condemning the remarks attributed to Ibrahim.

Sylvester said in a statement yesterday that the state government should not hesitate to use state immigration power to stop racial and religious extremists from making divisive and inflammatory statements intended to stir up racial and religious sentiments.

He said racial bigots like Ibrahim should not be allowed to set foot in Sabah as his mere presence might fuel racial tensions which threatened the harmonious race relations in Sabah.

Parti Anak Negeri, said Sylvester, totally reject the export of extreme racial or religious politics from West Malaysia which is the hallmarks of Perkasa’s war cry.

“Sabahans have long accepted all Chinese born in Sabah as one of their own,” he said, adding that on July 8 Parti Anak Negeri read out the Tinangol Declaration to accept ethnic Chinese born in Sabah and Sarawak as an adopted Anak Negeri.

“Ibrahim may see ethnic Malaysian Chinese as mere passangers, but Parti Anak Negeri sees them as locals and Anak Negeri by virtue of being born in Sabah or Sarawak,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Sylvester urged the state government to be sensitive to local sentiments and disallow race and religious extremists from harming the cordial and harmonious communal relations in Sabah.

TAWAU: A 16-year-old secondary student has been reported missing after he did not return home after going out on foot about 10am on October 7.

Muhammad Nazrin bin Firma, a student of SMK Tawau, had apparently left the house without informing his mother, who became worried when he did not return home by 8pm on the same day.

According to her, Nazrin never returns home late and will always come back home before nightfall.

She lodged a police report on October 10 about her missing son, whom she said did not bring along his MyKad and handphone with him.

“He is the fourth child among eight siblings in the family. He has not shown any indication of wanting to run away from home and there was no family problem among us. His aunt and I have gone to his school and met his form teacher about 8am on October 10 but was told that Nazrin had been absent from school since October 9,” the mother said, adding that his form teacher thought he was sick at home.

This is the second case of missing student reported in Tawau.

Aimi Syafiqah Roslan, a 14-year-old student of SMK Jalan Apas here, has also been reported missing by her mother. She had also gone missing in 2016 but she returned home safely three days later.

Her 48-year-old mother found her daughter missing in her room about 11.30am on October 2.

She tried to contact her daughter’s hand phone but it had been turned off. Her school uniform was still in her bedroom.

A fun learning activity on conserving marine turtles at the Tigabu Island Turtle Festival.

KUDAT: The first island-based Marine Turtle Festival within largest marine park in Malaysia, Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) was recently organised by Tigabu Youth Club (Kelab Belia Tigabu – KBT) and WWF-Malaysia.

TMP is located within Kudat, Pitas and Kota Marudu districts in northern Sabah.

TMP is a global symbol of how we can collectively commit to serving nature and humanity, benefiting both the environment and local communities. The area has rich marine biodiversity and is home to elusive dugongs and endangered marine turtles as well as other regular visitors such as migratory whales.

Diverse habitats ranging from mangroves, seagrass beds to coral reefs contribute to the rich marine biodiversity. This in turn provides food security for not only 85,000 inhabitants dependent upon it, but also the more than 120 million people in the Coral Triangle region.

Tigabu Island hosted the festival this month to highlight turtle conservation work being done in the Tigabu-Tambulian-Kukuban Island complex.

The first island-based turtle hatchery was launched on Tigabu in TMP to raise awareness on turtle conservation and threats such as fish bombing and use of poisons like cyanide.

Officiating at the launch, Banggi Island assemblyman Datuk Mijul Unaini praised KBT and youths for taking the initiative to conserve marine turtles.

Meanwhile, KBT member Absan Saman said he wanted one of the world’s most endangered creatures to continue to thrive around Tigabu and TMP.

Agreeing with this, KBT chairman Sulaiman Amir invited the community of Tigabu to work together to protect marine turtles for future generations. The Tigabu-Tambulian-Kukuban Island complex includes the three named islands and Mantabuan Island.

KBT identified these areas as turtle nesting sites back in April 2017, and supported recommendations for the TMP Management Plan. KBT works with Sabah Parks for the protection of these turtle nesting islands and their surroundings, and work to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, including bomb fishing.

KBT takes on the role of collaborative manager to protect habitats in TMP under the WWF-Malaysia Marine Programme.

WWF-Malaysia Kudat team leader Joannie Jomitol said support from Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and Sabah Parks together with WWF-Malaysia’s continuous engagement with the Tigabu community enable KBT members trained as Honorary Wildlife Wardens and Park Rangers to start land-based turtle conservation activities.

“They patrol and monitor turtle nesting beaches at Tigabu-Tambulian-Kukuban Islands complex and set up a turtle hatchery on Tigabu Island.”

From April to September 2017, some 15 turtle nests have been relocated from the islands to the hatchery; 14 of the nests have hatched and hatchlings were released. The two types of turtles nesting there are Green turtles (770 eggs) and Hawksbill turtles (315 eggs).

Melvin Richard from SWD and park manager from Sabah Parks, Fazrullah Rizally Abdul Razak were touched to see the Tigabu community come together to protect and conserve turtles.

Their effort was supported by the Village Development and Security Committee chairman Jasni Matoha who wanted to see marine turtles protected in the area.  The TMP is a vast area, and community assistance for enforcement agencies is needed to sustain the biodiversity and marine resources at the park.

It is hoped that this festival and turtle conservation activities will spark awareness among the communities of TMP of the importance of taking care of the marine environment and natural resources around them.

MACC logo. Bernama file photo

KOTA KINABALU: The younger brother of a former federal minister is being remanded for five days from yesterday to help in investigations over alleged misappropriation of RM180 million meant for rural projects in the state.

Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie issued the remand order after allowing an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to detain the man until Oct 15 to help in investigations under Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.

The man, who was detained after giving a statement at the Sabah MACC office yesterday, is among seven individuals detained to date to help in investigations over alleged misappropriation of funds for rural projects amounting to RM180 million, said to be part of the estimated RM1.5 billion misappropriated in a ministry.

The RM1.5 billion was part of the federal government’s allocation to a ministry totalling RM7.5 billion to implement rural projects in Sabah from 2009 to 2015. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) yesterday refuted reports published in several Chinese dailies that a heavyweight LDP leader has been interrogated with statement taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) pertaining to the alleged siphoning of RM 1.5 billion from rural infrastructure development funds.

LDP president Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, J.P. said the news reports were completely untrue and therefore the party felt the need to clarify the matter and clear the air.

Teo, who is also the Minister of Special Tasks, said the MACC had the right to call any individuals who could provide information to assist in its investigations.

“As responsible citizens, we have the obligation to cooperate with the authorities.

“However, no party leaders from LDP has been called by MACC to give their statements pertaining to the case to date,” he said in a press statement issued yesterday.

Teo said LDP would certainly cooperate with MACC to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“At this moment, all parties should give the commission space to conduct its investigation.

“We should not make unfounded speculations.”

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Anak Negeri has called for an immediate and decisive action to stop the rise in racial and religious extremism, intolerance and bigotry in the country.

Its president Datuk Henrynus Amin said his party expected action to be taken by the relevant authorities against those who promoted hatred, mischief and disunity through hate speeches, bigotry and discrimination.

“We are seriously concerned about the actions by individuals or groups in Peninsular Malaysia with extreme racial and religious views that may pose an existential threat not only to peace, harmony and stability to our beloved nation but also to national security,” he said.

Henrynus said all Sabahans welcomed the fact the Majlis Raja Raja Melayu and individual Malay Rulers had spoken clearly and forcefully against the threat of racial and religious extremism.

“We urge all members and supporters of Parti Anak Negeri to wholeheartedly support the Majlis Raja Raja Melayu for taking up the leadership to protect the good name of Islam and to safeguard racial and religious harmony in the country,” he said.

He said Parti Anak Negeri was united with the stance taken by the Majlis Raja Raja Melayu in condemning racial and religious extremism in the country.

“The timely intervention of the Malay rulers resonate very well with the members and supporters of Parti Anak Negeri in Sabah.”

Henrynus reiterated his party’s support for the Malay rulers as an institution, a bastion of democracy and as a symbol of racial and religious harmony in a multi-ethnic and multi-racial country.

As Malaysians, he said, all members of Parti Anak Negeri would uphold the position of the Malay Rulers as head of the Islamic religion and also uphold the principles and spirit of the Rukun Negara and the Supremacy of the Federal Constitution.

Ridzal with Syamsudddin and Sulaiman showing the police report lodged over the transvestite party.

LAHAD DATU: Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Islam Sabah (Paksi), Pertubuhan Permuafakatan Majlis Ayahanda Malaysia (Permas) and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Lang Merah Malaysia lodged a police report over the organisation of ‘The Best Shemale (Transvestite) Fashion Party’.

The party is expected to be held at 9pm on October 17 at an entertainment centre in Lahad Datu.

According to Paksi secretary-general, Mohd Ridzal Abdullah, the report was lodged as the party could mislead a person’s faith and thinking.

Ridzal, who was accompanied by Lang Merah deputy president Syamsuddin Ismail and Permas Lahad Datu chairman Sulaiman, lodged the report at the Lahad Datu police headquarters about 2pm on Wednesday.

“This police report is a protest against such activities that could promote immoral activity and bring negative impact to this district,” he said.

Ridzal said he obtained information about the party from a poster that was uploaded on Facebook on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Syamsuddin and Sulaiman hoped that the relevant authorities would stop the organising of the party and take appropriate action.

They also advised the public to not promote the party on social media and refrain from supporting entertainment activities such as these.

Some of the suspects who were caught crossing the border illegally and violating the ESSCom curfew.

SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Armed Forces, through the Joint Forces Headquarters 2 (MK ATB 2), detained 34 individuals in seven boats in a attempt to cross the border and enter the curfew area at Danawan Island yesterday .

ATB 2 commander, Brigadier General Zarondin Md Amin, said, based on radar detection information, the individuals, believed to be undocumented Filipinos, were intercepted by a quick reaction force (QRF) at the northern part of Danawan Island.

He said further investigation conducted together with Mabul Island police found that all the individuals had violated the curfew order and did not possess any identification/travel documents.

Zarondin added, the suspects, aged between 20 to 50-years old, were believed to be from Southern Philippines, and have been handed over to Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) through Mabul Island police at 4.40 am yesterday.

He said, the detention yesterday was the largest by ATB 2 this year and assured that they will continue cooperation with ESSCom to monitor and prevent any criminal activity in the Sabah east coast to guarantee the security and stability of the locals’ socio-economy.

The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is an international document.

KUCHING: Both Sarawak and Sabah are equally concerned on the non-adherence to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.

“Both Sarawak and Sabah are equally concerned on non-adherence to MA63. This was expressed by both leaders. Our concern is for the betterment of Malaysia as a nation, so that the federation stays strong and united in the years to come,” Masing said after receiving a courtesy call by Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Anifah Aman at his office here yesterday.

Masing who is also PRS president, said the two of them also expressed confidence that both states would be able to deliver for the BN in the upcoming 14th general election (GE14).

“Both Sarawak and Sabah expressed confidence in retaining BN seats comes GE14,” he said.

Anifah is the younger brother of Sabah’s Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman. Both brothers are Umno supreme council members. Anifah is also chairman of the steering committee on devolution of power for Sabah while Sarawak is represented by Minister in the Prime Minister’s department Datuk Seri Nancy Sukri.

Currently, the BN in Sarawak controls 25 out of the 31 parliamentary seats while Sabah BN controls 21 out of the 25 seats.