Apart from taking home RM1,000 cash, the 31-year-old also won the ticket to represent the city in the finale on May 25 at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association hall on Penampang.

Strongly belting out a Kadazan number entitled Guminavo Zou Diau (I Love You) and Sedetik Lebih, Gedion beat six others in the competition which is held in conjunction with the month-long Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival.

He also walked away with a subsidiary title – The Best Vocals, and pocketed another RM300 and a trophy.

The judges also named Rosario Ninih Chamini, 19, and Fred Joanne Asoon, 27, for the second and third spots, where they took home RM800 and RM500 respectively.

Shane Cladius Monjohi, 26, Joyce Junaidi, 20, Sheryll Josh, 24, and Eve Julie Edwin, 26, won the consolation prize of RM200 each.

All the contestants were also presented with a trophy and certificate each.

Eve, meanwhile, won two other subsidiary prizes – The Best Performance and Most Popular Singer, and received another RM300 for each title.

Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir presented the prizes to the winners.

The institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, will bring in local and international volunteers to catch, photograph, measure and tag the resident turtles found in the waters of the world famed island off Semporna.

The event, from May 22-24, will serve as a follow-up project to a recently concluded study conducted by the institute, apart from creating public awareness and enhancing education on turtle conservation efforts.

This will also be the culmination of the prelude to Mabul World Turtle Day held in March where researchers and volunteers successfully caught and tagged 21 turtles.

Senior lecturer Dr Pushpa Palaniappan, who is also the head of a BMRI research team studying the Mabul turtle population, said they had been working with several partners to carry out the programme, namely Uncle Chang’s Resort, 1Borneo Ballroom Sdn Bhd and The Borneo Connections Sdn Bhd.

“The objective of this event is to create public awareness, while enhancing education, research and conservation of the sea turtle population in the waters of Mabul.

“In order to have a successful programme, we would like to invite more agencies as well the media to participate,” she said in a press conference to announce the event at UMS yesterday.

Apart from enthusiastic volunteers who have signed up for the programme, she said the event would also be opened to resort guests in Mabul to allow them to get hands-on experiences on sea turtle research.

They were also planning to invite primary school students to join in Mabul, she added.

The institute is also hopping to make the celebration of the World Turtle Day in Mabul an annual event recognized by the State Government not just for its conservation significance but also as a platform for promoting eco-tourism.

“We are looking to have the event included in the Sabah Tourism Events Calendar to encourage participation from domestic and international visitors.

“This is a long-term project which will enable BMRI to collect annual growth rate data on the sea turtle population in Mabul, which will serve as a vital information that will help towards effectively conserving these turtles,” said Pushpa.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming is expected to officiate and deliver a message at the event.

BMRI director Professor Dr Saleem Mustafa in calling for support for the project, said research on sea turtle was vital as it would help the community better understand how to conserve the endangered species effectively.

He said turtles are very special animal not only because they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem but also hide a fascinating secret that scientists have for years tried to unravel.

“Turtle is a fascinating subject to study because of the fact that it has existed since the Triassic period about 200 million years ago. While other animals have become extinct, turtles survived because, we believe, they are more resilient to climatic changes than any other animals.

“They have not only survived but thrived for millions of years, but now they are faced with a great threat, probably greater than what they have ever faced,” he said.

He noted that consumption of turtle eggs has remained among the major factor, threatening the survival of the species in Sabah, along with pollution and harmful fishing methods.

Alliance Investment Bank Bhd (Alliance Investment Bank) chief executive officer Rafidz Rasiddi said the outcome of the general election, which promised clarity in policies and stability, was the main factor of the IPOs inflow.

“Now, the investors are clear of policies and the country’s economic direction.

“That is why soon after the 13th General Election, we can see many IPOs coming up.

“I am sure we will see large size IPOs this year too, similar to last year’s Felda Global Ventures, IHH Healthcare and Astro,” he told Bernama.

This year, the large-scale IPOs would be the Malakoff and AirAsia X, both proposed to be listed in the second half of this year, Rafidz said.

He, however, stressed that the yearcapital market should not only focus on large-scale IPOs as there was a huge current wave of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gaining confidence to be listed.

“The future lies in companies from the SME segment.

“The large-scale IPOs are something very positive, but they are very minimal.

“The small and medium ones will make the difference,” he said.

Rafidz said retail investors’ participation in the capital market had also increased significantly, up by 20 per cent from 12 to 13 per cent before the May 5 general election.

“This clearly indicates the retail investors’ confidence in the market.

“There will be no more holding back of investments,” he said.

For Alliance Investment Bank, Rafidz said its first IPO undertaking would be Leon Fuat Bhd, expected to be listed on June 5.

Emphasising that Malaysia’s capital market would remain vibrant this year as well in years to come, he said Alliance Investment Bank was eyeing for two more IPO assignments in coming months. — Bernama

The IPO resumption was expected to be approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) by May. The regulator began reviewing financial statements filed by hundreds of companies seeking IPOs in April.

Xinhua news agency reported the financial statement verification process was stricter than before and much slower than the CSRC had specified.

It was reported that the CSRC halted approvals last July following investors’ complaints about massive offerings which had drained liquidity and created a weak market.

It said IPO-related procedures would usually start immediately after the reviews were completed.

The CSRC data issued last week showed that a total of 492 companies were still on the waiting list for approval from the regulator to be listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen. — Bernama

STAGING A COMEBACK: Shirley returns a shot during the AUG Games in Vientiane, Laos.

SIBU: Former state top tennis player Shirley Ling is optimistic of bouncing back in style when she takes part in the tennis event of the World University Games (WUG) 2013 in Russia early July.

The 21-year-old undergraduate of University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been struggling with her performance of late as she has not played in competitions for two years after entering the university.

Shirley is currently doing her second year of her three-year course at UMS and is coping well with her studies.

She only returned to competition at the recent Asian University Games (AUG) in Vientiane, Laos where she helped Malaysia secure the second placing in the Women’s team event, with Thailand taking the title.

All the four players in the team, including Jawariah Nordin the nation’s top women player, will be retained for the WUG in Russia.

“Hopefully, the WUG 2013 will be a platform for me to rediscover my form and rekindle my passion and love for the sport,” she said when contacted.

Shirley will compete in both the individual and team events in the WUG Games and she is fully aware that she faces an arduous task ahead.

“This is the first time that I am participating in the WUG championship and I hope to come back with at least something to show,” she said.

Shirley is not sure about her chances in the individual event as she is still in the dark over who her opponents would be.

“As for the team event, I am more confident that we will be able to come back with at least a medal,” she said, banking her confidence on her teammates Jawariah and two other elite players who will be joining her for the trip.

Since she joined UMS, Shirley had been trying to make a comeback in tennis and make up for the two years she stayed out of the tennis to concentrate on her studies.

“I really don’t know what will happen in Russia because it will be my first outing at the WUG. I will play to the best of my ability and try to win something for the country.”

Shirley’s ticket to the WUG Games was based on her splendid performance in the AUG and the Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning Games (SUKIPT) championship held in Kuala Lumpur late last year.

Shirley will be back in Sibu in June to undergo a one-month intensive training with Sibu Lawn Tennis Association (SLTTA) coach Brandon Wong before joining her teammates for the Russian trip.

Once one the brightest prospects of Sarawak Lawn Tennis Sports Federation, Shirley had faded into oblivion since she left school after completing her Form Five two years ago.

She was a key member of the Sarawak team at the 2008 Terengganu Sukma and 2010 Malacca Sukma.

In the Terengganu Sukma, she won a silver medal in the Girl’s singles and a gold medal in the team event whereas in the Malacca Sukma, she obtained a silver in the mixed double and bronze in the Girls’ Doubles.

Her greatest achievement thus far was the second placing in the International Tennis Federation U-14 championship held in Myanmar.

Shirley also took part in the ITF Junior Circuit in Kuching but rarely made the cut for the second round.

BUSINESS TALK: (From second left to right) Maybank Tabuan Jaya branch manager Wilson Tan, Chai, the chamber’s commerce sub-committee chairman Tan Hua Min and its members during a photo call.

KUCHING: Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be holding a talk on small medium entrepreneur (SME) loan packages on May 15.

The talk initiated by Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) will be held at Level 9 auditorium of the Crown Towers at Jalan Pending starting at 10am till 12pm.

The speaker from Maybank will be introducing the loan products and benefits.

The talk will be conducted in Mandarin and English.

“The Chinese businessmen are generally conservative and think that the government’s offer is more limited to the Bumiputera. Now, they need to change their mindset.

Come and listen, grab this opportunity to learn more about the financial benefits and use it to expand their businesses,” the chamber secretary-general Chai Voon Tok told a press conference here yesterday.

He said the chamber expects to attract a 200-strong audience.

He also encouraged its members to join this talk.

Entrance is free, with lunch provided.

Those interested can get the registration forms at the chamber’s office.

For more information, call 082-242577 or 082-235578.

STANDING UP FOR DEMOCRACY: State PKR Women exco member Jamilah (second right) with Simon (right), Patricia (second left) and another PKR Women member showing reporters the police report they lodged at the Simpang Tiga Police Station.

KUCHING: State Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) lodged a police report against alleged racist remarks posted on several internet web blogs, for instance, www.papagomo.com <http://www.papagomo.com>) and individual Facebook (e.g. sharizad Mohd Diah <https://www.facebook.com/shahrizad.diah> and some Facebook accounts.

The web blogs and Facebook of these individuals allegedly made remarks with the alleged intention to incite racial-based riots very much like the one on May 13, 1969.

Their Women exco member Jamilah Baharuddin told reporters yesterday that she wanted the police to investigate the posts and to take action against them.

“They (in postings) are inciting racial riots when I am advocating a peaceful Malaysia. They are very irresponsible,” she said after lodging the police report at Simpang Tiga Police Station here.

State PKR Youth vice chairman Simon Siah Sy Jen, who led the group at the police station, said Barisan Nasional (BN) should not call the overwhelming support of Chinese towards the opposition as ‘Tsunami Cina’ (Chinese Tsunami).

“This is in fact not the case as the statistics had indicated that the Malays and other Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak supported the Pakatan Rakyat (PR). This is actually ‘Tsunami Rakyat’ or ‘Malaysian Tsunami’ and nothing to do with the Chinese or the other races for that matter,” he said.

“The Chinese are not the only people who live in the urban area,” said Simon.

Meanwhile, PKR Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, when contacted, said he was shocked and disappointed with the alleged irresponsible posting on web blogs and Facebook which are without basis.

“These postings originating from mostly Umno members and supporters have been shared and redirected and pose a threat to our national security.

See said that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should come out openly and apologise and retract his earlier statement, of a misguided statement of “Chinese Tsunami” which is the source of such posting.

“I am disappointed with the prime minister who, anyone would have thought, that he will initiate the national reconciliation and be everyone’s prime minister (but) instead, he went on a racist interpretation of the electoral result which is displaced and (this is) inconsiderate of his office,” See said.

Also accompanying Jamilah and Simon yesterday was another Women exco member Patricia Ainon Daweg.

According to the Election Commission, the BN won 24 seats in Sarawak, two in Johor, two in Kuala Lumpur and one seat each in Putrajaya, Perak, Pahang and Labuan.

The DAP won 10 parliamentary seats, five of them in Sarawak, three in Kuala Lumpur and one each in Penang and Perak.

PKR won one parliamentary seat in Sarawak. – BERNAMA

#myvote13 #ge13 #pru13

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SAFEGUARD MODERATION: Abdul Ghani meets with voters in Gelang Patah.

KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) Gelang Patah candidate Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman has appealed to voters in Johor, particularly the Chinese community, to safeguard the ‘Johor Way’ of moderation.

In an appeal letter published in national newspapers yesterday, the caretaker Menteri Besar said Johor has in the past always practised this principle.

“Although I can’t speak or read Chinese, I learned two Chinese characters a long time ago — ‘zhong yong’ — which means moderation. It is not just a philosophical principle. I use this principle to govern Johor and have always found it fitting and suitable. Here in Gelang Patah, over half of the population is Chinese. And throughout the state, there is a sizeable Chinese community.

“This is why Chinese culture and education has been given much attention in Johor. Just as I have paid attention to the needs of the other communities, I have also seen to the needs of the Chinese. This is how we have been able to sustain prosperity and harmony among the different communities over the past 18 years. In so many ways, moderation has been our most powerful asset in Johor,” he said.

Abdul Ghani, who is Johor BN chief, pointed out that in recent days the ‘Johor Way’ has been attacked by some political leaders, who are bent on using hostile words to stir the emotions of Chinese voters.

“To be honest, I dislike finger-pointing and cannot scold my political opponent. Although the competition is fierce, with confrontational tactics being used by the other side in the last few days, I have rejected the aggressive approach. I believe my track record and solid performance will speak for themselves.

“The voters know that my management style for almost two decades has been to emphasise moderation, never polarisation. Always to seek harmony and never to play each side against the other. If dividing and polarising can win the election, to me, the winner is still the loser,” he stressed.

Abdul Ghani related the example of the two churches, a Sikh temple and a Buddhist temple which he passes on his way to his office as a reminder of how Johor’s different ethnicities and religions live side-by-side in harmony and unity — a cherished way of life from the very beginning.

He also pointed out that while the election will be over soon, “harmony must be preserved forever.”

“Moderation, which underpins the ‘Johor Way’, is what I learned from Chinese culture. Now I am facing a competitor who is reaching out to the Chinese using ‘anti-moderation’ tactics which he is very good at.

“How ironic this is — because such a strategy goes against all that is good and honourable in Chinese philosophy and culture. This will indeed be a great test and challenge to me and my fellow voters in Johor,” he added.

Abdul Ghani is in a straight fight with Democratic Action Party (DAP) advisor Lim Kit Siang.

The parliamentary seat is one of the most intensely-fought battles in the 13th general election.

Chinese voters make up 53 per cent of Gelang Patah’s voters, while 33 per cent are Malay and 12 per cent are Indian. #myvote13 #ge13

GE13-READY: Roslan (second left) addressing police personnel who will be on duty on polling day.

KUCHING: All police personnel here have been advised to ready themselves physically and mentally to ensure that the ‘mother of all elections’ proceeds smoothly tomorrow.

District police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad said yesterday that he has reminded all officers and rank-and-file to polish their knowledge on election laws to enable them to face polling day with confidence.

“I have instructed all of
them to ensure they are well rested in the final hours so that they will be physically and mentally prepared for the ‘mother of all elections’.

“I have also told them to update themselves on election-related laws so that they will be able to execute their duties on the day with full confidence,” he told reporters following a monthly parade at district police headquarters.

Roslan went on to explain that he had reminded his men to uphold their discipline on polling day and to be courteous and patient towards voters to avoid any misunderstanding.

The police chief said the conduct of police on that day will be under the scrutiny of the general public.

While there will be those who praise the good work of those on duty, there will also be detractors waiting to pounce on any mis-step in order to smear the image of the force, he reminded.

“I hope the public will give us their full cooperation to ensure polling goes ahead smoothly but, more importantly, I hope they will also forward any information to the police regarding anyone who is planning to disrupt or even sabotage the election,” he said, assuring the identity of informers will be kept in the strictest confidence.

On his part, Roslan gave his personal guarantee that the police will do their all to maintain peace and security during the polls to ensure that voters will have no qualms about stepping out to cast their ballot.

On a separate matter, the district police chief said police personnel who failed to cast their ballot either through the early voting system or postal voting system, face the possibility of disciplinary action taken against them.

The OCPD stated that as public servants, it was the duty of all police personnel to cast their vote so as to set an example to everyone else about the importance of voting.

“It is the duty and responsibility of every police as civil servants to cast their vote to set an example to the public.

“All personnel have been instructed to vote, and those found to have defied the order will face disciplinary action,” he said. #myvote13 #ge13

“This allegation surfaced on blog sites and spread via text messages, claiming that if Pakatan were defeated at the polls, they will take to the street.

“Maybe this place is the starting point, I do not know. It seems they have predicted the outcome of the election, but what is feared is that they want to create chaos and will not accept the decision made by the people.

“So, I hope the authorities will investigate the matter and the inspector-general of police should look into the allegation.

“I hope this is not true. But if it is true, the police must get to the bottom of it,” he told reporters after handing over letters of offer and house keys to owners of Rumah Mesra Rakyat 1Malaysia (RR1M) in Kampung Renchong here yesterday.

According to several blog posts, the multicoloured flags were said to represent youth wings of Pakatan Rakyat who would converge at the focal point to start the ‘Malaysian Spring’ on Sunday afternoon if the election results were not in their favour.

It is a copycat attempt to topple the government similar to public uprising that swept several West Asian countries which had been dubbed the Arab Spring.

Muhyiddin said any bid to take down the government through uprising would be harmful to the country for the Barisan Nasional had always respected the people’s decision at the polls.

“When we suffered a debacle in several states, including Selangor before, the transition of power (in these states) was carried out smoothly and orderly. There was no protest or demonstration, this is our culture.

“I hope they will deny this (the allegation).

“If they deny it, that’s good, otherwise what was spread through text messages is true. I am worried and scared if they were to suffer a drubbing, it will be the beginning of an upheaval in the country,” he said.

Muhyiddin said if the alleged act was meant to scare the people from voting, it was an irresponsible act. — Bernama

TOGETHER NOW: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak together with the crowd singing the ‘1 Malaysia’ song at the launching ceremony of the Indian Community Entrepreneurial Carnival in Klang. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday expressed confidence the coalition would return to power in Putrajaya in the 13th general election tomorrow.

He said he found out during his recent visits all over the country that the people still accepted the BN and were with the coalition.

“I can report to you that the people still accept the BN. Come May 5 (Sunday), the BN will return to power in Putrajaya,” he said when addressing the people during a breakfast meeting at Dengkil Centre Point in Dengkil near here.

During his speech, Najib received resounding applause from the thousands of people who had gathered there from early in the morning.

Also present were the BN candidate for the Sepang parliamentary seat, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed; the BN candidate for the Dengkil state seat, Shahrum Mohd Shariff; the BN candidate for the Tanjung Sepat state seat Nisman Yusof and the BN candidate for the Sungai Pelek state seat Ng Chok Sin.

Najib said the people realised that the national transformation policy of the government benefited them and ensured their well-being.

“This policy is the BN’s and, without the BN, the transformation will not happen. The people, in Selangor and other states, will be heading for an uncertain future (without this policy).

“They have confidence and trust (in the BN). The BN is the people’s choice. They understand that the federal and state governments must comprise the same party,” he said.

Najib, who is also Selangor BN chairman, said he was confident the coalition would be able to recapture Selangor and, in the process, win the Sepang parliamentary seat and the state seats within it.

“We have strived for five years to restore confidence in the people of Selangor. We have restored the spirit of the (election) machinery. We have also apologised for past mistakes. Let us open a new chapter in this state,” he said.

Najib said that after five years under Pakatan Rakyat, the people of Selangor had lost confidence in the pact.

He said this was evident when the menteri besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, himself was standing in the Pelabuhan Klang state seat instead of Ijok which he last held.

The prime minister advised the party machinery to work hard as a team and contribute to the success of the BN.

“It is not necessary that one should be an elected representative. There are other ways to help the people. One must be fair and help others.

“This is our pledge and we will deliver on our pledge,” he said. — Bernama #myvote13 #ge13

UNTUK RAKYAT: Awang Tengah menyempurnakan upacara pecah tanah Projek Pembangunan Sumber Air Miri di Loji Rawatan Air Lambir, semalam.

LAMBIR: Projek peminda­han air mentah dari Sungai Baram untuk bekalan air Miri menelan belanja RM183 juta mampu menampung keper­luan domestik bagi penduduk Miri dan Sibuti.

Menteri Perancangan Sum­ber dan Alam Sekitar Kedua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan berkata, projek terbabit akan dilaksanakan dalam dua fasa secara ber­peringkat yang bermula awal tahun ini.

“Projek ini mampu me­nampung keperluan bekalan air bersih, meskipun pertum­buhan pesat pembangunan bagi Miri dan Sibuti sedang rancak berlaku.

“Kerajaan telah melaksana­kan kajian awal bagi memas­tikan bekalan air ini sentiasa mencukupi dan penduduk tidak menghadapi krisis air seperti berlaku di Selangor,” katanya.

Awang Tengah yang juga Menteri Kemudahan Awam berkata demikian pada Majlis Pecah Tanah Projek Pemban­gunan Sumber Air Miri dan Penyerahan Surat Tawaran Hak Milik Tanah di Lambir, semalam.

Beliau memberitahu, me­skipun projek terbabit me­makan belanja yang terlalu besar namun ia akan tetap dilaksanakan demi untuk kesejahteraan rakyat.

“Tengok sahaja Selangor, penduduknya kini mengha­dapi krisis air yang sangat kritikal dan jika keadaan ini berlarutan sehingga 2015, maka bukan sahaja Selan­gor, Wilayah Persekutuan dan sekitarnya akan turut terjejas.

“Walaupun Selangor di bawah pentadbiran pembang­kang, namun kerajaan pusat tetap menyalurkan perun­tukan untuk melaksanakan Projek Air Langat 2, tetapi ditentang kerajaan negeri (PKR).

“Ini membuktikan bahawa kerajaan Selangor ini tidak mementingkan kebajikan rakyat sebaliknya hanya mengutamakan kepentin­gan politik semata-mata,” katanya.

Awang Tengah yang juga Menteri Pembangunan Perindustrian mengingatkan, masalah krisis air di Selangor tidak akan berlaku di Miri jika berada di bawah pentadbiran kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN).

“Sebab itu, kerajaan telah merancang projek pemin­dahan air mentah ini supaya penduduk Miri dan Sibuti tidak akan menghadapi krisis air yang kritikal.

“Kerajaan memperun­tukkan lebih RM250 juta untuk bekalan air bersih luar bandar bagi Miri dan mem­buktikan bahawa kerajaan merancang sesuatu untuk rakyat,” tegasnya.

Tambahnya, bagi bekalan elektrik luar bandar pula dari tempoh 2010-2013 kera­jaan telah meluluskan lebih RM111 juta untuk Parlimen Miri dan RM68 juta untuk Parlimen Sibuti.

“Kerajaan BN sentiasa menjaga kepentingan rakyat tanpa mengira etnik dan latar belakang, sebab itu kita mampu melaksanakan transformasi kerana kerajaan kita kukuh dan stabil setaraf dengan negara maju lain,” katanya.

#myvote13 #ge13

SUPPORT BN: Tan Kai holding court at the ceramah (political talk) at Hui Sing Hawker Centre on Sunday.

KUCHING: The road to claim Bandar Kuching for the BN is not an easy task, but BN candidate for Bandar Kuching, Tan Kai, pledged that he would soldier on against Chong Chieng Jen of the DAP.

Speaking at a ceramah (political talk) at Hui Sing Hawker Centre on Sunday, Tan told the 300-odd people that he had been reaching out to city folk to get their feedback.

“I have gone to the ground to talk to the people and hear their views. One of the feedback I received was that the incumbent (Chong) has never reached out to them.

“Among their comments was that all he (Chong) is capable of is to call for press conferences and appear in newspapers criticising the government. When he does appear on the ground, it is just to sell his party’s newsletter,” said Tan.

Wanita SUPP chief Tnay Li Ping was among the speakers that night. #myvote13 #ge13

Tan membuat pelawaan tersebut bagi membahaskan isu ‘Kesan Pelaksanaan Hukum Hudud Terhadap Masyarakat Bukan Islam’ yang akan berlangsung di pekarangan Dewan Masyarakat Padungan pada 2 Mei depan.

“Saya amat menantikan debat ini dengan Chong memandangkan dia hanya memerlukan lima minit untuk membahaskan isu tersebut,” ujar Tan pada sidang media di ibu pejabat Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) semalam.

Beliau memberitahu, mereka akan hanya membahaskan mengenai hukum hudud dan jika Chong mahu berdebat mengenai isu lain maka beliau harus mengadakannya pada hari lain.

Program perbahasan tersebut masih dalam proses permohonan permit manakala iklan mengenainya akan disiarkan dalam surat khabar.

“Chong hanya perlu hadir tepat pada masanya iaitu pada jam 7 malam jika beliau menerima jemputan ini.

“Masa yang diberikan untuk setiap penyampaian bahas ialah masing-masing lima minit setiap seorang,” kata Tan.

Beliau berkata masyarakat bukan Islam di seluruh negara kebelakangan ini agak risau mengenai kesan yang akan dihadapi mereka jika hukum hudud dilaksanakan.

“PAS selama ini memperjuangkan pelaksanaan negara Islam yang ditadbir dengan hukum hudud yang akan menghapuskan keunikan kepelbagaian budaya.

“Malah Chong sendiri cuba mempengaruhi orang ramai supaya tidak takut dengan hukum hudud pada ceramahnya pada malam Sabtu lepas,” tambah Tan.

Pada sesi ceramahnya Chong telah menggalakkan para pengundi untuk memilih Pakatan Rakyat tanpa ragu-ragu namun ia telah menimbulkan persoalan sama ada beliau telah bersedia menerima pemerintahan kerajaan PAS.

#myvote13 #ge13

MESRA: Wan Junaidi bersalaman dengan belia semasa kunjungan ke Kampung Santubong.

Dakwaan Azmin bahawa PR telah menguasai 125 kerusi Parlimen di seluruh negara adalah tidak tepat: Wan Junaidi

KUCHING: Dakwaan Timbalan Presiden Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Azmin Ali yang mengata-kan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) telah menguasai 125 kerusi Parlimen di seluruh negara merupakan perang psikologi untuk menakut-nakutkan pengundi.

Calon Barisan Nasional (BN) Parlimen Santubong Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar berkata apa yang didakwa Azmin itu adalah tidak tepat kerana mereka juga banyak membuat dakwaan lain.

Menurutnya, pada 16 September 2008, PKR mendakwa beberapa wakil rakyat BN menyertai mereka namun ia tidak berlaku.

“Dia (Azmin) sebenarnya main perang psikologi dengan mengatakan mereka menang dan hampir sampai ke Putrajaya.

“Ia merupakan taktik pembangkang untuk menakut-nakutkan pengundi,” katanya kepada pemberita semasa Program Belia Bermotosikal Belia 12 di Kampung Santubong semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas mengenai dakwaan Azmin Ali bahawa PR telah menguasai 125 kerusi Parlimen di seluruh negara.

Azmin dipetik sebagai berkata, jangkaan itu dinilai berdasarkan sambutan orang ramai terhadap ceramah yang diadakan PKR, DAP dan PAS.

Wan Junaidi yang juga penyandang kerusi Parlimen Santubong untuk dua penggal menjelaskan, sebenarnya PR amat terdesak sehingga sanggup melakukan pelbagai helah untuk menawan Putrajaya.

Menurutnya PR mungkin membuat dakwaan sedemikian tetapi BN juga berkeyakinan mampu menang dengan majoriti dua pertiga pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU13).

“Saya yakin usaha yang dilaksanakan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak termasuk membawa perubahan menunjukkan BN amat berjaya sekali dalam mentadbir negara.

“Masyarakat yang berfikiran matang akan memberi sokongan padu kepada BN,” ujarnya.

Dalam pada itu, Wan Ju-naidi merancang mewujudkan lebih banyak gelanggang petanque di Parlimen Santubong dalam usaha mempromosi dan mempopularkan sukan itu.

“Kita boleh lihat Kampung Santubong merupakan tumpuan masyarakat untuk bermain petanque.

“Pada masa sama kehadiran ramai orang untuk bermain sukan ini (petanque) dapat memperkasa sektor pelancongan di kawasan ini yang mempunyai banyak produk pelancongan,” jelasnya.

#myvote13 #ge13

LAU

Mengubah k’jaan bakal membawa negara kepada kehancuran, kemelesetan ekonomi

MIRI: Rakyat akan berhadapan dengan masa depan yang tidak pasti dan ekonomi yang tidak stabil sekiranya memilih untuk mengubah kerajaan sedia ada.

Usahawan terkemuka Datuk Lau Siu Wai berkata, mengubah kerajaan bukan cara terbaik untuk memperbaiki keadaan sebaliknya bakal membawa negara kepada kehancuran dan kemelesetan ekonomi.

“Secara peribadinya saya menolak idea untuk mengubah kerajaan sekarang kerana apabila kerajaan itu diubah akan berlaku tempoh peralihan. Pada masa peralihan itu kita tidak pasti apa yang berlaku.

“Maksudnya, rakyat yang miskin akan bertambah miskin, harga barangan akan naik dan kestabilan turut terjejas.

“Apabila negara terjejas, tiada apa yang dapat dilakukan, malah perniagaan dan jumlah masuk pelaburan turut merudum,” katanya ketika ditemui di sini kelmarin.

Lau yang merupakan pengerusi Kumpulan Eksekutif Miri Housing Group menambah, pengundi tidak harus terjatuh ke dalam perangkap pembangkang yang memberitahu mampu melaksanakan pelbagai perubahan sekiranya diberi mandat pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU13) ini.

“Mereka tiada rekod yang hebat membuktikan mereka mampu membawa pembangunan seperti yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan sebelum ini,” katanya.

Beliau menambah, pengundi harus mengambil iktibar daripada apa yang berlaku di negara-negara Timur Tengah seperti Syria dengan rakyatnya menderita dan krisis melalui tempoh peralihan kuasa berikutan pertukaran tampuk pemerintahan.

Sebaliknya, Lau memberitahu bahawa pengundi boleh membuat perubahan dari segi polisi termasuk menggantikan wakil rakyat yang tidak sesuai dan gagal menjalankan tanggungjawab dengan baik.

“Kalau tidak suka dengan sesuatu polisi, tukar.

“Begitu juga jika wakil rakyat yang memegang jawatan tersebut tidak bekerja juga boleh ditukar.

“Saya percaya cara itu lebih wajar dan berkesan, bukannya menukar kerajaan keseluruhannya,” katanya.

Sebagai contohnya, polisi pendidikan perlu menjadi satu entiti bebas iaitu tidak dipengaruhi oleh mana-mana parti politik di negara ini.

“Saya percaya pendidikan tidak harus dicampur aduk dengan politik.

“Pendidikan adalah sesuatu yang berkaitan dengan bidang intelektual, memupuk dan mengembangkan potensi manusia,” katanya.

#myvote13 #ge13

Bekas perdana menteri itu berkata, beliau sedia berbuat demikian kerana mengagumi pengorbanan dan perjuangan Che Johan bagi mengelakkan pertandingan tiga penjuru antara calon BN, Bebas dan PAS, yang boleh menyebabkan kerusi itu jatuh ke tangan pembangkang.

“Saya lawyer yang tidak ada kelulusan tapi kalau nak argue boleh juga. Saya berpendapat bahawa bukan sahaja dia (Che Johan) tidak salah, bahkan saya hendak tengok lebih ramai orang lagi berkorban demi kebaikan parti bukan untuk diri sendiri,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis ramah mesra di pekarangan rumah Che Johan di sini semalam.

Pilihan raya umum Ahad ini akan menyaksikan Presiden Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Datuk Ibrahim Ali, yang mempertahankan kerusi Parlimen Pasir Mas atas tiket Bebas, dicabar Timbalan Ketua Pemuda PAS, Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.

Terdahulu, dalam ucapannya di hadapan kira-kira 500 penduduk, Dr Mahathir berkata ramai yang kecewa kerana tidak terpilih menjadi calon dan terus melupakan jasa parti serta membuat tindakan tidak bertanggungjawab.

Sebaliknya, Che Johan masih meneruskan usaha untuk memastikan kerusi Parlimen Pasir Mas tidak terlepas ke tangan PAS, katanya.

“Apa yang kita tengok sekarang ini, banyak yang berkorban demi kepentingan diri sendiri. Tidak dapat satu, mereka korbankan semuanya,” katanya.

Turut hadir pada majlis itu isteri beliau Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Ibrahim serta calon-calon BN bagi DUN Tendong Datuk Hanapi Mamat, DUN Pengkalan Pasir Tuan Anuwa Tuan Mat dan DUN Chetok Aimi Jusoh. — Bernama

#myvote13 #ge13

Tidak ketinggalan isu Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) dan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) yang sejak kebelakangan ini semakin rancak “dijual” di pentas ceramah dan kempen pembangkang tatkala tempoh berkempen semakin menghampiri penghujungnya.

Bagi yang mengikuti ceramah dan kempen mereka, baik penyokong mahupun pemerhati, “SPR tidak telus”, “SPR tidak bersih” dan “PDRM anjing UMNO” adalah antara yang menjadi mainan mulut pemimpin dan calon parti pembangkang yang tidak berpuas hati dengan pembaharuan pada pilihan raya umum kali ini.

Ironinya, setiap isu yang dikaitkan dengan SPR dan PDRM itu adalah salah pakatan pembangkang sendiri, kata penganalisis politik Prof Madya Datuk Dr Samsul Adabi Mamat.

“Pada peringkat awal, tiada pun bunyi daripada pembangkang terhadap pembaharuan proses pilihan raya. Pada saya, ini adalah kesilapan mereka sendiri dan kemudian mereka meletakkan kesalahan kepada SPR sedangkan penambahbaikan itu mereka sendiri yang minta,” katanya ketika dihubungi Bernama di sini.

Antara isu yang menimbulkan kemarahan pembangkang ialah pemansuhan penarikan diri calon iaitu nama calon tetap dipapar pada kertas undi dan undi dikira, jika calon menarik diri selepas tiga hari proses penamaan berlangsung.

Rasa tidak puas hati itu susulan pertembungan sesama sendiri calon parti pembangkang di tujuh kawasan yang menyaksikan calon sekutu hanya menarik diri selepas tiga hari penamaan berlangsung, sekali gus tidak dikira oleh SPR.

Mengulas lanjut, pensyarah di Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia itu, berkata kesilapan besar pakatan DAP, PKR dan PAS ialah mereka tidak mendaftarkan penggabungan mereka seperti Barisan Nasional (BN).

Pakatan yang longgar itulah punca calon mereka bertembung sesama sendiri dan sekarang mereka cuba menyalahkan SPR kononnya tidak telus, walhal semua penambahbaikan yang dibuat pada proses pilihan raya mengambil kira cadangan mereka sendiri, katanya.

Mengenai PDRM, Samsul Adabi berkata pembangkang cuba mewujudkan provokasi dan persepsi negatif terhadap pasukan keselamatan itu yang didakwa tidak mengguna pakai Akta Perhimpunan Aman 2012 dalam kempen pilihan raya.

“Kalau tiada permit, tak boleh berhimpun…permit ini bukan hanya untuk pembangkang malah BN juga kena mohon dan ia tertakluk kepada Akta Pilihan Raya 1958,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Penolong Ketua Urusetia Ketua Polis Negara (Perhubungan Awam) ACP Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf berkata Akta Perhimpunan Aman (APA) 2012 tidak terpakai secara automatik selepas hari penamaan calon.

Mengikut Seksyen 1 (3)(a) APA 2012 menyatakan APA 2012 tidak terpakai bagi suatu perhimpunan yang merupakan suatu kempen pilihan raya di bawah Akta Kesalahan Pilihan Raya 1954.

“Perkara ini menggariskan secara spesifik bahawa semua ceramah politik yang dibuat secara terbuka hendaklah dengan permit daripada ketua polis daerah di tempat ceramah itu diadakan,” katanya.

Seksyen 24B (3) Akta Kesalahan Pilihan Raya 1954 pula memperuntukkan calon atau ejen pilihan raya semasa tempoh berkempen boleh mengadakan, memanggil atau mengaturkan apa-apa perjumpaan awam terbuka, perhimpunan awam terbuka, pertunjukan awam terbuka atau hiburan awam terbuka.

Mengikut seksyen itu juga, calon dan ejen boleh memberi ucapan atau syarahan terbuka, di kawasan bertanding jika dia memegang permit untuk berbuat demikian yang dikeluarkan pegawai polis yang menjaga daerah itu di mana perhimpunan hendak diadakan.

Mereka yang didakwa mengikut pertuduhan itu boleh dihukum penjara maksimum setahun atau didenda maksimum RM3,000 atau kedua-duanya sekali jika sabit kesalahan.

Ketua Umum PKR Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pada sidang media Selasa lepas, berang apabila SPR didakwanya enggan membatalkan kertas undi dan nama mereka yang telah menarik daripada bertanding.

“Saya tak faham kenapa SPR tidak boleh batalkan (nama calon yang menarik diri) dalam baki kempen 10 hari lagi ini. Sebenarnya SPR mempunyai cukup masa untuk batalkannya. Apa masalahnya?,” katanya.

Beliau juga mendesak SPR membersihkan daftar pengundi sebelum hari pengundian 5 Mei ini kerana kononnya beliau menerima maklumat pertambahan pengundi di Sabah, Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur berikutan ada warga asing diberi kad pengenalan.

Naib Presiden PAS Datuk Mahfuz Omar pula mendakwa menerima maklumat kemasukan kumpulan pengundi dari Sabah dan Sarawak ke Semenanjung selain mendakwa polis menghalang mereka daripada mendapatkan permit untuk berkempen. — Bernama

#myvote13 #ge13