He related to reporters covering a meet-the-people session with Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin here yesterday that when he first moved here, former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan helped get his house in Canada Hill repaired.

“Later, he called YB Lee (Kim Shin) to help me secure a government land lot, and YB Lee successfully did so. The lot is in Tudan.”

After securing the land lot, Ensering said Lee also helped him land a Rumah Mesra Rakyat, and that’s the house he is staying in at the moment.

Ensering added that former Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia also sent him for a business course before starting a small business to generate some income for his family.

“The government has been very generous to me and has helped me in many ways, and I am very thankful for that.”

During the meeting yesterday, Lee, who lamented that Ensering did not have a stable income, said he would assist him to have underground piped gas installed in his house.

“He requested me to help him with the cost of piped gas installation, and I will do so because he cannot afford the cost,” Lee said.

Ensering also needed help to have his monthly financial aid increased.

He has been receiving financial aid from the Welfare Department since 1987 but the amount is only RM180 per month.

“I will recommend Ensering for the increase and have requested him to go and see the Welfare Officer personally so that his request can be accessed and processed accordingly,” said Lee.

The grants were to help the associations run its social activities as well as events for the benefit of its members and as the public.

Recipients of the grants were Dayak Miri Sports and Recreation Club, Tudan Phase 4 Dayak Women Bureau, Senior Citizen Committee Miri, Confucius Teachings Guidance Association, Sarawak Baptist Church, Desa Senadin Phase 2 Neighbourhood Watch Club and Kuala Baram Neighbourhood Watch Committee.

THANK YOU : Jackson’s wife (right) thanking Lee (second left) for the fertiliser. Also in the picture is Jackson (second right).

MIRI: A blind man who lives with his family at a Rumah Mesra Rakyat in Tudan here received donations in the form of vegetable and corn seedlings as well as fertiliser for the patch in his back yard.

The donated items were handed over to Jackson Mangai by Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin who had looked for sponsors for the items to help the family generate an income.

“This is one of the ways to
help Jackson make a living for himself and his family as he is blind. He and his wife can plant the vegetables and corns for their own consumption as well as sell some to make ends meet,” said Lee.

Lee was also instrumental in helping the family secure the piece of land for the building of Rumah Mesra Rakyat that the family is currently occupying.

“Jackson’s family has been growing vegetables at the back and had requested for fertiliser.

“I hope with the seedlings and fertilisers given today, the burden of the family can be lessened by generating some income for themselves,” said Lee.

He lauded these unselfish and civic-minded individuals for having contributed 47,716 pints of blood last year, adding that their voluntary act would help the country achieve 100 per cent voluntary blood donors by 2020.

“Countries across the globe are expected to develop 100 per cent voluntary blood donors come 2020.

“Today, I am proud to announce that nearly 100 per cent of our blood donors are volunteers.

“By volunteers, we mean blood donors do not expect any reward in return, and they bleed to help save lives,” he said before presenting appreciation awards to blood donors during a simple ceremony held at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday.

The ceremony was also to mark this year’s World Blood Donor Day themed ‘Give the Gift of Life – Donate Blood’. The World Blood Donor Day is observed on June 14.

Dr Chin was pleased to note that 10,467 new blood donors came forward last year and Sarawak registered 37,249 regular blood donors in 2012.

“We have to make blood donation a continuous process because we need blood throughout the year. Every pint of blood we have collected can last only between 35 and 42 days.”

Calling on more individuals to give blood, he pointed out that state’s usage of blood had gone up by 20 per cent since 2008.

“We saw a 20 per cent increase in the usage of blood in a span of four years. Hence, blood donation should be made a part of our lifestyle.”

Based on studies conducted in Finland and the United States, Dr Chin said blood donors faced lower risks of heart diseases compared to those who never gave blood.

He also assured that blood donors would not be infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C during the blood-giving process.

At the function, state Health Department also presented appreciation awards to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various media organisations for their concerted efforts in organising and promoting blood donation campaigns.

Among those present were Sarawak General Hospital deputy director Masni Kedri, head of Pathology, Dr Jamil Bolkadir, and head of Blood Bank, Dr Mohd Zahrin.

MALCOLM WU HAN

KUCHING: Anyone keen to learn more about a Brazilian street game known as ‘Batizado e Troca de Corda’ will be able to catch it at Plaza Merdeka from 2pm to 4pm today.

The game is part of a series of workshops and demonstrations aimed at promoting Brazilian street games here.

A series of Capoiera workshops had also been conducted as part of an effort to promote the unique Brazilian traditional game that combines the elements of martial arts and dance.

Phoenix Gym sales and marketing manager Malcolm Wu Han said the workshops and demonstrations were opened to the public, and response to the workshops showed that locals had started taking a liking for Capoiera although there are already Capoiera enthusiasts around.

The ‘Simplesmente Capoiera’ workshops were organised by Plaza Merdeka and Movimento Simples de Capoiera Sarawak.

A Capoiera workshop was conducted on Friday night as well as yesterday afternoon at Crown Towers while a Brazilian street game Roda de Rua was conducted at the entrance of Plaza Merdeka yesterday.

The workshops were conducted by Rafael Movimento, the principal instructor at Movimento Simples de Capoiera Malaysia, and Contra Mestre Caludinho of Grupo Bantus Capoiera of Singapore.

They are supported by the Brazilian Embassy and Phoenix Gym.

Mohamad Ali Seman, a regular blood donor of 25 years, said he might not consider donating blood had the accident not happened in 1988. The mishap took away his right leg.

The 56-year-old remained grateful that a couple of strangers had come forward to save his life when he needed blood way back then.

“After the accident, I received four pints of blood from my family members as well as blood donors whom I did not know.

“It was their blood that saved my life, so I decided to make it my life mission to donate blood. As soon as I became healthy again after the accident, I started giving blood,” he related before receiving an appreciation award from the state Health Department at a simple ceremony held at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday.

The appreciation ceremony was organised in connection with this year’s World Blood Donor Day titled ‘Give The Gift of Life – Donate Blood’. World Blood Donor Day is observed every
June 14.

Mohamad, who has contributed 71 pints of blood, said he had been encouraging people to give blood. Even though only one out of 10 people he came across responded positively, he said he was not giving up.

To him, donating blood is essential and he has pledged to keep donating to save lives until he is not able to do so.

“Although it has been said that blood donors can give blood up to 60 years old, I think I will go on donating until they (blood bank) say I am unfit for it,” said the Type O+ enthusiastic donor, who will be donating again this coming week.

Mohamad also advised eligible and healthy individuals to stop making ‘no time’ as their excuse to not give blood.

“Only when you need it (blood) do you realise the importance of it. Do not wait till this happens, start donating blood now,” he urged.

Another top blood donor, Kamal Abot, said he had been contributing to the blood bank since 1981.

He could not quite tell what motivated him to donate blood every three months, but he said it made him happy to be able to do just that.

Kamal, 54, has donated 97 pints of blood as of yesterday. He is also determined to continue giving blood until he reaches 60.

When asked if it was frightening to donate blood, he replied, “Donating blood is nothing to be fearful of. More people ought to brace themselves in saving lives.”

He also suggested for those intending to donate to observe and practise a balanced diet as well as to try and reduce the portion of meat in their meals.

There were actually 42 workers from different departments who registered but the rest were rejected due to various health reasons.

“We are happy with the good turnout though many did not quality to donate. At least this proves a strong support from the hotel towards the life-saving campaign,” said organising chairman Nicholas Chin.

Advertising and promotion executive Jocelyn Ngau said Grand Palace Hotel would continue with the biannual event.

“It has become our tradition and we will carry on with it to help the Blood Bank replenish its blood stock. As the demand is increasing, so here is our opportunity to step up and do our part to help,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jonald Manalo from the Housekeeping Department received a hamper donated by the hotel for being the 15th donor.

GAINING POPULARITY: Czarnecki presenting a talk on how gaming libraries are becoming more popular in US libraries.

KUCHING: Board and video games are becoming more and more popular in many leading libraries across the United States as professors and researchers of brain development have found that people who play educational and other brain-teasing games significantly demonstrate development of multi-tasking and problem-solving skills, among others.

In view of this, the State Library (Pustaka) and the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur focused its monthly Lincoln Corner Talk here yesterday on ‘Programming with Board and Video Games and the Benefits’.

More than 50 participants from government agencies and universities learnt how to offer programmes in the library using board and video games.

Speaker Kelly Czarnecki, a Teen Services Librarian from the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, North Carolina, presented the talk on how gaming libraries are becoming more popular in US libraries and contributing to their educational development.

“Games at libraries must support the curriculum at the library and can also serve as a gateway to bring underserved people to the library,” she said.

She added that by incorporating board and video games such as ‘Trivia Pursuit’, ‘Scrabble’ and others as one of the library’s programmes, it would also serve as an additional service for people at the library to enhance the library experience.

Czarnecki, a technology education librarian, also highlighted the benefits of offering gaming at libraries as participants were presented with slide shows of several examples of model libraries that have implemented gaming programmes, such as the New York Public Library.

She had previously served on many American Library Association (ALA) committees, including the Young Librarian Library Service Association (YALSA) Teen Tech Week as chairperson and ALA councillor-at-large, as well as presented at numerous state and national conferences.

Czarnecki wrote and edited the Gaming Life column for School Library Journal from 2006 to 2012 and has published many articles in professional magazines.

She has written a book and a manual — ‘Gaming in Libraries (2010) and Digital Storytelling in Practice (2009).

Czarnecki also worked with teens and the community in developing new ideas for exploring the intersection of games and libraries.

The programme organised by Kolej Komuniti Mas Gading, will be held from June 26 until 29, stated a press statement issued by the college yesterday.

The programme is expected to be officiated at by Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil on June 27 at Bau Fairy Cave.

Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to close the event on June 29 at Bau Mini Stadium.

A mini carnival, which include short courses on cooking and pastry-making and a crafts exhibition, will be held from 8.30am to 2pm on the last day.

There will also be a football competition, flower arrangement and cooking competitions as well as colouring competition for kindergarten pupils.

Creative dances by Sarawak ethnic groups will also be held on the day.

Other activities planned are a kayak expedition at Sungai Muda Sarawak, Krokong, mountain trekking at Fairy Cave and community social services involving students and local communities together with students from three secondary schools and government agencies under Bau district.

Those who stay around Bau are encouraged to participate.

SITE VISIT: Fadillah pointing to main block of SMK Demak Baru during a visit yesterday. Also present are Semariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (second right) and secretary-general of Ministry of Works Datuk Himmat Singh (third right). — Bernama photo

KUCHING: Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof is confident that construction of the proposed Sibu-Kapit road will start next year.

Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, the Petra Jaya MP said the allocation was already available, but the project had to go through the design phase first.

“We have discussed it in (the federal) Cabinet and it is now about how to facilitate implementation and determine how long it will take to complete the project.

“This is what we call administrative matters, where plans need to be drawn up and then submitted to EPU (Economic Planning Unit) for approval and later calling for tender,” he said during a site visit to SMK Demak Baru at Jalan Diplomatik, off Jalan Bako, here.

During his Gawai Dayak visit to the state last Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pledged RM400 million to construct a bridge at Kanowit and complete the road to Song.

He said once the 33km project is completed in about two years’ time, it would give road access from Kapit to Sibu.

“I know Kapit may be the only place in the world where there is no access road. Based on my previous visit to Kapit before this and with the express boat tragedy that happened, the road from Kapit to Sibu needed additional work to be done for complete connection,” said Najib.

Meanwhile, Fadillah had earlier paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the latter’s residence in Jalan Bako.

District police chief DSP Mohd Sabri Zainol said the 40-something suspect was caught a few days ago by personnel from state police headquarters and had since been linked to the incident here which occurred on May 29.

“We believe the suspect is responsible for the attempted break-in at the penghulu’s house.

“He had showed up shortly after the penghulu left the house in the afternoon and used a machete to cut open the gate.

“Unknown to him, the penghulu’s son was at home at the time and he immediately confronted the suspect, resulting in a struggle between them, before the latter managed to escape,” said Mohd Sabri.

He also revealed that the suspect was a habitual criminal who had been arrested umpteen times for housebreaking and vehicle theft.

“Despite having been arrested and jailed a number of times, he has never learnt his lesson and keeps returning to his old ways upon being released.”

A Volvo car and a machete recovered during the suspect’s arrest has also been handed over to Bau police as it was believed the vehicle and the weapon were used during the commission of the crime at the penghulu’s house.

On a separate matter, Mohd Sabri urged owners of air rifles in the district to surrender such weapons to the police due to their illegality and obvious danger posed to others.

He said police had recently arrested two persons, including a teenage boy, following a complaint that they were discharging an air rifle near a chicken farm at Kampung Keranji here.

“Acting on a public tip-off, a police team went to the farm around 10.30pm on Wednesday and found two suspects, aged 15 and 26, in possession of an air rifle.

“Both were questioned and later arrested after they admitted to discharging the weapon,” he said, adding the duo has been remanded pending further investigation.

RAZED: All that is left of Masni’s house.

KUCHING: A grandmother and four other members of her family, including a paralysed daughter, were left without a home after a fire reduced their semi-wooden house to ashes early yesterday.

The fire was discovered around 5am at Kampung Siol Kandis in Petra Jaya shortly after the 62-year-old grandmother, identified only as Masni, woke up.

According to her, she was making her way to the kitchen when she heard ‘crackling’ noises and saw part of the area already engulfed in flames.

She immediately roused the other occupants in the house, namely her wheelchair-bound daughter and three grandchildren, and told them to immediately get out of the double storey structure.

“The flames spread quickly to the wooden upper section of the house and soon engulfed the whole structure.

“None of us had any time to salvage any of our belongings,” said Masni, who has been living in the house for the past 40 years.

Estimating her losses at RM200,000, the grandmother nevertheless said she was grateful that her family members were not hurt in the incident, adding that they would be putting up at a relative’s house nearby while deciding their next course of action.

The fire saw 18 personnel from the Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya fire stations despatched to the scene after a distress call was received at 5.18am.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

VIOLENT STREAK: Police personnel escort the suspect to the lockup.

MIRI: A man in Senadin was cleaning a drain at his house when he suddenly ran amok and began hitting his neighbour’s four-wheel drive vehicles with his bare hands.

The two vehicles, which were parked by the roadside, ended up with dented doors and broken windows following the man’s violent rampage on Thursday at around 5pm.

After several minutes venting his frustrations on the vehicles, the man locked himself in his house.

A mobile patrol vehicle (MPV) unit rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call and police personnel had to coax the man out of his house.

He was later brought to the Miri Central police station (CPS) lockup. It is still unknown what provoked the man’s fit of violence.

The woman from Mukah and her housemate from Kapit had stayed overnight at a friend’s house.

They returned home the next morning to discover the house gate ajar.

A door to a bedroom was prised open with the laptop in the room missing.

Fortunately for her, her jewellery kept inside a dustbin was still there.

Also missing was some money which she kept in her handbag. The handbag was not taken.

A crowbar, believed to have been left behind by the thief(ves), was found in the house.

BADLY DENTED: The front portion of the Perodua Viva is badly damaged after slamming into a concrete wall.

MIRI: A 20-something female driver sustained minor injuries when the Perodua Viva she was driving crashed into a concrete wall near Tamu Muhibah Miri yesterday afternoon.

It is understood that the driver, who was on her way to her office in Piasau, lost control of the vehicle after being hit by another Perodua Viva coming from the Jalan Dato Abg Indeh junction.

The driver of the other car sped off after the accident.

SUSPECTED ACCOMPLICE: The suspect, believed to be Ah Ho’s accomplice, being taken to the police station.

SIBU: A car theft suspect nicknamed ‘Ah Ho’ was arrested by the police after he met up with a teacher to return the latter’s stolen car which he (Ah Ho) claimed he had recovered.

He had met the teacher at Kampung Nyabor Road at 12.15pm on June 5 to return the car. It was not known whether the teacher had given him a reward.

However, the owner found accessories inside his car missing, and the plate registration number and road tax changed.

The 31-year-old teacher then informed the police about his find.

Acting on a tip-off, the police later arrested ‘Ah Ho’ at Tekam Road, and were led to the arrest of another man subsequently recovering a range of stolen items.

The teacher had lost the stolen items – two cars, a sewing machine, a branded watch, sport shoes, a speaker set, a computer, some household appliances, two badminton rackets and eight cell phones when his house at Tunku Abdul Rahman Road was broken into on June 3. He was not at home when the break-in occurred.

A neighbour informed a relative of the teacher around 2pm that day about the break-in.

The relative then went to the house and later informed the teacher.

Confirming that the Registrar of Societies (ROS) has served these letters on the party, State ROS director Ken Leben told a media conference here yesterday that the action was taken after two of its branches, Bekenu and Piasau, were found to have committed severe irregularities in the run-up to the party’s triennial delegates’ conference (TDC) in December 2011

“Yes, show-cause letters dated June 6, 2013, have been sent to the party with copies given to us. To the question of what action the party will face next, that I am not in the position to answer.”

He said it was also premature for him to say whether the party would face deregistration or be directed to convene a fresh TDC to elect new office bearers as it depended on the party’s reply to the show-cause letters.

“If you ask me whether the irregularities and violations of the party constitutions committed by the two branches will nullify the outcome of the 2011 TDC, I can’t say yes or no. The only thing I can say is that the possibility is there.

“At this juncture I also cannot tell whether the party is going to face deregistration or not but what I can say for sure is that our headquarters in Kuala Lumpur will certainly come up with another solution for this matter.”

He added that since the show-cause letters had been served, he hoped it would clear the air with regards to the long overdue issue in SUPP, especially among concerned members of the public and party members.

“In connection to the show-cause letters issued in accordance with Section 13 (2) our director-general (Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman) has instructed me to call this press conference to inform the public of the action that has been taken pertaining to the dispute in SUPP.

“But I want to reiterate here that a show-cause letter does not necessarily mean that a party is surely going to be deregistered. It may or may not. It all depends on whether ROS is satisfied with the explanations.”

He explained that under the Societies Act 1966 the party is given 30 days from the date of the show-cause letters to reply.

“So now we are leaving it to our HQ to decide because from what we know the two factions (in SUPP) can never see eye to eye and we believe a decision will be made over the party dispute in due cause as I don’t think it will be allowed to drag on without any resolution.”

Ken added that complaints had been received against 14 SUPP branches before and after the 2011 TDC for committing irregularities and violations of the party’s constitutions but so far only two of them (Piasau and Bekenu) had been served with the show-cause letters.

The 14 branches involved are Kuching, Pending, Padungan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Bintangor, Repok, Sibu, Kanowit, Bintulu, Bekenu, Piasau, Julau and Song.

Party president Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, in confirming that the party had received the show- cause letters, said the ROS was only interested in the election process at the branch level for Bekenu and Piasau prior to the party’s December 2011 triennial delegates’ conference (TDC), and nothing more than that.

He said that the party would reply the letters as required by the authority without having to call for a meeting to discuss the matter.

“We believe our party headquarters can handle the matter without having to call for a meeting,” he said.

It was learnt that the letters were actually addressed to the secretary-general Prof. Dr Sim Hui Kian, but he was unavailable for comment.

However, State ROS director Ken Leben told a press conference yesterday that the show-cause letters were issued after the authority had completed its investigation into the complaints against the party and two of its branches were found to have violated the party’s constitutions in the run-up to the 2011 TDC.

He added that SUPP had 30 days from the date of the letters, which is June 6, to reply.

“The show-cause letter is for the party to explain why it should not be deregistered,” he said, adding that whatever further actions were to be taken against the party would depend on the explanations given.

Its chairman Johnny Wong Sie Lee said yesterday their members had implemented the new salary structure to spur higher productivity among their workers.

“While it is taxing to the smaller budget hotels which are already hard pressed to stay afloat, this minimum wage had to be followed to lessen the economic hardship of employees.

“They are getting their staff to do multi-tasking as they are now faced with higher operational cost following the minimum wage implementation.

“Smaller hotels may need to trim down their human resource to avoid heading into the red,” Wong noted when asked on the implementation of minimum wage policy among their members.

He added that they did not want to be at odds with the authorities.

According to a news report, many employers were still defying the government’s directive to pay their workers the minimum wage despite being granted a grace period to do so last year.

Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, announced that the minimum wage for workers in peninsular Malaysia had been set at RM900 per month while that of Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan at RM800.

Wong said: “I am all for the lower paid workers to have their salary revised to RM800. Otherwise, they will be hard pressed to make ends meet given the new economic reality.

“Cost of everything is going up these days, where a plate of fried noodles easily cost you over RM3.”

He hoped that with the implementation of the policy they could look forward to better days ahead.

He moaned that hotel business here was slow due to the small number of tourists.

Wong lamented that they depended mostly on regular clients to tie through.

“Maybe things will turn around for us after this.”

He suggested that members provide better services to their clients to ensure better business.

Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad said this is hampering the department’s effort to improve their service delivery.

“We are shifting from the old lamination system to polycarbonate passport, but this positive transformation cannot be felt by the people because of the delay caused by glitches in the system.

“We are trying our best to overcome this problem to ensure that the new passports can be issued within the desired one hour,” he said at the department’s Excellence Service Awards 2012 held at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar auditorium yesterday.

Alias pointed out that Immigration is not a stagnant department, but instead it moves along with current changes.

“Our policies are always transforming, according to national policies. We must continuously move forward and improve from year to year in order to remain relevant and current.

“This new polycarbonate passport is one way to move forward in line with current times, as many countries are already using it to enhance security.

“Therefore, we need to be positive and proactive to ensure we don’t get left behind,” he said.

On a related note, Alias reminded Immigration staff to practise integrity at all times in their service delivery.

“Do not get involved in power abuse, bribery and leaking government secrets, as these acts are like the cancer of integrity.

“We have to transform people’s mindset by upholding a service with integrity,” he said.

He subsequently informed that the department had received first placing in the recent Management Excellence Awards by the Malaysian Institute of Management and was named “Agency of the Year”.

Meanwhile, state Immigration director Datu Robert Lian said the department staff had exhibited good work ethics in serving the public by working during weekends in producing passports and other travel documents.

“We have managed to increase passport production by 25 per cent compared to last year.

“In addition, personnel at immigration checkpoints throughout the state had managed to record the movement of visitors, which had increased from time to time. We have also stepped up security at all checkpoints in line with the government’s effort to ensure the Lahad Datu incident does not occur in the state.

“Also, in our anticipation of more foreign workers for the Score project, we have specially created a unit that will expedite the issuance of work pass for them. This is to ensure the human resource needs of Score will be realised,” he shared.

Ninety-five of Sarawak department personnel out of the nationwide figure of 906 were selected to receive the Excellence Service Awards 2012.

They were assessed based on the quality of their service delivery as well as their work ethics and involvement in official activities.

Ba Kelalan, which together with Bukit Sari forms the parliamentary constituency of Lawas, is currently helmed by state PKR chief Baru Bian, who won the seat when he beat Willie Liau of the BN in the 10th state election in April 2011.

Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong said winning back Ba Kelalan was important or else it would remain in the backwater.

“The villagers (in that seat) will continue to suffer as those outsiders who made the loudest of noise (during the polls) to get the people to oppose the BN are now gone and in the comfort of their towns,” he told The Borneo Post.

Sum said it was imperative for the people of Ba Kelalan to start looking at the big picture and not to be tempted by shortcuts which carried with it all sorts of consequences for them and their families.

The first sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was on June 20, 2011, so that means the term of the current DUN will only expire on June 19, 2016. But the chief minister has the prerogative to call for an election earlier.

Asked to comment on elected MPs who boycott parliamentary proceedings and oath taking, Sum said it was tantamount to betraying the trust and mandate of their electorate.

He described the boycott threat by Pakatan Rakyat to show their disdain for the results of the recent 13th general election as “uncalled for, irresponsible and unethical” as their MPs were elected by the people who expect them to raise issues affecting them in Parliament.

“This is really different from the BN, where former candidates still go to the ground to serve the people despite losing in the election.”

Sum said the attitude of these MPs should served as an eye opener for the people who might not take it kindly should boycotting of the oath taking led to their respective seats becoming vacant and thereby forcing by-elections.

He was commenting on the news in The Borneo Post and its sister paper See Hua Daily News that a group of Tudan folks were unhappy with him for not providing for them and looking into their welfare.

“I alone cannot help everyone. Furthermore there are also other YBs from DAP (Democratic Action Party) and BN (Barisan Nasional) who can help the people,” he said.

He added that as he is not representing the government, he can only offer limited help as unlike government representatives, he does not have Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds to offer to the people.

Dr Teo also suggested that the people who are in need seek help from related government agencies and the BN or DAP assemblymen who are earning higher salary compared to MPs.

According to him, the case in Tudan is due to a recent death in the area where the relatives of the deceased had requested him to donate RM1,800 for a coffin and RM2,200 for burial expenses.

Dr Teo felt the cost requested was too high and he could not afford it with his MP salary which is just about RM10,000 including allowances.

Meanwhile, Dr Teo’s personal assistant Bill Kayong said Parti Keadilan Rakyat was in fact the first party to visit the family after they learnt about the death.

“I went there in the afternoon and the deceased’s family requested for the said donation. But I told them the cost is too high for Dr Teo and if everyone is to make similar requests from the MP, it would definitely be a problem,” he said.

He added that Dr Teo also came to visit the deceased’s family that very night and when they arrived, the coffin was already bought.

He also showed a photo of Dr Teo at the deceased’s house as evidence that he visited the people.

He said most teachers were unhappy that despite having the required qualifications they did not get any chance to be promoted due to the lack of available posts in the department.

“Many of them are frustrated because despite having obtained masters of doctorates they have not been promoted and get better salaries. If that matter persisted then they will asked, ‘What’s the point to spend time and money to pursue our studies?’” Ghani told The Borneo Post here yesterday.

On the same note, Ghani also pointed out that some teachers posted to the rural areas for many years became resentful because their requests for transfer to urban schools were turned down.

“They too want to teach in urban setting and live in towns but they have not been given the chance. Just imagine some teachers working almost all their entire life in the ulu areas. Of course they will be frustrated and became very disappointed with the government,” added Ghani.

On claims by Senior Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing that certain government servants especially teachers had anti-establishment attitude, Ghani said teachers in the state were generally supportive of the government of the day.

“But they too have their rights to voice their disagreement to certain government policies which are unfair as in the cases I just mentioned,” he said.

Thus, he hoped that the education department would create more posts so that more quality teachers could be promoted to provide quality education.

Ghani, who had been trained by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva upon his graduation from his teachers’ training college, had led STU since 1987. He stepped down last month and was succeeded by a teacher from SMK Padawan, Jisin Nyud.

When contacted Jisin opined that as government servants, teachers should support the government of the day but concurred with Ghani that they had the right to voice out their concerns especially on certain polices which affected them directly as teachers.

“I can assure that teachers in Sarawak are supportive of the government of the day and there should be no question about it,” he said.

However, he disagreed with Masing that teachers were having anti-establishment attitude.

“To say that we have that kind of attitude is to equate us as anti-government. That negative perception should be corrected otherwise the public will have negative view on us. As we live in a democratic country, we too have a democratic right to affiliate ourselves with certain political parties,” said Jisin.

Currently, STU has some 24,000 registered members.

MERDEKA EVENT: Mawan (third right) and Freddy hold up a brochure for the auto carnival. SAS advisor Datuk Patrick Liew is at second right.

KUCHING: More than 200 cars of various models ranging from supercars to modified smaller cars will fill up Le’Park behind the civic centre from Aug 24-25 for this year’s Merdeka Auto Carnival.

It is organised by the Sarawak Auto Enthusiasts Society (SAS) in conjunction with the coming National Day celebration and 50th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence in Malaysia.

SAS president Freddy Melling said the two-day event will also include a Merdeka convoy where the cars will move along selected routes in here apart from the usual autokhana and car show.

“The convoy is going to be special as we will spread the spirit of the celebration marking our nation’s independence. We have been able to bring together car enthusiasts particularly the youths to celebrate Merdeka Day together, while fostering healthy relationships and better understanding among one another.

“We expect more participants this year since it is the third annual event organised by us and the numbers grow every year,” he said during a courtesy call on Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom yesterday.

In his remarks, Mawan said the ministry is supportive of such events because it involves youths in healthy activities.

He added that motoring is a current global trend among youths and those young at heart.

The three-day conference is one of the activities held to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration of Sarawak’s independence within Malaysia at Kapit Civic Centre.

It is also held to reminisce on the ‘Aum Bala Penghulu Iban’ comprising 51 Batang Rajang Iban community leaders (Penghulu and Pengarah now known as Pemanca) led by the late Temenggong Jugah (who was then the paramount chief of the Iban community) who converged in Kapit to discuss the proposed Federation of Malaysia on February15 , 1962.

Their resolution was later forwarded to the Cobbold Commission on March 19, 1962.

As the state celebrates its 50th anniversary, the committee felt the proposed conference is most appropriate and
timely.

The conference is to chart the future of the Iban community for the next 50 years so that the community can progress together with the other communities.

The conference will involve all the 141 Iban community leaders throughout the state comprising 10 Temenggongs, 15 Pemancas and 116 Penghulus, making it the first ever conference for Iban community leaders since independence.

Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit chaired the meeting. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi was also present together with Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak Kumbong, political secretaries to the Chief Minister Wilson Nyabong Ijang and Tengku Geruna, Walikota of Kapit District Council, Philimon Nuing and his deputy, Jefferson Jamit Unyat, head of various government departments, leaders of Dayak based non-governmental organisations and community leaders headed by Temenggong Datuk Kenneth Kanyan.

The meeting has unanimously agreed to the formation of a main committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Minister of Land Development Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Minister of Social Development Tan Sri Willam Mawan, and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah as patrons.

The advisors were Nanta, Ugak, Katibas assemblyman Datuk Ambrose Blikau, Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot
and Adat Istiadat Sarawak president Datu NillieTanggai.

The chairman was Didit with Nuing as the deputy chairman. Selmah Apang is the secretary and is assisted by Regina Giles Senin of Kapit District Council while the treasurer is Bansa Untang and James Sandak Bidai, his assistant.

Simon Ho See Man, an agent of Kong Teck Car Rental,
said he was given the permission by the security officer on duty to enter the area where Tourism Malaysia set up the counter before the officer allegedly shouted at him for getting several brochures for his car rental firm.

He also clarified that he was not the owner of Kong Teck Car Rental but was only the firm’s agent head here.

The incident happened around 4.30pm on June 6 and prompted Ho to accuse the officer of being rude.
He lodged a police report the same day.

Ho also denied earlier newspapers reports that he was not alone when he entered the restricted area.

He said he was in fact alone and the officer could have mistaken other people as his (Ho’s) subordinates.

Ho lodged another police report on June 13 after Tourism Malaysia threatened to lodge a report against him for encroaching into a restricted area.

Ho said the bone of contention was when the officer shouted at him and told him off by asking the security personnel to escort him away on June 6.

According to Ho, the officer told him that the brochures were not meant for car rental firms but for foreign
tourists and that the counter was set up in preparation for a minister’s visit to the place the next day.

Ho claimed the officer even asked him to get the brochures from the producer.

He said he needed to make his identity and firm known to the public in order to stop speculations.

Ho urged Tourism Malaysia to view the KIA CCTV footage on June 6 to clear the air over the issue.

He said the team had gone through many changes over the past two years with him at the helm.

“We have achieved our goals, especially in working with the government agencies.

“We were involved in the constructions of roads and houses to meet the needs of the people,” he recalled, saying all these projects were completed on schedule.

He was speaking at a farewell parade in his honour at the Third Royal Ranger Regiment Camp (3RRD) at Oya Camp, Mile 14 here yesterday.

Earlier, Stephen handed over his duty to acting 9th Commander Brigadier Lieutenant Colonel Zainuddin Bahari, witnessed by the 1st Infantry Division Chief Lieutenant Colonel Mahmud Ahad.

Also present were Stephen’s wife Datin Jacqueline Peris and commanding officer of 3RRD Lieutenant-Colonel Saufi Omar.

Stephen, 55, will be leaving for a year’s further study at World Defence College in the United States.

He leaves with his family for Kuala Lumpur today (Saturday), en route to the United States on July 17.

His parting shot for his boys: “Keep on with what you’ve been doing and always strive to live up to our slogan ‘Tetap Unggul’ (remain superior).”

The inaugural expo will be held from June 24 to 26 at Pullman Hotel Kuching. With the renowned and high profile Seligman on board, Sarawak Tourism Board is promoting the exposition to position Sarawak as a destination for art, culture and music.

Seligman is Caravan Arts Consultancy president and professional musician with over 25 years of experience in both major and independent music and music event companies throughout the world. Until November 2009, Seligman was the general director of Womex. He founded and ran EMI Hemisphere, the company’s premier world music label, and was head of EMI’s international sector for strategic marketing and has produced or compiled over 100 releases, including one with a Grammy nomination.

“The Borneo World Music Expo is a new initiative in addition to the already successful Rainforest World Music Festival. This is a new international world music conference organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board to coincide with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). The expo is specifically designed to expose Asian and ethnic musicians to the international market,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Corporate Affairs director Angelina Bateman in a press statement made available yesterday.

“Scheduled to be held a week before the Rainforest World Music Festival every year, the expo will integrate a trade fair, musical showcases, conferences, exhibitions and networking sessions which would promote the culture and music.

We are glad the renowned Seligman has come on board to lend his expertise to this expo,” she added.

She also said that the event would raise the meeting and exhibition market segments related to music in the context of business tourism events. It is the ambition of the board to grow the expo into a world recognised annual exposition for the professionals and trade visitors within the international music scene.

The expo would be the first of its kind to be organised in South East Asia and is supported by Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) as well as Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB).

Musicians, managers, record labels, festival presenters, music venues, music professionals, cultural ministries, entrepreneurs, and technology companies can participate by registering through the BWME website online at www.BWME2013.com.

Its chief executive officer Dato Rashid Khan said the initiatives were necessary as the peninsula represented a very important market for the state.

“In the first quarter of this year, West Malaysian arrivals stand at 25.7 per cent and Sarawak has the opportunity to provide them with new tourism perspectives,” he said at the Malaysia Travel Fair (MATTA Fair) Sarawak and Selangor dinner on Thursday.

Rashid said the first strategy focussed on the travel trade, and this is where travel agents play a big role in the demand side.

“The other strategy calls for greater understanding of tourists’ needs so that attractive packages could be designed for them.”

Rashid said eyes were on trade partners because they know their market well.

To create greater demand, STB would continue to bring in journalists and travel writers to write about their experiences and, hopefully, these would entice their readers to fly this way.

He added that Malindo Air had made things a lot easier as their flights to Sibu and Miri from Kuala Lumpur had removed accessibility issues for tourists from the peninsula. Rashid also urged Matta Selangor delegates to help promote Sarawak to the expatriate community as well.

“The expat community is a very strong market. We will help you in the marketing part and to actually package and promote it.”

Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin said yesterday, Miri with a geographical advantage like Kota Kinabalu (KK) in Sabah, is an ideal northern gateway in the state.

“KK’s tourism had flourished and thus I appeal to Malindo Air to look into the possibility of extending Malindo Air to fly directly from Miri to cities in the southern region of China and also Taipei as your aircraft can fly within the range of 5 hours 30 minutes,” said Lee at a joint press conference after welcoming the passengers for the inaugural flight of Malindo Air to Miri.

Among those present were Malindo Air chief executive officer (CEO) Chandran Rama Muthy, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Datuk Rashid Khan, National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd Corporate and Finance executive director Dato Mohamad Sham and Datuk Seri Temenggong Lee Sie Tong.

Lee reiterated that Miri had great products to offer to visitors and the business community, ranging from culture to adventure and nature.

He said the cosmopolitan Miri city with its big expatriate community alone has a big demand for air connectivity, while the booming economy especially in the oil and gas industry and agriculture sector added to this demand. He said the many national parks including the heritage site of the Mulu Caves, as well as the prehistoric Niah Caves, the Marine Park are among the excellent tourism products of Miri.

However, Lee said good air connectivity is a critical determining factor for the success of tourism development in the state. Chandran, meanwhile assured Lee that the airline would take seriously the suggestion to have direct international links to Miri and also to increase flight frequency to its existing destination of Kuching, Sibu and Miri. He said Malindo Air hoped to start its operation before the end of the year to Bintulu and soon to Tawau in Sabah, to complete their coverage of the two states.

By early next year, the airline will also start its international connections particularly to India and China.

“India has 1billion people but not many airlines connection and once we bring them to KLIA, we will go to Sarawak – Kuching, Sibu and Miri and with that it will definitely help tourism development of Sarawak.

We hope we can contribute to the tourism numbers which is targeted at 4.25 million passengers for this year and next year” he assured. By early next year, Malindo Air too is targeting to fly from Kuching to KK, Sibu to KK and possibly from Miri to KK subject to market demand.

Chandran also thanked the people, the state government, STB and the media for their strong support in ensuring the success of the airline.

“So far, we have performed well, the response from the public was very good and by the end of April, we registered 50,000 passengers and by May, we registered 125,000 passengers,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Rashid said new tourism packages would continue to be worked out especially to tap the tremendous market base of peninsular Malaysia.

SUPPORT US: Ason (centre) holding the Go Bald 2013 pledge card in a group photo together with (from left) Jodie Sim, Zulkifli, Mohd Rizal and SCCS Marketing and Event assistant manager Jacqueline Chin.

KUCHING: The last leg of the Go Bald 2013, a fund raising event in aid of Sarawak Children Cancer Society (SCCS), will be held at the Damai Beach Resort on June 30.

Organising chairman for ‘Go Bald @ Damai’ Dominic Ason, who is also the resort’s Finance and Business manager, appealed to the public to support this charity event to help raise awareness about childhood cancer and support children’s fight against the disease.

Go Bald @ Damai will start at 10am and is open to all.

Ason told a press conference held at its office in Sarawak Plaza here yesterday that they were targeting to raise at least RM20,000 from this event alone.

“Some 200 Go Bald pledge cards have been distributed among the resort’s staff and many of them will be among
those who will be going bald,” he said.

“Also, this will be the second time the resort is taking part in the charity event. The first was in March last year where we together with staff of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), including three female participants, went bald,” he added.

Since the event will coincide with the annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) to be held from June 28 to 30, resort general manager Zulkifli Othman said they would take the opportunity to promote Go Bald to visitors coming from around the world who will gather at RWMF.

Last year, they managed to rack in RM17,560.

The official launching ceremony of the event is expected to be graced by Assistant Minister of Tourism and SEDC chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip.

Meanwhile, SCCS president Mohd Rizal Sahari urged more corporations to come forward to support the campaign not only to raise funds but also to give hope to children in their fight against cancer.

According to Mohd Rizal, statistics revealed that there were 70 children diagnosed with cancer every year in the state.

“And this year, there are 29 kids with cancer, including my own child who is undergoing chemotherapy now,” he said.

“We hope more people will join us for a noble cause, to show children and cancer patients that we understand the complications they are going through and that hair loss is just a temporary setback on the road to recovery,” he said.

Go Bald was first started in 2009 and throughout the years, Mohd Rizal said public response has been overwhelming.

Go Bald 2013 which was organised in Kuching, Sibu and Miri had managed to raise RM1.4 million so far.

To find out more on how to make contributions to SCCS, call 012-8071116 or 082-686276 (new phone line available next week onwards), email to administrator@sccs.org.my or visit www.gobald.my.

MEETING: Chong arrives at the SGH to seek explanation on the simulator which has broke down more than a month ago, resulting in 11 cancer patients having to wait to undergo planning session.

KUCHING: The one and only conventional planning simulator, a machine used to establish treatment fields on cancer patients, at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is expected to be fixed next week.

After a meeting with the doctor-in-charge at the Planning and Simulation Department yesterday, state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the replacement part would arrive next Monday before the machine can be fixed.

“We have received complaints that the simulator has broken down over a month ago but there was no urgency on part of the hospital to get the machine fixed,” he said.

“Hopefully, the simulator will be up and ready by next week and we will follow up on this,” he added.

Noting that it was the only simulator to cater to the needs of cancer patients statewide, Chong pressed that “Sarawak definitely deserves a better healthcare facility to improve access for patients.”

According to him, there are 11 cancer patients in the wait list to undergo the planning session at the hospital.

A planning session called a ‘simulation’ is conducted to set up a treatment plan and determine the treatment area on cancer patients before radiation therapy can start.

“The slow reaction of the hospital is causing unnecessary worries and frustrations to the patients and their family members for they want to have treatment as soon as possible to prevent the cancer cells from spreading,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, it was reported in The Borneo Post on Friday that a breast cancer patient from Bintulu seeking treatment at SGH had been waiting for almost two months to fix an appointment to undergo simulation.

The complainant, who is a family member of the patient known as Chang, believed the delay resulted from the breakdown of the machine and blamed the hospital for its failure to provide alternative arrangement such as referring patients to the SGH Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.

Chang said the SGH director Dr Abdul Rahim Abdullah had stated that there were arrangements made for patients to be treated at SGH Heart Centre.

Instead of waiting, Chong suggested that the cancer patients, accompanied by welfare officers, to be flown in to Kuala Lumpur (KL) to undergo simulation, which would only take about two days.

“However, they think it will not be cost effective plus it has not reached that state of emergency yet to send them there,” he said.

Chong expressed disappointment that there was no sense of urgency and responsibility to increase and improve efficiencies in healthcare delivery.

“I will raise this matter in the Parliament,” he added.

In other cases, accessible facilities are totally excluded at the design and construction stages, and only added as an afterthought after the buildings have been completed. Their additions are severely constrained by the existing structures. Needless to say, many of these facilities are also not usable as well.

There is also a general perception that it is difficult to merge these facilities into the design as they tend to spoil the aesthetics and take up too much space. For example, a ramp with a gentle gradient and handrails is seen as spoiling the lines and form of a grand flight of stairs at the entrance.

Buildings should be designed to include the greatest number of people who will use it at one time or another. Invariably, these people include senior citizens, pregnant women, adults with children in prams, children, persons with visual impairments and wheelchair users.

To this end, professionals in the building industry in Malaysia should seriously consider adopting the principles of universal design in all their practices. Universal design is the concept of designing products, environment and communications to be usable by the greatest number of people regardless of their age and abilities.

There are seven principles in universal design. They are equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use. These principles are an evolution from barrier-free design and accessible design that are focused mainly on disabled persons as users.

Equitable use promotes the same means of usage and avoids segregation of all users. A seamless approach to the entrance of a building with doors that open automatically is very convenient as opposed to having a separate path and entrance with hinged door for wheelchair users.

A unisex accessible toilet that doubles up as a baby changing room is an example of flexibility in use. These toilets have larger space to allow manoeuvrability for wheelchairs which is also sufficient for the inclusion of a foldable baby changing station.

The simple and intuitive use principle calls for the elimination of unnecessary complexity in performing tasks. Keycard locks used by hotels need a certain precision in timing to use. This could pose a problem for people with poor hand dexterity. It should be better designed or an alternative locking system provided in such instances.

The modern elevators that incorporate audio, visual and tactile information is a good example of perceptible information that is useful to people with differing sensory abilities. They include control panels with Braille text beside the buttons, chimes and voice announcements of floor arrival and notification of door opening and closing.

Wayfinding signboards with large print, good contrast and easy to understand symbols and text are another example of perceptible information. Placed at strategic locations, they make it easier for people to navigate and get orientated in large buildings.

Drain covers with large gaps between grilles are a safety hazard to pedestrians. They can trap high heels, walking sticks and the front caster of a wheelchair. Such accidents do happen when people are not aware of the hazards or are careless. These can be avoided by reducing the size of the gaps to allow for the tolerance of errors in such situations.

No one should be made to exert more effort to the extent of being fatigued in the course of the daily routine. While a building with 20 steps to its main entrance may look imposing, it is unnecessary and bothersome for people who need to get into the building several times a day. Level access to the entrance is more convenient and accessible to people with reduced mobility and requires low physical effort.

Consideration should be given to the size and space for approach and use. Light switches should be mounted at a position that is accessible to a person standing and also to a person of short stature. Accommodation should also be provided for people who may need more space to move around like adults with prams and people who use walking aids such as walkers and crutches.

It must be emphasised that universal design is not limited to buildings and the environment. It also applies to utensils, gadgets and objects that we commonly use. Two simple examples are scissors that are usable with the right or left hand and large handled hair brushes for people with arthritic hands.

From the examples above, it is evident that the principles of universal design were developed with the understanding and acceptance of the diversity of humankind. They promote best practices that benefit society as a whole. Difficulties experienced by many people due to poor design of buildings and products can be alleviated or eliminated if these seven principles are given due thought.

Comments can reach the writer via columnists@theborneopost.com.

According to its minister Datuk Rohani Karim, the initiative especially the Azam Niaga programme, where recipients received assistance in the form of businesses start up kit, have definitely helped them to earn more.

“As a programme which focuses on producing entrepreneurs from those in the lower income bracket, we are proud that they can stand on their own feet. Various business packages are offered including nasi lemak, cake making, ice blended drinks and tailoring,” said Rohani who said it is her wish to see more women become established businesswomen in various fields.

She was speaking at the ‘Kembara Karisma 1Azam’ for Sebuyau constituency in Sebuyau yesterday.

On another matter Rohani who is also Batang Lupar MP, said Sarawak recorded a total of 20,901 recipients for the programme with a total allocation of RM247 million, while a total of 106,947 recipients nationwide benefitted from January 2011 to December 2012.

“From the total number of recipients, 65 per cent are women while the rest are men,” she explained.

Rohani also thanked the voters in Sebuyau for giving her another mandate which led to her appointment as a full minister.

“I will focus on bringing the ministry closer to the grassroots and no one deserving a better life will be left out, especially women and those from the lower income group,” she said.

The event yesterday saw 75 participants of the Azam Niaga programme receiving business start up kit worth RM375,000 in total together with the financial literacy certificates.

It is a continuation of the ‘Gempur Karisma’ programme which ended on May 3 from which more than 200,000 participants from the lower income group benefitted.

The Welfare Department (JKM) also presented the Karisma assistance for the month of July to 15 of JKM clients and five victims of the thunderstorm on May 30.

Also present yesterday were Welfare Department director general Datuk Norani Mohd Hashim, ministry secretary general Datuk Seri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, and State Welfare Department director Noriah Ahmad.

The school won the honour after winning in the recent Sibu Division Inter-Primary Schools Poetry Reading Competition.

SJK Thai Kwang came second and SJK Tung Hua, third.

SJK Su Lai, SJK Kiang Hing, SJK Tong Sang, SJK Chung Sing and SJK Chung Hua bagged the consolation prizes.

A total of 86 pupils from 24 schools took part in the competition.

Head of Human Resource Development Unit of the Sibu Education office, Lim Chun Len officiated at the closing ceremony at SJK Thai Kwang.

Tan Sri William Mawan

KUCHING: Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president Tan Sri William Mawan has not ruled out the possibility of the party taking back some members of the so-called Group of Five (G5).

The G5 are former senior members of the party who resigned from the party following a crisis which developed after the party sacked its vice president Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri at the end of 2010 .

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, he said there would be reconciliation between both sides but he quickly stressed it would not be 100 percent, which means the doors are closed to some G5 members.

He pointed out this was among steps to be taken as the party consolidates itself in preparation for the 11th state election even though the party did well in the recent 13th general election by winning all four parliamentary seats.

“What is important now … even from day one after the parliamentary election (which was held on May 5) is that we will be consolidating ourselves to prepare for the next state election which is two years away from now.

“That includes reconciliation. But it will not be 100 percent. Definitely not. (It is) because if we accommodated everybody we will be back to square one. That, I must be clear,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Sarawak Auto Enthusiasts Society (SAS) at his office yesterday.

The G5 is the moniker for the group of five former SPDP office bearers who were sacked by the party in November 2011 and January last year for gross insubordination.

They comprise four assemblymen namely Datuk Peter Nansian of Tasik Biru, Datuk Sylvester Entri (Marudi), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu) and Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau).

The other person is former Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, who stood as independent in the GE13, but lost to Barisan Nasional new face from SPDP Anthony Nogeh Gumbek.

Under the current State BN seat arrangement, SPDP is allocated eight out of the 71 state seats. Apart from the earlier mentioned state seats, the other seats are Pakan, currently held by Mawan, Krian, Meluan and Ba’Kelalan.

Mawan was also quick to reiterate the party had not forgotten what the G5 members had done if they were to get their way back to the party through the reconciliation process.

“This question (of whether they are prepared to compromise) should be put to them. I can’t be saying ‘please come back’ since we have sacked them. You know what I mean.”

On another matter, Mawan, who is also Saratok MP, said the party remained upbeat of getting a federal cabinet appointment although none of its four MPs were included in the cabinet announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on May 15.

“SPDP will definitely get the appointment later. In subsequent arrangement, we will be there… As I’ve always said, save us the best for last,” he said, before quickly ruling himself out of contention since he is already serving as a minister in the state cabinet.

In the meantime, he said it will be good for the party’s new faces, namely Nogeh and Baram MP Anyi Ngau, to familiarise themselves with the system first and take part in debates in Parliament.

He also said SPDP members were now cool over the matter although many were frustrated when the party did not get any cabinet appointments.

“We have been quite cool, but it takes quite an effort from a president like me and few others to cool everybody down.”

Asked if the cabinet appointments were discussed during Najib’s Gawai visit to Pakan last Sunday, he said they did not discuss it that time because such discussions were already done during an earlier meeting between them.

Releted News: Offers of reconciliation

Newly opened on Thursday, the complex, which sits on a 2.07-acre site, also has a 17-floor tower, surau for 400 and parking bays.

Of the 17 floors, 13 will be allocated for office use.

Governmental departments and agencies to move to the complex include the Sarawak Islamic Council, Sarawak Islamic Department, Sarawak Mufti’s Office, Kuching Resident’s Office, Kuching District Office, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Library and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia Sarawak Branch.

To mark the soft opening of the complex, Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) handed out RM21,604 to 21 needy recipients during a simple ceremony held at the surau on Thursday.

Of the total amount, RM6,000 was given to five recipients of higher education institutions, RM5,500 to three recipients of Sekolah Agama Arab, RM6,552 for 10 needy families, RM1,152 for Islamic activities and RM2,400 for welfare organisations.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, who is also TBS Board chairman, presented the financial aid.

The programmes are Program Mengukuhkan Tradisi Keilmuan (PMTK), Program Memantapkan Kebajikan Ummah (PMKU) and Program Membangunkan Institusi Islam (PMII).

TBS, which reaches out to needy Muslims in Sarawak, has doled out zakat worth RM12.7 million as of June 10 this year.

The Info Days will be at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on June 15 and at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu on June 16, from 10 am to 4 pm.

A press statement from IMU said the Info Days will give visitors an idea on how the university’s academic programmes can provide an entry to promising career opportunities in the region for both undergraduates and postgraduates.

Prospective parents and students can also chat with faculty members about life in IMU and seek advice and information on a variety of issues such as career advantages of different programmes, applying to the university, financing (including fees, scholarships and other financial assistance) and accommodation.

They can apply for any of the programmes during the Info Days and get a waiver on processing fee worth RM150 (except medicine and dentistry).

On the spot interviews for medical and dental applicants are also available during the Info Days.

Allistair Adam Nelson, a former student of SMK St Joseph from Sarawak who is studying psychology at IMU, said: “An experience of a lifetime, being an IMU-ian has broaden my views on the multi-dimensional world of medicine and healthcare.”

He said IMU provided a platform for students to grow not just as a student but to be an all-rounder because at the end of the day, grades and knowledge they obtained from the books do not guarantee them a spot on the list of successful persons, but how they apply what they have learned will.

The next commencement for the Medical, Pharmacy (BPharm), Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nursing, Dietetics with Nutrition, Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Medical Biotechnology, Psychology and Chinese Medicine programmes will be from July to September 2013.

The Chiropractic, Pharmacy (MPharm) and Dentistry programmes commence in January/February 2014.

For the postgraduate programmes, the MSc and PhD in Medical and Health Sciences (By Research) commences anytime during the year.

The next commencement of the other postgraduate programmes (MSc and PhD in Medical and Health Sciences (by research), MSc in Public Health, MSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MSc in Formulation Science and MSc in Molecular Medicine) will be in September.

Medical student from Sarawak, Russell Wong said: “The best bit about studying the medical programme at IMU, is meeting patients from all walks of life in the hospitals and community clinics that we have visited so far.

“At IMU, I am currently the President of Student Representative Council, and I have one job to try my best and give my fellow students a one of a kind university experience here in IMU,” he said.

For more information on the Info Days, visit http://www.imu.edu.my/openday2013/ or email: more@imu.edu.my or call IMU at 03 – 2727 7462.

INTRODUCING ‘FAIZAL TAHIR’: Faizal (second right) showing his third new album together with Mohideen (left) and Mulyadi (right).

KUCHING: Malaysian rock star Faizal Tahir is now back with his third self-titled album ‘Faizal Tahir’after three years without a new album.

The third new album with an electronic rock sound has yet witnessed collaboration with Audi Mok and new potential producers like Omar K and Mike Chan.

In this context, Faizal said this will be the first time he would be holding a road tour showcase here and he would be performing his new songs tomorrow at 9.30pm at Victoria Arms located at Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suite here.

“I am very grateful that I can get to perform in Kuching and this will be my first road tour showcase here. After this, I will be touring Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,” he said during his third new album press conference that was held at Merdeka Palace yesterday.

Meanwhile, Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites Food and Beverage assistant manager Mulyadi Munsidi said the hotel is honoured to be the host for Faizal and the hotel is more than delighted to invite more Malaysian singers and performers to perform here.

“Merdeka Palace has been a part and the host for many band performances from different countries such as from the Philippines and Indonesia. Therefore, I am honoured to have Faizal who will be the first ever Malaysian rock singer to perform in our hotel,” said Mulyadi.

According to Faizal, his third album has sold out two months ago. Faizal is expecting a good turnout tomorrow. He also hopes that the road tour could encourage more listeners to support local singers.

“I have given the best that I could to make this new third album a success. It was quite intense to come out with my third new album during those three years because I did not know what the response will be when I perform in Kuching tomorrow. But, I am hoping that listeners especially from Kuching will appreciate my songs in my new album,” Faizal added.

He also thanked Era.Fm Kuching for sponsoring his coming showcase.

Era.Fm Kuching representative Mohideen Abd Kader said that their radio station had been playing Faizal’s songs for the past three months.

‘Biar’, one of his new songs, is currently on top of a chart.

Entrance tickets priced at RM50 for the showcase can be obtained at Victoria Arms, Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suite Kuching.

Meanwhile, fans can also buy his new album for only RM25.

This comprehensive campaign is inspired by the desire to lead Malaysians into a healthier and more active lifestyle, said a press statement given to reporters at their campaign stop held at tHE Spring shopping mall here yesterday.

“100PLUS is a brand that promotes the importance of an active lifestyle…Today, many Malaysians lead a sedentary lifestyle filled with many hours in front of a computer or television, and the many modern appliances that we all use contribute to this situation,

“The many hours spent working or studying often makes us too tired to make an effort to play sports or enjoy the outdoors,” Jenny Wong, the assistant manager for brand marketing of F&N Beverages said in the statement.

As a result, an increasingly large percentage of Malaysians are overweight or obese and have health issues, leading to calls by the Ministry of Health for Malaysians to lead a more active lifestyle for good health, the statement elaborated.

“At 100PLUS, we are supporting this call by creating a campaign that promotes getting active anytime, anywhere,” Wong explained.

In addition, 100PLUS had also created the 100PLUS MOVE application for smart devices towards a healthier lifestyle.

The campaign is kicking off with an integrated communication campaign through various channels such as television, radio, print and online advertisements, in-store promotions and displays.

Meanwhile, the campaign is also running a contest based on the 100Plus MOVE application with exciting prizes.

To take part, those interested can just download the 100PLUS MOVE application on their iOS or Android devices and perform the moves indicated to collect points.

The fastest participants who can collect the most points or badges stand a chance to win exciting prizes including an X-Box with Kinect, Nike + Fuelband, Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s cameras and Nike Jerseys.

The campaign also includes a redemption campaign that allows members of the public to get rewarded by staying hydrated with 100PLUS,-while working up a sweat, or anytime at all in this hot weather.

They just need to collect the tabs or labels from every can or bottle they drink to redeem exclusive Dato’ Lee Chong Wei’s limited edition designer T-shirt and sports bottles in three exciting design.

More information on the campaign can be obtained from 100PLUS Malaysia’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/my100plus or its website at www.100plus.com.my.

For further enquiries, call its hotline at 03-78807803 from 10am to 1pm, or 2pm to 5pm from Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays.