“I will soon come up with a proper explanation on what I have said. My words were entirely twisted by them, and I do not blame the newspapers that carried the report.

“What I meant to say was there is no more Barisan Nasional MP in Sibu since voters had voted for DAP candidates. Hence, when it comes to federal issues, the people should approach DAP MPs rather than me, who is a state assemblyman,” he told reporters after the pre-council meeting at PBB headquarters here.

Wong, also Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, pointed out that the two parliamentary seats in the central town – Sibu and Lanang – had fallen into the hands of the opposition.

He said his team in Sibu lacked the political platform to fight for the people as far as federal issues were concerned.

“I was saying they should go to DAP MPs for federal issues, but my words became ‘any issues they should go to the DAP’.

“DAP has now five elected representatives in Sibu because the people voted for them. How could they deliver nothing for the people in return?”

He, however, declined to comment on SUPP deputy president Datuk Richard Riot, who is also Serian MP, being appointed Human Resources Minister.

“I have no comment. But he is the only SUPP MP for now. He represents the party and is a Bidayuh, and I am proud of him.”

Asked whether he would seek reconciliation with SUPP leaders from southern and northern regions, Wong said he would rather wait for a final decision of the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

“We will come to that later as I am still waiting for an explanation and decision from the ROS.”

In Sibu, SUPP lost Bukit Assek, Dudong and Pelawan to DAP in the 2011 state election. During the just-concluded 13th general election, SUPP was unsuccessful in recouping Sibu and failed to retain Lanang.

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP: (From left) Janrywine, Clarice, Devreny, Saliparjipun and the Kumpulan Budayawan Cultural Troupe ready to entertain the public.

KOTA KINABALU: A special series of Harvest Nights are being held across Sabah in conjunction with the coming Ka’amatan Festival.

Organised by Guiness Anchor Bhd (GAB), the fun-filled night hosted by Saliparjipun will feature live music performances by artistes such as Janrywine J Lusin, Clarice J Matha, Marlleynney Fane J Devreny Disin, Lim Chun Yong and Super Baby.

The public can participate in activities such as lucky draw and karaoke session while enjoying their favourite brew.

Five outlets across Sabah will hold special promotions during the celebration period including Misompuru Café, Tamparuli on May 21, Kedai Kopi 626 Fortuna, Taman Fortuna (May 22), Food City, Kolombong (May 23), Golden Valley, Kepayan Ridge (May 24) and SS Prima, Sandakan (May 27).

These events will kick off at 6pm until late.

GAB East Malaysia assistant trade marketing manager Thompson Chuah said: “Harvest Nights is organised to share the heritage of Ka’amatan with the masses by bringing together the brand and people during this amazing festive season.”

BIG GATHERING: Some of the over 5,000 devotees at the 5th Tua Pek Kong celebration dinner near Dewan Masyarakat. — Photo by Hiew Man Chien

KUCHING: Over 5,000 devotees including delegates from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Brunei, Sabah and West Malaysia attended the 5th Tua Pek Kong celebration dinner held near Dewan Masyarakat here last Saturday.

Officiating at the religious do, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said religions ought to guide followers to not spread baseless statements that might eventually put social peace at stake.

He observed that some Internet users had posted comments while remaining anonymous while some public figures tried to please the crowd by resorting to verbal violence during and after the just-concluded general election.

“All these will mislead our younger generation and if left unattended will bring about a worrying social phenomenon,” he told the celebration hosted by Sarawak Kuching Beliong Fuk Teck Kong Temple.

Wong, also Minister of Local Government and Community Development, added that people should practise positive thinking and perform good deeds.

At the function, he pledged a government grant of RM50,000 for the development of Beliong Fuk Teck Kong Temple.

The party also expects them to try their best in ensuring Sarawakians enjoy facilities and growth that their counterparts in West Malaysia are having.

PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg said PBB took pride that it was the first time the party saw seven ministers representing Sarawak.

He said the new team was required to bring development to Sarawak to match that of Peninsular Malaysia.

“I have confidence in this team. They can contribute to national development, not only from the Sarawak perspective but also from the national perspective.

“Definitely, they are requested to see what they can do to catch up with development in Peninsular Malaysia,” he told journalists after the party’s supreme council meeting at PBB headquarters at Jalan Bako here yesterday.

Abang Johari, who is also state Housing Minister and state Tourism Minister, said the party was satisfied with the recent ministerial appointments declared by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“We were discussing (during the meeting) how they (seven ministers) can perform their job well from the whole national perspective.”

Abang Johari added that the meeting also touched on the party’s performance in the recent 13th general election.

“We discussed what happened during the election and highlighted the results of the election.  And then we have to move forward, that’s all.”

On the upcoming PBB triennial delegates’ conference, he said it had been scheduled for September this year.

The four PBB federal ministers are Nancy Shukry (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department), Datuk Fadillah Yusof (Works Minister), Datuk Rohani Karim (Women, Family and Community Development Minister) and Dato Sri Douglas Uggah (Plantation Industries and Commodities).

The three PBB deputy federal ministers are Datuk James Dawos (Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister), Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Deputy Home Affairs Minister) and Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi (Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister).

TO FACILITATE PROBE: Policemen escorting the suspects to the CPS lockup after they were rounded up at the terminal bus.

MIRI: Six suspects were arrested on Saturday night in connection with the investigation into the murder of two men, believed Indonesians, at a construction site in Permyjaya.

The two decomposed bodies were discovered Thursday morning at a construction site in Permyjaya with their heads almost severed and abdomens cut open.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Miri Police chief ACP Mun Kock Keong when contacted yesterday confirmed the arrest and said the suspects were brought to Miri Central Police Station (CPS) for investigation.

“I can’t say much as we have yet to ascertain whether they are involved in the case…” Mun told The Borneo Post yesterday.

All the suspects are in their 20s to 40s.

They were detained by police at Pujut Terminal Bus Station at about 8pm on Saturday.

It was believed the six had boarded a bus to leave for Kuching on Saturday night, but a team from Miri Police stopped the bus and arrested them.

CAUGHT RED-HANDED: Policemen taking the two suspects (handcuffed) to the police station. On the floor are scissors and boxes of pencils recovered from them.

SIBU: Two men were caught red-handed stealing 11 scissors and 19 boxes of pencils at the stationery section of Daesco at around 11.30am yesterday.

The act was spotted by a cashier via closed-circuit TV (CCTV) footage, who then alerted security guards and Rela members there.

Daesco Sdn Bhd executive director Lau Khian Chung said they found the 19 boxes of pencils in the pockets of the short sports pants worn by one of the suspects and recovered 11 scissors inside a bag carried by the other man.

“They left the mall separately but security guards and Rela members caught one of them in the building and the other one outside the mall with the help of public members,” he said.

An identity card belonging to the one carrying the bag revealed that he was 28 years old while the other man, who was older, did not have any identity card on him.

Lau said both had no money with them.

The executive director further said more than a dozen pairs of  jeans were found missing recently.

WANTED MAN ARRESTED: Sergeant Manogaran Krishnasamy (right) and a policeman escorting the Titi gang suspect to the police station.

SIBU: Police believe the arrest of a Titi gang member early yesterday morning could help solve seven to 10 house break-ins and vehicle thefts.

Police, who have been looking for the wanted man for quite a while, received a tip-off at around 2.30am yesterday and went to a cyber outlet in town but did not find the 40-something suspect.

After patrolling in the vicinity, police found the suspect’s motorcycle and arrested him at a coffee shop. The suspect was believed to be waiting for someone when he was nabbed.

He was also suspected to be involved in a recent theft case in Sungai Antu.

Meanwhile, police arrested three men in their 30s on Friday for suspected house break-in and vehicle theft. They believed the trio to be members of a theft gang.

The police caught two of them at Merdeka Road at 2pm and seized four sets of computers and some side mirrors of a four-wheel-drive vehicle from them.

The two suspects led the police to the third suspect at Bukit Assek Road at 3pm and seized a laptop computer from him.

The suspects were placed under a four-day remand since yesterday. They were said to have checked into the hotel recently.

On Friday morning, a man from Kuching staying next door had on his return from breakfast, found the ‘locked’ door connected to the room of the three men being prised open.

The victim, who lodged a police report, claimed to have lost a laptop, a handphone and other valuables. Fortunately, the hotel’s closed-circuit TV caught the three men on footage.

Police said one of the three suspects had used his identity (card) and address to check into the hotel. Police then, according to sources, stormed a house at Bukit Assek Road and nabbed the three men.

They also seized the stolen items belonging to the victim.

FOR THE ALBUM: Aziz (seated, third left), Zaini (fourth left) and Helmi (fifth left) with the students. — Photo by Penerangan

KUCHING: Students and other members of the younger generations hold the key to greater racial unity in the country, said Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis in Miri yesterday.

“As students, you have a lot of friends from the different racial and religious backgrounds in school and as such, you are best foundation for racial unity,” he said at the closing of a two-day patriotic camp for members of the 1Malaysia Club held at the Niah National Park Miri. His text-of-speech was read by his deputy Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf.

Some 100 students who are members of the 1Malaysia Club from the various secondary schools in Lawas, Limbang, Marudi, Miri, Niah and Bintulu took part in the camp organised by the Malaysian Information Department.

Antonio said the people were witnesses to the scenario after the just-concluded 13th general election, whereby racial unity was alleged to be declining.

He said Sarawak was one good example of a united multi-racial state as its peoples from more than 23 ethnic groups had been able to live harmoniously together for many years without racial tensions.

As such, he added, it was pertinent that students must forge greater racial unity while in school and to maintain it through their adulthood.

A nation like Malaysia would not be able to progress and move forward to greater heights if there was no racial unity among the various peoples, he pointed out, adding that no one single race should think about its people without taking into consideration the aspiration and needs of the other races.

Earlier, acting state director of the Malaysian Information Department Zaini Mohamad praised the participants for their active participation in all the activities organised for them.

He expressed his belief that they now had better perception and knowledge on the importance of being patriotic to the nation.

Among the main objectives of the work camp was to enhance their patriotism spirit, he added.

Later, Aziz accompanied by Zaini, presented certificates to all the participants.

Also present were Miri/Bintulu divisional information officer Aziz Abdul Rahman and senior assistant director Helmi hamid and other staff.

SUPPORT FROM THE YOUNG: Sharlene (front row, third left) together with other Lodge School students who participated in the event yesterday.

KUCHING: Despite taking five long years to grow her long straight hair, Lodge School student Sharlene Lo, 13, finally decided to shave it off for the Go Bald 5 campaign for the sake of cancer-stricken children.

Sharlene, who joined some 100 Lodge School students for the campaign at City One Megamall, said it was a tough decision for her.

“It took me two sleepless nights before I could make up my mind to join the others for this event. However, with both my parents’ encouragement and support from friends, I decided to step in as it is a great way to help the needy,” she said when met by The Borneo
Post at the campaign here yesterday.

Sharlene’s mother Regine Ng said she was proud of her daughter for her compassion for the less fortunate.

“She had braved herself to go bald despite loving her hair very much. She will wake up early everyday to wash her hair and it was the longest she has kept so far,” she added.

Sharlene’s father, George Lo who is also the Lodge School board of directors chairman, said SCCS had approached the school and the school management had agreed to support the event and had successfully collected donations of RM61,000.

Lo said he had been informed by the organisers that this is a record from a school.

“I am very proud of all our students who participated by going bald. I congratulate them for their bravery, especially the girls. All those who participated showed that they are very caring and I hope that other schools will follow by participating in this campaign. I can say that all the Lodge girls who went bald today were happy and upbeat about their experience,” Lo said.

The gathering was offi ciated by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit.

On May 17, Jacqualyn and Rojalina respectively were crowned Song district’s Kumang Gawai Dayak and runner-up, and as winners at the district level they were both selected to represent Song district at the divisional-level contest in Kapit that drew nine contestants.

In third place was Wenddy Ricca Johnny.

With that win, 23 year-old Jacqualyn brought home a crown, sash, hamper, trophy, a bouquet of flowers and RM3,000.

Rojalina, a 23-year-old nurse, received a sash, trophy, hamper, a bouquet of fl owers and RM1,800 while 19-year-old Wenddy got herself RM1,200, a sash, hamper, trophy and a bouquet of flowers.

The six other contestants, Morni Layang, Stephanie Rendi Reba, Stephanie Mau Andy, Rina Natasyha Richard, Cecelia Meja and Assemadya Bandang each received a consolation prize of RM350, a hamper and bouquet of flowers.

Given the honour to crown Kumang Gawai Kapit 2013 was Datin Senorita Linang, the wife of Temenggong Datuk James Jimbun Pungga, assisted by Francesca Bawing Bilong, the wife of Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot, who later gave away prizes to the winners.

The panel of judges was led by Senorita, who was assisted by Johnary Janggu, the branch manager of Maybank Kapit.

The function also saw the presentation of prizes to winners of the various competitions – namely ‘Pekit Taboh’ (Iban traditional music), traditional cake making and the best ‘Ai Tuak’ competition – which were held earlier.

The ‘Pekit Taboh’ was won by a group that called themselves ‘Ayun Lundai’ from Rumah Engking, Sungai Amang.

The traditional cake making contest (Sarang Semut) was won by Maimunah Ribut while the best ‘Ai Tuak’ brewer was Bulan.

HELPING HAND: A nurse helps a handicapped child to use the walking frame.

KAPIT: Lions Club Kapit, together with Rejang Toy Boat Project, under its outreach programme is going into the rural areas to assist children with special needs (OKU) in longhouses in the Kapit District.

The Rejang Toy Boat is an extended programme of the centre at Sungai Kanowit known as Muhibah Centre. This project is wholly sponsored by two Japanese NGOs — Poiva and Ace led by Prof Ken Nakazawa and  his wife Kazuyo. The coordinator in Kapit is Anthony Jalin Manggie.

On May 14, the Lions Club, led by president Lion Ling Bee Chung, handed over a wheelchair and a walking frame to two handicapped children at Rumah Pengulu, Sungai Menuan, Kapit.

OUTREACH PROGRAMME: Members of the Lions Club and the Japanese NGOs pose with the recipients of the wheelchair and walking frame.

Yesterday, a Japanese journalist Sugimotor Shozo from Tokyo joined the team to visit Rumah Penghulu.

Evelyn Biju, Moonly Tiang, Ting Bee Eng from PDK Kapit and community nurse Eviyen from Klinik Kesihatan Kapit also lent a helping hand in training these children to use the equipment and educational toys provided by the NGOs.  Anthony also gave a motivation talk about parenting to the longhouse folks.

SEEKING BLESSING: Tuai Rumah Lau (standing right) chants the ‘leka sampi’ (mantra) during the ‘bebiau’ (waving the fowl over the head ceremony) after the ‘miring’ ritual was done.

SIBU: The Ninth Infantry Brigade held its pre-Gawai Dayak celebration at Sibu Golf Club in Kemuyang Road here on Saturday.

The event was hosted by Ninth Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and his wife Datin Jacqueline Peris.

About 1,000 people including the community from Rascom and Third Battalion Royal Rangers Regiment camps here, Dayak community leaders and members of non-governmental organisations attended the event.

WELCOME: Stephen (left) greeting guests on their arrival at the event.

Also present were Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) president Datuk Dr Anthony Nait, political secretaries to the chief minister Andrew Shilling Bangit and Tengku Gruna, Pemanca Stanley Geramong, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Rajang chairman Major Moses Ripai and SDNU Sibu Jaya chairman Steven Rom.

Among the activities held were cultural performance by Ninth Infantry Brigade Malaysian Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (Bakat) members, ‘miring’ ritual, blowpipe competition, singing performance by The Red Hackle band and dinner.

In his speech, Stephen urged the military community to use such an event as a platform to strengthen their ties with the public in tandem with their effort in enhancing national security.

He also told them to maintain unity among them by sharing the joy of such a celebration with the multiracial community in the camps.

OFFERING: Stephen places the ‘miring’ plate inside the ‘teresang’ (woven bamboo basket) as Moses (second left) and Penghulu Enyang Menchol look on.

ETHNIC DANCE: The ‘Sumazau’ dance of Kadazans in Sabah.

MODERN PERFORMANCE: The Red Hackle band performs an Iban song.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Shell Malaysia government relations manager for Sarawak Jonathan Jolly said Shell was committed towards working with its partners from government agencies to create a greater awareness of road safety amongst the young people who participated in the programme.

“As a responsible corporate citizen and Sarawak’s long term partner in progress, Shell has invested in STG to inculcate and nurture road safety awareness in young minds for over half a century.

“The programme’s ultimate aim is to reduce accidents and fatalities by raising awareness on road safety in participants who come from schools all over Malaysia,” he added.

According to him, to date, an average of about 3,000 students in the state have become ambassadors for road safety as STG alumni every year.

Citing forecasts that the number of cars was expected to triple worldwide by 2050, Jolly said, “At Shell, we are constantly finding innovative ways to move more people and goods, safely, cost-effectively and with reduced impact on the environment by Smarter Mobility approach — using smarter products, smarter infrastructure and smarter use.”

Jolly explained that smarter use involves providing customers with information and advice to help them make smarter choices and promote good habits, including programmes to promote more efficient driving, and initiatives to improve road safety such as the Shell Traffic Games.

“As a responsible energy provider, we believe we have a role to play in keeping our roads safe through road safety education,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, SMK Agama Limbang was announced as the champion in the secondary school category, while SMK Limbang and SMK Kubong came second and third respectively.

In the primary school category, SK Melayu Pusat emerged champion, with SK Limbang and SK St. Edmund second and third respectively.

Following the victory, SMK Agama Limbang and SK Melayu Pusat will represent Limbang Division in the state-level finals in Kuching this year.

The programme is run in every division in Sarawak and culminates in a state level final in which the winning schools from each division participate.

State level champions go on to represent Sarawak at the national level finals, competing against other states.

STG is also run in every state in Peninsular Malaysia and in every district in Sabah with an average of over 20,000 students a year throughout Malaysia.

This was the second leg of STG in Sarawak, which kicked off in Mukah last week and will conclude with the state level finals by the third quarter of this year.

Shell allocates over RM1 million annually to implement the traffic games throughout the country including an allocation over RM300,000 for Sarawak on an annual basis for Shell Traffic Education Programme (STEP).

Present at the official closing ceremony was Limbang councillor Sufian Mohat, who gave away the prizes to the winner.

HELPING OUT: Lim (third left) presents the items to Samilasalween Dihai of Taman Siniawan CBR.

BAU: Social worker Lim Chee Haw recently brought smiles to the staff and occupants of Taman Siniawan Community Rehabilitation Centre (CBR) when he handed over food supplies contributed by donors.

Lim said he was alerted that CBR located along the Kuching-Bau road needed assistance by a donor Simon Low who wanted more people to chip in to reduce the financial burden of the facility.

“At the moment, there are 30 persons with disabilities seeking therapy at the Taman Siniawan CBR. The management cash flow is rather tight, and this is the donors’ way of helping out,” he said.

The items contributed
include bags of rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, sugar and biscuits. Lim said the contributions came from Low, a Madam Tan, Bong Chong Sheng, Bong Chong Liang, Chow Leng Kim, Ong and family and a group of donors from Serian.

He also pointed out that since he has a van, transporting goods even to places outside Kuching, where he is based, is not a problem. He can be contacted at 082-248153 or
016-8070388 for his services.

TOAST FOR VICTORY: Dawos (centre) and some of the guests lift up their glasses to toast his victory and appointment as a deputy minister.

KUCHING: Mambong MP Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit is happy to be appointed as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment as this field is “his forte”.

Even though many supporters had expected him to be appointed a minister in the federal cabinet, Dawos said it did not really matter because he could draw on his experience and expertise as a trained environmental scientist to discharge his duties well.

“I am very grateful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for putting me in this ministry.

“He (Najib) had known me for quite some time and he knows my forte, my specialisation and my expertise. That is why no matter what comes, he wants me to be here (in the ministry).

“I can also assist the minister to move forward to do what is necessary for our country,” he said at dinner hosted by  lawyer and Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk Detta Samen on Saturday.

The four-term Mambong MP is an environmentalist by profession and he once served as environmental advisor to the state government and as a vice-president of Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and Development.

Dawos, who was formerly deputy tourism minister, said his ministry would most likely continued with its policy on sustainable development and reducing carbon footprint, and to ensure that all projects benefit the people.

LOVING COUPLE: Dawos, joined by his wife Datin Seri Christine Dawong, sings a song to thank his supporters at the dinner.

“This is my role and responsibility. I’m hoping that I can lead the way to handle it since this is my specialisation and my forte.”

He thanked his supporters and voters in Mambong for ensuring his victory in the 13th general election, where he won with a 9,721 vote-majority in a three-cornered fight.

“Without your support, I would not have won. But the win is not for me. The win is for all of us. I would continue with my mission to ensure the people of Mambong benefit from development.”

Meanwhile, the dinner hosted by Detta and organised by his law firm was held not only to congratulate Dawos but also as thanksgiving for the `Datuk Seri’ and `Datuk’ titles conferred on Dawos and Detta respectively by the Sultan of Pahang recently.

Among those present were Atate Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil and Dayak Bidayuh National Association president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.

In making the call on Saturday, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Kapit chairman Joseph Jinggut said Gawai would make a good tourism draw as it is colourful and celebrated by the various ethnic groups of Dayaks.

“It (Gawai) showcases our rich ethnic cultural and traditional heritage, and I believe the traditional music, baking skills, and brewing of alcohol are things which could woo tourists,” he said at the Pre- Gawai Dinner 2013 at the Kapit Civic Centre.

Joseph, who is also the organising chairman of the celebration, said when agencies such as STB and the people work closely together, efforts to turn Gawai into a tourism attraction could be achieved.

On the recent appointment of Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi as Deputy Minister of Regional and Rural Development, Joseph said Nanta deserved what he was getting as “he is a good leader, is humble, approachable, capable, and has good working relationship with leaders and people on the ground”.

“Alexander is also outspoken and as such he can relay the voices of Kapit in terms of our needs and aspirations.

As a deputy minister, he shoulders a heavy responsibility to bring many development projects to Kapit and the whole country.

“We have very high expectations of him to bring more basic infrastructure and amenities here.”

About 850 people attended the gathering which was organised by SDNU Kapit.

Entertainers such as renowned Iban recording artiste Melissa Francis, popular Iban group Masterpiece and cultural presentations by dancers from Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) and SDNU had guests glued to their seats.

Joseph said among the activities drawn up to celebrate this year’s Gawai celebrations were the presentation of study incentives to students for doing well in public examinations, and `Ai tuak’, ‘pua kumbu’, handicrafts, ‘betabuh’ (traditional Iban music), and traditional Iban cake making competitions.

To boost the celebratory ambience here, a month-long fun fair had been set up at the old airport site while game stalls lined Kapit Town Square.

Nanta, Kuching Division Temenggong Datuk James Jimbun Punggat, Temenggong Lau Kah Kee, Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot, Song District Offi cer Galong Luang and Deputy Walikota of Kapit District Council Jefferson Jamit were among those present.

SORRY, RAPUNZEL: Sharlene Lo who used to sport glorious long hair, opted to go bald.

KUCHING: With Go Bald 5 yesterday surging to a fairytale ending of 1,000 participants shaving their heads for Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), it looks like only ‘Rapunzel’ is left to step up to the pate to shed hers for the children’s sake.

With the longest hair on record in the fables, ‘Rapunzel’, sadly in the face of Go Bald 5, was fated to keep the ‘Brothers Grimm’ fairytale intact: an imprisoned ‘Rapunzel’ lowered her endless flow of braided hair down a watchtower, so Prince Charming could make his ascent to rescue the damsel in distress.

In the name of vanity for the fairer sex, the hundreds of ‘Rapunzels’ out there have made a big sacrifice, in making a very vivid stand with cancer-stricken children whose hair fall out with chemo- or radiotherapy.

One of them, Sharlene Lo, 13, spent two sleepless nights before she decided to join 100 Lodge School students to go bald for the Go Bald 5 campaign for the benefit of the cancer stricken or patients.

Hence, pointing to the bare fact that City One Megamall was yesterday witness to the largest gathering of bald pates ever since Go Bald was first held five years ago.

As of 4pm yesterday, a total of RM630,000 has been collected with around 750 people having their heads shorn before the session officially ends at 7.30pm.

COUNT ME IN: See doing his part.

According to Go Bald founder Rodney Wong, the fifth installment of Go Bald this year is looking into collecting RM1.5 million to assist cancer patients and create awareness among the public by contributing to the well-being of cancer-stricken kids.

“Go Bald 5 aims to assist SCCS in terms of food and accommodation for patients seeking treatment in Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), transportation subsidy for families travelling to Kuching for treatment.”

“We also look into other needs such as cost of transplant which were not provided by SGH and inward education for school going patients,” he said in a press conference at the event which was held at City One Megamall.

Wong added that proceeds from the event also goes into creating public education to raise awareness on childhood cancer, outreach program for palliative patients, support group program and recreational activities.

He added that two earlier events in Miri had successfully collected around RM700,000 with the first held on May 1 in Delta Mall, Sibu collecting RM200,000 and Bintang Megamall Miri on May 12 collecting RM600,000.

“The Go Bald 5 this year focuses very much on children participation and the event today also saw the largest participation from Lodge School students with around 100 students joining in to shave their head for the cause,” he elaborated.

“In fact, we had those aged six to eight participating today and it is heartwarming indeed to see such support coming at an early age,” he added.

He also said that the ‘Go Bald’ event had successfully collected higher donation each year from RM250,000 during its first year in 2009, RM450,000 in 2010, RM1 million in 2011 and RM1.2 million last year.

On another note, SCCS event chairperson Jodie Sim said SCCS is still opening doors for its ‘Go Bald’ satellite shave session to any groups interested to step forward for the cause.

“We will organise a satellite session for any group with a minimum of 20 and those interested can directly call us,” she said.

YOUNG AND WARM-HEARTED: Mohd Rizal poses with two young participants of Go Bald 5.

RM160,000 donated by companies participating in head shaving session

Meanwhile, a total of RM160,000 was handed over earlier at the launching of the event yesterday by several private companies which participated in the head shaving session.

The Go Bald 5 is sponsored by CityOne as the venue sponsor, and hair salon partners Ray’s Salon, Hair Plus Design and Absolute Hair Studio.

Also present at the event and shaving their heads yesterday were SCCS president Mohd Rizal Sahari and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee
How.

Those who wish to contribute to the ‘Go Bald’ campaign can do so by donating straight to SCCS, or picking up the ‘Go Bald’ pledge card to solicit fund.

The public can contact SCCS at 012-8071116 or visit www.gobald.com.my or alternatively www.sccs.org.my.

IN RECORD NUMBERS: Crowds gather to support participants during the shaving session at City One Megamall.

CORPORATE SUPPORT: A representative of Kenbest Sdn Bhd handing over their contribution of RM100,000 to Rizal.

Speaking at Miri City’s 8th anniversary dinner at Imperial Hotel, the Chief Minister said losses suffered by the BN in the May 5 general elect ion would not change his way of serving the people, including the Chinese.

He stressed that punishment was not in his vocabulary and talks that the Chinese would be sidelined in the government’s development agenda due to lack of Chinese representation in the BN were baseless.

“I do not believe in punishing people. I believe in respecting the decision of the people in the election. We should not use it (result) as a reason for us not to cooperate with one other,” he said as a matter of factly.

Taib pointed out that some of the intricacies in the May 5 general election were not encouraging and some campaigning tactics were alien to the state.

“But never mind, we are culturally quite strong.

We believe in cooperation.

We believe in keeping ourselves devoted to nurturing harmony between the races and to continue to develop the state not only physically, but socially and culturally.

We have to do this.” In the 13th general election, the state BN contested in all 31 constituencies but lost six seats which are all predominantly Chinese constituencies.

Five of the seats (Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Sibu and Lanang) went to the DAP while Miri was won by PKR.

On the election results in the state, Taib said there was no “Chinese tsunami” outside of Kuching.

In fact, the losing margin outside Kuching was relatively small.

“In Miri, we lost around 2,000 votes, so it turns out to be not as bad as what I had heard before the election. There is a call for unification and we have to judge what the electorates wanted to tell us.”

SUPP needs to find way forward for reconciliation

The Chinese, he added, had differences which needed to be studied properly in order to work out solutions, but whatever it is the losses should not be a reason for the BN to give up.

Hence, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), which lost six seats out of the seven it contested, need to find the way forward for reconciliation.

“SUPP, please have an open mind and open heart. The Chinese do not want to see division in the community to continue for long.”

On another matter, Taib thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for complimenting the state as a BN loyal supporter in the cabinet.

He pledged that the state government would continue to support Najib’s reconciliation efforts to help make BN a truly multi-national coalition.

“The opportunity is there for us to improve our chances of success in the future. Please let the election be a thing of the past, and let’s work for a better future in order to make Malaysia a developed nation.”

Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

KUCHING: Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim has vowed to get to the bottom of allegations of sexual exploitation and rape cases of Penan women which had sparked a public outcry since 2008.

She said her ministry had gone to the ground to investigate with the hope that this longstanding issue could be resolved soon.

However, Rohani, who is also Batang Lupar MP, noted that no fresh cases had been highlighted of late.

“Officers on the ground reported that the problems have been solved.

There are no new cases.

Maybe the opposition highlighted this issue of late to catch my attention,” she told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at PBB headquarters here yesterday.

“However, there are various other problems in Sabah and Sarawak pertaining to my ministry that need to be addressed too.”

It is understood that her ministry, in its task force report, had confirmed the consistent pattern of rape and sexual abuses of Penan women by timber company workers.

The report documented at least eight cases of rape and molest.

It highlighted that Penan women were raped or abused when hitchhiking on timber trucks or at logging camps near their homes.

The report mentioned that Penan girls are particularly vulnerable to attacks as many of them depended on timber trucks for transport to schools.

The report also contained recommendations on health and education issues.

On another matter, Rohani urged the general public to give feedback with regard to issues concerning senior citizens, family development, children, disabled community and the poor people.

“We will definitely organise meetings and dialogues with welfare bodies, relevant NGOs and associations as part of our efforts to improve on our existing programmes and activities.”

On her meeting with Taib, Rohani revealed that Taib suggested that her ministry organise a grand conference to empower women in business.

“The chief minister a lso highlighted the need to look into urban poverty issues.”

Also present at the courtesy call were PBB’s other newlyappointed federal ministers and deputy ministers, namely Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas (Minister of Plantation, Industries and Commodities), Datuk Fadillah Yusof (Minister of Works), Nancy Shukri (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department), Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Deputy Home Minister) and Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi (Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development).