Three-phase plan to develop Sabah: Visiting foreign journalists given briefing on the SDC

text taken from nstonline
KOTA KINABALU: Journalists from 17 countries, including South Africa and Ukraine, are expected to report on steps being taken to turn Sabah into one of the most liveable places in Asia within two decades.

Institute for Development Studies Sabah (IDS) executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari told 30 visiting journalists that the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, launched in January, will make this vision come true in three phases.

He said the first phase focuses on addressing the basic elements to support tourism development and laying the foundations for future growth. World-class tourism infrastructure and services will be put in place, including nurturing a vibrant arts and culture scene.

"Phase two will focus on strengthening Sabah's position as a premier eco-adventure destination through conservation, research and sustainable development of new tourism products anchored by signature resorts.

"Phase three will see Sabah being transformed into one of the most liveable places in Asia - a bustling metropolis within a tropical paradise," Mohd Yaakub added.

The journalists, who spent six days here, attended a briefing on the state's development corridor on Tuesday.

Apart from several Malaysians, the other journalists were from Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Seychelles, Brunei and Indonesia.

Mohd Yaakub said among the major goals of the SDC was to triple Sabah's per capita gross domestic product to RM14,800 during the 18-year period set for the plan.

The SDC is also expected to create 900,000 new jobs, reduce unemployment to 3.5 per cent and eradicate poverty.

Mohd Yaakib said agriculture and specific projects, including the Pulau Banggi High Impact Rural Development Programme that will see 4,000ha of land developed into rubber plantations by Felcra Bhd, will help eradicate poverty in rural areas.

"Other poverty eradication measures include encouraging the low-income group to participate in planting cash crops."

He also said oil palm would remain the leading agriculture crop and that integrated farming such as livestock breeding would be encouraged at plantations.

He said to lure investors, competitive incentive packages would be offered to promote the agriculture, services and manufacturing sectors in the state.

T’ganu State Legislative Assembly: SPEECH FROM THE THRONE - Eradicate poverty, says regent

Pix: Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman Sultan Mahmud inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Federal Reserve Unit’s 105-member Sixth Battalion at the opening of the state assembly yesterday.
KUALA TERENGGANU: The head of the Regency Advisory Council opened the state assembly yesterday with a call for the government to continue serving the best interest of the people.
"The government must improve the people's quality of life, help improve the living standards of those in the low-income bracket and eradicate hardcore poverty.

"It should also look at human capital development programmes and check the social economic imbalance between each district," said Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman Sultan Mahmud.

"Attention must also be given to create an innovative society, improve productivity levels and competitiveness in every sector."

He said the results of the recent general election delivered a clear message of the people's desire for change and transparency in the implementation of policies.

"Leaders and the government chosen by the people must fulfill their responsibility fairly and honestly."

Tengku Baderulzaman commented that the ongoing projects implemented under the state development master plan (2004-2008) were on the right track towards creating a sense of well-being and prosperity for the people.

However, he urged the government to diversify the economy, especially in the tourism, agriculture and services sectors to sustain economic growth.

He added that last year, the federal government had allocated RM7.2 billion for Terengganu under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, while the state allocated RM4.1 billion in the same period.
With such large allocations, he said, it was important for co-operation between the state and federal governments. This was to ensure the effectiveness of the agencies so that the funds spent benefited the rakyat.

Tengku Baderulzaman also said the government should focus on reducing poverty to a lower level from the 6.5 per cent last year and to completely eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.
"I want the delivery, supervision and co-ordination of poverty eradication programmes among and between agencies to meet the objective."

However, he also urged the people to play their part in ensuring a bright future for the state. "The people must be instilled with the culture of giving and creating, not asking. The subsidy mentality must be removed," he added. "I also urge the people to revive the 'muhibah' spirit and respect one another irrespective of race. This has been our foundation for peace and development."

source: nstonline

Update May 8, 2008
TERENGGANU RESTORES SULTAN'S POWER TO APPOINT ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS OFFICERS KUALA TERENGGANU, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu State Legislative Assembly today unanimously approved the Islamic Religious Affairs Administration Enactment (Terengganu) (Amendment) 2008 Bill which hands back to the sultan the absolute power to select and appoint members of the Terengganu Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council. Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the jurisdiction to appoint members of the council had been with the menteri besar under the Islamic Religious Affairs Administration Enactment (Terengganu) 2001. "The amendment only hands back the power to the original authority, and I do not see any major implication arising out of this move. We are more at ease with the current scenario because we do not want any matter to be politicised," he said when approached after the adjournment of the assembly. Section 8 of the enactment had been amended to reflect that the council should comprise a president, a deputy president, a mufti and not more than 14 other members appointed by the sultan at his discretion. Section 11 had been amended to give absolute power to the sultan to revoke the appointment of any member of the council while Section 13 had been amended arising from the amendment to Section 8. -- BERNAMA ERE ERE MGN

5th Mihas: Bridging the Global Halal Market

5th Mihas
Bridging the Global Halal Market

Dewan Rakyat – Day 4 : CRIES OF PASSION - Guys love positive reinforcement in the sack

Speaker lays down ground rules
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia kicked off today’s parliamentary sitting by telling MPs not to highlight trivial and technical matters.
In a 10-minute stern talk to them, he said he would disallow MPs from raising points of order unnecessarily unless they were substantial issues and were in the public interest.
He said MP had wasted too much time during the first sitting last Wednesday when they kept interrupting proceedings on points of order.
Karpal Singh terus cuba ganggu…
Siaran langsung sidang Dewan Rakyat untuk hari kedua Isnin dicemari sikit dengan gangguan selama 10 minit apabila Karpal Singh (DAP Bukit Gelugor) sekali lagi membangkitkan peraturan mesyuarat untuk mencabar kewibawaan Yang Dipertua Dewan, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.Semasa siaran bermula jam 10 pagi Karpal berkali-kali menyatakan, Yang dipertua harus membuat keputusan terhadap peraturan yang dibangkitkan sebelum boleh meneruskan aturan selanjutnya iaitu memulakan sesi pertanyaan lisan.Pandikar juga berkali-kali menyatakan tanggapan ahli DAP itu tidak benar walaupun beliau mempunyai pengalaman selama 26 tahun di dalam dewan yang mulia itu. Beliau lalu meminta Karpal merujuk kepada perkara 43 peraturan mesyuarat dan membacanya. Karpal tidak beruat demikian, tetapi terus menyatakan keputusan hendaklah didahulukan.KLIK PADA TAJUK UNTUK LAPORAN LANJUT. - 5/5/2008

Wan Azizah gets aggressive, challenges PM
©The Sun (Used by permission) by Husna Yusop, Llew-Ann Phang and Giam Say Khoon in the Dewan Rakyat today
• Plus: Speaker wants full control
KUALA LUMPUR (May 5, 2008): Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) challenged the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to set up an independent commission to probe the multi-billion ringgit purchases by the Defence Ministry.
She said the government’s integrity was severely affected when government leaders consented to corruption and wastage, practiced nepotism by distributing contracts and shares to family members and cronyism by enriching only a small group of society.
She quoted the purchase of military equipment or specifically the Scorpene submarine worth RM4.5 billion and the Sukhoi jet worth RM3.2 billion whereby massive amounts of commission were paid.
"The people’s perception is that these may not be commissions but bribes between the leaders and individuals who received the commissions,” she added.
Earlier, Wan Azizah said in the international scene, Malaysia being a member of Asean, Apec, Commonwealth, OIC and United Nations must not be isolated in its stand of what is happening around the world.
She said Malaysia must be firm and clear in defending the country’s sovereignty and act in line with the demands of universal fairness and values. – MORE

Penang to work with federal govt on NCER projects for the sake of the state and its people

taken from NST: By : Audrey Dermawan

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has agreed to adopt the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency Act 2007 for the smooth implementation of all projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER)
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive councillors gave their endorsement during Friday's exco meeting, after two months of extensive discussions. He said he believes Penang is the first Pakatan Rakyat state within the NCER to adopt the Act. The other two PR state governments, Kedah and Perak, have not made any public statements.

Despite reservations from various quarters that the Act would give more power to the federal authority which is promoting the NCER, Lim said the state government was prepared to work with the federal government in the interests of the people. "This is a very important decision. We are willing to co-operate with the federal authority to ensure the people here benefit from the various development projects, such as the Second Penang Bridge and the monorail project.
"I also want to give my assurance that the people's interest will not be compromised in any way," Lim said after a courtesy call by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Penang branch) yesterday.

Lim said he received a letter from the prime minister, dated March 28, requesting him to adopt the Act.

The Act was passed in Parliament last year and signed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Feb 5. It was gazetted on Feb 14.

"I will hand over a letter on the state's acceptance to the prime minister personally," said Lim.

The NCER was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last July. Sime Darby Bhd was given the task of master planning the NCER, while the job of implementing the project fell to the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
The long-term development plan, which covers Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, is aimed at unleashing the economic potential of the northern sector of the peninsula and and raising the income of its people.

There are 11 members, including the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers of the four states, two federal ministers, a civil servant and two representatives from the private sector in the NCIA. Lim is the sole representative from Penang.

Asked to comment on the alleged land scam in the state, Lim said he would give former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah another two weeks to meet with him to discuss the issue. The original deadline was April 28, but Lim said he was extending it after a statement by deputy opposition chief Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya that the matter was best discussed in private rather than in public.

Update
Guan Eng tells PM: Penang has adopted Northern Corridor Act
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Penang government today formally informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi it has adopted the Northern Corridor Implementation Agency (NCIA) Act to manage the implementation of projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) programme.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng conveyed to Abdullah the Pakatan Rakyat government's adoption of the Act at a 20-minute meeting he had with the prime minister at the latter's office at Parliament House.
The Act paves the way for the setting up of the NCIA, the agency responsible for developing socio-economic related strategies, policies and the overall direction of the NCER.
The state executive council unanimously agreed on May 3 to adopt the Act.
Lim told reporters at the Parliament lobby that the meeting with Abdullah was to inform the prime minister of the state government's decision to implement the Act from May 15.
The NCER programme is a federal government initiative to accelerate socio-economic growth and elevate income levels in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak. — Bernama

Perak MB To Seek Audience With Sultan To Apologize Over His Action In Ordering The Transfer Of Perak Islamic Affairs Department Director

IPOH, May 3 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin will seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah soon to apologise over his action in ordering the transfer of the state Religious Department (JAIP) director.

"I fully respect and will always humbly abide by whatever decisions by the Sultan of Perak. I will seek an audience with His Royal Highness to hand over my letter of apology as soon as possible," he said in a statement issued to Bernama here today.

Yesterday, the Sultan directed Mohammad Nizar to withdraw the transfer order issued to Datuk Jamry Sury on Tuesday and to reinstate him as the state Religious Department director.

A statement on the matter was issued by the Sultan's private secretary Datuk Abd Rahim Mohamad Nor, which also directed Mohammad Nizar to have an audience with the Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah to explain the transfer.

It also stated that in the event that Jamry had breached any rules or committed any offence as regards the administration, the state government is required to submit the matter formally to the Sultan for him to make a decision on the necessary legal process before any final decision is made.

Jamry, who has been the state Religious department director since 2004, was issued with a 24-hour transfer order by the Pakatan Rakyat government on April 29 for allegedly refusing to cooperate with the government.

Mohammad Nizar had played down Jamry's transfer, saying it was a normal transfer of a state government officer.

source:BERNAMA

Naskhah Sahih/Bahasa Malaysia: Teks Penuh Kenyataan Pejabat Sultan Perak Berhubung Pertukaran Pegarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak

Updates May 5, 2008

Sultan has ‘no jurisdiction on transfer’ –thestar
PENANG: Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has no jurisdiction over the transfer of Datuk Jamry Sury from the Perak Religious Department, Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh said.
“The constitution of Perak clearly provides that the Rulers must act on executive advice.
“Sultan Azlan Shah did not have any say, as the Ruler of Perak, in the decision made by the state government and, by law, the palace cannot order the state government to reinstate Jamry,” Karpal Singh said, citing the case of the Federal Territory Education Director and Others vs Loot Ting Yee which was decided in the Federal Court in 1982.

Sultan Perak acted unconstitutionally – malaysiakini
Perak Sultan acted unconstitutionally - politics101malaysia
Royalties going too far? - ktemoc

Jamry Sury Reappointed Perak Islamic Religious Affairs Dept Director – Bernama

IPOH, May 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Jamry Sury, whose immediate transfer out last week was ordered by the Perak Menteri Besar, has been reinstated as the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaip) director.

State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim said Jamry was expected to receive his re-appointment letter Monday.

"I have not signed the letter yet but it will be given to him Monday. He (Jamry) will assume his previous post (as Jaip director)," said Abdul Rahman who declined to elaborate as he regarded the case closed.

WiEF: Iskandar Malaysia hits 70pc investment target, says IRDA ceo

Taken from NST - By : Hamidah Atan in Kuwait
ISKANDAR Malaysia, the country's southern economic corridor, is progressing well. More than 70 per cent of the US$14.9 billion (RM47 billion) investment targeted by 2010 had already been achieved, Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Ikmal Hijaz Hashim said.

He was speaking to Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of the fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) , of which Malaysia is the chair. Speaking after a parallel session on "Infrastructure And Real Estate Development" where he was one of the presenters, Ikmal said commitments had been received for investments valued at more than US$10.4 billion.

Ikmal said the ambitious project was well-positioned in view of its strategic location. A comprehensive development plan that stretches until 2025 had also been laid down and this would further promote and facilitate economic development.

An international destination resort on 1,200 hectares, a cyber city, golf village, creative park and a heritage district are among the distinctive features planned for Iskandar. It would also see 1.46 million high-value jobs created by 2025. "There are already many industries operating in the region, including petrochemical, tourism and services. All this will be strengthened with healthcare services, education, financial and creative industries," said Ikmal.

Eighteen months after its launch, Iskandar is now entering Phase 3 of its development. "In July, Johor's new state administrative centre will be completed. This will add vibrancy to the area," Ikmal said.He also said that Iskandar remained one of Malaysia's favourite places for foreign direct investments. Twenty-six developers are already involved in the project. "We have big names such as UEM, Sime UEP Properties Bhd and Gamuda."

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority will launch a security blueprint to make the region safe for investors as well as local residents. "Besides the deployment of more security personnel and police officers, the government will invest about RM300 million to build 30 police stations in the area." Ikmal said consultants would be appointed to carry out a study on the blueprint, which was expected to be ready within four months.

Meanwhile, UEM Group international business senior director Datuk Rosli Sharif said through WIEF, the group was able to showcase its capabilities as well as past, present and future projects in Malaysia such as the Nusajaya, North-South Expressway, second Penang Bridge, and the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex. They also showcased projects outside the country, including the construction of highways in India and Qatar. UEM is a platinum sponsor for the forum. "By participating in WIEF, we hope to be able to attract potential business partners, especially from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Qatar."

May 1st: International labour day - Malaysian PM urges workers to be more innovative

May 1st : International labour day
May 1st is international labour day, a day which commemorates a time of civil unrest in the late 19th century when workers in industrialized countries demonstrated for improved working conditions, wage raises and an eight hour working day. Many of the demonstrations were suppressed with force. The rights that demonstrators fought for at that time are featured in the preamble to the original ILO Constitution and are still current today. -- ILO

Agence France-Presse - 5/1/2008 4:43 AM GMT
Malaysian PM urges workers to be more innovative
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged workers to be more innovative and creative to ensure the country remains competitive, in a statement marking May Day on Thursday.
Abdullah said Malaysia could no longer rely on its cheap labour to attract investors and should focus instead on creating a better quality and educated workforce in the face of increasing regional competition.
"In the era of a knowledge-based economy, the ability to generate, spread and apply knowledge is crucial to determine the nation's productivity and competitiveness," he said in the statement.
"Malaysia can no longer depend on cheap labour costs. Skills and knowledge have become an important prerequisite in increasing one's wages in today's economy," he said.
Abdullah also urged workers to be more dedicated and hardworking to attain Malaysia's goals of a prosperous, resilient and competitive economy.
The economy is going through a transition phase as it seeks to shift from a low-wage model to a high-wage, knowledge-based economy.
Malaysia is one of Asia's largest importers of cheap foreign labour and has about 2.3 million workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and elsewhere to clean homes, construct buildings and gather crops.
The government has said it plans to cut its reliance on foreign labour to create more job opportunities for unemployed local people. -- AFP via MSN Malaysia News