Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
Sarawak wants Straight-A students rejected by public/federal universities
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27, 2025: Straight-A students who have been rejected by the useless federal government universities now need not worry.
Saarawak-owned institutes of higher learning, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology of Sarawak, and i-CATS University College all are welcoming bright Malaysian students rejected by the so-called Madani Unity Government (UG). (View the above video link)
Unlike the useless euducation and higher education ministries of Semenanjong, Sarawak wants to take in as many brainy students as possible to help sustain Sarawak’s phenomenal socio-economic growth.
Sarawak is today the fastest growing country (“state”) in Malaysia after Sarawak for Sarawakians united to elect a strong and reasonably inclusive government comprising of trustworthy local politicians - unlike the political frogs and racial and religious bigoteed politicians and parties in West Malaysia.
And they are fighting for the rights of Sarawakians under the MA63 Agreement.
Education is the key to any country’s socio-economic growth and any growth is only sustainable and progress with ample supply of quality and competent human capital.
And, they are only found in those who achieve academic excellence and recognised by merit - not by skin colour (kulitfication) like federal or public universities.
This brings us to the coming Sabah “MA63 Agreement” elections. Will Sabah for Sabahans emulate Sarawakians in electing trustworthy local politicians who don’t hop like frogs to the tune of Semenanjong politicians and parties?
No News Is Bad News reproduces below past reports on Sarawak’s Reformasi (Reformation) of its education:
Sarawak among states with fewest dropouts, says Karim
The state youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister says other states have approached the Sarawak education department to learn how it has tackled the issue.
According to Unesco data, 145,204 students dropped out of primary school in 2022, a 20% increase compared with 121,231 in 2021. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Other states in Malaysia are looking to learn from Sarawak as to how it has managed to have among the lowest rate of school dropouts, says a state minister.
State youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak was willing to share its experience on managing dropouts with the other states, The Borneo Post reported.
“We do have our problems, but everything is manageable now, especially with dropouts.
“We were informed by the Sarawak education department that they have been engaged by the other states to share their experience, particularly why Sarawak’s number of school dropouts are among the lowest compared with other states,” he was quoted as saying.
Earlier, the department briefed the youth development committee chaired by Karim on the issue of school dropouts in Sarawak.
According to Unesco data, 145,204 students dropped out of primary school in 2022, a 20% increase compared with 121,231 in 2021. This was attributed to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The education ministry plans to amend the Education Act 1996 to make education compulsory up to secondary school in hopes of tackling the issue.
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek previously said mandatory primary schooling had contributed to an enrolment rate of between 98% and 99%.
Sarawak Cabinet okays proposal paper for free higher education
The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme will be implemented in 2026.
The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme will be open to Sarawakians.
KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet has approved the proposal paper for the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
The Sarawak education, innovation and talent development ministry said approval was given during a state Cabinet meeting on March 20.
In a statement, it said implementation of FTES would commence in 2026, and that it would be open to Sarawakians.
“The institutions involved are Sarawak-owned institutes of higher learning, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology of Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.
“The approved programmes under the FTES include undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, law, medicine, accounting, and finance,” it said.
It said FTES would be open to new and existing enrolments from 2026 onwards.
“This scheme covers free tuition fees. Additionally, a stipend of RM15,000 per year for students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below will be included under this scheme,” it said.
On March 12, state education, innovation and talent development minister Roland Sagah said that further details of Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative would be announced in November.
He said the details would include the list of courses and application procedures.
Sarawak to sponsor full-time tertiary education for working adults
9 days ago
Premier Abang Johari Openg says even Sarawakians who are 60 years old can apply under the initiative to promote lifelong learning.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration in Kuching today. (Sarawak public communications unit pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government will fully sponsor higher education for Sarawakians who are already employed.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said this was in addition to providing free tertiary education to students from next year, The Borneo Post reported.
“The state government has decided to allow working individuals, or those who have previously been in the workforce, to return to full-time studies,” he was quoted as saying.
According to Abang Johari, these initiatives – which are limited to eligible Sarawakians who choose to enrol in state-owned institutions of higher learning – are part of the state’s broader goal to strengthen human capital and build its talent pool through lifelong learning.
“It will be completely free. As long as the applicant is accepted by the university and registered as a full-time student, we will cover the costs,” he said, according to the Sarawak-based daily.
The state-owned institutions of higher learning involved are the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.
Abang Johari also stressed that there was no age limit set for the applicants.
“You can apply even if you are 60 years old. I am not making empty promises. I have already secured the funds for this initiative and the Sarawak government will pay for the education.
“All you need to do is just focus on studying to upgrade your skills,” he said at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration in Kuching.
He added, however, that the initiative does not extend to those who wish to pursue long-distance learning or study on a part-time basis.
Sarawak to extend free education initiative to public varsities
Premier Abang Johari Openg has agreed to the proposal in principle, particularly for UiTM Sarawak students, to enhance the state’s skilled workforce.
UiTM Sarawak rector Firdaus Abdullah said the free higher education initiative from the state government will begin next year. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government will expand its free higher education initiative to include students at public higher education institutions starting next year.
The rector of Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Sarawak branch, Firdaus Abdullah, said Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg has agreed in principle to the proposal, particularly for UiTM Sarawak students, to strengthen the state’s skilled workforce.
“This initiative will be implemented in the next phase, which is the second phase, where free education will be extended to students from Sarawak at public higher education institutions in the state, especially UiTM Sarawak,” Bernama quoted him as saying after a courtesy call on Abang Johari today.
The first phase of the free higher education initiative currently covers five institutions: i-CATS University College, Sarawak Centre of Excellence for Technology, Sarawak University of Technology, Curtin University Malaysia, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
Firdaus also said Abang Johari has proposed a collaboration between UiTM Sarawak and the state government in the agriculture sector.
Under this initiative, UiTM Mukah would serve as a hub for rice cultivation projects, focusing on research and development of rice seeds, improving productivity, and increasing yields.
“We will establish a research team to conduct studies and propose to the Sarawak government how we can assist in terms of technology, infrastructure, and rice cultivation productivity for the state.
“This also includes carbon storage as rice cultivation is related to this matter,” he said.
S’wak secondary schools to teach Maths, Science in English from 2026
The state will also bring back assessments for Year 6 and Form 3 students, replacing the scrapped UPSR and PT3 exams.
Sarawak education, innovation and talent development minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn (left) said English will be the medium of instruction for the Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics subjects. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Secondary schools in Sarawak will teach Mathematics and Science subjects in English in stages from 2026, says a state minister.
State education, innovation and talent development minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this has been agreed to by the federal education ministry, with a circular being drawn up.
Sagah said English will be the medium of instruction for the Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics subjects.
This will first apply to Form 1 students in 2026, who would also have completed their primary school learning in English.
Play
“Guided by our Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers, my ministry and the federal education ministry are in the process of formalising these agreed-upon points into circulars and regulations to ensure their adherence and continuity in the future,” he told the state assembly today.
The state minister also said Year 6 students in Sarawak will have to undergo assessments for the English, Mathematics and Science subjects from 2025. Form 3 students will have to undergo similar examinations from 2028.
This is to replace the UPSR and PT3 examinations which were scrapped by Putrajaya in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Sagah said the decision to scrap the major examinations “does not work in our circumstances, for now” in justifying the reintroduction of assessments for Year 6 and Form 3 students.
“So many of us here including me have gone through a series of robust standardised assessments and examinations during our school days.
“It worked well and, maybe, when the time is right with considerable achievement in development, such as ample professional development opportunities for teachers, the school-based assessment may be implemented again,” he said.
He said his ministry is finalising talks with an international accredited assessment provider over the assessments.
He also gave an assurance the examinations would not burden students, teachers, and parents.
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Sabah’s political mess due to Semenanjong politicians and parties
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
Why do Sabahans continue to believe what Umno and this politician say after more than six decades of empty electoral promises for Sabahans
Sabah’s political mess due to Semenanjong politicians and parties
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21, 2025: Senior Sarawakian journalist Francis Paul Siah says Sabah politics has always been fluid the run-up to the election is (just plain) messy.
No News Is Bad News couldn’t agree more with his views.
It is messy because Sabahans are not politically as united as the smarter Sarawakians.
The messy run-up to the polls is due to Semenanjong politicians and parties, helped by locals who politically embrace them.
The Sarawakians for Sarawak political cry has united them, and with a reasonably sincere government, the country’s socio-economic development is at its fastest pace ever.
They did this by kicking out the racial and religious bigoted politicians and parties from Sarawak.
For Sabahans, they too need to unite and vote for a sincere local leader and party/parties, giving West Malaysia politicians and locals who are beholden to Semenanjong the boot in the coming elections.
If the Sarawakians can succeed thus far, there is no reason why the Sabahans cannot do it.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below Francis Paul Siah’s take on the coming Sabah election:
Messy run-up to the Sabah election
· 21 May 2025
“The cure for bad politics is the same as the cure for tuberculosis. It is living in the open.” – Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President
A FRIEND recently asked me what I thought of the coming Sabah election. He wanted an update, as he probably thought that I would have something interesting to share.
The truth is, I don’t. For the first time in a long while, I find Sabah politics mind-boggling. I must admit that I am confused about recent political developments in Sabah, and I told my friend that what he had read in the media was probably what I knew too.
We know that politics in Sabah has always been fluid as party alliances, leadership loyalties, and voter support are often unstable and unpredictable.
I informed my friend that I find the intrigues leading to the coming polls not only confusing but rather messy too. I thought I knew Sabah politics well, but this time, I have to concede that I’m unable to fully grasp what’s really going on.
The fragmented political landscape is a key contributor to the mess. Sabah’s political scene is crowded with both national and local parties (eg, GRS, UMNO, Warisan, PBS, UPKO, STAR, Bersatu, PKR, DAP, Amanah, and other smaller parties), many of which form shifting coalitions.
It is also not incorrect to state that these alliances are often opportunistic rather than ideological, changing based on power dynamics. Sabahans also know too well about intense politicking and power play among the contending parties.
Like Sarawak, Sabah is also ethnically and culturally diverse, with large Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau, Chinese, and other indigenous groups. Add in the number of migrants, legal and illegal, and you get a very ‘colourful’ demography of this beautiful Land Below the Wind.
I doubt Sabahans will ever forget ‘Project IC’ (or Project M), too, as it is viewed as federal interference that undermined the democratic rights of native Sabahans by manipulating voter rolls. Project IC is seen as a betrayal.
This diversity in the Borneo region influences voting behaviour and makes it hard for any party to maintain broad, consistent support.
Unlike in Malaya, where national parties dominate, Sabah politics often revolves around strong local leaders and regional parties. Voters may support individual politicians rather than party ideologies, leading to loyalties that shift based on personality politics.
Sabah has a unique position in Malaysia due to its special rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Political parties often make promises on autonomy, resource control, and development, but delivery is inconsistent, fuelling voter frustration and realignment.
So, how do I view the coming Sabah election, which must be called by December this year at the latest? Allow me to say this.
If I were a voter in Sabah, I would have difficulty voting for the current administration. Why? I will not vote for tainted politicians.
Almost the whole Sabah Cabinet has been embroiled in an alleged corruption scandal recently exposed by a national news portal. Those involved are working overtime to clear themselves of any link, and it has not been easy for them.
That much I would say as my stand for the coming polls. The rest, I would leave it to Sabah voters to decide, and hopefully, the results will reflect the wishes of the people for further progress and prosperity for them and for their homeland.
However, I think that the victors of the coming Sabah election have a critical opportunity to reform Sabah’s political culture and drive real socioeconomic development.
Sabah has long been plagued by issues like weak governance, federal interference, infrastructure deficits and poverty, despite its rich natural resources.
The next government can turn the tide by reforming Sabah’s political system.
Firstly, clean up the electoral roll. Audit and purge dubious voters linked to Project IC, and then, push for decentralised voter registration oversight to increase transparency.
There is also an urgent need to enforce the Anti-Hopping Laws as political instability caused by party defections (or ‘katak politik’) has weakened governance.
Needless to say, the reassertion of Sabah rights under MA63 must continue. Sabah and Sarawak must ensure that the rights lost or given away to Malaya are restored. Two key items are the autonomy in education, health and taxation, and a fairer share of oil revenue and state resources.
The new Sabah Government must also prioritise socioeconomic development and perhaps, should concentrate on infrastructure first.
Prioritise rural roads, electricity, water access, and broadband. Many parts of Sabah still lack these basic services.
Tailor vocational training to local industries (agriculture, tourism, logistics, etc.) and push for education autonomy so that Sabah can design a curriculum suited to local needs.
The government must never forget the rural and indigenous empowerment. Develop native land titles (NCR lands) to secure indigenous ownership and offer targeted support for Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau and other native groups in business and education.
More importantly, the new leadership in Sabah must fix governance and corruption, starting with transparent public spending.
Publish open budgets and make state procurement data accessible, and digitise more government services to cut red tape and reduce graft.
Finally, the new leaders must take pains to promote unity and multicultural harmony. Sabah’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity is a strength.
Promote inclusive policies, avoid race/religion-based politics, and celebrate Sabah’s pluralism.
The real reformers of Sabah need vision, courage, and integrity. If the next Sabah Government can reclaim state autonomy, clean up politics, build inclusive development and genuinely listen to the rakyat, Sabah can become a model state – one that turns its natural wealth into shared prosperity for all Sabahans.
I sincerely hope those offering themselves for leadership roles in Sabah will take cognisance of the hopes and aspirations of their fellow Sabahans.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
BN and PH to be wiped out of Sabah?
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
BN and PH to be wiped out of Sabah?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21, 2025: Sabah’s 17th state election is nearing and, as usual, empty political promises are the order of the day.
The racist Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno is again singing the same “song” promising to solve Sabah’s water and power woes in three years and road potholes.
Alliance-BN had governed Malaysia for more than six decades (60 years) since Merdeka (Independence) 1957 and is still making the same promises!
BN-Umno's politics of empty promises and unfair governance of Sabah
Haven’t Sabahans endured enough of the “step child treatment” from Peninsular Malaysia politicians and parties?
They dominate Sabah’s politics and channel all its wealth to Semenanjong (Malaya), leaving Sabahans high and dry.
If BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are sincere in wanting to serve Sabahans, why is there a full court hearing of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, commencing on July 7?
Why is the court or legal hearing even necessary if BN and PH governance truly inclusive and fair to Sabahans? (see news below)
The smarter Sarawakians have woken up to the discriminatory West Malaysian politics and is already fighting for their rights and freedom under the Sarawak for Sarawakians political battle cry.
Today, Sarawakians are enjoying their fastest ever socio-economic development growth in history by alienating/keeping out the racial and religious bigoted politicians and parties from their country.
So, in the coming Sabah elections will Sabahans wake up and do the same or continue to believe/trust BN and PH’s empty election promises?
This was found posted on Facebook:
**Shafie of WARISAN to Pay Courtesy Visit to Governor Musa at Istana, Shaking Sabah’s Political Landscape**
KOTA KINABALU, May 19, 2025 – What could a courtesy visit by Parti Warisan Sabah (WARISAN) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Negeri mean for Sabah’s political future? Is this a prelude to a game-changing alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)? Could such a coalition reshape the state’s electoral dynamics, leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) scrambling to respond? Below are the possibilities: this high-profile meeting may signal GRS’s invitation to WARISAN to form a coalition, igniting speculation about a seismic shift in alliances ahead of the state election.
The news has sent tremors through Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), who are now grappling with the prospect of a formidable GRS-WARISAN alliance. Political analysts predict this coalition could reshape the electoral battlefield, pitting a united GRS and WARISAN against BN and PH. The rallying cry of “Sabah for Sabahans,” championed by both GRS and WARISAN, resonates deeply with voters frustrated by peninsula-based parties like Umno and PKR. This sentiment, coupled with Shafie’s enduring popularity and GRS’s incumbent advantage, could lead to a landslide victory for the coalition.
Historical voting patterns suggest BN and PH face an uphill battle. Umno, once a dominant force in Sabah, has been haemorrhaging support since the 2018 election, when WARISAN and PH toppled its state government. PKR, a key PH component, has also struggled to maintain relevance in Sabah, with its influence waning after lacklustre performances in recent polls. A GRS-WARISAN coalition could exploit these weaknesses, capitalizing on anti-federal sentiment and local pride to deliver crushing defeats to both Umno and PKR.
Sabahans are already expressing jubilation on social media, with many hailing the potential alliance as a bold step toward reclaiming the state’s autonomy. The coalition’s promise to prioritize local issues—poverty, infrastructure, and job creation—has struck a chord, particularly in rural areas where voters feel neglected by federal policies. Following a projected landslide victory, GRS and WARISAN are expected to intensify demands for the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which guarantees Sabah’s rights and autonomy within the federation. This could include greater control over resources, revenue, and governance, putting pressure on Putrajaya to deliver.
However, the federal government may not sit idly by. Sources indicate that the moment a GRS-WARISAN coalition is formalized, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) could be directed to reopen investigations into the Sabah Mining Gate scandal and allegations tied to Shafie’s tenure as Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW). These probes, which previously fizzled out, could be weaponized to discredit Shafie and destabilize the coalition. Critics argue this would be a desperate tactic by federal powers to undermine Sabah’s push for autonomy.
The federal response will likely hinge on the coalition’s electoral success and public sentiment. Conceding to MA63 demands could defuse tensions but weaken Putrajaya’s influence in Sabah. Alternatively, aggressive moves like SPRM investigations risk alienating Sabahans further, potentially backfiring in future national elections. As the state braces for a political earthquake, all eyes are on Shafie’s visit to the Istana, which could mark the dawn of a new era for Sabah.
So, will BN and PH be wiped out of Sabah in the country’s 17th elections and progress socio-economically like Sarawak?
Malaysia
Full hearing of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement to commence on July 7
Judicial review on Sabah’s 40% revenue claim set for full hearing in Kota Kinabalu court
Updated 17 minutes ago · Published on 21 May 2025 7:14AM
The review was due by 1974 but did not take place until 2022 — nearly five decades later. - May 21, 2025
by Jason Santos
THE judicial review seeking to enforce Sabah’s constitutional entitlement to 40% of federal revenue collected from the state will be heard in the High Court here on 7 July.
Senior Sabah lawyer Datuk Roger Chin said a public townhall session hosted by the Sabah Law Society (SLS) was being scheduled for June 20 to explain the background and legal framework of the case ahead of the hearing.
“This is not a political issue. It is a constitutional obligation that has gone unfulfilled for far too long,” he said.
The case was filed by the SLS in 2022. It alleges that the federal government failed to carry out a mandatory review of the special grant owed to Sabah under Article 112C and the Part IV of the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
The review was due by 1974 but did not take place until 2022 — nearly five decades later.
The Second Review Order was gazetted in 2022. The first review order was made in 1969 and gazetted in 1970.
Chin has described the period from 1974 to 2021 as the “Lost Years”, during which no review was conducted, and no updated payments were made.
“The failure to review and make appropriate payments… represents a breach of duty under the Constitution,” he said.
The judicial review faced several early challenges, including objections over whether SLS had legal standing to bring the case.
The court later ruled that the matter could proceed to a full hearing, citing public interest and constitutional significance.
The federal government, named as the first respondent, maintains that it fulfilled its obligations through a fixed annual payment of RM26.7 million introduced after a 1969 review.
It argues that the 40% formula is no longer applicable and denies that any arrears are owed.
The Sabah state government, which is listed as the second respondent, acknowledges that no review was carried out until 2022.
However, the state argues that interim agreements signed in 2022 and 2023 do not amount to a waiver of rights.
It supports further reviews and, if necessary, a referral to an independent assessor under Article 112D(6).
Chin said the case carries broader implications beyond financial claims.
“What’s at stake here is more than money — it’s the integrity of the Constitution and how we define federalism in Malaysia,” he said. - May 21, 2025
Sunday, 18 May 2025
Sabahans, beware of the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ led by the racist and religious bigoted Umno
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
That’s Umno for Sabahans! For image info, go to https://www.kierstenhathcock.com/blog/how-to-spot-a-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing-aka-narcisisstic-abuser
Sabahans, beware of the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ led by the racist and religious bigoted Umno
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19, 2025: Umno president Zahid Hamidi has warned Sabahans of “wolves in sheep’s clothing in state politics.
He is absolutely right and the wolves are led by Dr Akmal “Ham/IU Am Malay First unpatriotic” Saleh Umno.
And the pack of political are all politicians and parties that embrace/love Peninsular Malaysia political leaders and parties.
After some six decades of governance by Alliance/Barisan Nasional (BN), where is Sabah today in terms of socio-economic progress?
Sarawakians have already woken from political slumber free themselves from the “claws” of Semenanjong and are today the fastest growing state with their commitmernt to Sarawak for Sarawakians.
Sabahans must also wake up in the coming state elections before it is too late.
They must uphold a strong commitment to Sabah for Sabahans and unite to vote for a trustworthy local party with a strong mandate to keep out politicians from becoming “political frogs” that gang up with West Malaysia politicians and parties.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report that quoted Zahid as warning Sabahans and about uniting Malaysians (what a joke with Akmal’s influence and his anti-3R behaviour and actions):
Zahid warns of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ in Sabah
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the best possible alliance for the Sabah polls is one involving BN, PH and ‘like-minded parties’.
Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arriving at a BN event today in Tenom, Sabah. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for caution as talks are held on an alliance for the coming Sabah state elections, warning of “wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said BN was open to talks but would only work with parties that shared the same goals, namely to develop the nation and unite Malaysians.
“We have never completely closed off, but we should not open our doors too wide because there are wolves in sheep’s clothing trying to enter and destroy our home,” he said, Bernama reported.
“The best option is cooperation between BN, Pakatan Harapan and like-minded parties,” he said at an Umno event today in Tenom, Sabah.
Zahid said BN must embrace power-sharing given the global trend of multiple political parties cooperating to form governments. He said he had studied the matter and found that multilateral coalitions had been formed in 77 countries.
“We must not be greedy for power… We must be confident in sharing power for unity, harmony, and political consensus, and that is the best way forward for us,” Zahid said.
BN and PH have announced an alliance for the state assembly elections, expected by the end of the year, while talks continue on including the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
Earlier this week, Zahid said several meetings had been held with GRS but BN was open to talks with other local parties.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Why Sarawakians and Sabahans cannot trust Semenanjong politicians and parties
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
Why Sarawakians and Sabahans cannot trust Semenanjong politicians and parties
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15, 2025: Malaysia is blessed with many natural resources - rubber, tin, oil palm, oil and gas.
Yet, after more than six decades of Alliance-Barisan Nasional (BN) rule, and now the Madani Unity Government, many Malaysians, especially the rural folk (also read as Orang Ali), still live in poverty.
They continue to struggle daily to put food on their table for their loved one.
Why? Where have the country’s wealth all gone to?
Look at the tiny island republic of Singapore. Zero natural resources but it is today a rich First World nation.
Malaysians have been electing the wrong and insincere politicians for more than six decades to govern the rakyat dan negara (people and country).
After controlling the oil and gas industry for more than six decades, the Semenanjong politicians still deny Sarawak and Sabah their rights.
However, the smarter Sarawakians are today defying the federal government in more ways than one and their socio-economic progress is growing at the fastest pace ever, even faster than most states in the peninsula.
The coming Sabah elections will be crucial for the well being of Sabahans.
Like the battle cry “Sarawak for Sarawakians”, Sabahans too must strive for “Sabah for Sabahans”.
And this is why Sarawakians and Sabahans cannot trust Malaya politicians, from both sides of the political divide:
Opposition MPs back Petronas, acknowledge Sarawak’s needs
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says there are solutions which can favour Sarawak without destroying Petronas.
Opposition politicians Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainudin, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Saifuddin Abdullah are calling for Petronas to be protected to safeguard the nation’s future.
PETALING JAYA: In a rare show of bipartisan unity, opposition MPs and politicians, including from Sarawak, have rallied behind the government, defending the importance of Petronas to the nation while acknowledging Sarawak’s own needs.
Sarawak’s ambitions can be accommodated, they said, but not at the cost of crippling Petronas, the nation’s golden goose.
Perikatan Nasional chairman and former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who brokered a commercial settlement with Sarawak in 2020, cautioned against tearing down the national icon that has developed the country’s energy sector over more than five decades.
“You cannot go as far as to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, because if Petronas makes losses, so does Sarawak,” he said.
Opposition leader and Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin echoed the same sentiment.
“A fair deal is to look (for) the real formula. The goose that produces the golden eggs should be kept for the future of the people of this country,” he said.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal warned against weakening one of the country’s few world-class institutions.
“Why kill the best player in the team,” he asked, adding that Malaysia will struggle to fill the void.
Radzi Jidin.
Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin warned that unless the dispute between Petronas and Sarawak’s state-owned oil company Petros was resolved soon, Malaysia risks watching the national oil company’s “golden era fade into the past”.
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari cautioned that ceding Petronas’s rights could weaken the company and reduce its contribution to the treasury by 30%-40%. He called on the government to make a full disclosure to the public of the potential financial implications of the loss of Petronas’s rights.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also weighed in, saying there were other ways to resolve Sarawak’s concerns without jeopardising the national oil company.
“There may be other solutions that also favour Sarawak. But to destroy Petronas, I think it is a bad move, because this is one company that Malaysians are proud of. It’s a great company,” he said.
He said Petronas plays a central role in the pooling and redistribution of national wealth.
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the man credited with setting up the national oil giant in 1974, said while Sarawak’s grievances should be addressed, it cannot come at the expense of national interest.
“If Sarawak feels that they’ve been shortchanged, why not bring up the issues to the prime minister? I’m sure they can put it right. But for heaven’s sake, don’t kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
It’s time for ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ to rise before it is too late
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
For image info, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/1431186763832429
It’s time for ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ to rise before it is too late
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14, 2025: In the coming state elections, Sabahans urgently need to wake up and be united against Semenanjong politicians and parties before it is too late for them to salvage their freedom, rights or well-being.
They must go the way of the Sarawakians who rejected all the racist and bigoted politicians and parties in Peninsular Malaysia.
Like Sarawakians’ political battle cry for freedom to govern and decide their future, Sabah must also be Sabahans.
Sabahans need to wipe out the racist and religious bigoted Dr Akmal “Ham/I Am Malay First unpatriotic” Saleh Umno to be able to move forward.
Remember how Umno cheated Sabah voters and politics with Projek IC?
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on what Warisan’s Shafie Apdal, a former Sabah chief minister, says:
Malaysia
Sabah’s economic glow fades under weight of poverty, joblessness, Warisan says
Sabahans still face poverty, joblessness and failing public services despite record budgets, big promises
Updated 10 seconds ago · Published on 14 May 2025 2:14PM
While billions are announced, the lives of ordinary Sabahans have either remained unchanged or have deteriorated, Shafie says - May 14, 2025
by Jason Santos
ALL bold economic announcements by the GRS-led Sabah government are doing little to ease the daily struggles of ordinary Sabahans, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said.
The Sabah opposition leader said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government is painting an overly optimistic picture of Sabah’s economy while failing to address persistent poverty, unemployment and failing public services.
“While billions are announced, the lives of ordinary Sabahans have either remained unchanged or have deteriorated,” Shafie said, responding to the government’s boast of its largest-ever RM6.4 billion state budget.
The budget, he said, was also built on risky assumptions – including the government’s over-reliance on oil and gas revenue at a projected oil price of USD76 per barrel, despite market prices hovering around USD60.
“If prices stay low, Sabah could lose hundreds of millions in revenue, wiping out the projected surplus and pushing the state into deficit,” he said.
Shafie also questioned the government’s readiness to protect development spending if revenue targets fall short while maintaining that Sabah remains Malaysia’s poorest region and home to eight of the country’s poorest districts despite a record budget announcement.
Further to this, Sabah’s unemployment rate is also the highest in the country at 7.9% or approximately 170,000 persons without work, said Shafie adding that while those with jobs also are struggling with low wages.
He noted over half of the working Sabahans are earning below the RM2,000 a month.
Shafie also highlighted the incident of children suffering from hunger and that one of four children under five years old in Sabah are suffering from stunted growth.
He said records also show that Sabah is also the worst in the country in terms of stunted growth.
Shafie also pointed out the number of corruption cases involving the education system, citing a couple of recent cases involving false claims and bribery involving hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
“The system punishes honesty instead of protecting it,” Shafie said, accusing the government of failing to ensure that federal education funds reach rural schools in need.
He criticised the government for spending lavishly on launching events and public relations campaigns while basic infrastructure crumbles.
“Why are millions spent on tents, souvenirs and lucky draws while our roads collapse, electricity fails and families struggle with the rising cost of living?” he asked.
Warisan called on Sabahans to reject what it described as failure in leadership masked by government propaganda.
“Sabahans cannot continue to pay the price for a government that cares more about slogans and image than the people’s real problems,” Shafie said. - May 14, 2025
Sunday, 11 May 2025
Petronas Twin Towers built with Sarawak and Sabah’s contributions
Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia
No News Is Bad News
Dr M says Sarawak's push for oil control can harm nation. Better than having the unscrupulous Semenanjong policians squander away the nation's wealth. - Facebook image
Petronas Twin Towers built with Sarawak and Sabah’s contributions
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12, 2025: Sarawak is today fighting all out to regain what belongs to the country and Sarawakians - oil and gas.
Because of MA63, the federal government or Semenanjong politicians are at the losing end because Sarawakinas are rising or have arisen and cannot be that easily bullied.
Sarawakians are today wiser and they are also aware of their legal rights.
What about Sabah?
Still very uncertain and bullied because of the presence of Semenanjong-loving Sabahans.
The blame on the sad state of East Malaysians is on no other than the racist Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M) who governed Malaysia for more than two decades.
This is what Prof Dr James Chin posted on Facebook on Petronas and East Malaysia:
James Chin
I’ve said it many times—Mahathir believed in centralising power. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he treated Sabah and Sarawak poorly, viewing them merely as fixed deposits for Barisan Nasional. He saw Sabahans and Sarawakians as passive and loyal supporters, which allowed him to act with little accountability and no regard for Borneo. Through Project IC, he effectively took political power from native Sabahans and turned Sabah into a PTI state.
When he returned to power in 2018, he showed little genuine support for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). His administration offered only minor administrative adjustments and devolved limited authority back to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. He was unwilling to even discuss anything to do with O/G.
I have a simple question: Mahathir claims the British took all the money and didn’t build the Petronas Twin Towers— but if he truly cared about Sabah and Sarawak, why weren’t the towers built in Kuching/KK? Why wasn’t Petronas headquartered in Kota Kinabalu or Kuching? After all, one tower was funded by Sarawak’s oil and gas, and the other by Sabah’s.
Am I wrong to say that for over 50 years, Petronas and the federal government have treated Sabah and Sarawak’s oil and gas as a piggybank? How much longer are we expected to wait? Another 50 years—until the resources run out?
Mahathir destroyed ethnic relations in Malaya and introduced political Islam into Malaysia. He destroyed Sabah by Project IC. Just a few days ago, he pushed for Malay supremacy again and reminded Malay youths not to treat Malaysian Chinese and Indians as equal citizens.
Malaysians must not listen to this man. He believes that Sabahans and Sarawakians must remain subservient to Malaya. This is wrong on every level.
#MA63 #Sabah #Sarawak #Petronas
From Facebook:
According to this Senator, Petronas took out RM1Trillion or RM1,000,000,000,000 from Sarawak O/G. Well, I did tell you that Borneo paid for the Twin Towers- one tower paid by Sarawak, the other tower paid by Sabah. Do Malayans understand the anger?
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a Sarawak senator taking Dr M to task over oil rights and some background on the Petronas-Petros dispute:
Sarawak senator takes Dr M to task over oil rights
Robert Lau says a letter from the then chief minister surrendering Sarawak’s oil and gas rights in 1976 was not presented to Parliament. Robert Lau, a senator from Sarawak, took issue with remarks by Dr Mahathir Mohamad about the state’s push for autonomy over oil and gas. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: A senator has taken a swipe at Dr Mahathir Mohamad for saying that Sarawak’s quest for greater autonomy and control over its oil and gas resources must go through Parliament rather than backroom negotiations.
Robert Lau of the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party questioned whether Mahathir would have held the same stand when the state handed over its oil and gas rights in 1976.
“Did this principle apply when then-Sarawak chief minister Abdul Rahman Yakub was pressured into signing a one-page letter in June 1976, effectively surrendering the state’s oil and gas rights to Petronas?” Lau said, according to The Borneo Post.
He said the finance minister at the time, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, was tasked with securing the signatures from the leaders of Sarawak and Sabah, offering a mere 5% royalty in return.
“This letter was never tabled in Parliament, and neither was it presented to the Sarawak legislative assembly or even approved by the Sarawak Cabinet,” Lau said.
Lau asked whether Mahathir would agree that the letter was illegitimate since it did not go through Parliament.
He also dismissed the former prime minister’s argument that Sarawak had gained substantially from being a part of Malaysia, and that it used to be a “very poor” state after “the British took all their money”.
Lau said the British colonial administration extracted wealth from Malaya, as Sarawak was not made a British colony until 1946. The state’s oil and gas resources had yet to be meaningfully developed at that point.
“The hundreds of billions (of ringgit) taken, and still being taken, out of Sarawak have not benefitted the British — they have overwhelmingly benefitted Malaya,” Lau added.
Mahathir had said in an interview with FMT that national policies in a federation must take precedence over state-specific demands. He also said Petronas must not be undermined by political pressure, stating his belief that there were other solutions that could also benefit Sarawak.
The Sarawak government has pushed for control over its oil and gas reserves, relying on pre-independence laws over the Petroleum Development Act 1974 which grants Petronas the exclusive rights to exploit oil and gas reserves.
Tensions have been escalating between Petronas and Sarawak-owned Petros in a licensing dispute, after the Petronas exploration subsidiary Petronas Carigali was accused by Sarawak of operating its Miri crude oil terminal without a state licence.
On Friday, the Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg had agreed to finalise key principles to support negotiations between Petronas and Petros.
Dialogue, not dispute: Putrajaya and Sarawak to resolve all outstanding Petronas and Petros issues, says PMO
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Putrajaya. — Picture via Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim
Saturday, 10 May 2025 9:10 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Putrajaya and the Sarawak state government have reached an agreement to settle all issues related to Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) through dialogue.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the agreement was reached during a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, which was also attended by Petronas’ and Petros’ top leadership at the Perdana Putra complex in Putrajaya.
“The Prime Minister and Sarawak Premier have agreed to settle in the near future the basic principles, as previously agreed, to facilitate the discussions between Petronas and Petros,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The PMO said the meeting took place amid a cordial and harmonious atmosphere based on the spirit of unity.
The move to reach the agreement, it said, is vital to ensure the great potential identified through the collaboration between Petronas and Petros can be explored thoroughly and implemented effectively.
“This includes expediting the commercial supply of energy to Asean member states,” it said.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister and the Sarawak Premier have agreed to resolve all issues that arose prior to this through dialogue. — Bernama
PM, Sarawak premier to announce decision on Petros-Petronas issue ‘when the time is right’, says state minister
Julaihi (3rd left) receives a souvenir from the Miri Land and Survey Department while (from left) State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin and Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Datuk Ismawi Ismunie look on. — The Borneo Post pic
Saturday, 10 May 2025 5:25 PM MYT
MIRI, May 10 — An official statement on the outcome of the Petros-Petronas discussions will be issued by both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg when the time is right, said Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
The state utility and telecommunications minister expressed confidence that the two leaders will reach a mutual agreement on the matter, including issues related to the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.
“They will come to an agreement and resolve issues concerning Petros and Petronas.
“Let the prime minister and premier decide — they have already met. I believe they will issue a joint statement. I believe that.
“I have no further comment until the time comes (for them to make the announcement),” he told reporters here today after representing the Premier at the 2025 Miri Madani Service Programme at the Miri Indoor Stadium today.
When asked about a leaked letter from his ministry regarding the DGO 2016 that has gone viral, Julaihi declined to comment directly.
However, he reaffirmed that under the DGO 2016, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is the officially appointed sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
“As for the rest, I do not wish to comment further. Let this issue be resolved by the Prime Minister and the Premier,” he said.
Earlier during the event, Julaihi clarified that the DGO 2016 pertains strictly to gas distribution and not oil.
“We are aware that the letter in question, which was circulated by the media, has turned this into a heated national issue.
“In truth, I cannot say much. The letter was issued by the Ministry (of Utility and Telecommunications) and used polite language and there was no intention of using harsh words,” he said.
Julaihi reiterated that both the prime minister and premier had already met to seek a consensus on the Petros-Petronas issue, which he believes includes the matter of gas distribution.
Media reports have claimed that the Sarawak government issued a letter of demand to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) over alleged non-compliance with Section 7(e) of the DGO 2016, specifically concerning the operation of a PCSB-owned facility at the Miri Crude Oil Terminal (MCOT). — The Borneo Post
Petronas fails to get stay over Sarawak’s suit to recover RM1.3b sales tax
5 years ago
Judicial Commissioner Christopher Chin sets March 13 for the case to be heard.
State legal counsel JC Fong (left) at the High Court in Kuching today.
KUCHING: The High Court here today rejected Petronas’ application to stay proceedings against the Sarawak government’s lawsuit to recover unpaid state sales tax from the national oil corporation.
Judicial Commissioner Christopher Chin also set March 13 to hear the case.
Petronas had applied for a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of its appeal against Chin’s decision not to recuse himself from hearing the case.
It claimed Chin would decide the case to favour the prime minister as his tenure as a judicial commissioner was temporary and subject to confirmation by the prime minister, who is also the person with ultimate control over Petronas.
However, Chin said to stay the proceedings would be a failing on his part to discharge his sworn duty as a judicial commissioner and an endorsement of a flaw in the system of confirmation of judicial commissioners.
He said it would also represent a fault in the constitutional provisions relating to the judicial institution.
“As my earlier decision not to recuse is based substantially on the protection of the institution of the judiciary, it must necessarily follow that I now refuse this stay application,” he said.
On Jan 1 last year, Sarawak imposed a 5% sales tax on Petronas’ petroleum products under the state’s Sales Tax Ordinance 1998.
However, Petronas failed to pay the tax amounting to RM1.3 billion, resulting in the state government’s legal action against it.
https://dayakdaily.com/kuching-high-court-orders-petronas-to-settle-rm1-3-bln-owed-to-sarawak-govt/#google_vignette (Kuching High Court orders Petronas to settle RM1.3 bln owed to Sarawak govt)
Petronas finalising agreement with Sarawak on sales tax with view to withdraw appeal
By Hafiz Yatim / theedgemarkets.com
23 Jun 2020, 09:55 am
PUTRAJAYA (June 23): Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has informed the Court of Appeal that it is finalising an agreement with the Sarawak government and the state's Comptroller of State Sales Tax with regard to the RM2 billion in sales tax sought by the state for last year.
This was informed to the appellate court via a letter yesterday.
As such, Petronas counsel Datuk Malik Imtiaz Sarwar informed the three-member bench that it sought a short adjournment of its appeal. The matter was fixed for mention today.
“This follows reasons as stated in the letter in paragraphs two and three,” he said, citing the letter to the court.
Sarawak counsel Datuk Seri JC Fong informed the court that the state was with the view of an undertaking of a withdrawal of the appeal (for judicial review).
Justice Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md Said then fixed Aug 3 for the next date.
The other judges on the panel were Justice P Ravinthran and Justice Datuk Abu Bakar Jais.
Ravinthran is a judge who hails from East Malaysia in the proceedings, following a requirement that appeals in the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court should have at least one judge from Sabah or Sarawak.
After the proceedings, Fong confirmed with reporters that Petronas is withdrawing the appeal for judicial review.
Malik told reporters that the national oil conglomerate is finalising the agreement and given the undertaking to withdraw the appeal before Aug 3. “This is pending the settlement being finalised and the internal processes [within Petronas] being fulfilled,” he told reporters.
He emphasised this case with regard to Petronas' judicial review while Sarawak's civil suit against Petronas has been fixed for case management on July 3 in Kuching.
Petronas is appealing before the appellate court with regard to the Kuching High Court decision on March 13, which dismissed its judicial review application to challenge the sales tax imposed by Sarawak.
Kuching High Court Justice Azhahari Kamal Ramli dismissed Petronas' judicial review on March 13, which eventually meant Sarawak was entitled to collect the sales tax under the Federal Constitution for the two states which joined Malaysia in 1963.
Petronas is seeking orders to quash notices of assessment for an amount of more than RM1.3 billion issued by Sarawak's Comptroller of State Sales Tax, and declarations that the Sarawak government is not entitled to impose state sales tax (SST) on petroleum products.
The company is seeking, among others, a declaration of certain sections of the notices as ultra vires to the Federal Constitution and null and void, and also an order of certiorari that the notices dated Aug 28, 2019, Oct 7, 2019, and Nov 13, 2019 issued to Petronas to be quashed.
Sarawak imposed a 5% sales tax on petroleum products on Jan 1 last year under the state’s Sales Tax Ordinance 2018.
Following the High Court decision, Petronas filed the appeal which was scheduled to be heard today.
However, on May 8, the Sarawak state government and Petronas issued a joint statement that the national oil company had agreed to pay in full the petroleum product sales tax imposed by Sarawak for the year 2019, which was in excess of RM2 billion, or 5% of the products’ sales value.
The joint statement stated that Petronas would retract its appeal against the Kuching High Court decision that sought a declaration that the SST imposed by the Sarawak government is null and void.
In return, the Sarawak state government would drop all claims in its civil case against Petronas for the payment of petroleum product sales tax.
The parties also agreed that future petroleum product sales tax would be lower and staggered based on future negotiations under the State Sales Tax (Taxable Goods and Rate of Tax) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2018.
“The Sarawak state government also agreed that the sales tax will be limited to petroleum products stipulated under Order 2018,” the statement read.
On June 10, the settlement was in doubt when Sarawak Consultative Committee on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) chairman Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said that Petronas had yet to pay the sales tax that was due to the state and instead filed an appeal over the matter in the Court of Appeal.
Mohd Asfia, also the Sarawak state legislative assembly speaker, said the Sarawak state government would continue its civil case against Petronas if no decision is reached through negotiations with the company.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg reportedly said on June 12 that Petronas would withdraw its appeal.
Besides Sarawak, it was reported that the Sabah state government had implemented a 5% sales tax on all petroleum products in the state with effect from March as its Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal revealed.
No comments:
Post a Comment