Encouraging developments in Sabah's commitment to clean governance
I was delighted to read the recent article in Focus Malaysia titled ' GRS-ruled Sabah State Government Puts Public Trust First as Graft-Buster MACC Acts ' (published June 20, 2025).
The report fills me with hope that my concerns regarding the Land and Survey Department (LJS), the Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB), and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) may finally be addressed.
The article highlights Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's commitment to clean governance and strengthening integrity among government members and public servants.
This is truly heartening, and I look forward to seeing how the Integrity Department will respond to my complaints about DBKK's lack of response to multiple emails I sent since 2022.
It is also reassuring to read that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition upholds the rule of law without shielding anyone from scrutiny.
I hope this extends to investigating LPPB's non-response to my emails and the unclear delays by LJS in sharing the results of the spot level survey conducted in June 2023, pending approval from an unspecified 'authority'.
Additionally, I urge a review of how DBKK issued the occupancy certificate for the Vistana Heights project based on allegedly falsified as-built survey and development plans.
The article's emphasis on due process and the courts delivering justice is commendable.
However, I wonder if ordinary citizens should have to resort to legal action to address such issues, potentially tarnishing the government's reputation due to the actions of a few.
The state's cooperation with enforcement agencies and its focus on accountability are promising steps.
As the article notes, 'The strength of GRS lies not in avoiding challenges but in responding to them with principle, clarity, and purpose.'
I couldn't agree more and hope this signals a new era of transparency and responsiveness in Sabah's governance.
Thank you for highlighting these developments. ‒ June 23, 2025
Luqman Michel
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The views expressed are solely of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Amazing Borneo Tours
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (Aug 1, 2025)
Malaysia: * Media a vital bridge of information between police and public, says IGP * Penang defers implementation of new water tariffs to July 2026 * Children accused of crime must be treated with dignity, says Suhakam * US cuts Malaysia tariff to 19% from 25% * 'Governor's family not involved in student's death' * Malaysia factory slump eases as July PMI hits five-month high * Four teens nabbed for allegedly beating up classmate in Kajang mall * Malaysian pharmaceuticals, semiconductors exempt from US tariffs, minister says * Reduction of US tariff rate to 19% a significant achievement, says Zafrul * Kuching Waterfront set to be longest riverfront nationwide * Unemployed man charged with raping former sister-in-law in Cheras * Man who stabbed cop in KL tests positive for dugs * Ten police officers nabbed by MACC to face disciplinary action, says Bukit Aman * CAAM-Mavcom rationalisation in effect, Mohd Sharil is new chairman, says Transport Ministry * Minimum wage extended to contract apprentices as amended law takes effect, says HR Ministry * Teen pregnancies still an issue in Sabah due to poor sex education, says state assistant minister East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta delivers his speech at the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) Secretariat in Jakarta on August 1, 2025. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP Singapore: * Man accused of raping Singaporean woman who hired him to fix lights in her flat claims she made first move * Three Singaporean men charged over living on the earnings of prostitution * Tanjong Katong sinkhole: Singapore says affected road will open progressively to motorists from noon on Aug 2 * Singapore's 2024 MRT breakdown could have been prevented with better coordination: SMRT CEO * HK actor Raymond Lam and family kick off their summer vacation in Singapore * Mariah Carey to stage shows in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan * Asia: Stocks struggle as Trump unveils new tariff sweep * S'pore cop among trio held over illegal exit attempt * US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time * Singapore's OCBC sees lower 2025 net interest income, Q2 profit matches forecasts Indonesia: * A treat for Nusantara music fans - Indonesian star Pamungkas and local boys Fugo join in the fun for Panggung Purnama concert on Sept 28 * World economies reel from Trump's tariffs punch, but most South-East Asian countries rejoice thanks to kinder rates * Indonesian President Prabowo pardons political opponents * RM2mil drug haul: Syndicate smuggling to Indonesia busted * Farmer charged with trafficking six Indonesians into country * Prabowo's political rivals among over 1,000 granted clemency * Paradise beaches sit empty as Indonesia bets on saturated Bali * Oil steadies as concerns about tariff impacts vie with Russian supply threats Foreign military attaches from major powers and Asean member countries, along with diplomats from 23 countries and Thai military personnel, visit a shelter in Sisaket province following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, where displaced people have been staying since July 24, in Sisaket province, Thailand, August 1, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa Thailand: * Thailand seeks neutral venue for border talks with Cambodia; Malaysia seems to be best venue * Thailand welcomes 19% US tariff as 'major success' * Trump sets 19% tariff on Thailand, Cambodia after peace deal' * Court to rule on Thaksin's hospitalisation jail dodge * Trump's tariffs send Asian FX markets reeling, won leads losses * New US tariffs draw regional reactions across Asia-Pacific * Trump's call broke deadlock in Thailand-Cambodia border crisis Philippines: * World Bank to provide US$700mil loan to boost Philippines' resilience to natural disasters * Philippines national nabbed at Kota Kinabalu airport with fake travel passes * Philippines' Marcos eyes India trade, defence in talks with Modi * Philippines records 10.5bil pesos infrastructure damage due to south-west monsoon, cyclones with death toll at 37 * Asian currencies fall to two-month low as tariff deadline nears * On World Day Against Trafficking, UN sounds alarm on scam centre surge China's swimmer Peng Xuwei dives as she competes in a semi-final of the women's 200m backstroke swimming event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Friday, August 1, 2025. -- Photo by François-Xavier MARIT / AFP Vietnam: * Weather havoc in Vietnam - Flash floods kill three in mountainous north, nine more people missing * Vietnamese PM calls for completion of 3,000 km of expressways by end-2025 * Flooding leaves 14 dead, missing in Vietnam's Dien Bien * Vietnamese lychees attract global buyers * Asia's factory activity worsens as US trade uncertainty bites * Countries with no trade deal will hear from US by midnight, White House says Myanmar: * Myanmar enforces Cybersecurity Law, targeting unauthorised online gambling and VPN services * Myanmar imposes martial law in 63 townships following state of emergency declaration * US tariff set to shift Indochina economic balance with Myanmar and Laos worst hit * Japan says 'seriously concerned' about Myanmar elections without release of those detained * Conflict-ridden Myanmar to vote A crew disembarks the Indian Navy ship guided-missile destroyer, INS Delhi, that is docked at Manila's port, Philippines, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Cambodia: * Cambodia to nominate Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, says deputy PM * Thailand returns two wounded soldiers to Cambodia but continues to hold 18 of their comrades * Cambodia says the country had agreed to talks in Malaysia at Thailland's request * Cambodia deputy PM says 19% US tariff rate averts collapse of its garments manufacturing sector * Hun Manet urges troop release as ceasefire holds Laos: * Russia, Laos sign seven documents, including a roadmap for nuclear cooperation * US tariff set to shift Indochina economic balance with Myanmar and Laos worst hit * Laos launches digital ID system Brunei: * Brunei announces enforcement on abuse of dominant positions * Brunei lion dance team heads to Kuala Lumpur for international debut * Brunei enforces key provisions of the Competition Act Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith applause during a ceremony of exchange of documents following their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia. -- AP AseanPlus: * Penang chosen as filming spot for Miss HK Pageant 2025, joined by TVB stars Benjamin Yuen & Moon Lau * Save my baby: Mother gives up baby girl while being nabbed during immigration raid in Tawau * What's it like to scale the highest active volcano in South-East Asia * Immigration nabs dozens of foreigners in raids on Pontian nightclubs * Actress Eleanor Lee wins lawsuit against former assistant who doctored her audio recording * Captain of Turkish yacht found safe after 40-hour ordeal at sea * Forget dating apps: More young Malaysians go back to face-to-face interactions * Beijing officials admit 'gaps' in readiness after rains kill dozens * Man's naked body found surrounded by sex toys in Hong Kong flat * China prepares to unseat US in fight for AI market * Hong Kong police arrest 82 triad suspects, seize assets worth HK$15 million * The cultural lore and hidden gems in 'KPop Demon Hunters' * Trump says tariffs talks with China 'moving along well' * Landslide-prone Nepal tests AI-powered warning system * Australian minister says US tariffs to remain at 10% * Hong Kong GDP expands 3.1%, faster than forecast * Japanese woman with child injured in subway station attack in China, says Tokyo embassy * Ancient 'lamp shells' practised social distancing, fossil find in China reveals * Renewable energy on fast lane amid China's green transition * Nvidia says no 'backdoors' in chips as China questions security * Chinese warships arrive in Russia for joint Pacific naval exercise * Did a lab of AI 'scientists' design a possible Covid-19 treatment? * Taiwan to seek lower tariff after Trump's 'temporary' 20% levy * China's manufacturing activity shrinks as exports drag, S&P PMI shows * Trump sets 10% to 41% 'reciprocal' tariffs on dozens of countries' exports * Toddler survives deadly encounter with cobra by biting its head off * Japan plans another record hike in minimum wage, Kyodo News says * Woman, 35, to deny making false statement to secure Hong Kong study permit * China, HK stocks book steepest weekly losses since April on soft data, Trump tariffs * Hulk Hogan's racist sex tape influenced estranged daughter Brooke to remove herself from will * China courier puts sick daughter in delivery box at work to save on childcare * Will China win renewables race while US pivots to fossil fuels and nuclear? * Wu Yiquan: The Chinese AI researcher scoring big on the basketball court * South Korea says it has no written pact on US trade deal * South Korean restaurant owner puts pet dog inside fridge to prevent animal from overheating * US President Trump hits dozens of countries' goods with steep tariffs; Canada, Brazil and India among worst hit * Heat fuels China's booming night-time tourism - As sweltering heat waves sweep across China, a recent tourist trend has emerged * South Korea's former President strongly resists special counsel's attempt to arrest him for questioning * South Korea's ex-leader Yoon lay on floor of cell and refused to be questioned, prosecutors say / New arrest warrant for Yoon over missed summons
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
DBKK proposes rebuilding historic community hall after fire
Sabin KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will propose rebuilding the fire-ravaged Kota Kinabalu Community Hall to the state government, rejecting demolition plans for the historic site. Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah confirmed the blaze destroyed over 50 per cent of the structure, gutting its wooden roof, walls, and fittings. Concrete elements, however, remain intact. 'We have no plans to demolish it. Preserving the original form is an option we will propose,' Sabin stated at the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign launch today. He added that external landscaping may be upgraded for aesthetic appeal. The fire, which erupted late Sunday night, consumed much of the 1958 post-World War II landmark. A full investigation by the Fire and Rescue Services Department is underway to determine its cause. Findings will guide the restoration proposal to the state cabinet. Parti Bersatu Sabah Api-Api information chief Yee Tsai Yiew, has expressed her full support for Kota Kinabalu City Hall's decision to restore the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall, a site that holds more than six decades of Sabah's cultural and historical heritage. Yee underscored the importance of ensuring that the restoration process respects the hall's irreplaceable cultural significance while complying with updated safety and legal standards. 'As a significant centre for cultural and historical events in the state, the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall is not only a city landmark, but also a witness to Sabah's social transformation over the decades,' she said in a statement today. She noted that the hall is officially designated as a Cultural Heritage Conservation Site under the Sabah Cultural Heritage Conservation Enactment 1997, which grants it legal protection due to its historical value. The building suffered major damage from a fire, prompting widespread concern from the public. In response, Yee, who also serves as the Special Officer to the Chief Minister urged the authorities to immediately launch a comprehensive evaluation aimed at restoring the hall to its original design, in accordance with the framework established under heritage conservation laws. She also emphasized the need for thorough structural safety assessments and hazardous materials testing to protect the health and well-being of both the public and the restoration workforce. In addition, she proposed that Kota Kinabalu City Hall consider relocating the recycling centre currently adjacent to the community hall to ensure a safer and more conducive environment for the area moving forward. Former chief minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee has also called for the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall to be restored to its original design and structure with upgrading only to its toilets and cafe facilities in order to preserve its heritage status and culturally historic value. The hall, opened by British North Borneo Governor Sir Roland Turnbull, symbolizes post-war reconstruction and has hosted civic, political, and cultural events for decades. Gazetted as a Cultural Heritage Conservation site under the Sabah Cultural Heritage Conservation Enactment 1997, the hall remains legally protected.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MACC steps up anti-graft drive under 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will enhance its operational capabilities, including forensic investigations and asset recovery, as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption following the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the emphasis on governance, integrity, and accountability in the 13MP aligns with the agency's commitment to tackling corruption and abuse of power in a more comprehensive manner. "The MACC will continue to intensify efforts to combat corruption, leakages, and abuse of power by boosting operational capacity, forensic investigations, asset recovery, and preventive measures. "Focus will also be placed on integrity education among the public to instil a lasting culture of integrity," he said in a statement today. Azam said the main goal is to produce a society that is principled and resilient in rejecting corruption. "The MACC understands the people's expectations and will carry out this trust to the best of its ability to make Malaysia corruption-free and to strengthen the nation's economy. "The MACC also stands firmly with the government and the people in realising the aspirations of the 13MP, to ensure the country's socio-economic development remains sustainable and benefits the people fairly and equitably." Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will focus on ensuring transparent, agile and decisive service delivery from civil servants. He said this would be achieved through reforms centred on institutionalising an efficient and effective government, delivering people-centric services, strengthening fiscal resilience, and ensuring impactful spending on targeted groups. "Integrity and accountability must be embedded across the board — not only among civil servants or enforcement agencies, but also across all sectors, including the private sector, statutory bodies, GLCs, GLICs, and civil society organisations. "The Madani government is committed to strengthening the governance ecosystem through legal and institutional reforms, including in Parliament," he said when tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat.
