TYT calls on Sarawak local universities to establish law faculty
KUCHING (July 30): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar proposed the establishment of a law faculty in Sarawak's local universities to cultivate a new generation of professionals well-versed in the state's unique legal landscape.
The proposal was shared during a courtesy call by the Sarawak Students Association in United Kingdom at the Astana Negeri in Petra Jaya yesterday.
Also present was Wan Junaidi's wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
In a Facebook post after the visit, Wan Junaidi emphasised that Sarawak's distinctive legal framework, including native customary rights (NCR) to land, requires practitioners who understand its intricacies.
He expressed hope that a locally-rooted law faculty would produce legal experts who are not only academically trained but also deeply familiar with Sarawak's constitutional and legislative context.
He also highlighted the importance of grasping key national documents such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Federal Constitution, and the Sarawak State Constitution, alongside the responsibilities of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
He urged the students, particularly those pursuing legal training, to seek hands-on exposure through court visits and to avoid shortcuts in building their careers.
He encouraged students to return home after their studies and contribute towards Sarawak's development, echoing the state government's commitment to creating job opportunities and nurturing homegrown talent.
Both Wan Junaidi and Fauziah conveyed their appreciation for the students' visit and extended well-wishes for their future success. law faculty lead local universities Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
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Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Master-servant attitude towards Borneo Bloc must go
Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: 'The Master is here. Master is not there.' With these words, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Hj Noor stirred up the mood for election 'battle' in his closing speech at the PGRS Congress in Kota Kinabalu recently. The few thousand-strong crowd comprising PGRS members from all over Sabah, went wild upon hearing these words. Some applauded non-stop. Some shouted enthusiastically and uncontrollably, cementing their support for Hajiji who also chairs Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) the 8-component coalition spearheaded by PGRS. Advertisement But what did Hajiji who is also Sabah Chief Minister mean? He was obviously referring to what a former national leader said to him when the question of Borneo Bloc was brought up soon after the last election and before the next Federal Government was installed. Towards the 2020 election, Sabah was working on a closer political relationship with East Malaysian neighbour Sarawak, then referred to as the Borneo Bloc which Sarawak was also keen. It is basically a unity between Sabah and Sarawak so that East Malaysia could speak with a louder voice when dealing with Kuala Lumpur including asking for more Parliamentary seats and what was promised in the Malaysia Agreement or now popularly known as MA63. 1963, the year Malaysia was formed. As former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok once pointed out, Sabah did not join Malaysia. Instead, Sabah helped form Malaysia. Without Sabah and Sarawak, there is no Malaysia. Advertisement But it seems that during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with the then Federal leader, he was obviously not pleased with Sabah trying to push the Borneo Bloc idea. 'I don't want to hear about you mentioning Borneo Bloc again,' he stated, adding that 'the Master is here'; meaning Kuala Lumpur and not East Malaysia called the shots. When the national leader uttered these words, Hajiji was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. Dr Jeffrey is DCM and president of Star while Masidi is Finance Minister and PGRS deputy president. Jeffery is also GRS deputy chairman while Masidi is GRS Secretary-General. Needless to say, the Sabah leaders were taken aback by what the federal leader said and from then on were waiting for a chance to get even. That chance came when PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was chosen by the King to become Prime Minister after the 2022 national election. Within days of Anwar having been sworn-in, Hajiji declared his support for Anwar through a phone call followed by a visit to Putrajaya. GRS was following the footsteps by Sarawak's GPS who made he move about a day earlier. So, to the former national leader who said 'Master is here', it's 'Bye Bye Gaman' as the Kadazans in Sabah would say. Revenge finally came. To the best of my memory, the leader never said such things to our Sarawak counterpart, the Premier (then still CM), Why? Because of the number of government MPs that Sarawak had, then and now. GPS has about two dozen MPs, a number that KL could not ignore for otherwise the federal government would be asking for trouble. Apart from that, it has solid control of their State Assembly seats, almost sweeping all 82 seats in the last State election. In the case of Sabah, the former federal leader dares to bully us just because we have fewer MP and State seats and was less a threat to KL compared to Sarawak. So the moral of the story here is – Sabahans, wake up and be united. Back GRS in the forthcoming State election to send a strong message to KL. We don't want to be bullied again. Once is enough. Once bitten, twice shy. Granted, GRS may team up with PH as rumoured. But never mind. As long as GRS calls the shot and contest the majority of the 73 seats. PH has hinted that they would be happy with 23 seats. That gives GRS 50 seats. Fair enough. After all, the magic number needed is form the State government with a simple majority is only 38. I don't believe that GRS on its own cannot win 38 seats and together with PH cannot win at least 50 seats. This is a conservative calculation in order not to be seen as arrogant. It is an open secret that a few of the GRS component parties are not happy if the coalition doesn't go 'Solo' in the election. Those who are unhappy should not forget that the present State government is a GRS+ one. The + referred to is PH whereby both PKR and DAP have a Minister and an Assistant Minister each. Those who keep on pushing for 'Solo' should not forget that Hajiji is still CM and GRS is still government due to PH's help in 2023. Without PH, they would be in the opposition now. It could have been a BN+Warisan+PH State government since 2023. But PH in early 2023 chose Hajiji and GRS instead. Partly thanks to a Warisan leader who after the 2020 State election declared publicly that 'Now no ore Warisan Plus, only Warisan Minus'. Also, partly due to the fact that by early 2023 Sabah PH leaders has seen Hajiji's capability and sincerity in wanting to develop Sabah and make it a progressive State. A good example is the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative launched by Hajiji within less than a year of his administration. Through the mass media, Sabahans have seen what the SMJ has done for them including increased scholarships and more free houses for the poor. Only 2 examples. By the way, the Sabah PH leaders were not blind or deaf. Soon after the failed coup in early 2023, PM Anwar flew into KK. He affirmed his support for Hajiji to continue to be the CM and asked his nemesis to leave him alone. 'If you want to fight, wait for the election. But for now, let Hajiji do his job,' he had said then. What does that tell us? Whom did Anwar want as CM? There were two main characters or plotters in the failed coup. Did Anwar name them as the new CM? Anwar had then described Hajiji's success in defending his CM seat as due to 'Silat Moves'. Anwar did not say what the Silat Moves were but I suppose that included the inclusion of his PKR Assemblyman as a Minister plus an Assistant Minister. Also, the inclusion of a DAP Assemblyman as Minister and another as Assistant Minister. Both PKR and DAP are the main pillars of the national ruling coalition PH. At a function in Hajiji's native Tuaran early this year, Anwar once again praised Hajiji. As I was saying, Hajiji survived the coup partly due to PH's rescue. Would he then be so unappreciative? What kind of a human would be if so forgetful? The least he could do now is to show some appreciation to PH. After all, Anwar is the chairman of PH and PKR is his own party. What kind of a politician would ignore this fact? Granted, if PH doesn't want to work with GRS, then what to do lah. But there is no indication that PH doesn't want to work with GRS. In fact, after Hajiji's speech or statement at SICC recently, Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud expressed gratitude to Hajiji for choosing to work with PH. He even described it as 'Good News' for Sabahans. But things are not as simple as it seems. It is an open secret that from Day 1, Anwar would prefer a PH-GRS-BN coalition. He is just trying to show Malaysians including the Opposition (PN) that his Madani or Unity Government works. In fact, a Unity Government involving all major parties was what the former Agong (the present Pahang Sultan) wanted after the 2022 election. But someone disagreed, arguing that his party had the numbers or majority. This someone refused to sign (agree) and left the Istana Negara abruptly. That someone's 'loss' was Anwar's 'gain' as the King then invited him to form the government, inviting as many parties as possible, which Anwar did. In accordance with the King's advice, Anwar even invited BN to join the government. That was despite Umno's pre-election stand (2022) of 'No Anwar, No DAP'. This then. Ladies and gentlemen, is politics. No wonder they say that politics is the art of the possible and Anwar did it beautifully. No permanent enemy and no permanent friends. But in the case of Sabah, the situation is slightly different. Anwar cannot and must not force Hajiji to accept Umno. I mean, Umno almost 'dethroned' him in 2023. Hajiji is a human being with feelings. What do you take him for? A fool or someone you can 'Gertak'? Hajiji is a veteran politician who has been a YB since 1990. For the first few years, he was an Opposition YB. You can't 'Gertak' him. If it's just PGRS alone, it would be easier for Hajiji to make the decision for he is party president. But we are talking about a 8-component coalition here and to get everybody to agree is easier said than done – not with people like Pandikar, Yong and Jeffrey around. Imagine there are 8 family members, sure got quarrel one. From Day One, the trio (Pandikar, Jeffrey, Yong) have been known to prefer GRS going solo and they did not hide this fact. In fact, Pandikar once even threatened to take his Usno out of GRS if fellow component parties continued to belittle his party. Once again, the seasoned Hajiji came to the rescue and sorted things out to Pandikar's satisfaction. When asked by reporters after the PGRS Congress opening, Hajiji said GRS would work with PH in the coming election. To further questions from the Press, Hajiji said the coalition leaders had agreed, verbally at least. Then the next day, a national English tabloid reported that not all leaders of component parties had agreed with GRS working with PH. A component party leader also gave a statement to the tabloid the following day that the matter has yet to be officially discussed in a GRS supreme council meeting. But he was merely clarifying. I don't think he had any other motive. A couple of days after, the PBS political bureau led by acting party president Datuk Seri Panglima Joachim Gunsalam paid a courtesy call on CM Hajiji. The PBS secretary general later issued a statement saying that the party had no problem with GRS working with PH. Another couple of days later, Usno president Pandikar issued a statement saying the same thing – that Usno had no problem with GRS cooperating with PH. Something completely unexpected. Obviously this was an 'About Turn' on the part of Pandikar who has since Day One been vocal in wanting GRS to go solo in the election. But what makes it 'intriguing' is that Pandikar explained that he was merely amplifying the voice Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in wanting GRS to go solo. Why the need to mention or implicate Jeffrey? I don't understand. It can mean a lot of things which only Pandikar can explain, if he cares to. So far (since the PGRS Congress), Jeffrey had kept quiet, at the time of my writing at least. I can't wait to hear what he has to say about this. For someone who was detained under the ISA for more than two years, we don't know what is in his mind now. We just have to wait. Anything can happen between now and dissolution of the Assembly or Nomination Day. Politics is the art of the possible. It's part of the game and excitement. But in the meantime Star deputy president Datuk Kenny Chua has issued a statement saying the preference for GRS to go Solo. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to interpret Chua's statement and the statement of the PBS secretary-general earlier. In the meantime too, another 'player' of the pro-solo trio, Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee too has not said much; apart from 'confirming' the national paper's report that the GRS supreme council has not discussed the matter officially. All this, to me, is very intriguing. I hope it's not a sign that all is not well within GRS. With election approaching, any coalition, GRS included, can ill-afford to have internal problems. No matter how many times they deny it, it is an open secret that the Sabah Umno head is not in good terms with his No.2. His deputy, related to Hajiji, is holding the chairmanship of an important GLC involved in oil and gas. Earlier this year, the deputy, Datuk Rahman Dahlan invited Hajiji to attend the AGM of his Tuaran Umno Division which Hajiji accepted. Hajiji is after all a former head of the Tuaran Umno Division. Rahman invited Hajiji despite knowing that his party boss Bung Moktar would not be happy. Bung did not attend, citing excuses. The AGM was officiated by Umno president and DPM Datuk Ahmad Zahid. In his speech, Zahid said he was advised by certain people to not attend as Hajiji would be there. Zahid said 'If you (Bung) have any differences with anyone (Hajiji), that's your problem. I chose to attend because everybody is a friend.' Indeed, Zahid had displayed true sportsmanship. Salute. Hallmark of a good leader. But still, the hurt caused by Sabah Umno (Bung) is too deep to be forgiven. I mean, had the coup succeeded, then what? Be fair to Hajiji. He is also human. I appreciate Zahid's gesture though. Coming back to the KL 'Taiko' who said: 'Master is here' and said he did not want to hear about Borneo Bloc again, Hajiji did not mention any name. He just said a former national or federal leader, without naming him. But PN chairman and former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, speaking in Tawau, recently hinted that it was him, But, as expected, denied what Hajiji said. In the first place, nobody mentioned his name. Guilty conscience? Politicians. The Bersatu president was in a series of roadshows in Sabah for his party and PN in general. He had recently been to Sandakan, accompanied by his deputy party president who is also the Opposition Leader in Parliament. The theme of the PN roadshow is 'Kasih Bagus Sabah' or Repair Sabah. What is there to repair? Sabah has won accolade after accolade recently for its fiscal and economic performance. Kasih Bagus Sabah? One of the PN speakers during their roadshow is former Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. When Saifuddin was Foreign Minister under the PN/Bersatu government, he cut short the appointment of Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the first Sabahan to be Malaysia's Resident Ambassador to the Vatican or Holy See in Rome. Saifuddin did not even have the courtesy to inform Dompok, a Kadazan and a Catholic, personally or let him finish his term. Repair Sabah? An insult to Sabahans/Kadazans/Christians. I hate to think what would happen to Sabahans if, by a stroke of luck, PN/Bersatu becomes the State government, Kasih bagus or Kasih Rosak? Rumah kita, Kita Jaga. Concluding, Hajiji once again stirred up the battle mood at the Congress by saying the following: 'Ini masa dan ketikanya. Ini lah detik dan waktunya. (The time has come. Now is the time) 'Kerana kalau bukan sekarang, bila lagi? (If not now, then when?) 'Kalau bukan kita, siapa lagi? (If not us, then who else?) 'Ini kali lah! (Now is the time) 'Sabah Tanahair Ku! (Sabah, my homeland) 'Master is here, Master is not there!'. The crowd went wild. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Reviewing laws to ensure Sabah is not left behind
Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: Members of the newly-set up Council with Hajiji (centre). WHY Hajiji formed Sabah Law Reform Council? CM Datuk Seri Hajiji is the first CM to initiate the formation of Sabah Law Reform Council. A comprehensive law reform for Sabah is long overdue. All well managed countries undertake law reforms and updates to stay relevant, effective, just and economically competitive especially in the rapidly changing environment of AI/high tech and turbulent global economy. The focus of this article will be on economic factors relevant to Sabah. Advertisement Restructuring and turning around Sabah's 40 years of stunted economic growth, by itself, has been a super complex and difficult task for Hajiji since Oct 2020. No one can or will be able to turn around the economy within a short time. Those who claim they can, are not telling the truth. The challenge to restructure Sabah's economy is made much more difficult by Sabah's many outdated and inappropriate laws. It is fortunate for Sabah that Hajiji has the foresight to form the Sabah Law Reform Council to look into, inter-alia: [1] Sabah has many laws that are antiquated and obsolete, some from far back to the British Chartered Company and the British Colonial Government. Many of these laws have become hindrance to Sabah's economic development. Advertisement [2] Identifying these out-dated laws will be an erroneous task. [3] Sabah has very few laws for Sabah to facilitate progress in the 21st century. [4] Sabah needs some new laws urgently. Example 1: Hajiji's most important economic initiative for Sabah is the Blue Economy. It will require considerable legal brains to produce new laws/regulations to implement it. Example 2: Sabah does not have a holistic Agriculture Enactment to facilitate the development of agriculture. Example 3: Sabah needs new laws to establish new sources of revenues. [5] Sabah must use the best legal brains on matters pertaining to Sabah's constitutional rights. [i] The complex Sabah/Federal relationship, especially Sabah rights under MA63 and their never-ending procrastinations in implementations [40% revenue]. [ii] Sabah's rights as 1/3 partner in Malaysia, on matters pertaining to the protection of Sabah interests in federal policy decisions and their implementations. [iii] Review and monitor laws already passed or to be passed by Parliament that affect Sabah's interest like TSA 2012 [Territorial Sea Act 2012]. [vi] Ensure that Sabah's interest is not left out in all Federal Laws, present and future. 2. The Sabah Law Reform Council is non-political. Its member are highly respected Lawyers. Most wise. Hajiji's first pre-requisite was that The Sabah Law Reform Council should be non-political and free from political interference. Reforming Sabah's laws is hard work by professionals, not a political game for politicians. The formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is the collaborative efforts of Tan Sri David Wong and SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council] under the guidance/supervision of AG Datuk Brenndon Soh. It is highly significant and profound that Hajiji has appointed Tan Sri David Wong as the founding chairman of the Sabah Law Reform Council. He is eminently qualified. He has years of experience in private practice, then joined the bench and elevated to be Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak from July 2018 to February 2020. His career in private practice and the bench will give valuable leadership and perspective for the Sabah Law Reform Council. The council members are [1] Datuk Daniel Tan, [2] Datuk John Sikayun, [3] Dr. David Fung, [4] Datuk Roger Chin and [5] Shakinur Ain Karama. All five are highly respected senior Sabahan lawyers, non-political and Sabahans through and through. Tan Sri David is also the founding Chairman of BICAM [Borneo International Centre for Arbitrations and Mediations] which will play a key role in the development of KK as a regional commercial hub. The Sabah Law Reform Council and AG Brenndon will form a formidable team of legal experts. It has already got on to a flying start. They have already completed an important amendment of the Land Ordinance with the inclusion of 'indefeasibility of title' under the Torrent system. The Dun has passed this amendment in its sitting in April 2025. 3. Hajiji is First CM to Implement 'Open Government' by Seeking Advisories from Professionals, Young Sabahans and Private Sectors Stakeholders. Never done before by any CM. Hajiji formed SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council, SYBIL [Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders] and SPC [Sabah Professional Council]. SYBIL has been contributing policy inputs and encouragement/assistance to young Sabahan returnees from overseas. Sabah has 5000+ Sabahan professionals. For 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy, Masidi has instructed all GLCs to engage Sabah-based accountants for their financial service requirements. JTU will only accept survey submissions from Sabah based surveyors. Significantly, Hajiji has asked DSP Lim Haw Kuang for advice on oil and gas which has since become a major industry. Lim Haw Kuang is also advisor to SMJ Energy which is very profitable and has become a RM5 billion GLC within 3 years. 4. The Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council Will Enhance Investors' Confidence in Sabah. One of the most crucial aspects that investors look for are functioning legal system and transparent governance. The fact that Hajiji has initiated the formation of this council is an important positive message for investors. With the appointment of Tan Sri David as the Chairman and his highly respected council members by Hajiji can only reinforce investors' confidence further. 5. Hajiji's Formation of Sabah Law Reform Council is a Continuation of His Policy of 'Open Government'. Formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is a major milestone in Hajiji's open government policy. In our 'Westminster' style of parliamentary system, the rule of law is paramount. Updating and reforming our laws should therefore be of utmost priority. The work by Sabah Law Reform Council will create enormous beneficial impacts for future generations of Sabahans. 6. Why is Hajiji's 'Open Government' important? Hajiji's initiative to form SEAC, SYBIL, SPC and now Sabah Law Reformation Council is a very important aspect of 'open government'. Here are some reasons: [1] Previous governments have practised 'closed government' or 'top-down government. No or little avenue for non-politicians, professionals and young Sabahans to contribute to decision making. 'Closed government' belongs to the old era, grossly outdated. 'Closed door' produce 'in-breeding'. Very unhealthy. [2] Hajiji's 'open government' gives opportunities for outstanding Sabahan professionals [like Lim Haw Kuang in oil and gas and SDB, David Wong, members of SLRC in law reform, James Wong in nurturing young business leaders] to contribute ideas and management expertise for the betterment of Sabah. [3] Hajiji's 'open government' will attract many more highly qualify, perfectly capable Sabahans within Sabah, in W Malaysia, Singapore and overseas to volunteer their time and ideas. [4] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote 'inclusivity' in policy decisions and their implementations. [5] Hajiji's 'open government' will improve quality of policy outputs. [6] Hajiji's 'open government' has improved governance and management of GLCs/ agencies like SMJ Energy, ECoS, SDB and Sabah Credit Corporation. [7] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote transparency, best practices in governance and prevent financial and resource leakages. [8] Hajiji's 'open government' is the best and quickest way to pass on the benefits of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy to Sabahans. 7. Hajiji's Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council is an act of statesmanship in furtherance of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy objectives for the benefits of Sabahans. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Police probe man flying Jalur Gemilang upside down in Kepala Batas
KEPALA BATAS: Police have launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing a man holding the Jalur Gemilang upside down outside a shop in this northern Penang district. The 21-second clip, which went viral on social media, depicts two individuals at a hardware store with the national flag displayed incorrectly while being recorded. Seberang Perai Utara district police chief ACP Anuar Abd Rahman confirmed receiving a report from a complainant who spotted the footage on Facebook at 12.30 pm yesterday. 'The complainant suspected the incident occurred in Kepala Batas and subsequently filed a report at the local police station,' Anuar said in an official statement. Authorities are probing the case under three separate laws - Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988. Investigators have begun recording statements from both the complainant and the suspect involved in the controversial incident. The video has drawn widespread criticism from social media users, with several NGOs and political figures condemning the act. Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican joined those lodging police reports, stressing the importance of safeguarding national symbols. 'Malaysia has existing laws to protect the dignity of our national emblems,' Reezal Merican stated. 'Proper investigations and appropriate action must be taken to prevent such disrespectful incidents from happening again.' The police have not disclosed further details about the suspects or potential motives behind the flag incident as investigations continue. – Bernama
