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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Sabah UMNO's identity crisis and the cost of being an easily-swayed political ‘lalang'
SABAH UMNO wants Sabahans to believe that it has always been a 'local boy', has deep roots in the Bornean soil and that its leaders are true sons of the land. This is certainly a bold move from a party long seen as an extension of peninsula politics, especially by those who still remember how the phrase 'Sabah for Sabahans' was once dismissed as insular, unpatriotic or even divisive. But politics – like the jungle wind – often blows in new directions; for Sabah UMNO at this very moment, the breeze seems to be blowing towards survival at any cost. Embracing the slogan it once mocked In a recent statement, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, UMNO's war room strategist and supreme council member, remarked hat UMNO should not be viewed solely as a Peninsula-based party. 'UMNO in Sabah is no longer a Malayan party. When a party has existed for 34 to 35 years in the state, it is no longer accurate to call it a Parti Malaya. Its leadership today is made up entirely of local Sabahans,' he enthused. This is a striking change in tone as once upon a time, Sabah UMNO was viewed as the regional arm of a national powerhouse. Its central leadership in Kuala Lumpur called the shots while state leaders – even senior ones – were often expected to toe the line. But as UMNO's influence continues to wane across Malaysia, the Sabah chapter seems to be scrambling to find a new identity. One that appeals to the growing grassroots sentiment that Sabah's fate should be decided by Sabahans, not Putrajaya. The irony is that this same sentiment, 'Sabah for Sabahans,' was long treated with suspicion by UMNO and its allies – painted as parochial and even anti-national. But now, with its influence diluted and voter trust on shaky ground, the party appears ready to adopt the very rhetoric it once ridiculed. This shift, however, is not just about public messaging. It's about political survival. Fractures below the surface The internal cracks in Sabah UMNO are already visible. The party's Sabah deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan recently broke ranks to criticise the infamous Langkah Kinabalu. It was a decision by Sabah UMNO to pull out of the state government in early 2022. In Abdul Rahman's view, it was a strategic misstep that has 'greatly weakened' the party, leading to a loss of credibility and a wave of defections. Instead of making a principled stand, he argued, party leaders should have resigned if dissatisfied, not torpedoed the entire coalition from within. These are not small words. Coming from someone of Rahman Dahlan's stature, they point to unresolved tension within the party. It's something that Sabah UMNO's current leadership is keen to downplay. In response, state chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin issued a carefully worded statement by contending that while differing views are respected, the party has since moved forward through consensus. But consensus doesn't always mean unity. Sometimes, it's just plain silence. The broader question is what does Sabah UMNO actually stand for today? Is it still the same party that believed in top-down politics and centralised decision-making? A party in the wind Right now, the signals are mixed. The 'Sabahanisation' of UMNO feels more like re-branding than re-invention. It's seen as an attempt to stay relevant in a political landscape that has dramatically shifted. Local parties like PBS and STAR – who are part of the ruling GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) state government – have anchored themselves in Sabahan identity and issues. For them, the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment wasn't just a slogan. It was the foundation of their political existence. But for Sabah UMNO, it's a costume worn out of necessity. This lalang a.k.a. sitting on fence mentality of shifting positions depending on political winds has long haunted Malaysian politics with Sabah UMNO being no exception. Their decision to leave the Sabah state government in 2022 was framed as a stand on principle. Now, it's being quietly acknowledged as a mistake. UMNO's embrace of Sabah-centric rhetoric is framed as organic evolution but in truth, it smells more like desperation. Voters have lived through a decade of instability, crossovers, defections and backdoor deals. The old model of loyalty to party brands no longer holds. Sabahans are now asking sharper questions such as who fights for Sabah's rights? Who listens? Who flip-flops when it's convenient? Sabah UMNO is running out of time to answer those questions convincingly. If the party hopes to reclaim its footing, it will have to do more than tweaking its messaging. It must show through action that it has shed its peninsula-first instincts, that it can be trusted to put Sabah first even when it's politically costly. Until then, Sabah UMNO remains a party adrift – caught between its past and its future – with no clear anchor but the pursuit of power. – July 22, 2025 Main image credit: Sabah News
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Pitas students engaged in Bornean Banteng conservation efforts
Attendees present during the closing ceremony of the HONOR 3.0 programme at SK Pekan Pitas.-Photo courtesy of DGFC PITAS (July 18): A group of 25 students, accompanied by 36 teachers and 50 parents from five primary schools in Pitas participated in the third implementation of the HONOR (Honour Our Nature Outreach Programme), held from July 11 to 13 at SK Pekan Pitas. This year's focus is the Bornean banteng (Bos javanicus lowi), one of Sabah's most elusive and critically endangered wild cattle. Themed 'Bornean Banteng: Beyond the Wild,' this edition of the HONOR Programme was organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), and it was also attended by Orangutan Appeal UK and the Wildlife Rescue Unit (SWD). The programme aligns with the objectives of the Bornean Banteng Action Plan 2018 – 2027, which outlines key strategies to protect Sabah's critically endangered wild cattle. The conservation education programme was funded by the Sabah State Government as part of its commitment to implementing the Endangered Species Action Plan, including the Bornean Banteng Action Plan 2018–2027, which outlines key strategies to protect the species through habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, genetic research, and education outreach. The event brought together students, teachers and parents to learn about the importance of conserving the Bornean banteng (Bos javanicus lowi), an elusive and endangered species endemic to Borneo. Educational booths, creative talent night, talks and conservation-themed games allowed students to explore the challenges facing the banteng and the role they can play in safeguarding its future. The programme concluded with expressions of appreciation to the Sabah Education Department, Pitas District Education Office, participating schools, dedicated teachers, parents, and partners who helped make the event a success. The five schools involved were SK Pekan Pitas (host), SK Sosop, SK Rukom, SK Senaja and SK Bawang Pitas. The HONOR Programme is a vital platform for conservation outreach in communities near key wildlife areas. Following the Pitas visit, the team will bring the programme to Imbak (Tongod) and Sipitang, reaching more students and communities living close to important Bornean banteng habitats.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabahan firms could secure RM3.5 billion in jobs
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 Text Size: Terry Biusing SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd's Oil and Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) and Corporate Executive Director Terry Biusing also pointed out the enhanced Sabah Vendor Development Programme, which previously focused on non-oil and gas work, now targets medium and high-complexity projects, with 20 programs planned exclusively for Sabahan companies between now and 2030. 'We spend about RM7 billion annually on oil and gas in Sabah. That opportunity is there for Sabah. Last year we got about RM2 billion. But I think with the right partnerships and capabilities, Sabahan companies can take at least 50 per cent of it,' Terry said. Advertisement The programme's success has caught Sarawak's attention, with talks about collaboration between the two Bornean states. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Petros looking to develop CCUS hubs in Sarawak
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Petros plays a key role in transforming Sarawak into a low-carbon economic hub, said the company's senior vice-president of Sarawak resource management, Abang Arabi Abang Narudin. (Petros pic) PETALING JAYA: Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) is working on developing two carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) hubs in the Bornean state. Petros senior vice-president of Sarawak resource management, Abang Arabi Abang Narudin, said the two hubs would be part of efforts to prepare infrastructure to allow for low-cost CCUS. Advertisement 'Sarawak is focused on developing infrastructure. The purpose of these hubs is to provide shared infrastructure so we can achieve economies of scale. 'That way, CCUS will become more affordable,' he said, according to state-owned broadcaster TVS. Abang Arabi said while CCUS technology had long existed, resources needed to be used and optimised to reduce costs and make it more affordable. 'Clarity in terms of policies and regulations is also very important because investors investing in CCUS need some certainty as to how business is done here. 'This includes whether they will need a licence and permit, because CCUS investments are long-term in nature,' he said. He added that Petros played a key role in transforming Sarawak into a low-carbon economic hub. Abang Jo eyes sovereign wealth fund role for Petros Several days ago, Nikkei Asia quoted Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg as saying he envisioned Petros playing the role of a sovereign wealth fund with investments in sectors beyond oil and gas. The Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman said he was taking a leaf out of Singapore and the city-state's funds, Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd and GIC Pte Ltd. 'If Petros (has) the strength, the muscle, why not invest in other areas?' he was quoted as saying. He also said this would be more of a business decision by the company than a state government decision. Abang Johari said portions of Petros's revenue from its ventures should naturally be channelled back to the state, since it was fully owned by the Sarawak government. The premier launched the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund last year, with the state government to set aside RM400 million to RM600 million annually for the fund. In May, it was given the go-ahead from the relevant authorities to make global investments, which Abang Johari described as crucial for diversifying the fund's portfolio. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Chicago Tribune
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Bachelor gorillas, endangered spider monkeys make debut with Brookfield Zoo Chicago's new primate habitat
Brookfield Zoo Chicago opened its new Tropical Forests primate habitat Friday, featuring an expanded space for the zoo's first troop of bachelor gorillas and endangered black-handed spider monkeys rescued from wildlife trafficking. The bachelor troop is made up of two silverbacks — Shango, 36, and Barney, 31 — who lived at Zoo Miami before coming to Brookfield Zoo Chicago earlier this year. The James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests habitat, the largest project in the zoo's history thus far, is built along a trail intended to give visitors the feeling of finding the animals in their natural habitats. It features four areas, one for spider monkeys, two gorilla forests (one for a family troop and another for the bachelor troop) and one for Bornean orangutans, who are not yet visible to the public as they are still settling in, said Kim Skelton, director of primate care and conservation. Construction began in March 2023 on the $66 million redesign, which is an expansion of the old Tropic World building from the 1980s. At three acres, the Bramsen Tropical Forests habitat is about 125,000 square feet and is one of the largest outdoor primate habitats of any accredited zoo in the U.S., Brookfield officials said. Dozens of visitors stood outside the exhibit's entrance Friday morning, waiting to be among the first to visit the animals. Chicagoans Joyce Jablonski, 74, and husband Gerry, 72, the first ones to enter the exhibit, were most excited to see the spider monkeys. They had been anticipating the habitat opening for a while, and have been supporters of the zoo for about 45 years, Joyce Jablonski said. 'When we had kids, we decided, well, this is our favorite place to go,' she said. 'We've come here since we (ourselves) were kids, so we brought them, they enjoyed it, and we continue to support the zoo.' Brookfield Zoo Chicago announces $66 million Tropical Forests for primates as part of major redesignThe floor of the trail is imprinted with the footprints of the pygmy hippo and the duiker, a type of antelope. Bamboo poles and vines were installed in the habitat to encourage the natural behaviors of the animals and to make them feel like they're in their natural environment. 'Watching the animals come out into the spaces for the first time and explore the yards, and to see them just comfortable (and) lying on their backs in the sunshine has been wonderful,' said Mike Adkesson, president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. To reach maturity in the wild, male gorillas typically go out on their own or buddy up with another male gorilla, and the zoo had not been able to provide that for them, Adkesson said. The new habitat allows the two bachelors to socialize with each other first, and then they will move into the family troop of six gorillas. 'It's just really a neat way for us to let our guests see another side of gorillas and to really experience those silverbacks up close,' Adkesson said. The new habitat has short tunnels that allow guests to get an even closer view of the animals. The habitat also includes glass viewing panels for guests to interact with the animals up close and other interactive stations, including one where visitors can compare the size of their hands and feet to those of primates. One of the goals of the project was to incorporate more advanced technology to care for the animals while also maintaining environmental sustainability. New automated feeders dispense food at regular intervals throughout the day, and an energy-efficient lighting system minimizes energy consumption. Gorillas have their own indoor conservation centers. One is two stories and is visible to the public, and another is a private area where the zoo staff can interact with them and other monkey species. Also on the second floor is an area for the King Conservation Leadership Academy, a program for students who are interested in learning about conservation. Students volunteered at the opening by answering visitors' questions and handing out swag giveaways. Brookfield Zoo Chicago said the project's economic impact includes $69 million generated in labor income, $182 million contributed in economic activity and $24 million generated in combined federal, state and county tax revenues. 'The construction process over the last two and a half years has generated around a thousand jobs,' Adkesson said. Oak Park resident Laurie Conley, 42, and her children went to the new habitat Friday. Her daughter Alice, 12, has been running a lemonade stand to raise money for the gorilla habitat since she was 9. This year Alice earned $509 from her lemonade stand, the most she's made so far. 'I just felt sad that some of the gorillas had never seen the sun, the grass, the breeze before in their life,' Alice said. 'I felt like it would be amazing if they got to see that.' The Tropical Forests habitat is the first phase of a transformation that will continue into the zoo's centennial in 2034. Adkesson said the next thing he's focused on is the northwest corner of the zoo. The scope of that next project will be more than 10 times the size of this one, with Adkesson expecting a 35-acre footprint. 'We're looking to reimagine into these large immersive open habitats for multiple different species of animals,' Adkesson said. 'So this one kind of sets in motion a vision for what we want that to look like in terms of these big, open habitats, a lot of landscape design that will start to replicate that natural environment feeling as it comes into maturity.'
