Latest news with #EastMalaysian
Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabahans in key Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce posts
Published on: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 30, 2025 Text Size: L/R: Dexter, Coral, Lau, Michael and Josephine. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has marked a significant milestone with several of its business leaders appointed to top national-level positions in the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC). The latest reshuffle at national level sees MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau elected as Chairman of the MCCC National Business Sectors Committee, the first Sabahan to hold the influential post. Dexter, who also helms the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce, is now tasked with leading policy direction across sectors and building high-impact collaborations between Malaysian businesses and Chinese counterparts. 'This role is a responsibility, not just a recognition. It gives Sabah a wider voice nationally and allows us to bring more attention, resources, and investment to the East Malaysian region,' he said. He said the Sabah team's elevation reflects a growing appreciation of the state's strategic potential and its readiness to contribute to national economic direction. Alongside Dexter, business leader Coral Chia was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Business Sectors Committee. A long-time MCCC national council member, she is expected to work closely with Dexter in strengthening the committee's output. Her appointment also continues the legacy of her mother, Datuk See Meng Geok, who currently serves as MCCC Vice President and has long played an advisory role in national matters. Meanwhile, MCCC Sabah Founding President and Honorary Life Adviser Datuk Lau Kok Sing retains his position as National Affairs Advisor, continuing to offer strategic counsel on policy and institutional development. Also appointed to the national council is Datuk Michael Chin, another former MCCC Sabah President, who now serves as a National Vice President. His years of experience in bilateral business engagement are seen as key to further deepening enterprise-level links. Adding legal strength to the national team is Josephine Wan Wen Hadikusumo, appointed as National Internal Auditor. A senior Sabah-based legal practitioner, her role will focus on governance and compliance within the organisation. Dexter said the appointments mark a turning point for Sabah in terms of visibility and contribution on the national stage. 'We will continue to speak up for East Malaysia and ensure we are fully part of Malaysia's economic conversations,' he said. The MCCC is a key platform facilitating Malaysia-China trade, with branches across the country and deep linkages to industries, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in both nations. * 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
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia reaffirms diplomatic approach to maritime border dispute with Indonesia
JAKARTA: Malaysia has consistently pursued a diplomatic and legal approach in addressing maritime border disputes with Indonesia, particularly in the Sulawesi Sea, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Speaking at a dialogue with the Association of Malaysian Indonesian Journalists (ISWAMI) and Indonesian media editors, Anwar emphasised Malaysia's adherence to international law and peaceful negotiations. 'We follow the legal path. We do not take an aggressive stance. Both sides must avoid encroaching into each other's territory,' he said. Anwar is currently in Indonesia on a working visit, accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to facilitate discussions on East Malaysian matters. The Sulawesi Sea dispute, involving overlapping claims between East Kalimantan (Indonesia) and southeastern Sabah (Malaysia), dates back to 1979 when Malaysia published its maritime boundaries map. Tensions escalated in 2005, leading to the formation of ISWAMI, a bilateral media initiative aimed at fostering constructive dialogue on sensitive issues. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry maintains that the ND6 and ND7 oil exploration blocks in the Sulawesi Sea fall within its sovereign territory under international law. This stance is supported by the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on related territorial disputes. – Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Fire destroys 60-year-old Kota Kinabalu community hall
A devastating fire has completely gutted the iconic Kota Kinabalu Community Hall, bringing an end to six decades of the building's service to the local community. According to The Borneo Post, the historic venue, which has stood for 60 years along Jalan Dewan, in the state capital was engulfed in flames during the early hours of Tuesday morning at approximately 12.30am. Emergency services from three fire stations – Kota Kinabalu, Lintas, and Penampang – responded swiftly to the incident after receiving the distress call at 12.44am, according to Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station chief Ordine Gilu. Firefighting teams worked tirelessly for over two hours before successfully bringing the blaze under control at 2.41am, with operations concluding at 3.33am. 'Both the main hall structure and storage facility have been completely destroyed. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities,' Gilu confirmed to the East Malaysian daily. Authorities are currently investigating the fire's origin and calculating the extent of financial damage caused by the incident. The community hall served as a cornerstone of Kota Kinabalu's cultural and civic life since the city's post-independence era, hosting numerous official ceremonies, artistic performances, and public gatherings throughout its operational years. Local arts and cultural advocates have described the loss as devastating for the community's heritage and creative sector. Reports indicate that renovation works were planned for the facility in phases, though these improvements had not yet commenced when the fire occurred. Nearby resident Lim Seng Fook, aged 74, witnessed the destruction firsthand and expressed his devastation: 'Seeing the hall ablaze was deeply shocking. This wasn't merely a structure – it represented decades of our city's heritage and collective memories.' The incident has cast uncertainty over the upcoming National Month, Sabah Day and 2025 Flag-Raising Campaign launch, originally scheduled to take place at the venue on August 1. Officials have yet to announce alternative arrangements for the event.
Daily Express
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
13MP to drive MSMEs into digital economy
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Ewon during Madani Entrepreneurs Seminar in Penampang on Tuesday PENAMPANG: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will prioritise helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt digital tools like the e-Invoice system, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Speaking at the Madani Entrepreneurs Seminar in Penampang, Ewon stressed that digitalisation is essential for business resilience. The seminar, part of a 23-stop nationwide tour, has already engaged over 11,000 entrepreneurs. Ewon said agencies like Insken and SME Corp are working with LHDN to prepare businesses for the e-Invoice rollout. He added that 13MP will also support inclusive business and social enterprise models for more equitable growth. Sabah and Sarawak, he assured, won't be left out, citing rural-focused programmes and grants for Borneo entrepreneurs. He also welcomed the appointment of Insken's new CEO, Viviantie Sarjuni of Sabah, as a sign of growing East Malaysian leadership in federal agencies. * 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
Malaysiakini
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Boosting judicial integrity, regional representation
LETTER | I, Chin Tek Ming, a practising lawyer based in Sabah, fully support the recent remarks made by former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, as reported by Malaysiakini on July 13. In the report, Latheefa urged for constitutional amendments to enhance the independence, integrity, and transparency of the judiciary - especially through reforms to the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC). Her call is both timely and necessary. Our judiciary faces a credibility crisis that demands urgent institutional reform. Most notably, the recent leak of the JAC meeting minutes has seriously undermined public confidence in the impartiality and transparency of judicial appointments. When such sensitive internal discussions are exposed, it not only damages trust in the institution but also exposes the vulnerability of judicial independence to political or external influence. Further compounding this concern is the retirement of two top judges without term extensions, despite precedent suggesting otherwise: Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, the chief justice, retired on July 1, without a six-month extension. Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, the Court of Appeal president, retired on July 2, also without an extension. These abrupt transitions raise pressing questions about the continuity, independence, and succession planning within the judiciary. Greater Sabahan representation In light of these developments, I wish to reaffirm my earlier public statement published on Malaysiakini on June 9, which called for greater Sabahan representation in the higher judiciary and the JAC. As Malaysia continues to mature as a federation, it is vital that the spirit and terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are respected and realised, particularly in key national institutions. I reiterate the following points: Judicial appointments must reflect regional balance, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. The omission of East Malaysian representation risks alienating a significant part of the Federation. The appointment of respected and experienced Sabahan jurists - such as Richard Malanjum and David Wong - to the JAC would enhance public trust, bring a regional perspective, and add legal wisdom to the selection process. The separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary must not only exist in principle but also be clearly seen in practice. Without visible independence and impartiality, the public's faith in the rule of law will continue to erode. In conclusion, I urge the government to take Latheefa's recommendations seriously and to ensure that any forthcoming constitutional amendment includes provisions that promote judicial independence, public accountability, and regional inclusivity, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. Only through such reforms can we rebuild confidence in our legal system and uphold the foundational democratic principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
