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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anticipation builds for potential final Sabah state assembly sitting
KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming state assembly meeting, scheduled for July 7 to July 8, is drawing significant attention as it may be the last sitting before a potential dissolution. State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya stated that it is not yet confirmed whether this will be the final state assembly sitting before dissolution. The forthcoming session is listed as the Second Meeting, Fifth Session of the 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly, 2025. "If the assembly dissolves thereafter, then this would be the last sitting, and if not, there might even be a third sitting as per the constitution," he said, noting the anticipation surrounding this session as many believe it could be the last before the state assembly is dissolved. In terms of preparations, there are no special arrangements compared to previous sittings, and the questions expected to be posed are nothing out of the ordinary, said Kadzim. He revealed that several bills are expected to be tabled, including the amendment to the state sales tax 2025, the Forestry Bill (establishment of forest reserve) (amendment) 2025, and new bills involving climate change and Sabah carbon management. He clarified that this is not a tabling of special budgets but rather a supplementary budget for additional expenses and uses that were not included in the past budget and need approval. Addressing queries about why the state legislative assembly building compound is not easily accessible to the public, Kadzim explained that the area was gazetted as a prohibited zone on Sept 2, 2024. This gazettement imposes certain rules and conditions for anyone wishing to enter the building for official and non-official matters. "The same rule applies to the Parliament. We can't simply go into the Parliamentary building, and in fact, the regulations there are stricter," he said. Kadzim emphasized that the state legislative assembly building is not a place for casual visits, and entry is regulated to prevent disruptions during sittings or meetings. He explained that the assembly hall is a place for debates and speeches, and if many enter without a proper purpose, it could disrupt proceedings. Even clapping is not allowed inside, similar to the courtroom, Kadzim pointed out. "But no one queries about the rules to get into a courtroom," he added in jest. COMPLI SABAH & SARAWAK, POLITICS Keywords:


Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Be neutral when carrying out duties, government staff told
Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji urged all department heads to demonstrate strong commitment in carrying out their responsibilities. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hoped civil servants will continue to uphold the principles of professionalism, neutrality and integrity in carrying out their duties during this election year. 'We are facing the State Elections this year. As the backbone of the State Government administration, civil servants must ensure that all administrative affairs and service delivery to the people are not disrupted and continue to run smoothly as usual. 'The efficiency and transparency of civil servants in facing this challenging period will reflect our commitment to continue supporting the democratic system and stability of the state administration,' he said after the post-Cabinet meeting at Menara Kinabalu, Wednesday. Hajiji urged all department heads to demonstrate strong commitment in carrying out their responsibilities. They must carry out their duties with greater efficiency and accuracy, as well as monitor projects more effectively, to ensure all approved projects are completed within schedule. 'This is crucial to avoid having to deal with delays in execution, wastage of resources and jeopardising reputation and public trust in the capabilities of the Government's administrative machinery,' he said. He reminded them to be always responsive, proactive and to practise good governance in carrying out their duties in order to provide the best services to the people. 'Civil servants must carry out their responsibilities with trust, transparency and a strong sense of accountability. They must avoid conflicts of interest so that the State Government's goals and objectives can be successfully achieved. 'The interest of the Government is always more important than personal interest,' he said. Hajiji also reminded civil servants to always uphold personal integrity and make it a core value in their character. 'Without high personal integrity the consequences to the image of the public and the entire State Government institution would be severe,' he said. Meanwhile, Hajiji said four bills would be tabled during the two-day State Assembly sitting, beginning Monday. The Chief Minister's Department will table two bills: the Forestry Bill (Amendment 2025) and the Climate and Carbon Governance 2025 Bill. The other two would be tabled by the Finance Ministry - the State Sales Tax Bill (Amendment 2025) and the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025. * 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
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
CM urges civil servants to maintain integrity during election year
Published on: Wednesday, July 02, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji chairs the Chief Minister's Department post-Cabinet meeting. Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged public service personnel to uphold professionalism, neutrality and integrity in carrying out their duties during this election year. He said the role of civil servants is vital to ensure that administrative operations and public service delivery continue without disruption during the State Elections. Addressing the Chief Minister's Department post-Cabinet meeting at Menara Kinabalu on Wednesday, Hajiji said civil service efficiency during this period would reflect the government's commitment to democracy and administrative stability. He also called on Department Heads to carry out their responsibilities with stronger commitment, improved efficiency, and closer project monitoring to ensure the timely completion of approved initiatives. Delays, wastage, and damage to public trust must be avoided through proper governance and accountability, said Hajiji. He reminded civil servants to remain responsive, proactive, and to act with integrity, prioritising public interest over personal gain to meet the State Government's objectives. Separately, Hajiji announced that four bills will be tabled at the two-day State Assembly sitting beginning Monday, including two from the Chief Minister's Department – the Forestry Bill (Amendment 2025) and the Climate and Carbon Governance 2025 Bill – while the Finance Ministry will table the State Sales Tax Bill (Amendment 2025) and the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025. * 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