Latest news with #Merdeka
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Double Six memorial proposed at Prince Philip Park to broaden public awareness
Pandikar and the Sunduvan team at the Double Six memorial site in Sembulan. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has unveiled plans to establish a Double Six memorial as part of the redevelopment of Prince Philip Park in Tanjung Aru. Pandikar said the proposal will be included in the park's redevelopment blueprint but will not be categorized as part of the general beautification efforts. The project is estimated to cost over RM200,000. One of the key features of the memorial includes a realistic replica of the Nomad aircraft crashing into the South China Sea, symbolizing the tragic event of June 6, 1976. 'We want to portray what really happened on that fateful day,' Pandikar said at a press conference today, held at the current Double Six Monument in Sembulan alongside members of the NGO Sunduvan Sabah. The proposal also includes the installation of a replica of the Keningau Oath Stone and other elements that represent significant historical moments in Sabah's past, such as the Merdeka parade in Kota Kinabalu on August 31, 1963. 'The idea is that most people don't normally visit the Sembulan site as it is relatively secluded. In contrast, Prince Philip Park sees many visitors. If this plan materializes, more people — locals and tourists alike — will be exposed to the history of the Double Six tragedy and other important events in Sabah's history,' he said. Pandikar acknowledged that some family members of the Double Six victims have expressed objections, as they prefer not to be reminded of the tragedy. 'I respect their feelings, but these individuals were also national leaders. The public has a right to know what happened. I plan to meet the families personally to explain our intentions and hopefully gain their blessings,' he added. While emphasizing that the Sembulan memorial remains the official site of the incident, Pandikar stressed the importance of having complementary installations in more accessible locations. 'The Double Six tragedy was a pivotal moment in Sabah's history. Expanding awareness through educational and symbolic displays at places like Prince Philip Park would help both Malaysians and international visitors understand the significance of that era,' he said.
The Star
21-05-2025
- The Star
Beaufort villagers face uncertainty as long-standing land dispute escalates
KOTA KINABALU: A long-standing land dispute in Kg Jimpangah, Beaufort took a tense and emotional turn today after four houses were demolished while villagers wept outside their homes, fearing more will follow in the days to come. The incident has drawn widespread attention and criticism after videos of the demolition went viral on social media, showing residents in tears and shouting for help as excavators tore through wooden homes. Consumers Front of Sabah (CFOS) secretary-general Hashima Hasbullah said that tensions escalated between the landowner and the community in February after the landowner allegedly acted rudely towards the villagers. Hashima said many of the villagers have lived on the land for generations, dating back to when their grandparents worked as rubber tappers for the British Borneo Para Rubber Coy Ltd. 'When the British left, they allowed the former workers to continue living there. These families have been here since before Merdeka,' she said. Efforts to secure the land began as early as 1991, when villagers applied to have the 5.34ha site gazetted as a native settlement. The application was never approved, despite several follow-ups. Over the years, the government built and maintained public infrastructure in the area, including roads, electricity, piped water, and a community hall — which was upgraded to a mini hall in 2021. However, in 2023, the Land Use Committee (LUC) rejected the gazettement application. Around the same time, the landowner began taking steps to assert ownership of the land. Most of the 300 villagers rely on odd jobs, work in the private sector, or are low-ranking civil servants. Many have never lived anywhere else. Hashima said several villagers have been arrested or investigated over the years for defending the land. A lawyer previously representing them later withdrew, leaving them unrepresented in court. A woman breaks down in tears while watching her house being demolished in Kg Jimpangah. 'So when the eviction notice was served on May 7, and again today, we came in to monitor and help ensure things remained peaceful, without provocation,' she said. Hashima said she personally brought a group of villagers to meet Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on May 15 to appeal for government intervention. 'The Chief Minister has personally requested the Lands and Surveys Director to seek an amicable resolution, and we understand steps are now underway. Thus, we ask for some compassion and discretion from the landowner. Since the state has promised to act, give it a little time,' she said. Hashima also said she was disappointed that no elected representatives were present on Wednesday (May 21) to help manage the situation. Beaufort is located about 90km south of Kota Kinabalu. One of the villagers, David Ondu, said he was bracing for his house to be next. 'We really didn't expect this to happen. We thought the government had stepped in after we met the Chief Minister. But now four houses are gone, and our turn might come tomorrow. 'What can we do? We're slowly starting to empty our homes,' he said. The dispute intensified earlier this month when five villagers were arrested under criminal mischief laws for allegedly trespassing and damaging property at the Mini Hall Kg Jimpangah. Villagers said they had only changed the lock and entered to clean the hall, believing it was public property. The Beaufort District Council later confirmed that the hall falls under the jurisdiction of the local Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), and the charges were dropped on July 6 after the village committee's legal team sent clarification to the police. Separately, 15 villagers are being investigated under the Sedition Act after a video showing the landowner's vehicle nearly hitting a villager went viral online. The land is classified as Country Lease (CL) and was reportedly sold to a company in 2005. Villagers have called for a temporary halt to the eviction while the state government works on a resolution. However, no response has been received from the landowner. Meanwhile, Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun condemned the demolition, describing it as 'inhumane and cruel even if it is carried out legally'. 'The GRS government often says 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga', but what we are seeing is destruction and betrayal. That slogan now feels like an empty promise used only to win votes,' he said. He also questioned the absence of leadership on the ground. 'This should not and cannot happen no matter what the legal justification is. The people of Kg Jimpangah deserve better,' he said.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Stronger BN will mean a weaker PH
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: HARDLY a week passes without something 'political' happening in Sabah. After all, politics is many Sabahans' cup of tea, including the soothsayers in the coffeeshops. Speaking in Sandakan at the party's Hari Raya celebrations late April, Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin warned that if the party continued to be belittled by GRS partners, and that if their demand for seats were not entertained, Usno may consider contesting on its own in the coming State election. Advertisement This led to a reply by two divisional-level PGRS leaders who said that if Usno felt that it was belittled, it was free to leave GRS. PGRS deputy divisional chiefs for Bingkor, Rafie Robert and Kiulu, Datuk Datuk George Teo said unity among GRS components is important for victory in the coming State election. Interestingly, Rafie is the son of Datuk Robert Tawik who is Star deputy president and an Assistant Minister as well as Bingkor Assemblyman. 'But if you are dissatisfied….don't force yourself to stay….just leave. If your intention is no longer aligned with GRS, it's time to go. This coalition was not built to serve personal interests, but the rakyat's,' said Rafie. 'If you feel suffocated being in the coalition please leave and make yourself happy. No one will also stop Usno from contesting all 73 seats,' said Teo. Advertisement For the record, Usno under the label Usno Baru contested 47 seats in 2020 and won none. Usno president Pandikar himself was defeated in his hometown Kota Belud where he began his political career in the early 1980s. Pandikar was reported to have said that 'Any questions as to why Usno might consider going solo in the election should be directed at GRS leaders. 'You should ask the Chief Minister, ask Jeffrey, ask Masidi, ask Yong Teck Lee,' he was reported to have said. The first to respond was Yong who defended Pandikar. He was followed by Jeffrey. One must understand the relationship between Pandikar, Yong and Jeffrey. The trio have been 'comrades-in-arms' since years ago when they were all in the opposition, i.e PBS. When Warisan was in power, the trio were united in the Opposition. Pandikar headed Usno, Yong Sapp and Jeffrey Star. Beginning with Kundasang years ago, the trio never missed and spoke at Sabah Day rally. When Warisan was in power, the trio attended a similar rally and spoke at Jeffrey's house in Kota Kinabalu. Their unifying factor was SAPP advisor, former Berjaya Minister Datuk Matnor Mansor. Then Warisan was defeated, New CM Hajiji launched the first official Sabah Day in Tambunan about two years ago. And together with National Day or Merdeka, it was declared a holiday, last year. Never mind the fact that there was no additional holiday. The trio's dream and what they had fought for all these years gained the State Government's recognition at last. So, for anybody to attack one of them, in this case Pandikar, it's just like 'Cubit Paha Kiri, Paha Kanan terasa juga' (If you pinch your left thigh, your right thigh will also feel the pain). For Jeffrey, no problem. His party has six seats which explains why he is DCM. For Yong and Pandikar it's a different story because their parties have no seats. Yong is a Nominated Assemblyman though. After Yong and Jeffrey's statement in defense of Pandikar, one would have thought it was 'case closed'. However, another grassroot level PGRS leader issued a statement. Sook Gagasan Rakyat chief Abi Wednes Gagamboi said if unity is the goal, then those who threatened to fracture the coalition must be called out – not younger leaders who are speaking up to defend it. 'Hence, it is ironic for Jeffrey and Yong to mention unity in GRS but not reprimand their long-time ally Pandikar,' he added. Then on May 8, 2025 the frontpage headline of Daily Express screamed: 'GRS is still one happy family: CM' complete with a picture of Hajiji hugging Pandikar and Jeffrey together with Yong. That closes the chapter, at least for now. I suppose directives have meantime gone out to all grassroot leaders to make no more statements. Two days later, Kuala Lumpur dropped a bombshell saying that Pakatan Harapan (PH) led by PM Anwar and Barisan Nasional (BN) led by DPM Ahmad Zahid had reached a deal to work together to face the Sabah election. There was no mention of GRS, nor Warisan or KDM. The very next day, GRS chairman and Sabah CM Hajiji issued a statement saying if that was the case, then GRS might consider going solo in the election. GRS is part of the Federal Unity Government whereby it has a full Minister and a Deputy Minister plus a few more MPs. PH is also part of the State Government with its components PKR and DAP having a Minister and an Assistant Minister each. BN, however, is Opposition at the State level. They used to be part of the State government but two years ago their Sabah branch leaders staged a coup which failed to unseat Hajiji and his government. With that kind of a background, what do you expect? What do you take Sabahans for? Stupid fools? Enough of this 'big brother' thing which Sabahans were subjected to for decades. Hajiji's statement must have taken KL off-guard and instantly component parties of GRS, for that matter Sabahans at large, gave their blessings for GRS to go solo. Instantly, Sabahans were united. The very next day, PM Anwar flew into Tawau to officiate a function. He explained to reporters that the KL statement was issued based on the understanding between PH and BN only. On the part involving GRS, he would talk to Hajiji once he is in Sabah. Whether this is true or not, only Anwar knows. He did say that he could only speak on behalf of PH, but it depends on Hajiji on his reception of BN, adding that Hajiji seemed positive to the suggestion. Hajiji in his reaction said he had to refer the matter to the GRS council as he could not make the decision alone. Good answer. After all, GRS is a coalition of 8 parties and for Hajiji to commit anything without consulting them would be disaster. Another thing, in Tawau Anwar never said should the PKR-BN-GRS win the election, who would be CM? Renowned Sabah political writer Selvaraja Somiah described Anwar's non-disclosure as 'evasive'. Another writer, CC, described Anwar as 'suspiciously vague'. To be fair, however, I would give Anwar the benefit of the doubt. He twice defended Hajiji's Chief Ministership and I have no reason to believe that he would not for a third time. Let's say that he has his own agenda this time around. The logical thing to do is to pick a CM from within his own PH. When I say PH it's not necessary PKR or DAP. Don't forget PH now has a Sabah-based party, UPKO. In the event that GRS really goes it alone, then my bet is Anwar will choose someone from Upko to be the CM. By doing so, it counters the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan of GRS or to be exact Jeffrey. Because Upko is also a local party, so GRS cannot say that local parties are being sidelined. What added to my suspicion, apart from Anwar's silence in Tawau, is a recent joint-statement by Upko and PBRS to ask that they be the 'bridge' with KL. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what that means. I mean, GRS is officially still a part of the Federal Madani Government and has not even made a decision on Anwar's offer to GRS to work with BN. What's the hurry? Can't wait? If GRS' final decision is not to work with BN, then the Upko-PBRS statement is justified. But a decision has not even been reached. You don't do that to your existing coalition partners. Even if a decision has been reached and GRS is to go it alone, the new CM oes not necessarily come from Upko or PBRS bah. It can come from PKR and DAP bah as long as they are Sabahans. PKR's Christine Liew has gained enough experience to be CM, having been a DCM and MP before. DAP's Ginger Phoong is also CM material. I don't think Anwar would want someone from BN to be the CM for the simple reason that strengthening BN would weaken his own PH. If he wanted Umno to lead the statement, he would have sided them when they almost unseated Hajiji two years ago. Instead, he gave his blessings for his PH Assemblymen to be part of the Hajiji-led State Government. I just don't see how GRS can work with BN. Even before GRS say yes to 'marriage', Umno president Ahmad Zahid already talked big. First, he said Umno must get back all the seats that it won in 2020. Second, he said the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan is not suitable and is divisive. A leopard never changes its skin. He is still behaving like the old days when Umno was king and Sabahans had to listen to them. He forgot that Sabahans already threw out Umno in 2018. Old habits die hard. Umno is still behaving like a 'Big Brother' to Sabahans and that we must listen to or obey them. Well, Sabahans, the ball is at your feet now. In conclusion, talk much also no use. Cakap banyak tiada guna. Coalition or no coalition. PH or BN or GRS, whichever party wins the most seats, they will get the CMship. If GRS were to agree to the merger, will they still get the majority seats that they are enjoying now? Politics is the art of the possible. If GRS is pushed to the wall, what is there to stop from forming a coalition with Warisan or KDM? Then it will become Sabah for local parties just like Sarawak. Afterall, PM's offer was only for GRS. There was no mention of Warisan or KDM. In politics, there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends. Who had expected PH to be part of the present State Government? Happy voting. 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 Star
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Umno still relevant and steadfast in its struggle, says Tok Mat on party's 79th anniversary
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan ( pic ) has acknowledged the party's past missteps but pledged that it will remain steadfast in its struggle. He said despite its highs and lows, Umno continues to be relevant and is determined to help build a more prosperous Malaysia. 'Today, Umno still stands - not perfect, but steadfast in its struggle. We admit the weaknesses and errors that have occurred. 'But like a shady tree that continues to provide shelter, Umno remains relevant in shaping Malaysia's future,' he said in a statement marking Umno's 79th anniversary on Sunday (May 11). Calling on party members to renew their resolve, Mohamad urged for unity and reflection to ensure that Umno's struggle continues to be meaningful for future generations. 'As Umno's deputy president, I urge all members to strengthen our unity and use our history as a guide - not just for us, but for the generations to come,' he added. Tracing Umno's roots back to 1946, Mohamad reflected on its founding as a nationalist movement united against the Malayan Union, emphasising that its birth was not about power but dignity and the rights of the Malay people. 'Umno was born out of nationalistic spirit and deep love for the homeland. From Datuk Onn Jaafar's voice to Tunku Abdul Rahman's call for Merdeka, Umno was the heartbeat of independence, the architect of the Constitution and the driving force behind modern Malaysia,' he added. He said Umno's leadership in securing independence and spearheading national development cannot be understated, having steered the nation through the volatile post-colonial era into the modern age. For nearly eight decades, Mohamad said, Umno has remained the cornerstone of national stability and Malay political identity. He also expressed gratitude to party members for their unwavering loyalty, sacrifices and trust, which he said have been key to Umno's endurance. 'Let us continue to strengthen unity and fight for a brighter future for Malaysia. Happy 79th Anniversary, Umno. United, Loyal, Serving - for religion, race and country,' Mohamad said.
Tatler Asia
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
6 local plays and musical productions to keep your eyes out for in 2025
2. Hotel Above Wild Rice's epic Hotel returns this year (Photo: Wild Rice) Exploring notions of empire, nationhood, migration and identity, this multi-generational epic spans a century and is performed in nine languages. Set in a single hotel room from 1915 to 2015, the epic journeys through 100 years of Singapore's history. This epic first made its world premiere in 2015 and returns to The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre after playing to a full house in 2023. When: From August 14 Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan 3. Singapore, Michigan Local theatre company Pangdemonium's upcoming play is set in Singapore, Michigan . Located by the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the ghost town was founded in 1836 and was a trade hub before being struck by tragedy in 1875. In 2025, a group of friends comprising two Singaporeans (from the country Singapore) and an American go on a mission to find this town. Throughout their journey, they're faced with multiple challenges, which lead them to question what it means to be Singaporean in the 21st century. When: June 26 to July 11 Where: Singapore Airlines Theatre @ Lasalle 4. Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth Above Head to Fort Canning Park to catch Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth (Photo: Singapore Repertory Theatre) Shakespeare in the Park returns to Fort Canning Park as it reimagines Macbeth , the English playwright's tale of ambition, betrayal and power. The tragedy follows Macbeth, a Scottish general who rises to power while haunted by prophecies of three witches. Ghafir Akbar plays Macbeth alongside Julie Wee as Lady Macbeth. When: May 7 to June 1 Where: Fort Canning Park 5. Merdeka / 獨立 /சுதந்திரம் Above Merdeka looks back on Singapore's past (Photo: Wild Rice) This upcoming play looks back on Singapore's past, examining how the nation's history and humanity have been affected by the forces of colonialism. Starring talents from Wild Rice's Young & Wild youth theatre programme, the play sees a youth group, Raffles Must Fall, examine the nation's colonial legacy. When: May 1 to 4 Where: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan 6. Partial Eclipse of the Heart This Mandarin musical tells the story of five friends who meet each decade at a seaside chalet. Not just a story of friendship, the musical is a reflection of the nation's journey throughout the years. The jukebox musical will also feature Mandopop hits from local stars including Stefanie Sun, Eric Ng, Tanya Chua and more. When: August 21 to September 7 Where: Drama Centre Theatre
