Latest news with #RM53mil
The Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' slogan not anti-federal, says PBS info chief
Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai stressing a point during the joint PBS-Sabah STAR Convention in Penampang on Saturday (July 12). KOTA KINABALU: The slogan 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' (Our Home, We Protect) is not a sign of hostility towards the Federal Government, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said. 'Instead, the slogan is a patriotic reminder that Sabahans should take responsibility for their own future,' the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief said at the first joint convention between PBS and Sabah STAR in Penampang on Saturday (July 12). He added that the phrase reflects the deep emotional connection Sabahans have with their homeland and echoes the values expressed in the state anthem, namely unity, pride, and ownership. 'This slogan was never meant to reject the Federal Government. Instead, it highlights our belief that Sabah should be treated as an equal partner in Malaysia,' he said. He explained that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition adopted the slogan to promote local empowerment and decision-making, particularly by Sabah-based parties. Citing lyrics from the state anthem such as 'Sabah tanah airku, negeri kita yang tercinta' and 'Sabah negeri merdeka', he said these lines mirror the sentiment behind the slogan, a call for Sabahans to protect and take pride in their state. 'Sabah is committed to Malaysia. But our development, education, and infrastructure policies must reflect our local realities. Decisions made in Putrajaya without understanding our challenges only hinder our progress,' he added. Bangkuai took aim at several top-down decisions made without consulting the Sabah government, including the establishment of the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani (JKDM) and the federal announcement on joint oil and gas development in Ambalat waters. While acknowledging the recent increase in Sabah's special grant from RM53mil to RM600mil as a step forward, he reiterated GRS' firm demand for the return of Sabah's 40% revenue entitlement as stated in the Federal Constitution. He also dismissed claims that the slogan was mere political rhetoric. ''Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' is a sincere and urgent call for fair treatment and shared responsibility. It is about respecting Sabah's right to shape its own destiny within the Malaysian federation,' he said. Bangkuai expressed hope that if the concept behind the slogan is embraced, it will foster stronger trust and cooperation between Sabah and the Federal Government. 'Fulfilling what is rightfully Sabah's will go a long way in building a more united, harmonious, and stronger Malaysia,' he said. --
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
FBM KLCI slides amid cautious sentiment, geopolitical concerns
KUALA LUMPUR: The FBM KLCI ended in the red on Thursday amid a cautious market undertone, as investors weighed ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the absence of fresh domestic catalysts. The FBM KLCI slid 10.51 points, or 0.7%, to 1,501.40, just above its intraday low of 1,501.38. All indices on Bursa Malaysia ended higher, except for the Bursa Malaysia Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Index. Market breadth remained negative with 660 losers outpacing 298 gainers, as 2.82 billion shares worth RM1.7bil changed hands. Dealers noted a lack of buying interest, as most investors continue to stay on the sidelines. With few catalysts and lingering concerns over the Middle East conflict, conditions on the local bourse are expected to remain subdued. On Bursa Malaysia, Heineken slid 46 sen to RM26.42, PPB Group lost 41 sen to RM9.97, PETRONAS Dagangan fell 38 sen to RM20.98 and Kuala Lumpur Kepong declined 30 sen to RM19.72. Among the gainers, Chin Tek rose 33 sen to RM9.18, F&N added 26 sen to RM28.76, Paragon Union gained 12 sen to RM2.55 and Apollo climbed 11 sen to RM6.50. According to data from Bursa Malaysia, foreign investors were net sellers of equities, amounting to RM53mil, while local institutions acquired RM17mil and retailers purchased RM36mil on Thursday. Meanwhile, the ringgit was quoted at 4.2595, down 0.16% against the US dollar, but up 0.03% against the Singapore dollar at 3.3086. Major regional indexes finished broadly lower, with Japan's Nikkei 225 down 1.02% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index losing 1.99%, while South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.19%. China's CSI 300 Index fell 0.82%, and the Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.79% lower.
