Latest news with #SAPP
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
SAPP sues DAP portal over alleged false images of Lahad Datu intrusion
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is suing DAP's portal Roketkini for allegedly uploading fake images of the 2013 incursion in Lahad Datu. The suit was filed by SAPP president and former chief minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, historian Stephan Gaimin and activist Asraf Amir on July 10. They are seeking a public apology from DAP and Roketkini over the allegedly fake picture and information, which have been publicly accessible since 2013, and a promise not to upload any fake or misleading content. Yong said that after the suit was filed, they found that the portal had taken down the said material without any apology, correction, or explanation. 'The materials uploaded were fake and misled public understanding about the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013,' Yong said when contacted on Thursday (July 17). He said he came across the photos and article dated Feb 24, 2013, which were obtained from a separate conflict in the Southern Philippines but used as though it was of the Lahad Datu incident. He said the images induced unnecessary fear among the people and caused confusion during the crisis. Yong said he is unsure if the article and photos were taken down at the instruction of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) or voluntarily by DAP, and that these details would only come out during litigation. Recalling the International Arbitration Colloquium on the Sulu claim on Sabah, at the Sabah International Convention Centre on July 4, 2023, he said he was shocked to see the photos and articles which were shown by a senior lawyer from Kuala Lumpur. 'The photos... during the presentation (made it seem as if) they were taken during the actual intrusion in Sabah,' he said. Later, when reading a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) publication on this issue, Yong also saw the same picture reprinted in an academic context. He said such usage of the Roketkini article had turned it into part of the narrative, spreading the damage of the allegedly false information and prompting the need for legal action. 'There may be (others who) mistakenly depended on this DAP propaganda portal, and DAP is the largest government party in Parliament,' he said, adding that merely taking down the content did not excuse the damage that has been done.
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
10% SST on stationery hits public hard, govt urged to reconsider timing
Thomas Lau (seated centre) with party colleagues at a recent SAPP programme. SANDAKAN (July 16): The Federal Government's abrupt implementation of a 10% Sales and Services Tax (SST) on stationery has triggered widespread concern, with community leaders and opposition figures demanding immediate reassessment of the controversial measure. Thomas Lau Chi Keong, Vice President of the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Tanjong Papat Division chief, delivered a scathing critique of the policy that took effect July 1 without warning or transitional provisions. 'This is taxation without justification,' Lau asserted. 'By taxing the tools of education and small business, we're effectively penalizing Malaysia's future productivity while squeezing households that are already at breaking point.' The policy's ripple effects are particularly severe for students facing higher costs for basic supplies, SMEs operating on razor-thin margins and low-income families disproportionately impacted by price hikes. Notably, dissent has emerged from within government ranks, with Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng (DAP) – brother to Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying – publicly breaking ranks to criticize the timing and implementation. 'When your own allies sound the alarm, it's time to pause and reconsider,' Lau emphasized, urging policymakers to conduct immediate impact assessments, engage in meaningful stakeholder consultation, explore progressive alternatives that don't burden vulnerable groups. The SAPP leader warned that maintaining the current course risks exacerbating Malaysia's cost-of-living crisis while undermining educational accessibility. The GRS Government is a caring government and will closely monitor the situation, ensuring the well-being of the people remains a top priority, he added.
Daily Express
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
If Sarawak can, Sabah can: SAPP
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong called on Sabahans to take ownership of their future as the State Assembly is set to dissolve automatically by Nov. 11, paving the way for the state election. The SAPP Sec-Gen said the election presents an important opportunity for the people to strengthen state autonomy and ensure Sabah's direction remains in the hands of its own people. Speaking at the joint annual meeting of the SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees in Penampang, Yong, who is a Deputy Speaker, believes the future of Sabah must be decided by Sabahans themselves. 'This is a critical moment. We must defend our sovereignty and ensure the key to our future remains in our own hands,' he said. Citing neighbour Sarawak, Yong pointed to its achievements in financial independence. 'Sarawak has stood firm in asserting its rights. It recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, more than double Sabah's RM6.4 billion. It has established its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows what's possible when a state holds control over its finances.' In contrast, he laments Sabah still relies heavily on federal allocations and has yet to realise the 40 per cent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Despite five changes in the federal leadership, he said, progress on MA63 has remained elusive. He also called on Sabahans to closely follow the Sabah Law Society's legal action which goes to trial on July 7, seeking to enforce the 40 per cent revenue entitlement. 'If successful, just from inland revenue alone, this could mean at least RM2 billion more for Sabah,' he said. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future is decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he stressed. SAPP Kepayan CLC Chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual meeting carried special weight with the state election looming, describing it as a time for serious reflection on Sabah's future. He drew comparisons to Sarawak's firm stance on oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media. 'Everything Sarawak asked for has been delivered, step by step. Today, Sarawak is wealthier than Putrajaya. If we in Sabah want the same outcome, the only way forward is to vote for local parties,' Chong said. He said SAPP, which pulled out of Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first to openly champion the Sabah autonomy movement and has consistently defended state rights. 'In recent times, some peninsula-based parties have started claiming they too support autonomy. But these are empty words designed to confuse the public and blur the facts,' he said. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea just to ask what is rightfully ours.' He urged Sabahans to stop believing the notion that such aspirations are impossible. 'Sarawak has already proven otherwise. Blindly following others will only lead to confusion, and in the end, all we'll be left with are more taxes.' * 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
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabahans must hold own key, says SAPP
Richard (front row, third from left), Chong (fourth from left) and Aloysius (second from left) with SAPP members at the annual general meeting. KOTA KINABALU (June 28): The people of Sabah must defend their sovereignty and make sure the key to their future stays in their own hands in the coming state election, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president cum secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong We Kong. 'Sarawak has stood firm in defending its rights. Its state government recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, which is more than twice the revenue of Sabah. 'Sarawak has already set up its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows a high level of financial independence. In comparison, Sabah's revenue during the same period is only RM6.4 billion. Our financial structure still relies heavily on federal allocations.' Richard, who also serves as Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, made these remarks on Friday evening while officiating the annual general meeting of SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees, held jointly in Penampang. He pointed out that Sabah has yet to fully implement the 40 percent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'This continues to prevent us from having genuine financial control.' He added that even after five prime ministers, MA63 has made little real progress and Sabah continues to be sidelined. Richard urged everyone in Sabah to pay close attention to the court case brought by the Sabah Law Society, which will be heard on July 7. 'This case is seeking to legally enforce our 40 percent revenue entitlement, which allows, just from inland revenue alone, Sabah to gain at least RM2 billion more. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future must be decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he added. SAPP Kepayan CLC chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual general meeting is especially important as the state election draws near. 'This is a moment for us to seriously reflect on the future of Sabah,' he said. He emphasised that Sarawak has been consistent in standing its ground on issues such as oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media narrative. The federal government does not dare to cross Sarawak's lines. Everything Sarawak has asked for has been fulfilled, step by step. 'Today, Sarawak is financially richer than the federal government. If we in Sabah want the same, there is only one way forward. We must vote for local parties.' Chong said that SAPP, since leaving Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first party to openly champion the cause of Sabah autonomy, and had never shied away from speaking out. 'Parties from Peninsular Malaysia, however, now claim that they also support autonomy. But such talk is only meant to confuse the public and blur the facts. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea to ask for what is rightfully ours,' he added. Chong called on Sabah voters to stop being deceived that this is impossible. Sarawak is already a living example of what can be done. 'Blindly following others will only cause us to lose our direction. In the end, all we will get is tax, tax and more tax.' SAPP Moyog CLC chairman Aloysius Danim Siap said that the party has always taken a practical and down-to-earth approach, and engaged the grassroots directly and does not rely on empty slogans. 'Our leaders are consistent in both word and action. We never back down when it comes to defending Sabah's sovereignty. Real progress must be concrete and deliverable,' he said.
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Days of these politicians are over
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Sabar committee posing with political leaders and representatives. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans are fed up with politicians who make big promises during elections but forget about them once they get into power. That was the clear message from stakeholders at the recently held 'Sabah Voices to Action – Shaping Sabah's Future Together' final townhall initiative which presented a detailed wish list to political parties preparing for the coming state election. Among political parties present were Star Sabah, SAPP, PBS, Parti Impian Sabah, Warisan, Gagasan Rakyat, LDP and Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri. The wish list is not just any ordinary document. It is a thick 60-page report packed with 117 specific suggestions on how to fix Sabah's problems in schools, hospitals, roads and government services. The report was put together after three months of listening to ordinary Sabahans from all walks of life. Sabah Law Society's (SLS) Immediate Past President Datuk Roger Chin told politicians they need to stop treating their election promises like throwaway lines. 'If you are brave enough, put it in your manifesto and please do not do what happened in the past, which is by saying that your manifesto is not cast in stone, it is not the Bible and you do not have to comply with it. 'In today's day and age of the Internet, the public will hold you accountable,' he said, adding that today's voters will not stay quiet if politicians break their promises. The report comes from a citizen movement called Sabah Voices to Action organised by Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR) and other community groups. Over three months, they held talks in towns across Sabah including Kota Marudu, Keningau, Tawau and Sandakan, listening to what people really want. The report covers four main areas that affect daily life, namely education, healthcare, roads and infrastructure and how the government runs things. For schools, Sabahans want a separate Sabah Education Ministry that can hire teachers locally, buy school equipment without waiting for Federal approval and create lessons that teach children about Sabah's history and culture. They also want better support for rural schools and children without proper documents. For healthcare, people want a Sabah Health Ministry to have programmes specifically for the State's needs. This includes better pay and career opportunities for doctors and nurses, more medical services in rural areas, online consultations for remote patients and help with travel costs for people who need treatment far from home. Professional Architect cum Sabah Professional Council President Rizal Ahmad Banjar assured politicians that experts are ready to help turn these ideas into reality. 'By virtue of us here, we can provide that assistance. 'We have professionals here and we are ever ready to assist you, whoever is going to be in power,' he said. Institut Sinaran former Chief Executive Officer William Pan suggested starting small rather than trying to do everything at once. 'There are things which we can achieve on the short term and in the midterm and the long term. 'Even in education, there are spaces to start with. So, start with those spaces,' he said. Sabah Medical Association President cum former Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi addressed politicians who might be worried about taking on technical issues like healthcare and education. 'In Sabah, we have got a lot of people who can help you. 'When you put it in your manifesto, it does not mean that you will be the one doing it. But you will be the one making sure that somebody is doing it. 'Whether you are from political parties or non-governmental organisations, we are all doing it for the people,' she said, pointing out that everyone is working toward the same goal. The report also tackles Sabah's infrastructure problems with a six-step plan for building and maintaining roads, bridges and buildings. This includes proper planning, fair bidding processes, releasing money on time and regular upkeep. For government services, Sabahans want major changes including laws to control political funding, open bidding for all government contracts that people can track online and independent bodies to oversee spending. They also want government-linked companies to hire based on merit rather than political connections. Sabar trustee Datuk Ujang Sulani wrapped up the event by reminding everyone that Sabah has been having these conversations for decades. 'Sabah has always been rich not only in resources, but in spirit. But prosperity remains elusive. 'We must go beyond dialogue. This is no longer about being heard. It is time for us to be heeded, he said. He connected the current push to the unfulfilled promises of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement, saying it should mean true freedom not only from colonialism, but from dependency, bureaucracy and neglect. * 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
