Latest news with #Sabahans'
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Esteel project creates business ripple effect
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd project, launched in three phases, is expected to bring widespread benefits to Sabah, from green technology innovation to job creation and community development. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasised prioritising local employment and workforce training, urging industry players to invest in Sabahans' skills development. Speaking at the launch of Phase One (RM6.4 billion) at SICC today, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hajiji noted increased demand for industrial space has led to the approval of three new industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort, and Kudat. He reaffirmed Sabah's investor-friendly stance and commitment to fostering a stable, supportive environment for investment. * 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 Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Embrace unity in diversity through occasions like Kaamatan, says Anwar
KOTA KINABALU: Traditional dances with modern elements and songs portraying the spirit of Sabahans' diversity, as well as performances aimed at unifying the people, opened this year's state-level Kaamatan Festival in Penampang on Friday (May 30). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the event, struck a gong seven times to mark the start of the celebration, one of the most important events in the calendar of the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities. Held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall in the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building, he said the event, themed "Kaamatan for All", is for the preservation of heritage, culture and tradition. ALSO READ: Fadillah extends Kaamatan Festival greetings He added that, as with all cultural programmes and celebrations, inclusivity was an important element, especially in a multicultural nation like Malaysia. However, not everyone understands the importance or appreciates the meaning of unity in diversity, Anwar said. He said some people continued to find fault with the differences, instead of focusing on the similarities. He said when the Federation of Malaysia was formed, Tunku Abdul Rahman spoke about unifying agents and celebrating differences. ALSO READ: 'Kaamatan for All' highlights Sabahans' community spirit 'Look at countries that focus on differences, all are destroyed. Therefore, leaders with wisdom will always focus on and talk about unity. Do not sacrifice your state because of differences,' he said. Earlier, organising chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the theme of this year's ce; celebration is simple yet clear and easy to understand. It emphasises unity in diversity in a multicultural country, he said in his speech, read out by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam. 'Although Kaamatan is a festival of the natives in Sabah, it is also celebrated by all regardless of race, religion and creed,' he said. This is to strengthen unity among the people, and is a manifestation of harmony in line with the Federal Government's ambition of better uniting the people, said Kitingan, who is also State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister. ALSO READ: Kaamatan celebrates heritage, promotes cultural preservation, unity, says Kitingan He said his ministry is committed to increasing yields and helping farmers and those in the sector to develop and help improve the economic status of rural folk. On the month-long festival that began on May 1, Kitingan said various programmes involving youth have been lined up for the purpose of cultural preservation. 'With the involvement of youths, we hope to promote cultural awareness and to also foster unity among the people,' he said, pointing out that traditional food, music, cultural attire and activities can also promote tourism in the state. Guests were entertained with special dance performances from the district of Tambunan, a choir, the winners of the International Student Cultural Exchange Programme, traditional dances from Penampang, Bisaya, Tombonuo and Rungus, native poetry or Hiis, and appearances by the Unduk Ngadau finalists. Kaamatan culminates on Friday and Saturday (May 31), with the state Unduk Ngadau winner to be announced tomorrow. She will be the face of the native Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities, the ambassador for various cultural programmes, and tasked with various duties, including promoting Sabah.
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘My duty as rep to defend Sabahans'
'My duty as rep to defend Sabahans' Kota Kinabalu: Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong said his recent remarks on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) regulation were grounded in Sabahan grassroots' concerns and not driven by political motives. He said it is his responsibility as an assemblyman to speak up for his constituents, particularly when they face difficulties arising from policies implemented by the relevant ministry. Advertisement 'My questions were directed to you because you are the relevant Minister, a Sabahan, and also a GRS leader. Naturally, I expect you to understand the high cost of living that Sabahans face,' said Wong, in response to criticism from Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Wong said his mention of the GRS government was directly linked to Armizan's role within it. SPONSORED CONTENT 'In this case, it's about the 'removal' of subsidised LPG for small businesses. If even raising Sabahans' concerns is labelled as politically motivated, are we saying elected reps should stay silent? he said. On Armizan's statement that the regulation was based on a 2021 amendment under the previous administration, Wong questioned the timing of its enforcement. Advertisement 'If this law has existed since 2021, why enforce it only now? And why wasn't there a public explanation before enforcement began?' Wong said the central concern was about small food vendors now being required to apply for permits if they store more than 42kg of LPG at any given time. Advertisement Let's apply simple logic. Are you saying small vendors only use three 14kg cylinders per month? 'That's hardly enough for any business. This isn't about big players, it's about our hawkers, kopitiams and local food stalls,' he said. He questioned whether the policy applied only to storage above 42kg at one time, or total usage over a month, and asked what would happen to vendors who exceed that limit, whether they would be forced to switch to unsubsidised cylinders priced at RM76. Wong warned that such enforcement could compel vendors to increase their prices, further burdening consumers. 'Sabahans can't afford another round of price hikes. If the cost of LPG rises from RM26.60 to RM76 per cylinder for vendors, how can they maintain current food prices? In the end, it's the people who suffer,' he cautioned. He urged the Ministry to engage constructively and find a fair solution.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Sabah for Sabahans' slogan gains momentum
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: NEVER seen such phenomenon before in my lifetime. 'Sabah for Sabahans' is on many Sabahans' lips. Common conversation everywhere, in kedai kopi, café, meeting rooms and offices, among predominately young and professionals. They are most concerned because it is their future. 'Sabah for Sabahans' can their insurance for them and their families. The slogan gained more momentum after a Malayan leader said that 'Sabah for Sabahans' is divisive. Most Sabahans would not agree with his assertion. Likely that he is out of line with the deep feelings of Sabahans. Many Sabahans have taken to express the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' with their poetic talents. Of the many that I have read, the best is from KP Mau [Mau Kam Ping] who is an eminent lawyer, proficient in French, German and other languages. And an accomplished poet. KP Mau, to my mind, has captured the essence of the 'Sabah for Sabahans' aspiration perfectly. Please see below: 'Sabah for Sabahans' is more economic than politics. Advertisement Yes, politics and economic are intricately intertwined. Cannot separate the two in real life, especially in the context of Sabah. However, for the common Sabahans, it is more economic that have birthed the on-going strong 'Sabah for Sabahans' aspiration, out of decades of sheer frustrations, neglect, ignored, sidelined, exploitations, broken promises. Too many Sabahans are living in dire poverty. Very shamefully to have so much resources and yet so much poverty. After decades, Sabahans cannot tolerate this sort of 4th world status quo. Things must change for the better. Sabahans cannot allow our wealth to be siphoned out of Sabah indiscriminately and continuously. This must be stopped. It can only be stopped when we have leaders who love Sabah enough to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans' Read KP Mau's master piece again to comprehend why Sabahans are so fed up! Not all 'Sabah for Sabahans' Leaders are Saviours. False prophets aplenty! Shouting 'Sabah for Sabahans' in the run up of 2025 election is gaining popularity. An attractive slogan to leech on. Many will claim what they have done, will do or can do for Sabahans. Beware of the noise of insincerity. However, Sabahans must decern with the greatest care and sieve away the Sabahan and outsider false prophets. Many are wolves in sheep's clothing. Helpful to check their personalities and track records. Have they been really practicing 'Sabah for Sabahans' or 'Sabah for their pockets.' Qualities/Qualifications required for 'Sabah for Sabahans' Leaders. It does not mean all will be OK if some 'Sabah for Sabahans' leaders have been elected. That would be a grave mistake. Blind fighters are useless. They can do untold damages. Here are some qualities/qualifications to look for: [1] Exemplary of character and conduct. [2] Courteous in manner. [3] Easy of approach. [4] Steady and firm in principles especially in being faithful to the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' [5] Able and willing to undertake the management of government and Sabah's economy. [6] Above all, courageous, wise, and sanguine in regaining Sabah's rights, especially 40% share of net revenue, The New Sea Act 2012, representation in all important agencies, GLCs/GLICs and economic ownership restructure, especially oil and gas, oil palm plantations. Is 'Sabah for Sabahans' illegal? Divisive? Every state has its version of 'Sabah for Sabahans' explicitly or implicitly. Looking after people of the state is the sacrosanct duty of every state government. Duty of the Federal Government is to look after all Malaysians. HRH Sultan of Johor, being a caring and benevolent ruler, is very fond of expressing his love for all Johoreans, irrespective of race or religion. How can 'Sabah for Sabahans' be divisive? Is it good for Sabahans to have 'Sabah for non-Sabahans'? It does not make sense to any Sabahan that 'Sabah for Sabahans' is divisive. What comical logic is this? Do Sabahans want to share our wealth with others? Will Malaysians from Selangor say 'Selangor for Sabahans'? Or 'Penang for Sabahans'? All Sabahans should demand for 'Sabah for Sabahans' from Every Sabah based Party in 2025 Election. Our future will be determined by the leaders to be elected in 2025. Good if the leaders are for 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Otherwise, it will be very bad for all Sabahans. In any case, why would a Sabahan, in his right mind, want to give his vote to a leader who would not practice 'Sabah for Sabahans.' He must be insane! Back up 'Sabah for Sabahans' with manifestos, policies, and implementation plan. Talking is cheap, shouting slogans most unproductive. There must be seriousness in professing 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Parties or leaders who cannot produce these are wasting our time. They are riding on the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' without thinking or working through its essence. They will condemn Sabahans to where we have been in the last 40 years. 2025 election must produce a Strong Government to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans' Aspiration. A fractious government cannot do much for 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Looking at current scenario, unity will remain an elusive distant dream. Hopefully Sabahan parties can agree to embrace the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' with their own versions. The most effective and beneficial is a united, strong, and focused government to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Imperative that Sabahans must give the next government a strong unequivocal mandate for it to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Sabah Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga. Sabah is Our Home, We Look After. Vote for a new future, Vote for Sabah. Vote for 'Sabah for Sabahans'. RISE SABAH: THIS OUR DESTINY No more shall strangers lord in thieving grace, Nor wear our name while plundering our land; Let our children stand firm and take their place, With calloused palms, not soft and foreign hand. The pact they penned in Nineteen Sixty-Three, Has bound us, tied us in these blackened chains; Though meant to grant us rightful liberty, Not empty seat, stark empty claims and games. Our hills are rich, yet hunger haunts us poor, While oil-fed lights burn bright beyond the sea; Enough, unite! Let squabbles be no more, With this banner raised in proud unity. We seek no alms, nor wait for your decree, Take our place, in this our own destiny . KP Mau Wednesday, 14 May 2025 BANGUN SABAH: INI TAKDIR KITA Tiada lagi orang asing pegang takhta, Merampas hak kita, memakai nama kita; Biar anak bangsa kita teguh berdiri, Dengan tangan diri, bukan tangan asing. Janji yang ditulis pada Enam Puluh Tiga, Telah mencekek kita dalam rantai menghina Padahal sepatutnya memberi kebebasan, Bukan kerusi kosong, janji omong dipermainkan Nusa kita kaya, namun lapar terus mengancam, Sedangkan cahaya menyala menara duorang Cukuplah, bersatu! Jangan ada lagi perbalahan, Dengan panji ini, kita angkat dalam perpaduan. Kami tidak minta sedekah, tidak tunggu titah, Kita ambil tempat kita, ini takdir kita. KP Mau Wednesday, 14 May 2025 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
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah government prioritises youth concerns
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is committed to ensuring that young Sabahans' voices are heard and their concerns addressed through meaningful action, says state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. Speaking at the 'Destinasi SMJ Anak Muda 2.0' forum at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Saturday (May 24), he told over 500 students that their issues are not being ignored, especially when it comes to education, job opportunities, and basic infrastructure, "We are listening. The concerns of our youth, whether about water, education, or job opportunities, are not falling on deaf ears. The government is committed to delivering real, tangible solutions," he said. He said that the government values youth perspectives and is serious about implementing policies that directly benefit younger generations. The open dialogue is organised by the Institut Kerjasama Kerajaan dan Rakyat (Ikrar) under the Chief Minister's Department and provided a platform for students to express concerns and share ideas on development matters. Among the topics raised were water supply issues on campus, Sabah's economic direction, student welfare, and the evolving job market. The session, moderated by Ikrar director Azrul Ibrahim, was well-received, with many students appreciating the opportunity to engage directly with a senior government leader. Masidi also encouraged youth to remain informed and actively involved in shaping the future of the state, adding that their energy and ideas are vital to Sabah's progress.
