Taib has decided but won’t tell

by Jacob Achoi. Posted on November 25, 2010, Thursday

CM says next state election could be held any time in the next few months

GOOD TO BE BACK: Taib cuddles his grandson as he is welcomed by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (right) and Tan Sri Dr George Chan (second right) upon his arrival at Hornbill Skyways hangar at Kuching International Airport.

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud already has the date of the next state election in his mind.

However, although he had the inspiration, he would not disclose the date just yet.

He spoke to reporters yesterday at the Hornbill Skyways hangar after returning from his pilgrimage.

Taib, who is the state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the state election could be held in any of the 12 months of the year.

“Between now and the actual date of the election, it is a matter of getting prepared,” he said.

The term of the current State Legislative Assembly expires in July next year, but political observers have predicted that the state election would be held next month at the earliest and March or April at the latest.

The state BN has 62 seats out of 71 in the assembly, with 34 held by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), 12 by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP)(including Engkilili assemblyman – Dr Johnical Rayong), eight by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and eight by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).

The rest of the seats are held by DAP (nine), PKR (one) and Independent (one).

On his pilgrimage Taib said it was very good, adding that he was only thinking about the religion (Islam).

“I have a very good time, and the greatest change was the peaceful state of my mind because I was not working,” he said.

Both deputy chief ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu were present to welcome Taib.

Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Dato Sri Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, Land Development Minister Dato Sri James Masing and other cabinet and assistant ministers were also present.

Sumber: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6695809137835682200)

Haircut before PMR examination

Parent unhappy with forced haircut before PMR examination

Posted on October 5, 2010, Tuesday

KOTA KINABALU: A concerned parent has called on the management of SMK Majakir, Papar to explain the action taken by them to force students to have a military style hair cut, yesterday.

The complainant said the school management had forced students, who would be sitting for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination beginning today, to do the military hair cut in front of other students.

“Is there any directive from the Education Department to force the PMR candidates to cut their hair short or bald before sitting for the PMR? If there was no such directive, then why take this kind of action without thinking of the students’ emotion?

“These students would sit for the PMR examination tomorrow (today) and action taken by the school would definitely affect the students’ emotion,” the complainant said.

He questioned whether it was the right time for the school to take action on disciplinary issues on those who would be sitting for the PMR examination.

“Teachers in this school should be professional in handling the disciplinary problems among their students and not to do that when the students are about to take their PMR examination.

“The education department should not allow this thing to happen because it will affect the emotions of the students,” he said.

The complainant added that because of embarrassment and anger caused by the action of the school management, some students, including his son, are reluctant to come and sit for examination, today.

“The school management should give a better explanation as their action involved the self-respect of the students,” he added.

(sumber: borneopost)

Power comes with great responsibility, says chief minister

Posted on October 5, 2010, Tuesday

BINTULU: Only those who are truly sincere and capable can bring greater changes and benefits to the rakyat, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said Sunday night.

He said it was not enough just to have power.

“With power come great responsibility,” he said, adding that politics was not just about debating policies.

“The implementation of projects and programmes for greater development also counts,” he said.

He said politicians should not look at how much power they had after an election, but look at how they could use that power to sort things out for the rakyat’s betterment.

“If one has the power, but does not know how to use, wisely, it’s going to be a waste, and it will badly affect the people who have given their trust and confidence with the hope for a better future,” he said when speaking at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House at Medan Niaga SEDC Jepak here.

He said the next state election would be a determinant for the people in Sarawak whether they wanted continued prosperity or just wanted to “play new politics” and end up chaotic as in some countries.

“There is no such thing as guaranteed peace or prosperity unless we work for it.

“No matter how successful or prosperous we are, if we can’t maintain our stability, our prosperity will erode,” he said.

He said the people should be thankful that under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government they had witnessed greater transformation and development.

(sumber: borneopost)

SUPP-It is going to be a vigorous party

Dr Chan: SUPP is gaining strength

(http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=66753)
KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Sunday night that he now felt a greater sense of confidence for the party following the admission of 5,000 new members.

This, according to him, proves that the 51-year-old party is still a strong entity despite recent setbacks and increasing political challenges.

He said the 5,000 new members, including 1,500 in Kuching, signed up with SUPP, a Barisan Nasional (BN) component, in the following two years after the 2008 general election.

“Tell me, is this a party that is dying? No way. It is going to be a vigorous party. All talks of us being ‘weak here, weak there’ are just propaganda (against us).

“We will let other people know the strength of SUPP today. SUPP is still indeed strong, and whoever comes (in our way), we will fight,” he said at the welcoming ceremony for the 1,500 new members at the party’s headquarters here.

According to Dr Chan, the trials and tribulations during the 51 years of existence have taught SUPP ‘one way or another’ on survival.

As such, he viewed the admission of many new members as injecting new blood and ideas so that SUPP could eventually be given a stronger representation in the state government.

In a feint reference to the peninsula-based opposition parties, he called on party members to unite and work as a team to fend off the ‘outsiders’.

“I love Sarawak, I don’t like outsiders to come and ‘kacau’ (disturb) us…Where did the 1Malaysia spirit come from? It is here in Sarawak.

“We don’t want people to come and propagate hate for us to hate each other,” he stressed.

On another matter, Dr Chan, who is a deputy chief minister, said he was furious with all sorts of allegations hurled by the opposition against the state government.

Among the accusations, he said, were the state government was ‘lauya’ (bad) while the state city capital was pale in comparison with other cities in the region.

“The Samajaya industrial estate in Kuching has attracted a lot of investors…We have also universities being set up here.

“As far as the state is concerned, it has the best foreign direct investments (RM19.35 billion)… If we are ‘lauya’, do you think we can achieve this? This is proof that we have good government, don’t let the opposition fool you,” he said.

SUPP secretary general Senator Datuk Sim Kheng Hui and Youth chief Sih Hua Tong, the organising chairman for Sunday night’s event, also spoke.

Sim said the party since its inception in 1959 had always been a multi-racial party although the majority of the members were Chinese.

“We also have many Bumiputera leaders among us. And we work together to help all races in the spirit of 1Malaysia,” he added.

Sih, on the other hand, said the admission of many new members also proved the opposition was wrong in claiming that nobody wanted to join SUPP.

Six new members were also selected to speak at the event.

All the new members also pledged their loyalty before they were presented with party badges.
(sumber:borneopost)

Hidup Pehin Sri Taib’, ‘Hidup Barisan Nasional’,

Sokongan padu 2,000 ahli parti kompenan BN sambut Taib

Posted on October 4, 2010, Monday

BINTULU: Kain rentang berbunyi ‘Hidup Pehin Sri Taib’, ‘Hidup Barisan Nasional’, ‘Kami ahli PBB masih perlu pimpinan Pehin Sri Taib’ dan ‘Kami mahu YAB Pehin Sri terus memimpin kerajaan BN Sarawak’ mengiringi ketibaan Ketua Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud di Lapangan Terbang Bintulu semalam.

TERUSKAN PERJUANGAN: Barisan penyokong dan ahli-ahli parti komponen BN yang menyambut ketibaan Taib (gambar kanan) di Lapangan Terbang Bintulu, semalam. Turut kelihatan Talib (kanan).

Laungan ‘Hidup Pehin Sri’ dan ‘Hidup BN’ daripada kira-kira lebih 2,000 orang ahli parti-parti komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) menambah kemeriahan sambutan ketibaan beliau yang menghadiri majlis ramah-tamah Aidilfitri di Medan Niaga SEDC malam tadi.

Ahli-ahli dan pemimpin-pemimpin akar umbi daripada Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Demokratik Progresif Sarawak (SPDP), Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) serta Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) membawa bendera parti masing-masing dan sepanduk sejak jam 4.30 petang.

Ketibaan beliau turut disambut Menteri Muda Pelancongan Datuk Talib Zulpilip dan Menteri Muda Kesihatan Awam Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

(sumber: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=66597)

Be committed — Taib

by Lim How Pim. Posted on October 4, 2010, Monday

The army is always at the front line, so it must be alert to all possible threats

KUCHING: The Territorial Army in the state must be committed towards its regular training and fully understand its job and responsibilities.

FULLY COMMITTED: Taib (second right) receives the Brigadier General (Honorary) rank from Zahid. Looking on are Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin (right) and Army chief General Datuk Zukifeli Mohd Zin (second left). — Bernama photo

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said it had to be well prepared for any kind of tasks assigned to it.

“As far as defence is concerned, we must remember that we have to be ever ready for any emergencies or incidents.

“As the army is always at the front line, it must be alert to all possible threats,” he said before receiving the Brigadier General (Honorary) rank from Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a simple ceremony here yesterday.

Taib, who is patron for the state Territorial Army Supporters’ Committee (JAKPAW), was glad to note that there were two such regiments in the state.

“Sarawak has shown strong commitment towards serving and defending the country. Our army selflessly risks its lives to protect the country, and we shall not take this for granted.

“We must also realise that as civilians we are also duty bound to defend the country,” he said.

He was also pleased that nine more Territorial Army squads had been launched in the parliamentary constituencies of Sibu, Igan, Lanang, Julau, Kanowit, Batang Sadong, Mambong, Batang Lupar and Tanjung Manis.

Earlier, Zahid called on the state government to build more camps for the Territorial Army in the state. He said Taib had done the state proud for he is the first in Malaysia to have been bestowed the rank.

“Although the Territorial Army represents the second level of defence of the country, it is elected through standard procedures and it takes pride in discharging its duties.

“It is doing all it can to provide a conducive environment for development and progress,” said Zahid.

He pointed out that the Territorial Army had nothing to do with politics and hence it discharged its duties without fear or favour.

“We also hope that more individuals would come forward to volunteer themselves to defend the country.” Zahid suggested that Taib help encourage the private sector to allow its employees to take part in more volunteerism programmes.

“If private corporations give the green light to their employees, more will become part of us. However, many of these corporations are quite stubborn,” lamented Zahid.

At the ceremony, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani was bestowed the rank of Colonel.

Morshidi is the chairman of the state JAKPAW and Commander for Territorial Army Regiment 511

(sumber: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=66535)

No laps for warm laptops

• No laps for warm laptops; skin damage is possible

  In this undated photo provided by the journal Pediatrics, a 12 year-old boy is pictured using a laptop on balanced on his bare legs.

  http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20101004/news/101009952&tc=yahoo
• Laptop use could lead to 'toasted skin syndrome'

  Have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting on your lap, heating up your legs? If so, you might want to rethink that habit.

  http://www.king5.com/health/Laptop-use-could-lead-to-toasted-skin-syndrome-104291469.html

KEMPEN KIBAR JALUR GEMILANG

KEMPEN KIBAR JALUR GEMILANG OLEH SPDP BAHAGIAN N 40 MERADONG

Pengawa Nyirika Padri Fr. Philip Hu & Fr. David Ho

PRIESTLY ORDINATION ON 8/9/2010 @ ST. TERESA CHURCH, SIBU
REV. FR. DAVID HO AND REV. FR. PHILIP HU

Lawatan YB Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim Rh Guntol, Ng Bekiok,Merurun, Julau

Program Merakyatkan Seni Dan Budaya (PMS) serta Pelancaran Kampung WiFi Dan Penyerahan Komputer Riba 1Malaysia Di Daerah Julau, Sarawak bertempat Rh.Guntol, Nanga Bekiok, Merurun, Julau pada 17/9/2010

Amaran TPM kepada MCA

Amaran TPM kepada MCA

Oleh TARMIZI ABDUL RAHIM
pengarang@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 16 Ogos - Timbalan Perdana Menteri mengingatkan MCA supaya jangan terlalu ghairah menjuarai kepentingan dan tuntutan kaum sendiri sehingga boleh menjejaskan kestabilan dan keharmonian antara kaum di negara ini.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mengakui bahawa setiap kaum berhak memperjuangkan nasib kumpulan yang diwakili tetapi bagaimanapun perbuatan itu jangan sesekali dilihat boleh menjejaskan sensitiviti kaum lain.

Tegas beliau, MCA harus menginsafi bahawa ia merupakan sebahagian daripada komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) yang sudah tentu mempunyai prinsip yang perlu dihormati secara bersama.

"Saya tidak percaya MCA sanggup mengorbankan setiakawan yang dipupuk sejak sekian lama. Bagi saya ia amat penting sekali. UMNO pun memperjuangkan nasib Melayu tetapi pada masa sama ia turut menjaga kepentingan kaum lain.

"Jangan kita timbulkan kemarahan, keresahan hanya kerana kita nak pertahankan kaum kita atau resolusi kita hingga tidak mengambil kira sensitiviti dan hak kaum lain.

"Itu barulah adil namanya. Jika kita pertahankan kaum kita secara ekstrem dan perjuangan itu dilihat sebagai berat sebelah kerana tidak mengambil kira kepentingan lain, maka itu merupakan sesuatu yang tidak baik," katanya.

Beliau mengulas kenyataan Presiden MCA, Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek yang menegaskan, parti itu tidak takut berkongsi pandangan sama dengan DAP dalam hal yang memberi keuntungan kepada masyarakat Cina.

Soi Lek yang menjawab peringatan Naib Presiden UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata, MCA yang kini diterajui kepimpinan baru percaya bahawa pendirian itu mempunyai asas dan wajar.

Sebelum itu, Hishammuddin mengingatkan agar MCA tidak mengambil pendirian menyimpang daripada perjuangan yang sudah disepakati sekian lama dalam BN.

Peringatan Naib Presiden UMNO itu dibuat ekoran kenyataan Soi Lek yang mendesak kerajaan supaya mementingkan keupayaan merit dan bukannya kuota dalam memastikan perkongsian tulen antara bumiputera dan bukan bumiputera.

Tambah Muhyiddin, soal sama ada MCA ingin bersama DAP merupakan perkara kedua kerana apa yang penting pendirian yang diambil mereka tidak sepatutnya boleh menimbulkan prasangka, buruk sangka, kemarahan dan mengguris sensitiviti kaum lain.

"Jika ia mempunyai hubung kait dengan dasar kerajaan, MCA harus tahu dan faham apakah pendirian kerajaan tentang soal hak istimewa bumiputera dan semangat menyeimbangkan pengagihan kekayaan dalam negara ini.

"Pendirian kerajaan adalah amat jelas dalam perkara ini iaitu kita tidak akan berkompromi terutama dalam soal menyentuh kepentingan kaum dan bumiputera," katanya.

Mengulas lanjut, Muhyiddin menjelaskan bahawa tuntutan Melayu untuk mendapat 30 peratus kekayaan bukannya satu tuntutan melampau kerana sasaran Dasar Ekonomi Baru itu sehingga kini masih belum tercapai.

Sedangkan, katanya, kaum Cina sudah menguasai lebih daripada 40 peratus kekayaan negara dan Melayu tidak pernah sekalipun iri hati.

"Kecualilah jika kekayaan Cina berbanding dahulu semakin menurun kerana diambil oleh Melayu, itu boleh kita faham dan pertimbang.

"Jadi adakah adil jika MCA tuntut supaya apa yang diperjuangkan Melayu untuk menguasai 30 peratus itu secara adil itu sebagai sesuatu yang tidak wajar," katanya.

Tegas Muhyiddin, desakan MCA itu tidak sepatutnya ditimbulkan kerana sejarah membuktikan bahawa kepincangan dalam masyarakat telah berlaku kerana pengagihan kekayaan tidak dilakukan secara adil dan saksama.

"Ia sebagaimana yang berlaku pada 1969. Kerajaan berharap ia tidak berlaku lagi. Oleh sebab itulah kita sasarkan ada perseimbangan penguasaan kekayaan negara secara adil dan saksama," katanya.

( sumber http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp)

Felda saman

Felda saman Wan Azizah, 5 lain RM200j

Peguam bagi pihak Felda, Mohd. Hafarizam Harun menunjukkan nota saman yang difailkan di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 16 Ogos – Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan (Felda) dan sebuah syarikat pelaburannya hari ini memfailkan saman fitnah RM200 juta terhadap enam defendan termasuk penerbit serta pencetak akhbar rasmi Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Suara Keadilan ekoran penyiaran artikel bertajuk Felda Bangkrap.

Felda dan Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn. Bhd. selaku plaintif pertama dan kedua memfailkan writ saman tersebut melalui firma guaman, Tetuan Hafarizam, Wan & Aisha Mubarak di kaunter pendaftaran Mahkamah Tinggi di sini pada pukul 3.11 petang.

Pihak plaintif menamakan Presiden PKR, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail dan Naib Presidennya, Dr. Syed Husin Ali yang disaman atas kapasiti pemegang jawatan dalam parti itu selaku defendan pertama dan kedua.

Penerbit akhbar tersebut, Pelita Koridor Sdn. Bhd. dan pencetaknya, Percetakan NPK Sdn. Bhd. selain penyunting, Dzulkarnain Taib serta penulis, Rusnizam Mahat pula masing-masing dinamakan sebagai defendan ketiga hingga keenam.

PKR dinamakan sebagai penerbit kepada Suara Keadilan tertakluk kepada Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN), permit yang telah tamat tempoh pada 30 Jun lalu.

Menurut pernyataan tuntutan, plaintif mendakwa, akhbar Suara Keadilan dalam edisi 22-29 Jun lalu telah menyiarkan artikel di muka depan bertajuk Felda Bangkrap yang didakwa mengandungi perkataan fitnah.

Selain itu, sebuah lagi artikel dalam edisi yang sama dengan keterangan di muka surat pertama bertajuk Kontroversi berserta gambar dan sambungannya di muka surat 3 bertajuk Bina bangunan RM662 juta hanya libatkan tiga individu turut didakwa mengandungi perkataan fitnah.

Plaintif menyatakan, defendan telah dan masih menerbitkan bahagian pertama perkataan fitnah yang membawa maksud bahawa mereka tidak berupaya membayar hutang, hutang melebihi asetnya, tidak mempunyai kelayakan kredit dan merupakan entiti yang tiada sesiapapun yang ingin melakukan perniagaan bersama.

Dakwa plaintif lagi, defendan telah menerbitkan dan masih lagi menerbitkan bahagian kedua dan ketiga artikel mengandungi perkataan fitnah yang serius dan merupakan fitnah bertulis yang amat memudaratkan serta menjejaskan reputasi plaintif.

Selain itu, fitnah tersebut merupakan suatu yang amat serius yang boleh menyebabkan penghinaan dan aib kepada plaintif di khalayak ramai, masyarakat negara ini dan luar negara selain menyebabkan kerugian yang maksimum.

Menurut plaintif, defendan dengan sengaja menerbitkan perkataan fitnah tersebut walaupun mempunyai pengetahuan bahawa perkara itu tidak benar atau palsu serta cuai dan mengabaikan kejujuran.

Plaintif juga menegaskan bahawa perkataan fitnah telah diterbitkan dengan sengaja dan berniat jahat untuk merosakkan dan memusnahkan reputasi kedua-dua syarikat tersebut.

Sehubungan itu, plaintif menuntut ganti rugi RM200 juta termasuk ganti rugi keterlaluan, teladan untuk fitnah bertulis atau kepalsuan berniat jahat dan mudarat.

Selain itu, plaintif menuntut faedah pada kadar lapan peratus setahun atas ganti rugi dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh pembayaran penuh serta injunksi bagi menghalang pihak defendan daripada bercakap atau menerbitkan perkataan fitnah secara lisan atau di media cetak atau Internet.

Plaintif juga memohon perintah supaya defendan menerbitkan permohonan maaf secara bertulis untuk diterbitkan di akhbar dan majalah dengan bentuknya serta terma akan ditentukan oleh plaintif, kos serta relif-relif lain.

(sumber: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.as)

To change SIBU name

To change SIBU name – showing no respect to natives

Taken from: Sarawak Inside

Dayakbaru

To the Dayak, Sibu name is actually MALING. Then it turns to be called SIBAU, as “buah sibau, a rambutan family fruit. As the urban people could not pronounce the word properly then it turn to become Sibu.

The Chinese started to arrive in Sibu only about a hundred odd years ago. What is so great about their history except that the Sibu Chinese are so great now because of the SUPP connection and got timber business licence and plantation. But that does not give them the right to change SIbu name as they wish.

I guessed that SUPP would want a new name for Sibu because SIBU bring them bad luck in the last election. Can you guess what has SUPP proposed Sibu name is?

The more reason why we should not vote for SUPP.

( sumber: http://dayakbaru.com/weblog08/ )

Remaja hamil luar nikah meningkat

Oleh JAMLIAH ABDULLAH
utusanN9@utusan.com.my

SEREMBAN 16 Ogos – Percaya atau tidak, sebuah hospital kerajaan di sini menerima dua hingga tiga kes remaja hamil luar nikah setiap hari.

Menurut Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat negeri, Datuk Zainab Nasir, perkara tersebut membimbangkan pihaknya.

“Ini adalah laporan daripada Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) negeri. Kes-kes membabitkan remaja hamil luar nikah seperti ini dilihat semakin meningkat dan membimbangkan kita,” katanya di sini hari ini.

Zainab tidak menafikan terdapat kes membabitkan remaja dalam kalangan pelajar termasuk penuntut institusi pengajian tinggi di negeri ini.

Menurutnya, kerajaan negeri melalui jabatan berkaitan melaksanakan pelbagai program di bawah Jawatankuasa Gadis/Wanita Hamil Luar Nikah dalam usaha menangani permasalahan seperti itu sejak 2008.

“Pelbagai program dilaksanakan seperti seminar dan bengkel untuk remaja khususnya agar mereka menjauhi perkara-perkara seperti ini,” kata beliau.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, usaha tersebut bagaimana pun tidak akan berkesan tanpa pembabitan daripada akar umbi iaitu semua anggota keluarga.

“Dalam perkara seperti ini saya ingin menasihatkan ibu bapa agar sentiasa mengawasi pergerakan anak-anak gadis mereka. Tidak salah kita sedikit mengongkong dalam hal-hal seperti ini.

“Ibu bapa yang mempunyai anak gadis di kolej atau universiti selalulah jenguk mereka, jangan kita tinggalkan mereka pada hari pendaftaran kemudian biarkan begitu saja tanpa bertanya khabar.

“Elok juga jika kita selalu lakukan ‘pemeriksaan mengejut’ di tempat mereka belajar,” jelasnya.

Katanya, remaja yang hidup jauh daripada keluarga dan tanpa bimbingan ibu bapa akan mudah terpengaruh dengan anasir tidak baik akibat pengaruh rakan-rakan.

“Di sinilah institusi keluarga memainkan peranan, walau sebaik manapun program yang kerajaan buat, akhirnya anggota keluarga jugalah yang utama dalam memberi didikan,” katanya.

Mengenai kes buang bayi di negeri ini, katanya, sebanyak 24 kes dilaporkan sejak 2007 termasuk empat kes pada tahun lepas dan dua kes sehingga Ogos tahun ini.

“Kerajaan negeri sangat menyokong cadangan kerajaan agar mereka yang terbabit dengan kes pembuangan bayi disabitkan dengan hukuman mati.

“Sekurang-kurangnya hukuman ini akan menggerunkan mereka daripada melakukan perbuatan terkutuk itu,” tegasnya.

(sumber http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?)

50 sen setem Kad raya 50gm

Hanya 50 sen setem untuk kad raya 50g

17/08/2010 2:43pm

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Ogos - Sempena sambutan Hari Raya, Pos Malaysia tahun ini hanya mengenakan bayaran setem 50 sen bagi kad ucapan yang tidak melebihi 50 gram, berbanding harga biasa 70 sen berkuatkuasa 1 Ogos ini.

Ketua Sokongan Operasi PosMel, Zaidi Hussain berkata, kadar istimewa itu bagi semua destinasi di negara ini dan ia lebih rendah berbanding 80 sen pada tahun lepas.

Kadar itu berkuatkuasa sehingga 28 Februari tahun depan bagi meliputi perayaan utama di negara ini iaitu Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Krismas dan Tahun Baru Cina, katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata, kadar setem yang rendah ini diharap dapat menghidupkan semula amalan menghantar kad ucapan yang semakin berkurangan berikutan perkembangan teknologi masa kini yang menggalakkan penggunaan internet dan SMS. - Bernama

Bank tempatan kedekut

by Patricia Gari

August 17, 2010, Tuesday

KUCHING:Kerajaan negeri terkilan dengan sikap bank-bank tempatan di negeri ini yang disifatkan ‘liat’ memberi sumbangan atau sokongan ke-pada program pemeliharaan dan pemuliharaan hidupan liar khasnya orang utan.

‘ANAK ANGKAT’: Gambar seekor anak orang utan yang diberi nama Ting San yang diangkat oleh syarikat Pusaka KTS diserahkan secara simbolik oleh Naroden kepada wakil syarikat yang juga Pengarah Vista Securco Sdn Bhd, Datuk Vincent Chapman (kanan) bagi pihak Pusaka KTS sambil diperhatikan (dari kiri) Len dan Ketua Warden Hidupan Liar SFC, Wilfred Landong.

Mereka ‘liat’ beri sumbangan kepada program pemeliharaan, pemuliharaan hidupan liar khasnya orang utan, kata Len Talif

Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap Kementerian Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber yang juga Pengarah Urusan Sara-wak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Datu Len Talif Salleh berkata tidak ada satu pun bank-bank yang beroperasi di negeri ini mahu menyumbang bagi tujuan tersebut.

Len berkata inisiatif untuk menjalinkan kerjasama bagi tujuan itu dengan bank-bank tempatan termasuk beberapa bank antarabangsa sejak lebih dua tahun lalu semuanya me-nemui jalan buntu.

Beliau memberitahu kementerian menerusi beberapa agensi di bawahnya termasuk SFC cuba mendapat-kan sokongan serta bantuan daripada bank-bank tempatan dan jumlah sumbangan tidak ditetapkan bergantung kepada keikhlasan institusi-institusi berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun katanya, jelas bank-bank tempatan termasuk beberapa bank antarabangsa yang didekati tidak berminat atau tiada komitmen untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada progran konservasi hidupan liar.

“Saya boleh katakan di sini bahawa bank adalah kumpulan korporat yang paling ‘lokek’ apabila berkata mengenai penajaan… saya berani katakan begitu.

“Bank-bank ini lantang bercakap mengenai standard bank dunia dan sebagainya dan sering mahu dilihat sebagai hijau serta mesra alam tetapi apabila bercakap mengenai wang atau kewangan mereka adalah kumpulan kor-porat yang sangat kedekut. “Alasan lazim mereka berikan ialah tiada bajet,” ujarnya pada sidang media semalam.

Terdahulu beliau menghadiri majlis pelancaran Kempen Derma Untuk Orang Utan bagi Sekolah-sekolah di Sarawak yang diadakan di Pusat Hidupan Liar Semenggoh kira-kira 20 kilometer dari bandar raya ini.

Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Mohd Naroden Majais me-wakili Menteri Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber Ke-dua Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan menyempurnakan majlis tersebut.

Len yang juga Pengarah Jabatan Hutan Sarawak (JHS) berkata bank-bank tempatan khasnya perlu mencontohi sektor korporat lain yang sedia serta komited menjadi sebahagian daripada program memelihara dan memulihara hidupan liar di negeri ini.

“Ini suatu yang sangat menyedihkan kerana banyak badan korporat lain sangat aktif menyertai program ini dan ia tidak hanya dalam program menganak angkat orang utan tetapi membabitkan hidupan liar lain seperti penyu,” ujarnya.

Beliau memberitahu pihak-nya akan menjalinkan usaha sama melindungi serta memulihara hidupan liar khasnya orang utan dengan agensi-agensi pelancongan, syarikat penerbangan seperti MAS serta MASwings dan hotel seperti program ‘Heart-to-Heart with Orang Utan’ anjuran Hotel Pullman baru-baru ini.

“Ini usaha berterusan kita tambahan respons awal daripada pihak-pihak ini cukup menggalakkan,” katanya.

Naroden yang turut menghadiri sidang media itu juga mengakui kesukaran kerajaan mendapatkan sokongan mahupun sumbangan daripada bank-bank tempatan dalam usaha pemeliharaan alam se-kitar dan hidupan liar.

Beliau menambah adalah tidak salah untuk bank sebagai institusi yang memiliki kekuatan kewangan membantu kerajaan melindungi serta membiayai pusat hidupan liar.

“Ia harus dijadikan sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab sosial korporat institusi-institusi berkenaan,” katanya.

(sumber:http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58893)

August, 2010 - Overview for the Month

August, 2010 - Overview for the Month The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward. The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2010 General: That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties. Missionary: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries. (See also www.apostleshipofprayer.net) Feasts for August The feasts on the General Roman Calendar celebrated during the month of August are: 1. Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 2. Eusebius of Vercelli; Peter Julian Eymard, Opt. Mem. 4. John Vianney, Memorial 5. Dedication of St. Mary Major, Opt. Mem. 6. Transfiguration, Feast 7. Sixtus II and companions; Cajetan, Opt. Mem. 8. Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 9. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Opt. Mem. 10. Lawrence, Feast 11. Clare, Memorial 13. Pontian and Hippolytus, Opt. Mem. 14. Maximilian Kolbe, Memorial 15. Assumption, Solemnity 16. Stephen of Hungary, Opt. Mem. 19. John Eudes, Opt. Mem. 20. Bernard, Memorial 21. Pius X, Sunday 22. Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday 23. Rose of Lima, Opt. Mem. 24. Bartholomew, Feast 25. Louis of France; Joseph Calasanz, Opt. Mem. 27. Monica, Memorial 28. Augustine, Memorial 29. Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday Focus of the Liturgy The Gospel readings for the Sundays in August are taken from St. Luke and are from Year C, Cycle 2. August 1st - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. August 8th - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells his disciples that the one who is given more, more will be demanded or him. August 15th - Solemnity of the Assumption This Gospel relates Mary's visit to Elizabeth. August 22nd - 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus talks about entering the kingdom through the narrow door. August 29th - 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time In today's Gospel parable about a banquet, Jesus teaches humility. Highlights of the Month August is often considered the transitional month in our seasonal calendar. It is the time of the year we begin to wind-down from our summer travels and vacations and prepare for Autumn — back to school, fall festivals, harvest time, etc. The Church in her holy wisdom has provided a cycle of events in its liturgical year which allow the faithful to celebrate the major feasts in the life of Christ and Mary. Most notably, during August, we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) and the feast of the Assumption (August 15). The other main feasts of this month are, St. John Mary Vianney (August 4), Dedication of St. Mary Major (August 5), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6), St. Sixtus II and Companions and St. Cajetan (August 7), St. Teresa Benedicta (August 9), St. Lawrence (August 10), St. Clare (August 11), Jane Frances de Chantal (August 12), Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus (August 13), St. Maximilian Kolbe (August 14), St. Stephen of Hungary (August 16), St. John Eudes (August 19), St. Bernard (August 20), St. Pius X (August 21), St. Bartholomew (August 24), St. Louis of France (August 25), St. Monica (August 27), and St. Augustine (August 28). The feasts of St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1), St. Dominic (August 8), the Queenship of Mary (August 22), and the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29) fall on a Sunday so they are suppressed this year. A Time to Persevere The days of summer have provided a welcome change of pace. However, while vacations afford us the time to relax and refresh, the change of habits and routines can also have a negative impact on our spiritual lives. As if to re-ignite us, the Church offers us in the plethora of August feasts vivid examples of the virtue of perseverance: six martyrs — two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine and St. Monica, his mother; the humble patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, and the patron of deacons, St. Lawrence, who joked with his executioners while being roasted alive. It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ’s Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ’s" (Enchiridion on Indulgences). The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!

My heart hath rejoiced in God my Savior, because He that is mighty hath done great things for me. Highlights August 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the end of her life on earth, was taken up body and soul, into the glory of heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the apostles. Recipe of the Month Barbecue Pilaf The Eastern Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration with ceremonies and processions to the Church where sheaves of wheat, baskets of fruit, and clusters of flowers decorate the altar. When the religious celebration is over, a fair is held, and a pilaf made of cracked wheat is the feature of the feasting. This recipe tastes especially good when eaten out-of doors with barbecued chicken. Activity of the Month Celebrate the Feast of the Assumption Celebrate the feast day of the Assumption with a procession and the Blessing of Herbs and Flowers. Here are numerous ideas for this feast day, including an outdoor procession and tea. Symbols St. Bartholomew Armenia and India are believed to have been the areas of his missionary work. He is said to have been flayed alive and crucified. St. Augustine A native of North Africa, converted by St. Ambrose and educated at Carthage, the Bishop of Hippo was the writer of his "Confessions" and the "City of God." This symbol refers to his intense zeal and devotion to Christ. St. Clare The foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares, whose emblem refers to her dispersion of Saracen invaders by facing them, bearing the Blessed Sacrament, in defense of the convent. St. Lawrence The archdeacon of Rome who, when ordered to deliver the treasures of the Church to pagan authorities, produced the poor and sick of the Christian community as the richest treasures of the Church. He was condemned and burned to death over a gridiron, retaining his cheerful attitude to the end. With Mary Immaculate, let us adore, thank, implore and console the Most Beloved and Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

(http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/08.cfm)

Sarawak tribes and orang-utans of Borneo

We were amazed at our recent visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary near Kuching. An eye-opener of what’s truly amazing about Borneo Sarawak, that is irresistible!

Located near the Mount Santubong and facing the South China Sea, the Sarawak Cultural Village is also the place for the Borneo Rainforest Music Festival in July. Like a “living museum”, they portray the various ethnic tribes in the Borneo state of Sarawak and its rich cultural diversity:bridges in the traditional way

Bidayuh:

The Bidayuh (8.4% of Sarawak’s population) – nicknamed by early Europeans as “Land Dayaks” - live mainly in the catchment of the Sarawak and Sadong rivers. They built their houses in mountain fastnesses, tacked to a steep hillside like a huge staircase. This was partly for protection against enemies, partly for access to fresh water.

Iban:

The Iban, once known as “sea dayaks” (one-third of Sarawak’s population) built their longhouses to last 20 years or until the farmland was exhausted. Many families live together in a single longhouse. The traditional longhouse is made of timber tied with creeper fibre, roofed with leaf thatch, built beside the river.

Communal living in an Iban longhouse

Iban longhouse is…long!

Iban dance

Penan:

The shy nomadic people of the jungle, the Penans, live in the dense virgin jungles of Central Borneo. Penan shelters are quickly constructed to last a few weeks or months. Penans are also known to make the blowpipes with poison darts (from the sap of the upas tree) for hunting in the jungles.

A Penan in his hut making a blowpipe

Orang Ulu:

Orang Ulu, “up-river dwellers” is used to describe the people living in Central Borneo along the upper reaches of Sarawak’s rivers, and they account for about 5.5% of Sarawak’s population comprising of the Penan, the Kayan and Kenyah. In the past, Orang Ulu were famous as sword-smiths. Traditionally they built their longhouse to last.

Melanau:

The Melanau people (5.8% of Sarawak’s population) used to traditionally live near the sea within reach of the pirates. The Melanau built massive houses 40 feet above the ground. They also differ from most other Borneo people in that they prefer to eat sago rather than rice.

Then we headed to the famous Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary - located 20 km away from Kuching – a safe haven for the Orang-Utan, an endangered species and Southeast Asia’s lone great ape genus. These gentle and shy creatures spend most of their time foraging for food among the trees in private but they’ve learnt to come out of hiding during the park’s regular feeding schedule. Did you know that the word “orang-utan” is derived from the Malay language meaning Man of the Jungle?

This was an incredible discovery for us and I’m proud we have something so amazing here in Malaysia!

source: http://frogandprincess.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/sarawak-tribes-and-orang-utans-of-borneo/