Hajiji: Decision to dissolve Sabah Assembly lies with me

Chief Minister Hajiji visits one of the families affected by the recent fire.
PUTATAN (June 18): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has reminded all parties that the decision to dissolve the current Sabah government rests solely with him.
'That matter, I will think about it. Others do not need to overthink. As the Chief Minister, I will decide. But what is certain is that we will have the general election — whether sooner or later, it must take place,' he said.
Hajiji who is also president of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), urged the public to be patient, assuring that the time will come when the mandate will be returned to the people to choose their next government.
'Just wait,' he said when asked about the potential dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly, following his visit to fire victims at Dewan Sri Putatan on Wednesday.
Hajiji also confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding political cooperation, with a decision expected before any dissolution is announced.
When asked about the role of Barisan Nasional (BN), Hajiji simply replied, 'Ask BN what they want.'
Last month, Hajiji had expressed GRS's openness to cooperating with PH but noted the coalition might consider contesting alone if PH proceeds with its pact with BN.
Meanwhile, the Sabah government has extended immediate assistance to victims of fires that broke out in Kampung Petagas and Bukit Vor on June 16 and 17 respectively, affecting 74 individuals from 28 families.
Hajiji handed over aid to heads of households currently sheltered at the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Sri Putatan.
To alleviate their burden, each household head received several forms of assistance, including RM1,000 in compassionate aid (BWI), RM1,000 from the Sabah Welfare Foundation (YKS), RM1,000 from the Sabah Zakat Centre under the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), food baskets and RM300 from the Sabah State Baitulmal Corporation.
'For household heads whose homes were completely destroyed, the State Government will construct Rumah Mesra SMJ on the existing sites. Those whose homes were partially damaged will receive financial assistance ranging from RM5,000 to RM10,000,' said Hajiji.
He added that 10 houses would be rebuilt under the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative.
'The State Government is deeply concerned and remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of the people, especially during times of hardship,' he said.
In the two separate incidents, 20 household heads with 46 victims were affected in Kampung Petagas, while Bukit Vor saw eight household heads with 28 victims impacted by the fire.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Datuk Mohd Arif; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong; Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari; Secretary of Home Affairs and Research Datuk Awang Shahminan Datuk Sahari; and Putatan District Officer Masawi Salleh.

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Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate

Borneo Post

an hour ago

Borneo Post

Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate

Wong shows off his winnings. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held here tonight. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama Chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally,' he said. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. – Bernama

The Sun

3 hours ago

The Sun

Bernama Chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held here tonight. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama Chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally,' he said. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession.

Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate 2024