Latest news with #IskandarDzulkifli
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
No reason for PBS to leave GRS: Veep
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ruslan described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam rejected speculation that PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Air Ku (Star) might leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the coming state election. The Lumadan Assemblyman said there is no reason for such action, as PBS and Star would remain in the coalition following their long-standing agreement. Advertisement He described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. 'Our understanding within GRS has been established for a long time, especially as we work together in the State Government administration, bringing various initiatives for the people that have made the opposition feel threatened. Therefore, these claims are just rumours as we approach the 17th state election and there are certainly attempts to weaken GRS' strength,' he said after officiating the Lumadan PBS Division Youth Leadership Camp on Saturday. Ruslan was responding to speculation about grassroots pressure for PBS and Star to leave GRS to ensure local party aspirations are realised following concerns that GRS' potential cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could affect seats both parties wish to contest. When asked whether GRS should go solo or cooperate with PH in the state election, Ruslan personally believes the current political scenario suggests GRS should contest alone. However, he acknowledged that cooperation with PH is also important to maintain Federal-State government relations for the people's benefit. He noted that PH prefers GRS, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to continue leading the State Government rather than Umno, as demonstrated during the previous Langkah Kinabalu episode. 'Looking at the scenario, it would be good for us to contest solo, but cooperation between Federal and State governments is also very important and beneficial. 'We cannot just throw away PH after they supported us during the previous coup attempt, especially when PH and Umno cooperate at the Federal level. However, this is my personal opinion, and we leave it entirely to GRS leadership to make whatever decisions,' he said. For the record, PBS currently holds seven seats, namely Tandek, Matunggong, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Lumadan, Kundasang and Telupid, while Star holds six seats, namely Paginatan, Tambunan, Sook, Bingkor, Tulid and Liawan. * 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
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
New Membakut Community Hall soon
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ariffin officiating the ground breaking ceremony. MEMBAKUT: Membakut residents will soon enjoy safer and more comfortable public facilities with the construction of a new community hall in town. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, who is Membakut assemblyman said the hall, which replaces an outdated facility, is being constructed on the same site with a larger footprint. Advertisement The Sabah state government has allocated RM6 million for the project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months, he said. The project was approved last year by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and is scheduled for completion by 2027, said Ariffin. 'The upgraded hall will not only include improved basic amenities, but also a badminton court and the capacity to accommodate over 2,000 people at a time,' said Ariffin after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony on behalf of the Chief Minister. 'This new facility will support a wide range of large-scale social events and will become a new landmark for the district,' he added. Also present were Klias assembly man Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, who is also PGRS Klias Division Chief, Ampuan Hasyim Ampuan Mamut PGRS Bongawan Division Chief; and State Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin. In another development, Ariffin, who also leads the PGRS Membakut Division, said the party is fully prepared to face the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). He said that preparations are underway at all levels, including identifying party members at branch level, with active involvement from the PGRS Women's Wing. 'PGRS Membakut now has more than 8,000 registered members, but what is most important is our service to the people, particularly in the areas of welfare and public interest. 'With nearly 19,000 voters in the area, our focus must include not just our members, but the broader community as well. Reaching out to everyone is essential,' he said. Earlier, Ariffin also presented Sabah's People's Touch Assistance (SKR) and education aid to students and symbolically handed over keys to SMJ Homes on behalf of the Chief Minister. The ceremony also included the presentation of appointment letters to 40 newly appointed Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons for the Bongawan and Membakut constituencies. * 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
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Express
Sabah's space project feasibility study to be finalised in July
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Hanafiah and Ariffin with recipients of the excellence awards at the ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: A feasibility study for a satellite launch site in Sabah is expected to be finalised this coming July. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said several subsequent implementation phases will be drafted by the ministry once the study report is completed. According to him, among the initiatives to be planned include expenditure aspects, as the space industry is a major global sector. Advertisement 'After the study, we can outline the next phases. First, we will identify the required expenditure because this is an international-level industry that demands significant funding. 'Therefore, foreign investments are anticipated, including from the United States, Europe, and China. All of this will be finalised at the Federal level (Mosti),' he said. He said this when met at the KSTI Excellence Awards Ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, here. Hanafiah said Sabah stands to benefit from the industry, as the space sector is larger than the oil and gas industry. He explained that this follows the current congestion of satellites due to the lack of facilities worldwide, particularly those in suitable locations for satellite launches. 'The location factor is extremely important in this industry as it affects costs, and according to experts, Sabah has a geographically ideal location for a launch site. 'The market already exists, so we are targeting the construction operations which involve various needs – and these are opportunities our young people should seize,' he said. When asked about Pahang also being shortlisted as a potential launch site alongside Sabah, Hanafiah said Sabah currently has a geographical advantage. However, he said the results of the feasibility study will determine whether the launch site will ultimately be built in Pahang or Sabah. 'Whatever it is, we await the study report (in July), which will be presented to the state government before being brought to the federal level – and only then will a final decision be made. 'But geographically, Sabah clearly has the advantage,' he said. * 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
Daily Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Klias hardcore poverty initiative bears fruit
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: BEAUFORT: The government's efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah have borne fruit, with the Klias constituency achieving zero hardcore poverty status. Klias Assemblyman Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said this success was the result of the continuous efforts of the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as part of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda. Advertisement Isnin said E-Kasih data showed there were 168 hardcore poor in Klias in 2023, which decreased to 11 by the end of 2024 and finally reached zero this year. 'This year, it is zero, meaning there are no more hardcore poor in Klias. This shows that the government's various initiatives to address this issue have been effective. 'The government provided extensive assistance to ensure these individuals rose above the poverty line, as we understood their struggles, some earning less than RM250 a month and some even without homes,' 'We provided them with SMJ homes and enrolled them in the Mini Estet Sejahtera (Mesej) programme to boost their economic standing. They have now successfully escaped poverty.' He said this to reporters after officiating the Klias Gagasan Rakyat Annual Delegates Meeting at Dewan Pa' Musa here. Isnin, who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, said five dilapidated schools in the area will be upgraded with an allocation of RM118 million. The schools are SK Mempagar, SK Takuli, SK Rancangan Klias, SK Pintas and SK Kubu. Additionally, a RM35 million allocation has been approved for the construction of the Beaufort District Education Office. 'My voice was heard during the Gagasan Rakyat Annual Assembly debate last year on education issues, leading to this substantial allocation for Klias. 'Not just that, Beaufort is also set to become one of Sabah's industrial hubs with a 5,000-acre area to be developed as an industrial centre. 'Once this project begins, it will impact local development and the economy, especially in Klias. The community must seize this opportunity,' he said. When asked about preparations for the 17th State Election, Isnin, who is also a Gagasan Rakyat Supreme Council Member said the party machinery is fully prepared to defend the Klias seat at any time. 'All party wings, including grassroots machinery, have been instructed to be ready. 'Support from young voters (aged 18 to 30) for the government is very positive, thanks to various direct initiatives such as education aid, SMJ housing assistance and financial aid all of which meet the people's needs at all levels,' he said. * 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
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Working with Pakatan Harapan OK, not Barisan Nasional
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Mazlan stated that his side remains committed to supporting any leadership decision, whether to cooperate or go solo in PRN17, as long as GRS remains dominant. BEAUFORT: If political cooperation takes place, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) appears more inclined to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah in facing the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17). The Lumadan Division Chief of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Mazlan Joehari Manan, said this is due to the good cooperation between both parties in the current GRS-PH Plus government administration. According to him, the coalition successfully established political stability, which in turn boosted the development agenda for the people under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) framework, compared to previous collaborations with other parties. 'The possibility (of political cooperation) exists as the current GRS-PH Plus government is able to work well together and has created political stability, thus facilitating all development initiatives. 'This situation is beneficial for the people and for Sabah itself. We want this momentum to continue into the next term as this cooperation aligns with the concept of the Unity Government at the Federal level. 'Therefore, we are more comfortable working with PH for PRN17, but ultimately, it depends on the decision of the top leadership,' he said after officiating the Group Branch Meeting of the PGRS Lumadan Division, here, recently. Advertisement He said this when asked about the possibility that GRS might not go solo at the last minute but instead form a collaboration with PH and BN to face PRN17. Mazlan stated that his side remains committed to supporting any leadership decision, whether to cooperate or go solo in PRN17, as long as GRS remains dominant. However, the Special Officer to the Chief Minister dismissed the likelihood of GRS having to form a political alliance with BN if it intends to cooperate with PH in PRN17. He emphasised that aside from the fallout between GRS and BN Sabah following the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident, BN has already declared it wants 40 seats, which complicates any potential cooperation. 'This alone makes it difficult for BN to work with GRS, especially when it comes to negotiating seat distribution, because as I said before, GRS must be dominant if others want to cooperate. 'Unlike BN, PH has never declared how many seats they want so far, which indicates there's still room for GRS to negotiate with PH. 'If negotiations (with PH) are successful, we will proceed (with the cooperation), but if they fail, GRS is always ready to go solo in PRN17,' he said. Previously, Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, announced that Umno/BN would contest 40 out of the 73 state legislative assembly (DUN) seats, with the rest allocated to PH in PRN17. However, this was refuted by PH Sabah, which stated that no formal negotiations or decisions had taken place, aside from informal meetings between both parties that did not address seat distribution. * 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
