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West Australian
2 hours ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Opposition alliance parties only going to get closer says Zempilas following all or nothing Love comments
Basil Zempilas has denied the Opposition Alliance is close to splitting up despite comments by his Nationals counterpart Shane Love that the junior partner would break the agreement if it was not formalised. Speaking to media on Sunday, Mr Zempilas said he was surprised to see Mr Love's comments and thought the two parties were working well together. 'I'm not disappointed, but I was surprised only because the sense that perhaps was portrayed does not match the reality,' he said. 'The absolute sense is that from those inside both teams and those who have been observing the early weeks of this new parliament, we are working very well together as a cohesive, high-functioning, united Opposition Alliance.' The comments come after The Sunday Times reported comments from Mr Love saying the two parties should go it alone if a formal Coalition agreement could not be met. 'To be anything in the middle (of being fully separate or in a formal Coalition) has really not proven successful,' Mr Love said. 'For me, we either have an agreement where we are definitely working together, or we be separate.' The traditional Coalition partners have had a tense relationship in recent times. In late 2024, leading up to March's State election, the alliance was on the brink after Mr Love pledged not to form a Coalition government with the Liberals unless they agreed to rewrite Labor's firearm law reform. Mr Zempilas said he believed the two parties were stronger together but that a formal Coalition agreement took time to develop. 'I've got a very good vantage point, I'm well aware of how well we're working together, I'm very aware of how good the relationship between Shane Love as leader of the Nationals and my own relationship as leader of the Liberal Party is,' he said. 'We're working very, very well together. My sense is that we are nowhere near a walking away, in fact if anything, we are only going to get stronger and come closer together.' Mr Love clarified his comments on Sunday in a statement, saying if the parties were to win the 2029 State Election, they needed to do it together. 'The current Opposition alliance is functioning well, our parliamentary relationship is focused, co-operative, and firmly united in holding the Cook Labor Government to account,' he said. 'The Nationals WA recognise the pressing need for a longer-term Opposition agreement that provides clarity, stability, and strategic direction beyond the current short-term Alliance. 'While we await the Liberal Party's return to the negotiating table, the Opposition parliamentary teams will continue to work together effectively.' Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti slammed the disunity of the opposition. 'The Nationals and Liberal Party have been a mess for many, many years so this is of no surprise,' she said. 'My analysis is it's like watching an episode of The Big Brother house and they keep going into the diary room to complain about each other.'
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Keystart: State Government's lender introduces new loans, schemes to help get more West Aussies into housing
Home buyers will have access to a range of new loans and shared equity schemes in a fresh bid by the Government to get more West Australians into housing. On Monday, the State Government's lender, Keystart, introduced several new programs, including a dedicated loan for modular construction, amid a tepid take up from banks and other mortgagees to offer products. As part of the announcement, promised by Labor at the State Election, borrowers will be offered low-deposit loans with additional progress payments to support builders and improve access to the new building style. The Government has also unveiled a new shared equity scheme to allow low or middle-income households to buy into a medium or high-density development. Keystart will take up to 35 per cent of a property's value to a maximum of $250,000 to support new buyers. Housing and Works Minister John Carey said he hoped the new dedicated modular products would make the construction method more viable for local buyers. 'I would like as many West Australians to take up modular homes. It's still fair to say that while we've seen significant growth in modular we still, as a state, across the board, have a fixation with double brick,' he said. 'There will still be some hesitation, but I hope this enables people to think about it as a serious option.' Master Builders WA chief executive Matthew Pollock welcomed the announcement as a major boost for the local industry. 'With significant ongoing market challenges and cost of living pressures, these challenges have continued to make it difficult for many home buyers. 'The new low deposit modular loan product is a fantastic initiative, as modular construction continues to become a more popular choice for many, especially in regional WA. 'And in having additional progress payments made available will greatly assist builders in their cashflow, helping sustain and grow industry capacity.' It comes ahead of Keystart being transformed into a government trading enterprise as of next month, with Labor announcing former minister Sue Ellery would join the board, which would be chaired by former Under Treasurer Michael Barnes.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Rumah kita, kita jaga': Local parties must lead Sabah's political future, says Hajiji
KOTA BELUD, June 15 — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has emphasised that local parties must remain dominant in Sabah's political landscape and be prioritised when forming alliances for the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17). He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government, which was established by local parties, must be preserved, making the upcoming election especially crucial for the coalition. 'We want to continue this government, and that is why I believe this election is extremely important. We must not make the wrong choice. Local parties must be dominant in Sabah's politics and must be prioritised. 'As for political cooperation, that's another matter. But GRS, as a local coalition, is vital for us to defend, in line with grassroots sentiment that wants local parties to lead the government,' said Hajiji who is GRS chairman. 'As chairman of GRS, I will ensure this happens,' he said when officiating United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) general congress at Dewan Terbuka Seri Dungkuan, Kampung Rampayan Laut, near here on Sunday. Hajiji said he would not easily surrender GRS's rights and struggle to those attempting to undermine the coalition. As such, he expressed hope that all leaders and members of GRS component parties, including Usno, would go to the ground and explain to the people the essence of GRS's struggle, which upholds the philosophies of 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' and 'Sabah First.' 'This is the mission of our struggle in GRS. When we say 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga', people should understand there's no need to explain every detail, it's simple. 'We must protect our home and avoid internal conflicts. If we fight, others will benefit, and we will lose. So, don't quarrel. What's important is that we win the election so we can continue this struggle, help the people, and develop our state,' he said. Hajiji emphasised that Usno and other component parties within GRS hold equally important roles within the coalition. 'Therefore, I hope Usno, along with its entire leadership and supporters, will unite and give their full effort to ensure GRS wins in the upcoming election. 'That's why Usno's participation in GRS is extremely important. Not only Usno, but all component parties in GRS play a crucial role in strengthening the coalition, especially with the election just around the corner. 'Usno must channel its energy together with GRS so that we can regain the people's mandate. When we formed GRS, we invited the current component parties to join us in defending Sabah's rights. 'Our intention is sincere and noble, as Sabahans, we must defend our rights as Sabahans. We must be united,' he said. He added that if only one party were to carry the struggle alone, it would not be able to shoulder such a major task. For that reason, GRS needs all its partners to fulfil the same responsibility, regardless of the party's size. 'We want to champion the plight of our people who are still left behind and in need of support. We want to uplift the standard of living for those still struggling. 'We want to boost infrastructure and economic development in Sabah which is why, in my view, GRS, as the current government, must be given the mandate once again to govern Sabah after the election,' he said. In his speech, Hajiji also expressed appreciation for Usno's commitment to GRS, reflected in its slogan 'Usno dan GRS berpisah tiada' as declared by its president, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia. — The Borneo Post
Daily Express
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Safa Kunak president steps down
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: Anil, who is also Lahad Datu Umno Youth Chief cum Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth Exco, was previously among those mentioned as a potential BN candidate for the Kunak state constituency in the upcoming election. KUNAK: Sabah Football Association (Safa) Kunak President, Dato' Sri Anil Sandhu, announced his resignation effective Sunday after 14 years of service. He said the decision was made after several discussions, including with the district-level football body committee. Advertisement 'One of the reasons I am stepping down is to fully focus on preparations for the upcoming State Election (PRN), especially in Kunak,' he said on Sunday. He was met at the Kunak Town Field while witnessing the football final organised by Safa Kunak between Mostyn FC and Uncle Chang FC. In the match, Uncle Chang FC from Semporna emerged champions through a penalty shootout after both teams were tied without goals at the end of the match. Anil, who is also Lahad Datu Umno Youth Chief cum Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth Exco, was previously among those mentioned as a potential BN candidate for the Kunak state constituency in the upcoming election. Other than that, he said, it is time for him to give space and opportunity to other individuals to lead Safa Kunak. 'I hope this football association will continue to achieve greater success in the future. Thank you to all parties, agencies, and departments involved either directly or indirectly in supporting each sports development programme, especially football, in this district,' he said. Safa Kunak recorded several achievements under his leadership, including the discovery of several Under-23 and Under-18 young players who were featured in the State Safa squad, as well as national-level tournaments. Anil said he will continue to give strong support to local teams in the district striving to produce young talents in football and other sports development. On the same matter, he said the development of sports facilities should be expedited, with the need for a sports complex in Kunak being a key priority to ensure athletes have proper and comfortable facilities across various sports. * 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
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
State govt to reimburse 320 Rajang Park families for septic tank installation
Tiang (left) visits one of the affected houses and families at Rajang Park. SIBU (June 6): The state government will reimburse 320 families in Rajang Park who had independently funded the installation of individual septic tanks after the area's central sewerage system became defunct. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, said these families were identified over the years through a process of verification and documentation. He said many had passed on while some had moved overseas. 'If you think that you are qualified, do not hesitate to contact my Pahlawan Service Centre to claim the reimbursement,' he told reporters after visiting Rajang Park to look into the issue last night. Rajang Park, developed in the 1970s, originally had all its residential and commercial toilets connected to a central sewerage system located next to the Rajang Park Market. However, after nearly four decades, the system failed, leaving many homes and shophouses unable to use their toilets, causing significant hardship for the residents. As a result, many of them forked out their own expenses to build their own individual septic tanks as the central sewerage system needed to be abandoned. Tiang recalled that in 2018, while serving as Political Secretary to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he personally assessed the situation after receiving complaints from the residents. 'During the 2018 General Election, I submitted a petition to the Premier to ask for RM3 million to deal with these problems, including abandoning the central system and giving them individual septic tanks and to also repair the toilets,' he said. Following that, the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) engaged a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs and installations for most of the residential homes. Commercial shophouses remained connected to the central system, albeit through a new underground sewerage network. Tiang, who made a promise during the 2021 State Election to reimburse homeowners who had spent their own money on the issue, said he has finally secured approval from the Premier to fulfill that pledge. 'With the Premier's blessing, we can now compensate the remaining 320 homeowners. I plan to go door to door to assure them that the money is ready.' 'We will fix a date soon, and I urge all eligible residents to come forward and claim the reimbursement. I am truly committed to ensuring the funds are delivered directly to the rightful homeowners,' he added.
