Potential New PBB Candidates for Sarawak Election 2011???

New PBB candidates from various professional background are the talk of the town!  These potential candidates are mostly very influential and have a sound educated background.  

Below are the names being speculated by BERNAMA.

1. Mohammad Hailmi Sajili (Lecturer/Blogger)
2. Dr Annuar Rapee (Cardiologist)
3. Bernard Phillip (Lawyer)
4. Alex Ganyan (Civil Service)
5. Joseph Tiam (Educationist)
6. Saudi Narani (Mukah Resident)
7. Abang Jemat Abang Bujang (Company Director)
8. Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan Youth Chief)
9. Robertson Mawa (Former Political Secretary)
10. Tengku Geruna (Political Secretary)
11. Robert Laing Anyie (Political Secretary)
12. Kipli Yassin (Sarawak Mufti)
13. Patrick Khamis (Teacher / Music Composer)
14. Dr Hazlan Hipni (Deputy Chief Demak Laut)

All Eyes On PBB New Faces

By Alan Ting

SIBU, March 24 (Bernama) -- With nomination and polling dates fixed for the Sarawak Election, speculation now centres on the candidates, especially new faces.

Of special interest is the possible line-up of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, the backbone of the state Barisan Nasional.

Chief Minister and PBB president Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has said that about a quarter of the candidates for the 35 seats allocated to the party would be new.

Party sources said that 10 to 12 new faces were likely be fielded, most of them in constituencies which PBB won with a small majority in the last state election.

"New and possibly young candidates would enable the party to repeat the clean sweep that it achieved in the 2006 state election," according to a PBB source who did not want to be identified.

Several young leaders, most of them with a professional background, has been mentioned, including Universiti Darul Iman lecturer and blogger Mohammad Hailmi Sajili, Cardiologist at Serdang Hospital Dr Annuar Rapee, Kedup branch information chief and lawyer Bernard Phillip, who is the son of former minister Martin Ben, civil servant Alex Ganyan and educationist Joseph Tiam.

Other possible candidates named included Mukah Resident Saudi Narani, Sarawak Common Facilities Managing Director Abang Jemat Abang Bujang, Telang Usan PBB Youth Chief Dennis Ngau, the Chief Minister's former political secretary Robertson Mawa and current political secretaries Tengku Geruna and Robert Laing Anyie.

The party is also said to be considering people with religious credentials, including Sarawak Mufti Kipli Yassin. Among the other possible candidates are teacher and music composer Patrik Khamis and PBB Demak Jaya deputy Chief Dr Hazlan Hipni.

There is also talk that MP Datuk Wahab Dollah and a prominent Bumiputra corporate figure are being considered as candidates.

However, a party insider said the situation was very volatile, and many incumbents were not sure they would be retained.

Semop assemblyman and state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar Asfia has had to refute speculation that he is among PBB incumbents to be dropped.

While many incumbents wait anxiously to see whether they will be renominated, several others have stated their intention to give way to new faces.

Among those planning to bow out are former assistant tourism minister Datuk Hamden Ahmad (Belawai), former assistant minister in the chief minister's office Datuk Bolhassan Di (Beting Maro), six-term Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi, four-term Demak Laut representative and Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, former assistant rural development minister Datuk Ambrose Belikau Enturan (Katibas) and Saribas incumbent Dr Wahbi Junaidi.

Others include six-term Kedup assemblyman Frederick Bayoi Manggie and Lihan Jok who has served Telang Usan for two terms.

Among those planning to bow out are former assistant tourism minister Datuk Hamden Ahmad (Belawai), former assistant minister in the chief minister's office Datuk Bolhassan Di (Beting Maro), six-term Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi, four-term Demak Laut representative and Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, former assistant rural development minister Datuk Ambrose Belikau Enturan (Katibas) and Saribas incumbent Dr Wahbi Junaidi.

Others include six-term Kedup assemblyman Frederick Bayoi Manggie and Lihan Jok who has served Telang Usan for two terms.

Political analysts expect most of the new faces to be middle-aged and drawn from the professions.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak senior lecturer Dr Jeniri Amir expects balance in the line-up in terms of age and career background. He is also sure the contenders will include women candidates.

PBB fielded seven new faces in the last state election. This time round, it is certain to have more first timers.

"They really want to rejuvenate the party to enable the new team to move forward and transform Sarawak," Jeniri said.

The 71-seat assembly which was dissolved on Monday had 63 representatives from Barisan Nasional -- with PBB contributing 35, Sarawak United People's Party 11, Parti Rakyat Sarawak nine, and the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party eight.

The DAP held six seats while PKR and Parti Cinta Malaysia had one representative each.

-- BERNAMA

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Failed Attempt - Protest Against Taib Mahmud??

Photo Credits to Zulhaidah.com- Planned Protest Against CM

Is it true that Sarawakian has different attitude from the Western Malaysia?  This is in terms of political propaganda.  It will take another 30 years for a real protest to occur?  

This is a real spoken words from the grassroots leader when asked to comment on the Sunday planned protest.   He did not want his name to be mentioned.

"Sarawakian is a peaceful citizen and will never get involved and be foolish enough to commit such act in public.  They have learnt  during the Ming Court Incident and nobody dares when it involves  anything that has go to do with the Chief Minister of Sarawak!!!"

It is a kind of respect for the CM since he has been working all his life to put us (Sarawak) where we are right now!  We cannot get immediate development or the others in the suburb would be left behind forever.

When being asked about the date of the election he commented that only CM will let them know, but all he could say is that BN is far ready than ever to face the coming Sarawak General Election!

Planned Taib protest a no show, says police

Posted BERNAMA, February 21, 2011

KUCHING - An alleged planned protest against Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud did not take place at Padang Merdeka, Kuching today, police said.

Padang Merdeka was quiet and peaceful, just like on any Sunday afternoon. Several tourists were spotted walking across the field while a few police MPVs were seen being driven around, apparently monitoring the area.

Kuching police chief ACP Mun Kock Keong said police monitored the area, but there was nothing unusual to report.

“It was good when nobody showed up for the protest,” he told Bernama.

A circulating short messaging service (SMS) stated that a protest against the Sarawak chief minister had been arranged for 2pm today at Padang Merdeka and asked recipients to “either join in or avoid the area due to expected traffic congestion”.

It was not known who was behind the sending of the SMS or the alleged planned protest.

Yesterday, the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) chief Francis Siah denied that the movement was behind any such protest. – Bernama

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Agong Hits Mach Inside Sukhoi

Agong survived the Sukhoi.  He flew on the most advanced superjet in Malaysia.  It must be really exciting to get on one of those superjet.   Based on his smile and expressions I believed he really enjoyed being flown on the Sukohoi.  It was indeed a grace to be flown with the Agong inside.  Asghar, the pilot, must be excited and thrilled at the same time flying with the most important man in Malaysia and throttling the most expensive jets in Malaysia!!

Have a nice flight Sukhoi!!!

Sukhoi (Flanker-C) SU-30MKM 

A derivative of the India-Russian MKI, the MKM is a highly specialized version for Royal Malaysian Air Force (M is for 'Malaysia' ). It includes Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) and canards but with avionics from various countries. It will feature head-up displays (HUD), navigational forward-looking IR system (NAVFLIR) and Damocles Laser Designation pod (LDP) from Thales Group of France, MAW-300 missile approach warning sensor (MAWS), RWS-50 RWR and laser warning sensor (LWS) from SAAB AVITRONICS (South Africa) as well as the Russian NIIP N011M BARS PESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) system, optical-location system (OLS) and a glass cockpit.  ..wikipedia

Agong Mizan giving thumbs up

 Agong Flown On Sukhoi Fighter Jet

BUTTERWORTH: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was today flown on a Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jet in conjunction with his visit at the air force base here.

The aircraft, piloted by Squadron Commanding Officer II Lt-Col Mohd Asghar Khan Gauriman Khan, flew in a supersonic speed over Langkawi, Kedah and Penang and landed back 45 minutes later.

It was accompanied by another fighter jet, the FA/18D Hornet.

Royal Malaysian Air Force commander Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud told reporters Tuanku Mizan was happy and thrilled by the experience.

Earlier, Tuanku Mizan arrived at the base and greeted by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin and Rodzali.

He then inspected a guard-of-honour and was later briefed on the Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jet.

He also visited the fighter jet simulation and a static display of the aircraft before ending his visit at 2pm. -- BERNAMA

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Malaysians Students in Egypt Can Safely Return Home

Families are now happy upon hearing that Malaysian Student in Egypt are being evacuated to Jeddah before flown home.   The Malaysian Government are working around the clock closely with the Malaysian Embassy to ensure the safety of thousands of students there.  

Students are also advised to contact the Malaysian Embassy and avoid going to high risk places.  They are not to be involved in the Egyptian internal matters there.  

Apart from taking flights, the Bunga Mas Navy will provide support to evacuate Malaysian to safety as well, Jeddah has been identified as the meeting points before leaving to KLIA.  

Well done to the Malaysian Embassy for fast and immediate responds before things become worse in Egypt.

Egypt Crisis: Flights To KLIA Cancelled, Malaysians To Be Evacuated To Jeddah

 

Posted in BERNAMA, February 03, 2011 19:00 PM
 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- The earlier plan to evacuate Malaysians from Cairo direct to Kuala Lumpur has been cancelled due to the latest situation in the crisis-hit Egypt, the prime minister's political secretary Datuk Shahlan Ismail said.

He said the first flight carrying Malaysians from Cairo, which was earlier scheduled to land at KL International Airport at 5am Friday, would instead land in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Shahlan told Bernama that the change in the plan had to be carried out so that the aircraft could be fully utilised to provide shuttle flights between Jeddah and Cairo, allowing for the evacuation of a bigger number of people.

"All aircraft operated by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and the Royal Malaysian Air Force will operate round-the-clock between Jeddah and Cairo.

"We want to take out as many people as possible due to the worsening situation in Egypt," he said.

Shahlan told Bernama earlier in the morning that the first flight out of Egypt, carrying 309 people including students and those who are pregnant and sick, was scheduled to land at KLIA at 5am Friday.

He said there would be two flights from Cairo to Jeddah on Thursday and 12 more on Friday.

The navy's Bunga Mas 5 auxiliary ship would take part in the operation on Saturday, he added.

Shahlan appealed to Malaysians in Egypt to be patient and not resorting to any acts of provocation.

"There is no need for any action that could aggravate the situation. The government has pledged to take all Malaysians irrespective of which state they are from. I hope that they can be patient," he said.

Shahlan is now in Egypt as part of the Malaysian monitoring team led by Deputy Foreign Minister A. Kohilan Pillay.

-- BERNAMA

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Salleh Slaps PKR ?? !!! Count me out!!!

Count me out

by Samuel Aubrey. Posted on November 15, 2010, Monday

Salleh Jafaruddin says he is too old to consider becoming active in politics again

Datuk Salleh Jafaruddin

KUCHING: Former political heavyweight Datuk Salleh Jafaruddin, 67, said he has no plans to contest in the state election which is due in July next year.

“Old man like me can’t be active in politics anymore,” he said when met by reporters after a public forum organised by Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) yesterday.

Rumours have been rife in recent weeks that Salleh, who is a former Deputy Education Minister and a close relative of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and former Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Yakub, might contest in the state election.

His re-appearance, after being absent from active politics for decades, has prompted many political observers to wonder if he was indeed eyeing a comeback.

Salleh described all talks about him returning to state politics as “just rumours” and that the elections should be left to “younger candidates”.

“There’s no truth in the rumours…you have to ask the rumour mongers themselves,” he said.

Salleh also claimed that he had not been approached by any party to contest in the election.

“At the moment, none (approach me),” he said, adding that he has been staying in Kuala Lumpur for some 30 years now and planned to write books.

On being a speaker at the MoCS forum, Salleh explained that his presence was merely as a concerned citizen about the affairs in the state.

“We just contribute what we can while we are still alive,” he said, stressing that he was not a member of MoCS.

MoCS, which brands itself as a social reform movement, is led by veteran journalist Francis Siah, who also spoke at the forum which was chaired by legal advisor See Chee How. See is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak’s information chief.

Salleh has stayed away from the political scene for some 20 years now. He first entered politics in the 1970s as state assemblyman for Balingian, under the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) ticket.

In 1977, he was appointed a senator and later made the deputy education minister.

A year later, he won the Mukah parliamentary seat. In 1983, he stood in Oya and won the seat uncontested.

But three years later, he stood as an Independent in the Mukah parliamentary seat and lost to (now Dato Sri) Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad of BN-PBB during the general election.

As one of the leaders of the now-defunct Persatuan Malaysia Sarawak (Permas) during the ‘Ming Court’ days, he managed to win the Subis seat but it was not enough to help the party form the state government.

In the 1990 general election, he contested under a Permas ticket but lost by a wafer thin majority of 287 votes to then Sarawak National Party (SNAP) president Datuk Amar James Wong inBintulu. His last attempt was in 1991 in Belawai.

Salleh, who again contested under Permas ticket, lost by 349 votes to (now Datuk) Hamden Ahmad of BN-PBB in a straight fight.

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4G Signal in Malaysia!

October 15, 2010 10:07 AM

Only Nine Telcos Get 4G Apparatus Assignments For Time Being, Says MCMC 

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

CYBERJAYA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The government has not assigned the 4G spectrum to any telecommunication company as yet but had merely given apparatus assignments (AA) to nine telcos to pave the way for the early adoption of the long-term evolution (LTE) or 4G technology mobile services, said Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli.

 

Citing that there was a difference between AA and Spectrum Assignments (SA), he said MCMC only awarded the AA for them to use the 2600MHz spectrum band to roll out their 4G wireless broadband services and had not given them the Spectrum Assignment (SA).

"The decision to award to the nine telcos was made after a lengthy consultative and deliberation process with various technical groups which started about two years ago. It was not something which was done a month ago," he told Bernama.

Khalid said the nine telcos, which had been picked based on their experience, technological capability in promoting innovation and financial strength, had been asked to submit detailed business plans by year-end on what they planned to do.

An apparatus assignment confers rights on a company to use the spectrum to operate a network facility of a specified kind at a specified frequency or in any specified frequency band or bands.

4G, which refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless technology standards, is the successor to 3G and 2G families of standards. 4G technology can deliver 100 Mbps or megabits per second, which allows a music album to be downloaded as fast as five seconds or an hour-long TV show in about 30 seconds.

The companies that had been awarded the AA by MCMC include existing 3G and WiMAX players, and a new entrant. They are Celcom Axiata Berhad, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, U-Mobile Sdn Bhd, Asiaspace Sdn Bhd, Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd, RedTone Marketing Sdn Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd and Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd.

Khalid said MCMC may award the SA if it was satisfied with the business plan and service readiness of the telcos in installing their equipment and services.

These companies were also required to pay annual fees to MCMC in order to use the AA to roll out their 4G services and would not receive grants of any kind from MCMC or from the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund, which was specifically for developing communications facilities in the rural areas, he explained.

"If they want a piece of action, they will actually have to pay for it," he said, adding that the government would consider giving the SA later on if they could prove their capability.

"We may decide on that later on. In the past, we did allocate the spectrum at a much higher fee. This stage hasn't come as yet (for 4G)," he said in likening MCMC as the regulator and custodian of the Malaysian spectrum.

Khalid also said the government may decide to take back the spectrum if some companies did not perform up to expectations.

Asked why MCMC had decided to award the AA to nine telcos instead of only few like the current market leaders in the country, for example, Khalid said this was based on the need for greater transparency and competition.

Under the provisions of the Communication and Multimedia Act, he said MCMC had to act for the long-term benefit of end-users while taking on a technology-neutral approach.

On why MCMC was initiating 4G technology now while some telcos had yet to provide the full range of 3G or WiMAX technology services, Khalid explained that the regulator was planning for the future.

At certain times in Kuala Lumpur, network congestion occurred due to sharp demand and MCMC had to start work on 4G now to avoid a breakdown in services later, he said.

"It is time to migrate to something better," he stressed.

-- BERNAMA

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