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Friday, December 20, 2024

China Policy shift designed to spur growth

 Beijing to tackle economic challenges head-on in 2025

Stable recovery: Li attends a conference in Beijing. The Premier chaired the meeting where it was approved to have localities use special purpose bonds for land reserves and the acquisition of commercial properties for government subsidised housing. — Reuters

BEIJING: China’s shift to a more proactive financial policy and a moderately loose monetary policy next year signals the nation’s resolve to tackle economic challenges head-on and take an active role in spurring growth, says a senior official.

In 2025, China will exercise a more proactive financial policy for the first time, and shift its monetary stance to a moderately loose approach, which marks an end to the 14-year run of a prudent monetary policy, said an official from the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.

The official’s comments, according to a report from Xinhua News Agency, came after the nation’s policymakers set the policy agenda for the world’s second-largest economy at the annual Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing last week.

The directional shift indicated the central authorities’ concern that the domestic economy continues to face substantial headwinds, both from evolving external conditions as well as lingering domestic challenges, the official said.

On Monday, the State Council, China’s Cabinet, urged relevant departments to translate the decisions adopted at the Central Economic Work Conference into detailed plans and deliver them on the ground as soon as possible.

In a move to improve the management of local government special purpose bonds, it was decided at Monday’s State Council meeting, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, that a negative list approach will be introduced to identify the areas where these bonds can be channelled.

The new policy will also allow localities to use special purpose bonds for land reserves and to support the acquisition of existing commercial housing units for use as government subsidised housing, the meeting said.

China is still well positioned to ramp up its counter-cyclical adjustments to provide robust support to achieve the nation’s full-year economic targets in 2025, said the official from the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.

“A higher deficit-to-gross domestic product ratio and cuts to the reserve requirement ratio and interest rates are in the pipeline,” said the official.

Expanding domestic demand will be a strategic priority next year, with a particular emphasis on boosting consumption, the official said, adding that dedicated efforts will be made to enhance consumption capacity and bolster consumers’ willingness to spend.

To this end, the central authorities will utilise various policy levers, including increased direct financial investments in end-consumer segments, as well as measures to improve the social security system, in order to drive steady growth in people’s incomes, the official said.

Moreover, after the effective implementation of consumer goods trade-in programs this year, China will expand the scope and funding for these initiatives next year, to include more consumer product categories and optimise the subsidy process, the official said.

As another crucial component of domestic demand, China still maintains significant investment potential, the official said.

He stressed that the nation will take steps to anchor the expectations of private enterprises and deepen institutional opening-up in key sectors for foreign businesses, with the aim of effectively boosting investment momentum.

At a time when the headwinds of economic globalisation and geopolitical risks are rising, it is all the more crucial for China to introduce more policies for voluntary and unilateral opening-up and bolster global trade and investment partnerships in the process, the official said.

China will subscribe to high-standard international economic and trade rules, and expand the globally oriented network of high-standard free-trade areas, in a bid to steadily enhance institutional opening-up, the official said.

The country will expand pilot programmes for foreign investors in sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare, and take well-paced steps to further open the Internet, education, culture and other sectors, the official added.

In a concerted push to shore up the resilience of its foreign trade, the official said that China will deploy a comprehensive set of tools to support enterprises in exploring diversified international markets, promote the development of cross-border eCommerce, and deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

As for the real estate sector, with clear indications of halting the decline and moving towards stabilisation after a range of pro-housing policies were introduced in September, it is imperative to exert sustained efforts to ensure a stable recovery next year, the official said. — China Daily/ANN


Thursday, December 19, 2024

Be good, you are on cop camera

Keeping in check: Konst Wan Mohd Hazwan from the MPV unit showing his body-worn camera at IPD Dang Wangi in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: If you get stopped by a policeman and there is a green light blinking on his left chest, beware – you are on camera!

And there will be no getting away with any hanky-panky.

CLICK TO ENLARGECLICK TO ENLARGE

After years of planning, police are finally being equipped with more than 7,000 bodycams, better known as Body Worn Cameras (BWCs).

The implementation of the BWCs will be done nationwide in stages, with frontline personnel – the patrol and traffic units – getting priority.

ALSO READ: BWC use must be monitored, say groups

“It started with the police contingents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Oct 15 followed by Perlis on Nov 15 and Johor on Dec 10,” said Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad, Bukit Aman’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director.“So far 2,760 BWCs have been distributed as of Dec 10.

“For other police contingents, the process of registering user IDs for the purpose of check-ins of the use of the cameras is still ongoing,” he told The Star recently.

The full nationwide roll-out for all 7,648 BWCs will be completed by March next year.

“They will be available at 157 district police headquarters and 640 police stations nationwide.

“The distribution of the cameras will prioritise officers and personnel with the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) and the Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) as well as those with the department who are conducting crime prevention patrols.

“They will also be distributed to Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers conducting traffic enforcement duties.

“BWCs will also be used in other police operations on a case-by-case basis,” he added.

Comm Wan Hassan said a successful pilot run was conducted from June 9 to July 14 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police contingents.

The cameras were able to capture all the action of police officers along with their location when they interacted with the public, he said.

“It (BWC use) can elevate the image of the police force and increase people’s confidence in the police. It also improves transparency,” he added.

All those assigned with BWCs will be provided ample training prior to using it, he said.

“The BWCs will also be able to record up to eight hours of audio and video and there is a green light indicator (on top of the device) showing that it is switched on.

“Each user is equipped with a special BWC ID while on duty. Failure to switch on the BWC while on duty will result in disciplinary action,” he explained.

Those wearing BWCs are required to keep them on throughout their shift except during prayers or when going to the toilet.

“The video and audio recordings (from the BWCs) can be used as evidence in an investigation or prosecution.

“It can also protect the police and people from any baseless allegations.

“The BWCs will not only be able to curb wrongdoing and integrity problems among MPV and URB personnel, but also protect them from unwarranted criticism while going about their duties.

“We hope it will increase the integrity of those on duty and curb any possible wrongdoing or misdemeanours,” he added.

Asked if there were plans to expand the use of the BWCs to other police divisions and units, Comm Wan Hassan said plans were in the pipeline.

“However, we will need additional funds make these plans a reality,” he said.

Comm Wan Hassan said the police would move forward with the use of the latest technology in line with modern policing to curb and prevent crime.

“With technology advancing further, police work has become more challenging. I hope the BWCs would be able to improve the integrity of those in the force and increase the ‘feel safe’ factor among the public,” he added.

Source link

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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Betrayed Sabah and Sarawak have no other way but to seek independence, claim activists, due to current trajectory of Malay supremacy


Joint Press Statement 
14th December 2024 


Borneo Human Rights Activists Call for Self-Determinations Amid Rising Malay Supremacy"..... 


The claim by the former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and several Perikatan National leaders that have banded together to oppose a "common enemy" of the Malays refers. 

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/12/12/dr-m-pn-leaders-band-together-to-face-common-enemy-of-malays/


As Borneo human rights activists advocating for equality and justice, we are deeply troubled by Malaysia’s alarming rapid drift towards Malay supremacy and extreme racial religion policies. These ideologies not only contradict the Federal Constitution but also betray the original spirit of unity and mutual respect that led to the formation of a secular Malaysia in 1963.

Not long ago, Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak issued a statement in principle that "political exploitation of race and religion threatens national unity and must be swiftly contained". 

But the recent escalation of racial and religious extremism, coupled with explicit threat against blatant disregard for the rights and aspirations of Sabah and Sarawak, forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: Does it still benefit Sabah and Sarawak to remain as part of Malaysia?

1. Betrayal of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

When Sabah and Sarawak agreed to form Malaysia alongside Malaya and Singapore in 1963, it was under a promise of equality and mutual respect. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63, if valid) guaranteed autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak, including control over our resources, religion, and education. However, over the decades, these promises have been systematically eroded.

Instead of fulfilling the commitments of MA63, the federal government has prioritized Malay supremacy and policies that marginalize the ethnic Bornean tribes and Chinese communities who form the majority in East Malaysia. This is a betrayal of the founding principles upon which Malaysia was built.

2. The Reality of Malay Supremacy

Malay-Islamic supremacy has become the dominant ideology in Peninsular Malaysia, dictating policies and governance. This ideology excludes not only non-Malays but also the native tribes of Sabah and Sarawak. Our people face systemic neglect, underdevelopment, and lack of representation, despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth through oil, gas, and other natural resources.

The extreme racial and religious policies instituted by the New Economic Policy since 1970 being pursued in Peninsular Malaysia are in direct conflict with the multicultural and inclusive ethos of Sabah and Sarawak. These policies not only alienate us but also threaten the unity and diversity that Malaysia was meant to represent.

3. Pulling Out as a Viable Option

Given this reality, the best decision for Sabah and Sarawak may be to reassess our position within Malaysia. The ongoing marginalization of our people and the federal government’s refusal to honor MA63 makes it clear that East Malaysia’s future may be better served outside the federation.

An independent Sabah and Sarawak could focus on uplifting the ethnic Bornean tribes and Chinese communities who have long been sidelined. We could build a nation based on fairness, inclusivity, and mutual respect—values that have been steadily eroded within Malaysia.

4. East Malaysia’s Diversity as a Strength

Sabah and Sarawak are home to a rich diversity of ethnic groups of Orang Asal and Chinese. Unlike Peninsular Malaysia, where racial and religious divisions dominate, East Malaysia has a history of coexistence, toleration, respect and harmony among its communities.

Our strength lies in this diversity, and we must protect it from the toxic ideologies of Malay supremacy and religious extremism. Pulling out from Malaysia would allow us to preserve our unique identity and chart a future that prioritizes equality, development, and justice for all.

5. A Call for Self-Determination

The time has come for Sabah and Sarawak to seriously consider their options. Remaining part of Malaysia under the current trajectory of Malay supremacy and racial extremism is no longer viable. Our people deserve better than being treated as second-class citizens in a federation that was meant to be a partnership of equals.

We must explore the possibility of self-determination and independence, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the ethnic Bornean tribes and Chinese communities are heard and respected.

6. Protecting the Spirit of Unity and Justice

Malaysia’s move toward Malay supremacy is a direct threat to the harmony and justice envisioned in MA63. If the federal government continues to ignore the legitimate concerns of Sabah and Sarawak, the only logical path forward is to withdraw from Malaysia and reclaim our autonomy.

Conclusion

As  human rights activists, we firmly believe that Sabah and Sarawak have the right to decide their own future. The growing extremism and racism in Malaysia leave us with little choice but to consider independence. Let us work together to build a future where all communities—Bornean tribes, Chinese, and others—can thrive in equality and harmony, free from the toxic ideologies that plague Peninsular Malaysia.

Daniel John Jambun
President Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) 

Robert Pei President Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Peter John Jaban
Publicity and Information Chief Sarawak Association for Peoples Aspirations (SAPA) 

William Watson Persatuan Etnik Dayak Asal Sarawak (PEDAS)

Jovilis Majami President Persatuan Pembangunan Sosial Komuniti Sabah (BANGUN)

Waynin Setimin
President Persatuan Prihatin Mualaf Sabah.

Alim GA Mideh
Bulang Birieh Dayak Civil Movement Sarawak 

Ricky Ganang
Penasihat Forum Adat Dataran Tanah Tinggi Borneo (FORMADAT)

Cleftus Stephen Mojingol President Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)



Versi Bahasa Malaysia.

Kenyataan Media Bersama
14 Disember 2024

Aktivis Hak Asasi Manusia Borneo Menyeru Penentuan Nasib Sendiri di Tengah-Tengah Kebangkitan Ketuanan Melayu

Kenyataan yang dibuat oleh bekas Perdana Menteri Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan beberapa pemimpin Perikatan Nasional yang bersekutu untuk menentang "musuh bersama" orang Melayu adalah sangat membimbangkan.

Sebagai aktivis hak asasi manusia Borneo yang memperjuangkan kesaksamaan, kami amat prihatin terhadap peralihan Malaysia yang semakin menjurus ke arah ketuanan Melayu dan dasar perkauman yang ekstrem. Ideologi ini bukan sahaja bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan, tetapi juga mengkhianati semangat perpaduan dan saling hormat-menghormati yang menjadi asas pembentukan Malaysia pada tahun 1963.

Baru-baru ini, Sultan Nazrin Shah dari Perak telah mengeluarkan kenyataan yang menegaskan bahawa "eksploitasi politik berasaskan kaum dan agama mengancam perpaduan nasional dan mesti dibendung segera". Namun, peningkatan ekstremisme kaum dan agama, disertai dengan pengabaian hak dan aspirasi Sabah dan Sarawak, memaksa kita untuk bertanya: Adakah Sabah dan Sarawak masih mendapat manfaat dengan terus kekal dalam Malaysia?

1. Pengkhianatan terhadap Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63)

Apabila Sabah dan Sarawak bersetuju membentuk Malaysia bersama Malaya dan Singapura pada tahun 1963, ia dibuat dengan janji kesaksamaan dan penghormatan bersama. Perjanjian Malaysia 1963 (MA63) menjamin autonomi Sabah dan Sarawak, termasuk kawalan terhadap sumber, agama, dan pendidikan. Namun, janji-janji ini telah dikhianati secara sistematik selama beberapa dekad.

Sebaliknya, kerajaan persekutuan telah mengutamakan ketuanan Melayu dan dasar-dasar yang meminggirkan suku kaum asal Borneo dan komuniti Cina yang merupakan majoriti di Malaysia Timur. Ini adalah pengkhianatan terhadap prinsip-prinsip asas pembentukan Malaysia.

2. Realiti Ketuanan Melayu

Ketuanan Melayu kini menjadi ideologi dominan di Semenanjung Malaysia, yang mempengaruhi dasar dan pentadbiran. Ideologi ini bukan sahaja mengecualikan kaum bukan Melayu, tetapi juga suku kaum asal Sabah dan Sarawak. Rakyat kita menghadapi pengabaian sistemik, kurang pembangunan, dan kekurangan wakil yang mencukupi, walaupun menyumbang secara signifikan kepada kekayaan negara melalui sumber minyak, gas, dan hasil bumi lain.

Dasar perkauman dan keagamaan yang ekstrem di Semenanjung Malaysia bertentangan secara langsung dengan nilai-nilai inklusif dan pelbagai budaya di Sabah dan Sarawak. Dasar ini bukan sahaja mengasingkan kita tetapi juga mengancam perpaduan dan kepelbagaian yang sepatutnya menjadi teras Malaysia.

3. Menarik Diri sebagai Pilihan yang Wajar

Melihat kepada realiti ini, pilihan terbaik bagi Sabah dan Sarawak mungkin adalah menilai semula kedudukan kita dalam Malaysia. Peminggiran yang berterusan terhadap rakyat kita dan keengganan kerajaan persekutuan untuk memenuhi janji-janji MA63 menunjukkan bahawa masa depan Malaysia Timur mungkin lebih cerah di luar persekutuan.

Sabah dan Sarawak yang merdeka boleh memberi tumpuan kepada meningkatkan taraf hidup suku kaum asal Borneo dan komuniti Cina yang telah lama dipinggirkan. Kita boleh membina sebuah negara yang berasaskan keadilan, keterangkuman, dan penghormatan bersama—nilai-nilai yang semakin terhakis dalam Malaysia.

4. Kepelbagaian Malaysia Timur Sebagai Kekuatan

Sabah dan Sarawak adalah rumah kepada pelbagai kumpulan etnik Orang Asal dan Cina. Tidak seperti Semenanjung Malaysia, di mana perpecahan kaum dan agama mendominasi, Malaysia Timur mempunyai sejarah hidup harmoni dan kerjasama antara komuniti.

Kekuatan kita terletak pada kepelbagaian ini, dan kita mesti melindunginya daripada ideologi toksik ketuanan Melayu dan ekstremisme. Menarik diri daripada Malaysia akan membolehkan kita mempertahankan identiti unik kita dan merangka masa depan yang mengutamakan kesaksamaan, pembangunan, dan keadilan untuk semua.

5. Seruan untuk Penentuan Nasib Sendiri

Masanya telah tiba untuk Sabah dan Sarawak mempertimbangkan pilihan mereka dengan serius. Kekal sebagai sebahagian daripada Malaysia di bawah trajektori ketuanan Melayu dan ekstremisme perkauman kini tidak lagi wajar. Rakyat kita berhak mendapat lebih baik daripada terus dilayan sebagai rakyat kelas kedua dalam sebuah persekutuan yang sepatutnya menjadi rakan setara.

Kita mesti meneroka kemungkinan penentuan nasib sendiri dan kemerdekaan, memastikan suara dan aspirasi suku kaum asal Borneo dan komuniti Cina didengar dan dihormati.

6. Melindungi Semangat Perpaduan dan Keadilan

Peralihan Malaysia ke arah ketuanan Melayu adalah ancaman langsung kepada keharmonian dan keadilan yang diimpikan dalam MA63. Jika kerajaan persekutuan terus mengabaikan kebimbangan sah Sabah dan Sarawak, jalan ke hadapan yang logik adalah menarik diri daripada Malaysia dan mendapatkan semula autonomi kita.

Kesimpulan

Sebagai aktivis hak asasi manusia, kami percaya bahawa Sabah dan Sarawak mempunyai hak untuk menentukan masa depan mereka sendiri. Peningkatan ekstremisme dan perkauman di Malaysia meninggalkan kita dengan sedikit pilihan selain mempertimbangkan kemerdekaan.

Mari kita bekerjasama untuk membina masa depan di mana semua komuniti—suku kaum asal Borneo, Cina, dan lain-lain—dapat hidup dalam kesaksamaan dan keharmonian, bebas daripada ideologi toksik yang mencemari Semenanjung Malaysia.

Daniel John Jambun
Presiden, Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)

Robert Pei
Presiden, Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand (SSRANZ)

Peter John Jaban
Ketua Publisiti dan Maklumat, Sarawak Association for Peoples Aspirations (SAPA)

William Watson
Persatuan Etnik Dayak Asal Sarawak (PEDAS)

Jovilis Majami
Presiden, Persatuan Pembangunan Sosial Komuniti Sabah (BANGUN)

Waynin Setimin
Presiden, Persatuan Prihatin Mualaf Sabah

Alim GA Mideh
Gerakan Sivil Bulang Birieh Dayak Sarawak

Ricky Ganang
Penasihat, Forum Adat Dataran Tanah Tinggi Borneo (FORMADAT)

Cleftus Stephen Mojingol
Presiden, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)


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Facts, not fiction, dear MPS

 
A doctorate thesis involves serious research and lots of facts, yet an MP who has a PHD did no research when making outlandish claims. And it could cost her dearly.

Resolutely defiant: Dr Siti Mastura has stubbornly clung on to her far-fetched claims even when the facts are strikingly clear. — Screecapture/RTM

PAS Member of Parliament for Kepala Batas Siti Mastura Muhammad holds a doctorate. The 35-year-old politician studied at the Al-azhar University in Egypt before getting her PHD in Islamic Development Management from Universiti Sains Malaysia, with the best thesis award as well.

So, one would have expected her to be a well-trained academic with skills in carrying out research.

Sadly, accuracy isn’t her strong point. Worse, she has stubbornly clung on to her farfetched claims even when the facts are strikingly clear.

She has now gained a notorious reputation and if there is any award for worst research, Siti Mastura will easily beat the other 221 MPS to win it.

Recently, the High Court ruled that remarks made by the religious academician linking prominent political figures Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, his son Lim


Guan Eng, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to the late Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew were defamatory and uttered with malice.

Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon ruled that Siti Mastura’s statements were defamatory and that her defence – including fair comment, qualified privilege, and innocent dissemination – were not proven.

“I therefore award the following global damages: RM300,000 in favour of Lim Kit Siang, RM250,000 in favour of Lim Guan Eng, and RM200,000 in favour of Teresa Kok,” he said, adding that the plaintiffs would also be entitled to a 5% interest on the sum from the date of judgment until full payment is made.

The judge also issued an injunction restraining her from repeating or publishing similar defamatory remarks against the

plaintiffs in the future.

Siti Mastura was also ordered to pay legal costs – RM25,000 each to the three plaintiffs, given that the three suits were heard together, thus saving costs.

Quay said he was satisfied that Siti Mastura’s remarks had exposed the plaintiffs to hatred and public opprobrium, and went beyond the realm of mere political criticism.

“Criticism of political opponents is legitimate only if it does not cross into the realm of defamation,” he stated.

“Despite holding a PHD with good research practices, she relied on a campaign book that was unverified, without a publication year, author, publisher, or ISBN number,” the judge said.

It isn’t clear if Siti Mastura will pay the damages, or if she would file an appeal now. None of the other PAS leaders have come out to speak on the matter, or if the party would help her raise the ordered amount.

The matter could have been easily settled if she had apologised to the aggrieved parties. Instead, she insisted on sticking to her outlandish claims.

It was not the only time she had done so.

In March, Siti Mastura was embroiled in another controversial claim that 1.2 million Chinese nationals have been in the country illegally since 2018 and had not left.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution rubbished the claims, saying the allegations were unfounded and could not be defended.

The administration, he said, was transparent about the issue and based its response on data. The facts are these: 46 million foreigners entered the country between Jan 1, 2021, and Dec 31, last year. Of this, 39 million had left, meaning six million are still here.

Saifuddin noted that those who remained were here on long-term passes valid for three to five years, adding that this did not include those on social visits, diplomatic and student passes, among others.

The Home Minister added that 2.6 million foreigners who overstayed had already come forward to register with the Immigration Department.

Guan Eng has also said that the Hansard shows that only 92 Chinese nationals were detained as undocumented migrants during an early 2023 crackdown, with 809 being denied entry into the country that year, “numbers which starkly contrast with the figures Mastura had mentioned”.

He said Perikatan Nasional leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, who was home minister during the Pakatan Harapan administration, had admitted that the claim was inaccurate. Citing the Hansard from 2022, he quoted Hamzah as saying the home ministry would make a correction.

The Dewan Rakyat should not be a place where MPS can make unsubstantiated claims – or worse, spout outright lies – and get away with it by proclaiming their privileges.

Siti Mastura had to pay the price only because she made her allegations against the DAP leaders at an open political gathering.

We are coming to 2025 soon, and it wouldn’t be too much if voters expected a certain level of competency from their representatives.

Siti Mastura, for one, needs to go back to school as even secondary school students writing essays know the importance of checking facts.

If PAS picks her to defend her Kepala Batas seat, and she wins again in the next general election, it would indeed be bizarre and outlandish. - On The Beat Wong chun WAI newsdesk@thestar.com.my

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Wooing non-malays with little to offer



PAS has finally realised that it cannot take over the Federal Government without support from non-muslim voters. However, its plans to win them over seem strange, sometimes ludicrous.