Author: Annnees Shaddaad

KUCHING: Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to set up an ombudsman institution to provide independent oversight of the state’s public service agencies. This comes after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly unanimously approved the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill on Monday (Nov 20). Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said establishing the ombudsman elevates the accountability standards in public administration and provides measures against maladministration by state public service agencies. He said the Bill would enhance transparency and accountability in government agencies by allowing the public to report maladministration to the ombudsman. “The ombudsman will ensure check-and-balance elements are…

The frequent engagements between the Chinese and Filipino vessels in the contested South China Sea have triggered concerns that these tensions might snowball into an all-out confrontation. However, if that ever happens, the United States will defend Manila under its reinforced Mutual Defense Treaty. Days after Chinese vessels allegedly intimidated and obstructed the passage of Filipino Coast Guard ships, escalating tensions between the two sides, US President Joe Biden reiterated his “ironclad” defense commitment to the Philippines. In no ambiguous terms, he warned Beijing that the US would come to the Philippines’ support in case of an attack in the…

KUCHING (Oct 27): Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwings would enable international visitors to fly directly here to attend feature events organised by state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking to the reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival today, Abang Johari said this year’s International Dragon Boat Regatta received an overwhelming response with 60 teams from 20 countries. “Therefore, next year, there is a possibility that once the acquisition of MASwings is completed, we want to offer special chartered flights so that we can bring in these international participants for the dragon…

US planes likely to assist in future resupply missions, says AFP spokesperson TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday (Oct. 7) rejected Chinese claims over features in the South China Sea following a near collision between Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and a Chinese Coast Guard Ship, which occurred on Wednesday (Oct. 4) near the Second Thomas Shoal. AFP Spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said that China’s claims to the region have already been recognized as invalid. The 2016 ruling by the Hague on the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea proved…

KUCHING (Oct 8): The 15th Annual Nursing Conference 2023 at Normah Medical Specialist Centre here yesterday highlighted the need for respect and investment to be accorded to nurses towards attaining a sustainable future in nursing and healthcare. The centre’s nursing director Nadzrah Basri said the theme for this year, ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’, aligned with the one tagged for International Council of Nurses’ ‘International Nurses Day 2023’. “The theme carries a significant responsibility for all of us to address global health challenges and improve healthcare worldwide,” she said in her welcoming speech. Moreover, she stressed the importance of accreditation for…

HONG KONG — A plan unveiled by the U.S. and India last week to build what is seen as an alternative to China’s modern-day Silk Road could mean better deals for the nations along the route, according to participants at a conference in Hong Kong this week marking the 10th anniversary of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI. “I think the more the merrier, as many as possible,” said Henry Nduka Awuregu, director-general of Scholars Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which promotes good investments in Nigeria. Announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India last week, the India-Middle…

KUCHING (Sept 18): The Magistrates’ Court here today fined a 35-year-old man RM1,500 in default two months in jail for trespassing into the razed warehouse of a sportswear store in January. Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan convicted Mahmud Maliki on his own guilty plea to a charge framed under Section 448 of the Penal Code, which provides for an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction. He committed the offence at the warehouse located near Jalan Simen Raya here around 11am on Jan 26, 2023. Based on the facts of the…

The Philippines will make a statement regarding China’s behavior in the South China Sea at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia next week, an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday. At a Palace press briefing, DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu was asked if the Philippines would push for a statement regarding the recent incident at the Ayungin Shoal and China’s publication of a new map that places nearly the entire South China Sea within its territory. “The Philippines is definitely pushing for a statement in that regard, but of course I cannot give you…

The district police headquarters (IPD) will continue with operations to crack down on vehicle theft cases despite having brought down seven syndicates here involved in this crime. Met by reporters after attending IPD Kuching’s monthly assembly yesterday, Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said even with their recent successes, police had recorded 19 vehicle theft cases since last month. He said the success of the operation should be attributed to the five Counter Aggressive Teams (CATs), led by Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, which were established to combat vehicle thefts. There were also five more teams meant…

The Philippines will send more supplies to a remote outpost on a reef in the disputed South China Sea as early as next week, a military commander said Thursday, days after Chinese boats disrupted a delivery. A resupply mission last Saturday couldn’t unload all of its cargo after China Coast Guard ships blocked and fired water cannon at Philippine coast guard vessels and charter boats carrying food, water and fuel for Filipino troops stationed on Second Thomas Shoal. The incident has ignited a diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing, and sparked international criticism of China’s actions. A handful of marines…