Monday, October 31, 2011
Ketupat Basing at the Empire
This was sold by a village in Tutong. For those wondering what this is, this is ketupat made in the shape of a squirrel or tupai in standard Malay or basing in Brunei Malay. There are a number of sellers selling their village's products currently at Level 4 at the Empire Hotel outside the Indera Kayangan Ballroom. They were invited to do that as a showcase to how they can help transform their
Brunei: End of 16th Century
[I wrote the following article for my Golden Legacy column on Brunei's national newspaper The Brunei Times published this morning.]
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Brunei: End of 16th Century
IN the Brunei Museum Journal of 1986 was an article written by John S Carroll entitled "Francisco de Sande's Invasion of Brunei in 1578: An Anonymous Spanish Account". The article is quite intriguing as it highlighted one
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Brunei: End of 16th Century
IN the Brunei Museum Journal of 1986 was an article written by John S Carroll entitled "Francisco de Sande's Invasion of Brunei in 1578: An Anonymous Spanish Account". The article is quite intriguing as it highlighted one
Conservation boost for pygmy elephants in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to establish forest corridors along the lower Kinabatangan region – where isolated groups of wildlife are under threat – have received a boost with the recent collaring of five Borneo pygmy elephants.
Wildlife researchers said the four female and one male pachyderm would provide researchers with crucial information on the available elephant habitat in the region.
Dr Benoit Goosens of the wildlife research unit, Danau Girang Field Centre, said: “Extensive agriculture through oil palm plantations has considerably reduced the habitat of elephants in Kinabatangan, increasing human-elephant conflict.
“The herd there, estimated at about 200 to 250, is having difficulty moving between flooded lands, swamps, fenced plantations, villages and nature lodges,” he said yesterday.
To complicate matters, Dr Goosens said uncontrolled tourism with up to 20 boats along riverbanks increased the pressure on the elephants when they drink from the river.
“It is time we act to re-establish quality habitat and provide space for the elephants in the Kinabatangan region,” he added.
Three Bornean elephants were fitted with a satellite collar last week in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a collaborative project between the Sabah Wildlife Department, the non-governmental organisation HUTAN and the centre.
Wildlife researchers said the four female and one male pachyderm would provide researchers with crucial information on the available elephant habitat in the region.
Dr Benoit Goosens of the wildlife research unit, Danau Girang Field Centre, said: “Extensive agriculture through oil palm plantations has considerably reduced the habitat of elephants in Kinabatangan, increasing human-elephant conflict.
“The herd there, estimated at about 200 to 250, is having difficulty moving between flooded lands, swamps, fenced plantations, villages and nature lodges,” he said yesterday.
To complicate matters, Dr Goosens said uncontrolled tourism with up to 20 boats along riverbanks increased the pressure on the elephants when they drink from the river.
“It is time we act to re-establish quality habitat and provide space for the elephants in the Kinabatangan region,” he added.
Three Bornean elephants were fitted with a satellite collar last week in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a collaborative project between the Sabah Wildlife Department, the non-governmental organisation HUTAN and the centre.
Continue reading at: Conservation boost for pygmy elephants in Sabah
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Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival on world tourism map
KOTA BELUD: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman wants the culturally-rich Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival to be given an international flavour.
He wants the festival — a gathering of people of different races, religions and cultures — highlighted on the world tourism map.
Musa welcomed the various initiatives and latest developments in organising the festival, including the parade of Bajau horsemen in their full regalia, and handicraft products such as cloth, mat, hat and rotan products which could be commercialised as tourist items.
“The festival display the rich, unique and special cultures of the local communities. This is actually one of the special features or uniqueness of Tamu Kota Belud which was inherited several decades ago,” he said when opening the Kota Belud Tamu Besar at the Cultural Stage here yesterday.
Continue reading at: Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival on world tourism map
.He wants the festival — a gathering of people of different races, religions and cultures — highlighted on the world tourism map.
Musa welcomed the various initiatives and latest developments in organising the festival, including the parade of Bajau horsemen in their full regalia, and handicraft products such as cloth, mat, hat and rotan products which could be commercialised as tourist items.
“The festival display the rich, unique and special cultures of the local communities. This is actually one of the special features or uniqueness of Tamu Kota Belud which was inherited several decades ago,” he said when opening the Kota Belud Tamu Besar at the Cultural Stage here yesterday.
Continue reading at: Kota Belud Tamu Besar Festival on world tourism map
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Jong Regatta to be upgraded to welcome international participation
BAU: The Jong Regatta Festival in Tasik Biru needs to be improved to be promoted as a national
event before invitations can be made to international participants, said Assistant Minister of Community Services, and Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian at the closing of the Jong Regatta 2011 yesterday.
Nansian said he was currently working with the relevant government departments to upgrade the facilities and infrastucture near Tasik Biru so that the event could handle the volume from events of national standard.
Nansian who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman said he hoped the goal would be realised in two years through strong collaboration and support between the government and the community.
“What we’re trying to do now is to work with the relevant government departments and the people to look into all the facilities, programmes and side activities to further improve the event so that it will be more exciting and festive,” he said.
He also urged the community to take advantage of the Jong Regatta to earn extra income by selling handicrafts related to the event.
“We need to encourage people to promote and sell crafts such as miniature Jongs as souvenirs,” he added.
The two-day regatta has several categories namely Jong Skuci A and B, Jong Kotak A and B, Jong Bandung A and B, Jong Jenis Skunar A and Jong Jenis Barong A and B.
.event before invitations can be made to international participants, said Assistant Minister of Community Services, and Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian at the closing of the Jong Regatta 2011 yesterday.
Nansian said he was currently working with the relevant government departments to upgrade the facilities and infrastucture near Tasik Biru so that the event could handle the volume from events of national standard.
Nansian who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman said he hoped the goal would be realised in two years through strong collaboration and support between the government and the community.
“What we’re trying to do now is to work with the relevant government departments and the people to look into all the facilities, programmes and side activities to further improve the event so that it will be more exciting and festive,” he said.
He also urged the community to take advantage of the Jong Regatta to earn extra income by selling handicrafts related to the event.
“We need to encourage people to promote and sell crafts such as miniature Jongs as souvenirs,” he added.
The two-day regatta has several categories namely Jong Skuci A and B, Jong Kotak A and B, Jong Bandung A and B, Jong Jenis Skunar A and Jong Jenis Barong A and B.
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
Rope bridges a critical lifeline for orang utans in Sabah
KINABATANGAN, Sabah - The construction of seven bridges in eight years has made a difference in the effort to ensure the survival of the orang utans here.
This temporary measure has helped the primates and other species to move within forests fragmented by man-made rivers.
Sabah Wildlife director Dr Laurentius Ambu said ultimately, however, reconnecting forests via corridors or patches of forests was the next crucial step to better preserving wildlife in the state.
"Even though it will be an expensive and long process, reconnecting isolated populations which were originally linked together, will ensure the long-term survival of not only orang utans but other unique species, such as the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, the sunbears, the clouded leopards and many others," he said.
Surveys carried out by the department and non-governmental organisation, Hutan-KOCP (Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Programme), shows that there are 700 orang utans within protected and non-protected areas of the lower Kinabatangan.
Sabah has an estimated 11,000 orang utans, which is 80 per cent of the nation's wild orang utans.
However, due to agricultural activities, many forests are fragmented, trapping animals such as the orang utans because of their inability to swim.
To tackle this problem, rope bridges were built for orang utans to cross small rivers and large drains since 2003, and also to connect pockets of isolated forest, said Azri Awang of Hutan-KOCP.
In the past, orang utans would use old-growth forests as "natural bridges" over small rivers.
However, at present, orang utans no longer have this luxury since most of the tall trees in such forests have been logged.
This temporary measure has helped the primates and other species to move within forests fragmented by man-made rivers.
Sabah Wildlife director Dr Laurentius Ambu said ultimately, however, reconnecting forests via corridors or patches of forests was the next crucial step to better preserving wildlife in the state.
"Even though it will be an expensive and long process, reconnecting isolated populations which were originally linked together, will ensure the long-term survival of not only orang utans but other unique species, such as the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, the sunbears, the clouded leopards and many others," he said.
Surveys carried out by the department and non-governmental organisation, Hutan-KOCP (Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Programme), shows that there are 700 orang utans within protected and non-protected areas of the lower Kinabatangan.
Sabah has an estimated 11,000 orang utans, which is 80 per cent of the nation's wild orang utans.
However, due to agricultural activities, many forests are fragmented, trapping animals such as the orang utans because of their inability to swim.
To tackle this problem, rope bridges were built for orang utans to cross small rivers and large drains since 2003, and also to connect pockets of isolated forest, said Azri Awang of Hutan-KOCP.
In the past, orang utans would use old-growth forests as "natural bridges" over small rivers.
However, at present, orang utans no longer have this luxury since most of the tall trees in such forests have been logged.
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Turn Sarawak Bird Race into international event
KUCHING: The Malaysian Nature Sociey (MNS) has been challenged to turn its Sarawak Bird Race (SBR) into a full-fledged international event.
Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip made the call yesterday when launching this year’s race, held together with Borneo Highlands Resort and Permai Rainforest Resort.
“From being a humble mini bird race four years ago, this event now has drawn bigger participation and the involvement of those from outside the state and nation.
“So it is fair enough to challenge the organiser to turn this event into a well known international event,” he said.
He pointed out that the Rainforest World Music Festival, which only drew around 300 festival-goers in its first year, has now reached 20,000 festival-goers from around the world.
“We at the Tourism Ministry are sure to assist in all possible ways to lure more to come and I also promise to put SBR in the state tourism calender next year,” he added.
On the event, Talip said bird-watchers are important to the state as they assist in keeping records of all the species found in Sarawak.
Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talip Zulpilip made the call yesterday when launching this year’s race, held together with Borneo Highlands Resort and Permai Rainforest Resort.
“From being a humble mini bird race four years ago, this event now has drawn bigger participation and the involvement of those from outside the state and nation.
“So it is fair enough to challenge the organiser to turn this event into a well known international event,” he said.
He pointed out that the Rainforest World Music Festival, which only drew around 300 festival-goers in its first year, has now reached 20,000 festival-goers from around the world.
“We at the Tourism Ministry are sure to assist in all possible ways to lure more to come and I also promise to put SBR in the state tourism calender next year,” he added.
On the event, Talip said bird-watchers are important to the state as they assist in keeping records of all the species found in Sarawak.
Continue reading at: Turn Sarawak Bird Race into international event
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Kuching's Four Points by Sheraton HACCP certified
KUCHING: Four Points by Sheraton Kuching restaurant and banquet kitchens are now Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certified.
The hotel also had its ‘halal’ certification renewed in line with the new guidelines issued by the Sarawak Islamic Council.
The hotel has implemented a food safety programme whereby the certification process entails audits under stringent conditions by qualified RABQSA (an Australian personnel and training certification body) and registered food safety auditions appointed by Australia-based Environmental Health Consultancy (EHC).
The hotel food safety programme has been verified as complying with the international CODEX principles of HACCP whereby key hygiene controls are applied on all potentially hazardous and low risk foods at all stages of preparation before they are served to guests to ensure food hygiene and safety.
“Our HACCP certification shows our commitment to food hygiene safety. Hotels and restaurants with HACCP certification are safer from those without because of the prevention systems in place,” said Four Points by Sheraton Kuching general manager Paolo Campillo at a press gathering on Friday evening.
He added in the event of a hazard, certified restaurants have a system with which they treat the affected customer and examine the cause of the problem.
This system helps to ensure consistent food quality and prevent re-occurrence of the problem.
“The renewal of our ‘halal’ certificate allows all our Muslim customers to know that food prepared in our kitchens exceeds the requirements of the Sarawak Islamic Council,” said the hotel’s executive chef Liou Chong Yaw.
Continue reading at: Kuching's Four Points by Sheraton HACCP certified
.The hotel also had its ‘halal’ certification renewed in line with the new guidelines issued by the Sarawak Islamic Council.
The hotel has implemented a food safety programme whereby the certification process entails audits under stringent conditions by qualified RABQSA (an Australian personnel and training certification body) and registered food safety auditions appointed by Australia-based Environmental Health Consultancy (EHC).
The hotel food safety programme has been verified as complying with the international CODEX principles of HACCP whereby key hygiene controls are applied on all potentially hazardous and low risk foods at all stages of preparation before they are served to guests to ensure food hygiene and safety.
“Our HACCP certification shows our commitment to food hygiene safety. Hotels and restaurants with HACCP certification are safer from those without because of the prevention systems in place,” said Four Points by Sheraton Kuching general manager Paolo Campillo at a press gathering on Friday evening.
He added in the event of a hazard, certified restaurants have a system with which they treat the affected customer and examine the cause of the problem.
This system helps to ensure consistent food quality and prevent re-occurrence of the problem.
“The renewal of our ‘halal’ certificate allows all our Muslim customers to know that food prepared in our kitchens exceeds the requirements of the Sarawak Islamic Council,” said the hotel’s executive chef Liou Chong Yaw.
Continue reading at: Kuching's Four Points by Sheraton HACCP certified
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
Selamat Pengantin Baru!
My cousin, Didi got married last Friday. I thought this was the best photo that I have seen of any family getting married with my Uncle and my Aunty and all Didi's sisters also in the picture doing all their free posing. It's very nice to see marriages start with a very positive note.
Philippines - MILF negotiates continue - Malaysia Conspiracy Fund
Philippines government will continue with peace talks even as it pursues "criminal elements" as called "All-out-for-justice" among the Muslim rebels for the recent killings of soldiers, the chief government negotiator said.
The deaths of as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians in the past two weeks would hopefully not prevent planned peace talks from moving forward next month; chief peace negotiator Teresita Quintos Deles told government radio.
She said President Benigno Aquino III was still pushing through with the talks despite angry calls for an "all-out-for-justice" against the country's main Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"We will pursue law enforcement [operations] against criminal elements but we will also continue the peace process. So we will separate that from the talks with the MILF.
"We really have to find a solution to the problem... where criminal elements sometimes mix with MILF forces on the ground," she added.
In the past two weeks, government forces in pursuit of wanted criminals have been attacked by Muslim rebels in a remote region of Zamboanga Sibugay province in lawless Mindanao Island, and in the nearby island of Basilan.
The killing of so many soldiers, police and civilians stoked public anger at the MILF who have been engaged in peace talks with the government since 2003 and have a ceasefire in place for the negotiations.
The MILF only disowned the gunmen involved in the Zamboanga Sibugay clash on Tuesday in the face of a massive military offensive, but also admit to killing 19 soldiers in Basilan, saying they had intruded into the rebels' territory.
More than 28,000 people were forced to flee their homes in Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan due to the fighting with the Muslim rebels.
The government and MILF panels will have to meet in Kuala Lumpur in early November to try and thrash out the disagreements so that the peace talks can move forward, said Deles.
"This discussion is needed to see what we can do to establish accountability and to hold those responsible and to ensure these kinds of incidents do not happen again," she said.
The 12,000-strong MILF have said they remain committed to talks aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion that has left 150,000 dead since the 1970s.
5 Million Government Aid for MILF –Malaysian Conspiracy fund
It has become a big issue where Senator Francis Escudero question the palace why giving money to the MILF which been alleged and leaks that it has been used to purchased new high powered armaments for the Muslim rebels to fight against the Philippines' government.
The rumors were answered by the MILF that the 5 Million government aid for the MILF is still in the bank and they are open for audits as they denied they did not use the fund to purchase armaments.
Residents question where could be the MILF found source of fund to purchased new armaments to fight against the government wherein the international terrorist rebel is already dead? (referring to Osama Bin Laden)
Whistle blower from another muslim rebels groups leaked that they receive fund from Malaysian group to purchase armaments to fight against the Philippines government to destabilize the Aquino economic reform and to ruin the plan of Sultan Kiram in pushing to Philippines Government to takeover the North Borneo (Sabah)
The muslim rebel group admitted that they are receiving funding for their family from the unknown group in Malaysia to escalate attacks around the islands.
Malaysia has been worry of the fast economic progress of the Philippines which the country's power and stability might trigger to control back the North Borneo which is under control now by the Malaysian Government.
Malaysia remain insecure of the status of the North Borneo (Sabah) as is its legally own by the heirs of the Sultanate State of Sulu of which Sultan Kiram recognized himself as a Filipino and called his people in Sabah (North Borneo) as Sabahans – Filipinos.
Teaching Orang Utan The Ropes To Evade Isolation
KINABATANGAN -- Wild orang utan in the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain in Sabah are being taught the ropes, literally, to evade isolation owing to the logging of the tall trees which have served as their natural bridges across small rivers and large drains.
Rope bridges built by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), in collaboration with French grassroots non-profit organisation HUTAN and the Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Project (KOCP), are now enabling the orang utan to get cross these waterways.
HUTAN-KOCP co-director Dr Marc Ancrenaz said oil palm companies are being asked to help by not planting oil palm all the way down to the river but to set aside at least 500 metres along the banks as wildlife corridors.
"In May 2010, at the conclusion of the State Action Plan workshop, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun stated that he would like to see plantations, particularly those located in the Kinabatangan, to set aside at least 500 metres along riverbanks as wildlife corridors," Ancrenaz said in a statement here today.
With support from various partners, such as Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Borneo Conservation Trust, Shining Hope Foundation and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), more rope bridges with different designs have been built over the years, including by using old fire hoses from Japan.
"This was to see if different designs would be used by the orang utan, and what we found is they seem to prefer to use the simple two-line rope bridges," said Ancrenaz, who has been working on wildlife issues in Sabah from 1998.
During a visit to Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, Ancrenaz found that rope bridges used at the zoo's orang utan enclosure were of much lighter material and yet able to withstand ultraviolet rays.
"Our partners from Chester Zoo have come to Sabah, bringing with them these rope material so that we can pull down the old bridges and put up new bridges along the sites we know where the orang utan are using the rope bridges, as well as at new identified areas," he said.
With assistance from Ropeskills Rigging Sdn Bhd (RRSB), a team of professional tree climbers based in Sabah, the new rope bridges are being built and the old bridges pulled down or repaired.
In all, seven rope bridges have been put up and/or repaired with the collaboration of the SWD, RRSB, Chester Zoo, DGFC, HUTAN-KOCP and Barefoot Sukau Lodge.
Rope bridges built by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), in collaboration with French grassroots non-profit organisation HUTAN and the Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Project (KOCP), are now enabling the orang utan to get cross these waterways.
HUTAN-KOCP co-director Dr Marc Ancrenaz said oil palm companies are being asked to help by not planting oil palm all the way down to the river but to set aside at least 500 metres along the banks as wildlife corridors.
"In May 2010, at the conclusion of the State Action Plan workshop, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun stated that he would like to see plantations, particularly those located in the Kinabatangan, to set aside at least 500 metres along riverbanks as wildlife corridors," Ancrenaz said in a statement here today.
With support from various partners, such as Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Borneo Conservation Trust, Shining Hope Foundation and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), more rope bridges with different designs have been built over the years, including by using old fire hoses from Japan.
"This was to see if different designs would be used by the orang utan, and what we found is they seem to prefer to use the simple two-line rope bridges," said Ancrenaz, who has been working on wildlife issues in Sabah from 1998.
During a visit to Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, Ancrenaz found that rope bridges used at the zoo's orang utan enclosure were of much lighter material and yet able to withstand ultraviolet rays.
"Our partners from Chester Zoo have come to Sabah, bringing with them these rope material so that we can pull down the old bridges and put up new bridges along the sites we know where the orang utan are using the rope bridges, as well as at new identified areas," he said.
With assistance from Ropeskills Rigging Sdn Bhd (RRSB), a team of professional tree climbers based in Sabah, the new rope bridges are being built and the old bridges pulled down or repaired.
In all, seven rope bridges have been put up and/or repaired with the collaboration of the SWD, RRSB, Chester Zoo, DGFC, HUTAN-KOCP and Barefoot Sukau Lodge.
Continue reading at: Teaching Orang Utan The Ropes To Evade Isolation
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SolarWorld Files Complaint Against Chinese Panelmakers and Cell Manufacturers
DALLAS – A coalition of seven U.S.-based solar panel manufacturers filed a complaint Wednesday alleging unfair trade practices, setting off an investigation that could thrust the solar industry in the middle of a U.S.-China trade dispute.
By filing their petition, the companies are claiming that they are unable to compete in the lucrative and quickly expanding American solar market because, they say, they are being undercut by Chinese crystalline silicon panel and cell manufacturers that are dumping their product at artificially low prices. They also contend that panelmakers and cell manufacturers are receiving unfair subsidies from their government. A finding on behalf of the American companies would lead to tariffs being imposed on solar panels imported from China, possibly as soon as next spring.
The American division of SolarWorld, which employs more than 1,000 workers at its Oregon headquarters and manufacturing facility, is the only company named in the trade complaint. The other six remain anonymous, which is allowed by the Department of Commerce. The group on Wednesday launched the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing.
There was also an growing indication Thursday that German parent company SolarWorld may also be taking steps to file a complaint in Europe.
Trade complaints are not uncommon. However, according to industry sources, the sheer level of inventory and dollars at stake, and the vast potential of a future market, could make this among the most divisive trade complaints filed in recent years.
In response to the news, Rhone Resch president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) said that his organization "will continue to support open markets based on free and fair trade principles." SEIA believes that is is crucial for governments and private organizations, however, to "operate within the framework of internationally-negotiated trade rules.
“If it appears that trade obligations are not being met, solar companies – whether foreign or domestic — have the right to request an investigation into alleged unfair trade practices. These allegations must be thoroughly examined and, if unlawful trade practices are found, action to remedy those practices should be taken," he added.
Politically, some Republican presidential candidates and Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have indicated support for a more hardline stance against China over issues ranging from manufacturing to perceived currency manipulation. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has been among the most vocal critics of the price of solar panels coming into the American market. He recently wrote President Obama a letter saying the administration should impose a heavy tariff on panels coming in from China.
The International Trade Commission has 45 days to issue its preliminary determination, while the Department of Commerce has 180 days for the preliminary determination. At this point, tariffs could be set. The cases generally take 15 months for final determination. While much is conjecture at this point, early indications are that the tariff rate sought by the companies filing the claim are at 100 percent.
A ruling at the higher level could effectively shut out competition from the Chinese market. It also opens up the possibility that China could retaliate against U.S.-based manufacturers that depend on Chinese panelmakers and cell manufacturers, such as the polysilicon industry.
According to a recent report released by SEIA, the U.S. was a net solar exporter to China in 2010, so such a move could strain or potentially jeopardize many of the relationships between American and Chinese companies.
The petition was filed jointly with the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). According to sources, it is likely that the DOC and the ITC acted in an advisory role regarding the law and the process prior to the claim being filed. Both organizations now will shift to a fact-finding mode.
The ITC must make its preliminary determination based on three measures of injury:
- Whether the volume of imports is significant
- Whether the prices of those imports represents underselling, depresses prices or prevents price increases
- Whether the imports have a negative impact on domestic producers and production.
Following the ITC determination, the DOC has up to six months to implement preliminary dumping duties. Panels could be sold in the U.S. during that six-month window, but any indication that products were being pushed through to avoid pending tariffs would make many of those transactions subject to penalty.
Chinese panelmakers and/or cell manufacturers could file for an appeal through the World Trade Organization, which could work to find a resolution.
INDUSTRY REACTION
Barry Cinnamon, CEO, Westinghouse Solar
“My opinion is really calibrated on what we in the United States need to do for jobs. The Republicans have a jobs program, Democrats have a jobs program. And we in solar, we should have a jobs program of getting people to work by manufacturing and installing solar. If we can create more jobs installing relatively inexpensive solar panels, and free trade is what supports that, then I think that’s the right thing to do.”
Lisa Frantzis, Navigant Consulting
“The Chinese suppliers have certainly gained a tremendous market share globally. They’ve gone from 3 percent market share in 1997 to 54 percent maker share in 2011. Most of that has been in the last three or four years. The U.S. has gone from about 47 percent to 6 percent in that same time frame. If you look at some of the major module suppliers – Yingli, Trina, Suntech – in Q3, their modules are selling at about $1.30 a watt peak, and we’re hearing prices even lower here today, which will make it very hard for U.S. players to compete in the U.S. market.”
Adam Browning, Vote Solar
“Countries around the world offer incentives in order to attract and build manufacturing sectors. Germany has long offered 50 percent unsecured loans. Malaysia will give you a 10-year tax holiday if you site a manufacturing plant there. In fact, this is what we often ask the U.S. government to do. The key all along has been about reducing costs. China has identified solar as a strategic industry of national importance and the result is they’ve brought down costs tremendously. That is to the benefit of the sector globally. It results in much lower costs in installations and growth in the installation sector. At this point, I’d say a trade war is not of benefit to the American solar industry, the global solar industry and consumers in general.”
Lou Schwartz, Analyst
It certainly shouldn’t be a surprise that U.S. solar panel manufacturers are pursuing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy actions against their Chinese competitors; warnings began circulating in the Chinese renewable energy press months ago that this likely would be one consequence of “cabbage pricing” by Chinese solar exporters. Given the inability of the Chinese to reign in runaway growth in solar capacity development, shrinkage in China’s most significant solar market largely as a result of the European Financial Crisis, growing discontent over high profile bankruptcies, such as Solyndra, amid a prolonged economic stupor in the U.S. and the failure of the Chinese government to more energetically put in place policies directing a greater percentage of this largely export-oriented industry to domestic markets, it all seems rather inevitable.
Though avoidable, “it is what it is”, so we now must address the fallout, which will include more trade friction, an increase in subtle Chinese retaliatory actions, the acceleration of the shake-out in the Chinese solar industry, price increases in the U.S. as a consequence of reduced imports from China, a slowdown in the growth of U.S. solar installations and a delay in achieving the goal of grid parity.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Brunei Oil Plans
[The Oxford Business Group reported the following report on Brunei on 29th October 2011.]+++++Brunei Darussalam: Plans on paper With a radical overhaul of its energy sector planned, Brunei Darussalam is looking to ramp up production at the wellhead while expanding downstream activities through a long-term programme that is intended to quadruple national revenue and boost employment. On
Sabah has one of richest biodiversities
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has one of the richest biodiversities in the world with an area of 59 per cent covered by forests, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) chief representative in Malaysia, Tsutomo Nagae.
However, he said, it was faced with the threat of extinction due to the rapid economic development in the state.
As such, biodiversity conservation measures were considered necessary to be implemented as soon as possible in order to improve the situation, he said in his remarks at the closing of the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) at 1Borneo, near here, today.
Nagae said the Japanese government, through JICA, strongly committed itself to biodiversity conservation and had implemented the Bornean Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation (BBEC) programme in Sabah since 2002, in cooperation with various implementing agencies including the Sabah government and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
On the first phase of BBEC, he said the project focused on technology transfer with regard to building up the monitoring and research skills of different agencies, while the second phase focused on policy aspect by linking conservation activities with the decision-making process.
Nagae thanked the 21 participants from eight countries - Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda for their successful completion of the 24-day training course.
However, he said, it was faced with the threat of extinction due to the rapid economic development in the state.
As such, biodiversity conservation measures were considered necessary to be implemented as soon as possible in order to improve the situation, he said in his remarks at the closing of the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) at 1Borneo, near here, today.
Nagae said the Japanese government, through JICA, strongly committed itself to biodiversity conservation and had implemented the Bornean Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation (BBEC) programme in Sabah since 2002, in cooperation with various implementing agencies including the Sabah government and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
On the first phase of BBEC, he said the project focused on technology transfer with regard to building up the monitoring and research skills of different agencies, while the second phase focused on policy aspect by linking conservation activities with the decision-making process.
Nagae thanked the 21 participants from eight countries - Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda for their successful completion of the 24-day training course.
Continue reading at: Sabah has one of richest biodiversities
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sarawak Bird Race: Bird and nature lovers set for an enjoyable weekend
KUCHING: It is going to be a big weekend for birds when the 4th Sarawak Bird Race kicks-off this Saturday at the Permai Rainforest Resort, and then ‘migrates’ to the Borneo Highlands Resort the next day.
It also promises to be a big weekend for bird and nature lovers, with side activities being planned for everyone, including adults and children and curious members of the public who wish to know more on birds and biodiversity.
There will also be nature talks by local and international bird experts at Permai Rainforest Resort on Oct 29, to start at 9.30am.
Nils MΓΌller, a biology graduate from Lund University, Germany, who specialises in bird migration and genetics, will share his knowledge and experience about bird migration: why, when and how far they migrate, and how they orientate themselves along their migration route.
As a young lad, he was enthralled by the eerie but fascinating raptors while travelling through the Pyrenees, and his love for ornithology was sealed forever.
Muller believes that bird races are a great way to draw attention to the diversity of birds that surrounds us.
“Birds have the largest range of species on earth and many of them are found in our own backyard! I like to think that learning about birds means learning to appreciate nature and its value to the society,” he said.
He believes that having a majestic bird like the hornbill on the Sarawak Flag showed the inspirational power birds could give.
“With their capability to fly and cover great distances, birds can serve as a great indicator of the state of nature for example, the effects of global warming and human impacts to the fragile environment.
“As we struggle to save endangered birds, we may find that they could possibly provide solutions to save humankind from ourselves,” he said in a press release.
The Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch’s Bird Group is jointly holding the 4th Sarawak Bird Race with Borneo Highlands Resort and Rainforest Permai Resort.
The race aims to promote bird conservation, the importance of birds in the ecosystems and bird-watching activity among members and the general public. It also aims to promote the Bako-Buntal Bay and Penrissen Range, and Sarawak in general, as ideal places for bird-watching.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Bird Race: Bird and nature lovers set for an enjoyable weekend
.It also promises to be a big weekend for bird and nature lovers, with side activities being planned for everyone, including adults and children and curious members of the public who wish to know more on birds and biodiversity.
There will also be nature talks by local and international bird experts at Permai Rainforest Resort on Oct 29, to start at 9.30am.
Nils MΓΌller, a biology graduate from Lund University, Germany, who specialises in bird migration and genetics, will share his knowledge and experience about bird migration: why, when and how far they migrate, and how they orientate themselves along their migration route.
As a young lad, he was enthralled by the eerie but fascinating raptors while travelling through the Pyrenees, and his love for ornithology was sealed forever.
Muller believes that bird races are a great way to draw attention to the diversity of birds that surrounds us.
“Birds have the largest range of species on earth and many of them are found in our own backyard! I like to think that learning about birds means learning to appreciate nature and its value to the society,” he said.
He believes that having a majestic bird like the hornbill on the Sarawak Flag showed the inspirational power birds could give.
“With their capability to fly and cover great distances, birds can serve as a great indicator of the state of nature for example, the effects of global warming and human impacts to the fragile environment.
“As we struggle to save endangered birds, we may find that they could possibly provide solutions to save humankind from ourselves,” he said in a press release.
The Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch’s Bird Group is jointly holding the 4th Sarawak Bird Race with Borneo Highlands Resort and Rainforest Permai Resort.
The race aims to promote bird conservation, the importance of birds in the ecosystems and bird-watching activity among members and the general public. It also aims to promote the Bako-Buntal Bay and Penrissen Range, and Sarawak in general, as ideal places for bird-watching.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Bird Race: Bird and nature lovers set for an enjoyable weekend
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Musical Sundays at Sarawak Museum to create ‘city with a soul’ next month
KUCHING: Musical Sundays will be held at the Sarawak Museum gardens every second weekend of the month starting from Nov 13 at 4.30pm.
The programme is organised by Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) in line with the call by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to nurture creativity and talent in youths and to make Kuching a “city with a soul”.
It will showcase bands and musicians from schools and institutions of higher learning here.
“We hope that with this programme, we will provide an avenue for the talented musicians in our city to contribute towards the local arts scene as well as help the local tourism industry by livening up the cityscape with their music,” said a press statement from DBKU yesterday.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Musical Sundays at Sarawak Museum to create ‘city with a soul’ next month
.The programme is organised by Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) in line with the call by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to nurture creativity and talent in youths and to make Kuching a “city with a soul”.
It will showcase bands and musicians from schools and institutions of higher learning here.
“We hope that with this programme, we will provide an avenue for the talented musicians in our city to contribute towards the local arts scene as well as help the local tourism industry by livening up the cityscape with their music,” said a press statement from DBKU yesterday.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Musical Sundays at Sarawak Museum to create ‘city with a soul’ next month
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Outcrop along Airport Road as Miri's tourist and research attractions
MIRI: The outcrop along Miri Airport Road will be developed into a tourist and geological research destination soon.
Mayor Lawrence Lai yesterday said Miri City Council (MCC) would improve and enhance the landscape, including fixing some facilities such as tables and benches, for the benefit of visitors to the historical geological site.
MCC would also be working with Sarawak Shell to enhance the safety of visitors by constructing an overhead bridge crossing along Miri Airport Road – from Taman Awam to the outcrop.
“Shell has set aside some allocation for the construction of the bridge. We are going to call for tender for the project soon. Work is expected to start either by the end of this year or early next year.”
Lai said this when Philip Lesslar, one of the six authors of ‘Geological Excursions Around Miri, Sarawak’ paid a courtesy call on him. The call was meant to promote the hardcover book to the public through MCC.
The other authors are Mario Wannier, Charlie Lee, Han Raven, Dr Rasoul Sorkhabi, and Abdullah Ibrahim.
Currently, visitors are exposed to danger when crossing the busy road to get to the outcrop from the parking lot at Taman Awam. They have to park there as there are no parking lots at the outcrop.
Meanwhile, Lesslar said the guidebook was invaluable for visitors, especially students and researchers going to the site.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Outcrop along Airport Road as Miri's tourist and research attractions
.Mayor Lawrence Lai yesterday said Miri City Council (MCC) would improve and enhance the landscape, including fixing some facilities such as tables and benches, for the benefit of visitors to the historical geological site.
MCC would also be working with Sarawak Shell to enhance the safety of visitors by constructing an overhead bridge crossing along Miri Airport Road – from Taman Awam to the outcrop.
“Shell has set aside some allocation for the construction of the bridge. We are going to call for tender for the project soon. Work is expected to start either by the end of this year or early next year.”
Lai said this when Philip Lesslar, one of the six authors of ‘Geological Excursions Around Miri, Sarawak’ paid a courtesy call on him. The call was meant to promote the hardcover book to the public through MCC.
The other authors are Mario Wannier, Charlie Lee, Han Raven, Dr Rasoul Sorkhabi, and Abdullah Ibrahim.
Currently, visitors are exposed to danger when crossing the busy road to get to the outcrop from the parking lot at Taman Awam. They have to park there as there are no parking lots at the outcrop.
Meanwhile, Lesslar said the guidebook was invaluable for visitors, especially students and researchers going to the site.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Outcrop along Airport Road as Miri's tourist and research attractions
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Couple set to save orangutans in Borneo
An adventurous couple from South Lanarkshire are getting ready to save orangutans from cruelty on a rainforest trek through Borneo.
Angela Wood and Iain McArthur leave Scotland on November 3 for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)’s Borneo Jungle Explorer trek.
The Bothwell duo will have to journey through the Kalimantan rainforest and climb mountains in the heat and humidity in order to reach the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary.
The Nyaru Menteng sanctuary is the world’s largest orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation project and contains over 1000 traumatised, orphaned and injured orangutans.
Keen hillwalkers Angela and Iain have been following a four month fitness regime in preparation for the trip.
Angela, a hypnotherapist, said: “I was quite excited about the trip up until this week when I’ve been getting lots of injections and having to get mosquito nets and wear in my boots.
“It's all getting so real - I'm concerned about the humidity and the heat, the closer I get to the actual trip the more I think about all the negatives, like the creepy crawlies and leeches which are a big problem.
“The mosquitoes are really bad and I’m taking lots of tablets for malaria at the moment, it’s not like mosquitoes in Spain or Tenerife, these have serious consequences.
“I know it will be worth it though. The sanctuary saves hundreds of orangutans and I can tell I’m going to cry when I get there. It will be very emotional.”
All the orangutans at the centre in Borneo are in need of physical and emotional care. Before arriving at the sanctuary many have been injured in machete attacks, rescued from the pet trade or found starving.
Angela Wood and Iain McArthur leave Scotland on November 3 for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)’s Borneo Jungle Explorer trek.
The Bothwell duo will have to journey through the Kalimantan rainforest and climb mountains in the heat and humidity in order to reach the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary.
The Nyaru Menteng sanctuary is the world’s largest orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation project and contains over 1000 traumatised, orphaned and injured orangutans.
Keen hillwalkers Angela and Iain have been following a four month fitness regime in preparation for the trip.
Angela, a hypnotherapist, said: “I was quite excited about the trip up until this week when I’ve been getting lots of injections and having to get mosquito nets and wear in my boots.
“It's all getting so real - I'm concerned about the humidity and the heat, the closer I get to the actual trip the more I think about all the negatives, like the creepy crawlies and leeches which are a big problem.
“The mosquitoes are really bad and I’m taking lots of tablets for malaria at the moment, it’s not like mosquitoes in Spain or Tenerife, these have serious consequences.
“I know it will be worth it though. The sanctuary saves hundreds of orangutans and I can tell I’m going to cry when I get there. It will be very emotional.”
All the orangutans at the centre in Borneo are in need of physical and emotional care. Before arriving at the sanctuary many have been injured in machete attacks, rescued from the pet trade or found starving.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Couple set to save orangutans in Borneo
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Divers find wreck of Dutch WWII sub off Borneo
THE HAGUE: Sport divers off the northern coast of Borneo have discovered the wreck of a Dutch World War II submarine, missing for the past 70 years, the Dutch defence ministry said Monday.
“The HR. MS. KXVI, which has been missing with a crew of 36 since 1941, has been found,” it said in a statement released in The Hague.
“It was discovered by Australian and Singaporean sport divers in the waters ‘above’ the island of Borneo after a tip-off from a local fisherman,” the ministry added.
It did not state the exact location of the wreck out of respect for the dead crew and their descendants.
The 1,000-tonne KXVI was part of the Allied fleet tasked with stopping the Japanese invasion of the then Dutch East Indies.
“The HR. MS. KXVI, which has been missing with a crew of 36 since 1941, has been found,” it said in a statement released in The Hague.
“It was discovered by Australian and Singaporean sport divers in the waters ‘above’ the island of Borneo after a tip-off from a local fisherman,” the ministry added.
It did not state the exact location of the wreck out of respect for the dead crew and their descendants.
The 1,000-tonne KXVI was part of the Allied fleet tasked with stopping the Japanese invasion of the then Dutch East Indies.
Continue reading at: Divers find wreck of Dutch WWII sub off Borneo
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Philippines ups internal security - ₱ 10 Billion Release by the DBM
After the ambushed of MILF militants that killed dozens of Soldier in Sulu Area, and NPA rebels attack to the Mining Camp Southern Philippines, the DBM ordered by the president to release the Armed Forces Modernization budget allocated for 2010 and 2011.
President Benigno Aquino III endowed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ₱510 billion to become more effective in maintaining peace and order in the country.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 24, Aquino ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P10 billion for the AFP Modernization Program which will be used to acquire equipment and to finance capacity-building activities such as training.
"The President is committed to bringing all armed conflicts in the country to a permanent and peaceful end. One way to achieve this is upgrades for our soldiers, who are a key factor in achieving peace," DBM Secretary Florencio Abad said.
He added that special allotment release orders charged against the 2010 and 2011 appropriations of ₱5 billion each are now being prepared.
According to the budget secretary, the AFP will use the 2010 ₱5 Billion funds to equip the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the Philippines Army, Navy and Airforce.
For the Philippines' Army the budget released is ₱1.4 Billion to procure the following:
· 14 armored personnel carriers
· 272 20W-Manpack radios
· 3,480 units of force protection equipment
The Philippine's Navy will also procure a strategic sealift vessel that costs ₱2 Billion.
For the Philippine Air Force, the government released the budget of ₱1.6 Billion to procure the following;
· Special mission Aircrafts
· 2 light lift Aircrafts
As for the 2011 ₱5 Billion budget, the AFP will purchase vehicles for civil military operations, health services and disaster response activities. These vehicles will include Philippine Army's 32 five-ton dump trucks and 55 special-purpose vehicles, and Philippine Air Force's two search-and-rescue helicopters, 30 special purpose vehicles and 15 amphibian vehicles.
The AFP will also use the 2011 budget to purchase weapons and communications equipment such as 1,376 handheld radios, 210 AV configuration radios, 100 base radios, and 150 mortars (60 mm) for the Philippine Army, as well as 78 units of audio-video equipment, 160 portable radio receivers, 100 sniper rifle systems, and 2,000 standard weapons systems for the Philippine Air Force.
To ensure integrity in the use of funds, Abad said the AFP has been required to submit a comprehensive report on the implementation status of the AFP
Modernization Program.
"We are ensuring that each and every peso spent by the AFP will directly result in better equipment and other operational support for our men-and-women in uniform," he said.
Biodiversity at our doorstep: Brunei's commitment to the Heart of Borneo
By Azaraimy HH
Complementing the BIMP-EAGA vision of turning the sub-regional area into a single-tourism corridor dubbed 'Equator Asia', Brunei has proven its unbending commitment to the Heart of Borneo (HoB) concept.
Currently there exists a proposal for the establishment of a 'Trans-boundary Eco-Tourism' within HoB member countries, which will benefit the tourism sectors of the three nations directly involved - Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia - with the Sultanate having committed a large portion of its undisturbed forests to the project. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is also assisting in the project.
Deputy Director of Forestry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), Mahmud Haji Yussof, in his capacity as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Brunei HoB Centre said, "I believe Brunei offers a strong position in eco-tourism potential because it is a country within the BIMP-EAGA sub-region where tourists do not have to travel far to experience rich biodiversity. In Brunei biodiversity is at the doorstep".
The Bulletin interviewed Mahmud Haji Yussof during a forestry briefing presented to a 17-member Chinese delegation that was led by Minister of State Forestry Administration of the People's Republic of China, Jia Zhibang, in which the delegation was informed of Brunei's current forestry status by the Director of Forestry Department, Haji Saidin bin Salleh. Also present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary at the MIPR, Dayang Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti PJDSMDSU (Dr) Hj Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, and other senior level officers.
During the briefing Mahmud Haji Yussof highlighted the importance of the HoB project, which has the potential to prevent hundreds or maybe even thousands of species from facing extinction. Successful rainforest conservation requires joint efforts as forests are inter-connected, he added.
He mentioned there are several projects being undertaken as part of the HoB initiative that require the involvement of the relevant authorities across all the nations involved, such as the continuous study of fauna and flora within protected areas.
He also linked the importance of the overall conservation effort to potential economic benefits, particularly the tourism industry, which will ultimately benefit the Sultanate.
"The forest is not there simply for its timber or other by-products. Today we can apply leverage on the forest itself to grow eco-tourism", which he labeled as being a very promising industry for Brunei. The forests can basically "generate money for us by itself and also benefit the local people as eco-tourism is about the local people", he added.
Environmental and forest protection remains a strong issue in Brunei, where the issue is being strongly supported by the political leadership as he referred to His Majesty the Sultan's 2007 Titah in Sydney, which touched on the HoB initiative.
It is important to note however that external financial support is crucial for the initiative's success and that currently Brunei Shell, HSBC and SCB are private sector businesses that are supporting the initiative.
In conclusion he maintained that the committee will continue to try their best to secure sponsorship from other countries as it also contributes to the global environmental conservation effort as well.
Under a trilateral meeting, a project such as trans-border eco-tourism is being proposed, which will benefit member countries. "What else can we say but Brunei is a city inside a forest," he stated.
Complementing the BIMP-EAGA vision of turning the sub-regional area into a single-tourism corridor dubbed 'Equator Asia', Brunei has proven its unbending commitment to the Heart of Borneo (HoB) concept.
Currently there exists a proposal for the establishment of a 'Trans-boundary Eco-Tourism' within HoB member countries, which will benefit the tourism sectors of the three nations directly involved - Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia - with the Sultanate having committed a large portion of its undisturbed forests to the project. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is also assisting in the project.
Deputy Director of Forestry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), Mahmud Haji Yussof, in his capacity as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Brunei HoB Centre said, "I believe Brunei offers a strong position in eco-tourism potential because it is a country within the BIMP-EAGA sub-region where tourists do not have to travel far to experience rich biodiversity. In Brunei biodiversity is at the doorstep".
The Bulletin interviewed Mahmud Haji Yussof during a forestry briefing presented to a 17-member Chinese delegation that was led by Minister of State Forestry Administration of the People's Republic of China, Jia Zhibang, in which the delegation was informed of Brunei's current forestry status by the Director of Forestry Department, Haji Saidin bin Salleh. Also present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary at the MIPR, Dayang Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti PJDSMDSU (Dr) Hj Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, and other senior level officers.
During the briefing Mahmud Haji Yussof highlighted the importance of the HoB project, which has the potential to prevent hundreds or maybe even thousands of species from facing extinction. Successful rainforest conservation requires joint efforts as forests are inter-connected, he added.
He mentioned there are several projects being undertaken as part of the HoB initiative that require the involvement of the relevant authorities across all the nations involved, such as the continuous study of fauna and flora within protected areas.
He also linked the importance of the overall conservation effort to potential economic benefits, particularly the tourism industry, which will ultimately benefit the Sultanate.
"The forest is not there simply for its timber or other by-products. Today we can apply leverage on the forest itself to grow eco-tourism", which he labeled as being a very promising industry for Brunei. The forests can basically "generate money for us by itself and also benefit the local people as eco-tourism is about the local people", he added.
Environmental and forest protection remains a strong issue in Brunei, where the issue is being strongly supported by the political leadership as he referred to His Majesty the Sultan's 2007 Titah in Sydney, which touched on the HoB initiative.
It is important to note however that external financial support is crucial for the initiative's success and that currently Brunei Shell, HSBC and SCB are private sector businesses that are supporting the initiative.
In conclusion he maintained that the committee will continue to try their best to secure sponsorship from other countries as it also contributes to the global environmental conservation effort as well.
Under a trilateral meeting, a project such as trans-border eco-tourism is being proposed, which will benefit member countries. "What else can we say but Brunei is a city inside a forest," he stated.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Era FM to promote Sabah tourism
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expecting 60 per cent increase in its domestic tourist arrivals to the State in 2012.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Bolkiah Ismail said this yesterday following the commitment of national radio station, Era FM in promoting tourist destinations in Sabah on air and through its official website.
“From January to August this year, we received 21.1 per cent domestic tourist arrivals in Sabah compared to the same period of last year, which is 1.07 million tourists.
“We are positive that we will achieve 30 per cent increase by end of this year as our national radio station is making a move to promote our State to potential tourists in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said at a press conference at Sabah Tourism Board office yesterday.
“Riuh Pagi Era” hosted by number one TV host in Malaysia, Aznil Haji Nawawi together with two other DJs, Ray and Hanif airing Mondays to Fridays from 6am to 10am will be in the State for three days to talk about Sabah and its attractions.
Music executive of Era Fm, DJ Uno who attanded the press conference yesterday said the radio station breakfast show, “Riuh Pagi Era” will be broadcast live from its Kota Kinabalu studio from tomorrow, October 26 to 28, with support from Sabah Tourism Board.
During the three-day trip, the “Riuh Pagi Era” crew members will embark on adventure field trips to several interesting places around here including Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kiulu White Water Rafting and Rasa Ria’s Orang Utan Sanctuary after their on-air show.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Bolkiah Ismail said this yesterday following the commitment of national radio station, Era FM in promoting tourist destinations in Sabah on air and through its official website.
“From January to August this year, we received 21.1 per cent domestic tourist arrivals in Sabah compared to the same period of last year, which is 1.07 million tourists.
“We are positive that we will achieve 30 per cent increase by end of this year as our national radio station is making a move to promote our State to potential tourists in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said at a press conference at Sabah Tourism Board office yesterday.
“Riuh Pagi Era” hosted by number one TV host in Malaysia, Aznil Haji Nawawi together with two other DJs, Ray and Hanif airing Mondays to Fridays from 6am to 10am will be in the State for three days to talk about Sabah and its attractions.
Music executive of Era Fm, DJ Uno who attanded the press conference yesterday said the radio station breakfast show, “Riuh Pagi Era” will be broadcast live from its Kota Kinabalu studio from tomorrow, October 26 to 28, with support from Sabah Tourism Board.
During the three-day trip, the “Riuh Pagi Era” crew members will embark on adventure field trips to several interesting places around here including Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kiulu White Water Rafting and Rasa Ria’s Orang Utan Sanctuary after their on-air show.
Continue reading at: Era FM to promote Sabah tourism
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Malaysia Sees- Pinoy fast waking up to success
Ceritalah by KARIM RASLAN (the Star Online – Malaysia)
The Philippines – with natural resources such as gold, copper, nickel and oil and gas aplenty – has tremendous potential. Last year, the republic registered an amazing 7.1% growth rate, and growing.
MALAYSIANS have looked down on the Philippines for decades, seeing the republic as South-East Asia's basket case, a source of maids, manual workers and little else.
However, with Noynoy Aquino's thumping electoral victory in last year's presidential election, international perceptions are starting to change and the Philippines fastpaced of its Rebranding.
At long last, the republic has a leader with an unquestionable mandate.
Indeed, the Philippines – especially for the businessman – is beginning to look very interesting.
On a personal note, and having experienced how Indonesia started turning around soon after Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's victory in 2004, Manila 2011 reminds me a great deal of how Jakarta was all those years ago: gradually reaching some measure of stability before booming.
Of course, recent natural disasters such as Typhoon Pedring have tended to focus our attention on the Philippines' many weaknesses, much in the same way the 2004 tsunami shook Indonesia.
Still, there's no denying that the two countries share many unfortunate similarities, beginning with their susceptibility to natural disasters, high levels of corruption and poverty, poor infrastructure and weak government.
Nonetheless, scale has its advantages.
The two great archipelagic nations are sprawling, island-based nations with huge populations – the Philippines' 94 million to Indonesia's 240 million.
Both are hampered by poor infrastructure, vast distances and a degree of lawlessness – especially in regions far from the centre of power.
However, the Philippines' poverty levels are more acute.
More than a fifth of all Filipinos (23.1 million) currently subsist on less than US$2 (RM6.2) a day.
Furthermore, the Philippines, having endured decades of Marcos' autocratic and venal kleptocracy, has only just managed to achieve a measure of political stability as institutions and civil society now seek to regain strength and resilience.
Indeed, political violence is still a reality in the Philippines – as the 2009 Maguindanao massacre tragically demonstrated.
Nevertheless, the Philippines, much like Indonesia, has tremendous potential.
In 2010, the republic registered an amazing 7.1% growth rate.
Natural resources ranging from gold, copper and nickel are also plentiful. Troubled Muslim-majority Mindanao is estimated to have a whopping US$1 trillion (RM3.1 trillion) worth of natural oil and gas deposits.
Indeed, the Philippines – for decades an international laggard – is no longer cash-strapped.
For starters, individual Filipinos have become big savers and the country's reserves (US$76bil or RM238.6bil) far exceed net foreign debt: a record that would put most European nations to shame.
There are three fast-growing drivers of the local economy; business process outsourcing (BPO), remittances and tourism.
According to the brokerage CLSA, BPO generated US$9bil (RM28.2bil) in 2010, up 25%.
Indeed, the republic is targeting US$25bil (RM78.5bil) in revenues by 2016.
Meanwhile, BPO jobs have kicked off a mini-boom as housing, banking and auto-sales have benefited from the advent of well over 600,000 middle-class consumers across the country with major hubs in provincial cities such as Cebu and Davao.
Remittances have also been growing steadily.
With over ten million Filipinos working abroad in 2010, well over US$18.8bil (RM59bil) was sent home.
Moreover, the country is sending more and more trained and skilled workers (such as nurses, accountants and technicians) to Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Tourism is also set to grow.
The archipelagic nation is set to become a major playground for North Asian tourists.
The soon-to-be inaugurated Air Asia Philippines will no doubt bring even more visitors to the islands of Bohol, Boracay and Iloilo with their white sandy beaches and historic towns and cities.
At the same time, casino operators, having witnessed Resorts World's phenomenal success, will be pouring money into newer and even grander developments along the Manila Bay area, thereby enhancing Philippine tourism offerings even more.
With a 70% approval rating, President Aquino has a golden opportunity to change his nation's future fundamentally.
Having seen how SBY has altered Indonesia's standing, it would be very unwise to bet against the Philippines' nascent turn-around.
What does this all mean for Malaysia?
For starters, it means that Filipinos, much like Indonesians, will not be flocking to work in our homes or on our plantations and construction sites in the near future.
Today's Filipino overseas workers possess skills (including fluency in the English language) that often surpass what's available in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru or Penang.
Second, the Philippines will become a major challenge to our own services economy.
Third, the republic's booming and vast domestic market will attract global MNCs desperate for growth, distracting them from smaller nations including our own.
As the First World shudders once again with an impending credit crisis, middle-income nations like Malaysia have to weigh their options carefully.
Are we nimble enough to compete with Singapore and Hong Kong?
If not, can we fend off the competition from the new Asean giants – Indonesia and, now, the Philippines?
Can we become a more efficient destination for global business as these vast nations begin to stir?
Brunei's First Social Media Conference: We are not Robots!
[Emmagoodegg wrote in her column (published on 23 October 2011 on Brunei Times) and her blog the following article on the recent Social Media Conference which I helped moderate one of the sessions. My apologies to emmagoodegg and to my favourite artist cuboiart for uploading their article here and to candidsyndrome for borrowing his photographs.]
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Brunei held its first ever social
Runners fear format change will make Mount Kinabalu climbathon less attractive
KOTA KINABALU: Top-ranked male runners in the just-concluded 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon feel that the popular mountain race will lose much of its novelty when the competition takes on a different format next year.
This is because the race will not culminate at the peak any more.
Italian Marco de Gasperi believed that the race to the summit was the main attraction and was the reason why the world’s best mountain runners took part.
“A change in the format will have a negative effect as the race to the peak and down is already a tradition,” said the 34-year-old who has competed in three Mount Kinabalu Climbathons, winning in 2003 and 2010.
“I hope the organisers will retain the present format,’’ he said, adding that he might not compete next year if they did not.
Local runner Saffrey Sumping echoed de Gasperi’s views.
He said the race should be retained and held separately from the proposed new competition – the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon: Adventure Series.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Runners fear format change will make Mount Kinabalu climbathon less attractive
.This is because the race will not culminate at the peak any more.
Italian Marco de Gasperi believed that the race to the summit was the main attraction and was the reason why the world’s best mountain runners took part.
“A change in the format will have a negative effect as the race to the peak and down is already a tradition,” said the 34-year-old who has competed in three Mount Kinabalu Climbathons, winning in 2003 and 2010.
“I hope the organisers will retain the present format,’’ he said, adding that he might not compete next year if they did not.
Local runner Saffrey Sumping echoed de Gasperi’s views.
He said the race should be retained and held separately from the proposed new competition – the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon: Adventure Series.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Runners fear format change will make Mount Kinabalu climbathon less attractive
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Brunei Tourism goes big in China
By Hakim Hayat in Nanning, Guangxi, China
Brunei Darussalam has marketed itself very well to the China consumers as more awareness on Brunei gets infused to targeted markets of holidaymakers through mediums such as social media, TV and magazines. It has proven to be a success as Brunei sees the prospect of an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals this year. Brunei is also marketing itself as a high-end tourist destination, emphasising on its Royal Heritage and legendary customs, which garnered much amusement from the China market.
The Brunei Tourism Board has also set KPI (Key Performance Indicator) targets for its tourism marketing representative offices in China, instituting a competitive edge for each office to perform well and reach their specific targets in attracting more tourists from China.
Speaking to the Bulletin yesterday was Salinah Salleh, Tourism Officer for Promotions and Marketing at the Brunei Tourism Board, who is in charge of the Brunei City of Charm Pavilion at the 8th China-Asean Expo and Raymond Kong from Beijing Longway, who is the Deputy Chief Representative of the Brunei Tourism Representative Office in China.
According to Salinah, "Tourist arrivals from China is up by 75 per cent from January to February this year as compared to the same period last year. Overall, the tourist arrivals from the China market between 2009 and 2010 are up by 56 per cent."
The Bulletin asked Raymond to share their marketing methods and strategies to attract more visitors to Brunei, to which he responded, "We are more focused on the leisure group and the MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) grouping in the China market. But our main focus is on the leisure groups."
Salinah mentioned that Brunei Tourism Board in the past has been participating in exhibitions, seminars and roadshows on travel in many parts of China and Hong Kong but the problem is they only come once during the expo and there are no proper follow up agents. "Whereas now, ever since we appointed Beijing Longway, our tourism marketing representative here in March, they are now the faces of Brunei Tourism. If the people here have queries and want to know more about Brunei, our representatives will be of great help," said Salinah.
She also revealed that the Beijing Longway also represents Royal Brunei Airlines and The Empire Hotel and Country Club. "This is the only way. They have a firm grip of Brunei as a market so they can help promote it better, because in China, we need a Chinese-speaking person and for their part, they are one of the biggest travel companies in China," she added.
Raymond said that their efforts are bearing fruit now as more people in China know about Brunei. "It is coming through and going forward," he said.
Salinah said in terms of volume, it will, for sure take time to get a significant influx of Chinese tourists into Brunei and it will not happen in just a short period of time. "For now, I think they have done quite a good job in raising the awareness."
Raymond also revealed that they are using social media as an effective platform in promoting Brunei Tourism in China. "Webo is a popular social network website based in China and works on the same platform similar to Twitter and Facebook. It is a very powerful social media tool now and people like to 'follow' each other's news feeds in order to be alert of the latest happenings and issues going around here," he said.
On the Brunei Tourism Webo site, Raymond said people can get the latest news on Brunei Tourism and also the latest information on Brunei. "For instance, we can transfer topics on China superstars on Webo that they are coming to Brunei for a visit. This has generated a lot of attention."
They are also on the look out for celebrities from China to come to Brunei to do their filming. "We will have one coming soon, where a a movie will be shot in Brunei, featuring a top celebrity from China," he added.
The largest TV network in China, CCTV will be in Brunei next month for a familiarisation film shooting and once ready, it will reach to millions of TV viewers in China. "This will allow more exposure on Brunei to China and the viewers will have an idea and feel on what it is like to visit Brunei. From this exposure, we hope to attract more tourists and get more TV stations to go to Brunei to film their documentaries or shoot their films there," Raymond revealed.
Raymond also mentioned that their marketing strategy is not only limited to tourism as they are also constantly on the look out for trade partnerships from China to Brunei. "There is a big potential for the industry, we are looking out for trade partnerships in the media, industries and commercial businesses as well."
Raymond commented that travelling to Brunei may not come cheap. "We always tell them that Brunei is not a cheap travel destination and is considered as high-end, so we are constantly looking at a niche market of high-end holidaymakers and people looking for a reasonable priced trip."
Salinah said Brunei is not exactly a mass tourist destination and they are not targeting millions of arrivals annually and they are not competing with other countries in the region. "We are on the look out for the niche market, a market segment who travel the world and wants to see something different."
The Royal Heritage of Brunei is also the main attraction making the Chinese market more interested in visiting the country and this is the main image that they would like to unleash. "Unlike other countries, Brunei still preserves this majestic heritage. Brunei might be a simple destination but royalties are such a fascination to the Chinese because it links to their legendary dynasties and empires way back," Raymond said.
A Brunei Tourism Official Website dedicated to the China market has also been actively implemented in China, according to Raymond. Bruneitourism.com.cn is also linked to the main website in Brunei. The website, in Chinese language, is also updated constantly, publishing latest news and promotions on Brunei Tourism.
"Having four representative offices here in China at Shanghai, Shenzen, Beijing and Nanning and with television, magazines and newspapers featuring advertisements about Brunei Tourism, we are all out here now," Raymond said.
Salinah said the expansion reach of the company in China has led them to select Beijing Longway as their representative office. "They have KPIs to reach a specific target and have all the collaterals, brochures, information and equipped with everything the people here need to know about Brunei and how to get about here," she said.
Brunei Darussalam has marketed itself very well to the China consumers as more awareness on Brunei gets infused to targeted markets of holidaymakers through mediums such as social media, TV and magazines. It has proven to be a success as Brunei sees the prospect of an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals this year. Brunei is also marketing itself as a high-end tourist destination, emphasising on its Royal Heritage and legendary customs, which garnered much amusement from the China market.
The Brunei Tourism Board has also set KPI (Key Performance Indicator) targets for its tourism marketing representative offices in China, instituting a competitive edge for each office to perform well and reach their specific targets in attracting more tourists from China.
Speaking to the Bulletin yesterday was Salinah Salleh, Tourism Officer for Promotions and Marketing at the Brunei Tourism Board, who is in charge of the Brunei City of Charm Pavilion at the 8th China-Asean Expo and Raymond Kong from Beijing Longway, who is the Deputy Chief Representative of the Brunei Tourism Representative Office in China.
According to Salinah, "Tourist arrivals from China is up by 75 per cent from January to February this year as compared to the same period last year. Overall, the tourist arrivals from the China market between 2009 and 2010 are up by 56 per cent."
The Bulletin asked Raymond to share their marketing methods and strategies to attract more visitors to Brunei, to which he responded, "We are more focused on the leisure group and the MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) grouping in the China market. But our main focus is on the leisure groups."
Salinah mentioned that Brunei Tourism Board in the past has been participating in exhibitions, seminars and roadshows on travel in many parts of China and Hong Kong but the problem is they only come once during the expo and there are no proper follow up agents. "Whereas now, ever since we appointed Beijing Longway, our tourism marketing representative here in March, they are now the faces of Brunei Tourism. If the people here have queries and want to know more about Brunei, our representatives will be of great help," said Salinah.
She also revealed that the Beijing Longway also represents Royal Brunei Airlines and The Empire Hotel and Country Club. "This is the only way. They have a firm grip of Brunei as a market so they can help promote it better, because in China, we need a Chinese-speaking person and for their part, they are one of the biggest travel companies in China," she added.
Raymond said that their efforts are bearing fruit now as more people in China know about Brunei. "It is coming through and going forward," he said.
Salinah said in terms of volume, it will, for sure take time to get a significant influx of Chinese tourists into Brunei and it will not happen in just a short period of time. "For now, I think they have done quite a good job in raising the awareness."
Raymond also revealed that they are using social media as an effective platform in promoting Brunei Tourism in China. "Webo is a popular social network website based in China and works on the same platform similar to Twitter and Facebook. It is a very powerful social media tool now and people like to 'follow' each other's news feeds in order to be alert of the latest happenings and issues going around here," he said.
On the Brunei Tourism Webo site, Raymond said people can get the latest news on Brunei Tourism and also the latest information on Brunei. "For instance, we can transfer topics on China superstars on Webo that they are coming to Brunei for a visit. This has generated a lot of attention."
They are also on the look out for celebrities from China to come to Brunei to do their filming. "We will have one coming soon, where a a movie will be shot in Brunei, featuring a top celebrity from China," he added.
The largest TV network in China, CCTV will be in Brunei next month for a familiarisation film shooting and once ready, it will reach to millions of TV viewers in China. "This will allow more exposure on Brunei to China and the viewers will have an idea and feel on what it is like to visit Brunei. From this exposure, we hope to attract more tourists and get more TV stations to go to Brunei to film their documentaries or shoot their films there," Raymond revealed.
Raymond also mentioned that their marketing strategy is not only limited to tourism as they are also constantly on the look out for trade partnerships from China to Brunei. "There is a big potential for the industry, we are looking out for trade partnerships in the media, industries and commercial businesses as well."
Raymond commented that travelling to Brunei may not come cheap. "We always tell them that Brunei is not a cheap travel destination and is considered as high-end, so we are constantly looking at a niche market of high-end holidaymakers and people looking for a reasonable priced trip."
Salinah said Brunei is not exactly a mass tourist destination and they are not targeting millions of arrivals annually and they are not competing with other countries in the region. "We are on the look out for the niche market, a market segment who travel the world and wants to see something different."
The Royal Heritage of Brunei is also the main attraction making the Chinese market more interested in visiting the country and this is the main image that they would like to unleash. "Unlike other countries, Brunei still preserves this majestic heritage. Brunei might be a simple destination but royalties are such a fascination to the Chinese because it links to their legendary dynasties and empires way back," Raymond said.
A Brunei Tourism Official Website dedicated to the China market has also been actively implemented in China, according to Raymond. Bruneitourism.com.cn is also linked to the main website in Brunei. The website, in Chinese language, is also updated constantly, publishing latest news and promotions on Brunei Tourism.
"Having four representative offices here in China at Shanghai, Shenzen, Beijing and Nanning and with television, magazines and newspapers featuring advertisements about Brunei Tourism, we are all out here now," Raymond said.
Salinah said the expansion reach of the company in China has led them to select Beijing Longway as their representative office. "They have KPIs to reach a specific target and have all the collaterals, brochures, information and equipped with everything the people here need to know about Brunei and how to get about here," she said.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Sunday, October 23, 2011
Brunei Malays Outside Brunei
[My article below was published in my column, The Golden Legacy in The Brunei Times on 24th October 2011.]+++++“Brunei Malays outside Brunei” At the recent Second Borneo History Seminar held recently at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, there were a number of international participants among the local participants. Some were from as far away as Pahang and some as near as Labuan and
No Stalemate - Libya's new leaders declare liberation
(Autopsy confirms Gadhafi killed by gunshot to head)
Members of Libya's interim government urged "tolerance and reconciliation" on Sunday as they declared the official liberation of Libya, three days after the death of former leader Moammar Gadhafi in a battle in Sirte.
The ceremony in the eastern city of Benghazi began with a reading from the Qur'an and the singing of the national anthem in front of hundreds waving the new Libyan flag.
"We declare to the whole world that we have liberated our beloved country, with its cities, villages, hill-tops, mountains, deserts and skies," said an official who opened the ceremony, which comes after eight months of conflict between rebels and Gadhafi's forces.
National Transitional Council leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil took the podium at the end of the event, starting by praying for "the souls of all the martyrs" — those who fought Gadhafi's forces and who died during the late dictator's reign.
"We should have forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation. We should reject hatred. This is a necessary matter for the success of the future Libya," Jalil intoned. "Do not use force to take your rights back. All you have to do is to be faithful, patient and tolerant."
U.S. President Barack Obama hailed the declaration in a statement released on Sunday.
"After four decades of brutal dictatorship and eight months of deadly conflict, the Libyan people can now celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new era of promise," Obama said.
He added the U.S. looks forward to working with Libyans to "help advance a stable, democratic transition" as they prepare for free and fair elections.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also added his congratulations Sunday, sending out a statement that the UN is committed to supporting "the Libyan people and their authorities as they work to build this brighter future."
"From this day onward, the Libyan people will be in full charge of their future — a future that their new leaders have declared will be based on justice and national reconciliation."
Sharia law 'basic source' of legislation
He emphasized that Sharia law would be the "basic source" of legislation in the country and that laws that contradict the teachings of Islam would be nullified.
Jalil talked about immediate changes to laws — specifically amending regulations concerning marriage, banking and housing loans, banishing massive interest rates — to conform to Sharia customs. He added that something special would be done for anti-Gadhafi fighters and widows of dead fighters but did not elaborate.
The CBC's Sasa Petricic, reporting from Misrata, says building a democracy after more than four decades of Gadhafi's rule will not be easy.
The Libyans, he said, "have to build a lot of institutions from the ground up and they have to do it in a country which has a lot of political, tribal and regional differences."
In Benghazi, Jalil thanked the businessmen who supported the fighters, funded convoys and "gave money for the sake of God and the Mighty."
Jalil also vowed to set up a national army that would serve the people and protect Libya's borders.
"Today we are one national flesh," said Jalil in the final moments of his speech. "We are all brothers and we love one another."
Jalil has pledged for elections for a new governing body to be held by June of next year.
After that the new body, called the Public National Conference, is to:
Appoint a prime minister, an interim government and a constituent authority which will draft a new constitution within 60 days.
The constitution will be put to a referendum.
Once the constitution is approved, general and presidential elections will be held within six months.
Questions remain concerning Gadhafi's death
Also on Sunday, Libya's chief forensic pathologist says an autopsy has confirmed that Gadhafi was killed by a shot to the head.
Dr. Othman al-Zintani says doctors completed the examination on Sunday but he won't disclose more details until he delivered a report to the attorney general.
Bloody images of Gadhafi being taunted and beaten by his captors in his hometown of Sirte have raised questions about whether he was killed in crossfire as suggested by the government or deliberately executed.
International concern about the issue had clouded plans by the transitional government to declare liberation later Sunday after months of bloodshed in a rebellion to oust the hated leader of nearly 42 years.
After the autopsy at a Misrata morgue, Gadhafi's body was returned to the meat locker where it has been on display to crowds of Libyans.
Countdown to elections
The CBC's Derek Stoffel, reporting from Libya, said the biggest celebration will be in Benghazi, where the rebel movement began.
Gadhafi's blood-streaked body has been put on display at a shopping centre in Misrata, as Libyan authorities argued about where to bury the remains.
Men, women and children lined up to view the body, which was laid out on a mattress on the floor of an emptied-out vegetable freezer.
"We are very happy that we got rid of the tyrant who made us tired and made us run all across Libya," said Misrata resident Mohamed Erhoma.
Fighters from Misrata, a city brutally besieged by regime forces during the civil war, seemed to claim ownership of the body, forcing the delay of a planned burial on Friday.
Son's body also on display
The bodies of Gadhafi's son Muatassim and his ex-defence minister Abu Bakr Younis were also put on display on Saturday, although they were covered with blankets so only their faces were visible.
The long-awaited declaration of liberation in Libya came more than two months after revolutionary forces swept into Tripoli and seized control of most of the oil-rich North African nation.
It was stalled by fierce resistance by Gadhafi loyalists in his hometown of Sirte, Bani Walid and pockets in the south.
The public display of the body underscores the message the interim government is trying to drive home to Libyans — that there is no going back.
"Wherever Libya goes, it's going to have to go in a new direction," Stoffel said.
Acting PM wanted Gadafi alive
At the same time, it's likely Gadhafi will be buried in a place where he can't be idolized or used as a symbol by those dissatisfied with the new direction, he said.
Jibril, who has said he plans to resign as acting prime minister after liberation, said Libya's National Transitional Council must move quickly to disarm former Libyan rebels and make sure huge weapons caches are turned over in coming days. The interim government has not explained in detail how it would tackle the task.
Jibril told the BBC in comments to be broadcast Sunday that "at the personal level I wish [Gadhafi] was alive" so he could face questions from the Libyan people buckling under decades of his harsh rule.
Jibril said he would not oppose a full investigation under international supervision into Gadhafi's death.
No more stalemate The new peace winning tactics is to leave without impasse. This is the new war concept that the US power promoting to all allies. US learned from the past after the Korean War in 1953 leave stalemate which ends no victory but a forever struggle of people in the North Korea in absence of freedom and democracy. The Arab spring has been warned by the Obama Administration that if people will desire transition of their government and oust their dictators, UN and Washington Power will back for no stalemate policy. The victory of Libyan people reminding the other Arabian leaders that if the revolution will begin, they must have to step down prior to their death as the UN & US powers will support for the democracy and won't allow impasse in any war. For the US move to restore power in ASIA is also giving a warning that if there is a battle in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) as UN & US is on the back to the Philippines with other surrounding strong allies like Japan, Australia, India, and New Zealand the war should end at no impasse.
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