02/12/2025

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Cabinet must deliver fast, decisive results: Hajiji

‘Causeway expansion feasible, but needs planning’ SINGAPORE: Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said the expansion of the Johor–Singapore Causeway is technically feasible, but would require detailed planning and coordination between both countries. “Theoretically, is it possible? Yes, but there would be a lot of details to coordinate,” he said during a conversation with participants of the Malaysian Journalists’ Visit Programme in Singapore. Despite being more than a century old, the Causeway remains a durable and vital link between the two nations. “I am glad our ancestors built infrastructure – pipes, roads, systems – that have lasted. In the modern age, we change phones or computers every few years. The Causeway was built to last.” Vivian also highlighted the importance of economic and Asean integration, especially the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. “We must make this work. If we cannot, then other Asean countries, which face even greater challenges, would struggle to integrate themselves. So let us work on it.” He also highlighted the complexity of border management at the Causeway compared to airports. “At an airport, every flight is scheduled, and you know exactly how many passengers are coming. The Causeway is different. People could walk, drive, take a bus, car, taxi or train. The volume and unregulated nature of arrivals and departures are a challenge.” The six-lane, 1.056km Causeway, which includes a railway track and pedestrian footpath, links Johor Bahru in Malaysia to Woodlands in Singapore. It is one of the busiest border crossings in the world. He added that efforts to ease congestion are underway, with the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link as a major step forward. “While travellers continue to face long delays, especially during peak periods, both governments are now moving decisively to improve cross-border travel. If the RTS comes on time, it would make a real difference in the lives of thousands.” The four-kilometre RTS Link, connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is expected to be completed by December 2026 and operational in early 2027. It is projected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, with an estimated daily ridership of about 40,000. Vivian acknowledged the frustrration of commuters, adding that improving the “lived experience” of daily crossings remains a shared priority. Concrete steps include the RTS Link and major redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint to handle increased people movement. “We are redeveloping Woodlands Checkpoint to manage the expanded flow both ways. We would also explore more technological solutions.” – Bernama

o ‘Our duty is to the people’

Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state’s newly appointed Cabinet must deliver fast and decisive results, adding that he is confident the line-up has the experience to push development plans forward. He also said the new administration must ensure the uninterrupted rollout of key initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 roadmap, which remains the backbone of the state’s long-term growth agenda. While congratulating the new ministers, he reminded them that the mandate they now carry is immense, one that demands dedication, integrity and a commitment to serve every Sabahan, without exception. “Our duty is to the people, and that responsibility must be honoured fully.” He was speaking at a press conference in Sri Gaya yesterday, shortly after the swearing in of the new Cabinet at Istana Seri Kinabalu. His statement was read by newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He said the ceremony marked an important moment for Sabah, reinforcing the administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of the people and steer the state towards a more secure and prosperous future. Joachim, who is also acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, is one of three deputy chief ministers in the new Cabinet. The others are Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick. The trio took their oaths before Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman during the ceremony. GRS chairman Hajiji on Sunday was sworn in as Sabah’s 17th chief minister following the state election. GRS secured 29 of the 73 seats contested, followed by Warisan (25), BN (six), Independents (five), Upko (three), STAR (two), while PN, KDM and PH won one seat each. The full Cabinet composition was unveiled at the same sitting: Sabah Cabinet line-up Chief Minister 0 Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor (GRS) Deputy Chief Ministers 0 DCM I: Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam (GRS)

Joachim (top), Masidi (middle) and Ewon (bottom) are sworn-in to their new positions by Tun Musa during an official ceremony at

Istana Seri Kinabalu. – BERNAMAPIC

0 Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry: Datuk Jamawi Jaafar (PH) 0 Rural Development: Datuk Rubin Balang (GRS) 0 Education, Science, Technology and Innovation: Datuk James Ratib (GRS) 0 Tourism, Culture and Environment: Datuk Jafry Ariffin (BN) 0 Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing: Datuk Julita Mojungki (GRS) 0 Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy: Datuk Nizam Titingan (GRS)

0 DCM II: Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun (GRS) 0 DCM III: Datuk Ewon Benedick (Upko) Ministers 0 Works and Utilities: Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam (GRS) 0 Finance: Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun (GRS) 0 Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport: Datuk Ewon Benedick (Upko) 0 Local Government and Housing: Datuk Arifin Arif (GRS)

Anti-Bully Bill 2025 tabled for first reading KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Bully Bill 2025, which aims to establish dedicated mechanisms for handling bullying complaints, was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. seeks to prevent and manage bullying cases in educational and other institutions, establish an Anti Bully Tribunal, raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts and provide for related matters.

one or more orders, including directing an adult respondent to publish an apology to the victim. It may also issue an order requiring the respondent to remove any bullying-related content from social media platforms, electronic devices or digital storage, and an order for the respondent to pay compensation or damages of up to RM250,000 for any loss or damage suffered by the victim. – Bernama

provided both parties give informed consent to the mediation process and the tribunal has determined that mediation is appropriate. When parties reach an agreement during mediation, the tribunal shall approve and record the resolution, which will then take effect as if it were an award of the tribunal. In making an award under Section 42, the tribunal may issue

exclusion of the courts’ jurisdiction once a bullying complaint is lodged with the tribunal. Subclause 31(4) states that in any proceedings involving a child, the tribunal must conduct the hearing in an informal, child-friendly manner suitable to the child’s age, maturity and circumstances. The tribunal must prioritise resolving bullying complaints through mediated agreements,

Clause 29 sets out the tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear bullying complaints filed by a parent or guardian of a victim in accordance with the Act. Clause 30 provides for the

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the second reading is scheduled for tomorrow. The Bill, comprising 54 clauses,