Democrats are wrong in contending that Republicans do not have a mandate to implement the Trump agenda, Montana Sen.-elect Tim Sheehy said during an appearance on Breitbart News Saturday . “As you know, we have a mandate now, and it was pretty impressive to see everything we accomplished on November 5 from Coast to Coast,” Sheehy, who unseated three-term Democrat Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), began. “And now, it’s time for the real work to start.” Host Matthew Boyle asked Sheehy what he thinks of the left’s emerging narrative that Republicans actually do not have a mandate to implement the Trump agenda, despite Trump’s Electoral College win, popular vote victory, and Republicans retaining the House and taking the Senate. “Despite the claims of some of my Republican colleagues who have spent a lot of time over the last two weeks talking about some big, massive mandate, I’m looking for it,” Minority Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said this week, as one example. “Well, I disagree,” Sheehy began, adding, “It’s totally believable because the D in Democrat now stands for deception.” “I mean, this entire campaign on all fronts of the Democrat party was based on deception. I mean, Kamala Harris in one state was running ads saying, you know, she supports Israel. In the neighboring state, she’s saying she supports Hamas. You know, you’ve got opponents like mine, John Tester, Bob Casey, you know, across the country, who were 99, 100 percent support the Biden-Harris agenda, yet running commercials as if they were Republicans wanting to secure the border,” he said, concluding that Democrats do not care about the truth. “From modern American politics, November 5 was a landslide. Yes, it wasn’t the Reagan victory in ’84 of 49 out of 50 states, but the way we gerrymander, the way our country politically is structured now, that just doesn’t happen anymore. So by modern standards, we haven’t had a Republican win the popular vote in 20 years –you know, the House, Senate, White House — with a decisive [victory],” he said, noting that Democrats are conveniently not attacking the Electoral College per usual, as Trump won the national popular vote as well. “They’re going to say whatever they have to say to try to keep wind in their sails. But the truth is, they are having an inward reflection moment, realizing that their message has failed. Their attempt to lie to Americans, even with a three to one, four to one funding advantage, and the entire media behind them, has failed, and they’re going to come up with a new strategy,” he continued. Further, Sheehy said he believes his colleagues understand how important this moment is and are ready to make a difference. “I absolutely do,” he said when asked if he believes they understand the historic gravity of this moment. “Having been in D.C. for my very first week, about week and a half ago for orientation, meeting my new colleagues out there, I can tell you from every wing of the Republican Party — from Susan Collins in Maine, you know, to Mike Lee in Utah — it’s pretty clear everybody is aligned, that we have a mandate, and it’s time to hit the gas and get moving,” he said, adding that he believes that the Senate will be “very eager to not just rubber stamp Trump’s agenda, but really strap rocket boosters to it and make sure that we get as much done as fast as we can.” LISTEN: “Because, as you know, we got about two years. And really in two years, we got about 200 days to get our legislation crafted, to get our appointees in place, and to lay the groundwork for the America First agenda,” he added. Breitbart News Saturday airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
Ducks starting to ‘play with an identity’ ahead of hosting OttawaStock up on these popular board games for your next get-together
Thousands of protesters marched through Barcelona on Saturday demanding lower rents in Spain's second city. Barcelona, which has already taken action to stop the spread of holiday rental apartments, is the latest Spanish city to see protests for cheaper housing. Backed by left-wing parties and unions, the demonstrators gathered in central Barcelona behind a giant banner declaring "Lower the rents". "Today a new political cycle starts concerning housing," Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Catalan Tenants Union, the main organiser, told reporters. "Investors must not be allowed to come to our cities and play with the apartments like a game of Monopoly," she added. The union would target "profiteers" who are taking "half of our salaries", Arcarazo said. The demonstrators demanded a 50 percent cut in rents, leases with an unlimited term and a ban on "speculative" sales of buildings. They threatened to start a rent strike. An estimated 22,000 people took part in a similar demonstration in Madrid on October 13. Campaigns have been launched in other cities. According to the Idealista specialised website, rental prices per square metre have risen 82 percent across Spain over the past decade. The average salary has gone up by 17 percent in that time, according to the national statistics institute. Facing pressure over a housing crisis, the government in 2023 passed legislation calling for more social housing, greater restrictions on rents in high demand areas and penalties for owners who do not occupy properties. But rents have continued to rise while the government has battled city and regional authorities to get some parts of the law applied. vid-vab/tw/jm
NoneThanksgiving is a great time to forgive those who dumped you for your political views
Temple University unveils plans for new 199,000-square-foot media, performing arts buildingLimited again, 49ers QB Brock Purdy still fighting sore shoulder
NoneMartin says he wants homelessness figures falling ‘within 12 months’
Jammu, Nov 22: After the success of Kashmir Marathon, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today held a meeting of Tourism Department to take stock of the preparations made by them to hold Jammu Marathon in the month of February here. Besides the Commissioner Secretary, Tourism the meeting was attended by ADGP, Jammu; Secretary in Culture Department; SSP Traffic, Jammu; Director, Tourism, Kashmir/Jammu and other concerned officers of the Department. Dulloo while enquiring about the formats and routes of the race impressed upon the Department to take into account the suggestions from professional runners besides those from other stakeholders involved in its conduct here. He made out that keeping in view the terrain of the city the routes and format should be devised so that it creates the necessary buzz and popularity about this place throughout the country. The Chief Secretary further asked the organizing department to look into holding of ultra trail run here in Jammu connecting the popular destinations like Surinsar, Mansar and other tourist places enroute. He asked them to fix the dates for holding these events simultaneously so that most of the fitness lovers at international and national level are able to participate besides the local ones residing here in J&K. The Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal took this occasion to highlight the plans of the Department to hold this running event here in Jammu. She revealed a number of routes and plans for the meeting to deliberate upon. She made out that the Department is proposing to hold it in the 2nd week of February, 2025. She also detailed out certain routes including the one leading upto Nagrotain the north or Suchetgarh in the south of the Jammu city. It was further disclosed that the Department is going to run the promotional campaigns for making maximum registrations from all over the country. The meeting was apprised that international players would also be encouraged along with roping in national icons for promotional activities of this first ever Jammu Marathon. The Department also unveiled its plan for holding of adventure swimming contest in one of the fresh water lakes of Kashmir next summer. It was given out that the requisite modalities and other paraphernalia are currently being worked out as per international standards regulating such events. Later on the Chief Secretary also took appraisal of the efforts made by the Department for developing more skiing destinations across J&K. He asked the Department to appoint a consultancy of international repute in coordination with Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering (IISM) for exploring many more Gulmarg like snow and slopes across the UT to promote skiing there. It was given out that the snow drag lifts are being developed by the department at Sanasar (Patnitop), Padri (Baderwah), Doodhpathri and Sonamarg for starting this sport there. It was added that more infrastructure would be created in future to uplift this sport here all across J&K.None5 arrested after 4 Ratnagiri college professors assaulted
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday slammed the DMK government for not implementing the Supreme Court verdict, which said that the 10.5% internal reservation for Vanniyars within the Most Backward Classes category could be provided if there was relevant data justifying the need for it. He also hit out at the State government for failing to conduct a caste-wise census. However, Dr. Anbumani pledged his support to the DMK in the 2026 Assembly election if Vanniyars were provided 15% internal reservation. “I tell Mr. Stalin that if he fulfils this, we will unconditionally support the DMK, and won’t demand any seat. But, if he doesn’t, we will go to every house with the message that the Chief Minister is an enemy of Vanniyars. We know how to do it,” he said in Kancheepuram. Spearheading the State-wide protests against the DMK government over the internal reservation, Dr. Anbumani said the Supreme Court had clearly stated that the quota could be provided to Vanniyars after compiling data. “It has been a 1,000 days since the verdict. The Dravidian model government has been sleeping. Or rather, it is acting like it is sleeping. We condemn the DMK government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, if you believe in social justice, you would have provided or at least been willing to provide reservation to this oppressed community..,” he said. Dr. Anbumani further said, “When Edappadi K. Palaniswami was the Chief Minister, Dr. Ramadoss said he did not want any seat [as a part of the alliance] and only put forth the demand of internal reservation. We don’t care about elections. The oppressed and backward communities must grow...,” An aversion: Ramadoss Leading a demonstration near the Central Bus Stand in Villupuram, PMK founder S. Ramadoss said the DMK had an aversion towards Vanniyars ever since it came to power, and had been denying reservation for the community all along. He further said that the DMK would not return to power in the 2026 Assembly election. “The people of the State will teach a fitting lesson to it,” he added. Highlighting the need for a caste census, Dr. Ramadoss blamed the DMK for failing to make use of opportunities to conduct the exercise in 1989, 2010 and in 2021. States, according to the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, have the right to conduct census. This has been reiterated by High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Accordingly, Karnataka, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have conducted the census successfully, he pointed out. “Yet, Mr. Stalin says that the State does not have the right...,” he said, adding that the survey was also important in safeguarding the 69% reservation in force in the State. Published - December 25, 2024 12:28 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” “I'm a travelin' dog and I've made a lot of stops/All over this town...” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. “...And at every stop I own the heart, of at least one lovely ... " People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. “...If you're ever in the 9th Ward stop and see/My cute little mini poodle ...” Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” "... and my Shar-Pei doll down in old Treme/Waits for my return ..." Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” ___ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96 Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game on Saturday. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. Sellers' 20-yard TD run with 1:08 to go lifts No. 16 South Carolina to 17-14 win over No. 12 Clemson CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — LaNorris Sellers' 20-yard TD run with 1:08 to play lifted No. 16 South Carolina to a 17-14 victory over No. 12 Clemson. The Gamecocks won their sixth straight game, including four over ranked opponents, and may have played themselves into the College Football Playoff's 12-team field. They wouldn't have done it without Sellers, who spun away from a defender in the backfield, broke through the line and cut left on his way to the winning score. Sellers rushed for 166 yards and threw for 164 in South Carolina's second straight win at Clemson. Gus Malzahn is leaving UCF to become Florida State's offensive coordinator, AP source says Gus Malzahn is resigning as Central Florida’s head coach to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator. That's according to a person familiar with the hire who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the Seminoles have not confirmed Malzahn’s move, which is pending a background check. The Knights made official that Malzahn is leaving in a statement released a day after UCF concluded its season with a 28-14 loss to Utah. Malzahn finished with a 28-24 mark in four years at UCF, the last two ending with losing records. He coached at Auburn for eight seasons before being fired in 2020. Mikaela Shiffrin suffers abrasion on hip during crash on final run of World Cup giant slalom KILLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin says she suffered an abrasion on her left hip when crashing during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race. Shiffrin was going for her 100th World Cup win when she crashed, did a flip and slid into the protective fencing. The 29-year-old was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. She said later in a video posted on social media that there wasn't “too much cause for concern at this point.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” Andrew Luck returns to Stanford as the GM of the football program STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Luck is returning to Stanford in hopes of turning around a struggling football program that he once helped become a national power. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced that Luck has been hired as the general manager of the Stanford football team and tasked with overseeing all aspects of the program that just finished its fourth straight 3-9 season. Luck will work with coach Troy Taylor on recruiting and roster management, and with athletic department and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student-athlete support and stadium experience. Luck has kept a low profile since his surprise retirement from the NFL at age 29 in 2019. Saka stars in Arsenal rout at West Ham as Van Nistelrooy watches new team Leicester lose Arsenal was inspired by Bukayo Saka in scoring five goals in a wild first half before settling for a 5-2 win over West Ham that lifted the team into second place in the Premier League. Arsenal is attempting to chase down Liverpool and is now six points behind the leader. Saka was one of five different scorers for Arsenal at the Olympic Stadium and also had a hand in three goals, by Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard. Ruud van Nistelrooy witnessed at first hand the scale of his task to keep Leicester in the league. Leicester was beaten at Brentford 4-1 in front of Van Nistelrooy, who watched from the stands after being hired on Friday. Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 for Wolverines' 4th straight win over bitter rival COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10, likely ending the Buckeyes’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game next week. Late in the game, Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines at Ohio State’s 17-yard line with two minutes remaining. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State got the ball back but couldn’t move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines’ fourth straight win over their bitter rival. US and England women draw 0-0 in Emma Hayes' homecoming LONDON (AP) — Emma Hayes witnessed a dominant display from her players at a packed Wembley stadium, but the U.S. coach could not taste victory on her return to England. Hayes, who led the U.S. women team to the Olympic gold medal this summer after winning 14 major trophies at Chelsea, came back to her home country on Saturday for a friendly against England. The U.S had the best chances but the game ended in a goalless draw. Jared Porter acknowledges he sent inappropriate text message to reporter, leading Mets to fire him Jared Porter acknowledged he sent an inappropriate text message to a reporter while he was a Chicago Cubs executive in 2016, which led to the New York Mets firing him as general manager in 2021 after just 38 days. Porter made his first public comments on his firing during an episode of the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast released Friday. Porter was hired by the Mets on Dec. 13, 2020, and fired on Jan. 19, 2021, about nine hours after an ESPN report detailing that he sent sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter. Norris defies orders to help Piastri and Verstappen loses the Qatar pole to Russell LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lando Norris ignored team orders as he handed his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri the win the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix in a one-two finish for the team. Norris started on pole position and kept the lead at the start as Piastri squeezed past the Mercedes of George Russell for second. Norris gave the lead to Piastri with the finish line in sight, paying back Piastri for gifting him a win in a sprint race in Brazil when Norris was still fighting Max Verstappen for the drivers’ title. Champion Max Verstappen was fastest in qualifying but was penalized, elevating Russell to first on the grid.
Second-half outburst powers DWU men past Valley City State
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) a report on Tuesday highlighting the worsening condition of press freedom in Afghanistan, with journalists encountering increasing limitations, arbitrary detentions, and a widespread atmosphere of fear and self-censorship, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. During Taliban control, Afghan , such as threats, torture, and intimidation, as well as arbitrary arrests without proper legal proceedings. From August 2021 to September 2024, UNAMA recorded 336 infractions against journalists and media personnel, with 130 cases involving torture and mistreatment. These measures underscore the Taliban’s strict control of information, which coerces journalists to work under the constant fear of retaliation. Censorship is a vital tool in enforcing this oppression. The Taliban have released unclear orders that prohibit material they believe goes against their version of Islam or Afghan traditions. Paired with financial challenges, these measures have caused more than 40 percent of media establishments to shut down since the Taliban regained control. The journalists who are left must adhere to strict editorial restrictions and seek approval from Taliban officials before publication, leading to widespread self-censorship. Female journalists are facing a particularly dire situation. Women under the Taliban are subjected to extra such as clothing mandates, restricted movement, and being banned from appearing in broadcasts. Many women have been compelled to leave their profession entirely due to the obligation of being accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) when traveling and following strict public behavior guidelines. These actions not only infringe upon the rights of women but also diminish the variety of viewpoints in Afghan media, stifling critical perspectives and topics that impact women. Even though some Afghan have moved overseas to keep operating, they still encounter intimidation from the Taliban. The regime’s dedication to silencing opposing viewpoints is evident in its attempts to disrupt satellite frequencies and take control of online spaces. Specific Afghan media organizations have relocated to other countries to continue their operations but continue to face persistent intimidation from the Taliban. The regime’s efforts to disrupt satellite signals and seize control of media platforms underscore their determination to suppress dissenting voices, even beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Despite these challenges, exiled media remain essential for Afghan citizens, providing uncensored news and countering the Taliban’s propaganda narrative. The Taliban’s censorship and intimidation violate Article 19 of the , which guarantees the right to free expression. As a signatory to the ICCPR, Afghanistan’s actions highlight a broader erosion of legal norms that endangers its citizens and undermines international efforts to uphold justice and human rights. Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Pope Urban's address. Catholic Code of Canon Law revised On November 27, 1983, the revised of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect.Learn more about the history of Canon Law from of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law. Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the . about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is ‘fine’PETALING JAYA: With many analysts forecasting Malaysia’s economy to improve further, TMK Chemical Bhd is likewise confident about its own prospects, as the company believes its outlook is linked to the country’s economic performance. The group’s optimism is mirrored in its initial public offering (IPO) exercise on Monday, ahead of its scheduled listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on Dec 12, at an IPO price of RM1.75 per share. The group, founded in 1989, is principally engaged in the provision of total chemical management comprising sourcing, processing and distribution of inorganic chemicals and value-added services, as well as the provision of chemical terminal services which encompasses bulk storage services. The inorganic chemicals that it offers comprise acids, alkalis, salts and other chemical products. Operating on the virtues of humility, reliability and integrity, TMK Chemical managing director Wong Kin Wah said the group had also commenced the manufacturing of other inorganic chemicals, including chlor-alkali derivatives, at its Banting Plant 1 in May this year. He revealed that the expansion of this relatively new product line is also a strategy for the future, and it involves the construction of Banting Plant 2 to increase capacity for producing sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and other derivatives. As background, inorganic chemicals are utilised in a wide variety of manufacturing and industrial processes across numerous industries, which include but are not limited to cleaning agents and detergents; construction; semi-conductor; glove; energy generation and fuel; environment and agrichemical; food and beverages; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; cosmetics and personal care products; plastics; pulp and paper; scheduled waste management; and water treatment industries. At present, TMK Chemical carries a stock-keeping unit of 4,427 chemicals, comprising different types of chemicals and where each chemical type may have different derivatives, grades, concentrations, form and distribution size. Each type of inorganic chemicals can be supplied in various derivatives, grades and customisable concentrations, and may be supplied in liquid and/or dry form according to the requirements of its customers. Further outlining the company’s plans for the future, deputy chairman Leong Chao Seong, who was also present at the interview with StarBiz, summarised the nature of TMK Chemical’s businesses to give a clear picture of its path forward. “In relation to our total chemical management division, we will be constructing a new processing facility in Singapore to boost chemical processing and distribution,” he revealed. In addition, TMK Chemical’s IPO prospectus noted the group will also be setting up a new Port Klang facility for dry bulk facility to enhance chemical processing, dry bulk handling, and product improvement activities. Of interest, he said since the company’s inception 35 years ago, TMK Chemical has evolved from primarily a product seller to a customer-centric organisation at its core, illustrated by the growth of its product and service offerings. One of the founders of TMK Chemical is Datuk Lee Soon Hian, who remains the major shareholder of the group with a 39.6% (after IPO) stake in the company. Soon Hian is the brother of Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian and Datuk Lee Hau Hian who control conglomerate Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd . TMK Chemical said it aims to achieve the highest standards when it comes to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambition. To lower its carbon footprint, the group has installed solar panels at its facilities and terminals, and will continue to do so at its premises where suitable, to exemplify its costs effectiveness as it caters to a large variety of requests and demands from its customers. According to its prospectus, this includes continuously sourcing additional or alternative suppliers to expand its existing supply network and improve its capabilities. On top of that, it also provides chemical processing services which entail the customisation of chemicals to achieve its customer’s product specification and customised concentrations through dissolving, blending or dilution. TMK Chemical obtained its Environmental Management System – ISO 14001:2015 certification from the Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation, British Standards Institution in 2023, which certifies it fulfills the requirements for environmental management system for the provision of marketing, production, warehousing and distribution of chemicals. Moreover, it is also utilising electric forklifts and is in the process of exploring how to increase the number of electric forklifts in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint further. Another part of fulfilling its ESG objectives also saw TMK Chemical embarking on corporate social responsibility activities, which included flood relief measures, its Program 3K (Kebersihan, Kesihatan, Keselamatan) Gotong Royong Madani initiative, mangrove planting and the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Campaign. Leong pointed out that part of TMK Chemical’s listing proceeds will be allocated for its pursuit of possible acquisitions and investments, especially for selective acquisition of companies in the inorganic chemical industry, in order to optimise its own cost structure and expand networks. Meanwhile, Wong explained that TMK Chemical is mindful of first securing its position in the markets it is currently in, namely Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Deputy chairman Leong said his hopeful outlook for the company stemmed from the various storms that it has weathered over its history, with the most memorable challenge being the Asian financial crisis in 1998. Staying on that point, with the company being involved in various industries, Leong acknowledged TMK Chemical would be more resilient towards economic volatilities. In fact, industry observers have mentioned that the second wave of industrialisation sweeping over Malaysia will further improve the group’s performance, as this would increase Malaysia’s manufacturing output due to extended demand. The strong outlook is perhaps also illustrated by the notable fact TMK Chemical’s IPO is wholly a public issue with no offer for sale of shares by its existing shareholders. This means that all proceeds from the exercise will go to the company.
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