Category: Uncategorized

BY HAFIZAN TAIB

SEMENYIH, OCT 27: The State Government is capable of tabling a solid budget since it has achieved a good economic progress following its practice of good governance.

Accordingly, Dato ‘Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, said the State Government is able to provide a development plan through the Budget 2018 that will be tabled on November 3.

“We have an excellent financial management record and I dare to face the people because we have done our responsibility honestly and with integrity,” he said during the Penyerahan Hakmilik Tanah dan Menyemarak Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR) ceremony today.

Unlike the Federal Government, Selangor has registered an excellent economic achievement and that will be returned to the people in the form of various programmes by State Government.

“The State’s revenue will be returned to all the citizens in Selangor,” he said.

He said, although Selangor is attacked with many negative reports but the government is not weakened as everything have been done for the people.

He added that the Prime Minister’s 2018 Budget will be tabled this evening and people will evaluate themselves following the country’s severe financial position.

“The economy is in a slump and I am not sure what will be tabled because the national debt is almost RM1 trillion,” he said.

BY HAFIZAN TAIB

SEMENYIH, OCT 27: The good economic achievement has become a catalyst for the State Government to continue to focus on improving its Peduli Rakyat (IPR) in the 2018 Budget.

Dato’ Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said among the State Government’s focus is education, to produce highly skilled youth.

“The state has progressed well and its economy is good, we have to share this with the citizens.

“The State Government has programmes to educate youth to become a generation with knowledge and skills that meet the industrial and markets demands.

“This is because we see many graduates now who don’t have much skill so we shall help them with that,” he said to media today.

He said the State Government will also emphasize on housing issue so that more people can own homes.

“We will improvise the existing IPR programme since it has been proven to be of great help and benefit to the people.

“Our focus is not just on economic growth and industrial development but to balance it with ‘distributive justice’ where the principle of social justice must be maintained,” he said.

SHAH ALAM, OCT 27: The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s statement that his government’s effort to reduce the peoples’ burden in facing the current economic woes is beginning to show result was described as ridiculous.

Terengganu KEADILAN Chairman, Azan Ismail said the reality is that citizens are increasingly burdened and many are still poor.

“Although the monthly household income median which was RM4,585 in 2014 had increased nominally at 6.6% yearly to RM5,228 in 2016, it is yet a measurement that the government can crow showing the people are now comfortable and free from misery.

“What about price increase of goods that is burdening the people and not consistent with their income?

“Fuel cost increase for example has caused transportation to become expensive, forming a chain-reaction to the cost increase of other living expenditure,” he said in a statement today.

Last Oct 20, Najib said the government’s efforts had begun to show results when the income of people in B40 lower-income and M40 middle-income groups have increased significantly.

Citing Consumer Price Index (CPI) as an example, the Bandar Assemblyman said, for March 2017, CPI had rose to 5.1% from 4.5% in February 2017 due to the sharp increase in price of goods and services in transportation.

“This has clearly impacted the people badly. Does the government think about this?

“Not just that, the rising inflation rate has also affected cost of living and has been record high since the world financial crisis a decade ago.

“In fact, Malaysia recorded 4.3% inflation rate in September, the highest since March due to increase in transportation cost and non-alcoholic food and beverages,” he said.

He said, the Goods and Service Tax (GST) has also not been a help at all to reduce the burden on the people, but on the contrary, it has added more pressure to the people and increased urban poverty.

“The Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) has also not been mush help as it is more of a temporary one-off offering.

“Najib please stop fooling the people, they have opened their eyes and can evaluate wisely,” he said.

SHAH ALAM, OCT 27: The Prime Minister cum Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is urged to reinstate Health Ministry’s budget allocation in the 2018 Budget to protect citizens’ health.

Kuala Kedah Member of Parliament, Dr Azman Ismail said, the Government should use tax collection to cover medical costs in the country, not to misuse the money building mega projects that do not benefit citizens.

“All these problems are due to the medical budget cut were RM1 billion was reduced last year.

“This should not happen especially when health is a basic human right under government’s responsibility,” he said in a statement.

Referring to several media reports, Dr Azman said there are some hospitals that are reusing disposable medical items.

He said those items include cardiac nerve and general surgical equipments

such as heart catheter used blood vessels, due to insufficient fund.

“Although the Director-General of Health had explained that these reused items are sterilised beforehand, this is still not the safest practice when preventing infectious diseases.

“This is something serious and worrying as it is a life-risk to patients. Doctors job is to protect and save patients but how do they do that without adequate equipment?” he said.

Dr Azman added that most government hospitals are facing problem supplying medicine to patients, forcing them to buy medicines from outside, and Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam had also admitted.

“Just imagine what it is like for patients who come from poor families and cannot afford to buy their own medicine?” he questioned.

 

BY ERMIZI MUHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, OCT 26: Members of Parliament (MP) should be given full access to the detail Auditor-General’s report on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The Gombak MP, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said it is important for MPs to have full access to the content to be able to debate the issue in Dewan Rakyat.

“We do not want false or incorrect information to be communicated. The report is of paramount importance so that every MP can argue correctly based on facts.

Mohamed Azmin had challenged the Auditor-General’s decision to classify the 1MDB report as an official secret which cannot be disclosed to public.

That restriction includes MPs in Dewan Rakyat, which Mohamed Azmin described as protecting the interest of certain individual.

“OSA can be considered for issues involving national security but not to protect the corrupt and  must be presented according to Constitution,” said Mohamed Azmin who is also Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor.

Mohamed Azmin was represented by lawyer Tommy Thomas while Malaysian Government was represented by Lawyer, Suzana Atan.

High Court Judge Y.A. Datuk Wira Kamaludin Md Said fixed Dec 5 for further deliberation on the case proceedings.

BY ERMIZI MUHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, OCT 26:  The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is given the space to conduct investigation transparently relating to the arrest of a former Menteri Besar office’s employee, allegedly involved in bribery.

Dato’ Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said that is because the State Government strongly rejects any corruption activity and practice involving state government leaders and employees.

“This is my former staff and I have no information on this but the State Government’s stand is always against corruption.

“The case is still under investigation and it is not fair to punish the person as yet however we hope MACC will investigate professionally and with integrity,” he said to SelangorKini at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex this morning.

He was asked to comment on the detention of a former administrative assistant in the Selangor Menteri Besar’s Office who has been remanded for three days, beginning today.

The arrest was made to assist in the investigation of power-abuse in awarding project to supply souvenirs to the Selangor Menteri Besar Office, in 2016.

The remand order against the 38-year-old woman was issued by Shah Alam Magistrate, Khairul Nizam Abu Bakar, reported Bernama.

The former employee is suspected of receiving RM16,566 bribe from the owner of the souvenir company last year, in return for recommending the company as a supplier to the Menteri Besar’s office.

The souvenir gift company owner’s wife was also arrested for allegedly plotting with the two suspects.

Investigation on the three suspects is being made under Section 17 (a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

BY LIZAWATI MADFA

GOMBAK, OCT 26: The years of waiting for the PR1MA (Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia) house is like an eternity for Mohammad Zain Hasim.

The 27-year old Account Executive said, the first registered for PR1MA when it was launched by the Federal Government.

“On the contrary, I received approval for Rumah Selangorku only one month after registering online.

“I was quite shocked but impressed because the process was very quick and not difficult.

“I am also satisfied with the house quality and the price offered for Rumah Selangorku, its value for money,” said the father of two.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, he was one if the Rumah Selangorku Idaman PKNS, Kota Puteri house-key recipients, yesterday.

The same was said by aDaikin Technician, Shafiq Saidon, 27, who waited less than three months for Rumah Selangorku approval.

“I see this as wedding gift and for my child who will be born in March next year.

“The following process is also expected to be fast and at least by the end of this year we would be able to move into our first house,” said Shafiq who came from Terengganu.

Meanwhile, Mohd Asih Abdul Wahab, 50 and a father of three was thankful that the State Government has fulfilled his dream to own a house.

“I have applied to purchase a house many times before but failed.

“I did not give up and applied for Rumah Selangorku three months ago and was finally offered it here.

“Although it is not the location I had applied for, but I appreciate the offer and will not let it go,” said Mohd Asih who now lives in Selayang.

BY LIZAWATI MADFA

GOMBAK, OCT 26: The claim that the State Government is deliberately playing politics to delay the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry’s effort to build affordable homes in Selangor in not true.

Housing, Building Management and Urban Settlement Exco, Dato’ Iskandar Abdul Samad said the State Government is open as long as projects undertaken are beneficial to the citizens.

He said they should check the record first before throwing baseless accusations.

“We have approved many KPKT’s projects and just a while ago we approved the Perumahan Penjawat Awam 1Malaysia project, and before this it was the Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia.

“Although we are being attacked every day, but we don’t hold grudges and still approve their projects because Selangor is ‘gentleman’,” he said to reporters.

Earlier, the Selangor Umno Information Chief, Datuk Zein Isma Ismail accused the State Government of deliberately sabotaging KPKT’s effort to build 51,000 houses in Selangor.

“The State Government may also be afraid if KPKT is seen as more forthcoming in helping the people own houses.

“There are too many excuses given by the State Government as if deliberately delaying Federal Government’s effort,” he said.

BY LIZAWATI MADFA

GOMBAK, OCT 26: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was urged to be responsible for his statement in Parliament relating to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) seeking Interpol’s assistance to track Jho Low.

KEADILAN Deputy President, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said, the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) should have been firmer in handling the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal linking Jho Low to billions of citizens’ money.

He said, 1MDB is the biggest financial scandal that Jho Low’s name has been mentioned by several authorities around the world.

“I was made to understand that DPM received so much pressure that he had to make a u-turn on his earlier statement.

“I leave it to the people to assess why he is so afraid of his boss that he has to make a u-turn,” he said to reporters.

Mohamed Azmin was at the Key Handover Ceremony, for 10 Rumah Selangorku Idaman PKNS homeowners, in Kota Puteri, today.

The Dato’ Menteri Besar also hopes PDRM will summon Jho Low for investigations on 1MDB.

“I also hope DPM will be braver and not bow down to political pressure,” he said.

Last October 23, Ahmad Zahid responded to Mohamed Azmin’s question in Parliament that PDRM had sought for Interpol’s assistance to track Jho Low.

However, he later claimed that his response was manipulated and clarified that the request to Interpol is no more active as Jho Low’s case file has been closed.

Before this, Mohamed AZmin who is also Gombak Member of Parliament had appealed to the Kuala Lumpur High Court to force PDRM and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Jho Low.

In early October, the court had rejected the request after allowing an initial objection from Attorney-General Chambers who represents PDRM.

United States’ (US) investigators are positive that Jho Low is the mastermind behind the 1MDB money embezzlement, however, authorities have yet to be able to locate the suspect.

The budget presented this afternoon has shown Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) commitment to resolve the affordable-home crisis faced by the younger generation today.

The housing crisis happening today is about the buying power in tandem with income and the mechanism to address the sharp increase of housing prices.

Through this budget, PH has proposed that all housing statutory bodies be incorporated into a single-authority body to be responsible for providing quality and affordable housing. In fact, we will do the hire-purchase for affordable housing at a reduced price.

This proposal is in line with Pakatan Harapan Youth’s Offer wanting the national housing policy to be driven by one statutory body that will regulate the overall quantity and price of houses.

Barisan Nasional’s failure to keep their promise to provide 1.5 million affordable houses by 2018 is most embarrassing and proves that they are not fit to continue to be in Putrajaya.

Congratulations to Pakatan Harapan for being able to cover all the key and major issues, through an alternative budget that rediscovers the value of integrity in administration and dignity of the people through social policies.

By:  Mohd Ammar Atan, Chairman of the AMANAH National Youth Housing Committee

BY ERMIZI MUHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, OCT 25: The Pakatan Harapan’s 2018 Alternative Budget is realistic and doable is the coalition leads the country.

Chief Secretary of Pakatan Harapan Secretariat, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the implementation of that budget can repeat Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s success as a cabinet minister reviously.

“We are actually facing an economic contraction in addition to increasing debt and corrupt practices.

“I think with such policy we may be able to restore the economy as what we had enjoyed during Anwar Ibrahim’s time.

“At that time, we managed to reduce national debt to the lowest level and a reduction in national budget deficit.

“So that is not impossible and can be done to ensure our economy is restored,” he said to reporters at the Parliament this afternoon.

Earlier, Pakatan Harapan’s Alternative Budget saw a proposed five core thrust focusing on long-term welfare initiatives for citizens.

Among them include abolishing the extortionary GST and free education in public higher learning institution throughout the country.

The Pakatan Harapan’s Alternative Budget was announced by Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak shamelessly defended 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in his blog by stating that the country could save RM200 billion in another 20 years.

The problems in the country need to be resolved now and not wait another 20 years when all the problems arising from 1MDB have to be assumed on our grandchildren.

1. If what Najib Razak is saying about 1MDB is true by giving a positive picture, then I request for it to be debated in Parliament with facts.

Why the need to be afraid for it to be debated in Parliament?

2. 1MDB’s debt is not like an ordinary government debt but it has reached billions of ringgit.

The fact is that 1MDB is a strategic development company fully owned by the Government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Finance, with a capital of RM1 million.

Therefore, the Umno BN government cannot say that this is an ordinary company’s problem and not a governmental issue.

3. We already know that 1MDB’s debt has exceeded RM50 billion as announced by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in early 2016.

Justification after justification are given to cover-up 1MDB’s failure and the latest being the returns that we shall reap in 20 years time.

4. 1MDB also bought lands in Jalan Tun Razak for Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) project and Sungai Besi RMAF Airport.

The 70 acres TRX land was bought for RM320 million, or RM64 per square foot, although the latest property transaction in the area was at RM7,000 per square foot.

The latest, a government-linked entity was said to have bought a part of the 70 acres TRX land, which the government had sold to 1MDB at a very low price.

1MDB also bought 495 acres of land at the former Sungai Besi RMAF airport (now known as Bandar Malaysia) for RM363.5 million, or RM91 per square foot. If based on market price, the land is about RM1,000 per square foot. 1MDB bought it many times cheaper causing the government to lose almost RM20 billion of revenue.

Why was 1MDB formed? Why no action is taken on 1MDB for putting money in the wrong places? What happened to the bandar Malaysia sale?

What we need now is a forensic inquiry on charges against several individuals involved in the 1MDB financial management.

By: Dato’ Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Secretary General of the People’s Justice Party