Tag: Accomplishments & Governance

Penang to increase Scholarship from RM600 to RM800 Anually

SHAH ALAM, 17 Nov: Penang state government has decided to increase their ‘Bantuan Biasiswa Kecil’ (loosely translated as Minor Scholarship Assistance) by RM120 per year allocated to needy students in secondary schools to help fund their studies.

The raise will increase the assistance from RM480 to RM600 per year for Form 1 to 3 and RM720 to RM840 for Form 4 and 5.

Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng explained in his media statement that the increase was to help poor students buy work books and reference books for educational purposes as well as to help with the cost of daily necessities that has been on the rise from year to year.

He further explained that this will increase the annual Penang Government spending to RM 2 million for 2013.

“To ensure the sustainable purchasing power of poor students, the State Government has decided to increase it by RM120 per year or rather a 17% to 25% increase. Scholarships given to poor students in secondary schools (in Penang) are the highest among all the states in Malaysia.”

“The Pakatan Rakyat(PR) administration is only able to raise the scholarship because we have a surplus in our State Budget every year since 2008. We have successfully obtained this budget surplus despite the increase in spending by 55% under PR compared to the old government.”

“This stops all allegations made by certain parties saying that the budget surplus has been achieved only because the State Government has cut down on spending,” he said.

It is estimated that a total of 2,567 students from 123 schools in Penang will benefit from the increase in the Bantuan Biasiswa Kecil. The bulk of the students are Malay students.

The selection process is done through an online computer system by the Ministry of Education based on merit, family finances and co-curricular activities.

Penang Education Office will then recommend a list of students who are eligible for this assistance to be approved by the State Government.

Any family in Penang whose child’s name has been dropped out of the list can contact the closest District Office or PR assemblymen to assess the situation.

SAMM: PRU Candidates Must Declare Assets

SHAH ALAM,17 NOV : Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM) has called on leaders, the rakyat or voters to support the declaration of assets as part of the mandatory requirement to be a candidate in the upcoming General Election (PRU).

SAMM National Coordinator, Badrul Hisham Shararin said, the rakyat should rise up to reject candidates who do not declare their assets.

“Congratulations on the commitment of PAS Vice President, Mohamad Sabu, to declare his assets before joining PRU 13 should he be nominated by the party as a candidate.”

“His commitment was emphasised by a speech in the 53rd PAS Youth General Meeting in Kelantan a few days ago,” said Badrul Hisham in his media statement.

According to him, this bold action is necessary to the general elections and the country’s future administration. This would require leaders and politicians to be transparent and have high integrity while being highly committed.

He said the declaration of assets must also be taken seriously by announcing the candidate’s assets, his wife and children’s assets, as well as assets of his close relatives to prevent abuse of power and corruption.

“Many politicians become rich quickly even though they have only recently held positions in the country’s administration.”

“All leaders, whether they are from BN or PR, should declare their assets before being selected as a candidate for the upcoming GE-13.”

“This is so that the rakyat can assess how much has been gained while holding a position or when they are given a mandate by the rakyat,” he said.

He said that the rakyat should also assess the prospective candidate’s honesty and the source of the assets declared by them.

“The asset declaration mechanism may have its weaknesses however, mandatory declaration is important.”

“The rakyat will thus see how serious we are in doing this to ensure an administration that is full of integrity in the future,” he said.

Flood Victims Reduced to 893

SHAH ALAM, 17 Nov: The total number of flood victims who are still in evacuation centres as of 3pm today has been reduced to 893 individuals compared to 930 people last night.

According to the National Security Council (MKN) flood portal, victims are placed in Genting Sanyen Hall, Bukit Changgang Public Hall, Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat and Bukit Tadom Hall, Kuala Langat.

These four evacuation centres are still open in the state and there have been no closed roads or fatalities that have been reported so far.

According to MKN, the public is being advised to make sure they boil their drinking water after the flood waters have receded, to prevent from drinking contaminated water.

They should wash their hands with soap before handling food, while preparing food or even when handling objects that have been contaminated by flood waters; including food items that have been contaminated by flood waters.

They should also dispose of food that was left in refrigerators that have been contaminated by flood waters or items that smell foul or have changed colour.

Commercial Water Charges: MPAJ Investigates SYABAS Accusations

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is currently investigating Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) accusations regarding the concession company’s statement accusing MPAJ for charging residents commercial rates although the premises are homes.

MPAJ Council member, Meor Rithuan Said stated that the matter will be discussed at the upcoming MPAJ meeting to confirm the allegation.

Previously, the residents of Pandan Jaya and Pandan Perdana had objected SYABAS’s actions of changing their water meter status from “residence” to “business”.

The change had caused the residents almost four times their normal water bill compared to before. In fact they also did not get the 20 square meters of free water which is given by the State Government.

The residents were wondering why Syabas had acted this way when they have been staying in the area for 20 years.

Pandan MP, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat on the other hand claimed that a thorough investigation was carried out and found that Syabas had imposed the commercial charges upon MPAJ’s approval.

Elaborating further, Meor denied the issue however said that on his part, he will discuss with the MPAJ management first before taking any subsequent action.

He said that as of now, 26 apartment residents in the surrounding area have made complaints regarding the incident.

1,217 Flood Victims Still Placed in 7 Evacuation Centres

SHAH ALAM, 15Nov: There are 1,217 flood victims still located in 7 flood evacuation centres throughout Selangor.

According to the National Security Council’s (MKN) Flood Portal, as of 5pm, the total number of people has reduced from more than 1,300 individuals at 11am this morning, comprising of 3 flood areas.

They have been placed in seven flood evacuation centres, including those in Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor.

According to MKN, everyone has been advised to ensure that their drinking water has been boiled once the flood waters recede to avoid drinking contaminated water.

They also advised people to wash their hands with soap before handling food, while preparing food or even when handling objects that have been contaminated by flood waters; including food items that have been contaminated by flood waters.

They should also dispose of food that was left in refrigerators that have been contaminated by flood waters or items that smell foul or have changed colour.

Syarie Judge and PERKIM Among Selangor Maal Hijrah 1434H Leaders

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Former Syarie Chief Judge of Selangor, Datuk Johdi Toha was chosen as a Selangor State level Maal Hijrah 1434H/2012M Leader (Tokoh Maal Hijrah Peringkat Negeri Selangor 1434H/2012M).

Johdi’s election was a tribute for 37 years of excellent service.

He expressed his happiness and heartfelt thanks upon receiving the honour which was given to him after he celebrated his 66th birthday.

“I honestly did not expect to receive such a huge decoration for my small service to the Selangor State.”

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Sultan of Selangor for this award.”

“I would like to thank the Selangor State Government and JAIS for organising all of this and in being awarded the title of ‘Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1434H’,” said Johdi who will be retiring at the end of this month.

Johdi who is currently serving at the Syariah Judiciary Department Malaysia (JKSM), started his service as an Islamic Affairs Officer at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in 1975.

He also was a Qadi when he served with JAIS until 1991.

Previously, he had published several books on law and religion which are now being used as reference and guides.

He took home a cash prize of RM10,000, from the Selangor State government, RM10, 000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), a certificate of Appreciation, a Maal Hijrah trophy, and a set of clothing and an award for his Umrah pilgrimage.

Apart from Johdi, there were 4 other award recipients that were given appreciation for their services to the development of Islam and the Muslim community in Salangor.

The Selangor state branch of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM)was chosen to receive the Organisation/Department of Voluntary Missions of Selangor 1432H/29012M Award.

The prize consisted of RM5, 000, contribution from the Selangor State Government, RM5,000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), certificate of Appreciation and religious book vouchers worth RM50, 000.

PERKIM was established in 1964 and is very active in activities such as seminars, Halaqah (religious study circle), carnivals, inaugural religious lectures, Al-Quran study courses, health service clinics amongst others.

In the 48 years of its establishment, PERKIM has managed to open 24 branches including those in Higher Learning Institutes (IPT) across Selangor.

The ‘Tokoh Saudara Kita’ award was given to Professor Taufiq Yap Yun Hin who managed to obtain ‘Hidayah nur Islam’ title on the 26th of November 1983 when he was 15 years old.

Harun Hassan, on the other hand, was chosen as ‘Tokoh Aktivis Masyarakat’ (People’s Activist Leader) while Mohd Yaakob Zakaria and Rusnah Jamil were nominated ‘Tokoh Keluarga Mithali’(Exemplary Family Leaders).

All three of them received a cash prize of RM 5,000 contributed by the Selangor State Government, RM 5,000 from the Selangor Zakat Board (LZM), certificates of Appreciation, Maal Hijrah trophies, a set of clothing and an award for the Umrah pilgrimage.

The Maal Hijrah Selangor Division 1434H ceremony was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.

This was held at the State Mosque. This year’s theme was ‘Wasatiyyah Tonggak Kesatuan Ummah’ or loosely translated as ‘Wasatiyyah the Pillars of a United Ummah’.

Also present was Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Selangor Chief Secretaryn Selangor, Datuk Khusrin Munawi and Head of the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department(JAIS), Datuk Marzuki Hussin.

The opening ceremony began with the 1433H year-end prayers and the 1434H new year prayers by the Imam of the State Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkarim Al-Fatani who also lead the congregational evening prayers ( solat Maghrib).

A brief poem (Tazkirah) was performed at the opening ceremony by Ustaz Muhamad Abdullah, a special guest to the ceremony before ending with congregational Isyak prayers.

The People of Selangor Benefit from the Move to Pakatan Rakyat’s Government

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Selangor’s move from the previous government (Umno-BN) to the new administration has benefited the people of this state.

The ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MES)’ or loosely termed the Selangor People’s Ecomony, is most evident of the benefits reaped by the rakyat.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said, the change of government has clearly benefitted the Selangor people economically, politically and also environmentally in addition to efforts to introduce culture to the people through the formation of Women’s Cultural Centres or Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWD) around the state of Selangor.

“All 25 demands in the 12th General Elections Manifesto have been fulfilled except those that require changes in Federal level Acts.”

“For instance, housewives are given lifetime financial security through periodic contributions to EPF (KWSP) and SOCSO,” said Rodziah in her media statement in accordance with the Awal Muharam 1434 Hijrah celebrations.

She said that the “Kembalikan Nikmat Rasa Aman dan Selamat Rakyat” (Return the People’s Peacefulness and Security) agenda is the Selangor government’s ambition to make Selangor the safest and most prosperous state for the people.

Efforts to increase the rakyat’s quality of life, especially those from low income groups, have been made through affordable housing, free wi-fi, child care for working parents and single mothers as well as free water supply.

This also includes efforts in upgrading infrastructure, investment programmes for new-born babies, educational contributions to students of higher education, Women’s Health Schemes, microcredit schemes and economic empowerment programmes as well as efforts for women’s development through PWD.

“The move from the old administration to the new administration aspires to optimise resources at a minimum cost to fully localise revenues and reserves for the welfare of the people,” she said.

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

Selangor Sultan: Uphold the Sanctity of Islam with Wisdom

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: DYMM Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded Malays to uphold the sanctity of Islam with the strength and wisdom as done by Nabi Muhammad, mujahids and past Islamic leaders.

His Royal Highness said this when he officiated the Ma’al Hijrah 1434 celebrations at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah last night.

Among other things, he urged the rakyat to not mix religion and politics because as it can cause a split amongst the people.

“Instead I appeal to Malays to stand united, to help one another and strengthen the bonds among Muslims as well as to defend Islam, which is pure.”

“As leader of Islam and protector of Malay rights and interests in the State of Selangor, I am fully responsible at any given time to regulate the sanctity of Islam and that the interest Malays is appropriately protected and cared for,” His Highness said.

Meanwhile, His Highness appealed for Malays, particularly those in Selangor to not be influenced by incitement and propaganda of those who could destroy one’s faith and make him or her turn against Allah.

He also added that Article 3 of the Constitution states that Islam is the official religion under the Constitution. This places Islam higher than other religions. Constitution also states that the special rights and status of Malays should be protected.

His Highness in his earlier decree wished all Muslims, especially Malays in the State of Selangor, to celebrate this Islamic New Year meaningfully and thoughtfully in order to advance the Malay race. He also thanked Allah for blessing us with peace, prosperity and harmony.

He concluded by inviting the rakyat of this state to pray together for Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala to bless and consecrate Selangor and keep Selangor safe from disaster.

“I also pray that the people of Selangor, who consist of different races, live in unity, peace and for the State of Selangor to progress, to prosper and live peacefully,” he said.

Selangor Willing to Help Recipients of AES Summons

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Selangor State Government is willing to help road users who have been given summons by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which have been placed around Selangor.

However, the reciepients of the summons have to first refer to the legislative counters which will be opened at the PAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The statement was made by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when asked by journalists regarding the State Government’s actions to help AES summon reciepients.

“Should the people need help, the State Government is willing to assist however this must be done in accordance to legal procedures,” he said.

Selangor has decided to postpone the AES implementation because they are not certain that it will lower accident rates.

On the contrary, the State Government is of the opinion that the Federal Government is installing AES to benefit the company that received the contract to install the system.

Prior to this, Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had said that the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) as well as PAS Youth have set up free legal aid for anyone who have gotten summons from the AES camera.

Abdul Khalid has also previously said that the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang are illegal because they did not get approval from the Local Authorities (PBT).

According to him, the concession companies for the AES project would reap tremendous profit, approximately 17 percent per annum, from the total collected from summons.

CM Witnesses PKNS Recite the CIP

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) emerged today as the first State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) in Malaysia to recite the Corporate Integrity Pledge (CIP) as an effort to fight against corruption in the business place.

The CIP is a document that allows an organisation to commit to upholding anti-corruption principals by establishing fair and transparent trade free from corruption.

The pledge was signed by the Head Director of PKNS, Othman Omar and was overseen by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Deputy Head Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (Prevention), Datuk Sutinah Sutan.

In his speech, Abdul Khalid said that the ministry is able to reinforce accountability and administration while altogether being committed in creating an organisation that is transparent and absent of corruption.

“I believe with the existence of this system, PKNS can be trusted, and with integrity and honour, clients of PKNS will trust them and with this trust, PKNS will have the opportunity to progress more in developments.”

“This shows the worker’s preparedness to serve with a high efficiency rate as well as being able to follow orders and regulations while keeping employer and company secrets,” he said.

Parallel to the ministry, Abdul Khalid also launched the PKNS Whistle-Blowing Policy which is a channel to receive complaints and give the public and PKNS staff the opportunity to report any discrepancies in implementation activities or disciplinary offences.

Also appointed as the Whistle-Blowing Committee Chairman is the Chairman of the Audit Integrity Committee, Datuk Mohd Salleh Mahmud.

Previously, PKNS has carried out various initiatives to strengthen the management structure.

Among which is the establishment of the Department of Administration and Integrity (JKTI), the establishment of the Department of Procurement, Department of Organisational Management and Integrity, the appointment of the Accredited Integrity Officer and formation of the ‘No Gift Policy’ that discourages the giving of gifts and hospitality.

For the record, approximately 130 Government Linked Companies (GLC), private or organisations, around the country have signed the CIP.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Killed, Mirzan Respected

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Nov: Defaming and restricting PKR youth leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli is Umno-BN efforts in killing off the prior’s political careers and cover-up any Umno-BN administration biasness.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that these actions were also to deny the rise of the younger generation who are capable in leading the nation to greater heights.

He said that Nurul Izzah, Lembah Pantai’s MP, is now vilified as a leader that encourages Muslims to freely choose their religion and commit apostasy.

Meanwhile, PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi, is prevented from having a press conference in Parliament following his exposure of Umno-BN frauds such as the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) project that involves more than RM250 million.

“We should encourage these kinds of people who are targeted by them (Umno-BN) to kill off Rafizi and Nurul Izzah’s political careers,”

“They see the excellence in these youths and therefore they should be beaten down. They are slandered.”

“Do not allow Umno-BN ministers to destroy our children. What did Rafizi’s do wrong in exposing the issue of the RM250 million fraud?

“They sweep-up all of the Umno-BN leaders, electrical and major contracts are all swept-up”

“They now defame Nurul Izzah of asking Malays to renounce their religion. They do not even care about her explanation.”

“They disregarded the statement by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad when he insulted the prophet,” he said when he challenged the pro Umno-BN Ulama to state the truth.

Anwar said this in the inaugural Pakatan Rakyat (PR) talks in Setapak here last night. More than 3,000 people attended the talks which PKR President, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail and other leaders of PR attended.

Anwar also insinuated that Umno-BN had given birth to a ‘suscessful’ Malay business leader, Datuk Mirzan Mahathir, for managing the liquor company San Miguel with money from Petronas worth RM2 billion.

He said that the award given to Mahathir’s son by the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce carrying the title of ‘Leading Malay Entrepreneur’ is an insult to youngsters who are newly venturing into the business world.

“The Malay Chamber of Commerce celebrates Malay leaders in business. Look how this issue is corrupt and blemished.”

“I want to tell the youngsters who have now started businesses what this means, who is your leader and idol, Mirzan, what company, liquor company. Where is the money from?”

“The RM2 million bailout which he took through his father from Petronas. I know this and because of that I cannot accept all of this,” said Anwar while chanting “Long live Malays”.

According to him, the people should act quickly and get rid of Umno-BN in the 13th General Elections if they want change in the administration of the country and enjoy a better lifestyle advocating fairness and justice.

“A fight is a fight. But how can it be this way? You (Mirzan) took RM2 billion of the people’s money when unemployed youngsters cannot even get a RM20,000 loan.”

“The son of the Prime Minister gets RM2 billion to buy a liquor company. Long live Malays…It is these kind of Malays that will harm the future of the Malay’s,” he concluded with the support of the public who attended the talk.