Tag: Efficiency

Malaysiakini’s Victory Good News for National Media Freedom

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SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The victory of the news portal, Malaysiakini, in the appeal case against the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), which did not want to issue a publishing permit to the online news portal, is good news thus opening a new chapter of media freedom in the country.

The former President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohd Hatta Wahari said, the decision made by the Court of Appeal today is an important point in preparing the people and national leaders towards a mentality that is equivalent to that of first world countries.

Mohd Hatta also hopes that Malaysiakini’s victory will encourage other media to publish a variety of media materials to convey more transparent information to the people.

“This is good news, the recognition of media freedom, because previously what was implemented by the current government does not follow the new world order in freedom of information.

“Freedom of information is also very important so that accurate information can be delivered and it is left to the people to evaluate the move by the government or the opposition.

“Through media freedom, our country can be led towards being a developed country, not just in terms of development, but also in its mentality,” Mohd Hatta said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

Mohd Hatta also considers the decision today as a protest against the leadership pattern of the government led by BN since 56 years ago towards the country’s media practitioners.

The Court of Appeal today unanimously dismissed the Home Ministry and government’s appeal against a High Court judgment that Malaysiakini portal operator Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd be issued a publication permit and also allowed a costs of RM5,000 to be paid to Mkini Dotcom.

The decision was made after the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed the KDN’s order to not issue a publication licence to the publisher of Malaysiakini, Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd.

House of MIC Chief’s Widow Burned, Receives Support from Melawati CSC

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SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: Despite her late husband being known for serving MIC when he was alive, the suffering due to a fire at the house occupied by Devi a/p Raman, 66, three months ago was ignored by the party representing the Indian community.

However, Devi was fortunate when the Coordinator of the Melawati constituency Community Service Centre (CSC), S.Manikavasagam, together with the Api-Api Parish Headman, Husain Idris, came forward to offer help to the single mother.

Manikavasagam said, among the assistance provided includes a cash contribution of RM500 presented by the Kuala Selangor District and Land Office, as well as building materials such as wood and Nypa leafs from the Melawati CSC.

“The late S.Anandan, the former Kampung Telok Piah MIC Branch Chief, used to serve in the MIC and was previously given a medal of honour by Tan Sri V.Manickavasagam for his services.

“However now, when his wife encounters difficulties and her house was damaged by fire, not on of the MIC leaders came to visit or help out. Where is the slogan ‘MIC Cares’,” Manikavasagam said to TVSelangor.

Manikavasagam said, as a result of the fire which brought an estimated loss of about RM75,000, Devi also lost her source of income from a small food business she ran out of her house.

Devi, who will be celebrating Deepavali soon, has also been included in the ‘Jom Shopping’ (Let’s Go Shopping) programme in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration which is being held at the Giant hypermarket in Pasir Penampang today.

“All the assistance rendered is actually not enough, but at least it is able to ease the suffering and burden shouldered by Devi,” added Manikavasagam.

Anwar: Strengthen People’s Income before Implementing the GST

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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Oct: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the Central Government to strengthen the people’s income and ensure good taxation infrastructure before implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The Opposition Leader said, when he held the post of Finance Minister, the idea regarding the implementation of the GST had been suggested, but it was not implemented.

“I support the GST review, it is an efficient move and taxing system, but we need to look at the people’s income.

“The people’s income has to be increased and the taxation infrastructure needs to be improved before implementing it,” Anwar said.

He said this at during a Forum keynote address on the GST in Parliament, which was also attended by panelists Dr Lim Kim-Hwa (Penang Institute) and Azrul Azwar (People’s Institute), and chaired by Ooi Heng (KPRU).

Anwar said, before the implementation of the GST, the government should also eliminate the monopoly system in this country because it will cause prices to rise.

“Monopoly should be stopped as well. It causes the price of goods to go up,” he said.

PR Urges Central Government to Revoke Protection of Companies Monopolising the Sugar Market

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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) urges the Central Government to revoke the raw sugar procurement system and the protection of companies monopolising the sugar market in this country resulting in the higher price of sugar.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua, said that the action to revoke would allow for the government to offer a lower sugar price for the people after opening up the market involving sugar companies in the country.

He said, with the elimination of the monopoly, the people will enjoy lower prices for sugar and sugar companies will become more efficient by not having to rely on government assistance.

“Pakatan Rakyat is of the opinion that the monopoly of sugar companies does not benefit the people at all.

“It is better to open the sugar market and let the price of sugar be determined by competition between companies and suppliers of sugar,” said Tony Pua in a press statement at the Parliament lobby.

Tony Pua said the method of importing raw sugar from companies abroad is just a trick to get a lower cost, enabling the company involved to gain handsomely.

“If sugar prices are set by the government, it should not increase their (companies) profits by so much.

“We suspect that the government is importing raw sugar to enable these companies to gain more profit,” he said.

Yesterday, Tony Pua revealed that the sugar price hike is not on the basis of subsidy cuts, rather it stems from the Central Government’s move to sign the raw sugar agreement at a high price.

In January 2012, the Minister of Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives (KPDNKK), Datuk Ismail Sabri, announced that the government has signed a three-year deal to import raw sugar at the price of USD25 per 100lbs.

As a result, the people are forced to enjoy sugar that is more expensive due to the agreement signed by the KPDNKK last year.

The People Should Practice Cleanliness and Environmental Care

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The people have been urged to always practice cleanliness, which is the central to the well-being of a family in creating a culture where the community is responsible towards environmental care.

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Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said effort towards cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility which should be implemented, especially in urban communities.

He said that communities should have the attitude of ensuring that their families and neighbours live in a clean and protected environment.

“The Selangor Government will continue to support all efforts and activities related to loving a green and clean environment,” said Abdul Khalid.

Abdul Khalid said that the aspect of cleanliness is to overcome political interests that need to be nurtured by all members of society, regardless of their background.

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He said this during the opening speech of the “Enhancement of IQ vs the Strengthening of Immunity” which was held here at the Setia City Convention Centre.

About 500 people attended the programme, including the Chairman of Top Glove, Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai and the Vice-President of SP Setia, Datuk Khor Chap Jen.

The programme was organised by three companies; Top Glove Corporation Berhad, SP Setia Berhad and Khind Holding Berhad, in conjunction with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the companies in preserving a greener environment.

Implement GST, More People are Burdened

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The implementation of the GST will only increase the price of goods and the tax burden would have to be shouldered even after the abolition of the Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Serdang Member of Parliament, Dr Ong Kian Ming said that the Umno-BN Government is misleading the people by giving the impression that most of the prices of goods and the taxes paid by consumers will be reduced after the introduction of the GST.

“The truth is that the tax imposed under the SST is far less than what is taxable under the GST,” he said in a statement.

Kian Ming said among other things claimed to not be under the sales tax but will be under the GST includes many non-luxury items such as milk, tea, mineral water, canned fruit, newspaper, stationery, school bags and boxes.

He said consumers of electricity below 200kWh (any amount exceeding RM50) will also be charges the GST. The price of these items will definitely increase after the GST because the abolishing of the SST has an impact on price.

Currently, the sales tax is limited to certain restaurants and professional services such as accountants, architects, motor vehicle service and repair centres, telecommunication services, security services, real estate agents, car park operators and legal services.

“The broader coverage under the GST means that more services will be subject to the GST compared to the current service tax. This would mean that the price of services will increase.

“The truth is that the GST will increase the price of the majority of goods and services even after removing the SST, the financial burden of the people will increase,” he said.

Umno-BN Government Improvident, People Incur the GST and Reduction of Subsidies

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: The reduction of subsidies and the imposing of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not a solution to the country’s economic problems which stems from the improvident attitude in Umno-BN’s spending.

PAS Information Chief, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the implementation of the GST can only be done when the Umno-BN takes responsibility to reduce its operational management and not continue to be improvident with public money.

He said that the people are not given a period to adjust to the GST when it is announced at the high rate of 6 percent starting from 1 April 201.

“With the GST, those who do not have cars and do not have permanent jobs so as to not quality to pay taxed on every purchase,” he said in a statement.

Tuan Ibrahim said, in Singapore, the GST was introduced at a rate of 3 percent before gradually increasing to 7 percent.

“Some say that villagers will not feel the burden of the GST. It should be reminded that most of the items sold in grocery stores in villages come from suppliers in the city.

“The goods would already be subject to the GST when they arrive at the grocery store. Although small grocery stores are exempt from the GST because it does not exceed the minimum procurement, goods sold to village communities would certainly be more expensive because it would already been subject to the GST by suppliers,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara, Tony Pua said that the government’s move to impose the GST is not able to hide their failure in controlling excessive spending since the deficit remains the same.

The additional collection in tax as specified in the Economic Report 2013/2014 should help alleviate the chronic deficit to 2.6 percent, but instead it remains unchanged at the four percent forecast.

“Although the government collects much higher that the revenues expected, the deficit for 2013 remains unchanged at RM39.3 billion.

“This means that every cent of additional revenue collected by the government is immediately spent, rather than contributing to reduce the debt,” he said.

Shah Alam to Receive Investment of RM35 Billion

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Oct: Foreign investors to invest RM35 million in Shah Alam in the next five years in various fields, thus boosting the Selangor economy.

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Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the forecast is based on positive feedback given by investors during his visit to Singapore recently.

“Shah Alam will become the most prominent city in Malaysia as having the most potential to be developed,” he said.

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Abdul Khalid said, thus to ensure progress, efficiency of public transport needs to be improved to reduce traffic congestion.

“Any development in the future should emphasise the aspect of public transportation. It is time for use to use public transportation compared to personal transportation.

“Personal transportation has become ineffective seeing the time we spend in traffic jams,” said Abdul Khalid.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Cahaya SPK flyover bridge and the “Flag Off 5km Fun Run” here at the SPK Sahaya Club

Abdul Khalid said that the state government’s long term plans is to upgrade the public transport network.

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“At this time, the network of public transportation is less than 7 percent. We strive to improve it so that we can reach 60 percent in 10 years,” he said.

Earlier, Abdul Khalid inaugurated the 536 metre Chaya SPK Flyover which cost RM12 million to complete in early 2013 to reduce traffic in the area and to facilitate 20,000 residents.

Also present at the ceremony was the Mayor of Shah Alam, Datuk Jaafar Mohd Atan and the Executive Director of Group Cahaya SPK, Saiful Aznir Shahabudin.

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Budget 2014, MBPJ Focuses of 5 Key Development Sectors

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PETALING JAYA, 26 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will focus on five key development sectors in the Selangor Budget 2014.

These sectors are; infrastructure, environmentally friendly environment, efficient traffic management, sustainable lifestyle and organisation empowerment.

The Mayor of Petaling Jaya, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said emphasis will be put on providing world class services and facilities to meet the needs of the Petaling Jaya community.

“By improving efficiency in traffic management and infrastructure, the Council is committed to improving the quality of public facilities and public transport networks to address traffic problems,” she said when chairing the full MBPJ meeting here.

In relation to that, a total of RM1 million is allocated to provide feeder bus services, and RM4.67 million to provide ‘Park n Ride’ facilities in special areas, as well as RM6.07 million to build bicycle and pedestrian paths that are comfortable and safe.

She said, cooperation and full support from all parties is needed in order to achieve this vision.

“For example, support from the Petaling District Land Office is necessary for immediate processing of TOL land acquisition for the construction of the ‘Park n Ride’ facility, so is cooperation from utility provider agencies.

“This includes Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Indah Water Konsortium and other agencies so that any construction of road excavation will not cause serious disruptions to road users,” she added.

In the meantime, MBPK is also planning the development of the city so that it would become a city which is liveable, loved and has soul.

To achieve this, development planning should be focused on creating a workable public space to create social interaction among city dwellers.

“The council wants for city dwellers to be able to work, play and live in urban areas with passion, a sense of grace and wholeheartedly,” she added.

Stall and Restaurant Owners Must Enhance Cleanliness

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SUBANG JAYA, 25 Oct: Owners of stalls and restaurants under the area of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) have been urged to ensure cleanliness of their premises to avoid from any action being taken against them.

The President of MPSJ, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, said stern action will be taken, including closing down dirty premises of stubborn owners who refuse to comply with the rules set.

He said that as of now, three restaurants have been given compounds and warning to improve their level of cleanliness and adherence to regulations.

“We hope that owners of premises will follow regulations set by MPSJ and to not rules imposed on them.

“MPSJ will take action by issuing a compound of those who carry out many offences. We also hope that this action will be a lesson to other premises owners,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after launching the My@MPSJ Registration Campaign which was held here at the MPSJ headquarters this morning.

Asmawi said on-going operation against stalls and restaurant premises will be performed more frequently to ensure the parties concerned abide by the law.

He said traders should also follow the rules and not place tables and chairs outside the premises.

“The compound set is at RM2,000 without discount or appeals because MPSJ wants to teach traders to be more disciplined,” he said.

Pakatan Budget: MyKad Replacement of Cash for JKM Recipients to Purchase Essentials

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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Oct: The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Alternative Budget 2014 proposed the use of the MyKad to replace the cash system by depositing directly into recipients’ accounts as payment method at designated stores.

The current Social Welfare Department (JKM) welfare distribution system should be replaced with a cashless payment system which enables qualified recipients to select payment for exactly what they need without utilising cash.

It is an effort to ensure a fairer and better targeted subsidy regime and encompassing welfare system.

The credit contained in the recipients’ MyKad is used to purchase essentials such as rice, flour, sugar and other necessary goods.

PR also suggests for the MyKad to be used to track expenditure made by recipients and it can be combined with other programmes with other ministries such as keeping kids in schools and additional tutoring for single mothers.

Over 8% of Malaysians live below the existing Poverty Line Income (PLI) that does not address the hardship of current realities where thousands of households earn less than RM1,000 a month.

The usual practice by the Social Welfare Department (JKM – Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) is to credit cash directly into recipients’ accounts which sometimes leads to problems of consistent delays in cash transfer and the inability to properly ascertain whether the intended outcomes are met in the first place.

Pakatan Budget: Establish Parliamentary Oversight Committee to Review Defence Expenditure

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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has proposed the establishment of a bipartisan Defence Accounts Committee to look into defence expenditure

This is in view of the huge budget allocation for defence and security worth RM23 billion under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

With the establishment of the committee, PR estimates a total savings of nearly RM3.5 billion in defence procurement.

The budget presented also showed that there is no oversight over defence purchases and procurement. The Public Accounts Committee only oversees all other types of government spending not classified as official secrets.

Pakatan Rakyat reiterated that the procurement process, including the decision making committees, should consist of members of the ruling coalition and opposition in consultation with civilian expert groups.

Negotiations should be done to avoid potential corrupt practices and purchase of ‘unnecessary’ equipment that are not strategic at any point of time, especially when taking account the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).

The Budget also cited the example that the prospect of a conventional military attack on Malaysia has diminished under the FPDA, which may not warrant the purchase of certain new equipment for the next three to five years and in turn would save the country billions of ringgit.

These savings can be used for the development of in-house defence research and development that will help reduce over-dependence on foreign military equipment.

Another potential saving is by leveraging on civilian defence experts who can provide useful insight into the latest defence technology and equipments, thus maximising tactical strategy and the use of capital resources.