Tag: Focus Rakyat

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.

Federal Government Transfers Zainal for Making a Statement Detrimental to Umno-BN?

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Federal Government’s move to transfer Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala, Chairman of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is believed to be related to him exposing that it was the Umno-BN government that approved the Batu Caves condominium project.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that Zainal Abidin was the “circumstantial victim” when he was forced to expose facts regarding the controversial project.

“He was forced to also mention that the project was not approved recently, rather during the previous BN government.”

“When the press asked for the minutes of the meeting, he had to surrender them because Selangor has an Information Transparency Act, so he really should not be blamed,” Ronnie said when addressed after the Exco meeting here today.

Previously, Zainal had declared that the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue at Batu Caves project’s Planning Permission (KM) had been released during the BN administration on the 30th of November, 2007.

Zainal also disclosed that the project was approved by the Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG).

However, the Department of Environment Malaysia (JAS), in their initial report, did not support the project’s development for unstated reasons.

He also revealed that it was clearly established in an MPS meeting minutes that the Planning Permission for the 29 storey condominium was released in that meeting.

The development project by Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd at Batu Caves is considered a sensitive issue seeing that the area is considered a sacred worshipping site for the Indian community.

Ronnie also mentioned that this Friday, Zainal’s transfer to a still unknown department will be enforced.

“Today is Zainal’s last day in MPS because tomorrow is a public holiday and later, I will be speaking to him. No matter the situation, I feel that this action is unfair,” he added.

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.

MPSJ Raids Illegal Dog Shelter

MPSJ carried out the action after being informed by neighbours regarding the noise and cleanliness of the premises which was believed to be used by a group of animal lovers.

In a statement, MPSJ informed that the owner and residents had ignored several notices and 6 compounds.

During the raid, the owner of the premises acted aggressively by spraying water at the MPSJ enforcement officers.

However, the residents cooperated when the MPSJ officers and police told them that firmer action will be taken should they resist.

From the raid, 18 dogs were moved to the MPSJ dog pound at Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama.

The owner of the house was also issued another compound.

“Residents of the premises can be charged with the offences of obstruction, disruption and assaulting the enforcement officers who were carrying out their duty under Section 112, of the 1976 Local Government Act (Act 171).”

“If found guilty, the residents can face fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both,” he said.

In relation to that, MPSJ is advising all dog owners to abide by the rules and laws under the Licensing of Dogs and Kennel Establishments By-laws 2007 as well as the terms of the Pet Licence.

Dayangku Intan Wants the Rakyat to Rise Up and Tumble Umno-BN

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Nov: The full support from artists to Umno-BN for more than 50 years has oppressed them and their welfare has been ignored.

41 year old popular 90s singer, Dayangku Intan Tengku Hamid, better known as Dayangku Intan, shared her experience.

“As an artist I am experiencing such a fate while all this time I’ve been supporting Umno-BN.”

“They take advantage of us. Umno-BN only cares about themselves and elite groups involved with them,” she said in her speech at the Pakatan Rakyat talks in Setapak last night.

She said that Umno-BN only puts effort into caring about artists’ welfare when they see how many from the group has risen and are opposing their rule.

“Now with the people’s uprising, they realise that they have to look after the rakyat’s welfare including the artists’ by giving aid and promising various things to ensure further support,” she said.

Because of that, she said, the rakyat has to rise up and topple the Umno-BN government in the upcoming elections to ensure that their future is taken care of.

Dayangku Intan also entertained the 3, 000 attendees of the talks with several of her popular songs like “Berpaut Di Dahan Cinta”.

Dayangku Intan joined PKR last April.

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.

Najib Repeats ‘Sibu’ Offer Regarding the Batu Caves Condominium

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Once again Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seen to repeat the ‘Sibu’ bargain when he said that he will cancel the construction of the 29 story condominium project in Batu Caves should the people vote Umno-BN in the upcoming 13th General Election.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that the Prime Minister should not have made such a statement because if the project cannot be passed then it should be cancelled without having to make any offers.

He said that the PR-led Selangor Government is ready to cancel the project after research and examination is carried out.

“Najib should not have a ‘help you, help me’ attitude and make a ‘deal’ with the people”

“If the project is wrong, win or lose it has to be cancelled,” he told TV Selangor.

He says that if Najib is serious about cancelling the project, he has to mention that the Umno-BN government would compensate the parties involved should the project be cancelled.

“If he (Najib) is serious, he should mention that because this project was approved previously during the rule of the Umno-BN government, they would compensate where necessary.”

“Had it been put that way by Najib, then it’s alright,” the Pandamaran Assemblyman said.

Ronnie was asked to give his opinion regarding Najib’s announcement during his speech at the Deepavali open house festival at Batu Caves Complex sponsored by MIC last night.

During the 2010 by-elections in Sibu, Najib had made a promise to the voters in the area that RM5 million would be allocated to flood-mitigation projects in Sibu should they win. PR eventually won the by-election.

400 Women Celebrate an Evening of Cooking Together with Abby Abadi

SUNGAI BESAR, 13 Nov: About 400 women around Parit Lapan Gambut Sungai Panjang were given the opportunity to learn to how to cook Japanese Fried Rice, Steamed Banana Cake and Thai-style Green Curry Beef from guest Chefs at the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) .

Chef Zulkifli and Ched Jamili guided them under the ‘an Evening of Cooking Together with Abby Abadi’ programme held at Desa Permai Square here.

The programme was launched by Selangor Chief Minister’s wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut.

In her speech she said that women should play an important role in national development by actively engaging in community outreach programmes.

She said that there are many programmes under the State Government available to women through the State Economic Agenda (MES) to benefit from.

“The women’s programme is featured in the SelangorKU Grant which allocated about RM30 million for women.”

“The Selangor government is a caring government and we do not want people in this state to suffer,” said Salbiah.

In addition, Salbiah clarified, under the Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis), edible garden programmes are getting the attention of women through special grants for agricultural projects.

“Currently under the edible gardens programme we have natural farming projects to plant vegetables in poly bags and that the State Government funds participants to receive 250 free poly bags with compost soil and drainage system at RM2, 700 once,” he said.

She said the program which is now being extended to every constituency from time to time, is able to generate additional income for housewives.

During the program, the community was given the opportunity to mingle with Puan Sri Salbiah together with Abby casually.

Abby in a friendly session told her story of how she moved from the acting world and ventured into effort missions in this country.

“So I get something that I did not have in myself while fulfilling Umrah and I’m now grateful that in these days when people reject religious leaders and charitable works, Allah has brought me closer to Him,” she said.

Also participating in the programme were District Head of Sabak Bernam, Zailani Kadir, Sungai Panjang State Assembly Coordinator of the Centre of Service Coordinator, Fadzlin Taslimin and former lecturer at UIA Law, Dr Aziz Bari.

FGVH Stock Drops, Felda Staff Become Victims

SHAH ALAM, 13 Nov: 60 percent of Felda employees have become victims of huge losses when Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) stock price dramatically fell.

Chairman of National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Mazlan Aliman said, this is happening because the unit rates and share lots offered to them were much bigger than Felda settlers.

He said the department received complaints from some Felda employees who complained of needing to repay bank loans at the rate of RM400 per month while share prices fall.

He said the situation will continue to burden the settlers and staff for having to bear the losses of bank loan payments when the interest rate charged is more expensive than the dividends earned.

“Up till now, 60 percent of Felda staff have yet to sell their shares.

“They’ve signed bank loans involving tens of stock lots, so the amount of their loans reach tens of thousands, therefore at the same time they are also burdened,” he said when contacted.

Yesterday, the FGVH agricultural giant shares traded below the listing price (RM4.55) for the first time.

The shares began trading at a price of RM4.60 then dropped to RM4.53 at 10:46am before rising.

Final market price of the shares was RM4.57 at the 12.30pm break.

Elaborating, Mazlan said Felda shareholders will begin to incur losses when the share price stood at RM4.78.

“When prices fall now, the situation is very bad. For the settlers, should they bear loss, they will at least have a repayment package of RM50 per month to the bank.

“But it is different with Felda staff, they will be burdened with bank loans. However, they are forced to cover their losses, they do not show that they are already at loss because they were eagerly forcing settlers to sign the loan previously,” he said.

However, he said, the repayment of RM50 per month to the bank by the settlers is not a long term solution.

Obviously, if the stock continues to weaken, more settlers will incur losses and repayment will take quite a long time.

“Probably more than 10 years. Settlers have to incur the debt apart from cost of living, replanting and Felda housing should they apply. It is not beneficial to the settlers, “he said.

Anwar: Rising Support for PR from the Indian Community

PETALING JAYA, 13 Nov: Policies introduced by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states, particularly Selangor can be seen to successfully increase support from the Indian Community for the coalition in the approaching 13th General Elections.

This is according to PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when asked about Indian support for PR at the PKR headquarters here.

He said the response from the Indian community regarding the programmes and schemes organized by the Selangor State Government for example, has drawn the attention of those who have been often ignored previously during the Umno-BN state government.

“Selangor under the PR’s leadership has been working to look after the Indian community in this state by providing a variety of assistance programmes including educational assistance amounting to RM4 million in all National-type Tamil Schools (SJKT).”

“PR is also trying to obtain identification cards for some of the Indians living in rural areas for decades but still have not been given citizenship,” said the Selangor State Economic Advisor.

Previously, Anwar had promised that PR would not abandon all races, including Indians if successful in taking over the Federal Government after the next General Election.

Anwar’s announced this during a visit to the Deepavali festival organized by the State Government in Jalan Kelana, Klang, which is also known as ‘Little India’ last Saturday.

He said that the Indians who have claimed to be ignored by the Umno-BN government for the past 50 years will be given equal attention, that includes all other races in this country.

“I do not want to hear any more fights about racial disputes, we will take care of all races and citizens in this country,” he said in his speech at the party.

Nurul Izzah Victimised To Protect Najib in Soi Lek Insults Islam Gathering

COMMENTS recarding MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech at the 59th MCA general assembly on October 21st and said eight of the 11 countries that implement Hudud are considered among the most corrupt, unstable and unsafe countrues.

In the speech which was attended Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Soi Lek claimed that 1.2 million Malaysians will lose their jobs should PAS implement Hudud in Malaysia.

Following Soi Lek’s statement Soi Lek, for more than two weeks, the media, political leaders, academics and Islamic theologians protested and condemned Soi Lek’s statement.

The worst effect from Soi Lek’s statement was that Najib was at the rally.

Openly and indirectly and Najib is perceived as a leader who lets his religion and race be insulted in front of him.

Najib’s attitude and silence is regarded as a cowardice and a traitor to his race and religion even though he is the leader of the party which is supposed to defend the Malay race and Islam.

While Soi Lek’s statement is very sensitive not only to the Malays and Islam, in fact it is able become a threat to national security.

Certainly if any of the leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat had made that statement, they will be detained under ISA or any other related Acts.

Soi Lek’s action was not only an insult to the Malay race and Islam but it is also considered as trying to interfere with Islam.

The British way of previously of not interfering with Islam but interfering with other affairs is evidence that the British recognised the sensitivity of Malays and Muslims.

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria had said that Soi Lek is not entitled to make the statement and that Soi Lek’s statement is considered rude, an insult and humiliating Islam.

Soi Lek’s statement that had hurt Muslims especially the Malays would be a very big issue should Umno fail to address it.

What was more unfortunate is that Najib bore witness to all these insults from Soi Lek mouth.

Meanwhile, the action of the PAS Youth bringing the issue up to the Yang Di Pertuan Agung can also be seen to cause the confidence of Malays towards Umno whose leader is Najib.

Najib aware of Lost Support

In the political context, everyone realises that Umno relies on the support of Malays. His action regarding Soi Lek insulting Islamic law will benefit PAS and Pakatan Rakyat.

Najib also realises that the issue’s potential will be used as soon as possible by PR to sway Malay voters into leaving the party.

Umno’s ‘Think Tank’ may share the same stance.

Najib and the Umno ‘Think Tank’ is finding it serious enough for Umno to continue their survival in the upcoming 13th General Elections.

Reports from the Army, police, JASA and Kemas has forced him to postpone the 13th General Elections to and indeterminate time.

Nurul Izzah Becomes the Black Sheep

Recognizing the ‘danger’ of the issue, making someone else a black sheep has to be done to cover-up the issue.

The culture of running away from the real issue is known by the people by practicing defamation and ‘whatever’ is part and parcel of what Umno has been practicing for over half a century.

It is very stupid, not intelligent and moronic if an educated politician such as Nurul Izzah Anwar made a statement to legalize apostasy.

To anyone who heard her statements in the forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” will find that the leader of the opposition’s daughter had never said that.

The forum that used English as a medium can be easily manipulated by the Umno-owned media to the majority of Malays in villages who do not understand the language.

Nurul Izzah’s action in instructing her lawyer to take legal action and make a report to JAIS regarding the defamation which was issued by the Umno-owned media was the best approach.