Tag: Focus

Message from YAB TAN SRI DATO’ SERI ABDUL KHALID BIN IBRAHIM DATO’ MENTERI BESAR OF SELANGOR in conjunction with DIWALI CELEBRATION 2013

5

Message

YAB TAN SRI DATO’ SERI ABDUL KHALID BIN IBRAHIM
DATO’ MENTERI BESAR OF SELANGOR

In conjunction with the DIWALI CELEBRATION 2013

Greetings and Well Wishes, especially to the Hindu community.

This Saturday, 2 November 2013, the Hindu community, in Selangor and Malaysia, will be celebrating Diwali.

I, on behalf of the State Government leadership and the people of Selangor, wish Happy Diwali to all Hindus.

Hopefully, as it is every year, this year the Indian community and Hindus in Selangor will benefit from the Diwali celebrations by performing a number of traditional activities together with family and loved ones.

We know that Deepavali or Diwali means festival of lights, and is celebrated on the 13th day of the Hindu calendar, or equivalent to the date between mid-October and mid-November, every year. On the eve of the celebration, Hindus decorate their houses with oil lamps, depicting the triumph of good over evil. The lights are left overnight in a clean room with hopes that goddess Lakshmi would visit.

The Diwali celebration is also accompanied by the burning of firecrackers or fireworks, aimed at banishing evil spirits from the family home. They also adorn themselves with new clothes and share sweets with family and friends.

Diwali day is a holiday in Malaysia and other countries including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Singapore and Fiji. It terms of celebration practices, Malaysian Hindus still retain some traditions practiced in India.

However, the matter of emphasis in Selangor and in Malaysia is the “open house” tradition, where Hindus, of all ethnic groups such as Tamils, Telugus and Malayalees, welcome friends of other religions and races to their home to enjoy a “halal” meal together.

The atmosphere of visiting while wishing “happy festive day…” is actually the “uniqueness” in Malaysia’s plural society, which shows goodwill and close ties between those of different races and religious beliefs, when festive celebrations of the large races in Malaysia, with a population of over 28 million, comes about.

Over 5 million from the amount live in Selangor Darul Ehsan, and are the people of Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness) the Sultan of Selangor. Now, the majority of people in Selangor enjoy a variety of assistance and initiatives through the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor policy, which is implemented fairly and prudently by the Pakatan Rakyat State Government in Selangor since March 2008.

As the Dato’ Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor, I am very happy and excited when I was informed that the people in this state, from various ethnicities and levels, from young to old, can equally enjoy a variety of assistance, incentives and guidance from the State Government for the benefit of all.

Thank you.

Happy Diwali.

MBPJ Adds CCTV to Enhance Security

2

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is taking proactive measures to add more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at pedestrian walks around the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations near Taman Mayang.

The move is being made following the death of a student, Dickson Wong from Sarawak, who was attacked by snatch thieves near the LRT station two days ago.

The MBPJ Public Relations Unit, in a statement, said that the effort to add CCTVs at the area has received approval from the Mayor, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad and will be done within two weeks.

“The Council will also require for commercial premises, in their renewal of licence, to provide and install CCTVs at their premises to help maintain security together,” stated the press release.

In addition to the installation of CCTVs, the Council will also work with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to patrol around the area.

Dickson, who is in a coma, was found covered in blood near the LRT station in Taman Mayang after being attacked by snatch thieves.

Eliminating Subsidies is a Severe Punishment to the People

1.1

GOMBAK, 31 Oct: The central government’s move to eliminate subsidies on essential goods in the Budget 2014 is a ‘severe punishment’ to the people seeing that the government does not adopt prudent spending, thus costing billions of the people’s money.

1.2

The Assemblyman for Gombak Setia, Hasbullah Ridzwan said the low to middle-income earners will continue to be squeezed by economic constraints as a result of the elimination of the subsidies.

“We see this as a disaster for the people when the recent budget retracted subsidies of essential goods such as sugar, especially when a festive celebration is coming up,” he told TVSelangor.

Hasbullah said, the central government should adopt the concept of prudent spending and find ways to overcome the national deficit.

“The government should think of finding alternative measures to reduce the deficit and their weaknesses in administration.

“Let not the people, who are already suffering from rising prices of goods, be punished again in the budget,” said Hasbullah.

Prior to that, Hasbullah accompanied participants of the Diwali Jom Shopping (Let’s Go Shopping) programme organised by the Gombak Setia State Legislative Assembly and took the opportunity to mingle with other visitors at the Batu Caves Giant mall.

A total of 300 participants received shopping vouchers worth RM100.

1.3

Malaysiakini’s Victory Good News for National Media Freedom

8

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

7

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

6

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.

Student: Government in a Hurry to Implement GST

4

SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The Central Government is in a hurry to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will burden the people when there is no mechanism to increase the people’s income.

The President of Student Solidarity Malaysia (SMM) Safwan Anang, said that the Central Government has been urged to first solve the problem of corruption, leakages and improvidence occurring in expenses, as reported in the Auditor-General’s Report before the GST is implemented.

He said students will be affected and impacted from the implementation of the GST at the rate of 6 percent starting from 1 April 2015 because they are also consumers who buy goods and necessities.

“If the federal government does not want to hear the sound of protest, together, students are ready to mobilise this voice of protest,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor.

Safwan hopes that students will enhance awareness and understanding of the implementation of the GST so that they are able to be the people’s spokespeople.

“When the campus elections are still hot, it is hoped that the GST will also be debated. But unfortunately, this did not happen due to external political interference which has caused the GST issue to be quiet,” he said.

The introduction of the GST at a rate of six percent will be more burdensome for the young people because 82.5 percent of them earn RM3,000 and below.

The impact will be felt by the young people when the rate of inflation rises due to the increase in price of goods and services while income has not changed much.

RM3.14 Million Allocated to Improve Traffic Flow at Jalan Othman, Petaling Jaya

3.1

PETALING JAYA, 30 Oct: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) decided to spend RM3.14 million to demolish the roundabout at Jalan Othman and replace it with traffic lights to solve the traffic congestion faced by motorists.

Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Selatan, Hee Loy Sian said the project which will be completed within the next 10 months is expected to improve traffic flow in the area.

“Originally, this project would take eight months. However, because technical issues caused by piping and wiring in the area, we expect for the project to be completed in September (next year),” he said.

“Currently, motorists in the area would need to take an hour to pass through the roundabout.

After the project is completed, we expect motorists to save 80 percent of the time taken currently,” said Loy Sian.

Hee Loy said this during the ground breaking ceremony of the Jalan Othman Roundabout Upgrading Project, together with the Assemblyman for Bukit Gasing, Rajiv Rishyakaran.

He said, this upgrading project will benefit residents of Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 18, as well as those using the road leading to Puchong, Kota Damansara and Serdang.

Loy Sian urged the public to be patient at this point while waiting for the traffic lights to be set up in the specified period.

3.2

FOMCA: Health Reason an Unreasonable Excuse for Rise in Sugar Price

2

SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: The move by the central government to increase the price of sugar by RM0.34 cents on grounds of curbing diabetes among Malaysians is a frivolous and unreasonable excuse.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) Communications Director, Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman, said that health reasons to raise price of sugar is not accurate because diabetes stems from an individual’s lifestyle.

He said, healthcare awareness campaigns should be increased and intensified instead of increasing the price of the essential good, if the central government wants to care for the people’s health.

“We fear that the same excuse will be used by the government to raise the price of other goods such as flour and rice, which causes an increase in food calories. The government may use the excuse of the increase (in food calories) to raise the price of flour,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

Yusof said that the price increase is too drastic and may hugely affect the price of food and drinks based on sugar consumption.

“It should have not been done drastically and dramatically because the adjustment in sugar price should be carried out in stages so as to have a tremendous impact on the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also urged the federal government to inform the people if they intend to raise the price of cooking oil following the withdrawal of subsidies.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim questioned the central government’s move of deliberately hiding the increase in cooking oil and instead chose to publicly announce the cut in sugar subsidies during the National Budget 2014 debate session at the House of Representatives yesterday.

He also questioned the move because palm oil production is currently surging and the people are shocked by the sugar price hike.

CM Visits SP Setia Bhd Housing Project

1.1

SHAH ALAM, 30 Oct: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim spent over half an hour visiting the latest apartment housing project using the ‘prefabricated’ method which is being developed by a leading property developer, SP Setia Berhad.

During the visit to the project site, Abdul Khalid, who was accompanied by Selangor State Excos, was given detailed descriptions regarding the housing project by the Chief Operating Officer of SP Setia, Datuk Voon Tin Yow.

The housing project, among others, is being built near the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and Jalan Meru, Klang, with house area estimated at 850 square feet each.

A total of 3,960 apartment units at the 11-storey buildings are being offered at the market price of RM220,000, and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and other facilities such as a swimming pool.

The medium-cost apartment project commenced building over a year ago and targets families with a household income of about RM3,000 per month.

It is understood that the housing project has been fully sold to the public.

1.2

Economist Predicts Fuel Price to Further Increase

6

SHAH ALAM, 29 Oct: The Federal Government is expected to cut fuel subsidies for the second time to handle the fiscal deficit faced for 15 years in a row, and cause the price in the market to increase in 2014.

The World Bank Economist, Dr Frederico Gil Sander, predicted that the central government would act in this manner as the fuel subsidies are the highest amount spent each year.

He said it is estimated that RM24.8 billion or 53 percent of the total RM47 billion spent are on subsidies.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the increase in the price of RON95 and diesel by 20 cents, thus causing anger and criticism from the people and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in September.

“There is bound to be at least one more fuel subsidy cut in 2014, in order for Malaysia to achieve its subsidy rationalisation numbers,” he said.

Fredrico was quoted from the Malaysian Insider saying that based on that, it is a clear indication that Putrajaya will take the rationalisation move as a result of the tabling the Budget 2014 on 25 Otober.

“If you look at allocation, for fuel allocation is expected to decline quite significantly next year. Which I think signals probably some fuel subsidy rationalisation in order for targets to be met,” said the Bangkok-based economist who specialises in Malaysia.

Prior to this, PR leaders also urged the central government to reduce car priced before increasing fuel prices because the increase would cause the maintenance cost of taxis to increase by 30 percent, thus reducing the net income of taxi drivers.

The increase would also impact the economic cycle causing the price of goods and services to drastically increase, in addition to burdening consumers.

Increase in Sugar Price Affects Deepavali Celebration

3.1

3.2

BANDAR TUN RAZAK, 29 Oct: The impact of the cut in sugar subsidies by RM0.34 announced by the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government at the tabling of the National Budget 2014 would adversely affect the Deepavali celebration on 2 November.

The price increase from 2.50 per kilogram to RM2.84 per kilogram is seen as a burden to the Indian community because Indian sweets use sugar.

The subsidy cut which was in effect since 26 October was made with the excuse of reducing the number of diabetic which is worrisome in Malaysia, in addition to saving government expenses by a total of RM64.02 million this year and RM551.25 million for 2014.

Starting 26 October, the price of sugar increased from RM2.50 per kilogram to RM2.84 per kilogram after the announcement of the RM0.34 subsidy cut made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the tabling of the Budget 2014 the day before.

Several individuals met at the Deepavali Aid distribution ceremony for the Bandar Tun Razak Parliament expressed their disappointment on the government’s decision.

A resident, K Palanivel, expressed his disappointment following the increase of price before the Deepavali celebration and the burden shouldered by the people may not have been felt as badly if the increase was done before the celebration.

“The increase in price should not have happened and I am very sad with the government’s move. I am not the only one, but all Malaysians use sugar, so this decision should not have been done, especially since the Deepavali celebration is coming up,” he said.

For another resident, M Sarojini, the increase in sugar price caused her to be more improvident in celebrating Deepavali.

“My expanses have to be reduced because I am worried that there will be an increase in price of other goods due to the increase in sugar price,” she said.

The distribution ceremony was carried out by the Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak’s wife, Puan Seri Salbiah Tunut, accompanied by her husband, the MP who is also the Chief Minister of Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim last night.

In conjunction with the Deepavali celebration, the MP for Bandar Tun Razak gave RM50 cash as well as essential goods such as rice, sugar and flour to 100 less fortunate residents from around the area.

4.3