Tag: Headline

Umno-BN’s Excuse of Not Building Klang’s Third Bridge Cannot Be Accepted

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: Selangor Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Satim Diaman’s answer regarding why the Umno-BN Federal Government did not continue the third Klang bridge project is a superficial reason which cannot be accepted.

At the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today, Satim said that the Federal Government did not not resume the project which was promised in 2008 because Umno-BN had lost Selangor in the general election that year.

Sri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafiei said that the project is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works controlled by the Federal Government which is still ruled by Umno-BN.

“The excuse is just not acceptable. If they use the reasoning that Umno-BN had lost so they will not build the bridge, this shows that they are confused between the decision made by the government and (the decision made by) political parties.”

“This issue clearly shows that Umno-BN has a more political attitude when they say that they will only build should they win,” he said to TV Selangor at the DNS lobby today.

When Satim announced the 2013 Budget, he claimed that Pakatan Rakyat did fulfil promises in the 2008 Election (GE-12) manifesto.

Shuhaimi interrupted by bringing up the issue of Umno-BN not building the Klang Third Bridge.

Satim gave the excuse that the project was discontinued because Umno-BN had lost in GE-12 and had lost their power in Selangor.

Outside DNS, Shuhaimi said that the bridge was not completed, in fact, the building plans were not even included in any federal development plans.

“This clearly proves that what was said by (Works Minister) Samy Vellu at that time was a political promise just to attract voters to support them.”

“In my opinion, they ran away from their real responsibilities because what they did was to punish the people of Selangor,” he said.

PKNS Plans to Build 9,481 Affordable Housings from 2014-2018

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: As many as 9,481 units of affordable housing have been planned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to be executed from 2014 to 2018.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Samad said that among the places that the housing will be built are in Puteri, Hulu Selangor, Antara Gapi dan Shah Alam.

Meanwhile, from 2010 to 2013, 1,215 affordable housing units have already been built or are in the process of being built.

“There have already been discussions for four projects and have now entered the process of obtaining the Planning Permission (PP),” he said in the twelfth term of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting when answering Teratai Assemblyman, Jenice Lee.

Iskandar added that the State Government will be encouraging private developers to build affordable housings.

As of now, he said, 1,500 units will be executed by the developers and are currently in the process of applying for Planning Permission (PP).

“Apart from that, as many as 1,682 units will be completed by next year. The units will be sold at a minimum price of RM85,000 and a maximum price of RM150,000 per unit with an area of 850 till 1,000 square feet,” he said.

Iskandar further said that the State Government will be giving subsidies for affordable housing through PKNS.

“For example, the first phase, in Bukit Botak consists of 1,215 units and from that total, PKNS will be subsidising RM36 million.”

“The need to build affordable housings will depend on the demand and the building suitability, whether it’s affordable or low-cost (housing),” he said.

State Reserve Funds are only for Special Projects NOT for Administration Expenditures

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The State Government will only use state reserves to fund special projects and not to shoulder administration costs, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Reserve funds also cannot be used to pay for management expenditures and other such expenses by the State Government because it reflects inefficient financial management.

The presentation of the budget’s deficit to cover administrative expenses also reflects the failure of efficient financial management and demonstrates the failure to control spending.

Abdul Khalid said this when explaining the State Government actions in using state reserve funds to finance four projects at a cost of RM500 million.

“The project we are doing is separate so that its (the reserve funds) usage is more transparent.”

“The people do not want the reserves to be used to cover administrative expenses.”

“If this happens, people will think that the government can spend extravagantly, so with the separation, we cannot spend extravagantly,” said Abdul Khalid in a press conference at the State Assembly Annex Building lobby.

Abdul Khalid presented the 2012 Budget today, the first day of the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session. The Budget is themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’.

When presenting the budget, Abdul Khalid announced the decision to build the third bridge in Klang costing RM300 million, the implementation of Storm Water (RM100 million), upgrading and repairs of drainage systems (RM50 million) and the building of fully-furnished affordable housing (RM50 million).

However, these projects are not included in the 2013 Budget, instead it will be using State reserves.

2013 Budget: Efficient Spending, Higher Development

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The Selangor Government has once again come up with a balanced budget with RM1.630 billion allocated for 2013.

The Budget has raised the allocated funds for development to RM600 million and has lowered funds for administration spending by RM3 million. This is following Selangor’s efficient management of funds.

Apart from that, the state government’s savings reserve has reached RM2.570 billion as of 31st October 2012.

The 2013 Budget will emphasise three main strategies which is to strengthen Workforce Management, Financial Resources, Administration and State Assets; Sustain Innovative and Modern Development; as well as to strengthen the Rakyat’s Quality of Life.

The Budget was presented by the Minister of Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in the Selangor State Assembly session today.

According to the Chief Minister’s press office secretariat, the Budget, themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’ will be allocating RM 996,980,690 or 61% for operating expenditure.

RM 633,019,310.00 or 39% will be allocated for development expenditure.

The State Government will allocate about RM 343 million or 54% of the infrastructure development allocation to build public facilities (RM 297 million) and housing (RM4.7 million).

Meanwhile RM118.2 million will be allocated for programmes under the ‘Selangor People’s Ecomony’ (Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor) policy such as the Golden Age Friendly Scheme (Skim Mesra Usia Emas), university acceptance gifts and the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (TAWAS).

Under the State Asset Management strategy, the Selangor government has identified state assets or public assets worth more than RM27 billion.

Those assets are Movable Assets (capital assets, inventories and stocks) and Immovable Assets (Land and Building) worth RM 15.2 billion.

There are also over RM 12.3 billion in water assets such as dams, water treatment plants, ponds, pump houses and distribution systems data.

In efforts to get value out of every ringgit spent, the State Government managed to save RM 102.2 million from the implementation of the open tender system.

In addition, RM 81 million was saved when the State Government took over the management of solid waste since last year.

11,275 Participate in Fishing Competition

MORIB, 18 Nov: Selangor Fishing Grand Prix (GP) competition organised by the Selangor State Government together with the Local Authorities (PBT) has received overwhelming support since its launch early last year.

The competition which was officiated by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim saw 11,275 participants competing in the 10 rounds. This is the second time the competition is being held.

Abdul Khalid in his speech said that the competition is able to introduce Selangor’s waters to the public and at the same time boost the tourism industry.

Abdul Khalid said that the State Government will fully support such activities and will encourage public participation.

“Competitions are examples of good management because it is consistently planned and carried out according to plan. Apart from that, it attracts tourists.”

“People who are present here can also visit many interesting sites such as the museum, homestays and so on,” he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the Selangor Fishing Grand Prix here in Pantai Morib this evening.

The winner of the competition will take home a cash prize of RM40,000. The second prize is RM14,000, third prize RM1,200 and fifth prize, RM600.

Prizes are given to 1st till the 40th place winners.

Apart from the first prize, participants will also be in the running to win lucky draw prizes consisting of four 32-inch LCD televisions and 500 T-shirts given to early registrations as well as 10 other lucky draw prizes.

900 participants are estimated to register for the competition today.

Apart from that, the organisers estimate 15,000 people will take part in state-wide competition consisting of 12 rounds which start at Tasik Bandaran, Kelana Jaya and will end in Taman Tasik Shah Alam next December.

Scholars Should Determine the Direction of the Country’s Education When PR Rules

SHAH ALAM, 18 Nov: Philosophers, scholars and educators shall be given space to outline the best form of education that should be applied in the country’s education system after Pakatan Rakyat (PR) succeeds in taking over Putrajaya.

This matter was stressed by the Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the keynote address in the opening ceremony for the National Education Direction Convention (Konvensyen Halatuju Pendidikan Negara) held at the University of Selangor (Unisel).

According to Anwar, two of these groups should be supported because they are vital in stating education requirements to political leaders so that the best mechanism can be implemented.

“Philosophical perspectives are requested so that capable scholars and educators can advise politicians (regarding education). This is what we will do,” he said.

According to Anwar, educational efforts need to be explained and be made the foundational principal in developing personal believes.

He further added that views from all groups, races and angles should be heard to ensure every demand raised will be understood in detail before any decision is made.

He explained that the culture of having forums and discussions regarding current affairs will be beneficial, especially regarding the outside world, should be instilled especially at the Tertiary Education (IPT) level.

“Unisel and Yayasan Selangor have to create more discourses to encourage the culture of knowledge,” Anwar further added.

The National Education Direction Convention organised by Yayasan Selangor was themed ‘Reforming National Education’ (Mereformasikan Pendidikan Negara).

The Yayasan Selangor Chief-Director, Ilham Marzuki, Unisel Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Anuar Ahmad, Selangor Exco member, Dr Xavier Jeyakumar as well as three representatives from the Syrian delegation were also present at the convention.

PM Issue: No Problem, We Can Discuss It, said Anwar

SHAH ALAM, 18 Nov: PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar said that he has no problem regarding the PAS Ulama Council Representative’s statement saying that they want PAS President, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to be Prime Minister should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) take over Putrajaya.

Anwar said that the issue can be discussed easily without any problem.

“No problem, there’s nothing to it. We can discuss this easily,” he said briefly.

He had said this when he was met by reporters while attending a Convention organised by Yayasan Selangor at UNISEL (the University of Selangor) this morning.

During the 58th PAS Muktamar session that was held in Kota Baharu last night, Ulama Council representative, Hairun Nizam stressed that Abdul Hadi was the most qualified candidate for the position compared to Anwar.

He said that PAS members should be campaigning for their party president instead of other leaders from the PR component parties.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi in a press conference last night said that he never wished to be prime minister.

He also reminded people of his previous statement saying that he is willing to become a fisherman again should he leave politics.

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.

DAP Criticises Israel’s Attack on Gaza

SHAH ALAM, November 17: DAP today urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Wisma Putra to issue a diplomatic protest and deliver stern message to the United Nations (UN) and the United States of America to immediately curb the on-going terror attacks by Israel against the Palestinians.

The party’s Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng said this in a media statement which also denounced the use of terror tactics by Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza sacrificing many lives.

According to him, Israel has far more modern and sophisticated military force which generally, may cause death and excessive damage.

“At least 30 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed since Israel began attacks against Palestinian militants on Gaza last Wednesday.

“Following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed the Hamas military chief, Ahmed Al-Jabari, Palestinian militants have started counter-attacks by launching several rockets towards Tel Aviv and several other areas.

“More innocent people will be lost should the violence continue. In fact some say that the actions of Israel to attack Gaza through the air attacks will trigger a new war between Palestine and Israel,” he said.

IKRAM, JKR Asked to Perform Landslide Investigations in Ampang

AMPANG, 16 Nov: Malaysian Public Works Institute (IKRAM) and Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) have been asked to conduct a thorough investigation regarding landslides around the Lookout Point in Bukit Ampang.

Local Government Exco member, Ronnie Liu when met during his visit to site this morning said that research has to be done to identify the cause and proactive measures which can be taken.

“IKRAM’s report could probably be prepared within one week while JKR’s report could take longer,” he said.

Previously, according to Ronnie, the Lookout Point has been closed since the beginning of the year after the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) had given orders to do so.

They also closed a Western Cuisine restaurant located next to the Lookout Point.

“From MPKj’s research and investigation, the slopes are dangerous, not safe and today, it has been proven.”

“This is also the mistake of the previous State Government that allowed development to be carried out around the Class Four slope.”

“Now, the State Government does not allow any development around Class Four areas. Class three areas on the other hand can be done under strict conditions,” he said firmly.

The landslides happened late last evening causing Jalan Ampang-Hulu to be closed temporarily.

Meanwhile, Ronnie said that the road will begin to open by 7pm, latest, tonight.

He also had instructed the MPKj to monitor the area for 24-hours.

“The public is also asked to not stop around the area (of the landslide) to prevent any unwanted accidents and to prevent traffic jams,” Ronnie explained.

KASE Receives More Than 100 AES Complaints

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: The counter that has been set up by the Anti-Postal Summons Campaign Department (KASE) have now received more than 100 complaints from road users who have fallen victim to the Automated Enforcement System (AES).

KASE legal advisor, Zulhazmi Sharif said that the counter which has been open since the 21st of November have received many complaints from road users who have received summons through the implementation of AES cameras from all over the country.

He said that he and the KASE Department will make the announcement regarding actions that will be taken to assist those who have received summons.

“As of now, the complaints counter is still open and we have yet to separate them (the complaints) according to states. We will make the announcement regarding the case next week.”

“This is because the earliest court date involving receivers of the summons is the 7th of December 2012 and we will be appointing lawyers to help them,” he said to TV Selangor today.

Meanwhile, the counter which is open every fortnightly at 12pm to 2pm is intended to facilitate those who have received AES summons with legal advice and legal aid, both of which are free of charge.

“In Selangor alone, there are umpteen road users who have received AES summons and it has been informed that only two areas in Selangor have (AES) cameras, which are in Kajang.”

“More shockingly, a road user had received three summonses on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) because it’s his daily route,” he said.

Previously, KASE Chairman, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had mentioned that a group of lawyers would be provided should receivers of the summons agree to go to court and legal services from the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) will be provided to those involved.

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.