Tag: Integrity

Is the KPI for Love?

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PRESS RELEASE: Exco for Selangor State Welfare & Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail

Certainly, there is an Islamic perspective in creating the KPI for everything. And the place the KPI is located is in the organ dubbed “the king of all organs”, the heart.

Love, with the KPI, would make a person better in terms of personality, attitude and self-esteem, as well as to be highly motivated towards something better. In addition, a deep sensitivity to the nature of justice and fairness towards all human beings.

It is fortunate for those who have met individuals who can motivate others to be better than their previous self.

But relationship between such individuals should be something consciously searched for, only then can they obtain permission and guidance from Allah.

It makes the individual feel that anything can be achieved. The achievement is always accompanied by sensitivity and a guarantee of the rights and interests of others, without betrayal, cruelty, lies and the violation of transparency limits and good stewardship.

Transparency and good stewardship should also occur in relationships between individuals and family, and not just at the level of organisations, communities, country and international. Individuals and families are small groups that build larger clusters.

Individuals and family members are the people who are gathered in a society that forms a country and the international society. What is practiced by the individual becomes the practice of the family, which is the reflection of characteristics of a society where the individual is part of.

Some individuals become judges, educators, journalists, filmmakers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, activists, honoured members, ministers and those who make very important decisions that affect the lives of people.

Good decisions for the people are emitted from the love-filled KPI, which comes from the purity of the heart; the heart is always taken care of by the Prophet: “All actions are judged by motives…”

This year’s Hijra, let us all strive to achieve love-filled KPI, which makes our personality better, makes us feel safe and protected, and serve in a fair and equitable manner.

Happy Ma’al Hijra 1435, may we be blessed in this world and hereafter.

Selangor State Exco and Batu Tiga Assemblywoman
Chief of Wanita Selangor and Deputy Wanita Chief of Parti Keadilan Rakyat

The Egypt Government Should Not Stop Osama Morsi from Coming to Malaysia

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SHAH ALAM, 5 Nov: The Egyptian government is asked to allow the son of the former President of Egypt, who was toppled in a coup, Osama Morsi from going abroad to continue his studies in Malaysia.

PKR Information Chief, Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty, said that prohibiting him from leaving Egypt is contrary to the principles of International Law and Human Rights.

He said that it is not fair for the Egyptian Coup Government to practical political revenge against the family of Dr Morsi, who was ousted undemocratically.

“What right does the Egyptian coup government have to stop him from leaving and continuing his studies in Malaysia, when it is his right?

“So he should not be stopped because that is an extreme act and it is unreasonable, and the international community cannot accept this,” he said when contacted by the Selangor Kini portal today.

Muhammad said that he reminds the Malaysian Government to not prevent Osama Mosri’s entry into the country.

“We hope that the Malaysian Government will not be affected by the actions of the Egyptian coup government and should welcome his presence,” he said.

Previously, international media reported that Osama wanted to board Egypt Air to Malaysia, but failed to pass immigration checks when his name was listed among the individuals who cannot leave Egypt.

Osama, commenting of the actions of the Egyptian coup government, said that the move is one of the series of violations of the law and human rights.

Osama’s desires to come to Malaysia to continue his PhD studies and does not have any links with his father, Mohamed Morsi’s trial arrangements.

MOHA Urged to Issue a Cause Letter to Security Companies

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SHAH ALAM, 5 Nov: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) has been urged to immediately issue a cause letter and revoke the licences of security companies involved in the robbery of a gold shop in Setapak last week.

The call was made because prior to this, the MOHA took drastic measures to revoke the licence of Kawalan Prima Sdn Bhd when a security guard of the company shot a banker dead at the Ambank in USJ2 last month.

Member of Parliament for Padang Serai, N.Surendran, said that the MOHA and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) should be responsible regarding the matter seeing that the authority to approve firearms is issued by them to security companies.

“The failure and responsibility lies with the MOHA and the IGP because the approval for firearms comes from the ministry concerned.

“This means that the problem is the MOHA’s failure to ensure that security companies given the licence have the ability and aptitude to perform their duty without committing crime,” he told the Selangor Kini portal today.

Surendran said that the inconsistent attitude in cancelling licences of security companies involved in any crime should be addressed because it involved the life of the public.

On 30 October, a security guard pointed a gun at his employer before starting business at the gold shop, prior to bringing a tray containing 100 necklaces, of which the value if uncertain, to the premises which is located at KL Festive City Mall.

Commenting on the alleged involvement of a former IGP in the security company, Surendran said that the MOHA needs to explain the matter in more detail.

According to the MStar portal, a search on the Security Services Association of Malaysia (PPKKM) shows that one of the member of the board of directors of the firm that hired the suspect is a former IGP.

The Astro Awani portal reported that the Filipino security guard has been arrested, together with his friend, at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) airport and is being remanded for seven days starting from yesterday till 10 November.

The arrest has also been confirmed by the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department Deputy Chief, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Khairi Ahrasa and is being investigated under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Selangor DAP Distributes Whistles to Curb Snatch Theft

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SHAH ALAM, 4 Nov: A total of 1,000 whistles were recently distributed to the public by the Selangor Wanita DAP to curb snatch theft and robberies around the Seri Kembangan wholesale market.

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The distribution of the whistle was led by the Selangor State Assembly Speaker, Hannah Yeoh, and the Exco in charge of Investment, Industry, New Village Development and Illegal Factories Whitening, Ean Yong Hian Wah, as well as 13 Serdang Wanita DAP members.

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Hannah said that the police acknowledged and agree that whistles help reduce snatch theft and the programme has already been implemented in Subang Jaya.

Meanwhile, Ean, who is also the Assemblyman for Seri Kembangan, said that crime victims, especially restaurant owners, are often reluctant in reporting theft or robberies.

In the meantime, two snatch theft cases involving women, including a senior citizen, was reported to take place near here at Taman Bukit Belimbing and Kampung Seri Kembangan recently.

In relation to that, it is hoped that the police can increase patrolling at crime focus areas to reduce snatch theft and robberies around Seri Kembangan.

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GST Exemption Should Be Extended to Public Transportation & Essential Goods

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SHAH ALAM, 4 Nov: Ikram Organisation Malaysia (Ikram) hopes that the Central Government will expand the goods and services tax (GST) exemption list to all types of services and essential goods for the people in this country.

Ikram Vice-President, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, said that the exemption is needed to ensure that the burden shouldered by the people due to the GST would be less.

“If it is needed for the GST to be implemented, GST exemptions should be given for all types of essential services such as public transportation, healthcare, services and essential goods needed by the people,” said Syed Ibrahim when contacted by TVSelangor.

Syed Noh added that the government should ensure that there are no leakages, wastage of public funds and to reduce household debt before imposing the GST on the people.

“The implementation is supposed to be the last option after leakages and wastage is controlled.

“The similar goes for household debt, which should be successfully be reduced first. The income of the lower to middle class should be increased, as it will unfair to them if it is implemented now,” Syed Ibrahim added.

Previously, the Malaysian Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, said that the cost of health services in this country will not increase with the implementation of the GST.

However, his statement raised doubts due to the increased cost in transportation and packaging which is expected to have an impact on health goods and services.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stressed for the Umno-BN Government to address the issue of corruption, extreme wastage of public money and to improve the people’s quality of life before implementing the GST.

GST: SMEs need to spend up to RM4 billion for computing systems

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SHAH ALAM, 3 Nov: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in this country would have to spend about RM3 billion – RM4 billion to implement a computerised system for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will be imposed starting from 1 April 2015.

The Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru, Sim Tze Tzin, said that it is a huge cost to be shouldered by the people and our country especially since the effectiveness of the GST is still being disputed.

He said that due to the high cost, companies will shift costs to consumers, causing an increase in goods and services, as well as an increase in the rate of inflation.

“Currently, only RM100 million goes to computing systems and this does not only involve the government system, but the people, especially small and medium businessmen, have to spend between RM20,000 to RM80,000 for a new system.

“In terms of the people, they need to spend a lot for the GST, while the large companies have to spend hundreds of thousands for the GST,” Sim said when contacted by TVSelangor.

He said the projected cost is based in other countries’ experiences in implementing the GST when SMEs need large expenditures to upgrade existing computer systems.

Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that Putrajaya will spend RM98.8 million to implement a computerised system for the GST.

Najib said that the Customs Department, as the implementing agency, will reorganise staff and personnel in preparation for the implementation of the tax.

Sim said that the computing cost if almost RM100 million for the GST which is to be shouldered by the Central Government is also feared to increase and lead to wastage if not controlled.

He said that the Federal Government is implementing the GST in a hurry while no incentives are given to SMEs to upgrade their computing systems.

“Therefore, millions of ringgit is needed just to implement the GST,” he said.

Ambiga: ‘40,000 Bangladesh voters’ Issue is Najib’s Trick

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SHAH ALAM, 3 Nov: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s denial of claims that 40,000 Bangladeshis voted in the last general election is just a ploy to avoid answering allegations of election fraud.

The Co-Chairman of Bersih 2.0, Datuk S.Ambiga, said that she is very sceptical because the issue keeps coming up.

“I think is it a red herring so that they don’t have to answer all other allegations of electoral fraud which are backed by evidence,” she said.

She said this to Malaysiakini when responding to Najib’s interview on CNN, which was published online on Oct 31.

In the interview, Najib was asked to comment on “allegations of fraud, buying votes, double-voting, phantom voters, (and) issues of gerrymandering”.

Najib replied that the allegations are “by and large… totally unfounded”, and then pointed to the allegation that 40,000 Bangladeshis were ferried in to vote as an example, stressing that the allegation was never proven.

The matter has also been raised several times over the past week – when Najib tabled the Budget 2014 on 25 October and when he inaugurated the Gerakan National Delegates’ Conference on 26 October.

“He didn’t answer any other allegations of fraud that (CNN interviewer Christiane Amanpour) mentioned, like vote buying and gerrymandering,” Ambiga noted.

PDRM Urged to Improve Existing System

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SHAH ALAM, 2 Nov: The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has been asked to improve their existing system in order to curb crime.

Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar recommended it, in addition to requesting a review be done on all security officers.

Crime Analyst, Datuk Akhbar Satar, said that he welcomed Khalid’s recommendation. However, he said that it should be done holistically, significantly and tighter.

“In addition, the police should ensure that each member is given sufficient training, as well as to be equipped well with equipment and other needs such as weapons and logistics. If this criteria is met, the crime figures may go down,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor yesterday.

Yesterday, Khalid said that PDRM will be performing immediate checks of all security officers, as well as check their firearms licence as a short-term measure to curb identity fraud.

He said that PDRM will also design long-term plans in granting firearm licences to security officers, including tightening requirements for the renewal of licences, and the move will be made specifically to prevent occurrences of bank officers being shot in robberies from recurring.

In an incident, Norazita Abu Talib, 37, died after being shot in the head at close range by a security officer, believed to be an Indonesian national using a fake identity card, at USJ Central here in Subang Jaya at 6.20pm on 23 October.

Meanwhile, the Assemblywoman for Damansara Utama, Yeo Bee Yin, said that a restructuring of the police force should be carried out if we want rime statistics to go down.

“In cases of maddening crimes, it is time for the government to make changes in the division of duties by increasing police officers for crime prevention.

“At the moment, only a percentage of police officers are assigned to control crime, while the rest are assigned to other duties,” she said.

PJ Senior Citizen’s Run 2013

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PETALING JAYA, 1 Nov: The PJ Senior Citizen’s Run 2013 which was held at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) compound received encouraging response, with 300 people from all walks of life participated in the programme on 27 October.

The programme is part of initiative under the MBPJ community development programme in conjunction with the National Senior Citizen’s Day which is celebrated on 1 October every year.

MBPJ Council Member, Ahmad Akhir Pawan Chik, said that the programme is able to instil the spirit of social responsibility and is an effective idea, especially for senior citizens.

“Participants were also given tips in caring for their health. In addition, values among the community can be instilled so as to bridge the gap between the elderly and the young,” he said.

Also held at the event was the programme for Healthy, Quality and Increase in Self-Potential for Senior Citizens as well as a Fun Exercise, choir performances, games and a lucky draw contest.

Participants also received information on weight loss, blood pressure levels, strength of hands and legs, nutrition advice and special exercises throughout the programme.

The programme was in collaboration with the University of Malaya’s Melor Project (Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research), consisting of physicians and academics from various faculties such as medicine, law, economics and administration, education, architecture, engineering, computer science, as well as information technology and sports science.

The Melor Project involves groups that conduct research projects to be used and applied by the elderly in efforts to improve their quality of life.

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Nepal Government’s Mentality More Advanced, Possesses 127 Newspapers Compared to Malaysia

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SHAH ALAM, 1 Nov: Nepal is seen as more transparent and open as they have 127 newspapers compared to Malaysia, which is seen as giving less press freedom.

The Nepal government believes that by giving media freedom, it may lead to progress in the mentality of the South Asian country’s leaders and people.

Although Nepal is still categorised as a third world country in terms of physical development, but the mentality of the country’s leaders are considered to be more advanced than Barisan Nasional (BN).

The former President of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Hatta Wahari said, the matter has been proved when as of today, Nepal has 127 newspapers, excluding those published at the state level.

“Although we are developing and possess infrastructure like those of developed countries, the mentality of the government is still at the level of third world countries because they want to control the media. In fact, the government wants to control it all without giving freedom to the media and the community,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

Hatta also condemned the action of the Minister of Home Affairs (MOHA) Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who issued the threatening statement to shut down media that published his statement in a programme in Malacca recently.

“This is the most brazen statement coming from a leader and he has a third world mentality by assuming that he has power and can control freedom of the press. It is leaders like this that we have to reject,” he said.

Commenting on the victory of the Malaysiakini news portal in the MOHA appeal to reject its publication permit, Hatta hopes that the victory will be an example to other media to be brave in publishing balanced and transparent media.

“Malaysiakini’s victory should be an example to other media and I hope that the media industry would be free and advanced,” he said.

Najib and MOHA Urged to Respond on Issue of American Intelligence

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KUALA LUMOUR, 31 Oct: Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his surprise because the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) did not issue a statement on the report regarding the U.S. Embassy being used for spying activities.

He said, the action by Najib and the MOHA is seen as being “too submissive” even though the matter is gravely serious.

“This is a serious matter for the country. We ask for the Prime Minister and the MOHA to respond on this matter so that we do not seem too submissive.

“No country, not even the US itself, would condone or tolerate a spying agency within its shores,” he said at a press conference in Parliament here today.

Two days ago, documents leaked by intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that the US and Australia was tapping into telephones and monitoring communication networks in Malaysia through its Kuala Lumpur embassy.

According to reports, the countries that are the targets of the spying activities include the European and Asian continents.

Government Should Reduce Fuel Price Following the World Market

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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 Oct: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) questions the government’s move to raise fuel subsidies to RM2.326 billion in the National Budget 2014 because the government targets savings of RM3.3 billion next year.

Member of Parliament for Tanjong, Ng Wei Aik said, the subsidy increase would increase the total expenses to RM22.341 billion, however, only RM20.015 was allocated in the National Budget 2013.

“Fuel subsidies for next year will increase by 11.62 percent, from RM20 billion to RM22 billion. Fuel subsidies should be increased, not reduced.

“So we have a big question, why does the subsidy need to be increased dramatically when the announcement by the Prime Minister explained in September that the increase of 20 cents for RON95 and Diesel would result in savings of RM3.3 billion to be recorded in 2014,” he said in a press conference here in Parliament today.

Wei Aik said, the oil price has fallen as diplomacy aimed at Syria and Iran eased concerns about Middle East supplies after climbing to over USD110 in the late August, and the oil price even dipped below USD102 per barrel after parts of the US Government were ordered to shut down because of a budget impasse in Washington.

“The price of fuel is a major problem that burdens the people because they want the price to be lowered, not increased,” he said.

Among the countries that have reduced the price of oil are India, Taiwan, Ghana, Vietnam, Bermuda, South Africa, Georgia and China, in the last three months.