Tag: Latest

GST: People of Sabah and Sarawak will be Further Burdened

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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Oct: The people of Sabah and Sarawak will be further burdened if the goods and services tax (GST) is implemented by the central government in the near future.

Member of Parliament for Sandakan, Wong Tien Fatt said the burden will occur because the people of Sabah earn far less than the people on the Peninsular.

He said the cost of living in the said states will also increase due to the higher prices of goods through the ‘carbotage’ policy of the six percent GST.

“The people of Sabah will be further burdened is the GST is implemented because the majority of people earn 30-40 percent lower than those in the Peninsular.

“In addition to the low wages, the people of Sabah also have the problem of the higher price of oil than the Peninsular,” he said in a press conference in Parliament today.

Tien Fatt also urged for all goods in Sabah and Sarawak to be standardised when the GST is implemented next year.

“If the GST is implemented, Sabahans have to pay more expensive prices than they should. We hope that if the GST is really going to be implemented, the federal government should standardise all prices in Sabah and Sarawak with the Peninsular,” he said.

PEKAWANIS Hands Out Deepavali Aid

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SHAH ALAM, 28 Oct: The Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (PEKAWANIS), consisting of wives of Assemblymen and Members of Parliament as well as Women Members of Parliament handed out aid to ease the burden of the less fortunate for the Deepavali celebration.

A total of 30 women, most of whom are single mothers, received a cash donation of RM100 and gift bags presented by the Seri Andalas Assemblyman, Dr Xavier Jayakumar at the Seri Andalas Assemblyman Community Service Office recently.

During the same ceremony, recipients also raised a number of health problems which they suffer from to Dr Xavier.

PEKAWANIS is an association devoted to welfare efforts as well as the management of a welfare home in Shah Alam from young women who are facing problems, and the association also managed a dialysis centre in Klang.

During festival celebrations, the association will contribute RM3,000 to be distributed to poor women and families in every constituency.

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Najib Improvident, Official Residence Electricity and Water Bills over RM2.5 Million

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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Oct: The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would need to bear the cost of their own electricity and water bills at their official residence with the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST).

Member of Parliament for Seremban, Anthony Loke proposed that following the high increase in electricity bills for the official residence of both the leaders; at RM8,500 per day compared to RM6,00 two years ago.

He said the amount makes the total electricity bill expenses at the Seri Perdana Complex to come to over RM2.2 million while over RM300,000 was spent on water bills last year.

For the Sri Satria Complex, RM865,000 was spent on electricity bills while water bills amounted to RM99,264.

“Najib asked for the people to be thrifty but at this time, he and his deputy are being lavish in managing the cost of electricity and water at their official residences,” he said in a press conference in Parliament today.

In relation to that, Anthony said Najib and Muhyiddin should set a good example in managing the said costs so as to not burden the people.

He also gave examples of wastage that occurred when the Seri Perdana Complex was built on a land of over 17.19 hectares, compared to the White House which was built on a land of about 7.29 hectares, equivalent to the Seri Satria Complex.

CM Asks to Intensify Efforts to Fight Drug Abuse

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SUBANG JAYA, 28 Oct: The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim called on all parties, including government agencies and the private sector, to work hard to combat drug abuse in the country.

Abdul Khalid said cooperation from all agencies involved would be able to realise the government’s desire to make Malaysia drug free by 2015.

“The period is too short and I will ask State Executive Councillors, together with the Coordinating Chairman of the Selangor National Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Malaysia (PEMADAM), Dr Abdul Rani Osman to work hard in providing support in implementation efforts to combat drugs and make Malaysia drug free.

“We must work together and provide support, especially in efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate drugs in Selangor and Malaysia,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in a speech at a dinner in conjunction with the 38th PEMADAM Annual General Assembly at the Summit Hotel here in USJ last night.

Also present was the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, the National PEMADAM President, Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum, state Exco, Rodziah Ismail and Dr Abdul Rani and over 5,000 PEMADAM members from around the country.

At the same time, Abdul Khalid expressed his confidence in the Selangor PEMADAM which is always striving to ensure that drug abuse can be controlled and eradicated.

He said the statics of drug abuse in Malaysia shows that the problem has increased and has led to an unhealthy sign.

“According to statistics, around 1.27 percent from 5.4 million students in the country are involved in disciplinary problems, including involvement in drugs, as of January till June 2011.

“Meanwhile, a total of 4,474 children, some as young as seven, have been arrested in various criminal cases, including 1,847 being school children.

“The report by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) found a total of 137 students in Institutes of Higher Learning are involved in drug abuse, especially in Selangor since January till April last year,” he said.

Abdul Khalid: Establish a Commission to Increase Government’s Ability

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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Oct: The Federal Government should set up an independent commission to conduct research so that administrative costs and bureaucracy in the government can be reduced.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that it is necessary because every year, there is an increase in government spending and at the same time, it is shown that there is no increase in revenue.

“This budget shows that the BN government’s budget methods and strategies are still following the old ways.

“That is why we need to study not only how revenue can be improved, but the cost and expenses which can be stopped from increasing,” said Abdul Khalid, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak, in Parliament today.

Abdul Khalid said he opposed the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) until the income of the people is increased and there is a fair distribution of wealth.

“So if the cost is already five percent, the government should only increase by one percent, that is if we are to implement it, we need a rate to increase income, and not the GST,” said Abdul Khalid.

Budget 2014, PR Leaders Criticise GST Implementation, Failure to Fulfil the People’s Aspirations

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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Oct: The Pakatan Rakyat leadership’s concern on the reduction of subsidies and the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) has been finally answered after the Budget 2014 was announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Overall, PR leaders slammed the budget which was presented and is of the opinion that the tabling this time did not give full attention on the development aspirations of the people.

Fuziah Salleh

The following is a brief reaction from several PR MPs:

Member of Parliament for Marang, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang:

“Overall, the tabling of the budget this time does not take into account the people. What is only taken into account is revenue for a government that is not balanced in the increase of tax and revenue to address the problem of inflation.”

7.3

Member of Parliament for Kuantan, Fuziah Salleh:

“I was intrigued by the Green Foundation and I think their first task is to shut Lynas.

“I see that there is little allocation for women, only RM100 million and this is not sufficient. Furthermore, there are no programmes for women, the same as last year, programmes for women directors and so on, compared for what we suggested in the Pakatan Rakyat Budget.”

Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Nurul Izzah Anwar:

“There is nothing new in the budget this time. We are worried that Malaysia will be ‘Shopping and Fashion Heaven’ with the government’s desire to attract tourists to come for shopping in Malaysia.

“What is important is infrastructural development, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, which we can see and not just hear about.”.

Budget 2014 Fails to Correct Leakages of Billions in Public Funds

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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Oct: The Budget 2014 presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak failed to correct the leakage of tens of billions of public money from happening, stressed Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the announcement of the Federal Government to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 1 April 2015 at a rate of 6 percent will only add to the people’s burden.

“There is no question of judgement to correct the issue of leakages, leakages of tens of billion, no question to rectify wastages and improve Government management.

“What they have done for the weak fiscal position is taxation. The GST will only burden the lower class and will add to the gap between the rich and the poor.

“Secondly, the increase in sugar prices, with weak and trivial arguments,” he said when met outside the House of Representatives today.

DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng said the implementation of the GST will only burden those who have never paid taxes (and) are now forced to pay taxes.

“In Malaysia, only six percent of the people pay taxes. In Malaysia, only 15 percent of workers pay taxes. Now everyone has to pay taxes,” he said when met.

He said the Federal Government is being unfair to low-income earners because those who never had to pay taxes all this while are forced to do so.

“They (the Government) will not only impose the GST in 2015, but has removed 30 percent of sugar subsidies. I do now know what this amount will save but it only increases the burden of the people,” said the Member of Parliament for Bagan.

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.

My@MPSJ for Easy Online Transactions

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SUBANG JAYA, 25 Oct: Taxpayers under the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) no longer need to go to the office for any tax payment transaction because it can be done online at My@MPSJ.

MPSJ President, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi said MPSJ will implement the system where tax payment bills will be electronically sent to customers starting next year.

“Therefore, we encourage the public to register immediately. Applications through taxpayer records will help us send the bill to them,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after the launch of the My@MPSJ Registration Campaign which was held at the MPSJ headquarters today.

He said the online service being provided is for the payment of assessments, traffic compounds, rent, water bills, security, court reservations, licence renewal and checking of contractor payment status.

“MPSJ will also provide alternatives for membership registration at the MPSJ headquarters counter and those who sign have the opportunity to receive lucky draw prizes up to RM20,000,” he said.

The requirements to become a member of My@MPSJ is to provide a copy of identification card, a copy of the business registration certificate or related documents, and send it to the My@MPSJ Hub Counter at the Department of Information Technology, the MPSJ Information counter or send an e-mail to [email protected] or through fax at 03-8024 6612.

Those wishing to obtain further information about My@MPSK can check out our website at http://www.mpsj.gov.my and come to the MPSJ Department of Information Technology.

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.

Utusan Malaysia Urged to be More Ethical

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SHAH ALAM, 24 Oct: The Umno-controlled newspaper, Utusan Malaysia, has been urged to be more responsible and ethical when reporting news by prioritising journalistic professionalism.

Senator Syed Husin Ali said the apology by the newspaper today proves that the allegation against him is unfounded.

He said, Utusan’s apology is for the defamation suit against the newspaper on the defaming accusation that he received RM500,000 to dissolve Parti Rakyat Malaysia and join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) early year 2000.

Syed Husin who is also the former Vice President (PKR) said the condition was for Utusan to apologise by publishing an apology in the newspaper within 10 days from today.

“I leave the follow-up to my lawyer, L Bani Prakash and the amount of compensation to be received,” he said when contacted by TVSelangor today.

He said that there are two other defamation cases involving Utusan Malaysia regarding Zulkifli Nordin’s statement and expects the newspaper to make an appeal.

The case was over an article on page eight of the March 6, 2010 edition of the Utusan Malaysia under the headline “RM500,000: Syed Husin dicabar lapor polis” (RM500,000: Syed Husin challenged to report to police) and two other individuals regarding the article which defamed him.

Justice Su Geok Yam recorded the settlement statement Thursday in the presence of all parties.

Selangor and Penang PR Governments Step Forward to Strengthen Democracy

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Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM) congratulated the Selangor and Penang PR Governments for moving another step to strengthen democracy in their administration radar.

On 18 September, the Penang Pakatan Rakyat Government, through the State Government Exco meeting, approved in principle the provisions for Assemblymen from the Opposition in Penang (read: Barisan Nasional) and the subsequent approval from the Exco Meeting will be tabled in the Penang State Budget 2014.

Meanwhile, on 10 October, the Selangor PR Government announced special allowances and privileges for the Selangor State Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader.

For Samm, this are valiant efforts in strengthening and educating the meaning of true democracy in Malaysia, in fact, understanding in the long history of oppression in translating the BN-style democracy system, actions such as this is hard to be accepted by various quarters in PR itself.

But if we are talking about a mature democracy, this is the best time to show that PR is different from the oppression politics of BN. We see all this while how PR representatives, especially Parliamentarians, are denied the right to serve the people without even a single cent of allocation being channelled through PR representatives who were voted by the people.

Now, it is a tremendous blow for BN Assemblymen in Penang. Do they want to receive provisions given to them despite Do they want to receive their allocation to them despite their opposition?

If they accept it, then they acknowledge the practice of the BN Government in other states and even the Federal level BN government as wrong to not channel allocations through representatives of the people who were elected by the people. But if they reject it, they will continue to be remembered for their narrow partisan politics and they can no longer complain in front of their voters that they do not have allocations.

Through the Penang State Government, PR proved that political clash is a different matter, but in matters of democratic state governance, the people’s choice should be respected and Penang PR has acknowledged that.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the House (be it the House of Representatives or the state legislative assembly) is very important. But since the independence of Malaysia, it has not been honoured like other countries of mature democracy acknowledge the post.

The Selangor PR Government made a tremendous stride when they allocated RM8,260 per month with plenty other privileges to the Opposition Leader in the State Legislative Assembly.

With this, this position which is upheld through the democratic pr In this position he also transported through the democratic process of the people’s voice can be used to jointly develop the state. Opposition leaders can have complete office efficiency with enough research officers and Opposition leaders can have a complete office efficiency with enough research officer and able to debate and make constructive criticism to state that ultimately benefit the people.

The question now is would the Opposition Leader from BN in Selangor receive the allowances and privileges or will he reject with narrow political party thinking.

If he accepts it, he would admit the wrong practice of the Central and State Governments under BN in denying the role of Opposition Leaders elected by the people.

This is how the politics of the nation should be practiced with policy competition and competition in improvements which will ultimately strengthen democracy and benefit the people.

SAMM has greats hopes to see the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, to make the word ‘transformation’ as his daily chant when tabling the Budget 2014 this Friday which can truly welcome the moves taken by the Penang and Selangor PR Governments.

This move is also positive and everyone should move to strengthen democracy by acknowledging the role of PR members of parliament by taking into account the channeling of provisions through those elected by the people and uphold the role of the Malaysian Parliament by acknowledging privileges for Malaysian Opposition Leaders.

Without that, the ‘transformation’ chant will continue being a rhetoric laughed by those from the country and abroad.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin
Youth Solidarity Malaysia