Tag: Management of Public Funds

Dr Halimah: Selangor IPT Improves Facilities for People With Different Abilities

SHAH ALAM, 13 Dec: State Government will improve facility accessibility for people with different abilities (OKU) at Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT) owned by the State Government.

The action was taken after getting ‘input’ from the class representatives at the Student’s Day launching themed ‘Excellent Students, National Pillars’ which was held yesterday.

This was according to the Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Exco, Dr Halimah Ali, when met by TV Selangor after the launch.

“We are deliberately seeking students with different abilities tonight to get their input.

“So after we have heard this, we have reviewed that there is a need. Perhaps the needed amenities are insufficient and not OKU friendly as we have previously wanted such as OKU friendly Local Authorities (PBT) and we will implement this too at State Government-owned institutes of higher learning.

“We will take action so that the amenities are sufficient for people with different abilities,” said Halimah.

Earlier, in a speech by a student with different abilities, Mohd Abdullah Mohd Yusof, apart from being thankful for the invitation by the State Government to express his views, he also suggested that the State Government take measures to improve the accessibility for the group in institutes of higher learning which are owned by the State Government.

He added that the move will not only reflect the State Government’s concern for people with different abilities, but it will also be a model to the Federal Government and other states.

31,931 Selangor Children Receive Gift of RM31.7 Million for their Studies in Institutes of Higher Learning

SHAH ALAM, 13 Dec: A total of RM31.7 million was spent by the State Government in the IPT (Higher Learning Institute) Gift Programme since it was introduced in 2008.

In the program, a total of 31,931 children of Selangor that successfully managed to further their studies in Public Institutes of Higher Learning (IPTA) and private institutes received benefits from the programme.

According to the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, the measures were taken following the State Government’s attentiveness in ensuring that the children of Selangor are not left behind in continuing their studies in any higher learning institutes in the state.

Abdul Khalid said this when launching the Student’s Day at the Silver Jubilee Banquet Hall at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, Shah Alam, last night.

According to Abdul Khalid, the State Government assumes that students should be appreciated and cannot be marginalised because they are an important part in a community in the country and particularly, in Selangor.

“The State Government, although is busy in continuing endeavours to develop the state, increase state revenue through tax collection and investment for the benefit of the people, however, the leaders of our government still have the space and opportunity in thinking about the state and welfare of the students in this state,” Abdul Khalid said.

Meanwhile, a student, Adzkia Amana who is majoring in Communication Sciences, Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM), Nilai, said that the Federal Government and other states should emulate the measures taken by the Selangor government in creating a Student’s Day to honour these people.

“I am very happy with the initiative taken by the State Government in having a Student’s Day and I am thankful for their concern as well as knowing how to appreciate this valuable group that should be taken care of,” said Adzkia.

Helmy Khusairy, a student majoring in Human Resources Sciences at Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS) said that the measures taken by the State Government in creating a Student’s Day is a boost to undergraduate students to be the students that the Selangor Government hopes to have.

Earlier, the launch of 2012 Student’s Day with the theme ‘Excellent Students, National Pillars’ last night, was estimated to be attended by almost a thousand students from public and private institutes of higher learning from the whole of Selangor and neighbouring states.

Among them were students from the University of Malaya (UM), University Technology MARA (UiTM), The National University of Malaysia (UKM), University Putra Malaysia (UPM), the University of Selangor (UniSel), Selangor International Islamic University College, Selangor Education Industry International College (INPENS), Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM), Nilai, International Islamic University (UIA) and others.

The launching ceremony was also attended by the Chief Minister’s wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut, Education, Higher Education, and Human Capital Development Exco, Dr Halimah Ali, Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco, Iskandar Samad, Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi and Meru Assemblyman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman.

The Student’s Day was spearheaded by the Selangor State Government and is also set to become an annual event on every 12th day of December every year.

Selangor Still Ideal Investment Destination

SHAH ALAM,12 Dec: Selangor still remains as the main destination for investors among all other states when it recorded a total investment of RM7.68 billion which covers 24% of the total amount of investments in the country.

Investment, Industry and Trade Exco, Teresa Kok said that for the period of January till September 2012, Selangor has retained an excellent investment momentum with 186 manufacturing projects being approved.

These projects have provided 16,076 job opportunities for nine months recently.

This amount surpasses other states in terms of the total investment received.

She said that the total of approved investments in Selangor, 71% or RM5.47 billion were domestic investments.

Meanwhile 29 per cent or RM 2.21 billion were from foreign investments.

“Local investors are major contributors and this indirectly shows the local investors confidence and trust in the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership.”

She said this at a press conference at the State Government Secretary’s office today.

Meanwhile, Sabah ranked second with total investments of RM4.84 billion followed by Sarawak, at third place with RM4.68 billion.

“Selangor recorded a total of 186 projects approved or 32% out of the total projects throughout Malaysia,” she, who is also the Kinrara Assemblywoman, said.

Teresa said that from the total amount of projects, 112 of them were new projects with a total investment of RM4.74 billion.

Meanwhile, 74 projects were expansion projects and others with a total investment worth RM2.94 billion.

Lajim Declares that Umno Sabah Never Accepted RM 40 Million.

PETALING JAYA, 11 Dec: Beaufort Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin declared that Sabah Umno never accepted political donations worth RM40 million from businessman, Michael Chia.

The declaration is conflicting with the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s claim last October, that the money is for Umno Sabah.

The declaration was made in a statutory declaration (SD) dated December 10, 2012, at the office of the Commissioner of Oaths Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu High Court, Sabah.

According to Lajim in the SD, Nazri’s alligations in Parliament was so that corruption claims that involved the timber concessions corruption against Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Michael had to be dropped.

On 9 October, in a House of Representatives session, Nazri told that the RM40 million which was channeled from Michael to Musa was a political contribution to Sabah Umno and not to Musa personally.

Nazri had made the statement after media reports stated that Michael was arrested at the Hong Kong International Airport on suspicion of trying to smuggle illegal money of S$16 million (RM 40 million).

According to media reports at the time, Michael claimed that the money belonged to Musa.

Lajim held the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah until 2004 and Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government until August 2012.

He is a former member of the Sabah Umno Liaison Department.

He said there has never been any discussions, declaration, any evidence of business deals, transactions or arrangements, statement reports or evidence stating that Sabah Umno had benefited from the RM40 million donation.

“Therefore, I conclude that the Minister’s statement to Parliament is not true, deviating and is intended to cover-up larger issues.

“That is the alleged abuse of power in awarding logging licences in Sabah which only benefits some people while the people and the state of Sabah did not get fair returns of investments,” according to Lajim in the SD.

Lajim suspects that logging licences in Sabah are often awarded to individuals who are close to leaders of the Sabah Government.

Lajim also suspects that the illegal funds are kept abroad by using specific agents before being channeled back to the main political leaders in Sabah.

Lajim said that he is willing to come forward to help the investigation of any party in this logging scandal.

“I am confident that my experience, knowledge and insight regarding the way Umno and the government at the Federal and State levels work will help the investigation,” said Lajim in the SD.

Meanwhile, PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi Ramli told the media that the SD is one of the evidences which will be submitted to the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to initiate an inquiry into the scandal.

“His position as a member of the Umno Supreme Council and the Umno Sabah Liaison Department should guarantee that he will also be notified should such a big contribution be made to Sabah Umno,” said Rafizi at a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.

State Government Countersues Conspirators Exploiting Single Mothers

KLANG, 10 Dec: The State Government will make a counter suit to the conspirators involved regarding the allowance for single mothers which was claimed to not be delivered by the State Government which is being administered by Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that the countersuit was made because it involves the integrity of the State Government which has been slandered by some unscrupulous people.

She said that the State Government has so far amortised many welfare programs and has not ignored any despite political differences.

“We have received summons letter from Messrs Kamarudin & Partners and our side is looking into the suit while the state attorney is preparing a number of documents for us to make a counter suit,” she said to reporters after the Selangor ‘Thank You Chief Minister’ Programme for the State Government’s contribution of free water supply to Bukit Kuda Apartments, here.

She said that more than 2,000 single mother nominees have allegedly not received the single mother assistance will also be checked for validity of their claim.

Previously, 2,020 single mothers in Selangor had filed a lawsuit worth RM10.9 million against the State Government and the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim for allegedly failing to give the single mothers allowance as contained in the 12th General Election Manifesto.

The lawsuit was filed by Messrs Kamarudin & Partners at the Shah Alam Registrar of the High Courts recently.

In the claim, it was stated that the State Government and Abdul Khalid, who were named first and second defendants, failed to pay the single mothers allowance of RM100 as promised in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Manifesto for 54 months starting from the 1st of April 2008 till the 30th of October 2012 to all plaintiffs totaling to RM10,908,000.

Rodziah explained that the ‘allowance’ specified in the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto during the last elections did not specify money as the form of assistance given to single mothers, instead it prioritises those who are eligible.

But, it is a form of assistance which is delivered through a number of programmes such as the economic programme which involves mothers like the Women Empowerment Programme through the Centre of Women Empowerment (PWB), Urban and Rural Microcredit Schemes (MiMBAR and SkimSel), Selangor SOHO Single Mothers Empowerment Programme and the Farm Women Microcredit Scheme (WALA).

She also advised the single mothers involved to not be a ‘saddle horse’ (hack) for any other party for the benefit of political parties.

“I dare say that they are only ‘acting’ of allegedly being betrayed by the State Government because they are pressured or have been cheated by other political parties,” she said.

Free Water for Apartments: SYABAS Terms Makes Troublesome for Residents

KLANG, 9 Dec: Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) action in setting strict conditions for the migration process of central meters to individual meters is the main cause as to why the Joint Management Bodies (JMB) and apartment residents cannot enjoy the free water supply given by the Selangor State Government.

In sharing experiences in dealing with the application, Batu Kuda Apartment JMB Chairman, Ahmad Ibrahim said that the State Government has actually eased the migration process however SYABAS has not given their full cooperation other than imposing stringent procedures.

He said that among the conditions imposed by SYABAS is requiring 100% of the residents consent including making new application through the ‘Switch Meter Clearance’ (SMP) form for each individual and to provide a meter deposit of RM130 per home.

In addition, the residents are required to pay the total amount of overdue bills and all plumbing costs as well as the costs of changing the meters are incurred by the owners.

“The conditions prescribed are very troublesome. Naturally they (Syabas) should understand that to execute all such conditions is not easy, many problems are faced by the residents and JMB.

“My experience in dealing with the applications was that the applications took a year to finalise after being rejected several times by SYABAS that I had to go to the SYABAS headquarters to try to get the free water (supply),” he told TV Selangor.

Ahmad further recounted the story of how the JMB of his apartment was forced to withdraw management funds of RM15,000 to advance the payment of outstanding bills.

He said that not only did he have to do that, but he also had to find the real owners of each apartment unit to get their consent.

“I personally sent notices to 450 apartment units to get their feedback. I faced many problems. That was just in the beginning. I only managed to find half of the owners. In the end I managed to collect them all (applications) after subsequent steps were taken,” he said.

In addition, he explained, the residents had to pay RM45 for each apartment unit for the modification of their meter while the JMB had to pay Rm5,000 for meter reparations.

“If calculated, the cost for modifying the converted meters of 450 housing units has incurred a huge sum which is RM20,200. That is by doing it ourselves. If we had hired a contractor, the price would probably be doubled,” he said.

In relation to that, he said that due to the conditions imposed by SYABAS, residents of other apartments have yet to enjoy the 20 cubic metres of free water apart from the fact that they are not getting cooperation from the residents themselves.

“Every resident should understand, as well as the JMB, do not blame the State Government, perhaps the application that has been sent to SYABAS is not complete,” he said.

Meanwhile, resident Hartila Md Daud, 42, thanked the State Government for always being caring towards the people.

“I hope that people of Selangor continue to support the current State Government in administering the state and to successively go on to Putrajaya because I have seen and felt it myself, the State Government has lightened my family’s burden by a lot,” she said.

Another resident, Imran Ismail, 44, hopes that the State Government will continue to take care of the people who are consistently being overwhelmed by the high cost of living.

“With this, the free water supply and many other assistance programs, it has to some extent been able to reduce our, the people of Selangor’s burden,” he said.

CM: Support PR for Development Spur

SUNWAY CITY, 9 Dec: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim urged the people to continue to support the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership in order to spur the development of the state in a time of peace and joy.

According to him, as a big family, people Selangor cannot be ignored in any kind of development because every success achieved by the state is a success for all.

“I hope that you will all support us so that we can make this state a state for all.

“This celebration (event) is part of the people of Selangor because it (Selangor) is multi-racial.

“(The celebration) not only unites the people of Selangor, but we are (part of) a big family.

“(So) we do not want to leave them behind in the development of the state because of our success is the success of everyone,” he said during the Selangor State Level Christmas Day Celebration at Sunway Pyramid Resort here yesterday.

He added that the State Government will definitely implement various forms of development, with full responsibility, including the completion of projects abandoned by the previous Umno-BN administration.

“We have a balanced budget (for 2013), but we also have a huge government savings reserve of more than RM2.5 billion.

“On of the purposes of this reserve is to be used on the people of Selangor.

“The State Government has allocated not more than RM500 million for the development of the people of Selangor through the construction of the new bridge in Klang.

“I believe that the people of Klang will get the bridge that was promised by BN on the 4th of March 2008. We will do this for the people.

“We will build the same bridge, with the same model and expenses not exceeding RM200 million,” he said.

Also present at the celebration were Selangor Excos,Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Elizabeth Wong, Ean Yong Hian Wah, Klang MP, Charles Santiago, Subang Jaya Assemblywoman, Hannah Yeoh and Rawang Assemblywoman, Gan Pei Nei.

At the same event, Selangor Executive Councilor, Dr Xavier Jayakumar represented the Chief Minister in presenting the ‘Non-Islamic House of Worship Fund’ worth RM30,000 to the Church of Shekinah Glory.

In addition, contributions were given to four schools which are to the SJKT Puchong PTA with a total of RM30,000, SJKT Ladang Tumbok PTA, Sepang, RM15,000, SJKT Teluk Merbau Sepang PTA, RM15,000 and RM10,000 to the SJKT Tun Sambathan PTA of Petaling Jaya.

Not left out were nine welfare homes where each home received a contribution of RM2,500.

RM50,000 For Selangor OKU Sports Association

KLANG, 8 Dec: The Selangor Government has contributed RM50,000 to the Selangor Sports and Recreation Association of People with Different Abilities (OKU) also known as PESRON which was received by the Chairperson, Sahidon Hamzah.

This contribution is for the sponsorship to the National Paralympics Championship 2012 that will be held in Kuantan, Pahang.

The contribution was presented in the form of a cheque which was handed over by the Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco, Dr Yunus Hairi at the ceremony which was held at the Klang Municipal Council Sports Complex here.

Dr Yunus Hairi in his speech said that the concept of ‘sports for all’ is an effort to create a healthy and vibrant society.

He said that sports activities should be practised at all levels as it is able to contribute to the sports excellence in this country.

The two paralympic athletes who were successful in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London should serve as an example to those who excel in sports.

“Sports is not just for health-care and to obtain medals, but it is the ability as an industry.

“Sports as an industry will provide significant economic returns,” he said.

He said this at the Closing Ceremony of the Selangor stage OKU Sports Carnival.

The ceremony was organised by the Selangor State Youth and Sports Department together with the Selangor Recreation Association of Persons with Different Abilities (PESRON).

Virtual Business for Mimbar Participants

SHAH ALAM, 8 Dec: The Selangor Urban Microcredit Scheme (Mimbar) will create opportunities for virtual businesses (internet) among Mimbar entrepreneurs in the effort of improving participants income.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that virtual business is among Mimbar’s latest steps to create more competitive entrepreneurs through the generation of internet businesses in the state.

“Virtual business is not strange in the business world today.

“In fact, it can also highlight products that have been produced by the people of this state in order to penetrate a wider market,” she told reporters after the Batu Tiga division Mimbar Participants Get-Together function at De Palma Hotel, here.

She said that Mimbar participants will be given, in stages, a computer learning course beforehand.

“The State Government has already provided cyber cafes in every State Legislative Assembly (DUN) respectively. Therefore, first they would have to register at the Batu Tiga DUN Service Centre.

“Next, we will gradually ask them to attend the course which will be held weekly.

“We want them to actively promote products that have been manufactured by entrepreneurs of this state to markets outside the state and also abroad,” she said.

So far, more than RM10 million has been allocated to the programme while a total of 5,426 people are eligible for loan application.

Habibie: Cultural Pluralism the Strength of a Country

SHAH ALAM, 6 Dec: Former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof Dr Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (BJ Habibie) reminded everyone to preserve cultural pluralism for the strength of a country.

Taking Indonesia and Malaysia as an example, Habibie said that these two countries have long practiced cultural pluralism which has brought about unity amongst races.

“Pluralism is a symbol of a country’s strength and it must be defended by all societies.

“This practise has created more tolerant and accommodating societies,” he said in his speech during the Public Speaking programme entitled ‘Habibie and Indonesia’s Transition to Democracy’ at the University of Selangor (Unisel) this morning.

In his speech, he also reminded every leader to always maintain a positive attitude in administration as well as to endeavour to improve elements of culture, religion and technological mastery.

Habibie had taken office in May 1998 when Indonesia was hit by the political and economic crisis during that year.

He was recognised as a President who is responsible for freedom of expression, association and free media – the principles that were constrained during the rule of the previous president, General Muhammad Suharto – in Indonesia.

Also present were the Chief Minister of Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,
State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Teng Chang Khim and Selangor Executive Council members.

In his speech, Abdul Khalid said that the success of the Selangor People’s Alliance or better known as Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in promoting prudent governance, transparency and concern for social justice is the result of a democratic administration practised since 2008.

Abdul Khalid said that the effect of this practise is prevalent when Selangor managed to achieve success in terms of financial governance, investment and human capital development as certified by the 2011 Auditor General’s Report.

According to him, the State Government has prioritised programmes that involve welfare and skills training for women, persons with different abilities (OKU), senior citizens and children.

The principle of openness has also encouraged the Selangor PR to implement various measures to eradicate corruption within the administration.

“Corruption will oppress the less fortunate and give rise to social injustice.

“Corruption is also caused by bureaucratic red tape in the administration system.”

Rodziah: Efforts to Eliminate Challenges for OKU

SHAH ALAM, 4TH DEC: People with Different Abilities (OKU) should be acknowledged and be given the opportunity to play an important role in the development of the nation.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail says that these roles can only be played if physical and non-physical obstacles can be eliminated.

“The State Government is working its hardest to implement changes in terms of facilities in stages so as to eliminate existing obstacles and to improve efforts in aiding the OKU to increase their competitiveness.”

“All efforts planned and implemented by the State government needs to be accepted by leaders at all levels including corporate bodies and infant companies of the State, State Assembly, Council Members, Resident Leaders, Community Leaders in moving towards a society that is caring and considerate of People with Different Abilities (OKU).”

People with Different Abilities (OKU) Day is celebrated on the 3rd of December annually since 1994, in line with the United Nations’ Resolution announcing the International People with Different Abilities Day on the same date. The UN theme this year reads ‘Removing Barriers to Create and Inclusive Accessible Society for all’.

According to her, all barriers and obstacles faced by the OKU have varied aspects that need to be addressed urgently such as education, family life, health care, social development, employment, socio-economic issues and others including employment opportunities within the government.

“By taking on these jobs, it will help them create the foundation for themselves in making sure that their rights are protected and they have equal access to basic necessities, just like everyone else.”

“I ask everyone from all of society whether from the government, politicians and lay people to commit in providing sufficient access so that the OKU can forge a path forward without obstacles,” she added.

BN Failed to Finish Home Ownership, No Land Premium Deduction Given

SHAH ALAM, 1 Dec: Although Umno-BN had governed the administration of Selangor for over 50 years, not only have they not given discounts for residential land premiums for the people, but they have also failed to resolve residential land ownership issues faced by the people of this state.

This situation shows that Umno-BN lacks determination in helping the people of Selangor when they were previously, governing the state.

However, the problems have finally been solved when Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took over the administration of Selangor in March 2008.

This is according to Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco, Iskandar Abdul Samad’s statement in a press conference at the Selangor State Assembly Annex Building lobby, yesterday.

“Previously they did not do it, now all of a sudden they say that they can do it, let’s not just talk about reduced premiums, they cannot even give land approvals, however we have solved more than 6,800 land ownership problems left over by Umno-BN.

“What guarantees that they can reduce premium rates? It all depends on the people and whether or not they choose to believe that they can reduce the premiums because during their administration, they had failed to resolve land ownership problems,” he said.

When PR took over the administration of Selangor in 2008, a variety of problems, including issues that have been lingering for almost 20 years that were abandoned by the previous government, have been solved by the current government.

The Selangor Umno-BN had previously promised to solve the problem of home ownership and to reduce land premiums should they return to power in the upcoming 13th General Elections.