Tag: Management of Public Funds

Azmin: Najib Most Spendthrift PM in Spending Petronas Funds

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Nov: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the most spendthrift Finance Minister, by forcing Petronas to contribute the highest dividend rates in the country’s history.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali accounted that, except for Najib, there has never been a Finance Minister or Prime Minister who has extensively used Petronas funds.

Based on the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Statics, throughout Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s term as Finance Minister, Petronas had contributed a dividend of RM3.1 billion from 1992 until 1997.

The amount of dividends Petronas contributed when Tun Abdullah Badawi was the Finance Minister was RM9.1 billion in 2004, RM11.0 billion in 2005, RM18.0 for 2006 and RM24.0 billion for 2007.

Meanwhile, during Najib’s term, a sum of RM30.0 billion in dividends have been contributed consistently from 2009 to 2011.

“When Anwar had worked to reduce the national debt, the country spent prudently resulting in income surpassing spending without burdening Petronas and had driven economic growth up to 10 percent. Datuk Seri Najib had taken 10 times more out of Petronas funds.

“The national debt increased five-fold, the budget deficit lasted for 14 years and the economic growth rate is still sluggish at the rate of around four to five per cent,” he said at a press conference at PKR headquarters.

Azmin came forward today to maintain the credibility and ability of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in steering the economy following Najib’s attack yesterday at the Umno general assembly.

Azmin explained that Najib’s economic performance has not once ever surpassed Anwar’s in successfully accelerating economic growth in reaching 9-10 percent during his term as the Minister of Finance.

During Najib’s appointment as the Minister of Finance since 2009, he has reversed the economy’s direction and lead it towards crisis while neighbouring countries such as Indonesia continues to grow rapidly.

In addition, Najib Razak has also failed to overcome debt problems although Anwar had left it in a pretty good shape.

Azmin also said the modus operandi of the attacks against Anwar regarding his economic governance credibility is to use it again for the 13th General Elections (GE-13) to intimidate the people that the country will go bankrupt if Umno-BN is not given the power to rule.

“For the GE-13, people will still choose Pakatan Rakyat. This means that mature people will not be influenced by Umno-BN political propaganda in underestimating the people’s ability to evaluate the performance of the economy under the leadership of Anwar as Finance Minister.



CM: Benefits of the Talam Debt Collection is for the People’s Welfare

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid stressed that the Talam Corporation debt proceeds, valued at RM392 million will be channelled to benefit the welfare of the people.

During the winding up speech at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS), Abdul Khalid said that the land purchases of this GLC is capable of delivering high-value returns through residential and commercial development projects to be planned in the future.

“The results of the collection will save these lands from being confiscated and sold by the bank.

“In fact, we will use these assets to recover the Talam debts to GLCs through Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI),” he said.

He explained that to make sure the debt is guaranteed to be collected, a comprehensive settlement agreement will be signed with Talam.

So far, the overall Gross Development Value (GDV) is worth RM4,146 million for lands purchased by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) and the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

The lands are at Bukit Beruntung (PKNS) worth RM133 million, Bukit Beruntung (PNSB) worth RM2,378 million and Bestari Jaya (PNSB) worth RM1,635 million.

He further explained that the latest assessment on the land at Bukit Beruntung by the Selangor Land and Mines Office on the 26th of November found that the land is estimated to be worth RM475 million based on mixed land status.

This situation altogether reflects the State Government’s success in producing economic and social value through the Talam debt amortisation process.

Selection of Garbage and Solid Waste Contractors Not Influenced by Political Appointment

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that Local Authorities (PBT) are solely responsible for the selection of garbage collection contractors without being influenced by members of the Council.

Ronnie insists that all Council Members appointed by the Local Authorities can only act as observers to ensure that price quotation and tender meetings run smoothly and transparently.

“The State Government through the Local Authorities will make the selection of contractors based on the meeting, of which council members act as observers,” he said at the Selangor State Government (DNS) sitting, here, today.

He was responding to oral questions from Lembah Jaya Assemblyman, Khasim Abdul Aziz, who questioned the reason why Council members were not involved in the open tender policy adopted by the State Government regarding solid waste disposal.

Previously, Ronnie had said that the State Government had openly appointed Council Members to participate in the tender and price quotation committee for the selection of contractors, however this was stopped to comply with the State Financial Officer’s directives.

“The directive stipulates that the members appointed for the committee can only be made up of civil servants and government officials. Political appointments are not allowed in the awarding of tenders.

“Because of that, at the state level, Exco members who are appointed by the Chief Minister only serve as observers in the state committee for price quotations and tenders,” he said.

Tax Cut for Practicing Low-Pollution Lifestyle

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: Various incentives have been offered to the people of Selangor should they practice a lifestyle that minimises environmental pollution.

These incentives include a savings on assessment rates for ‘green’ residences, free parking for hybrid cars among others.

Apart from that, efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be carried out through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

This is according to the media statement by Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong today.

“In Selangor, the State Government is making efforts to provide suitable sites as well as to invite the private sector to set up solar generator sites,” she said following the statement.

The State Government is also making efforts to reduce the amount of carbon emissions through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

Micro Hydro projects that are being carried out with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGO), Shell and UNDP, is being implemented in Orang Asli Villages in Hulu Selangor and the facility to generate energy from residual waste is being executed in Kajang.

Apart from that, the State Government is also actively cooperating with Local Authorities (PBT) and the State Investment Exco to encourage efforts to restore the environment.

The statement also mentioned the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (JPDB) will also be providing the Green Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines for green buildings while the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be endeavouring development projects that meet the Green Building Index (GBI) ratings.

The MBPJ’s accomplishment in acquiring the GBI ratings has altogether qualified it to receive a cut from the Improvement Service Fund (ISF) and an increase in its plot ratio.

The State Government has also signed the Cancun Statement of 2010 agreement which has been endeavoured by The Climate Group as a sign of commitment in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Object Sacking of Politically Motivated Teacher

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The NGO Inisiatif Selamatkan Insan Tertindas (INSAN) or Supressed Individuals Rescue Initiative strongly objects political interference in the management of the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (JAWI) resulting in the sacking of a temporary teacher, Qatrun Nada Mohd Latif from Sekolah Rendah Agama Islam Rancha-Rancha in the Federal Territory of Labuan.

INSAN coordinator, Mohd Faris Abdullah said that as a government agency, JAWI should be neutral and professional in their governing management.

He said that this interference would only taint JAWI’s image as a government body founded on Islam.

“JAWI had also filed to provide a reasonable explanation as to why Qatrun Nada (small picture) was sacked. This issue strengthens the claims that JAWI is influenced by Umno political interests that they are willing to oppress their own staff.”

“This issue is clearly contradictory with JAWI’s own vision of wanting to be a front-runner in upholding Islamic Affairs,” he said to TV Selangor in a media statement.

On the 15th of September 2012, Qatrun Nada had attended a talk organised by Pakatan Rakyat which was delivered by PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She was then investigated and had received a letter of termination on the 24th of October 2012 from JAWI.

The notice that she received however failed to state the reason of dismissal.

Qatrun Nada had then sent a letter of appeal to enquire the details of the grounds of termination. JAWI had only responded that her service was eventually going to be terminated at any given time according to her appointment contract.

Prior to this, she had also received a phone call from an individual who introduced himself as a powerful individual of Umno Labuan on the 9th of October.

During the phone call, that individual had given Qatrun Nada a warning to not get herself involved in the opposition party’s political activities.

On the 22nd of October, Qatrun Nada was called to the Labuan JAWI office for investigation regarding her activities outside of being an educator. Qatrun Nada finally received her one-month notice of termination on the 24th of October which will take effect on the 1st of December.

Mohd Faris also criticised the Umno-BN’s action which used a government agency to curb the political progress of the opposition party.

“As a political party, Umno should understand fully that the right to engage in politics is the right of every citizen of Malaysia which is warranted under the Federal Constitution.”

“INSAN urges the top leaders of Umno to take disciplinary action against individuals involved for executing actions that defames the image of Umno.”

“The disciplinary action is important to show that Umno also opposes any misuse of power in the party’s administration or the administration of the government,” he added.

In relation to that, INSAN will be sending a letter of memorandum to the Director of JAWI, Datuk Che Mat Che Ali on the 29th of November 2012, urging him to free JAWI from any narrow-minded political interference.

MBPJ Asked to Research into Free Buses in Kota Damansara

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The State Government will ask Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Shah Alam Municipal Council (MBSA) to present a detailed investigation and to hold discussions regarding the provision of a free bus service in Kota Damansara.

The matter was brought forward by the Kota Damansara Assemblyman, Dr Nasir Hashim following the lack of public transportation in his area, especially to Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that the State Government and the Federal Government as well as the Land Public Transport Comission (SPAD) are working to overcome the problem.

“I have come to understand that the SPAD has the allocation to actualise the bus service and now talks are underway,” he said in the Selangor State Assembly sitting.

Ronnie added that as of now, the State Government has already provided two free bus services for the people of Putrajaya which is controlled by MBPJ.

“Truthfully, the responsibility of providing public transportation lies within the authority of the Federal Government. The State Government does not have the right to plan. However, we will try to take the initiative,” he said.

Ronnie: Landfill Capacity Enough

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The capacities of 4 of Selangor’s landfills are enough to accommodate waste management or solid waste disposal till its estimated time.

The four landfills are Jeram Sanitary Hill, with an area of 190 acres, a capacity of 2.9 million tonnes has been filled and 5.1 million tonnes left till its estimated lifecycle will end in 2017.

The Batu 12 Sanitary Hill has an area of 169 acres; 0.14 million tonnes have been filled and 8.86 million tonnes still available till 2029.

For the Kuang landfill, it has an area of 27 acres with 0.07 million tonnes filled and 0.67 million tonnes still available till 2032.

Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu said that the State Government will however always be on the lookout for the best technologies that can be used to manage solid waste more effectively and efficiently.

He said that as on now, the State Government has one plant in Kajang that uses ‘Refuse Derived Fuel’ technology that is able to convert solid waste into electrical energy and compost.

“Apart from that, the State Government is looking into a few other technologies which are suitable,” he said in answer to Datuk Amiruddin Setro’s (BN-Jeram) question.

Among them is a technology that changes solid decomposed waste into electrical energy and recyclable products.

Apart from that, Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and incinerators are among the alternatives that have been considered and looked into.

Microcredit Scheme Also For Youth

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: The Selangor State Government will be giving everyone, including youths, the opportunity to start a business via the Urban Microcredit Scheme (Mimbar).

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that in addition to providing services to those who have already started businesses, Mimbar Niaga is opening up opportunities to individuals who want to generate income to improve living standards.

She said that youth who want to start a business will be given the capital, basic equipment as well as consistent guidance.

“Under the Mimbar Niaga programme, the State Government will be providing the basic capital and guidance to participants. This programme is also aims to assist individuals who do not already have businesses but want to give it a shot for a trial period of 6 months. If successful, their businesses can be expanded to a higher level,” she said.

Rodziah said this while answering questions from Amirudin Shari (PKR-Batu Caves) regarding the Selangor Microcredit Scheme (Skimsel) and Mimbar.

Rodiah added that since October this year, 12,175 participants have qualified to receive assistance from both the schemes; 6758 under Skimsel and 5417 under Mimbar.

From the total, 2,962 participants are youths (Skimsel), while for Mimbar, 2,331.

“Skimsel has successfully managed to obtain 97.02% of the returns while Mimbar, 83.03%. Most of the loans are paid back consistently by the participants using the bank services provided,” she added.

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.

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.

Flood Victims Reduced to 893

SHAH ALAM, 17 Nov: The total number of flood victims who are still in evacuation centres as of 3pm today has been reduced to 893 individuals compared to 930 people last night.

According to the National Security Council (MKN) flood portal, victims are placed in Genting Sanyen Hall, Bukit Changgang Public Hall, Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat and Bukit Tadom Hall, Kuala Langat.

These four evacuation centres are still open in the state and there have been no closed roads or fatalities that have been reported so far.

According to MKN, the public is being advised to make sure they boil their drinking water after the flood waters have receded, to prevent from drinking contaminated water.

They should wash their hands with soap before handling food, while preparing food or even when handling objects that have been contaminated by flood waters; including food items that have been contaminated by flood waters.

They should also dispose of food that was left in refrigerators that have been contaminated by flood waters or items that smell foul or have changed colour.