Tag: Members of Parliament

Apostasy Happened in the Umno-BN Era, They Should Blame Themselves, says Tuan Ibrahim

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: The Umno-BN government should blame themselves on the issue of Muslim apostasy because as history proves it happened at the time of their administration when some Muslims’ applications were approved for the very same purpose.

PAS Information Chief, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said apostasy in Islam is a big offence and should not be allowed.

According to him, the statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, that last year there were 168 apostasy applications approved, and should be seriously contemplated by the Umno-BN government before blaming others with issues of which legitimacy is still unconfirmed.

“We too feel strange at how religious councils can approve apostasy because if taken from the viewpoint of Islam, apostasy is a capital offense and it should not be religious departments or ministers that are responsible for making the approval.”

“Instead those who want to renounce should be guided and faith should be preserved through guidance councils or faith strengthening programs. We feel disappointed with the statement when their application is approved, that is precisely the clarification we need from him (Jamil Khir),” he told TV Selangor when contacted here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said, for PAS leaders, the issue regarding PKR Vice-President, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was suddenly amplified by Umno-BN leaders with reports in mainstream media that is under their control.

He said that the issue should not be politicised and Nurul Izzah herself should respond to clarify the statement she made.

“What exactly was said? When we reviewed the report by Utusan Malaysia, Utusan Malaysia clearly slandered and manipulated the truth.”

“I think this issue is not to prevent and preserve the faith because previously Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who insulted Islam, was not criticized by Umno-BN leaders at all and the also statement by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) who reject Hudud law,” he said.

In a forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” that took place recently, Nurul Izzah as a panelist was alleged for making a statement that freedom of religion should apply to all, including the Malays.

Nurul Izzah, however, denied the matter and appeared to clarify things at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) last Saturday.

People’s Mega Rally on January 12 To Overcome BERSIH 3.0

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: ‘Million People Mega Rally Demanding Eight Reforms’ is expected to be able to overcome the turnout of the BERSIH 3.0 rally on April 28.

The expectation is based on a significant increase in awareness among the people of this country when claims for clean and fair elections have been rejected by the Election Commission (SPR), resulting outrage from the people.

In addition, the overwhelming response from the public to the People’s Uprising Assembly held at Taman Seremban Jaya, Senawang recently is giving measure to what kind of response would be received by the mega rally.

The Organising Committee of the Advocates, Hishamuddin Rais told TV Selangor today, after non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections Coalition (BERSIH) held its meeting last night.

“We see it like this, if the People’s Uprising Assembly in Seremban is held in a rain storm and is able to pull 20 to 30 thousand people, this is capable of being even bigger than BERSIH 3.0.”

“I think this rally is even more mega than mega, even bigger than big, more thorough than thorough, and I would like to call upon the people of the country to show our unity in demanding our rights as citizens of Malaysia,” remarked Hishamuddin.

However, he declined to reveal further details today’s meeting and only reveal it in a press conference to be held on the 29 of November.

In that same press conference information on roles that the NGOs involved will play, including BERSIH.

He said, the organizers will also be planning carefully to patch-up any weakness that were present in previous rallies.

According to him, apart from BERSIH, the rallies that will be held in Kuala Lumpur is also joint-organized by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Abloish ISA Movement (GMI) and others.

“The assembly will be held in Kuala Lumpur, but we have not confirmed the exact location yet, whether it will be at Merdeka Square or elsewhere,” he continued.

CM: No Need for Elections to Help the Rakyat

KLANG, 12 Nov: Improving the quality of life of the rakyat should be done completely without alienating or denying the rights of certain races, says Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

He said that only with a balanced development, racial and cultural harmony can exist and be enjoyed together.

“The people of Selangor are feeling the economic development made by Pakatan Rakyat (PR). Selangor people have already been feeling the distribution of allocation consistently to each race since 2008.

“We do not need to wait for the elections to allocate funds, but it is given every year because it is the right of the people,” he said while attending the Deepavali Celebration at Jalan Tengku Kelana, here yesterday evening.

The ceremony was organized by the Selangor State Government in collaboration with Digi Telecommunications.

Also present, was Selangor Excos, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Ronnie Liu and Dr. Yaakob Sapari, MPs and Selangor assemblyman as well as the Head of Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Ikhsan Mukri and MPK Council members.

At the same event, the State Government also contributed a total of RM1.2 million to a number of non-Muslim places of worship around Klang.

In the meantime, the Chief Minister said that the State Government along with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have devised strategies to implement programs for the development of Tamil schools in Selangor.

“Hopefully, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Tamil Schools Board of Governors make use of the opportunity and the space available to help these governmental initiatives for the benefit of children who are studying in Tamil schools,” he said.

Tee Yong Not Qualified to Challenge Bandar Tun Razak Seat

KUALA LUMPUR, NOV 9: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry 2, Datuk Chua Tee Yong is not qualified to challenge the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat because he is said to have a track record far minuscule compared to Abdul Khalid’s excellent accomplishment as Minister of Selangor.

Tee Yong has also failed in ensuring that the ministry under him has successfully collected debts of RM250 million from the Wanita Umno chief Datuk Sharizat Jalil’s family controlled company National Feedlot Corporation (NFC), that was supposed to commence payments last January.

On the other hand, Abdul Khalid does not only have an excellent track record over the past four years in leading the Pakatan Rakyat’s Government in Selangor, but he had even managed to collect every sen of the RM392 million debt from Talam Corporation left by the previous BN government.

The following was said by the Petaling Jaya Utara MP, Tony Phua at the People’s Freedom Tour program held at Flat Sri Labuan, Cheras last night.

“He says we did not successfully collect the debt from Talam Corporation, however (independent auditor) KPMG confirmed that we have successfully collected it, but for this cattle project, the government had prioritised in issuing the loan amounting to RM250 million to the family of Datuk Sharizat Abdul Jalil, and until today the Federal Government has yet to collect a single sen from the NFC.

“I would like to ask the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Datuk Chua Tee Yong from MCA, who is competing for Bandar Tun Razak, can they guarantee that they will be able collect every sen from the RM250 million of the public’s money given to the family of Datuk Sharizat Jalil to buy luxury condos in Bangsar, Singapore, Kazakhstan and other places we are not aware of.”

“They have no right to contest in Bandar Tun Razak because they are not equal to the success, achievement and transparency of Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who will be competing in Bandar Tun Razak,” said Tony Phua.

Phua also reminded voters of Bandar Tun Razak regarding Abdul Khalid action in blocking the increase in water tariffs twice; 35 percent in 2009 and 25 percent in 2012, because he did not want to burden the people.

Additionally Abdul Khalid also managed to save RM100 million of public funds each year when he made the decision to terminate the Alam Flora’s contract and replace them with a new contractor through open tender.

The People’s Freedom Tour which was held in rainy conditions received more than 2,500 people from Bandar Tun Razak.

Aside from Tony Phua, the program also featured PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Abdul Khalid and Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

More Tadika Rakyat, Proposed State Government

PETALING JAYA, NOV 10: The State Government has proposed to build three more Tadika Rakyats in Serendah, Kampar and Dengkil to facilitate children from low income families to receive preschool education.

The constructions of these kindergartens are the continuation of the two existing kindergartens in Taman Sentosa, Klang and Kampung Lindungan in Petaling Jaya.

Hence, Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar, welcomed parents who cannot afford preschool education to send their children to these kindergartens.

“This kindergarten is open to all races. Therefore, people in this area, do not miss the chance to register your children.”

“In addition to the low fees, children will also be exposed to early childhood education,” he added.

He said, pre-school education is the first step to prepare children before the commencement of
statutory education.

“Based on research, there are still 30 percent of children who are not enrolled in any preschool because they cannot afford the monthly fee.”

As a result, many children are left behind in terms of education like not knowing how to write, count or read.

This causes them to fall behind their peers when they eventually enter primary school and this causes serious problems in the long term.

“Lack of exposure to education in the early stages is among the factors that contribute to social problems,” he said during the Tadika Rakyat Kampung Lindungan launching ceremony here, early this morning.

The Tadika Rakyat at Kampung Lindungan is the second branch that has been built by the State Government along with the non-governmental organization (NGO), Child Information, Learning and Development Centre (Child).

The kindergarten is reserved for families earning below RM 1,500.

In addition to providing comfortable learning, students are only charged as low as RM 20 per month.

The kindergarten costing about RM 460,000 has been equipped with eight classes and is able to accommodate about 20 students per class.

The State Government has provided RM 50,000 for each of the kindergartens.

Also present was Local Government, Research and Development Exco, Ronnie Liu, Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Taman Medan assemblyman, Haniza Talha, Kelana Jaya MP, Gwo Burne Loh and Deputy Mayor of Petaling Jaya, Puasa Md Taib.

500 Gather in Protest Against AES

MANJUNG, 9 NOV: “AES Protest” urged Transportation Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha to cancel commencement of the Automatic Enforcement System (AES) within a week.

Joint Coordinator, AES Protest, Saifullah Zulkifli stressed that any efforts to combat the issue of accidents are welcomed.

Nevertheless, AES implementation is suspicious and a burden to the people.
“Protest AES gives a duration of a week to Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha to cancel implementations of the AES and to respond to the protests.”

“If the reverse happens, another gathering of ‘AES Protest’ with leaders of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be held at parliament,” she said in a press statement.

She said this after the People’s Gathering in Protest of AES that was attended by 500 supporters in Setiawan, Perak today.

The first gathered at Masjid An-Nasyirah, Sitiawan after Friday evening prayers and later moved towards the Cho Ha’s office who is the Lumut Member of Parliament.

A memorandum of protest against AES has proposed four reasons for the system’s rejection.

The four factors stated in the memorandum are the background of the two companies chosen and the suspicious deal of privatization.

The memorandum also states that accidents are not only caused by speed and that the implementation of AES will only add to the people’s burdens.

“Protest AES state their regret at the cowardly attitude of Lumut Member of Parliament, Datok Seri Kong Cho Ha in not facing the people directly and only sending an office clerk to accept the memorandum,” he added.

The gathering was attended by Pakatan Rakyar, NGOs and social leaders.

Amongst the leaders present who gave speeches were representatives of PKR Perak, Chang Lih Kang, Dr Raja Ahmad Iskandar who represented PAS Youth Assembly of Perak, Siti Aisyah Sheik Ismail as representative of PKR and few other NGO leaders.


5th December Assembly at Putrajaya for MyKad, Birth Certificate Issue

SHAH ALAM, 9 NOV: An assembly organised by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be held in the compound of the National Registration Department (JPN) headquarters in Putrajaya, 5th December next year if the government does not solve the case of missing MyKads and birth certificates involving the Indian community in this country soon.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Vice President N. Surendran said there are almost 300,000 reported cases of the missing documents among the community so far.

“We will allow a period for the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the government to solve this matter as soon as possible or we will go through with this large assembly,” he said when contacted by TV Selangor here today.

He said many Indian communities are denied the ownership of MyKads and birth certificates even though they were born in this country and are citizens.

Following that, he added that the community had to face many problems, such as children not being able to participate in the school environment.

“In one case, 10-year-old S. Logeswaran’s mother has a MyKad, but her father does not even though he is born in this country. As a result the government refused to issue Logeswaran a birth certificate.

“Logeswaran was not able to participate in the school environment. In three years she has only attended school for three weeks when she was forced to stop,” he said, convinced that there are still many cases like this involving other children who are denied the right to education.

Surendran said his party demands that the UMNO-BN-led government solves the matter immediately or they will face the people’s resurgence.

“Today, we are announcing that PKR, together with other PR allies, will have a large assembly at JPN Putrajaya next December. We will not leave until we receive a clear answer from the authorities at JPN,” he further added.

National Zoo Vist Organised by Sungai Pinang State Assembly Cultivates Interest in Nature

AMPANG, 9 NOV: Cheer was evident on the faces of the Standard 3 students of SRJK Pin Hwa when they were taken to visit the National Zoo.

The school’s first excursion under the ‘Ranger Kancil Zoo Negara Tour’ program organised by the Sungai Pinang State Assembly Office had provided exposure and cultivated the students’ interest in nature.

According to their Mandarin (language) teacher, Loo Boon Pei, there were those amongst the students that were visiting the National Zoo for the first time.

Physical Education and Science teacher, Shawn Khor Joo Huat was of the opinion that activities such as this have the capability to further expand students’ minds so as to be more actively involved in the learning process.

“A worthwhile program. I can see the students so excited and happy during the visit.”

“Services provided by the zookeeper were also good. They explain about what is available students were able to actively participate.”

“For the students, this is something worthwhile and meaningful. They do not just leisurely walk around, but they get to learn new things, “he said.

190 students attended this third program.

Previously, this program was organized by the State Assembly (DUN) office for SJKC Pin Hwa and SJKC Kong Hoe.
Overall, a total of 525 students and 56 teachers from DUN Sungai Pinang have benefited from this program.

The DUN has allocated nearly RM 29,000 for the three visits to the National Zoo; this includes the cost of the bus rental and food.

According to the Sungai Pinang assemblyman Datuk Teng Chang Kim, this program gives students the opportunity experience first-hand what is available National Zoo.

“This program is one way to help schools fill in the gaps in the education curriculum.”

“We have seen a positive reaction from students’ that are excited when they are brought here”.

“There are probably busy parents, so we are of the opinion that this program is beneficial to them,” he said when met at the foyer of the ‘Show Amphitheatre’, at the National Zoo”.

Teng, who is also the Speaker of the State House, said that he would recommend that this program be part of the Selangor state education program.

Meanwhile, the Department Head of Education at the National Zoo, Junaidi Omar said he welcomes this kind of interactive programs with schools.

“We provide message and education. This is a platform to communicate with the concept of recreation and education”, he said.

Selangor Government Denies Developing Selangor Foundation Land.

Klang, 09 NOV: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid deniesd charges of former Selangor Foundation alumni regarding a plot of land belonging to the said Foundation in Klang which is to be developed as a Chinese Cultural Centre.

According to him, the State government has yet to decide on any plans regarding the development of the said land.

Also, it is clear that the 7.49 hectares of land officially belongs to the State government.

He explained that previously, the land had been given to a private company in 2002 by the Umno-BN government at the time.

Since the company failed to develop the land, the Selangor government nullified the deal and reclaimed the land.

Abdul Khalid also denied permission had been given to develop the land into a Chinese Cultural Centre.

“The company empowered by the Selangor Foundation failed to develop the land privately.”

“Additionally, five to six people including individuals from Umno has written letters to me requesting to develop the land,” he explained in a press conference following the opening of the Halal Fest at Masjid As Syariff, here.

Obviously, the deal was nullified due to its one-sided nature.

“It is stated in the deal that the Selangor Foundation had transferred its powers to the company.”

“We will develop the land except that we have no plans at the moment,” he said.

One newspaper reported that the Children of Selangor Foundation Acting Members Chairman, Badrulzaman claimed that the said land belongs to the Foundation and will be developed as a Chinese Cultural Centre.

They also claimed that permission had been given in a rushed manner to back up the Selangor Foundation.

Khalid Ibrahim Will Defend Bandar Tun Razak

KUALA LUMPUR, 09 NOV: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will return as a candidate for the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary seat in the upcoming 13th General Election (GE-13).

While announcing Abdul Khalid’s candidacy, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim encourages voters of Bandar Tun Razak to give their full support to Abdul Khalid, also the Chief Minister of Selangor.

Anwar also reflected how Abdul Khalid will also be given a big role at the federal level should Pakatan Rakyat conquer Putrajaya in the upcoming elections.

“This Tan Sri Khalid, as Chief Minister he has a big role, at Federal Government he also has a huge role, taking care of the nation’s economy,” said Anwar in the “Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat” talks at the Sri Labuan flats in Cheras last night.

In the GE-12, four years ago, Abdul Khalid defeated Datuk Tan Chai Ho from Umno-BN with the majority votes of 2,515, winning the Bandar Tun Razak chair.

Along with being Member of Parliament (MP) for Bandar Tun Razak, Abdul Khalid is also State Assemblyman of Ijok, Selangor.

The “Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat” program that was held last night received an encouraging reception when approximately 2, 500 people flooded the location despite the rain and mud.

Besides Anwar, also delivering a speech in last night’s program was Abdul Khalid, North Petaling Jaya’s MP, Tony Phua and Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

Nurul Izzah Present to Lodge Complaint to JAIS

SHAH ALAM, 9 NOV: The Deputy President of PKR, Nurul Izzah Anwar met with officials Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) today to lodge a complaint regarding her statement on religious freedom claiming that it had been twisted by pro-UMNO media.

“Alhamdulillah, I have come to JAIS to state the truth to the director of JAIS, Datuk Marzuki (Hussin) and Alhamdulillah, JAIS had shown good co-operation,” Nurul Izzah said in a press conference at the JAIS headquarters here.

“I had attached the slanderous newspaper clippings from Utusan Malaysia as well as my explanations and the transcript,” the Lembah Pantai MP said.

The meeting with Marzuki and three other JAIS officials took about 45 minutes. Nurul Izzah was accompanied by Fadhlina Sidek.

According to Nurul Izzah’s lawyer, JAIS had co-operated well in the meeting and that they are waiting for JAIS’s reply regarding their next action.

“From time to time, we will be providing updates. It’s not about surrendering and not about giving statements, we are just clarifying the truth,” said Fadhlina.

In a media statement, Marzuki confirmed Nurul Izzah’s visit to JAIS to pass clarification on the issue.

Nurul Izzah’s political secretary, Fahmi Fadzil informed, the writ of summons against the Umno-BN controlled press is now undergoing preparations.

Nurul Izzah indicated that the reports in Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian had twisted her statement in the forum “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” in Subang Jaya on the 3rd of November.