Tag: Menteri Besar’s Programs

CM Starts Off Expedition Participants Promoting Selangor as a Tourist Destination

SHAH ALAM, 1 Dec: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today started off participants of the Suzuki Vitara 2012 Peninsular Expedition by Suzuki Club with the media to promote Selangor as a tourist destination.

The expedition, with about 50 participants and 15 four-wheel drive Suzuki Vitara, will travel 2,500 km through Peninsular Malaysia

According to Abdul Khalid,expedition participants can be considered as Selangor state ambassadors.

“Apart from introducing Selangor as a preferred destination, they also will introduce the Selangorku programme to show that the people of Selangor are following the developments of Selangor.

“They also want Selangor to be developed in a clean and orderly fashion by surveying the facilities and tourism environments of other states,” said Abdul Khalid.

He said this to TV Selangor after starting off the convoy at the Shah Alam Convention Centre Mall this morning.

The expedition was made possible with the cooperation and support of the Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco.

The expedition is expected to take seven days and will end in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Peninsular Expedition Leader, Zulhizam Shahrani said that the expedition will bring a special message all the way across the peninsula through the ‘Selangorku’ message and the Selangor logo,

The expedition convoy will pass through 99% of toll-less roads and village paths not including off-road routes around Terengganu.


Permanent Ownership Offered to Residents of Village Lands

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: The state government will not be issuing any Temporary Occupation License (TOL) to residents who have established settlements on government land.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said, the State Government is more interested in giving them ownership status.

“Therefore we have directed the District Office to determine if they really live there, then we will give them ownership rights.

“This practice is seen to better in the long run as compared to the practice of giving out TOLs as practiced before,” said Abdul Khalid.

He answered questions from the Paya Jaras Assemblyman, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor regarding the land ownership status of state government-owned land in traditional kampungs.

Commenting on the issue of overlapping land ownership, Abdul Khalid explained the State Government will replace the land in cases of overlapping ownership.

However, the replacement of land is subject to the directions of the High Court’s decision, ordering that the replacement will only be made if the error occurs at the State Government level.

“If duplication occurs because of fraud, the responsibility (replacing the land) does not fall in the hands of the state government,” he said.

Over 83.000 join Selangorku Shopping Bonus

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The “Jom Shopping Bonus Selangorku” (Selangorku Let’s Go Shopping Bonus) included participants of the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas) and had received an overwhelming response with the attendance of about 65% of participants from the programme organized so far.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said that a total of 83,551 participants have been approved for the programme as of the 2nd of November.

According to her, the Jom Shopping Bonus Selangor benefits are awarded based on birth year of the participants.

“Now Tawas is distributing the benefits to members who were born in 2008 amounting to 16,000, as estimated and the benefit is divided according to race.

“This programme is a ‘one-off’ gift given during the Tawas participant’s 4th birthday whose registrations have been approved in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011,” she said.

She said this in response to queries by Sekinchan assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim at the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Rodziah said that the RM7.5 million allocation has been provided by Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) for the programme in which RM 1.6 million has been channeled to the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas).

PKNS Should Expand to a Global Level

SUBANG JAYA, 24 Nov: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been recommended to expand its business to an international level and boldly go into new fields of business.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that PKNS should shift its way of thinking and not concentrate solely on land and housing development in Selangor only.

This is to ensure that the body, which has been established since 1964, is able to compete in the business world at a global level.

Abdul Khalid said that PKNS needs to learn business success from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Guthrie Holdings, both of which have managed to expand globally in several strategic businesses.

Abdul Khalid also said that PKNS should model after the Johor State Development Corporation (PBNJ) that has managed to expand its businesses in the Asean region.

“Now, PBNJ is not only successful in land development but it is also successful in providing health services, the plantation sector and several other businesses,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this while officiating the PKNS Family Day at the PKNS Sports Complex in Kelana Jaya.

Meanwhile, PKNS General Manager, Othman Omar said that support from family members motivates PKNS staff to achieve the mission and vision of the company.

“In fact, it is with their strength and support that PKNS has been standing strong for 48 years,” he said.

The programme was organised to strengthen teamwork and strengthen Ukhuwah (brotherhood in Islam) relationships among the staff of PKNS and their families.

Also present was the Selangor Exco, Teresa Kok as well as PKNS Council members and about 2,000 PKNS staff and their families.

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.

Bad Building Management Resulting in Difficulty Getting Free Water Rebate

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Lack of building management and responsibility as well as lack of commitment in the management of free water rebate distribution to residents among the reasons why apartment residents did not get the 20 square meters water subsidy.

This issue involves 3,500 units in 14 low-cost apartments throughout the state.

Housing, Building management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Samad said this when answering Lau Weng San (DAP- Kampung Tunku).

However, 59,127 low-cost units still using central meters in 214 low-cost apartments have already received free water rebates.

From the above total are 5,254 units in the Shah Alam City Council area; 16,604 units in Petaling Jaya City Council area; 8,893 units in the Subang Jaya Municipal Council area, 13, 510 units in the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council area and 6,590 units in the Klang Municipal Council area.

In addition, 5,789 units for the Selayang Municipal Council area; 3,798 units in Kajang Municipal Council area; 125 units in the Sepang Municipal Council area; 300 units in the Hulu Selangor District Council area and 352 units in the Kuala Langat District Council area.

CM Witnesses PKNS Recite the CIP

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) emerged today as the first State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) in Malaysia to recite the Corporate Integrity Pledge (CIP) as an effort to fight against corruption in the business place.

The CIP is a document that allows an organisation to commit to upholding anti-corruption principals by establishing fair and transparent trade free from corruption.

The pledge was signed by the Head Director of PKNS, Othman Omar and was overseen by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Deputy Head Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (Prevention), Datuk Sutinah Sutan.

In his speech, Abdul Khalid said that the ministry is able to reinforce accountability and administration while altogether being committed in creating an organisation that is transparent and absent of corruption.

“I believe with the existence of this system, PKNS can be trusted, and with integrity and honour, clients of PKNS will trust them and with this trust, PKNS will have the opportunity to progress more in developments.”

“This shows the worker’s preparedness to serve with a high efficiency rate as well as being able to follow orders and regulations while keeping employer and company secrets,” he said.

Parallel to the ministry, Abdul Khalid also launched the PKNS Whistle-Blowing Policy which is a channel to receive complaints and give the public and PKNS staff the opportunity to report any discrepancies in implementation activities or disciplinary offences.

Also appointed as the Whistle-Blowing Committee Chairman is the Chairman of the Audit Integrity Committee, Datuk Mohd Salleh Mahmud.

Previously, PKNS has carried out various initiatives to strengthen the management structure.

Among which is the establishment of the Department of Administration and Integrity (JKTI), the establishment of the Department of Procurement, Department of Organisational Management and Integrity, the appointment of the Accredited Integrity Officer and formation of the ‘No Gift Policy’ that discourages the giving of gifts and hospitality.

For the record, approximately 130 Government Linked Companies (GLC), private or organisations, around the country have signed the CIP.

State Government to Inspect Batu Caves Condo Project Planning Permission before Making a Decision

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Decisions regarding the condominium project in front of Batu Caves will be made after thorough inspection to prevent any negative effects to the rakyat and the Selangor Government.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that this approach is different from the Umno-BN Federal Government that is now promising to cancel the project although it was approved by the previous Umno-BN Selangor government.

He said that every project cancellation has to be done professionally, transparently and responsibly by following procedures to avoid negative consequences to the state.

It is being understood that should the project be cancelled without following procedures, the State Government will have to compensate the project developer, Dolomite Park Avenue.

“We are committed in fixing any carelessness and mistakes which had been made by the Umno-BN government before this.”

“However, this has to be done in order and in accordance with policies of the state government which is fair and just,” he said in a press conference after chairing the Exco meeting here, today.

Recently, the English language newspaper, The Sun, had exposed the approval of the 29 storey condominium project by the Selayang Municipal Council during the Umno-BN governance in 2007.

At the Batu Caves Deepavali celebrations last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had declared that Umno-BN will cancel the project should they return to govern Selangor.

In Abdul Khalid’s reply to Najib’s announcement, he said that the Umno president was not professional and that it was a cheap publicity stunt.

“Najib’s actions may bring about negative outcomes to the integrity and respectable administration because any cancellation to the project should be done according to procedure,” he added.

Simultaneously, Abdul Khalid has announced the appointment of Datuk N. Sadasivan as chairman of the Independent Taskforce to study the aforementioned project’s approval.

Abdul Khalid said that Sadasivan, who was the former Head of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) will be assisted by a group of professionals to work freely in the taskforce.

“Among taskforce’s scope of duties is to re-investigate all development projects which have been planned and carried out at Batu Caves taking several aspects into consideration such as, the people’s welfare, the Hindu community’s priorities and the law,” 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.

CM: Use State Reserves to Build Third Bridge in Klang

KLANG, 11 Nov: The State Government will proceed with the construction of a third bridge to overcome congestion in Klang if the Federal Government failes to do so next year, said Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

According to Abdul Khalid, the State Government will use the Selangor-owned reserves to implement the project which had been promised by the Umno-BN Government previously.

He said, during the reign of the former Umno-BN Government, they promise the people of Klang to build the bridge, they had even placed the foundation for the bridge construction.

However, he added, it now is just seen as an empty talk.

“The people of Selangor are the largest contributor to Malaysia. Therefore, next year we will be holding a variety of programs for people in this state. The people of Selangor is the largest contributor to the national economy, now is time to return the yields to the people.”

“Next year, if the third bridge is still not built in Klang, we will build it using state reserves. That way we can implement equitable development in Selangor,” he said while attending the Deepavali Celebrations at Jalan Tengku Kelana, this evening.

Before this, the Central Government had promised a third bridge in Klang worth RM230 million to benefit the community in the area.

The construction of the bridge which began in 2007, has however, still yet to be completed till now by the appointed contractor who is taking his time.

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.

AES Cameras in Selangor Not Legal, PAS Will Help Those Summoned

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 NOV: Selangor road users who have been summoned by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras in Puchong and Kajang can request help from PAS to resolve the summons.

This followed the government of Selangor’s decision which does not approve of the installation of AES cameras in Selangor because they doubted the intentions of the system’s implementation which has been accused of benefiting certain companies instead of reducing accident rates.

Selangor’s Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang were not legal because they had not been approved by the Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT).

“So, because of that, erecting the structure is not legal and if you are summoned in the state of Selangor, you can go to PAS to be brought to court,” said Abdul Khalid to the audience at the Jalajah Merdeka Rakyat talk at Flat Sri Labuan, Cheras last night.

Abdul Khalid said the Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MTES) decided yesterday to delay the implementation of Automatic Cameras (AES) in Selangor until the government of Selangor are satisfied with the way it is implemented.

“The second issue that I have informed the Jabatan Pengangkutan about is that privatisations do not help the people.

“Privatisations are not for reducing accidents, but as a way to get payment and enrich people who gain concessions from said privatisations. We must stop this,” he urged.

According to Abdul Khalid, the concessionaire of the AES project will receive a large profit of at least 17 percent a year.

Meanwhile, Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mehfuz Omar also said the Jabatan Undang-Undang dan Hak Asasi Manusia (JUHAM) and PAS Youth will prepare free legal services to anyone who has been summoned by AES cameras.

According to him, PAS will open counters for any victims of AES to receive free legal advice on the 21st of November at the PAS headquarters at Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

“If you do not want to pay the compound but want to bring it to court, our lawyers will provide free service,” said Mahfuz.

Mahfuz also said the two concessionaires which manage the AES will earn as much as RM 384 million a year, outright allowing them to profit as early as their second year of operation.

Aside from Abdul Khalid and Mahfuz, last night’s Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat talk program also featured PKR’s parliamentary leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.