Tag: Menteri Besar’s Statements

Majority of New Land-Owners are Malay

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Since the State Government had taken office four years ago, nearly 7,000 land titles have been issued.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim informed the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) that more than half of these owners are from the Malay community in Selangor.

A total of about 3,833 recipients are Malays, Chinese 1,994 while 1,171 are Indians.

Abdul Khalid when answering questions from Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim, also said the State Government is promoting collective land applications.

All applications that meet the conditions, are complete and are in order will be approved by the State Government.

“However, there also issues which make it a problem for us to approve the people’s applications,” the Ijok Assemblyman said.

Among the issues faced by the District Land Office are applications that involve government reserves such as road and river reserves as well as technical problems between the situation of the land and the different parishes of land that require separate reports.

Selangor to Provide Homes For Poor Urban Dwellers to Rent

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: The State Government plans to provide poor urban dwellers with homes for rent as a measure to make sure all the people in Selangor have homes.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the matter has to be carried out as not all people in this state can afford to buy a house or own their own homes.

“The matter is very important and must be discussed from the aspect of policy making.”

“I have found that in order to provide homes for entire families in Selangor, we should not only undertake strategies to sell houses to the people but, also allow them to rent homes.”

“We will start working on it so that in the future,whether they are owners or tennants, no one will be homeless.”

He said this in reply to a supplementary question by Lembah Jaya Assemblyman Khasim Abdul Aziz at the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid said that the State Government’s efforts to build more low-cost and medium-cost houses will be carried out continuously.

He said that the State Government will create a new strategy of using an allocation of RM50 million from the state reserves to increase construction of Affordable Homes in Selangor.

Cancel Development on PKNS Field: CM Discuss With Excos

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Seri Setia Assemblyman, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s motion of wanting the State Government to just cancel the application of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Field Land Development in Kelana Jaya will be discussed with the Excos and parties involved, says Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

According to Nik Nazmi, the application under the Petaling Jaya Local Plan 2 (RTPJ2) also does not have to be brought before the board of appeals because it has been proven that there has been document falsification regarding the application.

“If possible, the State Government should stop the application immediately because the people clearly want the field to be saved.

“For me it would be best if the State Government is able show a good example by retracting the application for the PKNS land development,” he said.

Elaborating further, Abdul Khalid said that he would take into consideration the opinion of the Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (SELCAT) as well as the Board of Appeals.

The SELCAT report last week had found no evidence to say that there is an element of deception regarding the issue of the field development.

However, the SELCAT Chairman, Datuk Teng Chang Kim did not deny in the report that the officers in the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Planning Department were reckless in carrying out their duties, incompetent and unprofessional in drafting the RTPJ 2.

Previously, the issue was raised when the PKNS wanted to develop the PKNS field in SS7 Kelana Jaya near the Damansara Puchong Expressway into a commercial project.

The State Government then decided to bring the issue to the SELCAT public hearing after being proposed by the Seri Setia Assemblyman in June.

CM: Selangor Land Not For ‘Rental Boss’

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Land for commercial activities such as businesses or farms will be sold at the market price so that the profits of the sale can be channeled to the state and the people.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that this is different from the previous Umno-BN administration’s approach that had given out land without fair valuation.

Abdul Khalid said that the land will only be given to owners who are entrepreneurs or owner-operators.

It is not for ‘rentiers’ or ‘rental bosses’ ie those who want to lease or rent land to others.

“Unlike the past where the land given away too cheaply, we will now offer the land according to business policies and current prices.

“The money we get back will be used in turn, to benefit the people,” he said answering oral questions from Dengkil Assemblyman, Datuk Marsum Paing regarding the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) that have been given to farming operators.

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.

If the Federal Government Has No Money, The State Government is Ready to Advance It

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: Selangor is ready advance the state reserve funds for the maintenance of infrastructure to provide comfort to the people should the Federal Government issue a letter of guarantee in black and white to repay the sum.

However, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim urged the Federal Government to fulfil its obligations as these are part of its responsibilities.

To smoothly facilitate this, the State Government will set up a special team consisting of the Chief Minister, the State Financial Officer, the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and the Public Works Department (JKR).

“The special team will present to the Federal Government any projects or infrastructure which have to be developed by the Federal Government.

“If the Federal Government gives an approval letter in black and white to a project using state reserves and agrees to return the money, the State Government is ready to advance the state’s money,” he said.

Abdul Khalid, who is also the Ijok Assemblyman said this during his winding up speech concerning the development allocation of RM59.6 million for the year 2013 which has been approved for the Public Works Department (JKR) .

He also defended the open tender system in the awarding projects adopted by the State Government since taking over the state.

He added that the practice has proven to save about 20 percent of JKR’s allocated funds.

He explained that each contractor is only allowed to profit around eight to ten percent to avoid them from distributing projects to sub-contractors.

“Once an acquaintance told me that he had won a contract worth RM2 million but did not know anything about how the project was carried out.

“This is because according to him, he had won the tender because he knew the Chief Minister (at the time) and had just divided the work to sub-contractors.

“The is the practice that we are changing,” said Abdul Khalid.

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).

Syabas has No Right to Approve New Project in Selangor

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: The Selangor Government has issued a directive to the Local Authority (PBT) to resume with the planning permission which has been applied by developers to implement new projects.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that the duty of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS) is to supply and distribute treated water only.

Hence Syabas has nothing to do with the approval of the new factory, housing and commercial centre projects in the state.

“This is because we believe that if Syabas cannot execute the water supply services, then Syabas will be taken over by the state government,” said Abdul Khalid.

He said this at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting debates concerning the Public Works Department (JKR).

Before that, the Permatang Assemblyman, Sulaiman Abdul Razak has appealed for an explanation regarding Syabas’ actions of not approving the new factory, housing and the commercial centre projects.

Syabas was found to refuse approval for the new commercial and housing projects giving the excuse that there is not enough water supply in Selangor.

“The State Government has provided a team to assist in the distribution of water in Selangor,” said Abdul Khalid.

CM: Selangor Intensifies Fatwa Explanations, Curb False Teachings

SHAH ALAM, 27 Nov: Fatwa explanations to the general public will be exacerbated to cultivate an understanding of the Fatwas at state and national levels, says Selangor Religious EXCO, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Abdul Khalid says that there are two kinds of Fatwas at state and national levels, which are released by the Selangor Mufti Department.

“I believe that there are many matters that have been decided on that needs a public explanation, especially on the matter of multi-level graves”.

“How do we overcome the problem of grave space in crowded populations,” he said at the Selangor State Assembly Hall during a debate on the 2012 Selangor State Budget.

Besides that, he also will discuss with the Selangor Mufti Department on the issue of false teachings that are being revived within the State.

“Many Fatwa’s address issues of false teaching including the newly included Arqam which needs to be corrected.”

“I will discuss with the Mufti department and how we can solve the problem of understanding and akidah in the country by providing a wholesome and wise explanation,” he further added.

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.

More Than 80% of PR Selangor Manifesto Accomplished

SHAH ALAM, 23 Nov: The State Government has stressed that almost the entire Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Manifesto made during the 12th General Elections (GE-12) has been accomplished by focusing on the people’s welfare.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that it is estimated that more than 80 percent of the manifesto, which includes social programs that the State Government, has been implemented gradually since 2008 until now.

He firmly said that the state’s economic growth has been the focus to ensure that all promises made in the manifesto can be implemented as soon as possible and that the results of the state development can be felt by every citizen of this state.

“In fact the whole manifesto or rather all programs that have promised by PR during the 2008 general election can be wholly realised to benefit the people.”

“From the figures we have already implemented more than 80 percent. In fact, if we look at and examine the Umno-BN manifesto in GE 2008; include fighting corruption, till now, such activities are still prevalent.”

“The implementation of this manifesto has taken place, but it will take time to be fully realised,” he said during his winding up speech of the debate on the 2013 Budget during the State Assembly (DNS) sitting today.

Earlier, DNS Opposition Leader , Datuk Mohamad Satim Diman claimed that the State Government had failed in fulfilling the GE-12 and that in fact, new issues have risen highlighting the shortcomings of the Selangor PR government administration.

Besides characterising the 2013 Selangor Budget as described by Abdul Khalid in his retort, Satim said that there are still many issues that have not been answered involving the welfare of the people in Selangor.

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.