Tag: National News

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.

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.



Umno Deputy Women Chief of Semporna Joins PKR

PETALING JAYA, 30 November – Deputy Women Chief of Umno’s Semporna Division, Sabah Kalasahan Abdul Salam declared her withdrawal from the party and resigns from all her positions in the party with immediate effect today, to join PKR.

This decision was made due to the breakdown of leadership in the Umno Semporna Division particularly the Division Head held by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, one of the three Vice Presidents of Umno.

According Kalasahan, she has served for two terms since 2004 to 2012 and found that the leadership of Shafie is that of a dictatorship rule which makes Umno Sempoerna seem privately owned.

She added that the Sempoerna Division of Umno’s leadership leans towards participating in division, exclusion and marginalisation which is contradictory to the party’s concept.

“The nature of favoritism, cronyism and nepostism continues to be a practice and is denser in the Semporna Umno leadership pattern. They (Umno division) are far off track.

“Umno Semporna is also not managed based on the party’s constitution. The lack in transparency is too much in the administration and divisional meetings as well as in the Umno Semporna Division,” she said witnessed by PKR Deputy President, Azmin Ali.

She also explained that as the Minister of Rural Development, Shafie has also failed as a whole in his duty to develop Semporna.

“I also regret and repent regarding the sabotage carried out by the party leaders towards BN Bugaya State Assembly candidate in the 11th General Elections (2004) and the BN Sulabayan State Assembly candidate in the 12th General Elections in 2008.

“Those who had committed this sabotage were given special protection from the Umno leader of Samporna who also holds the position of the Semporna Umno Division Chief,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kalasahan’s husband, Abdul Habi Mustpha insisted that the issue of his ‘sacking’ which was in the media should be corrected as he had already left Umno on the 17th of November.

“Five days after my resignation, the announcement was made which involves a wide broadcast stating that I have been sacked from Umno.

“Why should I be sacked when I had already left Umno. This shows rapacity in Umno,” he said.

He also said that Shafie’s failure in developing the community of Samporna is clearly revealed when the district ranked last in the results for primary and secondary school examinations.

No Choice Should Parliament be Dissolved in March 2013

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: The State Government has no other choice but to also dissolve the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) should the Federal Government choose to dissolve Parliament in March 2013.

This was according to the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s DNS postponement speech today.

“I do not see Parliament being dissolved in December, so should it be dissolved in March, Selangor will have no other choice,” he said.

Earlier in his statement, Abdul Khalid said that the State Government will not follow suit in dissolving the Selangor State Assembly should Parliament be dissolved before the results of the “My Selangor is Clean” study is derived.

My Selangor is Clean Programme is a programme that examines the validity of the registered voters in Selangor.

Meanwhile, Speaker Datuk Teng Chang Kim in the conference closing, said that he was satisfied with the performance and the cooperation shown by the Selangor State Assemblymen.

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.

CM Satisfied with State Assembly Proceedings, Confident In Solving Water Issues Through Discussion

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: The State Government is adamant that the Langat 2 Plant and the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor should be discussed with the Federal Government to come to an understanding in resolving the issue.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the State Government and the Federal Government should discuss thoroughly in finalising the restructuring of the water services industry under a Holistic Model.

He added that the current water services which is not holistic will continue to be an inefficient management of water and it would burden the consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“Selangor Water Supply Company Limited (Syabas) will no longer be able to handle water distribution because of financial deficits and debts to water treatment operators worth more than RM400 million as well as failing to pay royalties worth RM3 million to the State Government ,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in a press conference after the closing speech of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) today.

He also called on the people of Selangor to continue to support the restructuring of water services industry to ensure a more efficient water supply at a reasonable price.

In the meantime, he was satisfied with the way the DNS proceedings went which not only proves that the State Government has successfully presented a balanced budget, but it also managed to deliver the Talam White Paper and report the debt status regarding the restructuring of the water industry.

“I congratulate all members of the council who took part in the debate, I accept suggestions, criticism and arguments that can improve the State Government.

I would like to thank the Speaker, Datuk Teng Chang Khim for running the fifth term of the Assembly sittings smoothly and well,” he said.

Minister Lied, DOE Never Supported the Batu Caves 29-Storey Condo Project

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Chor Chee Heung lied when he claimed that the Department of Environment (DOE) had supported the 29-storey condominium project in Batu Caves.

Instead the DOE, in a press release dated January 24, 2007, clearly did not support the project that is being developed by Dolomite Industries Sdn Bhd.

However, the project developer stubbornly wants to continue the development regardless of DOE’s stance.

This was according to Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong in her press conference at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) Annex building lobby today.

“DOE never issued the letter of support as claimed by the Minister of Housing in the Malaysiakini report entitled “Chor: Dolomite submits engineering solutions” dated 19 November 2012,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth also showed the DOE report which was signed by the Selangor DOE Director, Rosli Zul, that clearly opposed the development as it could potentially cause landslide problems.

Elizabeth also said that until now, nine blocks of the commercial building project has been completed but still unoccupied as it has yet to received the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Previously, during the era of the Umno-BN administration, Selayang Municipal Council had given the planning permission for project, located about 180 metres from the Mahamariamman Temple in Batu Caves.

However, the project has received objection from Hindus who are concerned that it will affect Batu Caves’ soil structure as it is their place of worship.

Former IGP Accuses Hishammuddin of ‘Interfering’ in Police Duties

PETALING JAYA, 28 Nov: Former Chief of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan today accused the Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein of ‘interfering’ in the duties of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP or PDRM in Malay).

He said that Hishammuddin had given orders directly to junior officers and a district police chief without his knowledge when he served as Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Previously, Musa had worked for four decades in the RPM and had led the police force for four years since 2006 before being replaced by Tan Sri Ismail Omar on 13 September 2010.

Musa said that the actions of the Minister to give directions to police officers is not appropriate because it is against the provisions of the law.

“So, I had highlighted to him (Hishammuddin) Section 4 (1) of the Police Act (1967, stating) that the direction and control of the police is under the IGP and not under the authority of the Minister.

“Of course, I cannot be rude to him because Hishammuddin is a minister.

“I spoke to him very politely. He did not like it, “said Musa.

He said this in the Increased Crime Rate Special Press Conference at a hotel here.

Also participating in the press conference was the Chairman of the Malaysian Crime Watch Task Force (MyWATCH), R Sri Sanjevan, of which Musa has became a patron of.

He said that there had been complaints from police officers who said that they had received orders not from (their police superiors) but from the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).

“In fact, the ministry may issue directions now … Who has the power now?”

“Something has to be done by the top management of the police to correct the issue; which is not right,” he said.

According to Musa, he is giving this advice so that the police force will improve the quality of their work and maintain the image of professionalism.

When asked whether the current IGP, Ismail Omar had lost control of the police force, he said that the IGP himself should give an explanation.

“Tan Sri Ismail Omar himself, as the Chief of Police, should and (can) correct the situation,” he said.

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.

CM: State Investment Strategy Now Effective

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: The investment strategy adopted by the State Government is now effective, less risky and does not reduce state reserve savings.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the short term strategy that the State Government is using is to invest in bank deposits in country’s banking institutions.

“The strategy taken is to invest in bank deposits where we will get back our returns and not lose our capital,” he said.

He was responding to a question from Philip Tan Choon Swee (BN-Telok Datok) on the returns of investment in Selangor that has allegedly decreased according to the Auditor General’s Report 2011.

In the meantime, as of October 31, 2012, the State Government’s savings reserve has increased to RM2.570 billion.

Abdul Khalid explained that previously the State Government had made an investment in company shares on the stock exchange and government-owned companies however did not receive profitable returns.

He said that according the records from five to 10 years ago, the State Government did not have the expertise in investing in shares traded on the stock market.

“We are not encouraged to invest in the stock market for example … the capital of what was invested in Japan has been lost … if the investment capital before was worth RM3, now it is only RM1,” said the Ijok assemblyman.

Iskandar: 29 Percent of Abandoned Projects Completed

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: Since Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had taken over the state administration last September; the State Government has completed 29% of the 49,451 housing units which was abandoned by Umno-BN.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that the State Government under the leadership of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has taken the initiative to immediately resolve problems faced by the people.

He explained that the problem was a legacy left by the previous government under the leadership of Umno-BN and that it has been taken over by PR which is concerned about the Selangor people’s needs.

“From the 49,451 abandoned houses like residences and commercial buildings, we have managed to complete 14,245 units as of September which involves 19 areas in the whole of Selangor.”

“Apart from that, the State Government has also planned a state-wide welfare refurbishment programme (Ceria) with a total rotation fund of RM9.7 million where 17 areas involved in the programme for Phase 1 has been fully completed where else 33 of the 52 areas in Phase 2 have been completed apart from Phase 3 which will start with 93 areas,” he said in a press conference at the Annex Hall lobby here, today.

Also present were Meru Assemblyman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman, Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco member, Dr Halimah Ali and Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco member, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi.

Iskandar said that after more than four years, approximately 92% of apartments have benefitted from the free water initiative which was offered by the State Government.

According to him, an agreement was made with Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) to loosen the clauses to hasten the transition from central metres to individual metres.

“Other efforts undertaken was the establishing of the Permai Task Force to encourage migration such as the Hands-On programme as well as the Concerned Committee to solve problems at multi-levelled housings regarding the individual metre changing process,” he said.

He said that the State Government had also built 1,682 Affordable Housings in areas in Bandar Baru Bangi, Bukit Botak, Kajang and other places.

Apart from that, he said that 1,215 more units will be built in Phase 1 from 2010 to 2013 while 9,481 units will be built from 2014 to 2018.

“Umno-BN’s efforts in building low-cost housing has encountered many problems and the State Government is introducing affordable housings which are better and cheaper compared to the houses under the same, PR1MA concept by the Federal Government,” he added.