Tag: National News

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.

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.

TALAM Spokespersons: Economics and Law Experts

SUBANG JAYA, 25 Nov: The four relevant official spokespersons regarding the Talam Corporation Berhad (Talam) debt settlement by the State Government were selected because they have expertise in the fields of economics and law.

They are also among the individuals who have delved into the Talam issue in detail since 2010 when the State Government had begun implementing the debt collection process.

Selangor State Investment, Industry and Trade Exco member, Teresa Kok said that the international independent audit firm, KPMG was also appointed to examine the debt collection process to ensure that it is done professionally and efficiently.

Teresa said this to refute allegations of Umno-BN assemblymen questioning the appointment recently at the Selangor State Assembly conference.

“This transaction is conducted professionally and carried out using professional advisers, but they (Umno-BN) insult their expertise.”

“When the State Government asked them to officially make a statement, they did not want to come and now they are talking nonsense behind our backs.”

“They even insulted the professional auditors KPMG’s report,” she said when met at the kampung carnival program, which is a tradition at Kampung Tengah A, Puchong, yesterday.

Early September 2012, the State Government had appointed four individuals as official spokespersons to explain the Talam issue to the public.

They are the Kuala Selangor MP, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Selayang MP, William Leong, North Petaling Jaya, MP, Tony Pua and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Selangor, Faekah Husin

Tony Pua, before getting involved in politics, was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cyber Village Sdn Bhd, a company listed on the second board of the Singapore stock exchange.

He holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economy from Keble College, Oxford University.

Earlier this year, Tony had written a book entitled “The Tiger That Lost Its Roar”, a tale on Malaysia’s political economy.” which is about the backwardness of Malaysian economy.

Dr Dzulkefly is a PAS leader who often writes and debates about economic issues in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Faekah was a lawyer before he was appointed as Political Secretary.

CM: Change PKNS Management Traditions

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim informed that the State Government will now change the management traditions of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to be more competitive compared to the Umno-BN era.

He said that previously, the culture of withdrawing PKNS assets and giving them to a third party happened under the Umno-BN administration.

“For example, previously PKNS had acquired a few hundred acres of land in Kota Damansara however, only developed 10 percent of it. The rest were developed by different party,” he said.

He explained that previously, PKNS had more assets than Sunway and SP Setia but now, PKNS has been long left behind by the two developers.

This problem arose because PKNS accounts were not managed properly.

“Only when they receive money, should they write it down. There were times that PKNS did not pay the State Government. When they receive money, then only should they write it down. Only then will we they have records.”

“Because of that, I want to change the old ways, I want to change the Umno-BN ways. I have managed to develop Permodalan Nasional Berhad previously, even before PKNS. But now look, the investment is exponentially more than PKNS because the records are correct.”

“So do not say that I am not being concerned about bumiputera development,” he said when answering questions from Sulaiman Razak (BN-Permatang) regarding the total amount of PKNS assets that were assumingly ‘lost’ from PKNS during the Umno-BN administration previously.

Further answering additional questions regarding the sales of PKNS assets by Umno-BN, Abdul Khalid stressed that PKNS will not sell five of their commercial assets at the price of RM321 million as claimed.

Instead, all of the assets collected will be transferred to a new wholly-owned subsidiary corporation; Private Real Estate Company (PREC).

“This is a form of reshuffling. The assets will be put into the company. If it involves a corporation, it is not selling because it involves the same company, a joint account. No issue of selling.”

“We will combine the assets to develop the assets. It is common practice in the management of assets.”

“According to the old tradition, when it (assets) is already in the company, there are ‘ghosts’ who want to be share partners. This is no longer so because we are transparent. I purposely want to let everyone see this, let everyone be smart (about it).”

“So if Kuang and Permatang is interested, I can ask the Chief Director and the Deputy Director of PKNS to explain it to whoever wants it to be explained to,” he said.

Youth Unemployment Rate in Selangor Low

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: The unemployment rate in Selangor is low and still remains below 4 percent as a result of the increase in the service sector of the state.

Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco member, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said that the estimate given by the Selangor Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) states that the unemployment rate in Selangor is at 3.9 percent, the same as the year before.

He said that the service sector in Selangor is moving positively, contributing 55 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing more than 20,000 job opportunities each year.

“The low unemployment rate is driven by the expansion of the industrial, manufacturing and service sector, providing jobs including skilled, semi-skilled and less-skilled work as well as professional jobs,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Yunus said this when answering questions from Datuk Marsum Paing (BN-Dengkil) regarding job opportunities for youths in Selangor.

Since January till July 2012, a total of 142 investment projects have come in to Selangor and 13,197 job opportunities have been made available for the youth of the state.

According to the total sum of job opportunities since 2008 till 2011, as many as 102,288 job opportunities have been created in Selangor.

Meanwhile, the State Government is continuously intensifying programs to create job opportunities in Selangor by organising ‘Let’s Work’ (Jom Kerja) programmes every year.

Dr Ahmad Yunus said that to create a group of pro-active youths, the State Government has created a technical training scheme to train youths held at technical colleges in Selangor.

“For example, INPENS college in Selangor is providing technical courses to assist youths from middle (income) to lower (income) groups so that the youth in the state will be able to acquire suitable jobs,” the Sijangkang Assemblyman said.

Appoint Independent Experts to Assess Slope Status

SHAH ALAM, 21 nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Shaari Sungib urged the State Government to set-up a team of independent experts to assess the status of the slope in Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park near Highland Towers.

He firmly said that if the slope is not safe, the State Government should gazette the area and ban any development in the area.

“In the past there have been studies saying that the Highland Towers incident was caused by underground water flow.”

“And now, the construction of the planned condo is only a few meters from the scene. This situation is obviously troubling,” he said during the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting just now.

Recently, Shaari and 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park held a peaceful demonstration to express their opposition regarding the two high-profile projects on the slope near their homes.

One of the projects involving three blocks of 40-storey buildings will be built at Lot 847, near Taman Hillview, while the other project on Lot 5 involves the construction of five blocks of 17-storey buildings near the ruins of the Highland Towers condominium.

It is understood that the two projects will be implemented by two different developers.

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.

PAKSI and MBI Work Together to Initiate Malay Culture Programme

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: In efforts to instil cultural arts in Selangor, the Seniman Paksi Rakyat Organisation (Paksi) has planned cultural roadshow programmes in every district with support from Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) as well as the Local Authorities.

The programme which is themed ‘Ilmuan Budaya bersama Rakyat’ (loosely translated as ‘Learning Culture with the Rakyat’) was held for the first time in Klang. The programme is aimed at spreading cultural arts in hopes of attracting the new generation to understand it and at the same time to popularise the art in the future.

According to Paksi’s President, Che Shamsuddin Othman or better known as Dinsman, this programme is aimed at reviving the Malay heritage as well as to bring back artists that are being forgotten by this generation.

He said that in some communities, cultural arts are exclusive and highly respected. For many Malays, it is as though they have forgotten their ancestral heritage.

“The tradition of Malay art is a reflection of their values, mind-sets and worldview. Like literature, theatrical art is the result of Malay common sense. Cultural arts in the Malay community has existed for ages.”

“However, this almost seems forgotten by the current generation, so we want to pave the way in introducing culture to the children of this generation so that they can preserve the arts.”

“We call this program “Ilmuan Budaya Bersama Rakyat”. We had previously called it “budayawan bersama rakyat “. Why now “Ilmuan Budaya “? The reason is because we want to raise awareness of appreciating knowledge. We want to just have art festivals, but we also want to fill these activities with knowledge, “he said when contacted.

A variety of activities were featured, including poetry recital by the nation’s literary icons Datuk A.Samad Said, Ibrahim Ghafar, Pyanhabib, Sani Sudin and Shaharir Prof Mohd Zain and ‘gamelan’ music performance, ‘cempuling’ , Seranten silat demonstration, and a discussion of current issues with Datuk Dr Anwar Ridwan and songs by Zurinah Hassan.

In the program as well, Paksi will also be presenting the Local Humanist Award.

“We will choose the most qualified cultural figures to be given recognition through this award in every district, in Klang recently we choose the actors, Ruminah Sidek won the award,” he said.

Dinsman said, every organization of the program in nine counties will be applied to variations between the organization, for example in schools, mosques and weddings.

“Although we intentionally make a difference because we are targeting all groups for the program, for example in mosques, weddings and school children, let us close with them,” he said.

The roadshow will be held in nine districts in Selangor which began in Klang, Rawalpindi, Cape Coral and other areas followed starting 10 November.

KASE Receives More Than 100 AES Complaints

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: The counter that has been set up by the Anti-Postal Summons Campaign Department (KASE) have now received more than 100 complaints from road users who have fallen victim to the Automated Enforcement System (AES).

KASE legal advisor, Zulhazmi Sharif said that the counter which has been open since the 21st of November have received many complaints from road users who have received summons through the implementation of AES cameras from all over the country.

He said that he and the KASE Department will make the announcement regarding actions that will be taken to assist those who have received summons.

“As of now, the complaints counter is still open and we have yet to separate them (the complaints) according to states. We will make the announcement regarding the case next week.”

“This is because the earliest court date involving receivers of the summons is the 7th of December 2012 and we will be appointing lawyers to help them,” he said to TV Selangor today.

Meanwhile, the counter which is open every fortnightly at 12pm to 2pm is intended to facilitate those who have received AES summons with legal advice and legal aid, both of which are free of charge.

“In Selangor alone, there are umpteen road users who have received AES summons and it has been informed that only two areas in Selangor have (AES) cameras, which are in Kajang.”

“More shockingly, a road user had received three summonses on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) because it’s his daily route,” he said.

Previously, KASE Chairman, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had mentioned that a group of lawyers would be provided should receivers of the summons agree to go to court and legal services from the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) will be provided to those involved.

Building Luxury Condos on Slope Taken to DNS Sitting

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Saari Sungib will be raising the objection from the people of Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview regarding the building of luxury condominiums on the slopes not far from Highland Towers at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting next Monday.

Saari said that the issue is now under the supervision of Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, and that he will review the matter before taking further action.

Ronnie said that the Selangor State Government, a concerned government, is taking the matter seriously because it involves a huge number of residents and issues regarding their safety and interest.

“The lives and safety of residents is very important and it is the main responsibility of the government to protect these. The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government is pro-rakyat therefore the rakyat is our primary concern. I have already brought the matter forward to the Exco members and we will wait for what further action will be taken to overcome this issue,” he said.

Last week, approximately 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Taman Hillview held a peaceful demonstration to express their objection to the two high profile developments on the slopes near their homes.

One of the projects at Lot 847 near Taman Hillview will comprise of three 40-storey blocks and the other project at Lot 5 involves the building of five 17-storey blocks which will be developed not far from the Highland Towers condominium disaster site.

It has been understood that both the projects will be developed by two different developers.

The residents had surrendered their memorandum of objection to one of the assistants of Zuraida Kamaruddin, Ampang MP.

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

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.