Tag: News

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: The issue of salary increases for members of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS), which was approved, can be discussed again if there absolutely is the need, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Insisting that he will not postpone the salary increase which is scheduled to begin 1 January next year because it received the consent of all Assemblymen from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Barisan Nasional (BN), he said:

“Insya-Allah (the increase) will continue because the matter has been discussed and approved in the Dewan, however it can be discussed again if necessary,” he told reporters at the DNS lobby today.

Meanwhile, the Selangor PAS Deputy Commissioner, Khalid Samad, said that the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat will try to resolve the salary increase crisis during their meeting on 4 December.

Quoting from The Malaysian Insider, the meeting is expected to ask for explanation of the reasonableness of the salary increase which has raised disquiet from some quarters.

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: Datuk Teng Chang Kim today criticised the Chairman of the Selangor Backbenchers Club (BBC), Mohamed Azmin Ali, who was silent and did not make an objection during the debate session on the salary hike.

During the entire debate session, the Exco for Local Government, Studies and Research said that no one stood up to oppose the motion after the third reading was done despite given the opportunity by the Speaker, Hannah Yeoh.

“He (Azmin) was in the Assembly when the motion for the salary increase was read and passed. He did not say even a word…,” he said.

During the debate session on the salary increase, two Assemblymen, Sekinchan (Ng Suee Lim) and Kampung Tunku (Lau Weng San) debated and supported it.

The Executive Councillor for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment, Elizabeth Wong, said that the proposed salary increased had been informed in a special Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) meeting last weekend.

“In the meeting, we mentioned about the salary increase,” she said.

Azmin, who was me today, however refused to comment on the issue and was instead seen as trying to dodge questions by reporters.

“Thank you.” “No comment,” he said.

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: The move by the Selangor Backbenchers Club (BBC) in objecting to the salary hike for Members of the Selangor State Assembly is being disputed because there no objection was voiced during the motion’s debate.

The Coordinator of the Johor Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), Roslee Mohd Shariff, said that the approval was a collective decision with all Assemblymen and it is unfair for the burden to be placed on Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

“It is not appropriate because only after various parties expressed criticism on the increment, the Backbenchers Club ‘awakened’ from their sleep.

“Does the BBC think that the Assembly is a drama set. They all voted to approve the motion of the increase (salary) in the State Legislative Assembly.

“When dealing with the media, the BBC made a 180-degree turn and placed all the burden of the Chief Minister alone,” he said.

In the press statement which also stated that the Johor SAMM was the earliest to protest, Roslee disputed the actions of the BBC which only voiced their objection after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several others voices their criticism.

“After Anwar Ibrahim issued a statement, the BBC realised, or perhaps when the motion was debated, the Chairman of the BBC was not in the Assembly.

“Enough with the theatrics. The people are not blind.The people are not deaf.What we can summarise is that the Selangor BBC has become a ‘kongkalikong’ (conspiracy) club. What you are performing is clearly an insult to the people’s intellect,” he said.

Checking the DNS live recording shows that Mohamed Azmin Ali, as the Chairman of the BBC, was in the Assembly, particularly when the Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim, debated on the motion.

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: A committee consisting of the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) together with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will be established in efforts to plan the public transportation system in Selangor.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that although the land public transportation plan is under the jurisdiction of the SPAD however the state government will always cooperate by giving their views and feedback on the plans made.

He said the state government through the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) also provides the Selangor Structure Plan 2035 focuses on enhancing and expanding the use of public transport within the integrated public transport.

“The draft of the plan will be presented soon to the state planning department to be reviewed and for approval,” he said when answering queries from the Assemblyman of Kajang, Lee Chin Cheh, on the master plan of the state transportation system at the Selangor State Assembly session today.

Abdul Khalid said that the SPAD has also prepared the draft of the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley Public Transport Master Plan which is the master plan for land transport facilities which includes transportation that is rail-based, buses and taxis.

He said that discussions and feedback on the draft, especially in the context of Selangor, has already been implemented through the organising of a workshop in March last year.

“The state government has also adopted the approach to set up the Public Transport Master Committee which is administered by the SPAD and chaired by the Selangor UPEN Director.

“It is to discuss issues and problems of public transportation in Selangor, and the implementation of projects related to public transport,” he said.

The statement by the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BERNAMA, 26 November 2013), that the delisting of BERNAS is temporary for the purpose of restructuring, and the awarding of 5% of shares to the National Farmer’s Organisation (NAFAS) and 5% to the National Fishermen’s Association (NEKMAT) after re-listing has raised more questions that need to be clarified.

It should be noted that Dato’ Ismail had previously made a statement that the move to re-purchase raw sugar through a long-term contract in January 2012 for a period of three years at the price of USD 0.26/lb is “a smart move made by the government”, where after signing the contract the price of raw sugar plummeted to USD 0.17/lb until now.

The result of his ‘wisdom’ was that the government had to then eliminate sugar subsidies resulting in the people having to bear this high price of sugar until 2014.

Does this restructuring simply mean the dividing of BERNAS shares between government cronies such as the Batu Bara Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd, which currently holds 22 million shares worth nearly RM82 million?

The government, as the holder of the ‘golden share’ in BERNAS should ensure that the BERNAS restructuring programme is carried out properly because this is a strategic industry in the country which will be detrimental to the people if it is not fine-tuned.

So far, there is still no firm assurance by the government that the shares held by NAFAS and NEKMAT will not be affected by this restructuring.

If truly the shared held by NAFAS and NEKMAT will be increased to %, how will they finance the purchase of these shares (estimated to be worth RM0 million) without additional financial burden?

The government also needs to explain how it can be satisfied with the additional shares which are only worth only RM50 million for NAFAS and NEKMAT, in which case their original stake of 10% each maintained since the establishment of BERNAS (through continuous monitoring from the government), at least RM174 more can be distributed to these farmers and fishermen.

How about how the government allows Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar to control BERNAS through the shares held by him amounting to RM1,452 million (at RM3.70 per share)? RM1,42 million given to an individual while only RM174 million is divided by 170,000 rice farmers.

Although NAFAS and NEKMAT have been promised a slightly higher shareholding in the re-listing later on, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar and other minority shareholders who have links with the Barisan Nasional government will receive a larger portion from the restructuring.

The interests of farmers and fishermen are clearly neglected by the government, while the greed of individuals close to the government continue to be prioritised.

This is the betrayal by the government which should be protecting the interests of farmers who toil to ensure that the country’s rice supply is guaranteed. “Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi” (Depended on the fence, yet the fence ate the paddy).

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition Leader
GENERAL CHIEF of PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: The 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund (TP1M) implemented by the Federal Government clearly marginalises states governed by Pakatan Rakyat, Selangor and Penang in particular.

The Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru, Sim Tze Tzin, said that from the RM40 million allocated for 2013, not one application from Selangor was approved and only eight were approved for Penang.

According to him, the Federal Territory received the largest allocation, 74 percent, followed by Johor (10 percent), Malacca (7.5 percent), Perak (4 percent), Penang (3 percent) and Kedah (0.3 percent).

“This makes the Federal Territory the only winner in the TP1M, while Penang and Selangor have high density of low and medium cost flats.

“So the question arises; is there an element of favouritism or political consideration in the awarding of the TP1M?” asked Tze Tzin in a statement.

He was responding to a debate on the committee stage Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in Parliament regarding the TP1M allocation which is far lower and far different from the announcement of RM500 million announced by the Federal Government in 2010.

Tze Tzin said that the minister involved claimed that the RM500 million allocation is for the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) without further commenting on how the remainder RM460 million will be used by 2015.

“We call for the minister to explain the TP1M plan for 2014 and 2015, and whether they will spend the remaining RM460 million allocated?

“I ask for the minister to carry out his duties professionally and transparently in awarding the TP1M, and to ensure that all states in Malaysia are not sidelined,” he said.

The TP1M introduced by the Federal Government in January 2010 was intended to benefit residents especially in low-cost or medium-cost housing areas.

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: The Selangor Women’s Empowerment Centre (PWB) will set-up online sales to facilitate customers, who are interested in the handicraft of women in Selangor, obtain products made and to expand the market.

The Executive Councillor in charge of Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail, said online sales could double their income.

She said, this is because previously the barriers of distance and so on made it difficult for buyers to buy these creative and innovative goods.

“I have discussed with various parties to continue this online method of selling so that every handicraft made by the women of Selangor will not be limited to only the empowerment centre.

“The challenges faced by women in Selangor include time constraints and so on. However, I believe that the women in Selangor can overcome this because the women in Selangor now more mature than before,” she said.

She added that with reforms in this women’s empowerment programme, women in Selangor are able to take part in developing the economy.

“We have to provide guidance and training to these women, regardless of if they are young or elderly, to ensure that women’s empowerment can be maximised.

“With the PWB Mart and online sales, I believe that it will be a destination awaited by all to buy products produced by the women of Selangor,” she said.

Rodziah, who was met when inaugurating the PWB Mart at the grounds of Melawati Stadium said that this shop will be located in Shah Alam.

It will also house a wide variety of merchandise produced by every women’s empowerment centre across Selangor to be market simultaneously.

The ceremony attended by over 600 people consisting of visitors and participants of the women’s empowerment centres across Selangor was also enlivened with the presence of the Executive Councillor in charge of Entrepreneur Development, Dr Daroyah Alwi.

SHAH ALAM, 29 Nov: It has been claimed that the 1Malaysia Clinics are endangering patients because it does not meet the standards set by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, regarding conditions to set-up a health clinic.

Dr Idris Ahmad (PKR-Ijok) said that this includes the failure of 1Malaysia Clinics in providing qualified Medical Officers, as per the minimum requirement for a clinic.

“The 1Malaysia Clinics cheat the people and endanger them because to set-up a clinic, many conditions must be met. There has to be a Doctor, the right door size, a pharmacy and so on.

“The 1Malaysia Clinics, which only provide the services of nurses, would certainly endanger patients if things go wrong,” he said in a debate session at the Selangor State Assembly yesterday.

This situation, Dr Idris said, is contrary to the usual standards of practice which needs to be observed by any doctor who wants to open a health clinic.

He added that the absence of a medical officer or a doctor on duty could endanger patients in the event of an error in treatment or providing the wrong prescriptions to patients.

Dr Idris, prior to serving as the Assemblyman for Ijok, was a gynaecologist and served in several government hospitals before working in a private medical centre in the Klang Valley.

His extensive experience of over 30 years in the medical world made him a well-known gynaecologist in the health industry.

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Most of the Facebook users who visited the Selangorku Facebook page said that the Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and 56 Assemblymen of Selangor have the right to receive an increase in salary.

They think that it is reasonable following the outstanding performance of the Selangor Government which recorded various achievements providing welfare to the people.

This includes the increase of cash reserves to almost RM3 billion – the highest in history, apart from the achievement of bringing in foreign investment totalling to RM50 billion from 2008 till 2013.

Zahrin Muhd agreed with the increase and compared their work performance in managing the administration and finances of the state.

However, he does not agree if their pay is high and at the same time public funds are wasted or misused like in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal worth RM250 million.

Firdaus Ghani said that he did not mind if the pay is high as long as the people live comfortably with whatever is implemented.

“That is why the people of Selangor do not mind that they want a pay rise, it is worth it with what they have done for the people of Selangor,” he said.

Ahmed Hemo said that if the increase in salary can stop them from corruption, then it should be agreed to.

The account owner under the name of Suara Kebangkitan Rakyat said: “It’s ok. The state reserves have increased to RM2.7 billion. If compared to Khir Toyo’s time, it was only at RM00 million in 2007,” he said.

For Nazri Ridhuan, if the Assemblymen take care and administer the state well, there is no problem with the increase because the people benefit and leaders are also appreciated.

“…not like the central government…extravagant, debts piling up…if they wanted a salary hike then it is certainly not warranted,” he said.

However, the other half were less comfortable with the rate of the increase despite agreeing that it should be increased.

“I agree to the increase in salary, but not too high for certain positions,” said Afiy Shah,

Zahid Razali said: “The increase is too much. Prioritise the people in Selangor first. Many people in Selangor have low income.”

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: The salary of the Prime Minister which has been portrayed by pro-Umno media, which is allegedly lower than the salary of the Chief Minister, Executive Councillors and Assemblymen, is inaccurate.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, suggested all parties to conduct detailed checking on the monthly income of the Prime Minister before making a comparison.

“Check properly. The Prime Minister’s salary is far higher than this. Perhaps his (Prime Minister) salary is the same as my previous salary (two fold) before becoming Chief Minister,” he said.

When speaking to reporters at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) lobby today, Abdul Khalid said that the increase is reasonable because they used the Sarawak’s leader’s salary system as the indicator.

Although many have reservations about it, he said that the rate of increase is far lower from workers in the private sector.

“The income is appropriate for representatives of the people and Excos because they do not need to look elsewhere for money, as done by the ministers in the Central Government, to pay for their work.

“It is normal for such an increase in income to happen. That is why we are doing it openly.

“When they (Sarawak) tabled and approved (salary hike), no newspaper told of it. But when Selangor does it, because we are a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state, now they report it,” he said.

The DNS session yesterday approved the salary hike for all 56 members of State Legislative Assemblies with effect from 1 January; the last was done in 2004.

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: The annual surplus of the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) for every local authority in Selangor will be added to the road maintenance fund for future use.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khali Ibrahim, said that apart from the development fund, surplus of the fund will also be placed into the state reserves so that it can be monitored.

He said that the state government will not hesitate to give appropriate allocations to any local authority which has high commitment to maintain roads in their area.

“The surplus (allocations) will be distributed based on the road length conditions and if the road that needs to be taken care of is longer.

“This means that local authorities will receive allocations that are more appropriate with the formula that we will implement,” he said.

He said this when answering a verbal question from Dr Yaakob Sapari (PKR-Kota Anggerik) regarding the receiving and spending of the Marris allocation from year 2008 till 2012 during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session today.

Abdul Khalid, who is also the Assemblyman for Port Klang, said that the state government, so far, has already spent about RM1.35 billion in the period of five years to maintain roads throughout Selangor, from the RM1.75 billion allocation from the central government.

SHAH ALAM, 28 Nov: Everyone has been asked to stop politicising the issue of the salary hike for the Chief Minister, Executive Councillors and Assemblymen of Selangor.

The Selangor Backbenchers Club Deputy Chairman, Dr Abdul Rani Osman, criticised those who are making a big deal out of the issue when the same salary hike in Sarawak did not receive coverage from the mass media.

“Why is it that when the allowance for Assemblymen in Sarawak increased, the issue was not made a fuss of? All Assemblies in the country will increase the allowance of Assemblymen in stages.

“There is no problem. In fact, from the perspective of Islam, there are no restrictions as long as it is done the right way,” said the Selangor PAS Commissioner in a press conference at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) lobby today.

Previously, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) approved the salary increase for the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, senior ministers and Assemblymen, with a higher total increase compared to Selangor.

However, the Meru Assemblyman said that the BBC denies that the increase is contained in the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister recently, which instead touched on the issue of provisions for the people.

“The memorandum was in reference to call to channel allocations directly for the welfare of the people,” he said, adding that Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders too welcomed the increase in salary.

Promising to continue to serve the people well, the Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim, said that the increase is not to be luxurious or proud, instead it is to increase commitment to care for the welfare of the people.

“The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) political culture is to eliminate the element of corruption. We do not take projects from outside compared to former (BN) representatives of the people.

“Representatives of the people from PR should have an adequate allowance so that we do not take projects or sweep-up land. Previously, BN did not care about allowances, but placed importance on projects.