Tag: Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

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.

Tax Cut for Practicing Low-Pollution Lifestyle

SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: Various incentives have been offered to the people of Selangor should they practice a lifestyle that minimises environmental pollution.

These incentives include a savings on assessment rates for ‘green’ residences, free parking for hybrid cars among others.

Apart from that, efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be carried out through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

This is according to the media statement by Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment Exco member, Elizabeth Wong today.

“In Selangor, the State Government is making efforts to provide suitable sites as well as to invite the private sector to set up solar generator sites,” she said following the statement.

The State Government is also making efforts to reduce the amount of carbon emissions through several Micro Hydro projects and the provision of facilities that are able to generate energy from residual waste (RDF, Refuse Derived Fuel).

Micro Hydro projects that are being carried out with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGO), Shell and UNDP, is being implemented in Orang Asli Villages in Hulu Selangor and the facility to generate energy from residual waste is being executed in Kajang.

Apart from that, the State Government is also actively cooperating with Local Authorities (PBT) and the State Investment Exco to encourage efforts to restore the environment.

The statement also mentioned the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (JPDB) will also be providing the Green Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines for green buildings while the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be endeavouring development projects that meet the Green Building Index (GBI) ratings.

The MBPJ’s accomplishment in acquiring the GBI ratings has altogether qualified it to receive a cut from the Improvement Service Fund (ISF) and an increase in its plot ratio.

The State Government has also signed the Cancun Statement of 2010 agreement which has been endeavoured by The Climate Group as a sign of commitment in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

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.

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.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Killed, Mirzan Respected

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Nov: Defaming and restricting PKR youth leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli is Umno-BN efforts in killing off the prior’s political careers and cover-up any Umno-BN administration biasness.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that these actions were also to deny the rise of the younger generation who are capable in leading the nation to greater heights.

He said that Nurul Izzah, Lembah Pantai’s MP, is now vilified as a leader that encourages Muslims to freely choose their religion and commit apostasy.

Meanwhile, PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi, is prevented from having a press conference in Parliament following his exposure of Umno-BN frauds such as the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) project that involves more than RM250 million.

“We should encourage these kinds of people who are targeted by them (Umno-BN) to kill off Rafizi and Nurul Izzah’s political careers,”

“They see the excellence in these youths and therefore they should be beaten down. They are slandered.”

“Do not allow Umno-BN ministers to destroy our children. What did Rafizi’s do wrong in exposing the issue of the RM250 million fraud?

“They sweep-up all of the Umno-BN leaders, electrical and major contracts are all swept-up”

“They now defame Nurul Izzah of asking Malays to renounce their religion. They do not even care about her explanation.”

“They disregarded the statement by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad when he insulted the prophet,” he said when he challenged the pro Umno-BN Ulama to state the truth.

Anwar said this in the inaugural Pakatan Rakyat (PR) talks in Setapak here last night. More than 3,000 people attended the talks which PKR President, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail and other leaders of PR attended.

Anwar also insinuated that Umno-BN had given birth to a ‘suscessful’ Malay business leader, Datuk Mirzan Mahathir, for managing the liquor company San Miguel with money from Petronas worth RM2 billion.

He said that the award given to Mahathir’s son by the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce carrying the title of ‘Leading Malay Entrepreneur’ is an insult to youngsters who are newly venturing into the business world.

“The Malay Chamber of Commerce celebrates Malay leaders in business. Look how this issue is corrupt and blemished.”

“I want to tell the youngsters who have now started businesses what this means, who is your leader and idol, Mirzan, what company, liquor company. Where is the money from?”

“The RM2 million bailout which he took through his father from Petronas. I know this and because of that I cannot accept all of this,” said Anwar while chanting “Long live Malays”.

According to him, the people should act quickly and get rid of Umno-BN in the 13th General Elections if they want change in the administration of the country and enjoy a better lifestyle advocating fairness and justice.

“A fight is a fight. But how can it be this way? You (Mirzan) took RM2 billion of the people’s money when unemployed youngsters cannot even get a RM20,000 loan.”

“The son of the Prime Minister gets RM2 billion to buy a liquor company. Long live Malays…It is these kind of Malays that will harm the future of the Malay’s,” he concluded with the support of the public who attended the talk.

400 Women Celebrate an Evening of Cooking Together with Abby Abadi

SUNGAI BESAR, 13 Nov: About 400 women around Parit Lapan Gambut Sungai Panjang were given the opportunity to learn to how to cook Japanese Fried Rice, Steamed Banana Cake and Thai-style Green Curry Beef from guest Chefs at the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) .

Chef Zulkifli and Ched Jamili guided them under the ‘an Evening of Cooking Together with Abby Abadi’ programme held at Desa Permai Square here.

The programme was launched by Selangor Chief Minister’s wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut.

In her speech she said that women should play an important role in national development by actively engaging in community outreach programmes.

She said that there are many programmes under the State Government available to women through the State Economic Agenda (MES) to benefit from.

“The women’s programme is featured in the SelangorKU Grant which allocated about RM30 million for women.”

“The Selangor government is a caring government and we do not want people in this state to suffer,” said Salbiah.

In addition, Salbiah clarified, under the Selangor Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis), edible garden programmes are getting the attention of women through special grants for agricultural projects.

“Currently under the edible gardens programme we have natural farming projects to plant vegetables in poly bags and that the State Government funds participants to receive 250 free poly bags with compost soil and drainage system at RM2, 700 once,” he said.

She said the program which is now being extended to every constituency from time to time, is able to generate additional income for housewives.

During the program, the community was given the opportunity to mingle with Puan Sri Salbiah together with Abby casually.

Abby in a friendly session told her story of how she moved from the acting world and ventured into effort missions in this country.

“So I get something that I did not have in myself while fulfilling Umrah and I’m now grateful that in these days when people reject religious leaders and charitable works, Allah has brought me closer to Him,” she said.

Also participating in the programme were District Head of Sabak Bernam, Zailani Kadir, Sungai Panjang State Assembly Coordinator of the Centre of Service Coordinator, Fadzlin Taslimin and former lecturer at UIA Law, Dr Aziz Bari.

FGVH Stock Drops, Felda Staff Become Victims

SHAH ALAM, 13 Nov: 60 percent of Felda employees have become victims of huge losses when Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) stock price dramatically fell.

Chairman of National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Mazlan Aliman said, this is happening because the unit rates and share lots offered to them were much bigger than Felda settlers.

He said the department received complaints from some Felda employees who complained of needing to repay bank loans at the rate of RM400 per month while share prices fall.

He said the situation will continue to burden the settlers and staff for having to bear the losses of bank loan payments when the interest rate charged is more expensive than the dividends earned.

“Up till now, 60 percent of Felda staff have yet to sell their shares.

“They’ve signed bank loans involving tens of stock lots, so the amount of their loans reach tens of thousands, therefore at the same time they are also burdened,” he said when contacted.

Yesterday, the FGVH agricultural giant shares traded below the listing price (RM4.55) for the first time.

The shares began trading at a price of RM4.60 then dropped to RM4.53 at 10:46am before rising.

Final market price of the shares was RM4.57 at the 12.30pm break.

Elaborating, Mazlan said Felda shareholders will begin to incur losses when the share price stood at RM4.78.

“When prices fall now, the situation is very bad. For the settlers, should they bear loss, they will at least have a repayment package of RM50 per month to the bank.

“But it is different with Felda staff, they will be burdened with bank loans. However, they are forced to cover their losses, they do not show that they are already at loss because they were eagerly forcing settlers to sign the loan previously,” he said.

However, he said, the repayment of RM50 per month to the bank by the settlers is not a long term solution.

Obviously, if the stock continues to weaken, more settlers will incur losses and repayment will take quite a long time.

“Probably more than 10 years. Settlers have to incur the debt apart from cost of living, replanting and Felda housing should they apply. It is not beneficial to the settlers, “he said.

Nurul Izzah Victimised To Protect Najib in Soi Lek Insults Islam Gathering

COMMENTS recarding MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech at the 59th MCA general assembly on October 21st and said eight of the 11 countries that implement Hudud are considered among the most corrupt, unstable and unsafe countrues.

In the speech which was attended Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Soi Lek claimed that 1.2 million Malaysians will lose their jobs should PAS implement Hudud in Malaysia.

Following Soi Lek’s statement Soi Lek, for more than two weeks, the media, political leaders, academics and Islamic theologians protested and condemned Soi Lek’s statement.

The worst effect from Soi Lek’s statement was that Najib was at the rally.

Openly and indirectly and Najib is perceived as a leader who lets his religion and race be insulted in front of him.

Najib’s attitude and silence is regarded as a cowardice and a traitor to his race and religion even though he is the leader of the party which is supposed to defend the Malay race and Islam.

While Soi Lek’s statement is very sensitive not only to the Malays and Islam, in fact it is able become a threat to national security.

Certainly if any of the leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat had made that statement, they will be detained under ISA or any other related Acts.

Soi Lek’s action was not only an insult to the Malay race and Islam but it is also considered as trying to interfere with Islam.

The British way of previously of not interfering with Islam but interfering with other affairs is evidence that the British recognised the sensitivity of Malays and Muslims.

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria had said that Soi Lek is not entitled to make the statement and that Soi Lek’s statement is considered rude, an insult and humiliating Islam.

Soi Lek’s statement that had hurt Muslims especially the Malays would be a very big issue should Umno fail to address it.

What was more unfortunate is that Najib bore witness to all these insults from Soi Lek mouth.

Meanwhile, the action of the PAS Youth bringing the issue up to the Yang Di Pertuan Agung can also be seen to cause the confidence of Malays towards Umno whose leader is Najib.

Najib aware of Lost Support

In the political context, everyone realises that Umno relies on the support of Malays. His action regarding Soi Lek insulting Islamic law will benefit PAS and Pakatan Rakyat.

Najib also realises that the issue’s potential will be used as soon as possible by PR to sway Malay voters into leaving the party.

Umno’s ‘Think Tank’ may share the same stance.

Najib and the Umno ‘Think Tank’ is finding it serious enough for Umno to continue their survival in the upcoming 13th General Elections.

Reports from the Army, police, JASA and Kemas has forced him to postpone the 13th General Elections to and indeterminate time.

Nurul Izzah Becomes the Black Sheep

Recognizing the ‘danger’ of the issue, making someone else a black sheep has to be done to cover-up the issue.

The culture of running away from the real issue is known by the people by practicing defamation and ‘whatever’ is part and parcel of what Umno has been practicing for over half a century.

It is very stupid, not intelligent and moronic if an educated politician such as Nurul Izzah Anwar made a statement to legalize apostasy.

To anyone who heard her statements in the forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” will find that the leader of the opposition’s daughter had never said that.

The forum that used English as a medium can be easily manipulated by the Umno-owned media to the majority of Malays in villages who do not understand the language.

Nurul Izzah’s action in instructing her lawyer to take legal action and make a report to JAIS regarding the defamation which was issued by the Umno-owned media was the best approach.

People Support AES Delay by the Selangor State Government

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: The Selangor State Government’s decision to delay the implementation of the Automated Enforcement System (AES) is supported by people of the state.

TV Selangor’s survey around Shah Alam found that people were dissatisfied with the sudden decision by the Federal Government without getting opinions from the public and experts.

For Mohinderjit Abdullah, 36, the AES is not only detrimental to road users, it is even placed in inappropriate and risky places.

In fact, he said, most of his family members and friends are not exempt from being targeted by AES.

“The problem with the use of AES is no sign or indication on the highway that is visible to users saying that the area is an AES zone. Some of my friends have received more than ten summons in a month.”

“For me, this clearly proves that the implementation will only burden the people and does not make sense. Because of that, the action of the Selangor State Government that to avoid the use of AES should be praised and welcomed, “said the engineer.

This is also supported by Yau Doon Kian, 52, who described the decision of the State Government, just and should be supported by the community.

“The State Government’s actions prove their thoughtfulness in helping the people. Already we are burdened with the high cost of living, the Federal Government now wants to add to the burden of the people,” he said.

For Taufik Mokhtar, 64, the action to postpone AES should be commended for it proves that the State Government understands the peoples burdens.

The taxi driver hopes that the implemention of AES will not be carried out to ensure the people are not burdened by summons payment.

“We understand the suffering of fellow citizens faced with the AES implementation. The Central Government should not waste the public’s money on summons. AES will not discipline the users, but will increase the rate of accidents, “he said.

Also supporting this is Sivasamy Angela Devi, 53, who wants AES to be stopped to avoid road users from feel stressed while driving.

“People cannot be constantly victimized. If necessary, AES can be installed on the highways but make sure it is relevant and not excessive, “she said.

Prior to this, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had taken steps to suspend the enforcement of AES in the state as it was irrelevant and illegal.

He said, the decision was taken after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) failed to prove that AES is the best way to cope with the increasing rate of road accidents.

In fact according to him, the Ministry of Transport had failed to get permission to build the structure for the AES from the Local Authority (PBT).

People’s Mega Rally on January 12 To Overcome BERSIH 3.0

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: ‘Million People Mega Rally Demanding Eight Reforms’ is expected to be able to overcome the turnout of the BERSIH 3.0 rally on April 28.

The expectation is based on a significant increase in awareness among the people of this country when claims for clean and fair elections have been rejected by the Election Commission (SPR), resulting outrage from the people.

In addition, the overwhelming response from the public to the People’s Uprising Assembly held at Taman Seremban Jaya, Senawang recently is giving measure to what kind of response would be received by the mega rally.

The Organising Committee of the Advocates, Hishamuddin Rais told TV Selangor today, after non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections Coalition (BERSIH) held its meeting last night.

“We see it like this, if the People’s Uprising Assembly in Seremban is held in a rain storm and is able to pull 20 to 30 thousand people, this is capable of being even bigger than BERSIH 3.0.”

“I think this rally is even more mega than mega, even bigger than big, more thorough than thorough, and I would like to call upon the people of the country to show our unity in demanding our rights as citizens of Malaysia,” remarked Hishamuddin.

However, he declined to reveal further details today’s meeting and only reveal it in a press conference to be held on the 29 of November.

In that same press conference information on roles that the NGOs involved will play, including BERSIH.

He said, the organizers will also be planning carefully to patch-up any weakness that were present in previous rallies.

According to him, apart from BERSIH, the rallies that will be held in Kuala Lumpur is also joint-organized by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Abloish ISA Movement (GMI) and others.

“The assembly will be held in Kuala Lumpur, but we have not confirmed the exact location yet, whether it will be at Merdeka Square or elsewhere,” 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.

ANAK to Launch Women’s Division This December

SHAH ALAM, 12 NOV: The National Felda Children’s Association (Anak) will launch a women’s division as another fighting branch which will raise issues regarding Felda women.

This matter was informed by its chairman, Mazlan Aliman, who sees this effort as an important focus for Anak after entering the second phase of its establishment on 4 November 2007.

According to him, this step was decided as a result of the briefing made at the Anak Strategy Workshop which was held in Gombak on 9 and 10 November.

“To give a better life to women in Felda, we will launch Anak’s women’s division on this December as a mechanism for how the role of intellectual women inside and outside Felda (can be expanded) for a better and secured life.

“All this while their roles were small and seemingly ignored in Felda,” he said when contacted by TV Selangor.

Commenting on the establishment of Anak which has entered its sixth year, Mazlan said the first five years were the period of introducing Anak’s fight and seeing how far it can contribute to the people of Felda.

He explains that the strategy workshop which was participated by 30 senior leaders of Felda briefed four matters which gave focus to housing issues and the plight of the second and third generations of Felda.

“We came to a decision that for this second phase, is the process of the direction of the settler’s children such as settlers’ farms, acquisition process which will lead to how the settler’s children can contribute.

“The matter of living comfort, namely accommodations (were also discussed). When we fought for housing issues, it succeeded in pressuring the government with the announcement which was made yesterday (Felda New Generation Assembly),” he said.