Tag: Political and National News

GST need not be implemented if the government is competent in managing the country’s finances

SHAH ALAM, 27 AUGUST: The government does not have to implement the Government Service Tax (GST) which burdens the people financially if it is able to reduce the mismanagement of government funds for the nation’s various expenditures and eradicate corruption.

The MP of Klang, Charles Santiago reiterated that with thrifty spending via an effective and transparent management mechanism, the government will be able to use the nation’s funds for programs that benefit the people.

“When the government has run out of funds, they are then compelled to implement the GST.” said Charles when contacted by TVSelangor.

Before this, the government announced that if the GST is implemented, then about 40 types of essentials especially food and beverages will not be subjected to any taxes.

Among the essentials which will be exempted from taxes include baking powder, rice, sugar and fish.

According to Charles, there is no guarantee on the part of the government that there will not be any price hike on foodstuff in the future when the GST is implemented even though it was claimed that foodstuff will be given an exemption.

He said that the impact of the GST and the price hike of goods will be experienced more significantly by people from low income and stable income groups.

He added that if the government is efficient in the usage of taxpayers’ money, it can then help in increasing the allocation of subsidies, which is more beneficial than implementing the GST system.

“This rise in costs will worsen the situation and impoverish the people.” He said.

Charles also said that the government has to come up with other more effective alternatives to increase the country’s revenue.

“The government needs to reduce the amount of corruption and carry out the sales of AP permits so that it can help lessen the burden of the people.” He said.

Before this, Pakatan Rakyat leaders have emphasised that the government is capable of saving RM28 billion if it succeeds in handling illicit outflow of funds, mismanagement and corruption in accordance to the Auditor General’s Report.

Kit Siang: Form an Inquiry for May 13th Tragedy Post-Mortem

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SHAH ALAM 27th AUGUST: The Cabinet should form a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the 1969 May 13th tragedy immediately, as firmly suggested by the DAP Parliament Leader, Lim Kit Siang.

He further asserted that the purpose for the RCI is not to punish the guilty, but instead to help the country move forwards and shatter the seemingly endless racial wall in the nation.

“I am urging for a RCI to be formed to look into the May 13th 1969 race riots. We must determine the facts of the causes that sparked the incident, to reevaluate racial polarisation, and to take measures in ensuring that it will never repeat itself again.”

“The Inquiry should also contemplate banishing the ‘ghosts’ of May 13th for good from continuously being exploited in every General Election (GE) since 1969 that have been intimidating the voters from freely exercising their constitutional rights,” he said in a media statement.

Lim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Gelang Patah, also urges the film director of Tanda Putera, Shuhaimi Baba, to list down every fictional and baseless May 13th scene that was featured in the film to avoid confusing or provoking the people.

“Since she herself admitted that the film she directed was a work of fiction around the racial riot, Ms. Baba should consider my advice seriously.”

“As she is very proud of her success as the early pioneer of horror films, she should also add Tanda Putera into the ‘horror’ genre like the titles she previously had churned out.”

“Ms. Baba should realise her responsibilities towards her country, particularly the current and future generations, and ensure that goodwill among the people, peace and harmony in our society remain unharmed,” he concluded.

– mza

Establish Integrity Unit To Monitor Civil Servant Misconduct

SHAH ALAM, 27th AUGUST: In a concentrated effort to cultivate high-quality work culture and strong ethics in governance, the State Government has established an Integrity Unit (IU) to counter any form of misconducts and criminal behaviour among civil servants.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the special unit is going to be tasked by the Secretary of State, under the supervision of YB Dato’ Haji Mohammed Khusrin bin Haji Munawi. Two officers of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have been assigned to the unit.

“Our working relationship with the MACC is ongoing. This cooperation is going to help us monitor and prevent corruption and abuse of power,” said Khalid.

He was speaking at a press conference after opening the Selangor Government Department’s Monthly Assembly at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.

This new approach serves to prove Khalid Ibrahim administration’s commitment in producing professional work culture, and at the same time increasing public confidence in the State Government’s services.

According to Khalid Ibrahim, this unit will be fully functional come September or October.

“I have been informed that the MACC officers have agreed to be placed as members of the unit,” said Khalid.

He said the concept of integrity emulates the former Chief Minister of Kelantan, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who strived to maintain clean administration in Kelantan for the past 23 years.

School Administration Bans Students From Using Coalition Donated Computers

SHAH ALAM 26th AUGUST: A school administration here reportedly prohibited their students from utilising the computers donated by the Selangor government following conflicting political affiliations.

This was revealed by the President of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), R. Panner Selvam, to TV Selangor after he was informed by the school principal.

“This irrational behaviour will not benefit the students at all because we have a well-equipped computer lab that remains unused because of politics,” he said.

The ban began about eight months ago since the appointment of the new face of PTA on grounds that the laboratory was operating illegally.

According to Selvam, the school administration imposed a fee of RM70 per annum on students to cover the costs of maintaining the computer lab.

“Fees were collected from January or February, but there are no classes,” he said. He also claimed that the computer lessons were not on schedule.

Vice YDP PTA , Selvarajah Palaniappan, said that the school PTA already forwarded their complaints to the school administration.

The Bukit Melawati Coordinator of the DUN Community Service Centre, S Manikavasagam, said the state government spent RM85,000 in 2010 to purchase 45 computer units to assist student learning at SJKT Rasak Estate, Subang.

“This should not have happened because it shouldn’t even matter who donated the computers. The school should be able to benefit our community,” said the Director of the Complaints Bureau of the People’s Justice Party (PKR).

– FZL

Investment Cancellation: Isa Should Show Proof, Not Speak Without Facts

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SHAH ALAM, 24 Mar: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has challenged Batang Kali Assemblyman, Datuk Isa Abu Kassim to accurately state the industry and the name of the company that cancelled their investments due to the bureaucracy of the State Government and about the water supply problems in the state.

According to Abdul Khalid, so far there have only been one project in the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council that i still pending to receive certification from Syabas on grounds of insufficient water concerns if the project is carried out.

Meanwhile all other Local Authorities (PBT) have confirmed that there are no other development projects, either industrial or residential, that have been rejected or delayed due to water shortages.

Isa should act more professionally, responsibly and to not speak without clear facts in issuing a charge against the State Government.

“Isa’s claim clearly aims to discredit the State Government and all civil servants of the state who have been working hard to ensure Selangor remains as the number one investment destination.

“I actually do not expect Isa to play a role in helping to attract investors to Selangor.

“However, as a society leader of the state, I did not think that Isa was willing to tarnish the reputation of Selangor for the sake of intimidating investors to invest in this state,” said Abdul Khalid in a media statement.

According to Abdul Khalid, statistics released by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for 2012 showed that Selangor recorded the highest number of projects, with 252 projects or 31 percent from the total number of approved projects in Malaysia.

The projects consists of 156 new projects with a total investment of RM 8,144,722,179 and 96 expansion and other projects with an investment value of RM 3,590,095,756.

Haron Din: Anwar’s Accuser,Saiful’s Father Repents

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SHAH ALAM, 9th MAR: Saiful Bukhari’s father confessed that PKR’s Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not guilty for the sodomy charges and was in fact a victim of false allegations.

This is a meritable move as a Muslim should repent and not persist in wrongful acts in order to come back to the rightful path after realizing their mistake.

Such is the PAS General Mursyidul Deputy, Datuk Dr Haron Din in a press conference at Shah Alam opinion.

“He (Azlan Mohd lazim) has done his duty as a Muslim.”

“Coming back to the truth is a better way than to continue in ignorance,” he said, acting as a panelist in the forum ‘Raising the Status of the Ummah: Whose Responsibility?’ last night.

Yesterday, father of Saiful, Azlan Mohd Lazim apologized to Anwar, claiming that irresponsible parties had manipulated his son, including one of the Prime Minister’s subordinates in the Sodomy Case II.

On January 9th last year, Anwar was acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on charges of sodomizing Saiful, his assistant on the 26th of June 2008 at a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.

In another incident regarding the ‘laknat’ swear by Saiful, Dr Haron made references to an incident during the time of Nabi Muhammad SAW, saying that a ‘laknat’ swear can only be done when a matter cannot be resolved in court.

“The Nasrani people claimed that Allah had a son and because it could not be proven, Nabi Muhammad asked them to make the sacred swear in order to settle the matter.”

“Why should we invoke the sacred ‘laknat’ when the matter can be resolved in court?” he asked.

In a recent development regarding the candidate for PR’s Prime Minister, Dr Haron stressed that PAS should focus more on the agenda of tumbling BN in the next election and come back to this issue after succeeding in their mission.

Azmin: Government Should Claim Responsibility for Lahad Datu


SHAH ALAM, 2nd MAR – PKR extends their condolences to the families of the two officers who lost their lives in a shoot-out between the armed Southern Filipino Muslim rebel group and the security forces.

PKR’s Deputy President Azmin Ali demanded an explanation from the UMNO-BN government as to how the invasion of the rebels had been allowed to continue for two weeks, resulting in the death of two officers and three injured.

“I would like to offer my condolences to the family of the deceased. May the spirit of the country’s warriors be blessed and be with those who uphold God’s laws,” he said.

Azmin also gave his thanks and congratulated the entire security force for their courage and dedication to serve the country.

Recent reports show that the two VAT69 Commando officers are Inspector Zulkifli Mamat and Sergeant Sabaruddin Daud whereas the three injured officers are Corporal Mohd Tarmizi Hashim, Corporal Mohd Qaiyum Afzal Zulkifli dan Corporal Azman Ampong.

The incident took place at 9.50 am, leading to twelve deaths of the rebel members. As many as 180 followers of the ‘Sultan of Sulu’ were surrounded by the security forces at Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo.

The group of rebels had camped at Lahad Datu for over two weeks, claiming ownership of the State of Sabah which they allege belongs to the Sulu Sultanate.

Azmin was most appalled that the situation had been allowed to last for two weeks.

“Why did the YAB Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Minister not take strict action in defending the sovereignty of the country?” he asked in a media conference today.

“We urge the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Minister to take responsibility and give a detailed explanation to the rakyat on reasons why our borders are so easily breached, as well as why the Filipino rebels situation has continued for two weeks.”

“The Police Shot My Wife”

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KLANG, Jan 31: A truck driver wants the Royal Malaysian Police to explain and investigate how his wife, Pua Bee Chun, 22, was allegedly shot by members of the police force.

Bee Chun was allegedly shot dead in a car on Jalan Bendahara, Taman Sentosa, Klang on January 18.

According to Foo Voon Kong, 27, his wife was believed to have died from being shot in the back. The car was allegedly shot at 24 times.

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Voon Kong claimed that all efforts to get an explanation from the police as to how and why his wife died were unsuccessful.

In a press conference here today, Voon Kong said the last time he saw his wife was at 5pm on the day of the incident, before she left home.

He said he sent a text message (SMS) asking Bee Chun to come home for dinner and to go out to the night market along with their two children.

“However, she said she could not come home, and when I texted her asking where she was the second time, my wife did not reply to the sms.

“At about 8.30 pm, I received a phone call from a friend who told me he saw my wife’s dead body.

“When I arrived at the scene, I saw a crowd of people and the police, and found that the body of my wife was brought to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.

“The doctor informed me that my wife was shot through her back,” he said in a press release at the Klang MP service office.

He claimed that the police did not carry out their duties in a professional manner by recklessly shooting his wife.

“All the evidence such as her clothes, closed circuit television (CCTV), and the car that my wife was in was taken by the police.

“I believe that there were 24 shots fired at my wife, based on the bullet marks on the car door and at the rear of the car,” he said.

Voon Kong added that he was told that his wife was shot in a silver Waja while with a man who was a friend.

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The man is believed to be detained by the police and a police report was lodged by Voon Kong on January 19 at the Klang police station.

Meanwhile, Klang MP Charles Santiago said the case is the third in a string of police-related incidences after the death of security guard C Sugumaran and Amirul Rashid’s case.

“Now, all the evidence related to the murder is gone. If all the evidence is missing, how are we going to bring this case to court?” he said.

Additionally, Puchong MP, Gobind Singh Deo wants the police to conduct a fair investigation and for the Prime Minister to intervene in the case.

“The police cannot pass judgement on the victim by shooting at will, because now the police are no longer providing protection to the people.”

Merdeka Stadium The Official Location For Jan 12 Assembly

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KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Jan: The People’s Uprising Assembly 112 (HKR112) confirms that Merdeka Stadium will be the official venue of the people’s assembly this Saturday.

This was informed by the HKR112 Organising Chairman, Mohammad Sabu (Mat Sabu) in a special press conference at the PAS headquarters.

This agreement was obtain through a letter which was received at 2.30 pm, just now, as a result of previous discussions between the organisers and the stadium management.

“We, the HKR secretariat, thank the Stadium management for allowing its (Merdeka Stadium) usage.

We will send representatives to discuss the rules of coordination.We will discuss it at ten, tomorrow morning,” he said.

Mat Sabu clarified that he would inform of the consent obtained to the Chief of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar to ensure that a peaceful assembly takes place, simultaneously creating a ‘Historical Moment’ in the country.

Apart from that, the organisers will also send representatives to discuss with the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters for the purpose of coordinating the situation of the assembly.

Mat Sabu added that this assembly will take place from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

Meanwhile, PKR Vice-President, Tian Chua, when asked is there are any last minute cancellation of approval, he explained that they are ready and will ensure that it carries out well.

“I expect that we have already made preparations at Merdeka Stadium despite the delay and everyone is prepared that this is a mark in history. Merdeka Stadium is once again for the use of the people.

“This is a peaceful assembly.We translate it as the people’s demands which will be brought up in GE-13,” he added.

Najib Faces Crisis Of Determining GE-13 Candidates That Are Loyal To Him

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PETALING JAYA, 6 Jan: PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi Ramli revealed that Umno-BN is facing the crisis of determining candidates of the 13th General Elections (GE-13) that show Datuk Seri Najib Razak as placing those who are able to be loyal to him and not based on loyalty to the party.

According to him, these efforts are made to ensure Najib’s position is still safe as Prime Minister if Umno remains in power although he will potentially be ‘removed’ from his position as Umno President after GE-13.

These conflicts are viewed as monopoly efforts to ‘bind’ BN Members of Parliament to remain loyal in supporting him.

“This is what I have never publicly mentioned, currently Umno-BN has problems and crisis in determining candidates because the Umno leadership are especially determined to remove’ Najib and Rosmah after GE-13.

“He (Najib) will not win and Najib will be ‘tossed’. Even if they (Umno-BN) cheat and win, Najib will be ‘tossed’.

“If in five years of being Prime Minister, Rosmah’s rings can fit into a hall, if given five more years, after that, Umno will surely be finished. Umno will certainly not exist should Rosmah continue to be the Prime Minister’s wife,” he said when delivering his speech at the Selangor PKR Election and Briefing Simulation session.

Rafizi further explained that Umno-BN’s shifting in candidate placement this time will take place until the GE, which is deemed as ‘shadowless and dark’, will altogether give an advantage to Pakatan Rakyat.

“Therefore, whatever the results of GE-13, Najib will be ‘tossed’, his time is up.

“Najib knows that Umno will ‘remove’ him after the elections, that is why he asked for a full mandate from BN for him to determine candidates so that he can ensure that all BN candidates are candidates that are loyal to him and Rosmah, not the party.

“If the Umno General Assembly puts in a vote of no confidence and wants to replace Najib, his power as Prime Minister does not come from party votes, instead following the Constitution (of Malaysia), support comes from Members of Parliament,” he added.

CM: Only Military Camp Construction Approved

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SHAH ALAM, Jan. 4: There is no other building approval, except for the construction of a military camp as specified before.

This means that the State Government will not approve any development applications for the land at the Bukit Raja Industrial Park, Klang, which has been ceded to the Federal Lands Commissioner.

According to a press statement issued by the Press Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Office, if there are any development and transactions conducted on those lands, then they are done without the knowledge of the State Government, which does not recognise them.

The decision was made yesterday at a meeting of the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) chaired by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, after a briefing given by the Director of Lands and Mines and three district officers.

“We will not allow any development on the land except for the construction of a military training camp as specified, and that is after obtaining the consent of the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) and the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES),” the statement quoted.

At the MTES meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that the land ceded to the Federal Lands Commissioner is designated for the construction of a military training camp and is still under the name of the Federal Lands Commissioner and not transferable to any other company or individual.

The Chief Minister said that the decision is in line with the State Government’s principles of being transparent, accountable and completely rejecting corruption and abuse of power for personal and political interests of which ultimately burdens the people.

Toothbrush Company Appointed to Construct Puspahanas, Windfall Profits for Raja Ropiah

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DAMANSARA, 4 Jan: Today, PKR claims that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s action of designating the construction of the National Defence Education Centre (Puspahanas) to the Selangor Wanita Umno Chief is only motivated by windfall profits.

Today, PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi Ramli in a press conference revealed the review of the Companies Commission of Maaysia (SSM), showing that Awan Megah is a company that has had no activity since it was established until now, with the last financial record files on 31 December 1993.

On 8 June 2005, Najib, who was the Defence Minister at the time, awarded Alam Megah Sdn Bhd, a company owned by the Selangor Wanita Chief, Senator Datuk Raja Ropiah Raja Abdullah, the Puspahanas privatisation project that involves design works and the construction of the military training college.

“Therefore, Awan Megah is forced to appoint another company as a partner to finance and complete the project, while bearing the entire cost while Raja Ropiah, through Awan Megah, makes an easy profit.

“The partner that was chosen is a company called GuppyUnip Sdn Bhd that only acquired credit facilities form United Overseas Bank (UOB) on 21 July 2010, five years after Awan Megah was awarded the project.

“This means that the project was delayed for five years because Awan Megah did not have the capital and was still looking for a partner,” Rafizi explained.

More surprisingly, Rafizi said, GuppyUnip that was established on 9 December 2009 is not a company with experience in construction.

Instead, the company that was founded by businessman Cheong Chow Koh, was found to have extensive experience in toothbrush manufacturing through his primary company Unip Berhad.

Inspection of GuppyUnip the credit facilities letter from UOB also clearly shows the overall capital of RM59.25 million was payment for Awan Megah by GuppyUnip.

In fact GuppyUnip also had to bear the premium payments to the Selangor State Government for the grant transfer process and the conversion of land status of 223.44 acres to Awan Megah, that was originally gazetted to build a military camp.

“The situation now is like the whole project and the land is given to GuppyUnip, a toothbrush manufacturing company while Najib Razak leaves Awan Megah, owned by the Selangor Wanita Chief, to reap profit on a windfall by being awarded ‘prime land’ in Shah Alam,” Rafizi said.

In relation to that, PKR will be making reports to the police and to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) simultaneously across the country this coming Monday to urge for an immediate investigation on the current Malaysian Prime Minister regarding his abuse of power and embezzlement.

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