Tag: Politics & National News

Azmin: The State Government Has Only Received 18 Percent from Federal Government Reserves

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has only received RM364 million from the allocated RM67 billion which has apparently been channelled by the Federal Government for the development and advancement of Selangor.

The RM 364 million is only 18 percent of the total RM 67 billion which was announced by the Kota Belud Parliament member, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan in the previous House of Representatives sitting.

Today, Bukit Antarabangsa Assemblyman, Azmin Ali claimed that Abdul Rahman’s statement was a propaganda played by Umno-BN to mislead the people of Selangor because it involves a large amount of funds.

“After checking with the Selangor Office of State Treasury, it is evidently different from what was stated.”

“However, should Umno-BN’s claim regarding the allocation be correct, the State Government would have to ask for the list of Federal projects worth RM 67 billion to be inspected and audited.”

“The people of Selangor have the right to know how it (the funds) has been channeled, who had received the project, what was the cost and whether it was transparent as well as whether it was an open tender?”

“I request the State Government to appoint an honest auditor to carry out the auditing. However, I am certain it is a lie,” he said to the media outside the State Assembly (DNS) hall today.

Azmin recapped his statement regarding the announcement at the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly hall.

He said that the Umno-BN theatrics can also be seen in their promise to build the third bridge in Klang.

He added that the project was launched by the ex-Works Minister, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu three days before the 12th General Elections (GE-12) and he had promised to begin works four months after the launching.

“However, we can see that till now, nothing has been done. Instead, they are (now) promising to build a fourth bridge in the same city,” he said.

Meet with PBT, Land Office Wants to Solve the Issue of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has decided to make an appointment with the Local Authorities (PBT) and the Land Office to solve the issue of constructing non-Islamic places of worship on Selangor land reserves.

Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco member, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that the meeting which is carried out four times a year will also be discussing processes which have to be implemented to avoid the problem from repeating.

He said that the majority of non-Islamic worship places were built when presented with the opportunity (to do so) by the previous Umno-BN government during their administration.

“Since 2008, we have sent out a requisite to all Local Governments and Land Offices to not allow any places of worship to be built without the approval of the committee or council members.”

“For places of worship built on private land, we have to check out the zoning (rules) as well as the size of the place and ask the committee or council members to monitor the condition of the place. Each place has its priorities. We have to consider and note the sensitivity of the residents before following through with any action.”

“I am not saying that we cannot completely change the land regulations which have been asked. But there are ways and processes to do it,” he said when answering additional questions by Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang).

He added that since 2008 till now, as many as 24 worship place land reserves apart from Islamic ones have been gazetted with an area of 35,845.843 square meters.

Among them are places in Hulu selangor (1), Hulu Langat (4), Kuala Selangor (2), Petaling Jaya (2), Sepang (1), Kuala Langat (1), Gombak (4) and Klang (9).

He stressed that the State Government will not arbitrarily carry out actions to gazette or seize land reserves, instead it will be done according to procedures which have been stated under section 64 of the land code.

“The process and procedures for cancelling the reservation is to bring it up in every land office and district under the law. Motion papers for the proposed cancellation of this reserve will be escalated to the Chief Minister for consideration under the 1984 delegation of authority, by the state authorities.”

“After that, investigation will be carried out accompanied by officers and agencies concerned. Only then, cancelation will precede effective the date the cancellation is completed,” he added.

Suee Lim: Umno-BN Swoops-up 23 Land Lots worth RM20 Million

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The case of land ownership by Umno-BN component parties will be reported to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commision (SPRM) and Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) for misuse of power.

Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim said that the land involved 23 areas in seven districts throughout Selangor from 1999 to 2008 which were acquired under the Umno-BN administration.

This included component parties and Umno-BN leaders including Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan where the aforementioned parties were only charged a premium of RM1 per square meter.

He said that all the areas involved a sum of RM20 million with the size of each lot being from one to seven acres where Umno received 14 areas, MCA (five), MIC (three) and Gerakan (one).

“The elements that exist in this case is misuse of power, how it was approved and why for Umno-BN. We will ask for these matters to be investigated.”

“We will also make a police report as soon as possible,” he said in a press conference at the Annex Hall lobby in conjunction with the Selangor State Assembly sitting today.

Swee Lim claimed that the cases involved Umno leaders from branches in Selayang, Ampang, Subang, Puchong, Tanjong Karang and Sungai Besar.

“All 23 areas of these lands are lands with the highest value, commercial lands.”

“All are used for businesses such as shop houses and commercial buildings. When they acquire this land they will make a joint venture with them (shop lot and building operators) to make a profit,” he further claimed.

“This are amongst the examples and the true face of Umno-BN who are happily attacking (PR Government) here and there when in actual fact, they are the parties that are Swooping-up the Rakyat’s Land.”

“The rakyat is put first. But in the context of Umno, MCA and others, they are prioritised.”

Umno-BN’s Excuse of Not Building Klang’s Third Bridge Cannot Be Accepted

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: Selangor Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Satim Diaman’s answer regarding why the Umno-BN Federal Government did not continue the third Klang bridge project is a superficial reason which cannot be accepted.

At the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today, Satim said that the Federal Government did not not resume the project which was promised in 2008 because Umno-BN had lost Selangor in the general election that year.

Sri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafiei said that the project is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works controlled by the Federal Government which is still ruled by Umno-BN.

“The excuse is just not acceptable. If they use the reasoning that Umno-BN had lost so they will not build the bridge, this shows that they are confused between the decision made by the government and (the decision made by) political parties.”

“This issue clearly shows that Umno-BN has a more political attitude when they say that they will only build should they win,” he said to TV Selangor at the DNS lobby today.

When Satim announced the 2013 Budget, he claimed that Pakatan Rakyat did fulfil promises in the 2008 Election (GE-12) manifesto.

Shuhaimi interrupted by bringing up the issue of Umno-BN not building the Klang Third Bridge.

Satim gave the excuse that the project was discontinued because Umno-BN had lost in GE-12 and had lost their power in Selangor.

Outside DNS, Shuhaimi said that the bridge was not completed, in fact, the building plans were not even included in any federal development plans.

“This clearly proves that what was said by (Works Minister) Samy Vellu at that time was a political promise just to attract voters to support them.”

“In my opinion, they ran away from their real responsibilities because what they did was to punish the people of Selangor,” he said.

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.

Scholars Should Determine the Direction of the Country’s Education When PR Rules

SHAH ALAM, 18 Nov: Philosophers, scholars and educators shall be given space to outline the best form of education that should be applied in the country’s education system after Pakatan Rakyat (PR) succeeds in taking over Putrajaya.

This matter was stressed by the Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the keynote address in the opening ceremony for the National Education Direction Convention (Konvensyen Halatuju Pendidikan Negara) held at the University of Selangor (Unisel).

According to Anwar, two of these groups should be supported because they are vital in stating education requirements to political leaders so that the best mechanism can be implemented.

“Philosophical perspectives are requested so that capable scholars and educators can advise politicians (regarding education). This is what we will do,” he said.

According to Anwar, educational efforts need to be explained and be made the foundational principal in developing personal believes.

He further added that views from all groups, races and angles should be heard to ensure every demand raised will be understood in detail before any decision is made.

He explained that the culture of having forums and discussions regarding current affairs will be beneficial, especially regarding the outside world, should be instilled especially at the Tertiary Education (IPT) level.

“Unisel and Yayasan Selangor have to create more discourses to encourage the culture of knowledge,” Anwar further added.

The National Education Direction Convention organised by Yayasan Selangor was themed ‘Reforming National Education’ (Mereformasikan Pendidikan Negara).

The Yayasan Selangor Chief-Director, Ilham Marzuki, Unisel Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Anuar Ahmad, Selangor Exco member, Dr Xavier Jeyakumar as well as three representatives from the Syrian delegation were also present at the convention.

PM, SPA Urged to Ensure Civil Servants Are Free From Politics

SHAH ALAM, 16 Nov: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Public Service Commission (SPA) have been urged to take immediate action to ensure that the workers in the Civil Service Department (JPA) are free from political interference.

The request was made by Selayang MP, William Leong following the latest action by JPA when they issued a 24-hour transfer notice to the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Head, Datuk Zainal Abidin who has been transferred to INTAN (National Institute of Public Administration).

“Not only is this action unprofessional but it also directly restricts public servants from doing their jobs independently, transparently and honestly.”

“This action will not only have negative effects to the State Government and the credibility of the Federal Government, what’s even worse is the effect it would have on people,” he said in his media statement.

Recently, Zainal revealed the approval for the Dolomite Park Avenue project adjacent to the Batu Caves temple which was given on 30th of November 2007 during the Umno-BN administration.

He also released the MPS Full Council meeting minutes which revealed that three MIC council members, Rajakupal Sinnathamby, Jayakumaran Muniandy Govindasamy and Rajandran and A. Kohilan Pillay (now Senator and Deputy Foreign Minister) were among the members of the council that approved the project.

Previously, JPA had made appointments and transfers without first consulting the State Government.

Early last October, JPA announced the transfer of the Petaling Jaya Mayor, Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman, without the knowledge of the State Government.

In addition to that, in 2011 the appointment of Mohd Khusrin Munawi as State Secretary was also made without the consent the Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

“Therefore, I urge the Prime Minister and the SPA to take immediate action to correct this situation.”

“Should they fail, this will confirm that the Government Transformation Programme was indeed an empty slogan and worse yet it is also an insult to promises made by the Prime Minister himself,” he firmly said.

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.

State Government to Inspect Batu Caves Condo Project Planning Permission before Making a Decision

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Decisions regarding the condominium project in front of Batu Caves will be made after thorough inspection to prevent any negative effects to the rakyat and the Selangor Government.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that this approach is different from the Umno-BN Federal Government that is now promising to cancel the project although it was approved by the previous Umno-BN Selangor government.

He said that every project cancellation has to be done professionally, transparently and responsibly by following procedures to avoid negative consequences to the state.

It is being understood that should the project be cancelled without following procedures, the State Government will have to compensate the project developer, Dolomite Park Avenue.

“We are committed in fixing any carelessness and mistakes which had been made by the Umno-BN government before this.”

“However, this has to be done in order and in accordance with policies of the state government which is fair and just,” he said in a press conference after chairing the Exco meeting here, today.

Recently, the English language newspaper, The Sun, had exposed the approval of the 29 storey condominium project by the Selayang Municipal Council during the Umno-BN governance in 2007.

At the Batu Caves Deepavali celebrations last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had declared that Umno-BN will cancel the project should they return to govern Selangor.

In Abdul Khalid’s reply to Najib’s announcement, he said that the Umno president was not professional and that it was a cheap publicity stunt.

“Najib’s actions may bring about negative outcomes to the integrity and respectable administration because any cancellation to the project should be done according to procedure,” he added.

Simultaneously, Abdul Khalid has announced the appointment of Datuk N. Sadasivan as chairman of the Independent Taskforce to study the aforementioned project’s approval.

Abdul Khalid said that Sadasivan, who was the former Head of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) will be assisted by a group of professionals to work freely in the taskforce.

“Among taskforce’s scope of duties is to re-investigate all development projects which have been planned and carried out at Batu Caves taking several aspects into consideration such as, the people’s welfare, the Hindu community’s priorities and the law,” he continued.