Tag: Press Statement

UMNO biggest loser and MCA biggest winner in Sungai Limau by-election?

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(PRESS STATEMENT)

If MCA leaders are to be believed, UMNO is the biggest loser and MCA the biggest winner in the Sungai Limau by-election on Monday.

Are MCA leaders to be believed?

MCA leaders, including the Kedah State Exco-designate Dr. Leong Yong Kong had told Chinese media that Barisan Nasional secured 75.27% of the Chinese votes, i.e. 892 out of 1,185 Chinese votes cast and that BN did not win a single extra Malay vote in the by-election.

This is an increase of over 732 Chinese votes cast for the BN in the 13th general elections, as MCA claims that BN did not secure more than 10% of the 1,600 Chinese votes on May 5, 2013, i.e. from 892 – 160.

But the Barisan Nasional candidate, Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, despite BN’s expenditure of over RM15 million, only managed to get an additional 465 votes in the by-election as compared to the general elections. i.e. 10,985 votes in the by-election as compared to RM10,520 votes in the 13GE.

If MCA leaders are to be believed, that BN had an addition of over 732 Chinese votes in the by-election as compared to the 13GE, this could only mean that the BN had lost at least 267 Malay votes, as BN vote in the by-election would have fallen from 10,520 to 10,253 without the increase of at least 732 Chinese votes.

So, is UMNO the greatest loser and MCA the greatest winner in the Sungai Limau by-election?

I leave it to UMNO and Barisan Nasional leaders to decide whether to accept the MCA’s analysis of the voting trends in the Sungai Limau by-election as there could be different interpretations in the absence of specific information about the voting (which is not completely possible as voting is secret), and the low percentage of Chinese voters in Sungai Limau.

But what is plain and obvious is that the Sungai Limau by-election had been a major test for PAS and Pakatan Rakyat on the one hand and UMNO and BN on the other six months after the 13GE, and PAS and Pakatan Rakyat had come out of the test with a significant victory considering the money politics and the mountain of lies and falsehoods mobilised during the by-election to hold both the Malay and Chinese voters to ransom.

PAS and Pakatan Rakyat must cherish the victory in the Sungai Limau by-election, learn from the electoral weaknesses highlighted by the by-election so that PAS and Pakatan Rakyat will be stronger and more formidable as an electoral force in future tests whether in urban or rural areas, or whether among Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban voters.

Lim Kit Siang
DAP Parliamentary Chief and Gelang Patah Member of Parliament

Budget 2014: Rich Man’s Budget, Poor to Get Poorer

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The implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) as announced by Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak in his budget speech in Parliament today is a heavy blow to the poor and the lower income group.

Furthermore, starting at 6%, it is exorbitant. Comparing to Singapore’s GST at the current rate of 7% is also misleading because when it was introduced in 1994 it was only at 3%. And this is after 13 years.

In any event, comparing to countries like Singapore and those in Europe is pointless because of the much higher level of governance in those countries.

For Malaysians, the cost of living is already high enough without the GST. With this tax now, a heavier burden is placed on the poor since they have little choice but to spend most of their disposable income.

The argument by Najib that GST will cause many goods and services to actually cost less is totally false and a serious misrepresentation to the people.

They will not be able to leverage on the GST with greater savings and investments unlike the rich and the higher income group. This will create greater real inequality and cause further social injustice.

If last year’s budget was a ‘people’s budget’ because of the May general election, then this is a “rich man’s budget” because the UMNO-Barisan government feels that it is no longer beholden to the people.

They held back the GST because they knew the opposition from the people. Now that the elections are over, it’s a different story altogether. So, the poor are set to become poorer.

I foresee cumulative inflationary pressure and more increases in cost of living.

The thrust on driving greater tourism, building more 5-star hotels and vying with the world to have the best cities has little resonance with the people.

Where is the effort to bring down transportation cost or to improve public transportation services? There is nothing on making homes more affordable. Health care has been neglected.

Though the allocation is substantial, the problem again will be the diffusion and distribution of the funds. Last year’s excessive and questionable expenditure on English training is just one example.

The entrepreneurial fund by way of soft loans to ease unemployment among graduates will be only lead to greater indebtedness.

What these graduates need is greater soft skills and more training in vocational and technical areas to enhance their employability, not more debt.

The proposal to fund SPM leavers for vocational training is good in principle but the follow through and the actual areas of specialization is important.

We all agree that the budget deficit must be reduced but extracting more money from the people is not the way.

The fundamental problem concerns leakages, wastages and corruption. Without comprehensively dealing with this problem, we are looking at a bottomless pit. No amount of taxes collected will solve the problem.

MOHAMED AZMIN ALI
PKR Deputy President

Budget 2014 Fails to Offset Maximum Limit of the National Debt Below 55 Percent

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SHAH ALAM, 26 Oct: The Budget 2014 presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak failed to offset the maximum national debt below 55 percent from the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reduce deficit by 3 percent in 2015.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the approach taken in the Budget 2014 to increase revenue through the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the increase in the real property gains tax (RPGT) does not meet with the requirements of actual changes in ensuring efficiency of expenditure and rationalisation to reduce improvidence and leakages.

“Operating expenses for cost rationalisation will increase to 82.4 percent in 2014 from 80.2 percent this year,” said Abdul Khalid in his media statement.

Abdul Khalid said that Selangor will take advantage of the move to enrich the services sector through the Services Sector Blueprint when the Federal Government plans to launch it in 2014.

Among the sub-sectors of services to be promoted is that Selangor will be the leader in logistics, aviation, tourism and bio-based industries.

“As the gateway to Malaysia, Selangor will endure that various programmes and activities will be held to explore opportunities in Malaysia’s tourism industry by aiming to welcome 28 million tourists in 2014 in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year,” said Abdul Khalid.

BERSIH 2.0: No SOSMA Amendments Without Consultation

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PRESS STATEMENT

Statement on Section 203A of the Penal Code and Amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA)

BERSIH 2.0 is gravely concerned over the effects of recently-passed and upcoming legislation on the increasingly fragile human rights situation in Malaysia. Yesterday, Section 203A of the Penal Code was passed by Dewan Rakyat, despite strenuous objection over the broad nature of its wording and its effect on the fight against corruption. The new section effectively penalises whistleblowers who expose corruption and government misconduct, all of which are clearly matters of public interest, while protecting wrongdoers under legislatively mandated secrecy.

Today, yet another draconian bill is set to be rammed through Parliament in the same manner. This bill seeks to extend the scope of to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) by bringing offences under Chapters VI, VIA and VIB of the Penal Code and anti-trafficking laws into the ambit of special security offences.

We view with repugnance the manner in which such bills that curtail fundamental freedoms are being rushed through Parliament, without consulting all stakeholders including the citizens whom the Government claim to protect. The conduct of this Government after the 13th General Election goes against all representations made by the Prime Minister that Malaysia is becoming the “best democracy” in the world.

We demand that this Government act responsibly and engage in full consultation with all stakeholders over the recently-passed legislation as well as any upcoming amendments before they are brought into force. We are watching closely as to whether the Government will be following up on the statement by Hajjah Nancy Shukri, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Law, that she is seeking further amendments to Section 203A, recognizing that the provision was too general.

No new law should be made without proper consultation. Anything less will mean that the Government has scant regard for individual freedoms and for the views of the rakyat. It further throws into doubt the Government’s will to fulfill promises made to uphold human rights in this country.

The rakyat is committed to transparency and accountability. Will the Government follow our lead?

BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee
Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)

Selangor and Penang PR Governments Step Forward to Strengthen Democracy

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Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM) congratulated the Selangor and Penang PR Governments for moving another step to strengthen democracy in their administration radar.

On 18 September, the Penang Pakatan Rakyat Government, through the State Government Exco meeting, approved in principle the provisions for Assemblymen from the Opposition in Penang (read: Barisan Nasional) and the subsequent approval from the Exco Meeting will be tabled in the Penang State Budget 2014.

Meanwhile, on 10 October, the Selangor PR Government announced special allowances and privileges for the Selangor State Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader.

For Samm, this are valiant efforts in strengthening and educating the meaning of true democracy in Malaysia, in fact, understanding in the long history of oppression in translating the BN-style democracy system, actions such as this is hard to be accepted by various quarters in PR itself.

But if we are talking about a mature democracy, this is the best time to show that PR is different from the oppression politics of BN. We see all this while how PR representatives, especially Parliamentarians, are denied the right to serve the people without even a single cent of allocation being channelled through PR representatives who were voted by the people.

Now, it is a tremendous blow for BN Assemblymen in Penang. Do they want to receive provisions given to them despite Do they want to receive their allocation to them despite their opposition?

If they accept it, then they acknowledge the practice of the BN Government in other states and even the Federal level BN government as wrong to not channel allocations through representatives of the people who were elected by the people. But if they reject it, they will continue to be remembered for their narrow partisan politics and they can no longer complain in front of their voters that they do not have allocations.

Through the Penang State Government, PR proved that political clash is a different matter, but in matters of democratic state governance, the people’s choice should be respected and Penang PR has acknowledged that.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the House (be it the House of Representatives or the state legislative assembly) is very important. But since the independence of Malaysia, it has not been honoured like other countries of mature democracy acknowledge the post.

The Selangor PR Government made a tremendous stride when they allocated RM8,260 per month with plenty other privileges to the Opposition Leader in the State Legislative Assembly.

With this, this position which is upheld through the democratic pr In this position he also transported through the democratic process of the people’s voice can be used to jointly develop the state. Opposition leaders can have complete office efficiency with enough research officers and Opposition leaders can have a complete office efficiency with enough research officer and able to debate and make constructive criticism to state that ultimately benefit the people.

The question now is would the Opposition Leader from BN in Selangor receive the allowances and privileges or will he reject with narrow political party thinking.

If he accepts it, he would admit the wrong practice of the Central and State Governments under BN in denying the role of Opposition Leaders elected by the people.

This is how the politics of the nation should be practiced with policy competition and competition in improvements which will ultimately strengthen democracy and benefit the people.

SAMM has greats hopes to see the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, to make the word ‘transformation’ as his daily chant when tabling the Budget 2014 this Friday which can truly welcome the moves taken by the Penang and Selangor PR Governments.

This move is also positive and everyone should move to strengthen democracy by acknowledging the role of PR members of parliament by taking into account the channeling of provisions through those elected by the people and uphold the role of the Malaysian Parliament by acknowledging privileges for Malaysian Opposition Leaders.

Without that, the ‘transformation’ chant will continue being a rhetoric laughed by those from the country and abroad.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin
Youth Solidarity Malaysia

Reserves to be boasted about or to be prudent?

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PRESS STATEMENT

21 OCTOBER 2013

RESERVES TO BE BOASTED OR TO BE PRUDENT?

The Selangor Government, under the leadership of YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim (TSKI) places much importance on the financial stability of the state in efforts to continue excellence in state administration.

TSKI has also prepared some detailed planning to use state reserves collected since leading Selangor as a result of prudent and orderly spending practices. Even more so when the Federal Government failed to respect the spirit of federalism, thus causing many infrastructural developments in Selangor to not receive proper provisions from the Federal Government.

Although the Selangor State is the largest contributor to the national economy in terms of tax revenue of over 23% in 2012, federal allocations for state development is not commensurate. Responsibility to provide infrastructure in the state has always been neglected despite the responsibility being under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, which is extravagantly collecting various forms of taxes.

As a dignified state government, the Selangor Government will not beg to implement development in this state but has in our best, prepared by providing a strong economic and financial position.

Although the Federal Government has promised to build a third bridge in Klang to reduce traffic congestion, and in fact has held a glorious ground-breaking ceremony for the project, after losing in the GE-12 in 2008, not even a stick can be seen to this day.

The Pakatan Rakyat Government had to use at least RM300 million of state reserves to fulfil the promise which was not kept by the Federal Government to the people of Selangor.

This is similar to the attitude of the Federal Government which often deflects the issue of finalising the restructuring of the water industry which has made TSKI more cautious in using savings in preparation for when the Federal Government continues to favour concessionaires and betray the rights and interests of the people of Selangor. The State Government is determined to acquire the water industry in line with the laws enshrined in the Water Services Industry Act or WSIA.

TSKI’s administration has also provided funds from the state reserve in preparation for the need to construct a new hospital in Klang if case the Federal Government continues to be indifferent towards the fate of the people, who are forced to sleep on the sidewalk at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital at the moment because of overcrowding and the lack of beds. The Selangor Government is willing to provide funds even though the construction of hospitals is solely the responsibility of the Federal Government.

Actually, the three examples above are among TSKI’s plans in spending the state reserves accumulated over years since 2008. Indeed, the practice of saving is far more difficult than spending. It requires high commitment and personality, that it is hard to find an example and role model today. While there is a line-up of examples given in the Auditor-General’s Report of leaders who are “clever to spend” (spendthrift).

Definitely, the bitterness of collecting state funds is merely to implement development for the welfare of the people, even that was after thorough planning. To have a large amount of state reserves is not done with intent to show a beautiful figure on the closing date of the account. It is far from wanting to boast on paper. It only sounds naughty and childish.

It is TSKI’s natural attitude to not want to talk about a plan before any results can be seen. Thus, all the plans above are not publicly touted.

As a result, TSKI is often labelled as the stingiest Chief Minister because it is said to be difficult to approve spending using state reserves. In fact, the constraints and discrimination by the Federal Government is the main reason why TSKI is so careful in spending, even more so since this term has just begun and the period for the GE-14 to conquer Putrajaya is still a long way.

TSKI knows the various labels and nicknames given to him. In fact, he is open and very much appreciates constructive criticism from any leader, be it from Pakatan or Umno-BN. At the same time, TSKI also celebrates the views of the people by having the Budget Dialogue every year to serve as a guide for the state government before presenting budget projections. During the dialogue this time, it was unanimously agreed that the state’s funds should be spent according to the needs and priority, not just a means.

TSKI is confident that the people of Selangor understands and agrees with the manner and approach of the State Government in managing public funds responsibly and based on principles of transparency and accountability. At the same time, the interests of the people is not put aside when a total of over RM1,000 million was spent through programmes under the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor agenda since it was introduced on the 100th day of the Pakatan Rakyat administration. This is evident when Pakatan Rakyat received the 2/3 majority in the 13th General Election because the same approach was adopted in the previous term.

People are still surprised with the disclosure made by the Auditor-General in the Audit Report 2012. The people feel frustrated, angry and many curse leaders when their money is spent fraudulently and wastefully.

Thus, Selangor should remain prudent in spending policies and austere because the mandate and expectations of the people given to leaders is to manage and administer the people’s property, rights and interests. The mandate and responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the State Government leadership team under the helm of TSKI.

FAEKAH HUSIN
POLITICAL SECRETARY TO
YAB DATO’ MENTERI BESAR OF SELANGOR

EIDUL ADHA 1424H MESSAGE

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Every year, 10 Zul-Hijjah (literally means “Possessor of the Pilgrimage) is the day for Muslims to commemorate and celebrate the happy day. The Zul-Hijjah month is a month with its own significance.

Alhamdulillah (Thank God), we continue to offer gratitude for the gift of grace given by Allah S.W.T. which continues to give the strength of fraternity to enjoy the Zul-Hijjah month, especially the first 10 days.Ibn Abbaas(Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrated that Rasulullah(Aallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “There is no day wherein any good action is more beloved to Allah Ta’ala than these ten days (the first ten days of Zul Hijjah), one fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the “Lailatul-Qadr” (Tirmizi).

The Ibadah Qurban is a sign of gratitude to Allah for his benevolence and creates the spirit of cooperation, sharing and mutual help in the community. Apart from the practice of charity, the practice of pilgrimage is maintained. This is the beauty of Islam when the Ibadah Qurban (religious sacrifice) is appreciated with sincerity.

Therefore, let us repent and wholeheartedly agree to the decision to what Allah has decided upon (redha) with this sacrificial gift. Verily, the Promise of Allah is true as the story of Siti Hajar (Hagar) and Ibrahim (Abraham), who were patient with Allah’s test and was blessed with a miracle to all humans, with an endless supply of Zamzam water.

Let us celebrate this Eid Al Adha with sincerity and sacrifice to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Happy Eid Al-Adha.

Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail

President 

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (People’s Justice Party)

Najib Finally Realises the Danger of the TPPA after the Insistence of the People

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(PRESS STATEMENT)

Najib Razak has finally realised, due to the insistence of the people, that the TPPA ‘trespasses’ the sovereign rights in formulating regulations and policies, or in a more precise language – Pawning the sovereignty of the nation.

Thankfully, despite the mainstream media not carrying out their proper role in providing specific information about the dangers of the TPPA, effort from various parties have managed to gather the people to put pressure so that the TPPA is not implemented.

SAMM, through working together with the Task Force Against TPPA (BANTAH), is currently touring 12 of the 13 locations throughout the country as a responsibility to provide public awareness about the TPPA. It indirectly has an effect of its own when more and more people understand the complications that may be encountered if the country signs the TPPA.

The last location of the Anti-TPPA Tour will be held this evening at Sekinchan, Selangor, before the premier stage, which will bring together two leading figures of the nation, takes place on 10 October at the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

The TPPA issue is not over. MITI is seen as very fervently trying to distort and manipulate facts to cover their weaknesses. At this moment, MITI is also trying to counter the BANTAH-SAMM roadshow. In fact, they are also conducting a propaganda programme at a police college, in order to get support from the police on the TPPA issue.

In similar developments, SAMM has warned that although Najib Razak has apparently ‘realised’ the dangers of the TPPA, Najib’s statement still shows his interest in implementing the TPPA when he said that “the TPP agreement is expected to take a longer time to be finalised”. This means a delay, do not be trapped.

From a different angle, is Najib trying to be a hero when he finally rejects the TPPA? His specious ‘flip-flop’ attitude is very dangerous and is hard to believe. Najib is also seen as not having a stand in the issue of the TPPA.

Therefore, let us join our voices in unison and together reject the TPPA in both of the assemblies;

1. Anti-TPPA Premier Stage: Save Our Nations Sovereignty, Reject TPP | 10 October | 8.30pm| Kg Baru Sultan Sulaiman Club, KL

2. #BantahTPPA Assembly and ‘Welcome’ US Representatives as a sign of Protest | 11 October | 2.00 pm | KLCC Mosque

SAMM invites all Malaysian to not miss the opportunity to show the strength of the people to the government which dares to gamble the fate of the people and the sovereignty of our country.

Che’GuBard
Founder
Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM)

Audit Report Leakages: Bring Culprits to Justice – Anwar

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PRESS STATEMENT

Assalamualaikum, Good Morning and Greetings,

We thank Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Haji Ambrin Buang and his team at the National Audit Office for the release of the Auditor General’s Report 2012.

It is déjà vu all over again. The report continues to show a consistent pattern on the lack of care in managing government finances and assets, weak management and supervision of government projects, continued financial malpractices and more importantly the lack of political resolve and to stop all leakages and inefficiencies in managing government finances.

Another glaring and very worrying trend, is the continued lackadaisical attitude in spending government money by ministries and the lack of political will by the current government to curb repeat offenders despite its continued calls for transformation.

It is totally unacceptable for the government to continue allowing such financial malpractices especially when Malaysia has been cautioned internationally for overspending and not taking enough steps in curbing such practices.
Despite repeated caution by the investment community, the government continues the old habit of spending as long as it is within the allocation, rather than thinking to reduce its spending allocation and being more frugal.

We wish to highlight a few main findings by the National Audit Office where the government continues to spend without having the necessary controls in place, which had resulted in either wastages or leakages.

1. A sum of RM 2.051 billion was spent over 2010 to 2012 out of a RM 3.689 billion allocation by the Ministry of Education to introduce non-armed security personnel at our schools and national institutions. While the intent is indeed noble, the lack of monitoring has allowed over-aged, non-security vetted personnel and non-functioning CCTV’s to be trusted as means of keeping our children safe in schools.

2. Ministry of Transport spent almost RM 1.42 billion from an already revised allocation of RM 1.47 billion to upgrade the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Despite spending over 96% of a revised allocation, this project initiated since 2006 is far from completion with arrival halls and passenger toilets in unsatisfactory condition, 599 potholes were found on the runway and taxiway since 2010, which are not yet repaired.

3. rom 2006 until December 2012, Ministry of Education, Communication and Culture spent RM 800.3 million with Telekom Malaysia to introduce the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999. This is to formalise 999 as the only formal number for emergency services. The report highlights a total of RM 41 million of improper payments and overpaid items, including a paid training trip to Geneva for a Senior Ministry Official, which amounted to RM 303,813 for 4 days.

4. Other infrastructure build projects such as the Projek Pembetungan Negara (RM 744 million spent), Kolej ATM in Port Dickson (RM 190 million spent) and Pusat Pemprosesan, Pengeluaran dan Gudang in Bangi (RM 94 million allocation) all recorded losses of between 16% to 20% from the total spent due to project delays arising from the lack of initial planning and project monitoring.

5. Delays in collection of company taxes by the Inland Revenue Board had losses estimated at RM 62 million.
6. The acquisition of 5 Beechcraft King Air 350 costing RM 175.24 million, which could not be used effectively since the pilots and technicians were trained using training modules not recognised by the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation.

Amongst the smaller wasteful expenditures and examples of the lackdaisical attitudes are;

1. Ministry of Youth and Sports spent a total of RM 67.6 million for Hari Belia 2012 from an initial allocation of RM 15 million; where RM 1.6 million was used to hire a K-pop group.

2. Polis DiRaja Malaysia lost assets under its custody amounting to RM 1.33 million. Examples of these assets are 156 handcuffs, 44 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 walkie-talkie, 22 radio.

3. Custom-made shoes for Customs Department officials, which were not distributed on time and resulted in 7659 pairs being demolished because quality specifications were not met. The total loss reported was RM 602,089.

We urge MACC to conduct a thorough investigation on the alleged financial malpractices and to bring the culprits to justice.

However, we also yearn for the day when the government would act to penalise the ‘sharks’ responsible for these malpractices rather than only prosecuting the smaller ‘fries’.

We repeat that these ongoing financial malpractices and lackadaisical attitude of the government in spending the country’s money are totally unacceptable especially when the rakyat are now being burdened with rising fuel prices and the possible introduction of the GST.

DATO SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM

OPPOSITION LEADER OF MALAYSIA

Response to the Auditor General’s Report on the Ministry of Youth and Sports

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The disclosures made through the Auditor General’s 2012 Report is not surprising for Malaysians, who are no longer convinced with the Umno-BN Government’s determination to fight corruption and strengthen administrative accountability.

This has become an annual phenomenon which invites a lot of rhetoric and empty promises from the Government, however, ultimately, no action will be taken and the same mistakes will repeat.

Our stance is, despite many checks and balances mechanisms, or audit being conducted three times a year, it will not solve this problem. What is needed is political will from the Government to enforce the checks and balances mechanisms. Unfortunately, the Government has repeatedly failed in this test of accountability.

I want to know who is right in the controversial K-Pop concert – the Auditor General and the current Minister of Youth and Sports, Khairy Jamaluddin, claimed that the Ministry eventually had to pay for the concert; or Ahmad Shabery Cheek, the Minister before Khairy who claimed that the concert was paid by sponsors through the National Sports Council’s account? Shabery in fact claimed that the Auditor General was delinquent in preparing the report.

Is Khairy ready to assure the people of Malaysia that the Ministry under him will no longer be trapped in expenses which is disputed such as this when the 2013 Audit Report is presented in 2014, especially for the period after May 2013, when he was appointed as the Minister.

The justification of spending RM67.61 million of the taxpayer money for an event such as the 2012 Youth Day raises questions; when the long-term positive impact on the young people can be disputed.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly
Seri Setia Assemblyman

MBPJ to Open ‘Ez-Pay’ Mobile Counter in October

SHAH ALAM, 4 Oct: Starting this October, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will open an ‘ez-pay’ mobile counter in selected areas.

MBPJ Public Relations Unit, through its media statement, said that the move is taken to reduce congestion at the MBPJ headquarters counter, especially during peak hours.

“It is hoped that the ez-pay mobile counter will encourage and facilitate the public to use the mobile counter that is lose to their homes,” the statement said.

Below are the selected areas for the ez-pay mobile counter:

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CM Leads Trade Mission to Three European Countries

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SHAH ALAM, 1 Oct: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is leading a the Selangor government trade and investment mission to Belgium, Switzerland and Germany which began on 29 September and will end on 7 October.

The mission arranged by the Selangor State Investment Centre (SSIC) aims to attract investment and promote Selangor as a major investment destination in Malaysia to industries and entrepreneurs in Belgium, Switzerland and Germany.

In Belgium, the Selangor government delegation will visit Essenscia which is the Belgian Chemical and Life Sciences Industries Federation representing 800 companies from the sector and will hold discussions with the Managing Director of Essenscia, Yves Verschueren.

The delegation will also visit the Bekaert Company headquarters, a leading manufacturer of steel wire transformation and coatings, the Emulco Company laboratory, and hold discussions with the Chairman of Emulco, Jean Vanhoebost. They will then visit the headquarters of Oleon – an oleochemical product manufacturer which has a factory in Port Klang.

In Switzerland, the Chief Minister and his delegation will visit SR Technics, an aircraft maintenance company, and hold discussions with the Senior Vice President of the Component Maintenance Division, Christof Spaeth.
They will also visit the Zeochem headquarters – high quality molecular sieves and chromatography gels. In addition, the Chief Minister will also be taken to the headquarters of Nestle, a global food manufacturing company, and hold discussions and dialogues with the Swiss Association of Machinery Manufacturers.

The delegation will then go on to Germany and hold meetings with Hensen trade and Invest – a government agency for enhancing trade for the region of Hensen, and visit the Hensen Industrial Area. They will also visit the Wurth Group – a leading manufacturer in assembly equipment such as screws – which has 400 subsidiary companies in 80 countries and hold meetings and dialogues with the Ostwestfalen Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Also participating in the mission is the Chairman of the Selangor State Standing Committee Investment, Industry and Trade, Ean Yong Hian Wah, the Chief Executive Officer for SSIC, Hasan Azhari Idris, the Assistant Manager of SSIC, Sven Schneider and the Senior Manager for the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Business Development, Puan Norzila Sidek.

The Chief Minister and the delegation are scheduled to return to Malaysia on 7 October.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFICE OF THE DATO’ MENTERI BESAR OF SELANGOR