Najib Repeats ‘Sibu’ Offer Regarding the Batu Caves Condominium

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Once again Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seen to repeat the ‘Sibu’ bargain when he said that he will cancel the construction of the 29 story condominium project in Batu Caves should the people vote Umno-BN in the upcoming 13th General Election.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that the Prime Minister should not have made such a statement because if the project cannot be passed then it should be cancelled without having to make any offers.

He said that the PR-led Selangor Government is ready to cancel the project after research and examination is carried out.

“Najib should not have a ‘help you, help me’ attitude and make a ‘deal’ with the people”

“If the project is wrong, win or lose it has to be cancelled,” he told TV Selangor.

He says that if Najib is serious about cancelling the project, he has to mention that the Umno-BN government would compensate the parties involved should the project be cancelled.

“If he (Najib) is serious, he should mention that because this project was approved previously during the rule of the Umno-BN government, they would compensate where necessary.”

“Had it been put that way by Najib, then it’s alright,” the Pandamaran Assemblyman said.

Ronnie was asked to give his opinion regarding Najib’s announcement during his speech at the Deepavali open house festival at Batu Caves Complex sponsored by MIC last night.

During the 2010 by-elections in Sibu, Najib had made a promise to the voters in the area that RM5 million would be allocated to flood-mitigation projects in Sibu should they win. PR eventually won the by-election.

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.

Anwar: Rising Support for PR from the Indian Community

PETALING JAYA, 13 Nov: Policies introduced by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states, particularly Selangor can be seen to successfully increase support from the Indian Community for the coalition in the approaching 13th General Elections.

This is according to PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when asked about Indian support for PR at the PKR headquarters here.

He said the response from the Indian community regarding the programmes and schemes organized by the Selangor State Government for example, has drawn the attention of those who have been often ignored previously during the Umno-BN state government.

“Selangor under the PR’s leadership has been working to look after the Indian community in this state by providing a variety of assistance programmes including educational assistance amounting to RM4 million in all National-type Tamil Schools (SJKT).”

“PR is also trying to obtain identification cards for some of the Indians living in rural areas for decades but still have not been given citizenship,” said the Selangor State Economic Advisor.

Previously, Anwar had promised that PR would not abandon all races, including Indians if successful in taking over the Federal Government after the next General Election.

Anwar’s announced this during a visit to the Deepavali festival organized by the State Government in Jalan Kelana, Klang, which is also known as ‘Little India’ last Saturday.

He said that the Indians who have claimed to be ignored by the Umno-BN government for the past 50 years will be given equal attention, that includes all other races in this country.

“I do not want to hear any more fights about racial disputes, we will take care of all races and citizens in this country,” he said in his speech at the party.

Yaakob – Farmers Income Targeted at RM3, 000

KUALA LANGAT, 12 Nov: To continue the development of agriculture in Selangor, the State Government targets farmers to earn RM 3,000 and above per month from the proceeds of their cultivation.

Selangor Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneurial Development Exco, Dr. Yaakob Sapari said that this would be done through research to modernise and improve crop harvest.

Yaakob said that the State Government would also ensure that only farmers get agricultural land and not those who were not involved in the industry.

To achieve this goal, the State Government also hopes that the farmers would market their produce without a middle man to save costs.

He said that this approach can reduce the cost of expenditure as much as RM 500 to RM 700 per month.

Agriculture is a field that will provide handsome returns should farmers pay serious attention to it,” Yaakob said in during the visitation session at the Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) here at Kampung Sungai Kelambu.

“We also want the youth to participate in agriculture especially university graduates.”

“This way agriculture can be developed because of participation from the educated,” he said.

“With the determination from the State and all parties involved, it has been recorded that Selangor produces about 60 percent of the country’s agriculture.”

Apostasy Happened in the Umno-BN Era, They Should Blame Themselves, says Tuan Ibrahim

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: The Umno-BN government should blame themselves on the issue of Muslim apostasy because as history proves it happened at the time of their administration when some Muslims’ applications were approved for the very same purpose.

PAS Information Chief, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said apostasy in Islam is a big offence and should not be allowed.

According to him, the statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, that last year there were 168 apostasy applications approved, and should be seriously contemplated by the Umno-BN government before blaming others with issues of which legitimacy is still unconfirmed.

“We too feel strange at how religious councils can approve apostasy because if taken from the viewpoint of Islam, apostasy is a capital offense and it should not be religious departments or ministers that are responsible for making the approval.”

“Instead those who want to renounce should be guided and faith should be preserved through guidance councils or faith strengthening programs. We feel disappointed with the statement when their application is approved, that is precisely the clarification we need from him (Jamil Khir),” he told TV Selangor when contacted here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said, for PAS leaders, the issue regarding PKR Vice-President, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was suddenly amplified by Umno-BN leaders with reports in mainstream media that is under their control.

He said that the issue should not be politicised and Nurul Izzah herself should respond to clarify the statement she made.

“What exactly was said? When we reviewed the report by Utusan Malaysia, Utusan Malaysia clearly slandered and manipulated the truth.”

“I think this issue is not to prevent and preserve the faith because previously Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who insulted Islam, was not criticized by Umno-BN leaders at all and the also statement by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) who reject Hudud law,” he said.

In a forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” that took place recently, Nurul Izzah as a panelist was alleged for making a statement that freedom of religion should apply to all, including the Malays.

Nurul Izzah, however, denied the matter and appeared to clarify things at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) last Saturday.

Income Growth for Paddy Farmers Using SRI Technique

SUNGAI BESAR, 12 Nov: Paddy farmers who are using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) stated that their incomes had risen since using that method.

The SRI method is one of the projects under the Chief Minister Incorporated (MBI) with the Selangor Department of Agriculture which has had tremendous support from the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to increase farmers income in the state.

The system which was introduced to farmers around Tanjong Karang, Sekinchan and Sungai Besar about three years ago is increasingly getting the attention of farmers because the system has proved to be capable of yielding better results compared to the conventional way at the moment.

According to farmer, Fadzlin Taslimin, 60, since using the SRI method for the last few seasons, paddy planting has become more fertile and that the use of unsafe chemical pesticides is no longer necessary.

He said, the cost now is only around RM1,600 compared to more than RM5, 000 previously.

“This season I expect the cost to be less than RM1, 000,” said Fadzlin during the launching ceremony of SRI Paddy Seeds at Tali Air 14 Simpang Lima here.

Mohd Subki, 40, said that his health has been improving as no longer needs to wallow around, using various chemical pesticides that are harmful to his health.

He said he is now able to get up to 10 tonnes compared to only 5 tons previously and expects these figures to improve further in the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, according to the Selangor SRI Paddy Advisor, Noorazimah Taharim who explained how the method works said, paddy farmers can conserve of up to 50 percent of water usage in the paddy fields, thus overcoming irrigation in the paddy fields during drought.

She said that with the SRI method, farmers can produce fertilizer and insect repellents which are easily and readily available around the village area.

Farmers can produce fertilizer from bamboo shoots, apple snails, pineapples, bael (labu kayu), water spinach (kangkung), amaranth leaves (bayam), banana hump, bananas, cocoa, coconut husk, coconut bud, eggshells and bones.

Meanwhile, to make the pesticides, farmers can use garlic, chilli, soursop leaves, ‘mambu’ leaves, galangal (lengkuas), ginger, lemongrass, bael fruit and tobacco.

He said, this method requires only about 5 kilograms per hectare including the seeds for sowing which will nearly 90 percent compared to the conventional method.

“The increase in revenue that can be attained is up to 11 tonnes per hectare and there are also reports that profits can reach up to 15 tonnes per hectare in Indonesia, India, China and Afghanistan through SRI methods that are becoming more common in countries around the world,” he said.

CM: Use State Reserves to Build Third Bridge in Klang

KLANG, 11 Nov: The State Government will proceed with the construction of a third bridge to overcome congestion in Klang if the Federal Government failes to do so next year, said Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

According to Abdul Khalid, the State Government will use the Selangor-owned reserves to implement the project which had been promised by the Umno-BN Government previously.

He said, during the reign of the former Umno-BN Government, they promise the people of Klang to build the bridge, they had even placed the foundation for the bridge construction.

However, he added, it now is just seen as an empty talk.

“The people of Selangor are the largest contributor to Malaysia. Therefore, next year we will be holding a variety of programs for people in this state. The people of Selangor is the largest contributor to the national economy, now is time to return the yields to the people.”

“Next year, if the third bridge is still not built in Klang, we will build it using state reserves. That way we can implement equitable development in Selangor,” he said while attending the Deepavali Celebrations at Jalan Tengku Kelana, this evening.

Before this, the Central Government had promised a third bridge in Klang worth RM230 million to benefit the community in the area.

The construction of the bridge which began in 2007, has however, still yet to be completed till now by the appointed contractor who is taking his time.

State Government Channels RM40, 000 for Drainage Upgrade in Combating Flood

SHAH ALAM, 11 NOV: Flood problems that have struck Kampung Jenjarum will be fully resolved when an allocation of RM40, 000 is channelled by the State Government to solve the problem.

The allocation channelled through the office of Teluk Datuk Assemblyman Datuk Bay will be used to upgrade and maintain the drainage along Jalan Kampung Jenjarum in the village concerned.

According to Teluk Datuk Assemblyman, Philip Tan Swee Choon, although works will only start next month, latest, early action to control flooding from further occurring has been taken.

“Previously, when it floods, the water will only recede in four to five days, but now it rarely happens because we had previously cleaned the drains and opened blockages near the stalls there.”

“It’s just that lately because of heavy rain every day in addition to the high tide the water level has risen, but not as bad as before and it takes about two to three hours only to recede, it does not take days like before.”

“Once the upgrade project is completed I am certain that flooding will not be an issue anymore,” he said.

Additionally Swee Choon has also requested for the Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) to meet with a developer who is actively completing a housing project near the area that has been prone to flood.

“I have asked that an MDKL Officer meet with the developer and instruct them to build a more suitable and proper drainage system for their housing project “

“Usually developers will build the building first, drainage system later and this causes water in the area to flows easily to the rural areas,” he said.

More Tadika Rakyat, Proposed State Government

PETALING JAYA, NOV 10: The State Government has proposed to build three more Tadika Rakyats in Serendah, Kampar and Dengkil to facilitate children from low income families to receive preschool education.

The constructions of these kindergartens are the continuation of the two existing kindergartens in Taman Sentosa, Klang and Kampung Lindungan in Petaling Jaya.

Hence, Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar, welcomed parents who cannot afford preschool education to send their children to these kindergartens.

“This kindergarten is open to all races. Therefore, people in this area, do not miss the chance to register your children.”

“In addition to the low fees, children will also be exposed to early childhood education,” he added.

He said, pre-school education is the first step to prepare children before the commencement of
statutory education.

“Based on research, there are still 30 percent of children who are not enrolled in any preschool because they cannot afford the monthly fee.”

As a result, many children are left behind in terms of education like not knowing how to write, count or read.

This causes them to fall behind their peers when they eventually enter primary school and this causes serious problems in the long term.

“Lack of exposure to education in the early stages is among the factors that contribute to social problems,” he said during the Tadika Rakyat Kampung Lindungan launching ceremony here, early this morning.

The Tadika Rakyat at Kampung Lindungan is the second branch that has been built by the State Government along with the non-governmental organization (NGO), Child Information, Learning and Development Centre (Child).

The kindergarten is reserved for families earning below RM 1,500.

In addition to providing comfortable learning, students are only charged as low as RM 20 per month.

The kindergarten costing about RM 460,000 has been equipped with eight classes and is able to accommodate about 20 students per class.

The State Government has provided RM 50,000 for each of the kindergartens.

Also present was Local Government, Research and Development Exco, Ronnie Liu, Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Taman Medan assemblyman, Haniza Talha, Kelana Jaya MP, Gwo Burne Loh and Deputy Mayor of Petaling Jaya, Puasa Md Taib.

5th December Assembly at Putrajaya for MyKad, Birth Certificate Issue

SHAH ALAM, 9 NOV: An assembly organised by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be held in the compound of the National Registration Department (JPN) headquarters in Putrajaya, 5th December next year if the government does not solve the case of missing MyKads and birth certificates involving the Indian community in this country soon.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Vice President N. Surendran said there are almost 300,000 reported cases of the missing documents among the community so far.

“We will allow a period for the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the government to solve this matter as soon as possible or we will go through with this large assembly,” he said when contacted by TV Selangor here today.

He said many Indian communities are denied the ownership of MyKads and birth certificates even though they were born in this country and are citizens.

Following that, he added that the community had to face many problems, such as children not being able to participate in the school environment.

“In one case, 10-year-old S. Logeswaran’s mother has a MyKad, but her father does not even though he is born in this country. As a result the government refused to issue Logeswaran a birth certificate.

“Logeswaran was not able to participate in the school environment. In three years she has only attended school for three weeks when she was forced to stop,” he said, convinced that there are still many cases like this involving other children who are denied the right to education.

Surendran said his party demands that the UMNO-BN-led government solves the matter immediately or they will face the people’s resurgence.

“Today, we are announcing that PKR, together with other PR allies, will have a large assembly at JPN Putrajaya next December. We will not leave until we receive a clear answer from the authorities at JPN,” he further added.

National Zoo Vist Organised by Sungai Pinang State Assembly Cultivates Interest in Nature

AMPANG, 9 NOV: Cheer was evident on the faces of the Standard 3 students of SRJK Pin Hwa when they were taken to visit the National Zoo.

The school’s first excursion under the ‘Ranger Kancil Zoo Negara Tour’ program organised by the Sungai Pinang State Assembly Office had provided exposure and cultivated the students’ interest in nature.

According to their Mandarin (language) teacher, Loo Boon Pei, there were those amongst the students that were visiting the National Zoo for the first time.

Physical Education and Science teacher, Shawn Khor Joo Huat was of the opinion that activities such as this have the capability to further expand students’ minds so as to be more actively involved in the learning process.

“A worthwhile program. I can see the students so excited and happy during the visit.”

“Services provided by the zookeeper were also good. They explain about what is available students were able to actively participate.”

“For the students, this is something worthwhile and meaningful. They do not just leisurely walk around, but they get to learn new things, “he said.

190 students attended this third program.

Previously, this program was organized by the State Assembly (DUN) office for SJKC Pin Hwa and SJKC Kong Hoe.
Overall, a total of 525 students and 56 teachers from DUN Sungai Pinang have benefited from this program.

The DUN has allocated nearly RM 29,000 for the three visits to the National Zoo; this includes the cost of the bus rental and food.

According to the Sungai Pinang assemblyman Datuk Teng Chang Kim, this program gives students the opportunity experience first-hand what is available National Zoo.

“This program is one way to help schools fill in the gaps in the education curriculum.”

“We have seen a positive reaction from students’ that are excited when they are brought here”.

“There are probably busy parents, so we are of the opinion that this program is beneficial to them,” he said when met at the foyer of the ‘Show Amphitheatre’, at the National Zoo”.

Teng, who is also the Speaker of the State House, said that he would recommend that this program be part of the Selangor state education program.

Meanwhile, the Department Head of Education at the National Zoo, Junaidi Omar said he welcomes this kind of interactive programs with schools.

“We provide message and education. This is a platform to communicate with the concept of recreation and education”, he said.

AES Cameras in Selangor Not Legal, PAS Will Help Those Summoned

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 NOV: Selangor road users who have been summoned by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras in Puchong and Kajang can request help from PAS to resolve the summons.

This followed the government of Selangor’s decision which does not approve of the installation of AES cameras in Selangor because they doubted the intentions of the system’s implementation which has been accused of benefiting certain companies instead of reducing accident rates.

Selangor’s Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang were not legal because they had not been approved by the Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT).

“So, because of that, erecting the structure is not legal and if you are summoned in the state of Selangor, you can go to PAS to be brought to court,” said Abdul Khalid to the audience at the Jalajah Merdeka Rakyat talk at Flat Sri Labuan, Cheras last night.

Abdul Khalid said the Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MTES) decided yesterday to delay the implementation of Automatic Cameras (AES) in Selangor until the government of Selangor are satisfied with the way it is implemented.

“The second issue that I have informed the Jabatan Pengangkutan about is that privatisations do not help the people.

“Privatisations are not for reducing accidents, but as a way to get payment and enrich people who gain concessions from said privatisations. We must stop this,” he urged.

According to Abdul Khalid, the concessionaire of the AES project will receive a large profit of at least 17 percent a year.

Meanwhile, Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mehfuz Omar also said the Jabatan Undang-Undang dan Hak Asasi Manusia (JUHAM) and PAS Youth will prepare free legal services to anyone who has been summoned by AES cameras.

According to him, PAS will open counters for any victims of AES to receive free legal advice on the 21st of November at the PAS headquarters at Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur.

“If you do not want to pay the compound but want to bring it to court, our lawyers will provide free service,” said Mahfuz.

Mahfuz also said the two concessionaires which manage the AES will earn as much as RM 384 million a year, outright allowing them to profit as early as their second year of operation.

Aside from Abdul Khalid and Mahfuz, last night’s Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat talk program also featured PKR’s parliamentary leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.