Tag: Solving the Rakyat’s Problems

Selangor: BN Leaders Involved in Land Scandal


SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC : Head of MCA’s Young Professionals Bureau Centre, Datuk Chua Tee Yong was invited to visit the 24 pieces of land sites belonging to the Selangor state which was given to UMNO-BN between 2003 and 2009.

North Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament, Tony Phua mentioned in a press statement that Chua was too obsessed with ‘land scandals’, especially in Selangor. Phua believed that Chua needed to accept this invitation.

According to Tony, a visit together to the 24 sites was crucial in determining whether the land given to UMNO, MCA, MIC and Gerakan was to be used for the ‘community’ or for party and crony’s profits.

“During a trip with Sekinchan’s State Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim and Subang Jaya State Assembyman, Hannah Yeoh to the a 87.188 sq site at Ara Damansara which was givento UMNO’s Subang Division found that there was no child education centre or community centre.”

“Instead, we found a 200 unit kondominium, Suria Damansara Condominium worth over RM500 mil which was launched in 2006,” said Tony.

Therefore, a simultaneous visit was necessary to ensure that the profits gained from 23 out of the 24 sites were appropriated by UMNO members. These profits were gained by the previous BN State Government from selling at cheap prices.
Ng Suee Lim who available to comment said that the claims of UMNO’s Subang Division, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor denial of the fact that the land previously belonged to UMNO Subang was a cover without substantial backing.

Suee Lim also added that the land grant was still registered under UMNO’s Subang Division which was to be used for the people’s interest by building multi-use buildings and child education centres.

He should have known of the existence of this land although this might have happened before he became Head of UMNO’s Subang Division, but even so, he should have had records for these,” Suee Lim added.

It is obvious that this matter will be taken to the Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) of Selangor and a complaint will be lodged at the police station as soon as possible.

Selangor Chief Minister has agreed to take the matter to Selcat who is to examine the evidence and deliberate on it.

Police Reputation in Shambles If They Fail to Take Action


SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC : Pakatan Rakyat leaders urge the police to be fair and take immediate action against the individuals responsible for attacking the PR talk at Batu 8, Gombak yesterday leaving five people injured.

PAS and PKR leaders commented on the failure of the police to act immediately and seriously against the suspect and feel that this behaviour will impact the reputation of the police.

To make matters worse, their failure to take action gives of an impression that the police is somehow involved with the suspects.

Gombak Setia State Assembly Coordinator, Salehuddin Nasir said that the police will only take action once the attacks become rampant, frequent and cause injury to the masses even though they were aware well aware about the talk days before the attack.

He accuses the attack of being led by Pemuda UMNO Gombak and that it involves members of the Gombak divisions of UMNO, Wanita UMNO and NGOs.

According to him, following the incident, it is estimated that more than five individuals experienced injury to the head, shoulders and arms due to contact with a hard object. The tent that was to provide shelter also suffered heavy damage.

“We had informed the police a day before the talk took place. There was even one district polis officer who came by to visit that night, indicating that they (the police) were aware of the event.”

“I, myself submitted the letter via email to the District Head of Police to provide information regarding the talk,” Salehuddin added when contacted by TV Selangor.

The environment at Dataran Sharuddin, Batu 8 where the talk took place became chaotic after a scuffle between a group of UMNO members and PR supporters.

Salehuddin claimed that one PR supporter was stabbed with a Kerambit (a small curved blade) while small rocks were thrown towards the participants of a talk that is part of a series of political talks titled ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’.

The talk was to feature Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Bukit Antarabangsa State Assemblyman, Azmin Ali, former Ayer Molek State Assemblyman of Melaka, Datuk Tamrin Ghafar and Batu Caves State Assemblyman, Amirudin Shari.

Selangor PKR Explanations Chief, Shuhaimi Shafie said that should the police fail to take action, it could provoke others to resort to similar measures.

“It is not impossible that their courage stems from the attitude of the police that treats them as if they are immune to legal action.”

“This act of provocation and violence also seem to signal that there is more to come and that it may be even violent beyond reason,” Shuhaimi adds.

This attack at a PR talk is not the first of its kind. Before, stones were thrown randomly during a talk by Anwar at Pantain Valley, causing one lay-man injury to the head.

Bas Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat yang membawa pemimpin PR berceramah ke seluruh negara juga telah diserang beberapa kali di Kota Baru dan Melaka dengan disimbah dengan cat dan dibaling batu.

The bus carrying PR leaders for talks all over the country in line with their ‘Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat’ theme, has also been attacked several times at Kota Bharu and Melaka. Most times, the attackers throw stones although there was one time when an attacker threw paint at the bus.

ABU: 13th May Will Not Repeat

SHAH ALAM, 5th DEC: UMNO-BN’s efforts in resorting to incitement such as a repeat of the bloody tragedy of 13th May should they fail to recapture Putrajaya reflects their desperation to re-garner the faith of the people.

Founder of the As Long As It Isn’t UMNO (ABU) movement, Haris Ibrahim says that the 13th May tragedy will not repeat as pictured by UMNO-BN because the people of the country are gaining political maturity and do not depend on merely one channel for information.

He says that UMNO-BN will not step away from their tradition of giving speeches based on racial sentiments to promote fear among the people to that they will choose to support the parti in the upcoming GE-13.

“In 2009, it was the ‘cow’s head’ issue… they (UMNO-BN) wanted to pit Malay against Hindu, Islam against non-Islam,” he stated in a special interview with TV Selangor.

He made the above remark while commenting on Wanita UMNO Chief, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil’s statement that the 13th May incident will repeat itself should UMNO fail to recapture Putrajaya during the UMNO Annual General Meeting recently.

According to him, the people do not rely on a single media channel that is completely controlled by the UMNO-BN regime but rather prefer to use alternative media such as the internet, blogs and social websites like Facebook and Twitter.

“UMNO’s media such as TV3 and Utusan play these issues everyday in the hopes of scarring the public, especially those living in remote areas because city-dwellers do not fall for such ruse anymore.”

“Just look, the other day the issue was the use of the name ‘Allah’ by Christians, and later a court order was issued… The incident of church fires… There were some who asked for a demo at a mosque but it failed because the Malay people have realised that all of it is a political agenda by UMNO to ensure its long life,” explained Haris, who is also a social activist.

Rodziah: Efforts to Eliminate Challenges for OKU

SHAH ALAM, 4TH DEC: People with Different Abilities (OKU) should be acknowledged and be given the opportunity to play an important role in the development of the nation.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail says that these roles can only be played if physical and non-physical obstacles can be eliminated.

“The State Government is working its hardest to implement changes in terms of facilities in stages so as to eliminate existing obstacles and to improve efforts in aiding the OKU to increase their competitiveness.”

“All efforts planned and implemented by the State government needs to be accepted by leaders at all levels including corporate bodies and infant companies of the State, State Assembly, Council Members, Resident Leaders, Community Leaders in moving towards a society that is caring and considerate of People with Different Abilities (OKU).”

People with Different Abilities (OKU) Day is celebrated on the 3rd of December annually since 1994, in line with the United Nations’ Resolution announcing the International People with Different Abilities Day on the same date. The UN theme this year reads ‘Removing Barriers to Create and Inclusive Accessible Society for all’.

According to her, all barriers and obstacles faced by the OKU have varied aspects that need to be addressed urgently such as education, family life, health care, social development, employment, socio-economic issues and others including employment opportunities within the government.

“By taking on these jobs, it will help them create the foundation for themselves in making sure that their rights are protected and they have equal access to basic necessities, just like everyone else.”

“I ask everyone from all of society whether from the government, politicians and lay people to commit in providing sufficient access so that the OKU can forge a path forward without obstacles,” she added.

SYABAS Must Overcome Low Water Pressure to Prevent Recurring Fire

PETALING JAYA, Dec 4: Selangor Water Supply Company (Syabas) is urged to do immediately perform maintenance on pipes as well as monitor the quality of water pressure periodically.

This action is necessary to prevent the fire tragedy which destroyed two houses at Jalan 1/4, Old Town due to low water pressure.

Bukit Gasing State Assembly (DUN) Service Centre Special Officer, Kasthuri Patto, said the fire which occurred at about 10.30am on 1 December forced the fire brigade to use water from the second truck that rushed to the scene due to the water pressure from the faucet nearby being too low.

However, she said, the fire was successfully contained by the fire brigade, but the cause is still unidentified.
28 people became homeless due to the incident.

On the basis of caring, Bukit Gasing State Assemblyman’s Office contributed RM3,000 for each house destroyed in the blaze.

“We will continue to assist them with a variety of other ways to ease the burden that must be borne after facing a traumatic experience like this,” she said in a press release.

They also will send an official letter to Syabas as a reminder to check the water pressure in Selangor regularly, especially in Petaling Jaya.

“Syabas is responsible for supplying water to consumers in the state. Indeed, water pressure maintenance falls under their jurisdiction as well. Has Syabas broken their promise to provide quality clean water to the consumer?

“I urge Syabas to check the condition of their water pipes and perform regular maintenance to ensure that consumers do not face this situation again,” she said.

Status Report of Water Supply in Selangor This Wednesday

SHAH ALAM, 3 Dec: The State Government will reveal the status report on Selangor’s water supply on Wednesday shortly after the Exco Meeting, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Abdul Khalid said that the status is based on observations by the Water Monitoring Committee headed by State secretary Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi.

“We will give credence to the Committee to make a study in addition to receiving a report from the Selangor Water Supply Company Sdn Bhd (Syabas), which became one of the agencies.

“It could be that this Wednesday, after the Exco Meeting, I will give the final status of the distribution of water throughout Selangor, “he told reporters after launching Innovation Day 2012 at Silver Jubilee Hall, here, today.

While commenting on the disruption of water supply which hit a large number of people in the SS15, Subang Jaya area, Abdul Khalid said he would refer the matter to Mohd Khusrin for further action.

Yesterday, TV3 reported that a large number of people in SS15, Subang Jaya have been facing a prolonged disruption of water supply since the past two weeks.

Umno Assembly Does Not Focus on the People’s Problems, Only Sows Hatred

PETALING JAYA, 3 Dec: The Umno General Assembly which ended yesterday did not focus on government policies and problems of the people, instead concentrating on igniting racialism, including trying to bring back ‘the ghost of May 13’.

Umno’s action is due to the rising sense of fear that Umno leaders will lose power when people reject them in the upcoming 13th General Election, says PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The act of calling back the May 13 ‘ghost’ was to create hatred between the Malays and non-Malays.

“Next, they will cultivate a culture of fear among the people that the bloodshed will happen if Umno loses power,” Anwar said in a press release.

Anwar also said the action was provocative and may be regarded as a crime.

The statement was issued by Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil in her opening speech at the Wanita Umno assembly meeting last week.

Anwar claims that Shahrizat’s statement is an attempt to revive her political career after being pressured to resign in regards to the National Feedlot Corporation scandal.

In the three-day conference, the Umno president who is also the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, also took the opportunity to attack Anwar and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders.

“Where are the ideas for the economy and social justice, health, housing and education?

“If he possesses a strong reason to oppose Pakatan Rakyat, he should accept my challenge to confront and debate. So that the people can evaluate who is telling the truth and who is fond of cheating.

“Do not hide behind your cheap propaganda machine and be a real man as the Prime Minister and come down to the court to debate with me,” said Anwar.

Najib also claimed that Anwar is a proxy for foreign powers, the United States and China, and at the same time, apostasy will run rampant and turn Malaysia into a Christian nation if Umno goes extinct in the next election.

State Government Establishes Emergency Squad to Prepare for Flood

SHAH ALAM, 3 Dec: The State Government has established an Emergency Squad supervised by district officers in the whole of Selangor to assist the public in the event of flooding.

Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, when contacted by TV Selangor, advised the public to immediately contact the squad’s emergency room which will be open 24 hours in district offices.

“However, at this time the public may contact the District Office Hot Line in advance to inform of the occurrence of floods.

He also added that the State Executive Council has provided funds to be channelled to agencies involved in helping flood victims.

“It will not be channelled to the victims, but to mobilise emergency relief operations for victims when the water rises.

“Help for flood victims will be decided later when the State Government meets. What is important to save the victims first,” he said.

Previously it was reported that the State Government is ready to face floods in Selangor during the rainy season which will last until March next year.

In mid-November, a total of 1,217 individuals from Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor were displaced by the floods.

Studies Have Been Confirmed, Reparation of Landslide Areas Have Commenced

SHAH ALAM, 2 Dec: In addition to studies conducted to identify areas that are at risk to the occurrence of landslides, the Selangor State Government has also been actively conducting works to reinforce and repair land structures of landslide areas.

The land reinforcement works and road repairs involves areas that are sensitive and are at a high risk in Hulu Langat including areas that landslide incidents have occurred recently.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the people in the Hulu Langat will have to be more prepared and alert towards any land movement, especially now, during the rainy season.

Last week, heavy rains caused a landslide small rubble behind the kitchen walls of the Perkid welfare home, near Kajang.

Meanwhile, on the 29th of November, five people were injured after their vehicle plunged in a landslide in Jalan Kerchau, near the Semenyih dam.

Consumer Affairs, Environment and Selangor Tourism Exco, Elizabeth Wong also reminded owners of private property to take responsibility for their own land.

“For land owners, they are responsible for their own land to build buffer zones in their respective areas. There has to be buffer zones.

“For residences that have extended their homes close to hills, be wary. If possible, change the usage of rooms near the hill.

“For example, if the extension room is used as a bedroom, convert it to something else as it is dangerous,” she said when contacted by TV Selangor.

Elizabeth also said that for the last three years, the State Government through the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with the collaboration of NGOs, has been actively conducting various awareness programmes in providing information on early signs of a landslide.

“Landslides do not happen suddenly. Before a landslide there are early signs that can be identified and if detected early, lives and property can be saved,” said Elizabeth.

According to Elizabeth among the first signs of before a landslide happens is the increasing inclination of trees, utility poles, retaining walls and fences.

Other signs include the soil becoming very wet, the sudden appearance of the springs, cracks and swelling of soil, streets or sidewalks, straight lines on the road becoming crooked, broken or leaking pipes.

Residents should be cautious if there is a door or window their house that cannot be closed as it should usually.

Regarding the same issue, Abdul Khalid said that he would announce the location of the landslide-prone areas after the State Government completes its research.

“We want to inform the people where the very sensitive places are because should we not give early notice, it could endanger the public. In a month’s time, I willl announce the areas which have been deemed to be sensitive areas.

“Residents (and), neighbours, need to be prepared,” said Abdul Khalid when met after the Mosque Management Workshop at the State Mosque recently.

MBSA Plans To Expand Over 24 Clean Zones, Mini Clean Zones Include Apartments

SHAH ALAM, 2 Dec: Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will proclaim over 24 new areas as clean zones and Mini Clean Zones, including low and medium cost apartments.

Among the planned areas to achieve Clean Zone status in 2013 are Section 2, Section 3 and Section 4 in Shah Alam.

While the process of obtaining Clean Zone statuses have begun in Section 9 and Mini Clean Zone status for Section 19 in Shah Alam.

Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan said that this process will continue until the area manages to achieve the prescribed level of cleanliness before it can be given the status of Clean Zone or Mini Clean Zone.

MBSA will also continue efforts by convening a meeting with council members to seek the consent of establishing a total of 24 mini clean zones at council level.

“For high-rise housing, we will cooperate with the Joint Management Body (JMB) and the Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco (Housing Exco).

“We will try to obtain funds from the ‘Ceria’ Fund from the Housing Exco,” he told TV Selangor yesterday.

According to Mohd Jaafar plans will be made in response to Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim educate the community on maintaining cleanliness instead of forcing them to.

“The area need not be too wide, 20 acres for each council members 20 and we will focus on the area because we want to raise the community’s awareness,” he said.

MBSA also plans to collaborate with the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to create clean zones in residential areas developed by the company.

Azmin: Najib Most Spendthrift PM in Spending Petronas Funds

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Nov: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the most spendthrift Finance Minister, by forcing Petronas to contribute the highest dividend rates in the country’s history.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali accounted that, except for Najib, there has never been a Finance Minister or Prime Minister who has extensively used Petronas funds.

Based on the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Statics, throughout Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s term as Finance Minister, Petronas had contributed a dividend of RM3.1 billion from 1992 until 1997.

The amount of dividends Petronas contributed when Tun Abdullah Badawi was the Finance Minister was RM9.1 billion in 2004, RM11.0 billion in 2005, RM18.0 for 2006 and RM24.0 billion for 2007.

Meanwhile, during Najib’s term, a sum of RM30.0 billion in dividends have been contributed consistently from 2009 to 2011.

“When Anwar had worked to reduce the national debt, the country spent prudently resulting in income surpassing spending without burdening Petronas and had driven economic growth up to 10 percent. Datuk Seri Najib had taken 10 times more out of Petronas funds.

“The national debt increased five-fold, the budget deficit lasted for 14 years and the economic growth rate is still sluggish at the rate of around four to five per cent,” he said at a press conference at PKR headquarters.

Azmin came forward today to maintain the credibility and ability of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in steering the economy following Najib’s attack yesterday at the Umno general assembly.

Azmin explained that Najib’s economic performance has not once ever surpassed Anwar’s in successfully accelerating economic growth in reaching 9-10 percent during his term as the Minister of Finance.

During Najib’s appointment as the Minister of Finance since 2009, he has reversed the economy’s direction and lead it towards crisis while neighbouring countries such as Indonesia continues to grow rapidly.

In addition, Najib Razak has also failed to overcome debt problems although Anwar had left it in a pretty good shape.

Azmin also said the modus operandi of the attacks against Anwar regarding his economic governance credibility is to use it again for the 13th General Elections (GE-13) to intimidate the people that the country will go bankrupt if Umno-BN is not given the power to rule.

“For the GE-13, people will still choose Pakatan Rakyat. This means that mature people will not be influenced by Umno-BN political propaganda in underestimating the people’s ability to evaluate the performance of the economy under the leadership of Anwar as Finance Minister.



CM: Benefits of the Talam Debt Collection is for the People’s Welfare

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid stressed that the Talam Corporation debt proceeds, valued at RM392 million will be channelled to benefit the welfare of the people.

During the winding up speech at the Selangor State Assembly (DNS), Abdul Khalid said that the land purchases of this GLC is capable of delivering high-value returns through residential and commercial development projects to be planned in the future.

“The results of the collection will save these lands from being confiscated and sold by the bank.

“In fact, we will use these assets to recover the Talam debts to GLCs through Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI),” he said.

He explained that to make sure the debt is guaranteed to be collected, a comprehensive settlement agreement will be signed with Talam.

So far, the overall Gross Development Value (GDV) is worth RM4,146 million for lands purchased by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) and the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

The lands are at Bukit Beruntung (PKNS) worth RM133 million, Bukit Beruntung (PNSB) worth RM2,378 million and Bestari Jaya (PNSB) worth RM1,635 million.

He further explained that the latest assessment on the land at Bukit Beruntung by the Selangor Land and Mines Office on the 26th of November found that the land is estimated to be worth RM475 million based on mixed land status.

This situation altogether reflects the State Government’s success in producing economic and social value through the Talam debt amortisation process.