Tag: State Assembly

Anwar Sues Utusan: Decision Postponed Until January 22

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KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Dec: Today the Kuala Lumpur High Court postponed Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s RM50 million suit against Utusan Malaysia till January 22, next year.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge, Datuk VT Singham, made the decision to re-evaluate all the facts pertaining to the case.

In his demands statement, Anwar claimed that Utusan Maaysia newspaper’s front page and page 10, dated January 17, 2012, in error and malice, had printed and published defamatory things about him.

Anwar claimed that the Utusan article titled “Reject Anwar-Hasan” defamed him as wanting to legalise homosexual activities.

In a press conference outside the court, Anwar, who is also the PRK Opposition Leader, homes that the court will come to a just decision which will serve as a guideline in the future for all parties.

“We support media freedom, but not media controlled by corrupt politicians who only use it to defame political opponents and to make them fall,” he said when shortly met by reporters today.

He explained that journalism ethics are increasingly being ignored by media controlled by Umno-BN.

“This is not just about Utusan, but the question of journalism ethics because previously, especially media owned by Umno-BN, are free to do whatever they want and to not be fair,” Anwar, who is also the Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament, said.

He was represented by his lawyer N Surendran and Latheefa Koya.

In the January 17 report, former Selangor PAS commissioner, Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, slammed Anwar for contesting laws related to homosexuality in this country.

Hasan had also urged the people to reject Anwar’s struggle.

Alinah’s Appointment Will Empower Women

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SHAH ALAM, 21 Dec:Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad’s appointment as the first female Mayor in Malaysia will strengthen Selangor Government’s efforts in empowering women.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science Technology and Innovation Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that the hopes of women in Selangor is enormous to all women who hold key positions in the public sector.

“Her experience and dedication in Selangor’s public service as well as her concern for women’s issues will give impetus to the efforts of women in the state.

“Congratulations and well done on the first time appointment of a woman to hold the top post at the City Local Authority (PBT) level in Selangor and Malaysia,” said Rodziah in a media statement.

On Dec 19, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim announced the appointment of Alinah, who was the former Executive Director of the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS).

Alinah will assume her duty as the Mayor of Petaling Jaya on January 1, 2013.

She previously served as Deputy Director at the Selangor Land and Mines Office, Kuala Langat Head assistant district officer (ADO), Petaling District Office Enforcement ADO, State Financial Secretariat (SUK) Head Assistant and Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU) Secretary Head Assistant, Prime Minister’s Department.

Alinah will be replacing Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman who is currently the Deputy State Secretary (Development).

“Hopefully, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad will continuously be successful and improve the quality of life for people in Selangor, especially for women,” said Rodziah.

MAS Management Urged to Explain Foreign Workers Recruitment Policy

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SHAH ALAM, 21 Dec: The new management of the national airline carrier, Malaysia Airlines System Berhad (MAS) has been called upon to explain their foreign workers recruitment policy which might affect the efficiency of the company.

Shah Alam Member of Parliament, Khalid Abdul Samad said that MAS performance recovery efforts have to be reported to the country and not just to cronies profiting from the company.

“It is understood that a lot of MAS work have been outsourced and have been distributed to cronies.

“And a lot of MAS work such as cargo maintenance is done by foreign workers who do not have the skills and training like the original MAS workers,” he said in press conference at his office.

In the press conference, Khalid showed the media a video which was said to be sent to his office by an anonymous individual regarding negligence of foreign workers in maintaining aircraft owned by MAS.

The video, dated in November which was a duration of about two minutes, showed the alleged foreign worker’s actions of banging into a 737 aircraft engine on a runway which was at an unspecified location.

He said that previously, MAS had equivalent standing and rank as foreign airline companies such as Singapore Airlines System (SIA) and other international companies.

However, due to granting maintenance work and management to cronies, the performance of MAS is now disputable.

“After all kinds of political interference, especially during Tun Mahathir’s time, the situation has been deteriorating.

“We want transparency and accountability from MAS, we do not want things that happened during Tajuddin Ramli’s time to repeat,” he said..

Previously, MAS recorded a net loss of RM2.52 billion for the financial year which ended on December 31, 2011, the largest in the corporate’s history with earnings of RM13.9 billion.

CM: Consolation Prize for Customer Service Hotline Complainants

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SERDANG, 21 Dec: The Selangor State Government will be handing out consolation prizes to individuals who report three major problems to the Customer Service Hotline Centre which will be launched next year.

The Customer Service Hotline Centre which will be launched on January 15 2013, will raise complaints regarding garbage collection, treated water supply and road conditions in their area.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that incentives will be given to each complainant as effort by the State Government to appreciate every complaint as feedback to improve public service.

He said that every problem will be recorded and from time to time, the individual concerned will be contacted to find out if there are any new problems in their area to be complained about in future.

“This is the way for every person in the community to involve themselves with the State Government to help resolve any problems that occur,” he said.

Abdul Khalid was met by reporters last night after presenting the Residents Committee Award (JKP) and Local Youth Movers Award (PeBT) organized by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) at the Palace of The Golden Horses, Sri Kembangan.

In the meantime, this customer service centre will help all Local Authorities (PBT) in the state in addressing problems.

“We have a special team to run the customer service centre instead of being run by the local governments.

“When this begins to run, and problems have begun to be forwarded to us, we will seek assistance from Local Authorities (PBT) involved to help solve problems such as garbage (removal) and damaged roads.

Money Laundering, Evidence of Corruption in Najib’s Era

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PETALING JAYA, 20 Dec: The 2010 report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) regarding money laundering flows has put Malaysia as the second worst, proving that the ruling era of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is burdened by corruption.

Although it was expected, however the large amount of illegal money transferred out of Malaysia from year 2000 to 2010 still shocked the nation, said PKR Opposition Leader leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference here, at the PKR Headquarters.

“Malaysia is a country whose economy depends on international trade. Export and import activities involving money moving in and out, and investment funds, are becoming more complex every day.

“Therefore, the results of GFI’s study has shown the big picture of economic leakages in the country that has been moved out of the country which ultimately is disadvantageous to the people.” he said.

Anwar explained that Najib’s failure in managing the country’s economy is evidenced by the amount of illegal money outflows which has increased 111 percent from US$30.41 billion (RM94,27 billion) in 2009 to US$64.38 (RM199.58 billion) in the year 2010.

Compared to other countries, Malaysia is the only country that saw the amount of illegal money outflows increasing by one fold from 2009 to 2010.

Other countries include China, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

“The most critical period of Najib’s administration, which is from 2009 to 2010, reflects economic policies and economic approaches that he has carried out.

“Therefore, this increase proves that his approach on economic policies have failed to curb corruption, failed to stop criminal activities that are behind the illegal economy and he has failed to strengthen national institutions to inculcate good governance,” he said.

In relation to that, Anwar will be writing letters to the Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar, to GFI and to all Pakatan Rakyat Chief Ministers to invite them to participate in a discourse on how to combat illegal outflows of money which is anticipated to be held in January 2013.

These discussions at the negotiating table is to pursue this problem while finalising plans to combat money laundering.

Deepak’s Disclosure: NGO Calls for Najib, Rosmah, Nazim to be Investigated

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Dec: The NGO ‘Jingga 13’ has urged so that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and his brother Datuk Mohammad Nazim Razak, be investigated regarding latest disclosures made by businessman, Deepak Jaikishan.

This is because Deepak reportedly claimed that the three individuals were involved in efforts to formulate the Second Statutory Declaration (SD2) which was carried out by private investigator P Balasubramaniam.

SD2 is a document closely related to the murder case of Altantuya Sharibuu, a Mongolian woman in October 2006.

Jingga 13 Chief Coordinator Orange, Fariz Musa said that an investigation will be carried out regarding Deepak’s disclosure about his involvement in generating the SD2 which was intended to prevent a bigger exposure.

Because of that, Fariz said that the Police and the Attorney General is urged to reopen the murder case as there is evidently a new witness in the case.

“Najib and Rosmah’s involvement in the case should be dealt with seriously by the police.

“An act of power abuse and corruption for the sake of covering up the crime which was committed by them,” he said when met outside the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD) today.

Several news portals have been broadcasting Deepak’s detailed disclosure saying that he admits to speaking and meeting with Najib and Rosmah at his residence to seek ways to meet Balasubramaniam.

The meeting was aimed at cancelling his first declaration (SD1).

Deepak claimed that Nazim was sent to represent Najib and discussions were conducted including to bribe Balasubramaniam in cancelling the SD1 and SD2 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Moreover, Deepak also said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had called for him to be investigated but he said that MACC was more eager to close the case and no action was taken.

CM: Support PR for Development Spur

SUNWAY CITY, 9 Dec: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim urged the people to continue to support the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership in order to spur the development of the state in a time of peace and joy.

According to him, as a big family, people Selangor cannot be ignored in any kind of development because every success achieved by the state is a success for all.

“I hope that you will all support us so that we can make this state a state for all.

“This celebration (event) is part of the people of Selangor because it (Selangor) is multi-racial.

“(The celebration) not only unites the people of Selangor, but we are (part of) a big family.

“(So) we do not want to leave them behind in the development of the state because of our success is the success of everyone,” he said during the Selangor State Level Christmas Day Celebration at Sunway Pyramid Resort here yesterday.

He added that the State Government will definitely implement various forms of development, with full responsibility, including the completion of projects abandoned by the previous Umno-BN administration.

“We have a balanced budget (for 2013), but we also have a huge government savings reserve of more than RM2.5 billion.

“On of the purposes of this reserve is to be used on the people of Selangor.

“The State Government has allocated not more than RM500 million for the development of the people of Selangor through the construction of the new bridge in Klang.

“I believe that the people of Klang will get the bridge that was promised by BN on the 4th of March 2008. We will do this for the people.

“We will build the same bridge, with the same model and expenses not exceeding RM200 million,” he said.

Also present at the celebration were Selangor Excos,Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Elizabeth Wong, Ean Yong Hian Wah, Klang MP, Charles Santiago, Subang Jaya Assemblywoman, Hannah Yeoh and Rawang Assemblywoman, Gan Pei Nei.

At the same event, Selangor Executive Councilor, Dr Xavier Jayakumar represented the Chief Minister in presenting the ‘Non-Islamic House of Worship Fund’ worth RM30,000 to the Church of Shekinah Glory.

In addition, contributions were given to four schools which are to the SJKT Puchong PTA with a total of RM30,000, SJKT Ladang Tumbok PTA, Sepang, RM15,000, SJKT Teluk Merbau Sepang PTA, RM15,000 and RM10,000 to the SJKT Tun Sambathan PTA of Petaling Jaya.

Not left out were nine welfare homes where each home received a contribution of RM2,500.

Aminulrasyid: In the name of Justice, Lawyers Must File Plea


SHAH ALAM,5th DEC : National lawyers have been urged to file a plea in regards to the High Court’s Decision here are Shah Alam to release Corporal Jenain Subi, aged 49, in the fatal shooting of a teenage boy of fifteen years, Aminulrasyid Hamzah two years ago.

Lawyer, N. Surendran who was available for a comment said that the government, the lawyers and the police fully responsible because the family of victim has not been given justice.

“From the beginning, the police has been covering what actuallyhappened by giving false statements about a ‘parang’ in the car.”

“Also, some suggested that Aminulrasyid was driving the car towards the police and this has all been proven untrue,” Surendran added.

He explains that what is most disappointing is that the police have never offered apology in regards to this case.

“We have requested that national lawyers file a plea as soon as possible and that the government and the police offer a sincere apology openly to the family of the deceased for making false claims,” he said.

He also expressed that he is waiting for further instruction from Aminurasyid’s family in regards to the case.

He said that the case clearly highlights the need for Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) by the government to allow investigations of misconduct of the police force.

“Some of the main reasons for this injustice is because of the lack of IPCMC,” he added.

Judge Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebit who considered Jenain’s claims decided in his favour after finding that Jenain had no motive or intention to murder the teen.

Abdul Rahman was satisfied with the explanation of the police that he had only fired a bullet in order to stop the proton Isawara driven by Aminulrasyid, and not to murder the boy.

The judge also mentioned that there is no prima facie case proven for Jenain and that police should not have been asked to defend themselves.

Jenain who was on duty in a unit patrol car, at the Shah Alam Police Headquarters allegedly caused the death of Aminulrasyid between 1.10 am and 2.00 am on the 26th of April 2010 at Jalan Tarian 11/2, Section 11.

The accussed was charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code which can carry a sentence of 30 years and a fine.

In mid-September 2011, Session’s Court gave a sentence of five years imprisonment for causing the death of Aminulrasyid.

When giving the sentence, Judge Latifah Mohd Tahar held that the use of weaponry by Jenain whichended with 21 shots was an extreme act and not reasonable under the circumstances, even if it was done to stop the car driven by Aminulrasyid.

Pekawanis Saves Chronic Lymphoma Patient


SUNGAI BULOH, 5th DEC : Derita ditanggung pesakit Lymphoma Kronik, Rohaya Mohd Ariffin, 41, mendapat perhatian Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal Wanita Selangor (Pekawanis) yang bersedia menyalurkan bantuan kewangan.

The agony suffered by chronic lymphoma patient, Rohaya Mohd Ariffin, aged 41, gained the attention of Women’s Welfare and Charity Organisation (Pekawanis) who was ready to provide financial assistance.

Chairperson, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut was quoted saying that Rohaya’s problems were serious and Pekawanis hopes that by undergoing surgery at Sungai Buloh Hospital on Friday, the results will be positive in her favour.

According to her, Rohaya who was suffering from skin cancer gained attention form Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim who proposed a visit to collect more information.

“When news of Rohaya’s illness was printed in the paper, we decided to visit her home and there we found her in criticalcondition.”

“We work together to get to cooperation from the hospital in this matter.”

“We will continue to help in reducing the burdens on the patient and her family.
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“Pekawanis will propose for assistance through the Selangorku grant should finance be necessary in this case,” she said after a visit to Rohaya at the hospital today.

Joining the visit today was Permatang’s State Assemblyman, Mohd Yahya Mat Sabri.

Rohaya who is from Sungai Burung was admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital today and is expected to undergo surgery to remove a tumor weighing 50 kg from her body.

Her husband, Hassan Zakaria, aged 47, said that his wfe has been suffering the pain for over 30 years as she had her first operation for the first time at eleven years of age at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang.

Nevertheless, the tumour has persistently returned year after year and in recent years it has grown at an alarming rate, reaching its enormous size.

“For families earning a low income such as ourselves, accessing medical services has become a burden.”

“It is hoped that the surgery will help and our families are thankful to the state government for being attentive and considerate of our problems,” said the security guard, who is also the second son.

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.

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.

CM Satisfied with State Assembly Proceedings, Confident In Solving Water Issues Through Discussion

SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: The State Government is adamant that the Langat 2 Plant and the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor should be discussed with the Federal Government to come to an understanding in resolving the issue.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the State Government and the Federal Government should discuss thoroughly in finalising the restructuring of the water services industry under a Holistic Model.

He added that the current water services which is not holistic will continue to be an inefficient management of water and it would burden the consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“Selangor Water Supply Company Limited (Syabas) will no longer be able to handle water distribution because of financial deficits and debts to water treatment operators worth more than RM400 million as well as failing to pay royalties worth RM3 million to the State Government ,” he said.

Abdul Khalid said this in a press conference after the closing speech of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) today.

He also called on the people of Selangor to continue to support the restructuring of water services industry to ensure a more efficient water supply at a reasonable price.

In the meantime, he was satisfied with the way the DNS proceedings went which not only proves that the State Government has successfully presented a balanced budget, but it also managed to deliver the Talam White Paper and report the debt status regarding the restructuring of the water industry.

“I congratulate all members of the council who took part in the debate, I accept suggestions, criticism and arguments that can improve the State Government.

I would like to thank the Speaker, Datuk Teng Chang Khim for running the fifth term of the Assembly sittings smoothly and well,” he said.