Tag: State Institutions

AES Summons: Ronnie Instructs MPKj to Bear Witness

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco, Ronnie Liu, will instruct the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to bear witness to road users who have been issued summons by Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras.

He said that he will instruct MPKj to send officers to witness in court to confirm that the installation of the cameras was done illegally.

Ronnie said that the installation of AES cameras at two areas in Kajang was not legal and that the contractor hired by the Federal Government did not get Planning Permission (PP) from MPKj.

“The AES installation in Kajang falls under the Local Authorities Act 1976 and any kind of installations should obtain PP from the Local Authorities (PBT).”

“Even though you are a land owner, without a PP, it is illegal and you cannot do that,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Secretary (SUK) building last night.

Ronnie explained that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung and Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha should have known about the ACT because any kind of installation would have to first get approval.

“Only after getting permission, can installation be done. Even ministers (Cho Ha and Chee Heung) have to follow the law,” he explained.

In connection to that, the State Government would have to instruct them to dismantle the cameras within 14 days, starting last Monday.

Ronnie said that should they ignore the warning, the State Government will instruct MPKj to dismantle the cameras.

“If they do not take the cameras down, we will ask MPKj send out a demolition letter, should they not comply and dismantle the cameras within 14 days, we will dismantle them. We are following the law,” the State Assemblyman for Pandamaran said.

Previously, two AES cameras were installed at kilometre 6.6 on the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and at kilometre 301.6 heading north on the North-South Expressway.

Federal Government Transfers Zainal for Making a Statement Detrimental to Umno-BN?

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Federal Government’s move to transfer Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala, Chairman of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is believed to be related to him exposing that it was the Umno-BN government that approved the Batu Caves condominium project.

Ronnie Liu, Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco said that Zainal Abidin was the “circumstantial victim” when he was forced to expose facts regarding the controversial project.

“He was forced to also mention that the project was not approved recently, rather during the previous BN government.”

“When the press asked for the minutes of the meeting, he had to surrender them because Selangor has an Information Transparency Act, so he really should not be blamed,” Ronnie said when addressed after the Exco meeting here today.

Previously, Zainal had declared that the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue at Batu Caves project’s Planning Permission (KM) had been released during the BN administration on the 30th of November, 2007.

Zainal also disclosed that the project was approved by the Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG).

However, the Department of Environment Malaysia (JAS), in their initial report, did not support the project’s development for unstated reasons.

He also revealed that it was clearly established in an MPS meeting minutes that the Planning Permission for the 29 storey condominium was released in that meeting.

The development project by Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd at Batu Caves is considered a sensitive issue seeing that the area is considered a sacred worshipping site for the Indian community.

Ronnie also mentioned that this Friday, Zainal’s transfer to a still unknown department will be enforced.

“Today is Zainal’s last day in MPS because tomorrow is a public holiday and later, I will be speaking to him. No matter the situation, I feel that this action is unfair,” he added.

Selangor Willing to Help Recipients of AES Summons

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: The Selangor State Government is willing to help road users who have been given summons by the Automated Enforcement System (AES) which have been placed around Selangor.

However, the reciepients of the summons have to first refer to the legislative counters which will be opened at the PAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The statement was made by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim when asked by journalists regarding the State Government’s actions to help AES summon reciepients.

“Should the people need help, the State Government is willing to assist however this must be done in accordance to legal procedures,” he said.

Selangor has decided to postpone the AES implementation because they are not certain that it will lower accident rates.

On the contrary, the State Government is of the opinion that the Federal Government is installing AES to benefit the company that received the contract to install the system.

Prior to this, Pokok Sena MP, Datuk Mahfuz Omar had said that the Department of Law and Human Rights (JUHAM) as well as PAS Youth have set up free legal aid for anyone who have gotten summons from the AES camera.

Abdul Khalid has also previously said that the two AES cameras installed in Puchong and Kajang are illegal because they did not get approval from the Local Authorities (PBT).

According to him, the concession companies for the AES project would reap tremendous profit, approximately 17 percent per annum, from the total collected from summons.

CM Witnesses PKNS Recite the CIP

SHAH ALAM, 14 Nov: Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) emerged today as the first State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) in Malaysia to recite the Corporate Integrity Pledge (CIP) as an effort to fight against corruption in the business place.

The CIP is a document that allows an organisation to commit to upholding anti-corruption principals by establishing fair and transparent trade free from corruption.

The pledge was signed by the Head Director of PKNS, Othman Omar and was overseen by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Deputy Head Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (Prevention), Datuk Sutinah Sutan.

In his speech, Abdul Khalid said that the ministry is able to reinforce accountability and administration while altogether being committed in creating an organisation that is transparent and absent of corruption.

“I believe with the existence of this system, PKNS can be trusted, and with integrity and honour, clients of PKNS will trust them and with this trust, PKNS will have the opportunity to progress more in developments.”

“This shows the worker’s preparedness to serve with a high efficiency rate as well as being able to follow orders and regulations while keeping employer and company secrets,” he said.

Parallel to the ministry, Abdul Khalid also launched the PKNS Whistle-Blowing Policy which is a channel to receive complaints and give the public and PKNS staff the opportunity to report any discrepancies in implementation activities or disciplinary offences.

Also appointed as the Whistle-Blowing Committee Chairman is the Chairman of the Audit Integrity Committee, Datuk Mohd Salleh Mahmud.

Previously, PKNS has carried out various initiatives to strengthen the management structure.

Among which is the establishment of the Department of Administration and Integrity (JKTI), the establishment of the Department of Procurement, Department of Organisational Management and Integrity, the appointment of the Accredited Integrity Officer and formation of the ‘No Gift Policy’ that discourages the giving of gifts and hospitality.

For the record, approximately 130 Government Linked Companies (GLC), private or organisations, around the country have signed the CIP.

MPSJ Raids Illegal Dog Shelter

MPSJ carried out the action after being informed by neighbours regarding the noise and cleanliness of the premises which was believed to be used by a group of animal lovers.

In a statement, MPSJ informed that the owner and residents had ignored several notices and 6 compounds.

During the raid, the owner of the premises acted aggressively by spraying water at the MPSJ enforcement officers.

However, the residents cooperated when the MPSJ officers and police told them that firmer action will be taken should they resist.

From the raid, 18 dogs were moved to the MPSJ dog pound at Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama.

The owner of the house was also issued another compound.

“Residents of the premises can be charged with the offences of obstruction, disruption and assaulting the enforcement officers who were carrying out their duty under Section 112, of the 1976 Local Government Act (Act 171).”

“If found guilty, the residents can face fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both,” he said.

In relation to that, MPSJ is advising all dog owners to abide by the rules and laws under the Licensing of Dogs and Kennel Establishments By-laws 2007 as well as the terms of the Pet Licence.

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.

FGVH Stock Drops, Felda Staff Become Victims

SHAH ALAM, 13 Nov: 60 percent of Felda employees have become victims of huge losses when Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) stock price dramatically fell.

Chairman of National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Mazlan Aliman said, this is happening because the unit rates and share lots offered to them were much bigger than Felda settlers.

He said the department received complaints from some Felda employees who complained of needing to repay bank loans at the rate of RM400 per month while share prices fall.

He said the situation will continue to burden the settlers and staff for having to bear the losses of bank loan payments when the interest rate charged is more expensive than the dividends earned.

“Up till now, 60 percent of Felda staff have yet to sell their shares.

“They’ve signed bank loans involving tens of stock lots, so the amount of their loans reach tens of thousands, therefore at the same time they are also burdened,” he said when contacted.

Yesterday, the FGVH agricultural giant shares traded below the listing price (RM4.55) for the first time.

The shares began trading at a price of RM4.60 then dropped to RM4.53 at 10:46am before rising.

Final market price of the shares was RM4.57 at the 12.30pm break.

Elaborating, Mazlan said Felda shareholders will begin to incur losses when the share price stood at RM4.78.

“When prices fall now, the situation is very bad. For the settlers, should they bear loss, they will at least have a repayment package of RM50 per month to the bank.

“But it is different with Felda staff, they will be burdened with bank loans. However, they are forced to cover their losses, they do not show that they are already at loss because they were eagerly forcing settlers to sign the loan previously,” he said.

However, he said, the repayment of RM50 per month to the bank by the settlers is not a long term solution.

Obviously, if the stock continues to weaken, more settlers will incur losses and repayment will take quite a long time.

“Probably more than 10 years. Settlers have to incur the debt apart from cost of living, replanting and Felda housing should they apply. It is not beneficial to the settlers, “he said.

Nurul Izzah Victimised To Protect Najib in Soi Lek Insults Islam Gathering

COMMENTS recarding MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in his speech at the 59th MCA general assembly on October 21st and said eight of the 11 countries that implement Hudud are considered among the most corrupt, unstable and unsafe countrues.

In the speech which was attended Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Soi Lek claimed that 1.2 million Malaysians will lose their jobs should PAS implement Hudud in Malaysia.

Following Soi Lek’s statement Soi Lek, for more than two weeks, the media, political leaders, academics and Islamic theologians protested and condemned Soi Lek’s statement.

The worst effect from Soi Lek’s statement was that Najib was at the rally.

Openly and indirectly and Najib is perceived as a leader who lets his religion and race be insulted in front of him.

Najib’s attitude and silence is regarded as a cowardice and a traitor to his race and religion even though he is the leader of the party which is supposed to defend the Malay race and Islam.

While Soi Lek’s statement is very sensitive not only to the Malays and Islam, in fact it is able become a threat to national security.

Certainly if any of the leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat had made that statement, they will be detained under ISA or any other related Acts.

Soi Lek’s action was not only an insult to the Malay race and Islam but it is also considered as trying to interfere with Islam.

The British way of previously of not interfering with Islam but interfering with other affairs is evidence that the British recognised the sensitivity of Malays and Muslims.

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria had said that Soi Lek is not entitled to make the statement and that Soi Lek’s statement is considered rude, an insult and humiliating Islam.

Soi Lek’s statement that had hurt Muslims especially the Malays would be a very big issue should Umno fail to address it.

What was more unfortunate is that Najib bore witness to all these insults from Soi Lek mouth.

Meanwhile, the action of the PAS Youth bringing the issue up to the Yang Di Pertuan Agung can also be seen to cause the confidence of Malays towards Umno whose leader is Najib.

Najib aware of Lost Support

In the political context, everyone realises that Umno relies on the support of Malays. His action regarding Soi Lek insulting Islamic law will benefit PAS and Pakatan Rakyat.

Najib also realises that the issue’s potential will be used as soon as possible by PR to sway Malay voters into leaving the party.

Umno’s ‘Think Tank’ may share the same stance.

Najib and the Umno ‘Think Tank’ is finding it serious enough for Umno to continue their survival in the upcoming 13th General Elections.

Reports from the Army, police, JASA and Kemas has forced him to postpone the 13th General Elections to and indeterminate time.

Nurul Izzah Becomes the Black Sheep

Recognizing the ‘danger’ of the issue, making someone else a black sheep has to be done to cover-up the issue.

The culture of running away from the real issue is known by the people by practicing defamation and ‘whatever’ is part and parcel of what Umno has been practicing for over half a century.

It is very stupid, not intelligent and moronic if an educated politician such as Nurul Izzah Anwar made a statement to legalize apostasy.

To anyone who heard her statements in the forum entitled “Islamic State: Which version? Whose responsibility?” will find that the leader of the opposition’s daughter had never said that.

The forum that used English as a medium can be easily manipulated by the Umno-owned media to the majority of Malays in villages who do not understand the language.

Nurul Izzah’s action in instructing her lawyer to take legal action and make a report to JAIS regarding the defamation which was issued by the Umno-owned media was the best approach.

The Number of Flood Victims in Selangor Rises

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: Selangor recorded an increase in flood victims amounting to 1,327 victims in three districts, Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor in comparison to 1,273 people victims last night.

According to the National Security Council (MKN) flood web portal, Kuala Langat district recorded the highest number of victims, 954 victims, who have been placed in four evacuation centres till 9 o’clock this morning.

A total of seven evacuation centres have been setup to accommodate the increasing number of flood victims with the highest number of victims in Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia Bukit Changgang amounting to 772 victims.

Meanwhile, heavy rain in Bestari Jaya since a few days has caused the total of flood victims to increase from 15 to 33 people until 12 o’clock noon yesterday.

All the victims have been placed in Kampung Seri Makmur Evacuation Centre, Bestari Jaya involving eight families.

Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) web portal reported, water levels of the two main rivers, Sungai Langat in Bukit Changgang and Sungai Selangor in Kuala Badong, have exceeded the warning levels and people in the surrounding areas have been asked to be careful.

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.

500 Gather in Protest Against AES

MANJUNG, 9 NOV: “AES Protest” urged Transportation Minister, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha to cancel commencement of the Automatic Enforcement System (AES) within a week.

Joint Coordinator, AES Protest, Saifullah Zulkifli stressed that any efforts to combat the issue of accidents are welcomed.

Nevertheless, AES implementation is suspicious and a burden to the people.
“Protest AES gives a duration of a week to Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha to cancel implementations of the AES and to respond to the protests.”

“If the reverse happens, another gathering of ‘AES Protest’ with leaders of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be held at parliament,” she said in a press statement.

She said this after the People’s Gathering in Protest of AES that was attended by 500 supporters in Setiawan, Perak today.

The first gathered at Masjid An-Nasyirah, Sitiawan after Friday evening prayers and later moved towards the Cho Ha’s office who is the Lumut Member of Parliament.

A memorandum of protest against AES has proposed four reasons for the system’s rejection.

The four factors stated in the memorandum are the background of the two companies chosen and the suspicious deal of privatization.

The memorandum also states that accidents are not only caused by speed and that the implementation of AES will only add to the people’s burdens.

“Protest AES state their regret at the cowardly attitude of Lumut Member of Parliament, Datok Seri Kong Cho Ha in not facing the people directly and only sending an office clerk to accept the memorandum,” he added.

The gathering was attended by Pakatan Rakyar, NGOs and social leaders.

Amongst the leaders present who gave speeches were representatives of PKR Perak, Chang Lih Kang, Dr Raja Ahmad Iskandar who represented PAS Youth Assembly of Perak, Siti Aisyah Sheik Ismail as representative of PKR and few other NGO leaders.