Tag: State Linked Companies

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.

Do Not Flip-Flop, Prioritise Local Ability in Teaching English

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SHAH ALAM, 27 Dec: The Federal Government should prioritise employing local graduates and to improve the country’s education system, before proceeding to hire teachers from outside the country to teach English.

Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Executive Councillor, Dr Halimah Ali said that the poor command of the English language in schools may be due to the learning system itself.

At the same time, there are thousands of graduates from educational institutions that have yet to get jobs despite achieving good results.

The Federal Government has flip-flopped in their decision regarding English language education.

This can be seen in policies on the study of science and mathematics in English which was implemented during the administration of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, and was later cancelled during the administration of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Therefore, said Dr Halimah, the Ministry of Education should review the implementation before making an announcement.

“Just because we visited India, it does not mean that we have to immediately be interested in bringing over people from India to teach at our schools.

“It has to be reviewed.We do not want the phenomena of flip-flopping policies, one minute it is there, another it is not,” she said when met.

She added that the action also seems to treat students in this country as an experiment.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his visit to India, announced that Malaysia is keen in hiring teachers from that country to teach English in Malaysia’s national schools.

PKR Strategy Director Rafizi Ramli recently raised the issue of the fate of graduates with Bachelor of Education (ISMP) degrees particularly from Private Institutes of Higher Learning, who have yet to receive job offers in national schools.

In March 2012, Deputy Minister of Education Datuk Paud Zarkashi confirmed that 7,000 ISMP graduates have yet to receive job offers despite their good results.

Dr Halimah said the Federal Government should solve the unemployment problem of education graduated so that they are not ‘discriminated’ against.

“We have a lot of education graduates, it cannot be that the Federal Government does not have confidence in hiring them? While the Ministry of Education is the one producing these graduates.

“To teach a certain language, they have to have correct teaching and learning methods.

“An effective method should be used. From what we see in terms of theory, students are smart, however in terms of speech, they are not fluent in communicating.

“It may not be a wise step and mistreat our own graduates,” she said.

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Flooding in Kuala Selangor, 29 People Relocated

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SHAH ALAM, 24 December: Until 3.30 this evening, the recorded total number of flood victims in Selangor is 29 individuals from seven families.

According to the National Security Council (NSC) portal, all victims involved have been relocated to the evacuation centre at Balairaya Kampung Bukit Hijau, Jeram, Kuala Selangor.

So far, two evacuation centres have been opened at Kampung Bukit Hijau, Jeram and Kampung Seri Sentosa, Kuala Selangor.

Meanwhile, 70 residents from Kampung Kebun Bunga, Batu Tiga that have been transferred to Dewan Orang Ramai Batu Tiga last Friday, have been allowed to return to their homes yesterday.

Their houses flooded up to one metre last Friday night after heavy rains that lasted for more than four hours and the embankment at Sungai Damansara near the village, broke.

However, embankment repairs are being carried out by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and will be completed in the near future.

Meanwhile, two roads at Jalan Sungai Lalang (from Semenyih to Hulu Langat) and Jalan Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat, have been closed to all vehicles.

According to NSC, residents in surrounding areas have been asked to take precautions and to follow the authorities instructions if they have been ordered to relocate.

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.

Selangor Government Urged to Establish a GLC to Repair Roads

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SHAH ALAM, 21 Dec: It has been proposed that the Selangor Government establish a Government Linked Company (GLC) specifically to repair roads in the state.

Shah Alam MP, Khalid Abdul Samad said that damaged roads can be resolved immediately with the existence of a GLC due to constraints of Local Authorities (PBT) to act quickly.

“It is hoped that the Chief Minister’s Office will give due consideration to determine the efficiency of the Selangor Government in dealing with road problems,” he said.

He said that the Selangor Government can also use any existing GLC to undertake the task.

The roads are under the jurisdiction of the Selangor Government.

“At the moment, the Selangor Government has the funds and there is no excuse to not repair these roads immediately,” he said in a press conference at his office.

These GLCs can claim back their funds used for road reparations, from the Local Authorities, after the work is done.

Khalid Samad: MBSA Should be Firm in Closing Illegal Nightclub in Shah Alam

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SHAH ALAM, 21 Dec: The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has been urged to take stern action against a premises which has been operating as an illegal night club in Setia Alam.

Shah Alam MP, Khalid Abdul Samad said that it is hoped that the Shah Alam Mayor will raid and shut down the premises which is claimed to not have an entertainment licence or liquor licence.

He said that the premises only has licence to operate a cafeteria business, however has misused this licence by opening an entertainment centre.

“They have abused the licence, with the support of the police, to sell liquor which also needs a licence from the Department of Customs and also MBSA.

“Setia Alam is a township where 70 percent of its residents are non-Muslims.

“However, MBSA should hold a public hearing regarding permission to build an entertainment centre there,” Khalid explained in a press conference at his office.

Khalid said that MBSA has already issued a summons against the premises, but the action is considered inadequate.

“I do not agree with the action to impose a suit because the premises has deliberately breached regulations and understandingly violated many rules and bye-laws, including the question of selling liquor,” he said.

“Befittingly, MBSA should impose stricter action by immediately shutting down the operations of the premises.”

According to a newspaper report, the premises newly opened on December 12 in accordance with the 12.12.12 date. Apart from selling liquor, the nightclub also holds entertainment performances.

MBPJ Establishes Lake Cleanliness Committee

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PETALING JAYA, December 21: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) recently established a committee to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of lakes around its area.

The Lake Treatment System Subcommittee will be developing strategies to reduce odours and problems of murky waters that are tainting the beauty of lake parks in that city.

MBPJ Department of Health and Environment Director General, Dr Chitra Devi said that the council has agreed to conduct a pilot project by using the ‘ultrasonic algae control system’ at Tasik Aman in Section 22/44.

“It will be endeavoured by a company that has agreed to fully finance the lake water treatment project for a trial period of three months.

“This treatment method is used to combat the serious problem of algae growth in this lake,” said Dr Chitra during a joint visit between MBPJ and the Taman Aman Section 22/44 MBPJ Council Member.

She said that this project began in mid-August and is still going on till now.

MBPJ found that odours and algae growth have reduced after using this system.

“The council hopes that all parties play a role together in preserving the cleanliness of the lake by not channelling pollutants into public drains which flows directly into the lake.

“The spirit of loving these lakes should be within every resident as it is an invaluable asset for the country and it belongs to all,” she said.

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JKP Zone 20, PeBT 18, Wins Best MPSJ Award

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SERDANG, 21 Dec: For their persistence in holding community cleanliness programmes throughout the year, the Zone 20 Residents Committee (JKP) won the Best Overall JKP Award for Subang Jaya.

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Zone 20 JKP Chairman Sufari Tinnin, 40, said that he did not expect to receive the award from the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

He said that this year, the Zone 20 Residents Committee had organised various programmes such as gotong-royongs to eradicate rats in areas around Seri Serdang, safety and dengue prevention campaigns, as well as tailoring workshops dedicated to women.

“I never expected to be recognised for these efforts.

This includes programmes for residents and taking residents problems to higher authorities,” he said, winning a cash prize of RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

Zone 20 Residents Committee also emerged the winner for the Best Community Programme category, third place for best financial management and best JKP leadership.

The awards were presented last night by the Selangor Chief, Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim at the Residents Committee (JKP) and Local Youth Movers (PeBT) Awards Ceremony at Palace of The Golden Horses, Seri Kembangan.

He was accompanied by the MPSJ President, Datuk Asmawi Kasbi as well as Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Executive Councillor Dr Yunus Hairi.

Meanwhile, 2012 Best PeBT Award was won by Zone 18 PeBT which also received RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

They were also the winner of the Best PeBT Leadership Award and came in second for the Best Sports Programme Award.

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Chairman Mohd Fitri Jamaluddin, 29, said that the support from the entire community, including the youths, is needed to move PeBT programmes.

Abdul Khalid said in his speech that the excellence contributed by every JKP and PeBT will hopefully continue in efforts to deliver the best service and quality to the community.

“The success of these local governments is the success of all because we have a group that cooperates well in preserving the well-being of all the people in an area,” he said.

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.

MBSA Assessment Tax Among the Lowest, Only Involving Factories

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SHAH ALAM, 20 Dec: The increase in assessment tax imposed by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh, especially for factory owners, is among the lowest of all Local Authorities (PBT) in Selangor.

Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan said that for example, the rate of assessment for Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is 8.8 percent, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) is between 9.35 to 11 percent and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is 10.8 percent.

He said that the assessment rate in Kampung Sungai Buloh which was previously calculated according to agricultural categories, which was between one to two percent, and after recalculating was done according to industrial categories, it is from 7 to 7.5 percent.

“The revision of this value is based on several things among them is the change in land status, from agricultural land (zero) to industrial land, vacant land with erected buildings.

“For Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh, revision was carried out in 2012 and it was found that many new buildings have been built. There have also been changes regarding the usages of the buildings as well as residences being converted to factories,” he said at a press conference at Wisma MBSA today.

Previously, Selangor BN Coordinator, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed claimed that there will be an increase in assessment tax of up to 10 times in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh and Kampung Baru Subang as well as other areas next year.

Mohd Jaafar said that many factories around areas in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh are large factories and the taxes imposed are still reasonable if calculation is made based on the output produced by factories in the area.

“Most of the products from factories in these areas are being exported and they are producing high quality products however, the assessment tax imposed is still low,” he said.

Meanwhile, the State Government has formed a State level Protest Hearing Committee which will be chaired by the New Village Development and Illegal Factory Solutions Exco, Ean Yong Hian Wah and will also comprise of a number of representatives from the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), the Selangor State Deputy Secretary (Development) as well as representatives from the State Treasury Office.

In the meantime, the State Government and MBSA will be having dialogue sessions twice during this year to explain to the people in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh regarding this tax increase.

MBSA has also opened information counters since November 20, every Tuesday and Wednesday, until this December to help landowners obtain information regarding planning permission applications, land premium payment applications and other related issues.

“These information counters will also be accompanied by outside agencies such as the Land and District Office, Selangor Land and Mines Office as well as the Selangor Department of Irrigation and Drainage,” he added.

Coma Student’s Father Appeals to Education Ministry for Assistance

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SELAYANG, 20 Dec: The Ministry of Education has been asked to show concern and to act quickly to address problems faced by Poh Jia Cheng, 10, who was injured and has been in a coma since a year ago.

The incident happened at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Desa Jaya around 12 noon last year, on September 6, when Jia Cheng and other students were about to begin the afternoon session of school when he was knocked over by students who were running causing his head to bang into a wall and injuring him.

His father, Poh Beng Joo, 49, said that the incident caused injury to his fourth child who is now in a coma and no longer goes to school like other normal children

According to him, Jia Cheng situation is very worrying as it has been ongoing for a long time and now, he and his family are facing financial issues to bear the cost for his treatment.

As a laborer, he said that his monthly income is limited seeing that his wife, Kow Yen Mooi, 40, was forced to stop tailoring to take care of Jia Cheng full-time.

“I had to refinance my home for that purpose however, this is only temporary as he needs continuous treatment.

“With the high cost for treatment, it is burdening my family and I,” he said today in a media statement here.

After the incident, Jia Cheng has been receiving treatment at the Sungai Buloh Hospital (HSB) for about four months including when he was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Selayang MP William Leong said that from his side, letters have been sent to the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also the Minister of Education and to the Deputy Minister, Datuk Wee Ka Siong on October 10, to take immediate action regarding the matter.

However, he said that till now, there have been no response or action taken to overcome or assist the unfortunate family.

“I ask that immediate action be taken regarding this matter to assist Jia Cheng and his family, who are less capable, however so far, there has been no response from the ministry.

“This case should be given attention as it has been brought before the Gombak District Education Office and the state of Selangor. The family’s burdens are becoming increasingly heavy because of high medical costs,” he said.

Jia Cheng has been said to receive Takaful insurance coverage however, he has yet to receive assistance because the claim form was filled by his father and is kept by the doctor for the purpose of reviews.

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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.