Stage Bus Association Claims Rapid Causes Bankruptcy

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PETALING JAYA, 29 Mar: Selayang Member of Parliament, William Leong revealed that Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) claims that the Rapid KL bus company owned by Kumpulan Prasarana Negara Berhad is the reason why members of the association are facing bankruptcy.

During the press conference, William revealed a letter of complaint from PMBOA to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) which was ignored.

In the letter dated 9 January from PMBOA to SPAD, the association complained that its members could not compete with the Rapid buses, which has plans to expand the Rapid bus service throughout the country.

At this time, Rapid buses generate a profit of RM180 million, but receives a subsidy of RM280 million compared to stage bus company operators who have not received subsidies.

William also informed that of Pakatan Rakyat captures Putrajaya, stage bus operators will be given an appropriate role in helping the Rapid bus service.

He said the failure of stage bus companies leading to acquisition by Prasarana stems from the problem of poor policies.

“What is needed is a system of corridors where a company which is given high-income routes must be required to go through routes that are less profitable.

“If three companies are allowed to compete only for high-income routes, then they will not provide services to other routes,” he said.

In addition, stage bus operators will still play a role in transporting passengers, for example, from Petaling Jaya and surrounding areas of the city.

“Then in the city, there are bus services (state-owned), therefore both of these operations will not be competing with each other,” he said at a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.

Rapid currently operates in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and was recently launched in Kuantan.

He added that PR will also ensure service routes for stage bus companies so that these companies can obtain loans from banks to increase the number of their buses.

Sex Video Defamation: Dirty Minds Produce Dirty Things

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SHAH ALAM, 29 Mar: The sec video defamation spread by an Umno-BN hired blogger, Papagomo, only reflects that he has thoughts tending towards doing filthy things.

This is because, from an Islamic perspective, a dirty action comes out of a dirty soul and heart.

This was what Central PAS Chief of Information, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said when contacted by TV Selangor today.

“This action, which comes from a dirty soul and mind, will give birth to acts contrary to Malay laws, ethics and moral.

“It also reveals who we really are in terms of human sociological thinking. It also reflects our true identity for the people to judge,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

According to him, Umno-BN should focus on policy issues that are more serious such as corruption, embezzlement, abuse of power, wastage and so on, and not on trivial matters aimed at personally embarrassing certain politicians.

Tuan Ibrahim also believes that the defamation action was taken due to Umno-BN’s failure in resolving the issues of corruption involving their leaders that was exposed by Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

“We must remember, our actions do not end in the world, but follows us into the afterlife and defamation is included as a major sin that eliminates all other practices,” he said.

Previously, Papagomo had several times defames PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a series of sex videos on his blog.

Due to the series of defamation by Papagomo, Anwar took legal action by suing the blogger for a sum of RM100 million.

The latest, Papagomo also displayed his open letter to the President of PKR, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with hopes that Anwar will retreat from the political scene in this country.

Iskandar: Water Problems At Angsana Apartments Will Be Solved

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SHAH ALAM, 28 Mar: Residents of Angsana Apartments in Pandan Indah can heave a sigh of relief when the problem of disconnecting water supply will be solved as soon as possible after the intervention of Housing Exco, Iskandar Abdul Samad.

In a press release, Iskandar informed that earlier, he had received complaints from Councillor of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Abdul Jalil bin Hasan and the Joint Management Body (JMB) of the said apartment.

Following that, a meeting was held on 28 March which was attended by representatives of the Selangor Water Supply Company (Syabas), the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) and the JMB of the apartment involved.

The meeting saw Syabas agreeing to reconnect the water supply, provided JMB pays a portion of the outstanding payments first and to sign an agreement to pay the outstanding balance in instalments.

“I recommend for the residents to pay RM3,000 of the total arrears of RM11,660.42.

“Meanwhile JMB will sign the undertaking to pay the balance in instalments, six times from May to August 2013.

“Hopefully Syabas will consider that the Joint Management Body (JMB) is made up of committee members who were only appointed this year,” he said.

Dr. Maza: Reject Political Personal Attacks, Raise Up Political Ideas

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SHAH ALAM, 28 Mar: The culture of intimidation and tarnishing personal issues of political leaders through the defaming sex videos should be stopped because such actions motivate the people to elect leaders not based on ideas put forward by them.

This culture can motivate political parties to compete with each other to expose sex scandals of their respective opponents and eventually force the people to make choices not based on the ability of a leader or party.

This was according to the former Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin when contacted by TV Selangor today.

“We might even face a situation where the people are thought to choose a leader not based on their ideas, but the people will have to choose between two evils.

“‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively compete to expose evils, thus holding the country back,” said Dr Mohd Asri.

Dr Mohd Asri said that if this culture is infused, individuals who criticise the government will risk facing surveillance from certain quarters by using hidden cameras.

“What if the camera installed in hotels also record sexual relations between a politician and his wife, for example, and then this video is owned by certain people?

“We are in danger if an individual’s privacy is compromised, to what extent is the privacy of the people, would anyone who criticises the government risk having their privacy violated to be used for politics,” he said.

The culture will also tarnish the reputation of those who expose or spread defamation.

“Although many people listen, overkill will still happen and people will hate.

“The identity of a party, the identity of the ruling government will be famous of being a government that threatens other people with moral issues,” he added.

Previously, a pro Umno-BN blogger, Papagomo had several times defamed PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with a series of sex videos on his blog.

Due to the series of defamation by Papagomo, Anwar took legal action by suing the blogger for a sum of RM100 million.

The latest, Papagomo also displayed his open letter to the President of PKR, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail with hopes that Anwar will retreat from the political scene of this country.

Landslide: MPSJ Recons Residents Can Return Home This Weekend

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PUCHONG, 28 Mar: Residents of Block B, Seri Beringin Apartments in Puchong is expected to be allowed to return home this weekend if the landslide is confirmed to be safe.

This is because the school session which will be resumed next week and this would make it easier for parents to prepare their children’s school equipment.

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This was informed by the Deputy President of Subang Jaya Municipal COuncil (MPSJ), Abdullah Marjunid in a press conference today.

According to him, the landslide happened in the evening of March 26 due to damage and leakage of sewage pipes and plumbing.

“Investigations have revealed that among the contributing factors that caused the landslide is damages and leakage of sewage pipes, clean water pipes and the rain water down pipe (RWDP) which are not in perfect condition.

“It should be managed and maintained by the apartment management (JMB),” he said.

Following the incident, MPSJ has contracted Indah Water Konsortium (IQK) to carry out reparations on the pipes while site investigation to assess the structural stability of the building and the site will be done by the Public Works Institute of Malaysia (IKRAM).

In this incident, 228 residents were evacuated, involving residents of 52 housing units from Block B and 15 housing units at Kampung Pasir.

They are now housed temporarily at the Puchong MPSJ Multipurpose Hall and some are staying at their relatives houses.

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Although the landslide only occurred on the hillside, prompt action from MPSJ, the police and the Department of Civil Defence (JPAM) managed to move them safely without any unwanted incidents.

At the joint press conference, Serdang District Police Chief, ACP Abdul Razak Elias explained that this is a pre-emptive action and 20 security personnel, including JPAM, was in place to ensure the safety of property.

Abdul Razak said that the police have set up a special tent to facilitate the registration for occupants’ entry and exit for record keeping purposes when they come to pick up their necessities.

This is to avoid any trespassing by those trying to take advantage of this situation.

He also praised the resident’s unity in deciding to vacate their homes and to follow instructions to evacuate.

“I find that the people here are united. They are concerned about their safety. This is not a disaster, just prevention. If such things actually occur, they can be saved,” he said.

For resident, Mohd Had Mohd Sharif, this is his first experience in dealing with landslides after living here for the past 12 years.

“It that is the case (allowed to return home) Alhamdulillah because the school session will begin next week, if we cannot go home, it will be a problem,” he said.

Lahad Datu Forum: PR Answers Who Is The Mastermind

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SHAH ALAM, 28 Mar: Four former Top Officers of the Security Force will be giving a clear picture on the Lahad Datu incident carried out by Umno-BN to defame Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

This Sunday, at the Malawati Stadium, a forum entitled ‘Lahad Datu: The People Have The Right To Know’ will feature three former high ranking officer, Lt.Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Abd Ghafir Abd Hamid from the Malaysia Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Abd Hadi Abd Khatab (RMAF), and First Admiral (Rtd) Imran Abd Hamid (RMN).

Apart from former military officers, another panel member is ACP (Rtd) Mohd Yousoff Babjee who served as the Chief of the Special Branch (SB) for the Sabah Royal Malaysian Police.

The ceremony began with prayers and the forum commenced promptly at 9pm.

According to Sungai Petani Member of Parliament, Datuk Johari Abdul in a press conference held at the Shah Alam MP Office this morning, he will be acting as a moderator for the forum.

“The panelists will also explain the impact of excessive involvement of politicians in the Lahad Datu issue in the forum.

“PR appreciates the sacrifices of the security forces who sacrificed their lives for the country, but the people should know the real issue,” said Johari.

Meanwhile, Shah Alam Member of Parliament, Khalid Samad at the same press conference said that before the forum begins, the event will start with the Maghrib prayers and the hajat prayers.

“Our devotion all this while has started to affect Umno-BN, that is why they are becoming increasingly pressured to a point they cannot come up with an appropriate date to dissolve Parliament,” said Khalid.

The forum which will be held at night can be followed live through TV Selangor at http://www.selangorku.com/TVSelangor.

Apart from TV Selangor, other media which will also be broadcasting live is Ehsan TV, Impian TV, Ubah TV, Radio Suara Rakyat RM and Radio Bangsar Utama.

Residents of Kg Felda Bukit Cherakah Finally Receive Land Grant

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KUALA SELANGOR, 27 Mar: Under the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Government, the decades of waiting for residents of Kampung Felda Bukit Cherakah to own land titles have finally been fulfilled.

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim personally presented the 5A Form to 281 residents at the village mosque.

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Resident, Torman Basri, 64, was clearly happy when his wait for over 22 years to own the land title was finally fulfilled in a short period of time.

“I wish to that the State Government for finally fulfilling my dream to receive the land ownership title after staying in this area for more than 22 years.

“We, the villagers, have applied for more than three times to receive the land rights since this village was developed. But today, it has been fulfilled. Even the premium price offered is reasonable to be paid by settlers like us,” he said.

The same feelings were shared by Faridah Hasbi Asari, 53, who described the granting of the 5A Form as proof of the State Government’s attentiveness towards the people.

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“I am grateful and relieved for finally receiving what I have been waiting for. I wish to thank the State Government and the Kuala Selangor District Council for endeavouring to help residents to obtain the land title.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid in his speech stressed that the State Government will always ensure that any resident entitled will be given the land title of their homes.

He said after being given the 5A Form, residents need only pay a premium of RM1,000 to enable them to receive the grant.

“I hope that everyone is able to settle the premium payments. If they are not able to pay for it, we will ask them to work and give them a period of two months to pay. This land is for generations to come,” he said.

The 5A form is a land ownership grant from the State Government to a certain individual.

The forms can also be regarded as a conformation of land ownership by the individual with a premium of RM1,000 only.

During the era of the Umno-BN administration, recipients of the 5A form are required to pay a premium of at least 20 percent of the value of the land which caused there to be grant recipients from the low income group that had to refuse the grant as they could not afford to pay the high premium.

Also present was Kuala Selangor Member of Parliament, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the President of Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS), Noraini Roslan and Kuala Selangor District Officer, Mohamad Yazid Bidin.

Tun Daim Fears His Fortune Will Be Seized If PR Wins

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SHAH ALAM, 26 Mar: Tun Daim Zainuddin has been claimed to fear of the possibility that Pakatan Rakyat will govern Putrajaya after the 13th General Elections (GE-13) because the former Finance Minister is among the biggest Umno cronies who will lose his wealth.

Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Daim abused his authority as a minister when he profited from the wealth of Bumiputera shares worth hundreds of millions of ringgits to be distributed to cronies and his family.

Anwar claims that he has records proving Daim’s abuse of power during his service as the Finance Minister from 1984 to 1991.

“Tun Daim is worried about the wealth he illegally took from the country. What I do not agree to is for the country’s economy to be used to enrich family and cronies.

“Tun Daim personally knows of the hundreds of millions of poor Bumiputera’s money distributed to his cronies.

“I know and I understand that there is a record because I took his place as the Minister of Finance after his term,” he said in an interview session with Radio Free Malaysia (RFM) last night.

In an interview with the pro-Umno newspaper, the New Sunday Times, Daim said that Anwar is not the right candidate for Prime Minister.

Daim claims that Anwar will confuse the country and lead with the advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

He also claims that not a single significant idea has come from Anwar as the Economic Advisor of the Selangor Government.

Anwar explained that when he was appointed as Minister of Finance, the country’s economy rapidly developed between 9 to 10 percent per annum in addition to the reduction of the country’s debt and deficit.

Anwar said that he is confident that the country’s economy will be better if Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is given the mandate to govern in the upcoming General Elections.

“I am confident that the country’s economy will improve as did the Selangor and Penang PR Government which are far better in management.

“So how can we say that PR’s economic management is weaker than the previous Umno-BN (government)?” he asked.

CM Meets With PR Leaders Today To Discuss DNS Dissolution

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SABAK BERNAM, 26 Mar: Top leaders of Central Pakatan Rakyat will be meeting today to discuss the date of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) dissolution.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that at the meeting, they will also be discussing the suitable date to dissolve State Legislative Assemblies (DUN) involving states under the Pakatan Rakyat Government.

“It is to determine a suitable date for Pakatan Rakyat to announce the dissolution.

“The results of this meeting will be announced today or tomorrow morning.

“This is because the Prime Minister is still hesitant to give a date. That is why we will discuss in order to set a fixed date and to not leave the people questioning,” said Abdul Khalid.

He said this during a press conference after the Ladang Air Manis Penchang Bedena Mixed Housing Development and the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Centre Groundbreaking Ceremony here,

Also present was the Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco, Iskandar Abdul Samad, the Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim and the Chief Executive of Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB), Datuk Ahmad Omar.

Previously, based on the growing speculation talked about recently, the Selangor DNS is expected to dissolve this week seeing that the date for the state Exco meeting was shifted to yesterday (Monday) instead of the normal Wednesday meetings.

This resulted in almost 40 journalists from various media agencies to be present at the press conference after the meeting at the State Secretariat Building to wait the important announcement.

Anwar: Guarantees Peaceful Power Transition After GE-13

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RAWANG, 23 Mar: The power transition will take place peacefully and smoothly after the result of the 13th General Elections (GE-13) is in favour of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that this matter is backed on the vote of confidence given by the four former top leaders of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and two top leaders of the police who have joined PR.

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“The responsibility of these former generals and senior members of the police is to ensure that Pakatan Rakyat wins in this GE-13 and the transition of power happens peacefully, Allah willing.

“The responsibility of you, my brothers and sisters, is to defend victory in Selangor and I thank you for giving us victory in the GE-12 and now we have to win again, especially in this constituency of Kuang,” said Anwar.

He said this during the People’s Freedom Tour held at Bandar Tasik Puteri here.

Anwar also announced in the talk that the Selayang MP, William Leong will be defending the seat he won in the GE-12.

Previously in the GE-12, William defeated the candidate from MCA-BN, Lee Li Yew by obtaining 30,701 votes against his opponent who received 27,134 votes.

“Thus, PKR leaders have informed Pakatan Rakyat leaders that we ask you, my brothers and sisters, to support William Leong so he can remain the Member of Parliament for Selayang,” said Anwar.

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Anwar stressed that now; the country’s opposition is between the people and ‘towkays’ (bosses) that consists of the capitalist group.

“Yesterday, Najib’s brother, Nazri, asked for the people to support his brother’s government, so now, we (the people) have to fight against the ‘bank’, and gambling and liquor ‘towkays’ like those owned by Mahathir’s family.

“This means that we need strength and we have to be ready because they (Umno-BN) could do anything,” said Anwar.

He also criticised the alleged defamation designed to discredit him with the distribution of indecent photographs in the latest attack to discredit him.

He said that the people should give a chance to Pakatan Rakyat to make a total change in the GE-13 sue to political depravity brought on by Umno-BN over the years.

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“We are confident, Insha Allah, to win and conquer Putrajaya, because we want to win with the love and confidence of the people, and to foster the dignity of the people, and this is what we will do.

“Even the prayer from Dr Yusof Al-Qaradawi also prays for Pakatan Rakyat’s victory, this is the question of public awareness for independence, justice, we want their rights and the people’s rights to arise, that is why we call this an awakening of the people,” Anwar said.

In the programme, about 5,000 people were present including Selayang MP, William Leong, Ampang MP, Zuraidah Kamaruddin and Central AMK Chief, Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, as well as artist Man Kadir or bettter known as Pak Jabit who starred in the film, ‘Hantu Mak Limah’ (Mak Limah’s Ghost).

Tian Chua: PR Will Not Compromise On The Issue Of National Security

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SHAH ALAM, 10 Mar: The Federal Government under the leadership of Umno-BN has allegedly made the invasion issue in Lahad Datu, Sabah, a political modus to exacerbate Pakatan Rakyat and it does not prioritise the issue of national security.

Batu Member of Parliament, Tian Chua, in a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) talk in Bukit Piatu, Malacca yesterday, said that the move was clear when Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak still refuses to call an emergency session in Parliament to discuss the issue.

According to him, national security cannot be understated and PR will not compromise on this matter.

“When the tragedy struck Lahad Datu, we asked for the Prime Minister to hold a special session (emergency) in Parliament for us to discuss together.

“I do not see why this cannot be done because we have faced similar circumstances.

“When the Prime Minister was overseas when Palestine was attacked by Zionists, the Prime Minister ordered a special (emergency) session in Parliament to be held and we from the opposition supported it. That is our stand on the issue of truth,” he said.

What was even more disappointing was when he was defamed for insulting the security forces even though he never issued such statements.

“On March 1, when asked by journalists to comment on the shooting that happened in Lahad Datu. I mentioned that I felt it strange as to why the local media did not cover the shooting issue seeing that all sources came from foreign media agencies,” he said.

He added that when the country is faced with an armed threat from outside (foreign), he was being targeted by assuming that he was the number one enemy of the country.

“Some parties (Umno-BN) consider me as a bigger and worse enemy than the Sultan of Sulu,” he said.

Tian Chua was charged in the Sessions Court, Kuala Lumpur on 14 March on charges that he issued the inciting statement, for allegedly associating the Government and Umno with the armed terrorist aggression in Lahad Datu.

The PKR Vice-President pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948. If convicted of the first offence, he will be liable to a fine of not more than RM5,000 or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both.

If convicted for the second offence, he may be imprisoned for not more than five years.

Among the alleged seditious words were that the shooting in Lahad Datu is believed to be a planned conspiracy by the Umno government to distract and frighten the people.

Datum Jelatek Project Land Owned By Selangor Government

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SHAH ALAM, 20 Mar: Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim stressed that the land for the Datum Jelatek project is not Malay reserve land, instead, it is owned by the State Government.

In fact, he said, 70 per cent of the homes in the project will be sold to the Malay community and 30 percent to non-Malays.

“This are not Malay reserve areas, we have been told by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) that the land belongs to the State Government, and we have also asked PKNS to build the homes and 70 percent will be sold to the Malay community.

“This morning we held discussions with the PKNS Manager, Othman Omar. He gave us detailed information.

“We will continue with the project and we will also take into account the demand and several poverty factors of the local community,” he said in a press conference after chairing the State Exco Meeting at the State Secretariat Building here.

Abdul Khalid said this in response to a memorandum of protest against the project submitted yesterday by the Chairman of the Datum Kelatek Task Force, Salleh Samad.

Abdul Khalid added that the State Government has developed many affordable housing projects that are more suitable and are more concerned about the ability of the local community.

Previously, Abdul Khalid denied allegations that the Malay community in Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur, will be marginalised due to the Datum Jelatek mixed development project.

Instead the Malay population who sold their homes for the project received profit many times over when PKNS paid them RM300,000. Instead of the original price of their low-cost apartments of just around RM20,000.