Tag: Transparency

Umno-BN’s Excuse of Not Building Klang’s Third Bridge Cannot Be Accepted

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: Selangor Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Satim Diaman’s answer regarding why the Umno-BN Federal Government did not continue the third Klang bridge project is a superficial reason which cannot be accepted.

At the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today, Satim said that the Federal Government did not not resume the project which was promised in 2008 because Umno-BN had lost Selangor in the general election that year.

Sri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafiei said that the project is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works controlled by the Federal Government which is still ruled by Umno-BN.

“The excuse is just not acceptable. If they use the reasoning that Umno-BN had lost so they will not build the bridge, this shows that they are confused between the decision made by the government and (the decision made by) political parties.”

“This issue clearly shows that Umno-BN has a more political attitude when they say that they will only build should they win,” he said to TV Selangor at the DNS lobby today.

When Satim announced the 2013 Budget, he claimed that Pakatan Rakyat did fulfil promises in the 2008 Election (GE-12) manifesto.

Shuhaimi interrupted by bringing up the issue of Umno-BN not building the Klang Third Bridge.

Satim gave the excuse that the project was discontinued because Umno-BN had lost in GE-12 and had lost their power in Selangor.

Outside DNS, Shuhaimi said that the bridge was not completed, in fact, the building plans were not even included in any federal development plans.

“This clearly proves that what was said by (Works Minister) Samy Vellu at that time was a political promise just to attract voters to support them.”

“In my opinion, they ran away from their real responsibilities because what they did was to punish the people of Selangor,” he said.

PKNS Plans to Build 9,481 Affordable Housings from 2014-2018

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: As many as 9,481 units of affordable housing have been planned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to be executed from 2014 to 2018.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Samad said that among the places that the housing will be built are in Puteri, Hulu Selangor, Antara Gapi dan Shah Alam.

Meanwhile, from 2010 to 2013, 1,215 affordable housing units have already been built or are in the process of being built.

“There have already been discussions for four projects and have now entered the process of obtaining the Planning Permission (PP),” he said in the twelfth term of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting when answering Teratai Assemblyman, Jenice Lee.

Iskandar added that the State Government will be encouraging private developers to build affordable housings.

As of now, he said, 1,500 units will be executed by the developers and are currently in the process of applying for Planning Permission (PP).

“Apart from that, as many as 1,682 units will be completed by next year. The units will be sold at a minimum price of RM85,000 and a maximum price of RM150,000 per unit with an area of 850 till 1,000 square feet,” he said.

Iskandar further said that the State Government will be giving subsidies for affordable housing through PKNS.

“For example, the first phase, in Bukit Botak consists of 1,215 units and from that total, PKNS will be subsidising RM36 million.”

“The need to build affordable housings will depend on the demand and the building suitability, whether it’s affordable or low-cost (housing),” he said.

Slow Drivers Also Victims of AES

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The Automated Enforcement System (AES) has been claimed to be inaccurate in identifying vehicles that go over the speed limit because even vehicles that drive under the speed limit are summoned.

Static issues concerning the AES cameras have caused it to capture vehicles that are within the speed limit but are in front of the camera the same time it captures a fast vehicle.

The claim was made yesterday by the Local Government, Research and Development Committee Exco member, Ronnie Liu.

Ronnie said that he found out through a research done lately, including video recordings at an AES site in Selangor.

“These cameras are not like the JPJ (Road Transport Department) or the traffic police cameras which capture only the fast cars. For the AES, there are static problems.”

“If you drive slowly, without going over the speed limit and someone else (going over the speed limit) overtakes at that very moment, the camera ‘flash’ will capture the picture of all the cars in the area.”

“If there are three vehicles at that very moment, all three cars, including their drivers will be captured, including the one car that went over the speed limit,” Ronnie said.

Ronnie also informed that the exact location of the AES cameras were under the jurisdiction of the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) and not the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj); as earlier stated.

According to him, 14 more notices that have been issued by MPKj to take down the AES cameras, have been withdrawn.

“I apologise that before this, there were mistakes. The 14 day notice has been reissued by MPSp,” he added.

He also informed that the MPSp officers are ready to come forward as witnesses in court should they be called up in hearings involving AES summons.

Flood Victims Touched by State Government Assistance

BANTING, 18 Nov: Flood victims in the Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia (RTB) temporary placement centre here in Bukit Changgang expressed their joy regarding the State Government’s thoughtfulness in giving the victims assistance to help lessen their burden.

Although it is the Federal Government’s responsibility under the National Security Council (MKN) to provide assistance, the Prime Minister’s Department has yet to make any drastic efforts regarding the matter.

In relation to that, the Selangor State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim practiced a hands-on approach in providing assistance directly to the flood victims.

One of the residents of Kampung RTB, Kartini Lamin, 47, felt that the contribution is very much needed to cover family expenses after facing the worst flood disaster to date.

She has a disabled child and elder sister who are very thankful and grateful for the State Government’s contribution.

“The flood waters in my house started to raise suddenly on the 5th of November during the morning prayers. Praise Allah, I was able to save all my family members. However, my furniture and electrical items were all destroyed.”

“I am really grateful that my burden is lessened with this contribution. Thank you Chief Minister,” she gratefully said.

Azhar Alias, 47 shared similar feelings when he said that he was touched by the assistance given. In fact he added that this proved that the Selangor State Government is a government that prioritises the people’s welfare.

“I have stayed at this temporary placement centre for almost two weeks and I was only allowed to go home two days ago. The condition of my house is terrible. However, I am still grateful for the assistance given although the amount is little; it still lessens my family’s burdens,” he said.

Early this month, a large number of residents in the Kuala Langat district were faced with the worst flood disaster ever recorded this year.

The State Government has provided RM500 assistance to each family to lessen their burden.

Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim handed the assistance to 300 families (flood victims) from the Kuala Langat district at a ceremony.

Also present were Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail and Teluk Datuk Assemblyman, Philip Tan.

Meanwhile, Kuala Langat District Officer, Mohamad Yasid Bidin said that Selangor Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) will repair the damaged trenches and clean-up and unclog the drainage systems to ease water-flow.

Yesterday, the State Government informed that it will be allocating RM500 million to solve flood problems in Selangor following the refusal of the Federal Government to allocate the amount which was stated in the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK-10).

This issue will be brought up by the Chief Minister in the upcoming State Assembly session which begins tomorrow.

Scholars Should Determine the Direction of the Country’s Education When PR Rules

SHAH ALAM, 18 Nov: Philosophers, scholars and educators shall be given space to outline the best form of education that should be applied in the country’s education system after Pakatan Rakyat (PR) succeeds in taking over Putrajaya.

This matter was stressed by the Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the keynote address in the opening ceremony for the National Education Direction Convention (Konvensyen Halatuju Pendidikan Negara) held at the University of Selangor (Unisel).

According to Anwar, two of these groups should be supported because they are vital in stating education requirements to political leaders so that the best mechanism can be implemented.

“Philosophical perspectives are requested so that capable scholars and educators can advise politicians (regarding education). This is what we will do,” he said.

According to Anwar, educational efforts need to be explained and be made the foundational principal in developing personal believes.

He further added that views from all groups, races and angles should be heard to ensure every demand raised will be understood in detail before any decision is made.

He explained that the culture of having forums and discussions regarding current affairs will be beneficial, especially regarding the outside world, should be instilled especially at the Tertiary Education (IPT) level.

“Unisel and Yayasan Selangor have to create more discourses to encourage the culture of knowledge,” Anwar further added.

The National Education Direction Convention organised by Yayasan Selangor was themed ‘Reforming National Education’ (Mereformasikan Pendidikan Negara).

The Yayasan Selangor Chief-Director, Ilham Marzuki, Unisel Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Anuar Ahmad, Selangor Exco member, Dr Xavier Jeyakumar as well as three representatives from the Syrian delegation were also present at the convention.

PM Issue: No Problem, We Can Discuss It, said Anwar

SHAH ALAM, 18 Nov: PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar said that he has no problem regarding the PAS Ulama Council Representative’s statement saying that they want PAS President, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to be Prime Minister should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) take over Putrajaya.

Anwar said that the issue can be discussed easily without any problem.

“No problem, there’s nothing to it. We can discuss this easily,” he said briefly.

He had said this when he was met by reporters while attending a Convention organised by Yayasan Selangor at UNISEL (the University of Selangor) this morning.

During the 58th PAS Muktamar session that was held in Kota Baharu last night, Ulama Council representative, Hairun Nizam stressed that Abdul Hadi was the most qualified candidate for the position compared to Anwar.

He said that PAS members should be campaigning for their party president instead of other leaders from the PR component parties.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi in a press conference last night said that he never wished to be prime minister.

He also reminded people of his previous statement saying that he is willing to become a fisherman again should he leave politics.

Penang to increase Scholarship from RM600 to RM800 Anually

SHAH ALAM, 17 Nov: Penang state government has decided to increase their ‘Bantuan Biasiswa Kecil’ (loosely translated as Minor Scholarship Assistance) by RM120 per year allocated to needy students in secondary schools to help fund their studies.

The raise will increase the assistance from RM480 to RM600 per year for Form 1 to 3 and RM720 to RM840 for Form 4 and 5.

Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng explained in his media statement that the increase was to help poor students buy work books and reference books for educational purposes as well as to help with the cost of daily necessities that has been on the rise from year to year.

He further explained that this will increase the annual Penang Government spending to RM 2 million for 2013.

“To ensure the sustainable purchasing power of poor students, the State Government has decided to increase it by RM120 per year or rather a 17% to 25% increase. Scholarships given to poor students in secondary schools (in Penang) are the highest among all the states in Malaysia.”

“The Pakatan Rakyat(PR) administration is only able to raise the scholarship because we have a surplus in our State Budget every year since 2008. We have successfully obtained this budget surplus despite the increase in spending by 55% under PR compared to the old government.”

“This stops all allegations made by certain parties saying that the budget surplus has been achieved only because the State Government has cut down on spending,” he said.

It is estimated that a total of 2,567 students from 123 schools in Penang will benefit from the increase in the Bantuan Biasiswa Kecil. The bulk of the students are Malay students.

The selection process is done through an online computer system by the Ministry of Education based on merit, family finances and co-curricular activities.

Penang Education Office will then recommend a list of students who are eligible for this assistance to be approved by the State Government.

Any family in Penang whose child’s name has been dropped out of the list can contact the closest District Office or PR assemblymen to assess the situation.

SAMM: PRU Candidates Must Declare Assets

SHAH ALAM,17 NOV : Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM) has called on leaders, the rakyat or voters to support the declaration of assets as part of the mandatory requirement to be a candidate in the upcoming General Election (PRU).

SAMM National Coordinator, Badrul Hisham Shararin said, the rakyat should rise up to reject candidates who do not declare their assets.

“Congratulations on the commitment of PAS Vice President, Mohamad Sabu, to declare his assets before joining PRU 13 should he be nominated by the party as a candidate.”

“His commitment was emphasised by a speech in the 53rd PAS Youth General Meeting in Kelantan a few days ago,” said Badrul Hisham in his media statement.

According to him, this bold action is necessary to the general elections and the country’s future administration. This would require leaders and politicians to be transparent and have high integrity while being highly committed.

He said the declaration of assets must also be taken seriously by announcing the candidate’s assets, his wife and children’s assets, as well as assets of his close relatives to prevent abuse of power and corruption.

“Many politicians become rich quickly even though they have only recently held positions in the country’s administration.”

“All leaders, whether they are from BN or PR, should declare their assets before being selected as a candidate for the upcoming GE-13.”

“This is so that the rakyat can assess how much has been gained while holding a position or when they are given a mandate by the rakyat,” he said.

He said that the rakyat should also assess the prospective candidate’s honesty and the source of the assets declared by them.

“The asset declaration mechanism may have its weaknesses however, mandatory declaration is important.”

“The rakyat will thus see how serious we are in doing this to ensure an administration that is full of integrity in the future,” he said.

Flood Victims Reduced to 893

SHAH ALAM, 17 Nov: The total number of flood victims who are still in evacuation centres as of 3pm today has been reduced to 893 individuals compared to 930 people last night.

According to the National Security Council (MKN) flood portal, victims are placed in Genting Sanyen Hall, Bukit Changgang Public Hall, Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat and Bukit Tadom Hall, Kuala Langat.

These four evacuation centres are still open in the state and there have been no closed roads or fatalities that have been reported so far.

According to MKN, the public is being advised to make sure they boil their drinking water after the flood waters have receded, to prevent from drinking contaminated water.

They should wash their hands with soap before handling food, while preparing food or even when handling objects that have been contaminated by flood waters; including food items that have been contaminated by flood waters.

They should also dispose of food that was left in refrigerators that have been contaminated by flood waters or items that smell foul or have changed colour.

The People of Selangor Benefit from the Move to Pakatan Rakyat’s Government

SHAH ALAM, 15 Nov: Selangor’s move from the previous government (Umno-BN) to the new administration has benefited the people of this state.

The ‘Merakyatkan Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (MES)’ or loosely termed the Selangor People’s Ecomony, is most evident of the benefits reaped by the rakyat.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail said, the change of government has clearly benefitted the Selangor people economically, politically and also environmentally in addition to efforts to introduce culture to the people through the formation of Women’s Cultural Centres or Pusat Wanita Berdaya (PWD) around the state of Selangor.

“All 25 demands in the 12th General Elections Manifesto have been fulfilled except those that require changes in Federal level Acts.”

“For instance, housewives are given lifetime financial security through periodic contributions to EPF (KWSP) and SOCSO,” said Rodziah in her media statement in accordance with the Awal Muharam 1434 Hijrah celebrations.

She said that the “Kembalikan Nikmat Rasa Aman dan Selamat Rakyat” (Return the People’s Peacefulness and Security) agenda is the Selangor government’s ambition to make Selangor the safest and most prosperous state for the people.

Efforts to increase the rakyat’s quality of life, especially those from low income groups, have been made through affordable housing, free wi-fi, child care for working parents and single mothers as well as free water supply.

This also includes efforts in upgrading infrastructure, investment programmes for new-born babies, educational contributions to students of higher education, Women’s Health Schemes, microcredit schemes and economic empowerment programmes as well as efforts for women’s development through PWD.

“The move from the old administration to the new administration aspires to optimise resources at a minimum cost to fully localise revenues and reserves for the welfare of the people,” she said.

People’s Mega Rally on January 12 To Overcome BERSIH 3.0

SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: ‘Million People Mega Rally Demanding Eight Reforms’ is expected to be able to overcome the turnout of the BERSIH 3.0 rally on April 28.

The expectation is based on a significant increase in awareness among the people of this country when claims for clean and fair elections have been rejected by the Election Commission (SPR), resulting outrage from the people.

In addition, the overwhelming response from the public to the People’s Uprising Assembly held at Taman Seremban Jaya, Senawang recently is giving measure to what kind of response would be received by the mega rally.

The Organising Committee of the Advocates, Hishamuddin Rais told TV Selangor today, after non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections Coalition (BERSIH) held its meeting last night.

“We see it like this, if the People’s Uprising Assembly in Seremban is held in a rain storm and is able to pull 20 to 30 thousand people, this is capable of being even bigger than BERSIH 3.0.”

“I think this rally is even more mega than mega, even bigger than big, more thorough than thorough, and I would like to call upon the people of the country to show our unity in demanding our rights as citizens of Malaysia,” remarked Hishamuddin.

However, he declined to reveal further details today’s meeting and only reveal it in a press conference to be held on the 29 of November.

In that same press conference information on roles that the NGOs involved will play, including BERSIH.

He said, the organizers will also be planning carefully to patch-up any weakness that were present in previous rallies.

According to him, apart from BERSIH, the rallies that will be held in Kuala Lumpur is also joint-organized by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Youth Solidarity Malaysia (SAMM), National Felda Children’s Association (ANAK), Abloish ISA Movement (GMI) and others.

“The assembly will be held in Kuala Lumpur, but we have not confirmed the exact location yet, whether it will be at Merdeka Square or elsewhere,” he continued.