Tag: University Students

40 Percent of Malays Remain Poor Under Umno

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BANDAR TUN Razak, 11 Apr: Umno-BN has allegedly failed to defend and fight for the rights and interests of Malays and Bumiputeras when facts have proven that about 40 percent of the said community only earns below RM1,400.

PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that although Umno-BN has ruled for more than 50 years, it has still failed to reduce the income disparity between the rich and the poor.

“The majority earn RM1,400 and below…but Umno still says: Long Live Malays! But Umno Malays are rich. They receive shares, taxi permits, timber and land,” he said.

Anwar said this in front of more than 5,000 people in a talk at the football field in Jalan Jujur here.

Anwar stressed that the economic disparity exists due to BN policies that adopts the practice of cronyism so much so that the national wealth lingers around corporate elites who are close to political leaders of the country.

“Syed Mohktar, RM10 billion, Mokhzani Mahathir RM2.2 billion, Mirzan Mahathir RM2.9 billion, Najibs brothers are also worth billions, Taib Mahmud, tens of billions. The People? RM2, 000. This means they are poor,” he said.

Anwar also revealed how Umno leaders are willing to cheat the people by hiding their weaknesses so much so that the main problem faced by the people has never been resolved.

“Ask Umno-BN leaders, What about prices? The answer is that it is controlled. The people’s income? The people are all happy, Corruption? Only a little.

“This are Umno leaders, they do not understand the suffering of the people. Who does not know that this country is rich? Oil revenues reach RM80 billion per year but the income is still at the old level,” he said.

Selangor PR Confident the People’s Support is Unchanged

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SHAH ALAM, 11 Apr: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is confident that the majority of the people in Selangor are still in favour of the coalition and no unforeseen results will happen if the election is carried out transparently and fair.

This is further strengthened by Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s excellence as Chief Minister in the past five years that brought many changes and progress by safeguarding the welfare of the people irrespective of race, religion, and political belief through the ‘Localising the Selangor Economy’ (MES – Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor) agenda.

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Selangor BN Coordinator, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed, previously claimed that Selangor is currently hit by the ‘Blue Wave’ when the programme organised by him was attended by many people.

This claim was retorted by Selangor PKR Information Chief, Shuhaimi Shafiei, who assumes that Umno-BN is cheating themselves.

He said that most of the people who attended Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s programme here at Simpang Lima was transported by dozens of buses.

“If Umno-BN organises programmes by offering money such as the BR1M assistance and so on, of course people will attend to take back their rights that they have been denied all this while by Umno-BN.

“Whatever is done by Umno-BN, does not change the stance of the people because the people have already been engaging in PR’s strength and kindness,” he said optimistically.

Selangor PAS Information Chief, Saari Sungib, s of the opinion that there is a larger presence in PR programmes compared to those organised by Umno-BN.

“The new year celebration programme at the Shah Alam Independence Square and at the celebration for five years of administration of the Pakatan Rakyat Government at the State Mosque, we saw a much larger crowd,” he said.

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Even in Hulu Kelang, the celebration organised by Umno-BN had an encouraging response and attendance.

Meanwhile, Selangor DAP Publicity Secretary, Jenice Lee, added that the Chap Goh Meh celebration organised by Umno-BN which was attended by Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Pandan Indah was attended by more foreigners than locals.

She added that the ceremony that was held could have been attended by many but does not reflect support towards a particular party.

“When it comes to eating, everyone goes to eat. Even PR supporters can attend and eat but when they vote, it is a different story,” she said confidently that the people’s support is still with PR.

Humorous Transformation, PR 10 Minutes, Umno-BN Live Broadcast

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SHAH ALAM, 6 Apr: When Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is tirelessly travelling across the country to present the election manifesto to the people; Umno-BN has an easy way when its manifesto was broadcast live by government-owned and mainstream media.

This scenario is rather humorous when the assessment is made on the promise of mass media transformation, which is often propagated by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“It is quite humorous when they (Umno-BN) offered 10 minutes to Pakatan Rakyat to present the manifesto (recorded),” said former Sungai Petani Member of Parliament, Datuk Johari Abdul to TV Selangor today on the matter.

The launch of the BN manifesto for the 13th General Elections (GE-13) by Najib at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in a special ceremony will be broadcast live by the mainstream media of the country.

Johari also questioned the live broadcast because the existing government is an interim government where Umno-BN as the administrator cannot use any government agencies or machinery for the party.

“I want to ask if Umno-BN is paying RTM or not for using government facilities. Legally, they (Umno-BN) cannot use it for the purpose of party work,” he said.

Johari claimed that Umno is making changes to its manifesto which is believed to have completed early but pulled back when PR launched their manifesto earlier.

For example, he said, the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) was never debated in Parliament for the 2010, 2011 or even the 2012 budget.

“When PR prepared the Orange Book in 2010, which clearly stated therein the assistance of RM1,000 per year for the low-income Malaysian in particular, Umno-BN then launched the BR1M even though no budget was approved by Parliament.

“This shows that Umno-BN has run out of ideas. They will make adjustments to what they have and according to what has been proposed by PR. To me, Umno-BN has no originality and is merely a copycat,” he said.

SRA Kebun Bunga Receives Annex worth RM5 Million

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KUALA LANGAT, Apr 6: Kebun Bunga Religious Primary School (SRA) receives RM5 million to build an annex for the convenience of the students.

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Malay Customs and Youth and Sports Executive Councillor, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said that the construction of the four-storey building which can accommodate 24 classrooms will commence at the end of this year and is expected to complete, at the latest, in two years.

He said that the provision for the construction was given due to the increased capacity of students, which has risen every year, resulting in the students having to study in the school’s Surau.

“So far, the school has a total of 1,529 students for both sessions. The crowded conditions make it difficult for them to learn. We will also be building a canteen building,” he said when met after the Thanksgiving Feast for the construction of the Surau and the proposed buildings for the Religious Primary School, here at Kampung Medan.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the Kebun Baharu SRA, Norehan Mahamud expressed her gratitude and thanks to the State Government.

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She said that the increasing capacity of students caused discomfort to the students in their learning.

“Although we have four blocks of 18 classes, due to the large student population, it has become crowded. The school is also squeezed by the dense housing development. So the move of the State Government to help the students is greatly appreciated,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim attended the thanksgiving ceremony in conjunction of the completion of the replacement building for the Kampung Medan SRA surau.

The surau is equipped with toilets and also an ablution place at a cost of RM490,000.

Also present was the Kuala Langat Member of Parliament, Abdullah Sani.

During the function, Abdul Khalid also presented the Senior Citizen Scheme adistance for the Sijangkang constituency and a contribution for outstanding students in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examinations as well as the Launch of the 2013 Mumtaz Milikku.

Yunus also informed that the Mumtaz Milikku programme produced many excellent students in the Primary Religious Primary School Assessment (PSRA).

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According to records, on 2008, there were a total of 48 outstanding students; in 2009, 70 outstanding students; 100 outstanding students for 2010; 126 students in 2011 and 135 excellent students in 2012.

Meanwhile, the number of students following the programme has increased from year to year. In 2008 and 2009, there were 120 students; 2010 saw 180 students; 202 students for 2011 and for the year 2013, there are 222 students.

“It shows an increase every year. Although the cost of these additional classes do not reach RM20,000 per year, there is an element of success from this programme. So I hope that it will continue,” he said.

PR Proves 5 Years without Corruption and Abuse of Power in Selangor

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KUALA LANGAT, 6 Apr: The people of Selangor have been asked to assess the capabilities and changes brought about by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) for the past five years.

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According to Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, PR has proven that in the five years of its administration, Selangor has been free from corruption and abuse of power.

In fact, claims by Umno-BN have been proven to be wrong when they said that Selangor will bankrupt under PR’s administration.

“State savings prior to 2008 did not even reach RM500 million. Now, we have more than RM2.6 billion. Administration capabilities are clearly evident. In terms of investment in these five years, it has reached RM50 billion.

“So far, we have also allocated more than RM700 million of state revenues which has been returned to the people through the ‘Localising the Selangor Economy’ (Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor) programmes, which is very different from the previous administration.

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“We have carried out the concept of state revenue for the people to give the people the opportunity to enjoy the overflowing prosperity regardless of political ideology,” he said in a speech at the Surau and Religious Primary School construction Thanksgiving Feast here at Kampung Medan.

Abdul Khalid added that under the PR administration, changes have also been brought about for Islamic schools and other religious schools through the channelling of provision of RM6 million per year compared to the administration prior to 2008.

“In the past, even though the state Islamic Religious Department is in charge of the People’s Religious Schools (SRA), they (Umno-BN) did not channel provisions directly to the SRAs. Many children were marginalised.

“Now under PR, we have proven that we do not ignore them. The allowance of teachers of religious schools have been increased from RM700 to RM1,200 per month. Through education, it is clear that many efforts have been undertaken, even applications for admission to religious schools have increased.

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“We also do not differentiate education. All types of schools, including Chinese, Tamil and Islamic schools, we have helped because we believe it is through education that will determine the development of the state.

In this regard, he hopes that all the people of the state especially, will choose leaders who prioritise the people and not only campaign about welfare as the election approaches.

“When the time of election comes, choose anyone but do not quarrel. Quarrelling is shameful. There should be maturity. Politics is politics, but do not turn it into enmity. This is not right.

“Show religious responsibility in choosing the right person. There is no need to tear up flags or take down the flag of any party. That way, we can have a peaceful election,” he said.

Bonus of RM300 an Appreciation to Civil Servants, Not to Fish for Votes

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SHAH ALAM, 5 Apr: The move to give a bonus of RM300 to civil servants of Selangor is an appreciation for their contribution in helping the State Government achieve many successes over the past five years of governance.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the decision is not intended to fish votes for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in the upcoming 13th General Elections (GE-13).

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“I believe the RM300 will not cause them to be influenced because they have their stand.

“Whether they want it or otherwise, we have to appreciate the efforts of civil servants who have much helped the State Government in exercising good governance,” he said after officiating the ‘Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon’ at I-City today.

In reply to another question, Abdul Khalid said that the State Executive Council will continue to use official State Government vehicles to carry out their respective duties.

This is because even though the Selangor State Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Exco still go about their normal duties in the Selangor interim government.

Prior to that, Abdul Khalid officiated the ‘Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon’ which will be held this coming Sunday morning.

The running event which is the first ever held to date in Malaysia managed to attract more than 1,800 entries, including world famous female runner Kathryn Switzer and Couple on the Run, Sue and Andrew O’Brien.

The 42.19km run route will pass through some interesting places in Shah Alam such as the Blue Mosque, the Palace of the Selangor Sultan, two lakes, the State Museum, Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam Royal Theatre and others.

PKR Finalises Full List of Candidates This Weekend

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PETALING JAYA, 5 Apr: PKR will finalise the full list of candidates for state and parliamentary seats for the 13th General Elections (GE-13) no later than the end of this week, said PKR Deputy President, Azmin Ali.

According to him, PKR will meet again with the highest leaders of PAS and DAP to examine several seats which are still overlapping.

“I’m confident that we can settle (list of candidates) no later than the end of this week. However, almost 95 percent has been completed,” he said.

He added that so far, only the candidate list announced by PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an official ceremony or talk can be accepted.

He also announced that he will continue to defend the Gombak Parliamentary seat in the upcoming election.

PKR Nominates Former Admiral for Lumut, Perak AMK Chief for Padang Rengas

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GERIK, 5 Apr: Former First Admiral (Rtd) Imran Abd Hamid will be contesting in the Lumut Parliamentary seat as a PKR candidate in the 13th General Elections.

Meanwhile, Perak Keadilan Youth Wing (AMK) Chief, Dr Meor Ahmad Isharr Ishak, was announced to be Pakatan Rakyat’s candidate for the Padang Rengas Parliamentary seat.

PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also announced the nomination of Dr Muhamad Nur Manuty for Bagan Serai Parliament, Dr Lee Boon Chye for Gopeng and Mustafa Kami Ayub for Pasir Salak.

Anwar said nominating Imran is accurate seeing that the voting population in Lumut are naval officers and also his extensive background in that military body.

“For the Lumut Parliament, we want to place the most knowledgeable about the navy, the military, ports and service preparation, and is a figure in the military.

“Retired Admiral Haji Mohd Imran Abdul Hamis, this is his admiral,” Anwar said in one of his Merdeka tour series talks at Taman Semarak, here last night.

Imran’s last position was as Chief Staff for Logistics for the Malaysian Royal Navy (RMN).

In the meantime, Anwar said that nomination of Dr Meor Ahmad is to recognise the dentist’s contribution in the reformation movement.

“For Padang Rengas Parliament, we have to place a person who is competent, a young leader, is qualified, has been in the fight for long, (and) has been a reformer for sometime.

“That is Dr Haji Meor Ahmad Isharra Ishak, he is active as the Perak AMK Chief as well as a dentist,” said Anwar in front of two thousand supporters.

Jui Meng Supports Kit Siang in Contending for Gelang Patah

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PETALING JAYA, 5 Apr: Johor PKR Chairman, Datuk Chua Jui Meng is honoured with the party’s announcement of placing DAP Parliamentary Leader, Lim Kit Siang to contest in the Gelang Patah, Johor, Parliamentary seat in the upcoming 13th General Elections (GE-13).

Jui Meng said that Kit Siang is the best candidate to represent Pakatan Rakyat (PR) because he in a person of integrity and always fights to bring about change in the country’s administration.

He urged for the people in the area to give their full support to Kit Siang to ensure victory in Gelang Patah.

“I am honoured that brother Lim Kit Siang will be contesting for the Gelang Patah Parliamentary seat. I promise to give my full support to him, in fact all people, regardless of race, shoul support him.

“I will also help DAP and PAS to campaign because we are like brothers in the political arena,” he said in a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.

Jui Meng also stressed that he does not mind if he is not offered as a candidate seeing that his priority is to ensure victory for PR to conquer Putrajaya.

In the meantime, he denied that there was any misunderstanding between him and Johor DAP Chairman, Dr Boo Cheng Hau regarding the issue of snatching the Gelang Patah Parliamentary seat.

“I have never quarrelled with him. I feel that he has a bright future in politics and I hope he will succeed.

“I did not enter any party to fight with anyone,” he added.

ABU Prevents Foreigners from Voting, Claims 2 Million Received MyKad

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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Apr: Asalkan Bukan Umno (ABU – Anything But Umno) will be mobilising a special squad to ensure that foreigners who were given MyKads do not vote during the 13th General Elections (GE-13).

Team Abu Halang Asing Ngundi (Tahan) which has been trained for the past two months will be stationed at every polling station has their own way of identifying foreign nationals who have been given Malaysian Identification Cards.

ABU spokesman, Haris Ibrahim, described the influx of foreigners into the country who were given MyKads by the Umno-BN coalition as an ‘armed aggression by using MyKads’.

“Through ABU’s checking of the electoral roll, 253,000 names have the 71 code in the middle of the identity card number.

“Through information from the internal resources of the National Registration Department (NRD), two million foreigners have been given MyKads,” he said in a press conference.

Haris stressed that the Tahan Squad initiative will be carried out peacefully and is ABU’s follow-up effort of distributing warning flyers to foreigners to not come out to vote on the GE-13.

To date, nearly 400,000 flyers have been distributed throughout the country.

Haris added that ABU will defend the rights of Malaysians to choose leaders and prevent any violations of the right by foreigners.

In the same press conference, ABU reminded Malaysians to rise up and come out to vote to overthrow Umno-BN to form a people’s government in Putrajaya.

Haris claimed that the polling date may be set on May 11 as an effort to ‘turn on sentiments to scare Malaysians’.

This is because the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein previously predicted that there might be aggressions that occur throughout the election period.

Haris explained that this is seen as an attempt to scare the people to vote for Umno-BN.

“ABU’s message – people do not fear Umno-BN. The people nowadays are not easily fooled and can procure alternative information. The spirit of uprising is clear,” he added.

Elizabeth: RM2.46 Million to Beat Crime in Rural Areas

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SHAH ALAM, 5 Apr: In efforts to reduce the crime rate in rural areas, the State Government has approved an additional allocation of RM2.46 million for the Neighbourhood Safety Team Programme.

The total of 492 villages under the programme includes traditional villages, new villages and quays as well as Indian community villages throughout Selangor.

Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco, Elizabeth Wong, said that the initiative of the programme is, among others, to help the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to monitor and control the crime rate which has been seen to worsen every day.

“Crime incidences are becoming more serious, not only in urban areas, but also in rural areas.

“With limited jurisdiction, this is one of the efforts that the State Government can endeavour together with the PDRM to fight crime,” said Elizabeth.

She explained that the programme is also a pilot programme which was conducted first under the supervision of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) last year.

“We saw that it was successful and we felt that it would be appropriate for the programme to be implemented throughout the state,” Elizabeth added.

The programme implemented is under the provisions of the Rural Development Division (PLB) of the District Office which will be included in the upcoming budget.

To participate in this programme, each village has to first establish a security team or a village committee.

The team is also required to use halls available in their areas as the operations room as well as to send activity reports to respective district offices.

For this sole programme, 358 traditional villages, 78 new villages and quays as well as 46 Indian community villages are involved, with each village receiving allocations of RM5,000.

The provisions given can only be used to buy equipment to help patrolling such as torchlights, whistles, vests, batons and so on.

UM Study: 80 Percent of Residents in the West Coast Do Not Believe Defamation Against Anwar

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BANGI, 5 Apr: A study conducted by the University of Malaya Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMCEDEL) found that 80 percent of people in west coast states do not believe defamation cases against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

UMCEDEL Deputy Director, Amer Saifude Ghazali said that the states are Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca.

Amer explained that when the respondents were asked about the slander against Anwar, only 20 percent of them believed it to be true.

“The remaining 80 percent do not believe it at all, they (respondents) assume it as something deliberately invented,” he said.

He was responding to questions from the floor about Anwar Ibrahim’s reputation in a GE-13 seminar titled ‘Strengthening Democracy’ organised by the National University of Malaysia (UKM) School of History and Strategy at the Senate Room, Chancellor Hall, UKM today.

On the same issue Amer said that claims saying that Anwar is also an Opposition Leader with no calibre, no influence and whose era has ended, is rather surprising.

“I’m surprised that people say that he has no influence, his time has ended, he is not capable and so on, but why is the attack on Anwar done almost every day, from one case to another.

“But he (Anwar) is still able to lead. This matter should be addressed to know the truth behind the attacks on him,” he added.