PM: Anwar a threat to economy and maybe safety

The Sun

PUTRAJAYA (Sept 17, 2008): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today described Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a "threat to the nation's economy and maybe safety".

He accused Anwar of deceiving the public by saying one thing and doing another, and of berating the country to the extent of discouraging investors.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting yesterday, Abdullah said: "We are facing inflation and in the midst of this, what Anwar is doing has resulted in fund managers discouraging investors from investing in Malaysia due to the uncertain political scenario.

"By talking about changing governments, Anwar has muddled the economy as some investors have been advised to stay away from the country for the next 10 years, and to wait and see where the country is headed. What he is doing has affected the government, the economy and workers."

Asked what he planned to do about this situation, Abdullah would only say that whatever he would do would be in the best interest of the country.

He said this would sending out trade missions to meet with investors.

"It’s not that we don’t have foreign direct investments (FDI) as many investors are coming in even now, and (Malaysia) is a preferred choice amongst many investors," he said. "The one saying that we are losing FDI is Anwar alone. He doesn’t read, he is ignorant about this."

He said it was Anwar’s character to tell people certain things and expect them to accept it.

He said Anwar's accusation that Malaysia has no competitive edge is untrue as Malaysia's competitiveness has improved from 23 to 19 (in the World Competitiveness Index).

"He is just exploiting people’s trust in him at the moment, and is doing nothing to help them -- even when he is out of the country, he puts down the nation," he said.

About Anwar’s pledge to turn the ailing economy around, and to reduce fuel prices, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said: "Anwar has failed to deliver a lot of his promises. Even though he knew he did not have the numbers, he continued to lie to the public that he would form the government on Sept 16, and has continued to lie to the public about the content of his letter (to Abdullah). So please don’t hold on to his promise too much."

Najib said as chairman of the investment committee, he knew the number of investments in the country this year was maybe more than last year. However, he is concerned that Anwar’s political game will affect the numbers coming in.

Read More...

Summary only...

Kit Siang may be first Chinese DPM

Sun2surf

by Kong See Hoh

PETALING JAYA (Sept 2, 2008): DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang may make history by becoming the first Chinese deputy prime minister of Malaysia should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) come to power at the federal level, Sin Chew Daily reported today.

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the DAP leadership has reached a "consensus" to recommend Kit Siang for "a very important" and "most frontline" role in the central government if the opposition coalition takes control.

Asked if the "most frontline" role means the post of deputy prime minister, Guan Eng declined to give a straight answer but stressed that it will be a post that puts him (Kit Siang) on par with other PR leaders.

"We don't want to give the public the impression that we are fighting for posts. And I want to stress that posts are not the most important thing, what is important is we should be fighting for the benefits of the rakyat."

Nevertheless, he said, because of the possibility of PR coming to power at the federal level, DAP leaders have reached a consensus that if indeed it becomes a reality, the party will recommend that Kit Siang play an important role in the federal government.

He said if Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the newly elected MP who has said his next target is Putrajaya, becomes the prime minister, it is not unlikely for a Chinese to be given the deputy prime minister's job, thus fulfilling a long-cherished wish of the community.

He said PR has never held discussions on post allocation in the event of the coalition coming to power, adding that the PR shadow cabinet that was circulated some time ago was mere fabrication.

What is important for the PR now is to fulfil its election pledges. Guan Eng did not deny that PR is having some teething problems but believed that they can be overcome through negotiations.

In the DAP national congress last month, Kit Siang was re-elected to the central executive committee with the highest number of votes but did not assume any party post, giving rise to speculation that he might be "retiring" from active politics.

But during an interview with Sin Chew, Guan Eng said should PR succeed in taking over the federal government, Kit Siang will be recommended for an important government position, even though he (Kit Siang) is not holding any party post.

"We did not discuss the matter officially, it was just a tacit consensus the party leaders have arrived at," he said.

CANDIDATES vying for the central committee (CC) positions in the MCA party elections next month can expect a slug fest.

According to a report in Sin Chew Daily today, some 50 candidates are expected to contest the 25 CC posts up for grabs.

Four of the incumbents have already indicated they will not seek re-election. They are MCA organising secretary Datuk Hon Choon Kim, Johor exco member Hoo Seong Chang, deputy secretary-general Datuk Wong Kam Hoong, and former Kedah liaison chief Datuk Beh Hen Seong.

CC member Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, who is vying for the Wanita top post, is expected not to seek re-election.

Two other CC members – secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Datuk Kong Cho Ha – are also expected not to contest the CC posts as they will be going for higher positions.

That leaves seven CC slots to fill and explains the bigger field of contestants expected.

There were 46 CC contestants in the party elections three years ago.

To date, about 50 members have already indicated that they will go for the CC posts and the final tally could be more.

The bulk of this year's contestants will come from Selangor, with 13 or 14 candidates, followed by six or seven from Johor.

Read More...

Summary only...

Car repairers up charges 30%

Sun2surf

PETALING JAYA (jUNE 26, 2008): The Federal Territory and Selangor Automobile Repairers Association has announced a 30% increase in charges, effective next month. Citing inflationary pressure as the main reason, association chairman Datuk Ho Yoon Ping said the increase covers all types of repair works. As for spare parts and materials used for repairs, he said workshops will charge according to market prices. "Apart from a 35% to 45% increase in materials for spraying and paint works in 2002, the charges for other repair works have not been adjusted for the last 11 years," said Ho, in justifying the hike. He also explained that inflationary pressure is forcing mechanics and apprentices to demand a 30% raise in their salary. "As such, it is not unreasonable for us to increase our charges by a similar quantum," he said. Apart from repair works, he said the charges for towing and insurance claims have also been increased. He said he will direct some 900 members of the association to display the new list of charges prominently in their premises, and would makesure that the increases do not exceed 30%. Mindful that cars have become a necessity rather than a luxury for motorists, he hoped the hike will not hurt them too much.

Read More...

Summary only...

Guan Eng to Koh: Don't politicise efforts to attract FDI

The Sun

Opalyn Mok

GEORGE TOWN (May 30, 2008): The open criticism by Mark Ooi, aide to former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng does not deserve a response, the latter said today.

"That sort of statement is not worth commenting on. Why don't you go ask the companies (referring to the investors)?" he said when pressed to comment on the statement at a press conference here.

He added that the results will speak for themselves and he preferred to concentrate on inspiring more investors to come to Penang.

"I refuse to respond to the personal attacks by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and his assistants against our successes in attracting new foreign investments," he said.

He added that he does not wish to engage at the level of those who try to claim credit, as the people of Penang can judge this on their own.

He pointed out that the press conferences to announce the investments in Penang were organised by the companies and not him.

"I do not want the efforts to attract foreign investment to be politicised as this will not only hinder but drive away foreign investments," he said.

He later sent a press statement to further clarify that the state government prefers to focus on strengthening its competitiveness and focusing on its physical and human infrastructure to enhance the attractiveness of Penang as a investment destination of choice.

On Thursday, Ooi, who is Koh's former political secretary, issued a statement criticising Lim for claiming credit for the direct investments of RM1.2 billion by Japanese company Ibiden Co. Ltd and RM115 million by American company, Honeywell Aerospace.

He claimed that Lim was taking the spotlight for the finishing touch of a long and challenging process of over two years by Koh.

"To set the record straight, the effort of the new state government in the last two months merely represented the final short phase of a long process of promotion and negotiation stretching back one to two years," he claimed.

Last week, Ibiden announced its RM1.2 billion investment in Penang and on Wednesday, Honeywell announced its RM115million investment in Penang.

Read More...

Summary only...

Lingam Tape report to be made public from Tuesday

Sun2surf

Husna Yusop

PUTRAJAYA (May 16, 2008): The Cabinet today agreed that the contents of the report by the royal commission on the VK Lingam video clip be made public and copies of the report to be sold.

It has also taken into account the findings of the commission which has identified that the video clip recording is authentic and decided to recommend that appropriate action be taken against the individuals identified and said to have committed certain offences.

"Following these findings, there is a possibility that offences against the law have been committed as stipulated in the report. The Cabinet agrees for the Attorney-General (A-G)'s Chambers to institute immediate investigation on all allegations levelled against individuals identified in the report,” said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, adding the government is now in the process of preparing the necessary laws for the establishment of the Judicial Appointment Commission.

Asked for the names of the individuals identified in the report, he said, they are Datuk V.K. Lingam, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Tun Mohd Eusoff Chin, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

When asked whether these people were implicated, he said: "No. No. I don’t want to say implicated. I said these are the findings of the report."

He said the various offences mentioned in the report included the Official Secret Act, Sedition Act, Penal Code and obstruction of justice.

"These are the issues that the A-G has to investigate. But I have to remind you, this report or recommendations are advisory in nature. So, you have to have another investigation," he added.

Zaid said the government is committed and serious about restoring the rule of law, returning confidence back to the judiciary and making sure that the selection process of judges and high officers are done in a transparent way.

"This is so that we ca minimise the shortcomings and weaknesses in the past,” he said, adding the Cabinet urged the public, including the media, to allow investigation process to proceed uninterrupted without undue pressure or any prejudice against any individuals identified in the report.

"It must be reiterated that in our legal system, an accused or a person implicated for an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," he said, adding the public would be able to buy the report from the Legal Affairs Division from 2pm on Tuesday (May 20).

There are four volumes to the report by the Commission of Enquiry on the Video Clip Recording of the Images of a Person Purported to be an Advocate and Solicitor Speaking on the Telephone on Matters Regarding the Appointment of Judges, namely the main report (RM161.40), the notes of proceeding (RM123), statutory declaration (RM120) and exhibits (RM136.90).

Read More...

Summary only...

Association: No need for public hearing on pig farming

Sun2surf

Giam Say Khoon

PETALING JAYA (April 28, 2008): There is no necessity to hold a public hearing on the proposed modern pig farming area in Ladang Tumbuk, Selangor Livestock Farmers' Association's pig unit chief Sim Ah Hock said today.

He said the project, originally initiated by the former Barisan Nasional (BN) state government, had received the go-ahead.

"After the trip to Germany organised by the former state government to visit the modern pig farms there last year, I was assured by former state exco member Datuk Ch'ng Toh Eng that the project will be carried out, and that the village head (Mohamad Tarmudi Tushiran) of Kampung Ladang Tumbuk, who also went on the trip with me, had agreed the project was a good one and it should be done," Sim said.

"So I do not understand why they would go against the project now. It (the objection) is not logical at all."

He was commenting on a call by former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government to hold a public hearing to listen to the voices of the local residents on the project.

"There is no reason to object because this is the best solution to overcome the pollution problems caused by traditional pig farms in the state," Sim said.

He said the only reason he could think of for these people to object was because they would no longer "benefit" from the project.

Asked about the developments on the project, Sim said the association met the PR state government for the first time on April 18 and there were still a lot of details to be discussed.

He said pig farmers had generally agreed to the project as there is no choice for them if they still want to do business in the state.

Asked how they would control the number of pigs if the state allows them to rear only 250,000 pigs in the modern pig farm, Sim said there are currently about 280,000 pigs in the state.

"I am quite sure that the state government will cut down the quota of some pig farmers to achieve the 250,000-pig target and if that is the case, we will need to control the reproduction of pigs," he said.

"Our situation is different from Malacca, where the pig farmers were required to move their pigs out from the state last year because of a drastic decrease in quota. Such a situation will not happen in Selangor and we do not have to send our pigs to other states."

Last week, Mohd Khir Toyo had demanded that the state government hold a public hearing in line with "Local Government Agenda 21" to listen to the local residents affected by the project.

He insisted a public hearing be conducted by Tanjung Sepat assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Mansor if the state government fails to do so.

Agriculture, Modernisation, Natural Resources and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Yaakob Sapari was not available for comment.

Two weeks ago, Yaakob had said the state government will not spend a sen on the project as the cost will be entirely borne by the pig farmers and private investors, and the modern pig farm will only supply pork for consumption in the state.

Updated: 06:27PM Mon, 28 Apr 2008

Read More...

Summary only...

Penang goes Balkis' way

Sun2surf

R. Nadeswaran and Terence Fernandez

PETALING JAYA (April 28, 2008): Penang has joined the ranks of Selangor – transferring money from the wives’ association for “safekeeping” with – Bakti, the federal Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Although the amount is small compared to the RM9.9 million which was transferred by the Association of Wives of State Assemblymen and Members of Parliament in Selangor (Balkis), its Penang equivalent – Bunga Tanjung – could only spare RM350,000. But it’s the principle involved.

In an immediate response, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he is shocked by the turn of events and asked for the relevant documents, adding that the state government is seeking legal advice.

“This is a chaitable organisation and not a Barisan Nasional (BN) organisation or a sendirian berhad. I want Bakti to return the money as soon as possible plus interests. After all, it is in an interest-earning fixed deposit account,” he told theSun.

The minutes of a Bakti council meeting, a copy of which was obtained by theSun, among others, says: "With the formation of Opposition State Governments in Penang and Selangor, action has been taken to dissolve the associations to prevent them from being taken over as the constitution would allow for the wife of the chief minister to become the Yang di-Pertua of the association. They are now in the midst of registering a new association although keeping the same name but limiting membership to wives of BN leaders.

The minutes go on to say that Bakti had been approached by Bunga Tanjung and Balkis to assist them to receive and manage their funds for their welfare activities in the interim period.

According to the minutes, Bakti, will hold these monies which can be utilised for welfare activities in Penang and Selangor accordingly. After the formation of the new associations, Bakti will transfer these funds to the respective bodies.

However, another portion of the minutes says: "Pending the formation of the new associations, the monies transferred to Bakti will be disbursed to the respective associations but in accordance with Bakti’s constitution for welfare programmes in Penang and Selangor.

The minutes also state that “these matters have been discussed and cleared with Dato’ Helilah Yusof, Bakti’s legal adviser”.

A three-page enclosure dated April 7 ended with the initials “HY”.

The enclosure, among others, states: Pending the formation of a new society that will be a successor to the now dissolved Balkis, the following is agreed to:
> A letter of undertaking will be executed to provide a framework of assistance between Bakti on one part and the remaining three office-bearers of Balkis (being the Trustees);

> While the establishment of a new society is still pending there arises an urgent project which relates to the upkeep and maintenance of a hostel for youths who are at the age of 17 and below. These are youths who face various forms of social problems. The hostel is still being actively operated and hence there arises an exigency of a situation where some expenditure requires to be disbursed and in particular certain amounts are already due to be paid or overdue;

> It is considered that the aforementioned hostel falls into the category of scheme that is suitable for adoption by Bakti and its project pendidikan as a project khas. Upon adoption of such a project, all related expenses towards the project could be financed from the fund itself by Bakti.
The enclosure concludes: "It is also the understanding that is to be incorporated in the above-mentioned letter of understanding that the fund will be duly returned to the new society that is to succeed Balkis once it is formally constituted."

Updated: 10:09AM Tue, 29 Apr 2008

Read More...

Summary only...

Zaid: ISA unacceptable

Sun2surf

OTHER STORIES: Hisham told to show sincerity / Umno racism, PAS ideology need check and balance: Koh
Kong See Hoh

OTHER STORIES : Shahrir: Umno not solely t blame for defeats

PETALING JAYA (April 28, 2008): Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim says he finds the Internal Security Act (ISA), which has been regarded as draconian by the Opposition and the legal fraternity, unacceptable.

"I am against any unjust and harsh law, and ISA and OSA (Official Secrets Act) are unacceptable to me," the de facto law minister said of his stand on the two Acts during an interview with Nanyang Siang Pau.

"In fact, I have stated my stand (on these laws) in my books," he said.

ISA, a preventive detention law, was enacted on Aug 1, 1960, to replace the Emergency Regulations Ordinance 1948 that was meant to curb communist activities. It was amended in 1972.

Any person may be detained by the police under ISA for up to 60 days without trial for an act which allegedly prejudices the security of the country or any part thereof.

After 60 days, one may be further detained for a period of two years each, to be approved by the Home Minister, thus providing indefinite detention without trial.

Last Saturday (April 26), Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said preventive laws, such as the ISA, will not be abolished as they were needed for the purpose of maintaining public order.

He said countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom too have introduced such preventive laws.

"It (ISA) is not for the purpose of carrying out injustice but to protect the public's right to live in comfort without fearing for their lives," Syed Hamid said in response to a claim by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would abolish preventive laws should they rule the country.

On Islamic laws, Zaid stressed all laws should be able to address the dissatisfaction and problems of various races in the country.

He pointed out that in a multiracial country, the government should seek the views of the people, instead of acting unilaterally.

"For example, in formulating the Federal Territories Islamic Family Law, the government must make sure that it also takes care of the interest of the non-Muslim community.

"Any party which proposes to charge a non-Muslim with zinah for committing adultery with a Muslim should state clearly under which law and section can this be done.

"No one should be allowed to express their views without basis," he said.

He, however, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as the minister in charge of Islamic affairs, "is the right man to answer any question regarding Islamic laws".

Zaid, who owned the country's largest law firm, Zaid Ibrahim & Co, before he gave up his practice upon being appointed a cabinet minister, agreed to the view that had the Barisan Nasional (BN) not suffered a big setback in the March 8 general election, the government may not have agreed to institute judiciary reforms.

Since his appointment to take charge of law, he has, apart from pushing for the judiciary reforms, proposed that the federal government apologise to victims of the 1988 judicial crisis.

Although the government has stopped short of apologising to the former judges, it has agreed to compensate them.

Zaid said he accepted the government's decision, saying an apology can take many forms.

Hisham told to show sincerity
PETALING JAYA (April 27, 2008): Several Chinese community leaders want Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to show that he is sincere in apologising over the keris incidents.

They said if he is sincere, he should use his position as the education minister to demonstrate that he is not a racist but a leader for all Malaysians.

Hishammuddin can walk the talk by, for example, reopening the original SJK (C) Damansara, reverting back to the use of mother-tongue language in the teaching of science and maths, they said.

They said unlike the kissing of the keris, which is done solemnly and gently, by kings during coronation ceremonies, Hishammuddin's wielding of the keris at Umno Youth's annual assemblies had strong racial overtones.

On Friday (April 25), Hishammuddin admitted the raising of the keris during the wing's annual assemblies was among the causes of the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s poor performance in the general election and apologised to non-Malays over the incidents.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) president Datuk Bong Hon Liong told Oriental Daily News Hishmmuddin's apology is "a good beginning" but felt that if he wants the Chinese to change their view about him, he has to walk the talk and show that he can look after the interest of all races.

Bong said Hishammuddin had promised before the general election to reopen SJK (C) Damansara and hoped it can be done this year.

KLSCAH chief executive officer Tan Ah Chai told the daily he has reservations about Hishammuddin's sincerity, saying the latter's action looked more like a political gesture. He said Hishammuddin did not really understand why people were not happy with him over the keris incidents.

Apart from wielding the keris, the people are not happy with his arrogance and body language while raising the weapon.

He said Hishammuddin's actions carried strong racial overtones.

Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia) president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong said in a statement that "Hua Zong would accept Hishammuddin's apology if it is made because he realised that his wielding of the keris has hurt the feelings and sensitivity of non-Malays and not just because theBN has suffered a big setback in the general election".

Lim hoped that Hishammuddin would consider the views of the masses in handling educational issues, especially the use of mother-tongue language in the teaching of science and mathematics.

Umno racism, PAS ideology need check and balance: Koh
PETALING JAYA (April 27, 2008): Acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon says Umno racism and PAS' stand on Islamic theological state, which were subdued before the general election, are rearing their ugly heads again.

"Had they won big, it would have been more apparent, this is not right," he said in an interview with Sin Chew Daily.

He said the trend towards the two-party system in Malaysia in the wake of the general election is a good sign, but two-party (Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR)) system faces two major problems – racism and Islamic ideology.

He said BN faces racism, which has persisted and is festering, and to counter it, the coalition's component parties, especially multiracial Gerakan, must play the check and balance role.
PR, he said, faces the problem of PAS' Islamic ideology and its ultimate aim of creating a theological state. In this respect, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) have to check and balance PAS from within PR, he said.

On Selangor's centralised pig farming project, Koh said Umno seems to be stoking racial sentiments. He said Gerakan did not agree with some of the remarks uttered by Umno leaders over the issue.

For more stories, click the headlines in OTHER STORIES

Updated: 06:07PM Mon, 28 Apr 2008

Read More...

Summary only...

5 Umno assmblymen turned down offers to serve Penangites

The Sun

GEORGE TOWN (April 23, 2008): Five Umno assemblymen were offered seats in Penang's administrative committees recently but they were directed to turn down the offers due to party policy.

Penang Umno liaison committee secretary and state opposition chief Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said it is the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno's policy that its assemblymen should not accept any offer to serve in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government.

"We want to give the PR a 100% free hand to do whatever they like in running the state, so we do not want to be involved," he told theSun in a telephone interview.

Azhar said PR had made a lot of promises to the public during the general election, "so lets see how they fulfil their promises". "We believe they are trying to do a good job, so lets see what they can do."

The five assemblymen offered to sit in administrative committees were Sungai Acheh assemblyman Datuk Mahmud Zakaria, Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Dr Hilmi Yahya, Seberang Jaya assemblyman Arif Shah Omar Shah and Teluk Ayer Tawar assemblyman Datuk Jahara Hamid.

Penang Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang, said he offered Mahmud, Muhamad Farid, Jahara and Hilmi to sit in "my committees".

"They reportedly said it was a 'political trap' but they are wrong. It's a sincere gesture for them to continue to contribute to the public," he said, adding that "what we are doing is to create a new political culture".

"Just because they are the Opposition does not mean they can't join in in the state administration to contribute to the people," he said.

Penang Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who also offered Mahmud a position, said: "This is a way for the Opposition to learn about what's happening within the state administration without having to rely on hearsay all the time. Their refusal to accept the offers only reflect their quality and sincerity to serve the people."

Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Kassim said: "I just want the people in their constituencies, Seberang Jaya and Sungai Acheh, to be represented in my portfolio. It is not because we need their help and that we will fail without them."

Abdul Malik had offered Arif Shah and Mahmud to sit in his committee.

Deputy Chief Minister II Prof P. Ramasamy said the appointment of people to any of the state administrative committees were based on their abilities and not on political affiliations.

"We don't invite them to sit in just because they are from a certain political party," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin concurred, adding that it is more important to ensure that the people they invited are clean, dedicated and efficient.

Other than former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon who has taken up positions in Penenag Development Corporation offered by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, former Penang BN secretary Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad Sulaiman, 71, also accepted his reappointment as deputy chairman of the Penang Appeals Board.

Former Bukit Tambun assemblyman Lai Chew Hock is also serving on the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival committee as vice-chairman.

"I have been in this committee for many years and I feel that I can still continue to contribute towards the festival, that's why I am still in this committee," he said.

Penang Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Law Heng Kiang said: "There should not be any calls for Lai to pull out as it is a sports event and not a political event."

It is learnt that former Penang state executive councillor Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon is still a director of Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (Seri), the state government's think-tank. He could not be reached for comment.

For more stories, click the headlines in OTHER STORIES

Read More...

Summary only...

Young peninsula M'sians optimistic about national unity: Study

The Sun

Maria J.Dass



KUALA LUMPUR (April 18, 2008): A study has found young Malaysians in the peninsula to be generally optimistic about the state of national unity in the country, predicting that this would improve slightly within the next 10 years.

The study was conducted by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and the National Young Lawyer’s Committee (NYLC) of the Bar Council.

However, there were disturbing trends and underlying currents of ethnic tension that must be urgently addressed to avoid further racial polarisation, said former NYLC chairman Edmund Bon during the launch of the study today.

Bon said: "While the government had initiated various programmes to promote national unity, these were only surface solutions and did not address the underlying problems affecting the Malaysian community."

Of the 1,000 respondents most of the 300 rural respondents seemed to be more optimistic about unity in the country and gave higher ratings to issues of harmony and race, while urban respondents showed a greater level of dissatisfaction.

Respondents from within the Central and Southern regions seemed to be less optimistic about national unity than those in the East and West of peninsular Malaysia.

Chinese were quite pessimistic about their future in the country, followed by the Indians. Malays were generally satisfied with their life in the country.

The study showed that Chinese were dissatisfied with economic policies and had a strong aversion to education in Malaysia, preferring foreign education over local.

The Chinese however ranked lower than Indians and Malays when it came to mingling with friends of different religions.

Those in the younger age group (18 to 24) were less likely to mix with others of different ethnicity relative to those in the 25 to 35 age group, indicating increasing racial polarisation amongst the young.

The research also indicates the disparity between what young Malaysians experience and what they perceive, because those who had healthy interethnic relationships at a personal level, gave lower ratings for unity at the national level. Respondents from rural areas and Malays rated religious harmony significantly higher than Chinese and Indians.

Also, a total 75% Malays say they have never been unfairly treated based on their race as opposed to 45% Chinese and 49% Indians, while on account of religion, 82% of Malays say they have never before been unfairly treated, as opposed to 53% each for both Chinese and Indians.

Among the suggestions given to improve national unity was the need to boldly examine public policies that adversely affect the socio-economic, and socio-political fabric, especially those related to provisions of equal opportunity and equal access to all.

These include:
> Economic Policies;
> Education Policies;
> Religious Policies;
> Racial Harmony; and
> National Unity Policies.

The objective of this quantitative survey was to unearth young Malaysians’ life values in the present and for the future, and to understand their attitudes towards national unity in Malaysia.

A number of factors contribute to national unity, namely a feeling of ownership of the country, aspirations for the future, racial and religious harmony, economic and education policies and experiences of unfair treatment. These factors were explored individually to assess the state of national unity in Mala

Read More...

Summary only...

Modern pig farm will have 800m buffer

The Sun

By Giam Say Khoon

SHAH ALAM (APRIL 15): The Selangor Government has assured the people that the RM340 million modern pig farming facility in Ladang Tumbuk in Kuala Langat, Selangor, will not pose an environmental problem as it will have an 800-meter buffer from the nearest village.

Obviously addressing concerns by some villagers over the project, which he said was being politicised, State executive councillor Yaakob Sapari told reporters that Ladang Tumbuk is the most suitable location for the project because:

> It is the most polluted and largest pig farming area in the state;
> The land is owned by local pig farmers;
> The land situated at the downstream of the state, where the water source is not tapped for consumption;
> The place is a predominantly Chinese area.

He said the state government will not spend a sen on the project as the cost will be entirely borne by the pig farmers and private investors.|

Giving a breakdown, he said land acqusition of 337 acres will cost RM40 million; the construction of biogas container RM100 million; construction of enclosed farm RM150 million and technology transfer (from Germany) RM50 million.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing for Pakatan Rakyat state assemblymen yesterday, Yaakob said the state will only allow the rearing of 250,000 pigs in the modern pig farm for consumption by Selangorians only as there are 1,366,000 Chinese in the state.

He said farmers will be charged a levy of RM45 for every pig slaughtered in the facility. Of the amount, 30% will go to the pig farmer investors and 70% will go to the company that runs the farm.

He said there are 132 pig farms in the state now, with 257,521 pigs valued at RM125 million.

Yaakob warned Tanjung Sepat (Umno) assemblyman Datuk Dr Abdul Karim Mansor, who he said had initially agreed to the project and is now against it, not to politicise the issue.

"We have photos showing that he visited modern pig farms in Germany and Holland and (showing) his thumb-up and if he continues to do so, we will release more of these photos," he said.

To a question, Yaakob said the project will take about a year to complete and all pig farmers in the area have agreed on the relocation.

He however declined to say who the investor is.

Updated: 09:13PM Tue, 15 Apr 2008

Read More...

Summary only...

MCA accepts good polices of Pakatan Rakyat state governments

The Sun

Pauline Puah

GENTING (April 4, 2008): MCA will accept any good policies which benefit the people with an open heart,said its president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting today.

“We should be doing anything that are good for the people. All political parties have to servie the people,” he said when met after the opening of the late Tan Sri Dr Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall here.

Ong was asked to response to the new policies which have been announced by the Pakatan Rakyat state governments.

Pakatan Rakyat comprises PKR, DAP and PAS, wrested the administration of Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Perak in the just-concluded general election.

Ong said the party is watching closely all the policies which would be implemented by the Pakatan Rakyat state governments.

“We hope they will realise whatever policies that thay have announced. If they can realise it, we compliment them. Otherwise, they should be more careful when making statements. They should only say things which are possible to realise,” he said.

“(I hope) they will fulfil whatever they have said. Otherwise the people will also judge them in the future.”

Ong declined to comment on MCA veteran leader Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh’s statement that the party should be ashamed that it had not been able to resolve the permanent land titles problem which the Perak state government could resolve it only after three weeks in power.

“I respect his views. I don’t think we have to response to every single comment,”he said.

On Wednesday, Perak state government had announced that the permanent land titles would be issued to all planned villages and new villages in the state.

MCA had been criticised that it only be able to obtain temporary land titles for the new villages which residents are predominantly Chinese.

Ong also urged the party members to contribute to the party and the Chinese community.

“All the party members should not be disappointed (with the election results). We have a lot of things that have to be done within the party,” he said, adding that he was collecting feedback from the party members about MCA’s setback in the election.

“The people’s wish must be given serious consideration. We are open to criticism,”he added.

Asked to comment on MCA vice president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai’s statement that the government should release the five Hindu Right Action Force (Hindraf) leaders, Ong said: “All MCA leaders entitled to their personal views.”

Earlier, Ong also witnessed the presentation of cheque of a donation of RM9.5million to medical and educational institutions and charity homes in conjunction with the opening of the Memorial Hall.

Other present at the ceremony were Genting Group chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay,Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai.

Read More...

Summary only...