When one is earning RM3,000 a month, with no extra mouths to feed and cloth, single and live at home with parents with no housing and car loans to cover, a 20 sen increase in your favourite 'teh tarik' or Milo is quite insignificant.
Now substitute this with a 'real life scenario' of 'married with kids' to feed and cloth, insurance, car, housing and credit card loans to cover, you'll feel the pinch.
This is the type of scenario that DAP is spewing about.
The average household income in Malaysia in 2007 was slightly over RM3,500 a month. The take-home pay after mandatory deductions in such a scenario would in all probability be about RM3,100.
Now minus a car, housing and creditcard loan, this individual is poor by urban standards and a 55% hike in a consumer item will definetly hurt the household budget!
Which incidently is exactly what has happened since January 2010, according to DAP's national publicity chief Tony Pua.
The cost of white sugar, which is a core consumer item on every household list, has gone up 55%.
In July, the government launched a surprise “5-in-1” price hike programme, raising the prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol, diesel, white sugar and liquified petroluem gas (LPG) including cooking gas cyclinders as much as 15.2%.
"Then on Dec 3, 2010, less than 5 months later, they had another series of hikes.
"This time the price of RON95 went up five sen to RM1.90 per litre, diesel by five sen per litre to RM1.80 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by five sen to RM1.90 per kg. Sugar was now RM2.10 per kg.
"In fact for white sugar, inclusive of a 20 sen hike in January on top of the 25 sen and 20 sen hike in July and December, prices have increased by more than 55% this year alone," said Pua.
Failed maths
He said the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Coffee Shop Association's recent announcement debunked Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's claim in July that the price increases will have “minimal impact” on households in Malaysia.
The association had announced a proposed 20 sen increase in beverage prices.
"In July, Pemandu said the new teh tarik price, having taken into impact the subsidy reduction of fuel and upward price adjustment would be around RM1.0155. They advertised this in full page advertisements across all major mainstream newspapers.
"But in reality the 'teh tarik' and 'kopi susu' price was RM1.20. Now with the 20 cent increase these beverages will go up even higher," he said.
According to Pua something is seriously wrong with the method used in calculating matters involving our economy and our leadership's understanding of simple arithmetics.
"Someone in Pemandu has failed their mathematics. Firstly, there is a clear contradiction in “teh tarik” prices between the fact sheet issued in July which was only RM1.00 as compared to the new base price of RM1.20 in the December fact sheet.
"The government must explain the “mysterious” 20% increase in the base price between July and December, " he said.
He also accused Barisan Nasional and Pemandu of "living in a parallel imaginary universe" of price hikes involving increases of 1.55 sen or even 1 sen.
"I had issued a statement in July arguing that Pemandu should be “commended” for the audacity to publish such numbers which are at best applicable only in a fictitious and theoretical universe, and at worse, showing the complete lack of understanding of real world market dynamics on the price of goods and services.
"And to prove my point, it was reported yesterday in all major Chinese newspapers that the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Coffee Shop Association has announced the proposal to increase all beverage prices by 20 sen starting Jan 1, 2011.
"Kopi susu and the milk prices will be increased from RM1.20 to RM1.40 translating to a massive 16.7% increase in prices!" said Pua.
Stop spewing hypothetics
He said even the price of everyone's coffeeshop favourite “herbal tea” will be increased from RM1.10 to RM1.30 which is an 18% price hike.
"And Pemandu has the audacity to claim that “herbal tea” prices will only increase from RM1.00 to RM1.012 or just a 1.2% increase
"In fact, out of the 70 everyday food and drink items listed on the Subsidy Rationalisation fact sheet, no item is expected to increase by more than 1.9% after the most recent round of price hikes!
"What is perhaps most embarrassing is for the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister Tan Lian Hoe to argue that a 10 sen increase in beverage prices “will be more reasonable”.
"A 10 sen increase will still result in a 8.3% increase for the price of “teh tarik” and “kopi susu”, 10 times higher than the 0.83% increase claimed by Pemandu.
"The government should stop spewing these ridiculous and out-of-these-world hypothetical data which demonstrate at best its sheer incompetence and irrelevance," Pua said - FMT.
Showing posts with label Welfare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Welfare. Show all posts
Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Those who encouraged poverty should be condemned
The detractors of the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s effort to eradicate poverty in the state should be condemned as traitors who were out to sabotage the welfare of our people.
What is wrong of giving money to the poor? Is it right that Umno and BN leaders give money for corruption? In fact, the Umno and BN leaders should come up to publicly apologize to our people for their corruption which was rampant during their governance.
As the result of the corrupt practice of these Umno and BN leaders, the state had loss millions in funds which was simply wasted and used for their own political and business agendas.
These Umno and BN leaders are questioning the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s success because they cannot even answer why they could not eradicate poverty during their past 51 years of governance. They are just criticizing because they are already out of their minds and still in a denial mode.
Or maybe these Umno and BN leaders are simply too lazy to check the facts before criticizing the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s effort to help the poor in the state for their own political agenda. They just wanted to sabotage the effort so they could blame the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Therefore, these Umno and BN leaders must be condemned for their anti-people and anti-welfare stand.
What is wrong of giving money to the poor? Is it right that Umno and BN leaders give money for corruption? In fact, the Umno and BN leaders should come up to publicly apologize to our people for their corruption which was rampant during their governance.
As the result of the corrupt practice of these Umno and BN leaders, the state had loss millions in funds which was simply wasted and used for their own political and business agendas.
These Umno and BN leaders are questioning the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s success because they cannot even answer why they could not eradicate poverty during their past 51 years of governance. They are just criticizing because they are already out of their minds and still in a denial mode.
Or maybe these Umno and BN leaders are simply too lazy to check the facts before criticizing the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s effort to help the poor in the state for their own political agenda. They just wanted to sabotage the effort so they could blame the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government.
Therefore, these Umno and BN leaders must be condemned for their anti-people and anti-welfare stand.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Is Malaysia not technically in recession?
The second finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop had recently stated in the parliament that our nation is not in the throes of a technical recession but only facing a certain challenging times.
So, the BN federal government is asking our people not to worry and be happy. Despite the upcoming effects on the country’s economy following the widespread global economic crisis, the BN is still in denial mode and nothing concrete has been carried so far to address the growing inflation and high unemployment rate in our nation.
The previous statement made by the deputy human resources minister Noraini Ahmad saying that there will be about 100,000 employees out of job this year via retrenchments, layoffs and voluntary separation scheme following the recent global economic crisis which had in fact spread over to our nation. The closure and suspension of businesses by some multi-national companies were the brief impacts of the crisis. Some MNCs which huge workforce are beginning to reduce its employees drastically and have their manufacturing plants shut down, forcing employees to take up pay cuts or surrendering their various benefits in exchange of continuing employment and so on.
And now the BN federal government formally announced that they will not establish the retrenchment fund as proposed earlier but instead choose to enrich some political link businesses by awarding them with various training contracts to upgrade retrenched workers.
Instead of using the taxpayers monies to enrich these businesses, why not use the fund to help those retrenched workers directly? Why choose a third party to handle the situation instead? Wouldn’t that be more costly in terms of fund management and its effectiveness?
These retrenched workers needed whatever help and assistance possible in order to have their feet up again to support their family, children, home and their basic needs so that they could continue shoulder on.
The BN federal government is in total ignorance. They are abandoning our people in order to further their own political interest.
So, the BN federal government is asking our people not to worry and be happy. Despite the upcoming effects on the country’s economy following the widespread global economic crisis, the BN is still in denial mode and nothing concrete has been carried so far to address the growing inflation and high unemployment rate in our nation.
The previous statement made by the deputy human resources minister Noraini Ahmad saying that there will be about 100,000 employees out of job this year via retrenchments, layoffs and voluntary separation scheme following the recent global economic crisis which had in fact spread over to our nation. The closure and suspension of businesses by some multi-national companies were the brief impacts of the crisis. Some MNCs which huge workforce are beginning to reduce its employees drastically and have their manufacturing plants shut down, forcing employees to take up pay cuts or surrendering their various benefits in exchange of continuing employment and so on.
And now the BN federal government formally announced that they will not establish the retrenchment fund as proposed earlier but instead choose to enrich some political link businesses by awarding them with various training contracts to upgrade retrenched workers.
Instead of using the taxpayers monies to enrich these businesses, why not use the fund to help those retrenched workers directly? Why choose a third party to handle the situation instead? Wouldn’t that be more costly in terms of fund management and its effectiveness?
These retrenched workers needed whatever help and assistance possible in order to have their feet up again to support their family, children, home and their basic needs so that they could continue shoulder on.
The BN federal government is in total ignorance. They are abandoning our people in order to further their own political interest.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Guan Eng laments red tape over trust fund
Red tape and bureaucratic procedures have prevented the state government from opening a trust fund to help wipe out hardcore poverty in Penang, said Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng.
He said although it had been over a month since state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh discussed with state officials, a bank account for the fund has yet to be opened.
“The account is vital so that the corporate sector and public can obtain tax exemption on their contributions to the fund.
“Unfortunately, this delay has hampered efforts to wipe out hardcore poverty in Penang by our original March 8 deadline,” he told reporters after opening the Bagan constituency free medical camp in Lucky Garden, Raja Uda, here yesterday.
Penang has 904 hardcore poor families with a monthly income of RM400 or less, Lim said, noting that the state wanted to raise their monthly income to RM500 - Agencies.
He said although it had been over a month since state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh discussed with state officials, a bank account for the fund has yet to be opened.
“The account is vital so that the corporate sector and public can obtain tax exemption on their contributions to the fund.
“Unfortunately, this delay has hampered efforts to wipe out hardcore poverty in Penang by our original March 8 deadline,” he told reporters after opening the Bagan constituency free medical camp in Lucky Garden, Raja Uda, here yesterday.
Penang has 904 hardcore poor families with a monthly income of RM400 or less, Lim said, noting that the state wanted to raise their monthly income to RM500 - Agencies.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
DAP reaffirms support for Pakatan Rakyat to establish an alternative government that is democratic, people-centric and with an ethical leadership base
DAP's commitment towards a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysia is not only an article of faith but a deep conviction in Bangsa Malaysia. DAP is inclusive of all races and religions. We represent the interests and fight for the rights every Malaysian.In the effort of being representative of all Malaysians, including both Malays and non-Malays, the party is willing to undertake a transformational process that may be painful but necessary.
We have no alternative but to grow without compromising our basic principles.
DAP reaffirms support for Pakatan Rakyat(PR) to establish an alternative government that is democratic, people-centric and with an ethical leadership based on the 5 principles of freedom, justice, truth, social welfare and universal moral values. In this regard the DAP supports PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Parliamentary Opposition Leader and will remain so as no single leader has ever questioned this during internal meetings whether at the highest levels or otherwise.
The Pakatan Rakyat leadership has clearly endorsed a position that no individual party policy can be PR policy unless it is fully approved unanimously by all three parties. DAP's position on hudud and Islamic state is crystal clear and regardless of whatever support for both hudud and the establishment of an Islamic State, whether from PAS or PKR, this will not be PR policy as long as DAP does not agree to it.
Similarly DAP's leadership has been consistently urging the government to enact an anti-hopping law even before the Perak crisis, and we have expressed support of our 28 MPs. As BN does not have a 2/3 parliamentary majority, the support of DAP's 28 MPs will be required to effect any constitutional amendment for such an anti-hopping laws.
As a democratic party, DAP policies can be changed in accordance with the wishes of its members. However until today there has been no requests to question or disturb the basic framework of co-operation between the 3 parties of DAP, PAS and PKR that makes up PR.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Pakatan Rakyat, why the people’s choice?
The results of the recently concluded by-elections in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat which gave the victory to the Pakatan Rakyat demonstrated that the people are willing to give the opposition coalition the opportunity to help shape the future of our nation.
The willingness of Pakatan Rakyat to open up its forum and debates its policies, differences as well as seeking public opinions on their policies also prove to be a successful in the eyes of the people, as it shows democracy is practically active and alive in this opposition coalition. The people view such debates and differences as openness, freedom of expression and understanding instead of split as often being labeled by the Barisan Nasional against their opposition counterpart.
The assumption of a closed door meeting of being united and consensus in decision making are something of the old days talk and had gone into history, which were still practically adopted by the Barisan Nasional component parties.
The people were fed up with the closed door policies of the Barisan Nasional and its secrecy in meetings and the ways policies are dictated from behind the doors. People wanted to know, wanted to be part of the policy process, debate and to understand the contents prior to its implementations or enforcements. In other words people wanted to see competency, transparency and accountability in all policies decided and undertaken by the government in order to move the entire nation forward and not backward.
The openness of the Pakatan Rakyat forum as shown in the most recent events proves that this is what the people want. The people wanted to see if their leaders are performing, fighting for them, going for them, following up for them, near to them, speak for them, act for them, do for them, implement for them and make them part of the decision making and policies implementations as well.
The people of today are different from those in the 80s and 90s of which the Barisan Nasional is still in with. The people of today are more informed, learned and knowledgeable in wanting to get to know not only if the government is really doing something for them but if the policies and implementations are carried out in a proper and lawful manner, with competency, transparency, accountability instead of doing any work in secrecy, in a corrupt manner, back door deals, cronyism, nepotism, under-table manner and so on.
In the people’s word and the people’s demand, they wanted to know where the income taxes which they have been paying, goes to. They wanted to know if their income taxes really funded the development and channeled to the people who really need them or if these monies end up in the pockets of the ruling elites or those who were closely link to the ruling elites (like the Barisan Nasional). The basic word here is the Truth.
We can see in every election campaign, the Barisan Nasional will always emphasize on development, businesses opportunities, high rise buildings, economic development and so on, but the people had send them the clear message: we know you are doing this and that, but we also want to know how you did it!
Anyway, the Barisan Nasional will continue to always emphasize on development, businesses opportunities, high rise buildings, economic development and so on, as they are still in a denial mode. They refuse to accept the will of the people and that the mindset and demands of the people had changed.
In order to stay on, the Barisan Nasional will also continue to play with their racial cards, divide and rule policies amongst its coalition partners and outside the coalition as well.
The willingness of Pakatan Rakyat to open up its forum and debates its policies, differences as well as seeking public opinions on their policies also prove to be a successful in the eyes of the people, as it shows democracy is practically active and alive in this opposition coalition. The people view such debates and differences as openness, freedom of expression and understanding instead of split as often being labeled by the Barisan Nasional against their opposition counterpart.
The assumption of a closed door meeting of being united and consensus in decision making are something of the old days talk and had gone into history, which were still practically adopted by the Barisan Nasional component parties.
The people were fed up with the closed door policies of the Barisan Nasional and its secrecy in meetings and the ways policies are dictated from behind the doors. People wanted to know, wanted to be part of the policy process, debate and to understand the contents prior to its implementations or enforcements. In other words people wanted to see competency, transparency and accountability in all policies decided and undertaken by the government in order to move the entire nation forward and not backward.
The openness of the Pakatan Rakyat forum as shown in the most recent events proves that this is what the people want. The people wanted to see if their leaders are performing, fighting for them, going for them, following up for them, near to them, speak for them, act for them, do for them, implement for them and make them part of the decision making and policies implementations as well.
The people of today are different from those in the 80s and 90s of which the Barisan Nasional is still in with. The people of today are more informed, learned and knowledgeable in wanting to get to know not only if the government is really doing something for them but if the policies and implementations are carried out in a proper and lawful manner, with competency, transparency, accountability instead of doing any work in secrecy, in a corrupt manner, back door deals, cronyism, nepotism, under-table manner and so on.
In the people’s word and the people’s demand, they wanted to know where the income taxes which they have been paying, goes to. They wanted to know if their income taxes really funded the development and channeled to the people who really need them or if these monies end up in the pockets of the ruling elites or those who were closely link to the ruling elites (like the Barisan Nasional). The basic word here is the Truth.
We can see in every election campaign, the Barisan Nasional will always emphasize on development, businesses opportunities, high rise buildings, economic development and so on, but the people had send them the clear message: we know you are doing this and that, but we also want to know how you did it!
Anyway, the Barisan Nasional will continue to always emphasize on development, businesses opportunities, high rise buildings, economic development and so on, as they are still in a denial mode. They refuse to accept the will of the people and that the mindset and demands of the people had changed.
In order to stay on, the Barisan Nasional will also continue to play with their racial cards, divide and rule policies amongst its coalition partners and outside the coalition as well.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Penang Govt lifts stop-work order on MMC-Gamuda JV
Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng said today the government made the decision to allowed MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd to resume work on its electrified double-track project through mainland after receiving assurance from the company that it will settle pending payments worth RM 7.4 million owing to the state.He explained that the company has made partial payment of RM4 million and undertaken to finalise the remaining amount by Chinese New Year. Of the amount, RM 3.2 million was owed as drainage contribution to the state government, while some RM 4.2 million was mainly fines to the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) for conducting work without planning permission, he said.
The state government issued a stop-work order on the project last month after the company failed to submit planning permission application to the MPSP, Lim explained at a press conference at his office in Komtar today.
He also dismissed reported criticism by state Opposition leader and state Umno secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim that the Pakatan Rakyat administration’s initial decision to stop the project was political motivated.
"The state government wants the project to go smoothly," Lim said. "Even though we have not collected the full amount, we are willing to allow work to continue. So what Azhar said has no basis."
Azhar's misleading statement was reported by a Malay-language daily today (7 Jan) as saying that the state’s stop-work order on the double track project which stretches from Ipoh to Padang Besar was related to the federal government’s refusal to approve some of the state’s requests.
"We are not like the state opposition which thinks that everything is political," Lim said. "If we wanted to stop this project, we would have stopped it earlier."
On the issue of compensation for squatters and residents living on land that is needed for the rail project, Lim said the state was waiting for the company to respond on the amount it was willing to give.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Over 2,000 out of job in Penang
According to MTUC's recent analysis, about 2,000 people has been out of job three months ago. And the Human Resources Ministry is not doing much to come out with an actual solution on these rising problems.
Instead the Human Resources Ministry had kept on harping on the claim that the economic fundamentals in this country are still very strong and impact had not being that bad after all. The statement made by the ministry and their lack of attention on this matter is a grave irresponsibility.
Based on the current crisis' impact at both asia and worldwide, why is the BN government trying to cover up the real situation? The BN government is not insterested at all in pursuing any counter measures to curb the current impact of the economic and financial crisis.
Instead the Human Resources Ministry had kept on harping on the claim that the economic fundamentals in this country are still very strong and impact had not being that bad after all. The statement made by the ministry and their lack of attention on this matter is a grave irresponsibility.
Based on the current crisis' impact at both asia and worldwide, why is the BN government trying to cover up the real situation? The BN government is not insterested at all in pursuing any counter measures to curb the current impact of the economic and financial crisis.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Crime prevention is more important than politics
The police force should not waste their time to monitoring and arresting innocent civilians on passive political motives and campaign rounds to promote positive values amongst public.
We are referring to the police recent action on members of NGO called the Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT) who organized their cycling tour in selected locations to promote their campaign on certain issues related to human rights, labour, freedom and justice. What wrong had all these innocent “cyclists” done? They are merely using their sporting event to promote something which needed public attention and awareness. These JERIT members are not harming anybody with its activities or events.
The police should know that, the crime rate in our nation is getting from bad to worst with crimes keep on happening in our neighborhood every minute. What had the police force done to protect our people? Where are they when we need them most and at times of emergency? Snatch thieves who had the intention to kill for the sake of some cash are now running around us like nobody’s business. We are not fully protected at all. When we make a police report, it was merely a report to formalize the role of the police. Did they really go all out and act against these criminals and murderers.
We are referring to the police recent action on members of NGO called the Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT) who organized their cycling tour in selected locations to promote their campaign on certain issues related to human rights, labour, freedom and justice. What wrong had all these innocent “cyclists” done? They are merely using their sporting event to promote something which needed public attention and awareness. These JERIT members are not harming anybody with its activities or events.
The police should know that, the crime rate in our nation is getting from bad to worst with crimes keep on happening in our neighborhood every minute. What had the police force done to protect our people? Where are they when we need them most and at times of emergency? Snatch thieves who had the intention to kill for the sake of some cash are now running around us like nobody’s business. We are not fully protected at all. When we make a police report, it was merely a report to formalize the role of the police. Did they really go all out and act against these criminals and murderers.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Penang seeks RM970 mill for flood mitigation
Friday, 12 September 2008
The Penang State Government is seeking about RM970 million from the federal government to implement its flood mitigation projects to prevent the repeat of the 6 September’s flash floods.So far, the federal government had allocated only RM327 million for the four major flood mitigation projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan but many areas are still experiencing similar problems.
According to Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng, the state government had already identify seven more areas that needed flood mitigation to be implemented which cost about RM670 million while another RM300 million is needed to build 50 water pump stations and 5 retention ponds.
Areas affected by the flash floods were Jalan P.Ramlee, Teluk Kumbar and Teluk Bahang in Penang and Kapung Tok Suboh in Bukit Mertajam.
The Penang State Government is seeking about RM970 million from the federal government to implement its flood mitigation projects to prevent the repeat of the 6 September’s flash floods.So far, the federal government had allocated only RM327 million for the four major flood mitigation projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan but many areas are still experiencing similar problems.
According to Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng, the state government had already identify seven more areas that needed flood mitigation to be implemented which cost about RM670 million while another RM300 million is needed to build 50 water pump stations and 5 retention ponds.
Areas affected by the flash floods were Jalan P.Ramlee, Teluk Kumbar and Teluk Bahang in Penang and Kapung Tok Suboh in Bukit Mertajam.
South Korean Investor Driven Away
Friday, 29 August 2008
Penang had lost a multi billion ringgit of investment from a South Korean based company which plan to set up a plant in Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai but instead opted out for another neighboring country.
Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng said the Korean company changed its mind after a former Barisan Nasional state executive councilor had urged the federal government to scrap the second bridge project.The Korean investor reviewed the project as Batu Kawan wa no longer strategic if the new second bridge linking Batu Maung to Batu Kawan was scrapped.Guan Eng also referred to a report from a Malay daily which quoted the former BN state executive councilor as saying the second bridge should be scrapped if the project cost reaches RM6 billion.
After the statement was published in the daily, when the company learned of, it indicated that it was no longer interested in opening the manufacturing facility in Penang anymore.The Penang State Government has been working hard to attract more investors into Penang but instead there are those out there who are sabotaging our efforts by instilling, fear, hatred and instability to scare those investors away in order to achieve their mere personal political agenda.
Penang had lost a multi billion ringgit of investment from a South Korean based company which plan to set up a plant in Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai but instead opted out for another neighboring country.
Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng said the Korean company changed its mind after a former Barisan Nasional state executive councilor had urged the federal government to scrap the second bridge project.The Korean investor reviewed the project as Batu Kawan wa no longer strategic if the new second bridge linking Batu Maung to Batu Kawan was scrapped.Guan Eng also referred to a report from a Malay daily which quoted the former BN state executive councilor as saying the second bridge should be scrapped if the project cost reaches RM6 billion.
After the statement was published in the daily, when the company learned of, it indicated that it was no longer interested in opening the manufacturing facility in Penang anymore.The Penang State Government has been working hard to attract more investors into Penang but instead there are those out there who are sabotaging our efforts by instilling, fear, hatred and instability to scare those investors away in order to achieve their mere personal political agenda.
Penang needs funds to expand dam
Saturday, 16 August 2008
According to Wawasan Open University School of Science and Technology Dean Professor Datuk Dr Dick Ho Sinn-Chye, the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s prediction of a possible water crisis in Penang by the year 2012 will come true if the federal government does not provide funding for the RM1.2 billion Mengkuang Dam expansion project.
Penang seriously needs the funding from the federal government to carry out the project. Apparently, the water supply is getting less due to the increasing demand from the state’s growing population.Dr Ho also said that a quick way to prevent a water crisis in Penang is to expand the dam’s capacity as soon as possible.
Dr Ho also added there is no alternative solution, other than the dam’s expansion, when asked if the project would be too expensive.Guan Eng had also mentioned recently that the state would face a water crisis if the RM1.2 billion Mengkuang Dam expansion project is not implemented and completed by the year 2012.
The dam’s expansion project was shelved by the federal government recently after former state executive councilor and state Umno secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim called on all infrastructure projects in Penang to be suspended or cancelled immediately.
According to Wawasan Open University School of Science and Technology Dean Professor Datuk Dr Dick Ho Sinn-Chye, the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s prediction of a possible water crisis in Penang by the year 2012 will come true if the federal government does not provide funding for the RM1.2 billion Mengkuang Dam expansion project.
Penang seriously needs the funding from the federal government to carry out the project. Apparently, the water supply is getting less due to the increasing demand from the state’s growing population.Dr Ho also said that a quick way to prevent a water crisis in Penang is to expand the dam’s capacity as soon as possible.
Dr Ho also added there is no alternative solution, other than the dam’s expansion, when asked if the project would be too expensive.Guan Eng had also mentioned recently that the state would face a water crisis if the RM1.2 billion Mengkuang Dam expansion project is not implemented and completed by the year 2012.
The dam’s expansion project was shelved by the federal government recently after former state executive councilor and state Umno secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim called on all infrastructure projects in Penang to be suspended or cancelled immediately.
Why can't Bar Council organise the forum?
Saturday, 9 August 2008
The Bar Council intends to hold the forum entitled "Conversion to Islam: Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Shamala Revisited" within its own premises on Aug 9.However, its plans has been met with immediate protests from UMNO Youth, PAS and even the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak himself. UMNO Youth exco member, Datuk Pirdaus Ismail was reported to have issued the warning "Don't play with fire! Don't ever touch religious and racial (matters)!" He even asserted that "It is pointless to organise forums based on intellectualism, professionalism or controversial issues when the safety, peace, harmony and stability of the country were being compromised."
PAS party president, Abdul Hadi Awang argued that "although, PAS accepts the freedom of expression of various parties to dialogue and discuss issues of public interest, nevertheless, issues concerning Islam is something already guaranteed in the Federal Constitution." According to Hadi, any discussion pertaining Islam, said Hadi, should involve those who had sufficient knowledge and are authorities in the subject as it will otherwise "only confuse the real understanding of Islam and cause undue tension."
At the same time, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak chipped in that the Bar Council Malaysia's proposed forum entitled Conversion to Islam is unsuitable to held in an open manner. Firstly, the entire basis of such a forum being held is due to the controversies and parties victimised as a result of difference in interpretations of Article 121 (1A). Hence a forum held to discuss these differences is certainly constructive towards setting a foundation for "safety, peace, harmony and stability of the country", as opposed to the threats issued by UMNO Youth.
Secondly, the question that is discussed is a question of law and not a question of religion. This means that the status of Islam as the official religion of the Federation is unquestioned. The forum does not seek to interpret Islam which is the role of the theologians, but to understand, interpret and make constructive suggestions on the law in the interest of all Malaysians.
Thirdly, by demanding that the forum be "closed" in nature, the Deputy Prime Minister is in fact denying the rights of Malaysians to better understand the laws of the land. If ignorance of the law is not a justifiable excuse in the courts of law, then surely, law-abiding citizens must not be denied opportunities seek a better understanding of the law and its implications.
The DAP stands firm that there are probably no better party to organise and lead discussions on the Constitution and the laws of Malaysia than the Bar Council. It will make a complete mockery of our legal and judicial system if its very practitioners are denied opportunities to discuss or explain our laws.
The Bar Council intends to hold the forum entitled "Conversion to Islam: Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Shamala Revisited" within its own premises on Aug 9.However, its plans has been met with immediate protests from UMNO Youth, PAS and even the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak himself. UMNO Youth exco member, Datuk Pirdaus Ismail was reported to have issued the warning "Don't play with fire! Don't ever touch religious and racial (matters)!" He even asserted that "It is pointless to organise forums based on intellectualism, professionalism or controversial issues when the safety, peace, harmony and stability of the country were being compromised."
PAS party president, Abdul Hadi Awang argued that "although, PAS accepts the freedom of expression of various parties to dialogue and discuss issues of public interest, nevertheless, issues concerning Islam is something already guaranteed in the Federal Constitution." According to Hadi, any discussion pertaining Islam, said Hadi, should involve those who had sufficient knowledge and are authorities in the subject as it will otherwise "only confuse the real understanding of Islam and cause undue tension."
At the same time, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak chipped in that the Bar Council Malaysia's proposed forum entitled Conversion to Islam is unsuitable to held in an open manner. Firstly, the entire basis of such a forum being held is due to the controversies and parties victimised as a result of difference in interpretations of Article 121 (1A). Hence a forum held to discuss these differences is certainly constructive towards setting a foundation for "safety, peace, harmony and stability of the country", as opposed to the threats issued by UMNO Youth.
Secondly, the question that is discussed is a question of law and not a question of religion. This means that the status of Islam as the official religion of the Federation is unquestioned. The forum does not seek to interpret Islam which is the role of the theologians, but to understand, interpret and make constructive suggestions on the law in the interest of all Malaysians.
Thirdly, by demanding that the forum be "closed" in nature, the Deputy Prime Minister is in fact denying the rights of Malaysians to better understand the laws of the land. If ignorance of the law is not a justifiable excuse in the courts of law, then surely, law-abiding citizens must not be denied opportunities seek a better understanding of the law and its implications.
The DAP stands firm that there are probably no better party to organise and lead discussions on the Constitution and the laws of Malaysia than the Bar Council. It will make a complete mockery of our legal and judicial system if its very practitioners are denied opportunities to discuss or explain our laws.
Kepala Batas Hospital : Nothing but a decoration
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Kepala Batas Hospital which was situated in the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was initiated and build when Pak Lah took over the reign from former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Pak Lah's move after became prime minister is to upgrade his constituency to a possible city status in near future, where several major federal government agencies were relocated to this area to boast development and to increase the property value in that area.
To fully equip his constituency, a healthcare centre was top on his development list reasoning that the present Seberang Jaya Hospital could not accomodate the entire Seberang Perai population and the purpose of the Kepala Batas Hospital was to support the population in his area which had seen its population increasing since then.
However, after years goes by, Kepala Batas Hospital has been build and now operational with the most sophisticated health system installed, the hospital was still seen as merely a decoration only to uphold the township status for Kepala Batas for the sake of Pak Lah.Most patients who had checked in or visited the Kepala Batas Hospital had complained that they were often turned away by the health staff there and referred to Seberang Jaya Hospital (which has been overloaded almost daily) instead, reasoning that shortage of medical officers (doctors), specialists and support staff to cater the health needs of the Kepala Batas population.
The situation had not improve ever since the hospital was officiated till today and the Kepala Batas Hospital still sits in that particular area today with insufficient health provision to its people there.Well, the hospital is still there anyway merely as a window dressing to suit Pak Lah's constituency status as a developed township after he became prime minister. Wastage of public funds.
Kepala Batas Hospital which was situated in the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was initiated and build when Pak Lah took over the reign from former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Pak Lah's move after became prime minister is to upgrade his constituency to a possible city status in near future, where several major federal government agencies were relocated to this area to boast development and to increase the property value in that area.
To fully equip his constituency, a healthcare centre was top on his development list reasoning that the present Seberang Jaya Hospital could not accomodate the entire Seberang Perai population and the purpose of the Kepala Batas Hospital was to support the population in his area which had seen its population increasing since then.
However, after years goes by, Kepala Batas Hospital has been build and now operational with the most sophisticated health system installed, the hospital was still seen as merely a decoration only to uphold the township status for Kepala Batas for the sake of Pak Lah.Most patients who had checked in or visited the Kepala Batas Hospital had complained that they were often turned away by the health staff there and referred to Seberang Jaya Hospital (which has been overloaded almost daily) instead, reasoning that shortage of medical officers (doctors), specialists and support staff to cater the health needs of the Kepala Batas population.
The situation had not improve ever since the hospital was officiated till today and the Kepala Batas Hospital still sits in that particular area today with insufficient health provision to its people there.Well, the hospital is still there anyway merely as a window dressing to suit Pak Lah's constituency status as a developed township after he became prime minister. Wastage of public funds.
Guan Eng: far cry from what was promised
Thursday, 24 July 2008
As much as the Penang government welcomes the federal authorities’ move to reinstate RM40 million of the state’s original 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) allocation, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today the amount is a far cry from the total RM 4.7 billion that Penangites had been promised.
Responding to Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop’s announcement recently that the allocation for upgrading the Penang Hill funicular railway, would be topped up with RM100 million for purchase of new RapidPenang buses, Lim said the RM140 million is a mere 3% of the allocated RM4.7 billion shelved in the 9MP mid-term review."It's not 10%, it’s not 5%, but just only 3% of the RM4.7 billion promised to Penang," said Lim who expressed hope that the federal government would reconsider its decision and not defer the pending allocations for the Mengkuang Dam expansion, Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and the monorail.
"These are promises made, and promises made should be fulfilled," he stressed, adding he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for a fourth time, to discuss this matter."Penangites are also tax payers, and they have a right to these projects," Lim told reporters after giving out letters of appointment to 148 Penang Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairpersons at the Seberang Perai Town Hall here today.
Lim also said each JKKK chairperson would only be given an allowance of RM200 per month, compared to the previous allowance rate of RM600."We don't want to see a person taking up this post for money. He should do this to provide service to Penangites."The state government will allocate RM 1,000 for each JKKK's annual administration cost.
As much as the Penang government welcomes the federal authorities’ move to reinstate RM40 million of the state’s original 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) allocation, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today the amount is a far cry from the total RM 4.7 billion that Penangites had been promised.
Responding to Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop’s announcement recently that the allocation for upgrading the Penang Hill funicular railway, would be topped up with RM100 million for purchase of new RapidPenang buses, Lim said the RM140 million is a mere 3% of the allocated RM4.7 billion shelved in the 9MP mid-term review."It's not 10%, it’s not 5%, but just only 3% of the RM4.7 billion promised to Penang," said Lim who expressed hope that the federal government would reconsider its decision and not defer the pending allocations for the Mengkuang Dam expansion, Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and the monorail.
"These are promises made, and promises made should be fulfilled," he stressed, adding he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for a fourth time, to discuss this matter."Penangites are also tax payers, and they have a right to these projects," Lim told reporters after giving out letters of appointment to 148 Penang Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairpersons at the Seberang Perai Town Hall here today.
Lim also said each JKKK chairperson would only be given an allowance of RM200 per month, compared to the previous allowance rate of RM600."We don't want to see a person taking up this post for money. He should do this to provide service to Penangites."The state government will allocate RM 1,000 for each JKKK's annual administration cost.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Petronas' Huge Profit. What We Got ?
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
The federal government linked petroleum corporation, Petronas had today announced a hugely improved profit of about RM61 Billion after a drastic increase of fuel prices made by the BN government recently.As the result of this profit, much of the funds were channelled into the federal government's treasury as annual bonus and dividend.With the increasing inflation as the result of the higher fuel prices and coupled with dissatisfaction amongst us on the rising cost of living, food, utilities, clothings, properties and even basically small amenities.
What had the BN government done so far to ease the burden and pain which are pressuring the people continuously ?What will the RM625 do for us in long term and will that ease our costs burden effectively ? Our next generation, children and grandchildren will have to bear with the current situation in the near future as the result of the highly mismanaged free market capitalist economy.What good does the BN government's capitalist economic policies have for us as majority ?
Todate, it had only benefited much of the BN cronies, rich and elites whereas the moderates and poor remained struggling to have their ends met everyday.Worst still, the unemployed, retrenched and lowly paid employees out there who are still fightingto meet their ends and with these number of people are increasing, so do the crime rates ! Nothing, no concrete measures has been done so far by the BN government.
Barisan Nasional = Barang Naik = Bebanan Negara !
The federal government linked petroleum corporation, Petronas had today announced a hugely improved profit of about RM61 Billion after a drastic increase of fuel prices made by the BN government recently.As the result of this profit, much of the funds were channelled into the federal government's treasury as annual bonus and dividend.With the increasing inflation as the result of the higher fuel prices and coupled with dissatisfaction amongst us on the rising cost of living, food, utilities, clothings, properties and even basically small amenities.
What had the BN government done so far to ease the burden and pain which are pressuring the people continuously ?What will the RM625 do for us in long term and will that ease our costs burden effectively ? Our next generation, children and grandchildren will have to bear with the current situation in the near future as the result of the highly mismanaged free market capitalist economy.What good does the BN government's capitalist economic policies have for us as majority ?
Todate, it had only benefited much of the BN cronies, rich and elites whereas the moderates and poor remained struggling to have their ends met everyday.Worst still, the unemployed, retrenched and lowly paid employees out there who are still fightingto meet their ends and with these number of people are increasing, so do the crime rates ! Nothing, no concrete measures has been done so far by the BN government.
Barisan Nasional = Barang Naik = Bebanan Negara !
Second Penang Bridge Project may fail if ...
Saturday, 12 July 2008
The second Penang Bridge project may fail to materialise if the agreement cannot be reached by this August between the bridge developer UEM Builders Bhd and its Chinese partner, China Habour Engineering Co. Ltd.The delay in agreement between UEM and China Habour is because both companies had disagreed on the final cost structure of the project.
As such, both companies should settle their disputes and disagreement as soon as possible as it will become an embarassment to the state and the whole nation should the major partner pull out and the project is cancelled.The BN federal government should take full responsibilities to ensure the second bridge project takes off as scheduled. Failing to ensure the success of the project may further jeopardize the investors' confidence and affect the economic well-being of Penang as well.
The second Penang Bridge project may fail to materialise if the agreement cannot be reached by this August between the bridge developer UEM Builders Bhd and its Chinese partner, China Habour Engineering Co. Ltd.The delay in agreement between UEM and China Habour is because both companies had disagreed on the final cost structure of the project.
As such, both companies should settle their disputes and disagreement as soon as possible as it will become an embarassment to the state and the whole nation should the major partner pull out and the project is cancelled.The BN federal government should take full responsibilities to ensure the second bridge project takes off as scheduled. Failing to ensure the success of the project may further jeopardize the investors' confidence and affect the economic well-being of Penang as well.
An unjust act of political vengeance to punish Penangnites
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop is trying to distract attention away from the Federal Government’s victimization of Penang by claiming that the Penang state government is too obsessive with mega projects such as building the monorail system.
Such attacks by Tan Sri Nor only shows his guilty conscience at being exposed for not loving his home state by supporting the drastic cut in development funding for Penang by RM 4.7 billion.Tan Sri Nor should realize that unlike the previous docile state government, the new state government is a people’s government. The new Penang state government leaders will refuse to be treated by the Federal government like a doormat that is “weakened, trampled and ineffective” (as stated in the blog Faith Journey http://www.christian-journey.com/on-doormats/).
Any government leader who loves Penang would be upset when projects in Penang are cancelled in an arbitrary and high-handed manner without consultation or justification.Penang is willing to accept cash of RM 4.7 billion to focus on agricultural development to focus on food economics and security as a replacement.
After all, Penangnites also pay tax and it is only fair that the Federal government gives back some of what it takes as it would be a gross injustice to only know how to take but not to give. The question for Tan Sri Nor is how is he helping to develop Penang when he supports the reduction of such funds and removal of projects. If he refuses to refund in cash the RM 4.7 billion taken away from Penang, isn’t such actions tantamount to trying to undermine or even “sabotaging” Penang’s economy.
Such decisions have given the impression that both the Prime Minister and Tan Sri Nor deliberately wants Penang economy to fail. But Penang people will prove them wrong by demonstrating our self-reliance, resilience and ability in accordance with the governing principles of CAT- competency, accountability and transparency.
Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yakcop is trying to distract attention away from the Federal Government’s victimization of Penang by claiming that the Penang state government is too obsessive with mega projects such as building the monorail system.
Such attacks by Tan Sri Nor only shows his guilty conscience at being exposed for not loving his home state by supporting the drastic cut in development funding for Penang by RM 4.7 billion.Tan Sri Nor should realize that unlike the previous docile state government, the new state government is a people’s government. The new Penang state government leaders will refuse to be treated by the Federal government like a doormat that is “weakened, trampled and ineffective” (as stated in the blog Faith Journey http://www.christian-journey.com/on-doormats/).
Any government leader who loves Penang would be upset when projects in Penang are cancelled in an arbitrary and high-handed manner without consultation or justification.Penang is willing to accept cash of RM 4.7 billion to focus on agricultural development to focus on food economics and security as a replacement.
After all, Penangnites also pay tax and it is only fair that the Federal government gives back some of what it takes as it would be a gross injustice to only know how to take but not to give. The question for Tan Sri Nor is how is he helping to develop Penang when he supports the reduction of such funds and removal of projects. If he refuses to refund in cash the RM 4.7 billion taken away from Penang, isn’t such actions tantamount to trying to undermine or even “sabotaging” Penang’s economy.
Such decisions have given the impression that both the Prime Minister and Tan Sri Nor deliberately wants Penang economy to fail. But Penang people will prove them wrong by demonstrating our self-reliance, resilience and ability in accordance with the governing principles of CAT- competency, accountability and transparency.
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