Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Some good sense from Samy Vellu, actually surprising!

This Semi-value never ceases to amuse me. But reading Nothing wrong with roads, users the problem, says Samy Vellu and New Straits Times - Samy Vellu peeved over ‘Malaysian’ road study, really surprised me.

He do have some good sense.

Now, the million dollar question! "WHO HAS FAILED TO ENFORCE RULES AND REGULATIONS on the road?"

Any bright answer?
Anyone?

The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday June 1, 2005
Nothing wrong with roads, users the problem, says Samy Vellu

KUALA LUMPUR: There is nothing wrong with Malaysian roads. It is the users who are the ones with the problem, said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

“There is nothing wrong with the design of roads here. It is the same as that around the world. It is the motorcyclists who want to commit suicide by flouting the rules,” the Works Minister told reporters after opening a seminar on Family Health and Safety in Indoor Environment yesterday.

Samy Vellu was commenting on a report that Universiti Sains Malaysia was in the midst of completing two studies that would help our highways to be more “Malaysian”.

The university’s acting dean of the Engineering Innovation and Technology Development unit Asso Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said Malaysian roads and highways had been designed according to British standards, which failed to take into account that more than 50% of road users here are motorcyclists.

“Why do they want separate highways for motorcyclists? Who has the money to construct them? Even that can’t stop motorcyclists from beating the red light or riding against one-way streets,” Samy Vellu responded.

Earlier, in his speech, Samy Vellu said indoor air quality was being seriously looked into in the construction of government buildings.

“In the past, there was no check on indoor air quality but we will start conducting checks soon,” he said.

© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Samy Vellu peeved over ‘Malaysian’ road study

By Jason Gerald

Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, peeved by a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) study which says local roads are not Malaysian enough and so contributed to the large number of accidents, said studies will not help reduce accidents. The Works Minister said to reduce accidents, the attitude of motorists must change. He said a change in the mentality and attitude of Malaysian motorists was essential, especially among motorcyclists who are known for their "suicidal acts".

Samy Vellu said enforcement to book reckless drivers and riders must also be upgraded.

He said the Government has forked out RM130 million to put up motorcycle lanes on every major highway but it has not prevented motorcyclists from killing themselves by breaking traffic rules and regulations.

"We can only build (highways) but we are not the authority to monitor and enforce the laws on motorists, especially motorcyclists who do not abide by them."

Samy Vellu was commenting on a report that USM was in the midst of completing two studies that will help make highways more "Malaysian".

The report said the current design of highways were in accordance with British standards and failed to take into account that more than 50 per cent of road users in the country are motorcyclists.

Samy Vellu said: "Let them come up with a new standard which is different from the world standard and the Ministry would look at it.

"We are not the only country building highways according to British standards, the whole world does. Here it is not classified as British standards but as Malaysian standards.

"What do they want to do for the motorcyclists ... build a separate highway? Who has the money for this?

"Even if we build a separate highway for motorcyclists, it would not stop them from ‘committing suicide’ as they would be going much faster, knocking and killing themselves.

"The mentality and attitude change has to be brought in," he said after launching the Indoor Air Quality seminar themed Family Health and Safety in Indoor Environment at his Ministry today.

"There is something seriously wrong with Malaysian motorcyclists."

E-mail for newborns? Anyone wants to make money?

E-mail soon for Perak newborns and New Straits Times - Email address for newborns!

What's the purpose? Someone close to the ruling elites has come up with a plan to make some money?

There's free e-mails everywhere!

Internet penetration is so low in Malaysia, and all they could muster is this money-making plans!

Improve ISPs services and lower the cost first!

The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday June 1, 2005

E-mail soon for Perak newborns

IPOH: Soon, newborns in Perak will not only be given birth certificates, but also e-mail addresses.

In what could probably be the first such plan in the country, the state will embark on an E-mail 4 All project under its information communications technology (ICT) blueprint.

Chairman of the state Education, Human Resource and ICT committee Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the plan would provide lifelong e-mail addresses to all newborns.

“We are working with the National Registration Department to provide these e-mail addresses for all newborns,” he told reporters here yesterday.

“The move will push parents into the ICT age because they will have to learn how to use the e-mail for their newborns,” he added.

“We may not be able to register the e-mail in the birth certificate as it involves regulations.

“But we will give it in other forms so that it can be used at any time, especially when dealing with government agencies,” he said.

The project is one of 25 identified under the blueprint, which aims to give Perak a 40% e-mail usage in rural areas by 2010. The blueprint was launched on Monday to mark the start of Perak ICT Week.

Asked when the project would take off, Dr Zambry said: “We are trying to start it as soon as possible.”

He said the state government was now working out the details of its implementation.

He added that all application forms pertaining to matters of the state would have a column for an e-mail address for easy communication.

Another initiative stated in the blueprint is a “replay” project aimed at improving ICT skills for primary and secondary school students, he added.

“Daily course notes and video recording of daily lectures will be made available online so that students will be able to replay the day's classes after school hours,” he said.

Email address for newborns

By Mimi Syed Yusof

Newborns in the State will soon be provided not only with birth certificates but also email addresses. The holders will later be able to utilise the facility for various purposes, like applying for jobs.

The move, in what is probably believed to be the first in the country, will be implemented through the "Email4All" project, which is among 25 drawn up under the Perak information communications and technology strategic action plan 2010.

State Education, Multimedia and Human Resources committee chairman Datuk Dr Zambry Kadir said the email addresses would be issued separately from the birth certificate.

PDRM - TAK Mesra, TAK Cekap, TAK Betul

Reading New Straits Times - We were never prepared, says Noh and New Straits Times - Police to come a-knocking, gives me head-ache!

GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT!!!!

On one hand, they are not prepared for murderers, rapist, gangsters while preparing their cases, but on the other, they seems to be so free and could afford to knock on poor motorists' door to collect summons!

Now we should all know what is the motivation in all PDRM's exercise? Monetory return to government coffer, or to some extent, their own coffer!

Gangsters who pays PDRM under the table are kept non-harrased, while those who refused to 'kow-tim' when stopped for traffic offences should be chased all the way to cough up the maximum. Teach them for not bribing the enforcers, when first given the chance!

Mentally challenged ministers would only yeild retarded organisations, that's Noah Omar for you! Perampas Duit Rakyat Malaysia, PDRM!

A total revamp of this institution is required. PDRM also need a policing, maybe, a competitive department should be introduced? Continously monitoring of police performance!

THUGS RELEASED: We were never prepared, says Noh

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Noh Omar made a startling admission today: A shortage of senior federal counsel was behind the release of suspected gangsters from preventive detention. He said the authorities had been unprepared for the avalanche of habeas corpus applications filed this year by suspects held at the Simpang Renggam detention centre.

As a result, affidavits or sworn statements could not be filed on time, resulting in the easy release of many detainees.

"We were never prepared for this to happen," Noh said at a Press conference.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been 50 applications.

He was reacting to a New Sunday Times report that as many as 45 detainees — some of them triad leaders and gangland enforcers — won freedom from detention after their habeas corpus applications were upheld by the courts.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar said yesterday that the majority of suspected underworld figures were released from preventive detention on technical grounds.

Currently, there are only four counsel at the ministry to handle habeas corpus cases.

This year alone there had been 50 habeas corpus applications involving 193 suspected criminals detained under the Emergency Ordinance 1969.

A habeas corpus petition is filed with a court by a person who objects to his own or another’s detention or imprisonment.

The petition must show there was a legal or factual error in the order for detention or imprisonment.

Noh Omar said when a habeas corpus application is filed, the defence team would have to provide an average of 15 affidavits within two weeks to make its case.

"One case needs at least 15 affidavits, imagine if we have 50 cases," he said.

But the shortage of counsel should be alleviated by next month, when the ministry will have the services of another 20 senior federal counsel to handle habeas corpus applications.

Noh said the decision to have the additional counsel was reached at a meeting today, involving representatives from the Public Service Department, the Attorney-General’s Office and the Prisons Department.

A report of the meeting will be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also Internal Security Minister.

Noh also said that from now on, officers dealing with suspects at different stages of the detention process would have to complete an affidavit.
© Copyright 2004 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. All rights reserved.

Police to come a-knocking

By Jassmine Shadiqe

Police, accompanied by Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and General Operations Force (GOF) personnel, will be knocking on the doors of motorists with outstanding summonses from midnight today. The police have stayed their hand for the past three months, to allow errant motorists to voluntarily settle their summonses.

However, from midnight tonight, Ops Warta IV kicks in.

Armed with warrants of arrest, the enforcers will go all out to bring to book some 700,000 recalcitrant motorists.

Federal deputy traffic chief Superintendent A. Wahab A. Rahman said today it was still possible for motorists to settle their summonses, and police were even offering a 30 per cent discount on summonses as an incentive, along with the ease of payment at special counters set up in shopping malls.

No discounts will be offered, however, if the police have to call at the motorists’ homes to serve them with warrants of arrest.

Wahab said they hoped to collect between RM350 million and RM400 million from Ops Warta this year, compared with RM199 million last year.

He said police would also set up roadblocks nationwide and seek the co-operation of transport companies in obtaining the particulars of their drivers with summonses.

"Motorists who think they can avoid paying as they have moved away from their registered addresses without informing the Road Transport Department (RTD) better think twice," he said.

"We will eventually locate them."

Ops Warta, launched on Jan 7 and slated to last till the end of the year, is a nationwide operation against errant motorists who failed to settle their compound notices for traffic offences or to attend their court appointments.

RTD director-general Datuk Emran Kadir said the police faced problems tracing some offenders as the motorists had not informed his department of address changes.

He said motorists were required to notify the RTD of any change of address within seven days, failing which they were liable to face fines of not more than RM300.

Emran added that the police and RTD computers were networked online, enabling the police to retrieve motorists’ particulars immediately.

Now, some more money-making plan!

Reading One-stop Home complex plan, almost made me drop down this filmsy chair of mine, laughing!

Somebody is going to make some more money.. :)

Remember what I said about this one?

The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday May 31, 2005
One-stop Home complex plan

IPOH: Complexes to house all the departments in the Home Ministry under one roof will be built throughout the country.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Aseh Che Mat said the complexes would be built under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“We will ask for the funds under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to have a Home Ministry complex in every state,” he told reporters yesterday after touring the new RM40.7mil Home Ministry complex at Bandar Meru Raya in Jelapang, here.

He said the public would need to go to only one place to renew passport, apply for MyKad or register a society. “We can pool our resources and save on rental and other costs.”

Perak is the second state to have a one-stop complex after Pahang.

© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Monday, May 30, 2005

My reply to 'A very frightened Malaysian abroad' mail to Jeff Ooi!

Screenshots...: Higher education in crisis?... ( 8 )

Good mail from 'A very frightened Malaysian abroad'. This is the answer from 'a very frightened local Malaysian'

Dearest 'A very frightened Malaysian abroad'.

I share all your concern, and I advice you not to come back while the current Executives are in power. Do your part over-seas and get this tyranic regime of power.

Please do your part to release us from the sufferings as you have read about.

Don't take the 70% pay cut. Never even consider demotion. You could contribute your expertise in complex financial services and capital markets by providing us consultation, off-shore!

Don't tolerate lack of democracy, the lack of press freedom, the ISA, the inefficient and bureaucratic civil service, some as*hole's awful manners and corruption.

Racism in the homeland is very much alive. Help us eradicate this by contributing and telling others of our ills abroad! Pressure the ruling regime!

Keep praying for our safety, at the same time!

mamatd ... 'a very frightened local Malaysian'

His mail:-
Mailbag
From: A very frightened Malaysian abroad
To: jeffooi.screenshots@gmail.com
Date: May 28, 2005 1:05 AM
Subject: From a Frightened Malaysiann abroad

Dear Mr Ooi,

I have been meaning to pen some thoughts for some time now, to let people actually read the views of the typical ‘overseas Malaysian’ who is kept away. I realise that my email is rather long, but I do hope that you would consider publishing it (and also keep my name private!).

I shall start by telling a little about my background. Mine is a rather sad tale – of a young Malaysian full of hope and patriotic enthusiasm, which is slowly but surely trickling away.

I am very different from many other non-bumiputeras, as I was given tremendous opportunities throughout my childhood. Born into a middle-class Chinese but English-speaking family, I grew up with all the privileges of imported books, computers, piano/violin lessons and tuition teachers.

My parents insisted that I should be exposed to a multi-racial education in a national school. In my time, my urban national school (a missionary school) was a truly happy place – where the Malays, Chinese and Indian students were roughly equal in proportion. We played and laughed with each other, and studied the history of the world together during Form 4, with one interesting chapter dedicated to Islamic history.

Though 75% of my teachers were Malays, I never really noticed. My Malay teachers were the kindest to me – teaching me well and offering me every possible opportunity to develop. I led the district teams for English and Bahasa Malaysia debating competitions. I was the only non-Malay finalist in the Bahasa Malaysian state-level elocution competition. My Malay teachers encouraged me to transfer to a government residential school (sekolah berasrama penuh) so as to enable me to maximise my academic potential. I refused because I was happy where I was, so they made me head prefect and nominated me as a ‘Tokoh Pelajar Kebangsaan’. Till this day, I am absolutely certain that it was the kindness of all my Malay teachers which made me a true Malaysian.

I excelled at school and was offered a Singaporean government scholarship to study overseas. I turned them down because I wanted to ensure that I would remain a ‘true Malaysian’ in the eyes of Malaysia. So I accepted a Malaysian government scholarship to study at Oxford University. Throughout my three years as an undergraduate, the officers at the MSD looked after me very well, and was always there to offer support.

I graduated with first class honours, and was offered a job with a leading investment bank. The JPA released me from my bond, so as to enable me to develop my potential. I shall always be grateful for that. I worked hard and rose in rank. My employer sent to me to Harvard University for postgraduate study and I climbed further up their meritocratic ladder.

Now I am 31 years old and draw a comfortable monthly salary of US$22,000. Yet, I yearn to return home. I miss my home, my family, my friends, my Malaysian hawker food and the life in Malaysia. I have been asked many times by Singaporean government agencies to join them on very lucrative terms, but I have always refused due to my inherent patriotism.

I really want to return home. I have been told by government-linked corporations and private companies in Malaysia that at best, I would still have to take a 70% pay cut if I return to Malaysia to work. I am prepared and willing to accept that. My country has done a lot for me, so I should not complain about money.

But of late, my idealistic vision of my country has really come crashing down, harder and faster than ever before.

I read about the annual fiasco involving non-bumiputera top scorers who are denied entry to critical courses at local universities and are offered forestry and fisheries instead. (My cousin scored 10A1’s for SPM and yet was denied a scholarship).

I read about UMNO Youth attacking the so-called meritocracy system because there are less than 60% of Malay students in law and pharmacy, whilst conveniently keeping silent about the fact that 90% of overseas scholarship recipients are Malays and that Malays form the vast majority in courses like medicine, accountancy and engineering at local universities.

I read about the Higher Education Minister promising that non-bumiputera Malaysians will never ever step foot into UiTM.

I read about a poor Chinese teacher’s daughter with 11A1’s being denied a scholarship, while I know some Malay friends who scored 7A’s and whose parents are millionaires being given scholarships.

I read about the brilliant Prof. K.S. Jomo, who was denied a promotion to Senior Professor (not even to Head of Department), although he was backed by references from three Nobel Prize winners. Of course, his talent is recognised by a prestigious appointment at the United Nations.

I read about UMNO Youth accusing Chinese schools of being detrimental to racial integration, while demanding that Mara Junior Science Colleges and other residential schools be kept only for Malays.

I read about the Malay newspaper editors attacking the private sector for not appointing enough Malays to senior management level, whilst insisting that the government always ensure that Malays dominate anything government-related.

I read that at our local universities, not a single Vice-Chancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor is non-Malay.

I read that in the government, not a single Secretary-General of any ministry is non-Malay. The same goes for all government agencies like the police, armed forces, etc.

I read about UMNO screaming for the Malay Agenda, but accusing everyone else of racism for whispering about equality.

I read about a poor Indian lady having to pay full price for a low-cost house after being dispossessed from a plantation, whilst Malay millionaires demand their 10% bumiputera discount when buying RM2 million bungalows in a gated community.

I read about my beloved national schools becoming more and more Islamic by the day, enforced by overzealous principals.

I read about my Form 4 World History (Sejarah Dunia) syllabus, which now contains only one chapter of world history, with Islamic history covering the rest of the book.

As I read all this, I tremble with fear. I love my country and long to return. I am willing to take a 70% pay cut. I am willing to face a demotion. I honestly want to contribute my expertise in complex financial services and capital markets. But really, is there a future for me, for my children and for their children? I am truly frightened.

I can deal with the lack of democracy, the lack of press freedom, the ISA, our inefficient and bureaucratic civil service, our awful manners and even a little corruption. But I cannot deal with racism in my homeland.

I think this is the single biggest factor which is keeping people like myself away. And bear in mind – there are so many of us (researchers, scientists, bankers, economists, lawyers, academics, etc.). What people read about in Malaysia (like Dr Terence Gomez) is but the tiniest tip of the iceberg. You will be amazed to know about Malaysians denied JPA scholarships (which would have made them civil servants), took loans to attend Ivy League universities, but who are later asked to advise our government (on IT, economics, etc.) at fees running to millions of US dollars. Such information will never be published because it is politically incorrect.

As a Christian, I pray for God’s blessing on this great country of ours. I pray that He blesses our leaders with the foresight and humanity to see that this will not work and cannot continue. I pray that they will have the strength to make our country a home for all Malaysians and that they will have mercy for the poor, including the non-Malays. I pray for true racial harmony and acceptance (not just tolerance) in Malaysia.

Yours sincerely,
A very frightened Malaysian abroad

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Why this urge, NOW? Why not a decade or two before?

Reading WONG CHUN WAI's Pile on pressure against the corrupt, made me wonder where he was the past 2 decades?

Kah, kah, kah.

Wong Chun Wai should have opened his mouth sooner.

Kasihan Malaysia!

The Star Online > Focus

Sunday May 29, 2005

Pile on pressure against the corrupt

ON THE BEAT
By WONG CHUN WAI

EVERY Malaysian knows that corruption has gone from bad to worse. It’s no longer news but what Malaysians would like to know is what the government intends to do to seriously fight the problem.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has taken the first step by making the fight against corruption a top priority under his leadership.

Since he took office more than a year ago, he has vowed to clean up the civil service, promising to act against the corrupt and followed up with the arrest of several high-profile personalities.

He has lessened the opportunities for corrupt activities by improving the public service delivery system and increasing transparency and accountability in the public sector.

That is not all. Abdullah has set up institutions promoting national integrity to instil a culture that hates corruption. He has also pushed for the return of an open tender system, when previously selected companies only needed to submit their bids to the Economic Planning Unit which then makes its recommendations to the government.

Just two weeks ago, the public had their first detailed look at the level of corruption in the police force following the release of the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Abdullah has taken the lead by heading a task force that would carry out the recommendations of the commission. His personal attention will certainly help to push the proposals through more effectively.

But Malaysians want to see more. They would like to see the Anti-Corruption Agency as truly independent and modelled after Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), to give our investigators more clout.

Giving the ACA a free hand to carry out its tasks is insufficient if the public have the perception that there is interference from powerful politicians, even if that is not true.

Enforcement of the laws must be carried out without fear and favour. The public should not be given the impression, rightly or wrongly, that selective prosecution is being practised.

Abdullah must be supported in his fight against graft because it must be accorded the highest priority. This sickness must not be allowed to become deep-rooted, like in Indonesia and Thailand. Worse, Malaysians now complain about enforcement officers who openly demand for money because these officers no longer try to hide the fact that they are corrupt.

Our leaders only need to go down to the ground. Talk to the petty traders at markets, talk to people who have to seek approvals from government departments, talk to motorists who are stopped by traffic cops. The list is endless.

It is not a surprise that the commission found that next to the police, the municipal councils and Road Transport Department (JPJ) are perceived to be the most corrupt.

In fact, a commission should be set up to investigate these two bodies. Why should only the police be subject to a 15-month probe when their numbers, in proportion to the population, are much smaller than the councils and JPJ?

Last week, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said political parties must not allow corruption to exist, saying that they must be willing to take action against even the most prominent and highest official of the party.

There were indications, he said, that corruption might be getting to a point of no return and leaders were willing to pay money to get themselves elected. Although he did not specify Umno, he said that “everybody talks about money politics (in Umno)”.

It is good that Dr Mahathir has come out strongly against corruption but personally, I wish he could have done more during his over 20 years in office, such as carrying out anti-corruption campaigns to create awareness of the debilitating impact of corruption.

With his strong leadership, authority and grip on Umno, he let slip the opportunity to introduce reforms including effective enforcement of laws against corruption.

Malaysians may remain grateful to Dr Mahathir for the economic boom they enjoyed during his tenure, but one source of unhappiness was the introduction of the negotiated tender, which lacked accountability and openness. In fact, for many, it was no tender at all.

Money politics in Umno did not rear its ugly head one year or two years ago but at least a decade ago, when we saw the big fights in Umno. Leaders like then Umno deputy president Tun Ghafar Baba and present deputy minister Datuk Aziz Shamsuddin, who lost his divisional chief’s post, were victims who openly tell their stories.

No fight against corruption can be meaningful unless there is a demonstration of political will and commitment from the public to reject all forms of corruption, not just in the public sector but also in the private sector.

The pressure from the Abdullah Administration and the public must continue if we are serious about the war against corruption. We are all waiting to see what the government intends to do next now that the commission’s report is out.

More action, less rhetoric, please.

Wong Chun Wai can be reached at onthebeat@thestar.com.my

Engineer charged with graft

New Straits Times - "Engineer charged with graft " of RM1000?

What's the story of the 18 wonders of Malaysia as mentioned by Rais Yatim aeons ago? Most probably, more than RM1000 was involved!

Definitely 'KERA'jaan in action.

Kasihan rakyat marhain Malaysia!

Engineer charged with graft

A Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) engineer, Azman Omar, 36, was charged in the Sessions Court today with accepting a RM1,000 bribe from a contractor last year. At the same time, MPPD technician Norshafik Shahar, 26, was charged with collaborating with Azman to commit the offence. Both pleaded not guilty.

Azman, from Bandar Dataran Segar in Lukut, is alleged to have had knowledge that the money was in connection with his job in supervising a project in Port Dickson.

The project involved the laying of cables and installing decorative lights along a bypass in Port Dickson.

Both cases were set for re-mention on July 4.

He he he... Now he's talking about fairness?

For someone who can afford to call the press to his beck and all, by having this New Straits Times - Dr M: Comment not fair, does not automatically made him clean.

Bapak Korupsi Negara! Every sane and learned Malaysian knows who is the REAL you!

Boleh belah.

Dr M: Comment not fair

By Nik Imran Abdullah

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said corrupt leaders were prosecuted and convicted while he was Prime Minister, dismissing a newspaper columnist’s comments that he had done little to curb graft during his 22-year tenure. He said his recent statement that corruption was rife was not targeted at the present Government’s efforts to curb corruption but was a reminder to Malaysians that they should strive to prevent graft from becoming a culture.

"I have always maintained that you cannot fight corruption if it becomes part of the culture.

"I was not talking about government action (against corruption)," he said.

As an example, Dr Mahathir said he knew it was very difficult to prove (allegations of money politics) in Umno "(as) everybody will deny (having accepted money)".

The former prime minister had called a Press conference at his residence in Seri Kembangan to refute the comments by The Star newspaper’s deputy editor-in-chief Datuk Wong Chun Wai in his column in The Sunday Star yesterday.

Wong, while lauding Dr Mahathir’s strong views against corruption, also said: "I wish he could have done more during his over 20 years in office, such as carrying out anti-corruption campaigns to create awareness of the debilitating impact of corruption.

"... he let slip the opportunity to introduce reforms, including effective enforcement of laws, against corruption."

Dr Mahathir said the newspaper seemed to blame him for not doing anything about corruption.

"I think it’s not fair to say that I have done nothing. Yes, I am very disappointed (with the article).

"It is almost like saying ‘you don’t talk lah, you also the same lah’. That kind of journalism I don’t appreciate."

He said when corruption becomes a culture among the people, there was nothing that could be done to rectify the problem because everyone would be involved.

He said the most important thing was for people to reject the "culture of corruption" instead of thinking that giving and taking bribes was normal.

Dr Mahathir said when he was Prime Minister, State assemblymen and State executive councillors had been arrested and convicted for graft.

He said he had urged people to reject corruption because it could destroy the whole country, increase costs and retard development.

On another matter, he said, the Government should make public the full list of those who have been given approved permits (AP) to import cars to end suspicions of unfairness in awarding these permits. Dr Mahathir said people in the automotive industry had told him that parallel imports of cars could be three times more than those brought in by approved agents.

"I think the best way to avoid such accusations of unfairness is by publishing all the names of the people who get the AP, how many they have received and whose plants are assembling what cars," he said.

Dr Mahathir, who is Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (Proton) adviser, said the verification was simple as the Customs Department had the records and import documents.

"Customs should disclose the actual number (of cars) landed, the actual price paid and the actual tax paid to the Government."

Dr Mahathir said the availability of many imported cars sold at low prices led to suspicions that too many APs had been issued.

He said the availability of a wide range of imported cars in the small-car segment of 1,000cc engines or lower would affect the local automotive industry.

5-day week? A decade too late?

Anyone who lives in Kelantan and those who used to experience the 5-day week work, would definitely afford a wry smile reading New Straits Times - 5-day week, Cost of Living Allowance scheme reinstated.

Is this the case of PAS-led administrators being way ahead of the ruling Barisan National government of Malaysia?

'Tepuk dada, tanya selera!'

DOUBLE CHEER
for civil servants
5-day week,
Cost of Living Allowance
scheme reinstated

By M.K. Megan and Audrey Dermawan

Malaysia’s one million civil servants will get what they have been wanting for years: a five-day week. The decision came as a surprise because the Government has consistently resisted any push to reduce the work week from 5½ days to five, arguing that the country could not afford any relaxation in the work culture.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: "In principle, we will introduce a five-working-day week for civil servants. It will bolster family ties and promote domestic tourism."

He did not set a timetable for implementation but said the mechanics of the system would take some time to be worked out.

Abdullah also gave public-sector employees another reason to smile by announcing the re-introduction of the Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) scheme, discontinued in 1970.

Addressing some 500 civil servants at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) today, Abdullah said with the five-day week, civil servants would have to work longer from Monday to Friday to meet the statutory requirement of a 38-hour working week.

At present, civil servants get the first and third Saturdays of the month off and work half-day on the other Saturdays.

"The two off-days will also spur domestic tourism, which will in turn trigger more economic activity," Abdullah said, but added that adjustments would have to be made to ensure counters dealing with the public were manned and cleaning and maintenance work carried out.

"We cannot close down services such as Customs and Immigration.

"We also have to ensure that the extra holidays would not have a negative effect on the country’s economy or productivity."

On the Cola, Abdullah said it was being re-introduced to help civil servants living in urban areas.

"House rental is high in urban areas and cost of other things are also high. We hope to re-introduce the Cola to ease their burden a little," he said to robust applause from his audience.

He said he had seen Customs officers living in squatter areas keeping their uniforms in their bags to change into upon arriving at the office.

"They were ashamed to reveal that as Customs officers, they were living in squatter areas."

Later in Penang, Abdullah said all civil servants would receive Cola but the amount would depend on their place of work.

"Two employees may hold the same position and enjoy the same pay, but the one living in the urban area will not get to enjoy his or her income due to the high cost of living compared to the one working in the rural area," he said after opening of the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneur Expo 2005.

Meanwhile, Nordin Abdul Hamid, president of the civil servants’ umbrella union Cuepacs, said he was "thrilled" that the Government had agreed to implement the five-day work week and reinstate the Cola.

"I expected one of the requests to be fulfilled, but getting two is a bonus," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Nordin also asked the Government to consider a 10 per cent salary increase, abolishing the aptitude assessment test and for salaries to be paid every two weeks.

The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday May 31, 2005

Boost for civil servants as PM agrees to two proposals

BY IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has agreed in principle to a five-day week and a Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) for the country's one million civil servants.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who made the announcement yesterday, said a five-day week would benefit civil servants as they could spend more time with their families.

He said the Government had also agreed to re-introduce Cola to help ease the burden on civil servants in areas where rentals and cost of food and other basic needs were higher.

This will narrow the disparity in benefits received by civil servants in urban and rural areas.

“In principle, I have agreed on a five-day week work for civil servants and the Cola system,” he said during the civil service Workers' Day celebrations at Intan yesterday.

MEET THE BOSS: Abdullah greeting some civil servants at the Labour Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Abdullah was responding to the proposal from the umbrella union body for civil servants, Cuepacs, which had been calling for the five-day week the past three decades, and the proposal to re-introduce the Cola scheme, which was raised last year.

Cuepacs lauded the Government's decision, and hoped the two matters would be implemented soon.

Abdullah said the five-day week would not mean that working hours would be shortened, as extra time would be added to the weekdays.

Currently, civil servants, except those in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah, work from 8.15am to 4.45pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 8.15am to 1.15pm on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

In those three states, they work a full day from Saturdays to Wednesdays and a half day on Thursdays.

Abdullah said that in implementing the five-day week, several aspects needed to be taken into consideration, including ensuring that certain counters involving services would still be open to the public.

“For instance, there are counters involving immigration and licensing matters or maintenance services that operate seven days a week.

“The practice must continue. We don't want to affect the level of efficiency and productivity.”

He said the Government needed to ensure that the private sector's needs are met and that the country's economy is not affected.

Explaining the rationale to revive the Cola scheme, which was introduced many decades ago and terminated in 1974, he said it was embarrassing that some civil servants, particularly in urban areas, could not afford to pay high rentals and had to stay in squatter areas.

He said the Government would increase the number of government quarters in areas where rentals were high and lacked houses for civil servants to rent.

Later, when opening the Penang Bumiputra Entrepreneurs Exposition 2005 in Seberang Jaya, Abdullah said the five-day week proposal would not affect the services provided by the police, hospital staff and firemen.

“It is up to the respective department heads to change the shift duties of their staff to accommodate the proposal,” he said.

On states that observed Thursdays and Fridays as their days off, he said this would be looked into when implementing the proposal.

”It may take a while before this regulation can be implemented. The Public Services Department (PSD) will form a committee to look into the details of this proposal before it can be carried out,” he said

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said that civil servants might have to start work earlier and finish later when the five-day work week was implemented.

The daily working hours might be increased by half an hour from the present eight hours on weekdays to maintain the same amount of working time per week, he told reporters after attending the Workers Day gathering at Intan.

On Cola, Samsudin said the PSD would study its implementation together with the Treasury.

“Generally, people living in towns have to pay higher prices than those in rural areas. We need to study the quantum and the places where the cost of living is higher,” he said.

“We will work out the details (of the two schemes) as soon as possible,” he added.

Related Story:
Reaction to proposed five-day week and Cola

New Straits Times - 'Most freed criminals re-arrested'

New Straits Times - 'Most freed criminals re-arrested'

What is 'Emergency Ordinance 1969? :) If you have come accross Aliran's article, this act, Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance, 1969; is one of the 14 mentioned that cause severe inroads, and, for practical purposes, abrogate constitutionally protected fundamental rights. The most pernicious and imfamous legislation is the Internal Security Act ("ISA") which gives sweeping powers to the Executive, (the police and the Minister of Home Affairs). The act is often abused by the Executive!

Another thing, why was the case being handled shoddily in the first place, letting them get away with technicalities and all!

Further to that, the act of re-arressting those individuals, however, guilty or not, is tantamous to contempt of court!

I guess these are further prove of the incompetencies of PDRM, Perampas Duit Rakyat Malaysia!

Reform the police institution! The ruling government has to do something!

Or would they rather wait for the rakyat to do something instead?

'Most freed criminals re-arrested'

In a statement issued this evening, Bakri said: "With reference to the New Sunday Times report dated May 29 headlined: 45 Thugs Released, and reports in the New Straits Times and Berita Harian on May 30, the Royal Malaysian Police confirms that from Jan 1 to May 30 this year, 56 detainees were freed after filing habeas corpus writs. "However, 48 of them have been re-arrested under Section 3(1) of the Emergency Ordinance 1969."

Bakri said the detainees were released on technical grounds. Their involvement in violent crimes was not an issue in the habeas corpus being granted, Bakri said.

He said that while the police prepared the file cases, "the ensuing habeas corpus cases were handled by senior federal counsel from the Ministry of Internal Security".

Attorney General Tan Sri Gani Patail could not be reached for comment.

A habeas corpus petition is filed with a court by a person who objects to his own or another's detention or imprisonment.

The petition must show that there was a legal or factual error in making the order for detention or imprisonment.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Somebody is going to be RM50m richer!!

RM500m plan for special education

If I could read between the lines, this new, ambitious project will make people connected to Barisan Nasional rich, while helping to make the connected BN leaders who gave them the projects in the first place, a handsome RM50million (based on prevaling 10% commision)?

Kasihan rakyat Malaysia!

To avoid my allegation and to prove me wrong, let's put into practice, transparency in tender awards, and transparent project evaluation and proposal! I dare BN to deliver this!

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday May 26, 2005
RM500m plan for special education

KUALA LUMPUR: Special education will be one of the Education Ministry's main focuses under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the ministry planned to ask for a RM500mil allocation for various special education projects.

“If the allocation is approved, it would be 20 times more, or a 2,000% increase, compared to the RM25mil given under the Eighth Malaysia Plan,” he said at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Cochlear Implant Programme and launch of a new logo yesterday.

Hishammuddin said the ministry planned to use the funds to build new schools for special education, replace old schools, improve existing infrastructure, purchase equipment and hold training programmes for teachers.

The ministry also plans to relocate schools currently squatting on other schools' premises.

All these are expected to cost RM147mil, Hishammuddin said.

He added that the ministry planned to build two more vocational secondary schools for students with various disabilities at a cost of RM75mil.

There are currently two such schools in Johor Baru and Shah Alam.

Hishammuddin said there were at present 2,121 students with hearing problems in schools.

Of this number, 1,589 are primary school pupils and the rest are secondary school students.

“These students are being taught by 585 special education teachers at both special education schools and schools which have special education programmes,” he said.

The ministry manages 32 special schools nationwide for the blind, deaf and those with learning difficulties, and there are special education classes at 10 normal schools.

Hishammuddin said there were 46 integrated programmes at normal schools for deaf children.

He also congratulated UKM for its cochlear implant programme, saying that Ang Boon Su, who was the first patient, had successfully obtained a degree in bioscience from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

He said Ang, who was 17 at the time of the operation 10 years ago, could hear again after the implant.

UKM corporate affairs and international centre director Assoc Prof Dr Yang Farina Abdul Aziz said 140 children and adults had undergone cochlear implants since 1995.

Ang, 26, from Tanah Merah, Kelantan, said he started losing his hearing when he was 13 after coming down with a fever.

“Life is very quiet when you can't hear. That's why I'm so grateful for this implant,” said Ang.

© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Civil service = Bad service?

Kasihan Malaysia.

Civil service is very bad because the PSD is manned by third-rate individuals headed by those from the same group of people.

Who works with PSD anyways? I'd reckoned they are the third tier group of people from school.

You know the first tier of people in schools? They are the bright ones, from science stream, who would go on and do medicine or engineering or all the professional courses in universities. Upon graduating, they would practice, or continue their education to the fullest. They will never join PSD.

Second tier, the slightly better art stream people and the lowly science streamers. They enrolled in good courses in universities, graduate, and then practice in the private sectors. Most of these people are excellent workers or good managers!

Now the worst lot! Those with passes at the lowest marks in schools who in turn getting third class honors or even general degree at universities. Applied to the PSD for managerial capacities, succeeded and end up applying their always have been mediocore logics in all their daily business of the day decision. It is also pay-back day, to get back to their brightest and brighter foes in their former school-days. Suppress these professionals and good workers. At the same time, ensuring that these worst lots will always have a firm grip on how the country is being run!

At the same time, I am not belittling those who didn't do well in schools. Some of them became even better performer at whatever that they do in practice later on. They might have not been properly guided in school earlier, or academic has never been their cup of tea. These group of individuals also do not work with PSD!

Kasihan Malaysia!

Monday, May 23, 2005

Housing issue in Malaysia

Reading the article on, Housing still a nagging problem for estate folk made me cringed again. Why can't we sort this simple thing, once and for all?

Maybe this 'roof over your head' issue is not an ISSUE in this country? What is the population of this country? How many actually have their OWN homes? Where can you get this information? Malaysia's department of statistics? Don't bother. There have nothing to show on-line. Best thing they have to offer is a listing of their works, and how much it would cost you to own.

They have a 1991 work on State Housing Report, which was last published in 1996, selling for RM36.00. Would I buy it? Just to look and do some reading? No! Nothing is free in this country. Yet, when you look at American Housing and Urban Development Department, there is a pdf. file of their own research work on American Housing Survey! In America, Information is indeed free, for everyone! This is the land of the kufar! Astagfirullahhalazeem!

What is the role of the Kementerian Perumahan & Kerajaan Tempatan? Not very much, from what have been seen and heard. Ahh, they have some statistics on their site, God Bless them. Don't rejoice too fast!

Is there any statistics on population for the citizen? Nope, nada, niet! Want to know what is more important at this governmental department? Their statistics page includes information on 1. Bilangan Pemaju (Numbers of developer), 2. Bilangan Pemberi Pinjaman (Housing loans providers), 3. Bilangan Pemajak Gadai (Pawn Brokers Total Population?) dan 4. Bilangan Projek terbengkalai, yang berjaya diselamatkan dan yang masih berpotensi diselamatkan (Abandoned housing project, salvaged projects and with-potential-to-be-salvaged ones).

Where is the numbers of houses in Malaysia? Numbers of people owning their own properties? Numbers of those still renting a home? Numbers of those who has more than 1 accomodation? None, these information is not relevant, and not important! In a developing country, what matters is economy driven statistics, not the depressing ones!

Rather than to have citizen owning their own homes, it's much better fro them to keep on renting, or to keep on paying their deflated houses prices by servicing their bank loans! Banks propers, country gets rich as well!

One bright aspect that I could derive from my visit to their website was there is a housing loan, for those really in need, yeah, I'm not included. You need to earn between RM500 and RM1,200 per month and has failed to get any other funding from other institutions. If you need to borrow up to RM20,000 , why don't you check this link?

There's a non-profit institution, National House Buyers Association, interestingly, the main task is to help out buyers, 'Our work revolves around sheer humanitarian principles and ethics and we strive wholly for a balanced, fair and equitable treatment for house buyers in their dealings with housing developers.' In other words, Malaysian housing developers are un-scrupulous group of people ready to cheat un-suspecting buyers! These developers, however, have ganged-up and formed Real Estate & Housing Developer's Association (REHDA)! You can guess what is their driving mechanism and purposes!

There's one university's research center who is working on affordable quality housing, in UPM, and one of their key proposal is 'Affordable Housing- Legal And Financial Problem', I really wonder what is the problem in this country on affordable housing. Maybe this research group could enlighten us more on this aspect by producing their work online, free-for-all! Will they?

Interesting concept, this company has. Will it cost more here in Malaysia?

One site, talks about being homeless, a feature which is unknown to Malaysia, but, will it be coming this way? Why did I ask that question? Because, it is said at that site, 'On top of the 3 million who were homeless or marginally homeless there are an additional 5 million poor people that spend over half of their incomes on housing, leaving them on the verge of homelessness. A missed paycheck, a health crisis, or an unpaid bill can easily push poor families over the edge into homelessness.' Go figure!

Lastly, why don't we give this concept a try, plastic houses?

Original news cached:-
The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday May 24, 2005
Housing still a nagging problem for estate folk

HOUSING woes continue to be the bane of the Indian estate community and others who are forced to vacate their living quarters upon retirement, said Tamil Nanban.

National Union of Plantation Workers (NUPW) secretary-general Datuk G. Sankaran spoke to the daily of the years of blood, sweat and tears the community gave.

However, they received no recognition for their efforts once they retired, he added.

“With estates losing their place to the rapid development taking place, many families are being displaced with no homes to go to.

“Despite the many pleas by the Government to estate managements to introduce easy home ownership schemes, many are reluctant to do so,” Sankaran said.

However, he said the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi appears to be a very caring one, especially to those in the lower-income group, and the NUPW wants to meet him to voice the members’ problems.

Tamil Nesan quoted Lumut MIC deputy chief Dr R. Pathmanathan as saying that Indian culture, as well as that of other races, must be maintained at all cost.

“Malaysia must continue to be multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural for the good of all,” he said during a cultural night for Indian navy personnel in Lumut.

� 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Bikin Tak Serupa Cakap!

While reading this, New Straits Times - Malaysia News Online - Lecturers urged to take up job stints, I almost fell off my chair, half laughing, half cringing.

What does he, this Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Hassan Said, has to say about Prof Terrence Gomez resignation, after being told that his application for a secondment was refused!

Boleh belah!

The cached news:-

Lecturers urged to take up job stints

By Lee Keng Fatt

University and college lecturers should "refresh" themselves by going on attachment with industries related to their disciplines. Such stints, said Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Hassan Said, would enable them to keep abreast with new developments as well as gain "hands-on experience" to impart to their students.

He said the attachments need not be long: "Three to five months should be sufficient for them to have a better grasp of the latest happenings outside their classrooms."

Hassan said lecturers well-versed in theory and practice would have an advantage as they could use their knowledge of the latest technologies, equipment and software in their teaching.

He was speaking to reporters after opening the first national conference on electronics design, held in conjunction with the Raja of Perlis’ 62nd birthday celebrations.

The two-day conference at the Putra Palace Hotel here is organised by Universiti Utara Malaysia’s College of Engineering.

Hassan said his call was to broaden the outlook and experience of lecturers. "Most lecturers are up-to-date in their fields but it would surely be advantageous for them to refresh their knowledge and skills."

On another matter, Hassan said the ministry would not stop universities and colleges hiring foreign lecturers, especially for critical courses such as medicine and engineering.

Hassan said the Darul Iman Universiti in Terengganu, expected to be operational in June next year, would concentrate on biotechonology and agriculture-based studies.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Inilah KERA'jaan' yang membela rakyatnya... Cit!

Wonder why am I reading this article New Straits Times - NS dodger jailed and not weep?

Siapakah lagi yang boleh diharapkan untuk membela rakyat Malaysia? Takkanlah nak harap kerajaan negara lain?

KASIHAN Malaysian!

Cached news article:-
NS dodger jailed
First to be penalised and he was working to support his family
By Lee Keng Fatt

Ahmad Harizal Ahmad Fauzie today became the first National Service shirker to be sentenced to jail. But this is not going to be a popular decision with many Malaysians because the facts of the case will evoke sympathy and demand empathy.

The 18-year-old skipped the three-month-long compulsory programme to help his family make ends meet. The RM30 daily wage he earned on the padi field helped supplement the RM150 a month his mother earned as a dishwasher.

Nooraini Said, 50, knew that the second of her four sons was in trouble for skipping NS but she did not know how much trouble.

“He asked me for RM7 today saying that he had to attend the court hearing. He did not tell me that it was judgment day. I only knew he had been sent to jail when a policeman came to my workplace and informed me.

“I told him to go for the programme but he wanted to work and help the family,” she told the New Straits Times.

Ahmad Harizal of Kampung Titi Serong, Kuala Perlis, was fined RM600 by magistrate Wan Norzainuar Wan Ahmad. But as he could not raise the money, he was sentenced to 14 days in jail.

The visibly shaken 18- year-old spent the night at the lock-up in Kangar and is scheduled to be transferred to the Sungai Petani Juvenile Prison tomorrow.

In mitigation, Ahmad Harizal, who was unrepresented, told the magistrate that he did not attend the training because he had to work to help support his family and did not know that he was breaking the law.

Wan Norzainuar told Ahmad Harizal that although the court imposed a RM600 fine, he would still not be relieved of his duty to undergo NS training.

She said the punishment should be regarded as a lesson to other trainees not to take the NS training lightly.

She said Ahmad Hafizal dropped out of school after completing Form Two as he wanted to help the family.

The youth handles padi harvesters for a living and sometimes works as a contract labourer.

“He sacrifices for the family and today he faces a penalty which we had never expected,” she said, adding that he had to assist the family including supporting his two younger brothers Ahmad Izwah, 16, and Ahmad Haikal, 15, who are still schooling.

DPP Norfiza Mohamed Noor said the decision to prosecute him was not to punish him but to serve as a deterrent to others.

Several people called the New Straits Times tonight, offering to pay the RM600 fine. Perlis Umno politicians attempted to pay the fine tonight but were told they could only do so tomorrow.

Several ruling party officials visited Noraini today at her home, a dilapidated shed devoid of any furniture, and assured her that her son would be by her side tomorrow.

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'Kera'jaan

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Some good sense from Samy Vellu, actually surprising!

Samy Vellu peeved over ‘Malaysian’ road study

E-mail for newborns? Anyone wants to make money?