'Kera'jaan

Fake RM1 coins seized - The public assumption was correct all along....

2005-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

THis news of Fake RM1 coins seized confirmed the public's assumption all these whiles.

BNM has made a blunder in allowing the RM1 coin to be able to be counterfeit so easy. What's next?

How about the losses of those companies who has vending machines exposed to the recall of the denomination? Or the amount lost due to fake monies all these whiles?

Bodoh punya kerja! Kerajaan bodoh, dan rakyat penuh dengan penyangak! Inilah malaysia dewasa ini..... :(

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The Star Online > North

Wednesday October 19, 2005

Fake RM1 coins seized

BY BERNARD SEE

PENANG: Counterfeit RM1 coins totalling more than RM29,000 were seized with the arrest of four men at three locations here.

One of the men was arrested when he tried to exchange RM5,000 worth of the counterfeit coins at the Bank Negara branch on Light Street at about 11am on Thursday.

A staff member became suspicious as the coins looked a bit shinier and he quickly conducted a thorough check. He called the security guard to apprehend the man when the coins were found to be counterfeit.

The man was subsequently handed over to the George Town commercial crime de-partment.

He then led the police to a car on Jalan Burma where two of his accomplices were nab-bed. Another 4,000 counter-feit coins were found in the vehicle.

After questioning, the three men took the police to a house in Telok Bahang where 20 sacks of such coins totalling RM20,000 were recovered. A fourth man was arrested at the house.

A two-week remand order for the four men had since been obtained from the magistrate's court pending investigations into the case.

The case had been classified as possession of counterfeit coins under Section 243 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to seven years with a possible fine upon conviction.

Bank Negara and the police, which have described the seizure as one of the largest in the country, are presently trying to determine where the counterfeit coins were “minted”.

The suspects are believed to be the runners for a syndicate making such coins.

It is learnt that these syndicates are “running” out of time to cash in the RM1 coins which would be pulled out of circulation by the central bank on Dec 6.

The syndicates' runners are getting careless because of the impending deadline. They are taking their chances by trying to exchange these coins in large quantities.

Previously, syndicate members sold RM1,000 worth of these coins for only RM700.

Those who buy the coins would then mix them with genuine ones to purchase cigarettes or exchange them for ringgit notes in coffee shops.

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

Newborn found dead in drain - about time a baby deposit be installed at hospitals maybe?

2005-10-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Another case of a newborn found dead in drain!

This could go on and on and on and on!

You know what is the best solution for the time being?

PROVIDE anonymous unwanted BABY DEPOSITS, at hospitals maybe? MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS ABOUT IT!!

The parents might have made a mistake in delivering an un-wanted child into the worls, but the child is in itself innocent, might even be a genius to save Malaysia in future?

We should help to keep these uneanted babies alive, providing these unwanted BABY DEPOSITS might be a very good step in the right direction!
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The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 13, 2005

Newborn found dead in drain

KOTA KINABALU: A newborn boy was found dead in a drain near a construction site in the south-eastern district of Tawau on Monday.

Tawau district police chief Supt Muhamed Deraman said the baby, with its umbilical cord intact, had suffocated to death in the plastic bag he was wrapped in.

He said a labourer had noticed the blood-stained plastic bag in the drain along Jalan Sinn Onn in Taman Lily.

“We believe the baby had just died because the body was still soft,” said Supt Muhamed.

On Sunday, a baby boy was found abandoned in a box in Papar district in south-western Sabah.

A 48-year-old civil servant found the infant, who had insect bites all over.

The baby is now being treated at the Papar district hospital and will eventually be handed over to the state Welfare Department.

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

Who really needs to be helped?

2005-10-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

I noted with despair the argument in Parliament about the Lack of stats on Sabah and Sarawak bumis (which) upsets MPs!

It does not really matter about who owns what or which! What really matters to all is that anyone who is in need of help should be helped, irrespective of race, religion, gender or creed!

There's no point shouting about the un-equality in equity etc.

Bottom line is, everyone should be made to be able to live within an aceptable living condition, and nobody should be made to suffer to live within it.

This is what the ruling BN-led governance have failed to deliver since independence! They need to be booted-out!
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The Star Online > Parliament

Thursday October 13, 2005

Lack of stats on Sabah and Sarawak bumis upsets MPs

HARDLY half an hour had gone by during question time, but it was enough for a yelling match to take place in the Dewan – the first of several yesterday.

The trigger for the raised tempers in the morning was a question by Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau (BN – Tuaran) asking if there were statistics on equity ownership involving Sabah and Sarawak bumiputras.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Joseph Entulu Belaun’s reply that the Government had only begun compiling such statistics last year and they could only be revealed next year irked many MPs, including Wilfred.

The MP said: “Efforts to increase involvement in the corporate sector and raise equity ownership of Sabah and Sarawak bumiputras were contained in the Eighth Malaysia Plan.

“The Plan ends this year. How is it that the Deputy Minister is saying that mechanisms to raise the equity ownership levels of Sabah and Sarawak bumiputras are only going to be implemented now?

“What has happened over the past five years?”

When Belaun admitted that he could not give details on the equity ownership breakdown for the ethnic groups and that Wilfred could be correct about the lack of mechanisms, M. Kulasegaran (DAP - Ipoh Barat) stood up and shouted: “All talk and no action.”

Amid shouts from Barisan MPs like Datuk Ronald Kiandee (BN – Beluran) to not politicise the issue, Chong Eng (DAP – Bukit Mertajam) stood up to ask when the Barisan government would start to look after the minority groups of Sabah and Sarawak and when the 30% equity ownership target would be met.

“Bumiputras do not comprise only of Malays in Peninsular Malaysia,” she said.

To this, Belaun said there might be many things which could be disputed with statistics.

“But no one can dispute the fact that the equity ownership levels had gone up,” he said.

When he challenged the opposition to name a group whose welfare today was in a worse shape than before independence, Kulasegaran immediately said: “The Indians.”

The war of words between MPs from both sides of the House continued later over the issue of education.

Datuk Liow Tiong Lai (BN – Bentong) said that in a multi-cultural country, certain issues should not be politicised.

This prompted the DAP MPs to raise their voice in protest, with Chong Eng asking if Liow wanted to debate the matter.

But Liow continued his speech, adding that Chinese education should not be politicised, irking the Opposition who started protesting over the remark.

There was also heated exchange between Kulasegaran and Devamany Krishnasamy (BN – Cameron Highlands) over the DAP man's remark that the MIC was play-acting when it said it would “close shop” if the Government did not attend to its request for Indian equity to be raised.

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

Toddler home alone!! New kind of phenomena of this age.....

2005-10-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

As much as I sympathies reading about this Toddler (being) home alone after family maid ran away, I can't help recalling the times of the old, when mothers, or at least other family members are still at home for their children, not child-minders, REAL close blood-relatives.

You'll have no problems of these kinds, but then again, the modernist would claim that there are other problems associated during those olden times. Yet, there's more problem as a result of both family leaders having had to earn their monies to continue supporting a basic form of living expenses. Problems such as kids not being under a good watchful eyes, turning into tyrant under peer pressure, adopting a perverted sense of justice and perspective and the lots.

Parents, at least one of them should be at home. If the mother feels like going out to earn monies, being liberalised and all, then why don't the husbands mind their homes and children. Even though that is not normally prescribed, at least there'll be a decent watchfull and loving figure at home, all the times.

As a muslim, I rather have mothers doing their best, that is raising their children to be the best individual, in future! Not to slog and to earn a living to aid the meagre sum taken home by the husbands. They have to live within their means, and this is where GOOD Government could help in ensuring basic neccessities for all could be made as affordable as possible, including housing and food-bills for all!

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The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 13, 2005

Toddler home alone after family maid ran away

By WANI MUTHIAH

KLANG: A one-year-old toddler was left crawling about in the garden under the blistering sun for almost two hours on Tuesday after the family's Indonesian maid ran away.

A neighbour spotted Ammar Yazid Zafri about 3.40pm in the compound of the double-storey terrace house in Taman Sungai Kapar Indah and took the dehydrated boy indoors.

Azwin feeding her son Ammar Yazid Zafri, who appears shaken after the experience, while Yuhairie looks on Wednesday.

The boy’s father lawyer Yuhairie Pandak Yusof said the 30-year-old maid Kusnaini had locked the front door but left the gate open.

“I shudder to imagine what would have happened if my boy had fallen into the big drain in front of my house, or wandered onto the main road,” said Yuhairie.

He said a couple of the neighbours’ maids told his wife Azwin Fairuz Aji Dan that they had seen Kusnaini leaving the house about 2pm. Yuhairie and Azwin, a teacher, were at work then.

Yuhairie said the boy appeared traumatised by the experience and clung on to his mother tightly from the time she picked him up from the neighbour’s house that day.

“My son is still in shock. It pains my wife and me to see him like this,” he added.

Yuhairie has lodged a police report at the Kapar police station and cancelled the maid’s work permit.

Why scrap efficiency exams only for specialists, say me!

2005-10-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Why stoppp PTK exams for specialist only? By asking toScrap efficiency exams for specialists, say MPs, it shows that she was only talking on behalf of a select group of people. Typical UMNO-clan!

Anyways, the whole PTK exercise was a sham created by stupid administrators at JPA. Why don't most of the intellect question the administrators at JPA who most of the times were those who are not among the top-performers during their schooling period. I have always been assuming them to be the 2nd or 3rd echelon of people in schools who failed to do the premium courses and ended up getting themselves graduated through mediocre courses and fortunately ended up rulling their former excellent school-mates when they are in JPA!

Most of them are jokers! Hence the monkey governing of the Malaysian civil service!

While I'm at it, this Dr Rozaidah, while discussing the 2006 budget, shouldn't she be talking about requesting more money to improve her constituency in Ampang instead?

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The Star Online > Parliament

Wednesday October 12, 2005

Scrap efficiency exams for specialists, say MPs

THE efficiency level assessment (PTK) for specialist doctors should be abolished as it has no relevance to their expertise, MPs said.

Dr Rozaidah Talib (BN – Ampang), debating Budget 2006, said specialist doctors left public hospitals for private ones mainly because they were frustrated with low salaries.

She said many doctors who had “slogged” to become specialists had to pass two general examinations – PTK1 and PTK2 – to reach the higher U48 grade.

“What is assessed has nothing to do with their expertise. They have already attained their qualifications after passing examinations in their respective fields,” she said.

Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN – Lipis), in seeking clarification, said that if the doctors were already specialists they should be given “specialist salaries” and be exempted from the examinations.

Dr Rozaidah added that the problem arose because the examinations were formulated by the Public Examination Department and not doctors.

“Both examinations are general examinations which do not help in enhancing a doctor's quality of service,” she said.

Earlier, she complained that the Government gave better treatment to foreign doctors, who were given attractive incentives and salaries.

“Some of these foreign doctors are from developing countries such as Myanmar, India and Pakistan,” she said, adding that most of them could not find jobs in their own countries.

“Some even had to be retrained by local specialists before they could serve at our hospitals.

“Local doctors feel disappointed and insulted because it looks as though the Government does not appreciate their specialist qualifications,” she said.

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

This is what Malaysia should be aiming to emulate instead of paying for a passenger astronaut!

2005-10-11T03:30:00.000-07:00

Marvellous! Sums up my feeling reading about China countdown to space launch II!. Remember their first one in 2003?

What step do Malaysia government take? Yeah, the greedy corporate players route! As long as one is reaping good returns, why bother about milking a country dry!

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China countdown to space launch -

China plans to launch its second manned spacecraft on Wednesday morning, space officials have told the official Xinhua news agency.

Officials also told Xinhua that two astronauts had been chosen for the Shenzhou VI mission, though they have not yet been publicly named.

Earlier reports indicated the craft is set to orbit the earth for five days.

China sees its space programme as an important symbol of its emergence as a world power.

The launch comes almost exactly two years after China's first manned space flight, which made astronaut Yang Liwei a national hero.

Unlike the last mission, Xinhua said a live broadcast of the launch would be provided to foreign media.

Analysts say the fact the authorities are being more open about this launch may indicate that they are more confident of its success.

Ambitious plans

Shenzhou VI will blast off from the Jiuquan launch site in the Gobi Desert, Xinhua said.

Other official media said the launch was expected between 0800 and 0900 local time (0100 and 0200 GMT).

It will return to a landing site in the remote northern region of Inner Mongolia.

"Preparations for the launch are going well," an official on the space programme told Xinhua.

The two pilots chosen for the mission were selected after a rigorous screening process that started with 14 former fighter pilots, Xinhua said.

The identities of the men are still being kept secret, but the Chinese press have speculated that one of them is Nie Haisheng, who narrowly missed out on the 2003 flight.

On that mission, Yang Liwei took just over 21 hours to orbit the Earth 14 times.

This mission will be longer and more complicated, according to state media.

The astronauts are due to travel back and forth between the two halves of the spacecraft - the re-entry capsule and the orbiter. They will also conduct experiments.

Technical improvements

Shenzhou VI, like Shenzhou V, is based on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft, a model developed in the late 1960s.

Liu Yu, commander in chief of the rocket system, said the rocket for Shenzhou VI was an improvement on the one used two years ago.

"We have confidence in the quality of this rocket. We have the conditions and capability to fulfil this mission," Mr Liu told Xinhua.

Mr Yang's flight in 2003 made China only the third nation to put a human into space, after Russia and the United States.

China has had a rocketry program since the 1950s, and Beijing fired its first satellite into orbit in 1970.

China's space programme, which is closely linked to the military, is a matter of enormous national pride for the government.

Chinese officials say they want to land an unmanned probe on the moon by 2010, and also build a space station.

China successfully launched Shenzhou V into space in 2003

Mongolian launching station Map

The 2003 trip made pilot Yang Liwei a national hero

Convince us intelligently, not forcibly! -Palm biofuel to replace diesel

2005-10-06T00:38:00.000-07:00

As much as the way to go green is to support the drive for Palm biofuel to replace diesel, I am really mad of those in power who wants to force everything just because they thought it is the right thing to do.

Well, convince us of the benefits and pros of converting, you'll have ready and willing converts. Force us, and we will forever hate you!

Gomen ofiser zaman pemerintahan BN macam nie lah! Gila ~~babi~~ punya orang!

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The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 6, 2005

Palm biofuel to replace diesel

BY TEOH TEIK HOONG

PETALING JAYA: The sale and use of biofuel – a mixture of 5% processed palm oil and 95% diesel – will be made mandatory in 2008.

It will be implemented after the Biofuel Bill is tabled and passed by Parliament next year.

“Once the Bill is passed, industries, motorists and petrol stations will be given a year to voluntarily switch to biofuel.

“We want the public to test the fuel and give us feedback,” Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui told The Star.

He said once the trial period was over, the Government would make it mandatory for diesel to be replaced with biofuel.

“There will no longer be unadulterated diesel on sale. We will enforce it and make everyone comply,” he added.

Records from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry showed that last year, industry demand for diesel was 2.8 billion litres while diesel sold at subsidised prices for other uses totalled 5.56 billion litres.

Having a 5% mix would mean cutting down the reliance on diesel for industrial use by 140,000 litres and for other uses by 278,000 litres annually.

The use of biofuel will also help cut down carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles and machines, as the combustion of biofuel produces carbon dioxide.

Chin said the Government’s target was to export 180,000 tonnes of biofuel by 2007.

“We have the capacity to produce enough for domestic use,” he said.

Former Malaysian Palm Oil Association chief executive M.R. Chandran said it was important the Government ensure that petroleum companies complied with the National Biofuel Policy and Biofuel Act.

“We need strong political will to compel petrol kiosks to make biofuel available,” he said.

He said it was important for biofuel producers and petroleum companies to work together to make biofuel available to the public at petrol stations.

Chandran said Malaysia could convert 500,000 tonnes of its total production of 15 million tonnes of crude palm oil into biofuel.

“The 5% mix of processed palm oil with diesel will not affect the performance of vehicles,” he added.

On concerns that the push to use biofuel meant clearing more land for planting oil palm, Chandran said any expansion in the future would be done in a sustainable manner.

“The country is the top producer of palm oil in the world with almost four million hectares in plantations.

“Our maximum capacity is to plant another 600,000ha and produce a maximum of 20 million tonnes of palm oil annually,” he said.

Do all doctor suspect their patients?

2005-10-06T00:26:00.000-07:00

It was interesting to note when this particular doctor (being) grilled over (her) diagnosis in a court case, admitted that she treats her patient with suspect, and not trust!

Quote,
' When judge Akhtar Tahir asked Dr Salina if she would view a patient with suspicion or trust, she said: “With suspicion.” '

Do all of them doctors have this mind-set as well? Arhhhh, isn't there any trust in this world anymore?
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The Star Online > Courts

Thursday October 6, 2005

Doctor grilled over diagnosis

BY M. MAGESWARI

KUALA LUMPUR: A consultant psychiatrist admitted in a maid abuse trial that she had produced a medical report on Indonesian Nirmala Bonat based on the four lines she had written in her clinical notes.

Dr Salina Abdul Aziz told the Sessions Court yesterday she had only written Nirmala's age, that she came from Kupang, Jogjakarta, that she came to Malaysia via an agency, and that she was seen by senior consultant and head of Kuala Lumpur Hospital’s Psychiatric and Mental Health department Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Abdullah.

She said her medical officer Dr Phang Chee Kar had written most of the clinical notes.

Dr Salina, 42, was testifying at the trial of housewife Yim Pek Ha, 37, who is charged with three counts of causing grievous hurt to Nirmala.

Yim is accused of using a hot iron and splashing hot water on Nirmala, 20, at a condominium here between January and April last year.

She faces another charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to Nirmala with a steel mug at the same place on May 17 last year.

If convicted, Yim could be jailed up to 67 years and fined.

Dr Salina said she first saw Nirmala at Dr Aziz’s clinic on May 26 last year.

She said Dr Aziz and Dr Phang were present when Nirmala was interviewed for about two and a half hours.

Dr Salina said she interviewed Nirmala for the “second and last time” two days later, the session lasting about an hour.

She agreed to a suggestion by Yim’s counsel Jagjit Singh that she had intended to convince the court that “seeing the patient only twice and writing only four lines” she could come up with the diagnosis that Nirmala was depressed.

Asked if she expected the court to accept her diagnosis that Nirmala suffered from “major depression” although she only stated “depression” in her report, she said: “Yes.”

On whether Nirmala was “discharged well” on May 28 as mentioned in her report, she said Nirmala was not fully recovered and was asked to come for a follow-up session.

When judge Akhtar Tahir asked Dr Salina if she would view a patient with suspicion or trust, she said: “With suspicion.”

Hearing continues on Oct 19.

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

Alamak! The opposition has been talking about this for ages, and yet, you only realised it now?

2005-10-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

By finally having the guts to have this call (to government agencies) to cut costs on events, I guess this chap was trying to show that he is people-friendly.

Little does he realised that the opposition has been talking about all the wasteful spending of all government agencies, especially, while trying to enrich the connected fews!

That Jerai MP has just realised this? Or, he is sad that he was not among those who benefitted!
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The Star Online > Parliament

Thursday October 6, 2005

Call to cut costs on events

THE Government should cut down the number of conferences and other similar events as a way to save costs, a backbencher said.

Debating the Budget, Datuk Badruddin Amiruddin (BN – Jerai) said many of these events, which were held in five-star hotels, cost billions of ringgit and ate into the budgets of agencies.

“The money could have been better utilised. What is worse is that a lot of the costs are spent just on the opening ceremony,” he said.

Many of the effects used during launches, such as smoke and confetti cannons, were “a pure waste of money.”

Badruddin: Suggests holding events at government facilities instead of at top hotels

He also suggested that events should be held at government facilities, which would cost less than what was charged by five-star hotels.

“All this money should be spent on giving rural areas infrastructure. The people in rural areas want roads and bridges, not conferences,” he said.

Interjecting, Hamim Samuri (BN – Ledang) said the Finance Ministry and the Internal Security Ministry should be commended for not holding briefing sessions at hotels.

He said the Finance Ministry held its functions within the ministry while the Internal Security Ministry held its in Bukit Aman.

Badruddin welcomed the establishment of the Bumiputra Property Trust Fund announced in the Budget but noted that its establishment meant that the Urban Development Agency was a failure.

He said the agency had not been successful in helping Malays establish businesses in urban areas.

“This is what happens when you privatise a government agency. This happens because profits become the priority, not overcoming social issues,” he said.

He said the Government should ensure that any privatisation of a government agency would benefit everyone.

Local govts DO NOT serve the people!

2005-10-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

As opposed to what this chap, Datuk Md Aris said, "Local govts set up to serve the people", I find the local authorities in Malaysia are not really serving people, but enriching some friends of theirs, in the pretex of making the locality clean, beuatiful and manageable.

A local authority election will help to address the rot that has been there the past 40 years or so!

For a simple example, collecting money through parking tickets in town, where does the money really go to? Quit rent? Is it really of any benefits to the payer? Is the amount appropriate and suitable for all house-owners?

You know what I mean, don't you all?
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The Star Online > North

Thursday October 6, 2005

Local govts set up to serve the people

PENANG: Local authorities are set up to provide services to the people and not to make profits, said the Malaysian Association of Local Authorities.

Its president Datuk Md Aris Ariffin said local authorities mainly spent on cleanliness, beautification activities and traffic management.

“All the expenditures are shown in the local authorities’ annual accounts which are audited by the Auditor-General and discussed at state assembly sittings,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

He was responding to news reports quoting Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk M. Kayveas as saying that local authorities were being run like secret societies, lacking transparency and accountability.

Md Aris said the local authori-ties’ sources of income were restricted under the Local Govern-ment Act.

“Local authorities in developing states will have good revenues but those in less developed states with limited earnings may have to rely on the state government,” he said.

Md Aris said it was unfair to criticise local authorities without pro-perly understanding their local setting.

Md Aris, who is also Seberang Prai Municipal Council president, said foreign investors could misconstrue Kayveas’ statement and this might influence their investments in Malaysia.

He added that anyone could attend a full council meeting to follow its proceedings.

Enforcers are not doing their part to ensure this irresponsible, but well paid act is stopped, forever!

2005-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Boleh blah, malaysian enforcing agencies! You are stooges to the ruling government! That's what you are!

Irresponsible act, but well paid to do it

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The Star Online > Central

Wednesday October 5, 2005

Irresponsible act, but well paid to do it

By STUART MICHAEL
Photos by SAM THAM and DARRAN TAN

MANHOLE covers fetch big bucks! Those who steal manhole covers and sell them as scrap metal are paid about RM1 a kilo. They get paid RM3.20 per kilo of aluminium, RM3 for copper and 20sen for zinc.

It is no wonder than that manhole covers disappear as soon as they have been fitted into place.

One of about 100 manhole covers that have gone missing from Prima Damansara.

Things are getting even better for the thieves. Steel scrap prices have risen about 50%, from US$200 (RM760) per ton in early 2003 to more than US$300 (RM1,140) now.

Those who steal the covers and scrap metal dealers who buy them do not care about the dangers their actions have caused to the public, especially motorcyclists.

A number of them have been injured. Some have even died.

But, nothing serious has been done to stop the thefts nor bring the culprits to book. The irresponsible individuals are getting away with murder.

Worse, the authorities turn a blind eye to the activities and take too long to rectify the situation.

In Section 16, Petaling Jaya, for instance, a manhole cover in the centre of the main road broke recently.

Fo days, motorists have been spared from danger as someone has stuck a tree branch into it. In Prima Damansara, about 100 manhole covers have gone missing from the sides of some shop lots.

No one in the area knew when the covers disappeared or who stole them.

A resident from Prima Damansara, who did not want to be named, said residents merely turned a blind eye to people removing manhole covers.

“They are scared that if they reported it, they would be threatened or abused,” he said. “Most of the thieves look like drug addicts or thugs.”

Another resident, Lai Kwai Peng, from Bandar Sri Permaisuri, said there was an uncovered manhole on a road near SMK Bandar Sri Permaisuri.

Someone has placed a tree branch to warn motorists of danger ahead.

“There are school children who cross the road frequently and it would be fatal if a driver were to lose control of his vehicle at the manhole and crash into the children,” said Lai.

Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Yong Dai Ying said missing manholes covers was a major problem , not just in Petaling Jaya, but all over Klang Valley.

“The authorities, including the councils, the Police and enforcement officers must work together and do regular checks on scrap metal shops to find and charge the culprits behind the irresponsible acts.

“Only thorough such checks can we catch the thieves,” said Yong at a recent meeting with residents in Prima Damansara.

Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN – Sri Gading) surely have too much free time, as is the other parlimentarian!

2005-10-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN – Sri Gading) while having a singer’s version of Negaraku slammed in parliament, reveals a lot about himself.

Firstly, he's an idiot who have nothing else better to be said in parliament!
Secondly, he has too much free things to do, rather than figuring other better ideas to move the country into a better nation.
But the most revealing fact is, BN-component parties are represented by none-too-bright member of parliament!

Come on, we have better things to discuss in parliament!

Last but indeed definitely not the least, if creativity and self-expression in singing the national anthem is also not recommended, how could the rest of the citizen be tempted to include innovations and creativity in their works to help develop Malaysia further. Malaysian seems to be contained to conform to the norm in all things that they do, and diversions to the norm is not welcomed!

Wonder how would progress be made by anyone in this world if everyone were to remain stout to the idea that the world is indeed 'flat'!
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The Star Online > Parliament

Tuesday October 4, 2005

Singer’s version of Negaraku slammed

Reports by LEONG SHEN-LI, JANE RITIKOS AND IZATUN SHARI

SINGER Hattan, who apparently jazzed up the Negaraku when he sang at the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday, was slammed by an MP who said his version of the national anthem was insulting.

To prove his point, Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN – Sri Gading) sang aloud the last line of what he claimed to be Hattan's version of the Negaraku and the official version for comparison.

He noted that Hattan’s version, which among other variations ended with ascending notes, was insulting, and had trivialised the national symbol.

The situation was further aggravated by the fact that it was sung in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he said.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said action would be taken against Hattan if his version of Negaraku was found to be insulting.

Rais said he would obtain the television footage of the event and determine whether the version sung, which was not according to the official version, was inappropriate.

“If it is found to be insulting, action under the National Anthem Act will be taken,” he said in reply to a supplementary question by Mohamed.

At press time, Hattan could not be reached for comment.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said four cosmetics and beauty salons were brought to court for offering Vitamin C injections.

The salons were among 161 cosmetics and beauty salons raided by the ministry's enforcement division this year, he said.

“It's puzzling why women are still attracted to such injections. It's better for them to eat food containing Vitamin C, as there is no clinical evidence that the injection can improve skin condition,'' he told Dr Rozaidah Talib (BN – Ampang).

Dr Abdul Latiff said that with the approval of the Medical Equipment Bill and Cosmetics Bill, the ministry could control the abuse of cosmetic products and the use of beauty equipment by specialists.

Related Stories:
Hattan: I did not jazz up national anthem

Very 'safe' country yet, this dentist has to plead so that she did not die in a robbery?

2005-10-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

I am sadden to note this plea by a Dentist: I did not want to die, when she was robbed during the daylight in Malaysia.

Malaysia is a 'Safe' country, my foot!

Perompak Duit Rakyat Malaysia, PDRM, the 'so-called' protector of the Malaysian citizen is too busy protecting the tryranic rulers intead of safe-guarding the nation!

The recent recommendation to change the PDRM into the better has not been put in place and with the curent administration of the country, I couldn't foresee any change for the better soon. It's high time to say 'goodbye' to the BN-led governance!

************************************************

The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday October 4, 2005

Dentist: I did not want to die

BY OLIVIA LEE

JOHOR BARU: “It is traumatising when a person puts a knife to your neck demanding money. All I could say was ambil, ambil, ambil (take) because I didn’t want to die.”

This was what dentist Dr Chan Eng Ding said as she recounted the ordeal when three men armed with machetes approached the driver’s side window of her car before breaking it.

Dr Chan explained that she and her sister, also a dentist, had just changed RM700 into small denominations at a bank in Permas Jaya for their clinic before going to a stationery store at 4pm.

She was waiting in her car when the men approached her, she added.

“They smashed the window and one of them pressed his knife against my neck.

PAINFUL EXPERIENCE: Low (right) and Dr Chan (third from right) holding up the police report lodged by her. On the far left is Dr Chan’s sister Dr Ai Ding.

“I told them to take my pouch, which they did, and also the pearl necklace I was wearing.

“My sister, who heard the commotion from inside the shop, came running out and started hitting the robbers. They got back into their cars and took off,” the 39-year-old dentist told reporters during a press conference arranged by Johor MCA complaints bureau chief Low Teh Hian yesterday.

Dr Chan said she was still traumatised by the incident that took place on Sept 27.

“I’m not upset about (losing) the money or how much it’ll cost to repair my car. That they were bold enough to do this in broad daylight was what shocked me. These are things you see in movies.

“JB is no longer a safe place. I can’t believe robbers are getting so bold,” she added, urging the police to increase their workforce to make the city a safer place.

Low said he empathised with Dr Chan because he received a death threat recently.

A police spokesman from Johor Baru (South) district police headquarters said the station received about four to five such reports daily.

“This kind of crime happens more in areas close to banks. Robbers are braver now so the public must be more observant and not take things for granted.

“If you are robbed, report it immediately. Don’t wait for an hour or two,” he added.

Ruling governement fail again - Dengue outbreak imminent

2005-09-28T03:24:00.000-07:00

Haiyak! Dengue outbreak imminent is a sure sign of a failed governance!

Basic cleanliness could eleminate the breeding grounds of these troublesome-disease-bearing mosquitoes.

City councils or local government authorities should have a system in place to avoid this. Residents should also be made to adhere to basic hygiene as such.

Failure of implementation, another F in the current administration of this BN-component party governance!

******************************

The Star Online > Nation

Wednesday September 28, 2005

Dengue outbreak imminent

Stories by SIM LEOI LEOI, LEONG MENG YEE, AUDREY EDWARDS AND JONATHAN CHEW

PUTRAJAYA: A dengue outbreak is imminent.

And this time, the Government fears that the death toll and number of cases may be higher than last year’s nationwide outbreak.

The warning comes less than a day after The Star reported that authorities were getting worried over the increasing number of dengue cases and related deaths.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that although the number of cases recorded thus far was still lower than the 1,200 cases recorded last year, the authorities were worried this could signal a new outbreak.

“We are warning the public that an outbreak is imminent. And they must take all precautions to keep their compounds clean and free of mosquito breeding grounds.

A state health department officer carrying out fogging exercise.

“They should also seek medical treatment if they suffer continuous fever,” he said.

Dr Chua revealed that several dengue hotspots had been identified – Johor Baru; the southwestern part of Penang island; various parts in Selangor and the Federal Territory, including Shah Alam, Kajang, Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, Setapak, Ampang Jaya and Gombak; and Negri Sembilan.

So far, 70 people have died from dengue, compared with 68 in the corresponding period last year.

The number of dengue cases has shot up from 507 three weeks ago to 752.

Dr Chua said the Government had started to use larvicidal biological control Bti (bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) in the fogging of dengue-prone areas since last month.

“The biological control agent will kill off mosquito larvae in any breeding area.

“But unlike an insecticide, this agent will not have the side effect of causing mosquitoes to be more resistant or kill any other insect or animal that fed on mosquitoes.

“We will now use this on a larger scale,” he said.

He added that the larvicidal agent was also being used by Singapore's health authorities to control the dengue outbreak in the island.

“We will enhance enforcement on construction sites, which have been identified as having 20% of places prone to the breeding of mosquitoes, and will not hesitate to issue a two-week stop work order under the Destruction of Disease Bearing Insects Act.

“In addition, we will be sending six teams to Johor, Penang, the Federal Territory and Selangor to help contain the spread of dengue. The teams will be working on a two-week cycle,” he said.

He added that prevention and control activities would also be intensified in hotels and holiday resorts.

Errant drivers deserve more than 14-day loss of licences

2005-09-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

It heartening to note the proposal to impose a 14-day loss of licences for errant drivers.

However, 6-months or a year might be a bigger deterent.

Anyways, improvement to enforcement activities could be the most logical step to be taken at this juncture!
****************************************

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday September 22, 2005

14-day loss of licences for errant drivers

BY SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: Reckless and speeding drivers, beware.

Come next year, in addition to having to pay fines, your licences can immediately be withheld for 14 days if you commit any of the following serious offences:

DANGEROUS or reckless driving resulting in death (Section 41 of the Road Transport Act);

RECKLESS and dangerous driving (Section 42 of the same Act);

CARELESS and inconsiderate driving (Section 43);

DRIVING under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Section 44);

DRIVING or controlling a motor vehicle while the alcohol level in the blood system exceeds the permitted level (Section 45A);

BEATING the traffic lights (Rule 17 of the Traffic Signs: Size, Colour and Types); and

DRIVING in excess of 40kph above the speed limit (Sections 40 and 69 of the Road Transport Act).

Announcing this, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the Cabinet had agreed yesterday to implement these measures as one way of reducing the number of road accidents.

It was also aimed at changing the attitude of Malaysian drivers, he said.

“In addition to these measures, we have also agreed that the minimum age limit for motorcyclists be increased from 16 to 17 years.

“Amendments to provide for the changes will be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible, possibly at the next meeting in March,” he told reporters after the weekly post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

Chan said any driver caught committing these offences would be given time to drive to their next immediate destination.

“When we apprehend these drivers, the police will withhold their licences and they will be given a notice slip allowing them to drive until the next destination, which will only be valid for 24 hours.

“On top of this measure, the drivers can still be fined for their offences,” he said, adding that authorities had yet to fine-tune the administrative procedures involved.

Drivers could also have their licences withheld if they were caught on speed cameras or during saman ekor operations for committing any of these offences, said Chan.

PDRM, Public Prosecuters memang inept!!

2005-09-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Was very sad to note that the killers got away and also to know that the reson being that Poor probes and inept prosecution blamed for it.

With the current administration, these kinds of things continues! The authorities are too damn busy using the services in their machineries to ensure longevity of rule, and not to serve the nation and its citizen.

Tukarlah kerajaan lain!
*************************************

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday September 22, 2005

Poor probes and inept prosecution blamed

BY NASA MARIA ENTABAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Poor investigation and incompetent prosecution are the main causes of justice not being served, said former attorney-general Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman.

Abu Talib, now chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), said at a meeting with the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers yesterday that he was concerned that three recent high-profile murder cases had ended in acquittal.

“There have been too many acquittals. Only the right people should be charged and they should not be arrested on suspicion alone,” he told newsmen later.

“The authorities must be more cautious. No one should be prosecuted until there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge and not merely because it’s a high profile case,” he said.

WARM GREETING: Abu Talib greeting the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers’ legal and human rights chairman Shim Paw Fatt in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Bernamapic

On July 1 last year, the High Court found Shah Alam City Council engineer Hanif Basree not guilty of murdering guest relations officer Noritta Samsudin.

On Aug 11 last year, Indonesian waiter Azman Bakar was freed of a charge of murdering Sabah assistant minister Datuk Norjan Khan Bahadar.

On Tuesday, stockbroking firm director Koh Kim Teck and his bodyguards Mohamad Najib Zulkifli and Resty Agpalo were acquitted of a charge of killing 14-year-old Chinese student Xu Jian Huang.

“In all three cases, arrests were made based on suspicion alone. Within a week the accused persons were arrested and detained for a long time, with each case ending in acquittal,” said Abu Talib.

“There is a need to raise the quality of investigation and prosecution, and to make sure that only competent police officers handle complicated cases.”

At the meeting between Suhakam and the Barisan National Backbenchers, police investigation and prosecution were discussed.

PM to brief Blair on our experience with ethnic diversity

2005-09-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Our dear PM to brief Blair on our experience with ethnic diversity, i.e. how to keep the priciple of 'Divide and Rule' of the former colonial masters?

He he he.

Blair knows better. He's a direct decendant of your former colonial master, Dollah!

==============
The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday September 6, 2005

PM to brief Blair on our experience with ethnic diversity

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to share Malaysia’s experience in dealing with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community during a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in New York.

This is likely to take place on the sidelines of the 60th United Nations General Assembly on Sept 14-16.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said London, which was traumatised by the July blasts, wanted to know how Kuala Lumpur tackled issues on ethnicity and religion.

“Britain is interested to find out how we won the hearts and minds of people of various races and how the Malaysian community comprising different religions, traditions and ethnic beliefs can live together in peace,” he said.

He said Abdullah would also hold a bilateral meeting with new Iranian President Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

“We are looking forward to this as we enjoy close relations with Iran,” he said.

Abdullah will also attend the Second Asean-United Nations Summit, the Special High Level Roundtable on Information Communications Technology and the informal Summit of Heads of State or Government on Inter-Religious, Inter-Cultural and Inter-Civilisation dialogue and cooperation.

The Prime Minister is also expected to sign the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and to ratify the World Health Organisation framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

On the general assembly, Syed Hamid said several outstanding issues would be discussed, including the expansion of the UN Security Council and disarmament.

“Malaysia is in support of a total ban on weapons of mass destruction, and we feel the issue of disarmament is insufficiently addressed,” he said.

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

RM1 coin question which is left un-answered...

2005-09-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

The news is out! Bank Negara to withdraw RM1 coin from Dec 7 2005. Press statement from BNM is here.

One question remains un-answered. WHY? It is a small and short question, but very valid! This is not one of the 4 so-called FAQ questions at BNM FAQ to this matter, as of just now!

The 4 questions are 1) Will the RM1 coin still be accepted as legal tender from 7 September to 6 December 2005?, 2) What should I do if retailers and financial institutions refuse to accept RM1 coin during the stipulated period?, 3) Where can I exchange my RM1 coins?, and 4) Is there a maximum quantity of RM1 coins that can be exchanged?. Feeble issues!

Another question also comes to mind, if this RM1 coin was withdrawn due to the fact that counterfeit RM1 coins are being circulated easily, WHY was this issue not being thought-off properly when they first came up with the idea to introduce the RM1 coin in the first place?

Next thing to do, is to introduce RM1 note in the polimer form, similar to the new RM5 format, reason being, RM1 note is easily the most-used note. Durability and longevity of the note could be increased with the use of polimer, as what Singapore national bank has proven!

Malulah Malaysia...
=================================================

The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday September 6, 2005

Bank Negara to withdraw RM1 coin from Dec 7

PETALING JAYA: The RM1 coin will be withdrawn from circulation from Dec 7.

A Bank Negara statement yesterday confirmed that the coin would cease to be legal tender from that date.

“The public can exchange the coins at face value without any charge at all commercial banks from Sept 7 to Dec 6.

“The main branches of Bank Simpanan Nasional and Bank Negara branches at Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will also provide such services,” the central bank said in the statement, adding that the RM1 banknote would continue to be legal tender and remain in circulation.

Details are available at Bank Negara's website, www.bnm.gov.my, or by contacting the currency management and operations department at 03-2698 8044 ext 7442/7417.

Could somebody else sell a competitively priced 'Touch ‘n Go'-compatible cards?

2005-09-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

While it didn't surprised me that people are paying extras for using TnG services, as reflected by this article, Why you pay more to park with Touch ‘n Go, it never stopped me from wondering if any other companies besides Rangkaian Segar should be given the permission to sell a compatible card to avoid monopoly!

Will there be a political will here?

I reckoned the politically-connected Rangkaian Segar will never allow it!
===============
The Star Online > Nation

Saturday September 3, 2005

Why you pay more to park with Touch ‘n Go

BY FLORENCE A. SAMY

PETALING JAYA: Using Touch 'n Go cards when parking at shopping malls or office buildings is a breeze as users get to avoid long queues.

But some are unhappy that they are charged an extra 10% of the parking amount for the convenience.

For example, if the parking amount is RM3, they pay RM3.30.

However, parking operators said they were not getting anything from the 10% service charge as the money goes to Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd, which operates the electronic cash card, and the appointed agents who installed the equipment.

“It’s just an additional facility for our patrons,” said Systematic Corporate Parking Sdn Bhd operations general manager Thomas Ng.

“We don’t even own the equipment as the owners will take it back in the end.

“We already have to spend a lot to repair and maintain existing parking and auto-pay machines,” Ng said.

“If we absorb the surcharge, not only will we be losing money but we will also have extra costs to bear.”

“Plus, we will be paying for something that not everyone wants. The Touch 'n Go system is sometimes requested by building owners and not by operators,” he said, adding that they deal directly with the agents.

1 Utama Shopping complex operations manager Edmund Fong said the Touch ‘n Go system was put up to provide customers with an alternative to the ticketing system.

“It’s up to them. It’s just an alternative for those who want to enjoy faster and better service without the queues,” he said.

He said they had no choice but to pass on the cost to customers as they could not afford to bear the service charge.

It costs the shopping complex a few hundred thousand ringgit to put up the system for their 21 Touch ‘n Go readers.

An official of Metro Parking (M) Sdn Bhd, which operates parking facilities at KL Sentral, Pusat Bandar Damansara and several hotels, agreed that it was up to building owners to install the electronic card system.

“Building owners have to agree to certain terms if they want to absorb the cost. If not, the 10% surcharge goes to the customer.

“It’s eating into our income, and we’re already absorbing the 5% government service tax,” he said.

M. KRISHNAMOORTHY reports that Rangkaian Segar claims it gets only 1.5% of the service charge, and the agents 8.5% for putting up the system, and maintaining and managing it.

“We have had several discussions with parking lot management companies and building complex owners on this issue,” said Rangkaian Segar chief operating officer Swinder Grewal.

“They are not willing to absorb the cost although it helps them save on labour,” she added.

Swinder said it was not fair to pass the cost to the customers.

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

RM66K for a car registration number? Two low-cost houses could be provided for the poor instead..

2005-08-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I was brought to this site, JPJ Wilayah's Pendaftaran WMY and found this.

Courtesy of whistler while commenting on August 23, 2005 04:47 PM at Jeff Ooi's screenshot's take on KJ hurting himself playing POLO!

Go and click on the link and see for yourself.

What else have they indulged themselves on and how much money have been spent on these kinds of things. If only they serve the poor instead?

Root cause of evil in the country of us!

2005-07-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

Couln't help but sympathies with this blogger's piece, What The Hell Is Wrong With These People？. She questioned the crime of rapes being committed by adults on non-adults.

You want to know what is wrong with these people? Read my reply, there, or down the paragraph.

I tend to agree with t-boy on sexual needs of the livings, be them animals or human being.

What differs human being with the rest of the animals are the gift of brain, to differentiate between rights and wrongs.

Good piece of writing, but then again, it missed out the opportunity to examine the real reason these things are happening in a society like Malaysian.

What to know the real reason?

LAW & ORDER is not respected by most people. Why? There are crimes being committed by those in powers which are not being acted upon, and they went scot-free. A lesson to all those willing to stake their life in trying to committ other crimes, and testing if their luck holds out. Thus, crimes proliferating in Malaysia, these later years, be it in terms of rapes, robberies, rampant disregards for traffic laws and the likes.

Indeed, Malaysia is developing to a status of a more modern life, however, the society is still very much backwards. This is the result of a modernization of a country in the materialistic aspect, without regards to the spiritual and mental development of the citizen at the same time!

Vote for stronger opposition in Parliament. Get more power to the people, bust all the corrupt people in power now and all their associated cronies in public services as well as in private sector.

Good governance and proper law and order means a healthier living condition for all, better than modernization without order of the current state.

Pendidikan untuk semua - jawaban kepada permasalahan sistem pendidikan negara!

2005-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

My foot!

I went and read this news feed from BERNAMA - Abdullah Says Problems With Meritocracy System Can Be Discussed, and went angry, amuse, dazed, all at the same time! Mack, thanks for making my day today, with your thread at your blog!

I have been writing loads of posts on education, or rather the malaise of the Malaysian education system, such as this one! The one mentioned is actually a dare to the government, to provide education, free, to all Malaysian.

Meritocracy is a joke at its best. A what-not-to-do for any good government!

I am repeating my call for free education for all, from kindergarten, all the way to higher education. What will become of the graduates of the education system is secondary matter because Malaysia is part of the world, and graduates would be able to serve the whole humanities anywhere and not only to work their worth in Malaysia alone!

The problem with in-sufficient number of places for further and higher education can be solved immediately by providing more public education institution. The current problem of not being able to accomodate the numbers of people applying to the all the various institutions could be solved once and for all.

The key issue to the whole thing is whether the ruling institution of the day have the committment to provide the solution to the problem? I reckoned by the way how they are dragging their feet all these past years showed that they care none-the-less.

The way how I see it, the ruling government of the days seems to be contented in limiting the inteligence and individual competency of the Malaysian masses to ensure that the needy-not-too-competent Malaysian will remain indebted to the institution ruling them till eternity. They all know too well that competent Malaysian will try to exert their independence and would eventually rub this feeling to all and sundry while the non-partisant ones will go away earning their living in a more democratic nations elsewhere!

Wake-up Malaysian! Pressure your elected officials, and kick them up their as*es. Better still, elect a more caring electoral representatives in the next one to ensure a higher check and balance in parliament.

ps: One more nagging thing is the fluorishing of private higher and further education institutitons in the country is a sign that the businessman are trying to make money at the expense of the educational development of all Malaysian. Who are these businessmen partner in crime? The same unscrupulous elected officals of the day! Da*n them!

Can't they even sort simple things like this? Btw... I smell some monies trying to be made...

2005-06-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

I don't really know what else can I say about this whole sorry incident! The tought of using Barcode tags for babies should never have been a consideration, it should have been implemented ages ago. It doesn't take an idiot to think about this kinds of things.

Securities at public institutions such as hospitals should be improved. CCTV should be put in place!

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Most public institutions under the ruling executives are really in ruins. Each and every corner you turn to, we'll see loads of wrongs. We have public institutions being mis-managed, mis-used, mis-everything.. Thanks to this silly executives of the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional.

The long years with no strong opposition has really taken a huge toll on the governance of a small, but, richly rewarded country of ours.

The ruling executives really have to go away.

Dear friends, have a heart, vote for stronger opposition in Parliament, so that check and balance could be implemented. Stop the rot. Damn MM! Damn all self-serving politicians!

ps: I guess someone connected to the executives will be making some extra money now?

The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 24, 2005
Barcode tags for babies considered

KUALA LUMPUR: Barcode tags for babies may be introduced to prevent babies from being abducted from government hospitals.

Another move being considered is the installation of closed-circuit TV cameras at the hospitals.

“We may have to start using barcodes and install CCTVs like those in shopping malls to stop those who are ‘shopping’ for babies in hospitals,” Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad told reporters after launching a hospital life-support course at Hospital Kuala Lumpur here yesterday.

He was asked to comment on Sunday's abduction of a baby from Sungai Petani Hospital.

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

Education must be free ... challenge to the government..

2005-06-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Reading Ong’s SMS brings joy to top scorer, does not lightened my days as much as hers.

I feel that public-funded education is a MUST, and not something that everyone has to fight for year after year!

Yeah, words is cheap, but.....

Anyways, to cut all the bulls, I am proposing for free education for all Malaysians, irrespective of religion, faith and race.

How do you get the money from? Come on, if you can't think of this simple fact, resign from the post, and let others run the country, better!

If you still insist on running the country but clueless how to do this 'free-education' thinggy, why don't you seek consultation from me, try mailing me! I'll help out, free of charge, of course!

The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 24, 2005

Ong’s SMS brings joy to top scorer

BY LOONG MENG YEE

SHAH ALAM: Reading the SMS she received two days ago almost made her eyes pop out.

Lee Yan Ying, 17, could not believe that a busy VIP such as MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting would find the time to personally send her a message.

More importantly, the SMS was just the news that she had been hoping for.

It read: “The outcome of the JPA scholarship is positive. You will be informed by JPA later. Regards, MCA president Ong Ka Ting.”

Lee meeting with Ong to personally express her gratitude, after Ong sent her an SMS saying that she had received a PSD scholarship.

Lee, who scored 13 1As in last year's SPM examination, was among hundreds of dejected SPM top scorers who failed to get scholarships.

“When my first attempt to obtain the scholarship failed, I felt as if everything had gone dark and gloomy,” Lee said.

She then sought the help of the MCA.

“I am thankful to Datuk Seri Ong and the MCA for helping me and others facing the same predicament,” said Lee.

And yesterday, Lee got the chance to personally thank Ong, who was attending the groundbreaking ceremony of Chung Hua national-type primary school in Kota Kemuning here.

But Ong's busy schedule made it quite impossible for her to meet him.

Her patience paid off eventually as when the function ended, Lee quickly walked up to Ong and conveyed her gratitude.

“My parents, who are educators, and leaders like Datuk Seri Ong are my role models. I hope to be like them, to lead a meaningful life while serving society,” she said.

At a separate function in Kuala Lumpur, Ong urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to recruit people with a view of making them business partners later.

“Nowadays, entrepreneurs cannot keep their employees by just raising their salaries and giving bonuses.

“They must be prepared to take them in as partners and expand the business together,” he said at the opening of the Staying Competitive Through Technology Innovation seminar.

'Still proud to be a Malaysian?' - ask Rozana Zubir about this!

2005-06-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Reading this article, my heart wept for her.Rozana tidak mungkin dapat bantuan kewangan. Prejudice by Malaysian authority? Or they simply couldn't care-less?

Isn't she Malaysian? Should the government of Malaysia take some initiative to protect her citizen?

Nope. Unless she brings money home, or she's some kind of celebrity a la Jeslina Hashim (remember Zouk), or she's related to any of the Executive, she could be better left rotting in Hell, or in this case, Australian prison!

Sisters in Islam? Woman's aid NGO? Parliament Caucus group? You really made my day, :)!

What do the opposition has to say about this? PAS? Their official paper? DAP? PKR? Their un-official online paper? They're clue-less as well!

Aliran? MalaysiaKini? Jeff Ooi? Too busy with something else? MGG Pillai?

Kasihan Rakyat Marhain Malaysia.......

Latest update:
Jeff Ooi wrote this, Tuesday, June 21, 2005, maybe after I mailed him to the effect.

Original cached text

KUALA LUMPUR 18 Jun - Dasar kerajaan yang tidak bertolak ansur terhadap kes-kes dadah tidak memungkinkan rakyat negara ini, Rozana Zubir yang kini ditahan di Australia kerana disyaki menyeludup candu ke negara itu mendapatkan bantuan kewangan bagi membiayai kos guaman.

Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad berkata, kerajaan tidak pernah menyediakan peruntukan atau dana khas bagi membantu mereka yang menghadapi tuduhan mahkamah kerana mengedar dadah.

Beliau berkata, dasar kerajaan terhadap kes dadah menyebabkan negara-negara Barat termasuk Australia tidak menyokong pendirian tegas negara ini.

``Kita memang tidak pernah ada peruntukan bagi tujuan itu (membiayai kos khidmat peguam) untuk mereka yang dituduh mengedar dadah.

``Undang-undang di Malaysia ini lain, kita memandang berat terhadap kes dadah dan tidak pernah bersetuju dengannya (dadah),'' katanya kepada Mingguan Malaysia ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan peguam Rozana, Raj Palany yang meminta jasa baik kerajaan Malaysia untuk tampil dan membantu Rozana menyelesaikan bayaran guamannya.

Rozana memerlukan antara RM300,000 hingga RM360,000 untuk membiayai kos khidmat peguam bela dan peguam cara bagi perbicaraan kesnya di Mahkamah Pusat Sydney.

Radzi bagaimanapun menasihatkan Rozana supaya menulis surat kepada pihak kerajaan untuk memaklumkan mengenai masalah yang sedang dia hadapi.

``Saya nasihatkan dia supaya tulis surat tetapi kita tidak pernah ada peruntukan khas bagi membantu kes seumpama ini,'' katanya.

Menurut Radzi, Malaysia tidak akan mengikut jejak Australia membantu rakyat negaranya, Schapelle Corby, 27, seorang penuntut yang dituduh mengedar dadah jenis kanabis seberat 4.1 kilogram ke Indonesia selepas ditahan di Lapangan Terbang Denpasar, Bali pada Oktober tahun lepas.

Corby yang dijatuhi hukuman mati oleh mahkamah Indonesia menerima bantuan sebanyak RM3 juta untuk membiayai perbicaraan kesnya.

Sementara itu, Palany ketika menghubungi Mingguan Malaysia dari Australia memberitahu, Rozana sangat kecewa dengan keengganan keluarganya menyediakan sejumlah wang seperti yang diperlukan.

``Saya terima sepucuk surat dari Rozana hari ini, surat itu ditulis dalam bahasa Melayu, dia mahu minta bantuan kerajaan dan rakyat Malaysia untuk membantunya,'' kata Palany.

Rozana, seorang jurujual kereta ditahan ketika hendak pulang ke Malaysia melalui Brisbane setelah pihak berkuasa Australia mendapati kepingan berbalut pita pelekat berwarna tar yang ditemui dalam bagasi miliknya adalah candu.

Dia yang berasal dari Perlis berhadapan dengan hukuman mati dan denda sehingga RM2.14 juta mengikut undang-undang Australia jika disabitkan kesalahan.

Rozana akan dihadapkan semula ke Mahkamah Pusat Sydney pada 24 Jun depan.

Closing down under-enrolled schools, isn't there any other options?

2005-06-13T02:21:00.000-07:00

Who is this brilliant chap who has proposed for under-enrolled schools to be closed down? Have the government actually made any studies to the effect? I don't think so!

What is his level of inteligence, actually?

Education must be brought about to the masses, which is actually the responsibility of any caring government, and not closing down schools due to economic reasons alone.

As it is, the schools are being built at odd locations, requiring for parents to seek transportation arrangement to ensure the children would be able to reach schools.

In the olden days, people talk about kids walking kms and kms to get themselves to schools to seek knowledge. That was the importance being put upon them, to seek knowledge to improve themselves.

However, these days, this is something of the extra-ordinary. People use own transport to get to schools which is still located far from the people who needs them. Public transportation is so un-reliable and school buses are always said to be the place where children learns new 'un-wanted' knowledge, completing their academic search in schools.

Anyways, the best approach to be taken to resolve this issue is to look at the real requirment of the nation in providing schools, at the proper locations. The reason for under-enrollment and schools lacking the basic facilities have to be considered and investigated. Then a proper solution to be put in place.

I am in the opinion that schools should be provided at any location when=ever there is a need. What simple modification that needs to be made is the way how the academic is being impart into the schoolchildren. For low enrollment schools, most probably we could seek the employment of multi-subjects teachers who could handle few different subjects for different classses, most probably in a revamped class system. Children could be exposed to the subjects properly by student-centred approach rather than teacher-centred regime currently adopted by most schools.

Rural areas with inferior facilities should be continously up-graded to achieve the minimum standard for any government-sponsored teaching institution, if the government have any REAL concern in education of its citizen.

Or, do they really? The Executives main concern is to get as much money possible into their own coffers, isn't it?

ps: Do you really need residential schools even at the lower primary schools? Shouldn't the children need their parents to be around them to provide guidance in life, as what proper families should live as?

The Star Online > Nation

Monday June 13, 2005
Under-enrolled schools to be closed down

KEMAMAN: The Education Ministry plans to close down under-enrolled schools and those lacking basic facilities in rural areas.

And it is proposing that affected students be relocated to newly-built centralised schools with hostels.

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said such a move required political will from mentris besar and chief ministers as well as elected representatives.

“It is easy to call for the opening of more schools but are elected representatives brave in calling for the closing of schools?” he said after opening the All-Malaysia State Religious Secondary Schools Seminar here on Saturday.

He was elaborating on his statement on Friday that 800 schools in remote areas had no electricity and 1,500 had no running water while 2,260 were under-enrolled.

Hishammuddin said the ministry planned to close down these schools in stages.

If this was not done, he said, enrolments would continue to drop and the situation would worsen.

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

'Apa masalah dia sebenarnya', in the first place?

2005-06-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

What is actually the reason that those non-bumiputera top scorers failed to secure the scholarship in the first place that it neccesitates the Prime Minister, Abdullah promises to get PSD scholarships for top students?

Make the process transparent, then no more ambiguity and questions can be raised to the issue.

'ISO 9001-ed' the nation Malaysia is one of the positive way forward! The past decade or two, Malaysia's governance and administration is definitely out of order! This ISO execise can definitely help this loved-country of us to achieve standards of quality that are recognized and respected throughout the world. Not the laughing-stock for each and every sane individual, Malaysian or otherwise, think, seeing us as what we are now!

You all know where the blame lies, don't you? I give you a hint. 'Double M', not the company 3M! The 4th P.M. (This ancronym can stand for many things, which are very appropriate for this senile old man!)

The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 10, 2005
Abdullah promises to get PSD scholarships for top students
BY NICK LEONG AND GAVIN GOMEZ

PUTRAJAYA: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) top scorers denied scholarships by the Public Services Department (PSD) can heave a sigh of relief, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has intervened.

Education Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein also pledged to do his part. Abdullah told reporters yesterday that he would help the students.

“I will work to get scholarships from PSD for the students to further their studies,” he added.

Hishammuddin also showed his determination when he said: “You can tell them that I am fighting for them. You can tell them that their names are embedded in my mind.

“I have asked (Deputy Education Minister) Datuk Hon Choon Kim to get all their particulars.”

Speaking to reporters after chairing the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting yesterday, the minister said he had read a report on the students’ plight in The Star on Wednesday and decided to help them.

The report highlighted the plight of Ng Ee Liang, Desmond Chee and Teoh Wan Ying, who were among top SPM performers denied PSD scholarships.

Other top students who had their scholarship applications rejected included Pahang’s top student Khaw Chok Tong, who scored 12 1As and Chew Ying Dee who topscored in Perlis with 13 1As.

Hishammuddin, who sympathised with the students, said he would do all he could to help them, although the granting of PSD scholarships did not come under his purview.

PSD public relations officer Hasniah Rashid was reported as saying yesterday that applicants were allotted points based on their academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, family background and performance during interviews.

“Our main constraint, when awarding these scholarships, is the limited number of awards that we give out each year.

“Secondly, there are just too many people applying to do medicine overseas,” she had said.

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

Feed us well, and guarantee our welfare first!

2005-06-10T01:52:00.000-07:00

Gila bab*, is the first word that came up when I read about the proposal to enforce theFine or jail for disrespect to Negaraku to the fullest in order to instill patriotism!

The ruling executives and their cohorts are definitely somewhere else, their foot not on the ground!

Forget about love for the country, stomach comes first. Welfare of citizen is paramount. Ensure these simple necessities, no amount of cohession would be needed for each and every Malaysia to sing their heart out on 'NegaraKu', all the times!

Bod*h punya cabinet member!

The Star Online > Nation

Friday June 10, 2005
Fine or jail for disrespect to Negaraku

KUALA LUMPUR: Anyone who shows disrespect when the Negaraku is played – either by refusing to stand, sing the anthem or cause a disturbance – can be fined RM100 or jailed up to month.

This provision under the National Anthem Act 1965 would, however, be enforced only if there is poor response to an upcoming campaign to instil love and respect for the song, said Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim.

“The aim of the campaign is to inculcate a sense of patriotism.

“This (the ruling) will be enforced if there are still samseng (rebels),” he said here yesterday.

The Negaraku will be played before the start of all official Government functions or private sector events attended by Government representatives during the Kempen Pembudayaan dan Penghayatan Lagu Negaraku, which is scheduled to be launched in the middle of next month.

Kindergartens, schools and institutes of higher learning were also required to play the national anthem at their weekly assemblies and before their morning or afternoon sessions, said Lim.

Even when Government representatives are not present, organisers of public and private functions are encouraged to play the Negaraku.

On feedback by the public that daily repetition of the anthem could lead to overkill, Lim said such comments should not be made when it comes to the Negaraku.

“Some people may have actually forgotten the words of the Negaraku. If they hear it often, they will remember it after a while,” he said.

In Putrajaya, Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the singing of the national anthem before movie screenings would not be appropriate.

“Negaraku should only be sung at appropriate times and only when the occasion calls for it,” he told reporters.

Backbenchers' Club chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad said he could not see a positive impact of enforcing the Act.

“After 48 years of independence, why are we still so insecure about the loyalty of the rakyat?” he said.

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

Constructors? Do you have any fren in the cabinet?

2005-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Reading Providing cops with good homes, makes my heart weeps again!

Definitely someone will make some extra money at the same time! Who are they? He he he, your guess is as good as mine, :) !

At the same time, as much as I sympaties with the meagre salary earned by policemen compared to the amount of 'rich' kick-backs that they are exposed-to daily, I am still of the opinion that they deserved the bad pay. After all, the entry academic requirement fixed the amount of salary that you get in civil services.

Could you expect to earn loads when you are just a PMR leavers working as constables?

That's also the reason of the irrational behaviours of most policement. They are not that bright, aren't they?

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 9, 2005

Providing cops with good homes

BY SA’ODAH ELIAS

PUTRAJAYA: The days of policemen living and working in inferior or rented dwellings is coming to an end as 160 projects to build 25,000 units of houses and office complexes for them are expected to get off the ground soon.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Pension Fund would finance the “build, lease and transfer” projects, which are expected to cost the Government RM2.5bil.

Announcing this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the investments by the EPF and the Pension Fund would be “money well invested” because the returns were guaranteed by the Government.

Abdullah being greeted by some ex-police personnel upon his arrival for a Patriotic Day dinner in Kuala Lumpur Wednesday.

“This is going to be a very good investment for them because, based on our projection, the returns they will get from this venture will be better than the 3% interest that they get from keeping their funds in fixed deposit.

“There is no fear of losses because the Government is going to pay rent on the houses that we are going to use,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting of a task force to look into the implementation of the recommendations by the Royal Commission of Police.

“And after a certain period, according to the agreement that we will sign with them, the houses will be transferred to the Government,” he added.

Abdullah said the projects would be carried out as soon as the Internal Security Ministry, the Public Works Department and the Treasury work out the details and decide how the contracts would be awarded.

In Kuala Lumpur, WANI MUTHIAH reports that a strong sense of love and loyalty for the country prompted Felda settler Ahmad Mahmud to sign up as a special constable in 1951.

Ahmad, who was 16 at the time, recalled he left his home in Sungai Siput, Perak, to help protect the country during the turbulent Emergency period.

The 70-year-old father of seven was among several hundred retired policemen and former special constables who were at the Ex-Policemen's Patriotic Day 2005 celebrations at the Crowne Plaza Mutiara, which Abdullah graced last night.

In his speech, Abdullah said all Malaysians owed it to the many dedicated individuals who had protected the country during the Emergency.

Muslim punters? Selective prosecution of the ruling BN government?

2005-06-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Why am I not surprised reading about theseMuslim punters nabbed in raid?

Everybody other than those close to the ruling regime will be caught for any petty crime but not the 'elites'.

My foot!

Hope that they (the ruling autocrats) will burn in Hell, forever!

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 9, 2005
Muslim punters nabbed in raid

KUALA TERENGGANU: It was an unlucky day for five Muslim punters here.

They earned the dubious distinction of being the first in the state to be caught for patronising an illegal four-digit shop since the Barisan Nasional came to power in March last year.

A 50-year-old man apologised profusely to the eight-member enforcement team from the state Islamic Religious Department but to no avail.

“I would be severely embarrassed if I were charged in court,” he pleaded with the team which raided the premises at Jalan Petani here yesterday.

Gambling outlets were banned in the state by the former PAS administration after it assumed office in 1999.

State Islam Hadhari Development committee chairman Wan Mohd Wan Hassan said the Muslims, aged between 29 and 55, would be charged in the Syariah Court under Section 22 of the Syariah Criminal Offence Enactment (Takzir) 2001.

If found guilty, they could be fined up to RM3,000 or jailed for two years or both, he added.

He said two workers at the premises were released after their particulars were taken down.

The raiding party, he said, seized a photostat machine, two facsimiles, five calculators and betting slips.

“We believe the outlet has been operating for four years,” he said.

The department was monitoring six other illegal outlets here and in other districts.

He said although the former PAS administration passed the enactment, they had never acted against illegal bookies.

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

Start first by providing facilities to do research reviews

2005-06-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Government acts to nurture R&D culture

Reading press releases from Education Ministry is indeed surprising, most times.

Anyways, to enhance R&D further, government needs to provide facilities to conduct reviews or back-ground reading first. This is one area which is lacking. Online publications should be made available, at minimal cost, free preferably, so that many people can pursue reading and start researching on anything that they find interesting.

Follow-up to the reading might produce good research work in future!

The Malaysian Research Group’s website – http://mrg-online.org have loads of publications, but alas, it's not free to Malaysian, and registration is also limited to those who are in the UK!

The Star Online > Nation

Tuesday June 7, 2005
Government acts to nurture R&D culture
BY CHOI TUCK WO

MANCHESTER (England): Centres of excellence will be set up in universities across the country as part of the government drive to nurture a research culture among Malaysians.

For a start, nine such centres have been approved in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), with more to follow at Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Shafie Salleh said the centres would enable Master's and PhD degree holders to continue pursuing their research after completing their studies.

He said research often remained stagnant after scholars were promoted to become professors and took up teaching posts upon obtaining their degrees.

“We want them to plough back their research findings to society, and not let them collect dust,” he said after opening the Malaysian Research Group’s third annual conference here on Saturday.

Dr Shafie also launched the group’s website – http://mrg-online.org – at the conference, which was attended by more than 100 people, mostly post-graduate Malaysian students.

Dr Shafie said he had just approved the nine centres in UPM, which were geared towards agricultural research, including biotechnology.

He said discussions would be held with the Economic Planning Unit on the allocation for the centres under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“We hope to eventually set up such centres in various departments, faculties and institutions in UM, USM and UKM,” he added.

Dr Shafie said the centres would lead to the emergence of research universities, in line with the government aim to inculcate research culture among the people.

He said such universities might even stop issuing Bachelor’s degrees in future, as they gradually moved from teaching to becoming full-fledged research institutions.

Dr Shafie said his ministry planned to collect all the research findings for deliberation at a national conference of Malaysian researchers.

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

Selangor need to recover cost of building Exco bungalows, so non-tap water users must start paying up!

2005-06-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

Non-tap water users must pay

He he he! No, I shouldn't have laughed! I should be mad about this!

:(

Wasting state money on lavish projects and giving out freebies to cronies, now the state wants to penalise other people for it's losses!

Gi*a khinz*r punya pemerintah negeri!

The Star Online > Nation

Monday June 6, 2005
Non-tap water users must pay
BY LOONG MENG YEE

SHAH ALAM: Selangor has started imposing charges on commercial users of underground water since last month – a move that could add RM1mil each year to the state's coffers.

The users have to pay five sen per cubic metre of water abstracted from any source, including rivers and those located underground.

This is apart from the estimated RM12mil annual income obtained from water distribution companies that draw raw water for treatment for domestic and commercial use; such companies pay one sen per cubic metre.

Selangor Waters Management Authority (Luas) principal assistant director Mohd Said Dikon said that water was a state resource and it was the right of the state to generate revenue from its resources.

He said the state had identified three major individual commercial users, all of which are in the steel and paper industries.

There were other commercial users being identified with help from the Geoscience and Mineral Department, he said.

Naturally, the “toll” did not go down well with the commercial users who could not understand why they needed to be charged for something they had obtained free for so long.

“The fact is, they have used the water, and the state can bill them,” said Mohd Said.

He added that this was provided for under the law.

Those who did not comply could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed two years, or both.

Mohd Said said the revenue gained from the water charges could be re-invested into upgrading Luas or improving the water resources.

Meanwhile, sources said that apart from the water charges, there could be other revenue-generating measures imposed, including licensing the use of water and charging ships or boats cruising through the water sources.

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

Where could I go to read those 'more books'?

2005-06-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

Produce more books, publishers urged

Could someone please direct me to a place where I could do my reading without paying all those exhorbitant prices of books?

Improving reading culture could start with having more public libraries, so people who can't afford to buy could at least have a chance to read them at libraries.

They can invest in some excellent books that they could afford to.

The Star Online > Nation

Monday June 6, 2005

Produce more books, publishers urged

KUALA LUMPUR: Publishing houses should work to provide a greater variety of books to help enhance the reading culture in the country, said Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

He said this was especially true for Chinese-language publishers, as only around 10% of the total number of books currently in the market were Chinese-language books, most of which were imported.

“If you look at our bookshops, the variety of books cannot compare with countries of similar population.

“Thus, to foster a reading habit, the level of publishing houses needs to be enhanced,” the MCA president said in his speech during the opening of the Nanyang Siang Pau Book Fair 2005 at the MidValley Exhibition Hall here yesterday.

Ong said the country should follow the example of Japan, where statistics showed that publishing houses churn out some 704,000 books annually.

LET’S READ: Ong receiving a book from Phoenix satellite television presenter Chen Xiaonan as Nanyang Press Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Wong See Wah (right) looks on at the book fair in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“Their publishing industry is very active, and every Japanese reads around 30 books a year.

“As a result, they have become a forward-thinking and dynamic people,” he added.

Expressing concern that about 48% of Malaysians did not even read one book a year, Ong said:

“Reading adds value and helps us improve our quality of life.”

Government needs money, traffic offenders are being harassed!

2005-06-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Reading Traffic cops make first Ops Warta IV arrest, reminds me of the olden days tale of thugs employed by the village heads.

These thugs go around collecting money (protection money?) from people living around the villages. The money, and any other forms of payments, e.g. grains of rice, villages produce are then in turn, used by the village head to offset his living expenses as well as his thugs.

Can't really see where the similarity ends with this latest police operation. Perampas Duit Rakyat Malaysia!

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 2, 2005
Traffic cops make first Ops Warta IV arrest

KUALA LUMPUR: Police restarted their operation yesterday to nab traffic offenders who have not paid up their fines, and at 1.30pm, a salesman with 11 outstanding summonses was arrested at his home.

The 22-year-old, who works in a supermarket here, was caught at Taman Ibu Kota in Setapak, and earned the dubious distinction of being the first traffic offender to be arrested under the second phase of Ops Warta IV.

It is learnt that the man was served with seven warrants of arrest for beating traffic lights.

Earlier, at a press conference in Bukit Aman, Federal traffic police administration department head Supt A. Wahab Rahman said 731,197 warrants of arrest would be issued to motorists during the current second phase of Ops Warta IV. The first phase was from Jan 17 to May 31.

“Our advice to those who have not paid up is to do so. With the warrants of arrest in our hands, we can pick them up anywhere, whether they are at home or office,” said Supt A. Wahab.

He said that during the first phase of Ops Warta IV, 88,269 warrants of arrest were executed.

From 2001 to 2004, police issued 19.8 million summonses, of which over 10.4 million were settled.

If the fines imposed on the offenders were at the maximum amount of RM300 for each sum-

mons, the total collection would be about RM2.8bil.

Supt A. Wahab said those who had not paid up could do so at any police district headquarters, which would be open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on weekends, but closed on public holidays.

Payment counters had also been set up at six department stores and shopping complexes – at Jaya Jusco in One Utama, Prangin Mall in Penang, Terminal One in Seremban, Giant in Johor Baru and Kepayan in Kota Kinabalu. These would be open from 4pm to 9pm on weekdays and 2pm to 9pm on weekends, but closed on public holidays.

Supt A. Wahab said payments could also be made at the Air Keroh, North Tapah, Tanjung Malim and Temerloh R&R stops along the North-South Expressway at. The counters are open from 2pm to 7pm.
© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Some good sense from Samy Vellu, actually surprising!

2005-05-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2005-05-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-05-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2005-05-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

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?

2005-05-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2005-05-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

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?

2005-05-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

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'

2005-05-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Somebody is going to be RM50m richer!!

2005-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

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)

Civil service = Bad service?

2005-05-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

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!

Housing issue in Malaysia

2005-05-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

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)

Bikin Tak Serupa Cakap!

2005-05-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2005-05-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

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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Renewal of driving licence will be on merit

2005-04-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

Interesting article this one is, Renewal of driving licence will be on merit.

The million dollar question is, what form of monitoring will they use? Have they got enough man-power to enforce it?

What happended to KEJARA demerit system?

This silly government of the day has missed the real solution to the problems on the road. The best solution to the whole works is the introduction of a properly coordinated and efficient public transport system. That's the only viable solution to the problem bessting the nation for the past zillion years!

They haven't even finished sorting the merit-based system!

The original article referred:-
--------------------------------
The Star Online > Nation

Sunday April 24, 2005
Renewal of driving licence will be on merit
BY CECIL FUNG

PETALING JAYA: A motorist's behaviour on the road will soon determine how long he can renew his driving licence under a merit-based system being introduced by the Government.

Also, the minimum age for motorcyclists to obtain a licence will be raised from 16 to 17.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the two rulings, decided by the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety on Tuesday, would come into effect later this year.

Under the merit-based licence renewal system, he said that new drivers would only be allowed to renew their licences for one year after their two-year probationary period.

“If no traffic offences are committed within this one-year period, the driver will be allowed to renew his licence for two years.

“And if his record remains clean throughout that two-year period, then he can renew it for three years,” he said after opening the fourth Malaysia International Conference on Languages, Literature and Cultures at Holiday Villa Subang here yesterday.

Drivers who maintain a clean record throughout the three-year period can then renew their licences for five years, the maximum duration allowed under the new system.

“However, anytime a driver commits an offence, his next renewal will

only be for one year. He will have to start all over again,” Chan said.

He said the new system was to set good drivers apart from bad ones.

“We want to see them more often if they commit offences,” he quipped, adding that the type of offences to be included under the new system would be determined when the relevant by-laws were amended.

Existing holders of driving licences will also be affected by the new system, Chan added.

For example, those currently holding a three-year driving licence will qualify for a five-year renewal if they do not commit any offence. Otherwise, they can only renew their licences for one year.

On the higher minimum age for motorcyclists to apply for licences, Chan said the Cabinet committee felt that a person was not mature enough to ride a motorcycle at age 16.

“Based on road safety studies conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia, many road accidents involve those in the 16 to 17 age group,” he said.

About 350,000 to 400,000 people obtain their motorcycle licences every year.

Chan said 16-year-olds made up 6% to 7% of this number.

He said the minimum age to obtain driving licences for cars would remain at 17 years old.

Related Story:
The Star Online > Nation
Sunday April 24, 2005

Getting drivers to behave
BY JONATHAN CHEW

PETALING JAYA: The new merit-based system for licence renewal is designed to reshape the attitude of drivers.

Road Safety Department director-general Suret Singh said under the existing system, which allowed the renewal of licences for up to 10 years, drivers could develop bad driving habits during their time on the road.

“They may be good drivers at the start, but their driving behaviour can change.

“We want to encourage new drivers not to have traffic offences and to be mindful of their driving habits,” he said when contacted yesterday.

The new system, he added, would also allow closer monitoring of drivers behaviour, as traffic offenders would have to come back to renew their licenses in a shorter time even if police officers could not trace them at the last known address.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy announced that the Government would be introducing the new system later this year and would also be raising the minimum age to apply for motorcycle licences from 16 to 17.

Automobile Association of Malaysia chairman Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha supported the new merit-based system, saying it would not burden drivers intending to renew their licences.

While welcoming the system, Association of Malaysian Driving Institutes acting president Hanafi Mat Zin said the Road Transport Department should be prepared for bigger crowds at its counters.

“Now, the problem is that people will be coming more often to renew their licences,” he said.

Petaling Jaya Safety Driving Centre managing director C.T. Balan said increasing the age requirement for motorcyclists was no guarantee that the accident rate among motorcyclists would be reduced.

Such a ruling, he said, could also adversely affect young breadwinners in rural areas who relied on motorcycles to get around.

“Most of these youngsters have dropped out after Form Three, and depriving them of their transport will hurt their chances of picking up jobs.

“If they don’t get jobs, some might choose to loaf around instead,” he said.

Malaysian Federation of Associations of Driving Schools and Institutes secretary-general Harun Shafie said the two moves would not serve to reduce the country's high accident rate.

“They should encourage stronger enforcement of existing rulings, such as slapping demerit points on errant probationary drivers,” he said.

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

Kerajaan Malaysia tu bukan hakmilik BN

2005-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Apa cerita nie? Bila dah menang pilihanraya, pemerintah adalah KERAJAAN MALAYSIA, dan bukan lah KERAJAAN BN.

Salah sapa nie?

Ahli parlimen Barisan Nasional yang bangang atau rakyat yang bangang?

BAHLOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

'Kera'jaan

Fake RM1 coins seized - The public assumption was correct all along....

Newborn found dead in drain - about time a baby deposit be installed at hospitals maybe?

Who really needs to be helped?

Toddler home alone!! New kind of phenomena of this age.....

Why scrap efficiency exams only for specialists, say me!

This is what Malaysia should be aiming to emulate instead of paying for a passenger astronaut!

Convince us intelligently, not forcibly! -Palm biofuel to replace diesel

Do all doctor suspect their patients?

Alamak! The opposition has been talking about this for ages, and yet, you only realised it now?

Local govts DO NOT serve the people!

Enforcers are not doing their part to ensure this irresponsible, but well paid act is stopped, forever!

Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN – Sri Gading) surely have too much free time, as is the other parlimentarian!

Very 'safe' country yet, this dentist has to plead so that she did not die in a robbery?

Ruling governement fail again - Dengue outbreak imminent

Errant drivers deserve more than 14-day loss of licences

PDRM, Public Prosecuters memang inept!!

PM to brief Blair on our experience with ethnic diversity

RM1 coin question which is left un-answered...

Could somebody else sell a competitively priced 'Touch ‘n Go'-compatible cards?

RM66K for a car registration number? Two low-cost houses could be provided for the poor instead..

Root cause of evil in the country of us!

Pendidikan untuk semua - jawaban kepada permasalahan sistem pendidikan negara!

Can't they even sort simple things like this? Btw... I smell some monies trying to be made...

Education must be free ... challenge to the government..

Ong’s SMS brings joy to top scorer

'Still proud to be a Malaysian?' - ask Rozana Zubir about this!

Closing down under-enrolled schools, isn't there any other options?

'Apa masalah dia sebenarnya', in the first place?

Feed us well, and guarantee our welfare first!

Constructors? Do you have any fren in the cabinet?

Providing cops with good homes

Muslim punters? Selective prosecution of the ruling BN government?

Start first by providing facilities to do research reviews

Selangor need to recover cost of building Exco bungalows, so non-tap water users must start paying up!

Where could I go to read those 'more books'?

Produce more books, publishers urged

Government needs money, traffic offenders are being harassed!

Some good sense from Samy Vellu, actually surprising!

Samy Vellu peeved over ‘Malaysian’ road study

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

E-mail soon for Perak newborns

Email address for newborns

PDRM - TAK Mesra, TAK Cekap, TAK Betul

Police to come a-knocking

Now, some more money-making plan!

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

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

Pile on pressure against the corrupt

Engineer charged with graft

Engineer charged with graft

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

Dr M: Comment not fair

5-day week? A decade too late?

DOUBLE CHEERfor civil servants5-day week,Cost of Living Allowancescheme reinstated

Boost for civil servants as PM agrees to two proposals

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

'Most freed criminals re-arrested'

Somebody is going to be RM50m richer!!

Civil service = Bad service?

Housing issue in Malaysia

Bikin Tak Serupa Cakap!

Lecturers urged to take up job stints

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

Renewal of driving licence will be on merit

Kerajaan Malaysia tu bukan hakmilik BN

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