PADA HEMAT SAYA - NAIB KETUA UMNO JERAI

Melawat adik Khairul aswad yang kemalangan motor.

2011-03-29T13:34:00.003+08:00

Saya telah melawat adik Khairul Aswad Bin Muhammad yang telah kemalangan motor semasa dalam perjalanan balik dari sekolah. Tempurung kepala beliau separuh pecah dan beliau mengalami trauma otak. Alhamdulillah, pihak JKM telah bertindak dengan pantas dan memberi bantuan sehari selepas kami memanggil mereka.

Kunjungan Hormat ke Pejabat KEMAS Yan

2011-03-29T13:20:00.000+08:00

Program Turun Padang Ramah Mesra di Manggol bt 13

2011-03-29T13:16:00.000+08:00

Program Turun Padang Ramah Mesra di Kg Kubang Pasu

2011-03-29T13:04:00.002+08:00

Program Turun Padang Ramah Mesra di Tmn Lambaia Jerai dan Titi Bom

2011-03-29T12:51:00.003+08:00

Postings

2011-03-01T23:25:00.005+08:00

It has been quite a long long while since I posted anything here. Or any pictures for that matter. Been busy on Facebook though. I have been posting pictures of my activities there. May I invite anyone interested to view my facebook. Just click onto the badge!

Saman Ekor

2011-03-01T23:05:00.004+08:00

I was one of the guilty ones! a whole load of summons and waited til the very last minute to pay. I knew I had to pay but (excuses!) due to work andso on,, only tried to do something about it at the very last minute.

I happened to be in Port Dickson on Sunday. Thinking that it would be better to go to outside Kuala Lumpur, I confidently went to the IPD to pay. And Gosh! Never had the Traffic Unit in the IPD been so popular! Ended up not paying as I did not want to wait for 3 hours. Thankfully though I went back to Jerai on Monday and went to the IPD in Yan. At last managed to pay all my 20+ summonses in Yan for a whopping......cough cough, ehem ehem.

Many people failed to pay during that weekend and the Monday 28 February 2011. Many complained of the long queues, system breakdowns and generally just frustrating waits. And many called for the extension of time for another month to allow them to pay within the grace period.

You know. I might sound selfish, I might sound cold hearted but any extensions will jsut not work. The government had been talking and telling people about the 28 Febraury 2011 deadline to pay up to enjoy the discounts for months ie since last year. Why is it everyone (including me though I was lucky to have been able to pay) had to wait until the very last minute to pay?

Even if the government were to extend for another month, people will just wait until the last minute and rush to go and pay which essentially means there will again be another mad rush close to the deadline.

So for The government - on the specific case of extending the grace period - NOT REQUIRED. these people can still drive. Just when the want to renew their roadtax, they have to pay in full. Fully support YB DS hishammuddin's statement of standing firm on this.

But the case of saman ekor! Late or or notice of summons received - now that's another matter! Should saman ekor still continue? That is a different topic for debate altogether

WORLD BANK: MALAYSIA MOVES UP IN THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

2010-11-04T14:20:00.001+08:00

Quote:

WORLD BANK: MALAYSIA MOVES UP IN THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

PUTRAJAYA, 4 Nov 2010 - Malaysia moved up to 21^st position in the World Bank Doing Business Report for 2011. This Report, released on 4^th Nov 2010, ranks 183 countries in terms of the ease of doing business. It highlighted Malaysia’s improvements from its 23^rd position in 2010, signalling that the rigorous institutional strengthening in the public and private sectors has led to improvements in the business environment here.

Earlier this year Malaysia made a significant leap in its IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, moving up eight places and became the 10^th most competitive nation in the World.

In responding to the improved World Bank Doing Business Report ranking, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, the Co-Chair of PEMUDAH and the Chief Secretary to the Government said, “Whilst the improvement in this year’s ranking is encouraging, strengthening of our public and private sectors must continue even as rankings improve. We must set new benchmarks in our markets as events of the recent past have shown that even the most competitive of nations suffered significantly from the global economic crisis.”

These improvements in rankings come on the heels of Newsweek magazine’s recent announcement that Malaysia is the 37th Best Country in the world and Legatum Prosperity Index, a London-based analytical centre, ranking Malaysia the 43rd most prosperous nation. In September 2010, Malaysia was ranked 26th on the World Economic Forum (WEF) Competitiveness Ranking. Malaysia’s aggregate score remained fairly stable on this ranking up slightly to 4.88 from 4.87 last year.

It is also important that we take cognisance of the different indicators used in these rankings. The World Bank, The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook each guide us to different indicators for improvements. They do not measure exactly the same areas, Tan Sri Sidek added. “We must assess each ranking in its perspective and not just be transfixed by the numbers. It is imperative that we continue to improve beyond the benchmarks of the countries ahead of us and we should view rise and fall in rankings as an opportunity to institute bold changes in our market. This is the challenge both the public and private sectors must collectively rise up to”, he said.

The World Bank Doing Business Report recognised the initiatives Malaysia has put in place in enhancing its business environment. Specifically the report highlighted the significant improvements in enforcing contracts and that case disposals at the courts are moving considerably faster. Malaysia showed improvements in its on-line procedures for starting a business, speedy registration of properties and notable ease in tax procedures especially with the introduction of online tax submissions. The Report also highlighted that Malaysia ranked second best for importing, while for exporting it cost the least to move a 20ft container.

In echoing Tan Sri Sidek’s comments, Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon also the Co-Chair of PEMUDAH added, “The private sector has an enormous responsibility in the making of these rankings. The innovativeness of our industries and the efficiency of service delivery in the private sector must be comparable to global standards. Rankings are not solely dependent on public sector alone. It is a reflection of all market constituents”.

These rankings highlight where Malaysia must place more focus and we must collectively view these rankings as a continual push for Malaysia to be globally competitive, Tan Sri Yong added.

- END -

PEMUDAH

The Special Task Force to Facilitate Business

4 Nov 2010

Unquote

Bus crash

2010-11-01T15:41:00.003+08:00

Dear Editor,

I read with a heavy heart about the bus crash where seven youths from 4B Baling died and many more got injured. I was aghast when I got to know the bus owner sent an old bus though a new well maintained one was promised and that a person with no CVLB licence was hired to drive the bus.

We continue not to learn from past incidences. We continue to cut corners in the name of a few RM extra profit. We continue to be selfish and careless, not caring about other people but ourselves. And when something happens, then we say we are sorry and we did not know, we did not mean it. did the bus even go for PUSPAKOM testing and pass for roadworthiness?

Where is the management of the bus company? I have not heard or read anything about them apologising or even say anything. Where are the Directors or shareholders/owners of the company? Have they at least visited the victims and their families or even their own bus driver employee in hospital?

I urge the Ministry, RTD and whoever responsible come down hard on these characters. Fine, blacklist them and publish in the papers who these people are. furthermore, for flouting the rules by allowing a non-licences bus driver, they can be considered accomplices to the careless driving.

Apart from all these, the Ministry / Agencies involved must be pro-active rather than reactive. There must be measures to try prevent as much as possible. Enforcement and monitoring are important. Apart from registering drivers and vehicle testing, spot checks must be increased, both at the bus stations and on the road.

All of us who travel on the highway would have seen these buses charging along the highway at a higher speed limit than is allowed. Parliament should pass legislation that buses can only have speedometers to a maximum of 110 km/h. That can be done. Or at least a cut-off / alarm mechanism that not only alerts the bus driver /passengers when the bus is travelling above 90 km/h for example but also cuts off the engine ( if safe).

To put up CCTVs or conduct random highway checks might not be fully effective. Self policing such as that suggested above might be better.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

Program 1Malaysia - Malam Kebudayaan

2010-10-02T17:56:00.008+08:00

Program 1Malaysia yang telah diadakan di Dewan Orang Ramai Padang Lembu. Malam Kebudayaan ini telah mempamerkan persembahan daripada Melayu, Cina dan India. Ramai yang terdiri dari berbilang kaum telah hadir untuk majlsi makan malam ini . Seronok!

Tarikh - 29 September 2010

Majlis Anugerah Sukarelawan

2010-09-29T17:10:00.007+08:00

Majlis Penyampaian Anugerah Wira Sukarelawan Anjuran YB Gurun

Tarikh : 25.09.2010 (Sabtu)

Masa : 08.00mlm

Tempat : Dewan Perpaduan Kg Baru Gurun

Meriah dan dihadiri oleh ramai orang dari pelbagai kaum. Tahniah dan terimakasih tidak terhingga kepada NGO-NGO dan sukarelawan-sukarelawan seperti bomba sukarelawan, St John's ambulance, kumpulan ronda taman (rukun tetangga) dan sebagainya. Merekalah tiang dan tunggak masyarakat, membantu Kerajaan berkhidmat untuk rakyat.

Tahniah dan terimakasih kepada YB DR Leong dan pasukan atas kejayaan majlis ini.

Program Jejak Akar Ramadhan Zon Jeniang 2010

2010-09-05T22:59:00.005+08:00

Program Jejak Akar Ramadhan Zon Bedong 2010

2010-09-05T21:39:00.006+08:00

Alhamdulillah, Program Jejak Akar Ramadhan Zon Bedong telah dapat dijalankan. Walaupun tidak dapat menziarahi kesemua rumah, namun saya bersyukur daapt menziarahi dan melihat sendiri kehidupan dan keadaan penerima-penerima sumbangan.

Dan terimakasih kepada rakan-rakan yang telah membantu dan berjalan bersama-sama. Moga Allah akan membalas segaal budi dan jasa rakan -rakan semua.

Program Jelajah Ramadhan Puteri UMNO Jerai bersama saya untuk DUN Sg Limau

2010-08-23T12:01:00.006+08:00

Sebanyak 14 kelurga tealh dipilih oleh Pergerakan Puteri UMNO Jerai dalam prgoram Jelajah Ramadhan DUN Sg Limau bersama saya sebagai Penyelaras DUN Sg Limau. Alhamdulillah program berjalan lancar dan meriah. Komitmen dari Puteri Jerai amat tinggi. Semangat dan kerjasama yang dipamerkan oleh Puteri Jerai amatlah baik.

Terimaasih kepada Ketua-Ketua Cawangan yang terlibat, Pergerakan PUteri UMNO Jerai dan rakan -rakan saya yang membantu. Moga sumbangan yang dibuat diberkati Allah swt dan membantu keluarga-keluarga yang menerima sepanjang bulan Ramadhan.

My letter to Editor of Star, NST

2010-07-27T15:40:00.000+08:00

CIRCULAR BY KSN

STAR newspaper dated 26 July 2010 front paged KSN’s circular directing civil servants to report all ‘surat sokongan’ from politicians and well connected people for anything in the Government sector. It is said that all decisions will be based on merit.

A very high and mighty statement from the KSN. I would like to urge the KSN to clean his ‘house’ first, meaning his civil servants before issuing such statements or directive. As we know, last year 140 civil servants were caught by MACC and I assume many more went scot free due to non reporting. The same goes for the service rendered by the civil servants. Should they be perfect, no cronyism, no favours between themselves and so on, then we can accept KSN’s statement and circular. However, many public complaints still go unheard or unresolved. Who has not heard of the story where the public gets scolded or just told off rudely by the person manning the counter or answering the phone which is supposedly the hotline? And don’t forget the many times when the so called hotline is left unmanned with no one picking up the phone!

Imagine the many newspaper reports that we read about how a person was not accepted into university or get a scholarship or was not granted citizenship even after 20 years applying. How did it get solved? Through the intervention and support of the politicians who wanted to help and service the rakyat. For example, YB Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein managed to help many deserving people get their citizenship, and with his resolve and commitment, managed to solve all old applications for citizenship that have been delayed for 10 years and more. The same goes for application to enter universities for example. I know for a fact many politicians, YBs and position holders in political parties will write in supporting applications of aspiring students in their constituency. UMNO and MCA for example, on a yearly basis collect details of students who are applying or appealing to enter matriculation, iptas or for jpa scholarships for them to support and appeal to the relevant ministries and agencies. I am sure all political parties and politicians, regardless of BN or PR do this for the sake of their constituents.

The rakyat go to politicians for help because of the failure in the civil service system to handle all these. The folks in kampungs do not have access to government offices in Putrajaya or the ministries or the state offices. That is why they look for their “WAKIL RAKYATs” or political parties. In fact, the term itself is Wakil Rakyat, meaning they are representatives of the people even with matters dealing with all matters, including the Government offices. If the KSN feels that he has enough officers on the ground, then explain why the Rakyat still feels the need to ask for assistance from the politicians.

It is also the Prime Minister’s directive for all Wakil Rakyat and political parties to go down the ground and service the Rakyat. When one goes down the ground, there will be many requests for assistance from the Rakyat. What are they supposed to with these requests? Throw them into the bin or drain? Or just refuse to accept them? I am sure this is not what the PM wants. As far as I am concerned, KSN’s circular runs contrary to PM’s directive for politicians to go to the ground and service the rakyat. It runs contrary to “Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan”.

What KSN is doing is effectively shutting down an arm that services the Rakyat for the Government especially in rural area, in kampungs and so on. If the KSN feels that his officers are all over the place and should be sufficient for the kampung folks,

I can understand and accept that politicians should not support or be in any way involved with supporting any projects or tenders. That is true and correct. If the KSN were just referring to that, I agree and support. However, do not amputate the part of the Government ‘arm’ that has effectively been supporting and linking the Rakyat to the Government.

Damn funny!

2010-07-01T13:40:00.002+08:00

One day I met a sweet gentleman and fell in love. When it became apparent that we would marry, I made the supreme sacrifice and gave up eating beans.

Some months later, on my birthday, my car broke down on the way home from work. Since I lived in the countryside I called my husband and told him that I would be late because I had to walk home. On my way, I passed by a small diner and the odour of baked beans was more than I could stand. With miles to walk, I figured that I would walk off any ill effects by the time I reached home, so I stopped at the diner and before I knew it, I had consumed three large orders of baked beans.

All the way home, I made sure that I released all the gas. Upon my arrival, my husband seemed excited to see me and exclaimed delightedly: "Darling I have a surprise for dinner tonight." He then blindfolded me and led me to my chair at the dinner table. I took a seat and just as he was about to remove my blindfold, the telephone rang. He made me promise not to touch the blindfold until he returned and went to answer the call. The baked beans I had consumed were still affecting me and the pressure was becoming most unbearable, so while my husband was out of the room I seized the opportunity, shifted my weight to one leg and let one go. It was not only loud, but it smelled like a fertilizer truck running over a skunk in front of a pulpwood mill.

I took my napkin from my lap and fanned the air around me vigorously. Then, shifting to the other cheek, I ripped off three more. The stink was worse than stinking cabbage. Keeping my ears carefully tuned to the conversation in the other room, I went on like this for another few minutes.

The pleasure was indescribable. When eventually the telephone farewells signalled the end of my freedom, I quickly fanned the air a few more times with my napkin, placed it on my lap and folded my hands back on it feeling very relieved and pleased with myself. My face must have been the picture of innocence when my husband returned, apologizing for taking so long.

He asked me if I had peeked through the blindfold, and I assured him I had not. At this point, he removed the blindfold, and twelve dinner guests seated around the table chorused: "Happy Birthday!"!! I nearly died!!!

Source - Idle Hours

IT Talk!

2010-07-01T13:36:00.002+08:00

Dear Tech Support Team:

Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0 .

I soon noticed that the new program, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all other system activities.

Applications such as BachelorNights 10.3, Cricket 5.0, BeerWithBuddies 7.5, and Outings 3.6 no longer runs, crashing the system whenever selected. I can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications.

I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 5.0 , but the 'uninstall' doesn't work on Wife 1.0.

Please help!

Thanks,

"A Troubled User"

REPLY:

Dear Troubled User:

This is a very common problem that people complain about.

Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0 , thinking that it is just a Utilities and Entertainment program.

Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING!!!

It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 5.0.

It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system once installed.

You cannot go back to Girlfriend 5.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed not to allow this.

I recommend that you keep Wife1.0 and work on improving the environment.

I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation.

The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway.

Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance. Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean 2.5, Sweep 3.0, Cook 1.5 and DoLaundry 4.2. However, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program NagNag 9.5 . Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Cosmetics 2.1 and Jewellery 5.0

STATUTORY WARNING : DO NOT, under any circumstances, install SecretaryWithShortSkirt 3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system.

Source - Idle Hours Blog

Ragging

2010-07-01T12:42:00.002+08:00

The last few days, the newspapers have been covering a lot about ragging, especially due to the death of a Form 4 student in the Royal Military College due to alleged ragging by his seniors. I was very sad to learn about this case - a case of ragging going way too far, way too extreme.

Ragging is actually a form of initiation. I remember when I entered PPP-ITM to do my A-Levels. Boy, were we ragged by our seniors! Who can forget about "Tabik Spring" then. Everytime a senior walks by, regardless of what were we doing, we must drop everything and give a "Tabik Spring"! Then at nights, seniors will barge into our room and the next 30 minutes or so, turned the room into what they called " living hell". Singing whilst each person had to hold the table up, getting questioned on so many "things" private or otherwise. And all sorts of other things!

But it never got physical ie getting whacked or slapped or such. Never. Things were always conducted with a sporting mood and laughter. Of course, we were not laughing, the seniors / raggers did.

Even the 'lembik' ones took it in their stride though with more complaints and as what it used to be called " banyak songeh".

But at the end of the orientation, we became good friends with the seniors. The "Tabik Spring" we had to do at each and everytime we met the seniors, which looked more like a frozen dead chicken with a salute - the seniors lined up and gave us one at the end of the orientation in the spirit of fun.

When I was a senior, it was my turn on the juniors. I have to admit I did my fair share of ragging, but in the same spirit when I was ragged then. Never anything physical, never meaning any harm.

And things turned out well enough.

In all fairness, ragging done right, is actually good fun. And it gets us closer to the seniors and amongst our own colleagues.

One of most "memorable" times getting ragged - when I first joined the BLUES, Form 5 in VI . Now that's a different story. Good, hellish and a good learning experience. Victorians you generally know what I mean.

Program Jejak Akar bersama KEMAS dan JKKKP Sg Daun Tengah

2010-06-30T00:03:00.004+08:00

Program Mesra Rakyat KEMAS - Kg Tok Lah 2

2010-06-29T12:14:00.012+08:00

Program Mesra Rakyat Anjuran KEMAS Yan dan JKKKP Kampung Dato' Lah 2 telah di adakan pada 25 Jun 2010 di surau Kg Tok Lah 2 yang baru. Ramai ibubapa serta pelajar-pelajar telah hadir untuk mendengar ceramah motivasi dan penerangan yang telah disampaikan oleh dua penceramah - Pak Su dari Kelantan dan Abe Hab yang kini bekerja di Sime Darby dan merupakan anak tempatan kampung tersebut.

Ramai juga JKKKP dari kampung-kampung berdekatan telah hadir sekali sebagai memberi sokongan kepada Abg N, Pengerusi JKKKP merangkap Ketua UMNO Cawangan kampung.

Tahniah kepada KEMAS dan JKKKP Kampung Tok Lah 2.

MACC - MOVING FORWARD

2010-06-09T11:37:00.004+08:00

Recently, an officer from the MACC announced that MACC has, from January to April this year, successfully investigated and prosecuted 235 cases. The statistics are broken down as follows:-

CATEGORY	JAN	FEB	MAC	APR	TOTAL
CIVIL SERVANTS	45	7	28	33	113
POLITICIANS	1	1	0	0	2
PUBLIC	28	17	27	48	120
TOTAL	74	25	55	81	235

In 2009, 500 cases were investigated and prosecuted.

Amount of money that exchanged hands or reported as offered:-

RM3 to RM35,000.

Whilst I applaud the successes MACC has had this year and last, I can’t help but be disappointed with the announcement. To be frank and direct about it, I had expected more, much more from MACC.

The Government had upgraded MACC from just an Agency (Anti-Corruption Agency) to a Commission with full investigative powers and independent authority. The Government had also allocated millions of Ringgit in order to bolster up MACC’s structure and operations to ensure its effectiveness.

I also feel the Government should give priority to MACC if it needs more funds or anything else in order to achieve the Government’s objective to eradicate corruption.

However, MACC must focus or refocus in this case. The current cases prosecuted as announced are what we all call as ‘ikan bilis’ cases. Traffic summonses? Illiegal immigrants? RM3? RM35,000?

I spoke of my disappointment to a friend of mine who knows a bit more about MACC and its nature of work. I wondered why MACC has not successfully investigated the high profile cases and what had happened to other cases involving bigger sums of money.

After listening to his answers, I can accept, albeit reluctantly, the reasons for the limited success MACC has had all these while.

It seems that MACC is still understaffed. For example, due to budget constraints for 2010, they only got about 50% of what they requested for to purchase new equipment and hire new and more professionally accredited investigating officers. Corruption now is sophisticated that accountants, auditors and normal officers alone would not be able to investigate thoroughly and successfully. SPRM now needs qualified engineers, psychologists, business managers and so on to fully understand the workings and intricacies within the operational aspects of a business unit. It is no more a matter of scratching the surface and being able to find clues and evidence.

Witnesses also turn hostile and are not willing to cooperate during trials and so on. Because of the nature of investigations, suspects are allowed to roam free until prosecution. This may allow the suspect to do a lot of things including destroying evidence, intimidating the main witness and so on. In the certain cases, when the hostile witness is allowed to go home the person will destroy any evidence.

I am happy that tackling corruption is one of the Government’s NKRA. That shows the seriousness and commitment by the Government to address and eradicate corruption. Money must be spent , and I am confident Government will allocate as much as possible to MACC, to better equip and train the officers. MACC must also start hiring professionals from various backgrounds to bolster up its force. I was happy to note that MACC had conducted tests and interviews to appoint Chinese investigators and must also do for other races and languages.

The Anti-Corruption academy must also start full training, not only to its officers but also to civil servants and the public to rope them in, not as MACC officers but to be the eyes and ears for MACC.

I was happy to note my friend assured me that the board of advisors and the top officers are passionate and committed to their cause of fighting corruption.

Program Juara Rakyat Wanita UMNO Jerai - Meriah

2010-06-03T21:28:00.002+08:00

Hari Potensi Tabika KEMAS di SK Sg Limau

2010-05-16T23:39:00.005+08:00

Program Hari Potensi Tabika Kemas di Sg Limau. Amat meriah. Ramai ibu bapa yang hadir memberikan semangat dan sokongan kepada anak-anak mereka. Anak-anak juga kelihatan ceria dan seronok buat persembahan. Alhamdulillah. Saya ucapkan tahniah kepada KEMAS atas prgoram yang amat berjaya. Sokongan dan peranan KEMAS di dalam membangunkan masyarakat dan anak-anak kita amat bermakna. Terimakasih kepada Cikgu Othman sebagai pengetua dan tuan rumah.

Program Mesra Rakyat Bersama Kemas di Kg Baru Kilang Bata, Gurun

2010-05-16T23:14:00.005+08:00

Program Kesihatan di Taman Seri Jerai

2010-05-16T22:06:00.008+08:00

Selangor Sand Mining Saga Part II

2010-05-16T01:10:00.001+08:00

Pursuant to my first posting on this matter, this particular issue has got much bigger and serious. MP Kapar, YB S Manikavasagam has now alleged rampant corrupt practices in Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd, the company that was awarded the sole licence for sand mining in Selangor. It has now been established that the company is a State Government Company, or more specifically called a “Mentri Besar Incorporated” company, of which TS Khalid Ibrahim himself is the Chairman.

Now that YB Mike (as he is popularly known in Kapar and PKR circles) has exposed this case by alleging that the top company officials and several senior PR ADUNS are involved in corrupt practices on this sand mining issue, I wonder what the authorities – MACC and state agencies in charge will do. In fact, YB Mike’s colleague, YB Wee Choo Keong alleged in his blog that “he was told two high ranking elected representatives in the State Government and several KSSB officials were involved in the scandal involving many millions of ringgit”.

YB Mike also claimed that his allegations are backed by documents and statutory declarations that were signed by those inside the company. In fact, one of the readers of my first posting also alleged that he knew of the corrupt practices by the ADUNS and KSSB officials. I am also shocked to learn that YB Mike had received several death threats on his mobile phone pursuant to his meeting and expose to the TS Khalid.

I tend to agree with YB Mike that the State’s Selcat (Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency) should not be the investigating body. Selcat is made up of ADUNs mainly from PR with just 2 ADUNs I believe from BN. The chances of cover-up is high should this be the case. Probably, MACC should step in or an independent body set up made up of people with authority but with enough experience and knowledge. Of course, we cannot have a Royal commission on this matter as what Lim Kit siang had asked on certain other issues.

The death threats are also very unbecoming of a state commercial issue. Since when is a state issue being handled in such a rogue and gangster like manner? I hope this kind of threats and practices do not continue to become a culture anywhere in Malaysia. It also does not bode well for the PR Selangor State Government’s image.

I hope YB Mike will not get cold feet by all these. Kudos to YB Mike and YB Wee Choo Keong for exposing this case, whatever their reasons might be.

On another note, I remember YB Lim Kit Siang and YB Karpal Singh had asked the IGP to resign recently over the fatal shooting incident by a policeman in Shah Alam recently. Though two different cases and in different manners, ultimately they were asking the head to take responsibility and resign. I wonder if we can also ask TS Khalid to take responsibility and blame for this act of corruption in KSSB (being a Mentri Besar Inc company) and by the PR Selangor ADUNs. Should we call for TS Khalid’s resignation too?

Surat kepada Utusan dan Berita Harian

2010-05-13T12:42:00.002+08:00

Hari Guru

Guru di kenali juga sebagai Cikgu,Ustaz / Ustazah, Sifu, Vathiyar, Teacher.

Guru – pendidik, pembimbing, pengisi ilmu.

Guru – ibu dan bapa yang melindungi dan menjaga kita di sekolah.

Guru yang akan mencorakkan dan mewarnai kain kanvas yang putih dengan ilmu, budi dan bahasa.

Tidak akan kita sampai ke tahap kita kini, yang berjaya atau sedang dalam perjalanan untuk berjaya tanpa guru memberi ilmu, menyediakan landasan kukuh di bangku sekolah dan universiti.

Saya amat terhutang budi kepada guru-guru saya – baik di sekolah, tuisyen, ,mengaji mahupun semua yang telah memberi ilmu kepada saya. Budi yang tidak dapat ku balas, selain mendoakan bahawa supaya mereka senantiasa diberkati dan dilindungi. Ilmu yang akan kugunakan sepanjang hayatku.

Itulah betapa mulianya guru yang ikhlas dan telah meberiku ilmu kepadaku.

Maka saya membantah sekeras-kerasnya arahan Kementerian yang telah mengarahkan guru-guru untuk bergotong – royong mencuci tandas dan sebagainya di sekolah. Walaupun saya bukan seorang guru, namun saya berpendapat arahan ini amat salah malah tidak langsung mempunyai elemen yang menunjukkan penghargaan kepada guru-guru. Bagaimana guru-guru akan rasa dihargai atau ingin menyambut hari khas untuk mereka apabila mereka dikerah untuk membuat kerja gotong –royong di sekolah dan bukannya hari yang meraikan penat lelah mereka.

Pada masa sama, arahan mengerahkan murid-murid untuk bergotong royong pada Hari Guru juga adalah salah. Apa signifikannya secara langsung membershikan tandas, mengutip sampah dan sebagainya dengan sambutan Hari Guru?

Hari Guru sepatutnya disambut dengan meraikan guru-guru yang telah banyak berjasa di peringkat sekolah dan masyarakat. Hari Guru sepatutnya diraikan dengan ucapan setinggi terimakasih kepada guru-guru. Saya mengalu-alukan malah gembira bahawa kepimpinan tertinggi negara, PM, TPM dan seluruh cabinet telah mengambil masa menandatangani kad ucapan Hari Guru selepas mesyuarat Kabinet Rabu lepas. Ini menunjukkan bahawa pemimpin-pemimpin negara mengakui dan juga menghargai pengorbanan dan usaha guru – guru yang ikhlas yang merupakan barisan hadapan utama serta paling penting dalam membina modal insan.

Sepatutnya sambutan diadakan disetiap sekolah untuk menyambut hari guru dengan pelbagai cara – pertunjukan pentas oleh pelajar, majlis makan, kenduri, baca tahlil untuk yang telah meninggal dan sebagainya. PIBG juga seharusnya memainkan peranan penting untuk menggerakkan sambutan hari guru.

Saya berasa amat kecewa dengan pegawai yang telah memberi idea dan mengeluarkan arahan untuk guru-guru bergotong-royong membersihkan sekolah. Kita inginkan guru-guru bersama kerajaan. Adakah ini caranya?

Hari Guru telah hilang sinarnya dengan arahan surat pekeliling tersebut.

AHMAD IKMAL ISMAIL

NAIB KETUA UMNO JERAI

Pakatan Selangor State Government

2010-05-04T01:49:00.004+08:00

On Friday, the Pakatan Selangor State Government had awarded a sand mining permit for the whole state of Selangor to only one company, namely Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd. This is supposedly done to check and eliminate all illegal mining activities carried out by any other companies.

However, I have to say it is wrong. As written in the papers, the sand mining activities in Selangor is worth RM587m a year. That is a huge amount of money. Even if we assume a normal 20% margin, that is easily RM117.4m profit per annum for the company. This is a huge amount for a single company to make annually.

Some of the questions that need to be answered:-

i. Why create a monopoly?

ii. Who decided to give to this one single company?

iii. Who owns the company?

iv. What were the factors for the Selangor State Government decide on only one company?

v. Is this company capable in terms of its track record in the industry, financials, expertise and management capabilities.

vi. What is the issued and paid-up capital of the company? RM2?

vii. Were there any tenders called before deciding on the company?

viii. Where is the transparency advocated so much by the Pakatan party and being highlighted in its election manifesto over and over again?

ix. Where is the accountability?

x. Is this not totally against everything Pakatan has been supposedly fighting for?

This decision by the Pakatan Selangor State Government gives rise to concerns of the possibility of corruption and cronyism.

We must not allow corruption, mismanagement or any wrong doings irregardless BN or Pakatan. I hope the authorities will investigate on this matter.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

Beberapa Gambar sekitar beberapa Program di Jerai

2010-05-04T00:45:00.008+08:00

Antara gerakerja sepanjang hujung minggu

2010-05-03T23:51:00.005+08:00

Hujung minggu lepas , saya telah balik ke bahagian. Di antara gerakerja yang telah dijalankan termasuklah melawat dan bermesra dengan peserta-peserta di tapak ekspo, melawat projek ternakan kambing di kg cahaya baru, menziarahi beberapa orang uzur, menziarahi seorang guru yang meninggal dunia. Saya juga telah sempat pergi untuk kenduri kahwin yang telah di adakan.

Di atas adalah beberapa gambar yang telah diambil di tapak ekspo dan kg cahaya baru.

Dear sirs,

2010-04-29T17:50:00.001+08:00

There have been so many cases of abandoned babies that have just been born. I am not only sad but am sick to the stomach to think what some people are willing to do. I fail to understand and cannot fathom what they were thinking when they acted in such heinous conduct. Have they no pity for the child that the female partner carried for nine months? Have they not a single ounce of love for the baby created and given by god for both partners? Have they no sense of responsibility for the helpless baby that they conceived?

I can understand that the couple might not be married thus the fear, confusion and stigma attached to out of wedlock children and to the couple. I can also understand that some might do it because of financial problems. But whatever problems they might face, is it that bad that they are willing to murder a helpless baby? Or even abandon the child somewhere, leaving the baby suffering before eventually meeting his or her death?

Sometimes, if we are lucky enough, a kindred spirit would stumble upon the baby and the baby is saved. These babies will then be taken in by the Welfare Department under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. And in many cases these babies will get adopted by childless couples or families and go on to lead a wonderful life.

I would like to urge the Minister, YB Dato’ Seri Shahrizat to come up with an overall plan to overcome this sickening problem which seems to plague our community more and more. The plan must be extensive and must have elements using the carrot and stick method.

The plan should include:-

i. Educating the youths, single mothers and others on sex, pregnancy and so on which are extremely vital. We cannot depend on the old methods where the parents tell their children on the birds and bees stories anymore. On this matter, I urge the Ministry of Education to rethink its decision not to have sex education in schools. The teachers must also be brave enough to accept this change for the good of the community. This formal channel will provide a mass coverage and proper knowledge to the youths.

ii. To have “halfways homes” or transit points for the pregnant mothers to go to if the need arises. There should also be counselling, guidance and care made available for the pregnant mothers. Granted the ministry might already have a few homes but it is not well publicised.

iii. The Ministry should also reach out to the pregnant mothers by letting them know how and where they can go and leave their child instead of abandoning these babies to die. The formation of Skuad Sayang Wanita BN and Wanita UMNO to help the needy should be applauded but their scope should extend to help the pregnant mothers. For the fact that Skuad Sayang BN and UMNO are in all parliamentary constituencies in Malaysia means that they have extensive and on ground coverage.

iv. The Ministry can also have a dedicated Counselling Hotline to help the mothers and fathers.

If after all these assistance and help are well publicised and given, the couple still abandons their child, then:-

v. The Government should introduce heavy sentences to those found guilty of abandoning their babies, including charging them with murder or attempted murder. Or close to that.

It is also not only the female partner’s fault, but the authorities must also penalise the male partner. Only if they truly repent and seek guidance including taking back the baby, should the authorities even think of helping these people.

The community must also chip in and be ‘busy-bodies’ in the community. For all what the Government wants to do, it will not effective unless the community helps.

There were 407 cases of abandoned babies between 2005 and 2009. By now, the figure might already reach 430 – 450. Imagine how many lives were lost from that who could have been a great person contributing to the society and mankind in the future.

There are many couples out there who are childless or families with children who are looking to adopt babies. Don’t waste a life, but give a chance for the life you have created to live.

I pray to God no one that I know do this.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

(Naib Ketua UMNO Bahagian Jerai)

Letter to Editor on Shah Alam shooting

2010-04-27T21:24:00.001+08:00

Dear Editor,

I was extremely sad upon learning about the incident where a 15 year old boy was shot by policemen in Shah Alam.

Based on the reports, it was about 2am and they were driving back from an all night eatery in Section 7 when they passed the police car which signalled them to stop. Obviously they refused to stop and must have sped away, which resulted in a car chase and the police having had to shoot at their tyres to force them to stop. One of them ran off leaving the other, now identified as Aminulrasyid Amzah, 15 years, in the car. In panic he must have reversed and rammed the police car.

I can accept that at 2am, it must still be dark without proper lighting. Thus, the policeman who shot him could not have seen the driver clearly to identify him as a 15 year old boy. However, I wonder if this in itself along with the boy reversing and ramming the police car justifies the cop to shoot at the driver. The fact that the policemen found a machete in the car also to me does not justify shooting the victim unless he had been swinging it menacingly to the policemen.

I am also very disturbed that there are now two versions of the incident. One, the police report lodged by the policemen and second by the victim’s friend after meeting YB Khalid Samad, the PAS MP for Shah Alam. I shall leave that up to those in charge of investigations to determine what really happened. I hope the authorities will investigate, especially on the fact that the boy had claimed he was punched and kicked before miraculously running away.

I am however interested in the truth. I am happy to learn that all four policemen have been reassigned to desk duties pending outcome of investigations. No use suspending them as the force can utilise them to do paperwork and at least they are still on active desk duty that they can be called anytime for questioning, but not too close to interfere with investigations.

I would like to suggest the police to explore the possibility of appointing a third party as a member of the investigations committee if possible security wise. This will add credibility and stop all nonsensical talk that the police might try to cover up to help one of their own. At the same time, the third party must be of a totally neutral party without any interest. It could be a member of SUHAKAM or Y Bhg Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye or someone of that stature. However, it must never be a poilitican, for a politician have sides.

The police must act swiftly. The committee formed must also be transparent and inform the public every step of the way and finally its decision. The investigations, whatever the outcome, must be seen as a decision on the individual policeman or the group of four policemen. It is not in any way a referendum or reflective of the whole police force. The public must understand this, for one rotten apple does not make the whole stock go bad.

I urge everyone involved – politicians, NGOs, media and all those concerned to allow the family to grief and the committee to work. We must respect the family and not make it worse. We must respect the committee and allow it to carry out its duties. Do not turn this into a kangaroo court and pass public judgment. The four policemen and the family involved must be given a chance to tell their side of the story to the committee.

The police and committee at all times must act without fear or favour.

AHMAD IKMAL ISMAIL

RESPECT FOR THE MACC CHIEF

2010-02-08T13:17:00.002+08:00

MACC chief: Kick my ass if I'm wrong

Feb 8, 10 12:29pm

Newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Abu Kassim Mohamed wants Malaysians to give him the benefit of doubt.

Recognising that the MACC will have to redeem its image following a number of controversies, Abu Kassim said the commission must demonstrate that it is independent.

“I need you to be our champion. By doing that, if anyone wants to kill MACC, you'll be our protector. But believe me, if I'm wrong, you kick my ass,” he said without mincing his words.

“Just say, 'Abu, you're wrong. If you want us to protect you, behave yourself.' I will make sure that I go straight. My words, (and) my actions must show that I'm independent.”

Abu Kassim made these remarks at a recent hour-long informal discussion with MACC advisory panel member Anis Yusoff, andMalaysiakini columnist KJ John and editor-in-chief Steven Gan at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.

Topics covered included the actions MACC must take to regain public trust, its never-ending probe on Selangor Opposition Leader Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and why the commission is reaching out to the alternative media.

Abu Kassim, who took over the embattled MACC less than two months ago, revealed that the advisory panel had requested attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail to explain why no action had been taken on the Lingam tape scandal.

He also described the MACC's police report against Thai pathologistDr Pornthip Rojanasunand - a witness in the Teoh Beng Hock inquest - as a “shot in the foot” [sic].

Excerpts of the discussion follow.

Gan: One of the major problems with MACC is the accusation that it ignores politically sensitive cases.

Abu Kassim: In the case of Rafidah Aziz (former international trade and industry minister), it was very clear that we recommended that she be charged.

All big cases, we investigate. In many countries, to investigate big cases, you have to get permission. In one country, (the anti-corruption agency is) very independent, but the government did not give it enough resources - no people, no investigation. In another country, the anti-corruption agency has no powers. It is merely a coordinating agency.

In Malaysia, the MACC is accountable directly to Parliament. At the end of the year, we have to present our report (to Parliament). We are now preparing our annual report. After that, we have to present it to our advisory board.

And we have to bring that report to the special committee under the Parliament which consists of (MPs) from the opposition and the government. And they can call us up at any time to answer all the issues raised in the report.

The prime minister has no role. The Prime Minister's Department controls only the (MACC) budget. And it answers questions in Parliament on issues not directly involving us. We are more afraid of the (advisory) committee and the Parliament. We are answerable to the committee and the Parliament.

Those who are sitting in the committee, do you think they will keep quiet? Even at today's (advisory panel) meeting, sampai habis (until the very end), I have to answer, answer, answer - non-stop answering.

But I'm happy. They make sure that you don't go astray. You must be straight. If something is wrong, they will say, 'Go back, go back. Straight line, please'. I like that. I like that because they are representing the society.

The problem is people don't understand. One of the committee member just now thought that we have the powers to prosecute.

Anis: They have been in the committee for nearly a year, they still did not know...

Abu Kassim: I had to explain to him, 'No, I don't have the powers to prosecute'. Although the law says that I can act as the DPP (deputy public prosecutor), but it's the AG (attorney-general) who gives me the power. We control the investigation, not the prosecution.

So if you want to assess me, assess me on the investigations. We investigate all cases which have been reported to us. Furthermore,lagi susah (even more troublesome is that) the operation review committee wants everything to be presented to them - any case which we decide not to investigate, we must justify (our decision).

Anis: (The advisory panel chief) Hadenan (Abdul Jalil) is on the committee...

Abu Kassim: Tan Sri Hadenan, Cecil Abraham - all these people are well-trained. Cases which we keep after one year and do not submit to the DPP, we have to tell them. And they start asking why tak habis lagi? (why haven't these been completed yet?).

If there is a conflict between MACC and DPP - we suggest charge, they suggest don't charge - we have to explain why. And before we want to close any case, we have to explain to them (the advisory committee). 'This case is going to be close and these are the reasons'. And they can call up all the cases which the public have complained (about) to them at any time.

That's why, although their terms of reference involved cases only for 2009, when they saw the Lingam tape case, they made a public announcement that they want the AG to present to the (advisory) committee.

So they wrote a letter, and AG will have to make a presentation.

Gan: When is the presentation?

Abu Kassim: The meeting will be next month. This is now a totally different world, believe me. Working in MACC is like (being in) hell. Previously we were not transparent. I have to be frank - then, it was only between us and that AG. Now we have to be accountable.

John: What is the relationship between the minister and MACC?

Abu Kassim: He answers questions in Parliament only. We prepare answers for him to answer, that's all. He has no administrative powers over us. If he calls me to see him, and I don't want to see him, it's okay. I never go and see him, unless he says, 'Abu, this is the answer in Parliament, I want to know more in case the wakil rakyat (members of parliament) ask'. Normally I send my officer.

Even if he has a post-cabinet meeting to coordinate something, I don't go. My junior officer goes. All other heads of department, they go. I don't go. Why should I? I don't want to be seen as...

I need to be frank with you. I need you to be our champion. By doing that, if anyone wants to kill MACC, you'll be our protector. But believe me, if I'm wrong, you kick my ass. If I'm wrong, don't agak-agak (don't hesitate). Just say, 'Abu, you're wrong. If you want us to protect you, behave yourself.' I will make sure that I go straight.

My words, my actions must show that I'm independent.

Anis: Today at the (advisory panel) meeting, one of the suggestions was that you cannot sign off as menurut perintah(following orders) any more. You will sign off as pemegang amanah (as holder of the public trust).

Abu Kassim: From now on, with all my letters, I'll signed off asSaya pemegang amanah.

John: All the MACC officers (should do so). Menurut perintah is old culture.

Abu Kassim: I'm happy (with the suggestion). Sometimes you don't see the problem as you're used to it.

John: I'm a retired civil servant. Out there, all ex-civil servants want to see country do well. But you must be able to listen to them. And they will tell you as it is.

Abu Kassim: Based on the law, I don't have to attend the meeting today. Only my deputy needs to attend.

Gan: What meeting?

Abu Kassim: The advisory panel.

John: The full panel?

Abu Kassim: No, no, one of the five panels. The one chaired by Tan Sri (Ramon) Navarathnam.

Anis: The one dealing with media, democracy...

Abu Kassim: Getting public support and all that. But I wanted to come. I wanted to hear. I wanted to interact with them. I wanted to hear what they say. They are not MACC. They are representing the public. I wanted to be close to the public.

They don't even get any salary from us, or the government. They are people like you, who have been appointed to the advisory panel.

Anis: People read Malaysiakini. All the criticism (inMalaysiakini) is coming from one side. But they are not at fault. The criticisms are based on perception.

Abu Kassim: Here's a classic example, the sand case...

Gan: The 'sand and sex' case?

Abu Kassim: Yes... about how it is being politicised. When our officers wanted to make arrests,(Selangor exco Yaakob Sapari)called all the media. And he spun things which were totally irrelevant and not right. He said that we were investigating him for going to China.

How did he know that we were investigating him for going to China? No, we didn't investigate him for going to China.

We were forced to come up with a statement, or else the damage would have been worse. So I asked my officers to tell how many (were arrested). But the mistake that we made was we didn't put the dates on (all) the arrests.

Gan: It looked like the arrests were made on the same day.

Anis: Or that Selangor was the only state where the arrests were made.

Abu Kassim: We had been arresting people the week before - Johor, Pahang...

Gan: But the timing was also bad as Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) said something on the matter in his blog a day or two before...

Abu Kassim: That I totally did not know.

Gan: So you're saying that it was a coincidence.

Abu Kassim: 100 percent. If I knew, I'd have made sure...

Gan: Some people put two and two together and come to the opinion that...

John: That was the unfunny part - the timing (of the arrests).

Gan: What about the MACC's police report against Dr Pornthip? That was...

Abu Kassim: A shot in the foot.

Gan: That's right. How did you come to that decision? What made you do it?

Abu Kassim: For me, it's very important to focus on the Teoh Beng Hock case. Make the (inquest) complete as fast as possible. All the plot within the plot is not important. We have to move forward. How can we move forward if this keeps dragging, dragging and dragging (on)?

Gan: I can understand if the police report is made againstSuara Keadilan. But not Pornthip. It looked like MACC has an axe to grind.

Abu Kassim: I agree with you. I went to Mecca to perform myumrah (minor pilgrimage). I came back and the next morning I and my wife went to have nasi lemak. When we were almost finished, a TV station (reporter) came and asked, 'Datuk, what's your opinion (about the report against) Dr Pornthip?'

I said, 'What report?' What to answer? So I said if there was a report, then let them (police) investigate.

But I was very sincere when I said, 'I did not know'. I asked AG (about it), the AG said every (MACC) officer has the right make a police report.

But I would say that if he had made a police report against Suara Keadilan, then there may be some basis to it. I don't really understand why a report was made against Pornthip.

Gan: So the officer did not consult you?

Abu Kassim: I was away. I just came back.

John: Can an officer make a report without consulting any of his bosses?

Abu Kassim: I referred to the AG, and the AG said that if an officer wants to make a report, he can.

John: But he is doing it as a public official, he is not doing it as an individual.

Gan: Yes, he is seen to be representing MACC when making the police report.

Abu Kassim: He made the report as an MACC official, to preserve the (image of) MACC. I believe he might have asked somebody... I was not there at that particular time. At the particular time, I did not know. So I can seriously answer, I did not know.

Loose Tongues

2010-01-28T16:17:00.002+08:00

I have been busy running around (practically so) this month that I have had very little time to pen my thoughts and my programs on my blogs. Must have racked on quite a fair bit of miles and worn out a sole or two (exaggeration!). But anyway, felt compelled to write on this matter.

I have always considered YB Dato’ Seri Rais Yatim as one of the more rationale minded and knowledgeable ministers around. His comments and ideas appear to be well thought out before he says them and the way he delivers his thoughts and ideas, especially in his speeches shows a certain flair, elegance and mannerisms of a learned and well read person.

However these past several weeks have been quite the opposite for him. First was his comment that Malaysians, especially Muslims, should not be too engrossed with Facebook, Twitter and such because this is a Western invention. Honestly, I find it very offensive and totally of tangent, especially because:-

i. Facebook, Twitter and so on and nothing more than tools of communication. It is up to the user how to use or abuse them. The same goes for internet and a lot of other things. They are by no means an end to themselves but just tools to assist us to achieve what we want. Should you decide to use the internet to good use, seeking knowledge and opening up our minds, then internet has been put to good use. Should we decide to abuse it by accessing porn sites and other negative sites only, then we are abusing this facility. Twitter, Facebook or even the internet cannot decide. They just react to our commands.

ii. So what if it is a western invention? If we are not allowed to use Western inventions, then there are a whole list of things we cannot utilise or even consume. No where in the Al-Quran nor in the hadiths by Rasulullah saw that said Muslims must stay away from Western inventions. What are Halal and Haram are not dictated by geographical aspects nor by who invented them.

If anything at all, one should put these mediums to good use. Use them to spread the teachings of Allah swt for example, keep contact with friends near and far and learn about other cultures and countries that are so distant from us.

Another statement that he made was the recent issue on blogger Aduka Taruna. What Aduka Taruna did was extremely disrespectful, not only because AlMarhum Tuanku was the subject, but would even be insulting for a normal person who passed away. How can YB Dato Seri Rais Yatim said that this person will not be charged and should be let off? I thought that was the purview of the Attorney General after reviewing the case and no one else. What YB Dato’ Seri did then was ultra vires.

As a learned person holding the post of Minister, YB Dato Rais should know better. The fact that he is holding the portfolio of information minister makes it worse for him on these cases. His statements make him look foolish and ill placed, especially when even his cabinet colleagues and fellow UMNO members from top to bottom are criticising him for his statements.

My letter to Star

2010-01-18T23:29:00.002+08:00

Dear Sirs,

I refer to your report on page N8 - “Legalise, Don’t Deport”.

I totally disagree with MIC Youth Chief T Mohan who asked the Government to introduce a clemency programme for the 40,000 Indian citizens working illegally in Malaysia. His statement is irresponsible and is not thought out properly.

Firstly, should the Government follow his advice, the Government will set a very dangerous precedent for other illegal workers. What about the illegal workers from Indonesia and China? If we were to allow for the illegal and missing Indian workers, we would then need to allow for the others too.

By coming out with a clemency programme as suggested by MIC Youth, the Government will set a trend that will encourage more illegal workers and overstayers in the future. Our country will be swamped with them and we would have a host of other problems that our country could well do without.

The relevant agencies under Government must take action against illegal workers, irregardless where they come from. For example, obviously these workers were brought in by agents or specific companies to work in Malaysia. Immigration Department or Human Resources Ministry should haul them up, not to explain but to impose stiff penalties and even blacklist these companies because of their failure to monitor these illegal and overstaying workers.

MIC, being the a political party should assist the Government by flushing the illegals out rather than trying to protect the wrongdoers and trying to get them clemency.

We want good workers who are respectful of the law, not those who break the law. I am disappointed that MIC Youth feels they should protect these people who have clearly broken the law.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

Vice Division Chief for UMNO Jerai

A Case for The Removal of Subsidies

2010-01-02T12:28:00.005+08:00

I generally agree with the Government’s move to reduce the subsidy on sugar and remove it from white bread. I was also happy (although it also hit my pocket) that the Government reduced the subsidies on petrol.

Generally subsidies make us have a false sense of economic security and well being. It also gives us a false inflation indicator as the index is calculated based on the subsidised price and not the actual market price and cost. We then think we have more money in our pockets whilst in all fairness, our purchasing power has gone down. Because of subsidised pricing and this false sense of security, we tend to be clumsy on our spending and maybe even consume more, which in turn chalks up a higher subsidy bill for the Government and taxpayers.

Subsidies are also a lot like burnt money. They tend not to have a high multiplier effect on the economy but is just given to the supplier direct. For example, Malaysia’s subsidy bills runs up to approximately RM25 – RM30 billion. Imagine what the nation can do in terms of development, economic stimulus packages and so on if we have that much money in the nation’s pocket instead of it being burnt money.

So,in general, subsidies are bad for the economy in the long run. The gradual removal of subsidies, especially to the rich must be implemented and welcomed. For example, why should a person who can afford to buy a luxurious huge oil guzzler of 3.0 litres or more, be given the same amount of subsidy per litre petrol as a person driving a 1.6litre. More so the oil guzzler might have a 120l capacity tank compared to the smaller car which has a 70l capacity tank. In this regard, obviously, the Government subsidy on petrol is being enjoyed by the wrong group.

However, in reality, the Government still needs to subsidise for the poor and the needy, especially on basic and essential items like rice, sugar and so on. Certain economic activities like padi planting, farming, fishing and so on also must be subsidised. These are all part of the overall “Food Security Programme” for the country. It is better to subsidise these activities and ensure domestic production of these food types rather than import from outside and be exposed to the whims and fancies of foreign country suppliers.

The removal of subsidies should be done gradually and smartly. Agreed that this will be an unpopular move politically but it must be done to ensure the country’s competitiveness and survival in the long run. The Government must clearly explain and justify to the rakyat the importance and the effects of the removal of these subsidies. At the same time, the Government must clearly show where all the money saved as a result of the removal of the subsides go to. A case in question is the reduction of the petrol subsidy. The Government declared that it would save RM4billion which would be used to improve transport facilities and so on. Even if the ensuing world petrol price hike had wiped out the total RM4b savings, this must be explained clearly and in detail to the Rakyat instead of a one off remark. The same goes for the savings for sugar, white bread subsidies and other subsidies in the future.

Though the Government means well, lack of communication and explanation will lead to confusion and speculation. The Rakyat will think that there is corruption and leakages in the Government machinery which is a worse political death knell than the removal of subsides for the rich initially.

Remove certain subsidies and re-strategise on certain other subsidies to ensure that the subsidies reach the right target group. At the same time, the Government machinery must be improved to ensure there is no abuse or wastage on these subsidies.

Tell the rakyat clearly where the savings from the removal of subsidies have gone to.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

Vice UMNO Division Chief Jerai

(sent this article to the media)

Program KEMAS

2009-12-31T15:46:00.003+08:00

Lebih kurang dua minggu lalu saya telah dijemput untuk marasmi tutup dan menyampaikan sijil di dalam satu program KEMAS Yan yang memberi pengisian pelbagai kemahiran dan pengetahuan kepada peserta-peserta Wanita dari beberapa kampung di DUN Guar Chempedak dan DUN Sg Limau. Kemahiran ini memberi para peserta kelebihan dalam menganyam, membuat barang barang kraftangan, memasak dan juga menjahit.

Alhamdulillah, program-program seperti ini juga dapat digunakan untuk menambah pendapatan para peserta yang lulus dengan cara berniaga kecil-kecilan. Pada masa sama, saya amat bersetuju dengan program sebegini rupa yang merupakan program menambahkan ilmu sepanjang hayat dan tidk hanya berhenti selepas meninggalkan bangku sekolah.

Saya bersyukur kepada Allah swt dan berterimakasih kepada KEMAS Yan atas program ini. Diharapkan lebih banyak prgoram sebegini rupa dapat dijalankan dalam usaha kita semua membangunkan modal insan seterusnya membangunkan kawasan kita.

Program Intelek Desa

2009-12-31T10:13:00.006+08:00

2 minggu lepas pelajar-pelajar DPLI UPSI telah mengadakan satu program anak angkat dipanggil Program Intelek Desa di Kampung Batu 2. Program telah berjalan selama 3 hari 2 malam di mana mereka tinggal dirumah rumah keluarga angkat dan menjalankan pelbagai aktiviti di kampung. Peserta-peserta dari UPSI ini merupakan mereka yang sedang menjalankan pengajian dan latihan untuk menjadi guru dan kehadiran mereka bukan sahaja sekadar menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti biasa tetapi telah dapat memberi pengisian, ilmu dan semangat kepada anak-anak kampung yang masih lagi belajar.

Saya berharap silaturrahim yang dijalinkan dapat kita teruskan dan kukuhkan lagi. Saya juga berharap mereka dapat terus berhubung , walaupun sebulan sekali bertanya khabar, lebih-lebih lagi kepada adik-adik angkat mereka. Ini akan membakar semangat adik-adik mereka untuk belajar dan berjaya sepertimana abang-abang dan kakak-kakak angkat mereka masuk ke Universiti.

Terimakasih Saiful yang membantu menggerakkan program Intelek Desa ini, terimakasih Pak Su Ismail sebagai ketua kg Bt 2, Azizah dan semua yang menjayakan program Intelek Desa di Kg Bt 2.

Program Cari JKM - Kaji semula

2009-12-30T09:54:00.003+08:00

Lanjutan kepada Program Cari Siri I yang dijalankan bersama JKM dalam bulan Ramadhan dimana lebih kurang 108 orang telah dikenalpasti dan menerima bantuan JKM, UMNO Bahagian telah bekerjasaam sekali lagi dengan JKM untuk mengkaji semula kesemua kes-kes yang ditolak dalam Siri I serta beberapa lagi kes baru.

Alhamdulillah, saya bersyukur kepada Allah swt dan berterimakasih kepada Kerajaan Pusat kerana menyediakan Program Cari yang banyak membantu mereka yang susah dan memerlukan. Walaupun Program Cari ini akan tamat tempoh dalam masa terdekat ini, namun saya yakin Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita dan Keluarga akan meneruskan usaha-usaha seperti ini walau dalam apa bentuk juapun.

Saya juga berterimakasih banyak kepada JKM Negeri dan Yan yang banyak membantu serta berusaha keras dalam mengurangkan beban keluarga-keluarga yang daif. Moga banyak lagi yang dapat kita usahakan kerana Allah swt demi membantu rakyat yang memerlukan.

Program Belia di Titi Hayun

2009-12-01T13:11:00.009+08:00

Pada 22 November 2009, saya telah berjumpa dengan belia-belia dari pelbagai kampung di dalam DUN Gurun dan Guar Chempedak di Titi Hayun. Mereka telah menjalankan program Karnival Belia anjuran JASA yang bermula di Gurun dan berkonvoi masuk ke beberapa kampung dan diakhiri dengan sukaneka di Titi Hayun. Seronok melihat keceriaan dan kebersamaan mereka dalam menjalankan aktiviti. Saya juga telah berdialog dengan mereka untuk mendengar pendapat dan idea - idea bagaimana untuk terus menggiatkan lagi belia di kawasan. Alhamdulillah banyak pendapat bernas dan idea yang telah diluahkan dan akan kita berusaha sama-sama terjemahkan.

Terimakasih saya ucapkan kepada JASA parlimen Jerai dan JASA negeri. Terimakasih dan tahniah kepada semua , lebih-lebih lagi belia yang aktif dan ceria mengambil bahagian.

MACC - TIED HANDS?

2009-11-26T01:24:00.005+08:00

editor@thestar.com.my

The High Court recently ruled that MACC is only allowed to question suspects and witnesses during office hours ie about 8.00 am to 5pm. This is a landmark judgment and will definitely change how MACC offices throughout the country operate. Whilst on the one hand, it is good, especially in the wake of the death of the late Teoh Beng Hock who was grilled until late night before being released though found dead later on, I wonder if the judgment would create more problems than solving them.

Not questioning the Court’s judgment, MACC must now find new ways and methods to build its cases solidly for prosecution. Imagine this scenario – the suspect is brought into MACC headquarters for questioning. However, by 5pm (close of office for the day), questioning is still not finished yet. Does this mean the MACC must now release the suspect or witness and ask him to re-submit himself for questioning the next working day? If that were the case, the scenarios might happen:-

i. Suspect / Witness does turn up the next day for further questioning;

ii. Suspect / Witness (if reluctant witness) will destroy all evidence soonest possible to destroy the case;

iii. If it involves a third party who will also be prosecuted if there is a strong case, Suspect / Witness might be kidnapped or killed by them.

iv. Suspect / Witness runs away to evade questioning.

And MACC would not know anything about any of the above scenarios happening until the next working day when the suspect / witness fails to show up. By then it might just be too late to do anything to salvage the case.

And what happens if it were over the weekend? That is a whole 63 hours (Friday 5.00 pm to Monday 8.00am) or 2 1/2 days before they know if their suspect / witness would turn up or not. By then, the suspect / witness can be half way around the world or be hidden anywhere and the MACC would be totally too late to react and salvage the case.

MACC must now crack their heads to find way to overcome this obstacle. Some suggestions could include MACC providing a “safe-house” for the suspect / witness. Alternatively, MACC could provide “bodyguards” after office hours.

However amusing and funny this sounds, it is actually very serious. MACC must be allowed to conduct its investigations as objectively as possible. Nothing must hamper its investigations such as the scenarios listed above.

Though I am saddened by the late Teoh Beng Hock’s death, I hope MACC will find ways to ensure the integrity of their investigations and not be hampered by the after office hours ruling.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail

Corporate Bail-out - for who?

2009-11-19T12:24:00.008+08:00

To: editor@thestar.com.my

The Selangor State government recently announced that it will buy over the debts Talam Corporation Bhd has with 4 Selangor state owned subsidiaries totalling RM391m, namely Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS), Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB), Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB)and Universiti Selangor (UNISEL). The vehicle used will be the state’s investment arm, Mentri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to buy over the debts owed by Talam. The State Assembly had also on 9 November 2009, approved the supplementary budget totalling to RM391m for this corporate exercise.

Defending the move, the MB of Selangor stated that MBI will ensure that Talam pays off the total RM391m within 3 months and that he was the consultant and brains behind the corporate debt restructuring. In fact, YB Azmin Ali went several steps further when he was quoted defending the move and saying that Selangor Industrial Corporation (SIC), the arm used to get the CIMB loan can settle the debt within 24 hours.

YB Elizabeth Wong also defended the move and said that the Selangor State Government wil be using the full might of the state to recover the amount that been overdue for 10 years from Talam. YB Teresa Kok defended it by saying "By consolidating Talam's debt owed to the state under the MBI it makes it easier to collect the debts and to take the necessary action to recoup the losses," she said. She also stressed that MBI has more power to act as it can seize the land and assets involved if Talam does not repay its debts to the state as a last resort.” And that the public should trust them.-Malaysiakini report.

After reading all the news reports made available, this is nothing more but a corporate bail-out for Talam Corp. Now, we have seen many bail –outs in recent days, especially in the US for their banks and major car-makers like Ford, Chrysler and so on. At the same time, the Government of Malaysia had in created Danaharta and Danamodal to buy out debts companies have with banks. But one common factor for these bail-outs – they are all for national interest to keep companies or banks with strategic national interests alive.

I wonder what strategic interest does Talam have for the Selangor State Government? And the state owned subsidiaries are not banks that will hurt their balance sheet and curtail them from doing further businesses. So exactly, why the bail-out?

If these debts had been accumulating for the last 10 years, why is the MB of Selangor and the few YBs above so confident that they can collect in 3 months. And if they can collect in 3 months, why execute all these corporate debt restructuring which will cost SIC and eventually the Rakyat RM70,000 per day in interest? What is it that they can do now that cannot be done last time. And if they know they can collect in 3 months, who go through all the exercises. If they had had the patience to wait for 10 years, just wait for another 3 months for the debts to be settled without having to do all these costly exercises.

Even under the State subsidiaries, they have the full rights through legal channels to claim for what is owed, and eventually seize assets and lands or whatever to get payment. It does not have to go through MBI to do that.

In short I am perplexed why the Selangor State government is doing this. Absolutely no concrete reason.

The Selangor State Government owes the Rakyat an answer and clarification. Or else the Rakyat will think someone benefited from the whole deal.

2009-11-19T12:24:00.007+08:00

To: editor@thestar.com.my

I wonder what strategic interest does Talam has for the Selangor State Government? And the state owned subsidiaries are not banks that will hurt their balance sheet and curtail them from doing further businesses. So exactly, why the bail-out?

If these debts have been accumulating for the last 10 years, why is the MB of Selangor and the few YBs above so confident that they can collect in 3 months. And if they can collect in 3 months, why execute all these corporate debt restructuring which will cost SIC and eventually the Rakyat RM70,000 per day in interest? If they had the patience to wait for 10 years, just wait for another 3 months for the debts to be settled without having to do all these costly exercises.

In short I am perplexed why the Selangor State government is doing this. Absolutely no concrete reason.

The Selangor State Government owes the Rakyat an answer and clarification. Or else the Rakyat will think someone benefited from the whole deal.

Program Rakyat anjuran KEMAS Daerah Yan

2009-11-18T16:58:00.003+08:00

Baru-baru ini, KEMAS Daerah Yan telah menganjurkan satu program Rakyat bersama JKKKP Cawangan Kuala Sg Daun. KEMAS telah menghadiahkan beg-beg sekolah kepada anak-anak kampung tersebut sebagai persiapan awal masuk kesekolah tahun depan. Pada masa sama, program ini telah memberi peluang untuk saya dan pegawai-pegawai KEMAS untuk beramah-mesra dengan penduduk kampung Kuala Sg Daun.

Saya berharap lebih banyak program seperti ini akan dijalankan untuk memberi ruang dan peluang kami turun ke akar umbi dengan lebih kerap lagi. Terimakasih KEMAS.

Program Jejak Akar Kuala Sg Daun bersama Ketua Cawangan UMNO

2009-11-18T16:25:00.007+08:00

MACC

2009-11-09T17:25:00.002+08:00

To : editor@thestar.com.my

I am very happy to learn that MACC has set up a special team under its Inspections and Consultancy Division to address issues of allocations given to Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen being abused. This is certainly a pro-active move by MACC and should be welcomed by all.

MACC however must not only focus only prosecution. Many of these YBs and their staff might not be aware of the procedures and stringent rules when it comes to utilising their allocation for the Rakyat. As such, certain well intentioned cases of helping the Rakyat gone wrong might just be due to lack of understanding the procedures or rules instead of outright fraud. I am happy to note that MACC has also directed their state level Public Education units to hold special briefings for the Wakil Rakyat from all parties.

Once after all the briefings of the rules and procedures are done, then no one can claim ignorance when utilizing the allocations. Only then, MACC can prosecute effectively knowing that all abuses are because of fraud rather than anything else.

On another note, MACC must also inform to the public the progress of cases involving public figures or on issues of abuses of public funds. Whilst it is understandable and acceptable that certain information is considered sensitive and cannot be divulged, many are wondering on cases like YB Dato’ Seri Mohd Khir Toyo and investigations on the recent Attorney-General’s report. It is also unfair for YB Dato’ Seri Khir Toyo to be left hanging without a conclusion to investigations on his case. I believe he would also like an opportunity to clear his name if possible.

The AG’s recent reports came up highlighted many cases of abuse. Apart from the relevant ministries’ internal investigations and subsequent disciplinary action if any, MACC should also look into the cases because it is of public interest. Many are outraged by the blatant abused acts that the officers in charge are doing.

These corrupt practices are an embarrassment not only for the Government, but to us as the rakyat of Malaysia.

Ahmad Ikmal Ismail (concerned citizen)

MCA Crisis

2009-11-08T10:51:00.001+08:00

Looks like we have Dato’ Seri Ong Tee Keat and Dato’ Seri Chua Soi Lek back at the helm of MCA. Dato’ Seri Liow Tiong Lai is back to Vice- President after 19 days as Deputy President, being replaced by the very person whom he replaced initially. And with the implementation of the “Unity Plan”, both individuals are confident that things will be well again. So the puzzle goes.

I have no particular interest on any of the major players in MCA. Not DS OTK, DS CSL or DS LTL. But I could not help but wonder if MCA has come out stronger from all these manoeuvring ? Or has MCA lost its plot and is headed for oblivion?

The way things are going in MCA, it does not look to good for them. I spoke to some of my Chinese friends who are supportive of the BN but not in any particular party. They are of the opinion that MCA leadership (not anyone in particular but a whole bunch of them) have become self absorbed and are not looking at the greater Chinese community. As it is, support from the Chinese community for Barisan Nasional, in particular MCA and Gerakan (the two main Chinese based parties in BN) is at its all time low as reflected in PRU 12. Even in the recent by-elections, support from the Chinese community had been found wanting. In general, roughly only 20% to 30% supported BN candidates in any by-elections save for Bagan Pinang.

Given the current developments in MCA, my friends were saying they were disgusted and could not see either MCA or Gerakan helming the Chinese community. Gerakan was at one time totally shattered and dysfunctional as a party. Only now it is trying to pick itself up and rebuild, albeit slowly and still unsure of its members and leaders. Recently, Lim Si Pin lambasted his youth delegates because less 50% turned up for the Gerakan Youth AGM. There was no camaraderie amongst them and the spirit of party brotherhood fighting for a cause was totally missing from the Gerakan Youth delegates.

MCA, being the bigger of the two and seen last time as the bastion of the Chinese community is faring no better. As I said just now, many of my Chinese friends feel that the leaders are too self-absorbed with internal politicking and in-fighting. And all these problems are costing the MCA money (EGMs and so on are expensive), time and effort (which it could ill afford) wasted and more importantly face. Respect and dignity are two very important facets and in general, my Chinese friends felt that MCA has lost them. Whichever way the story goes for MCA, its leaders are all bruised up and have had their reputation and dignity dragged down a notch or two.

MCA must close this turbulent chapter soonest possible. It must also begin positioning one or two of its leaders over and above all this fighting so that there will still be someone the Chinese community can look up to. The leaders in MCA must start to think how even with all these in-fighting, at least one or two can come out relatively not bruised with his reputation relatively intact.

UMNO went through an extremely tough time and still is even now. As I was telling my friends, UMNO had to sweat blood and a pint more just to win a little respect and confidence back. We needed to do a major overhaul (no less than the change in President and leadership) to start the ball rolling to transform UMNO. As it is, we are on the right track but still not out of the woods yet. Make no mistake, UMNO is still far off from comfort zone and is battling daily to get there.

I hope MCA can come out of this intact. Someone has got to give. Compromise for the greater good of the party and Chinese community. I know it is easier said than done, especially when I am an observer, but if not done, MCA will go into oblivion.

I am confident my colleagues in MCA can eventually do it.

Dato' Kanalingam Vellupillai

2009-10-27T00:15:00.002+08:00

I cannot understand the decision on V K Lingam’s case. It is a blatant and clear cut case that he had tried to use his “influence” to get certain things done, albeit in drunken stupor. More so, for all intents and purposes, it was obvious that he had arranged (through his office) and went for the holiday trip with Tun Eusoff Chin.

For the Commission and then the minister in charge to say that the case is closed or cannot be pursued for lack of evidence is highly debatable. They must now explain why and how they arrived to that decision given what the public knows. Maybe it has to do with some legal interpretation of things which we the public are not aware of. But the main thing right now is for the Minister in charge to explain clearly and wholly to the public.

Now we have R Sivarasa (PKR VP) saying that he will reveal and bring him forward the key witness to the whole case. This is crazy. He is making a mockery out of the whole system. He should have brought the person forward much earlier to assist with the investigations and not try to be a hero now. The only plausible explanation for Sivarasa’s actions is that he wants to make MACC and the Commission a laughing stock. To quote a news report :–

“Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby today, Sivarasa said he and other PKR leaders are “personally in contact with this key witness”.

"We are shocked to learn that MACC - with all the resources at its disposal - has not been able to locate any witness and is unable to prosecute this blatant act of corruption,” said the Subang MP.

Thus shows he is just trying to play stupid politics and have a one up on MACC and Commission. What he has achieved is to waste the public’s money (investigations and Royal Commissions cost a lot), waste everyone’s time and to an extent he denied justice by hampering with investigations when he did not reveal the key witness during the investigations then.

I wonder if there are laws to prosecute him for doing this.

Whatever it is, the government cannot sweep this under the carpet. Clear and proper explanations must be given. Although the Commission had arrived to the decision not to pursue further, if there are new evidences or developments pertinent to the case, it must be brave and committed enough to re-open and investigate.

With the greatest respect to all involved, this article was written.......

Pindaan Perlembagaan UMNO

2009-10-19T13:13:00.007+08:00

Semasa menyampaikan ucapan penerimaan jawatan Presiden di hari terakhir Persidangan Agung UMNO 2008, YAB DS Naib telah berkata " Sekiranya kita berani membuat perubahan, sokongan kepada UMNO dan Barisan Nasional akan kembali dan kita boleh pulih kedudukan kita"......dan "jikalau kita tidak berani atau tidak mahu berubah, maka kita akan rebah"........

Alhamdulillah, Persidangan Agung UMNO 2009 menjadi saksi kepada peristiwa sejarah meminda perlembagaan untuk UMNO berubah. Secara ringkasnya, pindaan perlembagaan ini mengambil tiga pendekatan. Bahawa UMNO perlu menjadi dan dilihat lebih terbuka, lebih demokratik dan lebih inklusif.

Secara ringkasnya terdapat 9 pindaan perlembagaan yang besar.:-

i. Ahli mengundi

Penambahan ahli-ahli yang akan mengundi dan memilih Jawatan-Jawatan Presiden, Timbalan Presiden, Naib Presiden, MT. Jikalau dulu hanya 2,600 orang perwakilan terdiri daripada 13 orang setiap bahagian yang akan mengundi dan memilih, kini dianggarkan seramai 146,500 orang ahli yang akan mengundi dan memilih yakni lebih kurang 500 lebih setiap bahagian. Mereka ini terdiri daripada ahli-ahli cawangan yang mewakili akar umbi seluruh negara.

Ulasan Ringkas

Pindaan ini akan memastikan bahawa lebih ramai rakyat dari pelbagai latar belakang, baik kaya atau miskin, tinggal di Bandar mahupun kampung dan sebagainya dapat menentukan kepimpinan tertinggi UMNO. Ini juga akan memastikan penentuan ini tidak hanya terletak pada 13 orang setiap bahagian yang mungkin mempunyai agenda tersendiri untuk seseorang itu naik, tetapi kepada lebih kurang 500 orang satu bahagian yang mungkin tidak langsung mengenali calon itu secara peribadi tetapi dapat merasakan usaha kerja dan jasa calon itu kepada rakyat.

Persepsi bahawa adalah senang menyogok lebih kurang 2,500 perwakilan dengan duit (politik wang) juga terhapus. Cuba sogok 146,500 pengundi seluruh negara.

ii. Kuota kelayakan untuk bertanding

Sebelum ini, sesiapa yang ingin bertanding jawatan – jawatan tertinggi termasuklah di peringkat MT atauketua, timbalan dan naib ketua bahagian harus mendapat pencalonan minima sebelum layak bertanding. Pindaan perlembagaan ini hanya meletakkan syarat minima yakni:-

a. Pertandingan peringkat MT, Calon harus pernah memegang mana-mana jawatan Ahli Jawatankausa bahagian selama satu penggal.

b. Pertandingan peringkat bahagian, calon harus sudah menjadi ahli selama satu penggal.

c. Calon-calon haruslah mendaftarkan dirinya bersama penyoknog dan pencadang untuk bertanding.

Ulasan Ringkas

Memudahkan bakat-bakat baru untuk menawarkan diri untuk berkhidmat kepada rakyat melalui UMNO. Tidak ada sekatan atau halangan yang menidakkan bakat-bakat baru ini bertanding.

iii. Penambahan kuota Wanita

Pelantikan Wanita sebagai AJK lantikan tambahan di peringkat MT, Bahagian dan Cawangan seterusnya pertambahan AJK disetiap peringkat.

Wanita diberi kuota tambahan di semua peringkat dari 1 automatik ke 2 lantikan automatik.

Ulasan ringkas

Sebagai satu penghormatan kepada Wanita atas kesetiaan dan penant lelah mereka. Lebih-lebih lagi Wanita merupakan nadi dan tiang kepada UMNO.

iv. Yuran

Yuran seumur hidup kini adalah RM2

v. Perwakilan Automatik

Ketua-ketua sayap diperingkat cawangan kini menjadi perwakilan automatik ke peringkat bahagian.

Ulasan Ringkas

Satu pengiktirafan kepada ketua-ketua sayap cawangan. Ianya satu pengiktirafan kepada orang muda melalui Pemuda dna Puteri.

vi. Setiausaha Bahagian

Setiausaha Bahagian kini menjadi perwakilan automatik

Ulasan ringkas:-

Pengiktirafan kepada SUB yang berfungsi sebagai Ketua Pegawai Operasi atau Chief operating Officer bahagian bahagian. Satu kerja yang sukar dan bukan ramai boleh melakukannya.

vii. Penerimaan keahlian

Ketua-ketua sayap kini diberi mandat untuk menerima dan meluluskan permohonan mengikut sayap masing-masing.

Ulasan Ringkas:-

Lebih banyak ruang untuk orang muda menyertai parti tanpa sekatan oleh sesiapa.

Pindaan Perlembagaan ini telah diluluskan tanpa ada halangan atau bantahan. Ini menunjukkan para perwakilan sedar perlunya UMNO berubah.

Saya yakin pindaan ini dapat merevolusikan UMNO dan mengukuhkan UMNO kembali. Ucapan YAB DS Najib juga adalah amat bagus, bersemangat, ikhlas, bermuhasabah serta penuh keazaman untuk UMNO memimpin membangunkan negara untuk semua orang termasuk semua agama dan bangsa, bukan sahaja ahli-ahli UMNO.

2009-10-19T13:12:00.001+08:00

Hari Malaysia - 16 September 1963

2009-10-19T11:47:00.002+08:00

I am extremely happy YAB DS Najib announced that the Cabinet had decided 16 September 1963 be commemorated as Hari Malaysia and that starting from 2010, 16 September is declared a public holiday.

The recognition is long overdue. 16 September 1963 was the date Malaysia was formed with the joining of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore (Singapore subsequently left in 1965) into Tanah Melayu. As such, it is only right that we recognise this date apart from 31 August 2009 as our Independence Day.

I hope this announcement will bring Sabahans and Sarawakians closer to West Malaysians. This declaration should also put to rest all uneasiness or provocations that the Federal Government viewed the two states as lesser than the rest.

We are all sons and daughters of Malaysia. Let us together enjoy and celebrate the uniqueness of Malaysia.

Thought For Today

2009-10-18T22:32:00.002+08:00

Program Jejak Akar bersama KEMAS Daerah Yan

2009-10-16T06:17:00.012+08:00

Baru-baru ini saya telah melawat beberapa buah rumah di sekitar DUN Sg Limau bersama KEMAS Daerah Yan. Kami telah pergi menziarahi rumah - rumah mereka yang telah di kategorikan sebagai susah dan memerlukan bantuan di bawah Program Tambahan Makanan Seimbang.

Di bawah program ini, keluarga-keluarga yang dipilih adalah mereka yang susah dan mempunyai anak-anak kecil yang menghadiri kelas tabika KEMAS dan yang menghadiri sekolah. Keluarga-keluarga ini telah diberi makanan berkhasiat seisi keluarga termasuklah susu tepung, vitamin (untuk anak-anak), milo (atau tepung coklat) dan sebagainya. Antara objektif utama adalah untuk memberi makanan berkhasiat untuk anak-anak sebagai apa yang kita panggil brain food ataupun makanan untuk menjadikan otak dan minda mereka cerdas.

Kami mengambil keputusan untuk menziarahi terus ke rumah-rumah mereka supaya dapat melihat masalah keluarga-keluarga ini serta berbincang apa-apa yang boleh kami bantu selain Program ini. Dengan cara ini barulah kami betul-betul dapat membantu serta memahami cara mereka menjalankan kehidupan harian mereka. Dengan cara ini juga, ianya memberi peluang untuk saya meninjau secara dekat perkembangan kampung-kampung dan bersembang dengan penduduk-penduduk lain juga.

Alhamdulillah, KEMAS Daerah Yan telah membantu sebaik mungkin dan berjaya menjadi salah satu agensi kerajaan yang menghubungkan kepimpinan dengan masyarakat secara efektif. Saya juga gembira dengan komitmen yang ditunjukkan dalam gerakerja kita bersama.

Yang naik gerek ( bahasa Kedah untuk basikal) ni adalah salah seorang kakitangan KEMAS yang juga AJK UMNO Bahagian Jerai.....dah lama tak naik kot, teringin sangat....selamat tak jatuh, kalau tidak jadi cerita lain.........

Moga usaha ini kita teruskan bersama.....

Bagan Pinang - An enigma.....or simple logic?

2009-10-13T12:16:00.002+08:00

The Bagan Pinang by-election was very interesting. Half of Port Dickson, especially the half that has most of the hotels, resorts and popular beaches are in Bagan Pinang. The electorate there is also diversed - roughly 64% Malays, 20% Indians, 11% Chinese and 5% others. Of the total electorate, we have about 4,000 postal voters from the police force and the army.

Bagan Pinang (Port Dickson) is also 1.5 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and 30 minutes from Seremban. I know some people who would dispute that and proudly say they can do much less than that, but we will leave them to their impending appointments with the hospitals on that. The close proximity to KL and Seremban along with its given status as a popular beach area with many resorts and hotels basically tell us that the locals (ie the electorate) are quite balanced in terms of education and have been exposed to news and the happenings in KL and so on. They also read the papers and are very up-to-date with all current issues and whatever is happening in Malaysia and around the world. There are also many housing developments areas there to attest to the middle income theory. Even the kampung folks there are quite well exposed. Many work either in tourism related industries, the security force or small retail businesses (ie sundry shops and so on).

During the campaigning period, Pakatan Rakyat relentlessly attacked the BN candidate and BN on several issues:-

i. That YB Tan Sri Isa is corrupted.

ii. That BN is a corrupted party.

iii. That BN is a gangster party that causes havoc with its supporters being very violent and gangster like.

iv. That BN had was the cause of racial hatred with issues like the late A Kugan, Teoh Beng Hock and the cow head issue in Shah Alam being played over and over again by the PR in their speeches, banners and leaflets to the public.

However, YB Tan Sri Isa Samad won handsomely, with an increased majority (double last time’s majority) of 5,435 votes. To be honest, almost everyone expected BN to win through YB TS Isa, so winning was not a surprise. The shock is the number of votes garnered, and the majority that he won. The other thing bucking the trend this time is that the Chinese and Indian voters almost fully supported TS Isa Samad.

What does this mean? One thing I am happy about is that this shows a man who has served his punishment (UMNO disciplinary board found him guilty of money politics) and has repented can be given a second chance and can be accepted back to the society if he truly repents. Of course, what YAB DS Najib and YAB TS Muhyidiin have been doing for the last couple of months since taking over the helm are also starting to bear fruits and are appreciated by the rakyat.

But as important, if one were to analyse between other by-elections and Bagan Pinang, only two variable main factors. Firstly, as discussed above is the YAB PM and DPM, and secondly is the candidate. Just as recent as August, we had a by-election in Permatang Pasir. Granted it is a PR stronghold but the barrage of attacks on the BN candidate there was tremendous due to the various issues compared to Bagan Pinang where the electorate embraced and to some extent even defended the BN candidate.

This goes to show that apart from all other considerations like party hierarchy (post in the division), being seen clean and so on, the candidate’s closeness to the society at large and his/her contribution to the society plays a major role. His/Her personal touch with the rakyat is very important and will be a deciding factor more than party hierarchy and so on. The candidate must already have a history and must be able to connect with the grassroots going into any election.

Some say YB TS Isa won because of the postal votes from the army and police. True YB TS Isa got the lion’s share of the postal votes (BN - 3,521; PAS – 601) but his majority was 5,435, way above the postal votes.

One thing this whole exercise has taught us is that the candidate factor is of paramount importance. Gone were the days where you can put a “stump” and people will still vote for you because you are aligned to a certain party. The electorate are wiser now and would like to see their “Wakil Rakyat” doing work and contributing effectively apart from the party itself being relevant and developing the nation properly.

To many who are apolitical, this is important. To vote in the right candidates and right party who have the rakyat’s interest at heart.

A good lesson for all.

Jamuan Hari Raya Terbuka di Kampung Titi Teras

2009-10-11T16:23:00.006+08:00

Baru-baru ini pihak JKKKP Kampung titi Teras telah mengadakan majlis Jamuan Kampung Terbuka sempena Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Alhamdulillah, ramai yang telah hadir dan sambutan adalah amat meriah. Ramai anak-anak yang hadir dan seronok, lebih-lebih apabila mereka mendapat duit Raya.

Saya seronok, bangga dan gembira melihat kerjasama dan perpaduan yang jelas terpancar untuk menjayakan program ini. Malah saya terkejut dan amat gembira apabila mendapat tahu OCS Guar Chempedak telah volunteer dan dengan sendirinya menyediakan teh tarik untuk semua. Cuba tengok di atas untuk gambar beliau menyediakan teh tarik bersama isteri. Inilah polis dan komuniti sebaik-baiknya.

Alhamdulillah, moga kampung dapat menganjurkan lebih banyak program-program kemasyarakatan demi perpaduan kampung.

Sedap makan..............

My Manila trip

2009-10-07T12:31:00.007+08:00

Hi everyone. It has been quite awhile since I posted anything on the blog. Been a bit busy running around. In fact, my Raya celebrations this year was a bit unique. First day of Raya was spent as usual, Raya with mom, mom-in -law, family and friends. Rather busy actually. Though we did not have an open house per se, we had a few friends and family over. It was nice and good.

Second day of Raya, we headed out to Manila. Had something to do there and decided to take everyone along. We were there until Friday, a day before storm Ketsana hit Manila.

Talking about Manila, to a large extent, I am not surprised at what they are going through right now. Even when I was there recently, the level of poverty in Manila was so glaring right on your face. I stayed at a relatively good hotel, Diamond Hotel which is beside Hyatt Hotel. All around us, we could see people living on the streets. Hyatt Hotel is another Five Star Hotel in Manila and a well known up market hotel chain, but just in front of the hotel you have people living on the streets and children sleeping on the pavement.

And there is just so much rubbish on the streets that clogged up the drains and waterways along the roads and so on. On the second night we were there, it rained a bit in Manila. Even then, there was already flooding on the roads and we can see rubbish floating around. So the flooding that is happening in Manila after Ketsana, though I wouldn't wish the storm on any country or anyone, is not surprising.

We were also warned to be careful when walking around - muggings, pickpockets and so on are quite normal there. Thank God nothing happened to us. I also felt as if almost everyone there wants to try to take advantage and cheat tourists. The taxis generally don't want to use meters and charge whatever they feel they can get away with. From my hotel to the Asia Mall for example, I had prices at 150 pesos, 100 pesos, 85 pesos (with a 10 peso tip) when the taxi used the meter. Prices are hiked up immediately when they know you are a tourist. Even a simple thing as buying bottled water at Rizal Park (a memorial park) was subject to price negotiation.

And everywhere, they will demand a tip. It turned into a joke when we visited Tagaytay area. We went to Mount Ta'al, an active volcanic mountain situated on an Island. There was this guy who just helped us alight from the boat and later onto the boat again and he demanded a tip because he said we walked on his plank about 3 feet long. I was flabbergasted!

But there were many good things also in Manila. The whole family enjoyed Asia Mall for example. And I tried ice-skating again after 30 years at the behest of my family. Good fun and I can tell you that my bottom was feeling rather raw after skating. Not including the ache on my feet for wearing skating boots.

All in all, I was thankful we left just before the Storm Ketsana hit Manila. Or else, I am positive I would have been stuck a few days more. What I wrote here about Manila is not to run them down, but I felt sad by the level of poverty I saw there. Almost anywhere and everywhere - at Rizal Park, along Manila Bay area, on the streets just outside the Hyatt Hotel and so on, there will be people making that their sleeping area at night.

Those who are rich are super rich adn those who are poor - I don't know how they or their children will get out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

I pray to God that the Filipinos will get through the floodings and storms in good health.

It was an experience and a sobering one for me. Though both cities are capitals to countries in Asean, a stark difference comparing Manila with Kuala Lumpur.

I thank God for blessing Malaysia and grateful to our leaders for leading and developing the country so well. Granted there is room for improvement but that is also a continuous process. Principally, our Government has done much good for us. And I am happy and thankful that in Malaysia, those who are poor still have the Government to help them out of poverty. Alhamdulillah.

Salam Aidilfitri

2009-09-20T01:08:00.002+08:00

Saya ingin mengucapkan Selamat menyambut Aidilfitri kepada semua - Islam dan bukan Islam. Moga Aidilfitri disambut bersama keluarga dan mereka yang tersayang dalam suasana yang gembira dan diberkati Allah swt.

Saya juga ingin memohon maaf kepada semua yang mungkin telah saya buat salah dari segi tutur kata atau apa-apa juapun. Moga Aidilfitri ini juga membawa kita lebih erat di antara satu sama lain.

Moga Allah swt senantiasa memberkati ktia semua dalam apa jua usaha kerja kita.

Program Jejak Akar - Masih Ada Yang Sayang

2009-09-15T15:20:00.007+08:00

Dalam bulan Jun lepas, saya telah melawat sebuah rumah di Kampung Manggol, Batu 13, DUN Sg Limau. Ini adalah sebahagian dari gerakerja menjejak akar saya yang dilakukan secara berterusan dengan menziarahi warga-warga emas, OKU, ibu tunggal dan sesiapa yang memerlukan bantuan melalui ketua ketua cawangan. Ketua UMNO Cawangan di sana, Saudara Shukri telah membawa saya ke beberapa rumah termasuk rumah Encik Samsu Bin Mat, 78 tahun yang tinggal bersama isterinya. Anaknya tinggal bersebelahan tetapi juga tidak berkemampuan dan penerima rumah PPRT (Projek Perumahan Rakyat Termiskin).

Sesampai saya dirumah tersebut, saya amat sedih. Rumahnya memang nampak luas, tetapi terlalu kekurangan serba-serbi. Lantainya adalah simen yang teramat nipis dan sebenarnya seperti berlantaikan tanah. Rumahnya yang dulu berdindingkan kayu, kini diganti hanya dengan guni-guni di tempat-tempat kayu reput untuk menghalang hujan dari masuk. Dan bumbungnya, jikalau dirumah-rumah lain yang saya pergi ada sedikit sebanyak kebocoran di sana sini dan perlu diganti beberapa keping zink bumbung supaya hujan tidak masuk, namun rumah Encik Samsu kalau hujan tetap akan masuk kerana ada lubang yang besar yang tidak ditutup.

Semasa saya ke kawasan dapur, saya amat sedih. Dinding di belakang rumah hanyalah jaring pukat dan guni tanpa adanya dinding kayu kerana tidak mampu. Saya juga difahamkan dari Sdr Shukri bahawa kadang-kadang Encik Samsu akan berjumpa beliau dan meminta sedikit duit untuk membeli beras dan lauk bagi makanan mereka sekeluarga.

Alhamdulillah, setelah berbincang dengan Sdr Shukri yang jufa Ketua Cawangan UMNO di situ, saya difahamkan beliau telah memohon bantuan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat untuk Encik Samsu. Saya kemudiannya telah pergi berjumpa dengan pengarah Pejabat Pembangunan Negeri yang di bawah Kerajaan Pusat, Encik Hadzir untuk merayu beliau meluluskan peruntukan membina sebuah rumah baru. Biar kecil namun selesa, bersih dan selamat. Alhamdulillah, Encik Hadzir, setelah melihat gambar-gambar dan kertas kerja yang disediakan terus meluluskan peruntukan.

Pembinaan telah bermula hujung bulan Julai dan siap pada 13 Ogos 2009. Encik Samsu juga telah mendapat bantuan dari JKM sebanyak RM300 sebulan hasil dari usaha ketua cawangan beliau. Dan semasa saya melawat beliau baru-baru ini, terlihat di muka Encik Samsu dan keluarga satu keriangan. Walaupun masih menggunakan tungku untuk masak (orang tua – tak nak pakai dapur gas), namun saya seronok tungku berasap dan sedang memasak sesuatu, untuk berbuka puasa saya rasa. Boleh dirasakan kelainan yang amat ketara semasa lawatan saya berbanding dengan pertama kali saya melawat.

Alhamdulillah, saya bersyukur dan berterimakasih tidak terhingga kepada semua yang telah menjayakan ibadah ini. Encik Hadzir (pengarah SDO), Sdr Shukri (ketua Cawangan UMNO Bt 13), belia-belia kampung yang telah bergotong royong membina rumah dan menyampaikan bantuan beras kepada Encik Samsu, pegawai-pegawai saya dan semua yang tidak mungkin saya dapat sebut satu persatu.

Alhamdulillah saya bersyukur kepada Allah swt kerana telah memberi saya peluang dan hidayah untuk membantu.

Inilah sebahagian daripada erti dan makna politik – membantu mereka yang memerlukan bantuan.

Sidang Dewan Kedah

2009-09-09T07:31:00.005+08:00

Saya ingin komen sedikit mengenai isu ADUN Kota Siputeh yang telah dirujuk kepada Suruhanjaya Pilhanraya kerana dikatakan tidak menghadiri sesi Dewan Undangan Negeri Kedah 2 sesi berturut-turut. Walaupun SPR telah membuat keputusan di mana ianya bukan 2 sesi berturut-turut dalam penggal yang sama, namun secara jujur saya katakan bahawa pada saya itu hanyalah satu keputusan berdasarkan "technicalities".

Bukan niat saya ingin mengkritis sesiapa tetapi hanya menyampaikan pendapat saya secara ikhlas dan juga peringatan kepada semua termasuk saya. Walaupun saya tidak mengenali beliau secara rapat, saya difahamkan ADUN Kota Siputeh adalah seoarang yang baik dan senantiasa membantu rakyat di kawasan beliau.

Saya terkejut dan tidak percaya, seseorang yang telah menjadi ADUN selama 5 penggal boleh membuat kesilapan sebegitu rupa. Sidang Dewan bukanlah selalu dan hanya dua atau tiga hari setiap kali bersidang. Jikalau beliau telah hadir walau sehari jua dan tidak untuk keseluruhan sidangpun, saya yakin kes ini tidak timbul. Dimanakah "Whip" BN Kedah yang sepatutnya memantau dan memastikan perkara-perkara seperti ini tidak berlaku?

Terdengar dari kalangan intelek dan profesional Kedah yang mengatakan bahawa BN memandang ringan terhadap perkara-perkara seperti ini, bahawa BN tidak menghormati DYMM Tuanku Sultan kerana Baginda yang menerajui Kerajaan Kedah dan sidang DUN dirasmikan oleh beliau. Yang lebih sinis mengatakan bahawa ADUN BN bagaikan tidak endah atau tidak hirau untuk berdebat atau mengambil peluang menimbulkan isu-isu rakyat Kedah di sidang Dewan.

Dan katakanlah SPR membuat keputusan bahawa sememangnya ADUN Kota Siputeh harus meletakkan jawatan, bayangkan betapa malunya BN Kedah. Ini tidak termasuk masalah di mana BN harus mempertahankan kerusi di dalam pilihanraya kecil, masa dan sumber yang akan digunakan untuk pilihanraya kecil yang sepatutnya ditumpukan untuk pembangunan negeri dan negara.

Keputusan SPR bukannya satu kemenangan untuk sesiapa termasuklah bukannya kemenangan untuk BN. Ia sepatutnya satu pengajaran, satu pengajaran supaya ianya tidak berulang lagi.

Street Demonstrations - The Temple Relocation Issue

2009-09-09T07:19:00.002+08:00

I have been thinking about the temple relocation issue that has been hogging the limelight for the wrong reasons recently. Now I do not want to comment on the merits of the case or whether there are justifications as to the reason of the demonstration (to protest the relocation of the temple to Section 23) but I wish to comment on the means they took to show their protest.

I was shocked and extremely sad when I first learned about the incident. To have a group of people march down the road and protest loudly is already bad enough (I am against street protests), but to further exacerbate the situation by bringing a severed cow head, stepping and spitting on it is pure dumb, stupid and just asking for trouble. Whatever reasons given ie it was unintentional, it was meant for the state government or whatever – it smacks plainly of gross insensitivity and disrespect for the Hindu religion and the Hindus not only living in that area but all over. In fact to me, you are also causing much harm to all Malaysians who live peacefully side by side with all races.

What has happened has caused much uneasiness and unhappiness, not just amongst the Section 23 folks, but also amongst many of us all over. Many of my Indians friends are asking me why it happened and are discussing what this meant to them . I am very happy to note that the AG has decided to prosecute the organisers and perpetrators of the crime under the Seditious Act. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised that the investigation and decision to do so were very quickly taken.

What have the street demonstrations and the act of stepping on the cow head got you? Nothing but pure condemnation from everyone all over and hopefully soon getting arrested by the police and charged for showing insensitivity to another religion. What they fought for was totally different and what they ended up with now is putting them in hot water.

The main organisers were saying that their demonstration was hijacked by other parties who brought the severed cow head that turned everyone’s attention to it rather then the original issue at hand. Now I have to say, that is what happens in a street demos. You may start of with good intentions, good planning and good preparations but because you cannot control who takes part, you cannot control what they bring and how they behave during these demonstrations, chances are extremely high that things will go haywire and totally wrong during the demonstrations.

That is why I am against street demonstrations. There will always be certain individuals out there who are joining the street demonstrations for their own personal agenda – maybe just for fun or maybe just out to create trouble. And when “shit hits the ceiling” (pardon my language), the organisers cannot turn around and say “ I did not mean this or that to happen. My intention was good and pure” etc.

Street demonstrations bring nothing but utter chaos and a disruption to activities in that area. There are always other ways to get your views and opinions across.

Masih Ada Yang Sayang - Program Cari DUN Sg Limau

2009-09-01T11:28:00.008+08:00

Pada 10 Julai 2009, saya telah menganjurkan satu majlis taklimat dan pelancaran Program Cari untuk kawasan DUN Sg Limau di Dewan Orang Ramai Padang Lumat. Saya telah menjemput kesemua Ketua-Ketua Cawangan, Pengerusi-Pengerusi JKKKP dan Setiausaha untuk hadir mendengar taklimat mengenai Program Cari Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat yang telah disampaikan oleh Encik Adnan, JKM Kedah.

Alhamdulillah, sambutan yang diterima amat menggalakkan. Ramai ketua-ketua cawangan ini telah turun ke kampung masing-masing dan mencari individu-individu yang memerlukan bantuan. Mereka ini ramainya terdiri daripada OKU, Warga Emas yang tiada tempat bergantung, ibu tunggal yang mengalami kesempitan hidup dan sebagainya.

Setelah mengumpul segala maklumat, saya telah berbincang dengan Tn Hj Zulkifli, Pengarah JKM negeri Kedah. Saya ingin menyatakan respons dan tindakbalas Tn Hj Zul dan pegawai-pegawai JKM adalah amat cepat sekali, melepasi jangkaan saya. Saya berhubung dengan beliau pada hari Sabtu, berjumpa hari Selasa dan beliau telah mengambil keputusan untuk menjalankan proses siasatan setiap kes secara menyeluruh pada hari Khamis. Beliau telah menggerakkan seramai 140 orang pegawai-pegawai JKM dari seluruh Kedah untuk turun berkampung di Sg Limau khususnya dan Guar Chempedak serta Gurun yang menghantar beberapa permohonan juga. Ramai Ketua Cawangan juga turut membantu untuk menunjukkan rumah-rumah serta memberi latarbelakang pemohon-pemohon.

Alhamdulillah, dianggarkan sebanyak 150 permohonan telah berjaya. InsyaAllah para pemohon ini akan mendapat wang sara diri mereka dalam masa terdekat ini sebelum Hari Raya. Moga ini akan menceriakan dan menjadikan sambutan Raya mereka lebih bermakna.

Saya amat menghargai segala usaha dan penat lelah dari semua pihak terutamanya Y Bhg Dato Ismail Arshad yang telah membantu dengan dewan beliau untuk taklimat, AJK beliau, ketua-ketua dan setiausaha cawangan kesemuanya dan seluruh warga Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat kerena telah membantu saya dalam tugasan saya. Tidak lupa kepada saudara saya, seorang ketua cawangan dan AJK Bahagian, yang tidak ingin dinamakan yang telah menyumbang makan dan minum secara ikhlas untuk para petugas.Ramai lagi yang telah membantu yang mungkin tidak saya sebut di sini, namun saya mendoakan Allah swt membalas segala budi dan jasa setiap seorang.

Alhamdulillah, saya bersyukur kehadrat Allah swt kerana telah dapat membantu mereka yang memerlukan bantuan melalui Agensi Kerajaan Pusat yang ditunjangi oleh UMNO.

Masih ada yang sayang. Masih ramai yang ingin membantu.

Program Bumi Hijau

2009-08-30T15:42:00.006+08:00

YB Dr Leong dan saya dengan kerjasama Jabatan Pertanian Kuala Muda juga telah mengadakan Program Bumi Hijau ini pada sebelah petang di Taman Makmur, Gurun. Para peserta dari Taman Makmur, Padang Lembu dan kawasan-kawasan berdekatan telah juga di beri taklimat oleh Pn Khoo (Jabatan Pertanian) dan menerima kit pertanian Bumi Hijau sama seperti di Pekan Jeniang pada sebelah pagi. Sekali lagi, peserta-peserta terdiri daripada berbilang kaum.

Terimakasih saya ucapkan kepada Ketua Cawangan Taman Makmur, Sdr Jamil dan AJKnya, AJK Surau, AJK MCA Padang Lembu, Jabatan Pertanian dan pegawai-pegawai saya yang amat banyak membantu.

Program Bumi Hijau

2009-08-28T11:34:00.005+08:00

Pada 13 Ogos 2009, YB Dr Leong dan saya telah menanjurkan satu program bersama dengan kerjasama dari Jabatan Pertanian Kuala Muda di dewan Kaum Tiong Hua,Pekan Jeniang dan Taman Makmur. Program Bumi Hijau (pertanian) ini adalah untuk menggalakkan para peserta untuk menanam sayur-sayuran di sekeliling rumah untuk mengurangkan kos sara hidup mereka selain memastikan mereka mendapat sayur-sayuran segar disekeliling rumah untuk dimasak. Setiap seorang peserta diberi benih sayur-sayuran, baja organik, racun serangga, penyodok dan pencakar untuk memulakan kebu di tepi rumah.

Alhamdulillah, ramai yang telah menyahut pelaksanaan Program Bumi Hijau ini. Saya juga amat berbangga kerana ketua-ketua cawangan UMNO dan MCA telah bekerjasama dengan baik untuk mendapatkan peserta-peserta dari pelbagai kaum terutamanya Melayu, Cina, India dan Siam.
Moga kita dapat menjalankan program-program sebegini rupa yang merangkumi pelbagai kaum dengan lebih banyak lagi pada masa hadapan.

Who will lose his "Ong" - Ong or Tiong

2009-08-26T12:17:00.007+08:00

This posting is written with my greatest respect to both the YBs involved.

I could not believe my ears when I heard about the PKFZ scandal. It is an embarrassment to the Government and a black mark on the politcians, civil servants and all those directly involved in the PKFZ scandal. It is so big that I am surprised it took this long for the authorities to act. However, I thought to myself, better late than never. I am very happy and relieved that the authorities are taking action, investigating and making sure no stones are left unturned. Even the Dewan Rakyat Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is taking action and calling the parties involved to give explanations on the matter.

I must commend all parties for the pro-active stance taken and hope this will lead to many questions answered and those who wilfully and intentionally did wrong, punished. I have to say there seems to be new vigour and resolute from the authorities including MACC and PAC to investigate and act on the matter.

However, I am appalled and embarrassed by the Ong and Tiong drama which is playing out right in front of our eyes, It is downright silly and brings shame to Dewan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional. The behaviour is totally unbecoming of the offices they hold (Ong - MP, Minister and Head of MCA, Tiong - MP, BBNBBC Chairman and Sec Gen of SPDP). I wonder, apart from personal pride and ego, if they think what their actions are doing for BN and Parliament in general.

How can the rakyat and even their counterparts from other countries respect them if this drama continues and gets worse? Either way, the way things are going with claims of RM10 million changing hands and lawsuits of RM500 million, the case would end up with a finding that one person is lying and has to go, no two ways about that.

The BN whip should call both of them up and tell these two to keep quiet - argue privately and not air their "opinions" and "allegations" in public. Probably the PAC or even the committee in charge of MP behaviour should haul them up and reprimand them.

If you ask me who will win and lose, my personal opinion now is that both of them will lose, one way or other. And it will be very sad if that happens as these two individuals are actually good people and have done a lot for Malaysia.

To both of them, my personal plea is for them to stop all the squabbling publicly, sit down and sort it out for the sake of Rakyat and BN. Let's do work for the Rakyat.

Let's keep the Dewan Rakyat and its members as a place the Rakyat can be proud of and can respect.

Buka Puasa

2009-08-25T12:23:00.001+08:00

I broke fast with a group of good old friends yesterday at a hotel in KL. It is practically an annual affair that some of us will meet up every puasa to break fast together. The good part of it is that not only the malay friends who fasted would be around, my friends from other races would also join us for the breaking of fast and to catch up with each other.

It was truly multi racial and embodied the spirit of multiracialism. Even my Chinese and Indian friends, who did not fast, waited for the ‘Azan’ before having a drink and eat with the rest who fasted. Tempting as it was with all the food and drinks were in front of them, I was happy and respected them more for respecting our religious requirements.

However, whilst waiting for the Azan and chatting between us, we could see that several other Malaysians who did not fast, were making rounds after rounds to the buffet spread and eating whilst others waited patiently. I was actually observing one family closely and could not believe that they managed two to three rounds at the buffet table before the rest of us broke fast. Needless to say, my non-malay friends were terribly embarrassed. Someone also made the remark that it was as though we were eating their leftovers. An awkward moment for all of us as we saw them attacking the buffet table and eating in front of us.

I am happy that non-Malays also enjoy the Buka Puasa buffet spread as much as those who fast. I am also very happy that Malaysia’s unique multiracialism society is still strong and continues to be a strength to the country. I would however like to suggest that all Hotels make it a rule that those who attend Buka Puasa buffets can only eat when the Azan is heard, not before. You can take your food before that but only start eating and drinking when everyone else does. That would be a simple but a very worthy act of courtesy to those who fast. From my experience and interaction with them, I am also sure that our foreign tourists, once explained to them the significance of the Buka Puasa buffet, would appreciate it and have no problems following the guideline.

Our country is blessed with multi ethnicity and multi faiths. It is a strength, not a weakness. But it is up to us, the sons and daughters of Malaysia to continuously build on this strength, failing which it shall be a time bomb waiting to explode.

ISU PAS DAN BEER PART II

2009-08-12T11:28:00.002+08:00

Saya berasa amat tertarik dengan komen Saudara/i Ezani didalam posting mengenai gesaan PAS Selangor dan arak. Saya ingin mengucapkan ribuan terimakasih atas komen tersebut kerana memang saya inginkan maklumbalas yang konstruktif daripada semua.

Izinkan saya tambah sedikit lagi berdasarkan apa yang telah ditulis oleh Ezani. Saudara/i Ezani telah mengatakan bahawa jikalau Datuk Hassan Ali ada menyatakan bahawa jikalau Cina dan India hendak minum juga arak, mereka boleh beli jauh –jauh. Itulah yang saya katakan, untuk mengharamkan penjualan arak di kawasan majoriti Melayu tidak akan membawa kesan mengurangkan minuman arak di kalangan orang Melayu. Mereka hanya akan naik motor, kereta atau apapun dan pergi ke kawasan jiran sebelah untuk membeli arak yang mereka hendak. Ini bermakna saranan Datuk Hassan Ali tidak efektif langsung.

Mengenai PAS akan tutup kilang-kilang arak jikalau ianya memerintah, saya bersedia menerimanya sebagai satu cadangan dan hasrat PAS jikalau parti tersebut memerintah. Namun saya musykil jikalau PAS sebagai satu parti dapat memerintah ataupun menjadi rakan kongsi yang senior di dalam BA. Jelas kita lihat bahawa PAS telah jatuh nombor tiga selepas DAP dan PKR dalam BA, atau menjadi junior partner di mana suaranya tidak diendahkan langsung.

Dari segi pecahan kerusi di dalam parlimen juga, saya tidak yakin PAS boleh menjadi senior partner di dalam BA. Daripada 84 kerusi yang dikuasai oleh BA, PAS hanya mempunyai 23 kerusi sahaja. PAS juga hanya bertanding sebanyak 67 kerusi daripada keseluruhan 222 kerusi. Dari segi BA pula, PAS bukanlah parti yang paling banyak bertanding kerusi parlimen. PKR adalah parti yang paling banyak bertanding dengan 94 buah kerusi. Jadi, saya harus bertanya, adakah PAS serius untuk menjadi parti memerintah, atau menjadi senior partner di dalam BA di mana suara dan pendapatnya didengari oleh rakan-rakan lain dalam BA?

Saya mohon maaf tetapi saya tidak dapat melihat keupayaan atau niat serius PAS untuk menjadi parti memerintah atau senior partner di dalam BA.

Saya bersetuju dengan Ezani bahawa arak adalah haram di dalam Islam dan patut di lakukan sesuatu. Namun saya tidak setuju kita menidakkan hak orang bukan Islam mengenai perkara ini. Saya akan cuba menyampaikan cadangan-cadangan saya di dalam posting di bawah seperti memberi penerangan mengenai kesan negatif minum arak dan sebagainya kepada Menteri yang bertanggungjawab mengenai perkara ini. Moga ianya dapat dilaksanakan untuk kebaikan kita semua dan saya yakin ianya langkah yang lebik baik dan positif untuk semua.

TAKBIR! PAS TUKAR JADI TAKEBEER! PAS

2009-08-08T22:42:00.006+08:00

Saya berasa terpanggil untuk komen mengenai memorandum PAS Selangor yang menggesa Kerajaan negeri Selangor untuk mengharamkan penjualan arak di kawasan-kawasan majoriti Islam.

Walaupun niatnya adalah untuk mengurangkan penjualan kepada orang Islam terutamanya anak-anak muda, namun saya harus mempersoalkan rasional cadangan ini serta keberkesanannya jikalau arahan pengharaman penjualan arak di kawasan majoriti Islam ini di jalankan.

Pertamanya, ianya kes pengharaman yang selektif yakni hanya di kawasan –kawasan di mana ramai penduduknya beragama Islam. Apa pula kepada kawasan-kawasan yang majoritinya bukan Islam tetapi terletak hanya bersebelahan dengan kawasan majoriti Islam? Jikalau individu tersebut hendak minum arak, beliau tidak akan teragak-agak untuk berjalan jauh sedikit untuk mendapatkan arak beliau. Bermakna pengharaman ini tidak akan berjaya langsung.

Pengharaman ini juga akan memberi satu kesan buruk yakni akan menghidupkan perniagaan seludup dan haram secara ‘underground’.

Bagaimana juga pihak berkuasa ingin mengenalpasti kawasan majoriti Islam. Adakah ianya 51%, 70%, 90% atau 99%? Apa pula hak –hak penduduk bukan Islam yang ingin minum arak? Adakah pengharaman penjualan arak di kedai-kedai ini adil kepada mereka yang bukan Islam?
Secara jujur, saya berpendapat PAS Selangor tidak berfikir panjang mengenai perkara ini. Ataupun PAS Selangor tahu ianya tidak akan dilaksanakan oleh Kerajaan Negeri tetapi mereka berasa tertekan oleh janji-janji pilihanraya mereka dahulu mengenai kes pengharaman penjualan arak? Ataupun PAS Selangor hanya melakukan ianya bagai gimik sahaja kerana takut mereka akan dilihat tidak Islamik?

YAB MB Selangor telah mengumumkan bahawa Kerajaan Selangor tidak akan mengharamkan penjualan arak di kawasan –kawasan yang di minta oleh PAS. Saya ingin bertanya Pas sekarang – Apa lagi? Apakah langkah PAS seterusnya selepas pengumuman MB Selangor?
Saya berpendapat gesaan PAS ini tidak praktikal. Kita harus menganalisa dahulu apakah sebenarnya masalah yang ingin ditangani sebelum melulu membuat sesuatu gesaan. Pada pendapat saya, apa yang inign di selesaikan adalah masalah:-

i. Orang Islam minum arak;
ii. Anak-anak muda Islam minum arak.

Benar, pengharaman di beberapa kawasan majoriti Islam mungkin akan menyebabkan mereka ini tidak boleh beli disebelah rumah, tetapi dengan scenario hari ini yang ada motor, kereta dan sebagainya, seperti yang saya sebut di atas, tidak ada apa yang menghalang mereka ini untuk naik kereta dan pergi ke kawasan sebelah untuk membeli arak. Dan ramai daripada mereka ini sebenarnya minum arak bukan sahaja dibeli di 7 –Eleven atau kedai-kedai runcit, tetapi di pub dan sebagainya.

Adalah lebih efektif dan menyeluruh jikalau beberapa langkah tertentu diambil termasuk:-

i. Pengajaran masalah dan kesan negatif arak kepada orang ramai (adakan kempen
kesedaran – berdakwah!);
ii. Memantapkan pemantauan dari pihak berkuasa dan mengenakan denda yang
amat besar kepada penjual dan pembeli yang ditangkap. Lesen perniagaan juga
patut ditarik balik serta-merta jikalau di tangkap menjual kepada orang Islam.
iii. Menghebahkan mereka yang tertangkap serta denda yang mereka hadapi kepada
rakyat. Ini akan menakutkan mereka.
iv. Memberi kaunseling kepada mereka yang didapati bersalah.

Saya juga ingin berkongsi satu pendapat daripada rakan saya mengenai isu ini. Beliau berkata bahawa dahulu semasa PAS hanya parti pembangkang tanpa memerintah negeri-negeri, PAS telah mengutuk dan mengatakan UMNO parti haram kerana membenarkan perniagaan pembuatan dan penjualan arak di Malaysia. Isu inilah diantara sebab UMNO dilabelkan parti kafir.

Sekarang mereka memerintah di beberapa buah negeri termasuk Selangor yang mempunyai dua buah kilang arak besar (di Shah Alam dan PJ). PAS kini tersepit dan terpengkap dengan kata-kata mereka dahulu yang memanggil UMNO kafir. Kerana itulah PAS Selangor mengambil langkah kononnya menggesa kerajaan Selangor mengharamkan penjualan arak di kawasan majoriti Islam walaupun mereka tahu ianya tidak akan berjaya. Sekurang-kurangnya penyokong mereka tidak boleh marah dengan mereka lagi kerana kononya mereka sudah cuba.

Bukan senang nak jadi pemerintah.

ISA Demonstration

2009-08-08T22:30:00.004+08:00

A lot of friends have been asking me what to make of the 1 August 2009 street demonstrations. For the first time, two demonstrations were planned and held on a big scale, albeit separately, by two opposing groups on the same issue, one for and one against. They were also asking me if the Federal Government had backtracked on its earlier promise to review and revise the Internal Security Act (ISA) because the demonstrations all centred on the call for the abolishment of ISA.

Well, first and foremost, I checked around and I can confirm that the Home Ministry is serious in reviewing this Act, and a lot of other Acts also to make them more relevant with times. I am told the Ministry had formed a preliminary committee to look into the ISA Act. Yesterday, YAB DS Najib himself again reiterated in public that the Federal Government is committed to reviewing this Act.

So, why all the fuss? Why the need to demonstrate against the ISA when the Federal Government had promised and repeated time and again that they will take action to review the Act? The answer is – I DON’T KNOW. I don’t know why they did it after the Federal Government had promised that the Act will be reviewed and had also started the ball rolling by forming a committee. You cannot expect the review and revision to be done overnight. You have to give time for the experts to go through the Act thoroughly before announcing the proposed revisions. Or else, the Gerakan Mansuh ISA(GMI) which is backed by the Pakatan Rakyat politicians will just say the Government is rushing it and further criticise it.

From another aspect, if the opposition politicians are saying that they want the Act abolished and not reviewed and that they will not accept anything else, what about those who want the ISA to remain but with revisions? Are their voices and opinions less important compared to those who demonstrated against ISA that day? As it is there was another group, from Pakatan Rakyat itself who also demonstrated and sent a memorandum to the palace calling for the ISA be maintained with some revisions. The Pakatan Rakyat politicians using the GMI platform must also respect the opinions, wishes and voices of others. Or is it that we have changed the rule of the game, that it is now "whoever can demonstrate must be listened to and the Government should not care about others?"

Commenting on what happened on that day itself, I was sad that GMI went ahead with the demonstrations. Apart from being totally irrelevant because the Federal Government had already announced that the Act will be reviewed, the demonstration caused a lot of problems to many people. Cab drivers, businesses, the public and Malaysia as a country whose image is further tarnished by all these. And don't forget about the hours of traffic jammed up because of the demonstration. Then there are the indirect effects –investors’ negative perception of the political and security situation in Malaysia, potential tourists and others. I was also aghast when the Women Heads of PKR, PAS and DAP actually issued a joint press statement that the demonstration actually boosted business because many people came and had lunch around the area. Silly! Ask the business folks around there if they agree with that statement.

The police were I believe also overzealous in wanting to maintain peace and harmony. I appreciate that the police psyche is one that is to maintain law and order at all times and costs. I can also empathise what the police force might have been going through during the demonstration but I believe crowd control and prevention tactics are better than arrests. Maybe the police could have identified the ring leaders who are the troublemakers and arrest them whilst just cart away with a warning those who follow without knowing what the demonstrations were all about. However, in their defence, I was not there and do not really know in detail what transpired as a whole. I was told that there were many rabble rousers and some trouble makers who joined in because the demonstration was an opportunity for them to have fun. Whatever it is, it is not a bad idea if our police force were to be sent on a crowd management programme and come up with new methods for crowd control in the Malaysian context.

Anyway, I wish all of us would from now on pause a while, take a deep breath, think about our loved ones and what we want for our nation before we do something like this. We all love Malaysia and all of us have our own little idea what "utopia Malaysia" is. However, don’t forget that we are one of 26 million population in Malaysia, and that our opinions and ideas might not be what the other person is thinking of. From what I see, YAB DS Najib and his team of ministers have generally learned from the mistakes made in the past and are trying hard to rectify them. Give them space and opportunity to work. If they make mistakes, definitely tell them, but tell them in a proper manner. Never has it been our culture and way of life to demonstrate as what had happened on 1 August 2009, especially when the Government had listened to the Rakyat and promised to review the ISA.

I am also very happy that the YAB DS Najib had announced and the police had said they will consider allowing demonstrations in stadiums and so on. This will ensure public safety and those who are not interested in the demonstrations are not affected. You can also have petty traders there to sell their wares and so on. This option will allow whatever complaints and grouses still be heard , yet in a controlled and safe environment for both the public and demonstrators.

We have a lot of avenues and opportunities to make our voices heard, street demonstration is definitely not one of them.

Pelancaran Program Cari DUN Sg Limau

2009-07-25T07:46:00.003+08:00

Di dalam gerakerja saya sepanjang menjadi Naib Ketua Bahagian, saya telah menziarahi ramai orang di dalam kawasan Jerai yang mempunyai pelbagai masalah kehidupan (seperti tertera di atas dalam gambar-gambar). Mereka ini termasuklah yang terlantar di atas katil kerana sakit, lumpuh, Orang Kurang Upaya, ibu tunggal,Warga Emas dan sebagainya. Ramai daripada mereka ini tidak mendapat lagi bantuan kebajikan dari Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat dan menghadapi kesempitan hidup. Bukan salah JKM kerana terlalu ramai yang memerlukan bantuan manakala JKM tidak mempunyai kakitangan mencukupi untuk ‘cover’ keseluruhan kawasan dengan cepat. Sebagai contoh, Parlimen Jerai mempunyai lebih daripada 60,000 pengundi berdaftar dan jikalau dari segi UMNO, mempunyai lebih kurang 150 cawangan. Ini bermakna kawasan Jerai ini amat luas dan ramai penduduk.

Saya juga sedar bahawa saya sendiri tidak dapat ‘cover’ keseluruhan kawasan dengan cepat dan akan memakan masa yang terlalu lama. Maka, dalam usaha untuk membantu mereka ini yang memerlukan bantuan dengan lebih cepat dan efektif, baru-baru ini saya telah mengadakan satu majlis pelancaran dan taklimat Program Cari untuk semua Ketua Cawangan / Pengerusi JKKKP dan Setiausaha Cawangan / JKKKP DUN Sg Limau.

Sebagai Penyelaras DUN Sg Limau dan melalui Pejabat Pembangunan Negeri, saya telah menjemput Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Kedah dan Daerah untuk memberi taklimat mengenai program-program dan bantuan yang mereka sediakan terutamanya di bawah Program Cari. Taklimat ini merangkumi bantuan-bantuan yang disediakan oleh JKM dan kelayakan-kelayakan yang diperlukan. Berbekalkan maklumat ini yang juga telah disediakan secara bertulis, saya mengharapkan ketua-ketua cawangan serta JKKKP akan mengenalpasti individu-individu yang layak di dalam kampung masing-masing untuk diberi bantuan kebajikan, tanpa mengira fahaman politik agama ataupun kaum. Pada hemat saya, mereka lebih mengetahui secara mendalam masalah yang ada di dalam kampung mereka sendiri dan dapat ‘cover’ dengan lebih berkesan dan cepat. Cara ini juga dapat merapatkan ketua-ketua cawangan / JKKKP dengan anak buah mereka serta menunjukkan Kerajaan Pusat dan UMNO sememangnya ingin mendekati dan membantu rakyat di peringkat akar umbi.

Alhamdulillah, hampir semua ketua cawangan / pengerusi JKKKP atau setiausaha mereka telah hadir untuk taklimat dan pelancaran program kerjasama JKM, JKKKP dan UMNO ini. Sambutan amat menggalakkan dengan pelbagai soalan dan pendapat telah dilontarkan kepada pihak JKM. Walaupun pihak kami telah menyediakan lebih kurang 200 borang Program Cari untuk diedarkan, ianya telah habis seperti pisang goreng panas. Sambutan ini menunjukkan kesungguhan dan keikhlasan ketua-ketua cawangan / JKKKP / Setiausaha untuk membantu rakyat di peringkat kampung-kampung mereka. Saya yakin, dengan cara ini, banyak masalah dan individu-individu yang tertinggal sebelum ini dapat dibantu, lebih-lebih lagi dengan kerjasama baik daripada JKM.

Moga Allah merahmati dan membalas budi dan jasa pegawai-pegawai JKM, Ketua-Ketua Cawangan / Pengerusi JKKKP dan Setiausaha-Setiausaha serta semua yang menjayakan Program Cari ini. Saya telah mencadangkan kepada Ketua bahagian / Penyelaras Parlimen Jerai supaya program ini dapat dijalankan di peringkat Parlimen.

InsyaAllah, sama-sama kita membantu mereka yang memerlukan bantuan.

MACC - III

2009-07-22T16:36:00.004+08:00

I am glad to learn that the Cabinet has agreed to the setting up of a Royal Commission to probe into Teoh's untimely death. It proves to me that the Government is serious about taking care of the rakyat's wellbeing and listening to the Rakyat.

At the same time, given the serious nature of the case including the possible negative effect on MACC's integrity and credibility, the action to be taken must and is nothing less than a Royal Commission. However, the Royal Commission will need all the help it can get, especially from the forensics (police), MACC and any other party that might be involved including individuals and politicians.

I also hope with the setting up of the Commission, everyone especially PKR and DAP would respect this Commission enough to allow them to do their work. The opposition acted very irresponsibly by organising a gathering last Sunday, supposedly due to Teoh's death. What happened was that some of the speakers touched a bit on Teoh's death, and a whole lot about other things. That was really using Teoh's untimely death to their political advantage.

I actually agree with a colleague who said that even if there such a gathering, it should have been to pray for Teoh and his family who are in pain along with the nation as a whole.

Please give the Royal Commission all the cooperation, space and time to do their work. We asked for it, let it work.

CCTV - MACC Part II

2009-07-18T11:41:00.004+08:00

Having read all the responses on the blog and the media, I have come to the following preliminary conclusions:-

i. CCTV is a must. That would help to objectively answer many questions and even put those interrogating in check. This will curb any abuses of power and even assist authorities to clear their names when unfairly accussed by parties out to get cheap publicity.

ii. MACC must re-look at their policies and guidelines when interrogating or questioning a witness or suspect. I can understand the concern that a suspect or an unfriendly witness could possibly destroy evidence or even get threatened by certain parties if any questioning is stopped half way and the witness is allowed to go home, but authorities might want to consider other methods or approaches to ensure the integrity and safety of the witness. A crazy idea might include putting the witness at an undisclosed location for rest before restarting the next morning.

iii. I have to record my appreciation to TS Koh Tsu Koon for visiting the family on behalf of the Government. At the same time, I am happy that DS Najib himself had sent his condolences to the family and promised along with DS Hishammuddin to instruct the police to investigate thoroughly. And as DS Hishammuddin said, he will personally attend to the case.

iv. Stop blaming MACC. Let the authorities do their work and investigate. 4 pathologists (2 from UMMC, 1 from subang Medical, 1 from Klang hospital) are involved in the autopsy. Let them do their work. I was told that TS Khalid Ibrahim and YB Gobind Singh Deo got into a shouting match with each other at the mortuary yesterday. Only family members are allowed to see the deceased whilst YB Gobind is not one. On this matter, I agree and applaud TS Khalid for being objective and allowing the pathologists and staff do their work.

v. Oppostion leaders should allow the authorities do their work and stop fanning the already highly charged emotions. I am told that opposition will try to use this issue as much as possible to divert attention from the problems that they are facing. Heartless but that is what I had heard.

vi. The authorities should state a timeline how long the whole investigation process might take and provide updates periodically.

I am also happy that MACC has stated that it will go on with its investigations on the case including several other State Assemblymen. Whilst what happened to the late Teoh is most regrettable and heart wrenching, this should not stop MACC from continuing its primary duty.

At the same time, I urge MACC to inform the public, as long it does not affect investigations, whether it has initiated investigations on several cases including DS Khir Toyo, his boys and the PKFZ financial scandal. These cases directly affect MACC's integrity and reputation in the eyes of the public. In fact, I believe this is one of the best way for DS Khir Toyo and whoever else implicated along with him and the PKFZ scandal to clear their names if they are not involved or have done nothing wrong.

On another note, my heart goes out to Teoh's fiancee and their unborn child. I am happy that she is continuing with her pregnancy. May Teoh's legacy and spirit live through the child.