30/04/2008 7:04pm
IPOH 30 April — Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) Datuk Jamry Sury melaporkan diri di Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Perak hari ini sebagai Pegawai Tugas-tugas Khas selepas Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin mengarahkan beliau ditukarkan serta merta pagi semalam.
Bernama diberitahu bahawa Jamry dijangka menerima surat pengesahan ke jawatan itu seawal-awalnya Isnin ini.
Jamry telah dinasihatkan oleh Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim supaya tidak mengeluarkan sebarang kenyataan kepada pihak media selepas mendapat nasihat daripada Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), demikian menurut sumber hari ini.
Semalam Jamry, yang telah memegang jawatan itu selama tiga tahun sejak 2004, diarah bertukar dengan serta merta oleh Mohammad Nizar kerana didakwa tidak boleh memberi kerjasama.
Jamry yang juga Setiausaha Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP) dikatakan telah diminta keluar dari pejabatnya oleh Mohammad Nizar pagi semalam menerusi telefon tanpa diberi peluang menjelaskan apa-apa bagi membela dirinya.
Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri kawasan Pangkor Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir berkata tindakan Menteri Besar itu jelas menunjukkan sikap keangkuhan kuasa yang kononnya sebelum ini diamalkan oleh kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Tiada hormat kepada Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin selaku Yang Dipertua Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP). Sewajarnya mengHadap baginda terlebih dahulu bagi memohon perkenan bagi sebarang tindakan. Beliau juga tidak menghormati pegawai kerajaan,” kata Zambry dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata janji kerajaan negeri untuk tidak memberi sebarang tekanan kepada pegawai kerajaan dalam menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka adalah ibarat ’menanam tebu di pinggir bibir’.
Adun Sungai Manik, Zainol Padzi Paharuddin, pula mengingatkan mengenai titah ucapan Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah semasa ulang tahun Hari Keputeraan ke-80 Sultan Perak pada 19 April lepas bahawa masjid dan urusan agama adalah di bawah baginda.
Katanya Raja Nazrin telah bertitah bahawa baginda akan memastikan bahawa institusi agama yang berada di bawah bidang kuasa Sultan Perak seperti masjid, surau dan institusi pendidikan Islam akan dijadikan alat penyatuan dan tidak dibenarkan menjadi pentas politik yang boleh membawa perpecahan.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
MB Perak pertahankan tindakan tukar Pengarah JAIP - Utusan
30/04/2008 6:21pm
IPOH 30 April — Menteri Besar Perak hari ini mempertahankan tindakan mengarah pertukaran serta merta Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) Datuk Jamry Sury dengan alasan mempertahankan hak dan dasar yang diperjuangkan kerajaan sebagaimana manifesto Pakatan Rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum lepas.
Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin berkata kerajaan negeri tidak mahu diheret lebih jauh ke dalam isu pertukaran terbabit, malah bukan menjadi dasar kerajaan negeri untuk mendedahkan sikap sesetengah pegawai yang bertindak menimbulkan perkara meragukan.
“Bagaimanapun kerajaan negeri terpaksa mempertahankan hak dan dasar yang diperjuangkan sepertimana yang disuarakan melalui manifesto Pakatan Rakyat pada pilihan raya lepas. Sikap tidak menghormati pendirian kerajaan oleh kakitangan awam sememangnya satu sikap yang tidak profesional, sedangkan semuanya telah termaktub dan ditentukan oleh Allah SWT,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Beliau turut memaklumkan bahawa kedudukan Jamry adalah berstatus penempatan secara pentadbiran sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD) Gred Utama C (Pinjaman).
“...jadi dalam ertikata sebenarnya dipulangkan ke jabatan asalnya.
Bersesuaian dengan statusnya dipinjamkan ke jabatan berkenaan (JAIP) dan yang meminjamkannya ialah kerajaan negeri terdahulu. Oleh itu, setiap sesuatu yang dipinjam eloklah dipulangkan, apa tah lagi sudah tiga tahun beliau dipinjamkan,” katanya.
Pertukaran Jamry ke jabatan asalnya adalah tanpa menjejaskan apa-apa yang sepatutnya diperolehi dan sesuai dengan kelayakannya, katanya.
Mohammad Nizar berkata kerajaan negeri telah memberi tempoh yang panjang iaitu 40 hari untuk Jamry menyesuaikan diri dan bekerjasama.
“Tempoh 24 jam sepertimana digambarkan itu hanyalah satu proses prosedur.
Beliau juga bukan dinafikan segala hak atas urusan pemindahan itu. Persoalan sewajarnya ialah apakah beliau mengalami apa-apa kerugian daripada arahan itu Pastinya tidak.
“Persoalan kedua, kenapa hal ini dijadikan isu... kerana sebelum ini pun ada pegawai kanan kerajaan ditukarkan dari satu lokasi ke satu lokasi tanpa pengetahuan kerajaan negeri (walaupun ia patut dimaklumkan) tetapi tidak pula menjadi isu,” katanya.
Beliau berkata kerajaan negeri hanya membetulkan kredibiliti pentadbiran jabatan berkenaan dan mengucapkan terima kasih di atas perkhidmatan beliau selama memegang jawatan itu.
IPOH 30 April — Menteri Besar Perak hari ini mempertahankan tindakan mengarah pertukaran serta merta Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) Datuk Jamry Sury dengan alasan mempertahankan hak dan dasar yang diperjuangkan kerajaan sebagaimana manifesto Pakatan Rakyat dalam pilihan raya umum lepas.
Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin berkata kerajaan negeri tidak mahu diheret lebih jauh ke dalam isu pertukaran terbabit, malah bukan menjadi dasar kerajaan negeri untuk mendedahkan sikap sesetengah pegawai yang bertindak menimbulkan perkara meragukan.
“Bagaimanapun kerajaan negeri terpaksa mempertahankan hak dan dasar yang diperjuangkan sepertimana yang disuarakan melalui manifesto Pakatan Rakyat pada pilihan raya lepas. Sikap tidak menghormati pendirian kerajaan oleh kakitangan awam sememangnya satu sikap yang tidak profesional, sedangkan semuanya telah termaktub dan ditentukan oleh Allah SWT,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Beliau turut memaklumkan bahawa kedudukan Jamry adalah berstatus penempatan secara pentadbiran sebagai Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD) Gred Utama C (Pinjaman).
“...jadi dalam ertikata sebenarnya dipulangkan ke jabatan asalnya.
Bersesuaian dengan statusnya dipinjamkan ke jabatan berkenaan (JAIP) dan yang meminjamkannya ialah kerajaan negeri terdahulu. Oleh itu, setiap sesuatu yang dipinjam eloklah dipulangkan, apa tah lagi sudah tiga tahun beliau dipinjamkan,” katanya.
Pertukaran Jamry ke jabatan asalnya adalah tanpa menjejaskan apa-apa yang sepatutnya diperolehi dan sesuai dengan kelayakannya, katanya.
Mohammad Nizar berkata kerajaan negeri telah memberi tempoh yang panjang iaitu 40 hari untuk Jamry menyesuaikan diri dan bekerjasama.
“Tempoh 24 jam sepertimana digambarkan itu hanyalah satu proses prosedur.
Beliau juga bukan dinafikan segala hak atas urusan pemindahan itu. Persoalan sewajarnya ialah apakah beliau mengalami apa-apa kerugian daripada arahan itu Pastinya tidak.
“Persoalan kedua, kenapa hal ini dijadikan isu... kerana sebelum ini pun ada pegawai kanan kerajaan ditukarkan dari satu lokasi ke satu lokasi tanpa pengetahuan kerajaan negeri (walaupun ia patut dimaklumkan) tetapi tidak pula menjadi isu,” katanya.
Beliau berkata kerajaan negeri hanya membetulkan kredibiliti pentadbiran jabatan berkenaan dan mengucapkan terima kasih di atas perkhidmatan beliau selama memegang jawatan itu.
Perak MB keeping mum on reason for sacking - The Star
IPOH: April 30, 2008 By CLARA CHOOI
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has chosen to keep silent on the reason behind the sacking of Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury.
In a statement Wednesday, Nizar said the state government did not want to be dragged deeper into the matter as it was not its policy to reveal the "doubtful" behaviour of any officer.
"We have been mindful and given the opportunity to all government servants to carry on their duties as usual so long as they cooperate with us," he said.
Nizar explained that Jamry had been seconded to the post of director from the state secretariat three years back, a decision made by the previous state administration.
"Hence, it is only proper that what is borrowed is returned. The state government is only restoring the credibility of the department's administration and we thank Jamry for his service all this time," he said.
Nizar also said that Jamry had been given over 40 days to familiarise himself and cooperate with the new state government and the fact that he had been given "24 hours' notice" was just procedural.
"The suitable question is this: Has he faced any losses? Why is this an issue when before this, government officers have been transferred from department to department even without the knowledge of the state government?" he said.
Earlier, during a press conference Wednesday after the launching of the Perak Syariah Court here, Nizar deflected questions on Jamry's sacking by telling reporters to only ask questions on "matters pertaining to the function."
"Be fair to those who are here. Ask only questions pertaining to this function. Other issues can be addressed at later functions," he said.
When contacted, Jamry said that he had been advised against revealing the reason for his removal for the "good of his career".
"I thank the media for its concern but I have to decline from giving any press statements. I did at first want to (give a press statement) but I think it is best that I do not," he said, adding that he was currently waiting for a letter from the Public Service Department on his next posting.
Jamry previously served as the Kuala Kangsar district officer for a year before he was transferred to the department in 2004.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has chosen to keep silent on the reason behind the sacking of Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury.
In a statement Wednesday, Nizar said the state government did not want to be dragged deeper into the matter as it was not its policy to reveal the "doubtful" behaviour of any officer.
"We have been mindful and given the opportunity to all government servants to carry on their duties as usual so long as they cooperate with us," he said.
Nizar explained that Jamry had been seconded to the post of director from the state secretariat three years back, a decision made by the previous state administration.
"Hence, it is only proper that what is borrowed is returned. The state government is only restoring the credibility of the department's administration and we thank Jamry for his service all this time," he said.
Nizar also said that Jamry had been given over 40 days to familiarise himself and cooperate with the new state government and the fact that he had been given "24 hours' notice" was just procedural.
"The suitable question is this: Has he faced any losses? Why is this an issue when before this, government officers have been transferred from department to department even without the knowledge of the state government?" he said.
Earlier, during a press conference Wednesday after the launching of the Perak Syariah Court here, Nizar deflected questions on Jamry's sacking by telling reporters to only ask questions on "matters pertaining to the function."
"Be fair to those who are here. Ask only questions pertaining to this function. Other issues can be addressed at later functions," he said.
When contacted, Jamry said that he had been advised against revealing the reason for his removal for the "good of his career".
"I thank the media for its concern but I have to decline from giving any press statements. I did at first want to (give a press statement) but I think it is best that I do not," he said, adding that he was currently waiting for a letter from the Public Service Department on his next posting.
Jamry previously served as the Kuala Kangsar district officer for a year before he was transferred to the department in 2004.
Perak Sultan tells Syariah courts to keep tabs on reforms - The Star
IPOH: April 30, 3008 By CLARA CHOOI
Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has advised the state Syariah administration to keep close tabs on current efforts made nationwide to reform the country’s judicial system.
He said this was to ensure that the system improved its integrity and stood strong as a body to be respected by all.
“Many steps are being taken now to re-strengthen the country’s judicial system so that it remains free and independent.
“This is especially important as it is the very basic foundation of the doctrine of separation of powers between the legislative, the judiciary and the executive bodies,” he said Wednesday in his speech during the launch of the RM33.4mil Perak Syariah Court here.
He added that the Syariah Court was an institution responsible for fulfilling its duties to manage the implementation of justice in the country.
“The construction of this court has achieved its physical needs in terms of hardware.
“Now, the most important thing is the software component. This comprises the judges and all of the courts’ staff.
“These are the people who are blessed with the responsibility of bringing the very meaning of justice to this building,” he said.
Sultan Azlan Shah added that the Syariah Court needed to be able to carry out justice in an efficient and objective manner.
“All judgments made must be based on facts and valid data that has no doubt. Each judgment must be documented in writing so that it can be used as reference later,” he said.
On Wednesday Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the state government would seek funds to construct Syariah Courts in three districts - Taiping, Teluk Intan and Seri Iskandar.
He said this was because the districts were currently renting the premises of various religious departments.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah has advised the state Syariah administration to keep close tabs on current efforts made nationwide to reform the country’s judicial system.
He said this was to ensure that the system improved its integrity and stood strong as a body to be respected by all.
“Many steps are being taken now to re-strengthen the country’s judicial system so that it remains free and independent.
“This is especially important as it is the very basic foundation of the doctrine of separation of powers between the legislative, the judiciary and the executive bodies,” he said Wednesday in his speech during the launch of the RM33.4mil Perak Syariah Court here.
He added that the Syariah Court was an institution responsible for fulfilling its duties to manage the implementation of justice in the country.
“The construction of this court has achieved its physical needs in terms of hardware.
“Now, the most important thing is the software component. This comprises the judges and all of the courts’ staff.
“These are the people who are blessed with the responsibility of bringing the very meaning of justice to this building,” he said.
Sultan Azlan Shah added that the Syariah Court needed to be able to carry out justice in an efficient and objective manner.
“All judgments made must be based on facts and valid data that has no doubt. Each judgment must be documented in writing so that it can be used as reference later,” he said.
On Wednesday Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the state government would seek funds to construct Syariah Courts in three districts - Taiping, Teluk Intan and Seri Iskandar.
He said this was because the districts were currently renting the premises of various religious departments.
Perak to seek funds to build more Syariah courts - The Star
IPOH: April 30, 2008 By CLARA CHOOI
The Perak government will seek funds to construct Syariah Courts in three districts - Taiping, Teluk Intan and Seri Iskandar.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said this was because the districts were currently renting the premises of various religious departments.
“We will try our best to find enough funds to build these Syariah Courts for the people.
“It is our hope that even at the district level, these courts stand as a symbol of justice for the people,” he said at a press conference after attending the official launch of the RM33.4mil Perak Syariah Court here on Wednesday.
Nizar said that it was the Pakatan Rakyat government’s hope that the principles of justice would be the basis of the state’s administrative duties.
He also urged the staff of the Perak Syariah Judicial Department to uphold its image by carrying out its duties with fairness, honesty and responsibility.
The Perak government will seek funds to construct Syariah Courts in three districts - Taiping, Teluk Intan and Seri Iskandar.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said this was because the districts were currently renting the premises of various religious departments.
“We will try our best to find enough funds to build these Syariah Courts for the people.
“It is our hope that even at the district level, these courts stand as a symbol of justice for the people,” he said at a press conference after attending the official launch of the RM33.4mil Perak Syariah Court here on Wednesday.
Nizar said that it was the Pakatan Rakyat government’s hope that the principles of justice would be the basis of the state’s administrative duties.
He also urged the staff of the Perak Syariah Judicial Department to uphold its image by carrying out its duties with fairness, honesty and responsibility.
More polls petitions filed in 4 states - NST
More polls petitions filed in 4 states
IPOH: April 30, 2008
An election petition has been filed at the High Court here, seeking to declare null and void the result of the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat which was won by Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
Rafidah won the seat by a majority of 1,458 votes, defeating Perak Pas deputy commissioner Dr Khairuddin Abd Malik.
Khairuddin, when contacted by the New Straits Times yesterday, said the petition was filed on Monday afternoon by a voter from Kuala Kangsar.
He said the voter had called into question the decision of returning officer Datuk Mohd Razali Jalal, who accepted Rafidah's nomination papers despite her not signing two of the three nomination forms.
When asked why he himself did not file the petition, Khairuddin said it was not a requirement for him to do so.
In Kuching, a voter and a defeated candidate filed petitions to declare the Bandar Kuching and Sarikei parliamentary election outcomes as null and void.
Kho Whai Piaw, a 54-year-old voter, wants the court to declare the election of Chong Chieng Jen in Bandar Kuching as null and void on grounds of undue influence.
Kho claimed that Chong was guilty of undue influence by using his blog to induce non-Muslim voters to vote for him.
Meanwhile, defeated DAP candidate Wong Hua Seh is seeking to declare the election of Ding Kuong Hiing in Sarikei as null and void on grounds of breaching and/or non-compliance with the provisions in the Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations 2003.
In Alor Star, Pas' candidate for the Belantek state seat, Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor, has filed a petition seeking a declaration that he was the victor. Muhammad Sanusi, who lost to BN's Tajuddin Abdullah, wants the postal votes to be omitted from the count.
In Sabah, at least seven petitions were believed to have been filed by the Opposition and Independent candidates.
Datuk Patrick Sindu, who contested the Papar parliamentary seat, is seeking to oust the winner, Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, claiming serious misconduct and irregularities during the campaign and on polling day.
It is also understood that Parti Keadilan Rakyat has filed at least four petitions, while the DAP has filed a petition challenging the result of the Sandakan parliamentary seat.
Petitions have also been filed challenging the results of the Pensiangan and Kota Marudu parliamentary and Api-Api, Petagas, Kundasang, Inanam and Bingkor state seats.
Among those who could be affected if the petitions were allowed are Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Maximus J. Ongkili (Kota Marudu), International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong (Sandakan), Rural and Regional Development deputy minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (Pensiangan) and Sabah Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai (Api-Api).
IPOH: April 30, 2008
An election petition has been filed at the High Court here, seeking to declare null and void the result of the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat which was won by Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
Rafidah won the seat by a majority of 1,458 votes, defeating Perak Pas deputy commissioner Dr Khairuddin Abd Malik.
Khairuddin, when contacted by the New Straits Times yesterday, said the petition was filed on Monday afternoon by a voter from Kuala Kangsar.
He said the voter had called into question the decision of returning officer Datuk Mohd Razali Jalal, who accepted Rafidah's nomination papers despite her not signing two of the three nomination forms.
When asked why he himself did not file the petition, Khairuddin said it was not a requirement for him to do so.
In Kuching, a voter and a defeated candidate filed petitions to declare the Bandar Kuching and Sarikei parliamentary election outcomes as null and void.
Kho Whai Piaw, a 54-year-old voter, wants the court to declare the election of Chong Chieng Jen in Bandar Kuching as null and void on grounds of undue influence.
Kho claimed that Chong was guilty of undue influence by using his blog to induce non-Muslim voters to vote for him.
Meanwhile, defeated DAP candidate Wong Hua Seh is seeking to declare the election of Ding Kuong Hiing in Sarikei as null and void on grounds of breaching and/or non-compliance with the provisions in the Elections (Postal Voting) Regulations 2003.
In Alor Star, Pas' candidate for the Belantek state seat, Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor, has filed a petition seeking a declaration that he was the victor. Muhammad Sanusi, who lost to BN's Tajuddin Abdullah, wants the postal votes to be omitted from the count.
In Sabah, at least seven petitions were believed to have been filed by the Opposition and Independent candidates.
Datuk Patrick Sindu, who contested the Papar parliamentary seat, is seeking to oust the winner, Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin, claiming serious misconduct and irregularities during the campaign and on polling day.
It is also understood that Parti Keadilan Rakyat has filed at least four petitions, while the DAP has filed a petition challenging the result of the Sandakan parliamentary seat.
Petitions have also been filed challenging the results of the Pensiangan and Kota Marudu parliamentary and Api-Api, Petagas, Kundasang, Inanam and Bingkor state seats.
Among those who could be affected if the petitions were allowed are Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Maximus J. Ongkili (Kota Marudu), International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong (Sandakan), Rural and Regional Development deputy minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (Pensiangan) and Sabah Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai (Api-Api).
Perak MCA hands over documents on Sungai Pinji land deal to ACA - NST
IPOH, WED: April 30, 2008
Perak MCA today handed over documents to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) pertaining to the application and subsequent approval of a piece of prime land in Sungai Pinji so that investigations could be carried out in a transparent and fair manner.
Perak MCA Secretary Datuk Ho Cheng Wang said all documents, including the application letter, the agreement, approval and the land title for the 0.89ha land, had been handed over to the ACA.
He said the move was to proof that the previous state government did not act in an improper manner in approving the application for the land.
“We also hope that the ACA investigations will bring back justice to MCA as the application was made in accordance with the procedure set by the Land and Mines Office.
“We’ve applied for the land to build a MCA building and a community hall,” he told reporters here after handing over the documents to ACA Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zaini Hassan.
On April 16, the new state government cancelled the title for the land, with Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin saying there were elements of abuse in its approval.
Mohammad Nizar said a soy sauce factory operator, who had been occupying the land since 1953, had submitted an application for the land since a long time ago.
Ho said MCA would not appeal against the cancellation, and would instead leave it to the ACA to carry out investigations on the matter.
Perak MCA today handed over documents to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) pertaining to the application and subsequent approval of a piece of prime land in Sungai Pinji so that investigations could be carried out in a transparent and fair manner.
Perak MCA Secretary Datuk Ho Cheng Wang said all documents, including the application letter, the agreement, approval and the land title for the 0.89ha land, had been handed over to the ACA.
He said the move was to proof that the previous state government did not act in an improper manner in approving the application for the land.
“We also hope that the ACA investigations will bring back justice to MCA as the application was made in accordance with the procedure set by the Land and Mines Office.
“We’ve applied for the land to build a MCA building and a community hall,” he told reporters here after handing over the documents to ACA Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zaini Hassan.
On April 16, the new state government cancelled the title for the land, with Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin saying there were elements of abuse in its approval.
Mohammad Nizar said a soy sauce factory operator, who had been occupying the land since 1953, had submitted an application for the land since a long time ago.
Ho said MCA would not appeal against the cancellation, and would instead leave it to the ACA to carry out investigations on the matter.
MCA serah dokumen pada BPR - Malaysiakini
Apr 30, 08 3:00pm
MCA Perak hari ini mengemukakan semua dokumen berhubung permohonan dan pemilikan tanah bernilai tinggi seluas 0.87 hektar di Pasir Pinji di Ipoh kepada Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) supaya siasatan mengenainya dapat dijalankan secara telus dan adil.
Setiausaha MCA Perak Datuk Ho Cheng Wang berkata dokumen yang merangkumi surat permohonan, perjanjian, kelulusan dan hak milik tanah itu diserahkan kepada BPR bagi membuktikan dakwaan kerajaan negeri bahawa berlaku unsur penganiayaan dalam pemilikan itu, adalah tidak benar.
"Kita juga berharap siasatan BPR ini juga akan mengembalikan kesaksamaan dan keadilan semula kepada MCA kerana permohonan kita adalah sah dan mengikut prosedur yang ditetapkan oleh Pejabat Tanah dan Galian.
"Permohonan kita terhadap tanah itu adalah untuk membina bangunan MCA dan dewan orang ramai," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyerahkan dokumen itu kepada BPR di Ipoh hari ini.
Menurut laporan Bernama, beliau menyerahkan dokumen itu kepada Penolong Penguasa BPR Mohd Zaini Hassan.
Pada 16 April lalu kerajaan negeri membatalkan kelulusan tanah bernilai tinggi itu selepas mendakwa terdapat unsur penganiayaan dan kejanggalan dalam kelulusan tanah berkenaan.
Tidak merayu
Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin berkata kelulusan yang dibuat oleh kerajaan negeri sebelum ini berunsur penganiayaan kerana tanah berkenaan telah didiami sejak 1953 oleh pengusaha kilang kicap yang telah lama membuat permohonan bagi tanah berkenaan.
Nizar berkata kerajaan negeri akan meminta pengusaha berkenaan mengemukakan permohonan semula melalui Pejabat Tanah dan Galian (PTG) dan permohonan itu akan diproses bagi kelulusan.
Ho bagaimanapun berkata pihaknya difahamkan bahawa permohonan kilang kicap itu tidak dapat diluluskan kerana tanah itu adalah berhampiran dengan kawasan kediaman.
"Banyak kali mereka minta daripada PTG tetapi tidak diluluskan kerana kawasan itu tidak sesuai untuk dibina kilang kicap," katanya.
Beliau berkata MCA tidak akan membuat rayuan kepada kerajaan negeri berhubung pembatalan pemilikan itu.
Sebaliknya, Ho berharap BPR dapat menjalankan siasatan secepat mungkin sebagai membuktikan dakwaan kerajaan negeri itu tidak benar.
MCA Perak hari ini mengemukakan semua dokumen berhubung permohonan dan pemilikan tanah bernilai tinggi seluas 0.87 hektar di Pasir Pinji di Ipoh kepada Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) supaya siasatan mengenainya dapat dijalankan secara telus dan adil.
Setiausaha MCA Perak Datuk Ho Cheng Wang berkata dokumen yang merangkumi surat permohonan, perjanjian, kelulusan dan hak milik tanah itu diserahkan kepada BPR bagi membuktikan dakwaan kerajaan negeri bahawa berlaku unsur penganiayaan dalam pemilikan itu, adalah tidak benar.
"Kita juga berharap siasatan BPR ini juga akan mengembalikan kesaksamaan dan keadilan semula kepada MCA kerana permohonan kita adalah sah dan mengikut prosedur yang ditetapkan oleh Pejabat Tanah dan Galian.
"Permohonan kita terhadap tanah itu adalah untuk membina bangunan MCA dan dewan orang ramai," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyerahkan dokumen itu kepada BPR di Ipoh hari ini.
Menurut laporan Bernama, beliau menyerahkan dokumen itu kepada Penolong Penguasa BPR Mohd Zaini Hassan.
Pada 16 April lalu kerajaan negeri membatalkan kelulusan tanah bernilai tinggi itu selepas mendakwa terdapat unsur penganiayaan dan kejanggalan dalam kelulusan tanah berkenaan.
Tidak merayu
Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin berkata kelulusan yang dibuat oleh kerajaan negeri sebelum ini berunsur penganiayaan kerana tanah berkenaan telah didiami sejak 1953 oleh pengusaha kilang kicap yang telah lama membuat permohonan bagi tanah berkenaan.
Nizar berkata kerajaan negeri akan meminta pengusaha berkenaan mengemukakan permohonan semula melalui Pejabat Tanah dan Galian (PTG) dan permohonan itu akan diproses bagi kelulusan.
Ho bagaimanapun berkata pihaknya difahamkan bahawa permohonan kilang kicap itu tidak dapat diluluskan kerana tanah itu adalah berhampiran dengan kawasan kediaman.
"Banyak kali mereka minta daripada PTG tetapi tidak diluluskan kerana kawasan itu tidak sesuai untuk dibina kilang kicap," katanya.
Beliau berkata MCA tidak akan membuat rayuan kepada kerajaan negeri berhubung pembatalan pemilikan itu.
Sebaliknya, Ho berharap BPR dapat menjalankan siasatan secepat mungkin sebagai membuktikan dakwaan kerajaan negeri itu tidak benar.
Perak Religious Dept director transferred out - NST
IPOH: April 30, 2008 By M. Husairy Othman and P. Chandra Sagaran
State Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury was slapped with a 24-hour transfer order by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin yesterday for failing to co-operate with the State Government.
Sources said his "sin" could have been his decision not to allow Nizar to deliver sermons during the Friday prayers.
It is learnt that Jamry was summoned to Nizar's office about 8am and given a tongue-lashing in the presence of state secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim before being ordered to vacate his office at Kompleks Islam here.
"The meeting was brief and the saddest part was that Jamry was not even given the chance to defend himself.
"He was accused of not co-operating with the new State Government despite it (State Government) having been formed for about 40 days," a source said.
He said Dr Abdul Rahman was also directed at the end of the meeting to prepare a letter of transfer for Jamry.
On the possibility of Jamry's transfer being linked to the issue of Friday prayers, the source said the director disagreed with Nizar's request and this could have angered the menteri besar.
It is understood that Jamry is trying to seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, on the transfer.
When contacted, Jamry, also state Malay Customs and Islamic Council secretary, confirmed that he had been transferred.
He declined to elaborate, saying only that he would issue a statement on the matter today.
Meanwhile, Nizar, when met at a function here, said transfers were normal administrative procedures involving Government officers.
"It is a normal staff movement and part of the administrative process. I do not think it will lead to serious repercussions."
He also declined to comment when asked if Jamry's failure to co-operate with the State Government was the reason for the transfer.
"I do not know ... you will have to ask him. It is normal for employees to be moved in or out. Why should we make an announcement when employees are transferred?"
Nizar noted that former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali had transferred out a deputy state secretary soon after assuming office.
State Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury was slapped with a 24-hour transfer order by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin yesterday for failing to co-operate with the State Government.
Sources said his "sin" could have been his decision not to allow Nizar to deliver sermons during the Friday prayers.
It is learnt that Jamry was summoned to Nizar's office about 8am and given a tongue-lashing in the presence of state secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim before being ordered to vacate his office at Kompleks Islam here.
"The meeting was brief and the saddest part was that Jamry was not even given the chance to defend himself.
"He was accused of not co-operating with the new State Government despite it (State Government) having been formed for about 40 days," a source said.
He said Dr Abdul Rahman was also directed at the end of the meeting to prepare a letter of transfer for Jamry.
On the possibility of Jamry's transfer being linked to the issue of Friday prayers, the source said the director disagreed with Nizar's request and this could have angered the menteri besar.
It is understood that Jamry is trying to seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, on the transfer.
When contacted, Jamry, also state Malay Customs and Islamic Council secretary, confirmed that he had been transferred.
He declined to elaborate, saying only that he would issue a statement on the matter today.
Meanwhile, Nizar, when met at a function here, said transfers were normal administrative procedures involving Government officers.
"It is a normal staff movement and part of the administrative process. I do not think it will lead to serious repercussions."
He also declined to comment when asked if Jamry's failure to co-operate with the State Government was the reason for the transfer.
"I do not know ... you will have to ask him. It is normal for employees to be moved in or out. Why should we make an announcement when employees are transferred?"
Nizar noted that former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali had transferred out a deputy state secretary soon after assuming office.
Kula’s move questioned - The Star
IPOH: April 30, 2008
Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran must quit as an elected representative if he wants the job of Ipoh Datuk Bandar, said PKR assemblyman Chang Lih Kang.
Chang, who is Teja assemblyman, said he was shocked when he was informed that the second-term DAP MP was interested in becoming the Datuk Bandar.
“I am strongly against Kula vying for the mayor post unless he gives up his position as the MP for Ipoh Barat,” said Chang, who is also Perak PKR Youth deputy information chief.
Chang said all this in his blog posting yesterday.
“It has got nothing to do with race, capability or political party.
“The only reason is that Kula is the MP for Ipoh Barat,” he wrote.
“It is sickening to see an individual holding two very important posts at the same time,” he said.
Chang also said that the people deserved more than a part-time mayor and MP.
Kulasegaran had been quoted on a news website as saying that he would be able to address the problems of the people if he were to be selected as Datuk Bandar.
He said that as a two-term Ipoh Barat MP, he knew the city and its people well so he would be able to better address them as the Datuk Bandar.
Chang also wrote that he hoped the matter could be settled within the Pakatan Rakyat or else another round of “political chaos” would occur in Perak.
It is learnt that the three parties have not discussed the issue of a new Datuk Bandar.
The tenure of current Datuk Bandar Datuk Mohammad Rafiai Moktar ends in June
Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran must quit as an elected representative if he wants the job of Ipoh Datuk Bandar, said PKR assemblyman Chang Lih Kang.
Chang, who is Teja assemblyman, said he was shocked when he was informed that the second-term DAP MP was interested in becoming the Datuk Bandar.
“I am strongly against Kula vying for the mayor post unless he gives up his position as the MP for Ipoh Barat,” said Chang, who is also Perak PKR Youth deputy information chief.
Chang said all this in his blog posting yesterday.
“It has got nothing to do with race, capability or political party.
“The only reason is that Kula is the MP for Ipoh Barat,” he wrote.
“It is sickening to see an individual holding two very important posts at the same time,” he said.
Chang also said that the people deserved more than a part-time mayor and MP.
Kulasegaran had been quoted on a news website as saying that he would be able to address the problems of the people if he were to be selected as Datuk Bandar.
He said that as a two-term Ipoh Barat MP, he knew the city and its people well so he would be able to better address them as the Datuk Bandar.
Chang also wrote that he hoped the matter could be settled within the Pakatan Rakyat or else another round of “political chaos” would occur in Perak.
It is learnt that the three parties have not discussed the issue of a new Datuk Bandar.
The tenure of current Datuk Bandar Datuk Mohammad Rafiai Moktar ends in June
Perak sacks department director - The Star
IPOH: April 30, 2008 By HAH FOONG LIAN
Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury (pic) has been removed from the post with immediate effect.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin downplayed the removal.
Sources claimed the reason was Pakatan Rakyat government felt that Jamry was not cooperating with it.
Nizar told reporters yesterday that the transfer was a normal administrative procedure.
On whether Jamry’s removal was because the director was not cooperating with the new state government, Nizar said, “I don’t know. You have to ask him.”
Jamry was seconded to the post of director from the state secretariat three years ago.
It is learnt that Nizar had summoned Jamry to his office yesterday morning and asked him to vacate his office immediately.
Nizar apparently told Jamry that he had failed to work with the new government even after it had been in power for 40 days.
Confusion also seems to be growing over the composition of mosque committees in Perak, with members being uncertain about their status.
Some committee members claim that mosques in Manjung had been taken over by a new line-up while others have been told to draw up a list of new committee members.
According to mosque committee members, including some chairmen, who gathered yesterday to voice their concerns to Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, some of the mosques in Manjung district had been taken over by a new line-up that had started organising activities, while others were told the state government had asked for a new list of committee members to be drawn up.
Existing members are not happy that the Pakatan Rakyat government did not discuss the matter of new committee members, imam or bilal with them.
Manjung district mosque coordinator Mohd Salleh Basiron said the list of mosque committee members wasdrawn up by the district religious administrative officer with the penghulu and Orang Besar Jajahan (local chieftain), and submitted to the Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council, which is chaired by the Sultan, for endorsement.
He said the district religious administrative office did not ask for a new list. The instruction for one came from the state government, and this was against procedure.
Manjung district religious administrative officer Azizan Ismail said he was asked to sign a new list drawn up by a PAS leader but he refused.
He added that new instructions should come from the Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council.
Dr Zambry said religion should not be used as a tool to fulfil the political ambitions of certain quarters.
He added that the government talked about transparency but did not explain to the people what was really happening.
“We also had imams who were from PAS and NGOs,” Dr Zambry said.
“We evaluated them not based on their political inclinations. We appointed them based on whether the community can continue to exist peacefully and be of one heart,” he added.
Nizar, when asked, said he was not aware of the matter.
Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury (pic) has been removed from the post with immediate effect.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin downplayed the removal.
Sources claimed the reason was Pakatan Rakyat government felt that Jamry was not cooperating with it.
Nizar told reporters yesterday that the transfer was a normal administrative procedure.
On whether Jamry’s removal was because the director was not cooperating with the new state government, Nizar said, “I don’t know. You have to ask him.”
Jamry was seconded to the post of director from the state secretariat three years ago.
It is learnt that Nizar had summoned Jamry to his office yesterday morning and asked him to vacate his office immediately.
Nizar apparently told Jamry that he had failed to work with the new government even after it had been in power for 40 days.
Confusion also seems to be growing over the composition of mosque committees in Perak, with members being uncertain about their status.
Some committee members claim that mosques in Manjung had been taken over by a new line-up while others have been told to draw up a list of new committee members.
According to mosque committee members, including some chairmen, who gathered yesterday to voice their concerns to Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, some of the mosques in Manjung district had been taken over by a new line-up that had started organising activities, while others were told the state government had asked for a new list of committee members to be drawn up.
Existing members are not happy that the Pakatan Rakyat government did not discuss the matter of new committee members, imam or bilal with them.
Manjung district mosque coordinator Mohd Salleh Basiron said the list of mosque committee members wasdrawn up by the district religious administrative officer with the penghulu and Orang Besar Jajahan (local chieftain), and submitted to the Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council, which is chaired by the Sultan, for endorsement.
He said the district religious administrative office did not ask for a new list. The instruction for one came from the state government, and this was against procedure.
Manjung district religious administrative officer Azizan Ismail said he was asked to sign a new list drawn up by a PAS leader but he refused.
He added that new instructions should come from the Perak Malay Customs and Religious Council.
Dr Zambry said religion should not be used as a tool to fulfil the political ambitions of certain quarters.
He added that the government talked about transparency but did not explain to the people what was really happening.
“We also had imams who were from PAS and NGOs,” Dr Zambry said.
“We evaluated them not based on their political inclinations. We appointed them based on whether the community can continue to exist peacefully and be of one heart,” he added.
Nizar, when asked, said he was not aware of the matter.
Arah tukar serta-merta - MB Perak mahu Pengarah JAIP keluar pejabat 24 jam - Utusan (Update)
IPOH 29 April Oleh ABDUL RAZAK DIN
Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP), Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini diarah bertukar serta-merta dalam tempoh 24 jam oleh Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin kerana didakwa tidak memberi kerjasama kepada kerajaan campuran DAP, PKR dan Pas.
Jamry yang juga Setiausaha Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP) dikatakan telah diarah keluar dari pejabatnya oleh Mohammad Nizar pagi ini.
Menurut sumber kerajaan negeri, arahan Menteri Besar berkenaan melanggar tradisi di negeri ini dan mendahului Sultan Perak yang bertanggungjawab penuh dalam hal ehwal Islam.
Difahamkan, Jamry telah dihubungi melalui telefon supaya mengosongkan pejabatnya.
Perselisihan Pengarah JAIP itu dengan Menteri Besar dikatakan ada kaitan dengan usaha kerajaan negeri menukar ahli-ahli jawatankuasa masjid di seluruh Perak.
“Jamry diarah keluar tanpa diberi peluang menjelaskan apa-apa untuk membela dirinya,” kata sumber itu kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini.
Jamry, 48, ketika dihubungi enggan mengulas mengenai arahan itu, tetapi memaklumkan bahawa beliau akan menghadap Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah di Istana Kinta di sini.
“Setakat ini, saya diminta supaya tidak mengeluarkan apa-apa kenyataan berhubung perkara itu.
“Kemungkinan saya akan mengeluarkan kenyataan selepas menghadap Sultan,” kata beliau.
Arahan Menteri Besar Perak supaya Jamry mengosongkan pejabatnya boleh mencetuskan kontroversi kerana hal ehwal agama Islam terletak di bawah bidang kuasa Sultan Perak yang menjadi Ketua Agama Islam negeri.
Raja Muda Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah pula merupakan Pengerusi MAIAMP.
MAIAMP sepatutnya mengadakan mesyuarat pada 15 Mei ini untuk membincangkan senarai baru jawatankuasa masjid di seluruh Perak yang dibuat dengan mengambil kira nasihat Istana Perak.
Jamry dilantik memegang jawatan Pengarah JAIP sejak tahun 2004. Sebelum itu, beliau ialah Pegawai Daerah Kuala Kangsar.
Sementara itu, Mohammad Nizar yang genap 43 hari menjadi Menteri Besar mendakwa pertukaran serta-merta Jamry itu adalah sesuatu yang ‘normal’ dari segi prosedur pentadbiran kerajaan negeri.
Menurut beliau, Jamry ditukarkan ke pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri dan penggantinya di JAIP akan diumumkan kemudian.
Bagaimanapun, ketika ditanya mengapa Jamry diarah bertukar dalam tempoh 24 jam, Mohammad Nizar terdiam seketika.
Beliau kemudian sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa arahan pertukaran tersebut adalah sesuatu yang biasa dan tiada apa-apa yang negatif mengenainya.
“Sebelum ini juga terdapat beberapa pertukaran dan perpindahan beberapa pegawai kerajaan negeri, tetapi ia tidak dihebahkan kepada umum.
“Bertukar atau naik pangkat dalam pentadbiran adalah perkara biasa. Kita ada Timbalan SUK (Setiausaha Kerajaan) ditukarkan... naik pangkat pergi ke ibu pejabat, ini biasa.
“Anda patut kemukakan soalan ini kepada Menteri Besar yang dulu bila dia masuk-masuk sahaja, dia malah menukarkan SUK... saya tidak,” katanya pada sidang media selepas satu majlis di Institut Tadbiran Islam Perak (Intim) di sini petang ini.
Mohammad Nizar turut menafikan wujud perbezaan pendapat antara beliau dan Jamry hingga menyebabkan Jamry ditukarkan.
Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP), Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini diarah bertukar serta-merta dalam tempoh 24 jam oleh Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin kerana didakwa tidak memberi kerjasama kepada kerajaan campuran DAP, PKR dan Pas.
Jamry yang juga Setiausaha Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP) dikatakan telah diarah keluar dari pejabatnya oleh Mohammad Nizar pagi ini.
Menurut sumber kerajaan negeri, arahan Menteri Besar berkenaan melanggar tradisi di negeri ini dan mendahului Sultan Perak yang bertanggungjawab penuh dalam hal ehwal Islam.
Difahamkan, Jamry telah dihubungi melalui telefon supaya mengosongkan pejabatnya.
Perselisihan Pengarah JAIP itu dengan Menteri Besar dikatakan ada kaitan dengan usaha kerajaan negeri menukar ahli-ahli jawatankuasa masjid di seluruh Perak.
“Jamry diarah keluar tanpa diberi peluang menjelaskan apa-apa untuk membela dirinya,” kata sumber itu kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini.
Jamry, 48, ketika dihubungi enggan mengulas mengenai arahan itu, tetapi memaklumkan bahawa beliau akan menghadap Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah di Istana Kinta di sini.
“Setakat ini, saya diminta supaya tidak mengeluarkan apa-apa kenyataan berhubung perkara itu.
“Kemungkinan saya akan mengeluarkan kenyataan selepas menghadap Sultan,” kata beliau.
Arahan Menteri Besar Perak supaya Jamry mengosongkan pejabatnya boleh mencetuskan kontroversi kerana hal ehwal agama Islam terletak di bawah bidang kuasa Sultan Perak yang menjadi Ketua Agama Islam negeri.
Raja Muda Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah pula merupakan Pengerusi MAIAMP.
MAIAMP sepatutnya mengadakan mesyuarat pada 15 Mei ini untuk membincangkan senarai baru jawatankuasa masjid di seluruh Perak yang dibuat dengan mengambil kira nasihat Istana Perak.
Jamry dilantik memegang jawatan Pengarah JAIP sejak tahun 2004. Sebelum itu, beliau ialah Pegawai Daerah Kuala Kangsar.
Sementara itu, Mohammad Nizar yang genap 43 hari menjadi Menteri Besar mendakwa pertukaran serta-merta Jamry itu adalah sesuatu yang ‘normal’ dari segi prosedur pentadbiran kerajaan negeri.
Menurut beliau, Jamry ditukarkan ke pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri dan penggantinya di JAIP akan diumumkan kemudian.
Bagaimanapun, ketika ditanya mengapa Jamry diarah bertukar dalam tempoh 24 jam, Mohammad Nizar terdiam seketika.
Beliau kemudian sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa arahan pertukaran tersebut adalah sesuatu yang biasa dan tiada apa-apa yang negatif mengenainya.
“Sebelum ini juga terdapat beberapa pertukaran dan perpindahan beberapa pegawai kerajaan negeri, tetapi ia tidak dihebahkan kepada umum.
“Bertukar atau naik pangkat dalam pentadbiran adalah perkara biasa. Kita ada Timbalan SUK (Setiausaha Kerajaan) ditukarkan... naik pangkat pergi ke ibu pejabat, ini biasa.
“Anda patut kemukakan soalan ini kepada Menteri Besar yang dulu bila dia masuk-masuk sahaja, dia malah menukarkan SUK... saya tidak,” katanya pada sidang media selepas satu majlis di Institut Tadbiran Islam Perak (Intim) di sini petang ini.
Mohammad Nizar turut menafikan wujud perbezaan pendapat antara beliau dan Jamry hingga menyebabkan Jamry ditukarkan.
TV3 To Reconsider Its "Jom Heboh" Content, Says Perak MB
IPOH, April 29 (Bernama)
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said TV3's top management had agreed to reconsider the programme content of its "Jom Heboh" carnival.
The carnival is an exposition and entertainment programme launched by the private television station in 2003.
He said in a meeting with the station's top management in Kuala lumpur last Wednesday he had, among other things, asked that some unsuitable activities in the programme be changed.
"The chief executive officer of TV3 had reacted positively on the matter," he told reporters here today when asked on the status of the carnival which was first held in the state on May 5 and 6 last year at the Indera Mulia Stadium here.
Last Sunday, when he opened the 14th annual general meeting of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) here, Mohammad Nizar said TV3 had made known its intention of not holding the carnival in Perak although the state government had not issued any directive to cancel the event.
His statement prompted TV3 to contact the media in Ipoh last night to say that TV3's top management had not decided to call off the event as mentioned by the Menteri Besar.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said TV3's top management had agreed to reconsider the programme content of its "Jom Heboh" carnival.
The carnival is an exposition and entertainment programme launched by the private television station in 2003.
He said in a meeting with the station's top management in Kuala lumpur last Wednesday he had, among other things, asked that some unsuitable activities in the programme be changed.
"The chief executive officer of TV3 had reacted positively on the matter," he told reporters here today when asked on the status of the carnival which was first held in the state on May 5 and 6 last year at the Indera Mulia Stadium here.
Last Sunday, when he opened the 14th annual general meeting of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) here, Mohammad Nizar said TV3 had made known its intention of not holding the carnival in Perak although the state government had not issued any directive to cancel the event.
His statement prompted TV3 to contact the media in Ipoh last night to say that TV3's top management had not decided to call off the event as mentioned by the Menteri Besar.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
MB Perak arah Pengarah JAIP bertukar - Utusan
29/04/2008 7:28pm
SITIAWAN 29 April — Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini diarah bertukar dalam tempoh 24 jam oleh kerajaan campuran negeri Perak kerana didakwa tidak boleh memberi kerjasama.
Beliau yang juga Setiausaha Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP) dikatakan telah diminta keluar dari pejabatnya oleh Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin pagi tadi.
Seorang anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri yang mengesahkan perkara itu berkata Jamry telah dihubungi menerusi telefon oleh Mohammad Nizar untuk berbuat demikian tanpa diberi peluang menjelaskan apa-apa bagi membela dirinya.
Tidak pula diberitahu ke pejabat mana Jamry ditukarkan.
Sementara itu, Jamry ketika dihubungi Bernama enggan mengulas lanjut dan memaklumkan bahawa beliau akan mengadap Sultan Perak Sultan Azlan Shah petang ini di Istana Kinta di Ipoh.
“Setakat ini saya diminta supaya tidak mengeluarkan apa-apa kenyataan berhubung perkara itu. Kemungkinan saya akan mengeluarkan kenyataan mengenainya selepas mengadap Sultan petang ini,” katanya.
SITIAWAN 29 April — Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) Datuk Jamry Sury hari ini diarah bertukar dalam tempoh 24 jam oleh kerajaan campuran negeri Perak kerana didakwa tidak boleh memberi kerjasama.
Beliau yang juga Setiausaha Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak (MAIAMP) dikatakan telah diminta keluar dari pejabatnya oleh Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin pagi tadi.
Seorang anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri yang mengesahkan perkara itu berkata Jamry telah dihubungi menerusi telefon oleh Mohammad Nizar untuk berbuat demikian tanpa diberi peluang menjelaskan apa-apa bagi membela dirinya.
Tidak pula diberitahu ke pejabat mana Jamry ditukarkan.
Sementara itu, Jamry ketika dihubungi Bernama enggan mengulas lanjut dan memaklumkan bahawa beliau akan mengadap Sultan Perak Sultan Azlan Shah petang ini di Istana Kinta di Ipoh.
“Setakat ini saya diminta supaya tidak mengeluarkan apa-apa kenyataan berhubung perkara itu. Kemungkinan saya akan mengeluarkan kenyataan mengenainya selepas mengadap Sultan petang ini,” katanya.
Perak MIC Councillors Quit
IPOH, April 29 (Bernama)
All the 34 MIC district, municipal and city councillors in Perak will step down from the posts on May 1 as the Barisan Nasional (BN) is no longer in power in the state.
Perak MIC chief Datuk G.Rajoo said all of them were quitting voluntarily and that no pressure had been exerted for them to do so.
They would, however, continue to serve the people in their respective areas, he said in a statement here Tuesday.
The Pakatan Rakyat coalition comprising Parti Keadilan Rakyat, DAP and PAS won the state in the March 8 election.
All the 34 MIC district, municipal and city councillors in Perak will step down from the posts on May 1 as the Barisan Nasional (BN) is no longer in power in the state.
Perak MIC chief Datuk G.Rajoo said all of them were quitting voluntarily and that no pressure had been exerted for them to do so.
They would, however, continue to serve the people in their respective areas, he said in a statement here Tuesday.
The Pakatan Rakyat coalition comprising Parti Keadilan Rakyat, DAP and PAS won the state in the March 8 election.
450 to ride British classic bikes - The Star
April 29, 2008
IT will be a trip down memory lane in more ways than one when a group of 450 riders of British-made motorcycles converge on Ipoh for the Malaysia International Classic Bike Festival.
The bikers will ride both pre-war and post-war machines to visit heritage buildings like the Ipoh Railway Station and Kellie’s Castle and the tin dredge in Batu Gajah.
The three-day festival, beginning May 2, will be held for the first time in Perak.
Ipoh British Classic Bikers’ Club deputy president Azman Omm said it was the seventh time the club was organising the annual event with last year’s ride held in Klang.
“We expect local and foreign bikers to take part in this year’s event which we hope will help promote tourism in the state,” he added.
Azman said among the classic bikes that would be used for the gathering at Dataran Ipoh for the festival were Norton, BMW, Triumph and a 1908 Sunbeam.
He said three women bikers had already signed up for the event and the oldest participant would be an 86-year-old teacher.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who was present at the press briefing yesterday, said the state would be funding RM70,000 for the event.
IT will be a trip down memory lane in more ways than one when a group of 450 riders of British-made motorcycles converge on Ipoh for the Malaysia International Classic Bike Festival.
The bikers will ride both pre-war and post-war machines to visit heritage buildings like the Ipoh Railway Station and Kellie’s Castle and the tin dredge in Batu Gajah.
The three-day festival, beginning May 2, will be held for the first time in Perak.
Ipoh British Classic Bikers’ Club deputy president Azman Omm said it was the seventh time the club was organising the annual event with last year’s ride held in Klang.
“We expect local and foreign bikers to take part in this year’s event which we hope will help promote tourism in the state,” he added.
Azman said among the classic bikes that would be used for the gathering at Dataran Ipoh for the festival were Norton, BMW, Triumph and a 1908 Sunbeam.
He said three women bikers had already signed up for the event and the oldest participant would be an 86-year-old teacher.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who was present at the press briefing yesterday, said the state would be funding RM70,000 for the event.
Punjabis or Bengalis? Few know the difference - The Star
April 29, 2008 By CAROLYN OOI
ARE Punjabis and Bengalis the same people? They share very few similarities but many Malaysians mistakenly think they are the same.
A street poll by The Star found that very few Malaysians could differentiate between Punjabis and Bengalis.
Cleaner Rohani Zain, 48, said she thought that Punjabis and Bengalis are the same people and call them ‘Singh’ or Bengali if the person wore a turban.
Wireman Khor Hock Kim, 40, thought that Bengalis wore turbans while Punjabis were Indians who did not wear the headgear.
“Maybe Bengalis are bigger and taller physcially and has got a distinctive facial feature such as high noses,” he said with uncertainty.
His colleague, James Ooi, 29, said that as a child, he learnt from school friends that those with turbans were Bengalis.
“I am not sure of the difference between the two. So, I call my friends ‘Singh’ because it is in their name and I don’t want to sound rude.
Waiter Johari Abdul Rahman, 28, said some people told him that women with a ‘Kaur’ in their names were Punjabis while men with a ‘Singh’ in their names were Bengalis.
“Honestly, I do not know and just call them by their names,” he said.
Research analyst S. Malarvilli, 29, who has a Bengali aunt, said Punjabis were from Punjab while the Bengalis were from Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
“Their culture and language are different,” she said confidently.
Married to a local Punjabi for 17 years, Austrian Eva Feuchtinger, 46, said Punjabis feel offended when they were mistaken as Bengalis.
“Sometimes my husband would explain the differences to his friends,” she added.
Retired Universiti Sains Malaysia administrator Pal Singh, 62, said some people would still be unable to differentiate between a Punjabi and a Bengali even after they were told the differences.
“The only way (to correct the confusion) would be through education,” he suggested.
Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Association president Sarjit Singh Naura said trying to identify a Punjabi or a Bengali through physical attributes was like trying to identify a Malaysian from Perak and a Malaysian from Malacca.
He said 90% of the Sikhs in Malaysia originated from Punjab but there were also Sikhs from Bengal who wore turbans.
Retired teacher Malkiat Singh Lopo, 66, a Prai Gurdwara committee member, said aside from different geographical origins, Punjabis and Bengalis were very different.
“Punjabis speaks Punjabi and are generally taller with bigger frame and slightly fairer than Bengalis.
“Most Punjabis in Malaysia are Sikhs and could be differentiated from the five Kakars which are their uncut hair (kesh), a comb called kanga worn in their hair, a kirpan (a traditional Sikh sword) which they carry, the iron bracelet (kara) worn on their wrists and the traditional Sikh drawers (kacha) which they wear,” he said.
He said the Bengali and Punjabi language and scripts were different but have some similarities because of their Sanskrit origin.
Malkiat Singh, who has researched Malaysian Sikh history and written a historical novel on the Punjabi pioneers in Malaysia called The Enchanting Prison, said the traditional dresses of the two groups were also different.
“Both Punjabi and Bengali men wear the kurta, a free flowing long sleeves shirt falling near the knees, but Punjabi men wear them with drawstring long pants called pajama, a trouser which was fitting at the legs
“Bengali Hindu men wear the kurta with the dhoti, a rectangular unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist while their Muslim counterpart wear the lungi which is like a sarong,” he said.
Malkiat Singh said Punjabi women wore kurti and salwar, commonly known as a Punjabi suit, with dupatta (a scarf) over their heads while Bengali women wore sarees.
“The Bengali Hindu women wear a bindi, a dot on their forehead, and a sindhoor, a red vermilion powder rubbed on the hair above the fore-head,” he said.
“Punjabi Hindus, Punjabi Muslims and Punjabi Christians do not have a ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’ in their names and do not practice the five Kakars.
“There are Punjabis who are Sikhs but cut their hair and shave their beards. Still a Punjabi can identify another while it would be difficult for other races to tell a Bengali from a Punjabi,” he said.
He said one way to avoid confusion was to ask if a person was a Punjabi or a Bengali.
ARE Punjabis and Bengalis the same people? They share very few similarities but many Malaysians mistakenly think they are the same.
A street poll by The Star found that very few Malaysians could differentiate between Punjabis and Bengalis.
Cleaner Rohani Zain, 48, said she thought that Punjabis and Bengalis are the same people and call them ‘Singh’ or Bengali if the person wore a turban.
Wireman Khor Hock Kim, 40, thought that Bengalis wore turbans while Punjabis were Indians who did not wear the headgear.
“Maybe Bengalis are bigger and taller physcially and has got a distinctive facial feature such as high noses,” he said with uncertainty.
His colleague, James Ooi, 29, said that as a child, he learnt from school friends that those with turbans were Bengalis.
“I am not sure of the difference between the two. So, I call my friends ‘Singh’ because it is in their name and I don’t want to sound rude.
Waiter Johari Abdul Rahman, 28, said some people told him that women with a ‘Kaur’ in their names were Punjabis while men with a ‘Singh’ in their names were Bengalis.
“Honestly, I do not know and just call them by their names,” he said.
Research analyst S. Malarvilli, 29, who has a Bengali aunt, said Punjabis were from Punjab while the Bengalis were from Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
“Their culture and language are different,” she said confidently.
Married to a local Punjabi for 17 years, Austrian Eva Feuchtinger, 46, said Punjabis feel offended when they were mistaken as Bengalis.
“Sometimes my husband would explain the differences to his friends,” she added.
Retired Universiti Sains Malaysia administrator Pal Singh, 62, said some people would still be unable to differentiate between a Punjabi and a Bengali even after they were told the differences.
“The only way (to correct the confusion) would be through education,” he suggested.
Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Association president Sarjit Singh Naura said trying to identify a Punjabi or a Bengali through physical attributes was like trying to identify a Malaysian from Perak and a Malaysian from Malacca.
He said 90% of the Sikhs in Malaysia originated from Punjab but there were also Sikhs from Bengal who wore turbans.
Retired teacher Malkiat Singh Lopo, 66, a Prai Gurdwara committee member, said aside from different geographical origins, Punjabis and Bengalis were very different.
“Punjabis speaks Punjabi and are generally taller with bigger frame and slightly fairer than Bengalis.
“Most Punjabis in Malaysia are Sikhs and could be differentiated from the five Kakars which are their uncut hair (kesh), a comb called kanga worn in their hair, a kirpan (a traditional Sikh sword) which they carry, the iron bracelet (kara) worn on their wrists and the traditional Sikh drawers (kacha) which they wear,” he said.
He said the Bengali and Punjabi language and scripts were different but have some similarities because of their Sanskrit origin.
Malkiat Singh, who has researched Malaysian Sikh history and written a historical novel on the Punjabi pioneers in Malaysia called The Enchanting Prison, said the traditional dresses of the two groups were also different.
“Both Punjabi and Bengali men wear the kurta, a free flowing long sleeves shirt falling near the knees, but Punjabi men wear them with drawstring long pants called pajama, a trouser which was fitting at the legs
“Bengali Hindu men wear the kurta with the dhoti, a rectangular unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist while their Muslim counterpart wear the lungi which is like a sarong,” he said.
Malkiat Singh said Punjabi women wore kurti and salwar, commonly known as a Punjabi suit, with dupatta (a scarf) over their heads while Bengali women wore sarees.
“The Bengali Hindu women wear a bindi, a dot on their forehead, and a sindhoor, a red vermilion powder rubbed on the hair above the fore-head,” he said.
“Punjabi Hindus, Punjabi Muslims and Punjabi Christians do not have a ‘Singh’ or ‘Kaur’ in their names and do not practice the five Kakars.
“There are Punjabis who are Sikhs but cut their hair and shave their beards. Still a Punjabi can identify another while it would be difficult for other races to tell a Bengali from a Punjabi,” he said.
He said one way to avoid confusion was to ask if a person was a Punjabi or a Bengali.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Next Ipoh mayor from private sector - NST
IPOH: March 13, 2008
A professional from the private sector is expected to be appointed the new mayor in the wake of the change in state government following the general election.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Mohd Rafiai Moktar, 55, a former president of the Perak Tengah district council, is expected to return to the federal civil service.
The change of guard at city hall here is expected to be followed by the appointment of new presidents to the municipal councils of Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Manjung and Teluk Intan.
It is understood that new heads will also be appointed to the district councils of Gerik, Kerian, Kinta Barat, Kinta Selatan, Lenggong, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak Tengah, Selama and Tanjung Malim.
The 22-member Ipoh city council is also expected to see, among others, the appointment of experts from non-governmental organisations as councillors.
These are part of across-the- board changes in all 15 local councils in the state with the imminent installation of the new state government comprising the DAP, PKR and Pas.
The Ipoh city council, the largest of the local authorities in the state, has been criticised by civil groups for poor performance in carrying out basic municipal duties, fiscal management and in ensuring an effective public delivery system.
Leaders of the Perak DAP, the major coalition partner with 18 state seats, declined comment on proposed changes at top level in local authorities. They said the matter would be dealt with soon.
Section 10(1) of the Local Government Act 1976, vests the power of appointing the mayor or president of the local authority, as well as local councillors, in the state government.
Some serving local councillors said they were unsure of what would happen to their positions when the new state government came to power.
"I have not received any communication from my party or the Datuk Bandar (Mohd Rafiai). However, I will wait till I receive notice to step down from the new government," councillor T. Murugiah of the PPP said.
Citizens' groups such as the Ipoh Ratepayers and Taxpayers Association (Irata) and the Ipoh City Watch (ICW) will be watching the coalition to see if it will appoint non-politicians as councillors.
"This is the time for DAP to show how serious it is about direct public participation in the decision-making process in local authorities. For a long time, the party has been fighting for a cleaner and more efficient local council.
"The new state government should appoint councillors from non-governmental organisations," saik Victor Sankey, Irata deputy president.
ICW secretary Jefri Palpernarvan hoped the new state government would not field budding politicians from the DAP, PKR and Pas as councillors.
Meanwhile, DAP national vice-chairman and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran said expectations were high with many wanting a sea change among councillors.
The PKR-Pas joint manifesto states that one-third of councillors will be non-politicians.
Kulasegaran said this could be used as a yardstick by the new state government in the appointment of councillors.
A professional from the private sector is expected to be appointed the new mayor in the wake of the change in state government following the general election.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Mohd Rafiai Moktar, 55, a former president of the Perak Tengah district council, is expected to return to the federal civil service.
The change of guard at city hall here is expected to be followed by the appointment of new presidents to the municipal councils of Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Manjung and Teluk Intan.
It is understood that new heads will also be appointed to the district councils of Gerik, Kerian, Kinta Barat, Kinta Selatan, Lenggong, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak Tengah, Selama and Tanjung Malim.
The 22-member Ipoh city council is also expected to see, among others, the appointment of experts from non-governmental organisations as councillors.
These are part of across-the- board changes in all 15 local councils in the state with the imminent installation of the new state government comprising the DAP, PKR and Pas.
The Ipoh city council, the largest of the local authorities in the state, has been criticised by civil groups for poor performance in carrying out basic municipal duties, fiscal management and in ensuring an effective public delivery system.
Leaders of the Perak DAP, the major coalition partner with 18 state seats, declined comment on proposed changes at top level in local authorities. They said the matter would be dealt with soon.
Section 10(1) of the Local Government Act 1976, vests the power of appointing the mayor or president of the local authority, as well as local councillors, in the state government.
Some serving local councillors said they were unsure of what would happen to their positions when the new state government came to power.
"I have not received any communication from my party or the Datuk Bandar (Mohd Rafiai). However, I will wait till I receive notice to step down from the new government," councillor T. Murugiah of the PPP said.
Citizens' groups such as the Ipoh Ratepayers and Taxpayers Association (Irata) and the Ipoh City Watch (ICW) will be watching the coalition to see if it will appoint non-politicians as councillors.
"This is the time for DAP to show how serious it is about direct public participation in the decision-making process in local authorities. For a long time, the party has been fighting for a cleaner and more efficient local council.
"The new state government should appoint councillors from non-governmental organisations," saik Victor Sankey, Irata deputy president.
ICW secretary Jefri Palpernarvan hoped the new state government would not field budding politicians from the DAP, PKR and Pas as councillors.
Meanwhile, DAP national vice-chairman and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran said expectations were high with many wanting a sea change among councillors.
The PKR-Pas joint manifesto states that one-third of councillors will be non-politicians.
Kulasegaran said this could be used as a yardstick by the new state government in the appointment of councillors.
Perak to check if eviction of 53 farmers was fair - The Star
IPOH: April 28, 2008 By HAH FOONG LIAN
The state will investigate if a decision by the previous Perak government to evict 53 farmers, who have to make way for a quarry and cement factory at the Malim Nawar new village, had been fair.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the state government would have to first check if there were elements of "injustice" in the decision to evict the farmers who had been toiling there for some 30 years.
"We will look into whether we could set aside the decision of the previous government," Nizar said Monday after meeting some of the farmers at his office at the State Secretariat Building here.
"If there were elements of 'injustice' in the decision, we will cancel it," he added.
He said state executive council (exco) member Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, in charge of agriculture, would study the matter for discussion at the next exco meeting.
Nizar reassured the worried farmers that the state government would discuss the matter with the relevant parties and in the meantime, the farmers can continue to work there.
Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh, who led the entourage of farmers to meet Nizar, said the 53 farmers, of whom 40 are freshwater fish rearers and the rest vegetable cultivators, received a notice to vacate the land on April 17.
"We managed to stop the tractor on that day when it came to bulldoze the land. Fortunately the workers agreed to hold on for a while until we sort out the matter with the state government," he said.
He added that he was puzzled how the land could have been awarded to the company when the farmers were working on it.
Farmer Hon Eng Kee, who attended the meeting, said he was happy that Nizar had reassured them that the government would look into the matter.
"We depend on the land for our livelihood but now we are being evicted," he added.
The state will investigate if a decision by the previous Perak government to evict 53 farmers, who have to make way for a quarry and cement factory at the Malim Nawar new village, had been fair.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the state government would have to first check if there were elements of "injustice" in the decision to evict the farmers who had been toiling there for some 30 years.
"We will look into whether we could set aside the decision of the previous government," Nizar said Monday after meeting some of the farmers at his office at the State Secretariat Building here.
"If there were elements of 'injustice' in the decision, we will cancel it," he added.
He said state executive council (exco) member Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi, in charge of agriculture, would study the matter for discussion at the next exco meeting.
Nizar reassured the worried farmers that the state government would discuss the matter with the relevant parties and in the meantime, the farmers can continue to work there.
Malim Nawar assemblyman Keshvinder Singh, who led the entourage of farmers to meet Nizar, said the 53 farmers, of whom 40 are freshwater fish rearers and the rest vegetable cultivators, received a notice to vacate the land on April 17.
"We managed to stop the tractor on that day when it came to bulldoze the land. Fortunately the workers agreed to hold on for a while until we sort out the matter with the state government," he said.
He added that he was puzzled how the land could have been awarded to the company when the farmers were working on it.
Farmer Hon Eng Kee, who attended the meeting, said he was happy that Nizar had reassured them that the government would look into the matter.
"We depend on the land for our livelihood but now we are being evicted," he added.
PERAK BIG FIGHT NO 3: DAP vs PKR AND PAS OVER MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT - AND IPOH’S CHAMP IS ... BN? - Malay Mail
April 28, 2008 By BARADAN KUPPUSAMY
A TUSSLE has erupted over who should be the new mayor of Ipoh, the third largest city in the country, and the contenders are incumbent BN appointee Datuk Mohamad Rafiai Moktar, whose term expires on June 6, and DAP MP for Ipoh Barat, M. Kulasegaran.
While the DAP is backing its national vice-president, Ku lasegaran, a lawyer of 26 years, their partners in Perak’s Pakatan Rakyat coalition government, PKR and Pas, want to maintain the status quo by keeping Mohamad Rafiai.
Last month, the coalition squabbled over the Mentri Besar’s post which eventually went to Pas member Datuk Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin even though Pas only has six seats compared to the DAP’s 18 in the 59-seat State as sembly.
The coalition also had disputes over the State executive commit tee posts, which delayed the swearing in of the new govern ment.
“We want to avoid another round of infighting, this time over the Ipoh mayoralty,” said a senior PKR leader, who declined to be identified.
“That’s why we are suggesting the incumbent continues for an other term.”
Kulasegaran, however, has other ideas.
“I want to serve, to better the performance of the current mayor if selected for the job,” he said yesterday.
“The 650,000 rate-payers de serve better than what they are getting now.”
Kulasegaran, 50, also wants to do better than brothers S. P. and D. R. Seenivasagam, who turned the city into a national icon for public-spirited management, cleanliness and transparency dur ing their time.
The DAP has given him the greenlight to vie for the post and is openly backing his candidacy, sources said.
Kulasegaran said his strength is that, as the two-term Ipoh Barat MP, he knows the city, the people and the problems they face “in side out.”
“I will be able to better address them as the mayor,” he said.
Mohamad Rafiai could not be reached for comment but an aide said he would be “happy to serve” if selected.
“He has the people’s welfare at heart,” the aide said.
The State government, espe cially Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar, will have a major say in who gets the job, a retired Perak politician said.
“After the speaker’s post went to an Indian last week, there is some reservation about the may or’s post also going to another Indian.”
If Kulasegaran wins the nom ination, it would be a significant boost for the Indian section in the DAP in Perak, which already has lawyer, A. Sivanesan, as a State exco member and Tronoh assemblyman, V. Sivakumar, as speaker of the State assembly.
“It will be a major boost for the Indian community,” the retired politician said.
“The community have never had it this good before.”
The Perak-born Kulasegaran said his priorities, if selected, would be to keep the city clean, im plement people-oriented policies and re-introduce elections for loc al councils.
Of the 650,000 ratepayers in Ipoh, 65 per cent are Chinese, 17 per cent are Indians and the rest Malays.
Under the Seenivasagam broth ers, both lawyers, the city gained a national reputation as the best-managed in the country, with S. P. Seenivasagam dominating the Ipoh Town Council as pres ident from 1960 until his death on July 4, 1975.
Although S. P. was the pres ident, D. R. was said to be the brains behind the council’s land mark decisions which favoured hawkers, the poor and the home less with liberal legislation, cheap urban housing and nominal rent als.
The brothers are remembered today through two roads named after them and the D. R. Seenivas agam Park (formerly Coronation Park).
Ipoh city encompasses two par liamentary constituencies and nu merous outlying suburbs and town.
A TUSSLE has erupted over who should be the new mayor of Ipoh, the third largest city in the country, and the contenders are incumbent BN appointee Datuk Mohamad Rafiai Moktar, whose term expires on June 6, and DAP MP for Ipoh Barat, M. Kulasegaran.
While the DAP is backing its national vice-president, Ku lasegaran, a lawyer of 26 years, their partners in Perak’s Pakatan Rakyat coalition government, PKR and Pas, want to maintain the status quo by keeping Mohamad Rafiai.
Last month, the coalition squabbled over the Mentri Besar’s post which eventually went to Pas member Datuk Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin even though Pas only has six seats compared to the DAP’s 18 in the 59-seat State as sembly.
The coalition also had disputes over the State executive commit tee posts, which delayed the swearing in of the new govern ment.
“We want to avoid another round of infighting, this time over the Ipoh mayoralty,” said a senior PKR leader, who declined to be identified.
“That’s why we are suggesting the incumbent continues for an other term.”
Kulasegaran, however, has other ideas.
“I want to serve, to better the performance of the current mayor if selected for the job,” he said yesterday.
“The 650,000 rate-payers de serve better than what they are getting now.”
Kulasegaran, 50, also wants to do better than brothers S. P. and D. R. Seenivasagam, who turned the city into a national icon for public-spirited management, cleanliness and transparency dur ing their time.
The DAP has given him the greenlight to vie for the post and is openly backing his candidacy, sources said.
Kulasegaran said his strength is that, as the two-term Ipoh Barat MP, he knows the city, the people and the problems they face “in side out.”
“I will be able to better address them as the mayor,” he said.
Mohamad Rafiai could not be reached for comment but an aide said he would be “happy to serve” if selected.
“He has the people’s welfare at heart,” the aide said.
The State government, espe cially Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar, will have a major say in who gets the job, a retired Perak politician said.
“After the speaker’s post went to an Indian last week, there is some reservation about the may or’s post also going to another Indian.”
If Kulasegaran wins the nom ination, it would be a significant boost for the Indian section in the DAP in Perak, which already has lawyer, A. Sivanesan, as a State exco member and Tronoh assemblyman, V. Sivakumar, as speaker of the State assembly.
“It will be a major boost for the Indian community,” the retired politician said.
“The community have never had it this good before.”
The Perak-born Kulasegaran said his priorities, if selected, would be to keep the city clean, im plement people-oriented policies and re-introduce elections for loc al councils.
Of the 650,000 ratepayers in Ipoh, 65 per cent are Chinese, 17 per cent are Indians and the rest Malays.
Under the Seenivasagam broth ers, both lawyers, the city gained a national reputation as the best-managed in the country, with S. P. Seenivasagam dominating the Ipoh Town Council as pres ident from 1960 until his death on July 4, 1975.
Although S. P. was the pres ident, D. R. was said to be the brains behind the council’s land mark decisions which favoured hawkers, the poor and the home less with liberal legislation, cheap urban housing and nominal rent als.
The brothers are remembered today through two roads named after them and the D. R. Seenivas agam Park (formerly Coronation Park).
Ipoh city encompasses two par liamentary constituencies and nu merous outlying suburbs and town.
Chinese Muslims want own mosque - NST
IPOH: April 28, 2008
Chinese Muslims here want their own mosque to fulfil their religious obligations.
The Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MCMA) Ipoh branch has identified a piece of land for the mosque for which the previous state government had pledged RM100,000 towards its construction.
Association chairman Datuk Fadzli Cheah Abdullah said the matter would be raised with the present state government.
"Currently, Chinese Muslims go to the mosques to pray, but those who cannot understand Bahasa Malaysia face difficulties in understanding the sermon."
"There are about 60,000 Chinese Muslims in the country. It is time that the authorities look into the matter," he said.
The association will be using the three-day Chinese Muslim Missionary Gathering, which started yesterday, as a platform to raise the issue.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who officiated at the association's 14th annual general meeting yesterday, said the government would look at their request.
He said it would not be easy to approve as Pakatan Rakyat does not have an overwhelming mandate to rule the state.
Eleven speakers would present papers at four workshops and two ceramah on challenges, problems, unity and identity related to the community.
Among issues to be discussed include the need of converts to inform families to avoid legal complications and other problems like death.
Chinese Muslims here want their own mosque to fulfil their religious obligations.
The Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MCMA) Ipoh branch has identified a piece of land for the mosque for which the previous state government had pledged RM100,000 towards its construction.
Association chairman Datuk Fadzli Cheah Abdullah said the matter would be raised with the present state government.
"Currently, Chinese Muslims go to the mosques to pray, but those who cannot understand Bahasa Malaysia face difficulties in understanding the sermon."
"There are about 60,000 Chinese Muslims in the country. It is time that the authorities look into the matter," he said.
The association will be using the three-day Chinese Muslim Missionary Gathering, which started yesterday, as a platform to raise the issue.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who officiated at the association's 14th annual general meeting yesterday, said the government would look at their request.
He said it would not be easy to approve as Pakatan Rakyat does not have an overwhelming mandate to rule the state.
Eleven speakers would present papers at four workshops and two ceramah on challenges, problems, unity and identity related to the community.
Among issues to be discussed include the need of converts to inform families to avoid legal complications and other problems like death.
Opposing statements reveal rift in Perak Umno - The Star
KAMPAR: April 28, 2008
All's not well within Perak Umno as Kampar division leaders and members have disputed a statement by their deputy chairman.
Division secretary Abd Rahman Md Som said it was not true that their chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan wanted former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali to be retained as state Umno liaison chief.
He said more than two-thirds of the 10,000 member-strong division supported Radzi Manan’s call for Tajol Rosli’s resignation.
Last week, deputy division chairman Datuk Meor Alif Meor Ahmad told a television station that Radzi Manan still backed Tajol Rosli.
Among the committee members pledging their support for Radzi Manan were Kampar Umno Youth division chief Syed Aminudin Syed Nordin, division vice chief Zaleha Said and division Puteri secretary Norhayati Alias.
On April 14, Radzi Manan asked Tajol Rosli to resign, saying he had failed to give the state any direction since Barisan Nasional suffered huge losses during the general election.
The next day, state Umno secretary Datuk Ramly Zahari responded by saying most of the 24 division leaders were supportive of Tajol Rosli. Since then, Taiping Umno division chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Malek Mohd Hanafiah has joined the call for Tajol Rosli to step down.
Radzi Manan said the division was awaiting a response from the Umno president on its petition for Tajol Rosli to be replaced.
“But if the Umno leadership decides to retain Tajol Rosli, we will accept. That is their prerogative,” he said.
All's not well within Perak Umno as Kampar division leaders and members have disputed a statement by their deputy chairman.
Division secretary Abd Rahman Md Som said it was not true that their chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan wanted former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali to be retained as state Umno liaison chief.
He said more than two-thirds of the 10,000 member-strong division supported Radzi Manan’s call for Tajol Rosli’s resignation.
Last week, deputy division chairman Datuk Meor Alif Meor Ahmad told a television station that Radzi Manan still backed Tajol Rosli.
Among the committee members pledging their support for Radzi Manan were Kampar Umno Youth division chief Syed Aminudin Syed Nordin, division vice chief Zaleha Said and division Puteri secretary Norhayati Alias.
On April 14, Radzi Manan asked Tajol Rosli to resign, saying he had failed to give the state any direction since Barisan Nasional suffered huge losses during the general election.
The next day, state Umno secretary Datuk Ramly Zahari responded by saying most of the 24 division leaders were supportive of Tajol Rosli. Since then, Taiping Umno division chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Malek Mohd Hanafiah has joined the call for Tajol Rosli to step down.
Radzi Manan said the division was awaiting a response from the Umno president on its petition for Tajol Rosli to be replaced.
“But if the Umno leadership decides to retain Tajol Rosli, we will accept. That is their prerogative,” he said.
Nizar, Guan Eng call for end to preventive laws - The Star
IPOH: April 28, 2008
Two Pakatan Rakyat state leaders have called for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
While Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said certain provisions Act at least needed to be reviewed if not repealed, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng went step further, asking for the Official Secrets Acts (OSA) to be done away with as well.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had on Saturday said that preventive laws, including the ISA, would not be abolished.
Commenting on a claim by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat would abolish preventive laws should it rule the country, Syed Hamid had said that such laws serve the purpose of maintaining public order.
Lim said he regretted Syed Hamid's decision.
“The fact that you have the ISA and OSA (shows that) you want to frighten the people,” he told a press conference at the Mount Miriam Hospital “Ho Chiak” Charity Food and Fun Fair in Penang yesterday.
“Of course, you cannot frighten political leaders, especially those who have been held under the ISA before,” he added.
Nizar noted that the ISA detention camp was in Kamunting, Perak, and as the new mentri besar he had to answer to the families of the detainees.
“Most definitely the parents and other family members to the more than 80 detainees would come to me and ask what is happening there,” he said in his speech at the Tow Boo Keong temple.
“Please, if there is any room for review over the provisions in the act, do it. Or abolish the ISA completely.”
Nizar added that at the very least the detainees should be given the opportunity to interact with their lawyers and allow their cases to be tried in court.
“Now, they are detained without trial. This is not justice,” he said.
Nizar revealed that he had first broached the matter with the Prime Minister during their first hour-long meeting on April 18, adding that he was the first mentri besar to do so.
In TAIPING, a group gathered in front of the Kamunting detention centre at 5.45pm pressing for the release of all ISA detainees.
Hindraf coordinator S. Jeyathas told reporters that the ISA should be abolished and he hoped newly-elected MPs would look into the matter
Two Pakatan Rakyat state leaders have called for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
While Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said certain provisions Act at least needed to be reviewed if not repealed, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng went step further, asking for the Official Secrets Acts (OSA) to be done away with as well.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had on Saturday said that preventive laws, including the ISA, would not be abolished.
Commenting on a claim by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat would abolish preventive laws should it rule the country, Syed Hamid had said that such laws serve the purpose of maintaining public order.
Lim said he regretted Syed Hamid's decision.
“The fact that you have the ISA and OSA (shows that) you want to frighten the people,” he told a press conference at the Mount Miriam Hospital “Ho Chiak” Charity Food and Fun Fair in Penang yesterday.
“Of course, you cannot frighten political leaders, especially those who have been held under the ISA before,” he added.
Nizar noted that the ISA detention camp was in Kamunting, Perak, and as the new mentri besar he had to answer to the families of the detainees.
“Most definitely the parents and other family members to the more than 80 detainees would come to me and ask what is happening there,” he said in his speech at the Tow Boo Keong temple.
“Please, if there is any room for review over the provisions in the act, do it. Or abolish the ISA completely.”
Nizar added that at the very least the detainees should be given the opportunity to interact with their lawyers and allow their cases to be tried in court.
“Now, they are detained without trial. This is not justice,” he said.
Nizar revealed that he had first broached the matter with the Prime Minister during their first hour-long meeting on April 18, adding that he was the first mentri besar to do so.
In TAIPING, a group gathered in front of the Kamunting detention centre at 5.45pm pressing for the release of all ISA detainees.
Hindraf coordinator S. Jeyathas told reporters that the ISA should be abolished and he hoped newly-elected MPs would look into the matter
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Perak urges tourism fair play from Fed - The Star
IPOH: April 2008 By HAH FOONG LIAN
The Federal Government must be fair when promoting tourism in opposition-led states, Perak senior executive council (exco) member Ngeh Koo Ham said.
Commenting on the move to terminate tourism memorandums of understanding and the Tourism Action Councils in opposition-led states, Ngeh said it was as if the Federal Government did not want to promote tourism in states previously under the Barisan Nasional.
After the just concluded general election, the opposition took control of the government in Perak, Penang, Kedah and Selangor.
Ngeh noted that the Perak state government had been informed that the Malaysian Tourism Board office and the state Development Office here, which were funded and manned by the Federal Government, had been closed.
"I'd like to remind them that the bulk of the Federal funding comes from taxes paid by the citizens who are also from Perak," he said on Friday.
"They must be fair. The taxes received should be refunded to the people through development projects that would benefit them," he added.
Ngeh pointed out that the Federal Government also had a duty to those living in Perak who are also citizens of the country.
"I hope they will realise the mistake and rectify it immediately," he added.
On Wednesday, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman announced that MoUs with opposition-ruled state governments would be terminated given the change in leadership.
She had said this was in line with the termination of Tourism Action Councils in the states, which were previously chaired by Barisan's state exco members in charge of tourism in each state.
She had added that a committee would instead be set up, with members appointed by the Federal Government similar to the format implemented in PAS-held Kelantan.
The Federal Government must be fair when promoting tourism in opposition-led states, Perak senior executive council (exco) member Ngeh Koo Ham said.
Commenting on the move to terminate tourism memorandums of understanding and the Tourism Action Councils in opposition-led states, Ngeh said it was as if the Federal Government did not want to promote tourism in states previously under the Barisan Nasional.
After the just concluded general election, the opposition took control of the government in Perak, Penang, Kedah and Selangor.
Ngeh noted that the Perak state government had been informed that the Malaysian Tourism Board office and the state Development Office here, which were funded and manned by the Federal Government, had been closed.
"I'd like to remind them that the bulk of the Federal funding comes from taxes paid by the citizens who are also from Perak," he said on Friday.
"They must be fair. The taxes received should be refunded to the people through development projects that would benefit them," he added.
Ngeh pointed out that the Federal Government also had a duty to those living in Perak who are also citizens of the country.
"I hope they will realise the mistake and rectify it immediately," he added.
On Wednesday, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman announced that MoUs with opposition-ruled state governments would be terminated given the change in leadership.
She had said this was in line with the termination of Tourism Action Councils in the states, which were previously chaired by Barisan's state exco members in charge of tourism in each state.
She had added that a committee would instead be set up, with members appointed by the Federal Government similar to the format implemented in PAS-held Kelantan.
Ngeh: Residents have to reapply if land premiums are not settled on time - The Star
IPOH: April 2008
The Perak Government is asking residents of planned villages and new villages who have received letters of offer from the previous government to pay up their land premiums quickly.
State senior executive council member Ngeh Koo Ham said this was to avoid the offer lapsing should they not meet the respective deadlines set out by the previous state government.
“Once the offer lapses, they will have to reapply for the land and that will take time,” he said at a press conference at the Wisma DAP yesterday.
Ngeh said there was confusion among land applicants whether or not to heed the demand for land premium payment sent out before the March 8 general election.
Under the offer by the previous state government, land applicants who were offered 60-year titles were given an 80% rebate in premium while a 50% rebate was given to those offered 99-year titles.
“There is no need to wait. It does not matter if the land had been approved for 60 or 99 years, settle the premiums first.
“The new coalition government will take into consideration what has been paid when converting the land titles to freehold titles,” he said.
The state government earlier this month announced that permanent land titles would be issued to all planned villages and new villages in Perak.
Ngeh, however, asked the people to give the Land Office time to get ready the necessary forms for the conversion exercise.
On another matter, Ngeh, who is Sitiawan assemblyman and Beruas MP, apologised to his constituents for not being able to return to serve them personally as of yet, due to the heavy workload at state level.
“It is my immediate responsibility to ensure that the state government moves forward and policies are implemented,” he said.
He later introduced his two new political secretaries, Paul Yong Choo Kiong and Lee Yik Haw, who will assist him in Sitiawan and Beruas respectively.
Ngeh said he would set up another service centre in Beruas besides his present three centres in Ayer Tawar, Sitiawan and Pantai Remis.
The Perak Government is asking residents of planned villages and new villages who have received letters of offer from the previous government to pay up their land premiums quickly.
State senior executive council member Ngeh Koo Ham said this was to avoid the offer lapsing should they not meet the respective deadlines set out by the previous state government.
“Once the offer lapses, they will have to reapply for the land and that will take time,” he said at a press conference at the Wisma DAP yesterday.
Ngeh said there was confusion among land applicants whether or not to heed the demand for land premium payment sent out before the March 8 general election.
Under the offer by the previous state government, land applicants who were offered 60-year titles were given an 80% rebate in premium while a 50% rebate was given to those offered 99-year titles.
“There is no need to wait. It does not matter if the land had been approved for 60 or 99 years, settle the premiums first.
“The new coalition government will take into consideration what has been paid when converting the land titles to freehold titles,” he said.
The state government earlier this month announced that permanent land titles would be issued to all planned villages and new villages in Perak.
Ngeh, however, asked the people to give the Land Office time to get ready the necessary forms for the conversion exercise.
On another matter, Ngeh, who is Sitiawan assemblyman and Beruas MP, apologised to his constituents for not being able to return to serve them personally as of yet, due to the heavy workload at state level.
“It is my immediate responsibility to ensure that the state government moves forward and policies are implemented,” he said.
He later introduced his two new political secretaries, Paul Yong Choo Kiong and Lee Yik Haw, who will assist him in Sitiawan and Beruas respectively.
Ngeh said he would set up another service centre in Beruas besides his present three centres in Ayer Tawar, Sitiawan and Pantai Remis.
Perak MB: Abolish or review ISA - The Star
IPOH: Apil 27, 2008 By CLARA CHOOI
Review certain provisions in the Internal Security Act (ISA) or abolish it completely.
That was the appeal Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin reiterated to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during a PKR thanksgiving dinner here on Saturday.
Nizar noted that the ISA detention camp was in Kamunting, Perak, and as the new mentri besar, he had to answer to the families of the detainees.
“The parents and other family members of the more than 80 detainees come to me and ask what is happening there,” he said in his speech at the Tow Boo Keong temple.
“Please, if there is any room for a review of the provisions in the Act, do it. Or abolish the ISA completely,” he said.
Nizar said that at the very least, ISA detainees should be given the opportunity to interact with their lawyers and allow their cases to be tried in court.
“Now, they are detained without trial. This is not justice,” he said.
Nizar claimed he had broached the matter with the Prime Minister during their first hour-long meeting on April 18, adding that he was the first Mentri Besar to have done so.
Review certain provisions in the Internal Security Act (ISA) or abolish it completely.
That was the appeal Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin reiterated to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during a PKR thanksgiving dinner here on Saturday.
Nizar noted that the ISA detention camp was in Kamunting, Perak, and as the new mentri besar, he had to answer to the families of the detainees.
“The parents and other family members of the more than 80 detainees come to me and ask what is happening there,” he said in his speech at the Tow Boo Keong temple.
“Please, if there is any room for a review of the provisions in the Act, do it. Or abolish the ISA completely,” he said.
Nizar said that at the very least, ISA detainees should be given the opportunity to interact with their lawyers and allow their cases to be tried in court.
“Now, they are detained without trial. This is not justice,” he said.
Nizar claimed he had broached the matter with the Prime Minister during their first hour-long meeting on April 18, adding that he was the first Mentri Besar to have done so.
Five states to corporatise water departments by year-end - The Star
PUTRAJAYA: April 18, 2008
Five states that have yet to corporatise their water supply departments are expected to do so by the end of the year.
Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Pahang had consented to the terms of the corporatisation and that it was just a matter of time before it was finalised.
He did not anticipate problems from Perak and Kedah which are governed by Pakatan Rakyat as they had agreed in principle to the move.
The National Water Services Commission (Span), he said, had played a role in getting state governments to agree to corporatising their water supply departments.
He said state governments should not misconstrue corporatisation for privatisation, adding that corporatisation allowed Span to monitor the body and make it more efficient.
Any increase in water tariffs by states, he said, would also have to be approved by Span after the body audited and evaluated the financial status of the state and its expenditures.
Five states that have yet to corporatise their water supply departments are expected to do so by the end of the year.
Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Pahang had consented to the terms of the corporatisation and that it was just a matter of time before it was finalised.
He did not anticipate problems from Perak and Kedah which are governed by Pakatan Rakyat as they had agreed in principle to the move.
The National Water Services Commission (Span), he said, had played a role in getting state governments to agree to corporatising their water supply departments.
He said state governments should not misconstrue corporatisation for privatisation, adding that corporatisation allowed Span to monitor the body and make it more efficient.
Any increase in water tariffs by states, he said, would also have to be approved by Span after the body audited and evaluated the financial status of the state and its expenditures.
No to building of sewage plant - The Star
April 19, 2008 By HAH FOONG LIAN
TAMAN Golf residents in Ipoh are upset with the construction of a sewage treatment plant located near their housing estate.
Taman Golf Action Committee chairman Ropee Adman said the residents were concerned that the septic tank, constructed by the Royal Perak Golf Club (RPGC), could result in a stench problem.
“We anticipate there will be such a problem and we don’t want the septic tank to be sited so close to us,” he said on Sunday after a gathering to protest over the building of the sewage plant at Lorong Gopeng in Ipoh.
Ropee pointed out that the RPGC had an old sewage treatment plant located near the clubhouse and it could have been upgraded instead of building a new one so close to the residential area.
“This is a total disregard for their neigh-bours. The RPGC does not want its members to smell the odour but wants us to smell it,” Ropee said.
“What’s worse is that after we had complained to them, they worked even harder at completing the sewage plant,” he added.
Committee secretary Loh Yoon Thong noted that the location of the sewage plant was not a suitable choice.
This, he said, was because the area was prone to floods and it would create problems for the residents.
Loh said the residents had met the club management for a dialogue to raise their concerns during which the management assured them that the design of the sewage plant would be a “state of the art construction” and it would not give out any foul odour.
“We are not convinced and we hope the matter will be resolved quickly,” he said, adding that there was no buffer zone created between the houses and the sewage plant.
Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh, who met the residents at the gathering, said he hoped to arrange a meeting for the residents with the state government to resolve the matter.
TAMAN Golf residents in Ipoh are upset with the construction of a sewage treatment plant located near their housing estate.
Taman Golf Action Committee chairman Ropee Adman said the residents were concerned that the septic tank, constructed by the Royal Perak Golf Club (RPGC), could result in a stench problem.
“We anticipate there will be such a problem and we don’t want the septic tank to be sited so close to us,” he said on Sunday after a gathering to protest over the building of the sewage plant at Lorong Gopeng in Ipoh.
Ropee pointed out that the RPGC had an old sewage treatment plant located near the clubhouse and it could have been upgraded instead of building a new one so close to the residential area.
“This is a total disregard for their neigh-bours. The RPGC does not want its members to smell the odour but wants us to smell it,” Ropee said.
“What’s worse is that after we had complained to them, they worked even harder at completing the sewage plant,” he added.
Committee secretary Loh Yoon Thong noted that the location of the sewage plant was not a suitable choice.
This, he said, was because the area was prone to floods and it would create problems for the residents.
Loh said the residents had met the club management for a dialogue to raise their concerns during which the management assured them that the design of the sewage plant would be a “state of the art construction” and it would not give out any foul odour.
“We are not convinced and we hope the matter will be resolved quickly,” he said, adding that there was no buffer zone created between the houses and the sewage plant.
Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh, who met the residents at the gathering, said he hoped to arrange a meeting for the residents with the state government to resolve the matter.
Local councillors urged to resign - The Star
IPOH: April 22, 2008
Umno-appointed local councillors and village heads should resign from their posts as a matter of principle, Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohammad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said.
“The question of them being forced to quit doesn’t arise,” he said.
Commenting on the resignation of Umno-appointed councillors, Tajol Rosli said: “Just like the issue of village heads, the councillors asked for our opinion on whether to resign or not.
“We just ask them one thing – what will you do if you are asked to pledge your loyalty to the government of the day?”
He pointed out that when they were invited to meet the new Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, there would be a pledge of loyalty.
“How can the Umno-appointed village heads pledge their loyalty to Nizar’s government?” he asked.
Tajol Rosli, who is also Perak Barisan Nasional chief, pointed out that the appointments of the local councillors and village heads were by the previous government.
He stressed that the appointees were unlike civil servants who pledge their loyalty to the government of the day.
Of the state’s 349 councillors, 139 were from Umno, 95 from MCA, 53 from Gerakan, 35 from MIC, 10 from PPP and 17 were apolitical.
Tajol Rosli said some of the Umno-appointed local councillors had tendered their resignation.
So far, an unknown number of Umno councillors, 95 from MCA and 52 from Gerakan have resigned.
Umno-appointed local councillors and village heads should resign from their posts as a matter of principle, Perak Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohammad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said.
“The question of them being forced to quit doesn’t arise,” he said.
Commenting on the resignation of Umno-appointed councillors, Tajol Rosli said: “Just like the issue of village heads, the councillors asked for our opinion on whether to resign or not.
“We just ask them one thing – what will you do if you are asked to pledge your loyalty to the government of the day?”
He pointed out that when they were invited to meet the new Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, there would be a pledge of loyalty.
“How can the Umno-appointed village heads pledge their loyalty to Nizar’s government?” he asked.
Tajol Rosli, who is also Perak Barisan Nasional chief, pointed out that the appointments of the local councillors and village heads were by the previous government.
He stressed that the appointees were unlike civil servants who pledge their loyalty to the government of the day.
Of the state’s 349 councillors, 139 were from Umno, 95 from MCA, 53 from Gerakan, 35 from MIC, 10 from PPP and 17 were apolitical.
Tajol Rosli said some of the Umno-appointed local councillors had tendered their resignation.
So far, an unknown number of Umno councillors, 95 from MCA and 52 from Gerakan have resigned.
Thumbs-up for ICT project - The Star
KPERAK Inc Corporation will continue with its ICT initiative for 59 primary and 57 secondary schools in Perak, as there has been an improvement in Maths and Science scores at UPSR and PMR levels in these schools after the implementation of the ICT programme.
Three workshops were recently held for more than 1,200 Maths and Science teachers at the Perak Techno-Trade Centre building. Last year, KPerak had conducted nine workshops for more than 5,000 students and two workshops for over 670 teachers in Perak.
This year's initiative also saw KPerak sponsoring 150,000 books equipped with E-tutor software, eMaz and eScz to students and teachers in the selected schools.
The eMaz and eScz software provided step-by-step solutions to questions in the e-Tutor workbook, incorporated visual and audio aided learning and allowed students to study at their own time, pace and place. The software also highlighted the correct pronunciation of Maths and Science terminologies in English.
The supplementary textbooks from Andaman Publications included titles from Years One to Six and Forms One to Five.
The workshops, conducted by The Star columnist for Additional Mathematics and Physics, Sunny Yee, offered tips on how to stimulate students' interest in, and enhance their understanding of, Maths and Science.
“The workshop was very interactive and useful,” said SMK Matang teacher K. Kanimalah.
“E-tutor is just the thing for our students as some cannot afford to buy revision books,” she added.
KPerak Inc Corporation has been tasked with developing four ICT sub-sectors and new growth areas in the state – multimedia content, IT outsourcing, new media and data services.
“We hope that the ICT projects will expose students in the selected schools to the importance of Internet technology,” said KPerak Inc Corporation chief executive officer, Datuk Yaacob Nordin, at the launch of the workshops.
Three workshops were recently held for more than 1,200 Maths and Science teachers at the Perak Techno-Trade Centre building. Last year, KPerak had conducted nine workshops for more than 5,000 students and two workshops for over 670 teachers in Perak.
This year's initiative also saw KPerak sponsoring 150,000 books equipped with E-tutor software, eMaz and eScz to students and teachers in the selected schools.
The eMaz and eScz software provided step-by-step solutions to questions in the e-Tutor workbook, incorporated visual and audio aided learning and allowed students to study at their own time, pace and place. The software also highlighted the correct pronunciation of Maths and Science terminologies in English.
The supplementary textbooks from Andaman Publications included titles from Years One to Six and Forms One to Five.
The workshops, conducted by The Star columnist for Additional Mathematics and Physics, Sunny Yee, offered tips on how to stimulate students' interest in, and enhance their understanding of, Maths and Science.
“The workshop was very interactive and useful,” said SMK Matang teacher K. Kanimalah.
“E-tutor is just the thing for our students as some cannot afford to buy revision books,” she added.
KPerak Inc Corporation has been tasked with developing four ICT sub-sectors and new growth areas in the state – multimedia content, IT outsourcing, new media and data services.
“We hope that the ICT projects will expose students in the selected schools to the importance of Internet technology,” said KPerak Inc Corporation chief executive officer, Datuk Yaacob Nordin, at the launch of the workshops.
Baiduri takes preventive measures against dissolution
IPOH: April 27, 2008
Baiduri, the Perak association of state assemblymen's wives, will not be dissolved although Pakatan Rakyat has taken over the state.
President Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri, the wife of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, said they had already amended the constitution to change the name to Perak (Barisan Nasional) State Assemblymen’s Wives' Association.
“This was approved by the Registrar of Societies and the state legal advisor before the election,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Kamariah, a former Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) member, said the name change was done as a precaution.
“I learnt a lot at Bakti and how to raise funds properly. I realised that such funds belong to the people and so, should only be spent for welfare,” she added.
Baiduri has about RM300,000 in its account. It also has under a million ringgit in fixed deposits.
Kamariah, whose husband is the Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman, stressed that the association would continue its activities and accept wives of Barisan representatives as its members.
Baiduri was formed 25 years ago.
In PENANG, it is learnt that wives of DAP state assemblymen have yet to become office bearers of the Persatuan Bunga Tanjung while the wives of former Barisan state assemblymen have not vacated their posts.
It is understood that the association has some RM250,000 in its account.
When contacted, several wives of DAP and former Barisan state assemblymen declined to comment.
Baiduri, the Perak association of state assemblymen's wives, will not be dissolved although Pakatan Rakyat has taken over the state.
President Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri, the wife of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, said they had already amended the constitution to change the name to Perak (Barisan Nasional) State Assemblymen’s Wives' Association.
“This was approved by the Registrar of Societies and the state legal advisor before the election,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Kamariah, a former Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) member, said the name change was done as a precaution.
“I learnt a lot at Bakti and how to raise funds properly. I realised that such funds belong to the people and so, should only be spent for welfare,” she added.
Baiduri has about RM300,000 in its account. It also has under a million ringgit in fixed deposits.
Kamariah, whose husband is the Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman, stressed that the association would continue its activities and accept wives of Barisan representatives as its members.
Baiduri was formed 25 years ago.
In PENANG, it is learnt that wives of DAP state assemblymen have yet to become office bearers of the Persatuan Bunga Tanjung while the wives of former Barisan state assemblymen have not vacated their posts.
It is understood that the association has some RM250,000 in its account.
When contacted, several wives of DAP and former Barisan state assemblymen declined to comment.
Ngeh: Previous govt was all talk - The Star
IPOH: April 27, 2008
The previous Perak government had a tendency to announce projects but never followed up on them, said Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham.
Ngeh cited the example of farmers and villagers who had long been applying for titles to the land they had been toiling on for several generations.
Instead, he said, they were only given 30-year renewable leases.
“If we give them (titles to their) freehold land, they will work very hard,” he said, in response to criticism from Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir who took issue with some of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin’s recent announcements.
Dr Zambry said they gave the impression that the previous government was corrupt and did not do anything to benefit the people.
The previous Perak government had a tendency to announce projects but never followed up on them, said Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham.
Ngeh cited the example of farmers and villagers who had long been applying for titles to the land they had been toiling on for several generations.
Instead, he said, they were only given 30-year renewable leases.
“If we give them (titles to their) freehold land, they will work very hard,” he said, in response to criticism from Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir who took issue with some of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin’s recent announcements.
Dr Zambry said they gave the impression that the previous government was corrupt and did not do anything to benefit the people.
We will be an effective opposition, says Dr Hilmi - The Star
PENANG: April 27, 2008
Umno will continue with its efforts to bring benefit to the community despite being the opposition in the Penang Government, Telok Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said.
He said the party would also focus on the social development of the people, especially those in rural areas.
“Our aim is to improve the villages’ economy,” he said.
Dr Hilmi was speaking at Persatuan Titian Kasih (Pertikas) annual general meeting yesterday.
He said the 11 Umno representatives in the state assembly would become an effective opposition.
“Although it has been two months since Pakatan Rakyat took over the government, it has yet to do anything good for the state.
“We have not heard any announcement on improving the state’s economy. We just hear the new government condemning the previous government and pointing out its weaknesses,” he said.
He said it was time the government carried out projects to help the state and the people.
Umno will continue with its efforts to bring benefit to the community despite being the opposition in the Penang Government, Telok Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said.
He said the party would also focus on the social development of the people, especially those in rural areas.
“Our aim is to improve the villages’ economy,” he said.
Dr Hilmi was speaking at Persatuan Titian Kasih (Pertikas) annual general meeting yesterday.
He said the 11 Umno representatives in the state assembly would become an effective opposition.
“Although it has been two months since Pakatan Rakyat took over the government, it has yet to do anything good for the state.
“We have not heard any announcement on improving the state’s economy. We just hear the new government condemning the previous government and pointing out its weaknesses,” he said.
He said it was time the government carried out projects to help the state and the people.
Rep not used to the attention - The Star
April 26, 2008 By CHAN LI LEEN
PASIR PINJI assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong finds it somewhat hard to get by un-noticed these days and it has nothing to do with his huge size.
“I’m not used to the attention. People notice me even when I’m at the bank,” said Su who suddenly found himself projected into the limelight as Perak Higher Education, Science, Technology and Communications Committee chairman after the opposition came to power in Perak.
“I never expected to become an exco member. Never did I expect the opposition to come to power,” he added.
For Su, becoming an exco member has been a sacrifice of sorts.
“I quit my job as a lawyer on the Friday before the swearing-in ceremony. I’ve been practising law at the same firm since 1994 and I left with a heavy heart,” he said.
Su now also has less time for his family, especially his toddler son.
Thomas Su. . . not used to the attention.
“No doubt, it’s a sacrifice but it is something I want to do to bring up Perak. There is a bigger aim and a bigger picture to it,” he said.
Hoping to bring development to the state in terms of higher education, Su said shouting slogans was not enough to realise policies created by the former state government.
“In principle, these policies are good but we really need to fine-tune them. We need to really work at them and 2015 (target year for Perak to be a developed state) is too short a time to achieve anything,” he said.
How much time do you spend on the computer?
I use the internet only to check my email and political news.
What kind of music do you listen to? Please name a favourite song.
Rock songs. My favourite song is Forever Young by Alphaville.
Are you into the English Premier League football? What’s your team and favourite player?
Yes. I always support the underdogs.
What do you play? Who is your favourite sports star?
I took up golfing but gave up. I like playing volleyball. My favourite sports star is British Olympic legend Daley Thompson.
Got a nickname?
Fei Lo (fatty in Cantonese) for obvious reasons and Suski at my former legal firm which was started by a former colleague.
What is your usual drink?
Whiskey and beer.
What languages can you speak?
English, Malay, Chinese.
What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My Apple iPhone.
What’s your favourite food?
Curry mee.
Do you have a pet?
Yes, a cocker spaniel named Blackie.
What car do you drive and how long have you had it?
A 30-year-old Mercedes Benz that just gave up on me and a Mercedes Benz 230e I’ve had since 2006.
Favourite actor, and why.
Ben Stiller. I just like him.
Favourite actress, and why.
Cameron Diaz in Something About Mary.
What do you dislike most about Malaysians?
Lack of civic-mindedness.
Which sector in Malaysia would you like to see improvement in?
All sectors. We need to change the citizens’ mindset.
If there is one thing you wish you can change in the country, what would that be? I want equality where merit is the order of the day with no racial policies.
PASIR PINJI assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong finds it somewhat hard to get by un-noticed these days and it has nothing to do with his huge size.
“I’m not used to the attention. People notice me even when I’m at the bank,” said Su who suddenly found himself projected into the limelight as Perak Higher Education, Science, Technology and Communications Committee chairman after the opposition came to power in Perak.
“I never expected to become an exco member. Never did I expect the opposition to come to power,” he added.
For Su, becoming an exco member has been a sacrifice of sorts.
“I quit my job as a lawyer on the Friday before the swearing-in ceremony. I’ve been practising law at the same firm since 1994 and I left with a heavy heart,” he said.
Su now also has less time for his family, especially his toddler son.
Thomas Su. . . not used to the attention.
“No doubt, it’s a sacrifice but it is something I want to do to bring up Perak. There is a bigger aim and a bigger picture to it,” he said.
Hoping to bring development to the state in terms of higher education, Su said shouting slogans was not enough to realise policies created by the former state government.
“In principle, these policies are good but we really need to fine-tune them. We need to really work at them and 2015 (target year for Perak to be a developed state) is too short a time to achieve anything,” he said.
How much time do you spend on the computer?
I use the internet only to check my email and political news.
What kind of music do you listen to? Please name a favourite song.
Rock songs. My favourite song is Forever Young by Alphaville.
Are you into the English Premier League football? What’s your team and favourite player?
Yes. I always support the underdogs.
What do you play? Who is your favourite sports star?
I took up golfing but gave up. I like playing volleyball. My favourite sports star is British Olympic legend Daley Thompson.
Got a nickname?
Fei Lo (fatty in Cantonese) for obvious reasons and Suski at my former legal firm which was started by a former colleague.
What is your usual drink?
Whiskey and beer.
What languages can you speak?
English, Malay, Chinese.
What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My Apple iPhone.
What’s your favourite food?
Curry mee.
Do you have a pet?
Yes, a cocker spaniel named Blackie.
What car do you drive and how long have you had it?
A 30-year-old Mercedes Benz that just gave up on me and a Mercedes Benz 230e I’ve had since 2006.
Favourite actor, and why.
Ben Stiller. I just like him.
Favourite actress, and why.
Cameron Diaz in Something About Mary.
What do you dislike most about Malaysians?
Lack of civic-mindedness.
Which sector in Malaysia would you like to see improvement in?
All sectors. We need to change the citizens’ mindset.
If there is one thing you wish you can change in the country, what would that be? I want equality where merit is the order of the day with no racial policies.
Summons waiver now official - The Star
IPOH: April 26, 2008
The Ipoh City Council has officially cancelled all compound notices for parking and hawking offences issued before March 17 this year.
In a statement issued yesterday, the council said the automatic cancellation was confirmed at the first state exco meeting on April 9.
“A decision was made at the exco meeting. However, it only covers compound notices that have not been registered or brought to court.”
The statement puts to rest arguments rais-ed by various quarters over the credibility of such waiver, which was announced by newly sworn-in Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mo-hammad Nizar Jamaluddin on March 17.
Some said the announcement, which was the new Pakatan Rakyat government’s way to thank the voters, contravened certain laws.
During the first exco meeting, Nizar directed State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim to issue letters advising all 15 local government heads to implement the waiver.
The Ipoh City Council has officially cancelled all compound notices for parking and hawking offences issued before March 17 this year.
In a statement issued yesterday, the council said the automatic cancellation was confirmed at the first state exco meeting on April 9.
“A decision was made at the exco meeting. However, it only covers compound notices that have not been registered or brought to court.”
The statement puts to rest arguments rais-ed by various quarters over the credibility of such waiver, which was announced by newly sworn-in Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mo-hammad Nizar Jamaluddin on March 17.
Some said the announcement, which was the new Pakatan Rakyat government’s way to thank the voters, contravened certain laws.
During the first exco meeting, Nizar directed State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim to issue letters advising all 15 local government heads to implement the waiver.
Mara will handle money, not Pakatan governments - The Star
IPOH: April 27, 2008
The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry has rerouted its funds meant for the five Pakatan Rakyat states, claiming that the move would prevent the rakyat from being “victimised”.
Its minister Datuk Noh Omar said the funds would be channelled through Mara in those states. He however did not explain what he meant by the word “victimised”.
“Previously, the funds were channelled through the respective State Economic Development Corporation,” he told reporters after opening the Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting here yesterday.
Noh also criticised the Selangor and Perak state governments for their decision to charge rental on the land occupied by the ministry’s training centres in the two states.
“The centres provide training for everybody regardless of their political beliefs.
“But the state governments are more interested in profit and failed to see the services provided by the ministry to the people,” he said
The Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry has rerouted its funds meant for the five Pakatan Rakyat states, claiming that the move would prevent the rakyat from being “victimised”.
Its minister Datuk Noh Omar said the funds would be channelled through Mara in those states. He however did not explain what he meant by the word “victimised”.
“Previously, the funds were channelled through the respective State Economic Development Corporation,” he told reporters after opening the Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting here yesterday.
Noh also criticised the Selangor and Perak state governments for their decision to charge rental on the land occupied by the ministry’s training centres in the two states.
“The centres provide training for everybody regardless of their political beliefs.
“But the state governments are more interested in profit and failed to see the services provided by the ministry to the people,” he said
Baiduri takes preventive measures against dissolution - The Star
IPOH: April 27, 2008
Baiduri, the Perak association of state assemblymen's wives, will not be dissolved although Pakatan Rakyat has taken over the state.
President Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri, the wife of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, said they had already amended the constitution to change the name to Perak (Barisan Nasional) State Assemblymen’s Wives' Association.
“This was approved by the Registrar of Societies and the state legal advisor before the election,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Kamariah, a former Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) member, said the name change was done as a precaution.
“I learnt a lot at Bakti and how to raise funds properly. I realised that such funds belong to the people and so, should only be spent for welfare,” she added.
Baiduri has about RM300,000 in its account. It also has under a million ringgit in fixed deposits.
Kamariah, whose husband is the Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman, stressed that the association would continue its activities and accept wives of Barisan representatives as its members.
Baiduri was formed 25 years ago.
In PENANG, it is learnt that wives of DAP state assemblymen have yet to become office bearers of the Persatuan Bunga Tanjung while the wives of former Barisan state assemblymen have not vacated their posts.
It is understood that the association has some RM250,000 in its account.
When contacted, several wives of DAP and former Barisan state assemblymen declined to comment.
Baiduri, the Perak association of state assemblymen's wives, will not be dissolved although Pakatan Rakyat has taken over the state.
President Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri, the wife of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, said they had already amended the constitution to change the name to Perak (Barisan Nasional) State Assemblymen’s Wives' Association.
“This was approved by the Registrar of Societies and the state legal advisor before the election,” she said when contacted yesterday.
Kamariah, a former Bakti (Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) member, said the name change was done as a precaution.
“I learnt a lot at Bakti and how to raise funds properly. I realised that such funds belong to the people and so, should only be spent for welfare,” she added.
Baiduri has about RM300,000 in its account. It also has under a million ringgit in fixed deposits.
Kamariah, whose husband is the Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman, stressed that the association would continue its activities and accept wives of Barisan representatives as its members.
Baiduri was formed 25 years ago.
In PENANG, it is learnt that wives of DAP state assemblymen have yet to become office bearers of the Persatuan Bunga Tanjung while the wives of former Barisan state assemblymen have not vacated their posts.
It is understood that the association has some RM250,000 in its account.
When contacted, several wives of DAP and former Barisan state assemblymen declined to comment.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sivakumar elected speaker - NST
IPOH: April 26, 2008 By : P. Chandra Sagaran
It was a historic moment at the Perak assembly yesterday when an Indian state assemblyman was elected as the speaker for the first time, while a woman was chosen as deputy speaker.
DAP assemblyman for Tronoh V. Sivakumar, 37, was elected as the 12th speaker, while Hee Yit Foong, the DAP assemblywoman for Jelapang and a polio victim, was picked for the deputy speaker's post at the first sitting of the assembly.
The Pakatan Rakyat grouping of DAP, PKR and Pas won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional's 28 in the March 8 general election.
BN nominated former speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid to retain the position and nominated Chenderiang state assemblyman Mah Hang Soon for the deputy speaker's post.
Even before voting could take place, there were plenty of fireworks from both sides.
When Slim assemblyman Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib proposed Junus's name, senior executive council member and Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham objected as the candidate was not even present in the assembly.
"The proposed candidate must be physically present," he said.
To this, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali stood up and said: "If his presence is needed urgently, he can be called as Junus is just around the corner. Notice should have been given for him to be present."
After assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri announced that he had contacted Junus, Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming retorted saying the former should not have done so.
A few minutes later, a calm Junus walked into the assembly and witnessed the voting.
Although the standing orders stated the ballot papers would be marked and signed while the assembly secretary or his agent should collect the papers from the desk of the wakil rakyat, BN assemblymen had other plans in mind and asked for a secret ballot.
Pasir Pinji DAP assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong said the standing orders did not say anything about a secret ballot.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin defused the situation by saying the government agreed to a secret vote.
All assemblymen walked to the two booths to sign and mark their ballot papers before putting them in boxes.
When the results were announced, Sivakumar received 31 votes against his opponent's 28, while Hee received 30 votes against the 28 obtained by her opponent.
It was a historic moment at the Perak assembly yesterday when an Indian state assemblyman was elected as the speaker for the first time, while a woman was chosen as deputy speaker.
DAP assemblyman for Tronoh V. Sivakumar, 37, was elected as the 12th speaker, while Hee Yit Foong, the DAP assemblywoman for Jelapang and a polio victim, was picked for the deputy speaker's post at the first sitting of the assembly.
The Pakatan Rakyat grouping of DAP, PKR and Pas won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional's 28 in the March 8 general election.
BN nominated former speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid to retain the position and nominated Chenderiang state assemblyman Mah Hang Soon for the deputy speaker's post.
Even before voting could take place, there were plenty of fireworks from both sides.
When Slim assemblyman Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib proposed Junus's name, senior executive council member and Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham objected as the candidate was not even present in the assembly.
"The proposed candidate must be physically present," he said.
To this, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali stood up and said: "If his presence is needed urgently, he can be called as Junus is just around the corner. Notice should have been given for him to be present."
After assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri announced that he had contacted Junus, Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming retorted saying the former should not have done so.
A few minutes later, a calm Junus walked into the assembly and witnessed the voting.
Although the standing orders stated the ballot papers would be marked and signed while the assembly secretary or his agent should collect the papers from the desk of the wakil rakyat, BN assemblymen had other plans in mind and asked for a secret ballot.
Pasir Pinji DAP assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong said the standing orders did not say anything about a secret ballot.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin defused the situation by saying the government agreed to a secret vote.
All assemblymen walked to the two booths to sign and mark their ballot papers before putting them in boxes.
When the results were announced, Sivakumar received 31 votes against his opponent's 28, while Hee received 30 votes against the 28 obtained by her opponent.
Time to give disabled like Leong Shir Ley a new begining……
April 26, 2008 by YB M. Kulasegaran
On April 23 night while attending to the needs of my constituents at the Bercham Service Center, I had a shock to see young woman being assisting to climb up the 1st floor office.
She was only 24 years old and almost blind and had gradually become blind because of neglect and also being poor she could not afford the medical cost. Her story is really shocking and shows how we need to redirect public resources to help people like Leong Shir Ley.
Leong told me she was only 24 years old and was having eyesight problem from very young. She had attended school but because her parents could not afford the cost she could not see specialist doctors. The financial burden only worsened as the years progressed and she began to loose her eye sight
After finishing school she started work at a pharmacy outlet in Bercham but by then she had lost sight on both eyes. She was referred to the Gleneagles Medical Centre for treatment and the medical report of the hospital states as follows: “The patient had suffered retinal detachment in both eyes previously and had undergone surgery to both eyes for this condition. Presently, she has very limited vision in both eyes (counting figures only) Her vision CANNOT be improved further with any other treatment and she is unable to continue working as a clerical staff."
The life story and the her sufferings as a blind brought tears to my eyes.
She has now stop working and is waiting SOSCO to assist her on financial benefits.
However Leong said she does not want to be on welfare but want to work for her bread. She is determined to work although blind and I was taken aback by her tenacity.
She has forwarded her application to be retrained as a IT assistant with the Pusat Latihan Gurney but has not received any reply from the pusat. I am taking up the matter.
Next week when parliament opens I will find out what happened to her application to the Pusat Gurney. I will follow up until I get a proper answer because Leong was very concerned that being a Chinese she may not be able to get training at the Pusat Latihan. I promised her this is not the case and I will help her get the training she needs.
A story in the New Straits Times today is heartening. It says the government is creating more jobs for the disabled from 400 to 10,000 jobs. This is good and I have raised the issue of disabled people numerous times in Parliament but little has changed, little has been done.
I had even suggested that at toll collections on the highway should be reserved for disabled people where they can work as clerical staff.
The time has come for change, for society and the government to recognize people like Leong are normal people with some disabilities and should be treated with respect and dignity and a good portion of the national resources used to asset them live a meaningful life.
Lets change now!
On April 23 night while attending to the needs of my constituents at the Bercham Service Center, I had a shock to see young woman being assisting to climb up the 1st floor office.
She was only 24 years old and almost blind and had gradually become blind because of neglect and also being poor she could not afford the medical cost. Her story is really shocking and shows how we need to redirect public resources to help people like Leong Shir Ley.
Leong told me she was only 24 years old and was having eyesight problem from very young. She had attended school but because her parents could not afford the cost she could not see specialist doctors. The financial burden only worsened as the years progressed and she began to loose her eye sight
After finishing school she started work at a pharmacy outlet in Bercham but by then she had lost sight on both eyes. She was referred to the Gleneagles Medical Centre for treatment and the medical report of the hospital states as follows: “The patient had suffered retinal detachment in both eyes previously and had undergone surgery to both eyes for this condition. Presently, she has very limited vision in both eyes (counting figures only) Her vision CANNOT be improved further with any other treatment and she is unable to continue working as a clerical staff."
The life story and the her sufferings as a blind brought tears to my eyes.
She has now stop working and is waiting SOSCO to assist her on financial benefits.
However Leong said she does not want to be on welfare but want to work for her bread. She is determined to work although blind and I was taken aback by her tenacity.
She has forwarded her application to be retrained as a IT assistant with the Pusat Latihan Gurney but has not received any reply from the pusat. I am taking up the matter.
Next week when parliament opens I will find out what happened to her application to the Pusat Gurney. I will follow up until I get a proper answer because Leong was very concerned that being a Chinese she may not be able to get training at the Pusat Latihan. I promised her this is not the case and I will help her get the training she needs.
A story in the New Straits Times today is heartening. It says the government is creating more jobs for the disabled from 400 to 10,000 jobs. This is good and I have raised the issue of disabled people numerous times in Parliament but little has changed, little has been done.
I had even suggested that at toll collections on the highway should be reserved for disabled people where they can work as clerical staff.
The time has come for change, for society and the government to recognize people like Leong are normal people with some disabilities and should be treated with respect and dignity and a good portion of the national resources used to asset them live a meaningful life.
Lets change now!
Pak Lah, Stop The Brain Drain, End the Discriminatory Policy
Pak Lah, Stop The Brain Drain, End the Discriminatory Policy
Why bother waking up at 3am to study?
Disappointed Student
April 26, 2008 by YB Fong Po Kuan
This letter was sent to Malaysiakini.
I feel pain reading this letter. We, the oppositions MP have raised similar issues many times in the Parliament. How long do we need to wait for the BN led government to realise, to put the interest of the people FIRST!
This noon, I returned a missed call. The mother called up and wanted to ask about writing an appeal letter. Her daughter ’s application for Matriculation was rejected. She managed to contact the State Exco in charge of Education for assistance when I did not answer the call.
In fact, a week ago, I received 2 calls calling for assistance too. One was so worried that the copies of the application was passed to the aunt for me. The applicant scored flying colors yet the application was rejected.
Another, it was via email. I assisted her in drafting the appeal letter.
I did not want to give them hope that I could help to get them a place, which I can’t. It is the discriminatory policy of the BN led government.
I told them of other channels, ie Asean Scholarships (Singapore) and The Star Education Fund. ( for the earlier 2 cases).
I told them, there is still hope, Sixth Form. I know it is tough examination.
I know you can do it. Many have passed the STPM examination with flying colors, you can do it too.
Two years later, yet the local public universities refuse to offer you a place, our neighbouring countries ie Singapore and Australia will be more than willing to accept you and offer you the course and scholarship you wanted without much hassle. Just a click of the mouse!
The BN led government has failed us first! We all love our country. We are all children of Malaysia. Why are we not getting equal opportunity to pursue our dreams?
So, “Disappointed Student”, I fully understand your feelings now. I have been through it . I went through it with my sister too.
Do not give up. I am with you. Many are with, out there!
I will continue to play my role to raise this issue in Parliament and call on - Pak Lah, please hear this voice, “‘Stop the Brain Drain and End the Discriminatory Policy “
Why bother waking up at 3am to study?
Disappointed Student
April 26, 2008 by YB Fong Po Kuan
This letter was sent to Malaysiakini.
I feel pain reading this letter. We, the oppositions MP have raised similar issues many times in the Parliament. How long do we need to wait for the BN led government to realise, to put the interest of the people FIRST!
This noon, I returned a missed call. The mother called up and wanted to ask about writing an appeal letter. Her daughter ’s application for Matriculation was rejected. She managed to contact the State Exco in charge of Education for assistance when I did not answer the call.
In fact, a week ago, I received 2 calls calling for assistance too. One was so worried that the copies of the application was passed to the aunt for me. The applicant scored flying colors yet the application was rejected.
Another, it was via email. I assisted her in drafting the appeal letter.
I did not want to give them hope that I could help to get them a place, which I can’t. It is the discriminatory policy of the BN led government.
I told them of other channels, ie Asean Scholarships (Singapore) and The Star Education Fund. ( for the earlier 2 cases).
I told them, there is still hope, Sixth Form. I know it is tough examination.
I know you can do it. Many have passed the STPM examination with flying colors, you can do it too.
Two years later, yet the local public universities refuse to offer you a place, our neighbouring countries ie Singapore and Australia will be more than willing to accept you and offer you the course and scholarship you wanted without much hassle. Just a click of the mouse!
The BN led government has failed us first! We all love our country. We are all children of Malaysia. Why are we not getting equal opportunity to pursue our dreams?
So, “Disappointed Student”, I fully understand your feelings now. I have been through it . I went through it with my sister too.
Do not give up. I am with you. Many are with, out there!
I will continue to play my role to raise this issue in Parliament and call on - Pak Lah, please hear this voice, “‘Stop the Brain Drain and End the Discriminatory Policy “
The 3 Interests
April 26, 2008 by YB Fong Po Kuan
I had a discussion with my husband regarding an issue recently. At the end of the day, he concluded that most of the time, politicians are caught with 3 interests ie, self interest, Party’s interest and People’s interest.
I have been doing some thinking about it. Of course, certain issues that are closed to my heart are bothering me. Which is the better approach to handle the matters? It is because of the conflict of the interests.
When I read about the front page news report in NST dated 16.4.2008 I told myself, “Wow, that was exactly what my hubby said to me!” .
In fact, I did not complete writing this posting and just kept it in this draft box until the NST reported it. (now, another week delay in posting it.)
Let us do some case study:-
Azalina’s announcement of not giving the allocation to the 5 opposition led states, I tried to understand her move and made some comparison with some of the issues which I have yet to find the proper approach of handling them.
It is obvious, in the said Tourism allocation,Party’s interest was given priority over People’s interest. She is holding a public office position. She is controlling the funds. As such, I would prioritise as such 1st ) Party’s interest, 2) Self interest and 3) People’s interest. Is she acting for or against her Party’s interest?
Now, about the “Save MCA Campaign” and some of the UMNO’s leaders call for Abdullah to step down due to the losses BN had suffered in the recent election, how would you prioritise the 3 interests?
When the MCA is at the worst position now, you have some leaders or members highlighting the weaknesses of the Party leadership and “sharing of information” which were against the people’s interest, but known to them much earlier, were only disclosed now. This “Save MCA Campaign” team is acting for Party’s interest, People’s interest and followed by Self Interest ? Or, For People’s interest, Against Self Interest and Party’s interest?
If they have launched the said campaign before 8th of March, how would you then prioritise the 3 interests?
The ground were angry with the administration of Pak Lah, to me, that includes his leadership. Why the public could not hear those voices speaking up for the UMNO interest/Party’s interest before 8th of March? Perhaps, to this group of people, if MCA and UMNO /BN did well, then, it would be none issues, though, the administration were acting against the people’s interest.
While a Party is doing well, speaking up against the majority views, how then would you prioritise the 3 interests? To the majority, she is acting against the Party’s interest. However, to the minority, she is acting for Party’s interest. Certainly, it will be against her self interest. Will you see her acts as giving priority for the People’s interest?
Most of the time, most of them would just remain silent, either to protect their self interest or Party interest. Again, what about people’s interest?
When the 3 interests are in conflict, being a politician, it is not an easy task to handle it.
I had a discussion with my husband regarding an issue recently. At the end of the day, he concluded that most of the time, politicians are caught with 3 interests ie, self interest, Party’s interest and People’s interest.
I have been doing some thinking about it. Of course, certain issues that are closed to my heart are bothering me. Which is the better approach to handle the matters? It is because of the conflict of the interests.
When I read about the front page news report in NST dated 16.4.2008 I told myself, “Wow, that was exactly what my hubby said to me!” .
In fact, I did not complete writing this posting and just kept it in this draft box until the NST reported it. (now, another week delay in posting it.)
Let us do some case study:-
Azalina’s announcement of not giving the allocation to the 5 opposition led states, I tried to understand her move and made some comparison with some of the issues which I have yet to find the proper approach of handling them.
It is obvious, in the said Tourism allocation,Party’s interest was given priority over People’s interest. She is holding a public office position. She is controlling the funds. As such, I would prioritise as such 1st ) Party’s interest, 2) Self interest and 3) People’s interest. Is she acting for or against her Party’s interest?
Now, about the “Save MCA Campaign” and some of the UMNO’s leaders call for Abdullah to step down due to the losses BN had suffered in the recent election, how would you prioritise the 3 interests?
When the MCA is at the worst position now, you have some leaders or members highlighting the weaknesses of the Party leadership and “sharing of information” which were against the people’s interest, but known to them much earlier, were only disclosed now. This “Save MCA Campaign” team is acting for Party’s interest, People’s interest and followed by Self Interest ? Or, For People’s interest, Against Self Interest and Party’s interest?
If they have launched the said campaign before 8th of March, how would you then prioritise the 3 interests?
The ground were angry with the administration of Pak Lah, to me, that includes his leadership. Why the public could not hear those voices speaking up for the UMNO interest/Party’s interest before 8th of March? Perhaps, to this group of people, if MCA and UMNO /BN did well, then, it would be none issues, though, the administration were acting against the people’s interest.
While a Party is doing well, speaking up against the majority views, how then would you prioritise the 3 interests? To the majority, she is acting against the Party’s interest. However, to the minority, she is acting for Party’s interest. Certainly, it will be against her self interest. Will you see her acts as giving priority for the People’s interest?
Most of the time, most of them would just remain silent, either to protect their self interest or Party interest. Again, what about people’s interest?
When the 3 interests are in conflict, being a politician, it is not an easy task to handle it.
Sivakumar elected speaker - NST
IPOH: April 26, 2008 By P. Chandra Sagaran
It was a historic moment at the Perak assembly yesterday when an Indian state assemblyman was elected as the speaker for the first time, while a woman was chosen as deputy speaker.
DAP assemblyman for Tronoh V. Sivakumar, 37, was elected as the 12th speaker, while Hee Yit Foong, the DAP assemblywoman for Jelapang and a polio victim, was picked for the deputy speaker's post at the first sitting of the assembly.
The Pakatan Rakyat grouping of DAP, PKR and Pas won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional's 28 in the March 8 general election.
BN nominated former speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid to retain the position and nominated Chenderiang state assemblyman Mah Hang Soon for the deputy speaker's post.
Even before voting could take place, there were plenty of fireworks from both sides.
When Slim assemblyman Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib proposed Junus's name, senior executive council member and Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham objected as the candidate was not even present in the assembly.
"The proposed candidate must be physically present," he said.
To this, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali stood up and said: "If his presence is needed urgently, he can be called as Junus is just around the corner. Notice should have been given for him to be present."
After assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri announced that he had contacted Junus, Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming retorted saying the former should not have done so.
A few minutes later, a calm Junus walked into the assembly and witnessed the voting.
Although the standing orders stated the ballot papers would be marked and signed while the assembly secretary or his agent should collect the papers from the desk of the wakil rakyat, BN assemblymen had other plans in mind and asked for a secret ballot.
Pasir Pinji DAP assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong said the standing orders did not say anything about a secret ballot.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin defused the situation by saying the government agreed to a secret vote.
All assemblymen walked to the two booths to sign and mark their ballot papers before putting them in boxes.
When the results were announced, Sivakumar received 31 votes against his opponent's 28, while Hee received 30 votes against the 28 obtained by her opponent.
It was a historic moment at the Perak assembly yesterday when an Indian state assemblyman was elected as the speaker for the first time, while a woman was chosen as deputy speaker.
DAP assemblyman for Tronoh V. Sivakumar, 37, was elected as the 12th speaker, while Hee Yit Foong, the DAP assemblywoman for Jelapang and a polio victim, was picked for the deputy speaker's post at the first sitting of the assembly.
The Pakatan Rakyat grouping of DAP, PKR and Pas won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional's 28 in the March 8 general election.
BN nominated former speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid to retain the position and nominated Chenderiang state assemblyman Mah Hang Soon for the deputy speaker's post.
Even before voting could take place, there were plenty of fireworks from both sides.
When Slim assemblyman Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib proposed Junus's name, senior executive council member and Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham objected as the candidate was not even present in the assembly.
"The proposed candidate must be physically present," he said.
To this, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali stood up and said: "If his presence is needed urgently, he can be called as Junus is just around the corner. Notice should have been given for him to be present."
After assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri announced that he had contacted Junus, Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming retorted saying the former should not have done so.
A few minutes later, a calm Junus walked into the assembly and witnessed the voting.
Although the standing orders stated the ballot papers would be marked and signed while the assembly secretary or his agent should collect the papers from the desk of the wakil rakyat, BN assemblymen had other plans in mind and asked for a secret ballot.
Pasir Pinji DAP assemblyman Thomas Su Keong Siong said the standing orders did not say anything about a secret ballot.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin defused the situation by saying the government agreed to a secret vote.
All assemblymen walked to the two booths to sign and mark their ballot papers before putting them in boxes.
When the results were announced, Sivakumar received 31 votes against his opponent's 28, while Hee received 30 votes against the 28 obtained by her opponent.
Kudung kaki tidak halang Mohd. Uzair ke kolej - Utusan
TAIPING 25 April Oleh ABDUL RAZAK DIN
Walaupun kudung kedua-dua belah kaki kerana kecacatan sejak dari kecil lagi, ia tidak menghalang seorang pelajar pintar, Mohd. Uzair Jaafar untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat pengajian lebih tinggi.
Mohd. Uzair, 17, berkata, beliau yang pernah dipotong tiga kali di bahagian kakinya kerana mengalami masalah ketumbuhan, tidak pernah patah semangat untuk belajar bersungguh-sungguh sehingga dapat melanjutkan pelajaran ke institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) di Kolej Matrikulasi Johor dalam bidang sains.
Kini dia hanya mampu bergerak secara mengesot ketika di rumah dan terpaksa menggunakan kerusi roda ketika bersekolah bagi meneruskan penghidupan hariannya.
‘‘Saya tidak pernah mengikuti kelas tuisyen untuk berjaya dalam pelajaran kerana saya tidak berupaya untuk berulang-alik dari rumah ke pusat tuisyen berkenaan kerana ia begitu membebankan mereka yang membantu saya. Oleh itu, saya hanya mampu belajar bersendirian di rumah.
‘‘Tawaran yang diberikan oleh Kementerian Pelajaran untuk membolehkan saya melanjutkan pelajaran dalam bidang sains ke Kolej Matrikulasi Johor adalah sesuatu yang begitu bermakna dalam hidup saya sebagai seorang yang tidak cukup anggota ini,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia selepas menerima sumbangan dan penghargaan daripada Yayasan Perak dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Kamunting, Mohd. Zahir Datuk Mohd. Khalid di rumahnya di Kampung Pinang Seberang, Kamunting di sini hari ini.
Bekas pelajar Sekolah Menengah King Edward Taiping yang begitu berminat dalam aktiviti pelancaran roket, ditawarkan belajar di Kolej Matrikulasi Johor berikutan keputusan cemerlangnya dalam peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) yang lalu dan bercita-cita untuk menjadi seorang ahli farmasi.
Menurutnya, walaupun hidupnya perlu dibantu untuk bersekolah. Ia tidak menghalang beliau untuk aktif dalam kokurikulum serta kegiatan ilmiah yang lain termasuk dalam bidang penulisan ekonomi.
‘‘Saya berterima kasih kepada kedua-dua ibu bapa saya yang setiap hari terpaksa mengambil dan menghantar ke sekolah supaya saya mendapat pelajaran yang sewajarnya,” katanya.
Bapanya, Jaafar seorang bekas anggota polis berkata, beliau menghantar dan mengambil Mohd. Uzair ke sekolah setiap hari sejak dari darjah satu lagi untuk membolehkannya mendapat pelajaran yang secukupnya.
Kata beliau, setibanya di sekolah Mohd. Uzair terpaksa didukung untuk diletakkan di kelas-kelas pembelajaran supaya ia tidak tercicir dalam mengikuti sesi pembelajarannya setiap hari.
‘‘Kadang-kadang apabila saya tidak berkesempatan kerana sibuk bekerja, emaknya akan menghantarnya ke sekolah.
‘‘Saya rasa penat saya selama ini menghantarnya ke sekolah sudah terbalas setelah mendapat tahu anak saya diterima mendapat tawaran ke Kolej Matrikulasi Johor,” katanya.
Ketika ditanya sama ada beliau bimbang dengan keselamatan anaknya semasa menuntut di kolej itu nanti, Jaafar berkata, beliau tidak bimbang dengan keadaan keselamatan anaknya nanti kerana kolej berkenaan sudah menyediakan kelengkapan khusus untuk pelajar kurang upaya.
Sementara itu, ADUN Kamunting, Mohd. Zahir menyifatkan Mohd. Uzair sebagai individu yang unggul kerana kecacatan yang dialaminya tidak mematahkan semangat untuk belajar ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi.
‘‘Saya meminta pelajar-pelajar lain mengambil iktibar daripada kegigihan Mohd. Uzair menimba ilmu pengetahuan kerana dengan pelajaran sahaja ia mampu membawa individu ke tahap yang lebih tinggi lagi,” katanya.
Walaupun kudung kedua-dua belah kaki kerana kecacatan sejak dari kecil lagi, ia tidak menghalang seorang pelajar pintar, Mohd. Uzair Jaafar untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat pengajian lebih tinggi.
Mohd. Uzair, 17, berkata, beliau yang pernah dipotong tiga kali di bahagian kakinya kerana mengalami masalah ketumbuhan, tidak pernah patah semangat untuk belajar bersungguh-sungguh sehingga dapat melanjutkan pelajaran ke institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) di Kolej Matrikulasi Johor dalam bidang sains.
Kini dia hanya mampu bergerak secara mengesot ketika di rumah dan terpaksa menggunakan kerusi roda ketika bersekolah bagi meneruskan penghidupan hariannya.
‘‘Saya tidak pernah mengikuti kelas tuisyen untuk berjaya dalam pelajaran kerana saya tidak berupaya untuk berulang-alik dari rumah ke pusat tuisyen berkenaan kerana ia begitu membebankan mereka yang membantu saya. Oleh itu, saya hanya mampu belajar bersendirian di rumah.
‘‘Tawaran yang diberikan oleh Kementerian Pelajaran untuk membolehkan saya melanjutkan pelajaran dalam bidang sains ke Kolej Matrikulasi Johor adalah sesuatu yang begitu bermakna dalam hidup saya sebagai seorang yang tidak cukup anggota ini,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia selepas menerima sumbangan dan penghargaan daripada Yayasan Perak dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Kamunting, Mohd. Zahir Datuk Mohd. Khalid di rumahnya di Kampung Pinang Seberang, Kamunting di sini hari ini.
Bekas pelajar Sekolah Menengah King Edward Taiping yang begitu berminat dalam aktiviti pelancaran roket, ditawarkan belajar di Kolej Matrikulasi Johor berikutan keputusan cemerlangnya dalam peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) yang lalu dan bercita-cita untuk menjadi seorang ahli farmasi.
Menurutnya, walaupun hidupnya perlu dibantu untuk bersekolah. Ia tidak menghalang beliau untuk aktif dalam kokurikulum serta kegiatan ilmiah yang lain termasuk dalam bidang penulisan ekonomi.
‘‘Saya berterima kasih kepada kedua-dua ibu bapa saya yang setiap hari terpaksa mengambil dan menghantar ke sekolah supaya saya mendapat pelajaran yang sewajarnya,” katanya.
Bapanya, Jaafar seorang bekas anggota polis berkata, beliau menghantar dan mengambil Mohd. Uzair ke sekolah setiap hari sejak dari darjah satu lagi untuk membolehkannya mendapat pelajaran yang secukupnya.
Kata beliau, setibanya di sekolah Mohd. Uzair terpaksa didukung untuk diletakkan di kelas-kelas pembelajaran supaya ia tidak tercicir dalam mengikuti sesi pembelajarannya setiap hari.
‘‘Kadang-kadang apabila saya tidak berkesempatan kerana sibuk bekerja, emaknya akan menghantarnya ke sekolah.
‘‘Saya rasa penat saya selama ini menghantarnya ke sekolah sudah terbalas setelah mendapat tahu anak saya diterima mendapat tawaran ke Kolej Matrikulasi Johor,” katanya.
Ketika ditanya sama ada beliau bimbang dengan keselamatan anaknya semasa menuntut di kolej itu nanti, Jaafar berkata, beliau tidak bimbang dengan keadaan keselamatan anaknya nanti kerana kolej berkenaan sudah menyediakan kelengkapan khusus untuk pelajar kurang upaya.
Sementara itu, ADUN Kamunting, Mohd. Zahir menyifatkan Mohd. Uzair sebagai individu yang unggul kerana kecacatan yang dialaminya tidak mematahkan semangat untuk belajar ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi.
‘‘Saya meminta pelajar-pelajar lain mengambil iktibar daripada kegigihan Mohd. Uzair menimba ilmu pengetahuan kerana dengan pelajaran sahaja ia mampu membawa individu ke tahap yang lebih tinggi lagi,” katanya.
History in Perak, after rows - The Star
IPOH: April 26, 2008 By CHRISTINA KOH and SYLVIA LOOI
History was made when Tronoh assemblyman V. Sivakumar became the first Indian Speaker to be elected to the Perak State Assembly.
However, his election was preceded by several shouting matches between Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional assemblymen.
The commotion started after the Pakatan Rakyat state government nominated Sivakumar for the post, while Barisan nominated former state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid.
Fifteen minutes into the proceedings, Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen pointed out that Junus was not in the assembly.
Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP - Sitiawan) cited the Standing Order saying a candidate for the post of Speaker must be physically present in the hall.
This led to a debate with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali (BN - Pengkalan Hulu) who clarified that if Junus’ presence was required, he should have been notified.
Assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri said he himself had contacted Junus.
Another round of yelling occurred when a decision had to be made on whether the Speaker should be elected through secret ballot or by having the secretary collect the ballots from each assemblyman.
Barisan argued for secret ballots but this prompted several Pakatan Rakyat representatives to object, insisting that the Standing Order stated that the ballots must be collected from the “desk” of the representatives.
Shouting matches ensued among Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN - Kubu Gajah), Thomas Su Keong Siong (DAP - Pasir Pinji) and several others until Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin agreed to secret balloting.
Sivakumar was finally proclaimed as Speaker at 4.05pm yesterday with 31 votes against Junus’ 28.
Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, a polio victim since she was four, also created history as the first female and first disabled person to become deputy speaker. Unlike Sivakumar's, her election was smooth.
Speaking to the press after the swearing-in ceremony, Sivakumar said reviewing the assembly's Standing Orders would be his priority .
He said he wanted to review the Orders in detail to see what was still relevant and what was not.
“I will also look into improving other aspects of the Dewan such as opening its library to the public,” he said.
Perak Barisan Nasional chairman Tajol Rosli, meanwhile, confirmed that he would speak for Barisan in the assembly.
He was however loath to call himself Barisan’s opposition leader.
“We don’t have an opposition leader. There is no opposition leader,” he told reporters when approached after the swearing-in of the assemblymen at the State Secretariat here yesterday.
History was made when Tronoh assemblyman V. Sivakumar became the first Indian Speaker to be elected to the Perak State Assembly.
However, his election was preceded by several shouting matches between Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional assemblymen.
The commotion started after the Pakatan Rakyat state government nominated Sivakumar for the post, while Barisan nominated former state assembly speaker Datuk Seri Junus Wahid.
Fifteen minutes into the proceedings, Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen pointed out that Junus was not in the assembly.
Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP - Sitiawan) cited the Standing Order saying a candidate for the post of Speaker must be physically present in the hall.
This led to a debate with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali (BN - Pengkalan Hulu) who clarified that if Junus’ presence was required, he should have been notified.
Assembly secretary Abdullah Antong Sabri said he himself had contacted Junus.
Another round of yelling occurred when a decision had to be made on whether the Speaker should be elected through secret ballot or by having the secretary collect the ballots from each assemblyman.
Barisan argued for secret ballots but this prompted several Pakatan Rakyat representatives to object, insisting that the Standing Order stated that the ballots must be collected from the “desk” of the representatives.
Shouting matches ensued among Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN - Kubu Gajah), Thomas Su Keong Siong (DAP - Pasir Pinji) and several others until Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin agreed to secret balloting.
Sivakumar was finally proclaimed as Speaker at 4.05pm yesterday with 31 votes against Junus’ 28.
Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, a polio victim since she was four, also created history as the first female and first disabled person to become deputy speaker. Unlike Sivakumar's, her election was smooth.
Speaking to the press after the swearing-in ceremony, Sivakumar said reviewing the assembly's Standing Orders would be his priority .
He said he wanted to review the Orders in detail to see what was still relevant and what was not.
“I will also look into improving other aspects of the Dewan such as opening its library to the public,” he said.
Perak Barisan Nasional chairman Tajol Rosli, meanwhile, confirmed that he would speak for Barisan in the assembly.
He was however loath to call himself Barisan’s opposition leader.
“We don’t have an opposition leader. There is no opposition leader,” he told reporters when approached after the swearing-in of the assemblymen at the State Secretariat here yesterday.
Friday, April 25, 2008
DAP Rep Sworn-in As Perak Assembly Speaker
IPOH, April 25 (Bernama)
Tronoh assemblyman V. Sivakumar of the DAP was sworn-in as Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Friday.
Sivakumar, 38, obtained 31 votes in the election for the post while the previous chair, Datuk Seri Junus Wahid renominated by Barisan Nasional (BN), received 28 votes.
His election makes him the first Indian to assume the post of speaker in Malaysia.
Sivakumar entered politics in 1997 and beat BN candidate Lee Kim Choy by 2,571 votes in last month's general election.
He holds a Bachelor in Legal Philosophy and Masters in Business Administration and previously served as political secretary to Ipoh Barat member of Parliament M. Kulasegaran.
Meanwhile, Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, 45, also from the DAP was elected Deputy Speaker. The BN nominated Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Hang Soon for the post. Foong who is limping due to polio when she was four years old, is the first disabled woman to be elected to the post.
Meanwhile, all 59 assemblymen also took the oath of office starting with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who is Pasir Panjang representative.
Former menteri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali was also sworn-in as Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman.
In the state assembly, the DAP has 18 representatives while Parti Keadilan Rakyat seven and Pas six. Collectively, they form the state government while BN, with 28 representatives, is the opposition.
Tronoh assemblyman V. Sivakumar of the DAP was sworn-in as Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Friday.
Sivakumar, 38, obtained 31 votes in the election for the post while the previous chair, Datuk Seri Junus Wahid renominated by Barisan Nasional (BN), received 28 votes.
His election makes him the first Indian to assume the post of speaker in Malaysia.
Sivakumar entered politics in 1997 and beat BN candidate Lee Kim Choy by 2,571 votes in last month's general election.
He holds a Bachelor in Legal Philosophy and Masters in Business Administration and previously served as political secretary to Ipoh Barat member of Parliament M. Kulasegaran.
Meanwhile, Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong, 45, also from the DAP was elected Deputy Speaker. The BN nominated Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Hang Soon for the post. Foong who is limping due to polio when she was four years old, is the first disabled woman to be elected to the post.
Meanwhile, all 59 assemblymen also took the oath of office starting with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who is Pasir Panjang representative.
Former menteri besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali was also sworn-in as Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman.
In the state assembly, the DAP has 18 representatives while Parti Keadilan Rakyat seven and Pas six. Collectively, they form the state government while BN, with 28 representatives, is the opposition.
Renew licences or be fined, businesses told - The Star
IPOH: April 25, 2008
Businesses under the jurisdiction of the Ipoh City Council have until April 30 to renew their licences to trade and display signboards and billboards.
The council would launch an inspection from May 1 and those found without valid licences would be fined RM200, said mayor Datuk Mohamad Rafiai Mokhtar yesterday.
He was speaking after chairing the council's first full board meeting after the general election.
Business licences range from RM20 to RM1,000.
Those who stopped operating their business should also inform the council, said Mohamad Rafiai, referring to signboards advertising defunct businesses.
On other matters, he said the city council's financial situation was satisfactory with reserves of RM43 million.
As of April 15, the city council has collected 51 per cent or RM34.5 million of the projected RM67.5 million assessment for the year, while arrears amounted to RM27.57 million.
The biggest culprits were the 45,432 residential owners who owed RM18.7 million and 1,033 factory operators who owed RM2.32 million as of March, said Mohamad Rafiai, adding that a task force had been set up to monitor the collection of arrears.
Residential owners who owed more than RM1 million are in Pengkalan (RM2.37 million), Bercham (RM2.24 million), Menglembu (RM1.53 million), Silibin (1.28 million), Lapangan (RM1.19 million), Rapat (RM1.16 million) and Perpaduan (RM1.07 million).
"We hope to collect about RM10 million or 35 per cent of the arrears this year. Last year, we targeted 30 per cent and collected RM8.5 million," he added
Businesses under the jurisdiction of the Ipoh City Council have until April 30 to renew their licences to trade and display signboards and billboards.
The council would launch an inspection from May 1 and those found without valid licences would be fined RM200, said mayor Datuk Mohamad Rafiai Mokhtar yesterday.
He was speaking after chairing the council's first full board meeting after the general election.
Business licences range from RM20 to RM1,000.
Those who stopped operating their business should also inform the council, said Mohamad Rafiai, referring to signboards advertising defunct businesses.
On other matters, he said the city council's financial situation was satisfactory with reserves of RM43 million.
As of April 15, the city council has collected 51 per cent or RM34.5 million of the projected RM67.5 million assessment for the year, while arrears amounted to RM27.57 million.
The biggest culprits were the 45,432 residential owners who owed RM18.7 million and 1,033 factory operators who owed RM2.32 million as of March, said Mohamad Rafiai, adding that a task force had been set up to monitor the collection of arrears.
Residential owners who owed more than RM1 million are in Pengkalan (RM2.37 million), Bercham (RM2.24 million), Menglembu (RM1.53 million), Silibin (1.28 million), Lapangan (RM1.19 million), Rapat (RM1.16 million) and Perpaduan (RM1.07 million).
"We hope to collect about RM10 million or 35 per cent of the arrears this year. Last year, we targeted 30 per cent and collected RM8.5 million," he added
Drop-in centre for single mothers - The Star
April 25, 2008
THE Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ipoh has set up a drop-in centre for single mothers and their children.
Its national president Dunstan Dominic Augustine said the centre at Maria Villa, Silibin, would be supervised by its members from Our Ladies of Lourdes Church.
Augustine said the premises was now being renovated with day-care facilities for children of single mothers who could not afford to pay.
“Other than day-care services, the centre is also a meeting place for single mothers to meet and discuss issues affecting their daily lives.” he said.
He added that the Maria Villa centre was the second project of the society in Perak.
The first one - Ozanam drop-in centre - in Sungai Siput was launched last year when it started a day care facility for 25 children of single mothers who were given home cooked meals, free tuition and homework supervision.
“The operational cost of the two centres is RM10,000 a month. It is funded by Ozanam Foundation which functions as a special purpose vehicle for the society to carry out its project for the poor and needy,” he added.
Augustine was speaking at the “Friends of the Poor Nite” charity dinner and launching of Perak-level Ozanam Foundation at Tow Boo Keong Hall in Ipoh recently.
Some 800 people attended the functions.
Among them were Bishop of Penang, Rev Antony Selvanayagam, Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegeran, Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramanian, Perak Welfare Services Department Director Chong Phaik Kee and the Parish Priest of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Bernard Paul.
THE Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ipoh has set up a drop-in centre for single mothers and their children.
Its national president Dunstan Dominic Augustine said the centre at Maria Villa, Silibin, would be supervised by its members from Our Ladies of Lourdes Church.
Augustine said the premises was now being renovated with day-care facilities for children of single mothers who could not afford to pay.
“Other than day-care services, the centre is also a meeting place for single mothers to meet and discuss issues affecting their daily lives.” he said.
He added that the Maria Villa centre was the second project of the society in Perak.
The first one - Ozanam drop-in centre - in Sungai Siput was launched last year when it started a day care facility for 25 children of single mothers who were given home cooked meals, free tuition and homework supervision.
“The operational cost of the two centres is RM10,000 a month. It is funded by Ozanam Foundation which functions as a special purpose vehicle for the society to carry out its project for the poor and needy,” he added.
Augustine was speaking at the “Friends of the Poor Nite” charity dinner and launching of Perak-level Ozanam Foundation at Tow Boo Keong Hall in Ipoh recently.
Some 800 people attended the functions.
Among them were Bishop of Penang, Rev Antony Selvanayagam, Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegeran, Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramanian, Perak Welfare Services Department Director Chong Phaik Kee and the Parish Priest of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Bernard Paul.
Reaching out to 200,000 youths - The Star
April 25, 2008
PERAK Puteri Umno will reach out to the state’s 200,000 youths to regain their support for Barisan Nasional with the aim of wresting back Perak in the next general election.
Its chief Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said the wing would start with a “hearts and minds” programme to recapture the support of those aged below 35.
She said the wing would use IT and research to reach out to young voters including graduates and rural folk.
“We want to make sure that we will be able to win back the state in the 2013 general election,” the Kampong Gajah assemblyman said in Ipoh recently.
She said among the program-mes to be held was Puteri’s 2013 mission which would include a series of ceramah by Umno leaders on tactics of being in an opposition state.
Dr Wan Norashikin said among the speakers for the ceramah were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
PERAK Puteri Umno will reach out to the state’s 200,000 youths to regain their support for Barisan Nasional with the aim of wresting back Perak in the next general election.
Its chief Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said the wing would start with a “hearts and minds” programme to recapture the support of those aged below 35.
She said the wing would use IT and research to reach out to young voters including graduates and rural folk.
“We want to make sure that we will be able to win back the state in the 2013 general election,” the Kampong Gajah assemblyman said in Ipoh recently.
She said among the program-mes to be held was Puteri’s 2013 mission which would include a series of ceramah by Umno leaders on tactics of being in an opposition state.
Dr Wan Norashikin said among the speakers for the ceramah were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
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