IPOH (Dec 21, 2008): by Humayun Kabir
The Perak government is against the proposal to introduce a National Disaster Emergency Act which is seen as an act by the federal government to take control of Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments by declaring political motivated emergencies in these states.
“The Pakatan Rakyat state government can cooperate with the federal government in case of natural disasters occurring in the state without the need for such an act,” Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told reporters today.
“I believe the state is capable of managing such catastrophes by cooperating with the relevant authorities in charge of natural disasters without the need for such an act which can be misused by the federal government to take control of Pakatan Rakyat-led states,” he said after officiating the state mosque officers association’s 12th annual general meeting here.
There are adequate federal laws in the country to control such disasters, he said in response to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz’s statement that the federal government may consider such an act in order for federal agencies to coordinate natural disasters that occur in Pakatan Rakyat-led states.
The minister was reported as saying that with such an act, an emergency can be declared when there is a disaster so that federal government can take charge.
Nazri, who is a member of the National Disaster Relief Committee, had said the act will also curb hoarding of essential supplies and control traders in the distribution of such supplies.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Perak MB: Keep airport promise - NST
IPOH: Dec 22, 2008
The Perak government is disputing Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat's statement that there is no room to extend the runway of the airport here.
Ong, on Friday, had brought up the issue of space when speaking about the topography of the place and the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said yesterday studies conducted by the state showed that there was space to accommodate the extension of the runway at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, which is also known as the Ipoh airport.
"There is space for the extension. So, we would like, once again, to request Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to honour his promise to pump in RM70 million to upgrade Ipoh airport."
Abdullah had promised to upgrade the airport, including extending its runway, when he attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year.
Nizar said the runway could be extended by 400m to enable larger Airbus and Boeing planes, such as the 747, to land. However, houses nearby would have to make way for the extension.
The Perak government is disputing Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat's statement that there is no room to extend the runway of the airport here.
Ong, on Friday, had brought up the issue of space when speaking about the topography of the place and the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said yesterday studies conducted by the state showed that there was space to accommodate the extension of the runway at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, which is also known as the Ipoh airport.
"There is space for the extension. So, we would like, once again, to request Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to honour his promise to pump in RM70 million to upgrade Ipoh airport."
Abdullah had promised to upgrade the airport, including extending its runway, when he attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year.
Nizar said the runway could be extended by 400m to enable larger Airbus and Boeing planes, such as the 747, to land. However, houses nearby would have to make way for the extension.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Muslims with HIV should not marry: Perak MB - Star
Dec 21, 2008 By CHRISTINA KOH and GLADYS TAY
IPOH: Muslim couples should not marry if one or both of them are confirmed to be HIV-positive, said Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
He said it would be “grossly unfair” to the couple and to any child they have if they were to tie the knot.
“I believe that if you are a confirmed carrier, there needs to be a quarantine” and he or she should undergo all possible treatment, he told reporters after meeting mosque officials here on Sunday.
“Only then one would review whether he or she can get married. I think it is a gross error to allow somebody very sick like that, an HIV carrier, to marry.
“It would be even worse if both are HIV-positive. You would be passing the disease to the embryo, it’s unjust,” he said.
Nizar said that persons with HIV would find it difficult to lead a normal life because they would be beset by psychological and emotional problems.
Last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that from next year onwards, Muslims planning to marry would have to undergo mandatory HIV screening.
IPOH: Muslim couples should not marry if one or both of them are confirmed to be HIV-positive, said Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
He said it would be “grossly unfair” to the couple and to any child they have if they were to tie the knot.
“I believe that if you are a confirmed carrier, there needs to be a quarantine” and he or she should undergo all possible treatment, he told reporters after meeting mosque officials here on Sunday.
“Only then one would review whether he or she can get married. I think it is a gross error to allow somebody very sick like that, an HIV carrier, to marry.
“It would be even worse if both are HIV-positive. You would be passing the disease to the embryo, it’s unjust,” he said.
Nizar said that persons with HIV would find it difficult to lead a normal life because they would be beset by psychological and emotional problems.
Last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that from next year onwards, Muslims planning to marry would have to undergo mandatory HIV screening.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
'No room for Sultan Azlan Shah Airport extension' - NST
Dec 20 - By : P. Chandra Sagaran
IPOH: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has rebutted allegations by Perak Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen that financial constraint was one of the reasons the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here has yet to be upgraded.
"It is not due to finance or lack of commitment but rather the topography. As responsible politicians they should know the scenario better.
"The airport is surrounded by mountains at one end and adjacent to densely-populated areas," he said after witnessing the swearing-in of Ipoh Timur MCA division office bearers on Thursday.
Also present was Perak MCA chairman Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
"When we talk about extension, then the question of space is raised. Economic returns with the upgrading of the airport can only be achieved with sufficient flights, passengers and cargo volume," Ong said.
He said these problems must be first studied and addressed.
There must also be land available for extension while meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
"It is not just saying we have the land and money but whether the airport has complied with the ICAO requirements which, among others things, would include the length of the runway."
Recently, state Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming had asked the Transport Ministry to honour its promise to develop the under-utilised airport, failing which the task should be handed over to the state.
IPOH: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has rebutted allegations by Perak Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen that financial constraint was one of the reasons the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here has yet to be upgraded.
"It is not due to finance or lack of commitment but rather the topography. As responsible politicians they should know the scenario better.
"The airport is surrounded by mountains at one end and adjacent to densely-populated areas," he said after witnessing the swearing-in of Ipoh Timur MCA division office bearers on Thursday.
Also present was Perak MCA chairman Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
"When we talk about extension, then the question of space is raised. Economic returns with the upgrading of the airport can only be achieved with sufficient flights, passengers and cargo volume," Ong said.
He said these problems must be first studied and addressed.
There must also be land available for extension while meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
"It is not just saying we have the land and money but whether the airport has complied with the ICAO requirements which, among others things, would include the length of the runway."
Recently, state Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming had asked the Transport Ministry to honour its promise to develop the under-utilised airport, failing which the task should be handed over to the state.
Wall of racial harmony - Star
Dec 20 - By CHRISTINA KOH
A WALL displaying Taman Cempaka’s name in four languages at the neighbourhood’s entrance in Ipoh should not be turned into a controversy, said Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh.
He said the move reflected Malaysia’s unique multicultural society which should be the basis of the country’s unity.
He said the wall had to be refurbished to replace the ageing letters for Taman Cempaka, some of which had deteriorated and dropped off over the last 30 years.
“I don’t think it should create any controversy unless a certain political party takes up the issue to gain political mileage,” Wong added.
Melting pot of cultures:Wong(pointing)and residents showing the multilingual sign on the wall at the entrance of Taman Cempaka.
Last week, Ipoh Timur Umno division chief Datuk Azian Osman reportedly criticised the move, saying that it went against the Federal Constitu- tion which stated that Bahasa Malaysia was the national language.
Azian had also said the multilingual sign was unnecessary as Taman Cempaka was not a tourist area.
Countering this, Wong said: “Bahasa Malaysia is our national language, this we have never doubted.”
The funds for the multilingual sign, he said, came from his assemblyman’s allocation.
To a question, Wong said he had no plans to propose that multilingual signs be used in other parts of Perak, nor does he have plans to put any more multilingual signs at other residential areas in his constituency.
“This (multilingual signs) is not something new. In Bandar Seri Botani and Taman Anda, for instance, there are signboards in two languages put up by the developer,” he pointed out.
Ipoh Timur Pas Youth chief Salman Saleh, who was also present, praised the move as it would help cultivate harmony among the various communities in the area.
“Putting up multilingual signs should also help redeem the status of Jawi writing that has been sidelined since 1963.
“Little by little, it will let the people realise the role of Jawi writing in Malay culture and religion,” he said.
A WALL displaying Taman Cempaka’s name in four languages at the neighbourhood’s entrance in Ipoh should not be turned into a controversy, said Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh.
He said the move reflected Malaysia’s unique multicultural society which should be the basis of the country’s unity.
He said the wall had to be refurbished to replace the ageing letters for Taman Cempaka, some of which had deteriorated and dropped off over the last 30 years.
“I don’t think it should create any controversy unless a certain political party takes up the issue to gain political mileage,” Wong added.
Melting pot of cultures:Wong(pointing)and residents showing the multilingual sign on the wall at the entrance of Taman Cempaka.Last week, Ipoh Timur Umno division chief Datuk Azian Osman reportedly criticised the move, saying that it went against the Federal Constitu- tion which stated that Bahasa Malaysia was the national language.
Azian had also said the multilingual sign was unnecessary as Taman Cempaka was not a tourist area.
Countering this, Wong said: “Bahasa Malaysia is our national language, this we have never doubted.”
The funds for the multilingual sign, he said, came from his assemblyman’s allocation.
To a question, Wong said he had no plans to propose that multilingual signs be used in other parts of Perak, nor does he have plans to put any more multilingual signs at other residential areas in his constituency.
“This (multilingual signs) is not something new. In Bandar Seri Botani and Taman Anda, for instance, there are signboards in two languages put up by the developer,” he pointed out.
Ipoh Timur Pas Youth chief Salman Saleh, who was also present, praised the move as it would help cultivate harmony among the various communities in the area.
“Putting up multilingual signs should also help redeem the status of Jawi writing that has been sidelined since 1963.
“Little by little, it will let the people realise the role of Jawi writing in Malay culture and religion,” he said.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
MB: Gazetting of park mulled - Star
Dec 17, 2008 By CHAN LI LEEN
THE Perak Government will look into a request to gazette Taman Tasik Temoh as a recreational park, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said.
He said the state government was more than willing to expedite the move to retain the 48.6ha area near Tapah for use by the public.
“It is the right of the rakyat to enjoy all that this place has to offer,” he said after flagging off the Tapah Endurance Motocross & Cubcross Challenge 2008 on Saturday.
“Furthermore, the Pakatan Rakyat government is very cautious when it comes to approving housing and development projects as it is the rakyat who will suffer whenever floods or landslides occur,” he added.
Nizar (foreground, right) shaking hands with the participants before flagging off the motor race.
Nizar was responding to a request by Batang Padang district officer Datuk Md Damiri Md Sairi to gazette the area.
The area, Md Damiri said, was ideal as a recreational park with its vast greenery, open spaces and ponds.
“The people of Batang Padang and Temoh want this place to be retained for their recreation and ensure it does not fall victim to development.
“And since it is located next to a hill slope, we are afraid it might suffer the same fate as Bukit Antarabangsa should development be carried out,” said Md Damiri.
He added that events such as canoeing and boating competitions had been held there previously.
Organised by Le Shuttle Event (M) Sdn Bhd, the challenge was the first of its kind to be held in the district.
THE Perak Government will look into a request to gazette Taman Tasik Temoh as a recreational park, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said.
He said the state government was more than willing to expedite the move to retain the 48.6ha area near Tapah for use by the public.
“It is the right of the rakyat to enjoy all that this place has to offer,” he said after flagging off the Tapah Endurance Motocross & Cubcross Challenge 2008 on Saturday.
“Furthermore, the Pakatan Rakyat government is very cautious when it comes to approving housing and development projects as it is the rakyat who will suffer whenever floods or landslides occur,” he added.
Nizar (foreground, right) shaking hands with the participants before flagging off the motor race.Nizar was responding to a request by Batang Padang district officer Datuk Md Damiri Md Sairi to gazette the area.
The area, Md Damiri said, was ideal as a recreational park with its vast greenery, open spaces and ponds.
“The people of Batang Padang and Temoh want this place to be retained for their recreation and ensure it does not fall victim to development.
“And since it is located next to a hill slope, we are afraid it might suffer the same fate as Bukit Antarabangsa should development be carried out,” said Md Damiri.
He added that events such as canoeing and boating competitions had been held there previously.
Organised by Le Shuttle Event (M) Sdn Bhd, the challenge was the first of its kind to be held in the district.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Study loan defaulters owe Perak RM19m - Star
Dec 3, 2008 By SYLVIA LOOI
IPOH: There more than 2,000 Perak government study loan defaulters, some stretching back to the loan’s inception in 1973, owe the state about RM19mil.
“Efforts had been made to get the defaulters to pay up, but they have chosen to ignore the notices of demand,” Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told reporters after presenting loans totalling RM2.5mil to 136 students at the State Secretariat here on Wednesday.
They should approach the state if they have problems settling the loan, he said, noting that the terms of payment were flexible and no interest was charged.
“As they refused to pay up, the state had to turn away 20 loan applicants wanting to take up post-graduate studies,” he said.
He said the state had since 2006 sent out legal notices to 2,372 study loan defaulters.
“Some of them paid up immediately on receiving the notices, but the majority did not,” he said, adding that the defaulters were businessmen or those holding high positions in companies.
Since the inception of the loan, the state had disbursed RM54mil loans to 5,243 students.
IPOH: There more than 2,000 Perak government study loan defaulters, some stretching back to the loan’s inception in 1973, owe the state about RM19mil.
“Efforts had been made to get the defaulters to pay up, but they have chosen to ignore the notices of demand,” Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told reporters after presenting loans totalling RM2.5mil to 136 students at the State Secretariat here on Wednesday.
They should approach the state if they have problems settling the loan, he said, noting that the terms of payment were flexible and no interest was charged.
“As they refused to pay up, the state had to turn away 20 loan applicants wanting to take up post-graduate studies,” he said.
He said the state had since 2006 sent out legal notices to 2,372 study loan defaulters.
“Some of them paid up immediately on receiving the notices, but the majority did not,” he said, adding that the defaulters were businessmen or those holding high positions in companies.
Since the inception of the loan, the state had disbursed RM54mil loans to 5,243 students.
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