The final session of Parliament is coming up, with the most important item on the agenda being the Budget for 2011 of course. The 15 questions I'll post to the Government has been submitted more than a week ago, and I'll try to update as they get responded to.
The following are the list of 10 oral and 5 written questions.
Soalan Lisan
1. Tony Pua meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan butir-butir projek kad pintar untuk mengawal pembelian petrol mengikut keupayaan yang telah dihentikan, termasuk nama pembekal, kos yang terlibat, skop projek dan sebab-sebab terperinci projek dibatalkan.
2. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Pengangkutan menyatakan perkembangan terkini mengenai penyelenggaraan sistem LRT aliran Kelana Jaya dan Sri Petaling, terutamanya penilaian bantahan yang telah diterima, tahap pencapaian berbanding dengan pelan di mana sistem LRT akan dikomisyen pada awal tahun 2013.
3. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Pertahanan menyatakan sebab Kementeri menempah melalui surat niat kepada Deftech Sdn Bhd 257 buah kereta perisai bernilai RM8 bilion, ataupun RM31 juta sebuah walaupun harga pasaran kereta perisai terkemuka di dunia tidak melebihi RM10 juta.
4. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani menyatakan
(i) kedudukan terperinci projek pelabuhan tuna di Batu Maung, termasuk pelaburan yang telah dibuat oleh kerajaan dan langkah-langkah seterusnya
(ii) sama ada surat sokongan yang dikeluarkan kepada Malaysia International Tuna Port (MITP) untuk mendapat pinjaman RM240 juta adalah sah dan diluluskan oleh Menteri
5. Tony Pua meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan sama ada tafsiran 1Malaysia dalam Pelan Transformasi Kerajaan yang mengharap supaya rakyat Malaysia menganggap sendiri sebagai "Malaysian first" dan kaum, agama, kelas dan kawasan kemudian akan dikekalkan dan apakah langkah yang akan diambil supaya semua termasuk menteri-menteri memahami tafsiran ini.
6. Tony Pua meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan kedudukan projek MRT Lembah Klang terkini, jadual perlaksanaan, jangkaan kos, agensi yang bertanggungjawab dan sama ada kerja-kerja pembinaan akan ditender secara terbuka supaya mutu tertinggi dapat dicapai dengan harga yang terendah, dan daya persaingan kontraktor dapat dipertingkatkan.
7. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Kewangan menyatakan
(i) Kedudukan terkini kesemua pelaburan yang telah dibuat oleh dana 1MDB termasuk nilai dan jangkaan pulangan setiap projek
(ii) Sama ada 1MDB bertujuan untuk menambahkan pinjaman bon dalam jangka masa 1 tahun yang akan datang dan apakah jumlah dan kegunaannya
8. Tony Pua meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan dasar-dasar afirmatif bumiputera semasa yang akan dirombak semula supaya ia menjadi lebih "market-friendly and merit-based" dan menuju kepada golongan bumiputera berpendapatan 40% yang terendah.
9. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Penerangan, Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan menyatakan
(i) sama ada KPI kementerian 50% "broadband penetration" akan dicapai pada Disember 2010
(ii) pihak yang bertanggungjawab untuk menjamin pencapaian KPI dan jika tidak dicapai, apakah langkah-langkah seterusnya yang akan diambil
10. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri menyatakan perkembangan terkini mengenai projek pembinaan pusat konvensyen dan pameran Matrade termasuk skop kerja yang telah siap, jadual pembinaan dan sama ada pembayaran berbentuk tanah telah diserahkan kepada pihak pemaju.
Soalan Bertulis
11. Tony Pua meminta Perdana Menteri menyatakan untuk biasiswa Mara ke luar negeri peringkat sarjana muda sejak tahun 2000
(a) gred pencapaian peperiksaan terendah yang diterima setiap tahun
(b) jumlah pelajar yang ditawarkan setiap tahun mengikut universiti yang dihantar
12. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri menyatakan sejak tahun 1996
(i) Jumlah pelaburan asing yang telah diluluskan oleh kerajaam berbanding dengan jumlah yang telah dilaburkan setiap tahun
(ii) 10 projek pelaburan asing bernilai tertinggi yang telah diluluskan tetapi belum lagi dilaburkan atau telah dibatalkan setiap tahun
13. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Kewangan menyatakan senarai syarikat-syarikat yang telah menerima jaminan pinjaman daripada Danajamin, termasuk jumlah dan tujuan jaminan untuk setiap syarikat
14. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Kewangan menyatakan secara terperinci peratusan pemilikan saham syarikat-syarikat Indeks Komposit Kuala Lumpur oleh KWSP, KWAP, Tabung Haji, Khazanah Nasional, ASN, ASB, ASM dan lain-lain institusi atau dana yang dikuasai oleh kerajaan
15. Tony Pua meminta Menteri Pengajian Tinggi menyatakan jumlah penuntut sarjana muda yang diterima oleh setiap IPTA mengikut bidang pengajian pada tahun 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
NEM Is Seditious?
The Royal Malaysian Police should spend its precious time investigating criminal cases, especially those involving serious crimes, instead of wasting man-hours on trivial or non-issues
I have been invited to give a statement at the Shah Alam Police Headquarters today at 1pm with regards to one of the suggestions I made during the Selangor Budget 2011 dialogue on 26 July 2010 where I called for a review of the current bumiputra housing discount policy.
I have suggested that discounts for luxury homes valued at RM500,000 and above, and commercial properties valued more than RM2 million be discontinued. Under the current policy, the rich benefit much more than the poor as a house valued at RM2 million will receive RM140,000 discount while a medium cost flat worth RM100,000 will only get RM100,000. I have proposed instead for the discounts to be channelled towards helping the poor, particularly the bumiputra poor.
I was informed that the investigating officer that I'm now being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
I understand that the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will also have his statement taken as he had commented on the same issue to the press in the subsequent days.
The whole idea of being investigated for Sedition for the policy proposals which I have raised is just completely frivolous and ludicrous.
Firstly, the policy suggestion is completely in line with the Prime Minister's call for reform in the countries' race-based affirmative action policy under the "New Economic Model (NEM)". This reforms include his often quoted remarks that the affirmative action policies will be "market-friendly and merit-based" and focused on the lowest 40% of income earners, the unlike in the past.
My policy suggestion is fully in-line with the Prime Minister's "NEM" where the removal of the discounts will make it more "market-friendly" for property developers and prevent abuses by middlemen who profit from re-selling the discounted properties to non-bumiputras.
In addition, it is also "merit-based" as the poor will receive the necessary assistance through the discount while the already wealthy will no longer be given such disproportionate assistance. Based on my suggestion, the policy will definitely be focused to benefit the bottom 40% of income earners.
How in the world is my suggestion seditious is really beyond me. If my policy suggestion is seditious, then sure the NEM is the same and perhaps the police should also bring in the Prime Minister for investigation on possible sedition in his "market-friendly and merit-based" affirmative action policy statements.
The fact that the event had taken place at the end of July and the investigation is now only taking place 2 months later with the installation of the new Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar shows that the new regime is becoming a bigger cats paw of the Umno and Barisan Nasional to intimidate members of the opposition and to frighten the rakyat into supporting the ruling parties.
I empathize with the officers who are investigating my case as well as the other cases involving my colleagues such as Teo Nie Ching and Ean Yong Hian Wah for they are being forced to carry out the investigations despite the obvious frivolousness of the cases.
I have cooperated fully with the investigating officer but I call upon the the new IGP to stop making a complete mockery of the police force by spending time investigating "non-issues" and start focusing its under-staffed criminal investigation department on the various serious crimes affecting the country today.
I have been invited to give a statement at the Shah Alam Police Headquarters today at 1pm with regards to one of the suggestions I made during the Selangor Budget 2011 dialogue on 26 July 2010 where I called for a review of the current bumiputra housing discount policy.
I have suggested that discounts for luxury homes valued at RM500,000 and above, and commercial properties valued more than RM2 million be discontinued. Under the current policy, the rich benefit much more than the poor as a house valued at RM2 million will receive RM140,000 discount while a medium cost flat worth RM100,000 will only get RM100,000. I have proposed instead for the discounts to be channelled towards helping the poor, particularly the bumiputra poor.
I was informed that the investigating officer that I'm now being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
I understand that the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will also have his statement taken as he had commented on the same issue to the press in the subsequent days.
The whole idea of being investigated for Sedition for the policy proposals which I have raised is just completely frivolous and ludicrous.
Firstly, the policy suggestion is completely in line with the Prime Minister's call for reform in the countries' race-based affirmative action policy under the "New Economic Model (NEM)". This reforms include his often quoted remarks that the affirmative action policies will be "market-friendly and merit-based" and focused on the lowest 40% of income earners, the unlike in the past.
My policy suggestion is fully in-line with the Prime Minister's "NEM" where the removal of the discounts will make it more "market-friendly" for property developers and prevent abuses by middlemen who profit from re-selling the discounted properties to non-bumiputras.
In addition, it is also "merit-based" as the poor will receive the necessary assistance through the discount while the already wealthy will no longer be given such disproportionate assistance. Based on my suggestion, the policy will definitely be focused to benefit the bottom 40% of income earners.
How in the world is my suggestion seditious is really beyond me. If my policy suggestion is seditious, then sure the NEM is the same and perhaps the police should also bring in the Prime Minister for investigation on possible sedition in his "market-friendly and merit-based" affirmative action policy statements.
The fact that the event had taken place at the end of July and the investigation is now only taking place 2 months later with the installation of the new Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar shows that the new regime is becoming a bigger cats paw of the Umno and Barisan Nasional to intimidate members of the opposition and to frighten the rakyat into supporting the ruling parties.
I empathize with the officers who are investigating my case as well as the other cases involving my colleagues such as Teo Nie Ching and Ean Yong Hian Wah for they are being forced to carry out the investigations despite the obvious frivolousness of the cases.
I have cooperated fully with the investigating officer but I call upon the the new IGP to stop making a complete mockery of the police force by spending time investigating "non-issues" and start focusing its under-staffed criminal investigation department on the various serious crimes affecting the country today.
Umno To Start Halal-Currency System?
Umno continues to heighten irresponsible and incendiary race and religious rhetoric will drive Malaysia towards becoming a nation of extreme contradictions with the latest accusation that the Penang Government funds its programmes using funds from non-halal sources
Umno has continued its relentless attacks on the DAP, particularly the Penang state government with the latest being that the state government funded its welfare initiatives with funds contributed by non-halal entities such as the Penang Turf Club, and by extension, the Muslims in the state are benefiting from “unclean” money.
While the Penang Government has disclosed the fact that the accusation is completely and utter baseless when it was shown that such contributions are only channelled towards the eradiction of non-Muslim hardcore poor, the more critical point is perhaps “so what if it is?”
Umno leaders have shown utmost hypocrisy when even the Finance Ministry, who is led by the Prime Minister himself, have replied in Parliament that the Federal Government does not separate it source of revenue from halal and non-halal sources in its consolidated funds. This means that the revenue from gaming sources such as Tanjung PLC and Berjaya Sports Toto as well as alcoholic beverage companies such as Guiness Anchor Bhd (GAB) and Carlsberg are used for the benefit of all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region. And that is absolutely how it should be.
What is more worry however is the tendency of the desperate Umno leaders who wants to cling on to power at all cost will start calling for ludicrous ideas to be implemented by preying on the fears and insecurity of the wider public.
By calling for a separation of funds from halal and non-halal sources, Umno politicians are opening a whole new Pandora box which will lead ultimately to Malaysia becoming a global basket case. Is the Penang opposition leader, Azahar Ibrahim arguing for a case whereby Muslim companies, individuals and organisations cannot trade with say, alcoholic beverage companies like GAB even for the purchase of stationery or furniture because GAB derives its revenue and profits from non-halal sources? Or worse, is Umno arguing for the farcical case where Ah Chong the butcher, or Muthu who works for Berjaya Sports Toto, cannot purchase nasi lemak from Pak Ali because the latter should not “benefit” from such sources of income?
Will Najib put out a new proposal during the announcement of the 2011 Budget calling for a duel currency system where the halal Ringgit is used for transactions which are halal while the non-halal Ringgit is used for transactions which involves non-halal items or services, and hence preventing Muslims from sourcing any of the revenue or benefiting in any way, from sources of funds which has at one time or another “passed through” non-halal transactions?
Najib has called for “moderation” at the United Nations and his call must be supported. However, Najib must first reign in his party of hare-brained extremists who are using all means, including racially and religiously extreme views to politically assasinate DAP and Pakatan Rakyat who are clearly winning over the rakyat with its inclusive, moderate and progressive policies.
The relentless race and religious attacks by Umno must cease immediately to create the conducive environment for “moderation”, to defeat “extremism” and to bring Malaysia back into the forefront of the international investment map.
Umno has continued its relentless attacks on the DAP, particularly the Penang state government with the latest being that the state government funded its welfare initiatives with funds contributed by non-halal entities such as the Penang Turf Club, and by extension, the Muslims in the state are benefiting from “unclean” money.
While the Penang Government has disclosed the fact that the accusation is completely and utter baseless when it was shown that such contributions are only channelled towards the eradiction of non-Muslim hardcore poor, the more critical point is perhaps “so what if it is?”
Umno leaders have shown utmost hypocrisy when even the Finance Ministry, who is led by the Prime Minister himself, have replied in Parliament that the Federal Government does not separate it source of revenue from halal and non-halal sources in its consolidated funds. This means that the revenue from gaming sources such as Tanjung PLC and Berjaya Sports Toto as well as alcoholic beverage companies such as Guiness Anchor Bhd (GAB) and Carlsberg are used for the benefit of all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region. And that is absolutely how it should be.
What is more worry however is the tendency of the desperate Umno leaders who wants to cling on to power at all cost will start calling for ludicrous ideas to be implemented by preying on the fears and insecurity of the wider public.
By calling for a separation of funds from halal and non-halal sources, Umno politicians are opening a whole new Pandora box which will lead ultimately to Malaysia becoming a global basket case. Is the Penang opposition leader, Azahar Ibrahim arguing for a case whereby Muslim companies, individuals and organisations cannot trade with say, alcoholic beverage companies like GAB even for the purchase of stationery or furniture because GAB derives its revenue and profits from non-halal sources? Or worse, is Umno arguing for the farcical case where Ah Chong the butcher, or Muthu who works for Berjaya Sports Toto, cannot purchase nasi lemak from Pak Ali because the latter should not “benefit” from such sources of income?
Will Najib put out a new proposal during the announcement of the 2011 Budget calling for a duel currency system where the halal Ringgit is used for transactions which are halal while the non-halal Ringgit is used for transactions which involves non-halal items or services, and hence preventing Muslims from sourcing any of the revenue or benefiting in any way, from sources of funds which has at one time or another “passed through” non-halal transactions?
Najib has called for “moderation” at the United Nations and his call must be supported. However, Najib must first reign in his party of hare-brained extremists who are using all means, including racially and religiously extreme views to politically assasinate DAP and Pakatan Rakyat who are clearly winning over the rakyat with its inclusive, moderate and progressive policies.
The relentless race and religious attacks by Umno must cease immediately to create the conducive environment for “moderation”, to defeat “extremism” and to bring Malaysia back into the forefront of the international investment map.
Najib Adopts Middle Malaysia?
Najib needs to win over extremists in Umno, just as he calls on the moderates of the world to defeat the extremists in the world.
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak made a good speech at the United Nations which we could not fault. As reported in The Star today, the prime minister said there was a need to marginalise the extremists, and the “global movement of the moderates” of all faiths was needed to work together to make this a success.
Najib also said these extremists had held the world hostage with their bigotry and bias, adding that “we must choose moderation over extremism... We must choose negotiations over confrontation. We must choose to work together and not against each other. And we must give this effort utmost priority, for time is not on our side”.
What is interesting however, is the message and choice of words used by the Prime Minister bore remarkable resemblance to the speech made by DAP Secretary-General and Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng at the DAP National Convention held in Ipoh, January this year where Lim was slammed by Umno for calling for a “middle Malaysia”.
Then, Lim has called for resolution of religious disputes “not through confrontation but consultation and not by force but by negotiations” with a specific reference to the use of “Allah” controversy.
Lim had said that “we are not a nation at war with itself. What we are witnessing is UMNO is at war with the values that stand for openness, logical reasoning and mutual respect. When BN talks of international benchmarks, questions are raised as to why the global Islamic practice from Middle-East to Indonesia allowing Christians’ usage of the word “Allah”, not applicable in Malaysia.”
We had called for a Middle Malaysia which prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of confrontation and an inclusive shared society rather than an exclusive separate society. And to embrace Middle Malaysia, Pakatan Rakyat must be seen as moderate and inclusive and distance and differentiate ourselves from our exclusive, racist, extremist opponents.
It is therefore “rich” coming from the Prime Minister to call for global moderation when he has failed to decisively clamp down on race and religious extremism, especially those from his very own political party.
Najib has no locus standi to preach global moderation when today Umno is still adamant on eliminating the rights of the other Abrahamic faiths to use the term “Allah”, his government's refuses to deal with racist school principals decisively and the National Civics Bureau continues to preach race supremacy as highlighted in the speech of its Deputy Director which was supported by Puteri Umno. What is perhaps worse is Najib's complete lack of willingness to openly condemn extremist organisations like Perkasa due to political expediency as the latter is constituted by Umno's own members.
We must applaud Najib's speech at the UN and support all and any effort to promote moderation and combat extremism. However the Prime Minister's pretty speech will be only deemed worthless if he refuses to steer his own party towards moderation, to achieve a middle Malaysia.
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak made a good speech at the United Nations which we could not fault. As reported in The Star today, the prime minister said there was a need to marginalise the extremists, and the “global movement of the moderates” of all faiths was needed to work together to make this a success.
Najib also said these extremists had held the world hostage with their bigotry and bias, adding that “we must choose moderation over extremism... We must choose negotiations over confrontation. We must choose to work together and not against each other. And we must give this effort utmost priority, for time is not on our side”.
What is interesting however, is the message and choice of words used by the Prime Minister bore remarkable resemblance to the speech made by DAP Secretary-General and Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng at the DAP National Convention held in Ipoh, January this year where Lim was slammed by Umno for calling for a “middle Malaysia”.
Then, Lim has called for resolution of religious disputes “not through confrontation but consultation and not by force but by negotiations” with a specific reference to the use of “Allah” controversy.
Lim had said that “we are not a nation at war with itself. What we are witnessing is UMNO is at war with the values that stand for openness, logical reasoning and mutual respect. When BN talks of international benchmarks, questions are raised as to why the global Islamic practice from Middle-East to Indonesia allowing Christians’ usage of the word “Allah”, not applicable in Malaysia.”
We had called for a Middle Malaysia which prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of confrontation and an inclusive shared society rather than an exclusive separate society. And to embrace Middle Malaysia, Pakatan Rakyat must be seen as moderate and inclusive and distance and differentiate ourselves from our exclusive, racist, extremist opponents.
It is therefore “rich” coming from the Prime Minister to call for global moderation when he has failed to decisively clamp down on race and religious extremism, especially those from his very own political party.
Najib has no locus standi to preach global moderation when today Umno is still adamant on eliminating the rights of the other Abrahamic faiths to use the term “Allah”, his government's refuses to deal with racist school principals decisively and the National Civics Bureau continues to preach race supremacy as highlighted in the speech of its Deputy Director which was supported by Puteri Umno. What is perhaps worse is Najib's complete lack of willingness to openly condemn extremist organisations like Perkasa due to political expediency as the latter is constituted by Umno's own members.
We must applaud Najib's speech at the UN and support all and any effort to promote moderation and combat extremism. However the Prime Minister's pretty speech will be only deemed worthless if he refuses to steer his own party towards moderation, to achieve a middle Malaysia.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Najib Must Ask Utusan To Apologise
Utusan Malaysia has continued its campaign to slander and libel Pakatan Rakyat leaders and in particular, the DAP with baseless allegations and insinuations with the specific intent to poison the minds of its readers and sow the seeds of racial hatred.
In a report earlier, Utusan Malaysia quoted a Mohd. Zahid Md. Arip who tried to implicate DAP as being connected, even if remotely to the ghastly murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and 3 others. The report in its final 2 paragraphs wrote:
Secondly and more importantly, it is a disgusting attempt by the Umno-owned newspaper to insinuate and allege through its “news” report that the murder suspects are life-members of DAP, with no attempt at all to confirm the veracity of the allegations. We would like to put the record straight that both the suspects, Pathmanabhan Nalliannen and Surendran Nalliannen, are not members of the party at any point of time.
However, even if they were a member of a political party, whether the DAP or BN, the political affiliation have absolutely no relation whatsoever to the heinous crime which they are alleged to have committed. A crime is a crime, and even Umno has its own leader who has been found guilty for murder.
The unethical and downright unscrupulous attempt by Utusan Malaysia to use any and every opportunity to slander and publish lies about the DAP with the sole intent to incite racial hatred among its largely Malay readers signifies the utter desperation of the Umno leaders to maintain its hold on power, even if it were to mean using immoral means. In recent weeks, Utusan has headlined inflammatory and slanderous stories such as “Nama Guan Eng ganti Agong” and alleging that the MP for Serdang, Teo Nie Ching had delivered a religious sermon in a surau, which were all based on manipulated lies.
Despite that obvious, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has repeated defended Utusan Malaysia. In September 18 last year, he had at a breaking fast function at Sri Utusan Printing Complex hailed Utusan for “ethical and unbiased” reporting. Just earlier this month, he told the public while breaking fast at The New Straits Times headquarters to “trust the mainstream media and not the alternative media which are based on half truths.”
The Government Transformation Plan (GTP) launched by the Prime Minister himself has called for an “all-inclusive 1Malaysia media” which will “instil and internalise a commitment to journalistic professionalism” to prevent writers from “abusing the greater freedom of expression now available to
use terms and express feelings that are racist or inflammatory in nature and tone”.
Instead of just expressing his “sadness” on the “rise of extremism” in the country without naming those guilty of the so-called “extremism”, Datuk Seri Najib should openly reprimand parties who repeatedly lie and slander to harness the feelings of ill-will and extremism among the rakyat, especially Umno's own Utusan Malaysia. The Prime Minister's failure to act will not only mean blanket approval for Utusan to continue its reckless actions against the DAP and Pakatan Rakyat, but it will also mean the height of irresponsibility by jettisoning of his own “1Malaysia” goal.
To protect the good name of the party, the DAP is left with no choice by to instruct its lawyers to review this latest defamatory report and take all necessary actions against Utusan Malaysia, including suing the newspaper for damages in the court of law.
In a report earlier, Utusan Malaysia quoted a Mohd. Zahid Md. Arip who tried to implicate DAP as being connected, even if remotely to the ghastly murders of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and 3 others. The report in its final 2 paragraphs wrote:
Dalam pada itu, Mohd. Zahid mempersoalkan kenapa DAP langsung tidak bersuara bagi mengutuk pembunuhan kejam tersebut, sedangkan sebelum ini parti berkenaan gah mendakwa organisasi mereka sebagai sebuah parti yang memperjuangkan hak semua pihak.First of all, the question of DAP not condemning the murders does not arise. The party condemns all crimes, much more so heinous crimes such as the above and we have been at the forefront both in and outside parliament to call for the Royal Malaysian Police to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in fighting crime in this country. It is however the Barisan Nasional government who has been extremely pleased with the crime situation in Malaysia which has escalated to record levels before declining recently according to official government statistics.
"Apakah tindakan membisu ini mempunyai kaitan dengan dakwaan yang mengatakan bahawa suspek utama adalah ahli seumur hidup parti tersebut. Jika benar (dakwaan itu), ternyata DAP sebuah parti hipokrit yang hanya memperjuangkan kepentingan kaum tertentu sahaja," katanya.
Secondly and more importantly, it is a disgusting attempt by the Umno-owned newspaper to insinuate and allege through its “news” report that the murder suspects are life-members of DAP, with no attempt at all to confirm the veracity of the allegations. We would like to put the record straight that both the suspects, Pathmanabhan Nalliannen and Surendran Nalliannen, are not members of the party at any point of time.
However, even if they were a member of a political party, whether the DAP or BN, the political affiliation have absolutely no relation whatsoever to the heinous crime which they are alleged to have committed. A crime is a crime, and even Umno has its own leader who has been found guilty for murder.
The unethical and downright unscrupulous attempt by Utusan Malaysia to use any and every opportunity to slander and publish lies about the DAP with the sole intent to incite racial hatred among its largely Malay readers signifies the utter desperation of the Umno leaders to maintain its hold on power, even if it were to mean using immoral means. In recent weeks, Utusan has headlined inflammatory and slanderous stories such as “Nama Guan Eng ganti Agong” and alleging that the MP for Serdang, Teo Nie Ching had delivered a religious sermon in a surau, which were all based on manipulated lies.
Despite that obvious, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has repeated defended Utusan Malaysia. In September 18 last year, he had at a breaking fast function at Sri Utusan Printing Complex hailed Utusan for “ethical and unbiased” reporting. Just earlier this month, he told the public while breaking fast at The New Straits Times headquarters to “trust the mainstream media and not the alternative media which are based on half truths.”
The Government Transformation Plan (GTP) launched by the Prime Minister himself has called for an “all-inclusive 1Malaysia media” which will “instil and internalise a commitment to journalistic professionalism” to prevent writers from “abusing the greater freedom of expression now available to
use terms and express feelings that are racist or inflammatory in nature and tone”.
Instead of just expressing his “sadness” on the “rise of extremism” in the country without naming those guilty of the so-called “extremism”, Datuk Seri Najib should openly reprimand parties who repeatedly lie and slander to harness the feelings of ill-will and extremism among the rakyat, especially Umno's own Utusan Malaysia. The Prime Minister's failure to act will not only mean blanket approval for Utusan to continue its reckless actions against the DAP and Pakatan Rakyat, but it will also mean the height of irresponsibility by jettisoning of his own “1Malaysia” goal.
To protect the good name of the party, the DAP is left with no choice by to instruct its lawyers to review this latest defamatory report and take all necessary actions against Utusan Malaysia, including suing the newspaper for damages in the court of law.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Howdy Australia!
I will be making a trip to Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne later this month September and will be meeting up with Malaysians there. For those keen on meeting up, the following are the schedule details:
1. ADELAIDE
Afternoon Tea @ Lincoln College
Date: 19 Sept 2010 (Sunday)
Time: 3.00pm
Venue: The Chapel, Lincoln College, Brougham Place, North Adelaide
Contact: tonypua@yahoo.com
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149597108405516&ref=mf
There's no cover charge for Tea, but voluntary donations are welcome to cover the cost of the event. Any excess proceeds will go towards DAP for its activities.
2. SYDNEY
An Evening with Tony Pua & Jeff Ooi @ Delima
Date: 23 Sept 2010 (Thursday)
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Delima Restaurant, Shop 69, Level 5, One Dixon Shopping Centre
Contact: 92677045 (Dennis/Delima) or migsyd@yahoo.com
Tickets: AUD$45 per person (AUD$35 for students) for a 7-course dinner
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107459695981224&index=1
Limited seats available, please book to confirm. This event is organised by the Malaysia Interest Group Sydney (MIGSYD). Any excess proceeds will go towards DAP for its activities.
3. MELBOURNE
1. Dinner with Tony Pua @ Kedai Satay
Date: 24 Sept 2010 (Fri)
Time: 7pm
Venue: Kedai Satay (Upper Floor), 186 King's St
Contact: tonypua@yahoo.com, david.teoh@gmail.com
2. Malaysian Aspiration Programme (MAP) Forum
Date: 25 Sept 2010 (Sat)
Time: 12pm - 3pm
Venue: Elizabeth Murdoch Theatre, University of Melbourne
Contact: http://map.mascavictoria.com/
This event is open to students and public, organised by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (Victoria). Admission is free. It will feature other prominent speakers from Malaysia - Dr Awang Adek Hussin (Deputy Minister of Finance), Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz (President, Inst for Democracy & Economic Affairs) and Assoc Prof Abdul Razak Ahmad (Research Fellow, University of Leeds)
Please forward the above details to all Malaysians and Malaysians-at-heart who are interested to meet up in Australia, and email me for any additional details required. I look forward to meeting and catching up with all of you! ;-)
1. ADELAIDE
Afternoon Tea @ Lincoln College
Date: 19 Sept 2010 (Sunday)
Time: 3.00pm
Venue: The Chapel, Lincoln College, Brougham Place, North Adelaide
Contact: tonypua@yahoo.com
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149597108405516&ref=mf
There's no cover charge for Tea, but voluntary donations are welcome to cover the cost of the event. Any excess proceeds will go towards DAP for its activities.
2. SYDNEY
An Evening with Tony Pua & Jeff Ooi @ Delima
Date: 23 Sept 2010 (Thursday)
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Delima Restaurant, Shop 69, Level 5, One Dixon Shopping Centre
Contact: 92677045 (Dennis/Delima) or migsyd@yahoo.com
Tickets: AUD$45 per person (AUD$35 for students) for a 7-course dinner
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107459695981224&index=1
Limited seats available, please book to confirm. This event is organised by the Malaysia Interest Group Sydney (MIGSYD). Any excess proceeds will go towards DAP for its activities.
3. MELBOURNE
1. Dinner with Tony Pua @ Kedai Satay
Date: 24 Sept 2010 (Fri)
Time: 7pm
Venue: Kedai Satay (Upper Floor), 186 King's St
Contact: tonypua@yahoo.com, david.teoh@gmail.com
2. Malaysian Aspiration Programme (MAP) Forum
Date: 25 Sept 2010 (Sat)
Time: 12pm - 3pm
Venue: Elizabeth Murdoch Theatre, University of Melbourne
Contact: http://map.mascavictoria.com/
This event is open to students and public, organised by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (Victoria). Admission is free. It will feature other prominent speakers from Malaysia - Dr Awang Adek Hussin (Deputy Minister of Finance), Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz (President, Inst for Democracy & Economic Affairs) and Assoc Prof Abdul Razak Ahmad (Research Fellow, University of Leeds)
Please forward the above details to all Malaysians and Malaysians-at-heart who are interested to meet up in Australia, and email me for any additional details required. I look forward to meeting and catching up with all of you! ;-)
DAP Condemns Quran Burning Plan
The DAP unreservedly condemn the proposed action by a US pastor, Terry Jones in Gainesville, Florida to burn copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre, New York.
The intentionally provocative action by his church will serve to further agitate and worsen religious tensions around the world at a time when the people of the world of all religions should be grieving together in reconciliation in memory of the tragic event that fateful day.
The attacks on the World Trade Centre were the works of extremists and terrorists, and is in no way representative of Islam, the religion. Similarly, by taking such extremist action of burning the Muslim's holy book, Pastor Terry Jones cannot be taken as in anyway representative of the Christian and other non-Muslim community at large.
All acts of violence and extremism which seeks to destroy peace must be opposed without fail, regardless of any religious justification which may be used as an excuse.
We are comforted that the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denounced the plans as “disgraceful” and Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe has called the church's behaviour “offensive” and that “The Dove World Outreach Center is a tiny, fringe group and an embarrassment to our community”.
We also note the fact that the US National Association of Evangelicals had warned that the plan is offensive to both Muslims and Christians, while the Vatican has condemned the act as an “outrageous and grave gesture” and that “all religions have the right to respect and protection regarding their sacred books, places of worship and symbols.”
However, the plans by the church marks the urgent need for stronger relationships between leaders of the various faiths in the world as well as more interfaith discussions to promote greater inter-religious understanding.
We call upon the US government to take stronger and more active steps to inform Americans that the deplorable and hideous acts of September 11 is carried out by terrorists who abused a peaceful religion as a means to achieve their own ends. Similarly, there are other fanatics who have used Christianity and Catholicism in ancient and modern times as an excuse to carry out acts of violence around the world.
Hence we call for good sense to prevail where condemnation must be on the fanatics who carry out terrorism, and not the religion which has been unjustly targeted and abused. There can be no better time for peace to be upheld as Muslims around the world celebrate Aidilfitri, and non-Muslims to share their joy and celebrations.
The intentionally provocative action by his church will serve to further agitate and worsen religious tensions around the world at a time when the people of the world of all religions should be grieving together in reconciliation in memory of the tragic event that fateful day.
The attacks on the World Trade Centre were the works of extremists and terrorists, and is in no way representative of Islam, the religion. Similarly, by taking such extremist action of burning the Muslim's holy book, Pastor Terry Jones cannot be taken as in anyway representative of the Christian and other non-Muslim community at large.
All acts of violence and extremism which seeks to destroy peace must be opposed without fail, regardless of any religious justification which may be used as an excuse.
We are comforted that the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denounced the plans as “disgraceful” and Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe has called the church's behaviour “offensive” and that “The Dove World Outreach Center is a tiny, fringe group and an embarrassment to our community”.
We also note the fact that the US National Association of Evangelicals had warned that the plan is offensive to both Muslims and Christians, while the Vatican has condemned the act as an “outrageous and grave gesture” and that “all religions have the right to respect and protection regarding their sacred books, places of worship and symbols.”
However, the plans by the church marks the urgent need for stronger relationships between leaders of the various faiths in the world as well as more interfaith discussions to promote greater inter-religious understanding.
We call upon the US government to take stronger and more active steps to inform Americans that the deplorable and hideous acts of September 11 is carried out by terrorists who abused a peaceful religion as a means to achieve their own ends. Similarly, there are other fanatics who have used Christianity and Catholicism in ancient and modern times as an excuse to carry out acts of violence around the world.
Hence we call for good sense to prevail where condemnation must be on the fanatics who carry out terrorism, and not the religion which has been unjustly targeted and abused. There can be no better time for peace to be upheld as Muslims around the world celebrate Aidilfitri, and non-Muslims to share their joy and celebrations.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Forum: What Does It Mean to be Malaysian?
Photo courtesy of TV Smith
The office of Kg Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San will be organising a public forum entitled "What Does It Mean To Be Malaysian? - Thoughts & Reflections Menjelang Malaysia Day".
Venue: Crystal Crown Hotel, Off Jalan Utara, Petaling JayaSpeakers:
Date: 8 Sept 2010
Time: 8pm
- Hannah Yeoh - State Assemblyperson for Subang Jaya
- Rafizi Ramli - Chief Executive of Selangor Economic Advisory Office
- V Ganabathirao - Former ISA detainee
- Azmi Sharom - UM law professor
- Leon Donald - DAP Sarawak Asst Publicity Secretary
- Tony Pua - MP for Petaling Jaya Utara
All are welcome. Enquiries: 019-2865858.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Award of Contracts to Umno-Owned Companies: Conflict of Interest?
Pakatan seeks probe on Umno-corporate nexus
By Boo Su-Lyn August 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders are demanding a probe into Umno-linked companies being awarded lucrative government contracts, but conceded to the complexities in such an exercise and the difficulty in proving that corruption was involved
The links between Umno and certain conglomerates were revealed further in a High Court hearing last week involving the past shareholders of Realmild Sdn Bhd, the shadowy company that took over media giant The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd in 1993, and Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB).
“There has to be a comprehensive investigation because for the last 30 years, there has been such a far-ranging nexus of Umno companies and the role they play not only in corporate but also government-linked company (GLC) transactions,” DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang told The Malaysian Insider.
“There is no proper accountability in the whole process,” said Lim, adding that this was the reason why Malaysia’s integrity rating took a nosedive in the past three decades.
The Ipoh Timur MP pointed out that it was difficult to identify the boundaries involving the government, the political party, and the individual in companies owned by Barisan Nasional (BN) parties.
DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua said that there was a clear conflict of interest when the government awards contracts to Umno-linked companies.
“Whatever the government awards benefits companies [owned] by Umno and other ruling coalition parties,” said Pua.
Realmild, originally a RM2 company, was the majority shareholder of MRCB, which is now developing the KL Sentral commercial and transport hub in Brickfields.
The Petaling Jaya Utara MP added that the probe should focus on identifying the stakes in the Umno-linked companies.
“The National Audit Department should run a check on all companies where Umno holds a stake, direct or indirect, and verify them against contracts awarded by the government,” he said, adding that this must apply to all ruling parties including PR if they should capture Putrajaya.
Pua, however, admitted that the probe would be a “complicated” exercise as he claimed Umno hides their holdings under various companies.
“Trying to unravel the entire network of Umno’s ownership in many companies would be a major exercise,” he said, pointing out that the complexity was shown by the court dispute where some shares that were meant to be proxy shares were retained as personal shares.
[...]
Pua said that laws should be put in place to ban or restrict political party involvement or ownership in business interests as mere guidelines were unlikely to prevent abuses.
“In a case where the government is awarding contracts to an Umno company, it becomes complicated. The minister may step away from (making) the decision, but civil servants are under pressure to award the contract as they are under the purview of the minister,” he said.
Pua also noted that although companies participating in government tenders could be forced to disclose political party ownership, most Umno-linked companies avoided such disclosures as their shares were usually held in proxy.
For the full article, click here.
By Boo Su-Lyn August 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders are demanding a probe into Umno-linked companies being awarded lucrative government contracts, but conceded to the complexities in such an exercise and the difficulty in proving that corruption was involved
The links between Umno and certain conglomerates were revealed further in a High Court hearing last week involving the past shareholders of Realmild Sdn Bhd, the shadowy company that took over media giant The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd in 1993, and Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB).
“There has to be a comprehensive investigation because for the last 30 years, there has been such a far-ranging nexus of Umno companies and the role they play not only in corporate but also government-linked company (GLC) transactions,” DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang told The Malaysian Insider.
“There is no proper accountability in the whole process,” said Lim, adding that this was the reason why Malaysia’s integrity rating took a nosedive in the past three decades.
The Ipoh Timur MP pointed out that it was difficult to identify the boundaries involving the government, the political party, and the individual in companies owned by Barisan Nasional (BN) parties.
DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua said that there was a clear conflict of interest when the government awards contracts to Umno-linked companies.
“Whatever the government awards benefits companies [owned] by Umno and other ruling coalition parties,” said Pua.
Realmild, originally a RM2 company, was the majority shareholder of MRCB, which is now developing the KL Sentral commercial and transport hub in Brickfields.
The Petaling Jaya Utara MP added that the probe should focus on identifying the stakes in the Umno-linked companies.
“The National Audit Department should run a check on all companies where Umno holds a stake, direct or indirect, and verify them against contracts awarded by the government,” he said, adding that this must apply to all ruling parties including PR if they should capture Putrajaya.
Pua, however, admitted that the probe would be a “complicated” exercise as he claimed Umno hides their holdings under various companies.
“Trying to unravel the entire network of Umno’s ownership in many companies would be a major exercise,” he said, pointing out that the complexity was shown by the court dispute where some shares that were meant to be proxy shares were retained as personal shares.
[...]
Pua said that laws should be put in place to ban or restrict political party involvement or ownership in business interests as mere guidelines were unlikely to prevent abuses.
“In a case where the government is awarding contracts to an Umno company, it becomes complicated. The minister may step away from (making) the decision, but civil servants are under pressure to award the contract as they are under the purview of the minister,” he said.
Pua also noted that although companies participating in government tenders could be forced to disclose political party ownership, most Umno-linked companies avoided such disclosures as their shares were usually held in proxy.
For the full article, click here.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
DAP Strengthens Relations with Malay-Muslims; Umno Edgy
Mosque visits reflect deeper PAS-DAP ties, makes Umno edgy
By Neville Spykerman August 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — The furore over Lim Guan Eng’s name being mentioned in Friday sermons and now the visit of a DAP MP to a surau is a reflection of deeper PAS-DAP ties that has made Umno uncomfortable ahead of the next general elections, say analysts and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) politicians.
PAS has stoutly defended both incidents and point out that only Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia and state news agency Bernama are championing the issues but not by others on the ground.
“Umno is afraid of deeper PAS-DAP ties so the only way is to wreck it where possible,” Harakahdaily website editor Zulkifli Sulong told The Malaysian Insider.
He pointed out that PAS leaders see nothing wrong with the twin issues, adding even PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has backed the outreach to non-Muslims.
“There is nothing wrong except in the eyes of Umno and Utusan,” said the editor of the PAS news portal.
Klang MP Charles Santiago agreed with Zulkifli’s assessment of the issue that began at the onset of the Ramadan fasting month.
“The uproar in the Umno-owned press are calculated moves to drive a wedge between DAP, PAS and the Malay community,” Santiago said..
The DAP MP described the issue as “high level bigotry” and said Umno was concern by the party’s growing acceptance by PAS and the Malay community.
His sentiments were echoed by Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua who pointed out that DAP was working well not only with PAS but PKR.
He added Umno was wary because DAP has been breaking down the perception it was a Chinese chauvinist party concern with only Chinese or Indian issues.
“Umno is clearly worried,” said Pua.
For the full article, click here.
By Neville Spykerman August 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — The furore over Lim Guan Eng’s name being mentioned in Friday sermons and now the visit of a DAP MP to a surau is a reflection of deeper PAS-DAP ties that has made Umno uncomfortable ahead of the next general elections, say analysts and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) politicians.
PAS has stoutly defended both incidents and point out that only Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia and state news agency Bernama are championing the issues but not by others on the ground.
“Umno is afraid of deeper PAS-DAP ties so the only way is to wreck it where possible,” Harakahdaily website editor Zulkifli Sulong told The Malaysian Insider.
He pointed out that PAS leaders see nothing wrong with the twin issues, adding even PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has backed the outreach to non-Muslims.
“There is nothing wrong except in the eyes of Umno and Utusan,” said the editor of the PAS news portal.
Klang MP Charles Santiago agreed with Zulkifli’s assessment of the issue that began at the onset of the Ramadan fasting month.
“The uproar in the Umno-owned press are calculated moves to drive a wedge between DAP, PAS and the Malay community,” Santiago said..
The DAP MP described the issue as “high level bigotry” and said Umno was concern by the party’s growing acceptance by PAS and the Malay community.
His sentiments were echoed by Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua who pointed out that DAP was working well not only with PAS but PKR.
He added Umno was wary because DAP has been breaking down the perception it was a Chinese chauvinist party concern with only Chinese or Indian issues.
“Umno is clearly worried,” said Pua.
For the full article, click here.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Self-Strangulation
This has to be a classic - the MACC lawyer, Abdul Razak Musa attempting self-strangulation. Check out the full 805MB video on the Attorney-General's website.
Monday, August 23, 2010
MACC Attacks Pornthip
MACC removes ‘offensive’ blog post attacking Dr Pornthip
By Boo Su-Lyn August 23, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was forced today to remove from its official blog an offensive posting describing Thai forensic expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand as a fortune teller, and which the DAP said was prejudicial to the Teoh Beng Hock inquest.
The blog at ourdifferentview.com had posted an article entitled “Dr Porntip Ahli Nujum?” (Dr Porntip a Fortune-Teller), complete with an altered picture of Dr Pornthip as a gypsy fortune teller gazing into a crystal ball.
The MACC’s “Dr Pornthip a Fortune-Teller?” blog post, which was taken from an anonymous blog at www.imrite.wordpress.com, accused Dr Pornthip of being hired by the Selangor government to testify just to “inflame the rakyat’s anger”.
“The article is prejudicial to the on-going inquest and is a clear attempt to disclaim any responsibility and prevent the discovery of the truth behind Teoh Beng Hock’s death at MACC’s premises,” DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua told The Malaysian Insider today.
“The use of an anonymous post to make baseless allegations against the credibility of Dr Pornthip is an offensive tactic by MACC to cover up its own mess,” he added.
The national anti-graft body’s official blog at www.ourdifferentview.com was launched in May this year to fight negative public perception since the mysterious death of Teoh, a DAP political aide, at MACC’s Selangor headquarters in Shah Alam last July.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Hajah Sutinah Sutan had cited the abundance of “gossip and inaccurate information” about the agency as the reason for launching their blog, Facebook page, and Twitter micro-blogging account this year.
The anti-graft body took down the “Dr Porntip Ahli Nujum?” post shortly after The Malaysian Insider requested an explanation on why they posted articles from anonymous blogs.
MACC’s corporate communications director however could not be reached for comment.
Pua, also the Petaling Jaya Utara MP, said that MACC’s blog post showed the agency’s insincerity in its letter of regret to the Teoh family, noting that it was nothing but “crocodile tears” on their part.
On the anniversary of Teoh’s death, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed had issued a condolence statement to the Teoh family written in Chinese, pledging not to “cover up” the actions of anyone who may have been involved in causing the DAP political aide’s death.
“MACC has neither demonstrated any remorse or regret in its deeds,” said Pua, adding that the agency seemed to be interested in discrediting witnesses at the inquest instead of determining the truth behind Teoh’s death which has caused a public uproar.
Click here for the full article, and here for a follow up article by The Malaysian Insider.
By Boo Su-Lyn August 23, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was forced today to remove from its official blog an offensive posting describing Thai forensic expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand as a fortune teller, and which the DAP said was prejudicial to the Teoh Beng Hock inquest.
The blog at ourdifferentview.com had posted an article entitled “Dr Porntip Ahli Nujum?” (Dr Porntip a Fortune-Teller), complete with an altered picture of Dr Pornthip as a gypsy fortune teller gazing into a crystal ball.
The MACC’s “Dr Pornthip a Fortune-Teller?” blog post, which was taken from an anonymous blog at www.imrite.wordpress.com, accused Dr Pornthip of being hired by the Selangor government to testify just to “inflame the rakyat’s anger”.
“The article is prejudicial to the on-going inquest and is a clear attempt to disclaim any responsibility and prevent the discovery of the truth behind Teoh Beng Hock’s death at MACC’s premises,” DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua told The Malaysian Insider today.
“The use of an anonymous post to make baseless allegations against the credibility of Dr Pornthip is an offensive tactic by MACC to cover up its own mess,” he added.
The national anti-graft body’s official blog at www.ourdifferentview.com was launched in May this year to fight negative public perception since the mysterious death of Teoh, a DAP political aide, at MACC’s Selangor headquarters in Shah Alam last July.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Hajah Sutinah Sutan had cited the abundance of “gossip and inaccurate information” about the agency as the reason for launching their blog, Facebook page, and Twitter micro-blogging account this year.
The anti-graft body took down the “Dr Porntip Ahli Nujum?” post shortly after The Malaysian Insider requested an explanation on why they posted articles from anonymous blogs.
MACC’s corporate communications director however could not be reached for comment.
Pua, also the Petaling Jaya Utara MP, said that MACC’s blog post showed the agency’s insincerity in its letter of regret to the Teoh family, noting that it was nothing but “crocodile tears” on their part.
On the anniversary of Teoh’s death, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed had issued a condolence statement to the Teoh family written in Chinese, pledging not to “cover up” the actions of anyone who may have been involved in causing the DAP political aide’s death.
“MACC has neither demonstrated any remorse or regret in its deeds,” said Pua, adding that the agency seemed to be interested in discrediting witnesses at the inquest instead of determining the truth behind Teoh’s death which has caused a public uproar.
Click here for the full article, and here for a follow up article by The Malaysian Insider.
More Racist Investigation Committees Required?
Tan Sri Muhyiddin has set a ridiculous precedent of setting up a high-level taskforce to investigate allegations of racist remarks by a school principal and he will now have no choice but to set up a committee to investigate every such remarks.
The Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has belatedly announced the set up of a taskforce specifically to investigate the allegations regarding highly racist remarks made by the principal of SMK SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Siti Inshah Mansor, after remaining silent for 1 whole week since the incident.
The setting up of the investigation taskforce is clearly an afterthought by the Minister after the attempt by the ministry's Director-General Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom to waive away the issue by claiming that the issue has been “resolved” as it was due to a “misunderstanding” backfired when the public voiced their outrage at the cover up by the Ministry of Education.
Unfortunately, the public does not have any confidence at all that the taskforce will be able to produce a satisfactory outcome as the Minister himself has set the tone for the taskforce.
1.Despite this being a simple issue of determining if such words were spoken, especially with tens of witnesses as reflected by the police reports filed against Siti Inshah, Tan Sri Muhyiddin chose to “complicate” matters by emphasising on a “full and thorough investigation which my cross several agencies”. While it is certainly fair for the principal to receive a “full and thorough investigation”, the emphasis by the Minister that it'll involve several agencies is a clear attempt to unnecessarily prolong the investigation despite the obvious fact that Siti Inshah has apologised to the students for the offence.
2.Unlike his Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who had at the very least tweeted publicly that it was “not appropriate for principal to pass those remarks, shd be sensitive living in a multiracial society”, Tan Sri Muhyiddin has still refused to condemn such remarks, if truly uttered.
The question is, why is he, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, so reluctant to condemn such remarks and warn others in the Education Ministry from ever doing the same or face the harshest of consequences? His action, or in this case, inaction, has further damaged the “1Malaysia” concept proposed by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to promote national unity.
3.What is perhaps most telling in Tan Sri Muhyiddin's setting up of this investigation taskforce is fact that there was no deadline set for the taskforce to present its findings and recommendations when a week would have been more than sufficient time to investigate and determine the outcome.
The above shows that the Deputy Prime Minister is not serious about getting to the bottom of this issue quickly and in such a way to demonstrate that the Ministry of Education will not tolerate any such serious offences by anyone under its payroll. The setting up of the taskforce is just meant to temporarily placate the furious parents and upset Malaysians while the Ministry buys time for itself to “resolve” the issue the second time.
However, the precedent of setting up such a taskforce of teachers or headmasters uttering racist remarks may just create a tidal wave of such taskforce for now there is a new case of a principal and teacher committing the same offence in a school in Sg Petani, Kedah. Will the Education Minister announce another taskforce to investigate these claims? Will more taskforces be set up as more such offences gets reported?
We call upon the Tan Sri Muhyiddin to stop pussyfooting over the issue and demonstrate his commitment to “1Malaysia” by condemning outright such remarks and giving a warning to all teachers and principals that those found guilty of doing so will be punished most severely including being sacked from the profession. If Tan Sri Muhyiddin still refuses to take quick action on the above, then it is imperative for the Prime Minister himself to take all necessary steps to hold together his fragile “1Malaysia” brainchild, if the concept still means anything to him.
The Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has belatedly announced the set up of a taskforce specifically to investigate the allegations regarding highly racist remarks made by the principal of SMK SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Siti Inshah Mansor, after remaining silent for 1 whole week since the incident.
The setting up of the investigation taskforce is clearly an afterthought by the Minister after the attempt by the ministry's Director-General Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom to waive away the issue by claiming that the issue has been “resolved” as it was due to a “misunderstanding” backfired when the public voiced their outrage at the cover up by the Ministry of Education.
Unfortunately, the public does not have any confidence at all that the taskforce will be able to produce a satisfactory outcome as the Minister himself has set the tone for the taskforce.
1.Despite this being a simple issue of determining if such words were spoken, especially with tens of witnesses as reflected by the police reports filed against Siti Inshah, Tan Sri Muhyiddin chose to “complicate” matters by emphasising on a “full and thorough investigation which my cross several agencies”. While it is certainly fair for the principal to receive a “full and thorough investigation”, the emphasis by the Minister that it'll involve several agencies is a clear attempt to unnecessarily prolong the investigation despite the obvious fact that Siti Inshah has apologised to the students for the offence.
2.Unlike his Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who had at the very least tweeted publicly that it was “not appropriate for principal to pass those remarks, shd be sensitive living in a multiracial society”, Tan Sri Muhyiddin has still refused to condemn such remarks, if truly uttered.
The question is, why is he, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, so reluctant to condemn such remarks and warn others in the Education Ministry from ever doing the same or face the harshest of consequences? His action, or in this case, inaction, has further damaged the “1Malaysia” concept proposed by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to promote national unity.
3.What is perhaps most telling in Tan Sri Muhyiddin's setting up of this investigation taskforce is fact that there was no deadline set for the taskforce to present its findings and recommendations when a week would have been more than sufficient time to investigate and determine the outcome.
The above shows that the Deputy Prime Minister is not serious about getting to the bottom of this issue quickly and in such a way to demonstrate that the Ministry of Education will not tolerate any such serious offences by anyone under its payroll. The setting up of the taskforce is just meant to temporarily placate the furious parents and upset Malaysians while the Ministry buys time for itself to “resolve” the issue the second time.
However, the precedent of setting up such a taskforce of teachers or headmasters uttering racist remarks may just create a tidal wave of such taskforce for now there is a new case of a principal and teacher committing the same offence in a school in Sg Petani, Kedah. Will the Education Minister announce another taskforce to investigate these claims? Will more taskforces be set up as more such offences gets reported?
We call upon the Tan Sri Muhyiddin to stop pussyfooting over the issue and demonstrate his commitment to “1Malaysia” by condemning outright such remarks and giving a warning to all teachers and principals that those found guilty of doing so will be punished most severely including being sacked from the profession. If Tan Sri Muhyiddin still refuses to take quick action on the above, then it is imperative for the Prime Minister himself to take all necessary steps to hold together his fragile “1Malaysia” brainchild, if the concept still means anything to him.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Racist Headmaster, Muhyiddin Silent
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is again proving to fail “1Malaysia” with inept handling of the racist remarks by the principal of SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra
Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin punctured the “1Malaysia” euphoria when he went against the Government's official definition of the concept which called for “a nation where, it is hoped, every Malaysian perceives himself or herself as Malaysian first, and by race, religion, geographical region or socio-economic background second” earlier in March this year.
The Deputy Prime Minister had chosen to reject the goal of 1Malaysia, by insisting that he is “Malay first” and subsequently ridiculing the concept of “Malaysian first” by saying “How can I say I'm Malaysian first and Malay second? All the Malays will shun me... and it's not proper.”
Now, when the principal of SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Siti Inshah Mansor is alleged to have uttered completely racist statements during school assembly to young Malaysian students a week ago on the 12 August 2010, Tan Sri Muhyiddin who is also the Minister of Education has chosen to remain elegantly silent on the matter of utmost national importance.
During the National Day celebration launch, she was alleged to have said “Pelajar Cina tidak diperlukan di sini dan boleh pulang ke China atau Sekolah Foon Yew. Kepada pelajar India, rantai keagamaan yang dipakai di leher dan tangan membuatkan mereka kelihatan seperti anjing kerana hanya anjing diikat sebegitu”, seriously insulting all Malaysian Chinese and Indians.
Such a statement must be condemned immediately and without reservation for it tantamounts to an attempt to divide Malaysians, and opposes the “1Malaysia” ideals. By choosing to remain silent, Tan Sri Muhyiddin has again demonstrated his reluctance in endorsing the 1Malaysia concept beyond just paying it lip service.
The “1Malaysia” concept is further debased when Tan Sri Muhyiddin's Director-General for Education told the press yesterday that “there is no change, the issue was only a misunderstanding and the problem has been solved between the principal and students,” indicating also that the principal will not even be transferred as a punishment.
Malaysians fail to see how the uttering of such a crude and completely insensitive statement could be caused by any “misunderstanding” and see the action by the Ministry of Education as a complete cover up, and an attempt sweep the matter under the carpet.
Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong explained in his tweet last night that “the principal is on leave now, she has to face the probe by police. She did apologise to students.”
Datuk Dr Wee's explanation invited a repartee from UMNO Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin who tweeted “We cannot drag our feet or prevaricate on things like this. Blatant racism. By a school principal no less. And if proven that she said those things (which I'm told is a certainty) she must be sacked & charged appropriately. She shouldn't be allowed back pending the result of the investigation, which shouldn't have to take long.” Khairy is absolutely right in this case, therefore stern and immediate action must be taken to demonstrate that the Government has no room and tolerates no racism, especially in our schools.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin must immediately reprimand the Director-General for Education for claiming that “the problem has been resolved”, especially since it is now known that the principal has apologised to the students. He must also demonstrate his commitment to “1Malaysia” by issuing a public condemnation of the principal's actions and mete out the appropriate punishment to her. Otherwise, inaction by the Deputy Prime Minister will show without doubt, his own prejudice against “1Malaysia”.
Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin punctured the “1Malaysia” euphoria when he went against the Government's official definition of the concept which called for “a nation where, it is hoped, every Malaysian perceives himself or herself as Malaysian first, and by race, religion, geographical region or socio-economic background second” earlier in March this year.
The Deputy Prime Minister had chosen to reject the goal of 1Malaysia, by insisting that he is “Malay first” and subsequently ridiculing the concept of “Malaysian first” by saying “How can I say I'm Malaysian first and Malay second? All the Malays will shun me... and it's not proper.”
Now, when the principal of SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Siti Inshah Mansor is alleged to have uttered completely racist statements during school assembly to young Malaysian students a week ago on the 12 August 2010, Tan Sri Muhyiddin who is also the Minister of Education has chosen to remain elegantly silent on the matter of utmost national importance.
During the National Day celebration launch, she was alleged to have said “Pelajar Cina tidak diperlukan di sini dan boleh pulang ke China atau Sekolah Foon Yew. Kepada pelajar India, rantai keagamaan yang dipakai di leher dan tangan membuatkan mereka kelihatan seperti anjing kerana hanya anjing diikat sebegitu”, seriously insulting all Malaysian Chinese and Indians.
Such a statement must be condemned immediately and without reservation for it tantamounts to an attempt to divide Malaysians, and opposes the “1Malaysia” ideals. By choosing to remain silent, Tan Sri Muhyiddin has again demonstrated his reluctance in endorsing the 1Malaysia concept beyond just paying it lip service.
The “1Malaysia” concept is further debased when Tan Sri Muhyiddin's Director-General for Education told the press yesterday that “there is no change, the issue was only a misunderstanding and the problem has been solved between the principal and students,” indicating also that the principal will not even be transferred as a punishment.
Malaysians fail to see how the uttering of such a crude and completely insensitive statement could be caused by any “misunderstanding” and see the action by the Ministry of Education as a complete cover up, and an attempt sweep the matter under the carpet.
Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong explained in his tweet last night that “the principal is on leave now, she has to face the probe by police. She did apologise to students.”
Datuk Dr Wee's explanation invited a repartee from UMNO Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin who tweeted “We cannot drag our feet or prevaricate on things like this. Blatant racism. By a school principal no less. And if proven that she said those things (which I'm told is a certainty) she must be sacked & charged appropriately. She shouldn't be allowed back pending the result of the investigation, which shouldn't have to take long.” Khairy is absolutely right in this case, therefore stern and immediate action must be taken to demonstrate that the Government has no room and tolerates no racism, especially in our schools.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin must immediately reprimand the Director-General for Education for claiming that “the problem has been resolved”, especially since it is now known that the principal has apologised to the students. He must also demonstrate his commitment to “1Malaysia” by issuing a public condemnation of the principal's actions and mete out the appropriate punishment to her. Otherwise, inaction by the Deputy Prime Minister will show without doubt, his own prejudice against “1Malaysia”.
Bonus for Old Folks: Welfare or Bribe?
There's a difference: Tony Pua on DAP's Putrajaya promise
Harakahdaily
PETALING JAYA, Aug 16: Petaling Jaya Utara member of parliament Tony Pua has defended DAP’s three people-friendly plans it promised would be implemented if voted into power the next general election, saying they are not election bribery.
He was responding to a suggestion by UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin that the announcement by DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng last week showed the party was also committing election bribery, an accusation it made against UMNO president Najib Razak when he made by-election promises during the recent Sibu election.
“Basically, we'll give you a thousand bucks if you vote for us. You guys the pot or the kettle? This is a promise of a specific benefit to a specific group if you vote a certain way. Same thing,” Khairy had said.
Lim last week had announced three major policy initiatives if Pakatan Rakyat manages to capture Federal government, among them are the abolishment of the ‘saman ekor’ and practice of blacklisting owners of vehicles, annual allowance of RM1,000 for the elderly and free wi-fi connection throughout Malaysia.
In a Twitter posting, Pua took pains to show the difference between DAP's announcement and Najib's infamous speech in Sibu, where he said he would release RM5 million if BN won.
“Big difference - Najib's deal – RM 5 million only if BN wins in Sibu even though BN already both state and federal government. That's abuse and enticement.
“Offering bribes is when BN is already (the) government, but promises of development only if a candidate wins in by-election,” said Pua, stressing that giving welfare benefit was the duty of the government.
“By the way, the Senior Malaysian Bonus policy has been in our alternative budget policy since 2007. Not something 'new'," Pua added.
Guan Eng had said the initiatives were not a form of vote-buying as there was no election in sight.
“What vote-buying? We are not even having an election now. Why is it wrong to give money to the people? To the BN, giving money to themselves is not wrong but giving money to the people is,” said the Penang Chief Minister.
Harakahdaily
PETALING JAYA, Aug 16: Petaling Jaya Utara member of parliament Tony Pua has defended DAP’s three people-friendly plans it promised would be implemented if voted into power the next general election, saying they are not election bribery.
He was responding to a suggestion by UMNO Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin that the announcement by DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng last week showed the party was also committing election bribery, an accusation it made against UMNO president Najib Razak when he made by-election promises during the recent Sibu election.
“Basically, we'll give you a thousand bucks if you vote for us. You guys the pot or the kettle? This is a promise of a specific benefit to a specific group if you vote a certain way. Same thing,” Khairy had said.
Lim last week had announced three major policy initiatives if Pakatan Rakyat manages to capture Federal government, among them are the abolishment of the ‘saman ekor’ and practice of blacklisting owners of vehicles, annual allowance of RM1,000 for the elderly and free wi-fi connection throughout Malaysia.
In a Twitter posting, Pua took pains to show the difference between DAP's announcement and Najib's infamous speech in Sibu, where he said he would release RM5 million if BN won.
“Big difference - Najib's deal – RM 5 million only if BN wins in Sibu even though BN already both state and federal government. That's abuse and enticement.
“Offering bribes is when BN is already (the) government, but promises of development only if a candidate wins in by-election,” said Pua, stressing that giving welfare benefit was the duty of the government.
“By the way, the Senior Malaysian Bonus policy has been in our alternative budget policy since 2007. Not something 'new'," Pua added.
Guan Eng had said the initiatives were not a form of vote-buying as there was no election in sight.
“What vote-buying? We are not even having an election now. Why is it wrong to give money to the people? To the BN, giving money to themselves is not wrong but giving money to the people is,” said the Penang Chief Minister.
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