In a statement on Thursday, the MCA Vice-President, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun accused Penang of being “unrestrained in its sale of land”. She referred to the 2016 Auditor-General’s (AG) report to show that a substantial portion of the state’s income came from the sale of land and land transfer fees.
Chew could not be more wrong in her baseless accusations. In fact, exactly the reverse is true.
Despite the current Pakatan government’s ‘restrained’ sale of land, we have managed to receive income which far exceeds that received under the previous BN government’s policy of ‘unrestrained land sale’. The statistics could not be more blatantly clear.
BN’s rule over Penang saw the sale of 3,661 acres of state land in the 15 years before 2008. Under Pakatan leadership, only 106.1 acres of state land was sold over the past 10 years. If Chew didn’t fail her mathematics, she should have figured that Pakatan has barely sold 3% of what BN sold!
More pertinently, Penang lead by Pakatan received RM1.11 billion for its sale of 106.1 acres whereas the BN state government only raised RM1.06 billion from 3,661 acres of land. In other words, the Penang state government today collected more money despite selling only a tiny fraction of the land sold by BN. This was achieved simply because the Pakatan government carried out open tenders for its sale.
By the very fact that we have successfully sold these land for very substantially higher prices than the BN government, of course it would naturally result in a higher contribution from land revenue to the state coffers, as reported by the AG.
In addition, figures from the BN’s era from 2002 to 2007 AG’s report also showed the sale and transfer of state land was a key contributor to state. Hence, the only difference was Pakatan received much more despite selling much less.
What amazes me however, is the cheek Chew Mei Fun has to actually criticise Penang on the alleged ‘unrestrained land sale’.
As exposed earlier, even when Chew was the Member of Parliament for my current constituency, her party MCA acquired an acre of prime land from the then BN state government for a measly RM1 per square feet (psf) in 2007. Today, the land is worth as much as RM400psf. Despite her refusal to take responsibility for the transaction, she admitted to being fully aware of it. And this is just one of the hundreds and perhaps thousands of land which MCA has benefited from BN state governments across the country.
So the question for Chew is, what moral standing does she have to chide the Penang state government over land sale conducted via open tenders, when her own party has effectively abused its position in power to profit themselves and betray the trust the voters had placed in them?
Showing posts with label Penang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penang. Show all posts
Saturday, December 02, 2017
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
As GE14 approaches, the Najib administration is abusing all its paws of power to politically persecute Opposition leaders in order to stay in power
The DAP condemns the politically-motivated persecution of Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng for alleged corruption.
He is expected to be charged in the George Town Sessions Court under Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 165 of the Penal Code. The first charge relates to alleged abuse of power with regards to the re-zoning of land, and the second concerns the bungalow, which he is accused of acquiring below market price.
Over the past few months, Chief Minister’s and the Penang state government have demonstrated proof that there was no impropriety in Lim’s purchase of the bungalow as there was no contracts or benefits granted to the seller, whether directly or indirectly.
Hence the MACC’s move to prosecute Lim, which coincided with the resignation of the top 2 MACC officials just days earlier, is clearly designed to destroy him politically. It also demonstrates the Najib administration’s sense of invincibility after the convincing wins in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections. The Prime Minister is seizing the opportunity further weaken the opposition after imprisoning Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, before possibly calling for an early election next year.
This is not the first time Lim Guan Eng is being persecuted by the Barisan Nasional government. He was arrested in 1994 for criticising the government's failure to bring then-Chief Minister of Melaka, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik's statutory rape case to trial when the Attorney General had decided not to press charges. Lim was then charged under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. He was sentence to 18 months jail and served time in Kajang prison.
Despite his incarceration, Lim never lost the trust of the people and was immediately voted back into Parliament and the Penang state assembly in 2008. He has since proven the opposition’s ability to rule in Malaysia and transformed Penang into the most envied state in the country.
We believe in Lim Guan Eng’s integrity and innocence and we will stand resolutely with him to fight these charges which are made without legal basis. We call upon all Malaysians who believes in a competent, accountable and transparent government to stand together with Lim Guan Eng, with the DAP and Pakatan Harapan, to fight the corrupt and repressive Barisan Nasional regime.
He is expected to be charged in the George Town Sessions Court under Section 23 of the MACC Act and Section 165 of the Penal Code. The first charge relates to alleged abuse of power with regards to the re-zoning of land, and the second concerns the bungalow, which he is accused of acquiring below market price.
Over the past few months, Chief Minister’s and the Penang state government have demonstrated proof that there was no impropriety in Lim’s purchase of the bungalow as there was no contracts or benefits granted to the seller, whether directly or indirectly.
Hence the MACC’s move to prosecute Lim, which coincided with the resignation of the top 2 MACC officials just days earlier, is clearly designed to destroy him politically. It also demonstrates the Najib administration’s sense of invincibility after the convincing wins in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections. The Prime Minister is seizing the opportunity further weaken the opposition after imprisoning Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, before possibly calling for an early election next year.
This is not the first time Lim Guan Eng is being persecuted by the Barisan Nasional government. He was arrested in 1994 for criticising the government's failure to bring then-Chief Minister of Melaka, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik's statutory rape case to trial when the Attorney General had decided not to press charges. Lim was then charged under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. He was sentence to 18 months jail and served time in Kajang prison.
Despite his incarceration, Lim never lost the trust of the people and was immediately voted back into Parliament and the Penang state assembly in 2008. He has since proven the opposition’s ability to rule in Malaysia and transformed Penang into the most envied state in the country.
We believe in Lim Guan Eng’s integrity and innocence and we will stand resolutely with him to fight these charges which are made without legal basis. We call upon all Malaysians who believes in a competent, accountable and transparent government to stand together with Lim Guan Eng, with the DAP and Pakatan Harapan, to fight the corrupt and repressive Barisan Nasional regime.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
DAP Federal Territories (FT) and Selangor expresses support for and solidarity with Guan Eng and Kit Siang
The DAP FT and Selangor State Committee and branch leaders met on 31st March 2016 in Kuala Lumpur and we unanimously resolved to express support for and solidarity with DAP Secretary-General Sdr Lim Guan Eng.
Barisan Nasional has launched it’s fiercest and most stinging attacks against Lim Guan Eng that we have ever seen to date. BN MPs and Ministers are using parliamentary immunity to hurl numerous spurious allegations and outright lies against the Penang Chief Minister.
The BN-owned and dominated media followed up by going to town with the cooked-up scandal. Both Lim Guan Eng and the Party has had to endure the avalanche of malicious attacks via “trial by media”, peppered with unsubstantiated and twisted facts.
Such massive attacks serve to divert attention from the multiple political crises faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak especially arising from the Citizen’s Declaration on 4th March.
The attacks also aim to discredit Guan Eng and the DAP in the upcoming Sarawak state election. The Penang Chief Minister was the most potent political figure for the Opposition in the previous Sarawak state election in April 2011.
Both DAP FT and Selangor proudly stands by the implementation of open tenders by the Penang state government which not only improves transparency but eliminates graft and corruption.
Hence when BN alleged that the controversial land in Taman Manggis was sold to KLIDC in exchange for a bribe via a bungalow bought below market price, we know that it can’t be true. It cannot be true because the said land was sold via open tender to the highest bidder. There’s no need for a bidder to pay a bribe when he has to bid the highest price to win. This is unlike the BN states where land is sold and alienated via direct negotiations.
In addition, the DAP-led Penang government has been accused of betraying the people’s interest by selling the piece of land meant for low-cost housing. That has now been proven to be an utter lie, because it was the then BN state government which rejected the low-cost housing proposal in March 2007. What’s more, the DAP-led Penang government has instead in 2012 commenced a separate low, low-medium cost and affordable housing less than 2 kilometers away in Jalan S P Chelliah. Better still, the Jalan S P Chelliah land is nearly 10 times the size of the land in Taman Manggis.
Therefore, we welcome fair and unbiased investigation into Guan Eng’s purchase of his house. We also hope that the investigations will be expedited so that his name can be cleared as soon as possible.
DAP FT and Selangor calls on our members and supporters to be cognizant of these political calculations, help the party emerge from these attacks stronger, and support Sdr Lim Guan Eng in his battle to clear his name.
Tan Kok Wai & Tony Pua
Barisan Nasional has launched it’s fiercest and most stinging attacks against Lim Guan Eng that we have ever seen to date. BN MPs and Ministers are using parliamentary immunity to hurl numerous spurious allegations and outright lies against the Penang Chief Minister.
The BN-owned and dominated media followed up by going to town with the cooked-up scandal. Both Lim Guan Eng and the Party has had to endure the avalanche of malicious attacks via “trial by media”, peppered with unsubstantiated and twisted facts.
Such massive attacks serve to divert attention from the multiple political crises faced by Prime Minister Najib Razak especially arising from the Citizen’s Declaration on 4th March.
The attacks also aim to discredit Guan Eng and the DAP in the upcoming Sarawak state election. The Penang Chief Minister was the most potent political figure for the Opposition in the previous Sarawak state election in April 2011.
Both DAP FT and Selangor proudly stands by the implementation of open tenders by the Penang state government which not only improves transparency but eliminates graft and corruption.
Hence when BN alleged that the controversial land in Taman Manggis was sold to KLIDC in exchange for a bribe via a bungalow bought below market price, we know that it can’t be true. It cannot be true because the said land was sold via open tender to the highest bidder. There’s no need for a bidder to pay a bribe when he has to bid the highest price to win. This is unlike the BN states where land is sold and alienated via direct negotiations.
In addition, the DAP-led Penang government has been accused of betraying the people’s interest by selling the piece of land meant for low-cost housing. That has now been proven to be an utter lie, because it was the then BN state government which rejected the low-cost housing proposal in March 2007. What’s more, the DAP-led Penang government has instead in 2012 commenced a separate low, low-medium cost and affordable housing less than 2 kilometers away in Jalan S P Chelliah. Better still, the Jalan S P Chelliah land is nearly 10 times the size of the land in Taman Manggis.
Therefore, we welcome fair and unbiased investigation into Guan Eng’s purchase of his house. We also hope that the investigations will be expedited so that his name can be cleared as soon as possible.
DAP FT and Selangor calls on our members and supporters to be cognizant of these political calculations, help the party emerge from these attacks stronger, and support Sdr Lim Guan Eng in his battle to clear his name.
Tan Kok Wai & Tony Pua
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday, August 01, 2011
MCA: Are You Malaysian First?
DAP to MCA: Contracts given on merit, not race
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal July 30, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — DAP rapped MCA today for accusing the Penang government of sidelining the Chinese community in the award of contracts, stressing that the state administration’s criteria was strictly merit-based.
In a strongly-worded reply, DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua charged that Barisan Nasional (BN) parties like MCA were stuck with “archaic” policies where they were only interested in attracting votes from the “respective races” they claimed to represent.
“They fail to recognise their own chauvinism and their total disconnect from ordinary citizens today who are increasingly seeing themselves as Malaysians first,” he told The Malaysian Insider today.
MCA had accused Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng of awarding all of the state’s Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) contracts to Malays, Bumiputeras and Indian Muslims, leaving the Chinese community out in the cold.
Penang Wanita MCA chairman Tan Cheng Liang claimed yesterday this was likely because the chief minister was “currying favour” with the non-Chinese community as, according to her, the DAP has realised that it could not rely on support from the Chinese forever.
Tan was referring to a statement Lim purportedly made on Wednesday that the contractors in all five districts in Penang for DID contracts are Malays, Bumiputeras and Indian Muslims, with women accounting for 20 per cent.
In response, Pua today said DAP and Pakatan Rakyat (PR)’s policies were specifically designed from a “merit and needs-based perspective.”
“Unlike MCA and BN’s model, we are race-blind. If one is poor, he or she will deserve assistance, regardless of race, religion or creed.
“If one is competent and cost-efficient, they will be awarded government contracts and projects irrespective of company ownership,” he added.
The Petaling Jaya Utara MP said that since majority of Malaysians below the poverty line in the country were Malays, PR states would therefore ensure that they were ones mainly benefitting from financial assistance.
“Similarly, if the best contractors happen to be Bumiputera companies, there’s no reason why they should be penalised just because of their skin colour.
“First Umno calls us anti-Malay. MIC says DAP ignores the plight of Indians, and now MCA says we are anti-Chinese? That doesn’t make much sense, does it?” Pua asked.
The Penang administration under Lim’s rule has regularly been accused by Umno, MCA’s senior partner in the ruling BN coalition, of being racist for allegedly discriminating against the Malay community.
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal July 30, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — DAP rapped MCA today for accusing the Penang government of sidelining the Chinese community in the award of contracts, stressing that the state administration’s criteria was strictly merit-based.
In a strongly-worded reply, DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua charged that Barisan Nasional (BN) parties like MCA were stuck with “archaic” policies where they were only interested in attracting votes from the “respective races” they claimed to represent.
“They fail to recognise their own chauvinism and their total disconnect from ordinary citizens today who are increasingly seeing themselves as Malaysians first,” he told The Malaysian Insider today.
MCA had accused Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng of awarding all of the state’s Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) contracts to Malays, Bumiputeras and Indian Muslims, leaving the Chinese community out in the cold.
Penang Wanita MCA chairman Tan Cheng Liang claimed yesterday this was likely because the chief minister was “currying favour” with the non-Chinese community as, according to her, the DAP has realised that it could not rely on support from the Chinese forever.
Tan was referring to a statement Lim purportedly made on Wednesday that the contractors in all five districts in Penang for DID contracts are Malays, Bumiputeras and Indian Muslims, with women accounting for 20 per cent.
In response, Pua today said DAP and Pakatan Rakyat (PR)’s policies were specifically designed from a “merit and needs-based perspective.”
“Unlike MCA and BN’s model, we are race-blind. If one is poor, he or she will deserve assistance, regardless of race, religion or creed.
“If one is competent and cost-efficient, they will be awarded government contracts and projects irrespective of company ownership,” he added.
The Petaling Jaya Utara MP said that since majority of Malaysians below the poverty line in the country were Malays, PR states would therefore ensure that they were ones mainly benefitting from financial assistance.
“Similarly, if the best contractors happen to be Bumiputera companies, there’s no reason why they should be penalised just because of their skin colour.
“First Umno calls us anti-Malay. MIC says DAP ignores the plight of Indians, and now MCA says we are anti-Chinese? That doesn’t make much sense, does it?” Pua asked.
The Penang administration under Lim’s rule has regularly been accused by Umno, MCA’s senior partner in the ruling BN coalition, of being racist for allegedly discriminating against the Malay community.
Monday, October 04, 2010
UMNO Elected Reps Pay Check Also From "Dubious Sources"
All Umno Elected Representatives nationwide should immediately return all their salaries to the Government as they come from non-halal sources
The recent controversy created by Umno politicians over the welfare funds given to old folks and the poor in Pulau Pinang, that it was derived from non-halal sources such as gambling, shows that they are willing to be the biggest hypocrites in order to maintain their grip on power.
Firstly, the state government has clearly denied that such funds were used for distribution to Muslims, which means that these Umno politicians are lying through their teeth to gain political mileage.
Secondly and more importantly, their attempt to distinguish halal and non-halal revenue for Penang smacks of ultimate hypocrisy as the Federal Government headed by Umno, the Finance Minister who is also Umno President, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak are the parties responsible for legalised gambling in this country. Furthermore, had it not been for the opposition by Pakatan Rakyat, Najib would not have withdrawn the sports betting license awarded to Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
What's more, the Finance Ministry has responded in Parliament to MP for Rasah, Anthony Loke on 9 Jun 2010 that the Government does not in any way differentiate the tax it receives from different revenue sources, be they from halal or non-halal activities.
"Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat, buat masa ini, hasil daripada aktiviti perjudian adalah dikategorikan sebagai hasil cukai kepada Kerajaan... Bagi semua hasil daripada bayaran cukai ia akan dimasukkan ke dalam Akaun Hasil Disatukan sama seperti semua hasil Kerajaan yang lain dan digunakan untuk tujuan belanja mengurus dan pembangunan negara."
This means that all tax revenue collected are deposited into a single Consolidated Fund.
Hence, by virtue of the same argument Umno is using in Penang, all Umno elected representatives should immediately return all their parliamentary and state assembly allowances to the Government as the revenue source is even more dubious than in Penang!
Penang state opposition leader, Datuk Azahar obviously could tell the difference when he claimed that "Umno assemblymen need not return their allowances as the state government’s income was from tax revenue." He's obviously ignorant of the fact, intentionally or otherwise, that taxes are paid to the federal government which are then redistributed back to the respective states as grants and loans.
The irresponsible actions of these Umno leaders who have raised these religious issues to create fear in the hearts of Muslims purely for political expediency has only resulted in another own goal for themselves making them look completely stupid and foolish. It is Umno who approves all gambling licenses in the country, and it is the Umno Federal Government who uses tax revenue, regardless of source, to pay for all government expenses, including allowances of elected representatives and salaries of Ministers and civil servants.
These Umno leaders should not only return their allowances back to the Government, they should also demand that for future infrastructure projects such as highways built by the Federal Government, there should be lanes designated for Muslims and non-Muslims based on the proportionate breakdown of source of revenue used to build the roads.
All right thinking Malaysians should of course reject these ridiculous thoughts by Umno leaders to ensure that Malaysia don't become even more divided than it already is today.
The recent controversy created by Umno politicians over the welfare funds given to old folks and the poor in Pulau Pinang, that it was derived from non-halal sources such as gambling, shows that they are willing to be the biggest hypocrites in order to maintain their grip on power.
Firstly, the state government has clearly denied that such funds were used for distribution to Muslims, which means that these Umno politicians are lying through their teeth to gain political mileage.
Secondly and more importantly, their attempt to distinguish halal and non-halal revenue for Penang smacks of ultimate hypocrisy as the Federal Government headed by Umno, the Finance Minister who is also Umno President, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak are the parties responsible for legalised gambling in this country. Furthermore, had it not been for the opposition by Pakatan Rakyat, Najib would not have withdrawn the sports betting license awarded to Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
What's more, the Finance Ministry has responded in Parliament to MP for Rasah, Anthony Loke on 9 Jun 2010 that the Government does not in any way differentiate the tax it receives from different revenue sources, be they from halal or non-halal activities.
"Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat, buat masa ini, hasil daripada aktiviti perjudian adalah dikategorikan sebagai hasil cukai kepada Kerajaan... Bagi semua hasil daripada bayaran cukai ia akan dimasukkan ke dalam Akaun Hasil Disatukan sama seperti semua hasil Kerajaan yang lain dan digunakan untuk tujuan belanja mengurus dan pembangunan negara."
This means that all tax revenue collected are deposited into a single Consolidated Fund.
Hence, by virtue of the same argument Umno is using in Penang, all Umno elected representatives should immediately return all their parliamentary and state assembly allowances to the Government as the revenue source is even more dubious than in Penang!
Penang state opposition leader, Datuk Azahar obviously could tell the difference when he claimed that "Umno assemblymen need not return their allowances as the state government’s income was from tax revenue." He's obviously ignorant of the fact, intentionally or otherwise, that taxes are paid to the federal government which are then redistributed back to the respective states as grants and loans.
The irresponsible actions of these Umno leaders who have raised these religious issues to create fear in the hearts of Muslims purely for political expediency has only resulted in another own goal for themselves making them look completely stupid and foolish. It is Umno who approves all gambling licenses in the country, and it is the Umno Federal Government who uses tax revenue, regardless of source, to pay for all government expenses, including allowances of elected representatives and salaries of Ministers and civil servants.
These Umno leaders should not only return their allowances back to the Government, they should also demand that for future infrastructure projects such as highways built by the Federal Government, there should be lanes designated for Muslims and non-Muslims based on the proportionate breakdown of source of revenue used to build the roads.
All right thinking Malaysians should of course reject these ridiculous thoughts by Umno leaders to ensure that Malaysia don't become even more divided than it already is today.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Nik Ali: "An Exemplary Officer"
Najib's defence of Nik Ali smacks not only of double standards, it's a signal for senior government officials to continue to refuse cooperation with Pakatan led state governments
Both the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin have jumped into the fray in the Penang Pakatan Rakyat government's battle against “little Napoleons” in the civil service by choosing to defend the “little Napoleons” and ignoring their outright transgressions.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin has claimed that the Cabinet finds nothing wrong in the actions of Penang state development officer Nik Ali Mat Yunos who has not only demonstrated open defiance against the state government but has also demonstrated his political impartiality by conducting press conferences under the auspices of Umno.
In Miri, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the cabinet regretted and found unacceptable the action taken by Lim in degrading the honour of a federal officer, but failed to highlight the fact that it was Nik Ali who first publicly called the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng “biadap” or insolent.
In fact, Tan Sri Muhyiddin went to the extent to call Nik Ali “an exemplary officer” and saw “no case of insubordination”. Similarly, the Chief Secretary to the Government has reiterated that “no action will be taken against Nik Ali”.
The above prejudicial comments by both the PM and DPM demonstrate clearly that the Barisan Nasional federal government is using the civil service “little Napoleons” to make life difficult for the Pakatan Rakyat state governments to serve their own political interests.
The actions of the PM, DPM and the Chief Secretary sets a dangerous precedent as they serve as an endorsement of recalcitrance by these “little Napoleons” as well as clear encouragement for them to commit such acts towards the Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders are unable to accept the situation where a government founded on “competency, accountability and transparency” will outstrip the performance of BN and have instead chosen to inculcate “little Napoleons” in the civil service to sabotage state policies which serves to benefit the rakyat.
Datuk Seri Najib has also clearly went against his own mantra of “people first, performance now” whereby it is clear in this case that despite Nik Ali's non-performance, he received sky-high praises from the top leaders of the BN government for playing politics with the Pakatan Rakyat leaders. Instead of choosing people first, and rewarding civil servants who serve the interest of the rakyat, the BN government is now focused on getting an impartial civil service to serve BN's own political interest.
The Pakatan Rakyat state governments have no beef with the Malaysian civil service and we have worked well with many top civil servants who have given outstanding performance in the delivery of our policies. However, the Pakatan governments will not tolerate the presence of “little Napoleons” whose only roles are to serve their own personal interest as well as that of Umno and BN.
The continued presence of and encouragement given to these “little Napoleons” will only result in continued leakages, corruption and inefficiency in the government delivery mechanism, and will turn away precious local and foreign investors who will see no practical changes with the Government despite the implementation of the “New Economic Model”.
Both the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin have jumped into the fray in the Penang Pakatan Rakyat government's battle against “little Napoleons” in the civil service by choosing to defend the “little Napoleons” and ignoring their outright transgressions.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin has claimed that the Cabinet finds nothing wrong in the actions of Penang state development officer Nik Ali Mat Yunos who has not only demonstrated open defiance against the state government but has also demonstrated his political impartiality by conducting press conferences under the auspices of Umno.
In Miri, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the cabinet regretted and found unacceptable the action taken by Lim in degrading the honour of a federal officer, but failed to highlight the fact that it was Nik Ali who first publicly called the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng “biadap” or insolent.
In fact, Tan Sri Muhyiddin went to the extent to call Nik Ali “an exemplary officer” and saw “no case of insubordination”. Similarly, the Chief Secretary to the Government has reiterated that “no action will be taken against Nik Ali”.
The above prejudicial comments by both the PM and DPM demonstrate clearly that the Barisan Nasional federal government is using the civil service “little Napoleons” to make life difficult for the Pakatan Rakyat state governments to serve their own political interests.
The actions of the PM, DPM and the Chief Secretary sets a dangerous precedent as they serve as an endorsement of recalcitrance by these “little Napoleons” as well as clear encouragement for them to commit such acts towards the Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders are unable to accept the situation where a government founded on “competency, accountability and transparency” will outstrip the performance of BN and have instead chosen to inculcate “little Napoleons” in the civil service to sabotage state policies which serves to benefit the rakyat.
Datuk Seri Najib has also clearly went against his own mantra of “people first, performance now” whereby it is clear in this case that despite Nik Ali's non-performance, he received sky-high praises from the top leaders of the BN government for playing politics with the Pakatan Rakyat leaders. Instead of choosing people first, and rewarding civil servants who serve the interest of the rakyat, the BN government is now focused on getting an impartial civil service to serve BN's own political interest.
The Pakatan Rakyat state governments have no beef with the Malaysian civil service and we have worked well with many top civil servants who have given outstanding performance in the delivery of our policies. However, the Pakatan governments will not tolerate the presence of “little Napoleons” whose only roles are to serve their own personal interest as well as that of Umno and BN.
The continued presence of and encouragement given to these “little Napoleons” will only result in continued leakages, corruption and inefficiency in the government delivery mechanism, and will turn away precious local and foreign investors who will see no practical changes with the Government despite the implementation of the “New Economic Model”.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
"Please Sack Me!!"
That's what they are really saying. Each of these MPs, Zahrain Hashim, Zulkifli Nordin and Tan Tee Beng who are publicly saying that they are not planning to quit are indeed telling the truth.
Instead of quitting and be accused of "jumping ship", they want to be sacked so that they can go out in a blaze of "glory" and accuse their party of betraying them instead, "forcing" them to join a BN-aligned political party.
Til today, despite calling Lim Guan Eng a "dictator", "chauvinist", and a "communist", none of them have been able to furnish an iota of evidence as to what exactly and specifically Lim Guan Eng has done which justifies the fantastic labels.
The only element of dictatorship which I see, is that he was completely and utterly uncompromising in creating a clean and crony-free government. In fact one of the first "law" "dictated" by Guan Eng after becoming Penang's Chief Minister was to ban the application of land by our MPs and ADUNs to prevent abuses and corruption. Obviously, the result was unending frustration by the 2 Penang-based MPs.
Zahrain who wanted an inexperienced RM2 company awarded a management contract for Penang Island's only golf club was "over-ruled", and a subsequent "real" open tender attracted 7 bids from established companies.
Tan Tee Beng sought to gain favour by attempting to secure properties from Penang Development Corporation at a discount for his relative and was unsuccessful in lobbying for the position of chairman of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang.
Instead, Tan Tee Beng could only point to the fact that Penang MPs do not get financial allocations from the state government to "service" their constituents.
My colleague couldn't have put it any better by calling these two "jokers"
For the above, these renegades want Guan Eng sacked. Thankfully, our partners in Pakatan Rakyat are made of people with better integrity and intelligence, such as Dr Syed Hussein Ali and Dr Mansor Othman, who are more than happy to kick out the bad apples from the party.
I can't want for them to leave or be kicked out of Pakatan Rakyat. They are nobodies who were failing their KPIs, and nobody will miss them, not a bit. Plus, they are more than likely to make more money from BN anyway.
Instead of quitting and be accused of "jumping ship", they want to be sacked so that they can go out in a blaze of "glory" and accuse their party of betraying them instead, "forcing" them to join a BN-aligned political party.
Til today, despite calling Lim Guan Eng a "dictator", "chauvinist", and a "communist", none of them have been able to furnish an iota of evidence as to what exactly and specifically Lim Guan Eng has done which justifies the fantastic labels.
The only element of dictatorship which I see, is that he was completely and utterly uncompromising in creating a clean and crony-free government. In fact one of the first "law" "dictated" by Guan Eng after becoming Penang's Chief Minister was to ban the application of land by our MPs and ADUNs to prevent abuses and corruption. Obviously, the result was unending frustration by the 2 Penang-based MPs.
Zahrain who wanted an inexperienced RM2 company awarded a management contract for Penang Island's only golf club was "over-ruled", and a subsequent "real" open tender attracted 7 bids from established companies.
Tan Tee Beng sought to gain favour by attempting to secure properties from Penang Development Corporation at a discount for his relative and was unsuccessful in lobbying for the position of chairman of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang.
Instead, Tan Tee Beng could only point to the fact that Penang MPs do not get financial allocations from the state government to "service" their constituents.
My colleague couldn't have put it any better by calling these two "jokers"
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng called his fellow PKR MPs “jokers” for their demands, and made references to veteran DAP lawmakers like Kepong’s Dr Tan Seng Giaw who served as MP for seven terms despite no financial assistance.The role of an MP is not to give money away and execute small projects like repairing drains or upgrading fields. That's the job of the local council. The job of the MP is to be the voice of the people, fighting for their interests and rights, especially in parliament. Which begs the question, I haven't heard Tan Tee Beng speak a word in Parliament for the past year (or more)!!!
“These people are just a bunch of jokers. I think they should just shut up. Look at Dr Tan and other veteran DAP MPs in KL,” he told The Malaysian Insider.
“They have no assistance at all from the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led Federal government at all but they have managed to serve their constituencies very well,” he said.
For the above, these renegades want Guan Eng sacked. Thankfully, our partners in Pakatan Rakyat are made of people with better integrity and intelligence, such as Dr Syed Hussein Ali and Dr Mansor Othman, who are more than happy to kick out the bad apples from the party.
I can't want for them to leave or be kicked out of Pakatan Rakyat. They are nobodies who were failing their KPIs, and nobody will miss them, not a bit. Plus, they are more than likely to make more money from BN anyway.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Who Says Malays Can't Compete?
The truth cannot be better illustrated by the results of the open tender processes which has been implemented in Penang for the state owned agencies.
What the Penang government has marginalised are not Malay contractors. Instead we have marginalised the crony-based contractors who are unable to compete and relies instead on political cables to secure jobs with the Government. These crony-based contractors will either be unable to competently deliver the goods or, will as per Malaysian culture, sub-contract these jobs to other parties, be they Malay or non-Malay contractors.
What we have in effect done is to cut out the middlemen "contractors" whose only role is to skim off easy profits from the contracts awarded and leave the scraps for other honest contractors to carry out the actual works. In such a system, it'll also encourage corruption between the middlemen and the government contracting agencies.
And the result?
The Penang state government has been able to turn a projected deficit of RM35 million in 2008 budget to a record surplus of RM88 million. And in 2009, a projected deficit of RM40 million has been turned around to record a surplus of RM77 million.
The proof is in the pudding.
Some 70 per cent of two state firm’s open tenders have been won by Malay contractors, showing the community to be as competitive as others... Malay contractors won 16 out of 23 tender awards, or 70 per cent, from the Penang Development Corporation(PDC) and 44 out of 66 or 67 per cent of contracts issued by the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang(PBAPP) in open tenders since Pakatan Rakyat took over Penang in March 2008.And the conclusions are clear as day. Malays can compete under an open tender system and they have been winning contracts, despite so-called criticisms that Penang has "marginalised" the Malays.
“The performance by Malay contractors in an open tender system with non-Malays proves that Malay contractors can compete with others and win tender awards on their own merit,” [Lim Guan Eng] said in a statement...
What the Penang government has marginalised are not Malay contractors. Instead we have marginalised the crony-based contractors who are unable to compete and relies instead on political cables to secure jobs with the Government. These crony-based contractors will either be unable to competently deliver the goods or, will as per Malaysian culture, sub-contract these jobs to other parties, be they Malay or non-Malay contractors.
What we have in effect done is to cut out the middlemen "contractors" whose only role is to skim off easy profits from the contracts awarded and leave the scraps for other honest contractors to carry out the actual works. In such a system, it'll also encourage corruption between the middlemen and the government contracting agencies.
And the result?
The Penang state government has been able to turn a projected deficit of RM35 million in 2008 budget to a record surplus of RM88 million. And in 2009, a projected deficit of RM40 million has been turned around to record a surplus of RM77 million.
The proof is in the pudding.
Monday, February 01, 2010
All About A RM2 Company
Dropped Penang PKR Chief and MP for Bayan Baru, Zahrain Hashim dropped a bombshell a few days back by giving The Star an exclusive, calling Penang Chief Minister, a "dictator", a "chauvinist" and a "communist". Where, most will ask, did that come from?
Short of Zahrain telling you the "why" himself, or anyone who can read his mind, we can only speculate on the reasons for his incredible outburst.
Penang DAP has provided some plausible reason for this. Firstly, could Zahrain be a closet racist, and after being dropped by PKR as the Penang chief become politically frustrated?
Zahrain did not refute the claim that he wanted to award the contract to a RM2 company. He only offered lame excuses as to why he did so:
I can only say that it is laughable that in an "open" tender (if it was ever an "open" tender) to manage Penang Island's sole golf club which is owned by Penang Development Corporation, only ONE company, and only a RM2 company without any track record of managing golf clubs was interested in submitting a bid to manage the club.
And even if there was only 1 bid by such a RM2 company, then it will then be reasonable to expect the tender to be called off, and a re-tender exercise be carried out so that more qualified firms will bid to manage the club.
But no, Zahrain had wanted the RM2 company to be awarded the contract to manage the multi-million ringgit golf club where he was appointed the chairman by the Penang State Government.
And guess what, with the re-tender exercise, it had no problems attracting proven and successful golf club management companies to take part in the tender exercise.
So Zahrain, was the Chief Minister not right to cancel the initial award? Were you upset because you were not "consulted" or because the RM2 company was not successful in the bid? Why don't you explain further who are the owners of this RM2 company, what is their background and track record?
The Pakatan Rakyat government has no time for the practise of selective favouritism in the management of the government affairs. We are serious about implementing a competent, accountable and transparent government. Anybody who doesn't share these goals can go join UMNO where crony contracts, for the moment anyway, are still aplenty and awarded without even the need of a tender, open or closed.
And Zahrain has the cheek to claim that "Saya seorang (pemimpin) yang ada prinsip. Jangan perlekehkan saya.” What a joke!
Short of Zahrain telling you the "why" himself, or anyone who can read his mind, we can only speculate on the reasons for his incredible outburst.
Penang DAP has provided some plausible reason for this. Firstly, could Zahrain be a closet racist, and after being dropped by PKR as the Penang chief become politically frustrated?
[Chow Kon Yeow, Penang DAP Chief] also rapped Zahrain for questioning why a third of Lim’s speech during the first Pakatan Rakyat National convention last Dec 19 was in Mandarin.Or could it be because of a RM2 company?
“Clearly Zahrain was absent as Lim had spoken 85 per cent in Bahasa Malaysia with the remainder 15 per cent in English and Mandarin. But even if one third of Lim’s speech had been in Mandarin, is it a crime to speak in one own’s mother tongue? This extremist approach befits a typical Penang Umno leader and not a PKR or Pakatan Rakyat leader,” Chow added, saying Zahrain appeared politically frustrated over his removal as Penang PKR chairman.
“Further, Lim had informed me [Chow] of Zahrain frustrations with Lim for refusing to endorse Zahrain’s decision last year as Chairman of Island Golf Properties in awarding a tender for the privatised management of the Bukit Jambul Golf Club to a RM2 company.The next question is, is this true? Or did we make the story up to cover up for Guan Eng's "dictatorship"?
“As Chairman of PDC, Lim had recommended that the Board of Directors over-rule the award of tender and called for a fresh retender... The Board of Directors of PDC had accepted Lim’s recommendation that to give the tender of running the only golf club in Penang worth tens of millions of ringgit to a RM2 company would not comply with Penang’s CAT governance of Competency, Accountability and Transparency. Giving contracts to a RM 2 company would make a mockery of change that Penangnites voted for in the 2008 elections and make Penang Pakatan Rakyat no different from BN,” he added.
Chow said by holding firm to CAT, the Penang state government has been able to turn a projected deficit of RM35 million in 2008 budget to a record surplus of RM 88million.
Zahrain did not refute the claim that he wanted to award the contract to a RM2 company. He only offered lame excuses as to why he did so:
Kata beliau, apabila tender pengurusan kelab itu dibuka hanya sebuah syarikat yang membuat bidaan.So first, he claimed that only ONE company made an offer to manage the Golf club, the only one on Penang Island. Secondly, it was the Board's decision and nothing to do with him.
“Oleh kerana hanya satu syarikat mengemukakan bidaan, maka lembaga kelab memutuskan agar syarikat berkenaan menaikkan modal berbayar dan diberikan tawaran projek pengurusan.
“Ini keputusan lembaga, bukan keputusan saya seorang selaku pengerusi kelab... ini keputusan bersama lembaga,” kata beliau.
I can only say that it is laughable that in an "open" tender (if it was ever an "open" tender) to manage Penang Island's sole golf club which is owned by Penang Development Corporation, only ONE company, and only a RM2 company without any track record of managing golf clubs was interested in submitting a bid to manage the club.
And even if there was only 1 bid by such a RM2 company, then it will then be reasonable to expect the tender to be called off, and a re-tender exercise be carried out so that more qualified firms will bid to manage the club.
But no, Zahrain had wanted the RM2 company to be awarded the contract to manage the multi-million ringgit golf club where he was appointed the chairman by the Penang State Government.
And guess what, with the re-tender exercise, it had no problems attracting proven and successful golf club management companies to take part in the tender exercise.
So Zahrain, was the Chief Minister not right to cancel the initial award? Were you upset because you were not "consulted" or because the RM2 company was not successful in the bid? Why don't you explain further who are the owners of this RM2 company, what is their background and track record?
The Pakatan Rakyat government has no time for the practise of selective favouritism in the management of the government affairs. We are serious about implementing a competent, accountable and transparent government. Anybody who doesn't share these goals can go join UMNO where crony contracts, for the moment anyway, are still aplenty and awarded without even the need of a tender, open or closed.
And Zahrain has the cheek to claim that "Saya seorang (pemimpin) yang ada prinsip. Jangan perlekehkan saya.” What a joke!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Gerakan Youth Needs Mental Rewiring
Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng has to move out of his state official residence, Seri Teratai due to a termite infestation (actual picture on site shown). Due to the seriousness of the situation, the consultants have declared the building unsafe for occupancy until the infestation is eradicated and the repair works done.Now, Gerakan Youth is screaming (murder) and jumping up and down because the Chief Minister have moved into a small bungalow in the mean time. They gave an ultimatum that he disclose the amount of rent which he is paying, the cost of renovation of the bungalow etc. etc. They even threatened that he should resign as the Chief Minister otherwise.
Now, if the state is paying for the rental and renovations, Gerakan Youth is well within their rights to scream for transparency, openness etc. However, the problem is, Guan Eng is paying for the rental from his own allowance! Does Guan Eng need to publicly report on how much he spends for his char koay teow for lunch paid for from his own pocket?
He gets a housing allowance of RM4,000 per month as part of his compensation package as the Chief Minister (unchanged from previous administrations). Any rental beyond RM4,000, Guan Eng will have to foot it himself!
This means that the Penang state government is not footing a single cent for the rental or renovation of the premises. What's more, whatever renovations is being done by the house owner and isn't even paid for by Guan Eng! So what's the problem?
Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, since being appointed as a backdoor Minister in the Prime Minister's Department has also rented his house in Kuala Lumpur (or is it owned?). Should he then need to disclose how much he is paying for rental, or how much he bought his house for?
How about if Gerakan start questioning its UMNO masters how much they are paying for their houses? Have they tried paying a visit to Toyoland which is about 10 times the size and 20 times the luxury? What a bunch of sorry losers.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Question of Competence
Can you believe it? According to a Star report today, the Terengganu Menteri Besar:
Even in Selangor, when our former Menteri Besar, Mohd Khir Toyo when on luxury junkets to Disneyland which cost a state-owned agency RM1.7 million(!) on the pretext of a "study trip" - it could only be done because such cronies were appointed to these companies. You might remember that the Finance Manager for Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) which funded the excursion was the Puteri UMNO Selangor Chief, Nora Azmin Radzuan.
No, we do not want to appoint the managers and directors of our state government agencies based on cronyism, and we must avoid it at all cost. If not, at some point of time, our Pakatan Rakyat governments will just become a useless mirror image of the Barisan Nasional counterparts.
Despite a whole lot of complaints and pressures from certain parties to appoint party-based political leaders to key positions within the state government agencies and corporations, I'm happy to note that the Penang state government has resisted all such pressures from within and without.
The so-called high profile appointments made to date over at InvestPenang (IP), Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd (PGT) has been based purely on competence and the candidates' professional credentials. None of the appointees were even DAP members, much less DAP leaders. In fact, Datuk Lee Kah Choon was at the point of appointment still a member of Gerakan! This only serves to prove that the Penang state government values competence more than anything else, even political affiliation.
Race isn't even an issue as Pn Wan Zailena bt Mohd Noordin, a human resource specialist was appointed as the General Manager of IP last year while a creative industry vetaran Mr Ong Thiam Hiong is appointed to be the General Manager of PGT. Most recently, Mr Julian Candiah who has held top management positions in some of the global investment banks was appointed to be the Deputy General Manager 1 of PDC.
We want our agencies to be managed using global best practices, and we can only do so by employing the best for the job (or at the very least, the best we can get for what we can afford to pay). And the Penang state government should certainly remain steadfast in its policies even if it creates resentment among some leaders within Pakatan Rakyat who may be more interested in dishing out political patronage.
- Appointed "an ambulance driver as a director of a Terengganu Government-linked company"
- Appointed two former primary school teachers as directors in a subsidiary company and state-owned hospital in Kuantan, Pahang.
He (Ahmad) is attempting to Kijalnise (referring to Mentri Besar’s Kijal constituency) the state administration by roping in his supporters and appointing them to helm executive positions in state-owned agencies regardless of whether they are qualified or not.In other words, just plain cronyism at its ugliest.
Even in Selangor, when our former Menteri Besar, Mohd Khir Toyo when on luxury junkets to Disneyland which cost a state-owned agency RM1.7 million(!) on the pretext of a "study trip" - it could only be done because such cronies were appointed to these companies. You might remember that the Finance Manager for Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) which funded the excursion was the Puteri UMNO Selangor Chief, Nora Azmin Radzuan.
No, we do not want to appoint the managers and directors of our state government agencies based on cronyism, and we must avoid it at all cost. If not, at some point of time, our Pakatan Rakyat governments will just become a useless mirror image of the Barisan Nasional counterparts.
Despite a whole lot of complaints and pressures from certain parties to appoint party-based political leaders to key positions within the state government agencies and corporations, I'm happy to note that the Penang state government has resisted all such pressures from within and without.
The so-called high profile appointments made to date over at InvestPenang (IP), Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd (PGT) has been based purely on competence and the candidates' professional credentials. None of the appointees were even DAP members, much less DAP leaders. In fact, Datuk Lee Kah Choon was at the point of appointment still a member of Gerakan! This only serves to prove that the Penang state government values competence more than anything else, even political affiliation.
Race isn't even an issue as Pn Wan Zailena bt Mohd Noordin, a human resource specialist was appointed as the General Manager of IP last year while a creative industry vetaran Mr Ong Thiam Hiong is appointed to be the General Manager of PGT. Most recently, Mr Julian Candiah who has held top management positions in some of the global investment banks was appointed to be the Deputy General Manager 1 of PDC.
We want our agencies to be managed using global best practices, and we can only do so by employing the best for the job (or at the very least, the best we can get for what we can afford to pay). And the Penang state government should certainly remain steadfast in its policies even if it creates resentment among some leaders within Pakatan Rakyat who may be more interested in dishing out political patronage.
Monday, March 02, 2009
SYABAS v PBA
The Selangor State Government has promised that if we were to take over the operations and maintenance of the water concessions in Selangor, we will be able to immediately offer a 10% reduction in water tariffs, while longer term improvements in efficiency will easily bring about a 25% reduction in tariffs within 5 years. Instead a bailout is now in progress for these private water concessionaires.
Here's a clear illustration of why it can easily be done by comparing what the people of Selangor pays for water today, relative to our friends in Penang.
The above shows clearly that at the people of Selangor are being fleeced for its water for at every stage, Syabas charges more than double the rates charged by Perbadanan Bekalan Air (PBA) Pulau Pinang!
In fact, if you use only 38m³ of water a month, in Penang you'd be paying the rate of RM0.42, while in Selangor, you'd be paying a whopping rate of RM2.00, or nearly 5 times the price! Or in absolute terms, you'll be paying RM11.96 in Penang, but it's an incredible RM32.85 in Selangor and KL!
What's more, PBA is very profitable (check the accounts) despite the lower water rates. It made RM31.3 million last year on revenues of RM187.8 million, or a very decent net profit margin (after tax) of 16.7%. Therefore Syabas which supplies much more water than Penang, should have the economies of scale to offer even lower prices than Penang!
Hence for the Selangor state to promise that we can cut the fat in Syabas to reduce rates by 25% within 5 years is "chicken feet"!
However, when asked by The Star, the Minister immediately dismissed our pledge:
The whole idea about asking the Federal Government to support Selangor's takeover offer is so that we can get out of the crony contract signed by the previous Minister, which allowed Syabas to increase rates in 2009 by up to 37%, or a monthly RM38 million compensation in exchange.
If Selangor government takes over the assets and concession, we will then be able to offer not just a token "lower tariff hike" but actually be able to cut rates by 10% immediately, and more after working off the fats in the system.
Here's a clear illustration of why it can easily be done by comparing what the people of Selangor pays for water today, relative to our friends in Penang.
The above shows clearly that at the people of Selangor are being fleeced for its water for at every stage, Syabas charges more than double the rates charged by Perbadanan Bekalan Air (PBA) Pulau Pinang!
In fact, if you use only 38m³ of water a month, in Penang you'd be paying the rate of RM0.42, while in Selangor, you'd be paying a whopping rate of RM2.00, or nearly 5 times the price! Or in absolute terms, you'll be paying RM11.96 in Penang, but it's an incredible RM32.85 in Selangor and KL!
What's more, PBA is very profitable (check the accounts) despite the lower water rates. It made RM31.3 million last year on revenues of RM187.8 million, or a very decent net profit margin (after tax) of 16.7%. Therefore Syabas which supplies much more water than Penang, should have the economies of scale to offer even lower prices than Penang!
Hence for the Selangor state to promise that we can cut the fat in Syabas to reduce rates by 25% within 5 years is "chicken feet"!
However, when asked by The Star, the Minister immediately dismissed our pledge:
How can the state reduce the tariffs? To avoid the hike, it would have to compensate the concessionaires and this could amount to RM38 million a month. If we take over the assets, it would be much lower than the 31% [scheduled] tariff hike.The Minister misses the point, whether intentionally or otherwise.
The whole idea about asking the Federal Government to support Selangor's takeover offer is so that we can get out of the crony contract signed by the previous Minister, which allowed Syabas to increase rates in 2009 by up to 37%, or a monthly RM38 million compensation in exchange.
If Selangor government takes over the assets and concession, we will then be able to offer not just a token "lower tariff hike" but actually be able to cut rates by 10% immediately, and more after working off the fats in the system.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Gerakan & MCA: What Are You Waiting For?
I had speculated in my earlier post 3 days ago, 3 possible scenarios panning out of the Ahmad "penumpang" Ismail controversy. While option (1) i.e., Pak Lah gets woken up from his slumber was a non-starter, I had honestly thought that option (3) i.e., a partial compromise "apology" by Datuk Ahmad Ismail will be issued, especially in the light that the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has already issued an apology on his behalf. In fact, I think the majority of readers who commented thought option (3) was a good bet.
But no, despite picking option (3), I actually still had too much faith in Pak Lah!
Instead of Pak Lah giving this recalcitrant Datuk Ahmad Ismail a figurative "tight slap", the exact reverse happened! Datuk Ahmad Ismail, backed by the entire Penang UMNO divisions, including that of Pak Lah's constituency, Kepala Batas, gave the hapless Prime Minister 3 proverbial "tight slaps" instead!
The first tight slap was to the Prime Minister and his Deputy, for apologising and seeking Datuk Ahmad Ismail apology without the latter's consent. "A tense-looking" Pak Lah, came out of a 2-hour meeting with Penang UMNO, changed his tune to say "Ahmad Ismail is not a racist", and concurred that the latter had been "misquoted" or "misinterpreted".
The second tight slap to Pak Lah was targetted at the reporting media, Sinchew Daily for having the courage to report what he said. In effect, he was arguing that Sinchew had no business to be at a UMNO ceramah which was targetting Malay audience and what's discussed at the ceramah was of no relevance to the Chinese community. Hence the vernacular press was guilty for highlighting his comments. It is a indirect call for continuation of the divide and rule policy so favoured by Barisan Nasional which took over from our colonial masters.
In fact, Penang UMNO opposition leader, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim asked for the Sinchew reporter involved to be "shot"(!)
"What was written may lead to a racial riot. If such a thing happens, he is the first person that should be shot," he said to loud cheers from Umno supporters who packed the meeting room at Menara Umno here.
Umm... isn't that a clear cut case of shooting the messenger? Using the same term of reference (which I oppose), should the person who raised the racist remarks in the first place, Ahmad "penumpang" Ismail be the one to be shot for inciting hatred "which may lead to a racial riot"?
Is this the type of UMNO wakil rakyat we have in this country? Or is he enjoying being in opposition so much that he's trying to let Pakatan Rakyat keep Penang for good? Is our Barisan Nasional and UMNO leadership in agreement with this Datuk Azhar's remarks? Silence means none other than consent in this case.
The third tight slap, Pak Lah received on behalf of Barisan Nasional component parties, MCA and Gerakan. With all the bravado displayed by these 2 parties leading up to an apology by the Deputy Prime Minister himself, Datuk Ahmad "penumpang" Ismail not only remained defiant, but upped the ante instead.
Ahmad also slammed Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon as a “great liar and opportunist”, and said Gerakan can always “get out from Barisan Nasional”.
UMNO is now beyond redemption. They have remained stuck in stone age and have refused, out of vested interest, to shift out of their coconut shell. The people of Malaysia have matured politically, most of whom, including Malays as demonstrated in the Permatang Pauh by-elections, have grown out of the racial politics framework. But the entire Penang state UMNO saw no need for change but came out fight for their extremist cause instead.
The question, I have then for Gerakan and MCA is, "what else are you waiting for?" Continue to back your best friends, by shamelessly giving the excuse that the above extremist views are just that of a few black sheep, and the national UMNO leadership do not share their views? This is not ONE man in UMNO. It is the entire UMNO state machinery in Penang, so far openly supported by UMNO Kelantan. Gerakan and MCA should also note that practically all of the other UMNO leaders have remained absolutely silent, which in effect means tacit support for these Penang leaders.
So are you all, Gerakan and MCA, going to stick around til the next elections to witness your inevitable demise? Gerakan has 2 seats while MCA has 15 left in the Parliament, can it be any worse?
The concept of Barisan Nasional has completely outlived its usefulness. While Gerakan and MCA has been DAP's political adversaries for decades, it is never too late to see the light and give Malaysia a fresh start by joining the Pakatan Rakyat federal government.
Make that change, leave the Dark Side and join the Jedi Knights. May the force be with you.
But no, despite picking option (3), I actually still had too much faith in Pak Lah!
Instead of Pak Lah giving this recalcitrant Datuk Ahmad Ismail a figurative "tight slap", the exact reverse happened! Datuk Ahmad Ismail, backed by the entire Penang UMNO divisions, including that of Pak Lah's constituency, Kepala Batas, gave the hapless Prime Minister 3 proverbial "tight slaps" instead!
The first tight slap was to the Prime Minister and his Deputy, for apologising and seeking Datuk Ahmad Ismail apology without the latter's consent. "A tense-looking" Pak Lah, came out of a 2-hour meeting with Penang UMNO, changed his tune to say "Ahmad Ismail is not a racist", and concurred that the latter had been "misquoted" or "misinterpreted".
The second tight slap to Pak Lah was targetted at the reporting media, Sinchew Daily for having the courage to report what he said. In effect, he was arguing that Sinchew had no business to be at a UMNO ceramah which was targetting Malay audience and what's discussed at the ceramah was of no relevance to the Chinese community. Hence the vernacular press was guilty for highlighting his comments. It is a indirect call for continuation of the divide and rule policy so favoured by Barisan Nasional which took over from our colonial masters.
In fact, Penang UMNO opposition leader, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim asked for the Sinchew reporter involved to be "shot"(!)
"What was written may lead to a racial riot. If such a thing happens, he is the first person that should be shot," he said to loud cheers from Umno supporters who packed the meeting room at Menara Umno here.
Umm... isn't that a clear cut case of shooting the messenger? Using the same term of reference (which I oppose), should the person who raised the racist remarks in the first place, Ahmad "penumpang" Ismail be the one to be shot for inciting hatred "which may lead to a racial riot"?
Is this the type of UMNO wakil rakyat we have in this country? Or is he enjoying being in opposition so much that he's trying to let Pakatan Rakyat keep Penang for good? Is our Barisan Nasional and UMNO leadership in agreement with this Datuk Azhar's remarks? Silence means none other than consent in this case.
The third tight slap, Pak Lah received on behalf of Barisan Nasional component parties, MCA and Gerakan. With all the bravado displayed by these 2 parties leading up to an apology by the Deputy Prime Minister himself, Datuk Ahmad "penumpang" Ismail not only remained defiant, but upped the ante instead.
Ahmad also slammed Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon as a “great liar and opportunist”, and said Gerakan can always “get out from Barisan Nasional”.
UMNO is now beyond redemption. They have remained stuck in stone age and have refused, out of vested interest, to shift out of their coconut shell. The people of Malaysia have matured politically, most of whom, including Malays as demonstrated in the Permatang Pauh by-elections, have grown out of the racial politics framework. But the entire Penang state UMNO saw no need for change but came out fight for their extremist cause instead.
The question, I have then for Gerakan and MCA is, "what else are you waiting for?" Continue to back your best friends, by shamelessly giving the excuse that the above extremist views are just that of a few black sheep, and the national UMNO leadership do not share their views? This is not ONE man in UMNO. It is the entire UMNO state machinery in Penang, so far openly supported by UMNO Kelantan. Gerakan and MCA should also note that practically all of the other UMNO leaders have remained absolutely silent, which in effect means tacit support for these Penang leaders.
So are you all, Gerakan and MCA, going to stick around til the next elections to witness your inevitable demise? Gerakan has 2 seats while MCA has 15 left in the Parliament, can it be any worse?
The concept of Barisan Nasional has completely outlived its usefulness. While Gerakan and MCA has been DAP's political adversaries for decades, it is never too late to see the light and give Malaysia a fresh start by joining the Pakatan Rakyat federal government.
Make that change, leave the Dark Side and join the Jedi Knights. May the force be with you.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Overseas Business Networking Trip
Hi guys. My access to internet is terrible at the moment as I'm on in working business networking trip to Hong Kong with the Penang Chief Minister. Should be back in action again next week, hence apologies for the lack of posts as well as slower replies to emails and comments. ;-)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sheer Arrogance
Arrogance amongst some UMNO and BN personalities continues despite having become opposition members in certain states. Sometimes it just defies belief.
Former deputy menteri besar (my apologies, should read chief minister) of Penang who was also in-charge of land matters, Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah had the gall to challenge the new government to come up with proof of impropriety with regards to land alienation exercises during the previous administration. He even lambasted...
Steps are also taken to discover how some of the Penang Municipal councils are able to deplete their cash reserves at an unbelievable rates - such as Seberang Perai Municipal Council which saw their reserves dwindle from RM227m to RM25.6m within 7 years.
Former deputy menteri besar (my apologies, should read chief minister) of Penang who was also in-charge of land matters, Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah had the gall to challenge the new government to come up with proof of impropriety with regards to land alienation exercises during the previous administration. He even lambasted...
...the new state government for not knowing how to run its administration and suggested that Lim “take lessons on land administration before making allegations about land discrepancies”.Well, it looks like he may just get his wish with the impending disclosure of land with abnormal premium discounts given to certain quarters and state land alienated to big companies.
Steps are also taken to discover how some of the Penang Municipal councils are able to deplete their cash reserves at an unbelievable rates - such as Seberang Perai Municipal Council which saw their reserves dwindle from RM227m to RM25.6m within 7 years.
Monday, July 02, 2007
"Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
The economy of Penang used to be the most robust and competitive in Malaysia with giants like Intel anchoring the high-technology manufacturing industry. However, today, it lies a distant 3rd in the country, after Selangor and Johor. The Pearl of the Orient has clearly lost its sparkle.
How can DAP help revitalise Penang, and make the Pearl of the Orient shine, once again?
THEME: "Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
"Revitalise Penang" Dialogue Series (I)
Speakers:
民主行动党甘榜哥南支部主办
"风云再起 "系列讲座（1 ）
主题：" 如何抢救槟州经济？"
槟州经济放缓乃是不争的事实。
我们的经济发展应朝向哪里去？
民主行动党又能为您带来什么？
主讲人：
How can DAP help revitalise Penang, and make the Pearl of the Orient shine, once again?
THEME: "Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
"Revitalise Penang" Dialogue Series (I)
Speakers:
- Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General
- YB Chow Kon Yeow, MP for Tanjong
- Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Sec-Gen
Date: 6.7.2007 (Friday)Contact：04-2288482 / 2277068
Time: 8.00 p.m. (Please be punctual)
Venue: Chew Si Kee San Tong Hall
(33, Lebuh Kimberley, Georgetown )
民主行动党甘榜哥南支部主办
"风云再起 "系列讲座（1 ）
主题：" 如何抢救槟州经济？"
槟州经济放缓乃是不争的事实。
我们的经济发展应朝向哪里去？
民主行动党又能为您带来什么？
主讲人：
- 林冠英 （民主行动党秘书长 ）
- 潘俭伟 （民主行动党秘书长经济顾问 ；英国牛津大学 哲学、政治与经济 系毕业 ）
- 曹观友 （丹绒区国会议员 ；民主行动党槟州主席 ）
日期： 2007年7 月6日（星期五）联络：04-2288482 / 2277068
时间：晚上 8时（请准时出席）
地点：槟城汕头街周氏岐山堂冷气礼堂
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Pesta Rakyat Merdeka, Penang
For the first time in many years, a coalition of 25 NGOs in Penang has come together to organise a Pesta Rakyat Merdeka to celebrate 50 years of Merdeka and 44 years of Malaysia. Civil society groups are joining hands with their fellow Malaysians who have worked collectively for the socio-economic betterment of the country. These NGOs comprise people who have been actively involved in issues such as public transport, anti-Iraq war, anti-rape, anti-ISA, and anti-PORR.
The event will be held on 24 June 2007 at Dewan Sri Pinang from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
The Pesta is aimed at asserting that the 50-44 celebrations should not only be about our political leaders and the government, but more importantly also about the ordinary people’s contribution and struggle for human rights, socio-economic justice, and sustainable development. Equally important, this event will provide democratic and physical space for ordinary citizens and civil society groups to reflect on our accomplishments and shortcomings as a nation over the last five decades.
There will be a forum “Milestones of Penang”, an exhibition, dance and musical performances, independent film screenings, a poem reading and brief soap box presentations by NGO representatives outlining the work they are involved in.
The forum will feature discussions on the early politics and local elections, ethnic relations and politics, industrialisation and workers’ rights, and heritage and environment with a special focus on Penang.
Half a dozen short movies will be screened, including award-winning productions by independent film-makers.
Several groups will be performing musical and cultural performances: these include a dance performance by the Temple of Fine Arts, nasyid and silat presentations arranged by JIM, an item from Persatuan Seni dan Kebudayaan Pulau Pinang and Persatuan Kebudayaan Rakyat Pulau Pinang, songs by the Marshall family band, and a jazz session with Johan, James and Russell.
Admission is free. For more information, please visit here.
The event will be held on 24 June 2007 at Dewan Sri Pinang from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
The Pesta is aimed at asserting that the 50-44 celebrations should not only be about our political leaders and the government, but more importantly also about the ordinary people’s contribution and struggle for human rights, socio-economic justice, and sustainable development. Equally important, this event will provide democratic and physical space for ordinary citizens and civil society groups to reflect on our accomplishments and shortcomings as a nation over the last five decades.
There will be a forum “Milestones of Penang”, an exhibition, dance and musical performances, independent film screenings, a poem reading and brief soap box presentations by NGO representatives outlining the work they are involved in.
The forum will feature discussions on the early politics and local elections, ethnic relations and politics, industrialisation and workers’ rights, and heritage and environment with a special focus on Penang.
Half a dozen short movies will be screened, including award-winning productions by independent film-makers.
Several groups will be performing musical and cultural performances: these include a dance performance by the Temple of Fine Arts, nasyid and silat presentations arranged by JIM, an item from Persatuan Seni dan Kebudayaan Pulau Pinang and Persatuan Kebudayaan Rakyat Pulau Pinang, songs by the Marshall family band, and a jazz session with Johan, James and Russell.
Admission is free. For more information, please visit here.
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