As it is often heard, be it in the media or by first hand information from the Orang Asli villagers in many parts of Perak, the infrastructure to Orang Asli Villagers, the supply of clean running water and electricity is a serious concern.
Among others I had personally visited one such Orang Asli Village in Perak ie Kg Sungai Bilik in Chendering in June 2009. I find italarming that despite these houses having been built more than a year ago, electricity and water supply had not been supplied to these villagers. What I find appalling is the fact that the government and government agency specifically tasked to care for the need of the Orang Asli namely JHEOA has not done anything to address the predicament of this villagers. I have raised the predicament of these Orang Asli villagers in parliament in the recently concluded session but however I am some what unhappy to say that the ministry in charge of the welfare of the Orang Asli had not satisfactorily address this pressing issue.
Please checkHansard at URL : http://www.parlimen.gov.my/hindex/pdf/DR-30062009.pdf . I hereby urge the government to immediately resolve this long standing issue of water and electricity supply to this village in order to alleviate the hardship of these villagers
Sunday, May 16, 2010
COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK ON DAP PENANG POLL ON KG BUAH PALA ISSUE, THURSDAY,JULY 16,2009
DAP Penang launched a weekly online poll campaign on on 14.7.2009, to survey and espouse the views of the people regarding the issues related to the Kg Buah Pala controversy.
Penang DAP Publicity Secretary Sdr Ng Wei Yik in a statement also said that " this democratic approach is a better indicator of the support of the people towards the practices of Penang State Government in solving the Kampung Buah Pala issue.
The first question is : do you agree that the State Government acquire the Kampung Buah Pala land even if it costs more than RM 100,000,000.00 (RM100 million)?
I have received some comments and feedback . I produce below 2 key issues raised.:
1. will the Penang and the State Government commit itself to the poll result irrespective of its outcome or will they merely take the result as a reference and indication only?
2. the first question which quotes a high compensation figure of RM 100 million, is biased and done with the motive to influence participants to vote no to the poll . I am perturbed by the accusation that the question is done with bias and ulterior motive.
A supporter has said to me that irrespective of what are the demands of the villagers and the final decision taken by the Penang State Government, the State Government must not be seen to be using unfair tactic against them.
I certainly don't think the Penang State Government will use unfair tactic against the villagers.
Nevertheless, the question has given rise to accusation and interpretation.
DAP Penang must therefore be careful and cautious with their questions.It has to ensure that the poll questions must be and seen to be fair, objective and balanced.
Personally, I don't think the above question is suitable as, it seems to imply that this could be an option of the State Government.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has said that the State has a budget deficit of RM 40 million and the State just cannot afford to acquire the land.
Penang DAP Publicity Secretary Sdr Ng Wei Yik in a statement also said that " this democratic approach is a better indicator of the support of the people towards the practices of Penang State Government in solving the Kampung Buah Pala issue.
The first question is : do you agree that the State Government acquire the Kampung Buah Pala land even if it costs more than RM 100,000,000.00 (RM100 million)?
I have received some comments and feedback . I produce below 2 key issues raised.:
1. will the Penang and the State Government commit itself to the poll result irrespective of its outcome or will they merely take the result as a reference and indication only?
2. the first question which quotes a high compensation figure of RM 100 million, is biased and done with the motive to influence participants to vote no to the poll . I am perturbed by the accusation that the question is done with bias and ulterior motive.
A supporter has said to me that irrespective of what are the demands of the villagers and the final decision taken by the Penang State Government, the State Government must not be seen to be using unfair tactic against them.
I certainly don't think the Penang State Government will use unfair tactic against the villagers.
Nevertheless, the question has given rise to accusation and interpretation.
DAP Penang must therefore be careful and cautious with their questions.It has to ensure that the poll questions must be and seen to be fair, objective and balanced.
Personally, I don't think the above question is suitable as, it seems to imply that this could be an option of the State Government.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has said that the State has a budget deficit of RM 40 million and the State just cannot afford to acquire the land.
BN UNETHICAL TO HOLD BACK FUNDS
The following is from MalaysiaKini
Kula: BN unethical to hold back funds
Opposition members of parliament are powerless and have no say in development funds allocated for their parliamentary constituencies.
Instead, they are at the mercy of non-elected BN component party members who call the shots in the development allocations.I poh Barat MP M Kula Segaran revealed this to Malaysiakini today and said that every MP is supposed to get an annual allocation ranging between RM500,000 to RM5 million as development funds for their constituencies Kula claimed RM5million was given to every BN MP just before the general election last year to boost their chances of winning their parliamentary seats while the opposition MPs were left high and dry with no funds allocated for their election campaigns.
"I have been an MP for three terms and I have yet to see a single cent coming from such funds which are used for projects to benefit constituents," said Kula."I guess only BN MPs have a say and are given the allocations for the benefit of their constituencies."
Umno has the final say in public projects
The normal procedure is for BN MPs to recommend public projects to the state development officer who in turn allocates the funds to the respective areas.However, the same does not seem to apply to the opposition MPs who have no say in any development travel expenses, printing bills, and providing for people in need of financial help."All MPs irrespective of their political leanings should be given the human capital and infrastructure to help solve voters' problems and to bring about development to their areas," said Jeyakumar.
"I have not been given the development allocations for the past 15 months since I took office as Sungai Siput MP. I'm lucky my staff are generous their time and money. "Their commitment to the party's political struggle is commendable and is far more important to them than financial security," said Jeyakumar projects as the power is vested in BN component parties who have the final say.
In Kula's constituency, Ipoh Barat, Umno has the final say in all public projects that benefit the voters."This nonsensical practice by BN is unethical and undemocratic as people who vote for the opposition are denied their democratic right as citizens to development projects.
"The development funds come from taxpayers' money and not from the pockets of BN for them to hold voters in opposition areas to ransom by saying 'vote for BN and you get development in your area ... or suffer'.
"If this does not amount to political corruption, then I do not understand what it is."
He said in a major democracy like India, development funds are given to all politicians irrespective of their political platform.
"Voters are not aware of this political chicanery by BN which was bragging that only BN MPs can bring about development if elected whereas opposition MPs do not have the resources."
Jeyakumar yet to receive allocation
Kula stated that every MP is given a RM6,900 monthly salary and RM6,000 monthly allowance, and opposition MPs are digging deep into their pockets for the daily maintenance of their public service centres.
One good example is Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Sungai Siput MP Dr D Jeyakumar who booted out MIC chief S Samy Vellu in the last general election.Jeyakumar has to juggle his MP's monthly budget of RM12,900 to pay the salaries of his four party staff (three in Sungai Siput and the other in Kuala Lumpur), office rental,
Kula: BN unethical to hold back funds
Opposition members of parliament are powerless and have no say in development funds allocated for their parliamentary constituencies.
Instead, they are at the mercy of non-elected BN component party members who call the shots in the development allocations.I poh Barat MP M Kula Segaran revealed this to Malaysiakini today and said that every MP is supposed to get an annual allocation ranging between RM500,000 to RM5 million as development funds for their constituencies Kula claimed RM5million was given to every BN MP just before the general election last year to boost their chances of winning their parliamentary seats while the opposition MPs were left high and dry with no funds allocated for their election campaigns.
"I have been an MP for three terms and I have yet to see a single cent coming from such funds which are used for projects to benefit constituents," said Kula."I guess only BN MPs have a say and are given the allocations for the benefit of their constituencies."
Umno has the final say in public projects
The normal procedure is for BN MPs to recommend public projects to the state development officer who in turn allocates the funds to the respective areas.However, the same does not seem to apply to the opposition MPs who have no say in any development travel expenses, printing bills, and providing for people in need of financial help."All MPs irrespective of their political leanings should be given the human capital and infrastructure to help solve voters' problems and to bring about development to their areas," said Jeyakumar.
"I have not been given the development allocations for the past 15 months since I took office as Sungai Siput MP. I'm lucky my staff are generous their time and money. "Their commitment to the party's political struggle is commendable and is far more important to them than financial security," said Jeyakumar projects as the power is vested in BN component parties who have the final say.
In Kula's constituency, Ipoh Barat, Umno has the final say in all public projects that benefit the voters."This nonsensical practice by BN is unethical and undemocratic as people who vote for the opposition are denied their democratic right as citizens to development projects.
"The development funds come from taxpayers' money and not from the pockets of BN for them to hold voters in opposition areas to ransom by saying 'vote for BN and you get development in your area ... or suffer'.
"If this does not amount to political corruption, then I do not understand what it is."
He said in a major democracy like India, development funds are given to all politicians irrespective of their political platform.
"Voters are not aware of this political chicanery by BN which was bragging that only BN MPs can bring about development if elected whereas opposition MPs do not have the resources."
Jeyakumar yet to receive allocation
Kula stated that every MP is given a RM6,900 monthly salary and RM6,000 monthly allowance, and opposition MPs are digging deep into their pockets for the daily maintenance of their public service centres.
One good example is Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Sungai Siput MP Dr D Jeyakumar who booted out MIC chief S Samy Vellu in the last general election.Jeyakumar has to juggle his MP's monthly budget of RM12,900 to pay the salaries of his four party staff (three in Sungai Siput and the other in Kuala Lumpur), office rental,
PAKATAN RAKYAT MUST BUCK UP, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 2009
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib has good reasons to be in happy moods these few days.
Two weeks before his 100 days as PM , a survey conducted showed that his approval rating had increased to 65%.
This is a big increase from the 42% he scored just when he took office.
With the slew of goodies announced in conjunction with his 100 days as PM on 11.7.2009, his approval rating can only go up.
The unexpected slim majority win by PAS at the Manek Urai by election, which UMNO has claimed as a moral victory, is another reason for Najib to be happy.
Some political observers will even say that the by election result is an indication that UMNO has won back the support of the Malays.
I will repeat that we can and should not rule out the possibility of the Parliament being dissolved at the of this year or early next year.
Hence, Pakatan Rakyat must buck up . In fact, there have been political observers' comments that PR is losing momentum.
Some PR supporters have recently expressed to me their unhappiness about the various recent internal spat among the PR parties.
We must not underestimate the disastrous effect of such ceaseless internal spat on PR credibility and image, especially when our problems are exploited in the BN controlled electronic and printed media.
The voters have placed great hopes in us in the last general election and we must not let them down. Time to back up.
In this regard, Sdr Lim Kit Siang's call that the PR leadership Council set up a disciplinary committee to restore public confidence in PR cohesion, unity and common sense of purpose is timely and ought to be acted upon.
Two weeks before his 100 days as PM , a survey conducted showed that his approval rating had increased to 65%.
This is a big increase from the 42% he scored just when he took office.
With the slew of goodies announced in conjunction with his 100 days as PM on 11.7.2009, his approval rating can only go up.
The unexpected slim majority win by PAS at the Manek Urai by election, which UMNO has claimed as a moral victory, is another reason for Najib to be happy.
Some political observers will even say that the by election result is an indication that UMNO has won back the support of the Malays.
I will repeat that we can and should not rule out the possibility of the Parliament being dissolved at the of this year or early next year.
Hence, Pakatan Rakyat must buck up . In fact, there have been political observers' comments that PR is losing momentum.
Some PR supporters have recently expressed to me their unhappiness about the various recent internal spat among the PR parties.
We must not underestimate the disastrous effect of such ceaseless internal spat on PR credibility and image, especially when our problems are exploited in the BN controlled electronic and printed media.
The voters have placed great hopes in us in the last general election and we must not let them down. Time to back up.
In this regard, Sdr Lim Kit Siang's call that the PR leadership Council set up a disciplinary committee to restore public confidence in PR cohesion, unity and common sense of purpose is timely and ought to be acted upon.
STRONG POSSIBILITY OF NAJIB CALLING FOR EARLY ELECTIONS, TUESDAY, \JULY14,2009
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib had yesterday ruled out the possibility of a snap election.
He said that he did not see any need to do so as the mandate of the Federal Government would not expire anytime soon.
The last general election was held in March last year and it is therefore true that the Federal Government's mandate is not expiring soon.
Can we then totally rule out the possibility of a snap election ? I don't think we can or should.
We cannot take Najib's denial as a definite conclusion. Certainly he will not say it if this is one of his options.
I believe that if Najib decides to call a snap election, the following conditions will exist or have been fulfilled:
1. his personal rating has gone up to at least 80%
2. he has presented an election Budget with goodies and promises aimed at winning the people's support
3. he is confident of regaining BN's two thirds parliamentary majority
The interesting point to ponder is why will Najib be tempted to call a snap election?
Najib has assumed the office of Prime Minster with a heavy political baggage which resulted in his low approval rating.
He knows his political legitimacy is being questioned and he needs a high approval rating as well a new mandate from the people.
I therefore will not rule out the possibility of a snap election being held as early as end of this year or early next year.
In this regard, Pakatan Rakayt must buck up and be prepared. Internal spat which has tarnished PR's image and credibility must immediately stop.
He said that he did not see any need to do so as the mandate of the Federal Government would not expire anytime soon.
The last general election was held in March last year and it is therefore true that the Federal Government's mandate is not expiring soon.
Can we then totally rule out the possibility of a snap election ? I don't think we can or should.
We cannot take Najib's denial as a definite conclusion. Certainly he will not say it if this is one of his options.
I believe that if Najib decides to call a snap election, the following conditions will exist or have been fulfilled:
1. his personal rating has gone up to at least 80%
2. he has presented an election Budget with goodies and promises aimed at winning the people's support
3. he is confident of regaining BN's two thirds parliamentary majority
The interesting point to ponder is why will Najib be tempted to call a snap election?
Najib has assumed the office of Prime Minster with a heavy political baggage which resulted in his low approval rating.
He knows his political legitimacy is being questioned and he needs a high approval rating as well a new mandate from the people.
I therefore will not rule out the possibility of a snap election being held as early as end of this year or early next year.
In this regard, Pakatan Rakayt must buck up and be prepared. Internal spat which has tarnished PR's image and credibility must immediately stop.
INDIANS SUPPORT TOWARDS NAJIB ADMINISTRATION GROWING
13thJuly09
MIC President Dato Seri Samy Vellu has commented that the Prime Minister's rating among the Indian community is good and encouraging.
He said that the Indian community was very happy with Najib and that it had expected more “goodies” from him.
People like goodies and it is only natural that the people will express their "happiness" when asked to express their opinion after various populist measures have been announced by the Prime Minister over the last 3 months.
I believe that the rating would be different if the Indians were asked whether they felt Najib had done enough for the community and rate him on this basis.
Hence, Samy Vellu should be cautious in his praises on the Indian support for Najib.
Over the decades since independence the Indians have been left out from the main stream of development .In fact, they have been overlooked although the economic development of the country has been progressing.
In 2007, it was revealed in Parliament that "the number of Indians in the civil service has plunged in the past 34 years, from 17.4% in 1971 to 5.12 % in 2005.
The initial plan of the Federal government to increase the economic equity participation of Indians was to achieve a target of 3 % by 2010. At time of independence , the Indians had only around 1% of the economic cake. This rose to 1.2% in the late 80’s. Subsequently , the government revised the target date and extended it from 2010 to 2020. Why?
One of the main reasons is the BN government's failure to thoroughly look into the weaknesses of the Indian community and address them. There are no clear ,concrete and clear polices to assist the Indians and other minorities
Way back in 2004, the DAP has suggested the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee to specifically ascertain the economic and social problems of the minorities in the country. Unfortunately the BN rejected this noble idea.
FOMCA has openly mentioned that over 50,000 Indians are facing statelessness in Malaysia. Almost all the 50,000 were born in Malaysia.
I have consistently raised this matter in Parliament. The government has recently set up as special task force to tackle this issue. Todate only less then 2000 have been identified by the Home Ministry but what about the rest as revealed by FOMCA?
We are given to understand many stateless persons cannot communicate with the Home Ministry officials who either speak only Bahasa Malaysia or just make it difficult for these stateless people.
If the government is serious, sincere and eager to resolve this statelessness problem, I suggest that these entire stateless people and other deserving cases be given blanket immunity for them to become citizens.
Although many real problems of the Indian community have yet to to addressed , Najib's improved ratings among the Indians is still an indication that many Indians who expect more things from him are prepared to express their encouragement for him, perhaps even voting for BN in the next general election.
In this respect the Pakatan Rakyat Government should not overlook the various grouses of the Indian community and must be proactive in addressing them.
MIC President Dato Seri Samy Vellu has commented that the Prime Minister's rating among the Indian community is good and encouraging.
He said that the Indian community was very happy with Najib and that it had expected more “goodies” from him.
People like goodies and it is only natural that the people will express their "happiness" when asked to express their opinion after various populist measures have been announced by the Prime Minister over the last 3 months.
I believe that the rating would be different if the Indians were asked whether they felt Najib had done enough for the community and rate him on this basis.
Hence, Samy Vellu should be cautious in his praises on the Indian support for Najib.
Over the decades since independence the Indians have been left out from the main stream of development .In fact, they have been overlooked although the economic development of the country has been progressing.
In 2007, it was revealed in Parliament that "the number of Indians in the civil service has plunged in the past 34 years, from 17.4% in 1971 to 5.12 % in 2005.
The initial plan of the Federal government to increase the economic equity participation of Indians was to achieve a target of 3 % by 2010. At time of independence , the Indians had only around 1% of the economic cake. This rose to 1.2% in the late 80’s. Subsequently , the government revised the target date and extended it from 2010 to 2020. Why?
One of the main reasons is the BN government's failure to thoroughly look into the weaknesses of the Indian community and address them. There are no clear ,concrete and clear polices to assist the Indians and other minorities
Way back in 2004, the DAP has suggested the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee to specifically ascertain the economic and social problems of the minorities in the country. Unfortunately the BN rejected this noble idea.
FOMCA has openly mentioned that over 50,000 Indians are facing statelessness in Malaysia. Almost all the 50,000 were born in Malaysia.
I have consistently raised this matter in Parliament. The government has recently set up as special task force to tackle this issue. Todate only less then 2000 have been identified by the Home Ministry but what about the rest as revealed by FOMCA?
We are given to understand many stateless persons cannot communicate with the Home Ministry officials who either speak only Bahasa Malaysia or just make it difficult for these stateless people.
If the government is serious, sincere and eager to resolve this statelessness problem, I suggest that these entire stateless people and other deserving cases be given blanket immunity for them to become citizens.
Although many real problems of the Indian community have yet to to addressed , Najib's improved ratings among the Indians is still an indication that many Indians who expect more things from him are prepared to express their encouragement for him, perhaps even voting for BN in the next general election.
In this respect the Pakatan Rakyat Government should not overlook the various grouses of the Indian community and must be proactive in addressing them.
Najib's 100 days in office but he fails to address people's issues ! 12/07/2009
At the gathering to mark his 100 days in office, PM Najib has announced a slew of " goodies" .
People like " goodies" and he can expect his approval ratings to go higher than the 65% achieved recently.
But if Najib wants to truly bring about changes, he has to implement more and real changes and not just populist measures or goodies.
For example, I did not see his promise that a Royal Commission of Inquiry will be set up into the PKFZ issue. Should the people be satisfied with just the release of the recent PKFZ Report?
Neither did he promise that he will permanently solve the highway toll rate problem. Should the people be happy with the discount announced? Is this all his government can do ?
There was no promise that his government will abolish draconian laws like the ISA, OSA and the Printing and Press Act.
There are many more promises which the PM has not addressed.
The " what he did not promise"list can go on but what is important is that the people who have voted for change in the last general election must be able to see what the PM did not promise rather than what he has promised.
The nation and the people definitely deserve more than the slew of goodies announced.
People like " goodies" and he can expect his approval ratings to go higher than the 65% achieved recently.
But if Najib wants to truly bring about changes, he has to implement more and real changes and not just populist measures or goodies.
For example, I did not see his promise that a Royal Commission of Inquiry will be set up into the PKFZ issue. Should the people be satisfied with just the release of the recent PKFZ Report?
Neither did he promise that he will permanently solve the highway toll rate problem. Should the people be happy with the discount announced? Is this all his government can do ?
There was no promise that his government will abolish draconian laws like the ISA, OSA and the Printing and Press Act.
There are many more promises which the PM has not addressed.
The " what he did not promise"list can go on but what is important is that the people who have voted for change in the last general election must be able to see what the PM did not promise rather than what he has promised.
The nation and the people definitely deserve more than the slew of goodies announced.
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