Malaysia News

call for Barisan Nasional to make changes

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Growing support after by-election, says Mukhriz
JITRA: Umno Youth executive council member Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said he has
received more suppoff from members to contest for the party's Youth chiefs post following Barisan Nasional's defeat in the Permatang Pauh by-election.
He said the defeat had created unhappiness among Youth members.
I'm surprised with the support given to me right after the by-election. We can make
various interpretations from this," he told newsmen after presenting aid to 35 imams
here on Sunday.
Mukhriz, who is Jerlun MP, said he was "positive" about his chances of securing enough nominations to contest for the post following the show of support.
Last month, Mukhriz said money politics and abuses in the movement's branches would scuttle his chances of vying for the post.
"I believe the number of members supporting me will go up and down until the party elections in December, This is normal," he said.
Mukhriz said he supported Umno vicepresident Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's call for
Barisan Nasional to make changes, so that it would be more appealing to the younger
generation. He said the move would bring more support to the coalition to continue
ruling the country.

Penang in Malaysia to make Sept 16 a public holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Guan Eng: It will take effect next year 2009
George Town Penang will declare Sept 16 a public holiday - but it will probably not happen this year.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the day would definitely be made a public holiday, but only from next year.

"We probably cannot have it this year as we already declared a public holiday on Aug 26.

"We have to take the business industry into consideration, as a day off would greatly
impact the sector," he told reporters yesterday after attending a drainage cleanlhress campaign in Tanjung Bungah near here.

He said it was the prerogative of the state government to give the holiday and there was
"spare dates" to declare Sept 16 as a holiday.

He said this in response to PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar lbrahim's proposal that all
Pakatan Rakyat states make Sept 16 a public holiday.

Anwar had said the Government should declare the day as a public holiday to mark the
anniversary of Malaysia's formation as it was the day when Sabah and Sarawak joined the country in 1963.

Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping said the busi-
ness community would not be affected by the extra holiday as long as ample time was given.

"Since Lira said the public holiday would only be declared next year, everyone will have ample notice to prepare themselves to cushion the impact," he said.

He said the holiday should not be turned into an issue "as it is an important date to mark the anniversary of Malaysia's formation in 1963."

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee said
the extra public holiday would not be "too costly" to the state.

"It is up to the management of the companies to observe it as a holiday. The management can always reschedule offdays for its employees or pay them overtime," he said.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has won the Permatang Pauh by-election.

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has won the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Datuk Anwar garnered 31,195 votes to beat Barisan candidate DDatuk Arif Shah Omar Shah, who polled 15,524 votes, while Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia candidate Hanafi Hamat lost his RM15,000 deposit after getting only 92 votes.

The PKR de-facto leader was returned to Parliament with a majority of 15,671 votes, exceeding the 13,388-vote majority won by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the March 8 general election.

The closely watched by-election was called after Dr Wan Azizah resigned as the MP on July 31 to enable her husband to run for election.

Anwar held the seat for four terms before he was sacked from his Deputy Prime Minister's post in 1998 under corruption and sodomy charges.

Dr Wan Azizah, who had been known as a reluctant politician, won the seat for a third term in March.

A mammoth crowd comprising PKR leaders and supporters gathered early at the tallying centre at the Tuanku Bainun Teacher Training College in Bukit Mertajam to celebrate Anwar's victory.

Supporters in the crowd let off fireworks as returning officer Roslan Yahaya announced the results about 10pm.

Voter turnout was relatively high, at about 80% of the total of 58,459 registered voters in the constituency.

Barisan was the underdog from the start in the hard-fought by-election that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak described as a titanic challenge.

Anwar’s convincing victory was reminiscent of his heyday, when he secured a stunning 23,515-vote majority in the 1995 general election by polling 27,945 votes.

City Hall urged to do so in an effort to solve parking woes

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Khalid: Build more car parks
City Hall urged to do so in an effort to solve parking woes

BUILD more multi-storey car parks to solve parking woes in the city, Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Khalid lbrahim urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

He said City Hall should build proper parking facilities, including more multi-storey car parks, for residents if the local authority was serious about solving the problem.

"If this is done, more cars could use the facilities instead of using vacant land to park their vehicles.

"City Hall should also consider maximising the land usage and spend some money to build the facilities.

"They also need to consider using similar concepts implemented hypermarkets where vehicle owners are charged a minimum fee to park their vehicles for the benefit of residents in the area," he said.

Khalid said he would meet KL mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan today to submit the suggestion.

He said he would also forward complaints made by the residents in his constituency to the mayor during the meeting.

"I did not know that they had so many grouses that have been going on for quite sometime,

"I will forward them to the mayor when I see him," he said.

He was speaking after meeting the residents in Bandar Tun Razak on Saturday.

Residents, especially those staying in the Seri Permaisuri fiats, had complained about the parking system there.

Lack of parking facilities had forced them to double and triplepark which caused inconvenience to residents as well as customers of the commercial units.

To make matter worse, the nearby vacant lot had been turned into a parking area, requiring residents and commercial unit owners to pay for leaving their vehicles there.

"Previously, they were charged 50sen per hour but now, due to high demand for the service, the charge has increased to RM2 an hour.

"People feel that the charge is too high to pay for parking," Khalid added.
Residents had also complained about the poor condition of their 30-year-old block of flats.

Khalid also pledged to help residents in the area own their own homes.

Molest victim still in a trauma

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:45:00 +0000

ALOR STAR: The teacher involved in an alleged molest case last week has been temporarily transferred-to a district education
office. But the 16-year-old victim is still too traumatised to return to school.

The victim had to undergo medical counselling because she turns hysterical whenever she sees men.

A psychiatrist from the Alor Star Hospital had given her medical leaveuntil tomorrow.

The girl had initially sought treatment at the Jitra Hospital, but her case was referred to Alor Star Hospital because the doctor felt she needed specialist attention.

The victim also dreads returning to school because of taunts by teachers who supported the alleged perpetrator.

"My friends told me the teachers are saying things about me. They also defended the bad person," she said when met yesterday.

The victim was also too afraid to sleep because the alleged perpetrator kept appearing in her nightmares, she said.

The victim's sister said they had to take the girl for medical counselling on Sunday.

The doctor also prescribed sleeping pills.

"We are giving her all our support at home. But she fears stepping out of the house. The sight of men makes her scream. She is so traumatised," said the 22-year-old sister.

The victim lodged a police report last Wednesday, claiming that the teacher had molested her in a small room inside the art
room at school.

She claimed that the teacher gave her RM15 after caressing her cheek, breasts and thigh.

Kubang Pasu OCPD Supt Mohd Karim Abu confirmed that a report had been lodged.

Travel fair banking on mandatory insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:43:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair 2007 exhibitors are optimistic that the mandatory
travel insurance imposed on tour packages has restored public confidence.

"We are very confident that this fair will do even better than the previous ones, especially with the mandatory travel insurance schemes we have been told to sell to our customers," said a senior staff of Hwajing Travel and Tours who wanted to be known as Lim.

She said people were more aware of the insurance and taking measures to protect their bookings.

The industry was shaken recently by the closure of a top travel agency causing its clients to lose money from bookings they had made.

Hundreds of exhibitors showed up yesterday to ballot for their booths for the fair scheduled for Sept 7 - 9 at Putra World Trade Centre.

Matta deputy president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said 90% of the booths had been sold.

"We've had a lot of enquiries and things are looking good," he said.

"The rules and regulations this time are stricter and better, thus the high confidence level in exhibitors and public.

"There will be no more cases of tour agendes absconding," he added.

Some agents breaching Act, says Matta

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:39:00 +0000

25 in Johor accused of dodgy practices

JOHOR BARU: Some tour agents, licensed to only deal with inbound tourists, have been found selling tickets for international flights.

Alleging this, the Johor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said this was a breach of the Tourism Act 1992.

Chapter chairman Kathryn Lee said inbound tour operators can only sell domestic air tickets while outbound operators are entitled to only sell international air tickets.

She alleged that at least 25 travel agencies in the state had been found to be involved in unscrupulous practices, especially in not adhering to conditions in their operating iicences.

Under the Act, she said, three kinds of licences are issued: for inbound or outbound operators and for ticketing agencies that are eligible to sell tickets of any airline.

"Unfortunately, we have detected that about 15% of our members are not abiding by these rules," she said, adding that Johor Matta was currently gathering more details.

Lee advised the public to contact the association for information regarding any travel agent registered as its member.

Johor Matta is organising a three-day travel fair here from Friday.

Lee said there would be 126 booths, with participation from both local and foreign travel agencies.

Visitors will be entitled to a lucky dip at the entrance, which offers more than 1,000 prizes, including a three-day two-night trip to Macau for two.

Those who buy holiday packages with a minimum deposit of RM500 will be entitled to two lucky draws offering seven prizes.

The grand prize for the lucky draw is a RM5,000 cash voucher and a three-day two-night trip to Macau for two.

my political blog - parliament.jeffooi.com

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:50:00 +0000

Ooi:l cannot remain a fence-sitter
PETALING JAYA: From just blogging to active participation in politics, Jeff Ooi says he now wishes to be part of the legislative process of parliamentary democracy.

He also wants to share his ideas and collectively contribute towards making Malaysia a greater country.

The DAP held a welcoming party for him here yesterday, attended by fellow bloggers and journalists who wanted to know why he was joining the party.
"Tve stopped believing in the promises of the Government," he said in a statement for his reason to join the DAP.

Reporters, however, were more inquisitive about his neutrality as a blogger, now that he had made a political stand.

"While I have chosen my political platform, I do not want people to misconstrue my intentions, which is why I have launched my political blog - parliament.jeffooi.com - to
convey my thoughts and agenda. I cannot remain a fence-sitter if change is to happen," he replied.

Asked why he left Gerakan, of which he had been a member since 2000, the 51-year-old blogger said he needed a new platform to effectively play his role and achieve his objectives.

Parliament was told that the Suhakam Bill was based on the Paris Principles

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:47:00 +0000

Leave us to carry out our duties
Suhakam: We should be in control of our own finances

KUALA LUMPUR: Although Suhakam is supposed to be an independent body with control over its finances, there are certain civil servants who prevent the human rights organisation from carrying out its duties.

Under the Suhakam Act, the Government had to provide it with adequate funds to discharge its functions, its chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said.

"Parliament was told that the Suhakam Bill was based on the Paris Principles, meaning it should be an independent organisation in control of its own finances, but there are civil servants who feel otherwise," Abu Talib said when asked how
many copies of the newly-launched Malaysian Journal. on Human Rights had been printed and how they would be distributed.

(It cost RM28,000 to print 1,000 copies of the inaugural journal.)

"Our duty is not to make money but create awareness of human rights to all strata," he added.

The 231-page volume touches on modem public order policing, transforming rights, constitutionalism, apostasy and freedom of religion, origins of the Reid Constitutional Commission and social protection for children, he said.

The writers this time include human rights commissioner Datuk K.C. Vohrah, Just World president Dr Chandra Muzaffar, lawyers Datuk Dr Cyrus Das and Pawancheek Marican and academic Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil.

Asked what was the point of educating citizens on their human rights when Parliament had yet to debate any of Suhakam's annual reports, he said: "The people will judge their MPs accordingly. Citizens have the right to choose their government.
The question is whether elections are free and fair."

RapidPenang launched

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:36:00 +0000

BUTTERWORTH: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badrawi launched RapidPenang, the state's latest public transport service, when he
flagged offthe buses at Padang MPSP here.

The Prime Minister said the service could be introduced in such a short span of time thanks to the close cooperation between the Federal Government and state government.

"This bus service is one of the efforts by the Government to provide quality, comfortable, systematic and efficient public transport for the people of Penang," he said.

RapidPenang chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Mokhti said the company targeted 22,000 commuters on the island and 24,000 in Seberang Prai.

He said the service would cover eight corridors, one of which was new.

He said the company would increase its fleet of 150 buses if there were demand.

There will be two city shuttle routes, from Weld Quay to Komtar with a frequency of 10 minutes, and from Weld Quay to ]alan Mesjid Negeri andJalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim every 20 minutes. The fare is RMI per trip," he added.

Rides will be free until tomorrow after which.the fares, between RM1 and RM3, will be imposed.

Pak Lah: Not right to ask for Idris' removal

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:33:00 +0000

TAIPING: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) managing director Datuk ldris Jala is a good manager and it is not right to ask him to be removed, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"Idris has managed to tum around the airline and has lot of things on his plate," he told reporters after launching the Perak-level of the Northern Corridor Economic Region.

He was asked to comment on Senator Tajulurus Mohd Zain's call for Idris' removal following a series of delays in MAS flights over the past two weeks.

"It is not right to ask for his removal.

"Idris has already done a lot," he added.

However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that there were flight delays, but pointed out that the airline had already reduced them.

Everyone must join hands to ensure NCER's success

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:26:00 +0000

BUTTERWORTH: There should be no excuse from any party, including the private sector, for refusing to participate in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said everyone must join hands to ensure the success of NCER to catapult the nation to greater heights in the next 50 years.

"I don't want to listen to any excuses from anyone, especially those who say they are too busy with their business and taking care of their wealth.

"As long as we can see the moon and the sun, we must not stop at our efforts to ensure that the NCER is in place and well implemented to benefit the more than four million people in the northern states," he said when launching the NCER at Dataran Merdeka Pemuda here.

Abdullah said that unlike those who struggled for independence 50 years ago, the people now did not have to sacrifice their lives and lay down everything.

"I can still remember how Umno youth members had to walk 16kin under the blazing sun to the then Butterworth Recreation Club (Dataran Merdeka Putera) field and stand for hours in the fight for independence.

"They were accompanied by two bullock carts carrying two water containers each to provide drinks for them.

"So there should be no excuse why we should not participate in the NCER as it is done for the interest of everyone," he added.

Abdullah also opened the Dewan Ahmad Badawi which is named after his late father for his deeds and contributions to the country. He later launched the Penang Sentral integrated transportation hub.

More information about Northern Corridor Economic Region

Ambitious RM177-billion Northern Corridor growth blueprint is aimed at lifting region to world-class status, while offering hope to the rural poor.

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:58:00 +0000

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday launched the ambitious RM177 billion Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) development plan aimed at transforming the mainly agricultural north into a logistics, food-processing and tourism powerhouse by 2025.

The plan, covering Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis, aims to create 500,000
jobs by 2012, rising to one million by 2018, besides increasing the region’s GDP from RM52.7 billion in 2005 to a targeted RM214 billion by 2025.

Logistics initiatives include deepening and expanding the Penang port to
service Thailand and Sumatra, expanding an air cargo centre in Penang, and
a double-track rail link from Ipoh to Padang Besar on the border with Thailand.
The development undertaking is also aimed at lifting one of the poorest parts of the country to world-class status by 2025.

This growth blueprint for Perlis, Kedah, Penang and north Perak is expected to bring in a total of RM177 billion in investments. A third of it will come from the government, over the NCER’s 18-year duration, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"Some 43 per cent of the total population in the four states are in the rural areas and we intend to bring greater development to them.

"They are actually very industrious since we can find many products from the villages in the supermarkets while some have gained international recognition.

"We want to help them boost their economic activities," Abdullah said at the unveiling of the NCER blueprint, developed by Sime Darby Bhd, here, yesterday.

Present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, his counterparts from Perak and Perlis, Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali and Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Also present among the 10,000 people at the ceremony, held at the Muda Agricultural Development Authority complex, were cabinet ministers, Sime Darby chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.

Abdullah, passionate in his quest to help the rural poor, spoke on a wide range of topics including the need for the people to be pro-active towards development and the input and role of the private and public sectors.

He said by introducing modern processing and marketing techniques, cottage industries could be transformed into bigger manufacturing entities.

"This would create job opportunities in rural areas and help check rural migration to urban areas."

Citing a success story in Sik, he said a group of villagers managed to break out of the poverty cycle after participating in agricultural projects introduced by the state government.

"That is why I say the people, especially in the rural areas, are eager to improve their lot. They are anxious to know about our programmes and we want to bring more development projects to them.

"The projects are also meant to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich," he said.

Abdullah said cottage industries should not limit themselves to bahulu, a flour-based confection that is easy to mass produce, but must add value to their products, including in branding and packaging.

He said the four state governments would play complementary roles in the blueprint.

"Each state was chosen for certain economic activities because they are good at them or already have the basic infrastructure in place."

On the choice of Sime Darby, Abdullah said it was a global giant and an expert in the various economic sectors selected under the NCER.

"It is also a government-linked company that knows what the government wants to do for the people. It is a responsible member of the private sector that is very professional in its work to achieve the government’s goals.

"To make the NCER a success, we need the greatest commitment from the public and private sectors and especially the people that we want to help."

To begin with, he said the government had allocated RM5 billion for the initial phase of the NCER.

Abdullah said the Northern Corridor was different from the Iskandar Development Region (Iskandar) in Johor.

"The challenges and opportunities are also different but the aims are similar and that is to help the people.

"The NCER is about growth with social equality while Iskandar is urban-centred growth," he said, adding that the poverty rate in Kedah and Perlis was much higher than the national average.

Abdullah later launched estate-style padi farming in Jerai, the first of its kind in Kedah, to mark the Kedah-level NCER launching.

The 153ha estate was formed by merging the padi fields of 101 farmers.

More information about Northern Corridor Economic Region

Unit to keep an eye on the hills in Putrajaya

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 16:45:00 +0000

Putrajaya Corporation has set up a special team to monitor hilly areas in Putrajaya to ensure that they are safe and prevent the recurrence of landslides.

Its president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said the team would be assisted by the Slope Division of the Public Works Department in conducting continuous surveillance of the hilly areas.

“The unit will check the slopes of the hilly areas, especially where houses are located. This is to ensure their stability and to look for signs of impending landslides,” he told reporters after flagging off participants of the Putrajaya Treasure Hunt 2007, here today.

Police released Parti Keadilan Rakyat webmaster released

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:13:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Police released Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) webmaster and blogger Nathaniel Tan, 27, at 5.15pm on Tuesday, four days after he was remanded for investigations under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

Tan, who is secretary to Foundation for the Future president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is believed to be in possession of documents linked to Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom’s alleged involvement in corruption.

The classified documents are believed to pertain to police case files on detainees or suspects investigated under the Emergency Ordinance.

On Friday evening, Tan was picked up from his office in Phileo Damansara by three Special Branch policemen from Bukit Aman.

Free ride: No charge for garbage disposal in Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:47:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no new charges for garbage collection — at least for the time being.

The government and local authorities will share the cost which has traditionally been settled by the latter using assessment rates.

But things will change a little under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Bill 2007 with local authorities channelling funds to a federal corporation handling waste nationwide.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said consumers should not worry about the cost factor as efficient garbage collection was the issue in the matter.

“We should not let payment and charges haunt us. At the moment, our focus is on providing effective solid waste management. This is no longer an issue of your right to throw your waste but of having a clean environment."
He said the government had to enter the picture as the amount from local authorities would not be enough to cover expenditure.

"Our main concern is to improve and ensure high quality service in two years before deciding on the next course of action."

Ong said existing concessionaires would be monitored using the Key Performance Index. He said licences would be issued by the ministry through its National Solid Waste Management Department.

The 88-page bill was tabled in parliament yesterday.

"All this while, local authorities have been facing a lack of finances to manage the process of waste being collected, transported, treated and destroyed in landfills," he said at his office yesterday.

He said local authorities needed funds to build more sanitary landfills, which were not cheap.

"For effective solid waste management, we need a foolproof system."

Ong said the bill included separation at source by consumers to prolong the life of landfills.

"We plan to impose the deposit refund system, which is yet to be determined, to control the amount of waste generated besides encouraging recycling.

"As long as we do not have a clear system to follow, the environment will be rapidly polluted by (among others) factories and households."

He said the bill was drafted after having considered best practices in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, Japan and Australia.

"A tribunal will be set up for those seeking redress over issues pertaining to licensing, disputed claims or recovery of charges," he said, adding that the tribunal could award claims of up to RM50,000.

On areas covered under public cleanliness management, he said they included roads, toilets and drains, government-built and managed hawker or market centres, beaches, grass on kerbs and animal carcasses.

Another clause in the bill was for waste to be divided into eight categories; commercial, public, construction, household, industrial, institutions, imported waste and waste to be categorised at the minister’s prerogative.

"The eighth clause is an enabling clause for waste that can be categorised by the minister when needed," Ong said.

He said authority would also be given to the federal government to sign agreements on solid waste management and public clean-up.

The minister said he would also table consequential amendments to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation Bill, the Town and Country Planning Bill, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, and the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill.

Although the bill contains punitive measures against those who do not pay for waste collection, this will only be enforced if charges come into effect.

Under the bill, one would be fined RM5,000 for refusing to pay the bill for garbage collection or other charges.

An additional fine of RM50 a day will be imposed for each day the offence is continued.

The bill empowers the minister to take measures to help in the reduction, reuse and recycling of controlled solid waste.

He may issue orders for:

• Any solid waste generator to reduce the generation of controlled solid waste in any manner or method;

• Any person to use environmentally-friendly material;

• Any person to use specified amounts of recycled materials for specified products; and,

• Any person to limit the generation, import, use, discharge or disposal of specified products or materials.

Those who do not comply with the minister’s order are liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

Langkawi Dialogue to focus on human capital development and poverty eradication

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:37:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Dialogue will focus on capacity building, human capital development and poverty eradication.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said preparations were on track for the dialogue from Aug 5 to Aug 8.

“Fifteen heads of states have confirmed their attendance so far.

"We will be having a dry run on July 19 to ensure that everything is in order,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday.

Syed Hamid said this year’s LID was also open to leaders from outside Commonwealth countries, and so far, Vietnam and Thailand had confirmed their attendance.

Other countries invited include Bangladesh and Gambia.

Dialogue participants, he said, included those from the government and private sectors, academicians, and youth and non-governmental organisations.

The Langkawi International Dialogue is held once every two years.

Cops suffering from 'computer phobia'

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:17:00 +0000

MIRI: There are police personnel in Sarawak who are suffering from "computer-phobia," said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Talib Jamal.

He said he had found that a segment of his staff, including seniors and veterans, were afflicted with this "psychological ailment" during his inspection rounds of police stations throughout the state's 27 districts.

He is worried that this fear of computers would affect the police's delivery system to the public and may result in financial waste.

"We are trying to implement a better police reporting system in Sarawak. However, during my visits to police stations in the districts, I found police personnel who were actually afraid of using computers.

"I saw boxes of newly-purchased computers left unopened and stacked neatly inside storerooms in police stations.

"The policemen there didn't know what to do with these computers.

"This cannot be the case. Computers given to all police stations must be used for daily work. We have spent a lot of money to buy computers as part of an effort to modernise the force. We don't want this project to become a 'white elephant'," he said on Friday during the recent three-day meeting with police chiefs and cops from throughout the state here.

Talib said the state police headquarters will arrange for comprehensive training programmes on computers at the district levels in an effort to cure this computer-phobia.

He assure his staff that technical support would be given to maintain the computers to ensure that they are in good working condition for a long time.

"Jangan takut, ia takkan meletup (Don't be afraid, they will not explode)," he teased his men.

Malaysia still attracting foreign investors

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:12:00 +0000

By LEONG HUNG YEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remained an attractive destination for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the first five months this year despite competition from others.

“Of the RM25.5bil investments in the manufacturing sector between January and May this year, 50.2%, or RM12.8bil, were foreign investments,” International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said on Friday.

She said at the launch of the Malaysia International Trade and Industry Report 2006 on Friday that the investments in 379 manufacturing projects comprised 244 new projects and 135 expansion and diversification projects.

Most of the projects approved were in the petroleum products and electronics industries.

Of the total investments approved, RM9.4bil, or 36.9%, were for new projects and the rest for expansion and diversification.

Most of the FDIs in the first five months came from the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Cayman Islands.

“Going forward, Malaysia will have to compete with other emerging economies for a share of the global FDI inflows.

“We have to work towards getting the right companies to invest here and get the companies which are already here to move up to higher levels by making new investments to expand or diversify their operations,” Rafidah said.

The Government, she said, would continue with efforts to improve the investment environment to ensure that Malaysia remained competitive.

“The focus in 2007 will be on specific measures to ensure that the strategies identified under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the Third Industrial Masterplan are effectively implemented,” Rafidah said, adding that policy initiatives and measures would be further strengthened to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing and services sectors.

Health Ministry to review effectiveness of healthy lifestyle campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:24:00 +0000

It appears that Malaysians are increasingly eating the wrong thing, if recent indications on the rising incidence of heart are anything to go by.

It is understood that the outcome of the national morbidity and mortality survey is expected to point in this direction.

Deputy Director-General of Health Datuk Dr Noorimi Morad said the Health Ministry would be reviewing its healthy lifestyle campaign to gauge its effectiveness.

“The review will be aimed at ascertaining if the campaign has been successful,’ she told the New Straits Times yesterday.

She had earlier opened the Malaysian Dieticians Association Scientific Conference 2007. She said the review would help the ministry focus on critical areas that needed attention.
She said Malaysians had to watch they ate or risk falling into the high-risk health bracket.

“We want a healthy population. That is why we keep stressing healthy eating. We are what we eat,” she said.

Dr Noorimi said World Health Organisation health statistics showed that food and diet contributed substantially to the health of people.

The WHO has also stated that developed societies reported a higher incidence of chronic diseases.

She said Malaysians suffering from diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were costing the government RM300 million a year.

Statistics showed that one in three Malaysians aged 30 and above suffered from hypertension.

Three million people have high cholesterol and another 2.1 million have diabetes.

Dr Noorimi said all these conditions related to poor food and dietary habits.

The healthy lifestyle campaign was launched in 1991 with the first five years focusing on diseases. The second phase from 1997 to 2002 shifted attention towards targeting behavioural changes.

Prime Minister's speech at the Mass Media Conference 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:42:00 +0000

THE following is the speech delivered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when opening the Mass Media Conference 2007 organised by the Internal Security Ministry at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The conference is being held to allow the audience representing the government, relevant departments and the Internal Security Ministry to listen and gather feedback and views on the role of the media in the government’s push for the country’s development.

This is important because as a fast growing country and in an effort to become a developed nation, we’re facing various challenges that we have never encountered before.

They are triggered by what is happening on the global stage and we are constantly bombarded with news and information that would certainly affect our thinking and attitudes.

And we react to these thinking and attitudes, sometimes according to our perceptions and sometimes because we strongly feel that we should do something.

And for those in the media industry, they may take pen to paper and come up with features and commentaries offering their opinions on what they see and the goingson around them.

Sometimes they feel that their views are so important that they tend to forget about possible repercussions on the country and the people. What we feel about something may lead to comments that may appear to reflect on the feelings of Malaysians.

(But) sometimes they don’t take into account the general feelings of Malaysians, their concerns for continued peace and stability, and the value of (racial) harmony in the country.

Sometimes we comment much too freely but this is normal and something that is bound to happen. Nobody can stop it because as human beings, we have instincts and senses that are always responsive to developments in the country and abroad.

As such, media reports in the form of features, political and economic analyses, as well as those which are supposedly human interest stories, have an influence on the climate in the country.

And those who read newspapers, watch television and surf the internet and other source of news, will perceive this as the media world today. This is the situation now and the influence of the media is being felt by the people.

For both the government and the people, all these are relevant especially when the issues need to be tackled.

In this case, leaders have to use their judgement in deciding when to respond, when do you allow it and how people react.

If the issue is prolonged, it may spread like wildfire, and we may not be able to contain it. It’s not easy to tame a raging wildfire.

Leaders must be prepared for this. This applies to not only political leaders but also media practitioners including group editors and media owners who may react to issues in certain ways, giving out certain instructions like play up this one, forget about this. They too have their respective roles.

In this respect, the media practitioners need to have guidelines on what is to appear of the frontpage of their newspapers, or whether a story should be downplayed or given prominence.

This requires understanding from reporters, editors, editorinchief and newspaper owners especially when a news story involves certain people or a particular race.

And we in the government, particularly the Internal Security Ministry, Abdul Aziz (Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, the ministry’s SecretaryGeneral) call for the media’s understanding on sensitive issues involving the races, while realising that it is sometimes difficult to get the cooperation as they have their own stand on certain issues.

At times, the government has to decide whether to reply or just leave the issues published by the media.

Overall, the Malaysian media has been responsible and sensitive in preserving the racial unity towards realising the objective of transforming Malaysia into a nation of excellence, glory and distinction.

Our media has found itself in the midst of the country grappling with numerous challenges coming from every angle and all sorts of people not only from within the country but also at the international arena.

Surely you are wondering what is next from the government, especially what are Pak Lah’s or Internal Security Ministry’s reactions. I believe this is what is lingering in your mind. Many people are now saying that Pak Lah appears to be quite tolerant at times, (so they say) let’s try and see what is his tolerance level.

We also need to understand that the Malaysian people of today are different from those who lived in the preindependence era or when the country had just gained independence.

Many Malaysians now were born and grew up in postindependence Malaysia.

And the same goes to the media, some of which, especially the mainstream media, had played a role in the days when we just achieved independence. They too had gone through many events and happenings that have now become part of our country’s history which we cherish.

Nowadays, many media practitioners are from the postMerdeka generation. I am not saying that the veterans are no longer around. Many of them are in front of me now.

They are from the era of Pak Samad Ismail, Pak Melan. Datuk Zam (Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin, Information Minister) is smiling.

I have said to Datuk Zam, we are not that young now. We started out very early. You (Datuk Zam) started very early in the media world, I started very early in the government. We went through the same period of changes and challenges.

You are wellversed about the media and I am wellversed about the government. And I am also knowledgeable about the media while you are knowledgeable about goingson in the government.

But the youths of today, including the many bloggers, are finding themselves at the time when the country, as I mentioned earlier, is facing all kinds of challenges in its bid to become progressive and churn out credible citizens.

The challenges faced by the government of today are different from those that had to be tackled by Tunku Abdul Rahman (first prime minister) and subsequent prime ministers Tun Razak (Hussein), Tun Hussein (Onn), Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad), and me.

And the challenges will continue to evolve and we have to deal with them all.

Goingson in the country and what is coming from outside, couple that with a great communication revolution, shifts in the world of publishing, new influences and aspirations, point to the fact that we have matured (as a nation).

When we achieve so much progress, that means we have matured. And when decadence sets in, that means we are getting old and senile.

In terms of the evolution of nations, they will become developed and achieve success and glory. And this is likely to be followed by decadence and destruction. And school children may read about ancient history that would enligthen them about the rise and fall of nations.

I have not given a complete account of what had transpired in the past.

But for those in the know, surely many things will cross their mind about what happened in the past.

(They will ask) What is Pak Lah saying, did we go through the same process or not...(are there differences between) the old days and now.

But we need to play our role, and in doing so, we should learn lessons from history as history is very important.

Even if our history is marked with terrible incidents, we can still learn from it. I always believe that we can draw the best of lessons from the most bitter of incidents.

Whoever can learn from the past will sail through life with maturity and wisdom while those who are unable to do so shall die.

Those who forget history will one day lose their identity as they do not bother to build their personality and protect themselves from being adversely influenced by pressure and challenges.

They do not care about their roots and place little importance to their language and culture of origin.

We do not know these people anymore as they no longer possess the characteristics of what is called the culture and fine traditions of a race.

People who forget history lose their cultural identity as they allow themselves to drift aimlessly in the currents of self and national conflict.

Those who forget history also become materialistic, selfcentred and do not care about what happens to others as long as they are safe.

When this happens, there will not be any effort to progress.

As I have said before, we need to preserve our history and build our civilisation. It means that we must always be aware of what is happening around us, and hold on to our convictions and values.

And this history of ours will shape our civilisation.

I am grateful for the achievements which we have witnessed so far. This is what I have been trying to convey to you.

I have prepared a thick speech more than 40 paragraphs (for this ceremony) ... (but) I have decided that I should say what I want to say...my thoughts as a person who is destined to lead the nation.

I am here not by force but I choose to be with you because we complement each other.

We should not forget history, (as) it has shown that the media has contributed immensely since the days we were struggling for independence. The media has also played its part when we were grappling with communist insurgency and confrontation with Indonesia.

Tumultuous periods in our history such as the May 13 episode, turmoils in the administration and government as well as in Umno, MCA, MIC, all these have left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape and the people.

And as we join our hands in shaping the future, we cannot escape the fact that media practitioners must be responsive. Otherwise, there will be greater calamity in the country which may not be resolved other than through cooperation based on understanding.

We want to see continued stability and unity, respect for the Rukun Negara, we want to uphold our constitution and our law. We need to care for this nation of ours which practises parliamentary democracy.

For humans, freedom is priceless. But what is the meaning of freedom when in the effort to uphold human rights, an individual would only think about himself and his group, forgetting that others too would like to see their rights respected.

So we should be mindful of all these things.

The value of the freedom to think and act is truly immense. But freedom is not a licence to live aimlessly. And freedom has its limitations. There is no absolute freedom to do whatever we like.

We are a nation aiming for progress and success. We have our respective roles to play. We should always be mindful of that, so be careful. It’s also important to consult one another as this is encouraged under the democratic system.

I hope the media will understand all these things just like how I have to understand them as we move together towards a progressive and successful nation. Let’s create history. Let’s move forward in a civilised manner.

Thank you. – Bernama

IGP: Seven gang leaders in JB identified

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:42:00 +0000

By LOURDES CHARLES and NELSON BENJAMIN

JOHOR BARU: Police have identified seven gang leaders who have been terrorising the state with the help of influential people.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said police were in the process of gathering intelligence to either take action against these leaders under the preventive laws or to charge them in court.

“Many crime heads are from the state. Not only are locals involved but Singaporeans also control certain areas,” he said, admitting that there was a lot of illegal activity in the state which needed to be cleaned up.

Musa explained that the police would have to weed out gangsterism, clamp down on VCD pirates, loan sharks and those involved in prostitution.

“We must take action against the leaders and not just target VCD sellers,” he said.

Musa was in Johor on a one-day working visit to discuss the crime situation with his men and also to brief Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman on police plans to curb the problem.

Asked whether officers carrying out their duties might fear reprisal or transfers because of these influential people, Musa replied: “My men need not worry about getting transferred if they are doing a good job. Just do not victimise anyone.”

Musa, who was satisfied with the efforts taken by the local police to tackle crime in the state, said there was no need for a special task force from Bukit Aman to be sent to Johor as had been done in Sarawak.

“They (Johor police) have their own task force. The situation in Sarawak is different as they (the gangsters) were too much,” he said.

“The situation in Johor is under control but can be improved.”

On gangsterism, Musa said nobody wanted to come forward to give evidence and, as such, the police would have to use preventive laws against the suspects.

“If the gangster comes out from detention within three months, what are we to do?” he asked.

Musa also took local councils to task for approving entertainment licences everywhere, which made policing difficult.

“Even in villages there are entertainment outlets,” he said, adding that fights usually broke out at pubs and clubs.

Malaysia to gain organic farming expertise

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:15:00 +0000

ROME: Malaysia is keen on getting Italian technical expertise in offshore fish farming, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.

This is one of the specific projects that has been identified by the two countries as they set out to develop closer links in the field of agriculture.

To signal their commitment, Muhyiddin and Italy’s Agriculture and Forestry Policies Minister, Paolo De Castro, yesterday signed the Joint Declaration on Agricultural Co-operation, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Muhyiddin said the two countries would form a joint committee to move it forward.

To be chaired either by the minister or a senior officer, the committee will meet once a year alternately in Kuala Lumpur and here.
Muhyiddin said Malaysia was also interested in gaining Italian know-how in organic farming; research and development in crop genes and microbiology, farming automation, vaccines for the livestock industry, and alfalfa planting for the equestrian industry.

The Malaysia-Italy Business Council would also be created for the private sector, he said.

The minister noted that trade in agriculture between the two countries was limited now as the bulk of Malaysian agricultural products entered Italy through the Dutch port city of Rotterdam. — Bernama

Eric Chia acquitted of CBT

noreply@blogger.com (Master) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:06:00 +0000

Tycoon Tan Sri Eric Chia Eng Hock was wheeled out of the Kuala Lumpur court complex a free man after he was acquitted by the Sessions Court of committing criminal breach of trust 13 years ago involving RM76.4mil.