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Monday, October 31, 2011

Housing Ministry must monitor JMBs closely

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw presses Housing and Local Government Ministry to improve its monitoring of Joint Management Bodies, JMB, in all highrise residential buildings.

On 31.10.2011, Dr Tan listened to the answer from the Deputy Minister of Housing on JMBs. He has to look into it further.

As society advances, more Malaysians migrate to towns especially big ones such as Kuala Lumpur. One solution to the housing problem is having more highrise buildings as seen in KL. According to the Deputy Minister, out of 1,886 developers in KL, 538 JMBs have been formed. There are over 2000 JMBs in the country.

Besides some highrise residential buildings without JMBs, those with JMBs face various problems, including residents who do not pay maintenance fees.

In Kepong, JMBs have their share of difficulties, whether low or medium cost buildings or condominiums.For example, Kestana Condominium, Kepong, has JMB which is represented by residents. These office-bearers have their respective occupations. They employ workers such as Noor Salida Ahmad who was account executive. On 3.10.11, the discovered that she used false documents to swindle them of RM253,000. The case is under police investigation.

Over five years ago, the Housing Ministry presented JMB Bill in Parliament. We listed the difficulties such as the lack of effectiveness of JMBs in the Malaysian setting. Nevertheless, the bill was passed. The Ministry must step up its surveillance of JMBs in the country.

Tan Seng Giaw

Sunday, October 23, 2011

How long does it take for detailed studies of Terengganu stadium collapse?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Central Government to let us know how many years does it take for the detailed studies of the collapsed Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.

On 23.10.2011, the Terengganu Menteri Besar YAB Datuk Seri Ahmad Said says that he would repair even tomorrow if the detailed studies are completed.After over two years, these studies are not available.

On the same day, Dr Tan responds to the Menteri Besar's desire to know the technical and legal aspects of the collapsed stadium.

The RM292 million stadium was scarcely completed when its roof collapsed on 2 June, 2009. There was no casualty. A competition was supposed to take place next day.

On 15 October, 2011, I saw the stadium which was situated in a nice place. It made me wonder whether the whole complex was worth RM292 million. The Government would have to come out with the truth.

Why should detailed studies take so long? Are there special problems?

Tan Seng Giaw

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fair criteria for STPM holders to further their studies

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Higher Education Ministry to come out with fair criteria for students who have passed Higher School Certificate, Matriculation and Asasi to further their studies.

Countries with similar types of examinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have their system for Sixth Form holders to further their studies. Some end up in universities and some in colleges.

On 19.10.2010, Dr Tan comments on the media report that 12,000 STPM/Matriculation/Asasi holders who have not managed a place in the 20 public universities.

It is a good thing to see that thousands of Malaysian youths sit for the equivalent of Sixth Form examinations. We hope that the Education Ministry ensures that STPM, Matriculation and Asasi have equivalent Sixth Form standard. Although these examinations do not necessarily reflect the true ability of every student, candidates who take these examinations believe in education.

According to the Higher Education Ministry, 64,703 candidates with passes in STPM/Matriculation/Asasi applied for degree courses in 20 public universities; 53,216 had minimum qualifications and 41,267 had been offered places in these universities. 12,000 have not been successful.

Some suggest that 12,000 unsuccessful candidates are enrolled in private institutions. Private universities have their own criteria.

We hope that STPM (HSC), Matriculation and Asasi have equivalent standard. We know that not all who possess Sixth Form certificates will get into institutions to which they have applied. Each institution has its own criteeria. Hence, the Higher Education Ministry must come out with fair and just criteria for university intake. There must be adequate public and private institutions to cater for the need.

Tan Seng Giaw