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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Don't abuse preventive laws

The Government did abuse  Internal Security Act (ISA) and Emergency Ordinance (EO). It detained people without trial; they could not charge the Government in court.
     Now, the Government has repealed ISA and EO. As Malaysians face various crimes such as the Am Bank founder murdered in bright daylight yesterday, the police believe that criminals, who were previously detained under EO, are responsible for serious crimes. They form syndicates.
     "We intend to bring it (existing laws), for the next parliamentary session, the provisions that can strengthen the capabilities of the police to act (against criminals)," says Datuk Seri Najib. We don't know what extra power will the police get.
     Although the Prime Minister states that the Government is committed to upholding human rights, we reiterate that the police must not abuse the extra power. We need an effective mechanism to protect human rights.

勿滥用(未经审判即可扣留人)的法令

政府曾经滥用内部安全法令和紧急法令。它扣留未经审判的人;这些人不能把政府控上法庭。
     现在,政府已经废除内安令和紧急法令。大马人民面对各种罪案,诸如昨天一银行家光天烈日下被谋杀。警方相信这些案件是与前紧急法令扣留犯有关。他们组织小集团造案。
     "我们打算在下一次的国会会议,提出现有的法令和条款,以增强警察采取行动(对付罪犯)的能力,"首相这么说。我们不知道警察将获得什么额外的权力。
     虽然首相说政府致力于维护基本人权,但是,我们坚持警方千万不要滥用额外的权力。我们需要有效的人权机制。

Don't abuse preventive laws

The Government did abuse the Internal Security Act (ISA) and Emergency Ordinance (EO). It detained people and they could not charge the Government in court.
     Now, the Government has repealed ISO and EO. As Malaysians face various crimes such as the murder of the founder of Am Bank yesterday, the police believe that hard criminals who were previously detained under EO, have returned to crimes. They form syndicates.
     "We intend to bring it (existing laws), for the next parliamentary session the provisions that can strengthen the capabilities of the police to act (against criminals)," says Datuk Seri Najib. We don't know what extra power will be given to the police.
     Although the Prime Minister states that the Government is committed to upholding human rights, we reiterate that the police must not abuse the extra power. 
    

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Review the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025

In Malaysia, whenever an Education Minister assumes office, he produces an education blueprint, starting with Razak Report 1956. Now, Education Minister YAB Muhyiddin presents Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. The Prime Minister YAB Najib launched it on September 11, 2012.
     Many experts including those from universities have done studies. But, they have not consulted vernacular and religious schools. YAB Muhyiddin can confirm whether they have done so.
     The Blueprint wants to create universal and quality education. The aims are good, but the Blueprint creates controversy.
     Lets hope that YAB Muhyiddin review the Blueprint, consistent with world education.
    

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Promulgate laws to ban minister to bid for government contracts

"Those in position of power--including ministers or chief ministers--can evade power abuse or graft allegations by simply opting out of government meetings (in which) contracts or land are decided on, "says Tan Sri Abu Kassim, Chief Commissioner, MACC.
     Actually, we reiterate the need to promulgate laws to ban minister, chief minister, menteri besar and government officials from abusing family ties or cronies to bid for lucrative projects. They hold public office with the sole purpose of serving the public.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Monitor the quality of doctors

"Malaysia has 39,000 practising doctors. From 2013 to 2020, the Government will appoint 4000 to 6000 new medical officers every year, " the Health Ministry says in Parliament.
     Malaysians want good medical service. Some doctors give better service than the others. Patients stand in long queues at government clinics and see the attitude of some staff members; they feel anguished.
     The Government sets up over 200 1 Malaysia clinics. But, the people worry about the quality of doctors and the standard of service.
     The Medical Act 1971 enables the Ministry to monitor these aspects. We need effective monitoring. 
    

Saturday, July 20, 2013

People want good medical service

People want good medical service such as in government clinics. Long queues in these clinics and the attitude of some staff members affect patients.
     Now, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib sets up over 200 1 Malaysia clinics in the country. Some people ask about doctors and quality of service in these clinics. What is the wastage especially in the supply of medicines?
    

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fair criteria for public university enrolment

Going to university is a good thing. For the 2013-2014 session, 68,702 Malaysian students applied for public universities and 41,571 of them were successful. Then, yesterday, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib twitted to console them ".....Will discuss in Cabinet this week on how best to help them."

Hundreds of students with good grade, including the 55 with high marks, wonder what has hit them. Their parents are frontically seeking a way out. They look to the Prime Minister for fair criteria in university enrolment.

In university enrolment, some succeed and some don't. But, each university must be seen to be fair. This is important.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

The Government must reveal the details of Taman Beringin incinerator

Solid waste or rubbish increases daily. Kuala Lumpur has over 3000 tonnes of rubbish a day; about 50% are food waste.

Managing rubbish is complicated. People do not want rubbish dump and incinerator.Last month, out of the blue, the Government announces that it proposes an incinerator at Taman Beringin, Jinjang North, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, near the existing transfer station. It has had no consultations with Kepong residents.

Over 40 years, Jinjang North has experienced two rubbish dumps and the existing transfer station. Now, it is staring at an incinerator that will pollute the environment. It will produce toxic gases such as dioxins that can damage human health such as causing cancer.

Last week, Local Government minister Datuk Abdul Rahman mentioned Taman Beringin incinerator. Still, he did not answer questions on it.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

How many times do we have to cooperate to prevent haze?

Year after year, the Government says that Malaysia and Indonesia cooperate to put out forest fires and to prevent haze. But fires rekindle and haze follows. We cannot control the practice of slash and burn as the cheapest way to replanting.
     During the present haze season, people suffer. Indonesian  Environment Minister blames eight Malaysian companies which have plantations in Riau and Sumatera. But after our Environment Minister Datuk Seri Palanivel visited Jakarta two days ago, he points out there are only four Malaysian companies; they deny the allegation.
    The minister says that Malaysia and Indonesia work together to find a permanent solution to the haze. How many times do we have to work together to get rid of the recurrent disaster?

Parks: a balance between commercialization & natural environment.

The allocation or contribution for development projects at the Prime Botanical Garden or the Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden is about RM30 million. Works on the second phase is going on.
     Providing basic facilities for cityfolks and tourists is reasonable. These have to be maintained. But to introduce commercialized projects in public parks attract attention.
     What do the public think of the commercialization in parks? Do they prefer a more natural environment? How do we strike a balance?
    

DPM explains how he uses religious values to unite races

Deputy PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin talks about racial understanding through religions. Indeed, relig
ions have universal values that are good for our plural society.YAB should elaborate on how he intends to practise these values.

Media conference and incinerator rubbish in Taman Beringin, Kepong.

Rubbish and incinerator connote environmental pollution, Last month, Local Government minister Datuk Abdul Rahman announced the proposal to build an incinerator at Taman Beringin, Jinjang Utara, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. We are waiting for the details. We are going to hold a media conference at 10 am on Sunday July 14, 2013 at Pekan Jinjang Utara, concerning the need for the impact of the incinerator on the environment and consultations with the people of Kepong.

Investigate the number of foreign workers who become trader

Investigate the number of foreign workers who become traders.

DAP MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges the Government to inquire
into the number of foreign workers who become traders. This in-depth
study should also be done in other sectors such as plantation and
manufacturing.

In the past 20 years, various sectors in this country depend on
foreign workers. Although the Government says that this is only
temporary, it is temporarily permanent. It is also seen in other
countries.

The Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Ismail insists that the
number of legal workers is 1.5 million and that of illegals 1.3
million. We do not know the actual figures. One guess is that the
country has four million illegals; Sarawak and Sabah 1.3 million.

The issue of foreign workers is complicated. We hope that the
Government programmes to reduce the number of foreign workers are
successful. Meanwhile, people continue to worry.


Media conference and Taman Beringin incinerator, Kepong.

Rubbish and incinerator connote environmental pollution. Last month, Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman announced the proposal to build a rubbish incinerator at Taman Beringin, Jinjang North, Kepong. Hence, we are going to have a media conference at 10 am on Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Pekan Jinjang Utara on the need for environmental assessment and consultation with the people of Kepong.

Monday, July 08, 2013

The details of Taman Beringin incinerator project for KL rubbish?

Incinerator burns rubbish, giving out toxic gases such as dioxins.  Malaysians object.
     Today, in the House, Housing Minister Dato' Abdul Rahman mentions again incinerator project in Taman Beringin,  Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.  He doesn't give details.
     In the past 40 years, Jinjang puts up with two rubbish dumps and one transfer station. KL City Hall closed down the two dumps 10 years ago.  After initial treatment at the station, rubbish is transported to Bukit Tagar, Selangor.
     KL needs to manage rubbish. One way is to build an incinerator. Will it be built in Taman Beringin?

Sunday, July 07, 2013

For whom is parliamentary Question Time?

Members of Parliament have many duties. One of them is to ask ministers about matters that concern the people. During the question hour in the House, a member asks short questions and a minister answers succinctly.
     Today, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Shabery says that the extension of. Question Time from one to one and a half hours in Parliament is to be fairer to the Opposition and promote transparency. It sounds unusual.
     Malaysians can tell Shabery that the above extension of time is for all members. Further, questions tend to be long and answers are usually long ministerial statements. Why should ministers misuse Question Time?

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Reduce the rate of Internet payment for students

Computer and Internet play an important part in education. Now, Malaysia has various systems to catch up. For example, a student pays at a rate of RM150 a month for Unifi. But, poor families including single parents cannot afford it. So, the Education Minister YAB Muhyiddin must consider the ways to reduce the rate.

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Need a Royal Commission to probe the Lahad Datu incident

This morning, the Deputy Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi explained to the House the incursion incident at Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah. However, it is still a mystery. Honestly, Malaysians want to know how the army and the police let a band of Suluks cause havoc in our country. As the Government cannot answer many questions, we propose setting up a Royal Commission to get to the bottom of the incident. 

Monday, July 01, 2013

Investigation of EC's purchase of indelible ink must be fair

The Malaysian Election Commission (EC) must be seen to be fair. It bought indelible ink in 2008 and 2013. But, the use of the ink in the 2013 general elections sparked controversy. Now, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) wants to investigate the purchase of the ink. Frankly, it must show that it is fair in various aspects. Then, we can wait for the findings.