Tan Keng Liang

PAS YOUTH MUST APOLOGIZE & RETRACT ALLEGATION THAT VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION PROMOTES “IMMORAL ACTIVITIES”

2012-02-07T13:53:00.000+08:00

I refer to the news that PAS Youth propose the government to place advertisement to discourage Muslim from celebrating Valentine’s Day.

PAS Youth Chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi claims that the celebration of Valentine’s Day would promote “immoral activities”.

[ Source: The Star, 7th January, 2012 ]

There’s nothing wrong for PAS Youth to discourage Muslim from celebrating Valentine’s Day if it’s against the teaching of Islam.

However, in doing so, PAS Youth should not allege that Valentine’s Day celebration would promote “immoral activities”.

This would imply that non-Muslim Malaysians who celebrate Valentine’s Day would be involved in “immoral activities”.

PAS Youth should study the history and culture of Valentine’s Day celebration before making such an irresponsible assumption.

It’s wrong for PAS Youth to prejudge the morality of non-Muslim Malaysians who wishes to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The continuous insult by PAS Youth over the years towards those celebrating Valentine’s Day must be stopped.

If Pakatan Rakyat adopts a moderate stand, then they must ensure:-

1. PAS Youth immediately retract their allegation that Valentine’s Day celebration promotes “immoral activities” and to stop repeating such allegation in future; and

2. PAS Youth apologizes for their irresponsible allegation.

DON’T SHIFT THE BLAME TO STATE CIVIL SERVANTS * PAS POLICY TO BAN LIQUOR SALE IS NOTHING NEW *

2012-01-04T12:57:00.002+08:00

I refer to the recent controversy in Kedah surrounding the proposed cancellation of liquor license in Kulim after June, 2012. The proposed move is expected to affect more than 100 local shops.

In response to this, the Kedah PAS-led government claimed yesterday that they have not given any order to the Kulim district office to make it a non-alcohol district in July, 2012.

[ Source: The Star, 4th January, 2012 ]

In addition to this, several state Pakatan leaders, including those from DAP & PKR had implied that the proposed alcohol ban was made by the Kulim district office and not the state. Thus, they have no knowledge of the matter.

Over the past 3 years, we have seen in any controversy arising in Pakatan states, their leaders would tend to blame the state civil servant.

With due respect to them, state civil servant are part of the state administration and within Pakatan’s jurisdiction.

It’s regrettable that the Kedah PAS-led government has yet again tried to give impression as if the Kulim district office is not part of them.

Last year, Kedah Pakatan leaders also tried to distant themselves from Sungai Petani Municipal Council when local stalls were demolished along Jalan Cinta Sayang. In Selangor, Pakatan also disclaim their involvement in JAIS’s raid at a church, despite JAIS is a Selangor Pakatan controlled state agency.

It’s unfair for Pakatan leaders to constantly blame state civil servants when any controversy arises in their administration. The state civil servants are merely carrying out their duty in accordance to the policy of Pakatan Rakyat.

PAS policy to ban the sale of liquor is nothing new, even though it affects the rights of non-Muslim. In 2009, PAS manage to convince Selangor Pakatan state government to ban the sale of liquor in Shah Alam.

Thus, instead of shifting the blame to the state civil servants, Kedah PAS-led should immediately rectify the current fiasco and cancel their ban on the sale of liquor in Kulim.

Kedah Menteri Besar should look into this without any further delay, if the decision to ban liquor sale is really not theirs.

TAHNIAH KEPADA PAKATAN RAKYAT UNTUK TOLAK HUDUD

2011-09-29T12:26:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada mesyuarat Pakatan Rakyat semalam yang memutuskan bahawa Pakatan Rakyat tidak akan melaksanakan hukum Hudud di negara kita, termasuk negeri Kelantan kerana dibantah oleh pelbagai pihak.

1. Saya ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Pakatan Rakyat atas keputusan bernas mereka untuk tidak melaksanakan hukum Hudud di negara kita, termasuk negeri Kelantan.

2. Undang-undang sedia ada di negara kita sudah lama diguna pakai dan tidak perlu diubah secara drastik. Tambahan lagi, Perlembagaan Malaysia tidak mempunyai peruntukan untuk melaksanakan undang-undang Hudud.

3. Keputusan Pakatan Rakyat ini juga jelas menunjukkan bahawa hukum Hudud ditolak oleh majoriti dalam kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat.

4. Perlaksanaan hukum Hudud di Malaysia hanya merupakan impian peribadi segelintir pemimpin di dalam PAS.

5. PAS harus sedar bahawa Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang berbilang kaum dan agama. Adalah tidak wajar PAS memaksa pandangan mereka ke atas semua rakyat Malaysia yang berbilang kaum dan agama.

6. Saya berharap Pakatan Rakyat akan memastikan PAS tidak lagi mengamalkan atau mencadangkan apa-apa dasar dan polisi yang tidak menghormati Perlembagaan Malaysia di dalam negara kita.

PINDA PERLEMBAGAAN NEGERI KEDAH BAGI TIMBALAN MENTERI BESAR

2011-09-03T10:57:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada cadangan penukaran Menteri Besar Kedah Dato Seri Azizan Abdul Razak seperti yang dilaporkan dalam media baru-baru ini. Ini adalah berikutan masalah kesihatannya selepas diserang sakit jantung bulan lepas.

Dalam hal ini, kita harus memahami bahawa tiada pihak yang akan dapat meramal apa-apa masalah kesihatan ataupun apa-apa malapetaka lain yang mungkin terjadi ke atas mana-mana Menteri Besar Kedah, samada dari pihak Pakatan Rakyat ataupun Barisan Nasional.

Tetapi, ini tidak bermakna kerajaan negeri tidak perlu mengambil apa-apa langkah untuk mengelak ketidakpastian sedemikian.

Dalam situasi di mana Menteri Besar Kedah tidak dapat berfungsi bagi suatu tempoh panjang, adalah lebih baik sekiranya kerajaan negeri mempunyai seorang Timbalan Menteri Besar bagi mengambil alih tugas beliau dan memastikan pentadbiran negeri stabil dan tidak terjejas.

Walau bagaimanapun, Perlembagaan negeri Kedah tidak mempunyai apa-apa peruntukan bagi perlantikan jawatan “Timbalan Menteri Besar” sejak dahulu lagi.

Sebuah kerajaan negeri yang stabil harus mempunyai peruntukan untuk apa-apa kejadian yang mungkin menimpa pemimpin tertingginya.

Oleh itu, saya mencadangkan agar kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah mengkaji untuk menwujudkan peruntukan dalam Perlembagaan negeri Kedah untuk jawatan Timbalan Menteri Besar Kedah, sekiranya diperkenan oleh Sultan negeri Kedah.

Sekiranya Menteri Besar Kedah tidak dapat berfungsi dalam tempoh 30 hari, maka Timbalan Menteri Besar Kedah tersebut akan mengambil alih fungsi beliau dalam pentadbiran negeri.

Saya berharap Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah akan meneliti cadangan ini bagi kestabilan negeri pada masa hadapan dan bagi kebaikan rakyat negeri Kedah.

PAS SHOULD LEARN FROM KEDAH ENTERTAINMENT BAN FIASCO THAT EXTREME POLICIES NOT WELCOME IN OUR MODERATE COUNTRY

2011-07-17T16:19:00.000+08:00

I refer to the recent decision by Kedah PAS government to ban entertainment outlets in Kedah during the month of Ramadhan.

I would like to congratulate the announcement by PAS President Dato Seri Abdul Hadi Awang that their government in Kedah would revoke their earlier plans to ban entertainment outlets during the month of Ramadhan.

Undoubtedly, the earlier decision taken by Kedah PAS government would have been a serious infringement of the fundamental rights of non-Muslim in Kedah. It would also have caused severe damage to the tourism industry in Kedah, especially in Langkawi.

The indecisiveness of PAS over the past week in revoking such unfair policies against non-Muslim in Kedah had certainly caused irreversible damage to the confidence of the business community, in particular those in the entertainment and tourism industry.

As such, it is hope that PAS would learn from the recent fiasco that any of their extreme policies are not welcome in any part of our country.

PAS should learn to adapt and be part of our moderate country that has been free of extremism.

In line with today’s decision, Kedah Gerakan Youth hope that Dato Seri Abdul Hadi Awang would ensure that their PAS government in Kedah would pass the requisite decision in the upcoming State Executive Council (Exco) meeting this Wednesday to revoke their earlier plans to ban entertainment outlets during Ramadhan month.

The decision in Kedah Exco should also lay down clearly all the conditions that the state wishes to impose on the entertainment outlets during Ramadhan month so as to avoid any ambiguity and confusion.

KEDAH PAKATAN RAKYAT GOVERNMENT TO FACE LEGAL ACTION IF FAIL TO LIFT BAN ON ENTERTAINMENT OUTLETS AGAINST NON-MUSLIM

2011-07-15T15:03:00.000+08:00

I refer to the decision by Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government to ban entertainment outlets in the state for the whole period of 1 month during Ramadhan.

It is obvious that the move by Pakatan Rakyat in Kedah would affect non-Muslims as the ban of the entertainment outlets would in total. There’s no exception for non-Muslims.

Notwithstanding the move by Pakatan Rakyat had been severely criticized by Kedahans since its announcement on Wednesday by Menteri Besar Kedah, Pakatan Rakyat national leaders had failed to ensure the immediate reversal of the decision in Kedah.

The decision by Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government would:-

1. severely affect the tourism industry in Langkawi;
2. challenges the basic human rights of non-Muslim in the state; and
3. cause difficulties to operators and employees of the entertainment outlets.

Any further procrastination by Pakatan Rakyat in reversing the decision in Kedah would cause more ambiguity in the policies in the state.

Both DAP and PKR should not sacrifice Kedahans as “tribute” to please their counterparts PAS.

Kedahans do not need any rhetoric protest from any DAP or PKR leaders which would not solve the predicament faced by Kedahans.

Kedah Gerakan Youth demands that Pakatan Rakyat national leaders immediately within a period of one (1) week ensure the reversal of the decision by their government in Kedah to ban entertainment outlets against non-Muslim during the month of Ramadhan.

In the event if Pakatan Rakyat fails to meet our demands by 22nd July, 2011, we will not hesitate to commence any legal proceedings to protect the interest of all Kedahans.

Bersih Digesa Ubah Lokasi (Sinar Harian)

2011-06-14T14:16:00.003+08:00

BERSIH DISERU DEMO DALAM STADIUM, JANGAN JEJAS KEHIDUPAN RAKYAT

2011-06-13T12:50:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada demostrasi yang akan dianjurkan oleh Gabungan Pilihanraya Adil dan Bersih (“Bersih”) pada 9 Julai, 2011 di ibu kota, Kuala Lumpur. Pihak penganjur demostrasi tersebut telah mensasarkan kehadiran lebih kurang 60 ribu orang.

1. Di dalam sistem demokratik negara kita, Bersih berhak untuk menyuarakan pandangannya dalam apa-apa isu yang ingin diperjuangkan mereka. Tetapi ini tidak bererti mereka berhak untuk menganjurkan apa-apa aktiviti yang akan menjejaskan ketenteraman awam.

2. Seperti yang telah dilihat pada tahun sebelumnya, demostrasi sebegini akan mengakibatkan kesesakan lalu lintas yang teruk di sekitar ibu kota.

3. Ini secara tidak langsung akan menjejaskan sumber pendapatan golongan tertentu di kawasan yang terlibat.

4. Selain itu, keselamatan dan harta benda rakyat di kawasan yang terlibat mungkin juga akan terancam.

5. Oleh yang demikian, Pemuda Gerakan Kedah mencadangkan agar pihak penganjur demostrasi Bersih mengubah tempat demostrasi tersebut ke dalam sebuah “Stadium”.

6. Tiada sebab yang munasabah untuk pihak penganjur Bersih menolak cadangan supaya demostrasi tersebut diadakan dalam sebuah Stadium SEKIRANYA objektif mereka hanya untuk menyuarakan isu yang diperjuangkan mereka dan bukannya untuk mengakibatakan huru-hara dalam negara kita.

7. Adalah diharap pihak penganjur demostrasi Bersih tidak akan menjejaskan kehidupan Rakyat dalam perjuangan apa-apa isu di dalam negara kita.

8. Pihak penganjur demostrasi Bersih harus berprihatin terhadap nasib Rakyat dan ketenteraman awam. Keamanan negara tidak harus dipergadaikan.

Sinar Harian: Kerajaan Negeri perlu bertanggungjawab, kata Pemuda Gerakan Kedah

2011-06-01T15:23:00.002+08:00

STAR : Don't Fault Council Chief, says Gerakan [Tan Keng Liang : She was only doing her duty as state official ]

2011-06-01T14:56:00.002+08:00

JANGAN SALAHKAN KAKITANGAN AWAM NEGERI KEDAH * PAKATAN RAKYAT HARUS BERTANGGUNGJAWAB ATAS DASAR SENDIRI *

2011-05-31T13:44:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada keputusan 17 Ahli Majlis Perbandaran Sungai Petani Kedah (MPSPK) untuk tidak menghadiri apa-apa mesyuarat MPSPK sehingga Yang Dipertua MPSPK ditukar.

Isu ini adalah berikutan kes gerai-gerai di sepanjang Jalan Cinta Sayang yang dirobohkan oleh MPSPK baru-baru ini. Ahli-ahli Majlis MPSPK tersebut juga telah menghantar memorandum kepada Menteri Besar Kedah semalam.

MB Kedah berkata tindakan meroboh gerai tersebut perlu melalui perbincangan dan mesti ada sifat kemanusiaan, walaupun penubuhan gerai tersebut didapati menyalahi undang-undang.

[ Sumber: WartaKedah.net – 31 Mei, 2011 ]

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal dengan insiden ini di mana kakitangan awam negeri secara tidak langsung disalahkan apabila berlaku masalah akibat polisi kerajaan negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

MPSPK adalah di bawah pengurusan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah. Keputusan yang diambil oleh MPSPK adalah sebenarnya keputusan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah.

Adalah tidak wajar Pakatan Rakyat memberi tanggapan kepada rakyat Kedah seolah-olah MPSPK bukan di bawah pengurusan mereka.

Tindakan kakitangan awam negeri Kedah adalah mengikut polisi dan dasar Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah. Pakatan Rakyat harus bertanggungjawab ke atas polisi dan dasar yang ditetapkan mereka.

Oleh itu, Pakatan Rakyat tidak harus menjadikan kakitangan awam negeri, termasuk MPSPK sebagai mangsa apabila berlaku apa-apa masalah dalam pentadbiran negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Pada hakikatnya, masalah yang dihadapi oleh rakyat Kedah adalah berpunca daripada dasar-dasar Pakatan Rakyat yang tidak berprihatin terhadap nasib rakyat Kedah. Dasar dan polisi sedemikian harus ditukar dan bukannya kakitangan awam yang hanya menjalankan tugas.

Saya berharap agar Menteri Besar Kedah memastikan kerajaan negeri Pakatan Rakyat Kedah bertanggungjawab ke atas kes gerai-gerai yang dirobohkan di Sungai Petani oleh MPSPK.

Saya mencadangkan agar kerajaan negeri Kedah:-

1. membina semula gerai-gerai tersebut di suatu tapak yang dipersetujui oleh semua pemilik gerai-gerai tersebut; dan

2. tidak lagi menyalahkan kakitangan awam negeri Kedah yang hanya menjalankan tugas mengikut dasar dan polisi Pakatan Rakyat.

PAKATAN RAKYAT PUSAT DIGESA CAMPUR TANGAN UNTUK SELESAIKAN ISU CUKAI TANAH UUM AKIBAT TINDAKAN MELAMPAU NEGERI PAS KEDAH

2011-05-05T15:09:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada isu cukai tanah Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) yang telah dinaikkan dari RM100,000 setahun kepada RM1.7 juta setahun, iaitu 17 kali ganda. Ini adalah berikutan kerajaan PAS Kedah enggan menyambung rebat cukai tanah kepada UUM.

Semalam, Menteri Besar Kedah Dato Seri Ustaz Azizan Abdul Razak turut berkata bahawa tindakan undang-undang bakal diambil terhadap UUM sekira mereka enggan membayar cukai tanah pada kadar baru tersebut dalam tempoh yang diberikan. Ini termasuk denda sebanyak RM90,000 atau tanah disita oleh kerajaan negeri.
[ Sumber: The Malaysian Insider 5th May, 2011 ]

Saya berasa kesal dengan kenyataan baru Menteri Besar Kedah yang dilihat tidak ikhlas dalam menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh UUM, iaitu salah satu institut pengajian tinggi di negeri Kedah.

Kerajaan PAS Kedah harus memahami bahawa UUM adalah suatu institut penting di negeri Kedah yang membina modal insan negara dan bukannya suatu tempat untuk mengaut keuntungan.

Kenyataan Menteri Besar tersebut merupakan suatu desakan yang melampau dan seakan ugutan terhadap suatu institut pengajian tinggi UUM.

Kerajaan PAS Kedah seharusnya menyelesaikan masalah yang ditimbulkannya dan bukannya mengeluarkan kenyataan yang melampau.

Pada hakikatnya, tindakan kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah yang enggan melanjutkan rebat cukai tanah (diberikan dahulu oleh kerajaan Kedah Barisan Nasional) sememangnya telah menaikkan jumlah cukai tanah yang perlu dibayar oleh UUM sebanyak 17 kali ganda. Ini bakal menjejaskan bajet UUM, yang sepatutnya digunakan untuk membantu pembangunan pelajar-pelajar UUM

Memandangkan kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah tidak ikhlas dalam menyelesaikan isu cukai tanah UUM tersebut, saya berharap kepimpinan pusat Pakatan Rakyat membuat pendirian mereka terhadap isu ini bagi menyelesaikan kemelut yang dihadapi UUM akibat tindakan kerajaan PAS Kedah.

Pemimpin-pemimpin pusat Pakatan Rakyat, seperti Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang dan Dato Seri Abdul Hadi Awang tidak boleh selalu berdiam diri apabila rakyat di negeri Pakatan Rakyat Kedah menghadapi masalah. Justeru, Pakatan Rakyat pusat digesa campur tangan untuk menyelesaikan isu cukai tanah UUM akibat tindakan kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ANOTHER PAKATAN EMPTY PROMISE, UNLESS HELD IN ALL PR STATE BEFORE NEXT GE

2011-05-05T10:29:00.001+08:00

I refer to the decision of Pakatan Rakyat Selangor state government to hold local government elections by the end of this month to elect 3 village chiefs for Kampung Baru Sungai Jarom, Kampung Baru Pandamaran and Kampung Bagan in Pulau Ketam.

Prior to this, Pakatan Rakyat had refused or failed to implement local government elections for all their Pakatan Rakyat states, being Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Selangor.

This is contrary to their election pledge made to Malaysian during the general election 2008, which was also reaffirmed last year during their Pakatan Rakyat Convention.

In the past 3 years, Pakatan Rakyat states had constantly given various excuses, including legality, for their refusal or failure to implement local government elections in their respective states. Last year, DAP led Penang state government had also commissioned a panel to study the legal aspect on holding local government elections in the state. But to date, they had not concluded whether they would hold local government elections or not.

Now, the decision of Selangor to hold local government elections for 3 villages clearly show that Pakatan Rakyat states are able to hold local government elections as the “power to appoint ultimately lies in their hands”. The issue is whether Pakatan Rakyat wants to fulfill their pledge to hold such election or not prior to exercising their power to appoint.

Pakatan Rakyat should be reminded that holding local government elections for 3 villages in Selangor does not absolve them from fulfilling their pledge to hold local government elections in all Pakatan Rakyat states.

It would be a mockery if Pakatan Rakyat only proceeds with local government elections for the 3 villages but refuse to implement it in other parts of Pakatan Rakyat states.

Pakatan Rakyat states must now disclose whether they intend to fulfill their pledge to hold local government elections for all Pakatan Rakyat states.

If Pakatan Rakyat fail to fulfill local government elections in all their states before the next general election, then it is fair for Malaysian to consider it as another Pakatan Rakyat empty promise.

PKR BIADAP DEMONSTRASI DI DALAM MASJID

2011-04-29T23:07:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada tindakan ahli-ahli serta beberapa pemimpin PKR yang telah mengadakan demostrasi di dalam sebuah Masjid di Sentul, Kuala Lumpur pada hari ini.

Ini berikutan bantahan mereka terhadap suatu upacara “Sumpah Laknat” yang akan diadakan di dalam Masjid tersebut.

Demostrasi tersebut telah mengakibatkan huru-hara di dalam Masjid tersebut pada hari ini.

Seperti yang diketahui PKR, Masjid merupakan tempat beribadat bagi orang-orang Muslim di negara kita. Ia merupakan suatu tempat suci yang harus dihormati oleh semua pihak tanpa mengira fahaman politik mereka.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal terhadap tindakan PKR mengadakan demostrasi di dalam sebuah Masjid pada hari ini.

Sungguhpun PKR ingin membantah apa-apa upacara dalam sebuah Masjid, mereka harus melakukan dengan cara yang beradat dan di tempat yang bersesuaian. Mereka tidak harus mengadakan demostrasi di dalam mana-mana tempat beribadat, termasuk Masjid. Ini bukan amalan rakyat Malaysia.

Sebelum ini, beberapa pemimpin PKR juga turut terlibat dalam demostrasi semasa hari kedua Tahun Baru Cina dalam isu negara Mesir.

PKR harus berprihatin dan menghormati adat dan agama semua rakyat Malaysia.

Saya dengan ini mengesa agar kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat untuk:-

1. memberi penjelasan kepada rakyat Malaysia kenapa PKR mengadakan demostrasi di dalam sebuah Masjid pada hari ini; dan

2. memberi jaminan bahawa PKR akan menghormati adat & agama semua rakyat Malaysia serta undang-undang negara semasa mengadakan apa-apa demostrasi.

KERAJAAN PAS KEDAH HARUS KEKALKAN CUKAI TANAH UUM & JANGAN KELUARKAN CABARAN YANG TIDAK BERNAS

2011-04-19T12:44:00.004+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada isu kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah menaikkan cukai tanah Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) dari RM100,000 setahun kepada RM1.2 juta setahun, iaitu 12 kali ganda.

Menurut Menteri Besar Kedah Dato Seri Ustaz Azizan Abdul Razak, jumlah yang perlu dibayar oleh UUM sebanyak RM1.2 juta adalah mengikut perjanjian asal. Pembayaran RM100 ribu setahun bagi tahun 2006 hingga 2008 yang dibuat oleh UUM adalah selepas kerajaan negeri meluluskan permohonan rebat kepada mereka. Beliau berkata kenaikan cukai tanah UUM sebenarnya tidak berlaku. Apa yang terjadi ialah penarikan balik rebat cukai tanah selama dua tahun yang diberikan Kerajaan Negeri kepada UUM.

Kerajaan Negeri juga menawarkan diri untuk mengambil alih Universiti Utara Malaysia sekiranya pentadbirannya sekarang sudah tidak mampu mengurus kewangan universiti.

[ Sumber: Warta Kedah 19hb April, 2011 – www.wartakedah.net ]

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal dengan penjelasan yang diberikan oleh kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah yang tidak ikhlas untuk menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Kerajaan negeri Kedah harus memahami bahawa UUM merupakan suatu institut pengajian tinggi yang bertujuan membina modal insan negara dan mengembangkan potensi golongan anak muda kita.

Pada hakikatnya, tindakan kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah membatalkan rebat cukai tanah (yang diberikan dahulu oleh kerajaan Kedah Barisan Nasional) sememangnya telah menaikkan jumlah cukai tanah yang perlu dibayar oleh UUM. Ini akan menjejaskan bajet UUM, yang sepatutnya digunakan untuk membantu pembangunan pelajar-pelajar UUM.

Saya juga berasa kesal bahawa kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah kini mencabar UUM menyerahkan pentadbirannya kepada kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah sekiranya UUM tidak mampu mengurus kewangannya. Kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah seharusnya menyelesaikan masalah yang ditimbulkannya dan bukannya mengeluarkan cabaran yang tidak bernas.

Isu ini dapat diselesaikan sekiranya kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah mengekalkan cukai tanah UUM pada kadar RM100 ribu. Saya berharap kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah akan berprihatin terhadap pembangunan pelajar-pelajar di UUM.

NO DOUBLE STANDARD IN ENSURING OPEN TENDER IN PAKATAN STATE PROJECTS - PENANG WIFI PROJECT

2011-03-31T13:46:00.002+08:00

I refer to the statement by the Penang government today that it was willing to consider an alternative firm to carry out the state’s free WiFi initiative, but only if it accepted the conditions imposed on the current operating company.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng explained that the only reason why the current operating company had been offered to carry out phase two of the project “without an open tender” was because it was the only company that had applied for and qualified for the award.

This was in response to criticism of Penang Pakatan Rakyat government in not holding open tender for the RM8.49 million Penang WiFi project.

[ Source: The Malaysian Insider 31st March, 2011 ]

Prior to this, I have stated that the refusal by Penang Pakatan Rakyat government to hold an open tender for the RM8.49 million Penang WiFi project was contrary to their election pledge, including their promises made in Pakatan Rakyat Common Policies Framework and their recently announced Orange Book. Such a move would create more precedent for Pakatan Rakyat to renege on their election pledge and to “arbitrarily” depart from policies assured to Malaysians.

With due respect to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng:-

1. the state’s decision to consider granting the WiFi project to other companies on same terms as those given to current operating company does not absolve Pakatan Rakyat from fulfilling their pledge to hold Open Tender for their state project. Penang Pakatan Rakyat should not self presume that the current offer is the best deal for the state. This should be confirmed transparently via Open Tender.

2. it is not for him or Pakatan Rakyat to also self presume that there is only one (1) company that interested and qualified for the state project. This should also be confirmed transparently via Open Tender.

As this matter involves promises made by Pakatan Rakyat in their Common Policies Framework and their recently announced Orange Book, it is pertinent now for Pakatan Rakyat’s de facto leader Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain why no action are taken by him against Pakatan Rakyat states that refuse to adhere to their promises to hold Open Tender for all state projects.

Pakatan Rakyat should not practice double standards when comes to administering Open Tenders in their own states.

Pakatan Rakyat Gagal Laksana Tender Terbuka Bagi SEMUA Projek Negeri Pakatan * Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat & Buku Jingga Dipertikaikan *

2011-03-28T13:22:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada keputusan kerajaan negeri Pakatan Rakyat Pulau Pinang untuk memberi kontrak RM8.5 juta bagi projek WiFi Pulau Pinang tanpa proses Tender Terbuka.

Pada pilihanraya umum lepas, Pakatan Rakyat (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Barisan Alternatif) telah berjanji akan melaksanakan Tender Terbuka bagi projek kerajaan.

Ini juga jelas termaktub dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat yang diperkenalkan mereka pada akhir tahun 2009.

Baru-baru ini, Pakatan Rakyat juga telah menyatakan di dalam “Buku Jingga” bahawa Pakatan Rakyat akan meneruskan sistem Tender Terbuka.

Tetapi di sebalik janji-janji tersebut, Pakatan Rakyat telah gagal untuk memastikan Tender Terbuka diadakan bagi semua projek negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Pemberian kontrak RM8.5 juta bagi projek WiFi Pulau Pinang tanpa Tender Terbuka adalah bukti jelas bahawa Pakatan Rakyat tidak mengamalkan Tender Terbuka bagi SEMUA projek negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat. Ini bakal menjadi asas (“precedent”) bagi Pakatan Rakyat untuk tidak melaksanakan Tender Terbuka bagi projek negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat lain (Kedah, Selangor dan Kelantan).

Insiden ini juga merupakan suatu lagi contoh Pakatan Rakyat gagal untuk mengamalkan apa yang dijanjikan mereka kepada rakyat apabila diberi peluang di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Justeru, saya menyeru agar ketua umum Pakatan Rakyat Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim memperjelaskan kepada rakyat Malaysia:-

1. kenapa sistem Tender Terbuka tidak diadakan untuk SEMUA projek negeri Pakatan Rakyat?

2. apakah tindakan yang akan diambil Pakatan Rakyat untuk memastikan sistem Tender Terbuka diadakan untuk SEMUA projek negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat?

Selaku ketua umum Pakatan Rakyat, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim tidak harus lagi menutup mata apabila jelas negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat tidak memperdulikan janji-janji yang diberi Pakatan Rakyat kepada rakyat dalam “Buku Jingga” dan “Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat”.

DAP should not be subservient to PAS just to appease their partnership in Pakatan Rakyat

2011-03-06T13:34:00.002+08:00

I refer to the call by DAP Chairman YB Karpal Singh for Kelantan government to lift the ban on gambling in the state. The call was made after recent move by the PAS-led state government to ban the sale of lottery tickets in the state.

YB Karpal Singh said that gambling for non-Muslims was an individual’s prerogative and it is also not prohibited under federal law.

However, notwithstanding DAP’s call for the ban to be lifted, it was reported that the PAS-led state government had continued raiding premises that sells lottery tickets and will continue to do so in the future.

Prior to YB Karpal Singh statement, PAS Youth Chief Nasruddin Hassan Tantawi had also called for a total ban of gambling in Pakatan Rakyat led states and other parts in the country.

[ Source: The Star 6th March, 2011 ]

Though I fully agree with the DAP Chairman on this matter, I find it disturbing that PAS continue to impose PAS Islamic principles on non-Muslim in spite the protest from DAP. It only makes one wonder what are the actual policies and principles of Pakatan Rakyat.

Worse still, PAS Youth had gone further to suggest expansion of the ban in other Pakatan Rakyat states.

Instead of making mere rhetoric protest, DAP must ensure that the ban on gambling is “actually lifted” in Kelantan if they are sincere in their protest against it.DAP must also ensure that no other PAS Islamic policies are imposed upon non-Muslim in other Pakatan Rakyat states.

It is pertinent that DAP should not be subservient to PAS just to appease their partnership in Pakatan Rakyat. This is especially on matter relating to the interest of all Malaysians in Pakatan Rakyat states where the Menteri Besars are held by PAS.

If DAP chooses to remain in silent, it would produce more precedent for PAS and Pakatan Rakyat to continue to impose PAS Islamic principles on non-Muslim, even when it’s against their wishes.

Thus, I hope DAP would be sincere this time when protesting against PAS.

WOULD PAKATAN ALSO ALLOW PAS TO IMPLEMENT HUDUD & PAS VERSION OF ISLAMIC POLICIES ON NON-MUSLIM AFTER PAKATAN SILENCE ON BAN OF LOTTERY?

2011-03-04T14:06:00.000+08:00

I refer to the recent move by Kelantan government to ban the sale of Big Sweep lottery tickets in the state.

Under existing regulations, only non-Muslim are allowed to purchase these Big Sweep lottery tickets.

The move by Kelantan government would clearly infringe the affairs of non-Muslim. This would be a precedent for further infringement of the rights of non-Muslims in Pakatan Rakyat states.

PAS must understand that Malaysia is a multi racial and religion country and it is wrong to impose PAS’s views on non-Muslim in Pakatan Rakyat states.

It is even more evident now that when opportunity arises, PAS will take drastic steps to impose their views on non-Muslim and Pakatan Rakyat would be silent on the matter.

It can also be seen in recent New Year eve celebration in Kedah, where the state under PAS attempted to separate women and men at the event, regardless of whether they are Muslim or otherwise.

To date, PAS has not even stipulate clearly what version of Islamic State that they intend to implement in Malaysia. Pakatan Rakyat has also refuse to guarantee Malaysians that they would not implement Hudud and convert Malaysia into PAS version of Islamic State, if they take over the country. This matter has not been expressly dealt in Pakatan Rakyat Common Policies Framework launched in December, 2009.

The ambiguity in the “actual” policies of Pakatan Rakyat would be a serious cause of concerns for Malaysians that wish to gamble the fate of our country with Pakatan Rakyat, which is aligned to PAS.

The recent move by PAS shows that it is probable that PAS may impose Hudud & PAS version of Islamic policies in Malaysia on non-Muslim when opportunity arises.

Thus, if Pakatan Rakyat is a transparent political party, Pakatan Rakyat must clarify clearly to Malaysians whether Pakatan Rakyat would allow PAS to implement Hudud and PAS version of Islamic policies in Malaysia if they take over the country.

Beri Alternatif Kepada Rakyat Kedah Untuk Bayar Komisyen Pejabat Pos - Kekalkan Perkhidmatan Pembayaran Bil Air Di Pejabat Pos

2011-03-02T12:01:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada keputusan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah untuk menamatkan perkhidmatan pembayaran bil air di Pejabat Pos mulai 1 Mac, 2011.

Menurut Syarikat Air Darul Aman (SADA), pemberhentian perkhidmatan itu terpaksa dibuat kerana pembayaran komisyen kepada Pejabat Pos merugikan SADA. Kadar komisyen yang dikenakan oleh Pejabat Pos dahulunya adalah 70 sen satu bil dan ia akan dinaikkan ke 90 sen satu bil mulai 1 Mac, 2011.

Sebelum ini, semua komisyen tersebut dibayar oleh SADA dan dianggarkan hampir RM100,000 sebulan. SADA turut berkata ia akan membuka lebih banyak kaunter pembayaran di tempat-tempat tertentu untuk mengatasi masalah pembayaran.

[ Sumber: WartaKedah.net 1 Mac, 2011 ]

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal dengan tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah untuk menamatkan perkhidmatan pembayaran bil air di Pejabat Pos. Tindakan ini bakal akan menyusahkan lebih daripda 100,000 rakyat Kedah yang sedang menggunakan perkhidmatan pembayaran di Pejabat Pos, terutamanya mereka yang berada di luar bandar.

Pakatan Rakyat tidak harus terlalu mementingkan keuntungan kepada SADA sehingga kepentingan rakyat Kedah diketepikan. Baru-baru ini, SADA juga telah menaikkan tariff air sehingga 100%, terutamanya ke atas pengguna air kecil di Kedah (iaitu golongan yang menggunakan kurang dari 8 m3).

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat tidak ingin menanggung komisyen Pejabat Pos, ia tidak seharusnya bermakna khidmat pembayaran bil air di Pejabat Pos perlu ditamatkan. Sebaliknya, Pakatan Rakyat harus memberi alternatif kepada rakyat untuk membayar komisyen 90 sen tersebut di Pejabat Pos bagi rakyat Kedah yang masih ingin menggunakan perkhidmatan tersebut di Pejabat Pos.

Pejabat Pos juga merupakan tempat pembayaran bagi pelbagai kemudahan lagi dan adalah suatu “One Stop Center” bagi rakyat yang memilih untuk tidak mengunjungi terlalu banyak tempat untuk membayar bil-bil tertentu. Pakatan Rakyat tidak harus menamatkan perkhidmatan pembayaran bil air yang telah dirancang dahulu oleh Barisan Nasional bagi kesenangan rakyat Kedah.

Oleh itu, saya berharap kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah akan mengkaji keputusan mereka untuk membatalkan khidmat pembayaran bil air di Pejabat Pos dan memberi alternatif kepada rakyat untuk membayar komisyen 90 sen tersebut bagi rakyat Kedah yang masih ingin menggunakan perkhidmatan tersebut di Pejabat Pos.

Pakatan Rakyat Gagal Umum Hasil Kempen 1 Juta Tandatangan - Jelas Rakyat Berminat Pencapaian & Bukannya Janji Politik

2011-03-01T16:06:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kempen Pakatan Rakyat untuk mengumpul satu juta tandatangan untuk Akta Pemulihan Demokrasi yang akan diserahkan kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Dalam konvensyen Pakatan Rakyat keduanya di Kepala Batas pada akhir bulan Disember, 2010, Pakatan Rakyat telah mengumumkan bahawa kempen tersebut akan diadakan pada 1 Januari sehingga akhir Februari tahun ini untuk mengumpul tandatangan tersebut.

Antara objektif kempen tersebut adalah untuk:-

1. mengembalikan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan; dan

2. mewujudkan kebebasan akhbar.

Sehingga hari ini, Pakatan Rakyat masih gagal untuk mengumumkan hasil kempen mereka.

Ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa majoriti rakyat tidak lagi berminat dengan janji-janji berunsur politik. Sebaliknya, rakyat kini lebih memberi tumpuan kepada pencapaian sebenar yang dilaksanakan oleh parti politik yang telah memerintah negara ataupun negeri.

Sejak pilihanraya umum 2008, Pakatan Rakyat masih tidak menunaikan janji mereka untuk mengadakan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan sungguhpun mereka telah memerintah 4 buah negeri di Malaysia hampir 3 tahun.

Sebaliknya, Pakatan Rakyat juga telah menyekat kebebasan media semasa sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri Kedah pada 2010. Baru-baru ini, kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Pulau Pinang juga telah bercadang untuk mengambil tindakan mahkamah terhadap kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh salah satu Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri pembangkang mereka.

Oleh itu, saya menyeru agar Pakatan Rakyat:-

(a) mengambil langkah sewajarnya untuk menunaikan semua janji-janji mereka kepada rakyat di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya yang melibatkan isu DEMOKRASI, KEBEBASAN MEDIA dan KEBEBASAN RAKYAT UNTUK BERSUARA; dan

(b) tidak lagi membuat apa-apa janji baru kepada rakyat sehingga semua janji-janji lama mereka ditunaikan.

ROS LIMITING NUMBERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IS AGAINST DEMOCRACY - Government Should Reconsider ROS Proposal

2011-02-22T12:24:00.000+08:00

I refer to the news report that the Registrar of Societies (ROS) had proposed to limit the numbers of political parties to the existing 33 parties in the country.

ROS’s Registrar Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman had announced on Sunday that the freeze on new applications was necessary to reduce politicking and to ensure political stability.

With due respect to the ROS’s Registrar, freezing new applications to form political parties & maintaining political parties to the existing 33 parties in country are not the right way to reduce politicking and maintaining our country’s political stability.

On the contrary, such move is against the fundamental principal of democracy in a democratic country like Malaysia.

The people’s choice and freedom of association as enshrined in our Federal Constitution should not be limited to just 33 political parties.

I do not see how the existence of more than 33 political parties would be a national threat to our country and the people. Thus, this should not be a reason for ROS to freeze the application to form new political parties.

ROS must understand that the numbers of political parties in our country would depend on the demand of the people. If the political party is irrelevant to our current political landscape, it would “close shop” as a matter of time and the numbers of political parties would naturally be reduced.

It is healthier and more democratic to allow the formation of any new political party and to let it die by “natural death” if it is irrelevant to the country’s political landscape.

Excessive control on the numbers of political parties would only result in the existence of illegal political parties if our country political landscape requires them. This would then lead to other problems for ROS to monitor them.

Thus, I hope that the government would re-study the proposal by ROS to limit the numbers of political parties to the existing 33 parties in the country. It would be best to reject ROS’s proposal.

DIALOGUE WITH PAS YOUTH CHIEF ON HUDUD LAWS THAT PAS & PAKATAN RAKYAT INTEND TO IMPLEMENT IN MALAYSIA

2011-02-21T16:41:00.002+08:00

I refer to the news report that PAS Youth Chief Nasrudin Hassan stated that he will be having a dialogue on 24th February, 2001 with (Kedah) Gerakan Youth in Shah Alam on the implementation of hudud (Islamic criminal) law.

[ Source: The Star 20th February, 2011 ]

Link: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/20/nation/8102738&sec=nation

I would like to clarify that:-

1. the dialogue arise from the earlier invitation from PAS Youth to explain Hudud Laws to me prior to the celebration of Hari Raya (as highlighted in media including PAS owned Harakah);

2. via my private conversation in Twitter with PAS Youth Chief recently, it has been agreed that the dialogue would be held in Kuala Lumpur on 24th February, 2011 between both of us only (not in Shah Alam);

3. the dialogue would enable Ustaz Nasrudin to explain their version of Hudud Laws that PAS & Pakatan Rakyat intend to implement in Malaysia while I would explain why I am against such laws in Malaysia;

4. my acceptance to meet PAS Youth did not mean that I am agreeable towards such implementation of Hudud Laws in Malaysia;

5. I am willing to meet PAS Youth Chief as I want to listen to their explanation of how PAS intend to implement Hudud Laws if Pakatan Rakyat takeover the country in the next general election. Moreover, PAS has now dominated the state administration of Kedah and Kelantan;

6. To date, Pakatan Rakyat has also refused to openly reject the implementation of Hudud Laws if they win the next general election; and

7. the dialogue with PAS Youth Chief would also give me the opportunity to explain to PAS why Hudud Laws are not suitable for our multiracial & religion country. I believe the people could no longer just rely on DAP to oppose Hudud Laws after their partnership with PAS and the refusal of Pakatan Rakyat to openly reject implementation of Hudud Laws.

I will issue a statement on the outcome of my dialogue with Ustaz Nasrudin at a later stage.

PAKATAN HARUS JAMIN DEMOKRASI & HAK BERSUARA DI SEMUA NEGERI PR

2011-02-16T12:50:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan semalam Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang YB Lim Guan Eng bahawa kerajaan Pulau Pinang bercadang mengambil tindakan menyaman fitnah Ahli Dewan Undangan Negari Pulau Bentong YB Muhamad Farid Saad.

Ini adalah berikutan laporan di dalam media yang meyiarkan kenyataan & kritikan Adun Pulau Bentong tersebut terhadap kerajaan Pulau Pinang Pakatan Rakyat.

Saya setuju bahawa dari segi undang-undang, kerajaan Pulau Pinang termasuk negeri-negeri lain di bawah pentadbiran Pakatan Rakyat mempunyai hak untuk menyaman fitnah mana-mana RAKYAT, termasuk pihak pembangkang negeri.

Tetapi tindakan sedemikian adalah tidak wajar jika dilihat dari segi prinsip demokrasi dan kebebasan bersuara.

Pada pilihanraya 2008, Pakatan Rakyat telah berjanji akan menegakkan demokrasi dan hak RAKYAT untuk bersuara. Ini juga telah dimaktubkan di dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat yang dilancarkan mereka pada akhir tahun 2009.

Di dalam sebuah pentadbiran yang menghormati demokrasi dan hak RAKYAT (termasuk pembangkang) untuk bersuara, kerajaan tersebut tidak harus mengambil tindakan keras untuk menghukum pengkritik pentadbiran tersebut. Ini akan mengugat apa-apa hasrat RAKYAT, termasuk pihak pembangkang, untuk bersuara dan mengkritik kelemahan sesebuah kerajaan (sekiranya ada).

Pada tahun lepas, kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah juga telah mengambil tindakan menyekat kebebasan media semasa sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri Kedah. Ini berikutan kritikan dan kenyataan pelbagai pihak terhadap tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah semasa banjir yang melanda negeri tersebut.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat masih berhasrat menunaikan janjinya untuk menegakkan demokrasi dan kebebasan RAKYAT, termasuk pembangkangnya untuk bersuara, Pakatan Rakyat harus meneliti dan mengkaji semula tindakan-tindakan pentadbiran kerajaan negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Saya menyeru supaya kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya pemimpin umumnya Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim mengambil tindakan drastik dan sewajarnya untuk mempertahankan demokrasi dan hak RAKYAT untuk bersuara, termasuk pihak pembangkang di semua negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Ini termasuk merombak kepimpinan negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat sekiranya perlu untuk kepentingan RAKYAT dan mempertahankan DEMOKRASI.

PAS Should Mind Their Own Business During Valentine’s Day

2011-02-09T16:17:00.000+08:00

I refer to the news report that quote PAS Youth Chief Nasrudin Hassan stating that Pakatan Rakyat states, including Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan are planning a crackdown on "immoral acts" during Valentine's Day as part of a campaign to encourage a sin-free lifestyle.

It was also reported that Nasrudin said PAS Youth was also launching a campaign to promote a sin-free lifestyle during the period.

[ Source: AFP - 9th February, 2011 ]

I regret the statement by PAS Youth Chief that implied Valentine’s Day would be filled with sinful activities and immoral acts.

This is clearly a blatant insult to those who celebrate Valentine’s Day in Malaysia. It would indirectly cast doubt over the morality of all those who will celebrate Valentine’s Day.

PAS Youth must understand the nature of Valentine’s Day with an open mind and do not interpret the celebration with their “narrow mind”.

Malaysia, a multiracial and religion country, has long been a moderate country and free of extremism.

This latest statement by PAS clearly signify more efforts by PAS (with the support of their partners in Pakatan Rakyat) to create their extreme version of Islamic State in Malaysia.

These extreme idealogies of PAS are clearly not acceptable to most people in Malaysia.

I would advice PAS, in particular their youth section, to “mind their own business” during the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

PAS must learn to understand the culture of all Malaysians, comprising of various race and religion.

Thus, I urge Pakatan Rakyat to immediately redraw any plans to undermine the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Pakatan Rakyat states and not to prejudge the morality of those who will celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Negeri PR Tidak Harus Boros Duit RAKYAT Untuk Biayai Kos Guaman Peribadi Adun PR

2011-02-07T13:29:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan Pejabat Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim bahawa kerajaan Selangor akan memberi sokongan kepada ADUN Sri Muda Suhaimi Shafiei dan membiayai kos guaman kesnya bagi tuduhan di bawah Akta Hasutan berhubung suatu catatan di dalam blognya.

Di dalam kenyataan tersebut, kerajaan Selangor juga percaya bahawa Adun Sri Muda tersebut tidak mempunyai sebarang niat untuk memburukkan institusi Raja-raja Melayu.

[ Sumber: Bernama 4 Februari, 2011 ]

Walaupun Adun Sri Muda tersebut merupakan ahli PKR, ini tidak memberi hak kepada mana-mana negeri yang ditadbir oleh Pakatan Rakyat untuk menggunakan duit RAKYAT untuk membiayai kos guaman bagi apa-apa kes peribadi ahli Pakatan Rakyat.

Kos guaman tidak harus ditanggung oleh RAKYAT dalam negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat berdasarkan kepentingan politik Pakatan Rakyat. Lebih-lebih lagi ia melibatkan suatu kes yang didakwa berdasarkan tindakan peribadi seseorang, dan bukannya kes yang didakwa melibatkan tindakan rasmi kerajaan negeri.

Kerajaan Selangor Pakatan Rakyat juga tidak harus mengambil tindakan untuk mengambil alih fungsi badan kehakiman negara dalam apa-apa kes atau mengeluarkan kenyataan yang bertujuan memberi kesan terhadap kes mahkamah (“subjudis”). Ini terutamanya bagi kes-kes yang melibatan ahli-ahli Pakatan Rakyat, di mana Pakatan Rakyat mempunyai kepentingan politik tertentu.

Ini bakal menjadi suatu amalan buruk (“Bad Precedent”) bagi negeri-negeri di bawah pentadbiran Pakatan Rakyat, termasuk Kedah, Kelantan dan Pulau Pinang.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat ingin membantu Adun Sri Muda, saya cadangkan agar Pakatan Rakyat membiayai kos guamannya dengan duit dan sumber Pakatan Rakyat. Jangan libatkan duit RAKYAT.

Saya berharap kerajaan negeri Selangor di bawah Pakatan Rakyat akan menarik balik hasrat mereka untuk menggunakan duit RAKYAT Selangor untuk membiayai kes guaman Adun Sri Muda supaya tidak mempengaruhi negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat lain dengan amalan buruk tersebut (“Bad Precedent”).

PEMIMPIN PAS & PKR BIADAP DEMONSTRASI PADA HARI KEDUA TAHUN BARU CINA

2011-02-04T20:16:00.003+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada tindakan beberapa pemimpin dan ahli PAS dan PKR yang telah berdemonstrasi di kedutaan Mesir hari ini, iaitu hari kedua perayaan Tahun Baru Cina.

Sepertimana yang diketahui, perayaan Tahun Baru Cina merupakan salah satu perayaan utama kaum Cina di negara kita. Ia juga dihayati bersama oleh semua rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum dan agama.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal terhadap pemimpin-pemimpin dan ahli-ahli PAS dan PKR yang telah berdemonstrasi pada hari ini, iaitu hari kedua perayaan Tahun Baru Cina.

Ini merupakan suatu tindakan biadap dan tidak menghormati perayaan Tahun Baru Cina di Malaysia.

Hari kedua Tahun Baru Cina juga merupakan suatu cuti umum bagi semua rakyat Malaysia. Tindakan PAS dan PKR tersebut telah membebankan kakitangan awam seperti pihak polis yang terpaksa bekerja lebih masa.

Di Malaysia, rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dan agama menziarahi saudara-mara serta kawan-kawan mereka pada dua hari yang pertama Tahun Baru Cina. Ini termasuk menghadiri rumah terbuka perayaaan Tahun Baru Cina yang dianjurkan oleh pelbagai pihak

PAS dan PKR harus berprihatin dan menghormati adat semua rakyat Malaysia, termasuk perayaan Tahun Baru Cina.

Saya mendesak kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat, termasuk Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim untuk memberi penjelasan kenapa PAS dan PKR memilih hari kedua Tahun Baru Cina untuk berdemonstrasi di depan kedutaan Mesir.

PAKATAN RAKYAT HARUS TUNAIKAN JANJI UNTUK JADIKAN HARI THAIPUSAM SEBAGAI CUTI UMUM DI KEDAH & KELANTAN

2011-01-21T14:33:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan Naib Pengerusi DAP M.Kulasegaran yang menyeru agar Hari Thaipusam dijadikan cuti umum.

Sebelum pilihanraya umum pada tahun 2008, Pakatan Rakyat telah mengeluarkan kenyataan sedemikian malah mereka juga telah memberi janji-janji agar Hari Thaipusam dijadikan cuti umum, termasuk negeri Kedah.

Saya memang setuju bahawa Hari Thaipusam disambut bersama oleh rakyat Malaysia dan harus dijadikan cuti. Ketika saya berada di Sungai Petani semalam, saya telah melihat bagaimana Hari Thaipusam disambut oleh semua rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum dan agama.

Lebih meriah lagi, Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak telah bersama lebih daripada 10,000 orang Kedah di Sungai Petani untuk menyambut Hari Thaipusam.

Malangnya, selepas Pakatan Rakyat memerintah Kedah selama hampir 3 tahun, Pakatan Rakyat telah enggan mengistiharkan Hari Thaipusam sebagai cuti umum bagi negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat seperti Kedah dan Kelantan.

Sebelum ini, kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah menjadikan Hari Thaipusam sebagai cuti umum di negeri Pulau Pinang dan Selangor.

Sungguhpun Kedah dan Kelantan adalah dikuasai majoriti oleh PAS, ini bukanlah suatu alasan munasabah bagi Pakatan Rakyat untuk mengengkari janji mereka untuk menjadikan Hari Thaipusam sebagai cuti umum.

Pakatan Rakyat tidak boleh lagi mengeluarkan kenyataan yang hanya berbentuk rhetorik. Sebaliknya, mereka harus melaksanakan dasar-dasar mereka di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat, yang dikuasai mereka.

Sekira DAP ikhlas dalam hal ini, saya berharap DAP akan memastikan agar Pakatan Rakyat akan menunaikan janji dan mengistiharkan Hari Thaipusam sebagai cuti umum di semua negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat, termasuk Kedah dan Kelantan.

ANWAR MUST IMPLEMENT PAKATAN RAKYAT POLICIES IN PAKATAN STATES & DON’T WASTE THE TIME OF MALAYSIANS WITH FUTILE DEBATES

2011-01-13T15:18:00.002+08:00

I refer to the recent invitation by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to our Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak to debate on the proposed 100 days economic reforms plans by Pakatan Rakyat.

It is utmost suprising that Pakatan Rakyat’s de facto leader would have the audacity to invite our Prime Minister to debate on new promises of Pakatan Rakyat when they have failed to fulfill all their pledge in the last general election. This includes matters pledge in Pakatan Rakyat’s Common Policies Framework announced in December, 2009.

Pakatan Rakyat should have concentrated in implementing Pakatan Rakyat’s policies and fulfilling their election pledge in Pakatan Rakyat’s states i.e. Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan.

To date, Pakatan Rakyat had failed to deliver all their pledge to Malaysians in Pakatan Rakyat states. In the last 2 years, Malaysians have witnessed Pakatan Rakyat states:-

1. curtailing Press Freedom;
2. increase Housing Bumi Quota from 30% to as high 70%;
3. increase Water Tariff to as high 100%; and
4. refuse to implement local government elections.

Instead of fulfilling past promises, Pakatan Rakyat now makes new promises to Malaysians in order to capture their votes in the next general elections. Worse still, Pakatan Rakyat’s de facto leader now want to debate on their so called “new reform promises” with our Prime Minister.

If Pakatan Rakyat is sincere in any of their promises, I would advice them to implement any of their so called reform in their Pakatan Rakyat states. Most of the pledge (though not all) can be implemented first in Pakatan Rakyat states. There are no reasons for the refusal of Pakatan Rakyat to help Malaysians at this time in Pakatan Rakyat states.

Pakatan Rakyat’s de facto leader should be reminded that a government’s performance is not measured by any debate. Instead, it is based on sincerity and actual implementation of their policies.

I do not see how the proposed debate by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim would benefit Malaysians. On the contrary, it would only waste the time of our Prime Minister and other Malaysians.

Thus, I hope Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim would ensure the actual implementation of all Pakatan Rakyat’s policies and promises to Malaysians in Pakatan Rakyat states instead of indulging into futile debate to waste the time of the people.

PAKATAN RAKYAT, PLEASE DON’T “HOODWINK” MALAYSIAN ON ISLAMIC STATES & HUDUD DENIAL!

2011-01-10T13:45:00.003+08:00

I refer to the news today (The Star) where Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS President reiterated PAS commitment to uphold its Islamic state agenda.

He also says that when PAS make promises, they do not merely provide lip service.

He also says that PAS will not compromise on its principles and will not bow to pressure from any quarter, including its Pakatan Rakyat partners.

This was in response to the calls of certain quarters in Pakatan Rakyat for PAS to review its aim to pursue its Islamic state agenda in view of the next general election.

Previously, it was also reported (The Malaysian Insider) that Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang stated PAS’s intention to proceed with the implementation of Hudud laws in Kelantan and Kedah.

While I respect Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for being honest and sincere in stating clearly their political ambition and objectives, being to create Islamic states, the same I could not say for his remaining partner’s Pakatan Rakyat.

This is the strongest statement by PAS on the matter since last general election in 2008.

I am extremely concern over the latest statement by PAS’s President especially the implication on states where PAS dominates the administration, such as Kelantan & Kedah. Besides sending “shivers” to all Malaysians in these states, the latest message by PAS would certainly effect the perception of investors towards these states.

It is clear that DAP and PKR had been unable to persuade PAS to abandon their quest to create Islamic states, notwithstanding that Malaysia is a multi race & religion country.

To date, Pakatan Rakyat has also refused to provide a clear stance on the creation of Islamic states. Would Pakatan Rakyat only reveal their true intention to Malaysian after capturing Putrajaya?

Thus, if Pakatan Rakyat is transparent, Pakatan Rakyat leaders, especially its de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should immediately state it out clearly that Pakatan Rakyat would object to the creation of Islamic states, including the implementation of Hudud laws.

Anything less than a clear statement would only show that all the rhetoric talks and policies by Pakatan Rakyat leaders are merely to fish for votes and to abandon their principles once capturing Putrajaya (if they ever to succeed).

I hope that Pakatan Rakyat would not “hoodwink” Malaysians on the issue of Hudud & Islamic state.

Source:
News from The Star on 10th January, 2010 (http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/10/nation/7765188&sec=nation)

PAS won’t bow to pressure from any quarter, says Hadi
By SIRA HABIBU

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS will uphold its Islamic state agenda and will not bow to pressure from any quarter, including its Pakatan Rakyat partners.

Expressing shock over DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s call to compel PAS to review its stand over the Islamic state issue, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party would not compromise on its principles.

“We will bow to no one,” he said when launching Sua Kasih logo and H13 Squad to promote the spirit of brotherhood among various races and religions here yesterday.

Hadi was responding to Karpal’s call to Pakatan to tackle the issue of PAS pursuing its Islamic state agenda in view of the next general election.

Karpal had made the call during the second Pakatan convention in Kepala Batas recently.

Karpal had said that PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Hadi and DAP leaders should confront the issue and frankly consider the required solution.

Hadi said PAS could tolerate and be patient with DAP.

“We have extended co-operation to DAP although in the past, Karpal was adamant that Islamic state could only be implemented over his dead body.

“Our Mursyidul Am had retorted to Karpal’s comment that drew flak from many quarters,” he said, adding that PAS would still uphold its promises.

“When we make promises, we do not merely provide lip service. As Muslims, we will stand by promises made to non-Muslims,” he said.

Hadi said PAS was pursuing an Islamic state to create a system to ensure truth, justice and the protection of rights for everyone.

“Through Islamic governance, we will break all the walls that divide us,” he said, adding that the Western system subscribed to such barriers that divided a nation.

Hormati Negara Sebagai Negara Adil & Berdemokratik

2011-01-08T13:03:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan Ketua Pemuda Angkatan Muda Keadilan Malaysia (AMK) Shamsul Iskandar Akin yang mengkritik nasihat Dato Seri Najib Razak yang mencadangkan agar isu Dato Seri Rais Yatim disiasat sebelum dihakimi oleh mana-mana pihak.

[ Sumber: www.malaysia-chronicle.com ]

Saya berasa kesal bahawa AMK tidak dapat menerima nasihat yang munasabah daripada Perdana Menteri Malaysia.

Di dalam mana-mana negara yang adil dan demokratik, mana-mana pihak tidak boleh dihakimi sehingga siasatan dan perbicaraan dijalankan ke atas dakwaan tersebut.

Walaupun Pakatan Rakyat “terlalu ingin sangat” menakluki negara, ia tidak boleh sehingga mengabaikan nasihat untuk menghormati sistem perundangan sebuah negara yang adil dan berdemokratik.

Dalam hal ini, pembantu rumah Dato Seri Rais Yatim telahpun menafikan dakwaan rogol tersebut semalam.

Saya berasa insiden ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa politik negara kita berada di paras yang amat rendah sehingga terdapat pihak yang sanggup membuat dakwaan palsu ke atas pemimpin-pemimpin Barisan Nasional bagi agenda politik peribadi.

Pihak-pihak tersebut kini cuba menanam suatu pandangan di dalam rakyat bahawa semua pemimpin-pemimpin Barisan Nasional adalah penjenayah dan apa-apa perbicaraan tidak diperlukan. Adakan ini merupakan keadilan & demokrasi yang dimaksudkan oleh Pakatan Rakyat?

Insiden ini juga telah “secara tidak adil” menjejaskan nama baik Dato Seri Rais Yatim serta keluarga beliau.

Saya berasa sedih bahawa terdapat golongan tertentu di antara rakyat kita yang sanggup menggunakan apa jua kaedah untuk mencapai matlamat politk mereka, biarpun ia merupakan suatu tindakan yang tidak beretika.

Saya berharap pihak-pihak tersebut akan menghentikan perkara sedemikian yang hanya akan menjejaskan nama baik negara sebagai sebuah negara yang adil dan berdemokratik.

Pakatan Rakyat Should View Matters With An Open Mind & Not Misinterpret For Political Gains

2011-01-06T11:31:00.004+08:00

I refer to the recent statement by Pakatan Rakyat leaders that I am a sexist and against pregnant woman to be state representatives.

During my conversation with a friend in twitter over the issue in the next coming general election:-

1. I was asked certain questions pertaining to Subang Jaya state constituency (where my friend says he voted in previous general election).
2. In the midst of our conversation, I asked whether “would (my friend) choose (a woman candidate from MCA - name withheld to respect privacy) or Hannah Yeoh, who will be on maternity leave soon”?
3. When asked by Hannah Yeoh what did I mean by “maternity leave”, I clarified that it merely mean, “you may not be able to service area during maternity leave, which you are entitled. Anyway, congratulation in welcoming your baby”.
4. I also immediately clarified to her that “I never say elected representative cannot be pregnant or take maternity leave”.

Clearly, no where in my conversation in twitter did I ever say I am against pregnant women to become state representatives nor did I request anyone to vote against pregnant women.

On the contrary, I have presented to my friend a choice of a pregnant woman to be the candidate of Subang Jaya state constituency in the next general election. How could I then be against pregnant woman?

Further, both of the candidates for Subang Jaya which I presented to my friend were women (which Pakatan Rakyat did not elaborate in their political propaganda against me).

I am also not against any woman taking maternity leave, being clearly the entitlement of woman which I reminded in my twitter conversation.

I understand the needs of certain politicans from Pakatan Rakyat to capitalize on any matters to salvage their current political predicament. This includes publicizing my conversation in twitter in the most negative manner that they could as they are now clearly lack of issues against Barisan Nasional.

It is unfortunate that Pakatan Rakyat has now caused the term “maternity leave” to be viewed as a sensitive matter in our country. Maternity leave should not be seen as a weakness of any person. Stating that someone will be on maternity leave should not be misinterpreted that the person is completely unfit to become state representatives.

I hope that political leaders, in particular those from Pakatan Rakyat should learn from this lesson so as to be more open minded in future and not to misinterpret the conversation of any person in the country while policing cyberspace for their political gains.

50% SCHOLARSHIP ON PTPTN LOAN FOR 2nd CLASS UPPER GRADUATES

2011-01-04T16:43:00.002+08:00

I refer to the poll conducted by Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak on what improvements Malaysia would like to see in year 2011. The poll can be seen at the Prime Minister official website.

Source: www.1malaysia.com.my

I would like to propose to our Prime Minister for our government to consider converting 50% of the PTPTN Education loan to scholarships for graduates of local universities who obtained 2nd Class Upper.

As I have said in my previous proposal to convert PTPTN loan to scholarship for 1st Class Student in local universities, this 50% scholarship would also serve as recognition by the government of the student’s academic excellence and in line with the promotion of better quality undergraduates in local universities.

Though the returns of this scholarship (which would require substantial budget) cannot be quantified in monetary terms, the development of human capital is the most important sector in any developed country. The result would be seen across all sectors in the country’s economy, in both short and long term.

Such scholarship would also indirectly grant a head start for these students in their career, who would otherwise be burden with substantial education loans.

In order for government to restudy this matter in depth, I am forwarding my proposal again as early as January, 2011.

I hope that the government would consider this proposal in the next coming budget for 2012.

I believe this would be line with our country’s 1Malaysia concept whereby the education of the people would also be first.

Selangor State Secretary & Article 52(1) & 52(6) of the Selangor State Constitution

2011-01-02T13:56:00.007+08:00

I am reproducing the extract of the Selangor State Constitution in view of the recent issues over the Selangor State Secretary appointment.

Article 52(1)of the Selangor State Constitution

High Highness shall on recommendation of the appropriate Service Commission by instrument under His Sign Manual & the State Seal appoint a person holding whole time office in the public services to be the State Secretary, the State Legal Adviser and the State Financial Officer respectively PROVIDED THAT before acting on the recommendation of the Service Commission His Highness shall consider the advice of the Menteri Besar and may once refer the recommendation back to the Commission in order that it may be considered.

Article 52(6): In the event of there being no Service Commission having jurisdiction in respect of any appointment of any officers mentioned in Clause (1) such appointment may be made by His Highness acting in His discretion.

My views:-
1. Power to appoint the state secretary lies with the Sultan of Selangor subject to certain proviso.
2. First issue that arise is whether there is a Service Commission having jurisdiction in respect of the appointment. I am not privy to such information so I would made my assumption as follows:-

(A)If there is such Service Commission having such jurisdiction,
then the Second issue is whether the Sultan did consider the advice of Menteri Besar of Selangor before the appointment. There is no definition of how the advice of MB Selangor is deemed made or considered by the Sultan nor is there any formal procedure lay out under the State Constitution. But the wording "shall" would be deem as compulsory for the MB Selangor's advice to be considered, though not compulsory to be followed.

Only clear cut evidence that may show whether the Sultan did consider the MB Selangor advice is if such advice was referred back to the Service Commission (but such referral is clearly on discretionary basis by His Highness - based on the usage of the term "may once refer"). Other than that, the Sultan would be the only one to know whether His Highness did consider the advice made by MB Selangor, whether made orally or in writing or any other form of communication. It would then be for MB Selangor to show that he did not may such advice (if that's the case).

(B) If there is no such Service Commission having such jurisdiction,
then under Article 52(6), such appointment (of the state secretary) may be made by His Highness acting in His discretion. The second issue would then be whether the proviso in Article 52(1) to consider the MB Selangor advice would be applicable - since Article 52(6) provides that "such appointment may be made by His Highness acting in His discretion". That remain to be intepreted by judiciary.
If the proviso for MB Selangor advise is applicable, then my above opinion on the manner as to how MB Selangor advice be considered by the Sultan would be repeated here.
It would then be a question of facts whether MB Selangor did provide such advice to the Sultan Selangor and whether the Sultan Selangor did consider such advice.

Note:
My aforesaid opinion is not meant to conclude anything other than stating my opinion as to the laws in an objective manner.

KERAJAAN PR KEDAH HARUS TUNAI JANJI REBET 30% BIL AIR SECARA AUTOMATIK

2010-12-27T15:22:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada pengumuman Menteri Besar Kedah Dato Seri Azizan Abd Razak semasa sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri Kedah bahawa mangsa banjir Kedah akan diberi rebet 30% bagi bil air semasa banjir (November) bagi pengguna domestik sahaja dan akan ditunjukkan di dalam bil air bulan Disember.

Sumber: www.wartakedah.net

Sebaliknya, dari maklum balas yang diterima saya:-

1. Syarikat Air Darul Aman (SADA) telah mengenakan syarat bahawa rebet 30% tersebut untuk mangsa banjir hanya boleh dituntut di kaunter SADA dengan mengemukakan salinan laporan polis, penghulu, MKK, JKKP atau JKM.

2. Diskaun tersebut akan diberi bagi tarif 1 bil bulan Disember, 2010 (bukannya November).
Sesalinan Bil air Disember disertakan untuk rujukan.

(A) Diskaun Secara Automatik

Seperti yang telah diketahui kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat, kawasan-kawasan yang terlibat dengan banjir adalah di daerah Kota Setar, Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu dan Pokok Sena.
Adalah tidak wajar bagi SADA mengenakan syarat untuk kemukakan laporan-laporan polis, penghulu, MKK, JKKP atau JKM. Bukan semua mangsa banjir yang telah menfailkan laporan sedemikian. Syarat sedemikian hanya akan menyusahkan rakyat Kedah memperolehi rebet yang telah dijanjikan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah.
SADA harus memberi rebet tersebut secara automatik kepada semua pengguna air di kawasan banjir tanpa meletakkan apa-apa syarat yang menyusahkan rakyat Kedah.

(B) Rebet 30% Berdasarkan Amaun Bil Air Bulan November (bukan Disember)

Dalam hal ini juga, rebet tersebut telah dijanji akan diberi berdasarkan bil air bulan November di mana penggunaan air adalah tinggi selepas banjir. Saya berharap kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah akan menunaikan janji dan memberi rebet air tersebut berdasarkan amaun di dalam bil air bulan November.
Saya berharap kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah akan mengambil tindakan sewajarnya untuk memperbetulkan keadaan agar rakyat Kedah tidak dibebankan lagi setelah kenaikan tarif air yang mendadak sehingga 100% baru-baru ini.

LAKSANAKAN PILIHANRAYA KERAJAAN TEMPATAN & KEMBALIKAN KEBEBASAN MEDIA DI NEGERI PAKATAN SEKIRANYA IKHLAS DALAM PERJUANG ISU

2010-12-19T16:39:00.003+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada cadangan Pakatan Rakyat untuk melancarkan kempen mengumpul satu juta tandatangan untuk Akta Pemulihan Demokrasi yang akan diserahkan kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Kempen tersebut akan diadakan pada 1 Januari sehingga akhir Februari 2011.

Pakatan Rakyat mendakwa kempen tersebut adalah bagi menyelamatkan negara. Pakatan Rakyat turut menegaskan kesediaannya untuk bekerjasama dengan kerajaan BN untuk menggubal akta tersebut, berdasarkan kepada enam isu penting iaitu:-

1. Menghapuskan semua deklarasi darurat.

2. Memansuhkan semua undang-undang anti-demokratik.

3. Menghormati perjanjian untuk membentuk Malaysia bersama-sama dengan Sabah dan Sarawak.

4. Menjamin integriti pilihanraya umum.

5. Mengembalikan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan.

6. Mewujudkan kebebasan akhbar.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat ikhlas dan jujur dalam memperjuangkan kesemua 6 isu-isu di atas, maka Pakatan Rakyat harus dengan serta merta:-

1. mengadakan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan di semua negeri-negeri di bawah pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat, iaitu Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Kelantan dan Selangor; dan

2. mengembalikan kebebasan media di semua negeri-negeri di bawah pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya di negeri Kedah di mana kebebasan media telah disekat semasa sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri pada bulan lalu.

Kedua-dua perkara di atas adalah di bawah bidang kuasa Pakatan Rakyat dan tiada sebab munasabah kenapa Pakatan Rakyat masih enggan melaksanakan perkara-perkara tersebut.

Kedua-dua perkara tersebut juga merupakan janji Pakatan Rakyat semasa pilihanraya umum lepas. Sebagai sebuah parti politik yang bertanggungjawab, janji-janji pilihanraya harus ditunaikan tanpa apa-apa syarat lagi kepada rakyat Malaysia.

Oleh itu, saya berharap Pakatan Rakyat akan melaksanakan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan dan mengembalikan kebebasan media di semua negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat sebelum akhir Januari, 2011.

Selepas 31 Januari, 2011, rakyat Malaysia akan ketahui samada Pakatan Rakyat ikhlas dalam kesemua 6 isu-isu yang didakwa diperjuangkan mereka atau hanya suatu sandiwara politik.

“NOTIS KEPADA PAS & PAKATAN RAKYAT” - TINDAKAN MAHKAMAH AKAN DIAMBIL SEKIRANYA LAKSANA HUDUD DI KEDAH

2010-12-12T13:57:00.002+08:00

“NOTIS KEPADA PAS & PAKATAN RAKYAT”
TINDAKAN MAHKAMAH AKAN DIAMBIL SEKIRANYA LAKSANA HUDUD DI KEDAH

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan Presiden PAS Abdul Hadi Awang yang dilaporkan di media baru-baru ini bahawa PAS akan cuba memperkenalkan undang-undang Hudud secara berperingkat dahulu di Kedah dan Kelantan bagi membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menilai merit prinsip Islam dan undang-undang hudud.

[ Sumber: The Malaysian Insider 1 December, 2010 & 11 December, 2010 ]

PAS harus sedar bahawa Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang berasaskan Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan adalah tertakluk kepada Kanun Keseksaan yang sedia ada. Malaysia yang terdiri daripada rakyat berbilang kaum dan agama yang telah kian lama menolak perlaksanaan hukum hudud. Antara hukum hudud adalah hukuman potong tangan bagi pencuri dan rejam bagi penzina.

Pengenalan hukum hudud adalah sememangnya bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan. PAS harus menghormati Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan Kanun Keseksaan yang sediaada. Sekiranya PAS berpendapat terdapat apa-apa kelemahan di dalam mana-mana peruntukan Kanun Keseksaan, maka PAS harus dengan ikhlas memberi cadangan untuk menambahbaik kelemahan tersebut secara tepat dan spesifik. Cadangan PAS untuk menukar seluruh sistem perundangan negara dengan hukum hudud adalah terlalu ekstrem.

PAS harus sedar bahawa hukum hudud bukan impian semua rakyat Malaysia, yang berbilang kaum dan agama.

Kenyataan Presiden PAS bahawa PAS akan cuba memperkenalkan undang-undang hudud di Kedah adalah seolah-olah menjadikan Kedah sebagai suatu medan “eksperimen politik” PAS.

Saya juga kecewa dengan keputusan Pakatan Rakyat untuk berdiam diri dalam isu ini di sidang Konvesyen Pakatan Rakyat di hujung minggu ini. Adakah Pakatan Rakyat akan korbankan nasib rakyat Kedah bagi memenuhi impian pemimpin politik tertentu menjadi Perdana Menteri dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri Malaysia?

Justeru, saya dengan ini memberi notis kepada PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat bahawa saya akan mengambil tindakan undang-undang terhadap pihak-pihak tertentu sekiranya PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat tetap memperkenalkan hukum hudud di negeri Kedah.

Saya berharap PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat akan menimbang dengan teliti apa-apa tindakan lanjut mereka pada masa hadapan dan jangan bebankan mana-mana rakyat Malaysia, yang terdiri daripada berbilang kaum dan agama.

PAS HARUS ADIL & JUJUR DALAM BENTANG KAIN RENTANG - JANGAN BERDIAM DIRI TERHADAP MASALAH DI NEGERI PAKATAN RAKYAT

2010-12-08T13:27:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan Ketua Penerangan PAS, Idris Ahmad hari ini yang menjemput semua cawangan PAS di seluruh negara untuk menaikkan kain rentang di setiap kampong untuk membantah kenaikkan 4-dalam-1 harga petrol, diesel, gas dan gula.

Minggu lalu, harga petrol RON95 naik 5 sen menjadi RM1.90 (2.7%), diesel naik 5 sen menjadi RM1.80 sen (2.85%), gas pula naik 5 sen menjadi RM1.90 sen (2.7%) sekilogram dan gula juga naik 20sen menjadi RM2.10 sen (10.5%).

Beliau turut berkata seluruh jentera penerangan PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat mesti bangkit untuk menimbulkan kesedaran politik di kalangan rakyat terutama mereka yang tidak banyak menggunakan media baru.

Saya setuju bahawa ia merupakan suatu langkah baik bagi PAS untuk membangkitkan kesedaran politik dan menyalurkan maklumat tepat di kalangan rakyat.

Sekiranya, PAS ikhlas dalam membangkitkan kesedaran rakyat dalam hal membabitkan semua rakyat, maka PAS juga harus memberi maklumat kepada rakyat bahawa kerajaan PAS Kedah telah menaikkan tariff air antara 25% sehingga setinggi 100% baru-baru ini. Lebih teruk lagi, kenaikkan tidak munasabah 100% tarif air tersebut membabitkan pengguna kecil air (kurang daripada 8 m3) dan membebankan golongan miskin. Analisa dan maklumat lanjut tersebut boleh diperolehi di laman tankengliang.blogspot.com.

Kenaikkan tarif air tersebut juga berlaku di negeri Pulau Pinang.

PAS harus bersikap adil dan jujur dalam membentangkan maklumat kepada rakyat. PAS tidak harus berdiam diri terhadap masalah rakyat di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Jikalau PAS ikhlas dalam membantu rakyat, saya cadangkan agar PAS juga mengambil langkah segera mengkaji semula kenaikkan tarif air di negeri Pakatan Rakyat. Saya syorkan agar kenaikkan tarif air tersebut diseleraskan pada kadar 10% supaya tidak membebankan rakyat secara mendadak.

Sekiranya PAS tidak ingin membangkitkan isu kenaikkan tarif air di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat, maka jemputan PAS kepada ahlinya untuk menaikkan kain rentang adalah tindakan pembaziran sumber dan wang rakyat. Maka ia adalah lebih baik bagi PAS menggunakan sumber dan wang tersebut untuk membantu mangsa banjir di Kedah, Perlis dan Kelantan.

ADAKAN DEMOSTRASI DI STADIUM AGAR TIDAK JEJAS KESELAMATAN AWAM

2010-12-06T14:19:00.003+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada perhimpunan haram bagi menyerahkan memorandum kepada Yang Di-Pertuan Agong di Kuala Lumpur kelmarin berhubung isu air di Selangor.

Perhimpunan haram tersebut telah diadakan dekat Masjid Negara dan Istana Negara. Menurut laporan media, terdapat ramai pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat yang menganggotai perhimpunan haram tersebut.

Pada masa tersebut, saya sedang menghadiri Konvesyen Barisan Nasional dan mendapati keadaan huru-hara di Kuala Lumpur.

Saya berasa amat sedih melihat tindakan orang-orang tersebut yang sanggup menggadaikan keharmonian negara bagi agenda peribadi tertentu. Sebelum ini, pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat tersebut tidak pernah membantah tindakan kerajaan Kedah dalam menaikkan tarif air setinggi 100%.

Perhimpunan haram tersebut mendatangkan risiko tinggi kepada keselamatan rakyat dan harta benda awam. Kesesakan lalu lintas akibat perhimpunan awam tersebut secara tidak langsung menjejaskan perniagaan rakyat Malaysia di perkarangan kawasan tersebut.

Perhimpunan tersebut bukan sahaja suatu tindakan yang tidak menghormati Yang Di-Pertuan Agong dan masjid orang Islam, ia juga tidak menghiraukan nasib rakyat lain yang berada di perkarangan kawasan tersebut.

Sekiranya pihak tersebut ingin menghantar Memorandum kepada Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, ia boleh dilakukan melalui suatu delegasi aman seperti 10 orang.

Sekiranya pihak tersebut ingin mengadakan perhimpunan awam, maka perhimpunan awam sebegini harus diadakan di dalam suatu stadium ataupun dewan agar tidak menjejaskan nasib rakyat lain.

Saya berasa kerajaan persekutuan dan negeri Barisan Nasional ataupun Pakatan Rakyat boleh mengambil peranan dalam membantu pihak-pihak yang ingin mengadakan perhimpunan awam sebegini di stadium ataupun dewan milik kerajaan.

Pemimpin-pemimpin politik, tidak kira Pakatan Rakyat mahupun Barisan Nasional harus juga mengambil peranan memastikan keharmonian negara dan keselamatan rakyat Malaysia.

Sebaliknya, sekira pihak-pihak tertentu masih berdegil dan meletakkan kepentingan politik peribadi di atas keselamatan awam, maka saya menyeru agar Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam Negeri tidak perlu bertolak ansur dengan mana-mana pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab sedemikian.

My Letter To CM Penang On Penang Free Wifi (emailed to limguaneng@penang.gov.my)

2010-12-06T13:13:00.002+08:00

Dear YB Lim Guan Eng,

I refer to the Penang Free Wifi infrastructure in your state.

During my stay in Penang between 25th to 28th November, 2010, I was trying to locate the Penang Free Wifi to access the internet.

I manage to find the access point near KOMTAR. However, my numerous attempts to connect to it were futile with the message “Server not found”.

In order to correct any misunderstanding that I may have on Penang Free Wifi, I hope that you may provide some clarification whether the Penang Free Wifi is functioning or otherwise.

I hope that you may look into this matter in due course.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

TAN KENG LIANG

I Don't Need To Join History Clubs To Learn Basic Ethics Of Not Demanding Back Gifts

2010-12-06T13:08:00.004+08:00

I am not sure about the PAS leaders & members. But I don't need to join History Clubs (as proposed by a PAS leader) to learn basic ethics of not demanding back gifts.

PAKATAN KEDAH HARUS BATALKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK BERETIKA MENGAMBIL BALIK HADIAH DIBERI KEPADA THAILAND

2010-12-02T14:07:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada laporan di Warta Kedah bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah akan meminta bantuan kerajaan Malaysia melalui Kementerian Luar Negeri untuk mengambil balik bunga emas dan bunga perak yang pernah diberikan kepada kerajaan Thailand oleh kerajaan Kedah suatu ketika dahulu.

Sebanyak 28 pokok bunga emas telah dihantar kepada pemerintah Thailand di Bangkok sebagai tanda persahabatan dan hubungan mesra dua negara berjiran, kata Pengerusi Lembaga Muzium Negeri Kedah YB Dr Hamdan Mohamed Khalib.

[ Sumber: www.wartakedah.net 2 Disember, 2010 ]

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal dengan langkah kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah untuk mengambil balik bunga emas dan bunga perak tersebut.

Bunga emas dan bunga perak tersebut merupakan suatu hadiah kerajaan negeri Kedah kepada kerajaan Thailand pada zaman dahulu.

Ia adalah suatu tindakan yang tidak beretika untuk mengambil balik apa-apa benda yang telah dihadiahkan kepada orang lain.

Etika baik selepas pemberian hadiah harus dihormati oleh PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat.

Maruah kerajaan negeri dan rakyat Kedah (termasuk Malaysia) akan tergadai sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat Kedah masih berdegil untuk mengambil balik bunga emas dan bunga perak yang dihadiahkan kepada kerajaan Thailand.

Oleh itu, saya berharap Pakatan Rakyat Kedah akan dengan serta merta membatalkan hasratnya untuk mengambil balik bunga emas dan bunga perak tersebut.

Pakatan Rakyat harus mengambil kira maruah kerajaan negeri dan rakyat Kedah (termasuk Malaysia) dalam membuat apa-apa keputusan pada masa hadapan.

Review new water tariff, urges Kedah Gerakan Youth (from Star News 1 December, 2010)

2010-12-01T14:31:00.001+08:00

KENAIKAN 100% TARIF AIR KEDAH BAGI PENGGUNA AIR KECIL BAKAL BEBANKAN GOLONGAN MISKIN

2010-11-30T14:50:00.003+08:00

Setelah sebulan sejak pengumuman tersebut dibuat, rakyat Kedah telah menerima bil air bagi bulan November, 2010 dan mengandungi maklumat terperinci kenaikan tarif air tersebut.

Dari aduan yang terima, Pemuda Gerakan Kedah telah mendapati bahawa bagi pengguna kediaman:-

1. kenaikan tarif air tersebut paling membebankan rakyat miskin dan pengguna air kecil negeri Kedah. Tarif penggunaan air di bawah 8 meter padu sebulan akan dinaikkan sehingga 100%. Ini disebabkan kadar minima bil air telah dinaikkan dari RM3kepada RM6.

2. tarif bagi pengguna air antara 40 hingga 60 meter padu sebulan akan dinaikkan antara 36% hingga 40%.

3. kesan kenaikan tarif air tersebut secara keseluruhannya adalah sebenarnya antara 25% sehingga 100%. Ia bukannya hanya di lingkungan 27% hingga 44% sahaja seperti yang didakwa oleh sesetengah pihak.

Sesalinan analisis kami disertakan bersama, termasuk salinan maklumat bil air lama dan baru.

Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah harus berterus terang terhadap kesan kenaikkan tarif air.

Saya berasa adalah tidak adil bagi kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah untuk membebankan rakyat terutamanya golongan yang miskin dan pengguna air kecil.

Kenaikan sebanyak 100% terhadap pengguna air kecil dan golongan miskin adalah langsung tidak logik. Kerajaan negeri Kedah seharusnya menjalankan kajian yang teliti sebelum melaksanakan apa-apa polisi baru agar ia tidak membebankan golongan yang miskin.

Tambahan lagi kenaikan tarif air negeri Kedah adalah terlalu mendadak dan membebankan semua rakyat Kedah.

Syarikat Air Darulaman juga telah mensasarkan keuntungan RM16 juga bagi tahun depan. Kerajaan negeri Kedah tidak seharusnya terlalu menumpu terhadap keuntungan sehingga mengenepikan kebajikan dan membebankan rakyat negeri Kedah.

Oleh itu, saya mendesak agar kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah akan:-

1. membatalkan kenaikan kadar minima bil air Kedah tersebut dari RM3 kepada RM6; dan

2. mengkaji semula kenaikan tarif air negeri Kedah.

PKR SHOULD FIRST ABOLISH KETUANAN MELAYU CONCEPT IN PAKATAN STATES

2010-11-27T14:10:00.001+08:00

I refer to news report today where PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in her opening speech at the party congress in Shah Alam today said that 'Ketuanan Melayu' (Malay supremacy) should be abandoned.

She further said that “the concept of Malay supremacy must be left behind so that our children will grow up with the vision of a dignified race.”
[ Source: Malaysiakini 27 November 2010 / Suara Keadilan 27 November, 2010]

I fully agree with the stand taken by the President of PKR on this matter as this would benefit all Malaysians in the country.

Since PKR, being a component of Pakatan Rakyat, are now in control of 4 states in Malaysia, I would suggest that the PKR President as well as its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim ensure that all these Pakatan Rakyat states abandon the said “Ketuanan Melayu” concepts.

As PKR is well aware, virtually all Pakatan Rakyat states still practice the policy of retaining Bumiputra & Malay Quotas on various matters of the states. This includes quotas for housing & commercial development in Pakatan Rakyat states.

I have on various occasions highlighted, the Pakatan Rakyat regime in Kedah had raised Bumiputra quotas for certain housing development upto 70%. Under the previous administration of Barisan Nasional, these bumiputra quotas were set at 30%.

Instead of resolving any of these Ketuanan Melayu policies, PKR had chosen to practice the Ketuanan Melayu in a more extreme manner. Thus, the declaration by the PKR President today is quite ironic.

If PKR and their President are genuine in what they declare in their congress today, I suggest that PKR ensure that the Pakatan Rakyat regime in Kedah immediately in their next EXCO meeting:-
1. cancel the increase of the bumiputra quotas for housing & commercial development; and
2. remove all other state policies which are associated with “Ketuanan Melayu” policies.

Currently, there are 3 representatives of PKR in the Kedah EXCO. The de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat also comes from PKR.

Hence, if PKR fails to commence the abolishment of Ketuanan Melayu concept in their Pakatan Rakyat states, then, this would yet be another rhetoric stand by PKR for the pleasure of their members and leaders.

PERLUASKAN KEAHLIAN MAJLIS TERTINGGI BN KEPADA PEMUDA & WANITA

2010-11-23T13:25:00.000+08:00

Baru-baru ini, rakyat Malaysia telah melihat pelbagai pembaharuan yang dilaksanakan di dalam Barisan Nasional termasuk “keahlian terus” ke dalam Barisan Nasional dan Konvensyen Barisan Nasional yang akan diadakan hujung minggu ini.

“Keahlian terus” tersebut akan mendekatkan lagi Barisan Nasional kepada rakyat.

Konvensyen Barisan Nasional tersebut juga merupakan suatu sidang tahunan yang menemukan semua wakil komponen-komponen Barisan Nasional dari semua negeri-negeri dan bakal memberi ruang kepada wakil-wakil komponen BN membincang cara-cara BN membangunkan negara dan mempertahankan kepentingan semua rakyat.

Ini jelas menunjukkan keikhlasan Barisan Nasional dalam transformasinya sebagai parti yang memperjuangkan kepentingan semua rakyat.

Sejak penubuhan Barisan Nasional, yang diterajui oleh Tun Abdul Razak Hussein pada 1973, keahlian di dalam Majlis Tertinggi Barisan Nasional adalah terdiri daripada tiga (3) wakil dari parti-parti komponennya.

Pada masa ini, representasi golongan Pemuda dan Wanita hanya diberikan kepada Ketua Pemuda dan Wanita Nasional Barisan Nasional, yang secara tradisi adalah Ketua Pemuda dan Wanita Nasional UMNO.

Dalam hal ini, saya berharap kepimpinan tertinggi Barisan Nasional akan mengkaji semula keahlian di Majlis Tertinggi Barisan Nasional agar perwakilannya akan diperluaskan.

Justeru, saya mencadangkan agar keahlian Majlis Tertinggi Barisan Nasional akan diberikan kepada semua Ketua Pemuda dan Wanita Nasional parti-parti komponen Barisan Nasional.

Cadangan ini dibuat agar pandangan semua Ketua Pemuda dan Wanita parti-parti komponen Barisan Nasional akan dapat didengar dan dikaji oleh Majlis Tertinggi Barisan Nasional.

Ini akan menjadikan Majlis Tertinggi Barisan Nasional sebagai suatu badan tertinggi Barisan Nasional yang dinamik dan terdiri daripada pemimpin-pemimpin Malaysia, tanpa mengira umur dan jantina.

Ia juga bakal memberikan lebih banyak representasi kepada pemimpin pemuda dan wanita dari komponen-komponen Barisan Nasional negeri Sabah dan Sarawak.

Oleh itu, saya berharap Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, selaku Pengerusi Barisan Nasional akan dapat mengkaji cadangan ini.

JANGAN LAMBATKAN PROSES DEMOKRASI DI NEGERI PAKATAN RAKYAT

2010-11-22T13:17:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada laporan media bahawa Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng berkata Pakatan Rakyat Pulau Pinang mungkin tidak akan membubarkan dewan undangan negeri sekiranya Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya memanggil Pilihanraya Umum negara pada tahun hadapan.

Beliau turut dilaporkan berkata keputusan pilihanraya negeri akan dibuat di suatu konvensyen Pakatan Rakyat pada masa hadapan dan bukannya diputuskan oleh Barisan Nasional.

[ Sumber: Malaysiakini 22 November, 2010 ]

Pakatan Rakyat harus sedar bahawa adalah suatu tradisi sejak Merdeka di mana pilihanraya umum negara diadakan serentak dengan pilihanraya negeri-negeri Semenanjung Malaysia.

Sekiranya pilihanraya negeri diasingkan dari pilihanraya umum negara, maka kos pilihanraya bakal meningkat tinggi dan menghabiskan sumber negara. Peningkatan kos-kos sedemikian akan ditanggung oleh rakyat Malaysia.

Pakatan Rakyat tidak seharusnya kerap membangkang terhadap apa-apa yang mungkin dicadangkan Barisan Nasional sehingga bertindak tidak rasional dan membebankan rakyat. Sebagai kerajaan negeri, Pakatan Rakyat harus mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat dalam membuat apa-apa keputusan.

Rakyat di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat harus diberi peluang untuk mengundi di peringkat negeri sejajar dengan pilihanraya umum negara.

Pakatan Rakyat tidak wajar melambatkan proses pilihanraya negeri bagi memanjangkan tempoh pentadbiran Pakatan Rakyat di negeri masing-masing.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat telah berjaya mentadbir negeri masing-masing dengan cekap dan telus, maka tiada sebab untuk Pakatan Rakyat melambatkan proses demokrasi di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Tetapi sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat tidak mentadbir negeri masing-masing dengan sewajarnya, maka rakyat harus diberi hak untuk bersuara dan mengundi menolak kerajaan negeri Pakatan Rakyat sedemikian.

Proses demokrasi negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat tidak harus dilambatkan untuk menutup apa-apa kelemahan Pakatan Rakyat.

Saya berharap negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat, termasuk Kedah tidak akan terlalu mementingkan kepentingan politik diri untuk terus berkuasa di negeri masing-masing.

PAKATAN RAKYAT KEDAH SEKALI LAGI AMBIL TINDAKAN TEGAS TERHADAP PENGKRITIK

2010-11-16T18:29:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan YB Dato’ Phahrolrazi Zawawi, EXCO Perumahan Kedah di dalam sidang DUN Kedah hari ini bahawa proses tukar ganti Tanah Simpanan Melayu (“swapping”) bagi perumahan akan dihentikan kecuali bagi kes-kes yang terkecuali sahaja. Beliau juga mempersoalkan kenapa pihak pemaju perumahan pergi jumpa Ketua Pemuda Gerakan Kedah dalam hal kenaikkan kuota bumiputra perumahan kepada 70%.

Saya amat kecewa dengan keputusan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah yang dilihat sebagai suatu tindak balas tegas (“retaliation”) terhadap pembongkaran isu kenaikan kuota bumiputra projek perumahan sehingga 70% (bagi projek perumahan yang melibatkan “swapping” tersebut). Pada 18 Oktober, 2010, saya telah mengemukakan bukti-bukti bahawa terdapat kuota perumahan yang dinaikkan sehingga 70% selepas dinafikan oleh Menteri Besar Kedah (rujuk tankengliang.blogspot.com dan www.wartakedah.net).

Tindakan ini adalah secara tidak langsung suatu hukuman keras ke atas pemaju-pemaju perumahan di Alor Setar dan sekaligus membantutkan pembangunan perumahan di Alor Setar di mana lebih daripada 95% tanahnya berada di dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu. Tanpa proses “swapping” tersebut, orang-orang bukan Bumiputra akan menghadapi masalah memberi rumah dan ini akan menaikkan permintaan dan harga rumah-rumah di Alor Star. Rakyat yang miskin juga tidak akan mampu membeli rumah di Alor Star pada masa hadapan.

Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah seharusnya menyelesaikan masalah yang dibangkitkan oleh rakyat dan bukannya bersikap agresif menentang para pengkritik.

Sebelum ini, saya telah mencadangkan kepada Pakatan Rakyat sekiranya kuota Bumiputra ditetapkan pada 50%, mana-mana lot rumah yang tidak dapat dijual selepas 6 bulan (dari tarikh pelancaran jualan) akan dibuka kepada orang ramai (“Release Mechanism”). Ini akan mambantu rakyat Malaysia Bumiputra membeli rumah dan juga menyelesaikan masalah pembaziran sumber sekiranya kuota perumahan tersebut tidak dapat dijual. Namun begitu, cadangan ini tidak dihiraukan oleh Pakatan Rakyat di Kedah.

Kejadian baru-baru ini di mana kebebasan media disekat semasa sidang DUN Kedah juga menunjukkan bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah tidak dapat menerima kritikan daripada pihak-pihak tertentu. Penyekatan kebebasan media oleh Pakatan Rakyat di Kedah juga bakal menjejaskan kedudukan negara di dalam “World Press Freedom Index”.

Memandangkan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah enggan menyelesaikan masalah rakyat Kedah, saya menyeru agar pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat (terutamanya Anwar Ibrahim dan Lim Kit Siang) supaya memberi tumpuan untuk menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi rakyat Kedah. Saya berharap Pakatan Rakyat tidak terus mengabaikan nasib rakyat Kedah.

Bajet Kedah 2011 Tidak Memberi Bantuan Setimpal Kepada Mangsa Banjir

2010-11-14T16:47:00.003+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada pembentangan Bajet 2011 di sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri Kedah hari ini.

Dalam pembentangan Bajet 2011 tersebut oleh Menteri Besar Kedah, hanya RM1 juta ditambah kepada peruntukan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Negeri Kedah (JKM), untuk pelbagai bantuan termasuk bantuan bencana alam. Ini merupakan hanya 0.1% daripada kesuluruhan Bajet 2011 yang berjumlah RM887 juta.
Nota: Jumlah peruntukan kepada JKM bagi 2011 adalah RM14.5 juta selepas penambahan RM1 juta tersebut.

Sebelum ini, kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah hanya mengumumkan bantuan RM2 juta bagi membantu mangsa-mengsa banjir.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah amat kecewa dengan keengganan kerajaan negeri Kedah untuk memberi bantuan yang setimpal kepada mangsa-mangsa banjir negeri.

Penambahan RM1 juta peruntukan kepada JKM dan bantuan RM2 juta sedia ada langsung tidak mencukupi untuk membantu mangsa-mangsa banjir negeri Kedah.

Seperti yang kerajaan negeri Kedah sedia maklum, mangsa-mangsa banjir adalah termasuk petani-petani Kedah yang mengalami kerugian teruk. JKM tidak berfungsi membantu sektor pertanian. Oleh itu, penyaluran tambahan peruntukan RM1 juta kepada JKM tidak akan membantu golongan petani-petani

Cadangan Pemuda Gerakan Kedah pada 8 November, 2010 agar kerajaan negeri memberi pengecualian cukai pintu dan tanah 1 tahun merupakan langkah terbaik untuk memastikan semua mangsa-mangsa banjir termasuk golongan petani menerima bantuan setimpal. Semua mangsa banjir akan menerima bantuan tanpa diskriminasi terhadap fahaman politik mereka. Sesalinan Memoradum cadangan tersebut telah diserah kepada Menteri Besar Kedah. (juga dimuat turun di tankengliang.blogspot.com)

Dalam keadaan di mana rakyat ditimpa malapetaka, adalah tidak adil bagi kerajaan negeri Kedah untuk terus mengutip cukai daripada mangsa banjir, terutamanya daripada golongan petani dan rakyat miskin. Kerajaan Kedah perlu berprihatin terhadap mangsa-mangsa banjir.
Kerajaan Kedah tidak boleh hanya bergantung kepada kerajaan Persekutuan untuk memberi segala bantuan kepada mangsa-mangsa banjir.

Saya mendesak agar pemimpin-pemimpin pusat Pakatan Rakyat tidak lagi berdiam diri dan memastikan kerajaan negeri Kedah memberi bantuan setimpal kepada mangsa-mangsa banjir.

PAKATAN RAKYAT HARUS SIASAT & AMBIL TINDAKAN TEGAS TERHADAP MANA-MANA AHLI YANG MENGUGUT PIHAK MEDIA DI NEGERI KEDAH

2010-11-13T00:33:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada laporan polis yang telah difailkan hari ini oleh wartawan RTM Kedah, Samad Majid terhadap ugutan-ugutan yang terkandung di dalam laman web penyokong-penyokong Pakatan Rakyat.

Samad Majid merupakan wartawan yang dimarahi Menteri Besar Kedah semasa sidang media selepas mesyuarat EXCO Kedah pada 10 November, 2010.

Saya berasa sedih melihat keadaan di Kedah di mana kebebasan media bukan hanya disekat baru-baru ini, malah mereka kini mendakwa berhadapan dengan ancaman dari pihak-pihak yang tidak bertanggungjawab.

Pihak media tersebut hanya menjalankan tugas dan tanggungjawab mereka.

Saya berharap pihak media di Kedah akan tabah dalam mengharungi situasi sedemikian di negeri Kedah.

Sehubungan itu, Pemuda Gerakan Kedah mengecam tindakan mana-mana pihak yang mengugut para wartawan di negeri Kedah. Tindakan yang tidak bertamadun tersebut bukan budaya and amalan rakyat Malaysia.

Kelmarin, saya telah mendesak pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya Anwar Ibrahim dan Lim Kit Siang untuk memberi penjelasan kenapa terdapat pihak media yang dilarang meliputi sidang DUN Kedah (termasuk perbentangan belanjawan) mulai Ahad ini. Ini adalah bertentangan dengan janji Pakatan Rakyat untuk memberi kebebasan kepada media Malaysia. Malangnya, semua pemimpin-pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat terus berdiam diri.

Saya mendesak agar pemimpin-pemimpin pusat Pakatan Rakyat tidak boleh lagi berdiam diri dari isu kerajaan negeri Kedah yang kini semakin serius. Kebebasan media di negeri Kedah kini semakin terjejas.

Dalam hal ini, Pakatan Rakyat harus menyiasat dan mengambil tindakan tegas terhadap mana-mana ahli atau penyokong mereka yang didapati mengugut pihak media di negeri Kedah.

Pakatan Rakyat juga perlu menjamin dan mengekalkan kebebasan media di negeri Kedah.

Saya berharap pemimpin-pemimpin pusat Pakatan Rakyat tidak akan berdiam diri dan mengabaikan kepentingan rakyat negeri Kedah.

Anwar & Kit Siang Must Explain Why Pakatan Rakyat Curtailing Press Freedom In Kedah

2010-11-12T00:38:00.001+08:00

I refer to the announcement today by the Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government to ban several media (namely TV3, RTM, Utusan, Berita Harian and Bernama) from covering the Kedah State Assembly sitting next week. Instead, only 11 media representatives would be allowed to cover the state assembly sitting.

[ source: www.wartakedah.net 11th November, 2010 ]

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah STRONGLY CONDEMN the latest move by the Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government to ban these media from covering the Kedah State Assembly next week on the following grounds:-

1. it is indirectly a form of censorship and curtailing press freedom. This is also contrary to Pakatan Rakyat’s pledge in their Common Policies Framework (announced December, 2009), which purported to promote press freedom (Paragraph 1.2.7).

2. the Kedah State Assembly sitting are of public interest and every media should be allowed to cover it. This is fundamental to the principle of democracy and promotes transparency of matters brought up in the Kedah State Assembly. The Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government must be prepared to be scrutinized by the public and media for transparency.

Pakatan Rakyat national leaders, in particular its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and DAP’s adviser Lim Kit Siang must immediately demand and ensure their Pakatan Rakyat Kedah government revoke their latest ban against these several media group.

Pakatan Rakyat must also ensure that any media group should be allowed to cover the Kedah State Assembly.

In the event Pakatan Rakyat refuses to revoke their latest ban on these media to cover the Kedah State Assembly, this would confirm Pakatan Rakyat’s Common Policies Framework are mere rhetoric. All the pledge by Pakatan Rakyat to promote Press Freedom would then be “empty pledge”.

MEMORANDUM KEPADA MB KEDAH UNTUK KECUALIKAN CUKAI PINTU & CUKAI TANAH BAGI TEMPOH SATU TAHUN UNTUK BANTU MANGSA BANJIR KEDAH

2010-11-08T12:51:00.003+08:00

Tarikh: 8hb November, 2010

YAB Dato Seri Azizan Bin Abdul Razak,
Menter Besar Negeri Kedah
Wisma Darulaman,
Alor Star, Kedah

YAB Dato Seri,
MEMORANDUM
Pengecualian Cukai Pintu & Cukai Tanah Bagi Satu Tahun
Untuk Membantu Mangsa Banjir Kedah

Dengan segala hormatnya, saya merujuk kepada perkara di atas.

Sejak satu minggu yang lepas, negeri Kedah telah ditimpa salah satu banjir yang terburuk dalam sejarah kita. Ramai rakyat Kedah telah mengalami kesusahan dan kerugian yang besar akibat banjir besar tersebut.

Di samping penghuni-penghuni rumah yang ditengalami air, mangsa banjir juga merangkumi pemilik-pemilik ladang pertanian dan sawah padi yang rosak. Sektor pertanian merupakan salah satu sektor ekonomi penting di negeri Kedah.

Berikutan dengan usaha kerajaan pusat, kami menyeru agar kerajaan negeri Kedah juga mengambil langkah setimpal untuk membantu semua mangsa banjir Kedah mengharungi banjir besar tersebut.

Oleh itu, Pemuda Gerakan Kedah memohon agar kerajaan negeri Kedah akan memberi pengecualian pembayaran cukai pintu dan cukai tanah bagi tempoh satu (1) tahun di kawasan-kawasan banjir.

Usaha ini secara tidak langsung akan membantu pemulihan sektor pertanian Kedah, meringankan beban pemilik rumah yang rosak dan membantu perniagaan yang menanggung rugi besar akibat banjir besar tersebut.

Saya berharap YAB dapat mengumumkan pengecualian pembayaran cukai pintu dan cukai tanah tersebut dalam sesi pembentangan bajet Kedah minggu depan.

Kerjasama dan pertimbangan daripada kerajaan negeri Kedah amatlah dihargai.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Alimuddin: SPM and STPM will go on (from Star 6th November)

2010-11-06T09:31:00.002+08:00

Alimuddin: SPM and STPM will go on

PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has not made any decision to postpone the upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations in the event of floods in several states.

“We are used to dealing with such situations and there are measures in place in case of floods,” said Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom.

He was speaking to reporters before clocking out for the last time at the ministry on Thursday.

Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim was reported to have said that SPM candidates evacuated due to the floods should be given ample opportunity to prepare for the examination as studying in a flood relief centre would be difficult for them.

Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said the examinations should be postponed by at least a week to ensure that the candidates were really prepared to sit for them.

SPM and STPM are scheduled to start on Nov 23 and end on Dec 20 and Dec 16 respectively.

At his retirement ceremony, Alimuddin who was director-general for over three years, thanked his deputies and ministry staff for working as a team.

He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Education Ministry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for appointing him chairman of Yayasan Guru Malaysia Bhd.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/6/nation/7368638&sec=nation

Groups urge SPM to be postponed (from Star 4th November)

2010-11-06T09:28:00.000+08:00

Groups urge SPM to be postponed

KUALA LUMPUR: Several calls have been made for the SPM examination, scheduled to begin on Nov 23, to be postponed as the preparations of students in flood-hit Kedah and Perlis would have been affected.

The Parent Action Group for Education said SPM candidates evacuated due to the floods should be given ample opportunity to prepare for the examination.

Its president, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, said the government should be sensitive to their problem because studying in an unconducive situation, such as in a flood relief centre, would be difficult for them.

“I can understand their difficulty of having to revise their subjects in a situation where they had to move here and there and their books and notes may have been damaged by the floodwaters,” she said.

Her sentiments were shared by Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang and Malaysian Islamic Students Association of Malaysia president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz.

Tan said it should be postponed by at least a week to ensure that candidates were really prepared to sit for the important examination.

“During floods, students are certainly distracted because they have to move out of their homes and focus on their safety and that of their family members.

“It is not fair to evaluate them under such duress,’’ he said.

On Wednesday Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the department had identified schools in high-risk flooding zones, and would make arrangement for affected students to sit for examination in the nearest schools.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/4/nation/20101104180112&sec=nation

TUNDAKAN PEPERIKSAAN SPM DI NEGERI-NEGERI BANJIR SEMINGGU SELEPAS BANJIR BERAKHIR

2010-11-04T11:23:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) yang bakal diadakan mulai 23 November, 2010.

Menurut kenyataan Ketua Pengarah Pelajaran, Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom, Kementerian Pelajaran bersedia menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan termasuklah jika kejadian banjir berlarutan sehingga musim peperiksaan SPM.

Beliau turut berkata, kementerian sudah mengenal pasti kawasan yang berisiko dilanda banjir, dan sekiranya ia berlaku, calon-calon peperiksaan berkenaan akan dipindahkan ke sekolah berhampiran.

Pada hari ini, keadaan banjir di negeri Kedah, Perlis dan Kelantan telah bertambah buruk dan adalah antara banjir yang terburuk yang pernah melanda negeri Kedah dan Perlis.

Menurut laporan berita semalam, lebih daripada 31,000 di negeri Kedah telah dipindahkan akibat banjir. Kebanyakan sekolah yang berada di kawasan banjir di negeri Kedah, Kelantan dan Perlis turut ditutup. Lebih teruk, kebanyakan tempat di kawasan banjir tidak mempunyai bekalan air bersih dan elektrik, malah bekalan makanan juga kurang.

Keadaan ini sememangnya akan menjejaskan persiapan pelajar-pelajar negeri Kedah, Kelantan dan Perlis yang bakal menghadapi peperiksaan SPM lebih kurang 2 minggu dari hari ini.

Atas kesulitan yang dihadapi oleh pelajar-pelajar yang dilanda banjir di negeri Kedah, Perlis dan Kelantan, saya memohon prihatin Kementerian Pelajaran agar menunda tarikh peperiksaan SPM bagi kawasan-kawasan negeri Kedah, Perlis dan Kelantan yang masih dilanda banjir seminggu sebelum tarikh peperiksaan SPM.

Kementerian Pelajaran harus bersikap terbuka dan bersedia mengambil apa-apa tindakan yang adil mengikut keadaan semasa. Kesulitan rakyat akibat bencana alam harus diambil kira dalam apa-apa keputusan.

Ketika banjir, tumpuan rakyat Malaysia, termasuk pelajar-pelajar SPM adalah berpindah rumah dan memastikan keselamatan diri, termasuk keluarga mereka tidak terabai.

Oleh itu, sekiranya Kementerian Pelajaran bertegas untuk mengadakan peperiksaan SPM ketika banjir, maka penilaian prestasi pelajar-pelajar yang dilanda banjir adalah tidak adil dan tidak tepat.

Letter to DAP's Lim Kit Siang to Resolve 2 years Predicament in Kedah

2010-11-01T17:04:00.004+08:00

Y.B. LIM KIT SIANG
By Fax/ Courier
c/o DAP Headquarters
No 24, Jalan 20/9, Paramount Garden,
46300, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Fax: 03-79575718

OPEN LETTER c.c. Media

Dear Yang Berhormat,

Re: Increase of Bumiputra Quota for Housing upto 70%

I refer to the recent issue in Pakatan Rakyat Kedah state government, whereby housing projects in the state had been subject to Bumiputra Quota upto 70%. A copy of the three (3) letters of approval by the Kedah state authority imposing 70% Bumiputra Quota are attached for your ease of reference.

Further to that, Yang Berhomat’s Pakatan Rakyat Kedah state government had introduced a new policy requiring these Bumiputra Quota to be gazetted as “Malay Reservation”. This new policy is contrary to the provision in Article 89(2) of the Federal Constitution and tantamounts to an attempt to increase Malay Reserve land.

I believe that your representatives in DAP Kedah would have briefed you on this matter.

Previously, I understand that Yang Berhormat have met with Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato Seri Azizan Abdul Razak on 9th July, 2009 at Kuala Lumpur on this matter and a joint proclamation by Yang Berhormat and MB Kedah was made that the issues arising from the increase of the bumiputra quota from 30% to 50% for the certain housing development would be resolved. This led to DAP Kedah retracting their threat to withdraw from Pakatan Rakyat Kedah state government.

Now, not only did Pakatan Rakyat Kedah failed to fulfill their pledge to resolve the issue arising from the increase of bumiputra quota from 30% to 50%, the matter had turned worse where housing projects are now subject Bumiputra Quota as high as 70%.

I understand that one of DAP’s policy on economic development is the replacement of the ethnic quota system with a policy of "merits and needs". As such, I am surprise as to the tolerance of DAP to join the administration in Kedah which not only support such ethnic quota system, but aggravating the system to a higher level.

Unless the policies of DAP are mere rhetoric, I hope that Yang Berhormat would do the necessary to resolve the 2 years predicament faced by Kedahans as a result of Pakatan Rakyat Kedah extreme policies as soon as possible.

Thank you for your immediate action.

TINDAKAN MAHKAMAH AKAN DIAMBIL SEKIRANYA KERAJAAN PR KEDAH WARTAKAN LOT BUMIPUTRA PERUMAHAN SEBAGAI TANAH REZAB MELAYU

2010-10-28T13:06:00.000+08:00

Saya berasa kesal bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah tidak ikhlas dan tidak berminat dalam menyelesaikan isu kuota perumahan yang dibangkitkan baru-baru ini.

Dalam hal ini, Menteri Besar Kedah juga gagal untuk memberi apa-apa kenyataan berhubung tindakan kerajaan negeri Kedah meletakkan syarat untuk memasukkan lot di bawah kuota bumiputra perumahan ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu.

Di bawah Artikel 89 (2) Perlembagaan Persekutuan:-

Mana-mana tanah di sesuatu Negeri yang pada masa ini bukan tanah simpanan Melayu mengikut undang-undang yang sedia ada dan yang belum dibangunkan atau dicucuk tanam boleh diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu mengikut undang-undang itu:

Dengan syarat bahawa:-

(a) jika mana-mana tanah di sesuatu Negeri diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini, suatu keluasan tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini, suatu keluasan tanah yang sama dengan luas tanah itu di dalam Negeri itu yang belum dibangunkan atau dicucuk tanam hendaklah diadakan bagi pemberian hakmilik umum; dan

(b) jumlah keluasan tanah di sesuatu Negeri yang pada masa ini diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini tidak boleh pada bila-bila masa melebihi jumlah keluasan tanah di Negeri itu yang telah diadakan bagi pemberian hakmilik umum menurut perenggan(a).

Nota: Lot Bumiputra tersebut adalah tanah di luar tanah simpanan Melayu.

Tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah untuk memasukkan lot bumiputra tersebut ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu adalah bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah membantah tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah yang tidak menghormati Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Sekiranya kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah masih berdegil dan mewartakan Lot Bumiputra tersebut sebagai Tanah Simpanan Melayu, maka saya akan terpaksa mengambil tindakan mahkamah untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini.

WAS IT MACC OR ATTORNEY GENERAL DEPARTMENT WHO REFUSE TO PROSECUTE THOSE CORRUPT CIVIL SERVANTS?

2010-10-27T19:56:00.003+08:00

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/barisan-nasional/12127-dont-hide-behind-ag-gerakan-leader-tells-macc

By Teoh El Sen

PETALING JAYA: A Gerakan leader has chided the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commision (MACC) for passing the buck and demanded an answer to his question.

Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang also asked if the corruption watchdog was “hiding behind the attorney-general”.

Tan had questioned the MACC's decision to refer suspected corrupt civil servants, implicated in the Auditor-General's 2008 report, to their respective department heads for disciplinary action instead of hauling them to court.

Earlier today, MACC clarified that it was within its administrative powers to do so, and that prosecution could only be initiated by a public prosecutor or the attorney-general.

However, the explanation failed to convince Tan, who said: “It only serves to raise more questions.”

“They were correct to say all prosecution have to go through the attorney-general first. His consent is needed. But did the MACC really forward its investigations to the attorney-general?

“If so, then now we must ask the attorney-general why he decided not to prosecute these civil servants," he told FMT.

"Someone has to answer, either the attorney-general's chambers or MACC. They can't be putting the blame on each other," he stressed.

Setting a dangerous precedent

However, Tan pointed out that MACC also mentioned that it was the commission's legal affairs and prosecution department which had decided to refer the reports to the relevant department heads.

"If that is true, then they are acting above the law by deciding things themselves. They are setting a new and dangerous precedent in dealing with corruption by becoming the judge and prosecutor.

“It defeats the purpose of having these preventive laws, which are bypassed," he said.

Assuming that the person was not guilty, the Gerakan leader said the suspect would be robbed off the chance to defend himself in a court of law.

"But MACC said these cases waranted disciplinary action, so why weren't they taken to court? They can't say it is minor, that is for the court to decide. This could make civil servants braver and more corrupt," he said.

Tan first raised the issue in a posting on his blog last Saturday in response to MACC's announcement that it had completed its investigation into cases mentioned by the auditor-general.

The commission said three people had been charged in court and four reports were submitted to department heads with the proposal that disciplinary action be taken.

MACC Response to My Allegation..............brings up more question than any answer

2010-10-27T13:30:00.003+08:00

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/12089-macc-denies-passing-the-buck-to-dept-heads
By Teoh El Sen

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has rejected an allegation that it breached the law when it referred corruption suspects to their bosses instead of charging them in court.

Responding to Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang’s criticism over its recommendation to department heads to punish civil servants implicated in the Auditor-General’s 2008 Report, the commission today claimed that the measure it had taken was within the powers vested in it by the MACC Act of 2009.

"MACC denies allegations that it had failed to prosecute suspected corrupt civil servants implicated” in the Auditor-General’s report, it said.

Tan made the allegation in a posting on his blog last Saturday. It was his response to the MACC announcement that it had completed its investigations into cases mentioned by the Auditor-General.

In that announcement, the commission said three people had been charged in court and four reports had been submitted to department heads with proposed disciplinary action against the officers involved.

"MACC wants to clarify that the commission only conducts investigation on graft cases, abuse of power and mismanagement,” today’s statement said.

It added that the power to prosecute belonged to the director of its Legal Affairs and Prosecution Department.

"The decision and recommendation by that department was to submit reports to the relevant department heads for the purpose of disciplinary action. This is an administrative power that is vested upon MACC.”

Tan Keng Liang:
1. So, did the the 4 cases referred for disciplinary action against the government officers involved "graft cases, abuse of power and mismanagement?"
2. If yes, why did MACC's Director of Legal Affairs and Prosecution Department fail to prosecute the person involved in the 4 cases?
3. Isn't MACC's Director of Legal Affairs being part of MACC?
4. Did MACC refer these 4 cases to the Attorney General (AG) Department for prosecution?

MACC HAS NO RIGHTS TO ASK GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT HEADS TO SUBSTITUTE THE JUDICIARY FOR CORRUPTION CASES

2010-10-24T22:45:00.004+08:00

I refer to the announcement by Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) today that they have completed their investigation on the Auditor General’s Report for year 2008(announced last year). According to MACC, they have initiated more than 20 investigation papers and 5 inspection and consultation papers.

According to the MACC, 3 people have been accused in court, 4 MACC reports have been handed over to department heads with proposed disciplinary actions against officers involved and 5 letters of advice to relevant government departments. It also included 5 proposed reviews to systems and procedures to reduce opportunities for corruption or fraud.

Source: http://www.sprm.gov.my/

With due respect to MACC, the penalties for offences involving corruption had been defined under the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act 2009 (“MACC Act”). Under Section 24 of the MACC Act:-

“Any person who commits an offence under the Act shall on conviction be liable to:-
(a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty years; and
(b) a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification which is the subject matter of the offence, where such gratification is capable of being valued or is of a pecuniary nature, or ten thousand ringgit, whichever is the higher.”

Clearly, there is no provision in MACC Act for a mere disciplinary action by any government department heads against any government officers for suspected corruption offences. If any civil servant is suspected for corruption offence, MACC should charge them in court for such offence.

In any event, every person accused of corruption should also have the right to be heard in the court of law.

As such, a person should only be convicted for corruption by the court of law and the appropriate penalties should only be decided by such court of law (and not by any government department heads).

MACC should avoid setting any precedent to allow government department heads to decide penalties for suspected corruption offences involving civil servants and to substitute the judiciary with government department heads.

Hence, I would like to call upon MACC to immediately clarify and rectify this matter.

My Response to MB Kedah - Resolve Problem by Next EXCO Meeting or Further Details Would Be Revealed!

2010-10-22T08:19:00.002+08:00

There are times when enough is enough.
Below are the reported statement I made in the Press Conference I made yesterday.

From Bernama
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/bm/newsindex.php?id=537287

ALOR SETAR 21 Okt - Pemuda Parti Gerakan Kedah memberi tempoh kepada Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak sehingga Khamis depan bagi menyelesaikan isu berkaitan kuota pemilikan rumah di Kedah.

Ketuanya Tan Keng Liang berkata sudah banyak sangat helah dilakukan oleh kerajaan negeri berhubung isu tersebut yang telah berlarutan sehingga dua tahun.

"Saya bagi tempoh sehingga Khamis minggu depan untuk Azizan mengumumkan sesuatu yang menggembirakan rakyat.

"Azizan perlu menurunkan apa-apa kuota perumahan kepada 30 peratus atau melaksanakan mekanisma iaitu satu polisi yang membuka penjualan kepada orang ramai selepas enam bulan tarikh jualan dibuka jika perumahan tidak habis dijual," katanya kepada pemberita di sini pada Khamis.

Beliau berkata Menteri Besar juga perlu membatalkan apa-apa polisi atau apa-apa keputusan daripada mana-mana agensi kerajaan negeri untuk memasukkan kuota bumiputera ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu yang bercanggah dengan Artikel 89 (2) Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

"Ini adalah alternatif yang boleh Azizan gunakan dan jika beliau tidak membuat sesuatu, saya akan membuat satu lagi pendedahan pada Khamis minggu depan.

"Dua tahun bukan satu tempoh yang singkat. Kerajaan Negeri mesti ikhlas selesaikan masalah ini. Jangan bebankan rakyat," kata Tan.

Beliau sebelum ini menyerahkan bukti kepada Menteri Besar berhubung kenaikan kuota perumahan daripada 30 peratus kepada 70 peratus untuk bumiputera di Kedah.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan, Kerja Raya, Pembangunan Luar Bandar dan Basmi Kemiskinan Negeri, Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi kemudiannya menjelaskan bahawa kenaikan peratusan kuota itu adalah atas permintaan pemaju sendiri.

MB Kedah's Reply

2010-10-22T08:12:00.002+08:00

From The Star 21 October, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/21/north/7266835&sec=north

State quizzed over quota
By EMBUN MAJID
embun@thestar.com.my

ALOR SETAR: Three developers have sought approval from the Kedah Government to undertake housing projects on swapped Malay reserve land and offered to sell 70% of the units to bumiputras.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak who revealed this said the developers made the request on their own accord after their initial applications were rejected.

“They have made several appeals to the state government since 2008 for their applications to be approved,” he said to reporters.

He was commenting on the allegation by Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang last week that the state government had quietly increased the bumiputra housing quota from 50% to 70% on swapped Malay reserve land.

When Azizan denied the allegation, Tan submitted three letters issued to developers by the state Land and Mines Office directing the developers to sell 70% of the units to bumiputras.

Tan also alleged that the state government wanted to gazette the bumiputra lots as Malay reserve land.

Yesterday, Azizan confirmed that his office had received the three letters and was investigating the matter.

He said there was no directive to compel the developers to sell 70% of their units to bumiputras.

“The 50% bumiputra housing quota on swapped Malay reserve land still stands,” he said.

Azizan said he had asked state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi to meet the three developers soon.

When contacted, Tan said there could have been a hidden directive from the state government to the developers.

“It is illogical for them to happily volunteer to sell 70% of their units to bumiputras after investing a substantial sum to swap the Malay reserve land into non-Malay land,” he said.

Tan said it was difficult for developers to fill the 70% quota especially in Alor Setar since bumiputras might not prefer certain locations.

He said Azizan should clarify whether the state government would gazette bumiputra lots as Malay reserve land after the swapp-ing.

Developer Happily Volunteered For the 70% Bumi Quota? hahahaha...........

2010-10-19T10:38:00.008+08:00

As this article is not available online at the Star news website, I am pasting the reply from the Kedah's Housing EXCO after I have presented the 3 letters as evidence of the implementation of 70% Bumi Quota for Housing Development.

According to the reported news in Star:-

1. In an immediate response, he denied my allegation.

2. However, he said the developers themselves had made an application to sell 30% fo their housing quota to non-bumiputra (without any directive from the state government).

To summarize what have transpired yesterday, Menteri Besar of Kedah had denied any implementation of the 70% bumi quota for housing in Kedah.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/18/nation/7246981&sec=nation

“The state executive council had never increased the quota. The 50% bumiputra quota for housing projects on swapped land still stands,” Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said when met after launching the National Language Month here yesterday.

So, today, the Kedah Housing EXCO indirectly confirms that there are 70% Bumi Quota for Housing Development in Kedah where the developers had made such 70% Bumi Quota application themselves.

The interesting part in his reply is the state government now implies that the Developer voluntarily and happily self-imposed the 70% Bumi Quota upon themselves. That is after spending tons of money to swapped the Malay Reserve land into a non-Malay reserve land so that the development can be opened up to everyone in this country.

What is Swapping?
* Swapping of land for housing development in Kedah usually involves Alor Star, where more than 90% of the land are under Malay Reservation. Without such swapping, development of a Malay Reserve land can only be sold 100% to Bumiputras. In such case, swapping involves a Malay Reserve land (Land A) intended for development with a non-Malay Reserve land (Land B). Usually, Land B must be more than 5% of the land size of Land A. There is no reduction of Malay Reserve Land under this process. A premium (example RM15,000 per acre) is normally paid to the owner of Land B to enter Land B into Malay Reservation. After the swapping process, Land A would be a non-Malay Reserve Land and Land B would turn into a Malay Reserve Land. Under Barisan Nasional adminstration of Kedah last time, the housing Bumi Quota for the development of Land A after the swapping process was 30%.
After Pakatan Rakyat took over Kedah, they had increased the Bumi Quota to 50%.
They were already numerous complains from every corner of Kedah against the increase of such Bumi Quota to 50% for the past 2 years.

Now, do you think there would be any developer who is so happy to propose themselves to increase the Bumi Quota to 70% after spending tons of money for the swapping process? What then is the purpose of swapping the land?

It is interesting to note that the Kedah State government is totally silent on my statement that "the state had imposed a requirement for these Bumi Quotas (which is a non-Malay Reserve land after the swapping process) to be gazetted as Malay Reserve Land". This would increase the Malay Reserve Land and is against Article 89(2) of the Federal Constitution.

For now, I shall wait and see what is the next response from the state government in addressing this issues (2 issues to be exact - the Bumi Quota & the gazzeting of Bumi Quota as "Malay Reserve Land").

p/s: There are some media (including the offical state information website at www.wartakedah.net) that reported the state government's claim that the case of 70% Bumi Quota only involves one (1) developer who volunteered for the 70% Bumi Quota. I can confirm that this is false. There are more than one.

http://www.wartakedah.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=455%3Aexco-perumahan-sahkan-dakwaan-mca-dan-gerakan-adalah-tidak-benar&catid=36%3Aberita&Itemid=67&lang=ms

Response To Menteri Besar Kedah's Denial On 70% Bumi Quota For Housing In Kedah

2010-10-18T13:00:00.002+08:00

Kedah Bumi Quota Increase up to 70% (Chinese Paper)

2010-10-17T12:17:00.005+08:00

MEMORANDUM TO MENTERI BESAR KEDAH TO RESPECT FEDERAL CONSTITUTION & FULFILL PROMISE TO RESOLVE HOUSING BUMI QUOTA ISSUE

2010-10-17T10:58:00.005+08:00

This Memorandum had been submitted to the office of Menteri Besar of Kedah on 13th October, 2010.

PAS, STOP IMPOSING YOUR NARROW MINDED VIEWS UNTO OTHER MALAYSIANS

2010-10-15T11:28:00.002+08:00

I refer to the protest led by PAS Youth against the concert by Adam Lambert at Bukit Jalil stadium yesterday. PAS Youth claims that the concert promotes homosexuality and that it is obscene, uncivilised and unsuitable. It was also reported that the protestors were chanting “We oppose gay artists”.

This recent event by PAS Youth is regrettable. Such a protest has again humiliated our country and tends to show the backward thinking and narrow minded views of certain group of people in our country.

It is clearly a form of discrimination against the gay community in our country.

PAS Youth fails to understand that gay and homosexuality is an inherent nature of certain human. It is clearly not a form of culture.

How sure is PAS Youth that there is no gay and homosexual within PAS or Pakatan Rakyat?

The continuance of PAS to impose their belief and policies unto others should stop. If they are against any future concerts by foreign artist, then they should just ban their members from attending it.

PAS should not stop other Malaysians from attending such concerts and asking the government to ban it.

This is yet another selfish act by PAS. Malaysians are not interested in the backward and narrow minded thinking of PAS.

KUOTA BUMI KINI NAIK 70% UNTUK PERUMAHAN KEDAH, PR KEDAH JUGA KINI PERKENAL SYARAT BARU PERUMAHAN YANG LANGGAR PERLEMBAHAAN PERSEKUTUAN

2010-10-12T12:00:00.003+08:00

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah telah gagal untuk menunaikan janjinya pada December, 2009 untuk membatalkan kenaikan kuota bumiputra perumahan dari 30% kepada 50% (bagi pembangunan tanah yang melibatkan Tanah Simpanan Melayu yang telah ditukar ganti dengan tanah di luar simpanan Melayu). Isu ini banyak melibatkan Bandaraya Alor Star di mana lebih daripada 90% adalah di dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu.

Sebaliknya, sejak Julai, 2010 kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah bukan sahaja engkar menunaikan janjinya, malah mereka telah memburukkan keadaan dengan:-

1. menaikkan kuota bumiputra perumahan tersebut ke 70%;
2. menaikkan kuota bumiputra bagi pembangunan kedai/ pejabat ke 50%; dan
3. meletakkan syarat untuk memasukkan lot di bawah kuota bumiputra tersebut ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu.

• Sesalinan surat Pejabat Ketua Pengarah Tanah & Galian yang menunjukkan perkara ini disertakan bersama.

Di bawah Artikel 89 (2) Perlembagaan Persekutuan:-
Mana-mana tanah di sesuatu Negeri yang pada masa ini bukan tanah simpanan Melayu mengikut undang-undang yang sedia ada dan yang belum dibangunkan atau dicucuk tanam boleh diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu mengikut undang-undang itu:

Dengan syarat bahawa:-

(a) jika mana-mana tanah di sesuatu Negeri diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini, suatu keluasan tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini, suatu keluasan tanah yang sama dengan luas tanah itu di dalam Negeri itu yang belum dibangunkan atau dicucuk tanam hendaklah diadakan bagi pemberian hakmilik umum; dan

(b) jumlah keluasan tanah di sesuatu Negeri yang pada masa ini diisytiharkan sebagai tanah simpanan Melayu di bawah Fasal ini tidak boleh pada bila-bila masa melebihi jumlah keluasan tanah di Negeri itu yang telah diadakan bagi pemberian hakmilik umum menurut perenggan(a).

Tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah untuk memasukkan lot bumiputra tersebut ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu adalah bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah membantah tindakan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah yang tidak menghormati Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Dengan ini, Pemuda Gerakan Kedah menuntut:-

1. kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah menghormati Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan membatalkan polisinya untuk memasukkan lot bumiputra ke dalam Tanah Simpanan Melayu; dan

2. menunaikan janji Pakatan Rakyat Kedah untuk membatalkan apa-apa kenaikan kuota bumiputra bagi projek perumahan dan pembangunan komersial di Kedah.

GUBAL UNDANG-UNDANG UNTUK HUKUM PARTI POLITIK BUAT JANJI KOSONG

2010-10-07T15:49:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenaikan tariff air di Kedah antara 27% hingga 44% baru-baru ini oleh kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Kedah.

Kejadian ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa terdapat gabungan parti-parti politik tertentu yang berhak untuk membuat janji-janji manis kepada rakyat dan tidak perlu menunaikannya. Keadaan ini semakin menjadi-jadi sejak pilihanraya umum pada tahun 2008.

Pada December, 2009 lalu, Pakatan Rakyat telah berjanji di dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat (para. H) bahawa:-
(a) penyediaan dan penyenggaraan prasarana awam yang baik merupakan tanggungjawab kerajaan;

(b) perlaksanaannya mestilah tidak membebankan rakyat; dan

(c) menjamin bekalan air bersih dengan harga yang berpatutan kepada setiap keluarga di Malaysia.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat telah gagal untuk menunaikan janji-janji mereka yang termaktub di dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat. Kenaikan tariff air antara 27% hingga 44% sememangnya membebankan rakyat Kedah, terutamanya golongan yang miskin.

Malangnya, undang-undang sedia ada tidak dapat menghukum ataupun menghentikan gejala politik kotor yang memperdaya rakyat. Janji-janji manis oleh parti-parti politik tersebut bukannya suatu perjanjian ataupun kontrak dari segi undang-undang dengan rakyat. Ia juga bukannya suatu jenayah di bawah undang-undang jenayah negara kita.

Pada masa ini, rakyat hanya boleh hukum parti sedemikian pada pilihanraya umum masa hadapan. Tetapi, buat masa ini, rakyat akan terus sengsara akibat keengganan parti politik sedemikian untuk tunaikan janji-janji mereka. Gejala politik kotor ini harus dihentikan.

Oleh yang demikian, saya mencadangkan kepada kerajaan agar:-

1. menubuhkan suatu jawatankuasa untuk mengkaji isu ini; dan

2. menggubal undang-undang yang sesuai bagi menghalang dan menghukum mana-mana parti politik ataupun gabungan parti politik yang mengeluarkan janji-janji kosong.

Saya berharap kerajaan akan mengkaji cadangan ini dan mengambil tindakan selanjutnya bagi menjaga kepentingan rakyat daripada terus diperdaya oleh mana-mana parti politik yang tidak bertanggungjawab.

PEMUDA GERAKAN KEDAH TIDAK AKAN TUNDUK KEPADA UGUTAN MB PAS KEDAH

2010-10-05T12:56:00.001+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada tuduhan dan alasan Menteri Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak bahawa kenaikan tariff air di Kedah adalah berpunca daripada Barisan Nasional.

Seterusnya, beliau juga memberi amaran kepada pemimpin-pemimpin Barisan Nasional agar tidak membuat apa-apa lagi kenyataan berhubung kenaikan tarif air di negeri Kedah. Sekiranya tidak, beliau akan membongkar secara terperinci pinjaman-pinjaman yang diambil oleh kerajaan negeri Kedah dahulu di bawah Barisan Nasional.

Beliau juga menyatakan bahawa kenaikan tarif air tersebut (antara 27% hingga 44%) tidak akan membebankan rakyat Kedah.
[ Sumber: The Star - www.thestar.com.my – 5th Oktober, 2010]

Kenyataan beliau bahawa kenaikan tarif air tersebut (antara 27% hingga 44%) tidak membebankan rakyat jelas menunjukkan bahawa kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah tidak berprihatin terhadap rakyat Kedah yang miskin.

Keputusan untuk menaikkan tarif air Kedah terletak di tangan kerajaan negeri PAS Kedah dan bukannya kerajaan pusat yang dipimpin oleh Barisan Nasional.

Sebaliknya, kerajaan PAS negeri Kedah hanya berminat untuk memastikan keuntungan besar dicapai oleh SADA (Syarikat Air Darulaman) sebanyak RM16 juta yang disasar bagi tahun depan atas beban rakyat Kedah yang miskin. (http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsbusiness.php?id=530673).

Tindakan Menteri Besar Kedah untuk mengugut pemimpin-pemimpin Barisan Nasional agar tidak membuat apa-apa lagi kenyataan berhubung kenaikan tarif air Kedah adalah tidak bertanggungjawab. Ini merupakan suatu lagi cubaan PAS untuk menutup kelemahan pentadbiran negeri Kedah di bawah PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah tetap akan mempertahankan kepentingan rakyat Kedah dan tidak akan tunduk kepada ugutan Menteri Besar Kedah.

KENAIKAN CAJ AIR KEDAH HARUS DIBATALKAN, SEKIRANYA PR PRIHATIN RAKYAT KEDAH

2010-09-29T18:37:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada keputusan Syarikat Bekalan Air Darulaman (SADA) untuk menaikkan tariff air di Kedah mulai 1 Oktober, 2010.

Menurut kenyataan oleh wakil SADA pada hari ini:-

1. secara keseluruhan, purata kenaikan caj kepada pengguna domestik adalah sekitar 27 peratus dan nilainya antara RM3.00 hingga RM8.00; dan
2. Ia melibatkan sebanyak 457,707 akaun (sehingga Ogos tahun ini).
[ Sumber: www.wartakedah.net ]

Pada December, 2009 lalu, Pakatan Rakyat telah berjanji di dalam Dasar Bersama mereka (para. H) bahawa:-
(a) penyediaan dan penyenggaraan prasarana awam yang baik merupakan tanggungjawab kerajaan;
(b) perlaksanaannya mestilah tidak membebankan rakyat; dan
(c) menjamin bekalan air bersih dengan harga yang berpatutan kepada setiap keluarga di Malaysia.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah berasa kesal bahawa kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat telah gagal untuk menunaikan janji-janji mereka yang termaktub di dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat.

Kenaikan caj air sekitar 27 peratus sememangnya akan membebankan rakyat Kedah.

Seperti yang telah disasarkan oleh Pemuda Gerakan Kedah pada awal tahun ini, proses pengkorporatan jabatan bekalan air sebagai SADA oleh Pakatan Rakyat akan membebankan rakyat Kedah, terutamanya golongan yang berpendapatan rendah. Pada masa tersebut, kerajaan Kedah telah menafikan apa-apa niat untuk menaikkan tarif air.

Pakatan Rakyat harus sedar bahawa rakyat Kedah, terutamanya golongan berpendapatan rendah akan menjadi mangsa utama kepada proses kenaikan tariff air Kedah.

Pemuda Gerakan Kedah menyeru agar Pakatan Rakyat berprihatin terhadap rakyat Kedah dan tidak mengambil keputusan yang membebankan rakyat Kedah.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat berprihatin terhadap rakyat Kedah dan ikhlas terhadap janji-janji di dalam Dasar Bersama Pakatan Rakyat, maka kerajaan negeri Kedah harus mengambil langkah dengan serta merta untuk mengarahkan SADA untuk membatalkan kenaikan tariff air.

Other Pakatan Rakyat States Should Not Follow Penang's Method To Increase Water Tariff

2010-09-23T17:31:00.001+08:00

I refer to the announcement by the Pakatan Rakyat led Penang government to impose a surcharge of 24 sen per 1,000 litres on domestic consumers using more than 35,000 litres of water per month. Pakatan Rakyat claims that the “Water Conservation Surcharge” (WCS) is part of their effort to encourage wise water usage and to curb water wastage among the people of Penang.

In last December, 2009, Pakatan Rakyat pledged in their Common Policies Framework (paragraph H):-

(a) that providing and maintaining good public infrastructure is the government’s responsibility;
(b) the implementation should not burden the people; and
(c) they would guarantee clean water at reasonable rates to every family in Malaysia

However, the recent introduction of WCS by Pakatan Rakyat clearly fails to take into account that the number of person in every household may not be the same.

The average monthly water consumption of 35,000 litres as estimated by Pakatan Rakyat for Penang is an assumption based on the average number of persons (example of 5 person) in a household. Such an assumption would burden large families living in a single home (example 10 persons) and it is unreasonable to impose WCS on large families living in a single home.

While Kedah Gerakan Youth welcomes any move to curb water wastage among the people, such a move should be a rationale move implemented based on proper studies and should not be a hasty move that unfairly burdens any group of people. Otherwise, it can be assumed that such moves are mere attempts to increase water tariff and disguise under the pretext of curbing water wastage.

Any move to introduce WCS should take into account the actual numbers of person living in a household.

Based on the aforesaid, the current introduction of WCS by Pakatan Rakyat in Penang should not be taken as precedent for other Pakatan Rakyat states to increase the water tariff in their respective states.

It is hope that Pakatan Rakyat would honour their pledge made in their Common Policies Framework to assure the people that other Pakatan Rakyat states would not follow the hasty move by Pakatan Rakyat Penang to introduce WCS without considering the actual number of occupants of a household.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO ALL MALAYSIANS

2010-09-09T12:12:00.000+08:00

SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO ALL MALAYSIANS!

BN & PR MUST JOINTLY SPEARHEAD REFORMS TO REJECT RACE & RELIGIOUS BASED POLITICAL PARTY

2010-09-07T13:14:00.001+08:00

In recent times, Malaysians have seen the escalation of racist and religious extremism in our country.

There had been many suggestions to ease the escalation of the tension among Malaysians caused by such extremism including the enactment of laws to govern race relations to deter racist taunts and to revamp the education system in our country. Even our Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak have advised Malaysians not to question the social contract that had been formulated since our country’s independence.

It was also reported today that DAP’s adviser YB Lim Kit Siang had urged the government to launch a nationwide campaign “Say No To Racism”.

Undoubtedly, everyone in Malaysia, whether supportive of Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat wants to eradicate the racial and religious tension in this country.

The introduction of laws governing race relations and the “Say No To Racism” nationwide campaign should be welcomed (though it should also include “Say No To Religious Extremism”).

However, these are all mere short term measures that may not solve the underlying problem.

I believe that the root of the cause of growing racist and religious extremism is the political landscape in our country.

The existence of race and religious based political party in our country would indirectly promote the existence of individuals who would champion their respective race and religion.

It is near to impossible to eradicate racist and religious extremism if the political landscape in our country still permits the existence of race based or religious based political party.

Now, in the interest of Malaysians, both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat should jointly commit to draw a roadmap to stop the existence of race and religious based political party within their coalition and this country. Such reforms should cover the amendments of the objectives in the constitution of such race and religious based political party

It cannot be denied that there are currently no provisions under the law that prohibits the existence of race and religious based political party. However, that should not be a reason for any race and religious based party to reject reforms within itself for the interest of all Malaysians.

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA

2010-08-31T00:28:00.002+08:00

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA TO ALL MALAYSIAN!

HUKUM HUDUD HANYA IMPIAN PERIBADI PAS

2010-08-21T20:32:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada cadangan Mursyidul Am PAS Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat untuk memperkenalkan undang-undang hudud di negara kita. Menurut beliau, undang-undang tersebut didakwa akan dapat mengatasi gejala jenayah dan sosial seperti kes membuang bayi yang semakin meningkat.

PAS harus sedar bahawa Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang berasaskan Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan undang-undang jenayah telah diperuntukan di bawah Kanun Keseksaan yang sedia ada.

Negara kita, yang terdiri daripada rakyat berbilang kaum dan agama, telah kian lama menolak perlaksanaan hukum hudud. Antara hukum hudud adalah hukuman potong tangan bagi pencuri dan rejam bagi penzina.

Cadangan undang-undang hudud tersebut juga telah ditolak oleh DAP, rakan seperjuangan PAS di dalam Pakatan Rakyat.

Menurut kenyataan Y.B. Karpal Singh, pengerusi DAP dua hari lepas, undang-undang hudud bukan jawapan kepada gejala jenayah dan social. Malah beliau juga berkata, “partinya DAP tidak dapat menerima sebarang bentuk pelaksanaan hudud di negara ini.”

Ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa cadangan undang-undang hudud oleh Mursyidul Am PAS tersebut adalah hanya impian peribadinya.

Saya berharap PAS tidak akan lagi mengambil kesempatan untuk mencadangkan undang-undang hudud atas alasan kenaikan gejala jenayah dan sosial.

Ia adalah lebih baik bagi PAS mengkaji sebab-sebab kenaikan gejala jenayah dan sosial dan memberi cadangan rasional untuk meminda mana-mana peruntukkan di dalam Kanun Keseksaan yang sedia ada.

PAS harus menghormati Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan Kanun Keseksaan yang sedia ada.

PAS harus sedar bahawa hukum hudud bukan impian semua rakyat Malaysia, yang berbilang kaum dan agama.

PAS YOUTH MUST RESPECT VARIOUS CULTURES IN MALAYSIA --VALENTINE DAY AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATION DO NOT EQUATE FREE & RAMPANT SEX

2010-08-19T16:04:00.002+08:00

I refer to the reported statement by PAS Youth chief, Nasrudin Hassan who blamed Valentine’s Day and New Year celebrations as among the main causes of baby dumping in the country.

According to the report, PAS Youth Chief was quoted as saying that these occasions were celebrated in an extreme manner and encouraged liberal socialising and free sex, which resulted in the act of dumping babies.

[ Source: The Star 19th August, 2010 ]

I hereby strongly condemn the “narrow minded” statement by PAS Youth that alleged the celebration of Valentine Day and New Year as encouragement of free sex and dumping of babies.

Malaysia has always been a multiracial country since independence and the rights of all Malaysian to celebrate any special occasions had been respected.

The allegation by PAS Youth in blaming the celebration of Valentine Day and New Year for the dumping of babies clearly shows PAS Youth’s ignorance of various cultures in Malaysia.

PAS Youth fails to understand the true meaning of the celebration of Valentine Day and New Year by all Malaysians. They have also failed to understand that these celebrations do not promote free and rampant sex activity.

The statement by PAS Youth had undoubtedly tarnished the good name of Malaysians who had celebrated Valentine Day and New Year. Such allegation would cause suspicion on Malaysian who celebrated these special occasions.

Instead of making baseless accusation, PAS Youth should conduct a constructive and evidence based research if they are sincere in assisting the government in eradicating the crime of dumping babies. Pointing fingers without evidence does not solve anything.

As a responsible political party, PAS Youth must bring forward evidence to substantiate their allegation that the celebration of Valentine Day and New Year had encourage free sex that led to the dumping of babies.

In the event PAS Youth fails to provide any evidence to substantiate their allegations, PAS Youth owes a public apology to all Malaysians for making such an irresponsible allegation.

OPEN TENDER WOULD NOT ERODE MALAY INTEREST IN LAND

2010-08-16T14:21:00.001+08:00

I refer to the statement by Perkasa yesterday urging for the government to review the proposal to carry out open tender for the sale of strategic land for development [ source: Bernama ].

Perkasa claims that such open tender process could erode “the little remaining assets owned by the Malay and Bumiputera”.

It is unfortunate that Perkasa is not supportive of the open tender process adopted by the government. Perkasa must understand that open tender will maximize the government’s revenue for the benefit of all Malaysians.

It will ensure that only those with merits, including the Malays, would win the open tender.

The claim by Perkasa that the sale of government’s strategic land by open tender could erode “the little remaining assets owned by the Malay and Bumiputera” is unfounded.

Article 89 of the Federal Constitution already provides for the protection of Malay reservation lands. Each state in our country also has their respective law to prohibit the sale of Malay reservation lands to non-Malays.

As such, the interest of Malays in the land of our country had always been protected by the Federal Constitution and could not be eroded by a mere open tender.

Besides that, open tender process would not exclude the participation of the Malays and Bumiputras.

On the contrary, such open tender process would ensure that ALL the Malays with merits would be given a chance to win the open tender process. The allegation of only the few privileged “Malay”" being awarded government projects would no longer arise.

Thus, the move by the government to adopt open tender for the sale of government’s land should be welcomed.

KEDAH PAS AGAIN FLIP FLOP ON HOUSING POLICY - 50% BUMI QUOTA IS BACK!

2010-08-05T15:45:00.002+08:00

I refer to the reported statement in the Kedah State Assembly by the Housing and Local Government EXCO Datuk Ir Phahrolrazi Zawawi that the implementation of 50% Bumiputera Quota is still applicable for housing projects in Kedah, involving swapped Malay Reserve land.

The full statement can be obtained at:
http://www.wartakedah.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=330%3Akuota-50-peratus-perumahan-hanya-untuk-tanah-tukar-ganti&catid=36%3Aberita&Itemid=67&lang=ms

Previously in December, 2009, the PAS-led Kedah government had agreed to defer the implementation of the 50% Bumiputera Quota for these housing projects. This was after numerous complains by Kedahans over the irrational policy over a period of more than a year.

However, with the recent official statement of the Kedah state government in the Kedah State Assembly, it is clear that the Kedah PAS-led government had not deferred the implementation of the 50% Bumiputera Quota.

This “flip flopping” is another example of Pakatan Rakyat’s inability to come out with stable development policy.

Pakatan Rakyat must understand that Kedah’s development would continue to be stagnated if they refuse to implement rational policy.

The PAS-led Kedah government must understand that their failure to boost the housing industry and related industry in Kedah would also indirectly affect the livelihood and income of Bumiputera in Kedah, such as Bumiputera housing developers, contractors, labours and other people related in the housing industry.

This matter has persisted in Kedah almost 2 years since PAS took over the state government.

The Kedah state government must now explain why they have decided to continue the implementation of the 50% Bumiputera Quota for these certain housing project. This is contrary to their earlier promise to Kedahans to defer this irrational policy 8 months ago.

KECUALIKAN CUKAI TANAH & CUKAI PINTU DI NEGERI PAKATAN RAKYAT DAHULU

2010-07-18T13:28:00.000+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan oleh AJK PAS Pusat yang juga Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perancangan Ekonomi, Kewangan dan Kebajikan Kelantan, Datuk Husam Musa bahawa “kalau Pakatan Rakyat dapat ambil alih (kerajaan) Pusat lepas PRU13, cukai pendapatan akan dimansuhkan sepenggal (5 tahun) atau sekurang-kurangnya kakitangan kerajaan tak perlu bayar sepenggal”.

Menurut beliau, kepemimpinan Pakatan Rakyat mempunyai formula tersendiri untuk urus tadbir kewangan negara secara adil, dinamik dan tidak membebankan rakyat.

Sumber: Harakah Daily – 17hb Julai, 2010 http://www.harakahdaily.net/v2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27659:hapus-cukai-5-tahun-jika-pakatan-jadi-kerajaan&catid=41:utama-muka-depan&Itemid=124

Saya berasa kesal bahawa Pakatan Rakyat perlu menggunakan taktik membuat tawaran sedemikian bagi mengumpan undi rakyat Malaysia pada pilihanraya umum yang akan datang.

Sekiranya kepimpinan Pakatan Rakyat mempunyai formula canggih yang dapat mengurus kewangan dengan adil, dinamik dan tidak membebankan rakyat, maka saya mencabar Pakatan Rakyat dengan serta merta memberi pengecualian bayaran Cukai Tanah dan Cukai Pintu bagi tempoh dua (2) tahun mulai tahun 2010 di semua negeri di bawah pentadbiran Pakatan Rakyat , iaitu Kedah, Kelantan, Pulau Pinang dan Selangor.

Ia adalah di bawah bidang kuasa Pakatan Rakyat untuk mengecualikan bayaran Cukai Tanah dan Cukai Pintu di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Pakatan Rakyat tidak perlu tunggu untuk mengambil alih pentadbiran kerajaan Persekutuan bagi membantu rakyat Malaysia. Keikhlasan Pakatan Rakyat untuk membantu rakyat Malaysia boleh dilaksanakan di negeri-negeri Pakatan Rakyat.

Sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat tidak dapat menyahut cabaran ini dalam masa satu (1) minggu, maka keikhlasan dan keupayaan Pakatan Rakyat dalam menunaikan janji tawaran tersebut bakal dipersoalkan.

SELANGOR’S MOVE TO APPOINT LOCAL COUNCILORS MAY BE THE END OF PAKATAN’S PLEDGE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN ALL PR STATES

2010-07-11T13:34:00.000+08:00

In the last general election 2 years ago, Pakatan Rakyat had pledged to hold local government elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

In March 2010, this commitment was reaffirm by Penang and Selangor Pakatan Rakyat’s state administration to restore local government elections in their respective states. However, there has not been any concrete commitment on the restoration of local government elections in Kedah and Kelantan.

In the midst of the by-elections at Hulu Selangor and Sibu, many Pakatan Rakyat leaders had came out to voice out their support to fulfill Pakatan Rakyat’s pledge to hold local government election.

Since then, Pakatan Rakyat had been silent on their commitment to fulfill their pledge to hold local government elections.

Now, there have been numerous reports in the media that Selangor’s Pakatan Rakyat is finalizing the appointment of local councilors in their state.

Now, does Pakatan Rakyat want to hold local government elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states or otherwise?

Pakatan Rakyat must explain whether the move by Selangor to finalize the appointment of local councillors would mean Pakatan Rakyat is abandoning their pledge to hold local government elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states (being Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Selangor).

There is no point for Pakatan Rakyat to continue talking about local government elections in future if Pakatan Rakyat is not even sincere in implementing such local elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

As a responsible political party, Pakatan Rakyat must immediately clarify this matter to all Malaysians. Pakatan Rakyat must remember that they have made an unconditional pledge to all Malaysians in the last general election to hold local government elections.

REMOVE ISLAMIC & MORAL STUDIES AS CORE SPM & PMR SUBJECTS

2010-07-08T15:21:00.001+08:00

I refer to the statement today by Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi in Dewan Rakyat that there is no necessity to make Islamic Studies and Moral Studies a core Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendan (UPSR) subject. He said that requiring students to pass the two subjects would not guarantee that they would practise what they learned from them.

According to him, character development and good moral values can be imparted more effectively through education and not by including the subjects in examination.

He was replying to Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) on whether the government had plans to make the two subjects as core UPSR subjects.

Nevertheless, the Deputy Education Minister said although Islamic Studies and Moral Studies will not be an examination subject, it was compulsory for Muslims students to take Islamic Studies and for non-Muslims students to take Moral Studies.

I fully agree with the reasoning given by the Deputy Education Minister that Islamic Studies and Moral Studies should not be included as an examination subject for UPSR.

On the same reasoning, I suggest to the Ministry of Education that both the Islamic Studies and Moral Studies should also be excluded as the core subject for the SPM and PMR examination.

Both the Islamic Studies and Moral Studies should still be taught in secondary schools but the approach should not be examination orientated.

A student scoring A+ in either the Islamic Studies or Moral Studies does not necessary mean that the student holds higher Islamic or Moral values than a student who only obtained a C.

The Islamic or Moral values of any student cannot be assessed by any written examination.

So, it would be unfortunate for students who obtained 8A+ in SPM but their Islamic or Moral values are wrongly assessed as grade C. Such student would then be unfairly deprived of the chance to obtain scholarships such as those awarded by Public Service Department or any other bodies.

In some other instances, such unfair assessment of the student’s Islamic or Moral values may even affect the entry of students in public universities.

CONVERT 50% PTPTN LOAN TO SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2ND CLASS UPPER GRADUATES

2010-07-04T18:06:00.002+08:00

I refer to the announcement last year by the government to convert PTPTN loans to scholarships for students who obtained first class degree in local universities.

In today’s reported news via Bernama, the Minister of Higher Education, Dato Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that there are around 2000 students who are entitled towards the conversion of their PTPTN loan to scholarships. The conversion of the PTPTN loans to scholarships would costs the government around RM73 million.

The move by the government to recognize the achievements of the first class graduates in the country’s local universities will promote the development of human capital in the country.

It is also a significant recognition by the Barisan Nasional government towards the struggle of the youth towards excellence in their respective education field.

In this regards, I would like to call upon the government to move a step further by assisting students who obtained 2nd Class Upper in local universities.

The government should consider converting 50% of the PTPTN loans to scholarships for students who achieved 2nd Class Upper in local universities.

I hope that the government would consider this assistance to 2nd Class Upper graduates of local universities in the Budget for year 2011.

This would be a long term investment by the government for the further growth of human capital in our country.

KEDAH PAS AGAIN FLIP FLOP ON HOUSING POLICY

2010-06-21T14:01:00.002+08:00

I refer to the reported news in a local daily today (Sinar Harian) whereby Kedah’s Housing and Local Government EXCO Datuk Ir Phahrolrazi Zawawi claims that the implementation of 50% Bumiputera Quota for housing projects in Kedah, involving swapped Malay Reserve land is fair.

Previously, under the Barisan Nasional led government, the quota for bumiputera in such housing projects was 30%.

On 8th December, 2009, the PAS-led Kedah government had agreed to defer the implementation of the 50% Bumiputera Quota for these housing projects. This was after numerous complains by Kedahans over the iirational policy over a period of more than a year.

However, with the statement today by the said PAS-led Kedah’s Housing and Local Government EXCO, it is doubtful whether the Kedah PAS-led government had actually deferred the implementation of the 50% Bumiputera Quota.

In such uncertainty, the Menteri Besar of Kedah must come out to clarify the actual policy of the PAS-led Kedah state on this matter.

Kedah’s development would continue to be stagnated if the PAS-led state government unable to come out with clear and rational policy.

The PAS-led Kedah government must understand that their failure to boost the housing industry and related industry in Kedah would indirectly affect the livelihood and income of Bumiputera in Kedah, such as Bumiputera housing developers, contractors, labours and other people related in the housing industry.

This matter has persisted in Kedah almost 2 years since PAS took over the state government.

As such, I hope that the PAS-led government would be able to set aside their political ambition to resolve this matter once and for all in the interest of all Kedahans.

RECOGNIZE NON-MALAY AS BUMIPUTERA, IF 2 GENERATION RESIDED IN MALAYSIA

2010-06-13T14:49:00.003+08:00

According to statement of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (as reported in Bernama), there are some 60,000 Siamese in the peninsular, who are categorised as Bumiputeras and enjoy Bumiputera rights like the Malays. Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri further said that the Siamese have been living along the border of Thailand with Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis and Perak and had lived in the country for a long time.

He urged all quarters to understand the Siamese citizenship status and their Bumiputera rights.

In regards the said statement, I would like to applaud the government for recognizing the rights and status of local Siamese in our country. The grant of citizenship and Bumiputera status is certainly justified in view of the local Siamese contribution to our country development after a long time.

On the same note, it is hope that the government would consider categorizing all Malaysians born in Malaysia as “Bumiputera” in the near future, disregarding their ancestors’ country of origin.

Many Malaysian family, such as Chinese and Indian, have lived in this country for more than 100 years. They have contributed to our country’s development, including assistance in liberalizing our country from the Bristish Empire in 1957.

Most of them have not even step their foot on their ancestors’ country of origin and may not even have contacts with any person in their ancestors’ country of origin. To them, the only country associated to their life is Malaysia.

As such, I hope that the government would consider categorizing all non-Malay Malaysians as “Bumiputera” if:-

1. they are born in Malaysia; and

2. their parents and grandparents are Malaysians.

I believe this move would be in the spirit of our Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak’s “1Malaysia” concept. The recognition of non-Malay’s status as “Bumiputera” would definitely be the best appraisal by the Barisan Nasional government for the contribution of non-Malay to our country’s development after a long period of time.

In time, the difference of race of Malaysians would no longer be a barrier towards the unity of our country. There would no longer be the issue of any race discrimination in our country.

ABORT PLANS TO SPEND LAVISHLY FOR NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE IN PUTRAJAYA

2010-06-09T18:19:00.001+08:00

I refer to the announcement today in Parliament that the government is considering the option to move the Parliament house to Putrajaya and the new Parliament may cost upto RM800 million. It was further reported that the current Parliament house would require repair works for its roof and electrical wiring, which would cost RM150 million.

With due respect to the government, our country is currently not in the best position to spend lavishly on new amenities for the sole comfort of Members of Parliament.

Recently, we have seen the government announcing the implementation of Good & Services Tax (GST) in due time, implementation of additional tax such as the RM50 tax on credit cards and proposed reduction of various subsidies.

All this new taxes and reduction of subsidies would be burdening the people.

Apart from improving the country’s financial coffers by introduction of news taxes and reductions of subsidies, Malaysians would equally expect the government to be more prudent on its spending and cancellation of any unnecessary government expenditure.

Unless the government can give assurance that subsidies would not be reduced, GST would not be introduced and the financial condition of the country is in solid state, the government should immediately abort any plans to move the Parliament house to Putrajaya.

SPORT BETTING LICENSE AFFECTS ALL MALAYSIANS, DISREGARDING RACE & RELIGION

2010-05-26T11:45:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I attended a dialogue with Kedah's PAS Youth, DAPSY, AMK and other 22 NGOs to request the government to retract the license for sports betting.

In there, I stressed that it is important to look beyond our political differences and religion, as the matter affects the interest of all Malaysians.

If the government considers cancelling the license, it should be on the grounds of social illness to Malaysians, and not solely based on the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, I made a joint press statement along with Kedah PAS Youth, DAPSY, AMK and the other 22 NGOs to request the government to retract the license for sports betting, looking at the implications on Malaysians disregarding race & religion.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS - Time's Up For Pakatan Rakyat!

2010-05-25T13:20:00.002+08:00

About 3 months ago, the Pakatan Rakyat state government in Penang announced their commitment to fulfill their pledge in the last general election to hold local government elections. This was subsequently echoed by the Pakatan Rakyat administration in Selangor.

To date, even after the end of 2 by elections in Selangor and in Sarawak, there is no indication of whether the pledge by Pakatan Rakyat to hold local government elections would be fulfilled in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

Pakatan Rakyat should be reminded that their pledge in the last general election should be fulfilled by holding local government elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

If Pakatan Rakyat is sincere in fulfilling their pledge, it is time for Pakatan Rakyat to announce a definite timeframe to hold local government elections in ALL their Pakatan Rakyat states, being Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan.

Pakatan Rakyat should not give any more excuses or remain in silence to avoid the implementation of local government elections in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

Reply by TNB on the Billing System Problem

2010-05-22T16:04:00.005+08:00

Article from the STAR (21 May 2010)

MANY people in the northern region are upset over having to pay ‘unusually high electricity bills’ lately since Tenaga Nasional Bhd started billing them on alternate months instead of monthly.

Alor Setar-based lawyer Tan Keng Liang said the estimated readings started in March and since then, the bills were higher than usual.

“The reading of the meter on an alternate month basis has caused the electricity bill to rise substantially by 30% due to higher tariffs applied to accumulated units,” he said.

Tan claimed such as practice would defeat the lower tariff rate approved by the government to assist Malaysians.

“It is time that TNB explained this to the people,” said Tan who is also Kedah Gerakan Youth chief.

Tan said he had written to TNB seeking an explanation and their reply was that the estimated reading practice was used because of manpower shortage.

When contacted, TNB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalid Mohd Noh confirmed that they had received such complaints but explained that the problem was confined to only certain areas and “not even state-wide.”

“We are investigating the matter,” he said, adding there were many cases of misunderstanding, which could be due to the way the bills were presented.

“We will improve the presentation to make it clearer to consumers. Under no circumstances is TNB trying to charge our customers more,” he said in an SMS reply to a query from The Star.

Khalid said consumers were billed on a monthly basis and an estimated consumption method was used to guide the practice of reading the meter on an alternate month.

“The practice of estimated meter reading has been done for a long time. The estimated reading is based on a six-month average consumption, which is the usual usage,” he said.

In PERAK, the issue was highlighted early this month when TNB admitted that its billing system was flawed and it would use a new system for calculation.

Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang said TNB had agreed to improve its billing system and gave assurance that there would be no more hiccups.

In PENANG, Consumers’ Association of Penang president S.M. Idris said Penangites had complained to CAP about high electricity bills late last year.

“We asked TNB to explain and they informed us that the estimated reading practice was the cause for the higher amount billed to the consumers.

“They assured the consumers that their billing for the following month would be re-adjusted to reflect a lower amount,” he said.

BATALKAN SLOGAN "PAS UNTUK SEMUA" UNTUK ELAK KEKELIRUAN

2010-05-18T17:38:00.003+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada kenyataan media Naib Presiden PAS, Salahudin Ayub semalam.

Di dalam suatu laporan media (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/132009), Salahudin Ayub telah dilaporkan berkata:-

1. ahli Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS hanya menjadi ahli kepada dewan tersebut dan bukannya ahli PAS kerana antara syarat utama sebelum seseorang boleh menjadi ahli PAS ialah mereka harus beragama Islam; dan

2. “Ketua Pemuda Gerakan Kedah perlu sabarlah. Kalau dia nak pun, dia perlu masuk Dewan Himpunan dulu bersama kita, barulah dia boleh bercakap apa yang akan berlaku pada masa depan.”

Sebelum ini, saya telah menyatakan bahawa PAS masih mengamalkan dasar diskriminasi terhadap golongan bukan Islam di dalam partinya.

Kenyataan Salahudin Ayub jelas menunjukkan bahawa PAS masih belum bersedia memberi keahlian penuh kepada golongan bukan Islam.

Pelancaran Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS tidak akan memberi keahlian penuh PAS kepada orang bukan Islam.

Oleh yang demikian, sebagai suatu parti politik yang bertanggungjawab, PAS harus dengan serta merta membatalkan penggunaan slogan “PAS Untuk Semua” (“PAS FOR ALL”) bagi mengelakkan sebarang kekeliruan oleh rakyat Malaysia terhadap idealogi yang diamalkan oleh PAS.

Akhir sekali, saya berasa tiada keperluan untuk saya, selaku seorang bukan Islam, memasuki Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS memandangkan PAS belum bersedia menerima keahlian tanpa mengira agama rakyat Malaysia. Perkembangan terkini jua jelas menunjukkan ahli-ahli Kelab Penyokong PAS, yang terdiri dari golongan bukan Islam, akan terus terpinggir dengan keahlian “kelas kedua”.

AHLI BUKAN ISLAM HARUS LAYAK JADI PRESIDEN PAS, SEKIRANYA PAS IKHLAS JADI PARTI BERBILANG KAUM

2010-05-15T11:22:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada pengumuman PAS untuk menaik taraf Kelab Penyokong PAS dan melancarkannya sebagai Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS bagi menggambarkan PAS sebagai parti berbilang kaum.

Menurut laporan media hari ini (Berita Harian: http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/PastubuhsayapbarudianggotaibukanIslam/Article), Pengerusi Lujnah Perpaduan Nasional Pas Pusat, Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, berkata pelancaran itu pada 23 Mei ini akan menjadi peralihan besar kepada Pas kerana membenarkan Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS (yang dianggotai bukan Islam) bergerak bebas sebagai sayap parti seperti mana Dewan Pemuda, Ulama dan Muslimat.

Ahli-ahli DHPP juga boleh hadir semua mesyuarat parti pada semua peringkat serta boleh mengemukakan nama calon bukan Islam bertanding pilihan raya atas lambang Pas.

Tetapi, pada hakikatnya, penukaran Kelab Penyokong PAS kepada Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS masih memberi keahlian “Kelas Kedua” di dalam PAS bagi kaum bukan Islam.

Sekiranya PAS ikhlas menjadi parti berbilang kaum, maka PAS harus memberi “keahlian penuh” PAS kepada kaum bukan Islam.

Ini bermakna tidak boleh wujud apa-apa diskriminasi terhadap hak-hak ahli bukan Islam di dalam PAS.

Ahli-ahli bukan Islam juga harus layak memegang mana-mana ahli jawatankuasa PAS, termasuk Presiden PAS.

Sekiranya tidak, pelancaran Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS hanyalah suatu proses penukaran nama Kelab Penyokong PAS dan ahli-ahlinya masih dipinggirkan melalui diskriminasi agama.

Slogan “PAS Untuk Semua” hanya akan terus berbentuk rhetorik.

DAP & PKR TERUS DIBULI OLEH PAS KEDAH

2010-05-14T13:57:00.002+08:00

Saya merujuk kepada suatu laporan media di mana PAS Kedah akan memanggil Adun PKR dan DAP Kedah untuk memberi penjelasan dalam satu majlis ceramah anjuran PAS di Kompleks PAS Kedah di Kota Sarang Semut, pada 22 Mei depan berhubung dakwaan yang tersebar luar kononnya mereka akan melompat meninggalkan Pakatan Rakyat Kedah.

Saya amat terperanjat dengan tindakan PAS Kedah secara terbuka memanggil Adun PKR dan DAP Kedah memberi penjelasan tersebut di ceramah PAS di Kompleks PAS Kedah di hadapan ahli-ahli PAS.

Ia adalah berbeza sekiranya penjelasan tersebut dibuat di ceramah anjuran Pakatan Rakyat ataupun suatu mesyuarat tertutup.

Tindakan mengarah Adun PKR dan DAP memberi penjelasan terbuka di ceramah anjuran PAS adalah suatu tindakan menunjukkan dominasi PAS dalam politiks Pakatan Rakyat di negeri Kedah.

Ini juga merupakan satu lagi contoh DAP dan PKR dibuli oleh PAS di negeri Kedah.

Sekiranya wakil rakyat DAP dan PKR di Kedah ingin meninggalkan pentadbiran PAS negeri Kedah, PAS seharusnyat bertanya, kenapa wakil rakyat DAP dan PKR ingin berbuat demikian.

Pada bulan Julai 2009, wakil rakyat DAP telahpun menyatakan hasrat untuk meninggalkan pentadbiran PAS negeri Kedah apabila pusat penyembelihan babi dirobohkan di Alor Star, Kedah. Sehingga kini, pusat penyembelihan babi ganti yang dijanji oleh pentadbiran PAS negeri Kedah masih belum didirikan.

KETTHA Confirms Receipt of My Complain Against TNB

2010-05-12T12:24:00.005+08:00

I just received a suprising SMS from KETTHA (Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water). They acknowledge receipt of my complain about the unfair Bi-Monthly Electricity Billing (refer my posting on 5th May 2010) and gave me a File Reference Number 0019/05/10.

My check of the status of the complain (by SMS to KETTHA) is "Status terkini bagi aduan 0019/05/10-EDARAN PELAKSANA".

I think there is certainly a good system in KETTHA in accepting complains from the member of public.

Anyway, I am still awaiting the actions to be taken by KETTHA against TNB and the steps taken to rectify the unfair billing.

TIME FOR MINISTRY TO INVESTIGATE THE BILLING SYSTEM OF TNB

2010-05-05T14:47:00.004+08:00

1. Recently, there have been a lot of complains from the member of public regarding the billing of electricity supply by Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Electricity charges more than doubled in some instances for the billing in the month of April, 2010.

2. From the news report, the incident occurs not only in the state of Kedah. There have been numerous complains even in other states.

3. The reasons that were given by Tenaga Nasional Berhad were that alternate month billing was applied due to lack of manpower.

4. With due respect to Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the alternate month billing had actually shortchanged the consumers.

5. For example, under the residential consumer, the first 500 units of electricity consumed are at the rate of RM0.286 per unit. The next 100 units would be charged at RM0.378 unit. There would also be a gradual increase of the rates for the following 100 units:-

Unit (KWH) ------ Rate (RM)

500 ------ 0.286

100 ------ 0.378

100 ------ 0.387

100 ------ 0.397

100 ------ 0.417

Next ------ 0.446

6. Based on the gradual increase of tariff, the alternate month billing method would definitely burden the people. Any person who used more than 250 units of electricity in a month (being more than 500 units in 2 months) would see that the rate for the consumption of electricity for the next 100 units increased to RM0.378 (i.e. more than 32% increase).

7. After more than a month, there have not been any concrete steps taken by Tenaga Nasional Berhad to address this issue and the billing system.

8. The current alternate month billing system by Tenaga Nasional Berhad defeats the lower tariff rate approved by the government to assist Malaysians.

9. It is time for the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water to investigate the billing system of Tenaga Nasional Berhad and issue a directive to TNB to rectify all bills under their alternate month billing system.

IS THERE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KG BUAH PALA RESIDENTS & FELDA/FELCRA SETTLERS IN PAKATAN RAKYAT STATES?

2010-04-30T00:36:00.002+08:00

I refer to the inaction of the DAP Penang government to prevent the demolishment of the houses and ranches at Kampung Buah Pala yesterday.

1. Last week on 21 April 2010, it was announced by the PAS Kedah state government that settlers of seven Felda schemes and nine Felcra schemes in Kedah who have worked their land for more than 20 years will be given titles soon.

2. Whatever the intentions of the Kedah PAS state government in giving out the land titles may be, I believe any move that may benefit Malaysians must be supported.

3. As Penang is also part of the states controlled by Pakatan Rakyat, there should be uniform policies to be adhered by the administration of ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

4. The examples set out by Kedah PAS state government should be followed by Penang DAP state government in assisting all Malaysians in the state.

5. As such, the Penang DAP state government should grant appropriate assistance to the resident of Kampung Buah Pala.

6. There is no difference between Felda or Felcra settlers in Kedah with the settlers at Kampung Buah Pala in Penang.

7. The failure of Penang DAP state government to grant appropriate assistance to the Kampung Buah Pala settlers would show the continued inconsistent policies in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

ZAID IBRAHIM MUST COME OUT WITH EVIDENCE WITHIN 7 DAYS, OR RISK PKR'S CREDIBILITY

2010-04-28T17:46:00.001+08:00

I refer to Zaid Ibrahim’s statement today that he intends to launch his campaign “Get to know your leaders” and expose the alleged hypocrisy in Barisan Nasional leaders and ministers.

It is unfortunate that Zaid Ibrahim would resort to such action after the loss of the election at Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat. It would be better if he would spend his time to serve Malaysians at the Hulu Selangor constituency more constructively and get to know them matter.

On fair principles, Zaid Ibrahim must name and provide evidence of his allegation of hypocrisy in Barisan Nasional leaders and ministers without any delay.

His proposed campaign would unfairly smear the names of all Barisan Nasional leaders and ministers indefinitely. To this date, there is no concrete evidence provided by him on all his allegations hurled at Barisan Nasional leaders and ministers.

As such, I would pose a challenge to Zaid Ibrahim to provide the name and evidence of the allegation of hypocrisy against Barisan Nasional leaders and minister within seven (7) days from today.

The seven (7) days are meant to give Zaid Ibrahim a benefit of doubt.

Failing to do so, it is only fair for Malaysian to assume that the allegation by Zaid Ibrahim is unfounded and risk PKR’s credibility.

This would then mark the repeated trend of PKR leaders’ making unfounded allegations and statements, including Anwar Ibrahim’s previous takeover plan of Parliament in 16 September, 2008.

Such political tactics are unhealthy for our country’s development.

OPEN QUESTION TO PAKATAN RAKYAT LEADERS ON “MALAYSIAN FIRST OR MALAY FIRST” (via YB LIM KIT SIANG)

2010-04-02T00:52:00.002+08:00

To:
Yang Berhormat LIM KIT SIANG,
(via Email: limkitsiangblog@gmail.com)
Date: 2nd April, 2010

c.c Media Representatives

Dear Yang Berhormat,

OPEN QUESTION TO PAKATAN RAKYAT LEADERS ON
“MALAYSIAN FIRST OR MALAY FIRST”

1. I refer to the question and challenge posed by Yang Berhormat to our Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whether he is a Malay or Malaysian first. It was also reported in the media that Yang Berhormat suggested that our Deputy Prime Minister should step down if he considers himself as a Malay first rather than a Malaysian.

2. It would be important to see whether Yang Berhormat would act fairly in the interest of all Malaysians to pose the same question to the heads of your respective partners in PKR and PAS, being Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and YB Dato Seri Hadi Awang, whether they are Malay or Malaysian first.

3. The same question should also be posed to all “Malay” Menteri Besar of all states under the administration of Pakatan Rakyat (i.e. Kedah, Kelantan & Selangor), whether they are Malay or Malaysian first.

4. I believe that the Chief Minister of Penang, Yang Berhormat Lim Guan Eng would certainly able to proclaim himself as a Malaysian first and not his Chinese origin race, based on DAP’s idealogy.

5. In the event you are unable to obtain a public confirmation from the heads of your respective partners in PKR and PAS as well as from the “Malay” Menteri Besar of all states under the administration of Pakatan Rakyat that they are Malaysian first and not Malay first, then it would be fair to imply the rejection of DAP’s Middle Malaysia concept by Pakatan Rakyat.

6. In such situation, Yang Berhormat should also request these Menteri Besar to step down if they do not consider themselves as Malaysian first.

7. There should not be any double standard in the aims of DAP to promote the principles of Malaysian first.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

PAKATAN RAKYAT'S IMPLIED REJECTION OF DAP'S MIDDLE MALAYSIA

2010-04-01T13:10:00.003+08:00

I refer to the question and challenge posed by YB Lim Kit Siang to our deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, whether he is a Malay or Malaysian first. It was also reported that YB Lim Kit Siang also suggested our deputy Prime Minister to step down if he considers himself as a Malay first rather than a Malaysian.

It was unfortunate and disappointing to read the reported reply by our Deputy Prime Minister that he considers himself a Malay first, a Malaysian as second. The appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister is to represent all Malaysians and not to prioritize any single race.

However, it would also be important to see whether YB Lim Kit Siang would be a fair politician to pose the same question to the heads of his respective partners in PKR and PAS, being YB Anwar Ibrahim and YB Hadi Awang, whether they are Malaysian first and Malay second.

YB Lim Kit Siang has failed to acknowledge the reality of DAP’s partnership with PAS and PKR.

To date, neither PKR or PAS has pledged their support for DAP’s Middle Malaysia concept. PAS has not openly pledge to discontinue their objective to create Islamic state and implementation of Hudud law.

In fact, ALL Pakatan Rakyat states are not implementing all of DAP’s Middle Malaysia concept.

DAP’s Middle Malaysia concept are now mere rhetoric policies for DAP’s own members’ consumption.

The failure of YB Lim Kit Siang to obtain a public confirmation from the heads of his respective partners in PKR and PAS that they are Malaysian first and Malay second would be an implied rejection of DAP’s Middle Malaysia concept by Pakatan Rakyat.

p/s: The logo above will be straighten only when DAP's Middle Malaysia is adopted by Pakatan Rakyat in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states!

DEFINITE ROADMAP TO ABOLISH EXTREME RACE BASED AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & REPLACE WITH POLICIES THAT BENEFITS ALL MALAYSIANS

2010-03-31T14:17:00.002+08:00

I refer to the New Economic Model (NEM) which was announced by our Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak.

It was disappointing to see that there was no announcement of clear cut road map to address the issue of our country’s race-based affirmative action policy.

The previous New Economic Policy (NEP) and New Development Policy (NDP) had been acknowledged to have failed to achieve its aim to ensure equal distribution of the wealth and development of our country among Malays and natives. Even it was recently disclosed that out of the RM52 billion of shares allocated to Bumiputras since the induction of the affirmative action policy, only RM2 billion of these shared remains in the hand of the Bumiputras.

The continuance of such previous extreme race-based affirmative action policy not only fails to achieve its principal aims to assist Bumiputras, but non-Bumiputras too have to also suffer for the shortcoming of the race-based affirmative action policy.

Instead of letting all Malaysians to continue suffer at the expense of the race-based affirmative action policy, the New Economic Model (NEM) must have a clear cut road map and time frame (such as by year 2020) to abolish the extreme race-based affirmative action policy and replace with a policy that will benefit all Malaysians.

No doubt, Article 153 of our Federal Constitution provides for reservation of quotas in respect of services, permits, business opportunities, scholarship, university entrance, etc to Malays and natives, but there is no specific mention of the percentage to be allocated under the quotas.

I believe the provision in Article 153 was meant to assist Malays and natives that in need of assistance of the government and to ensure all Bumiputras get to enjoy equal distribution of our country’s wealth and development. Our government should ensure that only those Bumiputras who are in need of the assistance get the quotas. It should not be used to enrich any particular Bumiputras at the expense of other Bumiputras and non-Bumiputras.

Thus, without a clear cut road map and time frame by year 2020 to abolish the current extreme race-based affirmative action policy and replace with a policy that will benefit all Malaysians, the New Economic Model would continue just to be a rebranding of the old extreme race-based affirmative action policy.

PAS-led Kedah Government Fails To Ensure Open Tender For ALL State Contracts!

2010-03-30T15:09:00.006+08:00

Today, Seri Temin Development Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd issued an advertisement to invite qualified developers and contractors for the housing development works involving 128 units of 1 ½ storey terrace house at Bandar Sejahtera in Pokok Sena, Kedah. A copy of the said advertisement is attached with this statement.

Seri Temin Development Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd is a wholy owned company by Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah, a statutory body incorporated under the Kedah state government.

After the last general elections, the PAS-led Kedah state government announced that they will implement open tender system for all projects in the state.

It is now disappointing to read the advertisement by Seri Temin Development Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd that is contrary to the policies pledged by Pakatan Rakyat.

The said advertisement states that it is an “Open Offer” (“Tawaran Terbuka”) and call upon the interested parties to send their answers to a “Tender Box” (“Peti Tender”). However, in reality, this is “NOT an OPEN TENDER”

Under the said advertisement, it further states that it is important “only those firms that are found to be experienced and qualified would be called to submit their Bidding Price for the aforesaid project”.

So, who really determines who is experienced and qualified? Is it to be determined by people from PAS?

Thus, this is actually a “Close Tender” that is contrary to the policies pledged by Pakatan Rakyat. It looks like a tender only for those people deemed to be experienced and qualified as to be determined "subjectively" by PAS!

This is again another example of the failure of Pakatan Rakyat to fulfill their promises & policies in ALL Pakatan Rakyat states.

So, I would like to demand an explanation from Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato Seri Azizan Abdul Razak to Kedahans on this matter.