Sunday, December 21, 2008

Wall of racial harmony


A WALL displaying Taman Cempaka’s name in four languages at the neighbourhood’s entrance in Ipoh should not be turned into a controversy, said Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh.

He said the move reflected Malaysia’s unique multicultural society which should be the basis of the country’s unity.

He said the wall had to be refurbished to replace the ageing letters for Taman Cempaka, some of which had deteriorated and dropped off over the last 30 years.

“I don’t think it should create any controversy unless a certain political party takes up the issue to gain political mileage,” Wong added.

Last week, Ipoh Timur Umno division chief Datuk Azian Osman reportedly criticised the move, saying that it went against the Federal Constitu- tion which stated that Bahasa Malaysia was the national language.

Azian had also said the multilingual sign was unnecessary as Taman Cempaka was not a tourist area.

Countering this, Wong said: “Bahasa Malaysia is our national language, this we have never doubted.”

The funds for the multilingual sign, he said, came from his assemblyman’s allocation.

To a question, Wong said he had no plans to propose that multilingual signs be used in other parts of Perak, nor does he have plans to put any more multilingual signs at other residential areas in his constituency.

“This (multilingual signs) is not something new. In Bandar Seri Botani and Taman Anda, for instance, there are signboards in two languages put up by the developer,” he pointed out.

Ipoh Timur Pas Youth chief Salman Saleh, who was also present, praised the move as it would help cultivate harmony among the various communities in the area.

“Putting up multilingual signs should also help redeem the status of Jawi writing that has been sidelined since 1963.

“Little by little, it will let the people realise the role of Jawi writing in Malay culture and religion,” he said.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

On leave....

Dear Constituents,

I am going off for a week long leave and may not be updating this blog for the moment. Blog more later when i come back. If you all need any help please contact my political secretary Ms See @ 05-5482907.

Thank you.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Briefing on Freehold Title

There will be a briefing on the application of Freehold Title for Chinese New Village and Kg Tersusun this coming Wednesday 10.12.2008 @ DAP Perak HQ. The briefing is open to all Elected Reps together with their Poliitcal Secretaries and PAs and also Party Leaders. This is to ensure that all Service Centre are equipped with the necessary knowledge to help the People in the relevant application.

I will be holding a open dialogue with the residents at Kg Simee and particulars will be released later.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

National DAPSY Congress… Thanks for your support!

The National DAPSY Congress had been concluded. I reached here back to Ipoh at around 10.10 pm and immediately had to rush over for my friend’s brother weddings. It was too tired after got back from the wedding dinner and unable to blog immediately.

Thanks to the support of the DAPSY delegates and I managed to pull a total 100 votes and become the Vice-Chairman of National DAPSY. I have received a lot of congratulation-message from all of you, but there is one important thing to be in mind, the higher position will connote the heavier responsibility.

Special thanks to the delegates from Perak who had come al the way down to Kuala Lumpur to lend me the necessary support. Also special thanks to Uncle Lee and Mr. Shum who had contributed towards the travelling cost of the Ipoh delegates.

Let us, the newly elected DAPSY Committee, strive our best to serve the nation, party and people better.

4种语文的“白兰园”立体字眼


Perak is going to have a first ever multi-languages road sign – to be situated at the main entrance of Taman Cempaka.

Canning State Assemblyman YB Wong Kah Woh said that the wall at the entrance of Taman Cempaka, Ipoh will be refurbished and 4 languages of the 3D wordings “Taman Cempaka” will be fixed. The 4 languages are National Language, Chinese Language, Tamil Language and Jawi wordings.

Wong said Malaysia is a multi-ethics, multi-religions and multi-cultural society and the same should be an advantage for the development our beloved country.

Among those presence together are the members of DAP Canning Service Team Teh Hock Ke, Jacky Ngo, Eric Neow, PAS Ipoh Timur Youth Chief Ahmad Faisal and the Chairman for Taman Cempaka Surau Tn Hj Isa.



民主行动党霹雳州桂和区州议员兼社青团全国副团长黄家和律师于2008年12月7日(星期日)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保7日讯)民主行动党霹雳州桂和区州议员黄家和律师表示,白兰园入口处墙壁在重新复新后将会装上4种语文的“白兰园”立体字眼,彰显马来西亚多元民族文化的特色。

也是新任社青团全国副团长的黄家和今天率领其桂和区服务队成员郑福基、丘俊良、吴国锋、梁晋文、白兰园支部主席郑亚财、回教党青年团怡保东区团长阿末、祈祷室主席哈芝依沙等人巡视白兰园入口年久失修的墙壁与国文立体告示后,向报界如此表示。

黄氏说,怡保白兰园的居民结构由3大民族组成,切切反映出国家的种族结构,而这个多元民族、文化、宗教的特色应该成为国家发展的优势,3大民族和蔼共处,不应该受到任何的极端种族主义者所破坏。

黄氏表示,为了彰显国家的这个特色,他特别通过2008年桂和区州议员选区拨款重新粉刷年久失修的白兰园入口墙壁,除了将重新装上已经零散掉落的立体国语字眼,也加上华文、淡米尔文及爪夷文,开创霹雳州的先河,成为怡保白兰园的一项特色。

黄氏表示,在桂和区州选区的小型工程下,白兰园祈祷室前的空地柏油工程、草场38尺健康道的工程已经陆续开工,连同入口处4语“白兰园”字眼预定将会在一个星期内竣工。

图:黄家和(左3)表示白兰园入口处墙壁将复新并装上4种语文“白兰园”立体字眼,左起为阿末、郑亚财、吴国锋、郑福基、梁晋文及哈芝依沙。

民主行动党
Perak is going to have a first ever multi-languages road sign – to be situated at the main entrance of Taman Cempaka.

Canning State Assemblyman YB Wong Kah Woh said that the wall at the entrance of Taman Cempaka, Ipoh will be refurbished and 4 languages of the 3D wordings “Taman Cempaka” will be fixed. The 4 languages are National Language, Chinese Language, Tamil Language and Jawi wordings.

Wong said Malaysia is a multi-ethics, multi-religions and multi-cultural society and the same should be an advantage for the development our beloved country.

Among those presence together are the members of DAP Canning Service Team Teh Hock Ke, Jacky Ngo, Eric Neow, PAS Ipoh Timur Youth Chief Ahmad Faisal and the Chairman for Taman Cempaka Surau Tn Hj Isa.
民主行动党霹雳州桂和区州议员兼社青团全国副团长黄家和律师于2008年12月7日(星期日)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保7日讯)民主行动党霹雳州桂和区州议员黄家和律师表示,白兰园入口处墙壁在重新复新后将会装上4种语文的“白兰园”立体字眼,彰显马来西亚多元民族文化的特色。

也是新任社青团全国副团长的黄家和今天率领其桂和区服务队成员郑福基、丘俊良、吴国锋、梁晋文、白兰园支部主席郑亚财、回教党青年团怡保东区团长阿末、祈祷室主席哈芝依沙等人巡视白兰园入口年久失修的墙壁与国文立体告示后,向报界如此表示。

黄氏说,怡保白兰园的居民结构由3大民族组成,切切反映出国家的种族结构,而这个多元民族、文化、宗教的特色应该成为国家发展的优势,3大民族和蔼共处,不应该受到任何的极端种族主义者所破坏。

黄氏表示,为了彰显国家的这个特色,他特别通过2008年桂和区州议员选区拨款重新粉刷年久失修的白兰园入口墙壁,除了将重新装上已经零散掉落的立体国语字眼,也加上华文、淡米尔文及爪夷文,开创霹雳州的先河,成为怡保白兰园的一项特色。

黄氏表示,在桂和区州选区的小型工程下,白兰园祈祷室前的空地柏油工程、草场38尺健康道的工程已经陆续开工,连同入口处4语“白兰园”字眼预定将会在一个星期内竣工。

图:黄家和(左3)表示白兰园入口处墙壁将复新并装上4种语文“白兰园”立体字眼,左起为阿末、郑亚财、吴国锋、郑福基、梁晋文及哈芝依沙。

民主行动党

Monday, December 01, 2008

DAPSY Updates

I am now attending the final DAPSY Meeting @ DAP HQ, Petaling Jaya, before the next Congress this coming Saturday.

Sdr Anthony Loke (Negeri Sembilan) will be our new Chief after this Saturday Congress, as the incumbent Sdr Nga Kor Ming (Perak) and Sdr Chong Chieng Jen (Sarawak) have already withdrawn themselves.

There might be a last minute change of venue and the Ball Room at Federal Hotel may not be able to accommodate the total delegates from all over the country.

The Selangor State Assembly Speaker Sdr Teng Chang Khim, who was also the DAPSY Chief for 3 terms, will be the Speaker for the day, to be assisted by Sdr Ngooi Seong Kin (Penang). The Returning Officer will be Sdr. Pooi Weng Keong.

Sdr. Kit Siang will be the representative from CEC.

The final Candidate List is as follows:-

Deputy Chairman:
(a) Koay Teng Hai
(b) Jenice Lee Ying Ha

Vice Chairman:
(a) Leong Ooi Kuan
(b) Violet Yong Wui Wui
(c) Wong Kah Woh

National Secretary:
(a) Lau Weng San
(b) Loh Chee Heng

National Executives Committee Members (Elect 15 members) (total candidates: 29)
Those from Perak
(a) Ong Boon Piow
(b) V Sivakumar
(c) Yew Teong Chong
(d) Cheong Chee Khing
(e) Paul Yong Choo Kiong

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Kor Ming Stepping Down As DAPSY Chief


The incumbent National DAPSY Chief, Sdr. Nga Kor Ming had today announced that he will be stepping down from the post.

The National DAPSY Congress is scheduled to be held at Federal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 06.12.2008.

We thank Sdr. Nga for his service and contributions during the past 5 years and we shall continue to be in the fore front of DAYSY.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Rafidah vs Sharizat

As expected, Wanita Umno Deputy Chief Sharizat Abdul Jalil had finally announced that she will be contesting for the Chairperson of Wanita UMNO in the UMNO Election next year.

She was reported to have said in her statement that Wanita Umno must be united in strengthening the party as well as be bold in bringing about changes and renewal.

Seems there will be hectic fights ranging from UMNO No. 2’s post upto their relevant Wings.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Advice by Kit in 1971... and still relevant


DAP HQ has forwarded this very useful, accurate and relevant speech by Kit, eventhough it was addressed by him in 1971. Have a nice reading …

Speech by DAP Secretary-General and Member of Parliament for Bandar Melaka, Mr Lim Kit Siang, when closing the two-day DAP National Policy Seminar held in Seremban on Sunday, 26th Sept, 1971 at 6pm

How to be a good DAP Member of Parliament or State Assemblyman

Every DAP Member of Parliament and State Assemblyman must strive to be a good Member of Parliament and State Assemblyman. This is because the MPs and SAs are the public standard bearers of the Party, and their performance is a reflection of the performance of the Party.

Every DAP Member of Parliament and State Assemblyman has three duties:

Constituency service: To help the people in his constituency who need assistance in their dealings with the government departments, as application for citizenship, change of identity cards, travelling documents, complaints against government departments or particular government official, etc. Every MP and State Assemblyman must have a constituency office where constituents can go for advice and help. Each MP and State Assemblyman must be available at fixed dates to handle the problem of his constituents personally. In other words, a regular ‘meet-the-people’ session in his constituency office.
To articulate the hopes, fears, hardships and aspirations of his constituents and the people: An MP or State Assemblyman has been elected to voice the hopes and fears of the people, and he must do this competently. There must be continuous return to the people on the ground through visit-the-consitituency programmes to meet, discuss and find out the people’s aspirations and needs.
Provide leadership for greater party growth and advance: A MP or State Assemblyman, having become the public standard bearer of the Party, has a greater duty to advance the cause of the Party in various Party responsibilities at district, state and national levels. No MP or State Assemblyman can or should ever put forth the argument that he could not carry out greater party responsibilities because of constituency duties.

I have received complaints that some DAP MPs or SAs have not live up to these expectations of the people and Party. O call on all DAP Members of Parliament And State Assemblyman to redouble their efforts to fulfill the three tasks.

Let all DAP MPs and State Assemblyman show to the people that they belong to a new breed of politicians, people who are sincere and dedicated in their desire to advance the welfare of the people.

I welcome members of the public who have complaints against DAP MPs or State Assemblyman to write to me or the National Chairman, Dr. Chan Man Hin, and we shall personally look into the matter. Complainants can write to me, address: DAP Headquarters, 77 Road 20/9, Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya or to my Malacca office at 33A Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Malacca. Dr. Chen’s address is No. 2 Jalan lemon, Seremban,

Beginning mid-October, I shall begin a series of visits to all DAP Parliamentary and State Assembly constituencies to see for myself the standard of constituency service of every DAP Member of Parliament of State Assemblyman, I welcome members of the public who have complaints to raise them with me personally. The programme of my visit to each DAP constituency will be publicised beforehand.

All DAP MPs and SAs, to carry out their heavy duty to the people, must develop the quality of humility and the spirit of preparedness to learn from others.

Once and MP or SA becomes proud, thinks overhigh of himself, and become aloof, then he ceases to be an effective and useful representative of the people.

The Central Executive Committee of the DAP takes a serious view of the constituency and party performance of the DAP MPs and State Assemblymen. We believe that with renewed dedication, we can improve on our performance, and turn the DAP into an even more effective and positive instrument to advance our cause for a more just and equal Malaysia.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Pray for a little breather…

After sitting in the Dewan Negeri for 4 days since Monday, involving in both 2009 Budget Bill and ISA motion debates, finally got back to work today. It has been a tiring day, and just had the chance to get back home now at 11.30 pm, after attending the Perak Petroleum Dealers Association Dinner with YAB Menteri Besar and State EXCOs YB Kor Ming and YB Fook Chye.

My wife already fell asleep with the laptop on, perhaps she was waiting for me to get back while watching movies. I just had little time to see her and did not have any chance to properly talk to her today, as the only time I saw her today was the short 10 minutes before she got to work at 8.30 a.m., and the time I got back home at 6.30 p.m. to prepare for the PPDA Dinner before got out at 6.45p.m.

Perhaps due to the 4 days sitting, phone calls were non stop today, and the worst situation is that after making a call out another call coming in, and sometimes missed the in-coming waiting call. I will try to return as many calls as possible but sometimes time just not allow me to return all the calls, apology. Phone battery finally gone off by 8.36pm.

I had the chance to sit down and start counting how many calls were received, made, missed and returned today. It is a total of 166, from the first missed-call at 7.54 am until the finally cal before the battery shut off at 8.36pm.

This is, as far as I could remember, the first time sharing with all of you something on my life. Part of the content may be offending to somebody but I feel I need to blog.

In handling cases and complaints, we will always do our best. Yet, it is always hard to satisfy everyone 100% and being an elected rep, I have the responsibility but, as a Human Being, I also need a little breather. I was handling a serious case of fall of the monsoon drain wall yesterday from 6.30 p.m. till 9.00 p.m., causing a house facing the danger of collapsing, where I had arranged MBI to attend to it immediately. The contractor worked until 5.30 a.m. to remove the fallen and stuck rocks, and they supposed to come back in the morning to continue with the repair works.

I received calls from someone around 11 a.m. saying that works had not commenced. I immediately checked with MBI and was informed that they workers need a break, which I personal felt is reasonable as the workers only went back home at 5.30 a.m. I received numerous calls after that, and finally after Friday Prayer was over I got back to MBI. I was informed that the Contractor was having meeting with MBI as to what are the steps and remedial works to be taken so as to ensure no further danger and collapse is caused. I was also informed that the Contractor needed to find materials for the repair works such as steel bar etc.

Then the calls regarding the same problem were non-stop, almost every 20 minutes I received the same call asking why the Contractor had not started works, although I have explained the situation well to them. I did appreciate that the caller(s) were speaking to me in a very nice manner, and I also understood their worries as rains are starting.

Yet, I believed have done my part in this case since first being notified yesterday until the works were resumed in the evening on the today by the Contractor. I cannot do anything on the technical part of the repairs, although I have been very pushy on MBI. With the hectic schedule and phone calls today, for this case, I just pray, I need a little breather…

On the other hand but at the same time, I was planning since a week ago for a Deepavalli SunShine Project at Simee tomorrow. The venue (a hall in Kg Simee) had for some reason(s), become unavailable at the very last minute. In the past 2 days, both myself and my Political Secretary See Ferris were pushing for the hall from the relevant authority holding the keys but finally was of no avail. Of no choice, we have decided only at this morning to shift it to our Simee Service Centre.

Before I have the time to sms all my members of the Program after it had been finalized, I received a response from one of my branch member asking me why was not him been informed of the Program. Although the words were uttered in so nice a way but I still could feel that something not very right as the query he posed was that why the members are being kept in the dark? I know, again, as elected rep and a leader to certain extent, all this must be accepted with an open heart.

Yes, I will. I am willing to listen to any positive criticism. I can accept it. And I hope to hear more because I want to improve. Yet, I am using the word “yet” again, I did not have any intention to keep him or any of them in the dark. Being the person(s) beside me, though not always so, he/they has/have to be more understandable of the pressure I am facing everyday. The whole situation is that the Program was so uncertain until I dare not inform any of our Leaders to participate, I dare not put up any banner(s) and why was I at the end being blamed of keeping him/them in the dark? Frankly, I did not know what is/are in his/their mind, and I am upset.

However, no matter how the situation(s) are, I will not give up. Struggle needs to continue.

With the Canning People’s Mandate, as I promised during the Election, I will ensure the CANNING’s voice being heard in the State Assembly. I have done my part, at least I believed so, even not 100%, during the past two session of sittings. I have grabbed whatever chance I can stand up and speak. And, I promise, this will continue. People will always ask me, would you speak for the People if there is anything against the Government now? I can bravely say here, if the Government had failed to take care of the People in any of the issue, no matter I am in opposition or in the Government now, I will still speak, for the People of CANNING, without fear or favour.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Blogging from Dewan: Supplementary Question on Perdana V6

Answer from the State Government: Total maintenance for EXCO Proton V6 from 2004-2007 = RM1.07 million !!!

Saya berasa amat terkejut melihat kerajaan dahulu membelanjakan jumlah kos yang begitu tinggi untuk menyelenggarkan kereta-kereta Proton. Saya lagi terkejut apabila bekas Menteri Besar sebelum ini dalam Dewan yang mulia ini begitu ghairah megutuk Kerajaan hari ini apabila Kerajaan ingin menukarkan model kereta rasmi dari Proton Perdana kepada Toyota Camry, seperti seorang hero yang mempertahankan kereta Proton, sedangkan Kerajaan dulu di bawah pimpinan beliau sendiri menggunakan wang Rakyat untuk membeli kereta Mercedez Benz model ML 320 yang begitu mewah.

Apakah rancangan kerajaan negeri untuk menukar kerera Proton yang menelan kos penyelenggaraan yang begitu mahal? Mengikut arahan perbendaharaan, kereta-kereta rasmi kerajaan harus ditukar apabila genap tempoh 5 tahun supaya keselamatan dif-dif kerajaan akan terjamin, mengapa kerajaan negeri tidak melakukan demikian walaupun kereta kini yang dipakai sudah uzur?

Blogging from Dewan: Supplementary Question on TELCO

Di kawasan saya, saya telah menerima banyak aduan berkenaan isu-isu telco yang tidak berlesen dan semakin banyak didirikan. Seperti yang telah saya bangkitkan dalam perbahasan saya sebelum ini, atas sebab kelonggaran penguatkuasaan dan pemantauan, syarikat-syarikat ini telah berani mencabar kewibawaan Kerajaan Negeri dengan mendirikan pemancar telco tanpa mendapatkan lessen terlebih dahulu. Mereka tidak takut.

Soalan Tambahan saya adalah, memandangkan terdapat bantahan-bantahan daripada penduduk-penduduk, samaada Kerajaan Negeri akan terus bersikap longgar terhadap syarikat-syarikat telco ini atau sudi mendengar suara Rakyat dan mengubal garis panduan yang lebih ketat dengan mengadakan public consultation dan tindakan penguatkuasaan yang tegas?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论演辞(4)

(怡保11日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师今天在结束其2009年财政预算案辩论之前,以华语引用孟子“富贵不能淫、贫贱不能移、威武不能屈”名句,谏劝已经当权的民联不能忘本,必须保持廉洁。

黄氏指出,霹雳州州务大臣拿督斯里尼查表示,人民的期望就是要民联摒弃一切的不透明、滥权、朋党和贪污。黄氏进谏道,当权的应该拥有坚定的立场,不为任何的权力或利益所引诱,因为人民在经过51年后,对于民联的期望是十分高,民联不可以让人民失望。

黄氏同时也以阿拉伯语念出可兰经里的一项教诲结束当天的辩论,呼吁无论在朝或在野的议员,履行人民在308大选中给于的委托,以当中的涵义“共同为好善奋斗、也共同拒绝任何的不当行径”,一起为霹雳州的发展作出贡献。

霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论演辞(3)

(怡保11日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师今天在州议会中呼吁霹雳州政府关注州内的电讯塔问题,聆听人民的心声和担忧,落实一个亲民政府的理念。

黄家和表示,州政府曾经公布4家电讯公司因为在州内建立366个非法电讯塔而被罚款每个电讯塔3000令吉、一共110万令吉,但是对于财宏势大的电讯公司来说根本是九牛一毛。他说,地方政府的电讯塔指南必须获得改善、而人民咨询是不可缺乏的一环。

也是民联后座议员俱乐部秘书的黄家和说,可是摆在眼前的事实却是,电讯公司往往胆敢在没有作出任何申请的时候,就开始装置电讯塔的工作,根本就是目中无人,地方政府缺乏积极的取缔行动,也造就了电讯公司的狂大。

黄氏表示,非法电讯塔的3000令吉罚款根本起不了任何的警惕或阻止作用,州政府必须采取更严厉的行动,包括以每天罚款计算。如果一个非法电讯塔每天被罚款200令吉、366个非法电讯塔一年就能对地方政府“贡献”至少2635万令吉收入,但是为什么地方政府没有采取更严厉的行动呢?

霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论演辞(2)

(怡保11日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师今天在州议会中强烈抨击英达丽水向州子民追收排污费的做法,并表示州政府在拒绝批准排污费纳入水费单的决定,是十分明智的做法。

也是民联后座议员俱乐部秘书的黄家和表示,一些家庭每个月的水费单只是区区的6令吉,但是在排污费方面却必须缴纳高达8令吉,这对人民是十分不公平。英达丽水没有尊敬怡保高庭法官“没有服务、不可收费”的判决,反而更将其他州属的英达丽水案件带上吉隆坡推事庭,形同强迫人民缴纳排污费。

黄氏同时表示,中央政府去年通过固体废料处理法令,将承包工作给于3家私人公司,将会造成人民继英达丽水排污费后,再度必须在缴纳门牌税后的更多费用。霹雳州政府作为一个全民的政府,应该给于该法令全面的拒绝,维护人民的利益。

霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论演辞(1)

民主行动党桂和区州议员兼民联后座议员俱乐部秘书黄家和律师于2008年11月11日(星期二)参与霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论时所发表的演辞(1):

(怡保11日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师说,霹雳州务大臣拿督斯里尼查在2009年霹雳州财政预算案中表示民联政府将不分种族、宗教以及政治理念维护全民的权益,值得赞许。

也是民联后座议员俱乐部秘书的黄家和今天参与霹雳州2009年财政预算案辩论时表示,在经过51年过后,每一个州子民都被视作为马来西亚人,人民在2008年霹雳州民联政府的领导下终于看到了一个公正、公平治国的希望。

黄氏表示,民联州政府在短短的8个月内成功将州内的赤字减低1499万或37.48巴仙,而这更是在没有提高任何税务的情况下所达致的。这也印证了在一个廉洁政府的领导下,政府可以做的有更多,而人民将能够从中获益。

黄氏表示,2009年财政预算案是一项亲民的预算案,在给于贫穷家庭首20立方米免费水的同时,也拨出6百万协助州内家庭收入少过的1500令吉的大学生、100万令吉于丧礼抚恤金、100万令吉于小型贷款、200万令吉于人民福利特别基金等等。而更值得一提的是,这些利民的政策都是在部分种族、宗教的情况下实行。

Blogging from Dewan: Dewan Speech Part 5

(e) Indah Water Konsortium dan LAP
Dalam isu pengurusan air, saya ingin merakamkan tahniah terhadap keputusan Kerajaan Negeri yang telah melaksanakan polisi pembekalan air yang membantu golongan miskin tegar di Negeri ini, yang mana dianggarkan sejumlah sebanyak 17,000 orang miskin tegar akan menikmati bekalan air percuma bagi 20 cubic meter yang pertama. Pihak saya sememangnya percaya bahawa pemberian bekalan air percuma ini, ia tidak akan menjejaskan perdapatan Kerajaan Negeri dan pada masa yang sama, akan membantu mereka yang miskin.

NRW sebanyak 30% haruslah diberi pertimbangan yang lebih ketat dan kritikal, walaupun Kerajaan Negeri telah mengumumkan langkah-langkah menukarkan paip-paip yang telah lama. Matlamat dan tujuan kita haruslah menuju ke arah yang terbaik, mencapai keputusan seperti yang dicapai oleh Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang, iaitu kadar NRW di bawah 15%. Dengan kadar NRW yang lebih rendah, saya sesungguhnya percaya LAP dapat memperolehi lebih avenue dan menyumbang kepada kemajuan Negeri ini dan Kerajaan Negeri juga boleh memberikan bantuan bekalan air yang lebih baik lagi kepada golongan yang miskin.

Akan tetapi, dalam isu yang berkenaan pula, Kerajaan Persekutuan pada tahun lepas telah meluluskan Water & Industry Act, Kerajaan Persekutuan telah membuat keputusan untuk membenarkan kemasukan bil IWK ke dalam bil air, yang mana merupakan satu tindakan memaksa Rakyat Jelata membayar bil IWK dan sekiranya Rakyat ingkar, bekalan air bolehlah dipotong.

Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh pada tahun 2004 telah memutuskan bahawa IWK tidak boleh mengenakan apa-apa bayaran sebelum ia dapat mengemukakan bukti perkhidmatan. “No service no charge” dengan izin. Prinsipal undang-undang ini haruslah dihormati oleh IWK dan juga Kerajaan yang memerintah yang telah mendapat mandate daripada Rakyat. Bolehkah kita bayangkan, bagaimanakah boleh berlakunya satu keadaan di mana, penggunaan air seisi keluarga pada kadar minimum RM6, tetapi IWK yang bertanggungjawab untuk pembetungan sahaja mengenakan bayaran sebanyak RM8 sebulan!!!

Apa yang IWK buat sekarang? Surat tuntutan, Saman Mahkamah berlayang-layang. Rakyat berasa bimbang apabila diberitahu IWK telah membawa mereka ke Mahkamah. Sememangnya mereka boleh mengambil perkhidmatan peguam untuk membela diri, tetapi bagaimanakah untuk kebanyaka mereka yang hanya berhutang beberapa ratus ringgit sahaja? Kini pula IWK memulakan kes-kes di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur walaupun Defendan berada di negeri-negeri lain. Kos untuk memindahkan prosiding kadang-kala telah melebihi jumlah amaun yang dituntut!!! Di manakah keadilan???

Walau bagaimanapun, walaupun kita masih tidak dapat memperhentikan tindakan dan keputusan IWK untuk membawa kes ke Mahkamah, Kerajaan Negeri dengan mandate Rakyat telah membuat satu keputusan yang baik, di mana ia enggan membenarkan IWK mencantumkan bil IWK dengan bil air.

Inilah suatu response kepada IWK yang baik. Syabas diucapkan kepada Kerajaan Negeri.

Sekarang pula datang Akta Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal dan Pembersihan Awam 2007 dan diberikan secara spesifik kepada 3 buah syarikat sahaja. Apa yang kita boleh rumuskan pada masa sekarang adalah, Akta ini akan mempunyai kesan seperti Sewerage Services Act 1993 yang mana IWK telah ditubuhkan dan mengambilalih tugas PBT dalam system pembetungan dan Rakyat adalah dipaksa membayar kepada Perbadanan atau syarikat konsesi tersebut pada masa yang sama juga perlu membayar Cukai Taksiran yang ditetapkan. Syukurlah Kerajaan Negeri di bawah pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat, telah pada kini menolak kegunaan Akta ini di Negeri ini. Bayangkan apa yang berlaku sekiranya pada hari ini kita masih di bawah pimpinan BN…


Kesimpulan:
Saya berasa gembira bahawa Kerajaan Negeri Perak dapat beteraskan pentadbiran atas prinsip adil, amanah, wibawa dan berkebajikan dan hak Rakyat Perak Darul Ridzuan dapat dipelihara tanpa membezakan agama, bangsa dan fahaman politik. Seperti yang dinyatakan oleh YAB Menteri Besar, kita haruslah berkemampuan membasmi segala kepincangan, ketidaktelusan, ketidakcekapan pengurusan, salah guna kuasa atau amalan korupsi kronisme dan kolusi. Kita sekarang di barisan Kerajaan haruslah berpegang teguh kepada principal yang kita ada, tidak kira dalam keadaan baik atau buruk pun.

Di sini saya ngin berkongsi suatu pepatah Cina dengan rakan-rakan saya, dengan izin Tuan Yang Dipertua, “富贵不能淫,贫贱不能移,威武不能屈” yang mana bermaksud “kekayaan harta tidak dapat mendorong seseorang itu berkorupsi, kemiskinan tidak dapat mengubah pendirian seseorang dan kekuatan kuasa tidak dapat mengugat seseorang untuk menukar haluan”. 金钱地位不能使自己迷惑腐化,贫苦穷困不能改变自己 志向,权势武力不能让自己屈服变节。

Adalah penting apabila kita sekarang berada di barisan pimpinan, kita harusah memeliharakan ketelusan dan integrity kita. Apa-apa dorongan atau temptation tidak harus menjejaskan pendirian kita. Itulah sikap yang kita kena laksana, itulah apa yang Rakyat inginkan.

Biarlah kita sama-sama mendokong segala yang benar dan mengelakkan segala yang salah demi memelihara mandate yang diberikan oleh Rakyat dalam pilihanraya 308 yang lalu. Saya masih ingat apa yang saya belajar semasa 4 tahun saya di Univeristy, yang mana ayat al-Quran ada menyatakan di Surah Al-Imran: 110 : (dengan izin) O you who belive! You are the best of mankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong”

Saya selalunya percaya terhadap apa yang dinyatakan: “ta’muruna bi al-ma’ruf wa tanhawna ‘an al-munkar”. Biarlah kita sama-sama melaksanakan mandate dan tanggungjawab kita kepada Rakyat demi satu Negeri Perak yang lebih baik.

Tuan yang Dipertua,
Dengan itu saya menyokong.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Blogging from Dewan: Dewan Speech Part 4

(d) Pemantauan Projek
Sejumlah RM60juta telah diperuntukkan di bawah maksud P.01 untuk Jabatan Kerja Raya dan RM27juta diperuntukkan di bawah maksud P.02 Perkhidmatan Masyarakat dan Luar Bandar. Projek-projek ini samaada projek utama / besar ataupun projek kecil harus mempunyai pemantauan yang baik. Misalnya di kawasan saya, Kg Simee, ada sebuah longkang di luar Pasar yang dimulakan sebelum atau lebih tepat lagi semasa kempen pilihanraya, longkang tersebut langsung tidak berfungsi dan air tersangkut. Saya telah membuat pertanyaan dengan UPEN, SDO dan juga DO Batu Gajah dan kesemua pihak menyatakan ia bukan di bawah projek atau pemantauan mereka. Saya telah membuat satu siasatan sebut harga semula untuk meyempulihkan longkang tersebut dan ia adalah dalam lingkungan RM30k hingga RM40k. Saya berharap pihak MBI dapat meneliti masalah ini. Walau bagaimanapun, sekirapun peruntukkan baruini dapat dikeluarkan semula, bagaimana dengan peruntukkan yang telah dibelanjakan dan dibazir sebelum ini? Siapa yang perlu bertanggungjawab? Samaada wang Rakyat boleh dibiarkan dibazirkan begitu sahaja?

Blogging from Dewan: Dewan Speech Part 3

(c) Kerajaan Tempatan
Bajet 2009 menunjukkan peruntukkan sebanyak RM4.441 juta kepada Kerajaan Tempatan. Dalam perkara ini, saya ingin membangkitkan beberapa isu yang berkenaan dengan Kerajaan Tempatan terutamanya dalam usahanya untuk mencapai satu pentadbiran yang cekap, telus dan akauntabiliti.

Isu Telco:
Tuan yang dipertua,

Isu Telco merupakan satu isu di mana kecekapan, accountability dan ketelusan Kerajaan Negeri dicabar. Dalam permerintahan Kerajaan terdahulu, syarikat-syarikat telco telah mendirikan pemancar-pemancar dalam kawasan perumahan dan kebanyakannya tanpa mendapatkan permit terdahulu daripada kerajaan tempatan. Namun, sedihnya dinyatakan tidak ada tindakan drastic diambil. Rakyat akan bertanya-tanya: bagaimanakah dengan Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat sekarang?

Kerajaan telah mengumumkan bahawa 4 buah syarikat telco telah dikenakan denda sebanyak RM1.1 million untuk sejumlah 366 buah pemancar telecommunikasi yang didirikan tanpa permit. Namun, apakah langkah-langkah yang telah diambil supaya memastikan syarikat-syarikat telco ini, sekurang-kurangnya pada masa yang datang, menghormati dan mematuhi semua peraturan-peraturan yang ditetapkan?

Pihak Kerajaan Tempatan khasnya MBI mempunyai “guidelines” dalam permohonan untuk mendirikan pemancar Telco. Salah satu yang paling penting adalah jarak pemacra telco dengan kawasan perumahan. Untuk pemancar kurang daripada 45m tingginya, jaraknya haruslah 20meter dari kawasan perumaha manakala 10m daripada kawasan kedai, untuk pemancar yang melebihi 45 meter, jaraknya harus 30 meter dan 15 meter daripada lot-lot kedai.

Dua persoalan di sini, pertama, samaada jarak yang ditetapkan adalah mencukupi? Rakyat jelata pada kebiasaannya adalah bimbang atas kesan kesihatan yang disebabkan oleh pemancar-pemancar telco yang didirikan. Minggu yang lepas, kita telah menyertai suatu seminar yang mana keraguan terhadap kesan kesihatan ini dinafikan. Namun, saya sendiri telah mendapat nasihat daripada doctor-doktor swasta dan mereka menyatakan walaupun tidak ada bukti saintifik yang kukuh berkenaan dengan kesan kesihatan yang disebabkan oleh Telco, tetapi kesannya tidak boleh 100% dinafikan.

Tuan yang Dipertua,

Kesemua kita mungkin bukan professional dalam bidang ini dan mungkin tidak dapat menentukan isu kesihatan ini. Namun, sebagai satu kerajaan yang berteraskan Rakyat, suara Rakyat haruslah didengar. Sekiranya Rakyat-rakyat mempunyai keraguan yang begitu tinggi, kita sebagai kerajaan haruslah mengambil berat tentang isu ini. Kita tidak boleh sahaja kata sekiranya tiada Telco atau Telco-telco diturunkan, coverage handset akan terjejas. Cubalah kita semua bayangkan apa yang akan berlaku sekiranya kita duduk bermalaman di sesebuah kedai, dan kedai sebelah kanan dan sebelah kiri kita mendirikan telconya.

Apabila terdapat bantahan daripada penduduk-penduduk, suatu public consultation haruslah diadakan. Saya dengan ini merujuk kepada guidelines oleh Negara Canada dalam isu ini …..

Persoalan yang kedua adalah, bagaimana untuk memastikan guidelines yang ditetapkan dipatuhui? Seperti yang diumumkan sebanyak 366 pemancar telco didirikan tanpa permit dan ia telah dikenakan denda, jelas menunjukkan syarikat-syarikat telco telah gagal menghormati bukan sahaja peraturan-peraturan yang ditetapkan, tetapi juga suatu penghinaan terhadap integrity kerajaan.

Bagaimanakah mereka berani mendirikan pemancar-pemancar telco tanpa mendapatkan kebenaran terdahulu? Tindakan penguatkuasaan adalah penting dalam perkara ini dan denda sebanyak RM3000 bagi suatu telco tidak akan mempunyai sebarang deterrence effect. RM3000 ini adalah terlalu rendah bagi syarikat-syarikat telco ini. Tindakan penguatkuasaan termasuk arahan untuk menurunkan telco dan denda harian mengikut tempoh pelanggaran undang-undang adalah perlu. Sekiranya satu hari dikenakan denda RM200 sebuah, dalam masa satu tahun RM26,352,000.00 dan ini merupakan satu sumber pendapatan yang lumayan.

Dalam masa singkat 2 bulan yang telah lepas ini saya telah mendapatkan pengalaman bagai integrity Kerajaan Negeri dicabar. Pertama pada bulan September, kerja pemasangan Telco setinggi 30meter telah dimulakan di Jalan Meteor, Taman Westpool. Telco tersebut hanyalah selebih-lebihnya 20meter jarak daripada rumah yang terdekat. Apabila disiasat, kita dapati permohonan untuk permit hanyalah diserahkan kepada MBI sehari selepas bantahan daripada penduduk bermula. Syukur, dengan bantahan daripada penduduk-penduduk ia dapat dihentikan.

Di kawasan saya pula, pada 2 minggu yang lepas, Lebuh 3 Kg Simee yang mana sudah mempunyai 3 buah Telco (2 antaranya masih belum mendapat apa-apa permit), telco yang keempat telah mula. Apabila pihak kami pergi dengan MBI, kami mendapati ia tidak mempunyai sebarang permit, pekerja-pekerja kata ia hanya memasang peralatan-peralatan untuk internet server, mereka ingat kita semua bodoh, “what a blatant lie!”. Kerja-kerja telah dihentikan seketika pada masa itu.

Minggu lepas pula pekerja-pekerja datang smula pada pukul 4.30 yang mana pegawai MBI telahpun hampir masa untuk tamat kerja. Betapa sudahnya pada masa itu saya mendapatkan bantuan daripada MBi pada masa itu. Kenapakah telco-telco boleh memilih masa 4-30 ini untuk memulakan kerjanya? Apa yang akan berlaku sekiranya telco dipasang pada larut malam? Telco tahu ia tidak akan diturunkan!

Syarikat-syarikat telco ini sanggup dan berani berbuat demikian atas satu sebab sahaja: kekurangan tindakan penguatkuasaan. Saya tidak pernah nampak satupun illegal tower pernah diturunkan di Perak walaupun terdapat 366 buah telah dikenakan denda. Dalam minda syarikat-syarikat ini, mereka tahu tindakan penguatkuasaan tidak akan diambil, dan sebab itulah mereka berani mendirikan telco tanpa mendapatkan permit terlebih dahulu !!! “this is a blatant challenge on the integrity of the State Government”.

Kita sebagai kerajaan, sememangnya harus mengambil tindakan yang lebih drastic, dalam menangani isu ini sebelum ia terlambat. Suara Rakyat haruslah didengar.

Pokok-pokok yang ditebang di Jalan Lau Pak Khuan
Tuan yang Dipertua,

Satu insiden lagi yang mana kewibawaan dan ketelusan Kerajaan di bawah cabaran dan raguan adalah satu insiden di mana sekurang-kurangnya 5 pokok berusia lebih daripada 30 tahun umurnya, bertempat di Bulatan Jalan Canning Estate, Taman Ipoh, ditebang oleh MBI tanpa mengikut prosidur yang perlu dan tanpa pengetahuan Datuk Bandar.

Dalam perkara ini, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan di sini untuk merakamkan penghargaan kepada Datuk Bandar Ipoh, yang mana beliau telah dengan segera memohon maaf dan mengambil keputusan segera apabila isu ini dibangkitkan oleh YB M Kula dalam persidangan MBI, untuk menanam semula pokok-pokok di kawasan tersebut. Namun, saya dan juga penduduk-penduduk mendapati bahawa tindakan MBI dalam menebang pokok-pokok tersebut tanpa mengikut prosidur dan tanpa pengetahuan Datuk Bandar adalah amat luar biasa. Walaupun tindakan mitigasi telahpun diambil oleh Datuk Bandar dengan segera, MBI harus mengambil tindakan ke atas sesiapapun yang bertanggungjawab dalam tindakan penebangan pokok-pokok ini. Apabila saya turun ke padang, balasan yang saya dapati adalah bahawa tindakan tegas harus diambil dengan segera untuk menentupasti siapa yang bertanggungjawab dan ia diumumkan kepada Rakyat. Kita tidak boleh biarkan perkara ini rehat begitu sahaja dan Rakyat memerlukan satu jawapan. Sekiranya tidak ada tindakan diambil, ini bukan sahaja akan menjejaskan kewibawaan dan ketelusan MBI, Datuk Bandar dan saya sendiri, ia akan menjejaskan imej Kerajaan Negeri Perak secara keseluruhannya.

Kemalangan Jalan Lau Pak Khuan
Tuan yang Dipertua,
Saya ingin juga ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk membangkitkan isu kemalangan jalanraya yang sering berlaku di Jalan Lau Pak Khuan, Taman Ipoh. Sejak pilihanraya 308, dua kemalangan maut telah berlaku. Daripada tinjaan kami, jalan tersebut sentiasa dalam keadaan yang sangat gelap tetapi kelihatan pihak MBI selalunya gagal memastikan lampu jalan di Jalan Lau Pak Khuan sentiasa berfungsi walaupun terdapat aduan demi aduan dari Pejabat ADUN dan warga Ipoh. Saya tidak salahkan Datuk Bandar Ipoh kerana beliau sememangnya memberikan perhatian setiap kali aduan ditujukan. Namun, Datuk Bandar seorang sahaja tidak mampu untuk membuat kesemua kerja, kerjasama dan kecekapan pegawai-pegawai yang bertanggunjawab haruslah dipertingkatkan. Sekiranya dibandingkan, prestasi MBI dalam menyelenggarakan tiang-tiang lampu di kawasan tersebut adalah tidak seefficient dengan TNB. Rakyat mempunyai satu harapan yang tinggi terhadap kita dan kita tidak boleh mengecewakan mereka.

Di sini juga saya juga ingin mengemukakan cadangan saya dalam mengatasi masalah ini dan menjamin keselamatan penduduk-penduduk supaya pihak MBI boleh mengkaji untuk menggunakan sebahgian bajet yang ada untuk tujuan ini (a) membina bonggol atau melukis garisan cat kuning untuk memperlahankan halaju kenderaan; (b) membinakan divider antara dua arah jalan untuk melindungi pejalan kaki apabila melintasi jalan.

Rumput, Lalang di Taman Cempaka
Saya juga ingin bangkit di sini bahawa pemberian kontrak kerja MBI haruslah dilaksanakan dengan berhati-hati. Beberapa bulan ini saya menerima banyak aduan dari kawasan saya Taman Cempaka, yang mana lorong belakang rumah tidak dibersihkan, rumput ada, longgokan tanah ada. Apabila cek dengan MBI, baru kita dapati kontrak bernilai RM177,000.00 tersebut tidak termasuk lorong belakang Taman Cempaka, hanya merangkumi Desa Cempaka dan kontraktor enggan membuat kerja-kerja tersebut. Ini adalah satu alasan yang tidak termasuk akal langsung dan tidak lojik, dan kontraktor tidak boleh menggunakan alasan ini untuk mengelakkan tanggungjawabnya. Jumlah RM177,000.00 tersebut semua wang Rakyat, dan MBI harus lebih berhati-hati dan mengambil notis tentang sikap kontraktor-kontraktor yang cuba menggunakan loop holes ini.

Blogging from Dewan: Dewan Speech Part 2

(b) SUWA, Sekolah Agama, Hal Ehwal Islam dan Hal Ehwal bukan Islam
Kerajaan Negeri telah memberikan peruntukkan sebanyak RM30,000.00 setiap satu kepada 9 buah sekolah persendirian Cina di Negeri ini. Ini adalah satu lagi arah tuju yang baik yang mana sekolah persendirian Cina, sejak ia menjadi sekolah menengah swasta pada tahun 1965, telah mengalami kesuntukkan kewangan dalam pentadbiran dan operasi hariannya. Dengan tanpa bantuan daripada Kerajaan, pentadbiran Sekolah Persendirian Cina ini pada semua masa material, hanya bergantung kepada derma-derma daripada masyarakat untuk meneruskan perkhidmatan pempelajaran.

Setelah mengalami waktu-waktu susah dan detik-detik bermata air ini, sekarang, dengan adanya tsunami politik 308, kita telah mula nampak suatu perubahan. Usaha-usaha mereka yang meneruskan perjuangan ini untuk 43 tahun ini tidak tersia-sia. Di samping peruntukkan RM30,000.00 setiap sekolah tersebut, Kerajaan Negeri telah mencipta sejarah dengan meluluskan secara prinsipalnya tanah seluas 1000 hektar kepada 9 buah sekolah ini untuk tujuan aktiviti pertanian dan janaan kos pentadbiran sekolah.

Namun, yang sedihnya isu ini telah dipolitikkan oleh sesetengah pihak yang masih belum insaf daripada tsunami politik 308. Menteri Pendidikan telah mendakwa bahawa kerajaan Negeri haruslah adil kepada semua saluran sekolah dan bukannya sekadar menjadi “gula-gula” bagi sekolah persendirian Cina. Sejak bilakah pemberian tanah seluas 1000 hektar ini menjadi suatu “gula-gula”? Sebab kenapa pemberian tanah ini adalah mudah dan simple, dengan izin, iaitu kerajaan sepanjang masa ini telah gagal mengiktirafkan kedudukan sekolah-sekolah persendirian cina di Negara ini yang mampu melahirkan ramai pelajar yang cemerlang dan ia terpaksa mencari jalan untuk menampung kos harian sendiri. Kerajaan Perak sekadar memberikan bantuan kepadanya kerana terdapat keperluan untuk membantu. Tindakan ini merupakan suatu cara penyelesaian jangka panjang dalam membantu sekoalh-sekolah ini.

Dakwaan daripada sesetengah pihak bahawa Kerajaan Negeri hanya membantu sekolah persendirian Cina jelas dibuktikan salah, apabila YAB Menteri Besar mengumumkan pemberian sebanyak 1000 hektar tanah kepada Sekolah-sekolah Agama Rakyat. Ini jelas menunjukkan Kerajaan Negeri Perak bukannya satu kerajaan yang berunsurkan agama atau perkauman, tetapi suatu Kerajaan yang berteraskan Rakyat.

Telah sampailah masa bagi semua pihak, termasuk ahli-ahli politik yang duduk di sebelah sini dan sana, berhenti untuk mengkomenkan sesuatu isu atas dasar perkauman, membuat keputusan atas dasar perkauman. Tanggalkanlah cermin mata yang berunsur perkauman. Pada hari ini, Lious Hamilton telah mampu memenangi juara dunia F1, Barrack Obama telah boleh diterima sebagai Presiden US, di manakah kita? Sudahlah 51 kita bebas daripada jajahan British, sudahlah 51 kita sama-sama menyumbang kepada Negara yang tercinta ini, sampailah masa kita semua berbangga atas identity kita sebagai seorang Rakyat berbangsa Malaysia.

Tuan yang Dipertua,
Disamping meneruskan usaha-usaha untuk memajukan Agama Islam sebagai Agama Rasmi Negara kita yang tercinta ini, saya berasa gembira kerana Kerajaan Perak telah menubuhkan Urus Setia Hal Ehwal Bukan Islam dan diberikan peruntukkan sebanyak RM2 juta. Ini sekali lagi menunjukkan keprihatinan Kerajaan Neheri dalam menangani isu berkenaan Agama bukan Islam di Negeri ini. Namun, saya berharap pada masa yang akan datang, peruntukkan sebanyak RM2 juta ini dapat dipertigkatkan lagi mengikut laporan Urus Setia tersebut dan juga keperluan yang dibangkitkan.

Blogging from Dewan: Dewan Speech Part 1

Ucapan ADUN Canning, YB Wong Kah Woh dalam membahas Bajet Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan 2009 Rang Undang-undang Enakmen Pembekalan 2009 pada 11.11.2008 pukul 2.00 petang di Dewan Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan.


Yang Berhormat Tuan yang Dipertua, izinkan saya untuk mengambil bahagian dalam membahas dan menyokong Bajet Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan 2009 – Rang Undang-undang Enakmen Pembekalan 2009 yang telah dikemukakan oleh YAB Menteri Besar Perak.

Tuan yang Dipertua,
Terutama sekali saya berasa syukur, kerana YAB Menteri Besar Perak telah sekali lagi mengiktirafkan dan menegaskan pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri ini adalah berteraskan kepada prinsip adil, amanah, wibawa dan berkebajikan dan hak Rakyat Perak Darul Ridzuan dapat dipelihara tanpa membezakan agama, bangsa dan fahaman politik. Setelah 51 tahun merdeka, sekarang kita nampaklah harapan negeri kita, harapan Negara kita, yang mana isu agama, bangsa dan fahaman politik tidak lagi menjadi asas pentadbiran. Inilah suatu usaha dan arah tuju yang positive dan baik, yang mana kita semua yang membesar di tanah air yang tercinta ini, menyumbang kepada Negara yang tercinta ini, dan kita semua Bangsa Malaysia.

(a) Deficit Bajet dan maklumat am
Tuan yang Dipertua,
Bajet 2009 merupakan satu deficit bajet sebanyak RM25 juta, yang mencatatkan suatu pengurangan deficit sebanyak RM14.99 juta atau 37.48%. Dalam 4 tahun yang lepas yang mana deficit bajet dicatat, deficit tersebut telah meningkat setiap tahun, dari 15.45 juta pada tahun 2005 sehingga ke RM39.99 juta.

Sekiranya dibaca dari sudut polisi-polisi bermesrakan Rakyat yang dicadangkan atau dilaksanakan seperti yang dibentangkan oleh YAB Menteri Besar semalam, deficit RM25 juta ini bukanlah suatu yang tidak munasabah atau sesuatu harus dibimbangkan.

Kerajaan Negeri Perak ini telah memberikan pertimbangan dan prihatin terhadap golongan-golongan yang miskin dan berkeperluan. Polisi pemberian air percuma kepada penduduk Perak yang berpendapatan rendah untuk 20 cubic meter, pemberian peruntukkan sebanyak RM1 juta untuk membantu meringankan beban miskin tegar, peruntukkan RM6 juta sebagai sumbangan derma biasiswa dan peruntukkan sebanyak RM 1 juta untuk funeral expenses bagi golongan miskin bagi mereka yang berusia 65tahun ke atas yang meninggal dunia serta RM2 juta peruntukkan untuk tabung khas kebajikan rakyat dan RM1juta untuk tabung pinjaman perniagaan kecil haruslah dialu-alukan. Ini menunjukkan Kerajaan Negeri Perak adalah prihatin terhadap golongan yang berkeperluan dan ikhlas dalam membantu golongan ini. Yang penting, kesemua bantuan dan peruntukkan ini adalah tanpa mengira agama dan bangsa, dan ini akan dapat membantu mencapai matlamat sesuatu affirmative actions/policies dengan izin, yang mana kesemua golongan yang berkeperluan mendapat bantuan yang seajarnya dan bukannya pelaksanaan affirmative actions yang berlandaskan kaum dan bangsa yang mana menyebabkan jurang pendapatan dan taraf kehidupan semakin bertambah.

Tuan yang Dipertua,
Apa yang harus dibanggakan lagi adalah, catatan pengurangan deficit sebanyak RM14.99 juta atau 37.48% ini dicapai dengan tanpa melaksanakan apa-apa kenaikan cukai-cukai yang dikenakan atas Rakyat. Kerajaan Negeri sememangnya telah mengambil suatu langkah yang betul dengan menegaskan pengutipan cukai tunggakan sebagai suatu aspek. YB Pengkalan Hulu semasa mencelah perbahasan YB Titi Seorng, mempersoalkan sumbangan daripada ejensi-ejensi kerajaan seperti LAP, SADC, SEDC dsb sebanyak RM50 juta (mencatatkan peningkatan sebanyak RM7 juta). Apakah salahnya sekiranya ejensi-ejensi ini menyumbang kepada bajet 2009 sekiranya Kerajaan Negeri mempunyai keyakinan bahawa ia dapat memperolehi keuntungan yang lebih baik pada tahun 2009? Kesemua ejensi ini bukan untuk keuntungan mana-mana pihak tetai dalam membantu Kerajaan Negeri.

Manakala satu item yang tidak dilupakan dan yang ditinggalkan oleh YB P. Hulu adalah dengan system tender kawasan pembalakan, yang mana hasil sebanyak RM40juta telah dijana dan ini juga membuktikan Kerajaan Negeri Perak yang mengamalkan prinsip adil, amanah, wibawa dan berkebajikan dengan melaksanakan system tender kawasan pembalakan.

Berkenaan dengan kutipan cukai tunggakan, jumlah RM36 juta dianggar dapat dikutip. Saya amat bersetuju bahawa penguatkuasaan kutipan cukai tunggakan dijadikan satu aspek peningkatan hasil, namun ia haruslah dijalankan secara flesible dan case to case basis dengan izin.

Bagi mereka yang jelasnya degil dan enggan membayar serta berhutang berpuluh-puluh ribu, sekiranya amaran untuk membayar tidak dipeduli dan tidak mempunyai kesan, Kerajaan Negeri haruslah bergantung kepada peruntukkan Kanun Tanah Negara yang mana membenarkan Kerajaan Negeri menarikbalik hakmilik yang dikeluarkan. Pada masa yang sama, tindakan juga haruslah diambil secepat mungkin tanpa dibatas oleh batasan masa 6 tahun. Ada pernah berlakunya cukai kerajaan ditunggak lebih daripada 6 tahun dan pihak PBT telah tidak lagi dapat menuntut mengikut prosidur undang-undang misalnya dalam kes MBI tunggakan hasil melebihi tempoh 6 tahun setakat 31 12.2006 adalah sebanyak RM6.08juta. Usaha dan tindakan penguatkuasaan haruslah tegas.

Namun, untuk kes-kes yang genuine yang mana pemilik merupakan golongan yang miskin dan tidak mampu bayar, ia haruslah dikendalikan secara berlainan. Penarikbalik hakmilik dalam kes tersebut bukannya suatu cara yang munasabah. Harus ingat, kita merupakan satu Kerajaan berkebajikan, kita haruslah memahami kesusahan Rakyat.

Blogging from Dewan: Too short a time...

I have just concluded my Debate/Speech, it is really too short a time. However, i will upload the full text here...

Blogging from Dewan: Supplementary Question 1

My Supplementary Question:-

Sistem parking berkupon yang berlainan dan tidak seragam mengikut Daerah telah mendatangkan kesusahan dan inconvenience kepada Warga Perak, yang mana Warga Perak perlu menggunakan kupon-kupon berlainan di daerah yang berlainan.

Soalan tambahan saya, samaada Kerajaan Negeri mempunyai cadangan untuk menyelaraskan sistem parking berkupon ini dengan menggunakan jenis kupon yang sama. Sekiranya ya, bagaimanakah hasil penjualan kupon ini dapat diagihkan kepada Kerajaan Tempatan masing-masing memandangkan kupon yang sama digunakan

Blogging from Dewan: Second Day

The sitting for 2nd Day is starting. My written question on Assessment Arrears has been placed on No. 12, and it is still unsure whether it could be answered within this 1 1/2 hour. I have prepared my script, hopefully can get the chance to speak.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Blogging from Dewan: Supplementary Question

The following Supplementary Question was just put up by me to the Question by ADUN Tebing Tinggi answered by YB EXCO Pasir Pinji:
"Apakah usaha yang dijalankan oleh Kerajaan Negeri untuk memastikan pinjaman-pinjaman Kerajaan Negeri yang disalurkan kepada pelajar-pelajar dapat dikutip semula supaya bantuan ini dapat disalurkan kepada generasi yang seterusnya?"

Blogging from Dewan: A start...

We are all here at the Dewan for the 3rd Session of Sitting after 308 Election. Today, the MB will be presenting the Perak 2009 Budget, and the debate will start tomorrow i.e. 11.11.2008. Hopefully, i will try to grab the chance to speak after Tajol Rosli's Opposition Leader Speech... Keep you all update here later...

Monday, October 20, 2008

怡保西区社青团代表大会




社青团全国理事兼桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年10月20日(星期一)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保20日讯)社青团全国理事黄家和律师表示,霹雳州社青团肩负着传达民联政府政策于州子民的重任,并吸引更多的年轻人投身政治运动,为国家未来发展作出贡献。

也是桂和区州议员的黄家和日前主持怡保西区社青团代表大会时发表演说时表示,大专法令钳制大专生参与政治的基本权力,也使到大专生对政治不了解以及冷感,这对于国家政治发展有弊无利。

黄家和说,行动党自创党后经过42年的卧薪尝胆后,在今年的308大选获得人民的委托,成为霹雳州民联政府中的一个成员。经过7个月的努力后,成功为霹雳州带来改变,为马来重组村和华人新村发出永久地契、通过以地养校协助州内9间独中等,都是前朝政府在过去51年来不能做到的。

黄氏表示,这些讯息都是要靠党员们的努力传达,而霹雳州社青团将会全力给与协调与支持,并努力突破大专法令的钳制吸纳更多的年轻党员,作为行动党的生力军。

怡保西区社青团是州内第一个主办代表大会的区团,而怡保西区社青团当天也选出新任执委,并分别由州行政议员倪可敏政务官蔡伟坤以及怡保西区国会议员特别助理旦拿巴仁出任团长与副团长,完整名单如下:

团长:蔡伟坤
副团长:旦拿巴仁
秘书:岑维翰
副秘书:丝兰马
财政:姚丽娟
组织秘书:罗国忠
宣传秘书:黄坤福
社会及文化秘书:哲曼妮
执委:刘哲礼、巴拉科恁、那恩古马、迪亚古


We had our first ever DAPSY Perak AGM after the 308 General Election. Ipoh Barat DAPSY had taken the lead and there are more to come in the time of one month from now.

We, the DAPSY pledge to plan more activities in the State and attract more and more youngster to join the political struggle. University And College University Act shouldn’t be a bar to the university students joining politics and all of us need to act on for the abolishment of AUKU.

Let start it at Ipoh Barat, Bravo, Ipoh Barat DAPSY!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Visit to Mariaville Kindergarden

民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年10月19日(星期日)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保19日讯)怡保三王路(Jalan Raja Dihilir)马里韦尔幼稚园面对常年水患问题在桂和区州议员黄家和律师的多番反映后获得怡保市政厅的关注,怡保市长罗斯迪亲自实地巡视,了解问题的根源以寻求解决方案。

也是行动党霹雳州宣传秘书的黄家和日前连同怡保市长罗斯迪、市议员刘天对、其政治秘书施韦伽以及市政厅工程师慕斯达法再度前往马里韦尔幼稚园视察,以探讨解决水患的问题。

黄氏较后向报界表示,经过幼稚园负责人以及投诉者陈先生的讲解、以及市政厅官员的技术调查后,水患的始因是幼稚园附近的两个排水管太小以及曲折的设计导致排水不及、以及衔接老虎巷处的排水系统负荷不成所造成。

“市政厅也表示在进行修直该区的两个排水管工程之前,必须与公共工程局协调,以免造成老虎巷排水管处水患。”

同时,怡保市长罗斯迪在巡视该幼稚园的同时也发现幼稚园后方沟渠野草和泥土没有获得清理,即刻致电负责官员前往清理以暂时舒缓水患的问题。他也在接到要求后当场批准幼稚园前装置一盏街灯,亲民作风深获好评。

图:黄家和(左1)一行人查看图測商讨水患问题。右起刘天对、罗斯迪、陈先生及慕斯达法。

We were at Mariaville Kindergarden together with Dato Bandar Tn Hj Roshidi and MBI Engineer Mustapha for the long overdue flood problems. I have brought up the matter at the previous State Assembly in June and hope the problem could be resolved at the soonest.

Dato Bandar had immediately at the visit instructed his officials to the drains located right behind the Kindergarden as an effort to ease the problem. Re-design and construction of new drainage culvert at Jalan Raja Dihilir and working together with JKR at the outlet at Tiger Lane are particular material to solve the problem. MBI is working on it now.

Pic: From Left: Myself, Mustapha (MBI Engineer), Mr. Chan (Complainant), Tn Hj Roshidi (Ipoh Mayor), Clr. Liu Then Tui.

怡保花园邮政局前方发生水患


民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年10月18日(星期六)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保18日讯)一场滂沱大雨导致怡保花园邮政局前方发生水患,摆放摊位的小贩严重受到影响,进而向桂和区州议员黄家和作出投诉。

民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师在接获投诉后,连同其特别助理丘俊良火速赶往现场视察,聆听小贩们的心声。

黄氏较后表示,据了解水患的始因是由于该区沟渠排水不及而引起,他将联络怡保市长罗斯迪,以便派员视察是否有排水沟渠阻塞的问题,以舒缓逢雨必灾的问题。他对于小贩在该区几颗老树备砍伐后必须在烈日当空下摆摊、大雨时又面对水患问题,表示关心。

黄氏同时表示,也已经就该区几颗老树在市长不知情下被砍伐的事件,要求市政厅内部调查发出指示的官员,以还市民一个交代。

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Soalan Dewan

Soalan Dewan
-----------------


Soalan-Soalan Lisan


1. Negeri Perak telah mengalami bajet deficit untuk 4 tahun berturut-turut.

(a) Apakah punca utama yang menyebabkan bajet deficit tersebut;

(b) Apakah usaha-usaha yang diambil oleh Kerajaan Negeri untuk mencapai suatu bajet Negeri seimbang (balance budget)?

(c) Berapa jumlah pendapatan lebihan yang diperolehi hasil daripada keputusan Kerajaan Negeri telah untuk meningkatkan cukai tanah dan yuran pendaftaran pejabat tanah (pada tahun 2006) telah membantu dalam mempertingkatkan pendapatan Negeri Perak.


2. (a) Apakah usaha Kerajaan Negeri untuk mempertingkatkan kemudahan pengangkutan
awam di Negeri Perak?

(b) Berapakan jumlah kos / bajet yang terlibat?



3. (a) Sila senaraikan jumlah hutang cukai taksiran masih tertunggak yang belum dikutip
oleh mengikut setiap Kerajaan Tempatan.

(b) Apakah usaha yang telah dijalankan untuk meningkatkan pengutipan tersebut.

(c) Sila senaraikan 10 tunggakan cukai taksiran yang paling banyak mengikut nama pengguna dan tempoh tunggakan.


Soalan-soalan Bertulis:

1. (a) Kemalangan jalanraya sering berlaku di Jalan Lau Pak Khuan, Taman Ipoh termasuk
dua kemalangan maut. Apakah cadangan Kerajaan Negeri untuk menangani masalah ini untuk menjamin keselamatan penduduk-penduduk setempat memandangkan jalan tersebut menjadi semakin sibuk kian hari?

(b) Nyatakan sebab kenapa Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh GAGAL memastikan lampu jalan di Jalan Lau Pak Khuan sentiasa berfungsi walaupun terdapat aduan demi aduan dari Pejabat ADUN dan warga Ipoh.

(c) Apakah tindakan yang teah diambil oleh Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh terhadap mereka yang bertanggungjawab dalam penebangan pokok-pokok di hadapan Pejabat Pos Jalan Lau Pak Khuan tanpa pengetahuan Datuk Bandar?


2. (a) Sila senaraikan pemancar-pemancar telekomunikasi yang dikesan di kawasan
pilihanraya N.25 Canning (khasnya di Kg. Simee, Taman Cempaka dan Taman Canning) mengikut kategori berlesen dan tidak berlesen.

(b) Samaada Kerajaan Negeri bercadang untuk merobohkan / menurunkan kesemua pemancar-pemancar tele-komunikasi yang dikesan didirikan tanpa lesen?

(c) Berapakah denda yang telah dikenakan ke atas syarikat-syarikat pemancar tele-komunikasi atas pembinaan pemancar-pemancar tele-komunikasi tanpa lesen untuk tahun 2008?

3. Sila senaraikan jumlah hutang tertunggak kepada Negeri Perak oleh agensi-agensi kerajaan atau persatuan-persatuan milik kerajaan termasuk tetapi tidak terhad kepada Persatuan Bola Sepak Perak.

4. (a) Sila nyatakan jumlah hakmilik tanah yang dijangka terlibat dalam penukaran kepada
hakmilik selama-lamanya bagi Rancangan Kg. Tersusun dan Kg. Baru Cina?

(b) Sila nyatakan jumlah premium yang dianggarkan dapat dikutip hasil daripada
penukaran hakmilik selama-lamanya?

5. Sila senaraikan kontraktor-kontraktor longkang dan rumput di kawasan pilihanraya N.25 Canning mengikut kawasan, tempoh kontrak, laporan prestasi kerja harian/mingguan dan harga kontrak yang dibayar.


Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Together with MBI Contractor at Kg Simee: Clogged and unclear drains




Majlis Berbuka Puasa at Surau At Tabiyyah Taman Cempaka




Media Statment by YB Wong Kah Woh at Taman Cempaka Surau At Tabiyyah Majlis Buka Puasa:

The SA for Canning, YB Wong Kah Woh said that the mandate given to the elected reps and Pakatan Rakyat Government in the 308 Election is considered as a holy trust and can never be betrayed. The decision of the past Government to award state lands to Political Parties is a blatant betryal of the people trust.

Wong was speaking at the Majlis Buka Puasa organized by DAP Canning Service Centre at Surau At Tabiyyah Taman Cempaka. He said that the Pakatan Rakyat Government will continue to be a Government for All and good policies will be implemented irregardless of race and religion. The Voters had in the past election rejected all forms of racist politics in Malaysia and it is time for all the Rakyat to proudly regard themselves as Malaysian.

He also expressed his heartiest thanks to the Voters who had given a strong mandate to him in the past election. He said that he will continue to bring the voice of the People in the State Assembly sitting which is in line with his election slogan of "Your Mandate, Your Voice".

The Majlis Buka Puasa was also attended by Councillors Clr Liu Then Tui, Yip Mun Chien, the Chairman of the Surau Committee Tuan Hj Iza Ahadi bin Mohd Hassan and Deputy Chairman Tuan Hj Zakaria bin Ahmad.

Photo (1): Wong speaking at Taman Cempaka Surau At Tabbiyah.
(2): Wong presenting souveniers to Tuan Hj Iza Ahadi
(3): Wong together with the Surau Committee. On his left Tuan Hj Iza Ahadi

民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年9月29日(星期一)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保29日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师表示,霹雳州民联政府将会继续落实全民政府理念,而各个民族都应该以马来西亚人为荣、奠下全民团结的基础,让国家迈向更好的未来。

也是霹雳州宣传秘书的黄家和今天在怡保白兰园回教徒祈祷室举办开斋晚宴发表谈话时表示,308大选的成绩显示出国家民主政治已经趋向成熟,人民不再以种族作为投票的考量,极端种族主义已经遭到彻底地拒绝。

黄氏表示,霹雳州民联政府在州务大臣拿督斯里尼查的领导下,以不分种族的一个全民政府理念施政,当中实行的政策包括给与马来重组村及华人新村永久地契、拨地州内独中以校养校、拨地于宗教学校、积极处理印度庙宇土地申请等。

黄氏也对于桂和区选民不分种族在308大选给与他的支持再度表示感激。他说,人民的委托犹如一种神圣和不可侵犯的信托,前朝政府将土地批准给政党的做法是要不得的。黄家和承诺并将会尽心尽力履行人民的委托,将人民的心声带入州议会,落实“您的委托、您的声音”竞选宣言。

当晚的开斋晚宴吸引了将近150名回教徒出席,黄家和也对祈祷室委员会主席哈芝伊萨在发表演说时提出许多悬而未决的问题表示关注。黄家和同时也在会上赠送纪念品给全体委员会成员以及出席者,场面非常热闹。一同出席的包括德宾丁宜区州议员黄文标、黄家和政治秘书施韦伽、特别助理丘俊良、市议员刘登瑞、叶汶建、行动党白兰园支部主席郑亚财、党要吴国锋等人。

图(1):黄家和颁发纪念品于白兰园祈祷室委员会主席哈芝伊萨。
图(2):黄家和(站者)对出席开斋晚宴的回教徒发表演说,坐者右起郑亚财、哈芝伊萨、刘登瑞及黄文标。

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Free Teresa, Abolish ISA Candlelight Vigil

DAP Perak will be launching “Free Teresa, Abolish ISA” Candlelight Vigil Campaign at all our 18 state constituencies. The first will be held on 916 at DAP Ipoh Barat HQ @ Jalan Laxamana HQ. The rest will be announced through the media shortly.

Some readers had asked about this draconian law of ISA from a legal point of view. Just a small write up to share.

(a) under the Act, the police has the power to detain someone whom in their view is a threat to national security;

(b) the police detention could be upto 60 days and there is no legal requirement to produce the arrestee to the Court;

(c) after the 60 days period, the Internal Minister has the power to order a further detention of upto 2 years, and be renewed after 2 years and indefinitely;

(d) the 2 years + + detention would be held at Kamunting detention camp;

(e) there is only one way to secure release, i.e. by way of Habeas Corpus. However, the Court is only empowered to look into the procedural irregularities and not the reasons behind the detention.

While an accused person for murder, rape and kidnapping case will have the right to be produced to the Magistarte Court within 24 hours of the arrest, an ISA detainee will not be entitled for such fundamental rights.

What’s wrong had the Tan Hoon Cheng, Teresa and RPK done to the country and becoming a threat to the country’s security in the eyes of the police and/or Barisan Nasional? Or put it this way, would the reason be that Teresa and RPK are threat to Barisan Nasional?

Saturday, September 13, 2008

RPK, Reporter, Teresa Arrested!

RPK, SinChew Reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and DAP MP Teresa Kok were arrested under ISA yesterday.

Updates for MP Teresa arrest could be obtained at Kit’s Blog. To add on something here, when are we going to do away with this draconian law of ISA? Why on earth this law is still being used after 51 years of merdeka to deprive not only one’s freedom, but his/her rights for legal representation and a chance to defend in the Court of Law?

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

马华、民政、国大党应当退出国阵让巫统孤掌难鸣

桂和区州议员兼社青团全国理事黄家和律师于2008年9月1日(星期一)在怡保警察总部针对巫统阿末伊斯迈发表“华人寄居论”作出投报后的新闻发布会上的声明:

(怡保1日讯)桂和区州议员黄家和律师今天率领霹雳州社青团团员前往怡保警察总部报案,要求警方以1948年煽动法令调查发表“华人寄居论”的巫统升旗山区部主席阿末伊斯迈。

也是社青团全国理事的黄家和表示,阿末伊斯迈拒绝收回“华人是寄居者”的言论以及道歉显示出他依然坚持己点、没有任何悔过之心。阿末伊斯迈的言论不但伤透了全体马来西亚华裔同胞的心,也会造成种族间的得紧张和仇恨,破坏各族交融和团结的努力。

黄氏说,阿末伊斯迈在峇东埔补选期间发出上述言论,显示出极端的巫统领袖为了捞取选票,而不惜煽动种族情绪。

黄氏表示,在独立51周年后的今天,阿末伊斯迈没有与时并进、思维尚充斥着极端种族主义,不是现代领袖应有的典范。首相拿督斯里阿都拉巴达威没有对阿末伊斯迈采取行动、吁令后者道歉,有包庇之嫌,更是令人失望。

黄氏说,在马来西亚多元民族、文化,各族互相体谅和尊重的国情下,社青团认为阿末伊斯迈的言论具有煽动性成分,应该在1948年煽动法令第3(1)(e) 条文与第4(1)(a)条文下被调查,并提控上法庭。除了在怡保,槟城社青团同时也在光大州议员黄伟益的率领下同步报案。

黄氏同时表示,人民在308大选已经给于拒绝种族主义和巫统霸权主义的重大讯息,但是看来巫统尚未觉悟和反省。国阵成员党包括马华、民政、国大党都已经至少向巫统妥协了40年,现在应当是时候考量人民的意愿,退出国阵让巫统孤掌难鸣。如果国阵成员党一方面表示对于巫统种族主义不认同、另一方面却选择继续与巫统合作,是欠缺了说服力。

Police Report Against Ahmad Ismail

Press Conference by ADUN Canning and DAPSY National Executive Council, YB Wong Kah Woh on 01.09.2008 at 11.30am at IPD Ipoh:

ADUN Canning and DAPSY National Executive Council, YB Wong Kah Woh today has lodged a report against Bukit Bendera UMNO Chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail. Ahmad Ismail was reported on 25.08.2008 to have said that “orang Cina hanya "menumpang" di Malaysia. Oleh itu, tidak mungkin kita dapat menikmati kesamarataan di kalangan pelbagai bangsa.”

Wong said that Ahmad Ismail’s statement hurt the feelings of the Chinese in Malaysia and of seditious tendency. His refusal to apologize on his statement shows that he has no regret over the statement made. The statement was made at the campaign for Permatang Pauh by-election and clearly with an intention to gain political motives by playing the racial cards. There is a tendency to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races in Malaysia.

“It is also regrettably to note that the PM of Malaysia, YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi, had failed to take drastic action against Ahmad.”

It is also time for the BN’s component parties, MCA, Gerakan and MIC to consider whether to continue stay and work with UMNO in the coalition.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

马来西亚国族:全民团结大前提



桂和区州议员兼民主行动党霹雳州宣传秘书黄家和律师于2008年8月31日(星期日)在怡保所发表的新闻稿:

(怡保31日讯)桂和区州议员黄家和律师表示,马来西亚国族目标将是达致全民团结的大前提,任何的极端种族言论和以种族为基础的歧视性政策,将使到国家倒退。

也是民主行动党霹雳州宣传秘书的黄家和今天连同该党霹雳州公共投诉局主任郑福基、市议员刘登瑞、政治秘书施韦伽以及铁船路支部主席丘俊良在怡保花园东区市集,与人民交流并分发马来西亚国旗后,向报界如此表示。

黄氏说,国家已经独立51年了,但是巫统的种族主义却还笼罩着国家的上空,峇东埔补选期间阿末伊斯迈为了捞取选票而发表“华人是外居者”论,煽动和玩弄种族情绪,就是最新的例子。

黄氏表示,民联政府在308大选获得人民的委托后,已经致力扫除之前施政的不公,最近更宣布拨出1000公顷土地于州内9间独中以地养校,公平对待各族权益。

黄氏表示,霹雳州州务大臣拿督斯里尼查在国庆日倒数当天发表演说时表示,民联政府将不分种族施政、呼吁人民以作为马来西亚人为依归的言论,令人激赏,也显示出民联政府落实全民政府理念的决心。

Saturday, August 30, 2008

国庆日献词:打造马来西亚国族

民联后座议员俱乐部秘书兼民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年8月30日(星期六)在怡保所发表的国庆日献词:

打造马来西亚国族

今年是国家独立51年,也是人民在308大选给于明确讯息,果敢地作出决定拒绝笼罩国家多年的种族主义后的第一个国庆日。

国庆日的真正意义不在于放烟花、庆倒数,而在于国家是否已经准备落实2020年宏愿9大目标之一,打造一个全民平等、团结的马来西亚国族。

国家独立51年后的今天,各族群间虽然都能够和谐相处,但是当中就是好像还是欠缺了一种笔墨难以形容的情操。今天,国家的种族沙文主义者依然继续肆虐,一些政党领袖还是不能走出极端种族主义框框,这是必须改善的。

雪兰莪州务大臣丹斯里卡立依布拉欣在公开呼吁马拉工艺大学开放一部分学额给非土著后,立刻招来了400名土著学生的示威抗议,被冠上了华人傀儡的罪名,显示出一些人士尚不能接受马来西亚国族概念。另一边霜,槟城巫统升旗山区部主席阿末伊斯迈在峇东埔补选期间发表“华人是寄居者”的言论,更是令人发指。

2020年宏愿离开今年只有短短12年的光景,但是从一些政党领袖陆续发表极端种族主义言论看来,马来西亚国族的目标尚十分遥远。

相信每一名马来西亚公民都爱戴和效忠这个多元民族、多元文化、多元宗教的国家,而多元民族、多元文化、多元宗教本来就是国家独有的优势,而不应该是一项负担。“生于斯、长于斯、死于斯”都是每个马来西亚公民共有的情操,当权者应该给与珍惜、而不是继续将人民区分为土著和非土著。如果当权者可以贯彻不分种族、不分宗教的公平施政、以马来西亚国族为基础当个全民政府,就是国家跨前的一大步。

就让全民携手摒弃种族极端思维,落实马来西亚国族目标,让每一个马来西亚公民都以马来西亚人自居、让当权者贯彻全民政府理念,就是每年国庆日庆典的最重大目标。


Friday, August 29, 2008

9月1日槟霹同步报案

民主行动党霹雳州宣传秘书兼桂和区州议员黄家和律师于2008年8月29日(星期五)在怡保所发表的声明:

(怡保29日讯)民主行动党桂和区州议员黄家和律师今天对于巫统升旗山区部主席阿末伊斯迈发表华人是寄居者的言论作出严厉抨击,并表示阿末伊斯迈的言论已经使到国家独立51周年纪念蒙上阴影。

也是行动党霹雳州宣传秘书的黄家和今天在一篇文告中表示,阿末伊斯迈的言论再度显彰出巫统的极端种族主义,也显示出巫统尚没有了解人民在308大选所给与拒绝极端种族主义的讯息。

“在国家迈向独立51周年纪念的今天,每一个政党领袖在维护全民团结上都负上责任。如果国家还是由推崇极端种族主义的人士主导,将会使到独立51周年纪念变得毫无意义。”

黄氏表示,国阵的华基政党马华、民政与人联党不应该继续与巫统的极端种族主义走在一起,应该果断退出国阵,以实际行动向巫统的种族主义说不。

黄氏说,阿末的言论已经伤害了广大马来西亚人民,并且具有严重的煽动成分。如果阿末伊斯迈在8月31日国家独立51周年纪念前还没有收回言论并作出毫无保留的道歉,槟城与霹雳州社青团将于9月1日在两州警察局同步报案,要求警方调查并且将阿末伊斯迈提控上法庭。

民主行动党

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief

Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief

DAP 2009 BUDGET BRIEF

A. Introduction The DAP 2009 Malaysian budget brief focuses on the twin challenges of global economic slowdown and our high dependence on oil and gas resources.

(i) Expected Global Economic Slowdown The International Monetary Fund has announced that there was a 25 per cent chance that global growth would also slump to below three per cent in 2008, which is equivalent of a world recession. The IMF said global expansion over the last several years had rapidly dwindled due to financial turmoil created by the ongoing sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US.

In this crisis which started in 2007, lenders offered loans to higher-risk borrowers who were unable to pay their mortgages when interest rates went up. It has been estimated that this crisis in the US could spawn total losses of $945 billion.

As a result, housing prices in the US are sliding downward very rapidly resulting in a major stress on the US financial system.

Warren Buffett, often regarded as the world's wealthiest man, said the US economy is still in a recession and unlikely to improve before 2009. Optimism among US Chief Financial Officers have plummeted with three-quarters of them predicting a recession at some point during 2008 and nearly 90 percent say the economy will not rebound until 2009.

Therefore, Malaysia's economy cannot be expected to escape unscathed from the global turbulence. The challenge for Malaysia's 2009 budget is hence how to soften the impact of the global economic slowdown and at the same time cushion its impact on the lower and middle income segments of the rakyat.

(ii) High Dependence on Oil & Gas Resources Based on the latest figures provided by Petronas, Malaysia's government today is even more heavily dependent on oil and gas revenue than ever before. For 2008, oil and gas receipts is expected to contribute in excess of 40% of the Government's revenue, exceeding 37% the year before.

This is a worrying trend in the light of oil reserves which will last for only another 2 decades and Malaysia becoming a net oil importer by 2011.

The relative increase of the oil and gas dependence versus contribution from the other economic sectors effectively means that the rest of our economic activities have not grown by much, if at all. The all-important manufacturing sector which contributes to in excess of 30% of our Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief economy, and employs 30% of our workforce, is expected by Bank Negara Malaysia to grow by a shocking 1.8%.

This also provides the basis for the fact that the rakyat do not feel any richer despite proclamations by the Government that the economy is doing well, as the rise in income from oil and gas sectors has not filtered down to the masses.
(iii) A Budget based on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) The DAP Budget will serve as a distinct departure from the current administration's New Economic Policy (NEP) where racial factors plays the dominant role.
The underlying rationale and approach to our Budget is the “Malaysia Economic & National Unity Strategy” (MENU) which will be based on competence, accountability and transparency (CAT). MENU is a policy to bring about national integration through just and equitable economic policies where the poor, regardless of race, religion or creed are given priority. In Malaysia's context, where the bumiputeras comprises the majority of the poor, particularly those from East Malaysia, they will be the largest beneficiaries of our MENU strategy and its programmes.
At the same time, it is imperative for the Government to build new capacities for the future to ensure that our productivity increase is more than sufficient to replace declining contribution from the oil and gas sector. We will also need to strengthen our social security system to ensure that the poor, less fortunate and under-privileged are not left behind in our pursuit for excellence. The wealth of natural resources on our shores must be shared equitably to make sure that everyone gets to benefit and taste the fruits of our land.
In implementing CAT policies, we must shake off our habit of designing world-class blueprints, only to fail miserably in their implementation. The DAP will put in place a robust system to improve productivity and competitiveness of the government's delivery system.
Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief
B. Budget Allocation Overview Finally, we will utilise responsibly all fiscal measures and tax instruments to ensure that the country does not bury itself in debt and to avoid expenditure on mega-projects which are unlikely to bring significant benefits to the population. Our policies are designed to make ourselves competitive relative to our neighbours as well as to nurture dynamic innovative and entrepreneurial Malaysians.
We are anticipating a small increase in government revenue of approximately 3%, largely driven by oil and gas revenues but limited by a decline in corporate taxes to RM154.5 billion. However, we intend to maintain budget expenditure to RM177 billion as per the Government's budget 2008.
However, the allocations for operational and development expenditure will be restructured to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government expenditure. Operational expenditure will be reduced from RM129 billion to RM120 billion or a 7% reduction. On the other hand, development expenditure will be increased from RM48 billion to RM57 billion or an increase of 19%.
Reductions in the government operating expenditure which has ballooned by more than 43% since 2005 will be achieved through strict enforcement via the policy of competency, accountability and transparency. The effects of such policies will create greater expenditure savings over the next few years.
Savings from reductions in operating expenditure will instead be channelled towards development expenditure which will have a greater economic multiplier impact. The major beneficiaries of the increase in development expenditure in the DAP Budget 2009 will be the education, transportation and health sectors.
As a result of financial prudence, increasing the effective utilisation of the Government's revenue, the Government will be able to reduce its budget deficit from its estimated 3.1% in 2008 to 1.4% in 2009, without compromising its ability to pump-prime the economy in a weak global economic environment.
Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief
C. Key Policies 1. Protect Oil Revenues DAP intends to legislating the use of oil and gas revenue to ensure that a substantial portion of the revenue is spent on education as well as research and development to build the necessary economic capacity for Malaysia, to ensure that the increases in productivity and innovation will more than compensate for the expected decline in oil revenues.
It is proposed that a minimum of 30% of oil and gas revenues be invested in human capital and research and development, while another 20% be used to strengthen the social security for Malaysians who are in need.
A further 10% shall be locked and invested in a oil stabilisation fund in the shape of the very successful Norway's “Petroleum Fund” managed to protect the needs of our children and future generations to ensure that the economy will be able to withstand shocks to the system, especially when oil revenues run out within 2-3 decades.
Legislating the utilisation of funds will also prevent the misallocation of resources to bailout failed projects or other non-productive sectors ensuring transparency and accountability.
2. Investing in Education RM45 billion accounting for 25% of the 2009 Budget will be allocated for education and training. The focus of the expenditure will be to enhance the qualitative elements of education instead of the quantitative elements. Of 100 new schools to be built, 25 and 5 will be Chinese and Tamil schools respectively to resolve the often severe overcrowding faced by many of these schools.
In addition, teachers will be given an average of 20% increase in pay-scale in order to attract some of Malaysia's best young talents to join the teaching force. This measure to arrest the decline, and increase the quality of teachers who are responsible for the education of our young ones. This increase in pay-scale is expected to cost approximately RM200 million for the 330,000 strong primary and secondary school teachers.
3. Creating An Efficient Transportation System The development expenditure for transportation will be increased by 122% to from RM6.7 billion to RM15 billion to develop an holistic, efficient and convenient public transportation system for all congested urban city centres in Malaysia including the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Melaka and Penang.
This measure will seek long term solutions towards reliance on private motor vehicles ownership rate in Malaysia, which is among the highest in the world. Besides increasing the productivity of Malaysia's workforce, it will at the same time relieve the burden of the middle and lower income groups in the light of rising inflation as a result of significantly higher petrol prices.

A blueprint for the “Valley Circle” rail network will also be developed to improve inter-suburban connectivity, by-passing the congested Kuala Lumpur city centre.
4. Renegotiating Unfair Contracts The Barisan Nasional Government's policies of guaranteeing highway toll concessionaires as well as independent power producers (IPPs) extraordinary profits with grossly unequal contracts with little or no risks to the latter are the clearest cases of the Government failing to protect public interest.
The impact of these policies are increasingly felt today with rapidly rising toll rates and energy prices. It is hence imperative that the Government renegotiate these contracts to protect the interest of the public within a 6 month period.
In the event whereby no significant headway is made in the negotiations, it is proposed that the Government move to acquire the assets of these entities. The resultant savings will then be passed on to consumers or be diverted to other public interest projects, such as the public transport system.
5. FairWage & Malaysia Bonus As part of DAP's philosophy, no person or community in need, irrespective of race or religion will be denied the necessary government assistance. In line with this, the DAP will implement “FairWage”, a policy which serves to improve the livelihood of low wage earners above the age of 35, which will at the same time incentivise employers to provide increased employment opportunities.
The FairWage system represents a total reengineering of our existing social welfare systems, and ensures that the most needy within our society will receive the most assistance from the Government. The following provides a summary of what FairWage entails.
1. To increase that take-home pay, workers will contribute a lower rate to the EPF. For with pay below RM900 per month, employee contribution to the fund will be waived while for those with income of not more than RM1,400 per month, the employee's contribution to EPF shall be reduced from the current 11% to 5%.
2. To make them more employable, employers will reduce their rate of contribution to the EPF. For workers above the age of 35 to 55, earning between RM900 to RM1,400 per month, the employer contribution shall remain at the current 12%. For those earning less than RM900 per month in the same age group, the employer contribution shall decline to 10%.
Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief
3. To compensate for the above, the Government will give workers FairWage income supplements to achieve a higher level of income. For workers aged 45 and above, receiving monthly income below RM900 per month, they will receive an annual income supplement of RM2,400. For those workers above the age of 35 earning less than RM1,400 per month will receive RM1,600 per annum. An additional 10% on top of the income supplement shall be applied to those who live in the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru as well as on the Penang Island to cope with the higher cost of living. Of the supplement, a quarter shall be in cash form, while the balance will be channelled into the EPF accounts. By channelling a larger portion into the EPF, it will help the workers save for their future needs.
Separately, a “Malaysia Bonus” of up to RM1,200 will be granted to Malaysians with income not more than RM3,000 per month.
Also, in order to assist the elderly above the age of 60, many who are having problems making ends meet, those qualified will enjoy an the “Senior Malaysian Bonus” of up to RM1,000. These bonuses are channelled into their respective EPF accounts.
The FairWage policy and Malaysian bonus will cost approximately RM9.3 billion to administer. It is part of the proposed programme to share the fruits of the nation's wealth, particular from the oil and gas sector with all Malaysians in need.
In the longer term, more assistance programmes will be carried out in this grant-based mechanisms which are means tested instead of via subsidies which are distortionary in their impact, and often disproportionately benefiting the wealthy.
6. Open, Competitive & Transparent Tenders It part of our MENU strategy that all Government contracts should be tendered in an open, competitive and transparent manner, in line with our CAT philosophy. All qualified companies shall be provided with equal opportunities to secure Government supply contracts and projects.
To prevent overwhelming disruptions to the current system, this policy which is free from race-based requirements, shall be implemented on a gradual basis, commencing with projects or supply contracts sized above RM10 million for 2009. In view of the challenges brought by globalisation, all tenders shall be made competitive, open and transparent by 2015.
Assuming a conservative 10% savings is achieved via this CAT-based system, this will result in absolute savings in excess of RM5 billion per annum in conjunction with quality improvements on the Government's operational expenditure alone.
Proposed DAP 2009 Budget Brief
7. Open, Competitive & Transparent Auctions Again in line with DAP's CAT philosophy, besides procurement, all sales of state assets, award of licenses and special rights shall be conducted via open, competitive and transparent auctions. All state land for example, must be alienated and sold under a competitive bidding system to ensure highest returns for the state.
In addition, as a part of our new source of revenue as well as to negate the rent-seeking culture, the approved permits (APs) such as those currently issued for free by the Ministry of International Trade & Industry to a select pool of “businessmen” shall be auctioned to the highest bidders instead.
Based on an estimated 70,000 APs issued per annum and a conservative RM25,000 market price, the auction will provide an additional RM1.75 billion to the government coffers.
8. Seeding Creativity & Innovation The transformation of the Malaysian economy into one that is knowledge-based will not succeed without the critical ingredient of innovation and entrepreneurship. Therefore it is proposed that the Government set up a new RM250 million seed fund, STARTUP where we will act as a matching co-investment fund with reputable private investors who will assist in the mentorship of the start up companies.
To encourage private investor participation, losses incurred by such investments shall be tax deductible from the investors' individual or corporate income tax. To further boost entrepreneurship, start-ups shall enjoy full tax exemption on their first RM200,000 chargeable income for each of their first 3 years of assessment.
9. Revitalising Malaysian SMEs Small medium enterprises constitutes approximately 99% of all enterprises in the country. However, their proportionate importance in terms of tax contributions to the Government has clearly declined with the increased dependence on oil and gas revenue.
With substantial increases in the cost of raw materials as well as steep increases in the price of fuel and electricity, many Malaysian SMEs are facing difficulties in maintaining competitiveness.
To revitalise the SME sector, and to assist many SMEs whose counterparts in many countries in the region enjoy significant tax advantages, it is proposed that the tax rate for SMEs on their first RM500,000 chargeable income be reduced to 18% from the current 20%.
In addition, a new partial tax exemption threshold will be set at RM200,000 and taxed at 12%. This means that a SME with a chargeable income of RM900,000 will be taxed at an effective rate of 18%, in line, particularly with its competitors across the causeway in Singapore. This measure will help make Malaysian SMEs to be more competitive and at the same time attract more SMEs to set up business in Malaysia, creating more employment opportunities.

10. Restructuring Personal Income Taxes DAP is proposing a 1% reduction of the top tax bracket to 27%. More importantly however, there will be a revision and a simplification of the progressive tax brackets which will result in significant reduction in taxes by all.
Most importantly, to assist Malaysians to cope with the rise in living expenses, particularly in urban areas, the first RM15,000 chargeable income will become tax exempt, with the subsequent RM15,000 taxed at 7%. Currently, only the first RM2,500 is tax exempt while the next RM2,500 is taxed at 1%.
Based on the new tax structure, a married worker with RM3,000 pay per month, a full-time housewife who looks after 2 young children will pay no taxes, whereas under the previous tax structure, he will be expected to pay between RM55 to RM445 depending on his insurance premiums and medical expenses for his family, including parents.
11. Introducing Green Taxes The rate of global climate changes is accelerating and it has become absolutely necessary for Malaysia to play its part in protecting the environment. Hence, a “Green Tax” is to be implemented in 2010 whereby a “carbon tax” is charged at RM25 per tonne of CO2 equivalent, with the exception of methane emissions from the agricultural sector as well as special exemptions for carbon intensive businesses which adopts global best practices on emissions.
In addition, a 5% severance tax shall be imposed on the extraction of metals and forestry products in the country. However, companies which secure certification from The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited certification bodies will be granted the severance tax exemption for promoting responsible management of the forest.
12. Increasing Women Workforce Participation Women will also benefit significantly with the proposed extension of paid maternity leave from 60 to 90 days if they have worked for at least 180 days prior to delivery with the employer. Their pay for the 3rd month will be shared equally by both the employer as well as the government.
This together with other complementary measures such as increasing childcare facilities in the workplace will play their role in strengthening the bond between the mother and child, promoting strong family values, while at the same time, encourage more women to join the workforce.
As at 2004, Malaysian women participation in the work force stands at 47.3%, significantly below that of our neighbours, Singapore and Thailand at 53.9% and 64.2% respectively.
13. Reviving the Information Communications & Technology (ICT) Sector When the Government launched the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project 10 years ago, it promised to make every effort to grow and support local MSC status companies. However, despite the rhetoric, the Government being the largest consumer of information technology services in Malaysia has not given preference to these companies.
It is therefore important that in this proposed budget, Malaysian MSC status companies be given specific preference in tendering for the Government IT-related contracts to help nurture these companies into successful regional players.
14. Participation of Civil Society Finally, this budget represents a budget which seeks active involvement from the civil society. Instead of attempting to tackle all issues on its own, which the government will not be able to competently and effectively, sizeable grants will be made available to specialist non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote, educate and run various social causes and programmes.
RM240 million has been set aside as partial or full grants for NGOs to pursue environmental causes, eliminating poverty, promote healthy living, managing women issues or assisting the disabled, to be disbursed over the next 5 years.