PUTEH MATA KEPUTUSAN PULAU BATU PUTEH

Pedra Branca atau Pulau Batu Putih kini secara rasmi milik Singapura. Namun, Menteri Luar berpendapat bahawa keputusan ICJ PBB itu “menang-menang”. Tolak ansur, tolak ansur masuk laut. Putih mata. Peta di bawah telah dilukis pada tahun 1979. Pulau tersebut telah wujud ribuan tahun. Sebelum ini semua orang tak kisah siapa punya pulau berkenaan.

Sila lihat kenyataan yang terdapat di Wikepedia

For over 130 years since 1847, Malaysia had been silent over Singapore’s activities and exercise of sovereignty over Pedra Branca. No other state had challenged Singapore’s claims, and she had done so without having to seek approval from any other state. Ambassador at Large Tommy Koh highlighted this, saying “A key feature of this case is the constant stream of Singapore’s acts of administration in relation to Pedra Branca, contrasted with the complete absence of Malaysian activities on Pedra Branca or within its territorial waters, and with Malaysia’s silence in the face of all these state activities of Singapore… Such silence on Malaysia’s part is significant and must be taken to mean that Malaysia never regarded Pedra Branca as her territory. Lim, Lydia. “Malaysia’s 130-year silence ’speaks volumes’”, The Straits Times, 7 November 2007.

“Berdiam maknanya setuju”, begitulah tindak tanduk Malaysia selama ini, membiarkan aktiviti tentera Singapura.

ICJ putuskan Pulau Batu Puteh milik Singapura

Harakahdaily Fri | May 23, 08 | 7:00:17 pm MYT

THE HAGUE, 23 Mei - Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) hari ini menetapkan bahawa Singapura mempunyai hak kedaulatan terhadap Pulau Batu Puteh manakala Malaysia mempunyai hak kedaulatan terhadap Terumbu Karang Tengah. <!– –><!– –> Mahkamah itu juga, menurut laporan Bernama, menetapkan bahawa Terumbu Karang Selatin adalah milik negara di mana terletaknya perairan wilayah. Penghakiman itu menamatkan pertikaian selama 28 tahun antara Malaysia dan Singapura berhubung pulau itu, yang dikenali di Singapura sebagai Pedra Blanca, dan juga dua terumbu karang itu. Pulau Batu Puteh terletak 7.7 batu nautika dari pantai Tanjung Penyusuh di Johor. Kedua-dua negara telah memberi jaminan akan akur dengan keputusan ICJ, badan kehakiman utama Pertubuhan Bangsa Bersatu. Keputusan mahkamah itu adalah muktamad dan tidak boleh dirayu. Malaysia dan Singapura juga berulang kali menyatakan bahawa apa sahaja keputusan tidak akan menjejaskan hubungan dua hala. Penghakiman itu dibacakan oleh Naib Presiden ICJ Shawkat Al-Khasawneh, yang bersama dengan 15 hakim lain, telah mendengar penghujahan dari kedua-dua negara pada perbicaraan kes itu dari 6 hingga 23 Nov tahun lepas. Keputusan itu disiarkan secara langsung oleh RTM1 mulai 10 pagi di sini (4 petang di Malaysia). Menteri Luar Dato’ Seri Dr Rais Yatim yang mengetuai rombongan Malaysia mendengar penghakiman itu di sini menyifatkan keputusan itu sebagai “menang-menang”.

MARI BELAJAR DARI KAK RAFIDAH: KAPAL NAK KARAM

Kenyataan Ketua Wanita UMNO mengesahkan bahawa parti UMNO ibarat kapal yang nak karam. Kita kata penumpang cepat terjun dari kapal, tetapi Rafidah kata jangan buang nakhoda ke laut. Minggu lepas saya berpeluang membelek buku hasil tulisan seorang guru dengan muridnya iaitu Professor W.Chan Kim dengan Renee Mouborgne berjudul “Blue Ocean Strategy” keluaran Harvard business School. Nak campak YAB PM ke lautan Biru atau lautan Merah? Nak ke lautan Biru kena bersih, cekap, amanah (BCA), berintegriti, berjiwa rakyat dan takut Tuhan. Nak ke lautan Merah, buat seperti dulu, kini dan selama-lamanya: rasuah, penyelawengan, salah guna kuasa, kronisme, nepotisme, hipokrit dan lain-lain.

Anggota Umno hipokrit, kata Rafidah Aziz

Harakahdaily Fri | May 23, 08 | 6:54:41 pm MYT

KOTA BAHARU, 23 Mei - Ketua Wanita Umno Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz hari ini menyelar anggota Umno yang bersikap hipokrit sehingga menyebabkan parti itu berterusan dilanda pelbagai kemelut, lapor Bernama. <!– –><!– –> Menurut Rafidah, sikap ‘yes boss’ anggota parti yang mengiakan setiap keputusan dan kata-kata pemimpin walaupun mereka sebenarnya tidak bersependapat, menyumbang kepada masalah yang bertimpa-timpa dihadapi parti ketika ini. Dengan sikap sebegitu, katanya, tidak wajar dipersalahkan sepenuhnya Perdana Menteri dan Presiden Umno Dato’ seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi bagi kekalahan besar Umno pada pilihan raya umum 8 Mac lepas. “Tidak patutlah kalau nak salahkan presiden semata-mata sehingga suruh dia letak jawatan. Ahli Umno ni ramai yang hipokrit, sebab itulah nakhoda tidak tahu mana nak pergi, dia ingat semua nak pergi satu tempat kerana di depan mereka kata ya, tak pernah ditegur, tapi belakang pula kata lain. “Bila timbul masalah, suruh tukar nakhoda. Tak bolehlah setiap kali kapal nak karam, kita angkat nakhoda buang ke laut,” katanya ketika berucap pada majlis perjumpaan dengan Wanita Umno Kelantan di sini hari ini. Rafidah berkata pelbagai kemelut yang berlaku dalam Umno kini memberi isyarat kepada anggotanya bahawa sudah tiba masanya mereka berubah dan lebih ikhlas dan berani dalam perjuangan. “Hakikatnya tidak ada sesiapa yang berani cakap perkara yang menyakitkan hati ketua mereka. Ada yang berani tegur malangnya kalau ketua mereka sakit hati, terimalah padahnya, tapi yang pentingnya, perlu ikhlas dalam perjuangan. “Ketua pun kenalah terima teguran anak buah dan anggap itu teguran membina. Dua-dua pihak sepatutnya lebih terbuka. Tapi cara tegur tu kenalah betul,” katanya.

TIADA INTEGRITI, AMANAH DAN IKHLAS TIDAK LAYAK JADI AJK MASJID SURAU

Integriti, amanah dan ikhlas merupakan tiga kriteria utama yang perlu ada pada AJK Masjid yang akan dilantik nanti. Orang politik juga tidak digalakkan menjadi AJK Masjid. Semua pegawai dan pentadbir masjid akan diarah menjalani kursus bina insan. E-khutbah akan diwujudkan di Sealangor.

AHLI POLITIK TIDAK DILANTIK JADI AJK MASJID DAN SURAU

Sumber Agenda Selangor

SHAH ALAM, Jumaat 23 Mei: Ahli politik terutama daripada Umno dan juga mereka yang terbabit perniagaan tidak akan dilantik sebagai pegawai dan pentadbir masjid yang baru oleh kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat di Selangor.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Hal Ehwal Islam, Adat-Adat Melayu, Infrastruktur dan Kemudahan Awam negeri, Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamad Ali, berkata senarai nama pegawai dan pentadbir masjid yang baru itu sudah disiapkan dan diumumkan selepas mendapat perkenan Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

“Saya sudah berbincang dengan Menteri Besar dan Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (Mais) dalam menyiapkan senarai ini sebelum mendapat perkenan Sultan,” katanya ketika menjawab soalan Dr Abd Rani Osman (Pas-Meru) pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor ke 12, di sini, hari ini.

Beliau percaya, senarai nama yang dicadangkannya nanti mampu membawa wahana transformasi serta peranan masjid yang lebih berkesan

Dr.Hassan berkata, pegawai dan pentadbir masjid yang bakal dilantik itu adalah di kalangan mereka yang mengutamakan intergriti, amanah dan ikhlas dalam menjalankan tugas.

Katanya, semua pegawai dan pentadbir masjid baru itu akan dihantar mengikuti program Pembangunan Insan bagi memastikan mereka menjalankan tugas dengan perasaan takut kepada Allah.

Dr.Hassan (PAS-Gombak Setia) itu berkata, kerajaan negeri juga akan mewujudkan e-khutbah sesuai dengan era baru kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat.

“Cara penyampaian khutbah hari ini rata-rata membuatkan jemaah tertidur sedangkan khutbah spatutnya menjadi corong ilmu, corong pembangunan ummah dan corong bangkitkan semangat jihad,” katanya.

Menjawab soalan Suhaimi Shafie (PKR-Sri Muda) jika ada pegawai dan pentadbir masjid menyeleweng urusan kewangan, Hassan berkata, laporan polis akan dibuat jika ada unsur jenayah.

Bagaimanapun, jika kesalahan pegawai dan pentadbir masjid atau surau itu hanya membabitkan peringkat kampung, individu akan dipanggil untuk memberi keterangan sebelum dinasihatkan melepaskan jawatan

TOP TEN RICHEST MEN/WOMEN IN MALAYSIA

Below is the Sun’s newspaper 23rd May 2008 edition report on the latest Forbes Asia’s Rich List. This year saw 10 Malaysian billionaires, an addition of one that is Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Kuok who is now 85, has his hands in almost all the pies in Malaysia especially rice, flour, sugar and fertilisers businesses. These are agricultural industries that are heavily subsidised by governments and lightly taxed by the internal revenue board. According to Berita Publishing -Dataniaga publication entitled ” Orang Kaya Malaysia” page 63, historically, Kuok was “very closed” with the Johore Malay leaders especially the late Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Dr Ismail. It is noted that both of them held shares in Kuok’s companies. As a matter of fact, Tan Sri Taib Andak , ex-Felda Chairman was also at one time the director of Federal Flour Mills Bhd. The rest is hiSTORY.

Ananda Krishna, the owner of Maxis studied in the USA and made many Arab friends of note is Sheikh Zaki Yamani who later became the Minister Of Oil for Saudi Arabia. Recently, he sold his shares to the Arab in order to finance his overseas telecommunication ventures.

Lee Shin Cheng’s business was initially in oil palm industry but diversified into properties and oleochemicals. In 2004, his asset was estimated at 3.5 billion but now at 5.5 billion, moving him from the sixth position into third placing in a matter of four years.

Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow of Public Bank is in the fourth position. This man has 3 PhD’s to his credit. Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, the widow of the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong now ranks no 5, who was previously unlisted. Her son, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay who now runs genting ranks number fifteen with an asset of USD$345 million.

Now three women are listed in the Forbes Asia list namely Pn Sri Lee Kim Hua, Pn Sri Chong Chook Yew of Sealangor Properties and Sultan of Perak’s daughter, YM Raja Datuk Seri Eleena.
Keep it up and top it up ladies. Well done.

BADAN KHAS SELANGOR KAJI PROJEK USAHASAMA

Beginilah caranya UMNO/BN “jual” negara ini dengan memberi tanah kepada syarikat swasta milik suku sakat dan kroni menggunakan mekanisme JV atau usahasama. Begini jugalah “modus operandi” duit atau harta negara (baca rakyat) disedut (“siphon”) ke tempat lain masuk akaun pemimpin UMNO/BN. Inilah kaedahnya kenapa projek mega dan raksaksa amat diminati oleh pemimpin UMNO/BN kerana mudah dapat RM. Beginilah caranya tanah rezab Melayu dipindah milik dan kemudian ditukar syarat serta dipecah lot kepada tanah pembangunan dan dijual dengan harga melambung tinggi. Pemimpin UMNO/BN dapat komisyen atau untung atas angin.

Inilah yang dimaksudkan dengan DEB atau Dasar Ekonomi Baru terjemahan UMNO/BN iaitu pemimpin UMNO/BN mudah dapat modal, peluang berniaga, projek, JV, MOU dan berbagai-bagai cara lagi yang menjadikan mereka cepat kaya. Kalau ada lebih baru rakyat dapat manfaat yakni “overflow effect” dan “trickling effect”- kesan melimpah dan menitis.Menurut YAB MB Selangor “PNSB yang beri ‘tanah pawah’ ini seluas 12,007 ekar dengan 62 projek usaha sama membabitkan nilai pembangunan lebih RM35 billion tetapi kerajaan hanya dapat RM1.2 billion sahaja”

Selangor tubuh badan khas kaji projek usahasama

SHAH ALAM 22 Mei – Kerajaan negeri akan menubuhkan badan khas bagi mengkaji semula projek pembangunan secara usahasama antara anak syarikat kerajaan negeri dan swasta yang berjumlah RM36 bilion.

Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim berkata, penubuhan badan khas itu diwujudkan sebagai satu usaha kerajaan negeri mengawal projek pembangunan di bawah konsep tanah pawah kerana ia membabitkan kos serta risiko yang tinggi.

Malah katanya, kerajaan negeri juga tidak lagi mengadakan perjanjian usahasama dengan syarikat swasta sekiranya ada perjanjian yang ditandatangani sebelum ini masih belum diselesaikan.

Menurutnya, menerusi badan khas itu, ia membolehkan kerajaan menjalankan kajian teliti terhadap pembangunan seumpamanya kerana ia membabitkan nilai yang tinggi tetapi mendatangkan pulangan sedikit kepada kerajaan negeri sebelum ini.

“Ini kerana memberi kuasa kepada syarikat swasta terhadap tanah milik kerajaan negeri telah mendatangkan masalah apabila ada projek yang dibangunkan terbengkalai dan kerajaan negeri pula yang terpaksa menanggung beban dan masalah.

“Malah, ada syarikat swasta pula melarikan diri manakala ada yang lebih bermasalah lagi apabila tiada maklumat terperinci mengenai syarikat swasta ini,” katanya selepas sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini hari ini.

Sebelum itu, Abdul Khalid ketika menjawab soalan Amirudin Shari (PKR-Batu Caves) berkata, sehingga kini, kerajaan negeri dan syarikat swasta bekerjasama membangunkan tanah seluas 4,800 hektar membabitkan 62 projek pembangunan dengan nilai RM36 bilion.

Sebaliknya, beliau berkata, projek usahasama itu hanya memberi keuntungan kepada kerajaan negeri sebanyak RM1.2 bilion.

Menerusi konsep tanah pawah itu, kerajaan negeri menerusi Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) memberi tanah untuk dimajukan, dengan kerajaan negeri mempunyai pegangan ekuiti 30 peratus manakala syarikat swasta sebanyak 70 peratus.

Sambil memberikan contoh, Abdul Khalid menjelaskan projek Sepang Gold Coast seluas 848.4 hektar tetapi hanya 416.4 hektar yang dimajukan dengan projek bernilai RM3 bilion manakala PNSB memperoleh pulangan sebanyak RM65 juta.

Abdul Khalid berkata, projek PNSB dengan Lebar Daun untuk membina pusat beli belah, pejabat dan kediaman dengan anggaran nilai pembangunan RM600 juta dan PNSB mendapat pulangan sebanyak RM19.5 juta.

YAYASAN AMAL SERTAI MISI KEMANUSIAAN KE CHINA

Nyza Ayob | Foto Nasir Sudin Thu | May 22, 08 | 6:20:54 am MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Mei (Hrkh) - Yayasan Amal Malaysia antara Badan Bukan Kerajaan(NGO) yang akan menyertai misi kemanusiaan ke Wilayah Sichuan, China bagi membantu mangsa gempa bumi di wilayah tersebut. <!– –><!– –> Perkara tersebut dinyatakan oleh Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim sewaktu ditemui di Kedutaan Republik China, Jalan Ampang petang semalam. Jelas Khalid, hasrat bagi menghantar sukarelawan itu telah disampaikan kepada Duta China di Malaysia, Cheng Yang Hua dalam pertemuan singkat beliau di Kedutaan Republik China itu. Turut serta dalam pertemuan tersebut ialah Exco Pelancongan, Hal Ehwal Pengguna dan Alam Sekitar, Elizabeth Wong; Exco Kerajaan Tempatan, Kajian dan Penyelidikan, Ronnie Liu serta Exco Pelaburan, Perindustrian dan Perdagangan, Teresa Kok. Khalid menjelaskan pihak kerajaan negeri akan membiayai tambang pengangkutan serta tempat tinggal bagi sukarelawan yang terdiri daripada doktor dan jururawat bagi memberi bantuan rawatan dan perubatan bagi mangsa gempa bumi. Katanya, pihak kerajaan negeri menunggu tarikh yang akan ditentukan oleh pihak Kedutaan Republik China bagi membolehkan misi kemanusiaan tersebut dapat dilaksanakan. Dalam pada itu, Khalid turut merakamkan ucapan takziah kepada keluarga mangsa dan rakyat di Wilayah Sichuan yang terlibat dalam gempa bumi tersebut. Sementara itu, Elizabeth menyatakan kumpulan sukarelawan yang berada di China akan membuat penilaian apakah bantuan selanjutnya dapat disumbangkan oleh kerajaan negeri Selangor. “Cadangan tersebut akan disampaikan kepada pemerintah negeri China. Selepas itu kita akan membuat lampiran bagaimana kita dapat menyalurkan bantuan kepada mangsa gempa bumi. Misi pertama kita ialah menyampaikan bantuan perubatan. “Seterusnya kami akan membuat satu kawasan supaya ia dapat dibangunkan kembali dengan bantuan kerajaan Selangor. Cadangan kami itu diterima dengan baik oleh pihak kedutaan,”katanya. Tambahnya, seterusnya beliau akan mengadakan perbincangan secara langsung dengan pihak yang akan menguruskan misi kemanusiaan tersebut. – mks.

TABIAT INDIVIDU JADI BUDAYA MASYARAKAT

Bukan senang nak tukar dari budaya membangkang kepada budaya menyokong atau sekadar mendengar sahaja. Sebaliknya tidak mudah sudah terbiasa berada di pihak kerajaan tiba-tiba terpaksa jadi ketua pembangkang. Itulah senario hari pertama sidang DUN negeri Selangor yang ke 12 tadi. Dari itu banyakkan bersabar YB. Tunggu sehingga seorang YB siap berucap atau bercakap barulah elok nak bercakap. Tunggu giliran.

Penyokong Kerajaan Terbawa-bawa Amalan Pembangkang

Sumber Agenda Selangor SHAH ALAM, Khamis 22 Mei: Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN), Teng Chang Khim mengakui ada ahli dewan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) terbawa-bawa amalan pembangkang ketika berucap atau berbahas pada Sidang DUN Selangor ke 12 yang sedang berlangsung. Menurutnya, ini mungkin disebabkan mereka masih baru selain sudah menjadi amalan mencelah ahli yang sedang berucap dan berbahas dengan menjadikan Buku Peraturan Dewan sebagai ‘senjata’ untuk bangun. “Sebenarnya, ini amalan dulu, pembangkang masih terbawa-bawa. Kita harus beri peluang setiap ahli berucap sama ada kerajaan ataupun pembangkang. Saya ada buat peringatan, jika soalan tidak ada kena mengena atau peraturan tidak betul, saya hentikan,” katanya. Teng, bekas Ketua Pembangkang ketika kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) dahulu, berkata, cara beliau mengendalikan sidang Dewan hari ini berbeza dengan speaker dahulu. “Semua berucap dalam keadaan relaks, masih boleh bertahan, masih boleh membidas tetapi dalam keadaan mesra,” ujarnya. Pada persidangan kali ini, Ng Swee Lim (DAP –Sekinchan) masih terbawa-bawa cara berhujahnya seolah-olah beliau masih menjadi pembangkang padahal beliau kini adalah penyokong Pakatan Rakyat. Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo (BN- Sungai Panjang) pula ketika membahas usul terima kasih titah ucapan Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah dilihat menyampaikan hujah seperti BN masih menjadi kerajaan di Selangor. Menjawab soalan sama ada beliau adil dalam mengendalikan persidangan buat pertama kali selepas Pakatan Rakyat menerajui kerajaan Selangor, Teng berkata: Jelas pembangkang pun saya tegur, penyokong kerajaanpun saya tegur. Apabila saya Speaker, saya hendaklah sentiasa bebas dan tidak memihak kepada kerajaan mahupun pembangkang,”. Beliau mengakui rasa ‘rindu’ untuk turut mengambil bahagian dalam perbahasan ketika duduk di kerusi Speaker. “Memang ada rasa. Kalau saya ada di kerusi, saya akan bercakap dan beri pendapat yang lebih menarik. Mungkin Adun kita baru dan tidak ada pengalaman, kali pertama. Mereka tak nampak point-point penting sama ada berhujah atau membidas,” katanya.

ANAK SYARIKAT KERAJAAN NEGERI BANTU MELAYU CEPAT KAYA

Hairan bin Ajaib. Tak masuk akal. Kita tuan tanah. Beri “surat kuasa” pada rakan kongsi untuk usaha tanah. Kita hanya dapat 30% jika untung. Kalau rugi tak tahu berapa peratus kena bayar. Mungkin 100%. Hebat betul rakan-rakan kongsi anak syarikat kerajaan Negeri Selangor bawah BN. Agak-agak siapalah punya syarikat-syarikat tersebut. Ayuh cepat kita pergi ke SSM buat “search” profil syarikat.

Projek usaha sama anak syarikat kerajaan negeri berdepan risiko tinggi

OLEH ROSLAN BIAN Agenda Selangor SHAH ALAM, Khamis 22 Mei: Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor hari ini diberitahu, beberapa projek usaha sama anak syarikat kerajaan negeri ketika pentadbiran kerajaan Barisan Nasional (BN) dahulu, walaupun tidak rugi tetapi berdepan risiko tinggi. Memberi istilah “dipawahkan”, Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim berkata, projek-projek itu mungkin tidak siap atau terbengkalai manakala kerajaan terpaksa membayar pampasan atau ganti rugi kepada pembeli projek. Katanya, beliau hairan mengapa anak syarikat seperti Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) memberi ‘surat kuasa’ kepada syarikat yang terbabit dengan usaha sama itu selain menerima tawaran pegangan sebanyak 30 peratus sahaja.

“PNSB yang beri ‘tanah pawah’ ini seluas 12,007 ekar dengan 62 projek usaha sama membabitkan nilai pembangunan lebih RM35 billion tetapi kerajaan hanya dapat RM1.2 billion sahaja,” katanya.

Abdul Khalid berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan Amirudin Sahari (PKR-Batu Caves) pada sesi soal jawab di Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor ke 12, di sini, hari ini.

Sehubungan itu, katanya satu badan bebas membabitkan mereka yang pakar dalam bidang pembangunan hartanah akan dibentuk bagi mengkaji semua projek-projek usaha sama anak syarikat kerajaan negeri.

Selain PNSB, anak syarikat kerajaan negeri lain yang terbabit projek usaha sama adalah Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS), Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) dan Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Selangor (PKPS).

Menurut Abdul Khalid, berdasarkan penelitian beliau, projek-projek ini sepatutnya dibuat sendiri anak-anak syarikat kerana lebih menguntungkan berbanding ‘dipawahkan’ kepada syarikat lain melalui usaha sama.

“Usaha sama ini walaupun tidak rugi tetapi dapat risiko yang tinggi dan hasil tidak menentu,” katanya.

Katanya, beliau sudah meminta semua anak syarikat tidak membuat usaha sama lagi sehingga usaha yang ada diselesaikan.

“Kita juga akan teliti semua perjanjian usaha sama yang ada bagi memastikan ianya sah selain menilainya semula supaya memberi lebih keuntungan kepada kerajaan negeri,” katanya.

CREDIT CARD AS A CAUSE FOR BANKCRUPTCY

Credit card can be a source of joy or misery depending on what is the time frame and the occasion. Credit card can save the day if you forgot to bring any cash to pay for your petrol or if you are in a hurry and do not have the luxury of time to queue up at the cashier. Or if you are travelling overseas, the well established credit card company can help you avoid the hassle of shopping.

In a different perspective, credit card company can make your life miserable with their phone calls, reminder and warning lettter and last but not least lawyer’s love letter. Some management
seminars that I have attended advised participants to cut up their credit cards whilst others encourage the memberships of all the credit cards being offered at supermarkets and five foot paths of KL in order to get the free gifts or as a form of “insurance” for the rainy days.

The interest rate of credit card is 18% per annum as compared to 6.75% per annum for basic lending rate (BLR) and 3-4% per annum for bank fixed deposit. Some people have calculated that since credit card interest is based on daily balance, the actual interest rate could be a lot higher than 18% per year.

Read Pak Lah answer to a written question in the Dewan rakyat by DAP member for Bukit Bendera.

Credit card bankrupts on the rise

by Pauline Puah

fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,405 credit cardholders were declared bankrupt in the last four years, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday.

In a written reply to Liew Chin Tong (Bukit Bendera-DAP), he said 1,397 cardholders were made bankrupts in 2004, 1,479 in 2005, 1,656 in 2006 and 1,873 last year.

Abdullah said out of a total of RM23.3 billion in credit card debts, RM20.8 billion (89.3%) was current, RM2 billion (8.4%) was unpaid for a period of not more than three months, and only 2.3% (RM500 million) was categorised as non-performing loans, as the debts were outstanding for more than three months.

He said credit card debt was not at a critical level, as it accounted for only 3.5% of the total bank financing as at end-February. The non-performing loan portion was under control and had decreased to 2.3% from 16.1% in 1998, he added.

Abdullah said statistics on credit card payment showed that from July to December last year, 30% of the holders cleared their debt in full monthly, while 60% of credit card spending was settled in full the following month.

“Nearly half of the credit cardholders paid the minimum amount on time and carry the balance forward,” he said.

Abdullah said that out of 5,566,871 credit card applications received by the issuers last year, only 2,764,085 or 49.7% were approved.

SAIFUDDIN NASUTION ON ISSUES LIKE ANWAR FACTOR AND PAKATAN RAKYAT

The recent announcements and development in Malaysian political scene some times come as NO a surprise as for example the resignation of Tun DR M from UMNO but the entry back into UMNO by Ezam Mohd Noor comes a bit as a surprise considering that he has been very vocal condemning government handling of certain issues like corruption, ISA and GERAK. We actually do not have all the information at the time a particular event take place. We can only say with a bit of foresight. But in retrospect, after all the stories have unfolded themselves then only can we say with an element of certainty. Even then we have to give the benefit of the doubts and act without prejudice. We wish good luck to Ezam. Nice knowing you.

In another development, Saifuddin Nasution was interviewed by the SUN. Read on for more info…

Winning hearts, minds
SHARON KAM
Source: Sun2surf

Machang MP Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, 45, is no stranger to politics. He is a former Lunas state assemblyman and was a strong advocate for the release of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the late 90s. The former Umno Youth secretary tells SHARON KAM why Anwar remains a formidable force in Malaysian politics.

Anwar remains a formidable force in Malaysian politics

What are your personal expectations of this Parliament?

Parliament should be a place where debates which are responsible, which are of quality, where you do not simply throw accusations at others, debates which are fresh with ideas, which are articulate and sharp in their arguments, are carried out. Parliament is a platform for MPs to use the opportunity to propose ideas which benefit the nation. That is my expectation of Parliament in terms of how debates should be carried out.

As for Parliament as an institution, I want to see a parliament which is free and independent and not influenced by the executive arm. Today, in our country, we have a minister who is said to be in charge of parliamentary affairs. There is no such thing as a minister from the executive branch controlling or monitoring Parliament. The person in charge should be the Speaker with his administrative team. The running and affairs of Parliament should be independent.

What is happening today, it seems, is the Speaker is answerable to the minister. How do we explain the fact that we have a minister in charge of Parliament? What is the role of that minister? Making statements and announcements on Bills, deciding on the sitting arrangements in Parliament, hey it is not your job, man!

So I want to see an independent parliament which is in line with the principles of democracy. If this was not the situation previously, we have to start now because now is the beginning of a new era.

What do you think are the expectations of the people towards Parliament?

I think the people’s expectation is reflected in the extraordinary results of the general election. For the first time in the history of the country, we have denied the ruling coalition a two-thirds majority. The people no longer want to see Parliament acting like a rubber stamp where Bills are not debated in depth or in a mature way, where Bills are passed in a hurry by the executive arm. So the people want to see Parliament actually become an institution which can reflect their aspirations. What is their aspiration?

That Parliament acts as a place for creating laws which can address all the issues affecting them, such as the commitment of the government in combating corruption, in upholding good governance … seeing ministers themselves being present to answer questions. They also want to see quality debates and arguments.

What are the issues you are personally passionate about and would like to bring up in Parliament?

Close to my heart are issues related to good governance, accountability and an effective delivery system, so I will focus on issues which are related to the country’s resources, for example, oil and oil revenue. I’ve just finished reading a book on oil revenue management laws which talks about something called the windfall tax, a tax on the profits of oil conglomerates as a result of the rise in oil prices. The government can impose a tax on a certain percentage of their profits. And the amount collected will be used for the benefit of the people.

I will also raise issues on food and agriculture. The policy of the government currently is to give priority to agriculture, yet we still face food shortage. So we need to find out the real problem. Another issue is on equitable distribution of wealth, regardless of race or religion. Of course I will also bring up local issues which affect my constituency.

It has been a long time since we have seen so many non-BN MPs. How is that beneficial?

The more the merrier-lah. We know that with 82 Opposition MPs this time around, we will have quality, considering their backgrounds. They are professionals – doctors, lawyers, engineers, NGO activists and grassroot leaders, so definitely, obviously, that will benefit Parliament. With their large presence, it gives the people the chance to start making a comparison on how they have lost out because the BN MPs have held court for so long. At the end of the day, I believe the people will say “if only we had voted in the Opposition MPs earlier”.

Some of the non-BN MPs come from activist backgrounds and were involved in street protests and demonstrations, so how should they behave in Parliament? How should an MP behave in Parliament?

The Parliament that we know is the one where we see people hurling insults at each other, some using sexist and racist remarks, which were uncalled for. Parliamentarians should behave themselves because if they do not do so, they will not be fulfilling the basic criteria of a leader, what more a legislator.

It has to start with someone who practises a healthy lifestyle, a person with integrity, a person who has clarity of mind, who holds good intentions, without prejudices, because only a good and upright person can translate his character into good behaviour. Good behaviour has to come naturally; if you are a person who is aggressive, you cannot act as though you are not because sooner or later, your true colours will show.

How does an MP strike a balance between party interest and the interest of the people?

An MP is said to be representing the interest of the party when he carries the idealism of the party and the party’s struggle. That is his or her commitment and responsibility as long as he is an MP from a certain party. But when it comes to people’s interest, it is much broader and varied. The interest of the party can be measured first of all from the aspect of welfare and needs. The people want an MP who is concerned and empathetic towards their problems.

How we balance the two would require discipline, self-commitment, proactiveness and if he sees that there is a conflict between the two, he must see the people’s interest is everything and must come first before party interest.

I think this was quite clear in the last parliament session where there was a conflict between these two interests, for example, over Cameron Highlands MP K. Devamany’s statement on the Hindraf rally and Teluk Kemang MP Datuk S. Sothinathan’s suspension over the issue of the status of medical qualifications from India.

We also saw it happen to Datuk Shahrir Samad and a few other MPs, we saw that the practice in BN is to impose a policy where party is everything, don’t cross the line … don’t you ever try to challenge it. It is rigid.

For us, it is different. For us, interest of the people is more important. If we lose our popularity because of that, let it be. At the end of the day, it is the people (who count). That is the philosophy I would like to carry.

Is it important for MPs from both sides to show a united front or decide on something in a collective voice? How can they achieve that?

We have proposed a coalition called Pakatan Rakyat. It is a baby we have just delivered and the coalition is formed based on common issues. We are aware of the differences in ideology but that will not be a hindrance to us working together.

I am optimistic. When I am asked whether it is important for non-BN MPs to show a collective voice, I will say it is not only important but extremely important.

The message from the people to us is that they want us to sit together – PAS, DAP and PKR – “look, you have differences but the fact that we voted you to be the government in five states, the message to you is that please, put aside your differences in opinion and sentiments …

“Our priority now is to see that you are united in checking the BN government. You may have differences on questions such as Islamic state or welfare state or others, but at this particular moment, we want to see a united front which is critical in capturing the imagination of the people.” It is a prerequisite for the Pakatan Rakyat to move up to a higher and more convincing level.

The PR platform is becoming a consultative council which meets regularly two, three times a month, more often than the BN supreme council. The “supreme council” of the PR, or Council of Elders, meets twice a month, not twice a year so the more we meet, the more we understand each other. So we are now in the process of achieving that collective voice.

Many people say that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the head of the Opposition MPs and if PR were to take over the Federal Government, he would be the pime minister. How influential will he be in this Parliament?

Anwar, whether he is in front or at the back, Anwar himself is an institution. He is not just a person, or a personality. Today, it is not complete to comment on the political landscape or the political direction of the country if you do not include the Anwar factor. You will not receive full marks when you talk about Malaysian politics if you do not touch on Anwar, so that explains how influential he is.

Today, the BN leaders have to swallow their words. Datuk Seri Najib (Razak) had said before the election that PKR was a party which had lost its relevance while Datuk Seri Nazri said it would lose and lose heavily. Tun Dr Mahathir said Anwar was a non-factor.

After the election, the denial syndrome has evaporated, except for Mahathir who said “Anwar is not that popular, it is only that people dislike the BN”. That is Mahathir, the unrepentant leader, so just ignore him. We have no time to entertain him. He is no more in power.

The Anwar factor and its influence is very obvious. During the post-mortem of the election by Umno and BN, I was made to understand that they frankly admitted that Anwar is a factor not only in the losses of the states but also at the federal level.

One thing unique in the PR is that as early as 1999, all the Opposition leaders had agreed that if we received the mandate at that time, Anwar would be the candidate for PM. That decision remains even now. When Anwar was in prison, the Opposition leaders had already decided that he is the potential PM. What more now when he has been released and freed entirely on April 14.

I think the mistake the PM made this time is to call for election before Anwar is free for politics because he could not tie up Anwar’s feet and he went everywhere and covered the whole country from Perlis to Sabah. If Anwar was allowed to contest, he would be tied up in one area where he is standing for election, so I think Pak Lah misread this.

We are optimistic about this, time is on our side, we are not in a hurry, as Anwar said, and we believe Anwar’s influence is a real and significant one and not just a perception.

SWOT ANALYSIS FOR BN: DO PAS, PKR and DAP NEED ONE?

Tan Siok Choo performed SWOT analysis for Barisan National in the aftermath of its recent performance in the 12th Malaysian General Election. This analysis is vital for any organisation prior to to any major initiatives, policy changes or strategy formulation exercise. For those not very familiar with the concept, permit me to explain briefly what SWOT stands for. SWOT is an acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threat. The “strength” and “weakness” are intrinsic or internalities to any organisation. The “opportunities” and “threat” are externalities and factors that are somewhat beyond the control of the organisation.

The “strength” of any organisation includes its capabilities, resources and competencies. The strength factors can be used to take advantage of the “opportunities” present in the environment in order to minimise competition or to be the leader in its domain. The “weakness” factors need to be reduced in order to circumvent “threat” coming from competitors or elsewhere. SWOT analysis is usually done in a brainstorming session.

SWOT analysis is also performed together with PEST analysis which is an analysis of the external environment. PEST is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors.

From the SWOT and PEST Analyses can any meaningful conclusion or recommendation be made? Yes of course. Before any major rebranding exercise, new strategy formulation, major undertaking or changes in any organisation, be it business corporation or a non profit organisation, in addition to conducting research or feasibility or viability studies, SWOT and PEST analyses MUST be performed at all level of the organisation.

Benchmarking and Balanced Score Card exercise should also be done in any organisation in tandem with SWOT and PEST Analyses.

SWOT test for BN

Tan Siok Choo

Source: Sun2Surf

ANALYSING Barisan Nasional’s (BN) strengths and weaknesses as well as identifying the opportunities and threats (the SWOT test) it could encounter after suffering significant reverses in the recent polls suggests going forward, this country’s political landscape may be defined by what the ruling coalition does or fails to do.

One of BN’s major strengths is its claim to be the only political party able to safeguard the interests of all ethnic groups. Until recently, BN was successful in positioning itself as a bulwark against Chinese chauvinists and against Muslims calling for the application of Shariah law for all Malaysians. It is this fear factor that enabled the ruling coalition to perpetuate its political dominance.

Unfortunately for BN, its claim was undermined by the success of Keadilan, PAS and DAP in persuading the electorate their collective offer of multi-ethnic protection was superior. For example, Keadilan’s proposed Malaysian Economic Agenda is based on need rather than ethnicity.

This non-racial approach appealed to many urban voters. As several analysts have noted, for the first time, large numbers of Chinese and Indian voters cast their ballots for PAS candidates while Malay voters returned the favour for those on the DAP slate.

Another of BN’s strengths is its track record of winning power at federal level, thus ensuring its ability to dispense federal largesse and facilitate development. Although this may have attracted voters in less affluent states, for those living in Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, this “carrot” had passed its “sell by” date.

BN’s major weakness, however, is many of its members joined the coalition, not because of a commitment to common values but by the prospect of sharing power. But if BN’s political invincibility has been dented – whether temporarily or irrevocably remains to be seen – will its members stay together?

Prior to 1971, top leaders in Umno, MCA and MIC – members of the then Alliance – shared the same vision and a strong personal bond; a bond forged during tough negotiations in the months before Independence over special rights for the Malays as well as more liberal citizenship requirements for non-Malays.

In the 1969 elections, when the Alliance lost its two thirds-majority, ceded control of Penang and was stalemated in Perak and Selangor, it co-opted opposition parties like the Gerakan, PPP and PAS into an enlarged coalition, a move that side-stepped the need to deal with root causes of voter disaffection.

Today, can the BN utilise the same enlargement tactic to offset its electoral losses? More important, can BN afford to ignore the rising chorus of complaints by supporters of Gerakan, MCA, MIC and PPP that being members of the ruling coalition caused these parties’ near annihilation in the recent polls?

It is tempting to argue the opposition parties’ success signals Malaysians are ready to abandon the comfort of race-based political parties. This assumption may be premature.

For voters in urban areas, the dominant sentiment appeared to be an urge to teach the arrogant BN a lesson. This suggests the election was an indictment against the ruling coalition rather than an endorsement for opposition parties.

Furthermore, the 322,461 spoilt votes and 72,058 unreturned ballots suggests some constituencies were lost by BN, rather than won by opposition parties. And in nine parliamentary seats, these spoilt votes and unreturned ballots could have changed the outcome.

Since opposition supporters were strongly motivated to ensure victory for their candidates, they were unlikely to have deliberately wasted their votes. It is reasonable, therefore, to assume most of the spoilt votes and unreturned ballots were the work of BN supporters.

There were 14 parliamentary seats where the number of spoilt votes exceeded the winners’ majority. And in another seat – Hulu Langat in Selangor – the spoilt votes plus unreturned ballots outnumbered PAS’ majority.

Of these 15 parliamentary seats, six were won by BN while Keadilan, PAS and DAP collectively secured nine. But for the spoilt votes and unreturned ballots, BN could have secured 179 parliamentary seats and retained its two-thirds majority.

While the challenges the BN faces are apparent, the results of the recent polls also offer a unique opportunity.

Going forward, Keadilan, DAP and PAS will have to deal with the same conflicting pressures that Umno, MCA and MIC continually grapple with. For example, DAP can no longer try and outbid the MCA and Gerakan for support among the Chinese community without jeopardising Malay support for Keadilan and PAS.

Similarly, Umno should benefit significantly from Keadilan and PAS’ commitment to a non-racial approach on issues, a move that should reduce competitive pressure for Malay support.

Furthermore, DAP (with its call for a Malaysian Malaysia), and PAS (with its commitment to establishing an Islamic state), are an ideological mismatch. Together with Keadilan, all three are currently united by the prospect of sharing power. Whether the pragmatism displayed by DAP and PAS will continue to prevail over ideological purity is an open question.

In short, the results of the 12th general election have thrown up a near perfect symmetry – the challenges the opposition parties now face provide an opportunity the ruling coalition must seize if it hopes to remain politically relevant.

Aktiviti Exco pada 21/05/08 malam: Majlis Santapan -Jamuan Makan Malam

DYMM Sultan Selangor telah berkenan untuk berangkat ke Majlis Santapan / Jamuan Makan Malam Sempena Pembukaan Penggal Pertama DUN Negeri Selangor. Majlis telah diadakan di Grand Ballroom, Hotel Concorde Shah Alam.

Aktiviti Exco pada 21/05/08 malam: Majlis Santapan -Jamuan Makan Malam

DYMM Sultan Selangor telah berkenan untuk berangkat ke Majlis Santapan / Jamuan Makan Malam Sempena Pembukaan Penggal Pertama DUN Negeri Selangor. Majlis telah diadakan di Grand Ballroom, Hotel Concorde Shah Alam.

Aktiviti Exco Pendidikan pada 21/05/08 petang: KUNJUNGAN KE KEDUTAAN CHINA

Satu lawatan ke Pesuruhjaya Tinggi China telah diadakan pada 21hb Mei 2008 bertujuan merakamkan rasa sedih dan ucapan takziah kepada kedutaan Negara China tentang apa yang telah menimpa penduduk China.

Exco pendidikan sedang berbincang dengan seorang kakitangan kedutaan China di Kuala Lumpur.
Di post semula rayuan derma untuk mangsa gempa bumi di China.

CHINA QUAKE: DONATION URGENTLY NEEDED

China quake death toll could rise to 50,000

LUOSHUI TOWN, China – China warned the death toll from this week’s earthquake could soar to 50,000, while the government issued a public appeal Thursday for rescue equipment as it struggled to cope with the disaster.

Please go to slide show and Utube presentation for further news.

Sad news for Chinese student

KUALA LUMPUR: Just five minutes before the news conference began, Zhang Yang received a call on his mobile phone.

The 20-year-old student from Sichuan, China, answered and within seconds, his face turned solemn and he started sobbing uncontrollably.

He was among 11 Chinese students studying at colleges here who sought the help of the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong yesterday.

He had just received a call from his parents informing him that both his best friends had been killed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit his home province a few days ago.

“I was chatting with them online just before the earthquake struck on Monday and I was also on the phone with my mum when the line got cut off.”

Another student, Yin Zhong, told reporters he had to call his parents more than 300 times before he finally got through to his mother.

“I was worried sick when I could not get through to her,” he said.

China Student Federation Malaysia secretary-general Wang Bing said all Chinese students here were saddened by news of the disaster and hoped Malaysians would help out.

Aktiviti Exco Pendidikan pada 21/05/08 petang: KUNJUNGAN KE KEDUTAAN CHINA

Satu lawatan ke Pesuruhjaya Tinggi China telah diadakan pada 21hb Mei 2008 bertujuan merakamkan rasa sedih dan ucapan takziah kepada kedutaan Negara China tentang apa yang telah menimpa penduduk China.

Exco pendidikan sedang berbincang dengan seorang kakitangan kedutaan China di Kuala Lumpur.
Di post semula rayuan derma untuk mangsa gempa bumi di China.

CHINA QUAKE: DONATION URGENTLY NEEDED

China quake death toll could rise to 50,000

LUOSHUI TOWN, China – China warned the death toll from this week’s earthquake could soar to 50,000, while the government issued a public appeal Thursday for rescue equipment as it struggled to cope with the disaster.

Please go to slide show and Utube presentation for further news.

Sad news for Chinese student

KUALA LUMPUR: Just five minutes before the news conference began, Zhang Yang received a call on his mobile phone.

The 20-year-old student from Sichuan, China, answered and within seconds, his face turned solemn and he started sobbing uncontrollably.

He was among 11 Chinese students studying at colleges here who sought the help of the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong yesterday.

He had just received a call from his parents informing him that both his best friends had been killed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit his home province a few days ago.

“I was chatting with them online just before the earthquake struck on Monday and I was also on the phone with my mum when the line got cut off.”

Another student, Yin Zhong, told reporters he had to call his parents more than 300 times before he finally got through to his mother.

“I was worried sick when I could not get through to her,” he said.

China Student Federation Malaysia secretary-general Wang Bing said all Chinese students here were saddened by news of the disaster and hoped Malaysians would help out.