MCA supports the proposal to acquire the shares of PLUS Bhd
31/03/2009
Press Release
Issued by MCA Spokespersons Sdr Lee Wei Kiat and Sdr Wong Nai Chee on a proposal to acquire 100% shares of PLUS Bhd
1. The issues relating to highway are always the subject matter of controversy among the general public because it affects the lives of everyone in particular public road users
2. Since the government announcement of declassification of highway agreements with effect from 1st January, 2009, the lawyers from the MCA Youth Legal Affairs and Parliamentary Research Bureau had embarked on the tedious work of reading all the highway agreements located at the library of JKR building, KL. The lawyers were able to read all 22 highway agreements together with their supplementary agreements offered for reading to the public.
3. Having perused all the highway agreements, we are of the view that there are four issues that necessitate further deliberation at the cabinet level and explanations needed:-
- Propriety of direct negotiation
Since the inception of the highway agreement in 1988 (the PLUS project) and late venturing into 1990s, the highway projects are no longer regarded as infrastructure projects which require special skills which only several companies in the country could provide. It is therefore inappropriate to conduct the exercise of this type of projects by way of direct negotiation. Direct negotiation in the light of this background smacks of corrupt practices and abuse of power.
· Rationale of granting loans to private concession companies by the Federal Government
Some of the highway agreements show that loans were given to the companies by the Federal Government without any security. For example, an interest free RM80 million support loan was granted by the government in the SILK agreement and that there was no where in the agreement that imposes the obligation of the concession company to provide any security in return. The conduct of utilizing public money to finance a private company in a lucrative project like this is questionable.
· Compensation payable by the Government
In the event the request for toll hike is not permitted when it falls due, the government would have to compensate the companies according to a formula that bears the element of projected revenue in the calculation. This is in actual fact a form of guarantee assumed by the government under the agreement to ensure the return of investment made by the concession companies! Either way, the concession companies will always have the last laugh.
· Verification of traffic volume
The element of traffic volume is an element in deciding the projected toll rate under the agreement. The projected toll rate will in turn determine the quantum of compensation payable by the government in the event toll hike is not permitted. Therefore, we are unsure how the traffic volume was agreed upon by the government during the stage of negotiation. Was the figure verified? What underlying assumptions were made in agreeing to the traffic volume figure? Did the government investigate the authenticity and reliability of the traffic volume proposals given by the concession companies?
Viability of PLUS acquisition
4. Therefore, MCA is of the opinion that it is in the best interests of the people to acquire the shares of the concession company in PLUS.
5. The government has an effective interest of 74% in PLUS leaving another 26% in the market. Assuming a share price of RM3.50 to RM4.00 per share is offered for the acquisition of the remainder shares, the total acquisition price is between RM4.55 billion to RM5.2 billion. The remaining shares could be acquired via Khazanah and upon completion, the Government would hold 100% stake. In terms of profit after tax margin inclusive of Government compensation, the PLUS business yields a profit margin of above 50% from 2004 to 2008.
6. The toll rate currently is set at 14.96 sen per km and by 2038 the toll rate is expected to increase until 29.16 sen per km which is double. As such, a trip from KL to Penang costing RM86 one way would cost RM168 by 2038.
7. From the financial aspect, PLUS has been generating a profit of RM400 million to RM600 million yearly form the financial year 2004 to 2007, even if the gross compensation from the Government for not increasing the toll is excluded. Meanwhile the cash flow generated from operations excluding any receipt from Government compensation for not increasing the toll is RM1.1 billion to RM1.4 billion yearly from 2004 to 2007. This clearly shows that if PLUS is taken over and held by the Government and EPF, the possibility of waiving toll increase can be carried out both financially or legally. Even if there is any toll increase it would not be based on contractual rates but more to sustain operations of the company and for loan repayment purposes.
Currently, the Government has been compensating PLUS yearly and the amount has been increasing yearly as follows:
Gross compensation
2003 RM 295’mil
2004 RM 307’mil
2005 RM 171’mil
2006 RM 654’mil
2007 RM 680’mil
2008 RM 730’mil
8. As at 31/12/08, the long term borrowing of PLUS amounts to RM9.4 billion and the dividend announced for financial year 2008 is RM725 million. If the entire amount is channeled for repayment of debts, PLUS can settle the long term borrowing in 13 years MAXIMUM based on the financial results as at 31 December 2008.
9. In summary by acquiring the remaining shares of PLUS, the Government would be able to establish policies and measures to ensure that the people are not burdened. The once-every-three-years toll hike can be avoided and any increase can be based on operational needs rather than contractual needs. Politically, it would signify a significant change in the Government and shows that the Government cares and listen to the people.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Chinese DPM urge MCA
MCA Urge Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib to create a Chinese DPM and BN Deputy Chairman Post
Press Statement by MCA Deputy Secretary General Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow urging newly installed Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to create a post for a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and BN Deputy Chairman
MCA Deputy Sec-Gen urges PM Dato’ Sri Najib to create Chinese DPM & BN Deputy Chairman posts
MCA Deputy Secretary-General Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow today urged the newly installed Prime Minister of Malaysia , YAB Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to create a post for a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and a Chinese Deputy Chairman of Barisan Nasional. He further suggested that the MCA President be appointed to the said portfolios.
He said, “Malaysians of all races have long accepted and rendered their full support to the ideology of an administration based on power sharing in the country. However, after 52 years of national independence, we continue to feel that the so-called power sharing is just a mere slogan rather than a practical situation which we all yearn to become true one day. Hence, Malaysians are rather frustrated and dissatisfied with our real situation now as it is merely empty talk.”
He added that, “the creation of a Chinese Prime Minister’s position will not only help to realize the true ideology of a power sharing administration, it will also denote that the government is gives importance to the role and contributions made by the Chinese towards the process of nation building. Also, if given the portfolio, the MCA President could in his capacity in cabinet, help to draw up a fairer and a more justifiable policy which is beneficial to all especially in areas relating to the Chinese in the fields of economics and education.”
Dato’ Loke pointed out that MCA had represented the Chinese in the struggle for the nation’s Independence together with UMNO and MIC in 1957. “Hence, in the process of nation building, the contributions made by both MCA and the Chinese community are huge and tremendous.”
At the same time, he reiterated that the MCA President should also be appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Barisan Nasional Supreme Council. “This will truly manifest the real scenario of power sharing in the administration of Dato’ Sri Najib.”
“As a far-sighted leader with brilliant political leadership, Dato’ Sri Najib should see the importance and necessity of creating both positions of a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and a Chinese Deputy Chairman of Barisan Nasional of which the MCA President should be appointed to both portfolios,” the MCA Deputy Secretary General added.
Press Statement by MCA Deputy Secretary General Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow urging newly installed Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to create a post for a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and BN Deputy Chairman
MCA Deputy Sec-Gen urges PM Dato’ Sri Najib to create Chinese DPM & BN Deputy Chairman posts
MCA Deputy Secretary-General Dato’ Loke Yuen Yow today urged the newly installed Prime Minister of Malaysia , YAB Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to create a post for a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and a Chinese Deputy Chairman of Barisan Nasional. He further suggested that the MCA President be appointed to the said portfolios.
He said, “Malaysians of all races have long accepted and rendered their full support to the ideology of an administration based on power sharing in the country. However, after 52 years of national independence, we continue to feel that the so-called power sharing is just a mere slogan rather than a practical situation which we all yearn to become true one day. Hence, Malaysians are rather frustrated and dissatisfied with our real situation now as it is merely empty talk.”
He added that, “the creation of a Chinese Prime Minister’s position will not only help to realize the true ideology of a power sharing administration, it will also denote that the government is gives importance to the role and contributions made by the Chinese towards the process of nation building. Also, if given the portfolio, the MCA President could in his capacity in cabinet, help to draw up a fairer and a more justifiable policy which is beneficial to all especially in areas relating to the Chinese in the fields of economics and education.”
Dato’ Loke pointed out that MCA had represented the Chinese in the struggle for the nation’s Independence together with UMNO and MIC in 1957. “Hence, in the process of nation building, the contributions made by both MCA and the Chinese community are huge and tremendous.”
At the same time, he reiterated that the MCA President should also be appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Barisan Nasional Supreme Council. “This will truly manifest the real scenario of power sharing in the administration of Dato’ Sri Najib.”
“As a far-sighted leader with brilliant political leadership, Dato’ Sri Najib should see the importance and necessity of creating both positions of a Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and a Chinese Deputy Chairman of Barisan Nasional of which the MCA President should be appointed to both portfolios,” the MCA Deputy Secretary General added.
PR Letter to Agong : Defer Najib Appointment
Surat Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat Kepada DYMM SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
@anwaribrahimblog
By Anwar Ibrahim
Categories: Demokrasi, Pakatan Rakyat, Politik and malaysia
28 Mac 20091 Rabiul Akhir 1430
Mengadap Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah
Yang bersemayam di atas takhta Kerajaan Malaysia dengan beberapa amat kebesaran dan kemuliaannya.
Assalamualaikum dan Salam Sejahtera,
Ampun Tuanku,
Dengan hormat dan takzimnya patik sekalian merafa’kan sembah dan berdoa kehadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, mudah-mudahan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong sentiasa berada dalam keadaan selamat dan kesejahteraan.
Ampun Tuanku,
MEMOHON PERKENAN UNTUK MENANGGUHKAN LANTIKAN PERDANA MENTERI BARU SEHINGGA NAMA BELIAU DIBERSIHKAN OLEH SURUHANJAYA BEBAS
Patik sekalian mewakili semua 81 Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat dengan penuh takzim ingin merafa’ sembah mengenai rancangan YAB Perdana Menteri untuk mengadap Seri Paduka Baginda pada 2 April ini bagi menyatakan hasrat meletakkan jawatan dan menyerahkan jawatan beliau kepada YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang merupakan Presiden UMNO yang baru.
Ampun Tuanku,
Jawatan Perdana Menteri ini merupakan suatu jawatan tertinggi dalam negara yang menjadi maruah sesebuah negara. Jawatan yang sebegitu penting seharusnya diberikan kepada individu terpilih yang bersih dan tidak dipersoalkan integritinya.
Baru-baru ini terdapat banyak skandal yang mengaitkan nama YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri seperti komisyen pembelian kapal selam Scorpene yang melibatkan negara Peranchis. Yang paling mengejutkan adalah peristiwa pembunuhan seorang wanita Mongolia yang dikatakan turut mengaitkan nama beliau. Perkara di atas telah tersebar ke seluruh dunia dan diulas di banyak akhbar dan majalah seluruh dunia.
Oleh kerana perkara di atas begitu banyak diperkatakan dan memandangkan jawatan Perdana Menteri begitu penting buat negara ini, adalah amat wajar sekiranya Seri Paduka Bagida menangguhkan lantikan Perdana Menteri yang baru ini sehingga segala dakwaan berkenaan disiasat oleh sebuah Suruhanjaya Bebas dan nama beliau dibersihkan demi menjaga maruah negara ini.
Ampun Tuanku,
Patik sekalian akhiri warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini dengan sekalung penghargaan ke atas keprihatinan dan pertimbangan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Mudah-mudahan Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala melanjutkan usia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan seluruh kerabat Tuanku dan semoga sentiasa berada di dalam kesejahteraan dan kebahagiaan yang berkekalan.
Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin
Ampun Tuanku,
Patik sekalian dengan segala hormat takzimnya;
Bagi pihak Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat
YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Ketua Pembangkang
merangkap Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
YB Dato’ Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang
Presiden Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS)
YB Lim Kit Siang
Ketua Ahli Parlimen Democratic Action Party (DAP)
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT
1. YB Ahmad bin Kassim
2. YB Dato’ Rashid Din
3. YB Dato’ Johari Abdul
4. YB Gobala Krishnan a/l Nagapan
5. YB Zulkifli Nordin
6. YB Tan Tee Beng
7. YB Dato’ Zahrain Mohamed Hashim
8. YB Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff
9. YB Mohsin Fadzli b Hj Samsuri
10. YB Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj
11. YB Dr Lee Boon Chye
12. YB Abdul Aziz Abdul Kadir
13. YB Amran Abdul Ghani
14. YB Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
15. YB Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad
16. YB William Leong Jee Keen
17. Yb Mohamed Azmin Ali
18. YB Zuraida Kamaruddin
19. YB Gwo-Burne Loh
20. YB Hee Loy Sian
21. YB Sivarasa a/l K Rasiah
22. YB Manikavasagam a/l Sundaram
23. YB Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid
24. YB Chua Tian Chang
25. YB Wee Choo Keong
26. YB Nurul Izzah Anwar
27. YB Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Ibrahim
28. YB Dato’ Kamarul Bahrin Abbas
29. YB Azan Ismail
30. YB Fuziah Salleh
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN PARTI ISLAM SEMALAYSIA
31. YB Ustaz Nasir Zakaria
32. YB Haji Mahfuz Omar
33. YB Dr Mohd Hayati Othman
34. YB Firdaus Jaafar
35. YB Che Uda Che Nik
36. YB Ustaz Haji Taib Azamuddin Md Taib
37. YB Dato’ Haji Kamarudin Jaafar
38. YB Dato’ Haji Abd Halim Ab Rahman
39. YB Dato’ Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah
40. YB Siti Zailah Mohd Yusuf
41. YB Salahuddin Haji Ayub
42. YB Ustaz Haji Nasharudin Mat Isa
43. YB Muhammad Husin
44. YB Dr. Haji Mohd. Hatta Ramli
45. YB Ustaz Mujahid Haji Yusof Rawa
46. YB Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut
47. YB Dr. Dzulkifli Ahmad
48. YB Dr Che Rosli Che Mat
49. YB Khalid Abd Samad
50. YB Dr. Hajjah Siti Mariah Mahmud
51. YB Dr. Lo’ Lo’ Haji Mohd. Ghazali
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY
52. YB Lim Guan Eng
53. YB Dr.Tan Seng Giaw
54. YB Chong Eng
55. YB M.Kulasegaran
56. YB Fong Kui Lun
57. YB Tan Kok Wai
58. YB Chow Kon Yeow
59. YB Teresa Kok Suh Sim
60. YB Prof.Dr.P.Ramasamy
61. YB Ngeh Koo Ham
62. YB Nga Kor Ming
63. YB Karpal Singh
64. YB Fong Po Kuan
65. YB Teo Nie Ching
66. YB Gobind Singh Deo
67. YB Chong Chieng Jen
68. YB Loke Siew Fook
69. YB Tony Pua Kiam Wee
70. YB Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun
71. YB Charles Santiago
72. YB M.Manogaran
73. YB Sim Tong Him
74. YB John Fernandez
75. YB Liew Chin Tong
76. YB Dr.Hiew King Cheu
77. YB Lim Lip Eng
78. YB Er Teck Hwa
@anwaribrahimblog
By Anwar Ibrahim
Categories: Demokrasi, Pakatan Rakyat, Politik and malaysia
28 Mac 20091 Rabiul Akhir 1430
Mengadap Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah
Yang bersemayam di atas takhta Kerajaan Malaysia dengan beberapa amat kebesaran dan kemuliaannya.
Assalamualaikum dan Salam Sejahtera,
Ampun Tuanku,
Dengan hormat dan takzimnya patik sekalian merafa’kan sembah dan berdoa kehadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, mudah-mudahan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong sentiasa berada dalam keadaan selamat dan kesejahteraan.
Ampun Tuanku,
MEMOHON PERKENAN UNTUK MENANGGUHKAN LANTIKAN PERDANA MENTERI BARU SEHINGGA NAMA BELIAU DIBERSIHKAN OLEH SURUHANJAYA BEBAS
Patik sekalian mewakili semua 81 Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat dengan penuh takzim ingin merafa’ sembah mengenai rancangan YAB Perdana Menteri untuk mengadap Seri Paduka Baginda pada 2 April ini bagi menyatakan hasrat meletakkan jawatan dan menyerahkan jawatan beliau kepada YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang merupakan Presiden UMNO yang baru.
Ampun Tuanku,
Jawatan Perdana Menteri ini merupakan suatu jawatan tertinggi dalam negara yang menjadi maruah sesebuah negara. Jawatan yang sebegitu penting seharusnya diberikan kepada individu terpilih yang bersih dan tidak dipersoalkan integritinya.
Baru-baru ini terdapat banyak skandal yang mengaitkan nama YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri seperti komisyen pembelian kapal selam Scorpene yang melibatkan negara Peranchis. Yang paling mengejutkan adalah peristiwa pembunuhan seorang wanita Mongolia yang dikatakan turut mengaitkan nama beliau. Perkara di atas telah tersebar ke seluruh dunia dan diulas di banyak akhbar dan majalah seluruh dunia.
Oleh kerana perkara di atas begitu banyak diperkatakan dan memandangkan jawatan Perdana Menteri begitu penting buat negara ini, adalah amat wajar sekiranya Seri Paduka Bagida menangguhkan lantikan Perdana Menteri yang baru ini sehingga segala dakwaan berkenaan disiasat oleh sebuah Suruhanjaya Bebas dan nama beliau dibersihkan demi menjaga maruah negara ini.
Ampun Tuanku,
Patik sekalian akhiri warkah yang tidak sepertinya ini dengan sekalung penghargaan ke atas keprihatinan dan pertimbangan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Mudah-mudahan Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala melanjutkan usia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan seluruh kerabat Tuanku dan semoga sentiasa berada di dalam kesejahteraan dan kebahagiaan yang berkekalan.
Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin
Ampun Tuanku,
Patik sekalian dengan segala hormat takzimnya;
Bagi pihak Ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat
YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Ketua Pembangkang
merangkap Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
YB Dato’ Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang
Presiden Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS)
YB Lim Kit Siang
Ketua Ahli Parlimen Democratic Action Party (DAP)
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT
1. YB Ahmad bin Kassim
2. YB Dato’ Rashid Din
3. YB Dato’ Johari Abdul
4. YB Gobala Krishnan a/l Nagapan
5. YB Zulkifli Nordin
6. YB Tan Tee Beng
7. YB Dato’ Zahrain Mohamed Hashim
8. YB Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff
9. YB Mohsin Fadzli b Hj Samsuri
10. YB Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj
11. YB Dr Lee Boon Chye
12. YB Abdul Aziz Abdul Kadir
13. YB Amran Abdul Ghani
14. YB Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
15. YB Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad
16. YB William Leong Jee Keen
17. Yb Mohamed Azmin Ali
18. YB Zuraida Kamaruddin
19. YB Gwo-Burne Loh
20. YB Hee Loy Sian
21. YB Sivarasa a/l K Rasiah
22. YB Manikavasagam a/l Sundaram
23. YB Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid
24. YB Chua Tian Chang
25. YB Wee Choo Keong
26. YB Nurul Izzah Anwar
27. YB Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Ibrahim
28. YB Dato’ Kamarul Bahrin Abbas
29. YB Azan Ismail
30. YB Fuziah Salleh
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN PARTI ISLAM SEMALAYSIA
31. YB Ustaz Nasir Zakaria
32. YB Haji Mahfuz Omar
33. YB Dr Mohd Hayati Othman
34. YB Firdaus Jaafar
35. YB Che Uda Che Nik
36. YB Ustaz Haji Taib Azamuddin Md Taib
37. YB Dato’ Haji Kamarudin Jaafar
38. YB Dato’ Haji Abd Halim Ab Rahman
39. YB Dato’ Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah
40. YB Siti Zailah Mohd Yusuf
41. YB Salahuddin Haji Ayub
42. YB Ustaz Haji Nasharudin Mat Isa
43. YB Muhammad Husin
44. YB Dr. Haji Mohd. Hatta Ramli
45. YB Ustaz Mujahid Haji Yusof Rawa
46. YB Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut
47. YB Dr. Dzulkifli Ahmad
48. YB Dr Che Rosli Che Mat
49. YB Khalid Abd Samad
50. YB Dr. Hajjah Siti Mariah Mahmud
51. YB Dr. Lo’ Lo’ Haji Mohd. Ghazali
SENARAI AHLI PARLIMEN DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY
52. YB Lim Guan Eng
53. YB Dr.Tan Seng Giaw
54. YB Chong Eng
55. YB M.Kulasegaran
56. YB Fong Kui Lun
57. YB Tan Kok Wai
58. YB Chow Kon Yeow
59. YB Teresa Kok Suh Sim
60. YB Prof.Dr.P.Ramasamy
61. YB Ngeh Koo Ham
62. YB Nga Kor Ming
63. YB Karpal Singh
64. YB Fong Po Kuan
65. YB Teo Nie Ching
66. YB Gobind Singh Deo
67. YB Chong Chieng Jen
68. YB Loke Siew Fook
69. YB Tony Pua Kiam Wee
70. YB Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun
71. YB Charles Santiago
72. YB M.Manogaran
73. YB Sim Tong Him
74. YB John Fernandez
75. YB Liew Chin Tong
76. YB Dr.Hiew King Cheu
77. YB Lim Lip Eng
78. YB Er Teck Hwa
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Interview with Pak Lah (Abdullah Badawi final Interview as PM)
Pak Lah's final interview with the media as PM
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 12:13pm
©The Star
by Royce Cheah
Q: How do you feel about the way Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad turned up at the Umno general assembly? It was supposed to be your grand farewell, But he stole the show.
They’ve known me for a long time, so what. When your time’s up , it’s time to go. I do not demand too much. That is my behaviour. No fanfare necessary. What has been done has been done.
Q: Did the two of you say anything to each other?
Was so rushed. I don’t remember anymore. Not very significant.
Q: Best achievement?
Winning the 2004 election
Q: Greatest regret?
Worst election result in 2008
Q: After so many PMs. We have gone through so many stages of development. Where have you taken us in these six years. How much progress?
The emphasis has been given, especially with emergence of the young generation, on human capital. People did not care about this before me. To add value to workers.
For people to learn/relearn and unlearn. I have done Islamic studies - and it is all about improving yourself. Muslims were ahead of their time before. It surpassed a lot of what was done by previous civilizations. Ahead of their time with inspiration from the Quran.
But if you stop, you do not progress anymore and if you forget, then decadence will set in.
It is also about reducing disparity in many forms. Not just income - some are better educated, some are not. There is also disparity in economic sectors - agriculture for example.
Progress doesn’t necessarily mean focus on industrialisation. As the country develops - services sector is the focus. But that’s also why I promoted agriculture. We look at it as a base for the development of agro-based industry in a big way. It’s not just about planting. We’re talking about food security policy. It’s a new approach. When we have this together with the corridor development. It will help bridge disparity.
We don’t want pockets here and there without development.
Also, if you want to compare with Singapore. Talk about Klang Valley or Kuala Lumpur against Singapore. You can’t compare the whole country with Singapore then lament the fact we can’t do well. You cannot compare it like that and then make the conclusion that we are terrible and they are better. It should take into account complexity, land size, population and so on. Singapore is also almost a one-race population. I’m not here to talk badly about others. But if you want to compare. Compare correctly.
In the end it is about equitable distribution of quality opportunities and not just about handouts. We cannot just help people with handouts. There are times we have to, for example the social safety net.
If there is no equitable quality opportunities - then it is discrimination. This government cannot be accused of that.
Otherwise everyone will go to KL. We have to distribute and decentralise. Which then leads to quality of life which has been the struggle of mankind throughout history.
Q: You talked about progress Muslims made in earlier years and how we must emulate their efforts. But we must examine the Islam practised then. It was so free, lots of freedom to research, to think and implement. When you introduced Islam Hadhari, I thought this would bring it back to that era. But under you, Islam has gone to be more repressive. Just look at the lectures given by the ustaz on RTM1, they are so narrow and parochial.
It is a big problem - overseas the idea is welcome. Even Indonesia. But here it is all in a mess. Because we are fighting each other politically. Some PAS members do not like the idea. It is a battle that goes on. Changing of the mind. To do anything like that is not easy.
I have given myself that role. When I talk about democracy and freedom of discourse, it is not an easy job to do. But you have to allow people to enjoy it.
When people like it, the freedom, they think it is very nice. But I would have managed it better. I think up to now, nobody can silence the papers anymore. I don’t like the word takut (scared). Takut is not the way. Being reasonable is very important as well as being correct. Scaring does not work.
Q; Do you regret being more open?
I do not regret. but maybe I could have given more guidance. Like slowing it down when it was too fast. But now there is this unfettered freedom. Expression can come in any form. But I think you realise there has to be some control. You can impose the control on youself. Depends on what kind of values you have. Freedom, but wanting to do pornographic things, that’s not the kind of freedom I would like to see. Must have some values and self-respect. Freedom cannot be exercised without some moral limitation.
Then you are creating a big problem. You are creating anarchy.
Q: Has the freedom been a political asset for the Opposition?
Asset is not the word. To me, I have not been saying enough on this. Maybe in my retirement I will talk like this. Not to criticise Najib. But there has to be at some stage political education for all. For everybody, not only for BN or Umno. How we exercise freedom, freedom of speech and press freedom. Its all part of politics.
How to handle race relations. The young generation is coming up, with no sense of history. No real understanding of the reason why we must have this and must have that and as such what is being said by them is confused.
But I’m not saying it has to be cast in stone. What is the reason to change? If you want to change, it has to be change for the better.
Q: Why did you give freedom for such long time considering what was happening?
I’m not the type of person that when something goes out of line - slam - I shut them up. I can do that, but I’m not like that.
Q: Have people misused the freedom to some extent?
Yes. Some groups have used this freedom and used this freedom as protection. Throwing stones, etc, behind this freedom. These are cowards. Correct names but false IC numbers on whatever they sign off on. It is the exercising of the freedom to lie. Is that genuine freedom? Or abuse of freedom?
Q: Do you think you could have done more if Tun Dr Mahathir had not started to attack you very early on. Do you think you could have handled him better by not scrapping the crooked bridge to Singapore?
To him the bridge was more important than anything else. The rest (of what he said in public) was an elaboration of attacking me.
He did say that if the bridge was built he would stop attacking. So I stopped it and the rest is just him elaborating.
Q: Why didn’t you stop the bridge immediately when you took over?
I did not come in with a pre-conceived idea about that, That I would stop it. This is one issue that Cabinet discussed repeatedly. There was no money, deficit was up and we want to spend on the bridge?
People are watching the deficit. It was at 5.3%. If deficit goes up, do you think we’ll have the money for the stimulus package? We were at 3.2% that’s why it could go up to 4.8%.
Q: On hindsight, do you think you could have handled him better?
Maybe maybe maybe. But I just don’t care. How many times did I respond to him? Very rarely.
Q: When the transition of power took place, was there any agreement between you and Datuk Seri Najib? Will you become angry if he doesn’t do what was promised?
No-lah, I will not. I will not. I will not.
I just work on the basis of believing that if you do something that is good, if it continues to bring good, then there is no good reason why it should be stopped. There will be adjustment, maybe approach it differently. If you have a policy that takes 20 or 30 years to achieve results, along the way there will be a lot of adjustments.
Don’t change the main policy, but just how we get there.
Do you think we can reach Vision 2020 with the kind of problems we are having?
It will be so difficult. We have to double up our efforts.
Q: I think in your six years, there are a lot of missed opportunities. You won such a huge mandate, so many things you could have done.
Yes, missed opportunities in the sense that I could not do many things I wanted to do.
My election manifesto was actually a plan for the second half of Vision 2020. I never had any ambition to be there to declare that Malaysia is a developed country. I expect continuity.
Q: What stopped you from achieving some of the things?
I’ve been doing (things). Some I started earlier and some started later. You cannot implement the entire 2004 manifesto. In the beginning, it was so difficult. I don’t want to force it and create havoc. I’ve chosen a lot of things that have to do with changing of the mind and attitude.
Somebody actually wrote to me to tell me to do things that are visible and not invisible things.
Q: Do you think it’s fair to judge you based on six years when Tun Dr Mahathir’s first six years were difficult?
His first six years were terrible. Well, a little bit longer would have been greater. But it’s not the long and short of it, it’s what you can do in that period.
Q: You said you won’t be the interfering ex-PM, but you are still the MP. First-time in the history of Malaysia. How would you perform your role as legislator?
I would expect an MP to be supportive of the government to which he belongs, that is generally speaking. But there are certain things that if you are not happy, you can always chat over a cup of tea. I even do that with my ministers. I hate to scold people in front of anyone. I don’t do that.
I call and have a chat. Then some people cry. That’s how I deal. I don’t like it because God says if we embarrass people, then we will be embarassed.
Q: I find that you are soft-hearted. You do things to make people happy. Say if people come to your house, then you will entertain them. Then people elsewhere are waiting for you at another place.
That is one of my weakest (traits). My late wife used to scold me. She would say go, people are waiting for you. You entertain them, people are waiting for you there.
These people did not make an appointment with you. After this I won’t have that problem anymore.
Q: Will you miss these visits?
I can fill my time with so many things. I can adjust to it.
Q: Easy to let go? Some don’t find it easy to let go.
There is this changing of roles in life. You start to be somebody, then you become somebody. Life is about changing roles. You go through life and you keep on changing roles. No need to lament the fact when you have to change the role. Accept it. What you do as a young man, what you do as an adult, what you do as an older man. If you accept this fact, as you progress and you know at every stage there is something you can do, you still lead a useful life. You can still contribute. The question is, what do you do with yourself.
If you want to tear your hair and scream. There is a lot you can do. That is your choice.
When you are PM, there are a lot of things that you miss. Sometimes you want to do certain things. You just miss those things.
Q: I hope you are prepared for this.
I don’t think I am going to be affected in anyway. The pomp and all that. Pomp and pageantry don’t matter.
Q: Write a book?
Haven’t thought about that
Q: All the roles you have played, which role have you enjoyed the most?
I enjoyed whatever I did. I was happy in the Ministries I worked in. The PM’s role was very exciting. I enjoyed it.
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 12:13pm
©The Star
by Royce Cheah
Q: How do you feel about the way Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad turned up at the Umno general assembly? It was supposed to be your grand farewell, But he stole the show.
They’ve known me for a long time, so what. When your time’s up , it’s time to go. I do not demand too much. That is my behaviour. No fanfare necessary. What has been done has been done.
Q: Did the two of you say anything to each other?
Was so rushed. I don’t remember anymore. Not very significant.
Q: Best achievement?
Winning the 2004 election
Q: Greatest regret?
Worst election result in 2008
Q: After so many PMs. We have gone through so many stages of development. Where have you taken us in these six years. How much progress?
The emphasis has been given, especially with emergence of the young generation, on human capital. People did not care about this before me. To add value to workers.
For people to learn/relearn and unlearn. I have done Islamic studies - and it is all about improving yourself. Muslims were ahead of their time before. It surpassed a lot of what was done by previous civilizations. Ahead of their time with inspiration from the Quran.
But if you stop, you do not progress anymore and if you forget, then decadence will set in.
It is also about reducing disparity in many forms. Not just income - some are better educated, some are not. There is also disparity in economic sectors - agriculture for example.
Progress doesn’t necessarily mean focus on industrialisation. As the country develops - services sector is the focus. But that’s also why I promoted agriculture. We look at it as a base for the development of agro-based industry in a big way. It’s not just about planting. We’re talking about food security policy. It’s a new approach. When we have this together with the corridor development. It will help bridge disparity.
We don’t want pockets here and there without development.
Also, if you want to compare with Singapore. Talk about Klang Valley or Kuala Lumpur against Singapore. You can’t compare the whole country with Singapore then lament the fact we can’t do well. You cannot compare it like that and then make the conclusion that we are terrible and they are better. It should take into account complexity, land size, population and so on. Singapore is also almost a one-race population. I’m not here to talk badly about others. But if you want to compare. Compare correctly.
In the end it is about equitable distribution of quality opportunities and not just about handouts. We cannot just help people with handouts. There are times we have to, for example the social safety net.
If there is no equitable quality opportunities - then it is discrimination. This government cannot be accused of that.
Otherwise everyone will go to KL. We have to distribute and decentralise. Which then leads to quality of life which has been the struggle of mankind throughout history.
Q: You talked about progress Muslims made in earlier years and how we must emulate their efforts. But we must examine the Islam practised then. It was so free, lots of freedom to research, to think and implement. When you introduced Islam Hadhari, I thought this would bring it back to that era. But under you, Islam has gone to be more repressive. Just look at the lectures given by the ustaz on RTM1, they are so narrow and parochial.
It is a big problem - overseas the idea is welcome. Even Indonesia. But here it is all in a mess. Because we are fighting each other politically. Some PAS members do not like the idea. It is a battle that goes on. Changing of the mind. To do anything like that is not easy.
I have given myself that role. When I talk about democracy and freedom of discourse, it is not an easy job to do. But you have to allow people to enjoy it.
When people like it, the freedom, they think it is very nice. But I would have managed it better. I think up to now, nobody can silence the papers anymore. I don’t like the word takut (scared). Takut is not the way. Being reasonable is very important as well as being correct. Scaring does not work.
Q; Do you regret being more open?
I do not regret. but maybe I could have given more guidance. Like slowing it down when it was too fast. But now there is this unfettered freedom. Expression can come in any form. But I think you realise there has to be some control. You can impose the control on youself. Depends on what kind of values you have. Freedom, but wanting to do pornographic things, that’s not the kind of freedom I would like to see. Must have some values and self-respect. Freedom cannot be exercised without some moral limitation.
Then you are creating a big problem. You are creating anarchy.
Q: Has the freedom been a political asset for the Opposition?
Asset is not the word. To me, I have not been saying enough on this. Maybe in my retirement I will talk like this. Not to criticise Najib. But there has to be at some stage political education for all. For everybody, not only for BN or Umno. How we exercise freedom, freedom of speech and press freedom. Its all part of politics.
How to handle race relations. The young generation is coming up, with no sense of history. No real understanding of the reason why we must have this and must have that and as such what is being said by them is confused.
But I’m not saying it has to be cast in stone. What is the reason to change? If you want to change, it has to be change for the better.
Q: Why did you give freedom for such long time considering what was happening?
I’m not the type of person that when something goes out of line - slam - I shut them up. I can do that, but I’m not like that.
Q: Have people misused the freedom to some extent?
Yes. Some groups have used this freedom and used this freedom as protection. Throwing stones, etc, behind this freedom. These are cowards. Correct names but false IC numbers on whatever they sign off on. It is the exercising of the freedom to lie. Is that genuine freedom? Or abuse of freedom?
Q: Do you think you could have done more if Tun Dr Mahathir had not started to attack you very early on. Do you think you could have handled him better by not scrapping the crooked bridge to Singapore?
To him the bridge was more important than anything else. The rest (of what he said in public) was an elaboration of attacking me.
He did say that if the bridge was built he would stop attacking. So I stopped it and the rest is just him elaborating.
Q: Why didn’t you stop the bridge immediately when you took over?
I did not come in with a pre-conceived idea about that, That I would stop it. This is one issue that Cabinet discussed repeatedly. There was no money, deficit was up and we want to spend on the bridge?
People are watching the deficit. It was at 5.3%. If deficit goes up, do you think we’ll have the money for the stimulus package? We were at 3.2% that’s why it could go up to 4.8%.
Q: On hindsight, do you think you could have handled him better?
Maybe maybe maybe. But I just don’t care. How many times did I respond to him? Very rarely.
Q: When the transition of power took place, was there any agreement between you and Datuk Seri Najib? Will you become angry if he doesn’t do what was promised?
No-lah, I will not. I will not. I will not.
I just work on the basis of believing that if you do something that is good, if it continues to bring good, then there is no good reason why it should be stopped. There will be adjustment, maybe approach it differently. If you have a policy that takes 20 or 30 years to achieve results, along the way there will be a lot of adjustments.
Don’t change the main policy, but just how we get there.
Do you think we can reach Vision 2020 with the kind of problems we are having?
It will be so difficult. We have to double up our efforts.
Q: I think in your six years, there are a lot of missed opportunities. You won such a huge mandate, so many things you could have done.
Yes, missed opportunities in the sense that I could not do many things I wanted to do.
My election manifesto was actually a plan for the second half of Vision 2020. I never had any ambition to be there to declare that Malaysia is a developed country. I expect continuity.
Q: What stopped you from achieving some of the things?
I’ve been doing (things). Some I started earlier and some started later. You cannot implement the entire 2004 manifesto. In the beginning, it was so difficult. I don’t want to force it and create havoc. I’ve chosen a lot of things that have to do with changing of the mind and attitude.
Somebody actually wrote to me to tell me to do things that are visible and not invisible things.
Q: Do you think it’s fair to judge you based on six years when Tun Dr Mahathir’s first six years were difficult?
His first six years were terrible. Well, a little bit longer would have been greater. But it’s not the long and short of it, it’s what you can do in that period.
Q: You said you won’t be the interfering ex-PM, but you are still the MP. First-time in the history of Malaysia. How would you perform your role as legislator?
I would expect an MP to be supportive of the government to which he belongs, that is generally speaking. But there are certain things that if you are not happy, you can always chat over a cup of tea. I even do that with my ministers. I hate to scold people in front of anyone. I don’t do that.
I call and have a chat. Then some people cry. That’s how I deal. I don’t like it because God says if we embarrass people, then we will be embarassed.
Q: I find that you are soft-hearted. You do things to make people happy. Say if people come to your house, then you will entertain them. Then people elsewhere are waiting for you at another place.
That is one of my weakest (traits). My late wife used to scold me. She would say go, people are waiting for you. You entertain them, people are waiting for you there.
These people did not make an appointment with you. After this I won’t have that problem anymore.
Q: Will you miss these visits?
I can fill my time with so many things. I can adjust to it.
Q: Easy to let go? Some don’t find it easy to let go.
There is this changing of roles in life. You start to be somebody, then you become somebody. Life is about changing roles. You go through life and you keep on changing roles. No need to lament the fact when you have to change the role. Accept it. What you do as a young man, what you do as an adult, what you do as an older man. If you accept this fact, as you progress and you know at every stage there is something you can do, you still lead a useful life. You can still contribute. The question is, what do you do with yourself.
If you want to tear your hair and scream. There is a lot you can do. That is your choice.
When you are PM, there are a lot of things that you miss. Sometimes you want to do certain things. You just miss those things.
Q: I hope you are prepared for this.
I don’t think I am going to be affected in anyway. The pomp and all that. Pomp and pageantry don’t matter.
Q: Write a book?
Haven’t thought about that
Q: All the roles you have played, which role have you enjoyed the most?
I enjoyed whatever I did. I was happy in the Ministries I worked in. The PM’s role was very exciting. I enjoyed it.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
MCA : Government to buy back PLUS
MCA wants government to take back PLUS
@ www.theedgemalaysia.com
Written by Nadia S Hassan
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 00:25
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will urge the government to privatise toll concessionaire PLUS Expressways Bhd as the move will prove beneficial for the people, a spokesman said.At a briefing yesterday, MCA central committee member Wong Nai Chee said it could be done through the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which holds 63.88% of PLUS (inclusive of shares held under UEM Group Bhd), according to the latter's annual report.
"Assuming a share price of RM3.50 to RM4 per share offered for the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by the government, the total acquisition price is between RM4.55 billion and RM5.2 billion," said Wong.
He said the MCA would bring up its proposal at the upcoming monthly Barisan Nasional (BN) management meeting. MCA would also look at raising a dialogue with the Ministry of Works on the matter. Wong said the government had an effective interest of 74% in PLUS through Khazanah and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Board (which holds 9.59% stake in PLUS as at April 30, 2008), leaving another 26% in the market."
The proposed offer price takes into account not only the historical movements of PLUS' share price, but also the company's fundamentals. The move would also ensure that the company would become more sociably responsible, and not just have profitability in mind," said Wong.
His calculation implies that Khazanah does not buy out the EPF. Between 2003 and 2008, the government paid PLUS some RM2.8 billion in compensation.A back of the envelope calculation showed that the acquisition cost mentioned indicated a potential acquisition price of between RM3.39 and RM3.92 per share, or at least 15% premium to PLUS' prevailing market capitalisation of RM14.75 billion. PLUS closed two sen lower at RM2.94 yesterday. Wong added that making PLUS 100% government-owned would not prove a burden as the company was profitable. "PLUS has been generating a profit of RM400 million to RM600 million yearly from the financial years 2004 to 2007, even if the gross compensation from the government for not increasing the toll is excluded."
"In terms of profit after tax margin inclusive of government compensation, the PLUS business yields a profit margin of above 50% from 2004 to 2008," Wong said."The cash flow generated from operations excluding any receipt from government compensation for not increasing the toll is RM1.1 billion to RM1.4 billion yearly from 2004 to 2007. "This clearly shows that if PLUS is taken over, the possibility of waiving toll increase can be carried out both financially or legally. It would also overcome the problem of minority rights in the future," said Wong.
@ www.theedgemalaysia.com
Written by Nadia S Hassan
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 00:25
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will urge the government to privatise toll concessionaire PLUS Expressways Bhd as the move will prove beneficial for the people, a spokesman said.At a briefing yesterday, MCA central committee member Wong Nai Chee said it could be done through the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which holds 63.88% of PLUS (inclusive of shares held under UEM Group Bhd), according to the latter's annual report.
"Assuming a share price of RM3.50 to RM4 per share offered for the acquisition of the remaining shares not owned by the government, the total acquisition price is between RM4.55 billion and RM5.2 billion," said Wong.
He said the MCA would bring up its proposal at the upcoming monthly Barisan Nasional (BN) management meeting. MCA would also look at raising a dialogue with the Ministry of Works on the matter. Wong said the government had an effective interest of 74% in PLUS through Khazanah and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Board (which holds 9.59% stake in PLUS as at April 30, 2008), leaving another 26% in the market."
The proposed offer price takes into account not only the historical movements of PLUS' share price, but also the company's fundamentals. The move would also ensure that the company would become more sociably responsible, and not just have profitability in mind," said Wong.
His calculation implies that Khazanah does not buy out the EPF. Between 2003 and 2008, the government paid PLUS some RM2.8 billion in compensation.A back of the envelope calculation showed that the acquisition cost mentioned indicated a potential acquisition price of between RM3.39 and RM3.92 per share, or at least 15% premium to PLUS' prevailing market capitalisation of RM14.75 billion. PLUS closed two sen lower at RM2.94 yesterday. Wong added that making PLUS 100% government-owned would not prove a burden as the company was profitable. "PLUS has been generating a profit of RM400 million to RM600 million yearly from the financial years 2004 to 2007, even if the gross compensation from the government for not increasing the toll is excluded."
"In terms of profit after tax margin inclusive of government compensation, the PLUS business yields a profit margin of above 50% from 2004 to 2008," Wong said."The cash flow generated from operations excluding any receipt from government compensation for not increasing the toll is RM1.1 billion to RM1.4 billion yearly from 2004 to 2007. "This clearly shows that if PLUS is taken over, the possibility of waiving toll increase can be carried out both financially or legally. It would also overcome the problem of minority rights in the future," said Wong.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Zaid Ibrahim : Najib Cant Be PM (Full Text of Speech)
ZAID IBRAHIM: NAJIB CAN'T BE PM
"If truth be told, Najib can't be PM"Zaid Ibrahim March 18, 09 1:51pm
@ Magickriver Blog
Full text of former law minister Zaid Ibrahim's hard-hitting speech at the Royal Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur on 18 March 2009.
This is the second time I have been invited to address a Rotary Club. Thank you for the honour. Given the times we live in, perhaps it might be appropriate for me to speak about the leadership transition that has been foisted upon us Malaysians.
I say ‘foisted’ because neither me nor anyone in this room had any role or say in the choice of the person who will lead Malaysia next. We were mere bystanders in a political chess game. And yet the transition is a subject of great consequence to the nation, one I would say is of great national interest.
Leadership is definitive; the individual who assumes the mantle of leadership of this nation, whomever that may be, is one who for better or worse will leave his mark on us. His will be the hand who guides us to greater success, or possibly gut-wrenching disaster.
Save for the dawn of Merdeka, never in the history of this country has the choice of prime minister been so crucial: Malaysia is in crisis. We are facing tremendous economic challenges with unavoidably harsh socio-political consequences.
Our much undermined democracy is once again being assailed by those who would prefer a more autocratic form of governance.Our public institutions are hollowed out caricatures, unable to distinguish vested party interests from national ones, unable to offer the man in the street refuge from the powerful and connected.
Our social fabric that took us from colony to an independent nation and on through the obstacles of nation building has reached a point where it sometimes feel like we are hanging on by a thread. This is the Malaysia we live in.
PM’s resignation ill-fated
This is the Malaysia which Abdullah Ahmad Badawi leaves behind. Our prime minister will resign later this month - an ill-fated decision. I say ill-fated not because he has been a great prime minister and we would lose irreplaceable leadership, that is regrettably not the case as all things said and done Abdullah could have done much more for Malaysia.
Rather, I say that his resignation is ill-fated because his departure will expose the country to forces which may take us down the road of perdition faster than ever. Much has been said of Pak Lah being a weak leader. However, what his critics have not adequately addressed are the consequences of replacing him as prime minister with the anticipated incoming president of Umno, Najib (Abdul) Razak.
It is an undeniable truth that the average Malaysian is anxious about the anticipated transition. Many would prefer it did not happen.
There are two reasons why this is so. The first has to do with the reasoning underlying Umno's demand for the transition itself. The second has to do with Najib personally.We must recall that after the 2008 general election - a great success for the nation but a fiasco for Umno – one of the chief complaints by the powers-that-be within Umno was that Abdullah’s feeble leadership led to the concept of Ketuanan Melayu being challenged and ultimately undermined.
His critics also lashed out at him for the latitude given to civil society, a move which they believed weakened a key aspect of Umno's political leverage. It followed in Umno's mind that in order to regain lost ground, it was necessary to reassert its ideology with greater strength.
There was nostalgia for Mahathir's heavy-handed style of leadership and a return to the times when the party cowed many into subservience and submission. The conservatives in Umno yearned for a return to Mahathirism, hoping that it would become a cornerstone of the leadership transition plan. There has been much speculation and punditry on whether a return to the Mahathir era would be good for Malaysia.
Difference between then and now
Let me offer some of my own insight to this debate. The major difference between then and now is this: in most instances, Mahathir was harsh and dictatorial if he believed it was good for the country. But an authoritarian style of government under anyone else would be dictated by the need for self preservation and very little about the country’s interest.
The evidence is all around us. After March 8, (2008) when the prime minister ceased being the home minister, the threats of reprisal have escalated and a climate of fear re-cultivated. The detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoong Cheng exemplify this turn for the worse, this appetite to use the sledgehammer.
The shameful power grab in Perak and wanton disregard for public opinion over how BN wrested control of the silver state make many people shudder at the prospect of a return to the dark days. If that was not depressing enough, we have had to bear witness to the police and the newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) displaying their allegiance and support to the BN when all we needed and craved for were honest brokers.
It stands to reason that in the mind of the average Malaysian, having suffered a significant loss last March, Umno is on a rampage to regain what it lost by any method available and the man who is expected to lead it to victory is the man who succeeds Abdullah: Najib (Abdul) Razak.
A prime minister must have the confidence of the majority of the rakyat. In order for this to be the case, his integrity must be beyond question; not only must he be such a person character, he must be seen to be such a person. The office of prime minister is one of great trust, he who holds that office cradles the nation in his palms.
For this to be the case, there cannot be anything in the mind of the greater public that, correctly or otherwise, associates him with matters of criminality, wrongful action, improper conduct or abuses of power. In short, he must be beyond reproach in his dealings both official and private.
"If truth be told, Najib can't be PM"Zaid Ibrahim March 18, 09 1:51pm
@ Magickriver Blog
Full text of former law minister Zaid Ibrahim's hard-hitting speech at the Royal Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur on 18 March 2009.
This is the second time I have been invited to address a Rotary Club. Thank you for the honour. Given the times we live in, perhaps it might be appropriate for me to speak about the leadership transition that has been foisted upon us Malaysians.
I say ‘foisted’ because neither me nor anyone in this room had any role or say in the choice of the person who will lead Malaysia next. We were mere bystanders in a political chess game. And yet the transition is a subject of great consequence to the nation, one I would say is of great national interest.
Leadership is definitive; the individual who assumes the mantle of leadership of this nation, whomever that may be, is one who for better or worse will leave his mark on us. His will be the hand who guides us to greater success, or possibly gut-wrenching disaster.
Save for the dawn of Merdeka, never in the history of this country has the choice of prime minister been so crucial: Malaysia is in crisis. We are facing tremendous economic challenges with unavoidably harsh socio-political consequences.
Our much undermined democracy is once again being assailed by those who would prefer a more autocratic form of governance.Our public institutions are hollowed out caricatures, unable to distinguish vested party interests from national ones, unable to offer the man in the street refuge from the powerful and connected.
Our social fabric that took us from colony to an independent nation and on through the obstacles of nation building has reached a point where it sometimes feel like we are hanging on by a thread. This is the Malaysia we live in.
PM’s resignation ill-fated
This is the Malaysia which Abdullah Ahmad Badawi leaves behind. Our prime minister will resign later this month - an ill-fated decision. I say ill-fated not because he has been a great prime minister and we would lose irreplaceable leadership, that is regrettably not the case as all things said and done Abdullah could have done much more for Malaysia.
Rather, I say that his resignation is ill-fated because his departure will expose the country to forces which may take us down the road of perdition faster than ever. Much has been said of Pak Lah being a weak leader. However, what his critics have not adequately addressed are the consequences of replacing him as prime minister with the anticipated incoming president of Umno, Najib (Abdul) Razak.
It is an undeniable truth that the average Malaysian is anxious about the anticipated transition. Many would prefer it did not happen.
There are two reasons why this is so. The first has to do with the reasoning underlying Umno's demand for the transition itself. The second has to do with Najib personally.We must recall that after the 2008 general election - a great success for the nation but a fiasco for Umno – one of the chief complaints by the powers-that-be within Umno was that Abdullah’s feeble leadership led to the concept of Ketuanan Melayu being challenged and ultimately undermined.
His critics also lashed out at him for the latitude given to civil society, a move which they believed weakened a key aspect of Umno's political leverage. It followed in Umno's mind that in order to regain lost ground, it was necessary to reassert its ideology with greater strength.
There was nostalgia for Mahathir's heavy-handed style of leadership and a return to the times when the party cowed many into subservience and submission. The conservatives in Umno yearned for a return to Mahathirism, hoping that it would become a cornerstone of the leadership transition plan. There has been much speculation and punditry on whether a return to the Mahathir era would be good for Malaysia.
Difference between then and now
Let me offer some of my own insight to this debate. The major difference between then and now is this: in most instances, Mahathir was harsh and dictatorial if he believed it was good for the country. But an authoritarian style of government under anyone else would be dictated by the need for self preservation and very little about the country’s interest.
The evidence is all around us. After March 8, (2008) when the prime minister ceased being the home minister, the threats of reprisal have escalated and a climate of fear re-cultivated. The detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoong Cheng exemplify this turn for the worse, this appetite to use the sledgehammer.
The shameful power grab in Perak and wanton disregard for public opinion over how BN wrested control of the silver state make many people shudder at the prospect of a return to the dark days. If that was not depressing enough, we have had to bear witness to the police and the newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) displaying their allegiance and support to the BN when all we needed and craved for were honest brokers.
It stands to reason that in the mind of the average Malaysian, having suffered a significant loss last March, Umno is on a rampage to regain what it lost by any method available and the man who is expected to lead it to victory is the man who succeeds Abdullah: Najib (Abdul) Razak.
A prime minister must have the confidence of the majority of the rakyat. In order for this to be the case, his integrity must be beyond question; not only must he be such a person character, he must be seen to be such a person. The office of prime minister is one of great trust, he who holds that office cradles the nation in his palms.
For this to be the case, there cannot be anything in the mind of the greater public that, correctly or otherwise, associates him with matters of criminality, wrongful action, improper conduct or abuses of power. In short, he must be beyond reproach in his dealings both official and private.
Without intending any accusation, it is regrettable that in the collective mind of the rakyat, Najib is not such a person. If a referendum were to be conducted on the subject or if the prime minister was to be elected directly by the rakyat, I do not think Najib would succeed.
The reason for this is obvious: the rakyat has doubts, fuelled by the unanswered allegations against him and his unwillingness to confront these allegations.
It is not a mere trifle in the minds of the rakyat that despite a direct challenge from a member of parliament in the august House recently, the deputy prime minister remained silent, not even denying the implicit accusation made against him and demanding that it be repeated outside the chamber in the tried and tested method of refutation employed by parliamentarians throughout the world.
It has not assisted the cause of the incoming prime minister that the MP concerned was suspended for a year on a motion tabled by a fellow minister without the member having been afforded an opportunity to defend his position.
Evidence of SMS text-messages
Consider this. Commissions were paid to an agent for the procurement of submarines through the Defence Ministry, Najib (then) being the defence minister. It is unthinkable that he had no knowledge that the agent was his adviser and aide, Abdul Razak Baginda. The commission paid out was exceedingly large, in excess of RM500 million.
The defence minister was dutybound to direct enquiries to see if there had been any impropriety in the way the contracts were awarded when news of the commission surfaced; after all the price of the submarines would be considerably lower without the need for such commissions.
Taxpayers, you and I, have paid for those submarines at a price that in all probability factored in the commission. Taxpayers are yet to be told of an inquiry let alone the result of such an inquiry.
Consider the Altantuya Shaariibuu affair. A young woman was brutally murdered, her corpse destroyed by explosives.These explosives are not the usual type of explosives, yet no inquiry was held to determine how they were available to these killers.
Those accused of her murder are police officers serving in the Unit Tindakan Khas, a highly specialised unit who amongst other things serve as bodyguards to the prime minister and the deputy prime minister.
Amidst evidence that the accused were employed to protect the PM and the DPM, they were directed to (Abdul) Razak Baginda through the aide of the deputy prime minister. Amongst other things, we have heard of the senior investigating officer admitting that the deputy prime minister was an important witness and yet no statement was taken.
It is not unreasonable to think that this is irregular, more so when evidence of SMS text-messages from the deputy prime minister concerning material matters have surfaced. The text-messages cannot be ignored, proverbially swept under the carpet.
Even if they do not establish - or are not capable of establishing - any culpability on the part of Najib, these issues must be addressed.
The air must be cleared, it is thick with accusations and doubts which can only undermine the office of the prime minister if he were to assume it. The deputy prime minister's cause has not been aided by the fact that charges were preferred against (Abdul) Razak Baginda only after public outcry, the manner in which the prosecution was conducted and the decision of the High Court acquitting (Abdul) Razak Baginda not having been appealed.
Power grab an unmitigated disaster
The Perak affair was an unmitigated disaster for the nation. It is no secret that Najib led the charge there and is still overseeing matters.
In the minds of Malaysians, Perak is synonymous with the deputy prime minister. They now equate him with the high-handed tactics that were employed to seize power, tactics that included the disappearances of the three crucial assemblypersons and the blockading of the legislative assembly by the police.
In doing so, they equate the DPM with the hijacking of democracy, the only persons saying otherwise being those persons who have associations with Umno. In their minds, no responsible leader would allow for the undermining of the institutions of state and the constitution of this nation.
They ask, rightly so, whether this is the kind of leadership that Malaysians can expect from Najib when he becomes the prime minister.
With all of this, and more, how are we not to feel anxious? How are we to sleep peacefully at night? I know that I cannot. The situation is desperate and the air is pregnant with tension. We need the state of affairs to be resolved in a way that is in the best interests of the nation and the rakyat.
To an extent, this is a matter for the Barisan Nasional. I urge its members to put politics aside and think things through. We all want a better future, a safer and more prosperous life for our children, all of them, a Malaysia where our children can reach for the stars with the certainty that there is nothing to stop them from being the Malaysians they want to be.
Let the king be kingmaker
I do not believe that the Barisan Nasional will do what is necessary. Politics has a tendency of making those who embrace it cynical. The answer lies elsewhere, with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In this case, His Majesty plays the role of ‘kingmaker.’ The discretion to appoint the prime minister who succeeds Abdullah lies with His Majesty. Though His Majesty is required under the constitution to appoint the person who commands the confidence of the majority of the members of parliament, it is a matter for His Majesty's judgment.
Never before has such a heavy burden being laid on His Majesty to make a brave and correct choice.
For King and country, I urge His Majesty to take into consideration the prerequisites to appointment and the concerns of the rakyat. There is no constitutional obligation on His Majesty to appoint the president of Umno as the prime minister. There are still well qualified members of parliament from Umno who can be appointed PM to bring us back from the brink.
Malaysia needs someone whom the rakyat can throw their weight behind without reservation. Someone they can trust and respect. Someone who has no scandal to distract him and thereby gain respect from the international community.
These are difficult times and be prepared for worst times to visit us. Malaysia needs a leader who will unite the country in the face of the adversity. Divided, we are weak. I am loath to say it, but for the reasons I have set out am compelled to say that Najib will most certainly divide us and in doing so, will nudge us closer to the edge
.Some of you may say that all efforts to promote the national interest are at this stage an exercise in futility. If truth be told, I am tempted to slip into cynical hopelessness too. I am fighting the temptation to give up for one simple reason: Malaysia and all that it represents. This is a blessed country, a country too valuable for us to turn our backs on.
Zaid urges King not to make Najib PM
Zaid urges King not to make Najib PM
@Malaysia Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 - Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has made an impassioned plea to the King to not appoint Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister, and instead appoint someone else from Umno "to bring us back from the brink."
The former de facto law minister urged the King to used his judgment to appoint as PM someone who is "beyond reproach in his dealings both official and private," in a scathing attack on his former Cabinet and party colleague.
"A prime minister must have the confidence of the majority of the rakyat…For this to be the case there cannot be anything in the mind of the greater public that, correctly or otherwise, associates him with matters of criminality, wrongful action, improper conduct or abuses of power," he said in a speech to the Rotary Club here today.
Zaid's remarks will certainly put pressure on Najib as he prepares to take power first as Umno president next week before taking over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as prime minister the following week.
The former minister's comments also come a day after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also piled on the pressure on Najib by saying he did not shine as a deputy prime minister and acknowledging the baggage he carries into the job.
In his speech, Zaid also made reference to what has been described as the kind of baggage that no other Malaysian leader had on entering office.
He has been linked on the internet and by political rivals to the brutal murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu although he has firmly denied involvement and there is no evidence to tie him to the death.
Najib's popularity rating also stands at just 41 per cent, according to a recent poll by the independent Merdeka Centre.
Zaid said that while he did not intend any accusation, he felt that Najib was not beyond reproach in the collective mind of the rakyat.
"The rakyat has doubts, fuelled by the unanswered allegations against him. It is not a mere trifle in the minds of the rakyat that despite a direct challenge from a member of parliament recently, the deputy prime minister remained silent," he said.
Zaid also cited the RM400 million in commissions reportedly paid by the Defence Ministry while Najib was minister for the procurement of submarines, and pointed out that Abdul Razak Baginda, the DPM's friend was an agent in the deal.
The Altantuya murder was also cited by Zaid, who pointed out that there were many unanswered questions which the public deserved to be told about.
He also described the recent power grab in Perak as an unmitigated disaster.
"They (the public) now equate him with the high-handed tactics that were employed to seize power.
"With all of this and more, how are we not to feel anxious? How are we to sleep peacefully at night?"
Zaid said that while the King is required under the Constitution to appoint the person who commands the confidence of the majority of the members of parliament, it is a matter for His Majesty's judgment.
"There is no constitutional obligation on His Majesty to appoint the president of Umno as the prime minister.
"There are still well qualified members of parliament from Umno who can be appointed PM to bring us back from the brink."
@Malaysia Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 - Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has made an impassioned plea to the King to not appoint Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister, and instead appoint someone else from Umno "to bring us back from the brink."
The former de facto law minister urged the King to used his judgment to appoint as PM someone who is "beyond reproach in his dealings both official and private," in a scathing attack on his former Cabinet and party colleague.
"A prime minister must have the confidence of the majority of the rakyat…For this to be the case there cannot be anything in the mind of the greater public that, correctly or otherwise, associates him with matters of criminality, wrongful action, improper conduct or abuses of power," he said in a speech to the Rotary Club here today.
Zaid's remarks will certainly put pressure on Najib as he prepares to take power first as Umno president next week before taking over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as prime minister the following week.
The former minister's comments also come a day after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also piled on the pressure on Najib by saying he did not shine as a deputy prime minister and acknowledging the baggage he carries into the job.
In his speech, Zaid also made reference to what has been described as the kind of baggage that no other Malaysian leader had on entering office.
He has been linked on the internet and by political rivals to the brutal murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu although he has firmly denied involvement and there is no evidence to tie him to the death.
Najib's popularity rating also stands at just 41 per cent, according to a recent poll by the independent Merdeka Centre.
Zaid said that while he did not intend any accusation, he felt that Najib was not beyond reproach in the collective mind of the rakyat.
"The rakyat has doubts, fuelled by the unanswered allegations against him. It is not a mere trifle in the minds of the rakyat that despite a direct challenge from a member of parliament recently, the deputy prime minister remained silent," he said.
Zaid also cited the RM400 million in commissions reportedly paid by the Defence Ministry while Najib was minister for the procurement of submarines, and pointed out that Abdul Razak Baginda, the DPM's friend was an agent in the deal.
The Altantuya murder was also cited by Zaid, who pointed out that there were many unanswered questions which the public deserved to be told about.
He also described the recent power grab in Perak as an unmitigated disaster.
"They (the public) now equate him with the high-handed tactics that were employed to seize power.
"With all of this and more, how are we not to feel anxious? How are we to sleep peacefully at night?"
Zaid said that while the King is required under the Constitution to appoint the person who commands the confidence of the majority of the members of parliament, it is a matter for His Majesty's judgment.
"There is no constitutional obligation on His Majesty to appoint the president of Umno as the prime minister.
"There are still well qualified members of parliament from Umno who can be appointed PM to bring us back from the brink."
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Selangor Assembly wants MACC to be fair
Selangor Assembly wants MACC to be fair
Tuesday, 17 March 2009 10:34am
©The Sun by Karen Arukesamy
SHAH ALAM (March 16, 2009) : The Selangor state assembly today passed a motion urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should "seriously and freely" investigate all corruption and abuse of power allegations according to merits without case preferences.
Also passed was a motion to declare the freedom for the state and its subsidiary companies to make contributions in the interest of social responsibility to those they deem fit to receive these as laws and policies allow.
The first motion brought to the Dewan by Dr Abdul Rani Osman (PAS-Meru) while the second was brought by Dr A.Xavier Jayakumar (PKR-Seri Andalas).
In his speech when tabling the motion Xavier said that the state hoped that state owned companies will be involved in programmes that benefit the people in the state especially the poor- as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Raising the issue pertaining 46 cows that were donated to Bandar Tun Razak mosques and suraus by a Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) subsidiary which became the subject of scrutiny by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) he said: "MACC was so quick to investigate and say that there was a strong case and evidence of abuse of power against the Menteri Besar when not even a single cent when into his pocket."He said comparatively this did not happen when numerous reports of abuse were lodged against the former Menteri Besar with clear cut evidence.
Later during his support for the motion tables by Abdul Rani, Ng Suee Lim (DAP-Sekinchan) called for the MACC to be placed under the purview of Parliament instead of the prime minister’s department to ensure its independence and fairness to all parties.
"If it is under the prime minister’s department and say the prime minister and his deputy are allegedly involved in corruption – will MACC dare investigate their bosses?" he asked.
"It seems like the MACC is only interested in investigating small cases but do not dare touch big cases involving Barisan Nasional leaders," Ng said.
Citing the Malay acronym, Ng said MACC is more like Suruhanjaya Pelindung(protector) Rasuah Malaysia instead of Pencegahan (Prevention) and that all it is worried about are ‘cars and cows’.He also said that when Sungai Panjang (Datuk Seri Mohammad Khir Toyo’s constituent) touches on the ‘cows and cars’ issue, MACC took immediate action."What is the connection between the two? I suspect there is some kind of connection between them," Ng said, challenging Mohammad Khir to respond.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009 10:34am
©The Sun by Karen Arukesamy
SHAH ALAM (March 16, 2009) : The Selangor state assembly today passed a motion urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should "seriously and freely" investigate all corruption and abuse of power allegations according to merits without case preferences.
Also passed was a motion to declare the freedom for the state and its subsidiary companies to make contributions in the interest of social responsibility to those they deem fit to receive these as laws and policies allow.
The first motion brought to the Dewan by Dr Abdul Rani Osman (PAS-Meru) while the second was brought by Dr A.Xavier Jayakumar (PKR-Seri Andalas).
In his speech when tabling the motion Xavier said that the state hoped that state owned companies will be involved in programmes that benefit the people in the state especially the poor- as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Raising the issue pertaining 46 cows that were donated to Bandar Tun Razak mosques and suraus by a Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) subsidiary which became the subject of scrutiny by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) he said: "MACC was so quick to investigate and say that there was a strong case and evidence of abuse of power against the Menteri Besar when not even a single cent when into his pocket."He said comparatively this did not happen when numerous reports of abuse were lodged against the former Menteri Besar with clear cut evidence.
Later during his support for the motion tables by Abdul Rani, Ng Suee Lim (DAP-Sekinchan) called for the MACC to be placed under the purview of Parliament instead of the prime minister’s department to ensure its independence and fairness to all parties.
"If it is under the prime minister’s department and say the prime minister and his deputy are allegedly involved in corruption – will MACC dare investigate their bosses?" he asked.
"It seems like the MACC is only interested in investigating small cases but do not dare touch big cases involving Barisan Nasional leaders," Ng said.
Citing the Malay acronym, Ng said MACC is more like Suruhanjaya Pelindung(protector) Rasuah Malaysia instead of Pencegahan (Prevention) and that all it is worried about are ‘cars and cows’.He also said that when Sungai Panjang (Datuk Seri Mohammad Khir Toyo’s constituent) touches on the ‘cows and cars’ issue, MACC took immediate action."What is the connection between the two? I suspect there is some kind of connection between them," Ng said, challenging Mohammad Khir to respond.
No evidence of MACC’s neutrality
No evidence of MACC’s neutrality
Monday, 16 March 2009 10:32am
©The Sun by R. Nadeswaran
A DAY before members to the various committees of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency were announced, a journalist was asked: “Do you think it is an honour to be appointed to the committee?”
“Of course it is an honour. Have you been appointed?”
“Yes. Come tomorrow and I will give you an interview.”Colleague Giam Say Khoon related this telephone conversation to office-mates three weeks ago and was asked:
“Did you do the interview?”
“I was covering Parliament and I told him to call the editors.”
He never called because if anyone one of us had picked up the phone, this publicity-seeker would have gotten an earful.
A week after the names were announced, someone else called me to compliment me on a comment which I had made in one my columns on the MACC and its efficacy.
“Don’t worry,” said the caller. “Since I am there, pass us the information. We will push for it,” to which my retort was: “I have lost faith in the MACC. Having supported its setting up, (and I make no apologies for it) I now discover it has become an arm of the political process.” That was a loaded comment and the response was muted.
Last Saturday, another member of the panel urged Malaysians to allow the MACC to do its work professionally without judging them unfairly. “The public must support rather than criticise and condemn. Judge them by their track record and give them a chance,” the NST quoted Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam as saying.
It did not end at that. Then, he dropped the most over-used statement which requires an honorary mention in that Book of Records: “If there is evidence, bring it but don’t criticise unfairly if there isn’t, because otherwise, the MACC can also be accused of abuse by taking action when there’s not enough evidence. It is a difficult position for them. They are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. But everyone must always help and not hinder.”
No one will suggest that the president of Transparency International Malaysia has become an apologist for the MACC, but when investigations are carried out at break-neck speed for one section of the population while another section is perceived as protected, no amount of words can put the situation right.The MACC, or its predecessor the Anti-Corruption Agency, has in files scores of reports of alleged abuse in land alienation by a former mentri besar.
One bigparcel of land ended up in the hands of a company controlled by teenagers and yet, we have not heard a whimper on the progress of the investigations for the past five years.
And the deputy prime minister has reiterated that anyone making false reports or statutory declarations containing false statements would be charged. So, if the charges made in these reports are false, then charge those who made such reports.
Allow me to labour on this point for sake of wanting this issue to be viewed in clarity.
If the alienation of land (at a fraction of market prices) meant for lowcost housing to the wife of former Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros is not abuse of power, what is?
What about a minister travelling the world over with a personal trainer in tow?
What about inflated contracts being given out without following procedures?
What about the police harassing this writer for exposing the wrongdoings of the wives of VIPs?
What about the rombongan who got a state-owned company to pay for their trips to enjoy their second childhood – getting acquainted with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck?
No, Tan Sri, the list is endless.
What more evidence is needed then the Selangor State Assembly being told of the shenanigans of its state-owned company which doled out money and money’s worth to selected people? Surely, the answers to questions raised did not come from thin air.
The vouchers, the invoices, the receipts, the cheque butts and other relevant documents, fortunately were not shredded in the aftermath of the tsunami ofMarch 8. They survived, thanks to inefficient mopping-up operations.
No evidence?This message is worth repeating. The MACC’s credibility has been undermined by a series of bloopers.
Like Navaratnam’s predecessor at TI-M, Tunku Abdul Aziz said, it’s old wine in a new bottle. But all is not lost. The MACC cannot turn the clock back and start afresh. But it can act so as to change public perception. To do that, it must be seen to be independent, acting without fear or favour. It must project itself as having no links to anyone including the prime minister and his deputy or any other VVIPs. In all fairness to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, she is innocent and she is right in saying that, as she has not been asked to give a statement to the MACC.
But her highly-publicised private visit to the PM’s residence accompanied by her father has set tongues wagging. For all we know, she is innocent, but people who saw pictures of her on the doorsteps of Sri Perdana will draw their own conclusions. The PM has repeatedly stated that he will not interfere with MACC’s operations and Azalina’s private visit may have nothing to do with the arrest of her aide who was in possession of RM70,000.
But public perception is different. Many say that she went there to seek his help with “her problems”. I don’t believe the PM will stop the MACC from doing its job. “The law must be allowed to take its course,” he was quoted as saying.People form opinions based on what they digest from various sources. We cannot compel them to change their perceptions. Good perceptions of the MACC will come about only if the people read, see and hear the “good side”. Otherwise, the meaning of the word has to be changed.
R. Nadeswaran will continue campaigning for an efficient and independent machinery to fight corruption.
He is editor (special and investigative reporting) at theSun.
He can be reached at citizen-nades@thesundaily.com
CitizenNades by R. Nadeswaran
Monday, 16 March 2009 10:32am
©The Sun by R. Nadeswaran
A DAY before members to the various committees of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency were announced, a journalist was asked: “Do you think it is an honour to be appointed to the committee?”
“Of course it is an honour. Have you been appointed?”
“Yes. Come tomorrow and I will give you an interview.”Colleague Giam Say Khoon related this telephone conversation to office-mates three weeks ago and was asked:
“Did you do the interview?”
“I was covering Parliament and I told him to call the editors.”
He never called because if anyone one of us had picked up the phone, this publicity-seeker would have gotten an earful.
A week after the names were announced, someone else called me to compliment me on a comment which I had made in one my columns on the MACC and its efficacy.
“Don’t worry,” said the caller. “Since I am there, pass us the information. We will push for it,” to which my retort was: “I have lost faith in the MACC. Having supported its setting up, (and I make no apologies for it) I now discover it has become an arm of the political process.” That was a loaded comment and the response was muted.
Last Saturday, another member of the panel urged Malaysians to allow the MACC to do its work professionally without judging them unfairly. “The public must support rather than criticise and condemn. Judge them by their track record and give them a chance,” the NST quoted Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam as saying.
It did not end at that. Then, he dropped the most over-used statement which requires an honorary mention in that Book of Records: “If there is evidence, bring it but don’t criticise unfairly if there isn’t, because otherwise, the MACC can also be accused of abuse by taking action when there’s not enough evidence. It is a difficult position for them. They are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. But everyone must always help and not hinder.”
No one will suggest that the president of Transparency International Malaysia has become an apologist for the MACC, but when investigations are carried out at break-neck speed for one section of the population while another section is perceived as protected, no amount of words can put the situation right.The MACC, or its predecessor the Anti-Corruption Agency, has in files scores of reports of alleged abuse in land alienation by a former mentri besar.
One bigparcel of land ended up in the hands of a company controlled by teenagers and yet, we have not heard a whimper on the progress of the investigations for the past five years.
And the deputy prime minister has reiterated that anyone making false reports or statutory declarations containing false statements would be charged. So, if the charges made in these reports are false, then charge those who made such reports.
Allow me to labour on this point for sake of wanting this issue to be viewed in clarity.
If the alienation of land (at a fraction of market prices) meant for lowcost housing to the wife of former Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros is not abuse of power, what is?
What about a minister travelling the world over with a personal trainer in tow?
What about inflated contracts being given out without following procedures?
What about the police harassing this writer for exposing the wrongdoings of the wives of VIPs?
What about the rombongan who got a state-owned company to pay for their trips to enjoy their second childhood – getting acquainted with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck?
No, Tan Sri, the list is endless.
What more evidence is needed then the Selangor State Assembly being told of the shenanigans of its state-owned company which doled out money and money’s worth to selected people? Surely, the answers to questions raised did not come from thin air.
The vouchers, the invoices, the receipts, the cheque butts and other relevant documents, fortunately were not shredded in the aftermath of the tsunami ofMarch 8. They survived, thanks to inefficient mopping-up operations.
No evidence?This message is worth repeating. The MACC’s credibility has been undermined by a series of bloopers.
Like Navaratnam’s predecessor at TI-M, Tunku Abdul Aziz said, it’s old wine in a new bottle. But all is not lost. The MACC cannot turn the clock back and start afresh. But it can act so as to change public perception. To do that, it must be seen to be independent, acting without fear or favour. It must project itself as having no links to anyone including the prime minister and his deputy or any other VVIPs. In all fairness to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, she is innocent and she is right in saying that, as she has not been asked to give a statement to the MACC.
But her highly-publicised private visit to the PM’s residence accompanied by her father has set tongues wagging. For all we know, she is innocent, but people who saw pictures of her on the doorsteps of Sri Perdana will draw their own conclusions. The PM has repeatedly stated that he will not interfere with MACC’s operations and Azalina’s private visit may have nothing to do with the arrest of her aide who was in possession of RM70,000.
But public perception is different. Many say that she went there to seek his help with “her problems”. I don’t believe the PM will stop the MACC from doing its job. “The law must be allowed to take its course,” he was quoted as saying.People form opinions based on what they digest from various sources. We cannot compel them to change their perceptions. Good perceptions of the MACC will come about only if the people read, see and hear the “good side”. Otherwise, the meaning of the word has to be changed.
R. Nadeswaran will continue campaigning for an efficient and independent machinery to fight corruption.
He is editor (special and investigative reporting) at theSun.
He can be reached at citizen-nades@thesundaily.com
CitizenNades by R. Nadeswaran
Selective Prosecution Against Karpal Singh - Bar Council
Press Release: Sedition Act is an affront to democracy
(Source : The Malaysia Bar Website)
The Bar Council is shocked and troubled that the Attorney-General has proceeded to charge YB Karpal Singh under the Sedition Act 1948 (“Act”) for his statements on the issue of the removal of the Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Nizar Jamaluddin by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah and the events that have unfolded in that state.
The Bar Council has been steadfast in its view that the Act is a draconian and archaic piece of legislation that undermines democratic institutions and is an absolute affront to democracy. Along with other authoritarian and repressive legislation, the Act severely encroaches upon the public enjoyment and exercise of fundamental civil liberties. The prosecution of YB Karpal Singh will be widely perceived as being selective and an attempt to pacify the partisan calls from certain influential sections within UMNO who were pushing for his prosecution. They have even outrageously called for the revocation of his citizenship.
It is abundantly clear that YB Karpal Singh had only voiced his opinion that the decision of a Ruler of a State in this area of constitutional law and practice is justiciable. At no time did he voice disrespect for or challenge the institution of the monarchy in any way. True to his calling as an advocate and solicitor, YB Karpal Singh had, without fear or favour, spoken of the possibility of a legal remedy and not advocated any recourse outside the ambit of our Constitution. This is surely permissible under the Constitution and cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, amount to sedition.
Many issues of public concern have arisen in the wake of the unprecedented events unfolding in Perak. Legal and public opinion are divided as to what is legally permissible and what is morally right. We urge the government to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and to democratic processes by encouraging open discourse on issues of concern to the Malaysian public. Any attempt to stifle public opinion by resorting to the Act is a sure act of regression that is antithetical to democratic principles.
We strongly urge the government to seriously review the Act with the aim of its eventual total repeal. We are concerned with the series of recent prosecutions against those exercising the freedom of speech and call for an immediate end to such harassment.
The charge against YB Karpal Singh must be immediately withdrawn.
Ragunath Kesavan
PresidentMalaysian Bar
17 March 2009
(Source : The Malaysia Bar Website)
The Bar Council is shocked and troubled that the Attorney-General has proceeded to charge YB Karpal Singh under the Sedition Act 1948 (“Act”) for his statements on the issue of the removal of the Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Nizar Jamaluddin by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah and the events that have unfolded in that state.
The Bar Council has been steadfast in its view that the Act is a draconian and archaic piece of legislation that undermines democratic institutions and is an absolute affront to democracy. Along with other authoritarian and repressive legislation, the Act severely encroaches upon the public enjoyment and exercise of fundamental civil liberties. The prosecution of YB Karpal Singh will be widely perceived as being selective and an attempt to pacify the partisan calls from certain influential sections within UMNO who were pushing for his prosecution. They have even outrageously called for the revocation of his citizenship.
It is abundantly clear that YB Karpal Singh had only voiced his opinion that the decision of a Ruler of a State in this area of constitutional law and practice is justiciable. At no time did he voice disrespect for or challenge the institution of the monarchy in any way. True to his calling as an advocate and solicitor, YB Karpal Singh had, without fear or favour, spoken of the possibility of a legal remedy and not advocated any recourse outside the ambit of our Constitution. This is surely permissible under the Constitution and cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, amount to sedition.
Many issues of public concern have arisen in the wake of the unprecedented events unfolding in Perak. Legal and public opinion are divided as to what is legally permissible and what is morally right. We urge the government to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and to democratic processes by encouraging open discourse on issues of concern to the Malaysian public. Any attempt to stifle public opinion by resorting to the Act is a sure act of regression that is antithetical to democratic principles.
We strongly urge the government to seriously review the Act with the aim of its eventual total repeal. We are concerned with the series of recent prosecutions against those exercising the freedom of speech and call for an immediate end to such harassment.
The charge against YB Karpal Singh must be immediately withdrawn.
Ragunath Kesavan
PresidentMalaysian Bar
17 March 2009
Gobind Singh Suspended - For Questioning Najib Link to Altantuya Murder
Parliament becomes kangaroo court
(Extracted from Lim Kit Siang Blog)
Parliament convened as a court of justice this morning to decide the fate of DAP MP for Puchong, Gobind Singh Deo, over what transpired in Parliament last Thursday but it operated as a kangaroo court as Gobind was not even allowed the floor to defend himself.
For the first hour, Pakatan Rakyat MPs raised one objection after another against the motion to suspend Gobind for one year as MP without pay and privileges, from the propriety of the motion whether from the standpoint of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 or the Federal Constitution, to questions including double jeopardy and sub judice but they were all brushed aside by the Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin.The Speaker also rejected the amendment by the DAP MP for Ipoh Barat, M. Kulasegaran to the motion by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz so as to refer Gobind to the Committee of Privileges over the charges cited in the motion: that Gobind had breached parliamentary privileges in alleging the involvement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the Altantuya Shariibuu murder case.
(Extracted from Lim Kit Siang Blog)
Parliament convened as a court of justice this morning to decide the fate of DAP MP for Puchong, Gobind Singh Deo, over what transpired in Parliament last Thursday but it operated as a kangaroo court as Gobind was not even allowed the floor to defend himself.
For the first hour, Pakatan Rakyat MPs raised one objection after another against the motion to suspend Gobind for one year as MP without pay and privileges, from the propriety of the motion whether from the standpoint of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 or the Federal Constitution, to questions including double jeopardy and sub judice but they were all brushed aside by the Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin.The Speaker also rejected the amendment by the DAP MP for Ipoh Barat, M. Kulasegaran to the motion by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz so as to refer Gobind to the Committee of Privileges over the charges cited in the motion: that Gobind had breached parliamentary privileges in alleging the involvement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the Altantuya Shariibuu murder case.
I told the House that questions about Najib’s involvement in the murder case are public interest issues, which have been raised not only in the House, but in the country and internationally.
These questions are not parliamentary contempts or parliamentary privileges, in view of the many circumstances giving legitimacy to these queries which Najib had failed to avail himself of the right to reply in the House to dismiss or clarify, including:
- Testimony by the investigating officer of the murder case that Najib was an important witness but he had not been questioned;
- Court testimony of a photograph showing three persons, including Najib and Altantuya;
- Statutory declaration by a private investigator on Najib’s relationship with Altantuya;
- The involvement of members of the police elite unit guarding the deputy prime minister in the murder case.
Pakatan Rakyat MPs staged a protest walk-out when Gobind and other PK MPs, apart from Anwar and myself, were not allowed speak in the debate – and the motion suspending Gobind for one year without pay and privileges was passed by the Umno/Barisan Nasional in Parliament.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Liberation French Newspaper Allegation
The French Liberation newspaper reveals intriguing details and updates of the Altantuya Shariibuu case (today - 5 march 2009). The writer Arnaud Dubus (a journalist based in Thailand) has visited Ulanbataar and Kuala Lumpur, and returns with several new information regarding the case. I managed to get the English translation of his story. One compelling paragraph states that:
A report from the Malaysian police, written on 19th november 2006 and which has been kept secret until now, reveals dry and precise descriptions as to how this young woman, a member of Asian high society, has been killed. In this document, one of the killers, a policeman of the Malaysian Special Branch named Sirul Omar, replied to the questions of an officer at a police station close to the murder scene. “When the Chinese woman saw that I was taking a gun, she begged me to spare her, saying she was pregnant. Azilah (the commanding officer of Sirul) grabbed her and [threw] her on the ground. I immediately shot the left side of her face. Then Azilah took off her clothes and put them in a black plastic bag. Azilah noticed that her hand was still moving. He ordered me to shoot again, which I did”, said Sirul. This is the first confirmation of Altantuya’s assassins’ identity. “Then we carried her body into the woods. Azilah wrapped the explosives around her legs, her abdomen and her head, and we exploded her.
Details of the English Version of the report: The Altantuya Shaaribuu’s Case : How and why she was killed? is published in Susan Loone's Blog (Read More)
A report from the Malaysian police, written on 19th november 2006 and which has been kept secret until now, reveals dry and precise descriptions as to how this young woman, a member of Asian high society, has been killed. In this document, one of the killers, a policeman of the Malaysian Special Branch named Sirul Omar, replied to the questions of an officer at a police station close to the murder scene. “When the Chinese woman saw that I was taking a gun, she begged me to spare her, saying she was pregnant. Azilah (the commanding officer of Sirul) grabbed her and [threw] her on the ground. I immediately shot the left side of her face. Then Azilah took off her clothes and put them in a black plastic bag. Azilah noticed that her hand was still moving. He ordered me to shoot again, which I did”, said Sirul. This is the first confirmation of Altantuya’s assassins’ identity. “Then we carried her body into the woods. Azilah wrapped the explosives around her legs, her abdomen and her head, and we exploded her.
Details of the English Version of the report: The Altantuya Shaaribuu’s Case : How and why she was killed? is published in Susan Loone's Blog (Read More)
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Najib Allegation Police Report (wt 21 pages evidence)
Opposition group alleges corruption in report against Najib
By Debra Chong
(Extracted from Malaysia Insider Website)
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 – PKR Youth leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin led a group of five people in lodging a police report today against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for corruption.
The group claimed they provided the police with evidence in connection with a number of deals to procure military equipment while Najib was Defence Minister.
Najib has been at the brunt of a series of allegations since he became the front-runner to succeed Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as Umno president and Prime Minister.
Allegations of impropriety have surfaced over the proposed acquisition of Eurocopter helicopters for RM2.3 billion and the RM4.6 billion Scorpene submarines deal.
The group which made the police report today calls itself the Sekretariat Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM).
They claimed to have supplied police with 21-pages of evidence implicating the DPM, including documents proving the authenticity of several text messages between Najib and lawyer Datuk Shafee Abdullah.
A series of text messages, which purportedly implies the deputy prime minister had interfered in the police investigations into the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, was published recently in jailed blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin's Malaysia Today website.
Shafee was then acting for Abdul Razak Baginda, Najib's close associate who was subsequently charged for abetting in the murder.
Today, SAMM demanded that police reopen the investigations on Najib's alleged involvement with the murdered victim to show whether he had abused his position and power.
"We filed the report so that the proper procedures can begin," said Badrul, the spokesman for SAMM. "Otherwise, the police will say 'without an official complaint, we cannot start official procedures'."
"We just want to help the police with their investigations. We are providing them some supplementary documents to give them a head start."
The other four, who co-lodged the report at the Dang Wangi district police station here, are Aiman Athirah Al Junaidi, the information chief for national Pas Muslimat; president of Gerak Ramlan Abu Bakar, blogger Amin Iskandar and Wan Anis Adnan.
By Debra Chong
(Extracted from Malaysia Insider Website)
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 – PKR Youth leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin led a group of five people in lodging a police report today against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for corruption.
The group claimed they provided the police with evidence in connection with a number of deals to procure military equipment while Najib was Defence Minister.
Najib has been at the brunt of a series of allegations since he became the front-runner to succeed Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as Umno president and Prime Minister.
Allegations of impropriety have surfaced over the proposed acquisition of Eurocopter helicopters for RM2.3 billion and the RM4.6 billion Scorpene submarines deal.
The group which made the police report today calls itself the Sekretariat Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM).
They claimed to have supplied police with 21-pages of evidence implicating the DPM, including documents proving the authenticity of several text messages between Najib and lawyer Datuk Shafee Abdullah.
A series of text messages, which purportedly implies the deputy prime minister had interfered in the police investigations into the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, was published recently in jailed blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin's Malaysia Today website.
Shafee was then acting for Abdul Razak Baginda, Najib's close associate who was subsequently charged for abetting in the murder.
Today, SAMM demanded that police reopen the investigations on Najib's alleged involvement with the murdered victim to show whether he had abused his position and power.
"We filed the report so that the proper procedures can begin," said Badrul, the spokesman for SAMM. "Otherwise, the police will say 'without an official complaint, we cannot start official procedures'."
"We just want to help the police with their investigations. We are providing them some supplementary documents to give them a head start."
The other four, who co-lodged the report at the Dang Wangi district police station here, are Aiman Athirah Al Junaidi, the information chief for national Pas Muslimat; president of Gerak Ramlan Abu Bakar, blogger Amin Iskandar and Wan Anis Adnan.
RM 2.4 Billion Subsidy for Telekom HSBB
The RM 2.4 billion Telekom HSBB (High Speed Broadband) subsidy
Please take note that in my previous posting title
RM 11.31 Billion High Speed Broadband (HSBB) awarded without Tender
dated 4th Sept 2008.
I have highlighted that there are 2 other Tenderer interested in the HSBB Project and has submitted with a much lower bid i.e
(1) HSBT presented a lower-cost proposal on Aug 21, but it was told to submit a detailed proposal to CCB in a week. It was said to have presented a concept paper and the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wanted to look at its detailed proposal before making a decision. (3 Aug 2008)
(2) A third proposal to wire up the country with high-speed broadband (HSBB) infrastructure at only RM5bil has surfaced, compared with Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s (TM) RM11.3bil and High Speed Broadband Sdn Bhd’s (HSBT) RM18bil proposals (The Star Biz : 4 Aug 2008)
".....However, some industry players are questioning why HSBT was rejected just on this technicality as its proposal would save RM2.4 billion in taxpayers’ money."
Now the Opposition YB Lim Kit Siang has raised the issued of RM 2.4 Billion Subsidy by the Government in Parliemen on 14 October 2008. Read the following extracted of his speech in Parlimen on 14 Oct 2008.
Speech (2) by Lim Kit Siang on the 2009 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday, 14th October 2008:
Extracted from DAP Website.
Why is Telekom subsidised with RM2.4 billion of tax payer’s money for the HSBB project when an alternative proposal do not require subsidy?
Why wasn’t there an open tender to choose the best proposal? Why does the government think Telekom is the best company to role out HSBB in spite of the fact that Telekom failed to achieve the national objective of high internet penetration after more than 10 years?
Simple economics will tell that a competitive environment will produce the results the country wants.
Besides failure to deliver the numbers (high internet and broadband penetration) and despite the fact that Telekom is a laughing stock because TMnet is well known for bad quality of service, the government persist to award the next generation broadband project to Telekom.
HSBT (High Speed Broadband Technology Sdn Bhd) has offered to build a similar network without subsidy. Even if the government deems HSBT inexperienced to carry out such a large project, wouldn’t the fact that their not requiring a subsidy tell them a subsidy may not be required?
Why then does the government need to provide public funds especially in this financially troubled time? The money will be better spent on the rakyat.
Since public money is involved, why wasn’t there an open tender? The govt should justify the rationale and provide details.
To make it worse, Telekom’s HSBB network is only a partially open network when it is known globally that such an infrastructure should be open and accessible to other broadband providers such as in S’pore.
Furthermore, the government did not have specific terms for the sharing of the HSBB network with other service providers.
Telekom has said screening will be done to allow competition that adds value to the industry, country and consumer. The term ’screening’ is bad enough while the part on adding value is open to interpretation.
A similar initiative, “Equal access plan for fixed line phone” introduced a decade ago supposedly to encourage competition in the ISP industry failed miserably. It played to Telekom’s hand to stunt the rise of serious competitors.
It is amazing that the government continued to allow Telekom to use vague words when Telekom has shown this bad faith previously. Doesn’t the government learn?
In spite of openly talking about increasing internet penetration and quality, the failure of Telekom to deliver still encourages the government to dish out the same and to support Telekom further.
There is no real competition for broadband in the country. Can anyone say that Telekom’s 95% share of the market shows Malaysia has liberalised the broadband service provider industry effectively?
What the country needs to propel itself forward in the information age is true liberalisation and not simply pay lip service to it. The HSBB project awarded to Telekom will only strengthen their already dominant position.
Will the government force Telekom to adopt open access where any service provider can use the HSBB network to reach their customers when it is constructed? This is the way to create competition to provide the best service at reasonable prices, vital in order to develop the content and IT industry here.
A few questions to conclude:
• Isn’t the RM2.4 billion subsidy unfair, Telekom is already too dominant?
• Why allow Telekom to defer third party full access to the HSBB network for 7 years when Telekom is already the dominant player? It will be their right if they funded it 100% themselves but with public funds, there should be no delay at all.
• Will the government listen to all stakeholders – the public, IT industry and broadband industry as to the best way forward for the HSBB project through a study because it is now a public project with public funds involved?
• Why is the government protecting the revenue of one entity Telekom when true liberalisation will develop the industry, potentially returning revenue many times more for the country?
• Will the government put in a proviso in the agreement with Telekom HSBB project to ensure open access to all service providers at reasonable price that includes annual audit by a third party? Failing this, will the govt ensure since there is interest, for at least one more HSSB provider within a year?
Competition must be created.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Lim Kit Siang, DAP Parliamentary leader & MP for Ipoh Timor
Please take note that in my previous posting title
RM 11.31 Billion High Speed Broadband (HSBB) awarded without Tender
dated 4th Sept 2008.
I have highlighted that there are 2 other Tenderer interested in the HSBB Project and has submitted with a much lower bid i.e
(1) HSBT presented a lower-cost proposal on Aug 21, but it was told to submit a detailed proposal to CCB in a week. It was said to have presented a concept paper and the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wanted to look at its detailed proposal before making a decision. (3 Aug 2008)
(2) A third proposal to wire up the country with high-speed broadband (HSBB) infrastructure at only RM5bil has surfaced, compared with Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s (TM) RM11.3bil and High Speed Broadband Sdn Bhd’s (HSBT) RM18bil proposals (The Star Biz : 4 Aug 2008)
".....However, some industry players are questioning why HSBT was rejected just on this technicality as its proposal would save RM2.4 billion in taxpayers’ money."
Now the Opposition YB Lim Kit Siang has raised the issued of RM 2.4 Billion Subsidy by the Government in Parliemen on 14 October 2008. Read the following extracted of his speech in Parlimen on 14 Oct 2008.
Speech (2) by Lim Kit Siang on the 2009 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday, 14th October 2008:
Extracted from DAP Website.
Why is Telekom subsidised with RM2.4 billion of tax payer’s money for the HSBB project when an alternative proposal do not require subsidy?
Why wasn’t there an open tender to choose the best proposal? Why does the government think Telekom is the best company to role out HSBB in spite of the fact that Telekom failed to achieve the national objective of high internet penetration after more than 10 years?
Simple economics will tell that a competitive environment will produce the results the country wants.
Besides failure to deliver the numbers (high internet and broadband penetration) and despite the fact that Telekom is a laughing stock because TMnet is well known for bad quality of service, the government persist to award the next generation broadband project to Telekom.
HSBT (High Speed Broadband Technology Sdn Bhd) has offered to build a similar network without subsidy. Even if the government deems HSBT inexperienced to carry out such a large project, wouldn’t the fact that their not requiring a subsidy tell them a subsidy may not be required?
Why then does the government need to provide public funds especially in this financially troubled time? The money will be better spent on the rakyat.
Since public money is involved, why wasn’t there an open tender? The govt should justify the rationale and provide details.
To make it worse, Telekom’s HSBB network is only a partially open network when it is known globally that such an infrastructure should be open and accessible to other broadband providers such as in S’pore.
Furthermore, the government did not have specific terms for the sharing of the HSBB network with other service providers.
Telekom has said screening will be done to allow competition that adds value to the industry, country and consumer. The term ’screening’ is bad enough while the part on adding value is open to interpretation.
A similar initiative, “Equal access plan for fixed line phone” introduced a decade ago supposedly to encourage competition in the ISP industry failed miserably. It played to Telekom’s hand to stunt the rise of serious competitors.
It is amazing that the government continued to allow Telekom to use vague words when Telekom has shown this bad faith previously. Doesn’t the government learn?
In spite of openly talking about increasing internet penetration and quality, the failure of Telekom to deliver still encourages the government to dish out the same and to support Telekom further.
There is no real competition for broadband in the country. Can anyone say that Telekom’s 95% share of the market shows Malaysia has liberalised the broadband service provider industry effectively?
What the country needs to propel itself forward in the information age is true liberalisation and not simply pay lip service to it. The HSBB project awarded to Telekom will only strengthen their already dominant position.
Will the government force Telekom to adopt open access where any service provider can use the HSBB network to reach their customers when it is constructed? This is the way to create competition to provide the best service at reasonable prices, vital in order to develop the content and IT industry here.
A few questions to conclude:
• Isn’t the RM2.4 billion subsidy unfair, Telekom is already too dominant?
• Why allow Telekom to defer third party full access to the HSBB network for 7 years when Telekom is already the dominant player? It will be their right if they funded it 100% themselves but with public funds, there should be no delay at all.
• Will the government listen to all stakeholders – the public, IT industry and broadband industry as to the best way forward for the HSBB project through a study because it is now a public project with public funds involved?
• Why is the government protecting the revenue of one entity Telekom when true liberalisation will develop the industry, potentially returning revenue many times more for the country?
• Will the government put in a proviso in the agreement with Telekom HSBB project to ensure open access to all service providers at reasonable price that includes annual audit by a third party? Failing this, will the govt ensure since there is interest, for at least one more HSSB provider within a year?
Competition must be created.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Lim Kit Siang, DAP Parliamentary leader & MP for Ipoh Timor
Sunday, 19 October 2008
RM2.3 billion Eurocopter deal - as presented in Parlimen
RM2.3 billion Eurocopter deal – why no proper short-listing and a bidder which is higher by RM1.256 billion chosen
The following speech by YB Lim Kit Siang was extracted from DAP website:-
Speech (3) by Lim Kit Siang on the 2009 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday, 14th October 2008:
The first thing Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did as Defence Minister was to announce on 26th September that the Defence Ministry has agreed to acquire new helicopters from European helicopter manufacturer, the Eurocopter, to replace the Nuri.
This RM2 billion deal lacks accountability and integrity.
Four helicopters had been “short-listed” by the Ministry of Defence to replace the fleet of Sikorsky S61-A4 Sea Kings better known as the Nuri.
The four are the Eurocopter Cougar EC725, Sikorsky S92, Agusta Westland EH-101 Merlin and the Russian-made Mil Mi-17 Hip.
However, Abdullah shocked everyone with his announcement as the “short-listing” had not been completed and the pricing of the EC725 is not competitive compared with the other helicopters.
The pricing offered by the “short-listed” helicopters are:
Eurocopter Cougar EC 725 - Euro 463.44 juta (RM2.317 billion);
Sikorsky - US$427.20 juta (RM1.45 billion)
Canadian Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd. Model Kazan MI-172 buatan Russia
- US$312 juta (RM1.061 billion)
This means that there is a difference of RM1.256 billion between Eurocopter Cougar EC 725 with the lowest bidder, the Kazan MI-172 KF – in other words, with US$600 million the Royal Malaysian Air Force can buy 26 units of Kazan helicopters and not just 12 Cougar helicopters.
In his speech yesterday, the Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim referred to the complaint by the Chairman of Mentari Services Sdn. Bhd. Kapt (B) Dato’ Zahar Hashim about the irregularity of the Eurocopter decision, and this is not just confined to the Kelowna Flightcraft Limited, Canada which submitted the bid for the Russian helicopter but also the other “short-listed” bidders as well, viz:
• Proses penilaian belum selesai tetapi dengan secara tiba-tiba arahan diberi oleh pihak tertentu supaya Letter of Intent (LOI) dikeluarkan kepada Eurocopter. LOI tersebut ditandatangan oleh seorang pegawai paras menengah di Kementerian Pertahanan dan bertarikh 15th September 2008 iaitu dua hari sebelum Datuk Seri Najib Razak berpindah dari Kementerian Pertahanan ke Kementerian Kewangan.
• Kerja yang sudah selesai adalah penelitian dokumen-dokumen tender yang dikemukakan oleh penender-penender. Penilaian fizikal iaitu memeriksa permis dan kilang penender-penender dan melakukan penerbangan ujian (test flights) belum dilakukan oleh kerana kebenaran dari pihak atasan di Kementerian Pertahanan dan Kementerian Kewangan untuk berbuat demikian belum diperolehi. Sewajarnya, penilaian fizikal adalah lebih mustahak dari penilaian dokumen-dokumen (documentary evaluation) dan anggota-anggota yang terlibat berasa hairan apabila mengetahui bahawa LOI telah dikeluarkan sebelum penilaian fizikal dilakukan.
• Proses pengeluaran LOI kepada Eurocopter agak luar biasa dan bertentangan dengan prosedur yang telah diamalkan selama ini. Biasanya LOI dikeluarkan setelah proses penilaian secara menyeluruh selesai dan sebuah jawatankuasa yang dianggotai oleh wakil-wakil dari Kementerian Kewangan dan Kementerian Pertahanan capai kata sepakat tentang produk yang terbaik bersesuaian dengan belanjawan yang telah diperuntukkan. Mereka turut berpendapat bahawa adalah menakjubkan bahawa LOI bagi kontrak yang bernilai melebihi Dua Bilion Ringgit ditandatangan oleh seorang pegawai Kerajaan bertaraf Setiausaha Bahagian dan bukan seorang yang bertaraf sekurang-kurangnya Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha.
The following are therefore the issues and questions:-
• Technical evaluation process did not follow standard international practice and was not transparent.
• Short-listing of the aircraft not as normally practiced in such tender process.
• What is the criteria for evaluating these aircraft. Is it following standard evaluation process in technical terms. Has it carried out any flight evaluation of all the aircraft.
There have been cases where manufacturers have not been able to prove what they have written in paper when flight test was carried out. There has also been instances where the manufacturers had used a different and higher performance aircraft than was specified in the written technical paper during flight test. This is why it is VERY important that a flight test valuation is carried out to ensure they comply with the specs given in the written documents.
I understand that the EC725 selected is a 40-year old aircraft, certified in the 60s and 70s. It has been modified and upgraded all these while and given a new name and term. Can this EC 725 be guaranteed to last another 40 more years with all the modifications and upgrading anticipated?
If RMAF is buying this 40-yr old aircraft, then it might as well keep the Nuris, modify and upgrade them now. It will cost only a fraction of a new aircraft, especially taking into account the Sikorsky offer had reported by Berita Minggu of 1st June 2008, viz:
Syarikat pengeluar helikopter terkemuka dunia, Sikorsky Aircroft Corporation (Sikorsky) membuat tawaran kepada Kementerian Pertahanan untuk membeli kembali 29 helikopter Nuri atau Sikorsky S-61-A4 Sea Kings, jika Malaysia membuat keputusan membeli helicopter barunya, Superhawks S-92 untuk kegunaan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).
Eksekutif Jualan Serantau Sikorsky bagi Asia, Scott Pierce, berkata tawaran itu dibuat melalui bida dikemukakan syarikatnya kepada kementerian berkenaan, selepas Malaysia mengumumkan tawaran tender terbuka antarabangsa berhubung pembelian helicopter baru bagi pasukan itu.
Katanya, jika Malaysia memutuskan terus menggunakan Nuri bersama helicopter terbarunya, Sikorsky yang juga anak syarikat United Technologies Corporation (UTC), menyatakan komitmen membaik pulih atau meningkatkan khidmat Nuri di Negara ini.
“Sikorsky sedia membeli semua baki Nuri daripada TUDM untuk dijual kepada mana-mana pihak yang berminat, tetapi juga TUDM masih mahu menggunakan Nuri bersama helicopter S-92, kita sanggup membaik pulih dan meningkatkan helicopter berusia lebih 40 tahun itu, termasuk menukar daripada kokpit konvensional kepada kokpit kaca (digital).
“Tugas balik pulih Nuri akan membabitkan pemindahan teknologi terkini dan kepakaran kepada orang tempatan”, katanya kepada Berita Minggu pada temu bual di sini, baru-baru ini.
I am not a spokesman for Sikorsky, but this offer warrants an explanation from the Ministry of Defence as to the critera for the final selection of Eurocopter among the four “short-listed” bids.
The government had allocated US$600 million (RM1.93 billion) to buy an initial fleet of 12 helicopters, which will be in service until 2050.
Last year, the government cancelled a defence deal with the European aerospace giant EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) for 197 helicopters to the country’s army following adverse observations by Indian watchdog authorities over alleged irregularities in the defence bidding process.
According to published reports, Eurocopter allegedly used a local firm, Global Vectra Helicorp, to help broker the deal despite a ban in India on the use of middlemen in defence deal.
Eurocopter was also accused of presenting a civilian helicopter instead of a military version for statutory field trials by the Indian army.
But what should attract the attention and concern of Parliament is that the EADS deal to sell 197 Eucopters to the Indian government was a US$600 million which the Indian government subsequently cancelled.
Parliament and the nation are entitled to know why for the same amount of US$600 million, the Indian government was offered 197 Eurocopters as compared to 12 Eurocopters to Malaysia.
In the name of accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance, I call for the immediate suspension of the RMAF helicopter award to subject it to a proper and above-board procurement process.
The following speech by YB Lim Kit Siang was extracted from DAP website:-
Speech (3) by Lim Kit Siang on the 2009 Budget in Parliament on Tuesday, 14th October 2008:
The first thing Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did as Defence Minister was to announce on 26th September that the Defence Ministry has agreed to acquire new helicopters from European helicopter manufacturer, the Eurocopter, to replace the Nuri.
This RM2 billion deal lacks accountability and integrity.
Four helicopters had been “short-listed” by the Ministry of Defence to replace the fleet of Sikorsky S61-A4 Sea Kings better known as the Nuri.
The four are the Eurocopter Cougar EC725, Sikorsky S92, Agusta Westland EH-101 Merlin and the Russian-made Mil Mi-17 Hip.
However, Abdullah shocked everyone with his announcement as the “short-listing” had not been completed and the pricing of the EC725 is not competitive compared with the other helicopters.
The pricing offered by the “short-listed” helicopters are:
Eurocopter Cougar EC 725 - Euro 463.44 juta (RM2.317 billion);
Sikorsky - US$427.20 juta (RM1.45 billion)
Canadian Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd. Model Kazan MI-172 buatan Russia
- US$312 juta (RM1.061 billion)
This means that there is a difference of RM1.256 billion between Eurocopter Cougar EC 725 with the lowest bidder, the Kazan MI-172 KF – in other words, with US$600 million the Royal Malaysian Air Force can buy 26 units of Kazan helicopters and not just 12 Cougar helicopters.
In his speech yesterday, the Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim referred to the complaint by the Chairman of Mentari Services Sdn. Bhd. Kapt (B) Dato’ Zahar Hashim about the irregularity of the Eurocopter decision, and this is not just confined to the Kelowna Flightcraft Limited, Canada which submitted the bid for the Russian helicopter but also the other “short-listed” bidders as well, viz:
• Proses penilaian belum selesai tetapi dengan secara tiba-tiba arahan diberi oleh pihak tertentu supaya Letter of Intent (LOI) dikeluarkan kepada Eurocopter. LOI tersebut ditandatangan oleh seorang pegawai paras menengah di Kementerian Pertahanan dan bertarikh 15th September 2008 iaitu dua hari sebelum Datuk Seri Najib Razak berpindah dari Kementerian Pertahanan ke Kementerian Kewangan.
• Kerja yang sudah selesai adalah penelitian dokumen-dokumen tender yang dikemukakan oleh penender-penender. Penilaian fizikal iaitu memeriksa permis dan kilang penender-penender dan melakukan penerbangan ujian (test flights) belum dilakukan oleh kerana kebenaran dari pihak atasan di Kementerian Pertahanan dan Kementerian Kewangan untuk berbuat demikian belum diperolehi. Sewajarnya, penilaian fizikal adalah lebih mustahak dari penilaian dokumen-dokumen (documentary evaluation) dan anggota-anggota yang terlibat berasa hairan apabila mengetahui bahawa LOI telah dikeluarkan sebelum penilaian fizikal dilakukan.
• Proses pengeluaran LOI kepada Eurocopter agak luar biasa dan bertentangan dengan prosedur yang telah diamalkan selama ini. Biasanya LOI dikeluarkan setelah proses penilaian secara menyeluruh selesai dan sebuah jawatankuasa yang dianggotai oleh wakil-wakil dari Kementerian Kewangan dan Kementerian Pertahanan capai kata sepakat tentang produk yang terbaik bersesuaian dengan belanjawan yang telah diperuntukkan. Mereka turut berpendapat bahawa adalah menakjubkan bahawa LOI bagi kontrak yang bernilai melebihi Dua Bilion Ringgit ditandatangan oleh seorang pegawai Kerajaan bertaraf Setiausaha Bahagian dan bukan seorang yang bertaraf sekurang-kurangnya Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha.
The following are therefore the issues and questions:-
• Technical evaluation process did not follow standard international practice and was not transparent.
• Short-listing of the aircraft not as normally practiced in such tender process.
• What is the criteria for evaluating these aircraft. Is it following standard evaluation process in technical terms. Has it carried out any flight evaluation of all the aircraft.
There have been cases where manufacturers have not been able to prove what they have written in paper when flight test was carried out. There has also been instances where the manufacturers had used a different and higher performance aircraft than was specified in the written technical paper during flight test. This is why it is VERY important that a flight test valuation is carried out to ensure they comply with the specs given in the written documents.
I understand that the EC725 selected is a 40-year old aircraft, certified in the 60s and 70s. It has been modified and upgraded all these while and given a new name and term. Can this EC 725 be guaranteed to last another 40 more years with all the modifications and upgrading anticipated?
If RMAF is buying this 40-yr old aircraft, then it might as well keep the Nuris, modify and upgrade them now. It will cost only a fraction of a new aircraft, especially taking into account the Sikorsky offer had reported by Berita Minggu of 1st June 2008, viz:
Syarikat pengeluar helikopter terkemuka dunia, Sikorsky Aircroft Corporation (Sikorsky) membuat tawaran kepada Kementerian Pertahanan untuk membeli kembali 29 helikopter Nuri atau Sikorsky S-61-A4 Sea Kings, jika Malaysia membuat keputusan membeli helicopter barunya, Superhawks S-92 untuk kegunaan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).
Eksekutif Jualan Serantau Sikorsky bagi Asia, Scott Pierce, berkata tawaran itu dibuat melalui bida dikemukakan syarikatnya kepada kementerian berkenaan, selepas Malaysia mengumumkan tawaran tender terbuka antarabangsa berhubung pembelian helicopter baru bagi pasukan itu.
Katanya, jika Malaysia memutuskan terus menggunakan Nuri bersama helicopter terbarunya, Sikorsky yang juga anak syarikat United Technologies Corporation (UTC), menyatakan komitmen membaik pulih atau meningkatkan khidmat Nuri di Negara ini.
“Sikorsky sedia membeli semua baki Nuri daripada TUDM untuk dijual kepada mana-mana pihak yang berminat, tetapi juga TUDM masih mahu menggunakan Nuri bersama helicopter S-92, kita sanggup membaik pulih dan meningkatkan helicopter berusia lebih 40 tahun itu, termasuk menukar daripada kokpit konvensional kepada kokpit kaca (digital).
“Tugas balik pulih Nuri akan membabitkan pemindahan teknologi terkini dan kepakaran kepada orang tempatan”, katanya kepada Berita Minggu pada temu bual di sini, baru-baru ini.
I am not a spokesman for Sikorsky, but this offer warrants an explanation from the Ministry of Defence as to the critera for the final selection of Eurocopter among the four “short-listed” bids.
The government had allocated US$600 million (RM1.93 billion) to buy an initial fleet of 12 helicopters, which will be in service until 2050.
Last year, the government cancelled a defence deal with the European aerospace giant EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) for 197 helicopters to the country’s army following adverse observations by Indian watchdog authorities over alleged irregularities in the defence bidding process.
According to published reports, Eurocopter allegedly used a local firm, Global Vectra Helicorp, to help broker the deal despite a ban in India on the use of middlemen in defence deal.
Eurocopter was also accused of presenting a civilian helicopter instead of a military version for statutory field trials by the Indian army.
But what should attract the attention and concern of Parliament is that the EADS deal to sell 197 Eucopters to the Indian government was a US$600 million which the Indian government subsequently cancelled.
Parliament and the nation are entitled to know why for the same amount of US$600 million, the Indian government was offered 197 Eurocopters as compared to 12 Eurocopters to Malaysia.
In the name of accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance, I call for the immediate suspension of the RMAF helicopter award to subject it to a proper and above-board procurement process.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
MCA Election Results 2008 : The New MCA Team 2008-2011
MCA Election Results 2008 : The New MCA Team 2008-2011
President: Ong Tee Keat won 1,429 votes vs Chua Jui Meng 917 votes
Deputy President: Chua Soi Lek won 1,115 votes vs Ong Ka Chuan 1,001 votes, Donald Lim Siang Chai 209 votes, Lee Hack Teik 10 votes.
Vice Presidents:
Kong Cho Har won 1,798 votes
Liow Tiong Lai won 1,725 votes
Ng Yen Yen won 1,659 votes
Tan Kok Hong won 1,329 votes
Ministership and Deputy Ministership losers: Ong Ka Chuan, Chor Chee Heung.
Central Committee members (in order of top votes obtained)
(1) Lee Wei Kiat
(2) Wong Foon Meng
(3) Tan Chai Ho
(4) Tan Cheng Liang
(5) Hou Kok Chung
(6) Lee Chee Leong
(7) Gan Ping Shou
(8) Yu Chok Tow
(9) Wong Nai Chee
(10) Lee Sing Chooi
(11) Wee Jeck Seng
(12) Gan Tian Loo
(13) Yeow Chai Thiam
(14) Chong Itt Chew
(15) Hoh Khai Mun
(16) Ti Lian Ker
(17) Liew Yuen Keong
(18) Wong Mook Leong
(19) Paul Kong Sing Chu
(20) Edward Khoo Keok Hai
(21) Tee Siew Kiong
(22) Loh Seng Kok
(23) Wong Siong Hwee
(24) Por Choo Chor
(25) Loke Yuen Yow
...
President: Ong Tee Keat won 1,429 votes vs Chua Jui Meng 917 votes
Deputy President: Chua Soi Lek won 1,115 votes vs Ong Ka Chuan 1,001 votes, Donald Lim Siang Chai 209 votes, Lee Hack Teik 10 votes.
Vice Presidents:
Kong Cho Har won 1,798 votes
Liow Tiong Lai won 1,725 votes
Ng Yen Yen won 1,659 votes
Tan Kok Hong won 1,329 votes
Ministership and Deputy Ministership losers: Ong Ka Chuan, Chor Chee Heung.
Central Committee members (in order of top votes obtained)
(1) Lee Wei Kiat
(2) Wong Foon Meng
(3) Tan Chai Ho
(4) Tan Cheng Liang
(5) Hou Kok Chung
(6) Lee Chee Leong
(7) Gan Ping Shou
(8) Yu Chok Tow
(9) Wong Nai Chee
(10) Lee Sing Chooi
(11) Wee Jeck Seng
(12) Gan Tian Loo
(13) Yeow Chai Thiam
(14) Chong Itt Chew
(15) Hoh Khai Mun
(16) Ti Lian Ker
(17) Liew Yuen Keong
(18) Wong Mook Leong
(19) Paul Kong Sing Chu
(20) Edward Khoo Keok Hai
(21) Tee Siew Kiong
(22) Loh Seng Kok
(23) Wong Siong Hwee
(24) Por Choo Chor
(25) Loke Yuen Yow
...
Eurocopter EC725 : 4th Highest of seven bid selected (RM 605 Mil higher than lowest bid)
Eurocopter EC725 : 4th Highest of seven bid selected (RM 605 Mil higher than lowest bid)
Eurocopter EC725 of RM 1.1 Billion selected against lowest bid of RM 494.9 million (RM 605 Million higher i.e more that 2.2 x times the lowest bid)
" The decision to procure helicopters from Eurocopter was done following proper procedure and was not influenced by any party, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abu Bakar Abdullah said. "
Abu Bakar said the tender was closed on Feb 12 this year and at noon the same day, the tender committee opened the seven tenders received while being witnessed by representatives from companies that had taken part.
The tender offers received were:
T521/07/A/001: £341.88mil (RM2.08bil); (2nd Highest)
T521/07/A/002: RM663.1mil; (6th Highest)
T521/07/A/003: €104.6mil (RM494.9mil); (Lowest)
T521/07/A/004: US$220.5mil (RM777.45mil); (5th Highest)
T521/07/A/005: US$708.3mil; (RM2.49bil); (Highest)
T521/07/A/006 (Eurocopter): €233.24mil (RM1.1bil); (4th Highest)
T521/07/A/007: US$348.17mil (RM1.22bil). (3rd Highest)
PETALING JAYA: The decision to procure helicopters from Eurocopter was done following proper procedure and was not influenced by any party, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abu Bakar Abdullah said.
The ministry chose the Eurocopter EC725 because the company had a complete tender offer that obtained the highest marks based on technical evaluation, an offset package and it offered a reasonable price, he said.
“Eurocopter also offered a system that was proven, and this also fulfilled the army’s specifications,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The Government, he said, had no influence on prices that were offered by the company as bidding was done via an international open tender process.
Abu Bakar said the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) prepared specification documents for utility helicopters capable of search and rescue that were also capable of being upgraded to combat search and rescue aircraft.
On Oct 10 2007, the Economic Planning Unit approved the decision to buy new helicopters and an international open tender was announced on Nov 7, he said.
“To make it easier for prospective suppliers to put forth their offers, the RMAF held a briefing during the Langkawi International Maritime Airshow on Dec 6 and explained that it was important for suppliers to include an offset package.”
Abu Bakar said the tender was closed on Feb 12 this year and at noon the same day, the tender committee opened the seven tenders received while being witnessed by representatives from companies that had taken part.
The tender offers received were:
T521/07/A/001: £341.88mil (RM2.08bil);
T521/07/A/002: RM663.1mil;
T521/07/A/003: €104.6mil (RM494.9mil);
T521/07/A/004: US$220.5mil (RM777.45mil);
T521/07/A/005: US$708.3mil; (RM2.49bil);
T521/07/A/006 (Eurocopter): €233.24mil (RM1.1bil);
T521/07/A/007: US$348.17mil (RM1.22bil).
“The documents were then split up into three parts for the technical evaluation committee, offset evaluation committee and price evaluation committee to evaluate,” Abu Bakar said.
He said the committees’ conclusions were tabled at a Tender Board meeting on July 22 and was then forwarded to the Finance Ministry on Aug 4.
The Defence Ministry received the green light on Sept 3.
“The letter of intention could have been issued at any time after Sept 3 and it was a coincidence that it was issued on Sept 15,” he said.
Eurocopter EC725 of RM 1.1 Billion selected against lowest bid of RM 494.9 million (RM 605 Million higher i.e more that 2.2 x times the lowest bid)
" The decision to procure helicopters from Eurocopter was done following proper procedure and was not influenced by any party, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abu Bakar Abdullah said. "
Abu Bakar said the tender was closed on Feb 12 this year and at noon the same day, the tender committee opened the seven tenders received while being witnessed by representatives from companies that had taken part.
The tender offers received were:
T521/07/A/001: £341.88mil (RM2.08bil); (2nd Highest)
T521/07/A/002: RM663.1mil; (6th Highest)
T521/07/A/003: €104.6mil (RM494.9mil); (Lowest)
T521/07/A/004: US$220.5mil (RM777.45mil); (5th Highest)
T521/07/A/005: US$708.3mil; (RM2.49bil); (Highest)
T521/07/A/006 (Eurocopter): €233.24mil (RM1.1bil); (4th Highest)
T521/07/A/007: US$348.17mil (RM1.22bil). (3rd Highest)
PETALING JAYA: The decision to procure helicopters from Eurocopter was done following proper procedure and was not influenced by any party, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abu Bakar Abdullah said.
The ministry chose the Eurocopter EC725 because the company had a complete tender offer that obtained the highest marks based on technical evaluation, an offset package and it offered a reasonable price, he said.
“Eurocopter also offered a system that was proven, and this also fulfilled the army’s specifications,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The Government, he said, had no influence on prices that were offered by the company as bidding was done via an international open tender process.
Abu Bakar said the Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) prepared specification documents for utility helicopters capable of search and rescue that were also capable of being upgraded to combat search and rescue aircraft.
On Oct 10 2007, the Economic Planning Unit approved the decision to buy new helicopters and an international open tender was announced on Nov 7, he said.
“To make it easier for prospective suppliers to put forth their offers, the RMAF held a briefing during the Langkawi International Maritime Airshow on Dec 6 and explained that it was important for suppliers to include an offset package.”
Abu Bakar said the tender was closed on Feb 12 this year and at noon the same day, the tender committee opened the seven tenders received while being witnessed by representatives from companies that had taken part.
The tender offers received were:
T521/07/A/001: £341.88mil (RM2.08bil);
T521/07/A/002: RM663.1mil;
T521/07/A/003: €104.6mil (RM494.9mil);
T521/07/A/004: US$220.5mil (RM777.45mil);
T521/07/A/005: US$708.3mil; (RM2.49bil);
T521/07/A/006 (Eurocopter): €233.24mil (RM1.1bil);
T521/07/A/007: US$348.17mil (RM1.22bil).
“The documents were then split up into three parts for the technical evaluation committee, offset evaluation committee and price evaluation committee to evaluate,” Abu Bakar said.
He said the committees’ conclusions were tabled at a Tender Board meeting on July 22 and was then forwarded to the Finance Ministry on Aug 4.
The Defence Ministry received the green light on Sept 3.
“The letter of intention could have been issued at any time after Sept 3 and it was a coincidence that it was issued on Sept 15,” he said.
Full Text of Ong Ka Ting's speech at 55th MCA Convention
The full text of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting’s speech at the 55th MCA Convention at Dewan San Choon, Kuala Lumpur
ON behalf of the MCA party, I convey my deepest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman, for being here with us once again and for officiating MCA’s 55th annual general assembly on this auspicious morning. I also welcome and extend my gratitude to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional deputy chairman as well as to all leaders and representatives from Barisan Nasional component parties for attending MCA’s annual general assembly this morning.
Honoured ladies and gentlemen,
It is a historic moment to have Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as our honoured guest who will officiate the MCA general assembly. This is because this is the last time he will officiate MCA’s general assembly and this is also my last MCA general assembly as president of the party.
On behalf of MCA, I wish to take this opportunity to convey my highest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah for all the help and support he has given to the MCA thus far as Prime Minister in tackling the various challenges faced by the Chinese community specifically and also the Malaysian community on the whole. The MCA appreciates the Prime Minister’s sincerity and determination in his commitment to continue several important efforts before he retires.
Among them are the judicial reform, the reform and enhancement of anti-corruption efforts and reforming the police force.
The MCA welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to these important efforts and hopes that component parties will be truly involved in an effective manner to fix all current weaknesses in these three fields so that we can restore public confidence in Barisan. I previously represented MCA in raising several suggestions in Parliament on April 30, this year, on these three issues:
* MCA suggested that the Government enhance the judiciary system including setting up a Judicial Commission that is truly independent so that issues regarding the appointment and promotion of judges can be done in a transparent manner without taking into account race or religion. The Barisan government should enhance the judiciary system to restore the people’s confidence.
* The MCA hopes that efforts to curb corruption especially the restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency via the setting up of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission will be truly effective in preventing and combating corruption. It is high time for us to act firmly without taking into account which side is involved in the corruption, be it political leaders, influential people or those in high positions. The performance and achievements of organisations such as the ICAC in Hong Kong should be used as a reference in our efforts to improve ways to combat corruption.
* Security problems and the effectiveness in combating crime is closely related with the efficiency of the police force and public awareness. The Government should have a more open attitude towards the 125 suggestions by the Royal Police Commission to create a royal police force that is more efficient, transparent, not bribeable, professional and fair. One reform that will convince the people is to reconsider the suggestion to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Prime Minister and Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister, please act firmly in bringing changes and reforms to these three important issues that was just mentioned. The rakyat are really anticipating it. MCA will continue to be with our two leaders in making these reform efforts a success.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Malaysians of various races have sent us a strong signal through the voting trends in the results of the 12th general election on March 8. From the feedback received by the MCA, the rakyat have a negative perception towards the Barisan Nasional government in various aspects during the last general election.
Among them are:
i) They are not satisfied with the problem of corruption and misuse of power by politicians and government officers. Those entrusted to hold this trust seemed to have broken the trust of the people. There are also very negative perception towards the non-transparent manner in the awarding of government contracts and there were also leakages in the usage of government allocations when implementing development projects, acquisition or services.
ii) They feel disgusted and angry that a handful of politicians in Barisan Nasional had been arrogant and passionate in making statements or speeches that were racially-motivated or had threatened other races. There were also some politicians who became very wealthy not long after holding a party position or being made local councillors.
iii) Many people are also worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones especially when they kept reading crime-related news like cases of snatch theft, robbery, break-ins, assault and brutal murder.
iv) The increase in the price of goods and higher cost of living following the higher fuel prices even before March 8 has inconvenienced the people especially the low and medium income earners, a group which represents the majority of our population.
v) The handling of religious issues by the authorities often portray a picture that the freedom of religion is not practised as stated by government leaders including Y.A.B. Prime Minister.
vi) Many non-bumiputra traders, entrepreneurs, developers or investors constantly feel frustrated because they feel constrained and not being treated fairly by certain ministries, departments or government agencies in the issuance of licences, permits, loans or tender opportunities.
The relevant authorities seem to enjoy using excuses of government economic policies based on prejudicial interpretation and narrow-minded thinking.
In this event, the MCA has corrected several issues at the Cabinet level or through discussions with the Y.A.B. Prime Minister or Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister. Among the examples are the relaxing of government procurement and services policy to enable non-bumiputras to participate in the activities for limits below RM50,000 per item and to prevent the authorities from attempting to impose guidelines to curb foreign investment in the distributive trade.
If we want to ensure that our country’s economy grows at a satisfactory rate, we must ensure that all traders, entrepreneurs and investors, small or big, are able to participate in all sectors in the economic development of our country. The implementation of an affirmative economic policy should be based on a principle that does not sideline others and it should be done by making the economic cake bigger and by encouraging joint ventures between races.
The implementation of this policy should not limit any trader or investor who tries to expand their business or investment based on success achieved by their own efforts.
The Barisan Nasional government should re-look and re-evaluate the various weaknesses or misappropriation in the implementation of the economic policy which is different than what was promised to our multi-racial community. It is time the Government liberalised the economic policy to make Malaysia truly competitive.
vii) The issue of building new SJK (C) and the lack of development allocation for SJK (C), SJK (T) and mission schools have also been raised by the Chinese and Indian communities all this while. Before the general election on March 8, 2008, the Government had approved the building of six new SJK (C) and the relocation of 13 SJK (C).
Recently, the MCA suggested that the Government fund the construction costs and rebuild these SJK(C) as soon as possible. Besides that, the MCA also suggested that the Government institutionalise the building of new SJK (C) where needed and to always provide sufficient allocation.
There are other matters that I do not have the time to raise one by one. Actually, all the issues I have raised above are issues that had caused the loss of votes for Barisan Nasional in the last general election.
What is worrying the MCA party is that although we have raised these issues many times to be addressed by the Government, the solution has not reached a satisfactory level. The situation is worsened when the public have the perception that the power sharing within Barisan Nasional is actually not effective or fair.
Umno is seen as a party that is far more dominant than other component parties. The Barisan Nasional leadership needs to fix this situation through a practice that includes the involvement of component parties when making all important decisions and not for it to be seen as if Umno is the only party that decides on important policies and other parties are only asked to defend it later in the spirit of Barisan Nasional.
The power sharing slogan that is often spoken of is still seen as a mouthed slogan only. I have led MCA for almost five years and five months. The MCA central committee members and I have worked tirelessly and have discussed these important issues for at least five to six hours during each of our meetings.
Many MCA presidential council meetings have also been held to focus attention on issues that are not only related to the important rights of the Chinese community but also related to many universal issues that the non-Chinese are paying attention to. We have tried our best to tackle various issues but as long as there is no solution that convinces the people, then we will not get their support.
Y.A.B. Prime Minister, I still remember two days after I made the announcement not to defend my position as MCA president, I went to see Y.A.B. Datuk Seri to inform you of my decision as a sign of respect. In that meeting, Y.A.B. said that when I no longer hold the position as MCA president, I will be able to hear more feedback from the common people and I was asked by Y.A.B. to keep him informed of the people’s voice. I wish to state here that what I have touched on just now is really the feedback that I heard from the people. I did not even have to wait until I have stopped being the MCA president.
Actually, in the last seven months or so, my daily life is like an ordinary person, that is without any protocol or being escorted by bodyguards or security guards. I am always eating and drinking in the same table and breathing together with ordinary people so much so that they are not shy to express their feelings to me. All of us in Barisan Nasional must seriously consider the people’s grouses and act effectively to bring about changes.
Barisan Nasional must change before we are changed or replaced. After the March 8 general election until now, the people’s perception has yet to recover and Barisan Nasional reforms have yet to show evident results. Half-truth political criticisms have confused the rakyat and have raised many questions. The recent use of the ISA on those who did not jeopardise the country’s safety has also brought a very negative effect towards the Government. MCA suggests that the Government re-look the ISA in a comprehensive manner.
Meanwhile, the use of the ISA that does not follow the objective of the original drafting of the Act should be stopped. This Act is long behind time. It should be replaced by an Act that is not easily misused or causes the people to feel unsafe. The United States’ financial crisis and its economic effect has not only greatly impacted the world economy but can also bring about side effects to us.
Barisan Nasional cannot wait or act slowly. We need to reduce political squabbling in Barisan Nasional or within the country. The people are tired and fed up with the tricks and politicking that they read and watch in the media every day.
The Barisan Nasional leadership must join forces in providing a more focused leadership and clear direction as well as to be seen as firm and effective in tackling economic challenges and all of its side effects.
Barisan Nasional must also involve experts or professionals and experienced industry representatives to meet and brainstorm ideas so that an action plan can be formulated in a quick and accurate manner. We need to immediately stop giving any government contract or projects through direct negotiations to companies with no solid track record, we need to stop all form of leakages and wastage of government funds and to be thrifty when the Government uses taxpayers money.
The economic policy has to be further liberalised and the equity condition that limits expansion should be scrapped to enable companies in Malaysia to become more competitive especially given the very challenging economic situation at present. The Government must re-study the policy on the giving of APs, subsidy and price control.
In this context, open market competition should be allowed and at the same time, the Government must channel the appropriate source to the lower income group to ensure they benefit from the expanding economy and are not left out of the country’s economic wealth.
A healthy political culture
Malaysians of all races now want to see a ruling party that is truly clean and trustworthy. The Federal Government formed by Barisan Nasional parties must not only be seen as corrupt-free and trustworthy but it must also be really clean and sincere in its practices and actions.
To successfully restore the image and to give new hope to the people of Malaysia, we need to start by changing and reforming within the component parties of Barisan Nasional, especially parties that are the pillars of Barisan Nasional - that is Umno, MCA and other influential parties.
MCA’s leadership in the last several years have tried to practice a healthy political culture within the party. A healthy political culture is a culture that is free from corruption and one of integrity.
Therefore, I place high hopes that this spirit of a clean and healthy political culture will be strongly supported by all MCA delegates. I am confident that the delegates will realise that any form of unhealthy campaigning such as money politics, twisting of facts and the use of dirty tactics by defaming or hitting below the belt are methods that can damage the party and should be strongly rejected without a doubt.
Today, all MCA members are placing hope on the delegates to choose a leadership team that is of calibre, integrity, trustworthy, dedicated, honest, effective and one that constantly holds on to pure values.
The leadership team that will be chosen has to shoulder a huge responsibility in bringing changes to face the current political challenges that is so complex and not easy.
Thus, the central committee that will be formed must always be united and be able to work well with one another. MCA no longer has the time or space for internal conflicts and bickering within the party given that we are in a political situation that is most challenging.
ON behalf of the MCA party, I convey my deepest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman, for being here with us once again and for officiating MCA’s 55th annual general assembly on this auspicious morning. I also welcome and extend my gratitude to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional deputy chairman as well as to all leaders and representatives from Barisan Nasional component parties for attending MCA’s annual general assembly this morning.
Honoured ladies and gentlemen,
It is a historic moment to have Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as our honoured guest who will officiate the MCA general assembly. This is because this is the last time he will officiate MCA’s general assembly and this is also my last MCA general assembly as president of the party.
On behalf of MCA, I wish to take this opportunity to convey my highest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah for all the help and support he has given to the MCA thus far as Prime Minister in tackling the various challenges faced by the Chinese community specifically and also the Malaysian community on the whole. The MCA appreciates the Prime Minister’s sincerity and determination in his commitment to continue several important efforts before he retires.
Among them are the judicial reform, the reform and enhancement of anti-corruption efforts and reforming the police force.
The MCA welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to these important efforts and hopes that component parties will be truly involved in an effective manner to fix all current weaknesses in these three fields so that we can restore public confidence in Barisan. I previously represented MCA in raising several suggestions in Parliament on April 30, this year, on these three issues:
* MCA suggested that the Government enhance the judiciary system including setting up a Judicial Commission that is truly independent so that issues regarding the appointment and promotion of judges can be done in a transparent manner without taking into account race or religion. The Barisan government should enhance the judiciary system to restore the people’s confidence.
* The MCA hopes that efforts to curb corruption especially the restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency via the setting up of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission will be truly effective in preventing and combating corruption. It is high time for us to act firmly without taking into account which side is involved in the corruption, be it political leaders, influential people or those in high positions. The performance and achievements of organisations such as the ICAC in Hong Kong should be used as a reference in our efforts to improve ways to combat corruption.
* Security problems and the effectiveness in combating crime is closely related with the efficiency of the police force and public awareness. The Government should have a more open attitude towards the 125 suggestions by the Royal Police Commission to create a royal police force that is more efficient, transparent, not bribeable, professional and fair. One reform that will convince the people is to reconsider the suggestion to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Prime Minister and Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister, please act firmly in bringing changes and reforms to these three important issues that was just mentioned. The rakyat are really anticipating it. MCA will continue to be with our two leaders in making these reform efforts a success.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Malaysians of various races have sent us a strong signal through the voting trends in the results of the 12th general election on March 8. From the feedback received by the MCA, the rakyat have a negative perception towards the Barisan Nasional government in various aspects during the last general election.
Among them are:
i) They are not satisfied with the problem of corruption and misuse of power by politicians and government officers. Those entrusted to hold this trust seemed to have broken the trust of the people. There are also very negative perception towards the non-transparent manner in the awarding of government contracts and there were also leakages in the usage of government allocations when implementing development projects, acquisition or services.
ii) They feel disgusted and angry that a handful of politicians in Barisan Nasional had been arrogant and passionate in making statements or speeches that were racially-motivated or had threatened other races. There were also some politicians who became very wealthy not long after holding a party position or being made local councillors.
iii) Many people are also worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones especially when they kept reading crime-related news like cases of snatch theft, robbery, break-ins, assault and brutal murder.
iv) The increase in the price of goods and higher cost of living following the higher fuel prices even before March 8 has inconvenienced the people especially the low and medium income earners, a group which represents the majority of our population.
v) The handling of religious issues by the authorities often portray a picture that the freedom of religion is not practised as stated by government leaders including Y.A.B. Prime Minister.
vi) Many non-bumiputra traders, entrepreneurs, developers or investors constantly feel frustrated because they feel constrained and not being treated fairly by certain ministries, departments or government agencies in the issuance of licences, permits, loans or tender opportunities.
The relevant authorities seem to enjoy using excuses of government economic policies based on prejudicial interpretation and narrow-minded thinking.
In this event, the MCA has corrected several issues at the Cabinet level or through discussions with the Y.A.B. Prime Minister or Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister. Among the examples are the relaxing of government procurement and services policy to enable non-bumiputras to participate in the activities for limits below RM50,000 per item and to prevent the authorities from attempting to impose guidelines to curb foreign investment in the distributive trade.
If we want to ensure that our country’s economy grows at a satisfactory rate, we must ensure that all traders, entrepreneurs and investors, small or big, are able to participate in all sectors in the economic development of our country. The implementation of an affirmative economic policy should be based on a principle that does not sideline others and it should be done by making the economic cake bigger and by encouraging joint ventures between races.
The implementation of this policy should not limit any trader or investor who tries to expand their business or investment based on success achieved by their own efforts.
The Barisan Nasional government should re-look and re-evaluate the various weaknesses or misappropriation in the implementation of the economic policy which is different than what was promised to our multi-racial community. It is time the Government liberalised the economic policy to make Malaysia truly competitive.
vii) The issue of building new SJK (C) and the lack of development allocation for SJK (C), SJK (T) and mission schools have also been raised by the Chinese and Indian communities all this while. Before the general election on March 8, 2008, the Government had approved the building of six new SJK (C) and the relocation of 13 SJK (C).
Recently, the MCA suggested that the Government fund the construction costs and rebuild these SJK(C) as soon as possible. Besides that, the MCA also suggested that the Government institutionalise the building of new SJK (C) where needed and to always provide sufficient allocation.
There are other matters that I do not have the time to raise one by one. Actually, all the issues I have raised above are issues that had caused the loss of votes for Barisan Nasional in the last general election.
What is worrying the MCA party is that although we have raised these issues many times to be addressed by the Government, the solution has not reached a satisfactory level. The situation is worsened when the public have the perception that the power sharing within Barisan Nasional is actually not effective or fair.
Umno is seen as a party that is far more dominant than other component parties. The Barisan Nasional leadership needs to fix this situation through a practice that includes the involvement of component parties when making all important decisions and not for it to be seen as if Umno is the only party that decides on important policies and other parties are only asked to defend it later in the spirit of Barisan Nasional.
The power sharing slogan that is often spoken of is still seen as a mouthed slogan only. I have led MCA for almost five years and five months. The MCA central committee members and I have worked tirelessly and have discussed these important issues for at least five to six hours during each of our meetings.
Many MCA presidential council meetings have also been held to focus attention on issues that are not only related to the important rights of the Chinese community but also related to many universal issues that the non-Chinese are paying attention to. We have tried our best to tackle various issues but as long as there is no solution that convinces the people, then we will not get their support.
Y.A.B. Prime Minister, I still remember two days after I made the announcement not to defend my position as MCA president, I went to see Y.A.B. Datuk Seri to inform you of my decision as a sign of respect. In that meeting, Y.A.B. said that when I no longer hold the position as MCA president, I will be able to hear more feedback from the common people and I was asked by Y.A.B. to keep him informed of the people’s voice. I wish to state here that what I have touched on just now is really the feedback that I heard from the people. I did not even have to wait until I have stopped being the MCA president.
Actually, in the last seven months or so, my daily life is like an ordinary person, that is without any protocol or being escorted by bodyguards or security guards. I am always eating and drinking in the same table and breathing together with ordinary people so much so that they are not shy to express their feelings to me. All of us in Barisan Nasional must seriously consider the people’s grouses and act effectively to bring about changes.
Barisan Nasional must change before we are changed or replaced. After the March 8 general election until now, the people’s perception has yet to recover and Barisan Nasional reforms have yet to show evident results. Half-truth political criticisms have confused the rakyat and have raised many questions. The recent use of the ISA on those who did not jeopardise the country’s safety has also brought a very negative effect towards the Government. MCA suggests that the Government re-look the ISA in a comprehensive manner.
Meanwhile, the use of the ISA that does not follow the objective of the original drafting of the Act should be stopped. This Act is long behind time. It should be replaced by an Act that is not easily misused or causes the people to feel unsafe. The United States’ financial crisis and its economic effect has not only greatly impacted the world economy but can also bring about side effects to us.
Barisan Nasional cannot wait or act slowly. We need to reduce political squabbling in Barisan Nasional or within the country. The people are tired and fed up with the tricks and politicking that they read and watch in the media every day.
The Barisan Nasional leadership must join forces in providing a more focused leadership and clear direction as well as to be seen as firm and effective in tackling economic challenges and all of its side effects.
Barisan Nasional must also involve experts or professionals and experienced industry representatives to meet and brainstorm ideas so that an action plan can be formulated in a quick and accurate manner. We need to immediately stop giving any government contract or projects through direct negotiations to companies with no solid track record, we need to stop all form of leakages and wastage of government funds and to be thrifty when the Government uses taxpayers money.
The economic policy has to be further liberalised and the equity condition that limits expansion should be scrapped to enable companies in Malaysia to become more competitive especially given the very challenging economic situation at present. The Government must re-study the policy on the giving of APs, subsidy and price control.
In this context, open market competition should be allowed and at the same time, the Government must channel the appropriate source to the lower income group to ensure they benefit from the expanding economy and are not left out of the country’s economic wealth.
A healthy political culture
Malaysians of all races now want to see a ruling party that is truly clean and trustworthy. The Federal Government formed by Barisan Nasional parties must not only be seen as corrupt-free and trustworthy but it must also be really clean and sincere in its practices and actions.
To successfully restore the image and to give new hope to the people of Malaysia, we need to start by changing and reforming within the component parties of Barisan Nasional, especially parties that are the pillars of Barisan Nasional - that is Umno, MCA and other influential parties.
MCA’s leadership in the last several years have tried to practice a healthy political culture within the party. A healthy political culture is a culture that is free from corruption and one of integrity.
Therefore, I place high hopes that this spirit of a clean and healthy political culture will be strongly supported by all MCA delegates. I am confident that the delegates will realise that any form of unhealthy campaigning such as money politics, twisting of facts and the use of dirty tactics by defaming or hitting below the belt are methods that can damage the party and should be strongly rejected without a doubt.
Today, all MCA members are placing hope on the delegates to choose a leadership team that is of calibre, integrity, trustworthy, dedicated, honest, effective and one that constantly holds on to pure values.
The leadership team that will be chosen has to shoulder a huge responsibility in bringing changes to face the current political challenges that is so complex and not easy.
Thus, the central committee that will be formed must always be united and be able to work well with one another. MCA no longer has the time or space for internal conflicts and bickering within the party given that we are in a political situation that is most challenging.
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