Temple demo: Residents march with cow's head - Malaysiakini

By Andrew Ong Aug 28, 09 3:52pm

Some 50 residents enraged with the proposed relocation of a Hindu temple to their area staged a noisy protest with a severed cow's head this afternoon.

The residents - from Section 23 in Shah Alam - who gathered after the Friday prayers, placed the head outside the gates of the state secretariat building for a short period before removing it.

"Where is Xavier? This head is for him," shouted one of the protesters in reference to Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jeyakumar.

Jeyakumar is one of those in charge of non-Muslim affairs in the state.

Earlier, the protesters had marched some 300m from the state mosque to the state secretariat building.

The protesters also condemned Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, exco member Rodziah Ismail (as the area falls under her state constituency) and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.

Before dispersing, several protesters spat and stomped on the cow's head. The cow is considered sacred among Hindus.


Addressing the crowd, Section 23 action committee deputy chair Ibrahim Sabri said: "If there is blood, you (the state government) will be responsible if you are adamant about building the temple."

"This is a warning. Relocate the temple to Section 22. This cow is a present to the state government. This is a gift from us," he added.

The protesters also carried several banners which among others read 'Take Beer' (mocking PAS' rallying cry of 'Takbir') and 'Illegal temples are very small, but once relocated, they are as big as Putrajaya'.

The crowd gathered for about 15 minutes at the main entrance of the state secretariat building under the watch of more than a dozen police personnel.

'We'll not budge an inch'

Speaking to reporters later, Action Committee chair Mahyuddin Manaf warned that the state government must give in or the residents would retaliate.

"We will not budge one inch, even if lives are lost or blood is made to flow. We will still defend Section 23 from having a temple built there," he said.

He added that a protest memorandum was forwarded to the state government two months ago but there has been no response.

Contacted later, Mahyuddin distanced his organisation from the act of bringing the cow head to the protest.

"It is not our intention. We were surprised," he said, denying that the act was intended to insult Hindus.

He said that the cow head was likely brought by angry residents.

"Maybe, they meant it (as a symbol of) stupidity. In Malay culture, the cow is a symbol of stupidity, or leaders that are stupid," he said.

On Aug 11, the state government announced that the relocation of the temple from Section 19 to Section 23 was final and will be situated 200m from the nearest house and 400m from a surau.

The temple will face an industrial lot and will be separated from the houses by a playground and a multi-purpose hall.

However, some residents felt that it was not appropriate to build a temple in a Muslim-majority area.

The Pakatan Rakyat state government accused rivals Umno of instigating the crowd to protest the relocation.

Jeyakumar to lodge police report

In an immediate reaction, a furious Jeyakumar described the protest as "unwarranted, unacceptable and without sensitivity towards other religions."

He also said that he will lodge a police report on the matter soon.

"These people should have ethics. They are inciting racial and religious hatred. I am going to lodge a police report against these people," he told Malaysiakini.

He also expressed disappointment towards the police personnel at the scene for not taking any action against the protesters.

"The police didn't stop anybody. The police should have arrested them and charged them for inciting hatred," he said, adding that he could tolerate with "ethical" demonstrations.

Jeyakumar is slated to meet Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar and other police officers over the matter tomorrow.

Khir Toyo, BN reps suspended from Assembly - Star

Jul 15 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH and CHRISTINA TAN

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Assembly has suspended former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and four other Barisan Nasional assemblymen for one year and six months each respectively.

All their privileges as assemblymen have also been revoked for the suspension period.

The state assembly’s Rights and Privileges Committee had recommended Dr Mohd Khir’s suspension without privileges for not attending the Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) inquiry and for allegedly making disparaging remarks against the committee in the media.

The other four Barisan assemblymen -- Datuk Warno Dogol (Sabak Bernam), Datuk Mohd Idris Abu Bakar (Hulu Bernam), Mohd Isa Abu Kassim (Batang Kali) and Datuk Marsum Paing (Dengkil) -- were also suspended for attacking Selcat in the media.

All hell broke loose at the Assembly earlier Wednesday when Dr Mohd Khir came out with guns blazing to shoot down the motion to suspend him and the other four from the House.

After a tirade against the motion during the debate, he and 18 other Barisan assemblymen then walked out and collectively announced to the media that they would be boycotting the current state assembly session.

When debating the motion to suspend him and his colleagues, Dr Mohd Khir lambasted the state government for “going against natural justice” by recommending the suspension.

He said Selcat had acted unfairly by not providing necessary documents to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigations to be carried out after the inquiry.

He also accused the state government of orchestrating the Selcat inquiry to “hide its inefficacy in governing the state.”

He called the Pakatan Rakyat coalition “brittle” and said it was a “sinking ship.”

“During my tenure as mentri besar, the state was never in such bad condition nor had it lost so much investment,” he claimed.

He said Selcat was “incomprehensible,” adding that was some confusion over whether the inquiry was to investigate the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) or evaluate state-owned companies.

He said he did not attend the hearing because he was not a member of Balkis and that he and his BN colleagues were slapped with suspensions because they addressed the state government’s weaknesses.

Complainant, prosecutor and judge
Dr Mohd Khir also took potshots at DAP assemblymen Ronnie Liu and Ng Suee Lim.

He said that his suspension was unfair because Selangor Speaker Teng Chang Khim had played the role of “complainant, prosecutor and judge.”

He said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia had not participated in the suspension of Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo earlier this year, and Teng should have done the same and stayed above the fray.

Dr Mohd Khir also cited several provisions in the Standing Order, claiming that not adhering to the order of a legislative assembly committee was not tantamount to contempt of the House.

At a press conference later, Teng lambasted accused Dr Mohd Khir of misleading the public.

Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Haniza Talha, Teng said none of the Standing Order provisions cited by Dr Mohd Khir were correct or relevant.

He read out clauses from the Standing Order which stated that an act of contempt towards the legislative assembly’s committees was equivalent to contempt of the House.

Teng also said Standing Order provisions allowed him to be complainant, prosecutor and judge when the need arose.

He said this was reflected by his decision to throw Dr Mohd Khir out of the House on Monday for calling Teng biased.

“He is talking about ordinary court proceedings but this is the legislative assembly,” said Teng.

“In Gobind’s case, the MP was ordered out of the House for calling then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak names.

“The following day, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz tabled a motion to suspend him and he was suspended without being referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee.

“The Speaker did not participate because Speakers do not participate in debates and the motion was tabled by the Government,” said Teng.

He said it was a different scenario in Selangor because Dr Mohd Khir was given a chance to defend himself.

He said the former mentri besar had appeared before the legislative assembly’s Rights and Privileges Committee with seven lawyers, but had refused to say anything to defend himself.

Transcripts of the proceedings were made available to the press.

On Dr Mohd Khir’s allegation that Selcat had refused to give the relevant documents to the MACC, Teng said the findings cannot be revealed before they are tabled in the House.

“They have since been tabled and the MACC can get copies of the findings now,” said Teng, adding that the MACC had been invited to attend Selcat’s public hearing but it had not sent a representative.

MACC raids Selangor exco man's office - Star

Jul 15, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers raided Selangor executive council member Ean Yong Hian Wah’s office at the state secretariat building here Wednesday.

The team, comprising officers from the MACC’s Selangor and Putrajaya divisions, seized a personal laptop belonging to Ean Yong’s political secretary Teoh Beng Hock and a desktop computer belonging to the state government.

Teoh, 30, was also taken by the officers to the Selangor MACC office to assist in the investigation.

The officers had gone to Ean Yong’s 15th floor office at about 3:45pm but left after seeing a big group of journalists there. They returned about 15 minutes later when the journalists had left the scene.

Ean Yong, who is the Seri Kembangan state assemblyman, said the officers had initially left the office because they were uncomfortable with the media presence there.

He added they had visited his service centre in Sri Kambangan at about 12:30pm before coming to the state secretariat building.

Meanwhile, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San said the MACC officers had also raided his service centre.

Lau said the MACC had asked him questions about community programmes he had organised.

Ean Yong and Lau are among seven Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives from the Petaling District who are allegedly being investigated by the MACC over the disbursement of state funds allocated to their respective constituencies.

The others are Teresa Kok (Kinrara), Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan), Dr Cheah Wing Yin (Damansara Utama), Edward Lee (Bukit Gasing) and Hannah Yeoh (Subang Jaya).

Kok had said in a press conference on Monday that even the recipients of the allocations were quizzed by the MACC.

Dr Khir ejected from assembly sitting- Star

Jul 13, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH and CHRISTINA TAN

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was thrown out of the state legislative assembly Monday for accusing Speaker Teng Chang Khim of being biased.

Teng had ordered Dr Mohd Khir to retract the allegation and apologise, but the former mentri besar adamantly refused to do so.

Teng then ordered him to leave. The Sg Panjang assemblyman left the chambers accompanied by other Barisan Nasional legislators.

The drama began at about 11:30am when Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim informed the house that Dr Mohd Khir’s lawyers had handed him a legal notice at the state assembly premises.

The lawyers had tried to hand over the legal notice to Ng last Friday at the assembly premises as well, but the DAP assemblyman had refused to accept the document.

The legal notice was to inform Ng that Dr Mohd Khir had instituted a defamation suit against him over his allegation that the former mentri besar had spent RM24 mil to purchase a luxury bungalow here.

Ng asked Teng if this was permissible under the Standing Order and if doing so was tantamount to disrespecting the House.

Teng referred to the Standing Order and said it stated that no legal notices or court orders could be handed over at the premises of the legislative assembly.

“This contravenes the immunity enjoyed by elected representatives when in the House and it is also a show of disrespect towards the legislative assembly,” said Teng.

He warned Dr Mohd Khir not to repeat the action and asked him to remind his lawyers not to do so either.

“As lawyers they should have known this as it is a Constitutional convention ... this is something that even first year law students know.

“It’s a practice that has been in place for over a hundred years.

“It also happened in Parliament once and the Speaker there had ruled that it cannot be done in the premises as it contravened parliamentary immunity,” said Teng.

Dr Mohd Khir then told Teng the Standing Order only stated that it cannot be done in the assembly chambers and not anywhere else within the premises.

“It meant only in the House (chamber) not when out of the House. That’s why everyone can talk outside, including reporters.

“That is also why reporters are not allowed inside the House (chamber),” he said, adding that the notice was handed over to Ng at the parking lot.

Teng then asked Dr Mohd Khir to specify which Standing Order stated so and when the Opposition legislator failed to do so, the Speaker raised his voice.

Dr Mohd Khir then told Teng that Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok had placed a legal notice on his table during the assembly seating earlier this year.

Teng then retorted that Dr Mohd Khir should have reported to him when the alleged incident had taken place.

Teng repeatedly asked Dr Mohd Khir to specify the Standing Order which allowed legal notices to be handed out in the legislative assembly premises.

The explosive exchange that followed not only silenced the House but also shocked a group of college students who were watching the proceedings in the lobby.

Dr Mohd Khir: “I plead with the Speaker not to be biased.”

Teng: “Retract that statement.”

Dr Mohd Khir: “I will not retract.”

Teng: “Retract or leave. No legislative assembly has accused the Speaker as being biased. I am giving you a chance to apologise.”

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San then stood up to speak but was ordered to sit down by Teng, who said that he was capable of dealing with the situation.

Dr Mohd Khir, who left the assembly, told reporters waiting for him at the lobby that he was disappointed with Teng for telling him to leave.

He reiterated that Kok had placed a legal notice on his table in the House and he had accepted it “without much ado.”

He alleged that there were many personal attacks leveled against him in the House, and added that the proceedings in the House “reeked of personal agendas.”

“They don’t even know how to govern the state,” he said.

Later in a press conference, Dr Mohd Khir said that he would be instituting legal action against Teng.

During lunch break, Ng claimed that a legal firm representative had handed him the notice at the legislative assembly dining hall and not the parking lot as claimed by Dr Mohd Khir.

Selangor govt finds former MB Khir Toyo guilty - Star

May 19, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: Selangor’s Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) has found former mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo guilty of not attending its inquiry in March into the disbursement of state agency funds.

The committee, under the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, has also found him guilty of three charges of making disparaging remarks and negative statements on Selcat’s legitimacy, in the media and on his blog.

He was slapped with an earlier one-year suspension for his failure to attend the inquiry, and six months each for the three consecutive charges.

All his allowances and privileges as an assemblyman would also be suspended.

However, Selcat chairman Teng Chang Khim said these were only recommendations made by Selcat.

“These recommendations would be brought to the next State Assembly sitting in July for debate. Everybody involved, including Dr Mohd Khir, will be allowed to debate on the recommendations,” he said.

In the eight-day Selcat inquiry in March, witnesses had testified that millions of ringgit from the state’s business arm were squandered by Balkis, a charity headed by Dr Mohd Khir’s wife Datin Zaharah Kechik while he was in office.

Selangor to enact Freedom of Info law - Star

May 19, 2009 By SHAILA KOSHY

PETALING JAYA: Selangor will be the first state to table a Freedom of Information (FOI) Enactment bill in its legislative assembly by the end of this year.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor had decided on this because it believed that all citizens had the right to have and know as much information as they needed.

“Only a well-informed citizenry can make good decisions on matters involving public interest.

“Freedom of information and media freedom stand shoulder to shoulder.

“Without access to information, how can journalists be effective in their jobs?” Khalid said at the state government’s belated observance of World Press Freedom Day and the launch of its Communications and Media Network -- a monthly newspaper and online portal both called selangor kini, and the webTV channel TV Selangor -- at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre Tuesday.

He said Pakatan component parties had proposed to the Federal Government that amendments be made to secrecy laws but there had been no response thus far.

“That did not mean Pakatan state governments did not have do anything; as such, we set up a Freedom of Information Taskforce last year to ensure an FOI Bill is tabled at the Legislature before the end of the year,” he said.

Khalid said the taskforce was chaired by assemblyman Elizabeth Wong and comprised assemblymen and members of the public.

Later at a press conference, he said the FOI Bill would fulfil the state government’s promise to the people to give them access to information so that the administration would be accountable for its activities.

He cited the shock of the British people to a news article revealing, as a result of a request under that nation’s FOI law, the expenses claimed for by their Members of Parliament.

To another question, he said a few assemblymen had been called up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in relation to the Official Secrets Act (OSA) over certain documents that were discussed in the Legislature and mentioned in Parliament.

“Assemblymen have protection when they speak in the Legislature but the fact that the MACC felt the need to speak to them shows that there is a need for clarity (on the classification of secret documents),” he said.

On what would happen if the state government declared a document public under its proposed FOI enactment but the Federal Government deemed it a secret under the OSA, Khalid said that the federal law would supersede the state legislation.

“When it comes to state documents, the state has the right to contest the decision of the Federal Government,” he added.

Meanwhile, for extra check and balance, Wong said the taskforce she chairs was proposing the establishment of an independent information commission to which the public could appeal if they wanted some information and the state government refused to give it.

“The common view is that everything is under the OSA but our view is that all information should be made public, apart from some exceptions,” she added.

Asked whether the draft enactment would be made public before it was tabled, Wong said yes.

“I am trying to have it ready for the July meeting, if not then the October/ November meeting. And once it has been tabled for first and second readings, the bill will then be referred to a Select Committee.

“The Select Committee will have six months to gather feedback and hold consultations with members of the public and public bodies, and to study FOI laws in other countries, before it goes to the third reading.

“This is a common process in advanced, mature democracies and we intend to introduce it in the Selangor State Assembly,” she said.

Later, at a public consultation and forum themed “Freedom of Information: The Right to Reclaim,” Wong reminded attendees that a government holds information on the public’s behalf.

She said a government was not mandated to hide information but noted there were exceptions when it came to over-riding public interest, legal privilege, health and safety.

At the same forum, Centre for Policy Initiatives director Dr Lim Teck Ghee said the state played a major role in nurturing freedom of information.

“It has been argued by the Federal Government and its supporters that the right to speech does not mean the right to information.

“But the two go hand-in-hand because our fundamental right to speech can be effectuated only if we -- all citizens -- have the effective right to access information that is available with the government.”

Centre for Independent Journalism programme director Sevan Doraisamy said an FOI law was just as important for public servants as it was for the public.

“During the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) scare (in 2005), the Health Ministry gave out good and quick information to the public but this was questioned online.

“It’s a question of trust -- an FOI law would be the first step towards building trust in the authorities,” he said.

Dipendra Harshad Rai, head of the Media Defence and Freedom of Expression Working Group in the Bar Council’s Human Rights Committee, cautioned that the proposed state enactment would not overturn the OSA but would provide a framework for how the public could get information.

He added it was important to come up with a solution to declassify information within the OSA.

Freelance journalist Padmaja Padman said the state government need not worry because an FOI law is passed to provide information based on the principles of maximum disclosure and routine publication, among others.

Transparency International-Malaysia member Ngooi Chiu-ing said greater access to information could help curb corruption

Selangor Sultan leaves for heart surgery in US - Sun

SHAH ALAM (Apr 29, 2009): The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, left for the United States yesterday to undergo heart mitral valve repair or replacement at Stanford University Medical Centre in Palo Alto,San Francisco.

The sultan will undergo the surgery on Saturday and would be under treatment at the hospital for three weeks, Selangor State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud said.

The Sultan left for Singapore on Tuesday and flew to San Francisco from there this morning, Ramli told a news conference, attended by the sultan's private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani.

He said cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Dr Alan Yeung and mitral valve specialist Prof Dr Craig Miller would attend to the sultan at Stanford University Medical Centre.

Ramli said the sultan had asked the people of Selangor not to be worried and to pray for a successful surgery.

"I have also asked the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department to seek the cooperation of the mosque and surau committees in the state for the reciting of the Yassin and doa selamat on Thursday (today) and to hold the solat hajat after the Friday prayers at all Selangor mosques during the treatment of the sultan," he said.

The sultan was accompanied by his younger brother, Tengku Ahmad Shah; medical specialist from Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya Datuk Setia Dr Anuar Masduki; member of the Council of the Royal Court of Selangor Tan Sri Syed Mohd Yusof Tun Syed Nasir; Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Datuk Zakaria Abd Rahman, and two friends

Pakatan alleges subversive BN plot to topple Selangor government - Malaysian Insider

By Neville Spykerman and Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

SHAH ALAM, March 13 — An emergency debate has been scheduled for the Selangor State Assembly at 2.30pm to discuss a purported move by the federal government to bring down Pakatan Rakyat.

The motion for the emergency debate was tabled by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San, who has received documents of a meeting called by the Pejabat Pembangunan Negeri Selangor (PPNS), which detail programmes and government agencies involved in the move.

The meeting, held on Feb 26, was entitled “Pelaksanaan Programme People Centric (sic) di Negeri Selangor” and involved the National Security Agency and Election Commission.

The objective of the programme, he claimed, was to discredit the Selangor state government to ensure Barisan Nasional regains both the state and a two-thirds majority in Parliament by the next general election.

At a press conference outside the assembly, Lau showed journalists documents which he had obtained of the Feb 26 meeting.

Lau said PPNS is a government agency under the Prime Minister's Department which was originally meant to act as a liaison between the federal and state governments.

He said the move by the federal government was subversive and undemocratic.

“The National Security Agency includes the police and army, and it’s shocking they are being used with other government agencies for this effort.”

Lau did not discount the possibility that similar programmes are being conducted in other PR states or if the programme was used to bring down the previous Perak government.

Unaccounted car downpayments and car used by KDEB chairman's wife - Sun

By Maria J. Dass and Karen Arukesamy

SHAH ALAM (March 12, 2009) : Two Mercedes Benz cars bought by Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) prior to the 12th general election were never delivered while a Range Rover bought for site visits by the company’s subsidiary, was used by the KDEB chairman’s wife.

These were among the matters raised at the Selangor State Assembly by Saari Sungib (Pas-Hulu Kelang) during his debate on the royal address to highlight discrepancies in the dealings of state-owned companies.

He said the state should check on the purchase of the Mercedes S500 worth RM1.5 million for the then KDEB chairman, and a Mercedes S350 worth almost RM1 million for its executive president.

Saari said the total purchase was about RM2.5 million and a 40% downpayment or about RM1 million was paid to Cycle and Carriage.

“Then after the election, the scenario changed; Now we do not know where the RM1 million downpayment has gone and both cars were never delivered,” he said.

The Mentri Besar should check on this and find out what happened as it is the right of the rakyat to know, he said.

Saari also revealed that Cekal Tulen, a company dealing with land development which is also a subsidiary of KDEB (51% share), bought a Range Rover worth RM500,000 to be used for site visits.

However, the car was then given to the KDEB chairman’s wife for her personal use.

“How could this happen? What kind of corporate governance is this?” Saari asked.

He also touched on the Al-Maruwah tower apartment dealings in Makkah, questioning the process of dealings pertaining to the purchase of two units of the apartment by KDEB.

He said the apartment was bought and a down payment of RM800,000 paid for by an individual before a circular was issued to approve the purchase.

Saari also alleged that the state water restructuring efforts are being sabotaged from within the concession companies in which some Umno leaders held shares.

Citing an instance, he said Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor holds 55% of the shares in one of the companies while Koperasi Murni owns 45%.

“The minority shareholder is becoming stronger and we found out why they do not want to help Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor to accept the state government’s offer to buy the water assets,” Saari said.

“We found out that Senator Datuk Ikhwan Salim Sujak, the head of the PJ Utara Umno branch and Subahan Ismail, also a branch leader, both have shares in Koperasi Murni and this shows there are efforts to sabotage the state’s water restructuring efforts,” he said, referring to the plans by Selangor to acquire the water entities in the state to slash tariffs.

Saari said the Mentri Besar should look into these cases and ensure good governance and transparency is practised by all state-held companies in the future.

Khir denies wife used Rover - Malaysian Insider

By Neville Spykerman

SHAH ALAM, March 12 — Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, today denied that his wife had been given the use of a Range Rover by a state subsidiary while he was Menteri Besar.

He also called the Ulu Kelang assemblyman Saari Sungib a coward, for bringing it up, in the State Assembly this morning.

He said the allegation were “110 per cent” false and said that Saari should not have attacked his wife.

Dr Mohd Khir, who was still upset about the incident when he was contacted by phone, said he confronted Saari outside the assembly and told him to get his facts right.

“I told him he was old and he should not have lied,”

Earlier while debating the Royal Address, Shaari alleged that the luxury four wheel drive vehicle was purchased by development company Syarikat Cekal Tulen, a subsidiary of Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB).

The company had claimed that they needed a robust vehicle for executives to make site visits, but the car was handed over to the wife of the KDEB chairman to use.

However Khir said he only entered the car once to make a site visit.

Khir also denied knowledge of a KDEB attempt to buy two Mercedes Benz cars at a cost of RM2.5 million prior to March 8 last year.

“The decision to purchase the cars were made by KDEB’s management Committee.”

Earlier Saari disclosed that one of the cars was a Mercedes S500, worth RM1.5 million meant for the KDEB chairman while the other was a Mercedes S350, which cost almost RM1 million for the KDEB president.

Saari also claimed that RM1 million or 40 per cent of the price was paid to a salesman from Cycle and Carriage as down payment, but the cars were never delivered after March 8, when Selangor fell to Pakatan Rakyat while the money was also never returned.

Selangor MB slams ex-MB for blowing up - Malaysian Insider

By Asrul Hadi Abdulah Sani

SHAH ALAM, March 12 — Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim today condemned Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for losing his cool with a fellow assemblyman.

Threats and curses were allegedly uttered at the lobby of the State Assembly by Khir Toyo against Ulu Kelang Assemblyman Saari Sungib. This was after it was disclosed during proceedings that his wife had been given a RM500,000 Range Rover by a state subsidiary during his administration.

Khir allegedly told Saari to “watch out” as they were leaving the assembly to break for lunch.

Khalid told reporters that the action conducted by the former Menteri Besar was inappropriate. He should have taken his time to answer the allegations in the assembly.

“Today there was a discussion in the State assembly by an assemblyman to give information. It was up to other assemblyman to say whether or not the matter was true or false. Because it is important that all the issues regarding the people and administration are brought up in the assembly and through that that people will be able to know the truth,” he explained.

Khalid believes that the assembly is an important arena for the issues regarding the people and the state’s administration to be discussed. Only through the discussion can the people know the truth.

“This is why the State assembly is protected by law and this gives freedom to any parties to discuss without fear,” he added.

He also stressed that no one has the right to stop any assemblymen from entering the state assembly and expressing their views. If an assemblyman is unhappy over a statement made in the assembly, the person can ask the perpetrator to make the statement outside, he said.

Khir Toyo grilled over protest against Sultans - Sun

SHAH ALAM (March 11, 2009) : Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo(pic) was grilled by Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen over the protest by Umno against the Sultans in Kedah and Terengganu over the choice of Mentri Besar after the 12th general election when he brought up the issue of disrespect for the Sultan of Perak’s decision not to dissolve the state assembly.

"We fought at first but then we obeyed, we have had differences with the Sultans but we learned from history and are obedient now," he said.

Complaining about the time when he was questioned by the Anti Corruption Agency (now the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) for 10 hours over allegations of abuse regarding the transfer of funds from Balkis to its federal equivalent Bakti, he said, "I have been cleared, I’m not afraid of anything but I will not forgive some people for creating this perception."

Ng Suee Lim (DAP-Sekinchan) meanwhile called on the MACC to investigate the abuse of power pertaining a contract to manage a multi level car park in Kota Kemuning which was given to Sani Tanjung Bunga Sdn Bhd by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

Ng also mentioned three projects which were possibly given out without open tender by MBSA on Dec 15, 2008 to three different companies.

He said the contracts should be terminated if there is proof of abuse.

RM1.2 million expenses by Balkis members questioned - Sun

by Karen Arukesamy

SHAH ALAM (March 11, 2009) : Permodalan Negri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) records show the company spent RM1.2 million in travelling expenses for members of Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) throughout 2007.

“There was a ‘technical’ visit to Disneyland, Tokyo by the members of the Balkis. What kind of ‘technical’ visit is this?” asked Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa) during his debate on the Sultan’s address at the Selagor state legislative assembly today.

“This ‘technical’ visit did not end at Disneyland, because Mickey Mouse had ran away, so they had another two ‘technical’ visits -- Hongkong and Korea,” said Azmin who called for an explanation of the visit and a report on the outcome, if it brought any benefit to the state.

“Maybe (they) want to bring Disneyland to Sg Panjang (former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Khir Toyo’s constituency). I do not know; please explain,” he said, gesturing towards the opposition bench.

Deputy Speaker Aniza Talha remarked that they (opposition assemblymen) are not Balkis members, to which Azmin retorted: “They are not Balkis members but they sleep with Balkis (members).”

Azmin also revealed that Balkis had received a large contribution/allocation, supposedly for welfare, but according to the information received, it was used by the members for their clothing and accessories.

“We cannot allow such robbers to roam in Selangor anymore and they use institutions like the attorney general’s office, the police and Election Commission (EC) to continue threatening us,” he said.

Azmin also revealed how the tax payers’ money was misused by “irresponsible” officers in what is now called Selangor State Development Office (previously Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negri Selangor) which had held discussions on how to overthrow the present Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state administration and return power to the Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said on Feb 6, 2009, the first task on the list at the Jawatankuasa Kerja Tindakan Persekutuan Negri’s meeting discussed how BN could wrest the state back from PR at the next general election.
Second on the agenda was how to sustain the reign of the BN federal government.

“This proves how desperate the federal government is to bring down the PR government,” he said.

“People of Selangor pay tax for the development of the state and not for Umno and BN,” he added.

He also questioned the presence of members irrelevant to the development of the state like National Security Council (NSC) and the EC.

“What is the connection between NSC and EC and the state’s development?” he said.

“We have exposed many things yet all they can see are the ‘cows’. Why should we feel ashamed of meeting under the tree when they are not ashamed of robbing the people of their rights?” Azmin said.

Selangor MB, exco asset declarations online on Friday - Star

March 11, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH and EDWARD RAJENDRA

SHAH ALAM: The asset declarations by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and the 10 exco members will be posted on the Selangor government’s website this Friday.

Announcing this on the sidelines of the State Legislative Assembly meeting, Khalid also explained at length the objective of the exercise.

The asset declaration was to ensure that those holding high office in the state government would not take advantage of their positions to unlawfully or unethically acquire assets, financial or otherwise, he said.

This was also to enable exco members to make unbiased and impartial decisions on policy, and subsequently strengthen the state government’s credibility.

Khalid said the state decided to include only assets acquired and owned by exco members after they had been sworn in as executive councillors on March 24 last year.

The declarations can be viewed at http://www.selangor.gov.my.

They will not include assets belonging to children of exco members 21 and above.

“This is because the state is unable to provide security for the exco members and their families, and neither is there any insurance policy that can address this concern,” he said.

However, he added, the exco members had disclosed their assets privately to the Mentri Besar’s office, but the information would not be posted online.

“Nevertheless, the information can be released for legitimate reasons and subject to conditions set and approved by the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency,” said Khalid.

He said the asset declaration included details pertaining to the acquisition and disposal of assets.

He added that the state had the utmost confidence in its exco members, and the move to post their asset declarations online was in line with the Selangor government’s stand on transparency, accountability and good governance.

Khalid also thanked Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for the support and advise he gave in opening the 12th State Legislative Assembly meeting on Tuesday.

Sultan: Declare assets online - Star

March 11, 2009

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the state’s exco members to declare their assets as soon as possible in line with good governance.

The declaration of assets should also be accessible to the public online, said Sultan Sharafuddin in his opening speech at the state assembly seating yesterday.

The Sultan also emphasised the need for good governance in all aspects of the state’s administration, and added that integrity and accountability practised by the current state government be upheld.

He also said that the state had come to a stage whereby the acknowledgement of the rights of every Selangor resident was the basic principle of its administration.

“This is important in regard to the land of the Orang Asli community,” said the Sultan.

“In the last few years, the Orang Asli community has undergone an erosion of identity and it is time their rights be returned to them, with the resolution of their land problems that has been in existence for a long time.

“I want to stress the need to acknowledge and preserve the Orang Asli land which had been seized from them in the last few years.”

He also urged the state government to expedite the identification and gazetting of Orang Asli land.

“They should be given the land which is rightfully theirs,” he added.

The Sultan said the community had a rich history with its own tradition, culture, values and perspective, which need not be sacrificed in the name of development. He said the dialogue initiated by the state government with the community recently should be continued.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the asset declarations submitted by Selangor exco members and Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim were undergoing scrutiny before being posted online for public perusal.

Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the date for the declarations to be posted online was yet to be set, but added that he believed everything would be concluded by next week.

The method of scrutinising the declarations was based on changes to the asset portfolios since the exco members and Khalid took office after March 8 last year, said Nik Nazmi, who is also Seri Setia assemblyman.

The information is expected to be posted on the state’s official website http://www.selangor.gov.my.

Khalid to decide on Eli Wong’s status after March 15 - Star

March 5, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim will decide on the status of embattled Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong after she returns from leave on March 15.

Wong, 37, had offered to resign as assemblyman and state executive councillor following the controversy over the distribution of embarassing pictures of her two weeks ago.

She has since taken a leave of absence and is currently believed to be overseas.

Khalid told reporters at Parliament lobby Thursday that any decision would only be made after she returned from leave.

“I will discuss (it) with her after March 15,” he said, adding that the discussion would involve her position in the state government and as a PKR assemblyman.

He also said that he was still waiting for the result of police investigations into the matter.

“I hope to hear from them before March 15,” he said.

Police had so far recorded statements from Wong and 12 individuals, including four journalists -- two each from the Malay Mail and theSun. -- Bernama

Khalid alleges BN paid RM17.5m in questionable Mecca deal - Malaysian Insider

By Leslie Lau (Consultant Editor)

SHAH ALAM, Feb 25 — The Barisan Nasional state government made unauthorised investments for properties in Mecca, Saudi Arabia worth RM17.5 million in 2007, the Selangor menteri besar’s office has revealed.

The acquisitions were made through the state investment agency Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) without the approval of the board of directors, according to a statement from the office of Pakatan Rakyat MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim released late last night.

The disclosure of the unauthorised acquisitions come a day after Khalid said two top officials from PNSB were ordered to go on a month’s paid leave to facilitate investigations into “irregularities and weaknesses” in the company’s financial accounts.

They are chief executive Datin Khairiyah Abu Hassan and finance manager Nora Azmin Radzuan, who is also Selangor Puteri Umno chief.

Khalid’s disclosure of alleged improprieties appear targeted at former BN MB Datuk Dr Khir Toyo, whose recent complaints of abuse of power against him have resulted in the current state leader facing charges from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

According to Khalid’s office, the PNSB board had in 2007 only approved the purchase of five properties in Al Marwa Tower, an apartment complex built by the BinLadin group near the Kaaba, for RM8.3 million.

However, PNSB eventually acquired a total of 12 properties for RM25.6 million.

In what was described as “puzzling” by the MB’s office, PNSB then almost immediately flipped seven of the properties to an individual for RM17.2 million. The individual was not named by Khalid’s office.

The MB’s office then noted that some time in 2008, PNSB prepared four cheques for RM8 million in the name of the same individual who had earlier paid the RM17.2 million for the seven properties in 2007.

“However, three of the four cheques prepared and signed by authorised signatories were then cancelled.

“The fourth cheque amounting to RM2 million was released and banked into the account of the individual. PNSB then arranged with the bank to stop payment,” the MB’s office said.

Khalid’s office said external advisors have now been appointed to assist in evaluating expenses of state agencies, including PNSB.

External auditors have also raised a red flag over the purchase of the Al Marwa Towers properties.

“The above actions are certainly puzzling. Why did PNSB pay more than RM25 million when the board only approved about RM8 million for five units?

“Why did it then accept about RM17 million said to be for the sale of the seven units? Why did it then attempt to re-purchase the units it had sold off?” the statement said.

The MB’s office said Khalid intends to take strong action should any criminal act be involved.

S’gor Sultan leaves it to MB to decide on Elizabeth Wong - Star

Feb 25, 2009

By EDWARD RAJENDRA

SHAH ALAM: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor is above politics and will leave it to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to decide the fate of his exco member Elizabeth Wong, who is now abroad, over a photo scandal.

The Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said the Sultan believed that whatever decision Khalid was going make, it would be done accurately, fairly and with wisdom.

He added that the decision would take into consideration the interest of the people of the state.

He said this in a statement released after Khalid had an audience with the Sultan at Istana Mestika at 8.23am Tuesday.

He said Sultan Sharafuddin was concerned of late over cases of privacy rights intrusions being used to destroy a person’s dignity and reputation.

The Sultan also felt sad that a person’s private was being made through the use of the mass media and that he hoped that Wong would remain calm and be patient and continue with her life.

Wong tendered her resignation as exco member and PKR's Bukit Lanjan assemblyman recently, after some compromising photos of her were sent to the media.

The state and PKR have yet to accept her resignation and Khalid had said last week that the decision to accept or reject Wong’s resignation would be made only after an audience with the Sultan.

Currently, Wong is on leave overseas pending the decision.


The full press statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over the controversy involving Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, issued by his private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani

“I am pleased to inform that Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Khalid Bin Ibrahim, the Dato’ Mentri Besar Selangor has sought an audience with His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, on Wednesday, 25th February 2009 and duly informed His Royal Highness on the political development and the issue which involved Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping, the Selangor State Assemblyman for Bukit Lanjan who is also the State Selangor Exco Member.

His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, has commanded me to inform that His Royal Highness could not offer any guidance or advice to the Yang Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar of Selangor in the matter related to the issue of Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong Keat Ping as it was still under police investigation and it involved her political position. It is His Royal Highness’ stance as the Sultan of Selangor to be above politics.

His Royal Highness believes that whatever decision that is going to be made by the Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Mentri Besar of Selangor will made with accurateness, fair and with wisdom by taking into consideration the interest of the Rakyat in particular and the State of Selangor generally. His Royal Highness is upset and worried as of late the intrusion of someone’s privacy and private rights was being used to destroy one’s dignity and reputation. It is a sad thing as one’s life and private rights were being made public and subject to public scrutiny by publicising in the mass media.

To Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong, His Royal Highness felt sad and sympathised with her as to the unfortunate event she had suffered and hoped that Yang Berhormat Elizabeth Wong will remain calm and be patient in continuing with her life henceforth.”

Dato’ Haji Mohamad Munir bin Bani Dato’ Lela Bakti Private Secretary to His Royal Highness The Sultan Of Selangor

INTIMATE PICTURES: Forensics cops visit Wong's house - Sun

By Charles Ramendran

PETALING JAYA (Feb 18, 2009): Forensics police today visited the Bukit Gasing home of Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong as part of investigations into her report that intimate pictures of her sleeping had been circulated.

At about noon, a team from the federal police forensics department went to Wong's house where they were believed to positively ascertain the locations where the two photographs they have in their possession could have been taken.

The photographs were reportedly taken with a handphone at her home.

Wong had in her earlier statement refused to speculate on who took them, although some reports had linked them to her ex-boyfriend who is also a Parti Keadilan Rakyat member.

Selangor police chief DCP Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said Petaling Jaya police will hand over the investigation to Kuala Lumpur police in a day or two as the assemblyman's house comes under the jurisdiction of Brickfields police.

On the progress of the probe, he said police are trying to trace Wong's ex-boyfriend to record his statement and are checking with the Immigration Department if he is still in the country or had left for overseas.

He also warned those who have the said photos to either hand them over to police or to destroy them.

"If we catch anyone distributing or having these photos in their possession, we will not hesitate to take stern action against them," he said.

Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed said to date police have recorded a statement from Wong and four journalists from two English newspapers who first carried the story on the photos

Elizabeth Wong offers to resign - Sun

PETALING JAYA ( Feb 17, 2009):

Elizabeth Wong, who has been thrust into controversy following the release of her nude photographs, has offered to resign as Selangor state executive councillor and Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman.

She told a news conference at the PKR headquarters today that she would discuss with Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim arrangements for the handover of her responsibilities.

Wong, 37, is the state executive councillor in charge of tourism, consumer affairs and environment.

In an emotionally-charged news conference and surrounded by about 30 supporters, Wong said the incident was an underhanded attempt by certain quarters to smear her reputation.

"My personal life and privacy have been violated. These people have conspired to undermine my credibility both as a Selangor state executive council member as well as a Parti Keadilan Rakyat leader," she said.

Wong, who was intermittently wiping her tears throughout the news conference, also maintained that she did not break any law.

"I have done nothing wrong. I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person. I have broken no law," she said.

"I stand by the fundamental principle in a democracy that everyone has a right to privacy," she added.

Wong said that the decision to offer her resignation as the Selangor executive councillor and state assemblyman was made in the interest of the party.

"Although the smear campaign directed towards me has caused me a lot of anguish, I am aware that the real objective is to discredit Parti Keadilan Rakyat," she claimed.

Wong said she believed that the "attacks" to discredit the party would continue with greater intensity.

"Accordingly, I have decided to make a stand in the interest of the party and its struggle for the people," she said.

Wong lodged a police report at the Damansara police station on Sunday following the circulation of her nude photographs. -- BERNAMA

Vigilant in Selangor - Sun

Terence Fernandez

SHAH ALAM (Feb 13, 2009): Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is now vigilant in Selangor as it is learnt that Barisan Nasional (BN) is trying to get at least seven PR assemblymen to either cross over or quit their parties.

The case of "missing" Port Klang assemblyman, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)'s Badrul Hisham Abdullah, had sparked talk that BN agents are on overdrive to reclaim the state it lost in the general election – buoyed by their success in wresting Perak last week.

However, Badrul Hisham called a press conference yesterday to rubbish claims by Klang PKR information chief Aziz Johari that he had met with a Klang Umno division leader.

He said the rumour was spread by certain people to create confusion in the PR government in Selangor and he had met the party's top leadership to explain all issues that had cropped up about him.

Asked whether he had been offered to cross over, he said he had not received any offers and he had not thought of jumping to another party, Bernama reported.

On claims that he was "missing" lately and difficult to contact or hardly met constituents, Badrul said: "I am in my area."

On other claims that he did not receive state allocations and was involved in a "khalwat" case, he said: "No, I did not do it."

At the same time, it is learnt that BN, particularly MCA and Gerakan, is milking the discontent of State DAP leaders among themselves as well as with the national leadership and with senior State Assembly officials. At least one executive councillor is being courted.

Senior PR leaders claimed that apart from offers of money, one or two members were also being “blackmailed” with corruption charges for alleged abuse of power.

The BN, which has 20 seats as opposed to PR’s 36, need only obtain nine defectors to form a simple majority in the State Legislature.

A meeting held at the official residence of Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim last night was geared towards identifying representatives, including Members of Parliament who may have some beef with the leadership of their respective parties and to iron out outstanding issues.

The three-hour meeting was a cordial affair where everyone present agreed on the need for open and frank communication so as to allay any misunderstanding among the leaders that will confuse and worry voters.

Except for disgruntled Kapar MP S. Maniackavasagam and several representatives who were overseas, all assemblymen and parliamentarians attended the dinner meeting.

It was decided there was no need to sign any oath of allegiance because ultimately "the allegiance is more towards the voters".

It was also agreed that such meetings should be held more regularly to straighten out issues and to avoid confusion, as well as to keep everyone in check, said a source.

As chief executive of the State, Abdul Khalid also heads PR in Selangor. He had told a news conference on Wednesday that the meeting would also discuss how allocations to assemblymen could be better spent.

Of late, there had been murmurings among several assemblymen over the amount and method of disbursement of the allocations.
Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman and executive councillor for tourism, consumer affairs and the environment, Elizabeth Wong of PKR said she is confident one will not see a repeat of Perak where the PR government fell following the resignation of one DAP and two PKR assemblymen from their parties, and throwing their support behind BN.

She accused BN of waging a psychological war to make PR politicians suspicious of one another.

“I am not unduly worried as from what we see in Perak, it is clear to all that anyone who jumps or causes the State Government to fall will be hounded till the end of the world.”
PKR’s Seri Setia assemblyman and Abdul Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad dismissed these overtures as BN propaganda.

“They are using the media to propagate this hype but we are quite certain we will not see a repeat of Perak,” he said.

Sungai Pinang Assemblyman, DAP’s Teng Chang Khim, said the only attempt to woo him was in March last year when he was not appointed as an executive councillor.

“Rumours of me crossing over to Gerakan had been there since 1996 but I can tell you that I am not crossing over to the BN,” he said.

He admitted he has differences with several DAP leaders but said it is wrong to say that he is being marginalised by the whole party.

He also said that PKR, DAP and PAS have a “very good working relationship”.

“We have had four BBC (Back Benchers’ Club) meetings since October and the attendance has been good. Even Badrul Hisham was there.

Teng said in the case of the alleged blackmails, he was confident the assemblyman concerned would rather thrash it out in court than earn the wrath of the people by jumping ship.

I am not going to cross over: Badrul - Star

Feb 12, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH and CHRISTINA TAN

SHAH ALAM: PKR’s Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah has quashed talk that he is crossing over to Umno.

Badrul Hisham, who was mobbed by the media after attending a briefing Thursday on land matters at the state secretariat, pledged to remain loyal to PKR and its de-facto chief Anwar Ibrahim.

“The allegations are not true and fabricated by the opposition to create chaos in the Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor," Badrul Hisham, 49, told a press conference.

He said he was discussing with the party’s lawyers allegations made against him by a TV network and an online news portal.

The news portal reported that Badrul Hisham had gone missing due to problems with his family after his wife caught him in close proximity with another woman.

It also stated that the assemblyman was said to be in Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s bad books, and was also peeved at being merely given the task coordinating the state library.

Badrul Hisham, who was accompanied by PKR vice-president Azmin Ali at the press conference, said he had been carrying on with his duties as assemblyman without any hiccups.

Rumblings about Badrul Hisham’s alleged defection took root recently after the assemblyman was believed to have gone missing.

To make matters worse, reports against Badrul Hisham’s alleged regular absence from his constituency had also been sent to Khalid by Port Klang residents.

“It is just a technical problem. I will change," he said when asked about this, pledging to go to his service centre daily.

Badrul Hisham said he would be attending the special meeting between Khalid and all Selangor elected representatives at the MB’s official residence.

Earlier Thursday, his wife Ramizah Mazlan said wild allegations were levelled against Badrul Hisham by certain quarters from within as well as outside the party.

“All these allegations are untrue. He has been receiving threats even before he won the Port Klang seat,” said Ramizah when met at the family home in Kampung Raja Uda in Port Klang.

S'gor MB to meet all reps to nix crossover rumours - Star

Feb 11, 2009 By WANI MUTHIAH

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he would be meeting all the state’s Members of Parliament (MPs) and assemblymen Thursday to counter speculation of crossovers in the state.

He said this was necessary given the recent political development in neighbouring Perak, where the resignation of three assemblymen and the defection of a fourth saw the state falling to Barisan Nasional hands.

“We will also be discussing how the allocations we have for MPs and state assemblymen can best be used to benefit the people,” said Khalid when asked about Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah who is allegedly missing in action.

Khalid said PKR member Badrul Hisham is also expected to attend the meeting at the state secretariat building.

Elected representatives were not only responsible towards the party but also towards the electorate that voted for them, he noted.

However, while there could be reasons for them to hop to another party, under the current circumstances, it is unlikely that this would happen, he said.

It is believed that Badrul Hisham’s constituents had complained about his absence from functions in his constituency and that it was difficult to get in touch with him.

Speculation is rife that he may defect to another party because of this alleged lack of commitment to his constituents as well as alleged meetings with Umno leaders.

Khalid to Khir Toyo: Retract or get sued - Star

Feb 4, 2009 By LOH FOON FONG

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has given Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo an ultimatum to retract his recent statement against him within seven days or risk being sued.

Lawyer Sankara Nair, who is representing Khalid, said two letters of demand were posted to the former Selangor MB on Wednesday, demanding an apology, retraction and damages.

The letters referred to a report in the New Straits Times on Jan 15 and another in Utusan Malaysia on Jan 23 with the headings “Lexus is my own, says Khalid” and “Lepaskan jawatan MB” (Lay down your post, MB) respectively, he said.

“They are bereft of truth and a distortion calculated to disparage our client’s reputation and to undermine his integrity, both in his personal and public capacity,” Sankara said.

Mohd Khir had implied that Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) funds were used to purchase a Toyota Lexus four-wheel drive for Khalid.

Sankara claimed that Khalid had bought the car during the Ijok by-election and has the documents to prove that it is his personal car.

Mohd Khir had also claimed that the state government had financed the purchase of cows worth RM110,400 that were distributed in Khalid’s parliamentary seat, Bandar Tun Razak, which is not in Selangor.

Khalid had recently explained that the arrangements to purchase and donate the cows to Bandar Tun Razak were made solely by PKNS and the donor companies without his or his officers’ involvement.

Despite the explanation, Khir had not apologised or retracted his statements, said Sankara.

“If an apology and retraction comes, my client will forget the matter; otherwise, we will go by way of a summons,” he said.

Khalid warns Khir Toyo of new ‘revelations’ - Star

Jan 26, 2009

IJOK: Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo could be opening a can of worms with his allegations over the purchase of 46 cows, his successor as Selangor Mentri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, has warned.

“Once the Officials Secrets Act (OSA) tag is removed from documents, the darkest secrets regarding the state opposition chief Dr Khir Mohd Toyo will come to light,” he said.

“Several letters on the issuance of land (to certain parties), on the allocation of contracts and even the purchase of cows for the former Barisan Nasional state government for Aidiladha by firms involved in the gaming industry, will be revealed,” he added.

Khalid said that things done by Dr Khir, which were worse, would be revealed in the Selangor State Assembly.

The latest spat came after Gerak Malaysia (Civil Movement Against Corruption) lodging a report on Jan 21, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission alleging the state government had financed the purchase of cows worth RM110,400 and that they had been distributed in Khalid’s parliamentary seat, Bandar Tun Razak, which is not in Selangor.

In response, Khalid said the cows had been bought by subsidiaries of the state government.

Two days later, Dr Khir took a swipe at Khalid, claiming he had a copy of the minutes of a meeting dated Nov 28 in which the order was made.

Selangor spent RM2.3m - Sun

SHAH ALAM (Jan 18, 2009) : By Maria

Selangor spent RM2,356,123.35 to buy the 15 Toyota Camry 2.4 cars for use by its executive councillors and senior officers, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said today.

Via a statement which he promised to issue after the state executive council meeting last Wednesday, he said each of the Camry bought at RM157,074.89 after a RM10,000 discount, comes with a three-year warranty.

Reiterating what he had said on Wednesday, Abdul Khalid said: "It costs the state RM694,735.55 to maintain the Proton Perdanas it owned."

There were several instances when the gear boxes of some three-year-old Proton Perdana had to be changed twice in two years, he said.

It is understood that the cost of changing each gear box was more than RM20,000.