Pakatan Rakyat Selangor

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

2009-08-29T09:09:00.000+08:00

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

2009-07-15T20:55:00.001+08:00

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

2009-07-15T20:51:00.002+08:00

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

2009-07-13T22:48:00.000+08:00

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

2009-05-19T21:04:00.001+08:00

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

2009-05-19T21:03:00.001+08:00

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

2009-04-29T23:19:00.002+08:00

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

2009-03-13T16:12:00.001+08:00

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

2009-03-12T21:58:00.002+08:00

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

2009-03-12T21:48:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-12T21:47:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-11T21:44:00.001+08:00

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

2009-03-11T21:41:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-11T21:38:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-11T11:06:00.001+08:00

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

2009-03-05T22:46:00.001+08:00

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

2009-02-25T12:47:00.000+08:00

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

2009-02-25T12:46:00.002+08:00

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

2009-02-18T22:40:00.001+08:00

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

2009-02-17T19:58:00.002+08:00

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

2009-02-13T18:06:00.001+08:00

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

2009-02-12T22:47:00.000+08:00

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

2009-02-11T23:49:00.001+08:00

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

2009-02-04T19:52:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-26T10:35:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-19T09:34:00.002+08:00

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.

Appeal from Zakaria Md Deros’ family rejected - Star

2008-12-18T07:20:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Dec 18, 2008

The Selangor state executive council on Wednesday rejected the appeal by the family of the late Datuk Zakaria Md Deros for temporary occupation of the state land where the fencing of his infamous mansion in Port Klang had been constructed.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the executive council would now hand the matter over to the Klang district office and municipal council for a decision on what action to take next.

“We will ask the district office and municipal council to hold a dialogue with the surrounding residents to gather their feedback on the use of the state land.

“We will leave it to the residents in the area to decide on whether to turn the land into an open area or then to sell it to the family,” he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting here.

Zakaria’s family had submitted a letter of appeal to the district office on Nov 17 following Khalid’s announcement on Nov 12 that an earlier application for temporary occupation of the 2,267 sq m of state land had been rejected.

Ronnie Liu sues Khir Toyo - Star

2008-10-06T23:15:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Oct 6, 2008

Selangor state exco Ronnie Liu filed a defamation suit against former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo on Monday for allegedly defaming his character, including allegedly describing Liu as immoral and being involved in vice activities

Dr Khir had allegedly accused Liu in May of obstructing a prostitution raid at a hotel in Puchong and claimed he was therefore not fit to be in charge of the state’s local government.

Liu said the accusations were baseless and was aimed at attacking his political reputation and tarnishing his name.

He is seeking an unspecified amount of general, aggravated and exemplary damages. The suit was filed at 11.30am at the KL High Court

Kapar MP to quit PKR if no action is taken - Star

2008-09-30T11:34:00.000+08:00

KLANG: Sept 30, 2008

Kapar MP S. Manickavasagam has threatened to quit as the Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat liaison committee deputy chairman if no action is taken against council officers involved in a Hindu temple demolition exercise in Ampang recently.

Manickavasagam, who is also a PKR supreme council member, said he might even quit the party if he was not satisfied with action taken by the state government.

He said action should be taken against the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) president, its en-forcement chief and other officers involved as the matter was not referred to the state govern-

ment before the temple was demolished.

“The council president also did not inform the two Indian representatives in the council’s board of the action. I have recently learnt that MPAJ sent notices of demolition to 10 other temples in the municipality.

“I feel action must be taken especially against those directly involved as this is serious,” he said. Selangor Health, Estate Workers and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said he was not satisfied with the council’s interim report.

“MPAJ is conducting an internal probe as the demolition took place without the knowledge of the state exco or MPAJ president, who was in Mecca when it happened,” he told reporters when he visited the temple on Sunday.

Dr Xavier said the temple committee should also take responsibility as they did not apply for permission from the state government to build the temple.

“The mistake is on both sides. The demolition without prior notice from the state government and the building of temple without the state’s approval,” he said.

Temple committee chairman S. Murugiah said they did not receive any notice for the demolition.

Selangor govt suspends Hamid - Star

2008-09-30T11:33:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Sept 30, 2008 By CHRISTINA TAN and CHRISTINA LOW

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) deputy president Hamid Hussain, who allegedly ordered that the Sri Mahakaliaman temple be demolished, has been suspended for a week effective today.

State Local Government, Research and Study committee chairman Ronnie Liu said Hamid was being suspended pending investigations.

The decision to suspend him was made yesterday.

He said the state three-man committee on non-Muslim religious affairs comprising Teresa Kok, Dr Xavier Jayakumar and himself has begun their investigations into the temple demolition.

“We are expecting the investigation results by Monday and we will look into the next course of action after that,” he said when contacted yesterday.

The 19-year-old temple near Kampung Tasek Tambahan, which was built on forest reserve land, was ordered to be destroyed by the MPAJ about two weeks ago.

Liu said the council president was on leave when the temple was demolished and Hamid, as the deputy, had reportedly decided on the matter.

He said the state government was dealing with the demolition of places of worship very seriously and would find a solution to the problem of the Sri Mahakaliaman temple soon.

Liu said so far 27 permits for places of worship, including churches, Hindu temples and Chinese temples on government land, had been given since the Pakatan Rakyat took over the state government.

This showed that the state government was very concerned and sensitive to religious matters, he said.

However, Liu said, the state government hoped not to see any new places of worship coming up on land designated as forest and river reserves.

He said the people should understand that these reserves should not be occupied for other than the intended use.

When contacted, Hamid, who is on leave in Langkawi, said he

did not know anything about the council’s decision to suspend

him.

“I’m on Hari Raya leave now and I don’t know what is going on,” he said, adding that he had not received any notice from the state government or council.

When contacted, MPAJ president Datuk Mohammad Yacob said that he had been informed of Hamid’s suspension. “The suspension is the state exco’s decision,” he said.

“We will follow whatever decision the state exco makes as we are all here to serve the public.”

Mohammad declined further comment but said that he would wait for an interim report on the issue next week.

K'jaan S'gor desak Teresa dibebaskan - Malaysiakini

2008-09-13T22:38:00.003+08:00

Jimadie Shah Othman | Sep 13, 08 7:02pm

Kepimpinan utama negeri Selangor meminta kerajaan persekutuan supaya membebaskan segera exco negeri itu, Teresa Kok dan Raja Petra Kamaruddin yang ditahan di bawah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) semalam.

Wartawan Sin Chew Daily, Tan Hoon Cheng yang turut ditahan di bawah ISA semalam, telah dibebaskan hari ini.

Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim menuntut Teresa, yang juga ahli dewan undangan negeri (Adun) Kinrara itu, dibebaskan dalam tempoh selewat-lewatnya dua hari.

Abdul Khalid berkata, tidak ada sebab pemimpin DAP itu perlu ditangkap.

Beliau yang kesal dengan penangkapan Teresa, meyifatkan penggunaan ISA sebagai tidak menyelesaikan masalah dalam negara.
Menurut Abdul Khalid lagi, penggunaannya juga "tidak sesuai, tidak munasabah, 'low class' dan menjatuhkan nama baik Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa".

"ISA tidak lagi perlu di saat rakyat matang dan bakal menyambut ulang tahun kemerdekaan negara ke-51," katanya dalam sidang media bersama Adun dan wakil rakyat Pakatan Rakyat di kediamannya di Shah Alam petang tadi.

Ekoran itu, tegas Khalid, kerajan negeri akan memberikan bantuan guaman dan kosnya akan ditanggung oleh kerajaan negeri.

Katanya, beliau akan berbincang dengan penasihat undang-undang Selangor dan memfailkan petisyen habeas corpus.

Kecam tangkapan Teresa

Diminta mengulas kesannya sekiranya usaha itu gagal, Abdul Khalid berkata, Teresa masih lagi "ada kerusi" sebagai Adun dan ahli parlimen.

Jawatannnya sebagai exco kerajaan negeri juga tidak berubah, tambahnya.

Sementara itu, kebanyakan wakil rakyat Pakatan memberikan reaksi tidak selesa dan mengecam penangkapan Teresa itu.

Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor, Teng Cheng Khim yang terkejut dengan penahanan itu berkata, beliau terkilan dengan penahanan itu sejurus selepas Teresa (foto) memberikan taklimat kepada delegasi pelabur dari Guang Dong, China malam tadi.

"Bagaimana orang yang menarik pelaburan asing dari luar negara boleh dianggap sebagai mengancam keselamatan negara?" katanya.

Exco pendidikan, Haliman Ali pula berkata jika penangkapan Teresa dibuat atas alasan beliau melarang penggunaan pembesar suara untuk azan di masjid di negeri itu, perkara itu tidak boleh diterima.

Dalam mesyuarat exco Rabu lalu, katanya, Teresa telah menafikan bahawa beliau terlibat dalam larangan itu.

Menurut Adun PAS itu, dalam Islam, kalau benar beliau bersalah sekalipun, penangkapan tanpa bicara tetap tidak boleh dilakukan.

Kesan trauma

Menurutnya lagi, ISA "tidak lagi mempunyai tempat dalam Malaysia, dalam dunia dan dalam era ini".

Ahli parlimen Kuala Langat, Abdullah Sani pula berkata, dakwaan Teresa melarang laungan azan di negeri itu datang dari pembangkang di Selangor.

Mempersoalkan penangkapan itu, beliau berkata: "Kenapa pembangkang tidak ditangkap?"

Beliau meminta Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar prihatin dengan perkara itu dan membebaskan Teresa segera.

Adun Ulu Klang, Shaaari Sungip yang telah dua kali ditahan di bawah ISA berkata penangkapan kali ini sama dengan Operasi Lalang yang menggunakan alasan agama dan perkauman dan diperkukuhkan
melalui media.

Beliau berkata, penggunaan ISA boleh memberikan kesan trauma.

Beliau menyifatkan tindakan itu tidak demokratik sedangkan Teresa dipilih oleh rakyat secara demokratik melalui proses pilihanraya.

Exco kesihatan, Xavier Jayakumar mahu dihentikan penggunaan undang-undang "drakonian" seperti ISA dan akta Hasutan, dan sebaliknya menggunakan saluran undang-undang dan dibawa ke mahkamah.

Datuk Dr Hassan Ali pula menyifatkan penangkapan itu sebagai usaha BN menggagalkan pembentukan kerajan baru kerajaan oleh Pakatan.

"Perubahan kerajaan akan tetap berlaku sama ada sebelum atau selepas 16 September," katanya.

Hannah Yeoh turut menunjukkan ketidakselesaan terhadap penangkapan itu.

Selangor govt may also sack ‘uncooperative’ council presidents and employees - Star

2008-09-13T10:45:00.000+08:00

KLANG: Sept 13, 2008 By CHRISTINA TAN

The Selangor government has identified several “underperforming and uncooperative” council employees, including council presidents, and plans to take stern action against them, even to the point of sacking them.

State Local Government, Study and Research Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the performance of local council employees had been monitored since the Pakatan Rakyat began to helm the government in March.

“We have to take stern action because all of them had been repeatedly told what they should and shouldn’t do.

“Some of them not only refused to cooperate with the government, but deliberately went against orders.

“It is September now and six months is enough,” he said after attending the opening of the new centre of Klang Municipal councillor Tee Boon Hock at Bukit Tinggi here on Thursday.

Citing an example, he said some of the council presidents failed to decide on the zoning of areas that local councillors would service.

“It is ridiculous, it has been two months already (since they were told to do so) and all of them know the importance of zoning,” he said, adding that those in the council should know their duties well because the state government held monthly meetings with them.

Also on the list were officers of Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) who went overboard on Thursday by tearing down a Hindu temple despite a state government directive not to destroy places of worship, he said.

Liu said the officers also by-passed the committee on non-Muslim affairs headed by Teresa Kok, Dr Xavier Jayakumar and himself.

“This is a very clear offence and there is no excuse at all (for the actions),” he said, adding that he was waiting for a written report on the number of officers involved.

Liu added that he had asked MPAJ to lodge a report with the police and state government to allow action to be taken against the officers involved.

“We have a provision to sack them although they are federal officers,” he said, adding, however, that the process of termination would take time.

PAS MP lodges report against Khir Toyo - Sun

2008-09-11T20:14:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM (Sept 11, 2008): By Maria J.Dass

Kota Raja Member of Parliament Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud has lodged a police report against former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and website pembelamelayu.com for spreading malicious slander and lies about certain quarters pressuring the state authorities to tone down the call to prayer at mosque and surau in the state.

When contacted, Siti Mariah, who is also PAS central committee member, said the police must investigate and act on this immediately as malicious lies can ruin racial and religious harmony.

Pembelamelayu.com quoting Mohd Khir in his blog said Seputeh MP and Puchong Assemblyman Theresa Kok had supported a petition by the Chinese in Kinrara against the azan (call to morning prayer) in their area.

The website also alleged that Seri Serdang assemblyman Satim Diman had raised the issue at the state assembly but did not get a response.

In her report lodged at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today, Siti Mariah said Mohd Khir’s statement, published in Utusan Malaysia on Tuesday, was “malicious and aimed at raising the anger and anxiety of Malay Muslims”.

“This action by Khir, the blog and Utusan Malaysia is an obvious attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the Malay and Muslim people,” Siti Mariah said.

She said newspapers should verify the facts before publishing such reports.
(The Utusan Malaysia report quoted Khir, but Kok's name was not mentioned.)

"As a Muslim, I was upset when I read the article, but upon checking with Teresa, I found out that she had not been involved in the petition at all.”

She added that she obtained a copy of the state assembly Hansard from the Speaker’s office and found that allegations that Satim was ordered to remain seated when he brought up the issue at the state assembly was unfounded.

She said it is understood that committees of the mosques involved have also lodged reports with the police against the unfounded allegations.

When contacted, Mohd Khir said: “Let the police to investigate the allegations.”

Asked if he stood by the statements made, Mohd Khir said: “A report has been lodged, so I don’t want to say anything more on the matter.”

On Wednesday, Kok, referring to the article published on PembelaMelayu.com, denied even receiving such a complaint from residents and said she personally had no problems with the prayer calls.

Kok had also demanded a retraction and apology from Mohd Khir, Utusan Malaysia, its writer Zaini Hassan and Satim.

RONNIE LIU: All Selangor councillors clean - NST

2008-09-11T20:13:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM, Thurs: Sept 11, 2008

All local councillors appointed by the PKR-DAP-Pas coalition government in Selangor two months ago do not have criminal records.

State Local Government, Study and Research Committee Chairman Ronnie Liu said this confirmation was obtained through a letter sent by the Home Ministry two weeks ago.

Hence, he said, all previous allegations hurled by certain quarters at the local councillors were clearly not true.

Ronnie said the confirmation, however, did not include bankruptcy cases.

"With regard to bankruptcy records, there is no letter yet and we have to wait for the report from the Insolvency Department,” he told reporters here today.
Earlier, he attended a function where Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim presented appointment letters to 74 Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairmen.

Free parking for the disabled - Star

2008-09-09T22:47:00.002+08:00

Sept 9, 2008

THE disabled people living in the Subang Jaya municipality have been urged to apply for free parking stickers at the council.

They are also requested to carry their cards at all time to be eligible for their privileges.

Apply now: Yeoh showing the stickers for the disabled while Adnan looks on.

According to the Petaling welfare office some 298 disabled people in Subang Jaya are registered with it, but only 23 of them had applied for the council’s free parking stickers this year.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said not many disabled people were aware of the stickers.

“This is not a new thing as the council introduced it in 2006,” said Yeoh during a press briefing together with the MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan.

“The stickers will enable the disabled to park their cars for free at public parking spaces that are managed by the MPSJ, so that they need not go through the inconvenience of paying at the parking meters.”

The stickers are not applicable at private complexes or shopping malls.

It is learnt that only seven disabled people had applied for the stickers in 2006, while in 2007, only 17 applications were received.

Yeoh said this was one of the first steps undertaken towards making things more convenient for the disabled.

Adnan added that since 1995, there was a compulsory by-law for any submissions of development order and building plan to include facilities for the disabled.

“However, it was only enforced two years ago,” he said.

Yeoh said she would be having a meeting on Nov 1 with the disabled community in Subang Jaya to be held at the MPSJ building.

“I’ll arrange for some councillors to be around during the meeting so that they can listen to the hardships faced by the disabled and work towards a solution.”

For more information on the stickers call Yeoh’s assistant Cherrinee Lee at 012-291 3358 or e-mail: cherrinee@gmail.com.

Subang Jaya rep meets residents - Star

2008-09-09T22:47:00.001+08:00

Sept 9, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

The proposed LRT route to Subang Jaya and USJ is yet to be confirmed. It was the first information relayed by Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh at her first town hall meeting with residents of Goodyear Court 7, 8, 9 and 10 last Saturday.

“Prasarana is waiting for the engineering design and survey of the proposed hubs before submitting it for approval.

“Once the approval comes through, the residents will be asked for their feedback and to put in their objections, if any,” Yeoh said.

Her update on the issue comes after the recent announcement in Budget 2009 by the Prime Minister that the LRT line into Subang Jaya and USJ will complement the existing LRT route from Kelana Jaya and connect to the Ampang line via Putra Heights and Puchong.

“The process of finding a proper route and land is tough, as Subang Jaya is already a developed township and residents do not want the proposed route to pass through their property.

“However, Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat has said that residents will be given at least three months to submit their objections and comments,” said Yeoh.

She added that she would also be proposing to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president to set up a task force to work with Rapid KL and Prasarana on how to improve public transportation in the township.

During the hour-long meeting, she spoke to the residents about various issues and activities she is working on and things to be ironed out with the relevant authorities.

Present at the meeting were MPSJ secretary Slamat Hamzah and department directors Rosli Mohammad Yunus from engineering and Dr Abdul Rahim Ahmad from health.

With regards to the road from Kesas highway to USJ 1, she said at present, only a one-way route had been approved.

“I understand from the MPSJ that it has submitted to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) for a two-way route.

Yeoh also spoke on the frequent congestion at Persiaran Tujuan and said the MPSJ would be carrying out an independent assessment study.

“The council will have to study and see which junctions can be closed.”

Later, Yeoh took some questions from the residents, who voiced their concerns on congestion and environmental issues.

Yeoh will continue with her town hall meeting at different places each month.

Selangor free water offer extended until Dec 31 - NST

2008-09-09T22:37:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues: Sept 9, 2008

Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) will extend the 20 cubic metres free water facility for consumers in Selangor until Dec 31.

Its executive chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail, in a statement today, said the facility actually was to end on Sept 30.

“The extension was made possible following Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) agreeing to bear the cost of the facility for the months of October, November and December,” said Rozali.

Sept 16 plan still on track: Selangor MB - Star

2008-09-06T18:53:00.000+08:00

KLANG: Sept 6, 2008 By CHRISTINA TAN

The PKR’s plans to get Barisan Nasional MPs to cross over are still on track, said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

“Plans to form a new government on Sept 16, led by PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, are still very active,” he said.

When asked if the Sept 16 claim would become a reality, Khalid, who is also state PKR chairman, said the party did not want to say anything yet.

“We don’t speculate. We are going to be evaluated by the results not speculations,” he told reporters Saturday after presenting donations to some 1,000 storm and flood victims in the Klang district at the Teluk Pulai community hall here.

Anwar has claimed the Opposition would topple the Barisan government by Sept 16.

He also claimed that some 30 Barisan MPs, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak, were ready to cross over.

On aids for the disaster victims, Khalid said more than 1,000 people would benefit from the various emergency aid provided by the state government.

Some 900 homes in Klang and Kapar were damaged by strong winds and flood waters during a freak storm early last week.

Khalid said the aid came a bit late because the authorities needed some time to go down to the ground and get in touch with the victims to ensure the aid reached the people effectively.

MB: Takeover won't affect water quality - NST

2008-09-04T22:26:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Sept 4, 2008

The takeover of Selangor's water supply by Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad from Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) will not affect the service and quality of water in the state, said Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Abdul Khalid was responding to a memorandum by the Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Consumers Association to the prime minister, protesting the restructuring of the water industry in the state.

On Monday, the association presented a memorandum which included a petition signed by some 53,000 people in the three states asking the Federal Government to intervene in the state government's plan.

Abdul Khalid also maintained that the service and water quality would remain the same as Syabas would supply water to Selangor.

"The state government's restructuring of the water industry involves Syabas. Syabas will remain in the water industry and though the shareholders may be different, the duties of the company remain the same," he said after the weekly exco meeting here yesterday.
He said to ensure that water quality and services would not be affected, regular assessments of the industry would be done by the state government and relevant bodies under the Energy, Water and Communication Ministry.

"I'm sure the ministry is experienced in comparing the performances of water providers of all states. If they are efficient, it will be reflected in the revenue and operations cost."

New directive on open spaces - Star

2008-08-31T16:29:00.000+08:00

Aug 31,2008 - JADE CHAN at the MBPJ full board meeting

THE Selangor government has issued several new directives to the local authorities recently, including those related to gazetting open spaces and the constructing of billboards.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman announced this at Wednesday’s full board meeting of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

“So far, most local councils have gazetted about 30% of their open spaces, but the MBPJ has gazetted about 50%, covering about 200 areas,” Roslan said.

“The state government has urged all the local councils to expedite the gazetting before the end of this year,” he said.

According to Roslan, the state government has imposed a new policy on the construction of new billboards in all local council areas.

Under the policy, the land office can only approve TOL (temporary occupational licences) applications for the construction of billboards for the local councils and not to private individuals or companies.

“The local councils can then lease out the approved pieces of land to billboard operators at a rate of 30% of gross income revenue from the billboards,” Roslan said.

“For the existing billboards built on government reserve land without the TOLs but are allowed to remain, a local council must apply for the TOLs and then lease them to existing billboard operators or other operators,” he said.

“The land office has been told to help the local councils in expediting the TOL applications for the billboard sites,” he said.

Roslan estimated that the council could earn a conservative figure of RM5mil annually from the lease of billboards.

He said the local councils had been instructed by the state government to remove all Mesra Rakyat and old Merdeka campaign billboards featuring photos of leaders from the previous state government.

The directive also reminded all local councils to practise a transparent concept in their administration and that a test of trust is a test of character.

Councillor Kamarudin Suhaimi suggested that the MBPJ look into the issue of Muslim cemeteries in anticipation of future problems.

Among his suggestions were standardising the size of the graves and the “reusing” of graves by collecting bones and relocating them to other sites.

Roslan said the issue would be brought up with the state fatwa committee to seek their views.

On complaints to the MBPJ, Roslan said the council had several working committees like the Road and Traffic Gang under the Engineering Department and the Waste Buster to attend to public complaints.

“The Road and Traffic Gang handles issues like patching potholes and repairing damaged signages,” he said.

“The Waste Busters are contractors appointed by Alam Flora to collect rubbish according to various zones in Petaling Jaya.

Each lorry is paid about RM250 for a full load of rubbish taken to the landfills,” Roslan said.

Councillor asked to explain action - Star

2008-08-31T16:24:00.002+08:00

Aug 31, 2008 By ELAN PERUMAL and LIM CHIA YING

COUNCILLOR Keshminder Singh, who had questioned the presence of Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) full board on Thursday will have to submit a written explanation.

State Local Government Committee chairman Ronnie Liu, who described the incident as uncalled for, said this was necessary to prevent such incidents repeating in the future.

The lull before the storm: Yeoh seen here with her laptop seated at the councillors’ table.

Saying Yeoh had every right to be at the full board meeting, Liu said PKR’s Keshminder would be asked to explain his action.

He said he spoke to Keshminder on Thursday and felt that it was only fair that a written explanation was obtained from him.

“I have been hearing several versions of the story and that is why the written explanation is important before we decide on the next course of action,” he told StarMetro

As the people’s elected representative, Liu said, the Subang Jaya assemblyman was only doing her job, by being at the council meeting.

Furthermore, he said, findings also revealed that she had obtained the permission of the MPSJ president to be there.

Meanwhile, several DAP councillors of the MPSJ have submitted a petition declaring their dissatisfaction over Keshminder’s objection to the attendance of Yeoh.

Eight DAP councillors submitted their signatures to the MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan yesterday at the council to voice their displeasure over the remark Keshminder made.

Under the Local Government Act, there is a clause that states that state assemblymen and even MPs can attend full board meetings as observers.

Also present at the petition handing over in MPSJ were Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo-Burne, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San and Yeoh.

Councillor Tan Jo Hann, who was quoted earlier as concurring to Keshminder’s remark, clarified his statement.

“I agree with Keshminder in principle that not anyone can sit at the council’s table, but in this case, the YDP and Hannah have given sufficient explanation about the technical part.

“So it’s definitely a non-issue,’’ said Tan.

Yeoh, in her blog, said she had not occupied any councillor’s seat and was only sitting at the end of the table on an extra chair.

“I did not speak at all (as an observer) and was only at the table to use the plug point, with no intention of pushing my way through as an assemblyman,

“This incident would not affect me and I will continue to be present in future full board meetings,” said Yeoh.

Village heads barred from using Selangor facilities - Star

2008-08-30T20:30:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Aug 30, 2008 By EDWARD RAJENDRA

Selangor village heads appointed by the federal government three months ago have been barred from using state-owned public facilities that include multipurpose and community halls.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said that the state government has barred the 362 federal government village head appointees from using the public facilities to hold festive gatherings or to meet the people.

“Our reason is simple, we do not recognise the federal government appointees under the Village Safety and Development Committee - Federal (JKKKP) as we have our own appointees under the Village Safety and Development Committee (JKKK),” he said.

On Saturday, Khalid handed 366 appointment letters to village heads, mostly graduates chosen by the state Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government to represent the Klang, Petaling, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Gombak, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor districts.

He added: “We expect our appointed village heads to outperform the JKKKP in providing efficient community service to all irrespective of political affiliation, race or religion thus the JKKKP will become irrelevant.

“The appointment of village heads by the federal government through the Rural and Regional Development Ministry is against the state’s administration regulations as the appointment of village heads comes under the purview of the state government.”

JKKKP was only implemented in the PR government run-states after the village heads gave up their positions so as not to serve under a non-Barisan Nasional coalition.

All of the village heads were then placed under the JKKKP in four states (Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor) to ensure effectiveness in the implementation of federal government projects at the village level. Khalid said that the state decided to appoint its own village heads for a six-month probation period before confirming them because it wanted representatives who would conduct themselves without bias.

“We can’t afford to have 362 village heads who are adamant to serve members from one party only due to their affiliations. One point that I would like to make clear is that the 362 federal appointees were given a choice to continue but they were adamant to quit,” he said. He added that the current appointed state village heads have a social obligation to serve the villagers irrespective of their political standing and their RM450 allowance is from the public’s purse. Khalid said Kampung Seri Jambu and Kampung Sungai Batu in Hulu Langat are the only two villages that still don’t have a village head as the state government is in the process of getting committed candidates.

Crackdown on open burning after environs laws are amended - Star

2008-08-27T20:51:00.002+08:00

Aug 27, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

THE Selangor government will start cracking down on the culprits responsible for open burning and illegal dumping as soon as the environmental laws are amended to provide for heavier penalties.

While the amendments are being drafted by the state authorities, lawyer Derek Fernandez, an expert on local government and environmental matters, has submitted some proposals to state environmental committee chairman Elizabeth Wong.

The amendments, once in force, should be able to effectively deal with the problems of open burning and illegal dumping of waste.

Fernandez said pending an amendment to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to put more substantial and specific provisions with effective penalties and enforcement power, he had proposed various methods for the state to effectively deal with the problem.

“First, I’ve proposed that the state evoke the National Land Code to forfeit the land, even if it’s a private land, because illegal dumping constitutes a breach of condition of land,” he said.

“For example, if an agriculture land is used as a dumping ground instead of farming, the state could evoke the procedure of forfeiture and serve notice on the landowner,” Fernandez said.

Secondly, he said, the local authorities could also execute powers in relation to public nuisance and protection of health under the Local Government Act 1976 Section 72.

“The local council’s power includes sealing the land, barring access to the land and imposing fines and other enforcement actions on the owner,” he said.

“The local authorities must also have full power to deal with health threat and to take necessary steps to preserve and promote public health and prevent or remedy any nuisance or condition likely to be dangerous to public health,” Fernandez said.

He said the proposed forfeiture was an effective method to seal off the scene of environmental violation and legally seize the land.

“Residents who experience asthma attack can take legal action against the landowners by filing a suit for public or private nuisance in court for compensation,” Fernandez said.

Recently, the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) closed an illegal dumpsite in Bukit Lanchong near Putra Heights and will be sealing the road leading into the site.

For years, the Putra Heights residents had been putting up with hazardous smoke from the burning activities and foul stench at the site as a result of the garbage burning.

The MPSJ finally sealed the vacant land, and will be taking action soon against its three owners for illegal dumping activities. So far, the owners have been fined RM25,000 each.

Fernandez said the environmental laws pertaining to open burning had been in the books since 1965, but no stern action had been taken against such culprits, some of whom deliberately burn openly.

“There has been a lack of use of existing laws to combat serious threat against public health,” he said.

Fernandez said an effective solution would be for the Federal Government to arm the Department of Environment (DoE) with sufficient legislative powers by way of effective amendment of the environmental laws to deal with dumping and burning.

“One way is to make an offender of open burning and illegal dumping a strict liability offender, which means that the landowner has to be liable unless he or she can show they have taken reasonable steps to prevent their land from being misused,” he said.

“If the offence is strict liability, then the owner should be accorded a defence if he had no knowledge of the activities and has taken reasonable steps like cutting grass, fencing up the site, yet unable to prevent trespassing from happening,” Fernandez said.

“In cases where burning is done with intention, then mandatory jail terms must be imposed on top of fines together with compensation for affected residents,” he said.

Fernandez added that to avoid the issue of locating owners, service of documents of last known address or by way of advertisement in the newspapers should be made legally sufficient based on particulars of the land title.

No reason for PKR supporters to attack journos: Selangor MB - Star

2008-08-18T17:07:00.001+08:00

By DHARMENDER SINGH

SHAH ALAM: Aug 18, 2008

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has voiced his doubts that PKR members were involved in Saturday’s incident where two journalists were attacked outside the nomination centre in Permatang Pauh.

Khalid, who is also the Selangor PKR chairman, said he was worried over the consistency of the attacks on journalists and agreed that they should be protected and those identified should be stopped from repeating such incidents.

However, he said he felt that the party’s supporters in Permatang Pauh were generally well disciplined and had no rational reason to resort to attacking journalists as Pakatan Rakyat realised the need for media support in its fight against Barisan Nasional.

He said there was also no question of any ill feelings being harboured by party members as the media had been supportive of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who enjoyed a close rapport with pressmen.

“Press photographers have been vital in showing the public and the Federal Government the large crowds that turned out to support PKR at events including the Bersih Rally and the nomination of candidates in Permatang Pauh,” he told reporters Monday after the monthly meeting with state government officials here.

On Saturday Berita Harian’s Siren Hafiz and Halim Berber of France’s HBL press news were allegedly attacked outside the nomination centre at the Tuanku Bainun Teacher’s Training College in Jalan Penanti-Mengkuang Titi in Penang.

Khalid defends proposal to open UiTM's doors to others - Sun

2008-08-14T00:47:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM (Aug 13, 2008)by Karen Arukesamy

The Selangor government's proposal for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to open its doors to non-bumiputras is to help raise the standard of education in institutes of higher learning in the state.

"Opening a 10% admission quota will help raise standards via healthy competition among a multi-ethnic student population," said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

"It is a holistic proposal. Neither is the proposal a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) or Parti Keadilan Rakyat's policy, so there is no reason for it to be politicised," he added.

Speaking in his weekly post-exco meeting media briefing today, Khalid said he was saddened that certain quarters chose to politicise education for political mileage.

"My statement was made in the context to enhance UiTM's academic quality in this era of globalisation and to open up more opportunities for both Malay and non-Bumiputra students to have healthy academic competition.

"In fulfilling the Malay aspirations, UiTM should not just focus on quota matters but concentrate on lifting its standard and university facilities to a higher and more reputable level," he said.

Asked if the state government was going to apologise to UiTM, Khalid said: "There is no need to apologise on this issue. All it needs is a proper explanation on the statement."

He said the important matter is that all universities and institutes of higher learning in the state should cooperate with the (state) government in its effort to raise their status to be national and international recognition.

The protest led by UITM students yesterday.
"One of the ways to achieve is the openness and the students' active participation in open dialogues and sharing of ideas. The PR state government regrets that my statement was reported out of context and skewed into a racial issue instead," said Khalid.

He reiterated the state government's stand that it never meant to discuss the bumiputra's special rights.

"I am aware UiTM was set up to raise the status of bumiputra students and the state government still respects the Federal Constitution which includes Acticle 153 which speaks of Malays special rights," he said.

"Stop harping on and distorting the proposal. I urge UiTM students not to be influenced by certain quarters' propaganda," said Khalid.

Some 5,000 UiTM students marched to the Selangor State Secretariat in Bangunan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah from Dataran Shah Alam to hand over a memorandum of protest over the MB's suggestion that 10% of UiTM quota be opened to non-bumiputras and foreigners.

The protest, led by UiTM student body president Luqmann Ulhakim Mohamad Idris, saw the students carrying banners and placards with various declarations - "Jangan Rampas Hak Kami" (Do not take away our rights), "Selamatkan UiTM"' (Save UiTM) and "UiTM di Hatiku"' (UiTM in our hearts).

The memorandum was received by Khalid's press officer Hazril Abu Hassan.

Selangor state comes to fruit growers’ aid - Star

2008-08-12T16:45:00.001+08:00

Aug 12, 2008 By EDWARD RAJENDRA

FRUIT growers in Selangor are slowing switching to plant oil palm which fetch better profits.

The State Agriculture, Modernisation, Natural Resources and Entrepreneur Development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari said the state government was concerned that several fruit growers had reduced their acreage and had replaced it with oil palm trees.

“We need to have a fine balance of fruit orchards and oil palm plantations.

“Fruits from Selangor actually have a good demand if it is marketed direct from the farms,” he said.

He added that consumers shied away from local fruits as the price was not reasonable.

“Fruit growers had told me that the wholesalers who bought the fruits pushed up the prices forcing the retailers to further charge extra to make a profit.

“Our aim now is to help the orchard owners to market the fruits direct to the consumers,” he said.

Yaakob said the state would enlist the guidance of Selangor Agriculture Develop-ment Corporation (SADC) to guide the fruit growers on direct marketing, creating various products from the fruits and venture into innovative production practices.

“For the fruit growers to achieve a good profit, the state has plans to organise a Friday fruit bazaar where growers would be encouraged to bring their produce and sell it in Shah Alam,” he said.

Earlier, Yaakob, who organised a fruit fiesta for the 900-odd State Secretariat staff, said the fruit bazaar would begin in next month.

“We are also working with SADC to choose quality local fruits for the export market. Other countries like Thailand exports their mangoes while Singapore buys fruits from Selangor, cans it and sells it overseas. So, Selangor has to come up with innovative products and not be left behind,” he said.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who also attended the fruit fiesta, called upon the people to support the local fruit industry.

DOE takes landowner to court for open burning - Malaysiakini

2008-08-08T20:58:00.001+08:00

A downpour helped quash much of a fire that had been ranging in Dengkil, Selangor, since early this month. However, that will not save the owner of a 658-hectare piece of land from being charged in court for open burning.

Selangor executive councillor in charge of tourism, consumer affairs and environment Elizabeth Wong said the state government had ordered that the owner of the land, Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Selangor (PPNS), be charged under Section 29(a) of the Environment Quality Act 1974.

If found guilty, PPNS directors face a fine of up to RM500,000 or five years jail, or both.

Wetlands set to re-open soon - Star

2008-08-08T09:14:00.000+08:00

Aug 8, 2008 By GEETHA KRISHNAN

THE Paya Indah Wetlands Sanctuary in Selangor will re-open on Nov 25, Selangor Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong said during a recent working visit to the wetlands.

The date has been sanctioned by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Paya Indah has been closed since Feb 1, 2005 and was previously managed by the Malaysian Wetlands Foundation on behalf of the Federal Government.

Opening soon: Wong, Salman (centre) and Sepang Municipal Council deputy president Abdul Razak Jaafar admiring a bunting promoting the Paya Indah Wetlands.

Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) park superintendent Salman Saaban said the wetlands were located in the Kuala Langat district and covered 3,100ha, of which 450.67ha had been gazetted.

“Some of the threats faced by Paya Indah include the clearing of the forests nearby for housing and the dip in the water level within the water cells.

“The peat fires that occur are also keeping the birds away,” he said.

At a press conference later, Wong said the Selangor government had no intention of reviewing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the previous state government and the ministry on Aug 1 last year.

The memorandum gives the Wildlife Department the responsibility for conserving and managing the wetlands for 30 years.

“We will work closely with Perhilitan to manage the park and aid its conservation efforts. We need better water management techniques and must identify the right type of trees to attract birds,” she said.

Wong, who also visited the North Kuala Langat Peat Fire Operations Room, was told the fire in several areas had been put out with only 63ha still burning out of the initial 130ha.

The fire on Sunday started in the 658ha of agricultural land between the North Kuala Langat Forest Reserve and Paya Indah.

“It was deliberately set by the landowner who wanted to clear the land to plant fruits.

“He will be charged under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a five-year jail term, or both,” she said.

“It is a serious offence because the land is close to Paya Indah and the forest reserve. The water level in the wetlands has already dropped.

“From a macro management point of view, we hope to find a way to close the ecologically sensitive area,” Wong added.

More than 200 firemen and government agency staff have been deployed to fight the blaze.

No gifts please

2008-08-05T15:45:00.001+08:00

Posted by Hannah Yeoh (http://hannahyeoh.blogspot.com)

Ever since the election, I have been invited to numerous functions by my constituents. Malaysians love food. Each function I attended, I felt obliged to "eat a little" because the organiser would have gone to great extent in preparing food for us. Many would give souvenirs or a token of appreciation to me for attending their functions. May I say this? I want to be polite here and hopefully not offend anyone - please do not give me gifts. I am no great VIP but a mere people's representative and an ordinary person. Many people still find it hard to believe when I turn up at functions in my own little 4 year old Hyundai Getz. So in view of rising costs, I will just say this openly - don't have to prepare lavish meals and don't have to give me souvenirs, I am happy just attending the function without them.

Portal a boost for single mothers - Star

2008-08-04T17:59:00.002+08:00

Aug 4, 2008

THE Selangor government has launched an e-ibu portal as a platform to gather data on
single mothers in the state in order to provide aid to them.

The site, e-bu.selangor.gov.my, enables single mothers to go online to register with the government as well as offer various aids and programmes offered by the government.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the portal would make it easier for the mothers to reach the government and vice-versa.

“Information gathered will help us in our efforts to provide aid and incentives to the single mothers,” he said.

Showing interest: Khalid visiting one of the booths at the Wanita Anggun 2008 carnival at Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam.

Khalid said this after launching the new portal and announcing Selangor Women’s Action Plans during the Wanita Anggun 2008 carnival at Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam.

Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Sciences, Technology and Innovation committee chairman Rodziah Ismail said the decision to set up the portal came after meetings with women’s non-governmental organisations.

“We feel that more has to be done in a bid to help the women and give them a better livelihood,” she said, adding that the portal was the commitment of the government to help as many single mothers as it could.

At present, some 12,000 single mothers had registered with the government, she said.

Information provided in the portal include various programmes planned for single mothers, entrepreneurship and online complaints.

Rodziah also said the state government was expected to distribute allowances for single mothers beginning next year.

Selangor has no plans to change cars - The Star

2008-07-26T20:37:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jul 26, 2008 By CHRISTINA TAN

The Selangor government has no plans to change its fleet of Proton Perdana cars yet, said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

“We have no plans now to change the cars, which were bought and used by the previous state executive councillors.

“If (the cars are) not good, we will repair them and continue to use them,” he said Saturday after launching the Selangor Book Fair 2008 organised by the state government and the Selangor Public Library Corporation here.

He said the state government would look into its budget and the length of time that the cars had been on the road.

“I’m unable to explain the maintenance costs in detail now, but we do know that the cost is higher if the car is older,” he said, adding that there were however no plans to replace the cars this year.

Also present were state executive councillors Dr Halimah Ali and Dr Xavier Jayekumar as well as director of Selangor Public Library Corporation Mohdi Darim.

When asked what car the state executive councillors would prefer if they decided to change the cars, Khalid said, it was difficult to make a comparison as all councillors and state department heads used only Protons.

“We will have to study whether we want to replace the cars with newer Proton Perdanas or cars of other makes,” he said, adding that national interest, financial feasibility and minimum wastage would be among the state’s considerations in deciding.

He also said that all states were starting to consider their expenditure and trying to use cars that were more economical, which was a good move.

What are the roles of councillors? - The Star

2008-07-25T08:09:00.002+08:00

Jul 25, 2008 - By SALINA KHALID

THE 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.

Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.

Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.

One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight around to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.

Arpah: Councillors have to reside in the council they are serving.

One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.

What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?

Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.

A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.

Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.

Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority

“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.

Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.

He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.

Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.

Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.

According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.

“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.

A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.

Khalid: Councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system.

According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.

Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.

Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.

A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.

The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.

The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.

They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.

Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.

They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.

Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.

Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.

Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.

He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.

“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.

He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.

“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.

Umno-PAS rule in S'gor - 'Anwar ruined it' - Malaysiakini

2008-07-24T13:14:00.002+08:00

Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jul 22, 08 4:13pm

PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim had used his influence in PAS to derail the possibility of Umno and the Islamic party forming a joint government to rule Selangor in the wake of the March 8 polls.

This was revealed by former menteri besar and Umno supreme council member Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

selangor adun ceremony 220408 khir toyoIn a posting on his blog, Khir said Umno had offered its arch-rival PAS the menteri besar post during a dialogue session held shortly after the elections.

Apart from this, he said PAS was also offered the deputy menteri besar as well as four executive councillors posts if it agreed to form the coalition.

Khir also said he was willing to be left out of the state government line-up if that would encourage PAS to accept the partnership.

"I brought them (PAS) for a muzakarah (dialogue) with the prime minister and suggested to Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) that PAS leaders in Selangor be offered those posts," he added.

He said Umno and PAS could form a synthesis in championing Malay interests in the state which fell into opposition control.

'Anwar blocked it'

"Unfortunately the influence of Anwar in PAS through the party's secretary-general Kamaruddin Jaafar blocked the initiative.

anwar ibrahim freed from police ipk detention pc 170708 06"As long as Anwar is important in Pakatan Rakyat, the muzakarah will not succeed. Anwar does not want to see Malays unite and that is why he formed Pakatan that thrives on the ideals of equality to the extent of elevating other religions on the same par as the primary religion in this country, Islam," he added.

Khir said this was proven by the fact that Anwar was being supported by 'extremist' Chinese and Indians via opposition party DAP and the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

MPS: Complain to land office on illegal dumping - The Star

2008-07-21T13:06:00.003+08:00

Jul 21, 2008 Story and photos by STUART MICHAEL

The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) says it does not have the authority to stop the illegal dumping of construction debris on private land.

Its president, Zainal Abidin Azim, said: “We cannot do anything to the dumpsite operator unless they are dumping household rubbish and not construction material.

“The complaints must be referred to the Gombak District Land Office for action to be taken.”

Last week, Zainal Abidin together with MPS Health and Licensing director Dr Razif Zainal Abidin and three Selayang councillors visited the dumpsite in Jalan SG9/8, Taman Sri Gombak, where lorries were dumping construction debris on the private land owned by several landowners.

Sign of danger?: Smoke coming out from amid the debris dumped at the site.

“We can’t do anything as it is outside our jurisdiction. Even if we seal the premises, the contractors might just remove it the next day,” said Zainal Abidin.

“The best solution is for the landowners who are against the dumping to sue the landowners who gave consent to the contractor to dump construction debris.

“MPS and the land office can be a party to the suit,” he added.

Zainal Abidin said some the land owners had applied to the Agricul-ture Department to start planting on their land but feared they could not go ahead with the plan due to the dumping activities.

A mess: Piles of used wood on the private land at Taman Sri Gombak.

Zainal Abidin said he had a letter from the former Selangor mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo allowing the dumping of construction debris on the land.

Terence Miranda, a representative of the landowners, said the dumping had been going on for more than two years.

During the visit to the area smoke could be seen coming out from the debris, raising fears that it could be toxic.

“There are lorries coming in every now and then but they stop coming when MPS officers arrive,” said Terence.

He said the councillors present wanted Selangor state tourism, consumer affairs and environment committee chairman Elizabeth Wong to visit the site.

SS3 folks upset by Syabas’ action - The Star

2008-07-21T13:00:00.001+08:00

Jul 21, 2008 By OH ING YEEN

RESIDENTS of Taman Seaport in SS3, Petaling Jaya, were appalled by the sight of the bulldozed slope in Jalan SS3/51.

The residents had only wanted Syabas to trim the trees around the reservoir, said SS3 Taman Subang secretary Musa Abdullah.

“Syabas had promised to cut down only the trees that were growing within the gridline and to replant them, but as it turned out, they just cut down all the trees,” he said.

According to a letter from Syabas, it had received a complaint from residents in Jalan SS3/51 regarding soil erosion and fallen trees near their houses. It is also stated that the MBPJ landscape department had asked Syabas to cut down the trees that had fallen or were on the verge of falling, as the trees were of a species that was prone to rotting.

Musa said many of the trees that were felled were in good condition.

Denuded of trees: Musa (third from left) voicing his unhappiness over Syabas’ felling of trees near the reservoir in SS3/51 to Pua (second from left) and Lau (right). With them is Chang.

He also pointed out that this could lead to clogged drains and suggested that the authorities cover the drains.

“We want the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to have a landscaping proposal within a week and get the residents’ agreement as it affects us,” he said.

Resident Alfred Chang was worried that his garden would be demolished as part of Syabas’ project.

“It was designed by the previous owner and I continued tending the garden after I bought the house.

“Although the garden is part of the authorities’ land, I see no need for it to be demolished as there’s no problem of soil erosion because we have used concrete terracing,” he said, adding that it was ironic the issue was cropping up at this time, just after the celebration of International Green Day.

According to Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San, Syabas wanted to cut down the trees to insert ports to strengthen the stability of the soil.

“When we asked, Syabas said it had obtained a permit from MBPJ to do so but the latter denied it,” he said.

A stop-work order was issued on April 12, but work resumed after a month.

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua said even if Syabas owned the property it had to obtain the residents’ agreement as it affected them.

“Syabas resumed work, stating that none of the residents had objected to it.

However, everything should be in black and white.

“Syabas should submit landscape plans to the MBPJ,” he said, referring to the verbal agreements made by Syabas.

Also present was newly-appointed MBPJ councillor Tiew Way Keng, who promised to raise the matter during the council’s full board meeting.

Selangor gets tough on illegal sand mining - The Star

2008-07-19T12:01:00.000+08:00

Jul 19, 2008 By Christina Tan

THE Selangor government loses over RM100mil in revenue every year due to illegal sand mining activities in the state, said state Modern Agriculture Methods, Natural Resources and Entrepreneurship Development committee chairman Yaakob Sapari.

“We have identified seven places, including Bestari Jaya, Rawang and Kuala Langat, where the illegal sand minding is widely carried out.

“The activities at certain places have been going on for more than 20 years,” he said after meeting police, Drainage and Irrigation Department representatives and other enforcement officers.

The meeting was held to discuss operations to curb illegal sand mining in the state.

Yaakob said the state government had issued 46 sand mining permits on private land.

Yaakob said the state government had set up a committee led by his assistant, Shuhaimi Shafiei, to look into the matter.

Shuhaimi said some of the culprits involved in illegal mining were those who had applied for permits and were waiting for approval.

He warned those carrying out illegal sand mining that the state government would not hesitate in taking stern action against them.

“The lorries, trucks or vehicles that are used for such activities will be confiscated,” he said.

Shuhaimi said no one had been brought to court for such illegal activities so far and the state government was reviewing the system.

He added that the state government hoped to start a standard system by July.

Shuhaimi also said a hotline would be launched for the public to lodge complaints on illegal sand mining.

Company says billboard is for the community - The Star

2008-07-19T12:00:00.000+08:00

Jul 18, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

OUTDOOR advertising company Setia Media Sdn Bhd said the billboard depicting Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim at SS2, Petaling Jaya, was a form of community service.

Setia Media managing director Peter Tan said the billboard was meant to carry civic messages as a way of showing its support for the new state government.

Tan was responding to the article published by StarMetro yesterday (June 12) about the new billboard.

Residents felt the billboard glorified politicians and was a waste of money.

They wanted particulars like contact details of their elected officials posted on the billboards.

“I wish to thank the residents who alerted our company. I'll get my team to add the contact numbers,” Tan said.

He said the billboard was placed on a previously empty board, which was given to his company by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) after being relocated from its original spot across a drain.

The company's deputy managing director Johnson Tan claimed the cost of billboards was fully sponsored by Setia Media.

He added that the company had also obtained approvals and licenses to put up some 20 billboards.

State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu was quoted in yesterday's story as saying that the state government had not forked out a single cent for the billboard.

Johnson said if the company chances upon an empty board, it would try put up something after licenses have been approved.

“We hope to help the people have easier access to their state assemblymen or MPs especially in the case of emergencies,” said Johnson.

Selangor CPO: Stay away from Sunday's rally - The Sun

2008-07-03T20:22:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jul 3, 2008 By Charles Ramendran

Police today warned that stern action awaits those who take part in a planned rally to protest the recent fuel price hike organised by the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) for Sunday at a field opposite Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya.

Selangor police chief DCP Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said the rally is illegal as it's organisers have not applied for a police permit.

He said he had met with the Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim on Tuesday and discussed the difficulties the rally may cause to the public, should it go on.

The police chief said the venue of the gathering could cause major traffic issues as the place was confined with narrow roads.

He said police had suggested to the Mentri Besar that the rally should alternatively be held at either the Shah Alam stadium or Melewati stadium here.

He said the Mentri Besar told him he would consider the police suggestion, but to date, he had yet to revert to the police.

"I hope those who are planning to turn up will stay away from the gathering which is illegal," said Khalid at a community policing programme launch by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd at it's head office at the Temasya Industrial Park near Glenmarie.

"Our personnel are prepared for the event and action will be taken if our orders to leave the area are defied."

Keadilan vice president Azmin Ali when contacted welcomed the state police chief's suggestion

He said in a dicussion with his party it was agreed the rally be held at the Shah Alam stadium as the indoor Melewati stadium was not large enough and could only accomodate about 15,000 people.

However, he said the suggestion could not materialise as the Sultan Selangor Cup soccer match between Malaysia and Singapore will be held at the Shah Alam stadium on the same day.

"It coincides with the match and we do not was to disrupt this programme. We are expecting a large turnout for the rally and there may be inadequate parking lots for the rally participants and football fans." he said.

He said the rally themed the "One Million Rally" as the organisers are expecting a million people to turn up will see a list of events including concerts and family-orientated events.

"We expect a large turnout due to the fuel hike and recent political developments. The people are enraged by what is happening. There will be no marching. The people will gather and the organiser will address the crowd on current issues.

I hope the police will cooperate with the organisers and help in managing the traffic conditions on the day. We do not want any provocations from either side. We want it to go on smoothly and peacefully." Azmin added

Ex-convicts among councillors?

2008-07-03T20:16:00.001+08:00

Jul 3, 2008 By Nuradzimmah Daim, Azira Shaharuddin and Neville Spykerman

SHAH ALAM:

The Selangor government is going ahead with the appointment of Ampang Jaya councillors on Tuesday despite the possibility of three of them having criminal backgrounds.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is determined to proceed with their appointment along with 21 others with a promise to resolve the matter "later".

This may mean sacking them at some time in the future if investigations prove their ineligibility for appointment.

"If, for whatever reason, their appointments are against any policy, we will de-list them.

"I hope this setback will not hamper us from going ahead with the appointment of the councillors," said the state leader already embroiled in a controversy surrounding allegations of abuse of power involving his Parti Keadilan Rakyat government.

At least three candidates, already issued appointment letters as councillors, are being scrutinised following claims by an Ampang resident that two had police records for robbery and involvement with the underworld.

Another is alleged to have served time under preventive laws.

Checks with the police confirmed that at least one had a criminal record.

Caught completely off-guard when told about the allegations at a press conference after the weekly state executive council meeting yesterday, a fuming Abdul Khalid said he would act against them at a later date "if for whatever reason their appointments are against any policy".

Abdul Khalid said the new councillors would be re-assessed after their appointments.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) president Datuk Mohammad Yacob also expressed shock over the allegation, saying he was unaware of the situation.

"Everything was going as planned with the councillors receiving their letters of appointment. We are just following the directive of the state government," he said, declining to elaborate.

The incident has cast more doubts on the credibility of the Selangor government after Abdul Khalid admitted that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) had determined that his office had solicited donations for the celebration of Pakatan Rakyat's 100 days in office.

Abdul Khalid's office came under scrutiny recently after it was reported that letters bearing the official letterhead of the office of the menteri besar were used to solicit donations for the celebrations.

The menteri besar said the Selangor ACA director had briefed him on Tuesday, saying there was basis to the allegations.

"The incident happened without my knowledge and involved the officer who was initially suspended but later resigned," he said, referring to his former aide, Yahya Sahri.

Abdul Khalid said this was the second case involving Yah-ya, who was earlier implicated for alleged abuse of power.

"The misuse of the office of the menteri besar cannot be tolerated by Pakatan Rakyat, which upholds corporate governance."

Abdul Khalid said auditors from Ernst and Young had been appointed to trace money which may have been donated, with the money being returned if the allegations were true.

"We also urge companies which have made contributions to come forward," he said, adding that officers from state-linked companies would also be called to provide information.

Case to answer - The Star

2008-07-03T08:37:00.003+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jul 3, 2008 By DHARMENDER SINGH

The Selangor Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has found grounds for a case against a former officer with the Mentri Besar’s office in relation to the solicitation of funds for the 100-day-in-office celebrations, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said yesterday.

He told a press conference that state ACA chief Jaafar Mahad conveyed to him on Tuesday there was misuse of the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official letterhead.

“As MB, I have to be informed of any use of the official letterhead. In this case, I only found out after the letters (seeking donations) were sent out to companies being approached to contribute towards the state celebrations,” he said.

Khalid said Jaafar also informed him that the same former officer had also used the letterhead to secure cleaning and garbage collection contracts in Petaling Jaya.

The ACA started to investigate the case after former PKR stalwart Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor claimed that the Mentri Besar’s office collected RM200,000 in funds for the celebrations and deposited the cash into the PKR account instead of the state coffers.

On Tuesday, Ezam lodged a report with the state ACA over alleged misuse of power and corruption at the Mentri Besar’s office in soliciting funds for the celebrations.

He handed over to the ACA documents bearing the Selangor Mentri Besar’s official letterhead and the former officer’s name that were used to solicit the funds.

Khalid said the state government’s own inquiry was continuing and the international auditing firm of Ernst & Young had been hired to look through the PKR accounts.

“We will return the money to the companies. We will seek details from these companies on what had transpired.”

When contacted, Jaafar declined to elaborate on Khalid’s statement but said the ACA investigation into the matter was almost over and investigation papers would be handed over to its Prosecution Division for further action.

On June 23, Yahya Sahri, a former senior aide to the Mentri Besar, was suspended by Khalid for two months pending a probe into allegations of misuse of office facilities.

Yahya then resigned, claiming he had lost confidence in the Mentri Besar for suspending him without hearing his side first.

Yesterday, Yahya told a local daily that he wanted to set the record straight and clear his name.

“I did not do anything wrong. It was just a miscommunication and it has led to so many problems,” he said, adding that the “problems” would not have occurred if Khalid had spoken to him directly.

“I am a politician and I have my pride. How can he send me an SMS to say I had been suspended (for two months). Why couldn’t he have called and talked to me. That is why I resigned,” said Yahya, who is a member of the PKR supreme council and also the Selangor PKR state liaison secretary.

Seven non-political councillors among 24 sworn in - The Star

2008-07-02T18:11:00.002+08:00

Jul 2, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

SEVEN new councillors appointed from among professionals and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were among the 24 sworn in yesterday for the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

The others are Pakatan Rakyat nominees, with eight from the DAP, six from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), and three from PAS.

There are eight Malays (33%), 11 Chinese (45%), and five Indians (20%) in the new council.

The inclusion of NGO representatives and professionals is a fresh change from what was previously made up by only politicians.

One for the album: The new batch of 24 councillors posing for a group photo together with the MPSJ president and deputy president in front of the MPSJ building after their swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

The non-political appointees are Arumugam Kalimuthu (Tamil Foundation), Chang Kim Loong (House Buyers Association), Choong Yew Lim (Petaling Bus and Ind Association), Rabiah Omar (All Women's Action Society), Datuk Dr Subramaniam Nadarajan (Rotary Club), Tan Jo Hann (Permas), and Theresa Ratnam John Ratnam (residents association).

After the councillors were sworn in, MPSJ secretary Slamat Hamzah briefed them on the standing order and procedures at council and full board meetings

MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan then thanked the previous councillors who had served their term that ended officially on Monday.

“I ask for the cooperation, dedication, and patience of all the new councillors today to work closely together to serve the people and resolve problems they face,” Adnan said.

“It’s important for us to also have integrity, and instil the confidence in the public that we will do our best to serve. Cooperation from everyone is required to disseminate information to each other in order for us to take action fast,” he said.

The term for the councillors is a year, expiring on June 30 next year. Their renewal is subject to satisfactory performance and stirring services.

Adnan said like previously, four councillors would sit in the One-Stop Centre (OSC) meeting and that they would be placed in the various internal committees based on their background, expertise and the organisation they represent.

According to Theresa Ratnam, who stays in SS17 Subang Jaya and is active with the residents association through the Residents Committee previously, it is an honour for her to be appointed a councillor.

“I can now serve the community from a different level than when I was with the JKP. This allows me to see things from a different perspective,” she said.

“I want to ensure compliance in upholding the various legislations. Pressing issues in Subang Jaya like the perennial traffic chaos, illegal hawkers, and land use are some things I would want to look into,” she said.

Rabiah Omar, who is with the All Women's Action Society (AWAM) and a resident at Section 9 Putra Heights, said it had always been her aspiration to serve the community.

“The crime rate in Subang Jaya is a major concern for me as I'm a mother of a young daughter. For now, I wish to also work closely with the MPSJ to stop the open burning at Bukit Lanchong which I could smell again this morning,” she said.

Asked if the JKP still exists, Adnan said it would be reshuffled and rezoned from previously 29 zones to 24, each to be presided by a councillor.

He said with the NGO representatives and professionals in the council, it would be different this time.

Adnan said what was most important was that the councillors could convey the message to the people and hopefully, this would take some pressure off the MPSJ.

On whether having most of the councillors coming from Subang Jaya could create an imbalance on issues presented, Adnan said he could not comment as the appointments were made by the state government.

Seri Kembangan has just one representative and Puchong a handful.

Present at the ceremony were Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne, Seri Kembangan assemblyman and state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah and Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh.

Former councillor Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said now that the council was finally in place, it was important to give the councillors a chance to perform.

“Hopefully, they will fulfil the expectations of the public. With Theresa Ratnam and Dr Subramaniam in the line-up, the people will obviously contact them often,” Lee said.

Traders hold meeting with elected reps - The Star

2008-07-01T14:25:00.000+08:00

Jul 1, 2008 By DEBBIE CHAN

THE Sungai Way Small Traders Association organised a meeting with their newlyelected representatives, PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lau Weng San, for the first time to discuss various issues affecting the traders.

Most of the traders were from the Seri Setia wet market and the biggest issue that has remained unresolved for years is the lack of parking bays for market customers.

Due to this, customers would just park their vehicles illegally and they often get summoned for it.

“The lack of parking bays and the strict enforcement has led to fewer customers at the market as many fear being summoned,” Lau explained.

“This is a important issue that must be looked into and resolved because it is affecting the business,” he said.

The traders were also concerned about the rise in the number of illegal petty traders and hawkers in the surrounding areas as it has affected business in the market.

Among other concerns that were voiced out was the poor maintenance of the market facilities, from the drainage system to the lightings.

“The MBPJ has never helped us maintain or upgrade the facilities here.

“They have always expected us to do things ourselves, which is not fair,” said trader Hajah Hasenah.

“On top of that, we are puzzled by the different rental rates charged for the stalls here. Even though the stalls are of the same size, we pay different rates,” Hajah said.

Crime is also a growing concern as many of the stalls have been broken into, especially during festive seasons.

“It’s a puzzle how this can happen despite the market being situated right next to a police station,” Lau said.

Lau and Pua promised the traders that all parking bays available would remain as parking bays and not be zoned for other development.

“The parking bays will not be reduced and I have also written to the police to be more compassionate with regard to the current situation and not be so stringent in their enforcement of the law in this area, but this is only a short-term solution,” Lau said.

They will look into other options, including using the underground car parks available in the Kg Baru Sg Way Multipurpose Hall, which is opposite the market.

“On infrastructure and facilities issues, I believe that the MBPJ should help us solve these problems holistically.

“It has been close to 20 years since the market was built and it is about time that a major upgrade and revamp was done.

“We will request for upgrading works to be included in the MBPJ’s 2009 budget so that there will be resources allocated to improve this area,” Lau added.

Mass swearing-in for councillors in Selangor - The Star

2008-07-01T14:23:00.001+08:00

Jul 1, 2008 By DHARMENDER SINGH

THE 288 newly-appointed local government councillors in Selangor will attend a mass swearing-in and briefing on their duties at the state secretariat in Shah Alam on July 5.

State Local Government, Research and Study Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the briefing would be simple and the councillors would be sent for a two-day training stint at the state-run Local Government Training Institute in Jugra later to allow them to have a full understanding of their duties.

He said each council would send four of its 24 councillors at a time and the state government would organise the training starting next month.

“Since we are the only state with such a training institute, an offer to train councillors has been extended to all the other Pakatan Rakyat-led state governments. We are also open to requests from the non-Pakatan states,” he told a press conference after attending the weekly executive council meeting at the state secretariat building recently.

According to Liu, the group attending the first study trip arranged by the state government left for Singapore on Thursday by stage bus to see how the Singapore Housing Board manages its township to ensure it is clean and green.

The group was to look into how Singapore managed its highrise residential developments, maintained smooth traffic flow and ran an efficient public transportation system.

He said the group of 37 on the trip funded by local councils included himself, the heads of all 12 local councils in the state and a few officers from the Landscape Department.

No other politician or spouses of those going on the trip joined them and the hotel at which they stayed was not a five-star hotel, he added.

He agreed that there were local experts who could provide assistance on landscaping and local council management but said there was no harm in learning from a country that had a world-acknowledged local planning and management system.

Khalid: It was necessary for Anwar’s brother to go - The Star

2008-06-30T22:39:00.002+08:00

KLANG: Jun 30, 2008

The resignation of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s younger brother Rusli as special adviser to Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) president Datuk Abdul Karim Munisar was necessary, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said.

He said he had personally advised Rusli to resign from the post about two weeks ago.

“I was not aware of Rusli’s appointment as adviser. He acted on his own accord when accepting and later resigning from the post.

“It is a tough and sad thing (the resignation) but as a transparent and responsible state government there cannot even be a perception of a conflict of interest,” he told reporters after launching the 1,000 Youths Gathering programme here yesterday.

Rusli, 59, resigned from the post on June 25 following allegations by former PKR stalwart Ezam Mohd Nor that he was appointed as an adviser to KDEB because he was Anwar's brother.

Ezam said this went against Anwar's stand that there should not be nepotism in politics.

Rusli criticised Ezam on Saturday saying he was appointed as a special adviser to Karim based on his corporate experience and not because he was Anwar’s brother.

He had also claimed that both Anwar and Khalid were not aware of the appointment.

On the termination of the services of Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Razali Agus on Friday, Khalid said state secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud would explain today the rationale for the decision by the university’s board of directors.

Khalid, who is the chairman of the Unisel board of directors, said Prof Razali was not sacked.

“The board had merely decided not to extend his probationary contract, which will expire at the end of July,” he added.

Khalid said that Prof Razali had not appealed against the termination of his services yet.

“But he can discuss the matter with Ramli and put forward his name for the list of candidates to be considered for the vice-chancellor’s post.

Asked to comment on allegations that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had sodomised his aide, Khalid said the state PKR would stand by Anwar’s denial of any involvement.

He, however, refused to comment further saying there was no need to do so as Anwar himself had denied it.

Unisel V-C shown the door - The Star

2008-06-28T22:42:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 28, 2008

Universiti Industri Selangor (Unisel) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Razali Agus yesterday became the second head of a state-owned establishment to have his services terminated in three weeks.

The termination at the state-owned university comes less than three weeks after Selangor Museum director Maimunah Mohd Saidas was told to leave on June 9.

Taken by suprised: Prof Mohd Razali leaving after press conference in Shah Alam yesterday.

Prof Mohd Razali, 52, said he was attending a meeting at the university’s Batang Berjuntai campus when the termination letter was delivered to his personal assistant at his office here at about 4pm yesterday.

He said there was no reason stated for the termination in the letter signed by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his capacity as chairman of Pendidikan Industri Yayasan Selangor Sdn Bhd (PIYSB), which owns the university.

He said the letter stated that his termination would take effect at the end of July but he was given a month-long leave with full pay until then.

“I am in total shock because I have given my best to manage the university and to help make it one of the fastest growing universities in the country,” he said at a press conference here.

Prof Mohd Razali, who was deputy vice-chancellor at Universiti Malaya for over four years prior to his appointment at Unisel, said there had been no indication of the termination until he received the notice.

“I have not decided on my next course of action. I need to consider my options before deciding whether I will appeal against the decision or seek legal recourse,” he said, adding that he had not yet contacted the university’s pro-chancellor Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor over the termination.

He also refused to comment on whether there was any truth to rumours that he had written to the Education Department claiming he was not comfortable working under the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

It is learnt that Prof Mohd Razali is an Umno member as well as a committee member of the Overseas Umno Clubs Alumni.

Khalid, in a statement issued last night, said PIYSB did not sack Prof Mohd Razali but merely decided not to extend his service after the second six-month period of his probation expired.

He said there was no ulterior motive involved in terminating Prof Mohd Razali’s services and it was based on a unanimous decision by the board of directors.

“It was the previous Barisan Nasional government that decided to extend his original six-month long probation instead of confirming him because they were not satisfied with his services.

“The six-month extension was coming to end and at the PIYSB board meeting yesterday (Thursday) it was unanimously decided that we were still not satisfied and should let him go,” he said.

He said the board had followed all the legal requirements and had even given him one month's notice as stipulated in his employment contract.

Subang Jaya rep ‘banned’ from function at old school - The Star

2008-06-27T00:25:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Jun 26, 2008 By SARAH CHEW

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh is allegedly “banned” from attending her alma mater SMK Subang Utama’s (SMKSU) prefects’ reunion, scheduled for July 5 because she is from Pakatan Rakyat.

In her blog, hannahyeoh.blogspot.com, Yeoh said organisers had been asked by the school to withdraw their invitation to her, or the event would be cancelled, as she is from Pakatan Rakyat.

“It’s not that I insist on attending the function. My question is, what is playing in the minds of the students and how will they perceive the new state government if schools act like this?” asked Yeoh, the school's head prefect from 1995/96, when asked to comment yesterday.

When contacted, the organising chairman of the reunion said the school had received a circular from the Education Ministry concerning VIP guests.

The circular, available on the ministry’s website, refers to official school functions and VIPs in general.

When asked to comment on this yesterday, education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the circular only stated that permission was required from the state education director before any VIP could be invited to attend school functions.

He added that the circular was not applicable to the SMKSU prefects’ reunion as it was a private function.

SMKSU declined to comment.

Khalid: Yahya suspended over collection - The Star

2008-06-27T00:20:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 26, 2008 By DHARMENDER SINGH

Senior aide Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri was suspended after he failed to inform Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim of money collected for the state government’s 100-days-in-office celebrations.

Khalid said he had given a directive that his officers inform him of all decisions they made after the Anti-Corruption Agency investigated allegations that Yahya improperly facilitated the approval of cleaning and garbage collection contracts in Petaling Jaya.

(The ACA cleared Yahya of any bribery but said his action was of “improper conduct.”)

He said Yahya failed to inform him of the records of the money collected from businesses for the celebrations.

“The funds collected were deposited into PKR’s accounts without my knowledge and I am not sure of the actual amount,” he told a press conference after chairing the weekly exco meeting.

The matter came about after former PKR stalwart Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor claimed that the Mentri Besar’s office collected funds for the celebrations and deposited the cash into the PKR account instead of the state coffers.

On Monday, Khalid announced that Yahya would be suspended for two months to allow an internal probe.

However, Yahya resigned, saying he had lost confidence in Khalid.

On Yahya’s claim that he was not given the chance to explain, Khalid said the suspension was to allow a domestic inquiry to be carried out and Yahya would have been given a chance to defend himself.

“But he resigned and I have accepted it so the domestic inquiry will stop but the probe into the records of the funds will continue,” he said.

On Sabak Bernam PKR division head Dr Badrul Amin’s statement that 17 of the 22 PKR division heads had submitted a letter to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim voicing their dissatisfaction that “party warriors” were being sidelined in the appointment of councillors, Khalid said it was impossible to please everyone with the limited number of places.

Contact numbers of reps now included in billboard - The Star

2008-06-24T20:11:00.002+08:00

Jun 24, 2008

THE controversial billboard which has a large portrait of Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in Jalan SS2/24, Petaling Jaya has seen some minor modification.

The billboard, which was criticised by certain quarters, now has the mobile numbers and e-mail addresses of Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and Damansara Utama state assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin.

New look: The billboard now carries the contact details of Pua and Dr Cheah.

StarMetro in an article on June 12 in which residents argued that the billboard put up by an advertising company served no purpose if it does not have the contact details and e-mail addresses of elected representatives.

Khalid when asked whether Pakatan Rakyat would follow the practice by the previous state government to provide the mobile numbers of MPs and state assemblymen in Selangor said they had no plans to do so.

MPK councillors collect letters - The Star

2008-06-24T20:08:00.001+08:00

Jun 24, 2008 By EDWARD RAJENDRA

THOSE who have been chosen to be Klang Municipal Council (MPK) members feel their role is to help craft the policies, come up with new ideas, resolve issues related to basic amenities and not settle the council’s parking compounds for Klang residents.

Kota Alam Shah DAP chairman Lim Lip Suan, 36, PKR Taman Sentosa representative M.S. Rajoo, 61, and Pandamaran DAP chairman Ang Mah Chye, 50, feel strongly that those who flout the parking regulations must settle the compounds on their own.

“Residents can’t just pass the buck to us after flouting the law. But, in a proactive manner, as councillors, we would suggest to the council that the motorist pay a nominal RM10 for a parking compound of RM60, if it is settled within two days.

Yesterday, several community leaders converged at the MPK to collect their letters of acceptance to serve the people for the term from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2009.

Rajoo, a full-time politician, said he would soldier on to have the council change its regulations pertaining to the offer of contracts, from simple electrical wiring to construction, so that it be made an open process.

“MPK has to make public such tenders, so that members of the public who have the expertise to do such jobs can apply. If this is practised in a transparent manner, then corruption can be nipped in the bud,” he added.

Klang branch DAP vice-chairman Yap Beng Lee, 54, Pandamaran branch DAP vice-chairman M. Ganeson, 47, Malaysian Indian Development and Unity Association president Segaran Landasamy, 43, as well as special assistant to state speaker Tee Boon Hock and non-governmental organisation member Tee Beng Lee fully support Rajoo’s suggestion of Rajoo.

The MPK councillors comprise one palace representative, seven PKR members, six DAP members, four PAS members and six from the non-governmental organisations.

Council president Mislan Tugiu said he was happy with the make-up of the councillors.

“It is too early to comment but I hope that I will receive their commitment to build a better community. To me, the councillors are a bridge to the neighbourhood people,” he said.

Kuang villagers lead the way with Village Security Patrol Units - The Star

2008-06-24T20:05:00.002+08:00

Jun 24, 2008 By STUART MICHAEL

THE Selangor government has introduced a neighbourhood watch programme for the suburbs and outskirts which will involve residents patrolling their villages to reduce crime.

The first of these units, called the Village Security Patrol Units (Unit Kawalan Keselamatan Kampung, UKKK), was set up at Kuang, near Sungai Buloh recently.

The villagers in Kuang have given their support to the formation of UKKK, which is similar to the Rukun Tetangga programme of the 1970s and 1980s.

Informing the others: A UKKK member speaking on a walkie-talkie at Lorong Mangga in Kampung Chempedak, while a few other members, on motorcycles, wait.

Some of the villagers turned up for the night patrol with torchlights, batons, walkie-talkie and whistles.

Selayang MP William Leong, who joined the villagers during one of their night patrols recently, was impressed with the good turnout at the designated areas in Kuang.

Some of the villagers even turned up in their sarongs.

Others were making coffee in a kettle to keep themselves alert throughout the night.

“This is a good way to get youths involved in helping to deter crime instead of participating in unhealthy activities like lepak and illegal motorbike racing.

Having a chat: Leong (right) talking to the volunteers doing their rounds in Ladang Baru, Sungai Buloh.

“Each time we ask the police personnel about the crime rate getting higher in the area, the police always say they are short-handed and there are not enough patrol cars, especially with the high crime throughout Selayang area.

“So, we took this matter into our own hands and formed this UKKK. Eventually, other areas throughout Selangor will adopt this concept to keep the neighbourhood safe, especially in villages,'' Leong said, adding that he used to do this when he was living in Petaling Jaya about 30 years ago.

Leong was at the event to give biscuits and mineral water to six UKKK zones, which he had visited throughout Kuang.

“The UKKK people on patrol do not have the power to arrest thieves. They have the contact numbers of the Rakan Cop and the nearest police station should they come across any suspects in their area.

“All this is on a voluntary basis – even items like torch lights, vest, sticks and walkie-talkie are their own.

“I will be requesting the Selangor government to provide some of the zones an allowance for those who ride their motorcycles during the patrolling,” he said.

Resident R. Subramaniam of Taman Prima Selayang was impressed with the commitment of the villagers and their interest in forming a UKKK in Taman Prima Selayang.

Subramaniam said a total of 400 motorcycles, 72 cars and 13 lorries had been stolen in the area since he has lived there for the last eight years.

“Residents there are very fearful that their vehicles might get stolen. We have to put a stop to it and so we came here to see how the UKKK is being run,” he added.

There are six UKKK zones in Kuang – Ladang Baru, Balai JPK Ladang Baru, Surau Al-Munirah, Lorong Mangga, Lorong Beringin and Kampung Damai – involving a total of 36 people – with each zone having about five or six people at any one time.

The UKKK patrol starts at midnight and continues until 5am daily.

Kuang UKKK zone director Saad Ramilan said so far, 30 vests, 12 walkie-talkies, 60 T-Shirts, 10 torchlights and some batons had been sponsored for the unit and distributed to the six zones.

“With so many villagers helping out, each person need only do one shift a week, which is quite reasonable for working people.

“Last week, our patrol managed to deter a house break-in in Lorong Atap in Kampung Chempedak and a thief just ran away. We want tell thieves out there that the UKKK is here is stay and will keep doing this until crime rates are low.

“We don’t want to catch the thieves in the act but if we do, it is a bonus. We just want to deter thieves from coming to our village to steal and we will send a clear message to everyone out there,” he said.

Their vision and mission as councillors - The Star

2008-06-23T22:35:00.000+08:00

Jun 23, 2008 Comments recorded by JADE CHAN

Following are some of the views:

Transparency International executive director Richard Yeoh:

“As a civil society representative in the MBPJ, I will seek to ensure good governance, transparency and integrity are practised among the councillors and administration staff of the MBPJ.

“I will encourage the MBPJ to introduce globally-tested integrity monitoring and ethical training programmes for the councillors and staff so that everyone embraces a culture of ‘doing the right thing’ and ‘doing things right’.

“One way is for the city and local councils to collaborate with organisations that have expertise in the field such as Transparency International, Institut Integriti Malaysia, and even trade bodies such as Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the international chambers of commerce.

“After the March 8 general election, all sectors of our society, from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi downwards, are acutely conscious of the need to speed up the reform process in the public bureaucracy to further improve the delivery system.

“Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has also repeatedly stressed the need for local councils to be more responsive to the people's needs.

“Policies and practices must be transparent so that the ratepayers get the level of service they deserve.

“The MBPJ being the first tier of government, a level that has daily, direct contact with the people, must ensure that the basic needs of the poor are met before even thinking of spending money on grand projects.”

Environment activist and lawyer Derek Fernandez:

“As a councillor, I will make sure all members of the MBPJ are aware that the decisions they make affect not only the parties involved, but also the PJ residents.

“Public interest has to be taken into account in every decision. This means that three parties are involved when making decisions, not just an applicant and the MBPJ, but also the public at large.

“The role of the local authority is to make sure, as far as possible, that the quality of life of the residents is enhanced so that they become happy, useful and productive citizens.

“This means that the people’s problems should be attended to in a reasonable manner. Things like dirty drains, garbage disposal, planning control, roads and other amenities must be maintained and provided in a manner befitting the expectations of residents within the budgetary constraints.

“It is also vital that the values of the people in the areas of family, religion, culture and education be upheld in the implementation of the policies of the PJ city council.”

Petaling Jaya Selatan PKR treasurer Latheefa Koya:

“As a councillor, my focus will be on areas neglected by the MBPJ and previous councillors, like Taman Medan and the stretch at Old Klang Road on the PJ side.

“These areas have many of problems, such as basic drainage, flooding and traffic congestion.

“Overall, I will also focus on the safety and cleanliness issues in PJ, as waste management is a serious problem.

“Crime problems are of personal concern to be because I was a victim of a car break-in.”

“As far as I am concerned, my term as a councillor is just a transitional period as I believe strongly that councillors should be elected. I hope that local elections will be restored as soon as possible.”

Kelana Jaya PKR Youth chief Halimey Abu Bakar:

“Among my main concerns as a councillor is to help solve the infrastructure and garbage disposal problems in the Seri Setia constituency, particularly in the Desa Mentar, Desa Ria and Kelana Jaya areas.

“There is also the flood problem, with SS7 being the worst hit area whenever there is a huge downpour.

“I would also highlight the need for more public amenities like recreational and religious spaces.”

Liu: Councillors should provide mobile numbers to their constituents - The Star

2008-06-23T22:32:00.002+08:00

Jun 23, 2008 By EDWARD RAJENDRA

THE newly-appointed councillors must be diligent in serving the people and thus must be prepared to provide their mobile numbers to the people in their respective zones.

Selangor local government, research and study chairman Ronnie Liu said councillors must make themselves reachable if they want to serve effectively and solve the problems in their respective areas.

Ronnie: ‘The new councillors must go down to the ground as often as possible.’

“The new councillors must go down to the ground as often as possible and listen to the people and pick up their grouses and attend to them immediately. Even their mobile numbers should be made available so that the residents can have access to them when the need arises,” he said.

Liu said councillors would be assigned zones within their city or municipality so that they could better serve the people.

“Each councillor would have their respective zones. If it is in Petaling Jaya or Klang, it could be 15 neighbourhoods in one zone while in Sabak Bernam it could be nine to a zone. Our mechanism is to ensure better service,” he said.

Ronnie added that the new councillors who are to be sworn-in soon are required to have a census on each household within their zone to better understand the needs of the neighbourhoods.

Ronnie said a councillor who has a good relationship with his area residents would make it easier for the local authorities to implement beneficial decisions or policies.

“Our state wants to encourage public participation in local decision-making with one aim to help build accountability for officials, councillors and citizens. Actually it is law that public officials notify the residents of community-level public meetings by posting notices before the meeting,” he said.

He added that public participation provides an opportunity for people to speak up about local proposals before they go into effect.

Ronnie added that councillors would listen, record and solve community problems but also filter down decisions taken at the council’s sub-committee and Full Board meetings to the people.

“We encourage councillors to form focus groups involving a targeted group of residents where discussions could bring about ideas and opinions. It is like a think-tank to build a synergy of thoughts and ideas,” he said.

Ronnie also encouraged the residents in Klang to attend the monthly Full Board Meeting.

“While much of the responsibility of engaging citizens in local decision-making falls upon the local council officers or councillors, the residents also need to become actively engaged as it will help to craft the policies and decisions that will shape the future of their community,” he said.

Not an easy ride, but Yeoh is taking it all in her stride - The Star

2008-06-23T22:27:00.001+08:00

Jun 23, 2008 Stories by LIM CHIA YING

THE last 100 days have not been easy for Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh who has had to dealt with issues that residents have heaped upon her through calls, visits, and e-mails.

From the simpler meet-the-residents session, Yeoh has gone on to tackle issues from problematic housing projects like Mutiara Court in Bandar Sunway and Lagoon Perdana in PJS 9, security dialogues, to traffic congestions and development objections.

Hannah Yeoh

“While I've managed to highlight the Mutiara Court case to get it the attention it deserves, and now monitoring the Lagoon Perdana revival works to ensure buyers get their promised units, I'm at the same time juggling hundreds of other problems daily,” admitted Yeoh.

“For example, working on the issue of joint management bodies (JMBs), had talks with police on crime here at my service centre, initiating the 10-minute dengue campaign, and looking into the gated and guarded community issue, a point which I've raised at the state assembly and am now waiting for its regulations,” she rattled off.

“Then, I've had to do lots of follow-ups, like merely ensuring the authorities remove the telecommunication tower in USJ 5 based on what was already decided last year.”

While admitting work has been overwhelming, Yeoh said what frustrates her most is when people who claim to represent the majority of residents have their own personal interest at heart.

“There have been many internal squabbles and fights between the different resident associations, or within members of a committee itself, which I tell them to resolve among themselves. Some who have come to me saying they want to work for residents have actually their own agenda or wearing double masks,” Yeoh lamented.

Then, there is also the difficult part about dealing with people who have been over-critical of her.

“People expect things to turn overnight, but they don't realise that a lot of study needs to be done. It takes time to change policies and people's working styles.

She said she is happy to note about the political awareness she has helped generated among young people, and hoped to see more young people register as voters.

“There are a few areas that I want to continually develop, like youth activities, education, and health screening for the less well-to-do community. There are things I want to do more but am faced with restrictions,” claimed Yeoh.

She said residents can be assured that her commitment stays against over-development.

Yeoh said she wished to see an improvement in the delivery system, from the simple lighting of poles in the streets to the screening of contractors so that petty problems would not arise.

She cited the importance of re-educating people's mindset so that they go to the right channels to complain and not just throw everything to the elected representative, who can then focus on the more macro issues.

She said some things she had pledged had been carried out, like publishing her campaign funds on her blogsite which people can see.

“I've to be more careful with allocation funds, so that priority is given to those who really needs it. It's my responsibility to know how the funds will be used and spent,” she said.

WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY

USJ 3ABCD resident Jason Lee said 100-day is too short a period to assess Hannah Yeoh. However, thus far, he thinks she has done an outstanding job and based on his experience working with her, she has taken several issues head-on. “For example, the continuity of the slip road in USJ 3ABCD. I'm quite happy with the response from her office so far,” said Lee.

“As an assemblyman, she has responded to e-mails quite efficiently when some people don't even bother to reply.”

Lee said he had spoken to Yeoh about her involvement in sports which he feels is currently slightly lacking from her office.

“I've mentioned to Hannah about organising sports games which she can perhaps look into, as an assemblyman's responsibility to the community is more than just solving problems,” he said.

SS17 Subang Jaya resident Moaz Yusuf Ahmad said he thinks Hannah has been working very hard and has a lot of good plans drawn out.

“She is very committed to what she is doing, and putting the attention to pressing issues like dengue, which I wish more people would give her the support,” said Moaz.

He said it has been just 100 days so she should be given more time.

“So far, she has been very receptive, she listens to the people, and is proactive to make things happen.

“Hannah may need a stronger hand in the local council but this would require all levels of the government system to work, which is not at the moment,” he opined.

Former town planning director Zamri back as Shah Alam councillor - The Star

2008-06-22T20:59:00.003+08:00

Jun 22, 2008 By ELAN PERUMAL

FORMER town planning director Ahmad Zamri Kamaruddin heads the list of 24 local councillors appointed to the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

Zamri, who retired in Sept last year, has been appointed under the NGO quota.

Zamri: It is an honour to be appointed.

“It is a real honour to be appointed as a MBSA councillor especially when I am very familiar with the Mayor and officers of the council.

“I have worked there for 25 years and it will be really interesting to return as councillor where I have the privilege to make decisions for the benefit of the people,” he told StarMetro.

However, he added that it would be a challenge to serve in the capacity of a councillor as he would be required to meet the ratepayers in person.

All sorted out: Mazalan holding up the list of new MBSA councillors

The others appointed under the non-political quota are Zulkefli Mohd Nani of Muslim Care Malaysia, Datin Noraini Md Top (Pusat Zakat Selangor consultant), K. Uthayasoorian (Tamil Foundation) and V. Papparaidu who is a social activist.

Most of the poltical appointees were made up party workers of the Pakatan Rakyat’s coalition parties. Parti Keadilan Rakyat has the highest number of representation with nine followed with five from PAS, three from DAP and 1 from PSM.

Shah Alam Mayor Mazalan Md Noor said all those selected for the posts would be notified immediately on their appointment.

He said they were required to sign their letter of acceptance before they were called for swearing-in ceremony.

“They will be sworn-in during the first full council meeting which will be held next week,” he said

On the appointment of Zamri, Mazalan said, he welcomed the move and was looking forward to working with his former officer.

“I think the list of the councillors had a fair mix of people and most of them are also young,” he added

Selangor cancels Utusan subscription - The Star

2008-06-21T15:20:00.001+08:00

KLANG: Jun 21, 2008

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has ordered an immediate end to the subscription of Utusan Malaysia, its Sunday edition Mingguan Malaysia, and all publications under the Utusan group of companies.

Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad signed a one-page circular instructing all local authorities, district offices and agencies to cease the subscription of the publications.

When contacted, Nik Nazmi said that the decision to end the subscription of the publications was done due to the “unfair reporting and its choice to play the racial card.”

“Based on certain news articles, the Selangor Government found that the newspaper had chosen to play the racial card and it did not practice balanced reporting.

“This approach is certainly putting the people and state government at logger heads and it is not healthy,” he said.

Nik Nazmi also added that there was no gag order issued to the heads of departments on news releases to the Utusan media.

A check at a few local authorities revealed that the administration unit had cancelled the advertisement contracts and informed newsvendors to stop the delivery of Utusan publications.

Disabled rep among 24 new city councillors in MBPJ - The Star

2008-06-20T22:21:00.000+08:00

Jun 20, 2008 By DEBBIE CHAN and TAN KARR WEI

THE Petaling Jaya City Council will have, for the first time, representation from the disabled community on its board of councillors.

Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association president Anthony Thanasayan is one of the 24 newly chosen councillors for the MBPJ.

Anthony has been fighting for the rights of the disabled community for years and his selection as a city councillor will definitely enhance the cause of the disabled in PJ.

“If it is true that I made it to the list, it's fantastic. We have always asked to be included in the decision-making process,” he said.

“We strongly believe in the motto 'Nothing about us without us'. We must be there to make the decisions,” the wheelchair-bound Anthony said.

Among the changes the plucky crusader would like to see are designated car parks for the disabled.

The list of new councillors includes some prominent names from the non-governmental organisations.

Two such persons are Suara Rakyat Malaysia executive director Cynthia Gabriel and Transparency International executive director Richard Yeoh.

Environment activist and lawyer Derek Fernandez, who has been making newspaper headlines for being vocal on various community issues, is also on the list.

The representation from community and NGOs is part of the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government’s move to include members of the public in the decision-making process and to tap their views and expertise for the benefit of the community.

The rest of the names on the list are members of the three Pakatan Rakyat coalition partners – PKR, DAP and PAS.

However, none of the coalition’s elected representatives, whether MPs or state assemblymen, had been appointed as councillors.

This is a change from the previous Barisan Nasional state government where most of the elected representatives are appointed as councillors.

Among the people named on the list is former StarMetro reporter Mak Khuin Weng.

“There are some issues I would like to look into, like condominiums and privatisation of contracts. These are the things that I've been following up as a reporter,” Mak said.

He looks forward to working with the other councillors to help resolve issues affecting PJ while striving for transparency and accountability.

As a reporter, Mak has met many PJ residents and worked with former MBPJ councillors.

“I would be able to draw from their experience. I look forward to working with the other councillors,” he said.

NEW COUNCILLORS FOR PETALING JAYA

1. Mohd Halil Haji Harun – Petaling Jaya Utara PKR deputy chief

2. Syed Abdul Malik Syed A Hamid Al Jafree – Subang PKR deputy chief

3. Thiruvenggadam Aamuthu – Petaling Jaya Selatan PKR deputy chief

4. Halimey Abu Bakar – Kelana Jaya PKR Youth chief

5. Mahharul Ismail – Petaling Jaya Selatan PKR Secretary

6. Latheefa Koya – Petaling Jaya Selatan PKR treasurer

7. Tang Fuie Koh – Petaling Jaya Utara PKR treasurer

8. Dr Melasutra Md Dali – Urban planner

9. Michael Soon Kwai Choy – DAP

10. Mak Khuin Weng – DAP

11. Robert Tan Siang Chok – DAP

12. Tiew Way Keng – DAP

13. Francis Chang – DAP

14. Ahmad Yusof Ludis – PAS

15. Ghazali Shaari – PAS

16. Kamarudin Suhaimi – PAS

17. Muzammil Hafiz – PAS

18. Chan Chee Keong – Social activist

19. Richard Yeoh – Transparency International executive director

20. Anthony Thanasayan – Representative of the disabled community

21. Cynthia Gabriel – Suaram executive director

22. Derek Fernandez – Environment activist and lawyer

*23. Ramakrishnan Suppiah

*24. Paneer Sivam

* The last two names are yet to be confirmed.

49 women among 288 councillors - The Star

2008-06-20T22:19:00.001+08:00

Jun 20, 2008 By WANI MUTHIAH and

FORTY-NINE women have been selected to serve as councillors in the 12 local councils in Selangor.

They constitute 17% of the total 288 councillors picked by the Selangor state executive council.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim announced this at a press conference in Shah Alam yesterday.

Khalid said 25% of those chosen were professionals, officials of non-governmental organisations and representatives of the disabled community.

The three component parties – PKR, DAP and PAS – of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition state government have been allotted 75% of the councillor posts.

On the selection process, Khalid said the minimum academic qualification set for the new councillors was at least a college diploma.

Khalid, however, would not reveal the names of the selected candidates, saying that the respective local council chiefs would announce them once the candidates had signed their letters of acceptance to serve as councillors.

“No names will be revealed at this time as we want those who have been chosen from the 900-odd applications to submit their acceptance letters,” he said.

It is believed that Khalid decided on having the confirmation letters from the candidates before announcing their names because among these selected are members of the Barisan Nasional component parties who may snub the appointment.

According to Khalid, certain professionals such as architects, engineers and real estate practitioners, who were not appointed councillors, would be invited to serve as advisers and allowed to sit in during meetings of the sub-committee or even the full-board meetings.

He said these professionals would attend the meetings as observers with no right to vote on any matter.

“All the councillors would serve a three-year term. For the first year, each would be monitored according to the zones in the respective districts. On completion of the first year we would evaluate their performance,” he said.

Khalid said none of the Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives, whether MPs or state assemblymen, had been selected as local councillors.

He said this was perhaps the main departure from the practice of the previous Barisan Nasional state administration that appointed its elected representatives as local councillors.

“We do not want any conflict of interest but a focused idea of serving and improving the neighbourhoods for the people,” he said.

State local government, research and study committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the new councillors would be given a three-day training at Morib to equip them with the knowledge of the local council laws.

“Except for the Orang Besar Daerah who represent the Selangor Palace in the local councils, most of those selected are first-time councillors,” he said.

Khalid: I could have delayed pig-farm project - Part 2 - Malaysiakini

2008-06-20T10:43:00.001+08:00

Khalid: I could have delayed pig-farm project - Part 1 - Malaysiakini

2008-06-20T10:42:00.000+08:00

If there is one thing that Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim could undo, it would have been the state government's announcement to continue with the RM100 million modern pig farming project.

While arguing that the decision was "not really a mistake", he conceded that the matter - which generated both accolades and a backlash - could have been handled in a "more politically-savvy way".

MB Khalid: Balkis still registered - The Sun

2008-06-18T20:49:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM (June 18, 2008): By Llew-Ann Phang

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim says the Registrar of Societies (ROS) has not approved the dissolution of the Wives of Selangor MPs and Assemblymen Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis).

"The state government received a letter from the ROS about a week ago confirming the status of Balkis," he told reporters in a post weekly state exco meeting media briefing today.

"The letter states that Balkis has not been dissolved. We are still collating information on land ownership and management of its assets, like the building (they operated in), to be given to the ROS.

"These serve as an explanation to the ROS as it is important for it to inform those involved in the handling of these assets, should the dissolution be approved.

So there will not be losses or destruction of the assets that were entrusted (to Balkis) to carry out activities for the benefit of the people in Selangor," he said.

Khalid said: "Whatever happens, our activities will continue. I don’t know about a new society but all our welfare activities will continue."

He affirmed that the wives of assemblymen and MPs as well as women elected representatives in the state have held discussions to continue with providing welfare and social services to the people.

Balkis hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons soon after the March 8 general election when the Barisan Nasional (BN) Selangor government was toppled and the wives of former elected representatives quickly "dissolved" Balkis and transferred some RM10 million to Bakti (the national body of wives of Ministers).

On a separate matter, Khalid also announced that the state government has finalised the list of municipal councillors for Selangor.

However, he said a statement will issued today on the breakdown of representation, their professions, their affiliations, the districts and all the local councils.

When met by reporters later, Selangor Local Government, Research and Development Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the selected individuals were "10-times better than the previous batch".

"They are not corrupt and are willing to try and are willing to serve. We will be providing them with training and guidance," Liu said.

To kick off part of Pakatan Rakyat (PR)'s concern for the poor, Selangor Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr Xavier Jeyakumar said beginning tomorrow, families with monthly incomes of lower than RM1,500 will each receive 5kg of rice, and 1kg of sugar and milk.

"Each (PR) assemblymen will receive between 700 and 800 bags of rice of 5kg and sugar and milk weighing 1kg each in their offices to be distributed to the people in their area," he said.

Asked what his vision was for the next 100 days of his administration, Khalid said: "The test for us is to see how much we provided value to the people of Selangor.

From now on, we are evaluating ourselves to see if we can add value added services to the investment and growth opportunities for the state."

On Selangor Sultan's threat to call off the Sultan of Selangor Cup’s football match should PAS Youth proceed with their protest against the concert due to be held before the July 6 match, Khalid said he met with the state ruler who has agreed to meet the PAS Youth wing for a discussion on their reservations and concerns on the concert.

"I do not think we want to stop the diplomatic friendly games between Selangor and Singapore but I think now it is a good idea for PAS Youth to get an audience with the Sultan for a discussion," he said, adding that it would be organised before the month's end.

S'gor bagi beras percuma Jumaat ini - Malaysiakini

2008-06-18T17:12:00.000+08:00

Jimadie Shah Othman | Jun 18, 08 3:56pm

Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Selangor akan membahagi-bahagikan beras, susu dan gula secara percuma mulai Jumaat kepada rakyat Selangor yang berpendapat di bawah RM1,500 sebulan, sempena sambutan 100 hari pentadbirannya.

Exco Kebajikan Negeri, Dr A Xavier Jayakumar berkata, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim berkata, bahan-bahan tersebut akan dibahagi-bahagikan melalui seluruh Dewan Undangan Negeri di Selangor.

Katanya, bagi kawasan yang dimenangi Pakatan, bahan-bahan tersebut akan diedarkan melalui Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun).

Manakala di 20 kawasan yang dikuasai Barisan Nasional (BN), ia akan dibahagi-bahagian melalui exco kerajaan negeri.

Beliau memberitahu demikian dalam satu sidang akhbar selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat exco kerajaan negeri di Shah Alam hari ini.

Beliau berkata, 800 beg pertama yang masing-masing berisi lima kilogram beras, setin susu dan sekilo gula akan diedarkan mulai Jumaat ini manakala bakinya akan diedarkan secara berperingkat-peringkat.

Bulan lalu, Dr Xavier dilaporkan berkata, golongan miskin di Selangor akan mendapat bantuan beras bagi menampung kenaikan harga makanan ruji itu.

Untuk itu, beliau dilaporkan berkata, kerajaan negeri akan membelanjakan RM500,000 untuk membeli beras untuk dibahagikan kepada golongan miskin di Selangor.

Yeoh gives RM5,000 to surau - The Star

2008-06-17T21:00:00.001+08:00

Jun 17, 2008

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh presented RM5,000 from her state funds allocation to the Surau al-Muhajirin at the Angsana Flats in USJ 1 recently.

“This is to enable the surau to organise holiday camps for the Muslim children.

“There isn't a playground at the flats and it is not advisable to have the children playing all over the place,” said Yeoh.

A helping hand: Hazlan (second from left) receiving the cheque from Yeoh. Looking on are (from left) Suhailah, Zulkanian and Yeoh’s special assistant Timothy Ho.

The surau chairman, Zulkanian Ismail, imam Hazlan Omar and a teacher from Kafa Integrasi USJ 9, Suhailah Zolkapli received the cheque from Yeoh at her office.

“About 70 children aged between six and 12 took part in our three-day camp during the recently-concluded school break. It was mainly to instil good moral values such as respecting parents, fostering friendships and cultivating cooperation among the kids,” said Hazlan.

“The participation fee was RM40 but with the funds, we will be able to lower the fees for the upcoming camp in August,” he added.

Final background checks being done on councillors - The Star

2008-06-17T20:58:00.000+08:00

JUn 17, 2008 By JADE CHAN

THE new local council line-up in Selangor will see PKR having the majority in terms of party representation.

Sources said PKR members would make up the majority of councillors in 10 out of the 12 local councils.

The party representation in the Selangor councillors line-up would be as follows: PKR 28.5% (82 councillors), DAP 26.4% (76 councillors) and PAS 17.0% (49 councillors), while the remaining 28.1% (81 councillors) would comprise representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), residents’ associations and professional groups.

The breakdown list, made available to StarMetro, showed the Petaling Jaya City Council, Subang Jaya Municpal Council and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council having the largest representation of non-political councillors.

Out of the 288 councillors, five would comprise those from the disabled group (orang kurang upaya or OKU).

The party representatives encompass senior division committee members who have strong leadership qualities as well as adequate experience and qualifications while those from NGO and professional groups comprise those who specialise in fields like urban planning, law, health and environment.

“None of the wakil rakyat’s assistants are on the councillors list. Nominated party members also cannot be involved in the construction business to avoid conflicts of interest,” a source said.

“On PKR’s side, we try to emphasise that each council has at least one Chinese and one Indian representative to reflect a multi-racial line-up.”

The source added that all the councillors’ performances would be reviewed after a year and those who had not performed would be replaced.

One of the reasons for the delay in announcing the new councillors line-up, the source said, was the early resignation of the previous batch of councillors.

“It was irresponsible of the Barisan Nasional side to have their councillors resign. The previous councillors should have completed their contracts and left once the new councillors were sworn in.”

Sources said final background checks are being conducted on the candidates and that the new line-up would be announced at the end of this week , during a celebration to mark the 100 days of the Pakatan Rakyat coming into power in Selangor.

It was also revealed that the mayors and presidents heading the present local councils would be retained, unless they resign, are unable to perform their jobs or if their contracts expired

Khalid: Selangor in talks with Dubai investors - The Sun

2008-06-16T20:35:00.004+08:00

SHAH ALAM (June 16, 2008): By Tim Leonard

The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Selangor government has entered into talks with seven potential investors from Dubai to boost the state's economy.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he met the potential investors in his recent trip to Dubai.

"They (the investors) have expressed interest to invest in the state as they are confident in our (PR) management," said Khalid, after chairing a monthly meeting with government department heads today.

He said the investment value could amount to US$10 billion but he did not specify when and how the investments would start rolling in.

He added that the investors were interested in various sectors of the state’s economy, particularly in the food and manufacturing industry.

Khalid said the investments would create ample opportunities for the people of Selangor, especially during the current "stressing" economic climate caused by soaring oil prices.

On another development, Khalid said he would make an announcement on Friday on how the state government will channel profits and revenue from natural resources to the people.

He said the announcement will be part of the government's approach to have a people-orientated economy.

"Civil servants and state executive councillors are just managers of the state's resources as ultimately, the people are the natural owners. We are interested in channelling revenues and profits from the state's natural resources to the people," said Khalid.

He said for example, sand and natural resources, under the previous government, contributed about RM20 million a year in revenue.

"If properly managed, these natural resources can contributed about RM200 million a year," said Khalid, adding that the revenue can then be put to better use to help the people.

Aid for Selangor-born students - The Star

2008-06-16T10:03:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 16, 2008

Selangor-born students can start applying for the RM1,000 tertiary education aid pledged by the state government from July 1.

State Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Committee chairman Dr Halimah Ali said forms would be available on the Selangor government’s official website www. selangor.gov.my. Forms could also be collected from elected representatives.

She said 8,500 students taking up degree or diploma courses in the state would be eligible for the study aid that would be disbursed as soon as their applications were approved.

Guidelines will lead to scarcity - The Star

2008-06-15T14:02:00.002+08:00

Jun 15, 2008

THE landslide victory by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in the recent general election created a new era for the Selangor State Government.

For the first time, Selangor is being run by the PR and the new state government has a lot to live up to and the people, both public and private sector, have very high expectations of them.

In a dilemna: Developers are now stuck with land they have already bought since the state government put a halt to development on Class 3 and 4 slopes.

We believe the new state government has a strong desire to improve Selangor because they have been the backbenchers for such a long time.

We understand their desire to improve Selangor, which resulted in, within a short period of time, several drastic measures.

Recently, Tan Sri Abd Khalid Ibrahim and Elizabeth Wong announced that land of Class 3 (gradient > 25%) and Class 4 (gradient > 35%) could not be developed, for fear of landslides.

We would like to clarify that the issue of landslides is not new and landslides happen everywhere in the world.

In the June 10 article in StarMetro, Dr Gue See Sew said landslides are not caused by development on hillslopes but, more often than not, are due to the design.

As such, we would strongly recommend the state government seek advice from independent technical professionals specialising in hillslope developments.

Dr Gue: Landslides are caused by the design of the development.

From a developer’s point of view, we strongly recommend that an independent body be set up to advise the state government on how to tackle this issue.

A blanket ban on development of Class 3 and Class 4 land would cause a serious scarcity of land in Selangor and we believe this will cause the price of housing to escalate tremendously, resulting in higher inflation.

We would also like to point out that in countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan, due to the scarcity of land and the nature of its contours, even Class 4 land is developed but these developments must adhere to stringent guidelines.

As developers, we feel that we have been treated unfairly.

When we purchased our land for development, we used guidelines provided by the previous state government.

With this new restrictions set by the new state government, we are left in a dilemma.

This creates a negative impact on us all, the very same people who voted for change.

This uncertainty may also deter foreign investors from investing in Selangor or to pull out their investments in totality.

We believe the new restrictions affect more than 20 local and foreign developers in Selangor. This uncertainty will hamper the economic growth of Selangor.

We understand that during this transitional period, time is required by the new government to come up with changes.

However, we sincerely believe new policies and guidelines affecting the development of the state must be practical and fair.

Before these changes are made, organisations and bodies affected must be consulted to ensure that the interests of all are protected.

Lately, there has been an outcry by the general public, objecting to hillslope development. We can fully understand their concern, but would like to clarify this misunderstanding.

To reiterate what Dr Gue See Sew had said “landslides are not caused by the hillslope development but the design and safety measures taken by the developers to maintain the slope.”

Finally, we urge Khalid to sit down with the people affected by this new guideline and clear the uncertainty.

We also hope the state and Federal governments can work together on a standard guideline for hillslope development in order to avoid confusion to developers.

CONCERNED DEVELOPER

Kuala Lumpur

New breed of local councillors emerging - The Star

2008-06-15T13:52:00.001+08:00

Jun 15, 2008 Valley View By GEETHA KRISHNAN

THE current changed political scenario, especially in Selangor, has brought about a sort of grassroots political awakening involving a new perception and a holistic perspective on the role and scope of the local councils and councillors.

The Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) Section 10 (2) states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.

Section 10 (1) states that “the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight and not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority”.

Section (3) stipulates that the term of office of each councillor shall not exceed three years while Section (6) states that a councillor shall be eligible for reappointment upon the expiry of his term of office.

Under previous state governments, it was a tradition of sorts for state assemblymen to be appointed as councillors.

“This was based on the understanding that assemblymen worked closely with local authorities in handling community issues and as such, maintained a better line of communication in dealings,” said a former assemblyman and councillor.

From a wider scope of things, their positions as councillors were clearly viewed as political appointments.

In the 1950s and 1960s, councillors were elected through local council elections but this came to what was supposed to be a temporary halt in 1963 due to the Indonesian Confrontation (Konfrantasi) against the formation of Malaysia.

Local council elections were eventually abolished in 1965 with an amendment to Section 15 of the Local Government Act.

Following the outcome of the 12th general election on March 8 this year, when the Barisan Nasional lost control of four states and failed to unseat the PAS state government in Kelantan, there have been calls to amend the Local Government Act to bring back local council elections.

In Selangor, the new Pakatan Rakyat state government has declared that elected representatives would not be appointed local councillors in the two city councils (Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya) and 12 municipal councils in the state.

The Selangor state executive council, meanwhile, is going through a list of public nominees for councillors comprising professionals and representatives from the NGOs.

Under Section 28 of the Local Government Act, each local authority may, from time to time, appoint committees, either of a general or special nature, consisting of a chairman, councillors and such other persons as it may deem fit.

The new batch of councillors for the two city councils and 12 local councils in Selangor are also expected to sit in the relevant committees, rendering their expertise in areas like licensing, building, infrastructure and finance.

Each of the councillors of the previous administration used to serve in at least two to four committees.

Their selection to the committees is based on recommendations made by the state leaders of their respective political parties.

Section 28 also states that councillors shall be paid allowances determined by the local authority.

Contrary to general public perception, councillors are paid only a miserable monthly allowances ranging from RM500 to RM650. Not something to shout about!

An additional of RM50 or RM100 is paid for each attendance at the monthly full council meetings or a committee meeting.

According to a former councillor, each councillor was given an annual grant of RM10,000 to spend on projects in his or her area.

“But the amount was hardly sufficient for big projects.

“We usually organised gotong royong, talks and small community events and even had to fork out our own money for these events,” he said.

In the awarding of contracts, Section 34 (1) of the Local Government Act clearly states that any councillor with a pecuniary interest, whether direct or indirect, in any contract or proposed contract should withdraw from the meeting where the matter is under consideration.

There have been allegations from the public that the previous elected representatives strongly influenced decisions on the awarding of contracts in Selangor.

The present Pakatan Rakyat state government has recently announced that assemblymen and politically-appointed local councillors would no longer be allowed to sit on tender boards.

All that remains now is to keep our fingers crossed as the list is finalised and hope that better days are ahead for Selangor.

Selangor MB heads committee to select local councillors - The Star

2008-06-15T13:49:00.001+08:00

Jun 15, 2008 By ELAN PERUMAL

A SPECIAL high-profile committee headed by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been formed to vet a list of 288 names nominated for local councillors of the 12 municipal and two city councils in the state.

The committee members include three state executive councillors – Ronnie Liu (local government and research), Datuk Hassan Mohamed Ali (Islamic affairs, Malay customs, infrastructure and public amenities) and Yaakob Sapari (agriculture, natural resources and entrepreneurial development).

Khalid: The committee aims to ensure that the appointments are made solely on merit.

“The committee is looking through the names of all those nominated to ensure that they are appointed on merit and not due to cronyism and nepotism,” Khalid said.

“There have been rumours and allegations that we are appointing our friends to the local councils and this committee is tasked with ensuring that such a scenario is not happening,” he said.

According to Khalid, the appointment of the councillors, especially those under the NGO quota, would be based only on merit and not on favouritism.

He said the committee would study carefully all individuals proposed so that only those suitable were appointed.

Khalid said the names of those recommended by the committee and endorsed by the state executive council would be announced by June 20.

Khalid said the Pakatan Rakyat state government would appoint only those who were qualified and able to perform.

He said the people expected a lot from the local councillors and those appointed should be able to perform with excellence and transparency.

“We know it used to be very rewarding under the previous state government to be appointed as local councillors in the various municipalities and city councils,” he said.

“But I can assure you that from now on, the job of a local councillor would not be a glamorous one with a lot of perks, financial gains and benefits,” he said.

Khalid said that those appointed councillors would be required to serve with dedication and sincerity.

Liu said he endorsed the mentri besar’s decision and felt that the vetting committee would enhance the merit of being appointed a local councillor.

“It is good for the government and the people,” he said.

Museum chief shocked over sacking - The Star

2008-06-14T09:35:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 14, 2008

The director of the Sultan Alam Shah Museum is shocked and perplexed over her 24-hour sacking by the Selangor Government.

Maimunah Mohd Said said she received a letter signed by state secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud at 10am yesterday informing her that her two-year contract, which had another five months to run, was terminated.

“No reason was given for my removal,” said Maimunah, adding that on Tuesday, a state secretariat staff had initially informed her of the termination over the phone.

“Tuesday was my 60th birthday and it was the worst gift in my life.

Actually, I have another five months before my contract ends and I see no reason at all to hasten my departure,” she said.

It is learnt that 75 of the museum’s 85-strong staff have signed a petition criticising the move, and sent it to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Islamic affairs, Malay customs, infrastructure and public amenities chairman Datuk Dr Hassan Ali and Ramli.

An irate Maimunah said she wanted an explanation from the Pakatan Rakyat government because the termination could affect her credibility as an academician.

“I am not a politician or a member of any political party. So I am not a threat to the state government,” she added.

She claimed there was a political motive behind her sacking and that the state government wanted to put the current senior curator in charge.

Maimunah who retired as the Museum and Antiquities deputy director of the National Museum, and served as a senior consultant for private museums with several financial institutions, is credited with reviving the Sultan Alam Shah Museum.

Meanwhile, Dr Hassan clarified that Maimunah was not sacked or terminated but had to withdraw from the position as she had reached the age of 60.

“On her side, she had not made any attempt to send in a letter of appeal to extend her service.

At the same time, we were in the process of appointing new board members and decided that a new person would helm the post,” he said.

Ramli could not be reached for comment.

Selangor plans fund for babies - The Star

2008-06-13T12:47:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Ju 13, 2008

To mark its 100 days in office, the Selangor Government wants to set up a fund to meet the welfare needs of babies born from Jan 1.

The criteria on who is eligible for such aid would be announced in detail by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim during a Pakatan Rakyat gathering at Shah Alam Stadium on June 20.

Other programmes include aid to the elderly and needy such as the distribution of rice to them.

University students from the state can also expect some form of aid to pursue their education.

Khalid’s political secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told a press conference yesterday that the programmes would focus on ensuring that the welfare of needy people in Selangor was taken care of.

He said parents of babies born from Jan 1 could register at the stadium during the gathering.

According to Nik Nazmi, the state government had bought rice to be distributed to those eligible under the state’s welfare scheme.

He said the programmes were meant to create a platform for the the state’s revenue to be shared among the people.

He said the state government would also make public its successes, including the distribution of free water, during its first 100 days in office.

PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, its president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang are expected to be present to address the gathering.

Selangor wants to build new township in Pandamaran - The Star

2008-06-13T12:42:00.001+08:00

KLANG: Jun 13, 2008 By CHRISTINA TAN

The Selangor government has proposed turning Jalan Papan and Jalan Bukit Kerayong in Pandamaran into a new township.

State local government, research and study committee chairman Ronnie Liu said he would call the developer and resident association soon to discuss the details.

“The houses and premises in the new village will be torn down and rebuilt into a proper planned and conducive place for living.

“The squatter problem has been going on for a long time and we hope the project can commence latest by the end of the year,” said Liu when met at Jalan Papan here recently.

Liu said the new township on 40ha of land would consist of houses, commercial areas, an industrial zone and infrastructure such as a clubhouse, playground and park.

He said squatters could opt to buy the 1,400sq ft double-storey houses for less than RM100,000 or get compensation in cash.

Liu added that all places of worship would remain or be relocated to suitable places.

“We are looking for a win-win situation for all, not just the government or developer, but the people as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Jalan Papan Urban Pioneers, Pandamaran New Village, Ang Mah Chye said he hoped the new state government would investigate why the new village residents were asked to move out.

He said Jalan Papan has existed for about 54 years and residents have been given a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) to reside there since the 1960s.

“We have been paying TOL for 22 years until 1990 when the TOL was cancelled for no reason,” he claimed.

Ang added that in 2003 1,100 families in 522 houses were given notice by the Klang Municipal Council to vacate their houses to move to the low cost flats built by TPPT Sdn Bhd, a housing development company initially set up by Bank Negara to take over and manage abandoned projects.

The development project there was later given to another developer by TPPT, Ang claimed.

“We want to know why,” he said.

Unit formed to screen list of local councillors in Selangor - NST

2008-06-12T21:32:00.002+08:00

SHAH ALAM, THURS: Jun 12, 2008 By Neville Spykerman

A new committee has been form to review the names of all local councillors who have been shortlisted to serve.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he has already received the names of those selected but a review will be conducted following allegations that ‘friendship and favouritism’ was the basis of the selection.

“There have been many allegations that some of those shortlisted fell short in ability to serve the various committees.”

However Khalid said the names of new councillors for local government will be announced, according to schedule, on June 20.

Khalid was speaking yesterday after the weekly Exco meeting.

In an unrelated development he said the state was also looking into ways to cut cost following the increase in fuel prices.

He said a task force has been set up and measures will be announced in due course.

MPSJ starts building drain to alleviate flood woes - The Star

2008-06-12T10:36:00.000+08:00

Jun 12, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

INSTANT action – that’s what the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) took the day after its president inspected Kampung Tengah 13th Mile Puchong, Selangor, following a flood.

The MPSJ started work to construct a new drain yesterday as an immediate measure to alleviate flood woes there.

MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikhsan had accompanied senior state executive councilllor and Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok to visit the site on Tuesday to look for the best solution to the problem.

Concerned: Adnan (third from right) making a site visit to Kampung Tengah Batu 13 Puchong to draw up a solution that will enable water to flow whenever there’s a downpour.

The 100m-long drain being built on state land runs parallel to the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).

Construction of the drain is scheduled to be completed by the weekend, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Adnan said the land on which Kampung Tengah is located is low-lying and any heavy downpour would result in flooding as there is no channel for water to flow out.

“Previously, the water could flow out to the back but the land belongs to a private individual, who has built a retaining wall and raised the level of the earth, resulting in a higher land foundation now,” Adnan said.

“Even the drainage was sealed up. Therefore, the water could not flow out during the recent downpour,” he said.

Adnan said the new drain would allow the water to flow out. “The water would be able to flow out once this culvert is ready,” he said.

This is the second time that the council has carried out drain construction in the area.

Adnan said Kampung Tengah 13th Mile is a big area and after the first drain was built at another spot, water flow has improved and the council has not received any flood reports until the latest downpour.

The MPSJ, meanwhile, urged for the residents to pay up their assessment taxes so that it has sufficient funds to carry out maintenance works in their area.

Residents upset over approval given to shopping complex - The Star

2008-06-12T10:34:00.001+08:00

Jun 12, 2008 By TAN KARR WEI

RESIDENTS of Section 19 and SS2 in Petaling Jaya are still upset over the approved building plans and construction hours of a commercial and shopping centre in their neighbourhood.

Thirteen residents, accompanied by Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin, showed up at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) headquarters to voice their grouses.

Among MBPJ officials present to meet them were town planning department director Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali, engineering department acting director Ismail Shafie, building plans department director Hamidah Ariffin, development and maintenance department assistant directors Mohd Aswardi Kong Mohd Azizi Kong and Ismathinoon Abd Rahman.

All ears: Dr Cheah (far right, in yellow tie) attended the meeting between MBPJ and Section 19 and SS2 residents.

According to Jalan 19/16 resident Kong Chong Soong, the construction of the road would only affect the houses along it but would create traffic problems in the area.

“Our road would be narrower and we don't want cars parked haphazardly around here. We want the road to be 40feet (12.19m) from our houses for residents' use and the bridge going across the river should also be moved further away,” Kong said.

The residents also want an assurance from the MBPJ that the only access into the building should be from Jalan Harapan because Jalan SS2/72 would not be able to handle the traffic volume.

SS2C Rukun Tetangga chairman Magirin Haron said many high-density projects around the area were built without residents' consent and were causing frustration among the people.

“They keep telling us that we'll be consulted before development took place but it has never happened,” Magirin said.

Sharipah, the MBPJ town planning department director, said the area had been gazetted as a commercial area under the Petaling Jaya Local Draft Plan 1 (RTPJ1) in 2003.

“Under the law, once the plan is gazetted, we don't have to go through the process of hearing with residents all over again,” she said.

“I'm aware of the traffic problem in the area. The whole road system in Jalan Harapan has not been upgraded and this missing link (that connects to the Sprint Highway) has not been put into place. SS2/72 should not be used as an access road to the building until the whole Jalan Harapan road system has been fully built,” Sharipah said.

“I objected to the plans in 2007 but the plans were approved on the basis that residents have been consulted,” she said.

“Based on the objection by residents now, we will review the approval of the plans,” Sharipah said.

As a compromise, Sharipah said she would request for the building setback to be increased while allowing one or two additional floors to be built.

The residents also complained that construction works started as early as 6.45am and goes on until past midnight.

“Sometimes, they even work 24 hours. We can barely sleep with all the noise going on. We can't even access Jalan 19/27 because the construction vehicles are parked all along the road,” Ow Yew Teik said.

The residents suggested that the contractors should only be allowed to access the construction site on Jalan SS2/72 as the roads in their residential area were too narrow.

“If there is an emergency, fire trucks would not be able to get into our road,” Kong said.

Ismathinoon said the council had rejected the contractors' application for the extension of working hours.

The current hours allowed are from Mondays to Saturdays, 8am to 6pm.

MBPJ building plans director Hamidah said that since the contractors did not abide by the stipulated working hours, the council would issue a stop-work order on Friday.

Residents want elected reps to provide contact details - The Star

2008-06-12T10:16:00.002+08:00

Jun 12, 2008

PETALING Jaya residents want the Selangor government to provide contact details and e-mail addresses of elected representatives on billboards instead of just having a portrait of them.

“It is unnecessary for the state to spend money on billboards for the purpose of self–promotion,” said Petaling Jaya Residents Association president (PJRA) Eashvara Lingam.

He said this was the reaction of most people on a new billboard in SS2, Petaling Jaya, depicting Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and a slogan that reads Sentiasa Berusaha Untuk Kemajuan Negeri Selangor, (Constantly striving for Selangor’s development).

Waste of money?: The Selangor state government’s new billboard along Jalan SS2 in Petaling Jaya has become a subject of discontent among residents.

He felt that the billboard used in such a manner was a waste of money.

“It could have been paid for by loyal supporters or the MP of the constituency. But anything which is done purely for self promotion does not benefit the public,” Eashvara said.

He said the practice of publicising assemblymen's contact numbers and e–mail through billboards by the former state government was seen as beneficial to the rakyat.

“Many of the present assemblymen are new faces to the residents. If the government could provide information on how they can be reached to improve the living conditions and standards in their constituencies, it's a win–win situation,” he said.

Old billboards containing pictures of local representatives and the former mentri besar were removed from strategic advertising locations around Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya.

Eashvara said that what the Barisan assemblymen had done in the past by giving out their contact information should continue.

Former Bukit Tunku assemblyman and Petaling Jaya city councillor Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou said the new billboard should contain value-added information for the public.

“The new mentri besar wants to reach out to the people, which is fine. All he needs to do is to add his telephone, cell–phone, fax number and e-mail address. This would be the added value,” he said.

Wong suggested that it was a possibility that the outdoor advertising company responsible for putting up the signage might have done so to show their appreciation to the present state government.

“I feel that the comment made by the PJRA president was relevant. But, to be fair, we cannot tell the government to follow exactly what the Barisan Nasional in Selangor had done by putting up their assemblyman's information on billboards,” Wong said.

==================================================

Khalid billboard not put up by Selangor government
By ELAN PERUMAL

A BILLBOARD at SS2 in Petaling Jaya depicting a portrait of Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was not put up by the state government or the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

According to state local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu, the advertising company that put up the billboard did not obtain approval of the authorities to do so.

Liu: ‘The state government will meet with the company officials to sort out the matter.’

“The company has done it without the knowledge of the authorities and the billboard does not cost the government a single sen,” Liu told StarMetro.

He said the previous Barisan Nasional state government had given the advertising company a contract to erect 160 billboards with the image of former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Khir Toyo under the Mesra Rakyat concept.

Liu said that in return, the State Economic Planning Unit had given the company the right to put up 100 commercial billboards.

“The previous state government gave the company the rights to solicit advertisements for the billboards to generate income for itself for its donation of the 160 billboards,’’ he said

Liu said that when the Pakatan Rakyat coalition gained power in Selangor after the March 8 general election, the company was ordered to do away with such billboards.

Liu said the state government would meet with the company officials to sort out the matter.

“We hope the people of Selangor know the real story and will not accuse the state government of wasting money on such billboards,” he said.

“The state government is very responsible and will not misuse public funds to promote the interests of politicians,’’ Liu said.

Khalid: Allegations of graft unfounded - The Star

2008-06-12T10:10:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 12, 2008

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said yesterday that an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency has cleared one of his senior aides of involvement in graft.

“The allegations of graft were unfounded,” Khalid told reporters after chairing the weekly exco meeting.

However, the officer in question will be asked to attend a seminar or course on integrity and responsibility so that he would be more careful when carrying out his duties in future, he added.

Khalid, who also met ACA officers for an hour after the exco meeting, thanked the agency for quickly initiating investigations after the allegations were made.

The top aide was questioned by the ACA for about four hours on Tuesday for allegedly being involved in approving contracts for cleaning and garbage collection in Petaling Jaya.

The investigations were initiated after several people claiming to be PKR members lodged a report against the officer last week alleging that there were irregularities in the approval of the contracts.

Khalid said he had met the ACA state director and suggested that an officer from the agency be assigned at the mentri besar’s office to carry out further investigations and study how administrative procedures are executed ethically and responsibly.

On another matter regarding a posting in a blog “Another brick in the wall” stating that Khalid’s “secret relationship” with I-Bhd chairman Datuk Lim Kim Hong was now in the open, Khalid said: “I didn’t know that I had a secret relationship with him and to say that I do not know Datuk Lim Kim Hong is not true because I do know him.”

He added that as a former businessman, he had met and befriended many other businessmen.

“I can give you a list and quite a lot of them come to my dinner parties,” said Khalid, adding that there was nothing wrong in having business friends provided that there was “proper conduct” in the relationship.

In Shah Alam, the Selangor ACA director Jaafar Mahad said the agency had completed its investigations into the case.

It is learnt that the ACA interviewed no fewer than seven people, including officers from the Petaling Jaya City Council as well as those from Alam Flora.

S'gor dapat air percuma, akhirnya - Malaysiakini

2008-06-11T23:01:00.002+08:00

Muda Mohd Noor | Jun 11, 08 5:31pm

Lebih sejuta penduduk Selangor akan mendapat bekalan air percuma, seperti dijanjikan, mulai 1 Jun selepas kerajaan negeri menyelesaikan rundingan dengan Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) pagi ini.

Manifesto Pakatan Rakyat untuk memberikan 20 meter padu air secara percuma - atau potongan RM11.40 - akan diteruskan kepada pengguna domestik bermeter individu, demikian diumumkan oleh menteri besar.

Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim berkata beliau telah berjaya mencapai persetujuan tersebut dengan ketua pegawai eksekuif Syabas, Datuk Ruslan Hassan dan presiden syarikat kerajaan negeri Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB), Datuk Abd Karim Munisar (foto bawah, kanan).

Dalam rundingan di pejabatnya, menteri besar Selangor berkata penyelesaian yang telah dicapai:

Pemberian air percuma sebanyak 20 meter padu sebulan kepada pengguna domestik yang bermeter individu di Selangor akan bermula 1 Jun akan tetap dilaksanakan.

Pengguna domestik yang bermeter individu di Selangor akan mendapat bil baru dengan rebet air percuma sebanyak 20 meter padu sebulan bermula 16 Jun.

Pengguna domestik yang bermeter individu di Selangor yang telah menerima bil sebelum 16 Jun akan menerima rebet bayaran untuk penggunaan 15 hari pertama bulan Jun di dalam bil bulan berikutnya.

"Kos pembiayaan rebet tersebut dibuat oleh KDEB bagi pihak kerajaan negeri Selangor. Sebelum ini masalah bil menjadi isu tetapi telah berjaya diselesaikan dalam perbincangan hari ini.

"Ia berlaku kerana tiap-tiap hari bil air baru dikeluarkan kepada pengguna dan Syabas sukar melaksanakan rebet," katanya dalam sidang media di pejabatnya di Shah Alam hari ini.

Abdul Khalid berkata, Syabas merupakan anak syarikat Puncak Niaga tetapi saham syarikat bekalan air turut dimiliki oleh KDEB, sebuah syarikat milik kerajaan negeri.

Syabas kelmarin menolak permintaan kerajaan negeri untuk berbuat demikian, termasuk selepas berunding dengan KDEB, sebuah syarikat milik kerajaan Selangor yang terlibat dengan syarikat pengurusan air tersebut.

Ruslan (foto, kiri) berkata Syabas tidak bersetuju dengan kandungan surat akujanji bersyarat KDEB yang ditandatangani pada 6 Jun lalu dan dihantar kepada syarikat itu pagi Isnin.

Ruslan berkata cadangan KDEB secara langsung menjejaskan aliran tunai Syabas dan boleh menjejaskan operasi syarikat itu.

Dalam sidang media tersebut, mengulas siasatan Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) terhadap seorang pegawai kanan di pejabatnya, Abdul Khalid menegaskan tiada sebarang unsur rasuah di kalangan pegawainya.

Menteri besar menambah, jika ada, beliau memberi jaminan tidak akan berkompromi dengan jenayah itu.

"Dakwaan rasuah tidak berasas sama sekali. Bagaimanapun, kita menjemput BPR supaya menempatkan seorang pegawainya di pejabat menteri besar untuk tempoh sebulan atau lebih supaya dapat mengurangkan atau menghapuskan segala peluang untuk mereka yang ingin rasuah dan salah guna kuasa.

"Dan BPR telah setuju untuk menempatkan pegawainya di sini (pejabatnya)" katanya.

Abdul Khalid mengulangi seruannya agar individu yang membuat laporan BPR berhubung kes itu tampil ke depan.

Mengulas mengenai pelantikan ahli majlis kerajaan tempatan, Abdul Khalid berkata, kerajaan negeri membentuk pasukan petugas bagi menilai seorang demi seorang ahli majlis yang bakal dilantik itu.

"Isu ini sensitif, kita berharap senarainya boleh dikeluarkan pada 20 Jun ini," katanya.

Market traders cry foul over huge fee - The Star

2008-06-11T16:52:00.001+08:00

Jun 11, 2008 By STUART MICHAEL

THE current economic environment is certainly not too friendly to the petty traders and hawkers. With the recent big increase in petrol price, accompanied by the spiral price increase of other essential items, these people are surely facing a difficult time.

But, instead of helping these people tide over the hard times, the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is using a company it has set up to charge the morning market traders at Bukit Rahman Putra in Sungai Buloh an annual fee of RM1,600 each.

The traders feel that the fee imposed on them by Laman Bunga Raya Sdn Bhd is too stiff and unjustified.

Not happy: Sivarasa (second from left) talking about his meeting with Zainal Abidin on the issue.

According to Subang MP R. Sivarasa, the council only charges Laman Bunga Raya RM1,200 a year for the piece of two-acre land but the company is charging each trader RM1,600 a year.

“This does not make any sense. The market traders are willing to pay a reasonable fee of about RM50 a month, which amounts to RM600 a year each,” Sivarasa said.

“The high charge of RM1,600 is unfair and unjustified, especially when the company is owned by the council,'' he said.

Sivarasa met council president Zainal Abidin Azim at the MPS building in Bandar Baru Selayang on Monday to raise the matter.

Sivarasa said he would have another meeting with Zainal to seek a solution on the issue.

“Why should the council own a company? Who is behind such a scheme?''

Sivarasa said he had asked Zainal the two questions on Monday but was not given any answer.

Sivarasa also said for the sake of residents in the area, the morning market at BRP7/1 should be relocated.

“The traders have agreed that the market be relocated to an abandoned TNB sub-station about 500 metres away from the current venue,” he said.

Sivarasa also said he asked Zainal why the council had approved 200 more permits for the night market at Desa Aman Puri in Kepong, which was already congested with 300 stalls.

He said increasing the number of traders at Desa Aman Puri to 500 would cause the already chaotic traffic situation there to worsen.

According to Sivarasa, all the revenues generated from the market permits are not credited to the council but to certain individuals and the respective residents associations.

“If such a scheme is allowed, the local councils are deprived of income from the public services and facilities. It is estimated that with so many night markets in Selangor, the local councils lose up to RM30mil a year,” Sivarasa said.

He said such a huge amount of income could be used for better purposes like road maintenance and streetlights.

Sivarasa urged the Selangor government to review such practices by the councils.

MB's aide quizzed by ACA - NST

2008-06-11T15:59:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 11, 2008

An aide of the Selangor menteri besar was questioned by the Anti-Corruption Agency yesterday for allegedly being involved in approving contracts for cleaning and garbage collection in Petaling Jaya.

The officer, who is in his 40s, voluntarily went to the state ACA headquarters at Plaza Masalam at 6pm and was questioned for four hours.

Selangor ACA director Jaafar Mahad confirmed that the officer was called to provide a statement to facilitate investigations.

He said statements were also recorded from officers of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBJB) and Alam Flora.

Jaafar refused to elaborate further, adding that they would complete investigations soon.

ACA investigations were initiated after a report was lodged by four Parti Keadilan Rakyat members last week.

The group alleged irregularities in the approval of cleaning and rubbish collection contracts approved by the official.

They also claimed the contracts were awarded without the knowledge of the menteri besar.

Previously, it was reported that PKR members from Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang and Shah Alam divisions had lodged a police report against the officer before lodging another report with the ACA.

Don't pay water bills, says Khir - NST

2008-06-11T15:50:00.001+08:00

SHAH ALAM: Jun 11, 2008 By Neville Spykerman

People in Selangor have been urged not to pay for the first 20 cubic metres of water, worth RM11.40, when they receive their water bills.

Selangor opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said they need not pay because they were assured by the state government that this would be free.

The promise was made by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Religious Affairs, Malay Culture and Infrastructure committee chairman Datuk Hassan Ali at the recent state assembly.

Dr Mohd Khir said as the opposition leader he had a responsibility to ensure that the people in Selangor receive the benefit.

His call to consumers comes in the wake of a decision by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) to reject the compensation terms for the free water offered by state subsidiary Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB).

On Monday, Syabas, in a faxed statement, announced that consumers in Selangor would not get the proposed free water and would continue to be charged in full.

Syabas chief executive officer Datuk Ruslan Hassan said they were rejecting the terms offered by KDEB to compensate for the first 20 cubic metres of water supplied to users.

“We have made the decision to reject the terms and we do not agree with the offered conditions of payment.”

The point of contention was the KDEB proposal to pay for the free water only after a restructuring exercise with all companies related to the supply of water, is completed in September.

He said KDEB’s offer would affect Syabas’ cash flow and could jeopardise its operations.

“Our counter proposal is for Syabas to bill KDEB at the end of every month and payment should be made within 14 days.