Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Elektrik…oh elektrik….

Sidang Parlimen hari ini pada sebelah petang berkisar sekitar isu pembekalan elektrik dan topik ini mendapat perhatian dan perdebatan hangat daripada Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari Sabah dan Sarawak khususnya.

SESB (Sabah Electricity Supply Berhad). Ahli Parlimen dari Sri Gading mengatakan bahawa mereka sudah bosan dengan jawapan piawai (standard) daripada Menteri-menteri iaitu jawapan seperti “kami akan kaji”, “akan dipertimbangkan”, “akan dimasukkan dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-9”...


Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari Sabah dan Sarawak kelihatan amat tertarik dengan hujah ini dan mula “mengebom” Kementerian Tenaga, Air and Komunikasi. Sambil mengebom Kementerian ini, Sri Gading sambil menunjuk kepada MP yang duduk di sebelahnya, Kinabatangan, dan mengatakan bahawa hampir 50% daripada kawasannya tiada bekalan elektrik.

Untuk mereka yang duduk di Bandaraya besar seperti Kuala Lumpur ini, memang ini amat memeranjatkan tetapi untuk mereka yang berasal dari Sabah dan Sarawak, ini sudah menjadi asam garam dalam kehidupan seharian mereka.

Seorang rakan karib saya dari Tawau, Sabah yang saya kenali samasa menuntut di UM pernah mengeluh kepada saya bahawa gangguan elektrik di Sabah memang sudah menjadi kebiasaan, sehingga orang Sabah mengejek orang Semenanjung apabila berlakunya gangguan elektrik selama beberapa jam sedangkan ganggunan elektrik di Sabah boleh berlarutan sehingga ke setengah hari atau lebih.

Dan di sinilah kita dapat lihat jurang perbezaan yang semakin besar di antara Semenanjung dengan Sabah dan Sarawak. Sekiranya kejadian ini tidak direktifikasikan, maka janganlah kita dari Semananjung ini berasa ganjil apabila orang Sabah dan Sarawak mengejek kita apabila bekalan elektrik terganggu lagi suatu hari nanti.

Dan persoalannya juga, sekiranya pihak pembangkang mengusulkan untuk kerajaan memperbaiki sistem bekalan elektrik di kedua-dua negeri ini, sudikah mereka mengangkat tangan untuk menyokong? Sudikah mereka?

Lau Weng San

Mahasiswa Pro-Pembangkang?

Saya sepatutunya tidak perlu mengulas panjang berkenaan dengan laporan muka pertama Utusan Malaysia 27 September 2005 yang bertajuk “Proaspirasi kuasai universiti -- Dijangka menang besar pilihan raya Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar sesi 2005/2006 esok”dan laporan Merdeka Review Online “子根否认介入理大选举 前进阵线有录音为证” berkenaan dengan campur tangan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, yang juga merangkap Timbalan Pengerusi Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, bahawa mahasiswa-mahasiswa di USM mempunyai rekod suara bahawa Koh Tsu Koon meminta mahasiswa-mahasiswa supaya tidak bersekongkol dengan pembangkang seperti DAP dan PAS, maka tersentuhlah saya untuk menulis sesuatu, kali ini dalam Bahasa Malaysia.

Tetapi pagi ini, saya dikejutkan dengan satu lagi artikel yang bertajuk “Bekas pemimpin MPP serah memorandum bantah demonstrasi” apabila terdapat segelintir mahasiswa daripada IPTA menyerah satu memorandum kepada YAB Timbalan PM, Datuk Seri Najib untuk membantah membantah tindakan sekumpulan pelajar yang berdemonstrasi di bangunan Parlimen baru-baru ini kerana “memburukkan imej mahasiswa”.

Saya tidak ingin untuk mengulas sama ada demonstrasi itu telah membutukkan imej mahasiswa sperti yang tidakwa oleh kumpulan mahasiswa tersebut, yang dikatakan merupakan bekas pemimpim MPM (Majlis Perwakilan Mahasiswa) di IPT masing-masing. Mungkin mereka perlu meneliti isi kandungan Memorandum itu.

Walaupun begitu, terdapat sesuatu yang aneh berkenaan dengan perkataan “aspirasi”. Semasa saya masih berkecimpung di kampus politik UM antara tahun 1999 hingga 2002, perkataan ini merupakan trademark kepada Gagasan Mahasiswa UM (GMUM) yang merupakan golongan mahasiswa yang tidak dikongkong oleh pihak pengurusan universiti. Perkataan “aspirasi” telah berkali-kali digunakan dalam slogan dan manifesto GMUM.

Golongan mahasiswa ini tidak pernah mengelarkan dirinya sebagai “pro-pembangkang” tetapi lebih gemar untuk dikenali sebagai “pro-mahasiswa”, dan perkataan “aspirasi” ini merupakan trademark kepada golongan mahasiswa ini. Mereka yang berpihak dengan pengurusan universiti pula dikenali sebagai “pro-pengurusan”, dengan aktiviti-aktiviti mereka dibiayai atau dibantu oleh pihak pengurusan, khususnya oleh pihak HEP.

Kemudian mulai tahun 2003, perkataan ini mula di”hijack” oleh golongan mahasiswa pro-kerajaan, dengan perkataan “aspirasi” ini mula dikaitkan dengan golongan pro-pengurusan demi mengaburkan minda pengundi di kampus dengan bantuan media massa aliran utama seperti Utusan Malaysia. Sementara itu, golongan pro-mahasiswa pula dilabelkan golongan pro-pembangkang, salah satu pelabelan yang tidak benar dan tidak berasas, malahan langsung tidak beretika.

Lau Weng San

The whole of Ministry of Foreign Affairs absent in the Parliament!

What a shock!

There wasn't anybody from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to answer the first question from YB Tuan Tiong Thai King [BN-Lanang]!

Well, today is Wednesday, the Cabinet Meeting day, and you are guaranteed that there will be no Minister attending Parliament meeting today. But even though there is no Minister, the Deputy Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary of that ministry will should be attending to answer question from MPs.

Today, it seems that Ministry of Foreign Affairs has broken the record. YB Tiong Thai King asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs to state the progress on the dispute of the maritime border off the Sulawesi Sea with Indonesia, of whether;-
(a) whether oil exploration is still in progress; and
(b) whether Malaysia will share the oil concession with Indonesia.

So, his question remained unanswered on the spot. YB Tiong could probably get his written reply from the Ministry later but it is disappointing to witness such incident.

I wonder that if we are going to talk about Parliamentary Democracy, how far can we go further?

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

社青团吁请林敬益履行承诺协助华社保留哗!FM


社青团吁请林敬益履行承诺
协助华社保留哗!FM
黄凌风
Sep 27, 05 1:39pm

社青团团长倪可敏今日促请能源、水务及通讯部长林敬益履行承诺,协助华社保留哗!FM为中文电台。

他指出,当哗!FM首次传出停播事件时,当时正面对民政党党选的林敬益曾承诺会让哗!FM继续存在,“但是现在我们却看不到林敬益有任何行动去履行承诺”。

他今日是在呈交备忘录于Natseven TV私人有限公司代总执行长莫哈末依布拉欣时,向记者表示,“我们希望他(林敬益)会出来协助华社保住(哗!FM)这个中文电台”。

由于莫哈末依布拉欣不在办公室,该备忘录由哗!FM副总裁黄莉娥代领。出席的社青团领袖还包括署理团长张健仁、副总秘书罗志兴、副宣传秘书刘永山、政策研究局主任刘镇东、最高理事梁爱君等人。

社青团也购买一些鲜花赠送给哗!FM职员,以鼓励他们不要放弃。

执照持有公司处事不透明

倪可敏与黄莉娥及其他哗!FM节目主持人会面时也指出,在这起停播事件中,该电台执照持有公司Synchrosound Studion私人有限公司的处事态度有欠透明,并没有公布其财政状况。

他表示,Synchrosound Studion私人有限公司不应等同于哗!FM电台,前者的负债不应全归咎在哗!FM身上。

哗!FM职员感谢外界支持
另一方面,黄莉娥表示,哗!FM全体职员收到很多方面的支持及鼓励,因此感到非常感动,“我们希望在(哗!FM)重组之后还是原本的我们”。

“很多人以为这次只是狼来了,但我们是很紧张的。”

Monday, September 26, 2005

Deeply disappointed with the Speaker's refusal to give priority to a motion to refer Rafidah to the Select Committee.

Disappointed with Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s decision of not giving priority to the motion to refer Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz to the Parliamentary Priviledges Committee.

DAPSY is deeply disappointed with the Speaker’s decision in not giving priority to the motion to refer Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz to the Parliamentary Priviledges Committee.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang has on last Thursday submitted a written motion to the Speaker under Standing Order 27(3) to refer MP for Kuala Kangsar and Minister for International Trade and Industry, YB Rafidah Aziz to the Committee of Privileges to inquire whether there is any breach of privilege in her written answer to YB Parliamentary Opposition Leader and MP for Ipoh Timor Lim Kit Siang on 20th September 2005 when answering the question on "the abuses in the issue of APs to import cars, why the sudden jump in the issue of APs in 2004 and 2005 as compared to previous years, and release the full APs lists since 1987 including individual APs.”

Today, the Speaker has refused to give priority for the motion to be debated immediately in the House and DAPSY is deeply disappointed with the refusal of the Speaker to exercise his discretion to allow the motion to be immediately debated in the House.

It is important for MPs and the people to know why Rafidah has been selective in announcing the individual AP list. Her Ministry only provided the list of APs issued to members of Parliament between the year 2000 to September, 2005, while she was asked in Parliament to disclose the full list of APs issued by her Ministry from 1987 till 2005.

Rafidah has not answered the thrust of the question. The APs issued to MPs, as disclosed in the list released by her Ministry constitute only 8 percent of 4,500 individual APs issued for the period. Other than the individual APs issued, there are also thousands of APs issued to companies during the same period.

By only announcing the list of APs issued to the Members of Parliament, does Rafidah intend to ridicule the MPs and bring disrespect and contempt to the Parliament? Is there bad faith involved when her Ministry targets her answer at the MPs when there are more important issue to be addressed in the whole AP episode, ie. why is there a sudden jump in the issuance of APs in the year 2004, what are the criteria for the issuance of APs by the Ministry, is there any element of nepotism, cronyism and corruption involved in the issuance of APs by the Ministry over the years.

The principle of accountability demands that Rafidah come to Parliament to answer all the queries raised in respect of the APs episode. She should not hide behind the veil of her Ministry and refuse to answer the queries in the House.

拒绝优先辩论将拉菲达交特权委员会处置动议-对议长表示失望。

对于议长拒绝把一项将国际贸工部部长拿督斯理拉菲达交由国会特权委员会的动议列为优先处理之事务,而表示失望。

社青团对于议长拒绝把一项将国际贸工部部长拿督斯理拉菲达交由国会特权委员会的动议列为优先处理之事务,而表示失望。

国会反对党领袖林吉祥已经在上星期四在议会常规第27(3)条文下提呈一项动议,以便把将江沙区国会议员兼国际贸工部部长拿督斯理拉菲达交由国会特权委员会,要求该委员会调查到底贸工部部长在一份于2005年9月20日的一项回答国会反对党领袖林吉祥的书面回答(即一项有关AP分发、2004年和2005年的AP数目远远超过过往数年所分发的AP数量以及自1987年以来的个人AP持有者的名单)中存有任何违反国会特权的因素。

议长今日拒绝把有关动议给予优先权,以便国会议员能够在下议院立即辩论有关动议。社青团对于议长拒绝行使其权利以立即批准下议院辩论有关动议而感到非常失望。

当国际贸工部部长拉菲达被要求公布其部门从1987年到2005年期间所发放的AP完整名单时,其部却仅公布从2000年到2005年9月期间发布予国会议员的个人AP持有者的名单。国会和全国人民有权知道:为何拉菲达以选择性的方式发布个人AP持有者的名单。,然而。

拉菲达根本没有问答问题的中心点。发放予国会议员的AP仅占同时期发放的个人AP总数的8巴仙。除了个人AP以外,同时期所发放的还包括数以万计发放予私人公司的AP。

在AP风波中尚有许多更重要的议题有待澄清,如2004年所批准的AP数量为何激增、到底该部发放AP的准则是什么、这其中是否存有贪污、滥权和裙带的因素等。为何拉菲达避重就轻,只选择公布发给国会议员的AP名单,这是否意味着拉菲达蓄意羞辱国会议员和蔑视国会?

基于公信力的原则,拉菲达应亲自到来国会回答所有关于AP事项的问题,而非躲在其部门的庇荫之下,拒绝面对问题。

DAPSY will submit a memorandum to NTV7 tomorrow

DAPSY will submit a memorandum to NTV7 tomorrow 11am to express our concern and disappointment with the decision from Syncrosound Studio to temporary put Wa! FM off-air.

DAPSY delegation will be led by DAPSY Chief YB Nga Kor Ming and fellows National Executive Committees of DAPSY will also followed.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

2个月的洗礼

2个月的洗礼
郭史光庆
Sep 5, 05 8:27pm

当了2个月的记者,对于一位社会新鲜人来说,其冲击和震撼是巨大的,5年象牙塔生涯里所接触过的时评文章或社会批判书籍中,所触及的种种现象和问题,都成为亲身体验的事实,也同时印证了我踏入社会前的想法,既大马社会的民主化需要更多人的参与和推动。

本着这样的信念,我毅然选择“半途出家”,加入媒体工作,也恰好碰上《当今大马》中文版的创立,就这样凭着一股初生之犊不怕虎的傻劲,在编辑凯斌和其他同事的协助下,从国会到民政党选,写出了一篇篇的新闻。

从马华与民政党选,才证实了大马华基政党的政治层次仍然停留在半封建的程度;从多位华团领袖的访问中,才知道其中不乏有识之士,也充斥许多沽名钓誉之辈;采访了几场座谈会和研讨会后,才察觉大马华社的公民社会正在酝酿中,只待更多的培育和灌溉,肯定有开花结果的一天。

记者的生活节奏原本就是紧凑的,加上《当今大马》是网络原生媒体,时效性是最为重要的特征,因此每则新闻都必须在第一时间内上载,并没有固定的截稿时间,往往我们都忙得忘了午餐时间,要等到肚子大声提醒,我们才匆忙用餐。

另外由于人手不多,因此我们3人的工作量都是很高的,晚上加班已经是日常作业,有时周末还得出外采访新闻。虽然时间紧凑、工作量高,但是在新闻制作的过程中,仍然要时时提醒自己《当今大马》的愿景,既提供读者独立公正的报道,促进大马的言论自由、社会正义以及民主化。

我相信这一切的付出是值得的,在大马这个依然受《官方机密法令》、《出版与印刷法令》等钳制的言论空间里,受到出版执照所限制的主流平面媒体,往往成为当权者的传声筒,而公民社会的声音却经常因为违反当权者的利益而遭限制,而尚未受到监控的网络媒体就提供了另一个空间,让公民社会的意见能够传达出去。

当然若只有我们一厢情愿的努力,少了读者们的互动,仍然是毫无意义的,因此我衷心希望有更多的读者能够给予支持和参与,共同打造一个自由、民主、具有影响力的网络舆论空间。

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Focus on how to hold a free, fair and democratic election lah!

Instead of issuing show-cause letters preventing students from exposing the truth, the UM Students Affairs Department should focus on how to hold a free, fair and democratic election.

DAPSY is deeply disappointed with the show-cause letter issued by UM Students Affairs Department (HEP) to a third-year accounting student, Wong Teck Chi, for sending an email to UM authorities and media regarding the Terence Gomez case.

Such unreasonable action from the UM Students Affairs Department (HEP) is designed to create a culture of fear among students, which is not beneficial to the nurturing of critical thinking, but it is also a demoralizing situation – as it shows that the university itself does not respect the wishes of the Prime Minister, who had claimed on 13th June in a Malaysiakini report that Dr Terence Gomez should continue to speak out on matters concerning public interest.

This was converyed by Dr Terence Gomez himself when he and Pak Lah met for 15 minutes at the Royal Air Force base in Subang on that day, following arrangements made by the premier’s special assistant. Dr Terence Gomez also quoted the Prime Minister as saying that, “when he told Malaysians ‘to speak the truth to me’, he had meant what he said.”

As such, it is totally mind-boggling to see that the UM Students Affairs Department act in such a contradictory manner – by issuing a show-cause letter to a university student who had spoken the truth.
The UM Students Affairs Department should focus more on more pressing matters such as ensuring that the upcoming campus elections are free, fair and democratic.

Lau Weng San

Monday, September 19, 2005

Wah! FM should not go off-air - 5 main reasons!

Five reasons from DAPSY why Synchrosound Studio Sdn. Bhd. should not order Wah! FM to go off-air temporarily.
DAPSY have identified five reasons why Syncrosound Studio Sdn Bhd should not order Wah! FM to temporarily go off-air. These reasons are in reply to a statement issued by Syncrosound Studio Sdn.Bhd. yesterday claiming that the decision is necessary in order to pave way for a “restructuring and rebranding” exercise.

(It is learnt that the owner of Syncrosund Studio Sdn Bhd, Natseven TV Sdn Bhd has signed a collaboration and assistance agreement with Media Prima Sdn Bhd to enable the latter to assist Natseven TV Sdn Bhd in a “restructuring and rebranding” exercise.)

The five reasons are:

1. Such decision is not economically feasible. DAPSY believes that the decision is inappropriate as restructuring and rebranding exercise can be carried out without having the radio station be put off-air. Wah! FM only employs eight full-time staffs and even if part-timers are included, the total staffing for Wah! FM would not even exceed 20 people. It is not economically feasible for a small set-up like Wah! FM’s to undergo a restructuring and rebranding exercise.

Even if Natseven TV Sdn Bhd would like to continue with such exercise, the focus should be directed at its core business, i.e. its TV broadcasting segment.

For any restructuring exercise to be carried out, the best approach is to minimize all potential disturbances to the operation of the stations (both TV and radio). A restructuring and rebranding exercise that requires a station to be put off-air is considered bad restructuring planning.

2. Wah! FM is already a prominent brand by itself. In contrast to the media statement issued by Syncrosound Studio Sdn Bhd, DAPSY believes that Wah! FM has been successful in creating its own brand among the Chinese community. Wah! FM has been successful in crafting its image as a radio station that allows for the airing of critical views since it went on-air two-and-a-half years ago, based on its policy of providing an open platform for listeners to call in and share their views on air.

As such, DAPSY is of the opinion that Wah! FM has been successful in branding itself as a leading station in terms of expression of views and opinions, which has been accepted by the Chinese community. There clearly isn’t any need for a rebranding exercise.

3. Natseven TV Sdn Bhd should be fair to all parties. If “restructuring and rebranding” exercise is required, there is no reason why NTV 7, the only TV station owned by the company, is excluded from being put off-air temporarily. Natseven TV Sdn Bhd should explain this, failing which Wah! FM should be given the green light to continue its broadcast.

4. Instead of temporarily taking Wah! FM off-air, Syncrosound Studio Sdn Bhd should increase its manpower. To date, there are only eight full-timers in Wah! FM who are responsible for almost the entire operations of the radio station, ranging from programming, hosting, administration and even marketing. Such human resource management is economically unfeasible. If Syncrosound Studio claimed that the huge debt accumulated is the reason for such a decision, the logical thing that Syncrosound Studio should do is to increase Wah! FM’s staffing and in particular strengthen its advertisement and marketing departments.

5. Natseven TV Sdn Bhd should respect the right of listeners to know. It is undeniable that the existence of Wah! FM has created a trend among its Chinese listeners to comment on current national issues. This has altered the operating environment of Chinese radio stations which had in the past focused mainly on entertainment.

In view of the above five reasons, DAPSY calls on Natseven TV Sdn Bhd and Media Prima Sdn Bhd to revoke its decision to temporarily take Wah! FM off-air. Wah! FM should be allowed to continue its broadcast in order to enlarge the space for freedom of expression among Chinese Malaysian listeners.

Lau Weng San

Ridiculous reactions from Shafie



Shafie’s reaction to the allegations of scare tactics and biased regulations in the upcoming campus elections is ridiculous
It is most irresponsible and unacceptable for Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh to claim that he has no knowledge of matters related to the upcoming campus elections, which has been tainted by allegations of scare tactics and biased regulations.

Last year, campus elections in all 17 public universities were tarnished with allegations of foul play, where pro-student campaigners and candidates were unfairly treated by the authorities. Such allegations are brought up year after year. If Shafie has zero knowledge about all these wrongdoings and allegations, he has no right to assume such a high portfolio post in the Cabinet.

It has been reported that a series of secret meetings co-ordinated by the Higher Education Ministry recently brought together top university officials, Umno representatives and ‘pro-government’ student leaders, to strategise for the pro-government camp’s success in the upcoming annual campus elections.

A letter issued by the ministry’s welfare division head Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Hussin stated that the deputy vice-chancellors overseeing students affairs at all 17 public universities or university colleges had been invited to a ‘varsity student activities co-ordinating meeting’ and they were to gather at the Umno headquarters on July 27.

Perhaps Shafie should go to the ground or simply ask his officers, the first being Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Hussin, on what exactly is happening in our campus nowadays, since he seems to be in the dark about all the allegations.

Or perhaps Shafie should visit any of the 17 public universities in Malaysia to see for himself what is happening, starting with the oldest university in the country, University of Malaya. As UM is the premier university in Malaysia, allegations and cases of harassment such as these must not be tolerated and encouraged.

If Shafie is too busy to visit any of these public universities, then I would like to propose the formation of a committee of independent observers comprised of youth wing leaders from both opposition parties and ruling parties, youth organization leaders, NGOs, representatives from students groups and members of the public -- where the committee can be led by SUHAKAM -- to observe and ensure that the upcoming campus election is free, fair and clean in order to lay down the foundations for a nation with integrity and credibility.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

“哗!FM”不应停播的五大理由


社青团列举5大原因为何Synchrosound Studio私人有限公司不应突然暂停哗!FM的广播。

这5大原因是回应昨日Synchrosound Studio私人有限公司所发表的文告,即有关决定是因为该电台要全面展开企业债务重组与品牌重建的工作。(该电台拥有者Natseven TV 私人有限公司已经与Media Prima Berhad签署联盟与协助协议后。后者将协助前者进行企业与债务重组的工作。)

这5大原因是:

第一、有关决定并不具备经济效益。社青团认为有关决定是不适宜的,因为企业和债务重组可以在电台继续操作的情况之下而进行,毕竟哗!FM的全职人员仅有8位左右。如把半职人员也计算在内,整个哗!FM的操作结构不会超过20人。如此小型的操作结构并不具备重组效益。

如果要进行实质意义的企业债务重组和品牌重建,那么Synchrosound Studio私人有限公司和Natseven TV私人有限公司必须把重点放在其业务的中心,尤其是其唯一的电视台NTV7。

即使必须进行重组,那么这可在不影响电台的操作情况下进行。一个必须把整个电台暂停广播的“企业债务重组和品牌重建”工作是最糟糕的计划。

第二、哗!FM品牌已经塑定。与Synchrosound Studio有限公司所发表的文告相反,社青团认为哗!FM的品牌定位相当鲜明。打着“态度创新,不断流行”的口号,哗!FM自开台2年半以来便成功在听众树立敢怒敢言的信箱,尤其是该台成功开引“听众叩应-Call In”的主持作风,让听众能够针对事实课题发表意见和看法。

社青团认为,哗!FM的品牌本来就已经打得非常响亮,当局无需再画蛇添足进行“品牌重建”。

第三、Natseven TV应一视同仁。如果企业和债务重组及品牌重建的工作必须现有的电台电视台暂停广播,为何Natseven TV 私人有限公司却首先向哗!FM开刀?迄今,当局尚未宣布NTV7会否暂停广播,因此,社青团呼吁Natseven TV 私人有限公司有必要澄清。在澄清之前,当局应允许哗!FM继续广播。

第四、与其暂停广播,当局应增加哗!FM的人力资源。哗!FM迄今仅由8位全职人员负责电台的所有事务,包括招揽广告。这是不具备经济效益的人力资源安排。如果哗!FM暂停广播的原因是因为其债务和亏损的问题,那么Natseven TV 私人有限公司应该收回暂停成命,立即增援哗!FM的收听率和广告收益。

第五、尊重公众的知情权。Natseven TV私人有限公司应尊重广大听众吸取不同资讯的权力。无可否认地,哗!FM的出现无形中已带动时事讨论的风气,这已改变大马中文电台过去一味趋向娱乐的路线。Natseven TV私人有限公司应考虑听众的“知情权”和“告情权”,让哗!FM能够继续进行广播。

社青团呼吁Natseven TV私人有限公司以及将会入住该公司的Media Prima私人有限公司能够尊重基于以上五点取消原来的决定,让哗!FM能够继续广播,进而在大马的中文广播开辟一片言论自由的空间。

At least another RM1.5 billion for SJK(C)s and SJK(T)s for the next 5 years

Minister of Education Datuk Hishammudin Hussein had issued a warning that all parties should refrain from politicizing the accident which took place in SJK(C) Keat Hwa where a teacher Chan Boon Heng fell to his death when a decayed plywood floor gave way on Sunday (as reported in Utusan Malaysia September 14, 2005, page 5).

In another report in Nanyang Siang Pao, page A11, he commented that his ministry should not bear full responsibility for the accident as the headmaster and the administration of the half-subsidized SJKs should also bear the responsibility.

Hishammuddin’s comments are most inappropriate and unacceptable as he failed to understand that the root cause of the accident is the lack of development fund for SJKs in Malaysia.

According to statistics revealed by him to Parliament, from 2001 to 2005, 5,755 national schools received a total of RM4.9 billion in development funds, which is equivalent to an average of RM170,000 per school annually. As for SJK(C)s and SJK(T)s, the average amount received was only RM20,761 and RM22,000 per school annually respectively.

This means that each SJK requires some RM150,000 per school annually to match the average allocation for each national school. In view of this disparity in funding, another RM1.5 billion (RM 300 million each year for five years) should be allocated as development funds for SJKs.

As Minister of Education, Hishammuddin should transform our education system into a towering education system to ensure that parents are not worried nor their children threatened by school bullies or accidents caused by dangerous old school buildings. Without a towering education system accompanied by quality education and infrastructure, our nation building agenda will not be realized as we depend on quality human capital as a catalyst for nation building.

Hishammuddin should therefore be bold enough to at least apply for another RM1.5 billion of allocation as development funds for SJKs for the next five years and if possible commit the government to making such allocation in the 2006 Budget. The first step to realize this is to bring it up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting. If the government has limited funds, then I would like to suggest that he consider asking Petronas to donate the amount from the massive RM35.5 billion profit which it recorded in the last financial year.

After all, being a state-owned oil and gas company, and unlike other similar companies, Petronas has an obligation towards nation building. The profit that Petronas made is not its private property but belongs to all Malaysians. If Petronas refuse to contribute part of its profit towards reducing the increasing burden of the rakyat, then at least Petronas should show some sympathy to the numerous school children that are still lacking in basic schooling facilities throughout the country.

(14/9/2005)
Lau Weng San

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

再反思国庆



渡过8月31日的国庆,本以为国庆庆典的高潮已经落幕,但万万想不到会引来一场对历史诠释的争论。

谁的历史最准确?谁的史观能够最公正地交代某某历史事件?这些问题并非易题,毕竟疏漏和偏差之事固然有之,更甭说政治干预历史书写的因素。对历史的讨论、辩论也并非是静态的短期讨论,而是动态的长期研究。所谓的历史观也随着时代的变迁而有所改变。不同的人物,在不同的时空和生活体验,也会对同样的历史事件有不同的认知。当然,这不能典当正确无误的历史事实。

东姑是不是独立之夫?这个问题固然简单,因为没有人会否定这个事实,因为领导大马人民向英殖民地争取独立的无疑是东姑,签下独立协约的的是东姑。但是此次巫青团署理团长凯里和行动党国际秘书刘天球争议的问题不是诸如“东姑是不是独立之夫”这么简单的问题,而是“到底马来亚的独立是如何催化形成的”?

虽无可否认东姑独立之夫的地位,但是争取独立的功臣毕竟也不仅是东姑一人,催化英殖民政府突然“良心发现”让马来亚迈向自治、自主和独立道路,肯定不是东姑一人之努力。在东姑的背后、在东姑之前,有许多还有许多组织和人为独立洒热血、抛头颅,为东姑的成功制造许多条件。就好比4x100接力赛,东姑就是最后一个完成整个接力赛的功臣,但如果把功劳全归最后一位赛跑者,这肯定对前面3位赛跑者不公。这一点,不仅是凯里必须正视,甚至是整个巫青团也不能回避的现实。

这种现象显示人们已经转移过去对待历史的态度,甚至质疑过去官方历史的全面性。这也象征资讯广泛流通后出现的现象。近年来,许多民间团体纷纷出版历史书籍,尝试把亲身经历的历史经验通过书本和文字流传下来。信手拈来的例子包括由陈平口述的《我方的历史》。通过前人的笔迹,后人难免不对官方撰述的历史有所怀疑。

回顾、重读和研究历史除了要从历史事件中对历史人物进行价值判断,更重要的是能够从历史事件中得到领会,明白前人所犯上的错误,确保后人不会犯上同样的错误。

对待历史的正面态度无疑就是客观冷静。本人与凯里岁数大致相近(他28岁,我27岁),虽本人胸无大志、才疏学浅、更不是出身名望贵族,也不是留学剑桥牛津之士,但凯里毕竟不是过来人,他大致上也无需大动干戈、一会儿说要报警、一会儿说要道歉。

如果能够心平气和地公开讨论(或辩论)。你拿出你的数据史实,我拿出我的资料档案,大家在国家的未来建国路程上各自提出见解。那难道不会比挂挂国旗等活动更有国庆的味道吗?

刘永山

Masalah infrastruktur sekolah bantuan modal, SJK(C) dan SJK(T) perlu ditangani.

Kematian seorang guru bernama Chan Boon Heng dari SJK(C) Keat Hwa di Jalan Kampung Perak akibat terjatuh dari tempat berketinggian 15m di salah satu bangunan sekolah telah menimbulkan persoalan terhadap keselamatan bangunan sekolah di negara ini, khususnya di SJK(C) dan SJK(T).

Memang telah menjadi pengetahuan orang ramai bahawa kebanyakkan SJK(C) dan SJK(T) sering menghadapi masalah kewangan sehingga kekurangan sumber kewangan untuk pembinaan infrastruktur yang selamat diguna.

MCA yang dikatakan sebagai wakil etnik Tionghua di negara memang telah gagal menangani masalah ini apabila Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan Datuk Hon Choon Kin mengatakan bahawa beliau akan mengarahSJK(C) di negara ini untuk menyerahkan pelan struktur bangunan mereka sebelum pembinaan apa-apa jua bangunan dibenarkan.

Apa yang lebih penting sebenarnya ialah sumber kewangan. Penyerahan pelan struktur untuk kelulusan pihak Kementerian dan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) bukanlah masalah pokok yang perlu ditangani. Masalah pokok yang perlu dihadapi ialah ketidakadilan dalam peruntukkan pembangunan untuk SJK(C) dan SJK(T).

Mengikut statistik yang diberi oleh Menteri Pendidikan dalam soal jawab di siding Parlimen April ini,
Sehingga ke 31 Januari 2005, terdapat sejumlah 7595 sekolah rendah di Malaysia. Di antaranya terdapat 5755 Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK), 1287 SJK(C), 525 SJK(T) serta 25 buah sekolah khas.

Peruntukan pembangunan kepada SK dari tahun 2001 hingga 2005 ialah RM 4.9 billion ringgit, manakali untuk SJK(C) pula ialah RM 133.6 juta ringgit manakala untuk SJK(T) ialah RM 5.76 juta ringgit.

Ini bermakna secara puratanya setiap SK mendapat peruntukan pembangunan sebanyak RM 170 ribu setiap tahun. Bagi SJK(C) pula, setiap SJK(C) diperuntukkan sebanyak RM 20,761 untuk peruntukan pembangunannya setiap tahun. Setiap SJK(T) pula diperuntukkan sebanyak RM22,000 setiap tahun untuk peruntukan pembangunannya.

Peruntukan pembangunan yang sebegini tidak seimbang telah membongkarkan dasar pendidian kerajaan BN yang tidak adil dari segi peruntukan untuk pembangunan pendidikan. Dan apa yang dapat disimpulkan di sini ialah dasar yang tidak adil ini telah mengorbankan nyawaseorang guru. Sekiranya MCA dan Jawatankuasa Pendidikan Negeri Kedah masih tidak mengendah keseriousan masalah ini, maka perkara yang sama akan berlaku tidak lama lagi.

Lau Weng San
(13/9/2005)

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Projek-projek pembangunan sekitar Taman Templer, penjelasan diperlukan.

Pihak pemaju kebelakangan ini begitu giat membangunkan kawasan bukit sekitar Taman Templer (iaitu kawasan yang meliputi Bukit Lagong dan Bukit Botak) yang terletak berhampiran dengan Bandar Baru Selayang.

Sehingga ke bulan Februari tahun ini apabila rakyat seluruh negara digemparkan dengan kemusnahan yang terjadi di Bukit Cahaya Shah Alam, tertimbul juga berita bahawa kawasan sekitar Taman Templer turut mengalami kerosakan alam sekitar yang serious.

Berita ini pertama sekali diterbitkan di akhbar Utusan Mingguan Malaysia pada 27 Februari 2005 yang kemudian diikuti oleh akhbar harian Bahasa Mandarin. Penduduk-penduduk setempat menyatakan bahawa projek pembangunan begitu giat dijalankan pada awal tahun ini sehinggalah peristiwa rakyat dikejutkan dengan Bukit Cahaya dimana projek pembangunan di Taman Templer ini “terpaksa ditangguhkan”. Kini, selepas setengah tahun penangguhan ini, terdapat kesan bahawa kerja-kerja pembersihan hutan telah disambung. Penduduk-penduduk setempat turut melihat traktor-traktor menjalankan kerja pembersihan hutan di kawasan ini.

Walaupun YDP Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) Bakaruddin Oman mengatakan bahawa projek-projek pembangunan ini telah diluluskan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Selangor manakala Pengarah Perhubungan Awam MPS Mohd Zin Masod turut memaklumkan bahawa kawasan berkenaan bukan tanah hutan simpanan dan merupakan kawasan persendirian di mana pemaju berhak menjalankan aktiviti pembangunan yang telah diluluskan di sana, tetapi setelah menghalusi kenyataan YDP dalam akhbar, membuat semakan dengan dokumen kerajaan dan lawatan beberapa kali ke tempat tersebut, DAP Selangor berpendapat Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dan MPS perlu memberi penjelasan terhadap persoalan-persoalan seperti di bawah:

1. Walaupun Kerajaan Negeri telah meluluskan projek pembangunan berkenaan, ini tidak bermakna projek-projek berkenaan boleh diteruskan tanpa silap kerana kawasan itu merupakan kawasan hijau dan juga kawasan tadahan air yang amat penting di sebelah utara Kuala Lumpur. Empangan Batu merupakan empangan yang terletak berhampiran di kawasan berkenaan. Sekiranya hutan ini dibersihkan, maka penduduk-penduduk di utara Kuala Lumpur akan kehilangan sumber air bersih.
2. Mengikut Rancangan Struktur Negeri (RSN) Selangor 2020, Selangor boleh dibahagi kepada beberapa Zon Pembangunan. Antaranya ialah Zon Pembangunan Terhad dan Zon Pemulihan.

Zon Pembangunan Terhad meliputi kawasan berbukit dan tanah tinggin di daerah Ulu Selangor, Gombak dan Ulu Langat. Mengikut RSN Selangor, disebabkan kawasan ini merupkan kawasan beraltitud 150m dari paras laut, maka kawasan digolongkan sebagai Kawasan Sensitif Alam Sekitar (KSAS), dengan itu, Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) adalah dipertanggungjawab untuk mamantau sebarang projek pembangunan di kawasan ini.

Apa yang mengelirukan ialah bagaimanakah MPS boleh dikatakan telah menjalan tugas pemantauannya sedangkan pihak pemaju begitu ghairah membuka tanah dan mendirikan banguan pencakar langit di kawasan ini?

Bagi Zon Pemuliharaan pula, RSN Selangor mengatakan bahawa sebarang kawasan bukit yang berlerengan lebih daripada 25 darjah adalah digolongkan sebagai Zon Pemuliharaan dan kawasan ini perlu dilindungi kerana kawasan ini merupakan kawasan tadahan air, di samping merupakan hutan perlindungan kepada hidupan liar, perlindungan biodiversiti dan juga keseimbangan alam sekitar. RSN turut menetapkan bahawa kawasan ini dibenarkan untuk aktiviti eko-pelancongan serta kawasan pembelajaran dan penyelidikan, dan bukannya projek perumahan.

Sekiranya YDP MPS menyatakan bahawa kesemua projek-projek pembangunan ni dibenarkan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Selangot, maka memang menjadi soalan kepada kami sama ada pihak MPS telah betul-betul menjalankan perancangan pembangunan mereka mengikut RSN Selangor 2020.

3. Walaupun Pengarah Perhubungan Awam MPS Mohd Zin Masod mengatakan bahawa kawasan berkenaan bukan lagi merupakan kawasan hutan simpanan, tetapi rakyat berhak mengetahui sebab-sebab mengapa kerajaan negeri mahu menukar status tanah berkenaan daripada tanah hutan simpanan kepada tanah perumahan. Belumkah Kerajaan Negeri Selangor telah membelajari sesuatu daripada peristiwa hitam Highland Tower?

4. Kerajaan Negeri Selangor seringkali mengatakan bahawa negeri Selangot mengalami masalah kekurangan rumah kos rendah yang serious, sehingga kerajaan negeri perlu membuka lebih banyak tanah untuk pembinaan rumah.

Walaupun DAP Selangor tidak pernah membantah dasar Kerajaan Negeri ini, tetapi ini tidak boleh dijadikan alasan dalam kes ini kerana kebanyakan rumah yang dibina adalah berbentuk kondominium kos sederhana, kondominium kos tinggi ataupun banglo. Kerajaan Negeri Selangor perlu menjelaskan bagaimana pula projek-projek perumahan sedemikian dapat memanfaat golongan miskin di Selangor?

5. MPS menyatakan bahawa segala kelulusan yang diberi kepada pihak pemaju adalah berpandukan kelulusan dan penilaian daripada pelbagai pihak dan jabatan, oleh itu projek-projek pembangunan berkenaan adalah berlandaskan keperluan perundangan. Walaupun begitu, memandangkan pernah terjadinya skandal Bukit Cahaya oleh Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), maka penjelasan MPS ini juga sukar untuk diyakini. Dengan itu, DAP Selangor menuntut supaya MPS mempamerkan segala dokumen kerajaan yang meluluskan projek-projek pembangunan untuk menyakinkan orang ramai bahawa segala urusan MPS ini dijalankan dengan telus dan halal.

Memandangkan bahawa kawasan berkenaan merupakan green lung dan kawasan tadahan air yang amat penting untuk penduduk-penduduk Lembah Klang, DAP Selangor juga menuntut MPS mengeluarkan Perintah Henti Kerja (Stop Work Order) kepada pemaju-pemaju yang terlibat sehingga Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dan MPS dapat memberi penjelasan yang lengkap terhadap soalan-soalan di atas.

Lau Weng San
(11 September 2005)

Monday, September 12, 2005

破坏邓普勒公园,雪州政府和士拉央市议会须解释。





由于邓普勒公园附近的山区房屋发展计划将破坏大自然环境和积水区,因此雪州政府和士拉央市议会必须解释为何批准该项房屋发展计划。

发展商近年来大肆发展位于雪州士拉央巴鲁新镇(Bandar Baru Selanyang)的邓普勒公园附近的山区(拉贡山-Bkt Lagong和莫达山-Bkt Botak)。

直至今年2月,由于莎亚南农业公园附近的森林被发展商大肆发展,以致大自然环境面对严重破坏,引起举国上下哗然和关注。在同一时间,邓普勒公园附近也传来消息,指该公园附近的原始森林也面对破坏。

这则新闻首先刊登在2005年2月27日的《大马前锋报》,过后中文报章也进行跟进报道。当地居民表示,有关发展工程在年初时正进行如火如荼地进行,当农业公园事件爆发过后,发展工程便宣告暂停。直至大约半年后的今天,有迹象显示诸如推泥铲山的工程正在进行。居民也多次观察到有数辆铲泥机和“神手”在山区推泥铲山。

虽然士拉央市议会主席巴卡鲁丁奥曼曾表示,有关发展计划是经过雪州政府批准后才进行,该市议会公关总监Mohd Zin Masod也表示发展商有权在该地段进行所批准的发展工程,因为有关地段已经不是森林保留地。但是在详细研究市议会在报章上的解答、对照州政府的官方资料,以及亲自前往该区视察之后,行动党认为州政府和市议会必须解答以下疑惑:

1. 虽然州政府批准有关发展计划,但是这并不代表有关计划就可以坦然进行,因为该区除了是隆北重要的绿肺之外,也是重要的积水区之一。著名的巴都水坝(Empangan Batu)就在该山林附近。森林一旦被铲平,那么隆北的人民就失去一个宝贵的水源。

2. 根据雪州2020年结构大蓝图页,整个雪兰莪州被分为数个发展区域。其中两个是“有限发展区域”(Zon Pembangunan Terhad)以及“复原区域”(Zon Pemuliharaan)。

“有限发展区域”包括高原地区和山区。《大蓝图》指出这些地区主要包括乌鲁雪兰莪县、鹅麦县以及乌鲁冷岳县的山区和高原地区。根据该《大蓝图》,由于这些地区海拔超过150公尺,这些地区也是“环境敏感区”(KSAS-Kawasan Sensitif Alam Sekitar),因此地方政府必须严厉监督这些地区发展计划。

令人疑惑的是,当发展商以排山倒海的方式“发展”该地区,到底士拉央市议会是如何“监督”发展工程的进行,更何况这并非是一般的发展计划?

至于“复原区域”(Zon Pemuliharaan),《大蓝图》首先指出凡倾斜度超过25度的山区都属于“复原区域”。一旦某个地区是“复原地区”,那么有关地区便必须得到保护,因为这些地区都是宝贵的集水区,同时也是野生动物和维系生态平衡的重要地区。《大蓝图》指出,这些地区只能进行生态旅游业或生物研究等发展计划,而不是屋业计划。

既然士拉央市议会主席口口声声表示这些计划全获得州政府的批准,那么州政府如何解释他们是依据《大蓝图》的原则来规划邓普勒公园一带的发展计划?

3. 虽然士拉央市议会公关总监Mohd Zin Masod表示有关地段已经不是森林保留地,但是人民有权力知道:为何州政府要把有关地段从森林保留地列为屋业发展地?难道州政府没有从淡江高峰塔事件中得到教训吗?

4. 雪州政府一直表示州内面对严重的廉价房屋不足的问题,因此必须开发更多土地,以推行廉价屋发展计划,落实“居者有其屋”的概念。

雪州行动党不反对州政府的这项政策,但这显然不是很好的借口,因为在邓普勒公园一代所进行的屋业发展计划大多都是中价、高价公寓或洋楼计划。雪州政府必须解释,到底这些计划将如何惠及州内的穷苦人民?

5. 士拉央市议会表示所有程序皆通过各局的审核和批准,因此是附合法律程序。由于有前科之鉴(莎亚南市政局和农业公园一事),士拉央市议会的这番解说难以解除民惑。雪州行动党因此将要求士拉央市议会列出所有公文和资料以说服纳税人,即士拉央市议会与州政府是以透明和合法的程序批准这些发展计划。

雪州行动党也认为,由于该区是巴生谷河流域居民宝贵的绿肺和集水区,因此我们要求当局发出停工指令(Stop Work Order),直到雪州政府和士拉央市议会能针对以上问题逐一提供令人满意的答复。

刘永山
(2005年9月11日星期日)

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Rocket Newspaper.....Tamil Version!!




Most of us could be familiar with the Chinese and English Rocket newspaper, which can be subscribed from the national HQ.

And now, we just have the Tamil Rocket relaunched yesterday in Bricksfield.

With Tamil Rocket, we are now close to the publication of the Rocket newspaper in 4 languages.

Any vollunteers for the Malay Rocket???

国大党代表应表现理性的态度


在国民团结的议题上,国大党的代表在应对在野党的意见时应表现理性的态度,而不是以情绪化、粗暴和威吓的方式对待在野党。

报章今日报道在一项由国会遴选委员会(国民团结与国民服务)在新山柔佛州政府大厦所主办的一场公听会上,柔佛州新山国大党的代表在以粗暴的方式对待柔州行动党州委诺曼•费南德兹(Norman Fernandez)。

柔佛州行动党也是在昨日的公听会上提呈柔州行动党的建议。柔州行动党的代表队伍是由柔州行动党主席阿末顿(Ahmad Ton)同志带领。

一起出席该项公听会的还包括巫程豪医生。巫程豪医生除了是柔州行动党的组织秘书外,也是行动党中央执行理事会的理事之一。巫程豪也在现场宣读柔州行动党所拟好的部分备忘录。

在该备忘录中,柔州行动党建议政府成立一个修改联邦宪法委员会,以修改宪法,组织单一族群的政党成立以鼓吹国民团结。

他也表示,柔州行动党认为一旦政府允许这类政党继续存在,这意味着当局间接允许新种族隔离政策。众所周知,种族隔离政策推崇的是单一族群支配权。当局应该阻止这种政策,并且把它列入联邦宪法。

当他在宣读有关备忘录之后,梳邦区国会议员KS尼查哈质疑到底有关备忘录到底代表多少马来人和印度人的心声。或许尼查哈应该认知,即其身为该委员会的责任就是聆听来自不同政治、教育、宗教以及种族背景人民的心声。面对在野党的建议,尼查哈应展现的第一个态度就是容纳的心态,而不是排他的心态。

此外,尼查哈和国大党的领袖也应该知道,在行动党里也有印度和马来人领袖。再加上当天出席公听会的行动党领袖还包括了柔州行动党马来人和印度人领袖,因此尼查哈和国大党的代表不仅不应该在公听会上贬低行动党的建议,而且也不应该以粗暴的方式对待柔州行动党州委诺曼。

因此,国大党代表不应该付诸于情绪化的方式;反之应该以理性的方式来应对在野党在促进国民团结的建议和观点。如果国大党的代表不能办到这点,那么国会遴选委员会将无法行使国会赋予他们的权力和责任,以拟定更良好的方式来促进国民团结。

刘永山

MIC representatives should be rational...

It was reported in the media that a MIC representative had threatened DAP Johore State Committee member Norman Fernandez in a public hearing held by the Parliamentary Select Committee on National Integration.

Yesterday, the Committee had conducted a public hearing at the Johore State Government Building in Johor Bahru in which the DAP Johor State Committee led by Sdr Ahmad Ton was there to submit a memorandum.

Dr Boo Cheng Hau, a DAP Central Executive Committee member was then questioned by YB K.S. Nijhar (MP for Subang) who is also one of the committee members, on whether the memorandum included the views and opinions of the Malay and Indian communities.

While presenting part of the memorandum, Dr Boo had put forward a very important suggestion from DAP Johore to the Select Committee -- that the Federal Constitution be amended to disallow the formation of any single-race political party -- in order to promote national integration.

DAP Johore also explained that by allowing single-race political parties to exist, it also means the continuation of our neo-apartheid policy which champions the ideology of race supremacy and dominance, which the party believes should be abolished and reflected in the amended Federal Constitution.

K.S. Nijhar was reported as challenging the suggestions made by DAP Johore and questioning the validity of the suggestions, by asking whether it represents the views of Malay and Indian communities. Perhaps Nijhar should be reminded that it is his duty to listen to the views of the people from various political, educations, religious and racial backgrounds.

Nijhar and MIC representatives can see for themselves that there were Indian and Malay leaders from the DAP during the public hearing and that he has absolutely no grounds to discredit the DAP.

MIC representatives should not be over-emotional but rather, they must be rational when dealing with views and opinions from the Opposition. Failing that, the Select Committee would not be able to fulfill its parliamentary responsibility in finding ways and methods to foster national unity and integration.

Lau Weng San

Thursday, September 08, 2005

YDP of Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan should apologise to non-Muslims in Kuantan

A group of officers from the Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan (MPK) Enforcement Unit raided a 7-Eleven outlet in a Muslim majority residential area in Kuantan and confiscated 277 bottles and cans of beers last Sunday after receiving complaints from local Muslim residents that the outlet sells alcoholic drinks.

Although the YDP of MPK Dato’ Safian Ismail has stopped such raid on other convenient outlets, he should be reminded of the need to respect the Constitution and show greater sensitivity towards the feelings of non-Muslims. Such raid could have offended non-Muslims. He should therefore tender his sincere apology to the people of Kuantan on behalf of MPK, especially the non-Muslims in Kuantan.

Non-UMNO MPK councilors from MCA, MIC and Gerakan should also be held responsible for failing to protect the rights of the non-Muslims. What Kuantan MP, Dato’ Fu Ah Kiow had mentioned in the press when he criticized MPK over the raid is meaningless if he fails to convey the same message to the Malay community. Mutual understanding can only be achieved through genuine dialogue. Fu also mentioned that he has contacted Dato’ Safian twice and has ordered State Assemblyman for Teruntum Ti Lian Ker and MCA local councilors to follow up on this issue.

DAPSY is surprised to learn of such comments as MCA representatives should have been in the very forefront to preserving the rights of non-Muslims (especially when MCA is one of the ruling component parties); not wait until such raid occurred only then they start taking action. MCA councilors should have highlighted the sensitivity, seriousness and importance of such action and reminded MPK to abide by the spirit of Merdeka Constitution during the previous full council board Meetings.

Does their failure to do so mean that they have not been doing their job since day one, when they failed to highlight the sensitivity, seriousness and importance of this matter, especially when MCA is part of the ruling party?

DAPSY believes that there are many ways to ensure Muslims avoid from consuming alcoholic drinks. Strengthening the noble teachings of Islam to avoid alcoholic drinks is one of the many methods instead of denying the constitutional right of non-Muslims to buy alcoholic drinks.

Meanwhile, Malaysians should be cautious that such policy is a direct reflection of UMNO’s Islamisation policy, especially after former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir’s public declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic State on September 20, 2001.

Malaysians should also understand that this is an obvious indication of the failure of proper checks and balances in many of our local councils nowadays. This is the reason why local government elections should be restored to give taxpayers the right to choose their own representatives in the local councils.

Lau Weng San

Corruption is the biggest enemy of the nation.



I came across this articles in Sinchew a few days ago.

Our beloved Deputy Minister of Internal Security Affairs, Datuk Noh Omar mentioned that "history" has proven that "the Communists is the biggest enemy of the country", and that "the Communists have never been playing any role in the nation-buidling process of the nation".

While I believe is that he could have not read what Ronnie Liu written in his statement.

But that's not the biggest question. Compared to corruption, I would say Communist threat is no longer the biggest threat to the nation. If Noh Omar is so concerned about who is the first enemy of the nation, then corruption should be the answer.

But is he willing to say that? Or he is more interested to shout the same libelous tone together with his gang?

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

16th September or 31st August??

How old is Malaysia? 42 or 48?

Unlike many Peninsulans, this is the hot question Sabahans are arguing about.

Besides asking the government to celebrate Merdeka Day on 16th September every year (as this is the exact formation date of "The Federation of Malaysia"), most Sabahans are even questioning how old is Malaysia, judging by the fact that Malaysia only formed 42 years ago, not 48 years ago.

Most Sabahans argue that in 1957, it was the then Federation of Malaya who gained independence from the British Colonial Government. By if we refer to Malaysia, which was formed on 16th September 1963 and was concluded of Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and "the Federation of Malaya", then our country is only 42-year-old.

I have a simple solution to this argument. Celebrate the 31st August as Merdeka Day for Peninsula and 16th September as Malaysia Day. This will be more meaningful compared to the Merdeka Month Celebration from 16th August to 16 September.

Time has come for us to be more Malaysian than Malayan.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Is selling beer a crime in Malaysia?


When there is a big huh-hah over Tunku, Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) confiscated a total of 277 bottles and cans of beer from a 7-11 outlet in town.

According to a report in China Press yesterday, the operation was launched after local residents lodged complaints with the authority for actions to be taken against the outlet for selling alcoholic drinks in a Muslim majority residential area.

Pahang Mentri Besar Adnan refused to comment on the matter.

Is Pahang moving towards more Islamisation? Immediate commentary from the China Press reporter criticised the state government and local authority for neglecting the spirit of Merdeka Constitution.

Don't you think that instead of us quarreling who is the real fighter for Merdeka, why not we gather energy to talk more how to make this country a more accomodative country?

Is selling beer a crime in Malaysia?

Sunday, September 04, 2005

This time...Kepong chaps voiced out loud and clear: NO TO PETROL PRICE HIKE!



Kepong Baru residents in support for anti petrol price hike campaign.

Does the government listen to the voice of the people?

Saturday, September 03, 2005

LPG up another 4.5 sen without prior notification from the govt.



(Photo: I was with other leaders of DAP yesterday in Putrajaya. DAP SG Lim Guan Eng submitted an open letter to Mustapha for an open debate on energy policy)

How many of us know that LPG retail price increased for another 4.5 sen with effective from 2nd September?

According to today's Sin Chew Jit Poh, the government did not even announce the increment and taxi drivers in Klang Valley were all caught in shock. The increment will cost an extra daily RM2.25 on each taxi drivers based on an average consumption of 50 litres LPG per day per driver.

And on the same day, I was with the DAP leaders to Putrajaya to submit an open letter to call for an open debate with Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohd on national energy policy.

DAP called on the government to offset inflation caused by oil price hike by reducing road tax for diesel vehicles as well as highway toll charges.

Similarly on the same day, the Malaysia SMI Association also issued such call to the government. It's Vice President Li Deming suggested to the government to withdraw all petrol subsidies and allow petrol prices to be fixed by petrol companies.

"This will create competition among petrol companies and consumers will benefit." He said in an interview with Sin Chew.

At the same time, Li also suggested that the subsidies that the government saved could be used to compensate highway concessionaires. All highway users could thus benefit from such compensation.

After reading all these, I really wonder whether our government is listening the the grouses from the people.

Li's suggestion should be seriously considered.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

行动党办《大马高等教育-一个逐渐恶化危机》讲座


行动党办《大马高等教育-一个逐渐恶化危机》讲座

民主行动党全国宣传秘书郭素沁在文告中指出,行动党将于9月1日(星期四)在雪华堂楼上会议室晚上7时半主办一场题为《大马高等教育-一个逐渐恶化危机》的座谈会。国会反对党领袖林吉祥和行动党秘书长林冠英将是当晚的主讲人之一。

她说,“这是因为国内近来接二连三发生许多国内高等教育机构著名学者遭当局不公平对待的事件,如马大的德伦兹副教授和国大的拉玛三美教授事件,再加上高等教育素质逐渐滑落,因此,我国的高等教育素质正面对一场逐渐恶化的危机。”

此外,主办当局也邀请拉玛三美教授以及警方监督组织(Police Watch)主席乌达耶古玛律师演讲。

“届时,4位主讲人将剖析大马当下高等教育所面对的种种问题,以及现场解答公众人士的疑惑。”

欲知详情,可以联络行动党总部刘永山(03-7957 8022)或行动党中委西华纳申(03-22601901/1902)。