Saturday, June 28, 2008

Something More To Consider

Another Lesson in Life

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Good Governance and Accountability

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/6/26/central/21600719&sec=central

Make meeting’s minutes available to everyone

RECENTLY, I had the honour of attending a public hearing at the Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ). The hearing was to hear the developer's proposal and the residents’ objection to the development of a nine-storey office block.

After this hearing, the objections and concerns raised would be brought to the meeting of the One Stop Centre (OSC) for a decision on the developer's proposal. In fact, what should be brought would of course be the minutes of the hearing plus the comments from the relevant officers in attendance.

I was thus surprised that when a resident asked if minutes of the hearing would be made available to the residents, the answer was in the negative.

I find this extremely strange. As this is indeed a public hearing, therefore the minutes should be made public too. This is to ensure that what is written is in fact what was discussed at the hearing. The minutes would be an important contributing factor to the decision making process of the OSC. Therefore, it is the right of the concerned residents to see the minutes of the hearing.

I am not sure if this is also in the guidelines for the local councils. If indeed it is, I strongly urge the authorities to re-look into this matter. Transparency is a very important contributing factor towards good governance and thus a civil society.

I have had the privilege of attending meetings at the same council and have seen the minutes being wrongly recorded. At a meeting where no decision was made but the subsequent minutes indicated that a decision was made.

Therefore, these minutes must be made available, at the very least to those in attendance. In this case, minutes should be given at least to a representative of the residents.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Good Governance and Transparency

I refer to the report by Chia Ying in today’s STAR Metro, Lee: Application Not The First. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/6/25/central/21624396&sec=central

I am absolutely surprised that an ADUN and / or Local Councillor carries so much authority in local governance. The former Subang Jaya assemblyman was quoted as saying; “There was no need for a public hearing as I had rejected it outright then, because it's a waste of public funds and time…….” He was referring to a developer’s proposal to develop a piece of land in USJ6.

My concern is the fact that an Adun / Councillor can make such a decision with no respect to laid down laws and procedures. Is a developer not entitled to a fair hearing also, if his application is submitted according to laid down guidelines?

In the same way, if an Adun / Councillor can reject outright, as boasted by the ex Adun, then he can also approve an application. Perhaps this answers the question on why there is an apparent over-development in Subang Jaya, especially in the Taipan area. Perhaps, Mr Lee could also explain why a development in USJ11 was approved without the affected residents given the opportunity of voicing their concerns in a Public Hearing. Was it also a waste of public funds, since the ADUN believes in the project?

Now I can understand why we have a local council, MPSJ in particular that seems to have little regard for public interest. Their hands are perhaps tied because we had a bunch of “napoleans” breathing down their necks. When the PM mentioned about these Little Napoleans, we had assumed it was the civil servants, but now it seems it is the BN politicians.

May the newly appointed councillors to be sworn in soon, carry out their duties with due respect to the procedures as laid down. No one; residents, developers or investors are above the law – transparency, accountability and good governance are all we ask for – is that too much to expect?

Monday, June 23, 2008

Education and Politics - HANNAH YEOH

The recent posting in YB HannahYeoh’s blog made me angry and disappointed.
SMKSU Prefects' Reunion
Few months ago, I was invited to the Prefects' Reunion of SMK Subang Utama to be held next week. I just received news that I could no longer attend the function because I'm an assemblyman from Pakatan Rakyat.
Two prefects have confirmed that the teachers have issued a threat to the prefects to withdraw their invitation to me and if not, the event would be cancelled.

Read more:
http://hannahyeoh.blogspot.com/2008/06/smksu-prefects-reunion.html

As I understand it, Education is under the Federal Jurisdiction. After the last election, the Ministry issued a ruling to all principals that they cannot invite “opposition” to officiate school functions. It was indeed a very narrow if not down right stupid thing to do.

However, in this instance, I believe the principal of the school has even carried out this ruling a step further – to control a “private” function and to the extend of “bullying” the current students and teachers.

This brings us to the issue of what is our education policy / education system? It seems like it is made to be an extension of the government’s propaganda machinery (thus an extension of UMNO). The system is not educating but rather indoctrination.

We as concerned citizens in a civil society cannot sit and do nothing about this issue. We must make our stand to safe guard and protect our education system. It is these children in our schools today that will be our leaders. What we teach them now, we will reap in the future.

Our children must be taught to respect DEMOCRACY. In a democracy, the opposition is as much a part and parcel of the system. We must teach our children to honour and respect our Wakil Rakyat irrespective of party.

Infact, all schools should be proud of the achievements of their past and present students. To be elected as a Wakil Rakyat is something to be proud of. However, just because they are from the opposition, we choose not to recognise them, than we are seriously sending a wrong message to our students.

In this case with YB Hannah Yeoh, is also becomes confusing for the students – as she is from the government. Is the school teaching its students to be disrespectful? Are we teaching our children “dirty politics” and abuse of power?

Parents who are reading this, if you do not stand up and do / say something – than we will see the destruction of our education system; and thus our future. Picking up your child and sending them overseas is not the solution! Stand up and stand united and make the Voice of the Rakyat be heard! Lets continue the change that started on the 8th of March 2008.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Somehing to consider....

First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Cash Rebates - as appeared in STAR (16June) and NST(17June)

Beginning from today, many of us would be making a beeline to the Post Office to collect our rebate of RM625. (your press report refers) This is one of the steps taken by the government to assist the Rakyat to offset some of the hardship following the partial removal of petrol subsidy.

I welcome this move though I reserve my opinion on the question of removing the petroleum subsidy.

My concern here is about the government through Post Malaysia is also looking at a plan for rebate collection by those living abroad. I strongly believe that they should not even bother to waste time on this.

The whole point of the rebate is to assist those who need it, who are directly affected by the higher petrol price; thus it is only restricted to owners of vehicles under 2000cc. Therefore, those who are living abroad, are not paying the higher petrol rates, thus not directly affected by the removal of the petroleum subsidy. They should not be entitled to this rebate.

From your press reports, some parents have argued that their children are studying/working abroad and thus cannot be present in person to collect the rebate.

Well, if a student can own a vehicle and also being able to study abroad, than I believe that this person do not need this rebate! Likewise, someone who is working abroad, is not directly affected by the higher costs in this country. They too do not qualify for the rebate.

Thus, the government should not go out of their way to work out a plan for third party collection of rebate, especially when it is for those who are abroad. Anyway, the existing guidelines allow for this rebate to be collected within a year. There is ample time for these people to claim the rebate.

I feel that even with having to collect the rebate in person, it already has many areas for abuse. Allowing third party collection would be opportunity for greater abuse.

On the same note, I strongly believe that each person is only allowed to claim rebates for one vehicle. If a person can own more than one vehicle, he should infact not be needy, thus not be entitled to the rebate at all. If this person truly feels the financial burden because of the higher price of petrol, than he should just sell off his second or third car.

I urge the government to reconsider the plans to allow this rebate to be claimed by third parties. We must look at the objectives and purposes of giving out this rebate and do not allow for it to be abused. The selfishness of some quarters should not be entertained. We certainly cannot please everybody but we must do so for the majority and stay focused on what we want to achieve.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Happy Fathers' Day

This Posting is adopted from the letter written by Chris Anthony, as published in the NST.

On this special day, I wish ALL FATHERS, a very Happy Father's Day. My father is no longer around, but he will be remembered as he is everyday. To those of you who still have your father with you, cherish him (as well as your mother!)



COME Sunday, it will be Fathers Day. Many of us may be fortunate to still have our fathers with us, alive and healthy. Others may not be that lucky as their fathers may be seriously ill, handicapped or even dead.
On this auspicious day, let us pause and relive the memorable days of our past with our fathers. Let us recall the pleasant as well as the unpleasant experiences we had with him. Many of us are ourselves fathers and only now we understand the feelings of our fathers when they undertook the arduous task of bringing us up to what we are today.

Many of our fathers were not so wealthy to provide us with the luxuries of life. It is not the great material gifts they gave us that we remember and cherish most but their small sacrifices.

We remember the days when, rain or shine, he used to carry us on his bicycle to and from school. We can imagine the sadness in his face when he was unable to give us what we needed.

We remember the smile on his face when we excelled in school, in examination or sports.
We remember the sadness in his face when we left home for the first time to further our studies. We remember the eagerness with which he waited for us each time we return home from college and the elaborate plans he made to spend the short holiday with us.

This is a day to reflect on how we treat our fathers. Are we grateful for what they have done for us? Despite our exalted positions in life, do we still accept them as the respected heads of our families, seeking their advice on all important decisions?

They do not need our money as many of them may not be in a position to enjoy the luxuries of what wealth can provide, but we can spend a little valuable time with them, basking in the memories of the past.

Our fathers may be old and infirm and they may not have much time left. Some of us may even be contemplating sending them to some old folks' home for various reasons. Whatever we do, let us treat them in a manner we will not regret later.

Our attitude and actions today will have a subtle but profound influence on how our children will treat us in the future.

Friday, June 13, 2008

After a 100 days......

We are close to celebrating the 100 days post 8th March 2008.

What have we achieved, have we as MALAYSIANS moved forward after that great LETS CHANGE event? For those who became actively involved in Malaysian Politics, celebrating the Tsunami of 8th March, still filled with excitement and expectations?

For many, I believe, are going back into the world of disappointment. Many are disappointed that the Pakatan government has done little in terms of governing but have spent most of the 100 days digging up shit. Basic and simple things such as appointing Councillors to start getting the local government machinery moving, is still not done. They are still busy playing politics, lobbying and manouvering; not much different from the previous administration. At least, they got things moving....

The excuses of "give us some time", "hey, we just got in la" cannot continue to be used. "Move on!" is what I say. I still have faith in you guys. I do not just talk, I actually walk the talk. I am there lending a hand to help get things moving, especially with our new elected representatives. Together, let's show results!

Anyway, Happy 100 days Anniversary!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Positions as a Political reward - No Way!

It is sad that in the mindset of our Ministers, the positions in the GLC’s are given to people based on their political links. Thus, Mokhzani’s position in Sepang International Circuits Board was given because he was an UMNO member and the son of the than Prime Minister.

Tun Mahathir’s advisory roles in Petronas , Proton and others were because he was the ex President of UMNO.

This is probably one of the contributing factors whereby these companies are not performing as well as they should. We put in people in these companies who probably cannot make positive contributions – except for their ability to pull political strings. The above mentioned two gentlemen may be exceptions, for at least on the part of Tun, he does have excellent management skills after 22 years as Prime Minister! However, after his fall-out with the PM, his views seem no longer valuable to the Boards of Proton and Petronas; what a pity!

This brings to reason why the politicians in the Barisan National are jumping up and down like the proverbial Monkeys with Belacan on their Butt. They are hoping mad when BN party members accept positions in the Pakatan Rakyat led state governments as in Penang and Selangor.

These gentlemen truly have “service to the people” as their personal agenda – irrespective of political links. These are indeed the people we want to see serving the rakyat. I congratulate the Pakatan Rakyat state government for the pro-active move of appointing people based on ability rather than political ties.

Therefore, I await in anticipation for the announcement of Counsellors in the Selangor State local councils. I pray that the appointments will be based on ability and commitment and not political affiliations. These Counsellor positions should not be used as rewards to party members, as has happened in the previous administration. Keep these rewards within the party’s system, give them positions within the party. The counsellors in the Local Government have a very important role to play and these call for dedicated, honest and committed people – and cannot be dished out as rewards for party purposes!

Party based and thus race based politics are out of fashion in the Malaysian political arena. It is high time our politicians realise this and get things moving ahead. Catch up with the times.

This nation is not for bargain – this nation’s assets belongs to the people, not to the party, even if it is the ruling party! May the Good Lord give our BN leaders the wisdom to realise and the courage to accept this fact. Change or be changed. As for the Pakatan Rakyat leaders, move on and not staying on to dig up dirt! May the Good Lord give them the humility to realise that they were not voted in but rather that BN were voted out. Cronism was swept out with the waves of the March8 tsunami.

We are a nation of abundant resources, including human resources. Like all resources, it has to be properly utilised as otherwise it comes to nothing. Put the correct people in the correct position and Malaysia will grow in leaps and bounds. I am still proud to be Malaysian! Hidup Malaysia, Hidup Bangsa Malaysia

The GAS CHAMBER

I do have a long list of names of people and organisations to send to this chamber. Are you on my list? hmmmmmmmm

Anyway, if you need to be in the list, please call me.

Or if you want to be a volunteer and put your A%&£$ in one of the boxes, please email me the latest picture with measurements as well - :-)


pic courtesy of zorro-zorro-unmasked. Thank you Uncle Bernard