Press Statement: PSC Must Lead to Reform Political Financing.
1st October, 2011
With reference to the news reported by Malaysiakini titled “Government Shot Down Political Financing Reform Proposal” (http://malaysiakini.com/news/177299), I would like to congratulate the Bar Council for organizing the Forum on Political Financing. This is not a popular subject and many taboos exist. Most, if not all, politicians avoid addressing this subject publicly for fear of negative perception. However, this is a pressing issue among many honest politicians from both sides of the political divide. It is like an elephant in the room.
Like it or not, politicians and political parties need money to run effective campaigns and serving their electorates. The more intense the political environment becomes, the more money is needed. This is especially true for Pakatan Rakyat as we have neither state-owned TVs nor Main Stream Media covering fairly for us.
During the State Assembly sitting on 4th of May, 2011, I have raised this issue to the Penang State Government. Please read the draft of my Dewan Speech 14.0 to 22.0:
http://www.simformalaysia.com/2011/05/05/draft-ucapan-adun-pantai-jerejak-yb-sim-tze-tzin-dalam-sidang-dun-4hb-mei-2011/
http://malaysiakini.com/news/163288
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/5/nation/8608634&sec=nation
Based on the report today, the ruling UMNO/BN has proven again that they lack the political will to reform. The former EC Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid has revealed that the ruling federal government had rejected a proposal to reform political financing by providing state funding to political parties. The excuse given was “Malaysia will be crowded with political parties taking advantage of the funding”. To me, this is an utterly lame excuse.
I vehemently urge the Prime Minister to show his political will for reforms. Several organizations, including Transparency International, have approached him pertaining to this matter. He once remarked that he wanted Malaysia to be “The Best Democracy”. The propitious moment has arrived for him to walk the talk.
I also hereby urge the Parliament Select Committee on Election Reform to discuss and introduce State sponsored Political Financing to build a true democracy. The Parliament Select Committee (PSC) must be able to discuss wide-ranging and much needed Electoral Reforms in order to move Malaysia Forward in its quest to become the so-called “Best Democracy” mentioned above.
For too long, political parties, especially UMNO/BN, have relied heavily on dubious financial sources from lobby groups or parties with vested interests. This has resulted in a deeply embedded culture of corruption and nepotism in the ruling BN government. Even former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir has admitted the existence of such dubious funding in his party.
In today’s increasingly competitive political environment, political parties are racing with each other for more political influence. They have to organize all kinds of activities such as open house, providing financial help to the poor and needy, political ceramah, print leaflets etc. Like it or not, these activities incur expenses. It is also not very economically expedient in maintaining a service center, hiring of political aides and keeping the party divisions running. The killer part is during an election campaign when large amount of money is needed to meet inevitable expenses in a short period of time. Political parties or political leaders, therefore, are in constant need of political funds. Many politicians are forced to raise money on a regular basis. Their sources of funding could come from small donations or larger corporate donations. Many have donated sincerely without asking for favors but such sources could also inevitably open the possibilities of political lobbying by big corporations in time to come. Those who do not raise money from the public are forced to spend their own and be financially burdened. This has deterred good people from joining politics.
I would like to reiterate my view that the PM and PSC must take lead to reform because electoral matters come are under federal jurisdiction. On the other hand, the state governments held by Pakatan Rakyat could also explore such initiatives in accordance with the law. I am well aware of the jurisdiction and legal challenges of such initiatives. The various State Governments can set up committees to look into the legality and feasibility of such initiatives in electoral reforms. In Penang, the State Government needs to fork out only RM8 million to ensure fair play in elections. This small amount is a big step in improving democracy.
I am acutely aware of members of the public who might be skeptical of such an idea. They might not be supportive of using taxpayers’ money for funding political activities. Nevertheless this is just a small and necessary investment to keep politicians clean and to curb corrupt practices. Therefore, for such idea to be accepted, we have to provide sufficient political education and public awareness campaigns. Political leaders and parties must now start discussing these issues to educate and change public opinion.
Malaysia must introduce political finance reforms to emerge as a healthy democracy. Malaysian political parties as well as politicians must break away from conventional methods of private donation. The Parliament Select Committee on Election Reform must take lead to suggest State-sponsored funding for political parties. This will provide a level playing field for political parties and politicians to organize their activities and election campaigns. Tighter laws must be introduced to prevent dubious or covert political fundraising. Furthermore, this will help attract more talents to join politics in future. According to Prof Terence Gomez, 70% of democratic countries around the world have introduced State-sponsored Political Financing to prevent lobbying by funders. It is high time for Malaysia to follow suit.
Sim Tze Tzin
Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman (KEADILAN), Penang.
Showing posts with label Sim Tze Tzin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sim Tze Tzin. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Press Statement by Sim Tze Tzin on Boustead Land Reclamation
Statement: People Before Profit – Objection to Boustead Land Reclamation
2nd Oct 2011
I would like to extend my unequivocal support to the residents of Putra Marine, Gold Coast, Bay Garden and the surrounding communities in objecting a possible land reclamation project by Boustead. As their state assemblyman, I fully understand their anxiety and fully support their democratic rights to voice up against a greedy corporate giant that might soon affect their lives.
The whole episode of this project goes back 3 years ago. Boustead Holdings Bhd is a corporate giant closely linked to UMNO. It got the approval from the previous administration to construct a high-rise hotel within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone. After Georgetown obtained its UNESCO Heritage Status, Boustead Hotel was requested to reduce the original proposed height to a max 18m in accordance with the new guidelines.
As a result, the current state government under the leadership of YAB Lim Guan Eng was forced to negotiate a settlement with Boustead. Failing to do so, the state is at risk of facing law suits amounting to hundred of millions of ringgit.
I urge Boustead to put the Rakyat and the hard earned Penang Heritage Status first before financial profits. The UNESCO World Heritage is a crown jewel to Penang and any corporate company must respect this status. It is utterly greedy for some corporate companies to calculate losses and threaten to sue the State Government for hundreds of millions of ringgit simply for adhering to UNESCO guidelines. It is equally unscrupulous to force the State Government to compensate them by reclaiming large tracts of land to cover their losses. The Government Linked Companies belongs to the Rakyat. They have to lend their ears to the voice of the Rakyat too!
As the State Assemblyman of this area, I have clearly raised my objection and reservation as early as May, 2011. In my Dewan speech, I put forward my question to the Chief Minister. Please read my Dewan Speech here, para 30 to 35:
http://www.simformalaysia.com/2011/05/05/draft-ucapan-adun-pantai-jerejak-yb-sim-tze-tzin-dalam-sidang-dun-4hb-mei-2011/
After my speech in the august House, I have raised my objections not less than 5 times to the Chief Minister himself during formal and informal settings. I have also arranged 2 meetings for the RA with the Chief Minister. At those meetings, the residents have repeatedly expressed their objection to the CM.
I hope the Chief Minister will stand firm and not succumb to the pressure from a Corporate Giant. The Rakyat will fully support you in negotiating for an amicable solution. We want to send a clear message to Boustead and that is: “People before Profits”!
Sim Tze Tzin
Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman
文告：人民利益优先－反对Boustead控股填海计划
我全力支持Putra Marine，Gold Coast，Bay Garden及附近一带的居民，反对极可能进行的填海计划。身为他们的州议员，我完全了解他们的感受，及全力支持他们提出反对的民主权利。他们面对的将是一间强大贪婪的商业集团。
这个事件的起源，可以追朔到3年前或更久。前朝政府批准了Boustead在乔治市兴建高楼酒店。但是，不久后，乔治市获得了联合国文教组织的世界遗产地位。随着而来的是比较严厉的发展条规。Boustead被逼减少高度到仅仅18米。Boustead是与巫统关系密切的公司。随后，Boustead就要求州政府补偿损失。如果没有赔偿，他们将会提控州政府上法庭。如果州政府败诉的话，将会被逼赔偿高达数亿令吉的赔偿金。
我谨此呼吁Boustead以人民利益为优先，盈利放次要地位。 世界遗产地位是槟州的“国宝”，Boustead身为政联公司必须尊重遗产地位。我遗憾部分政联公司打算趁机施压州政府赔偿巨大赔偿金祢补他们的损失，这种贪婪的作风，令人不齿。同样可耻的是同时狮子开大口要求填海赔偿损失，这好象是趁火打劫。政联公司是属于纳税人的，他们必须尊重槟州人民的声音。
身为本区的州议员，我早在5月初的州议会里就提出了我对这个计划的疑虑。请阅读我在州议会的纪录（30－35段）：
http://www.simformalaysia.com/2011/05/05/draft-ucapan-adun-pantai-jerejak-yb-sim-tze-tzin-dalam-sidang-dun-4hb-mei-2011/
我也超过5次亲自向首席部长表达人民及我反对的立场。我也安排两次首长与居民协会的对话。居民已经很清楚表达他们反对的立场。我们希望首长在与Boustead协商的时候能站稳立场，不要向巫统朋党控制的公司妥协。人民将与您站在同一阵线，向贪婪的大企业说“盈利虽重要，人民利益价更高！”
沈志勤
班台惹雅州议员启
2011年10月2日
2nd Oct 2011
I would like to extend my unequivocal support to the residents of Putra Marine, Gold Coast, Bay Garden and the surrounding communities in objecting a possible land reclamation project by Boustead. As their state assemblyman, I fully understand their anxiety and fully support their democratic rights to voice up against a greedy corporate giant that might soon affect their lives.
The whole episode of this project goes back 3 years ago. Boustead Holdings Bhd is a corporate giant closely linked to UMNO. It got the approval from the previous administration to construct a high-rise hotel within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone. After Georgetown obtained its UNESCO Heritage Status, Boustead Hotel was requested to reduce the original proposed height to a max 18m in accordance with the new guidelines.
As a result, the current state government under the leadership of YAB Lim Guan Eng was forced to negotiate a settlement with Boustead. Failing to do so, the state is at risk of facing law suits amounting to hundred of millions of ringgit.
I urge Boustead to put the Rakyat and the hard earned Penang Heritage Status first before financial profits. The UNESCO World Heritage is a crown jewel to Penang and any corporate company must respect this status. It is utterly greedy for some corporate companies to calculate losses and threaten to sue the State Government for hundreds of millions of ringgit simply for adhering to UNESCO guidelines. It is equally unscrupulous to force the State Government to compensate them by reclaiming large tracts of land to cover their losses. The Government Linked Companies belongs to the Rakyat. They have to lend their ears to the voice of the Rakyat too!
As the State Assemblyman of this area, I have clearly raised my objection and reservation as early as May, 2011. In my Dewan speech, I put forward my question to the Chief Minister. Please read my Dewan Speech here, para 30 to 35:
http://www.simformalaysia.com/2011/05/05/draft-ucapan-adun-pantai-jerejak-yb-sim-tze-tzin-dalam-sidang-dun-4hb-mei-2011/
After my speech in the august House, I have raised my objections not less than 5 times to the Chief Minister himself during formal and informal settings. I have also arranged 2 meetings for the RA with the Chief Minister. At those meetings, the residents have repeatedly expressed their objection to the CM.
I hope the Chief Minister will stand firm and not succumb to the pressure from a Corporate Giant. The Rakyat will fully support you in negotiating for an amicable solution. We want to send a clear message to Boustead and that is: “People before Profits”!
Sim Tze Tzin
Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman
文告：人民利益优先－反对Boustead控股填海计划
我全力支持Putra Marine，Gold Coast，Bay Garden及附近一带的居民，反对极可能进行的填海计划。身为他们的州议员，我完全了解他们的感受，及全力支持他们提出反对的民主权利。他们面对的将是一间强大贪婪的商业集团。
这个事件的起源，可以追朔到3年前或更久。前朝政府批准了Boustead在乔治市兴建高楼酒店。但是，不久后，乔治市获得了联合国文教组织的世界遗产地位。随着而来的是比较严厉的发展条规。Boustead被逼减少高度到仅仅18米。Boustead是与巫统关系密切的公司。随后，Boustead就要求州政府补偿损失。如果没有赔偿，他们将会提控州政府上法庭。如果州政府败诉的话，将会被逼赔偿高达数亿令吉的赔偿金。
我谨此呼吁Boustead以人民利益为优先，盈利放次要地位。 世界遗产地位是槟州的“国宝”，Boustead身为政联公司必须尊重遗产地位。我遗憾部分政联公司打算趁机施压州政府赔偿巨大赔偿金祢补他们的损失，这种贪婪的作风，令人不齿。同样可耻的是同时狮子开大口要求填海赔偿损失，这好象是趁火打劫。政联公司是属于纳税人的，他们必须尊重槟州人民的声音。
身为本区的州议员，我早在5月初的州议会里就提出了我对这个计划的疑虑。请阅读我在州议会的纪录（30－35段）：
http://www.simformalaysia.com/2011/05/05/draft-ucapan-adun-pantai-jerejak-yb-sim-tze-tzin-dalam-sidang-dun-4hb-mei-2011/
我也超过5次亲自向首席部长表达人民及我反对的立场。我也安排两次首长与居民协会的对话。居民已经很清楚表达他们反对的立场。我们希望首长在与Boustead协商的时候能站稳立场，不要向巫统朋党控制的公司妥协。人民将与您站在同一阵线，向贪婪的大企业说“盈利虽重要，人民利益价更高！”
沈志勤
班台惹雅州议员启
2011年10月2日
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sim reassures residents of Lengkok Mahsuri
Sim Tze Tzin, ADUN Pantai Jerejak visited the Lengkok Mahsuri flats today with PDC engineers and officers to inspect the slant as claimed in Bernama News yesterday.
During the inspection, it was found that the apron in the corridor had cracks in them as the building was built over what used to be a padi field, and has underground stream running below the ground, causing certain parts of the ground to sink.
However, Sim reassures the residents that the building was structurally safe.The sinking involved three units in that apartment block.
The sinking involved three units in that apartment block.
Sim directed PDC personnels to engage the engineering unit of JKR to do further inspection.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Press Statement on Repainting of Mahsuri Flats replying Sim by Wong Mun Hoe
PRESS STATEMENT BY MR. WONG MUN HOE
VICE CHAIRMAN OF PENANG GERAKAN
I refer to YB Sim Tze Tsin’s press statement on 11th May 2011 regarding the issue of repainting of flats.
YB Sim’s statement clearly and distinctly reflects the 3 main differences between where he and Parti Keadilan’s stand and where I and my party’s stand in the issue.
(1) YB Sim confines himself to only State, PDC, MPPP and MPSP housing. We do not. We want the benefits to be extended to all other flats and apartments that deserve the same benefits. We do not want discriminatory policies.
(2) YB Sim is selfish and do not seem to want others to benefit. We want ALL to benefit.
(3) YB Sim is satisfied with the 80:20 formula for low-cost and low-medium cost. We do not. We want the State to waive this condition.
Not only have I been consistently saying that I have never once objected to the repainting of M3, 4 and 5 apartments but on the contrary, I have congratulated and even expressed my full support to the Penang State Government for making the move to repaint them.
If YB Sim wants a copy of all my previous press statement on this matter, all he has to do is to make a polite request and I will certainly give it to him. But for him to quote me as saying “They do not qualify to get repaint. How could they get to be the first to repaint?” is therefore a blatant lie. This is despicable and typical of YB Sim’s style of politicking which has caused many of Keadilan’s leaders and members to desert the Party since March 2008.
YB Sim may not realise it but he has actually lost a golden opportunity to fight for this issue on behalf of all low-cost and low-medium cost flats and apartments when he failed to bring the matter up during the recent State Assembly. My advice to YB Sim is to play less politics and do more real work.
The rakyat staying in low-cost and low-medium cost may not be rich but they are certainly smart and intelligent enough to differentiate between what is sincerity and what is an act of show, between truth and lies, and between promises and real work. Continuously politicking and condemning Parti Gerakan and me is definitely not productive and not going to help resolve the problem faced by the rakyat.
VICE CHAIRMAN OF PENANG GERAKAN
I refer to YB Sim Tze Tsin’s press statement on 11th May 2011 regarding the issue of repainting of flats.
YB Sim’s statement clearly and distinctly reflects the 3 main differences between where he and Parti Keadilan’s stand and where I and my party’s stand in the issue.
(1) YB Sim confines himself to only State, PDC, MPPP and MPSP housing. We do not. We want the benefits to be extended to all other flats and apartments that deserve the same benefits. We do not want discriminatory policies.
(2) YB Sim is selfish and do not seem to want others to benefit. We want ALL to benefit.
(3) YB Sim is satisfied with the 80:20 formula for low-cost and low-medium cost. We do not. We want the State to waive this condition.
Not only have I been consistently saying that I have never once objected to the repainting of M3, 4 and 5 apartments but on the contrary, I have congratulated and even expressed my full support to the Penang State Government for making the move to repaint them.
If YB Sim wants a copy of all my previous press statement on this matter, all he has to do is to make a polite request and I will certainly give it to him. But for him to quote me as saying “They do not qualify to get repaint. How could they get to be the first to repaint?” is therefore a blatant lie. This is despicable and typical of YB Sim’s style of politicking which has caused many of Keadilan’s leaders and members to desert the Party since March 2008.
YB Sim may not realise it but he has actually lost a golden opportunity to fight for this issue on behalf of all low-cost and low-medium cost flats and apartments when he failed to bring the matter up during the recent State Assembly. My advice to YB Sim is to play less politics and do more real work.
The rakyat staying in low-cost and low-medium cost may not be rich but they are certainly smart and intelligent enough to differentiate between what is sincerity and what is an act of show, between truth and lies, and between promises and real work. Continuously politicking and condemning Parti Gerakan and me is definitely not productive and not going to help resolve the problem faced by the rakyat.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Bayan Baru market gets a visit from Sim
Sim Tze Tzin visited the Bayan Baru market with Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon, the Penang Municipal Council officers and JKR personnels on a walkabout to receive complains from the hawkers at the market complex.
“The state government is applying for funds from Kementrian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) for upgrades to make the market more disabled friendly,” Mohd Rashid said.
Sim also revealed that some hawkers had requested for lower stall rental and that Mohd Rashid will raise this issue in the next council meeting.
Sim said that the cleanliness level has improved, but encourages the public to cooperate and take care of public facilities, referring especially to blockages in the drainage.
“This will help keep the costs down,” he said.
He also proposed that the hawkers start selling organic food as those who lived or shopped in the vicinity have better income now.
After the walkabout, Sim donated 3000 books to the library situated at the top floor of the building.
He hopes to help instill the love of reading in youngsters, emphasizing on internet literacy and the importance of having access to computers and the internet.
“These books will be redistributed to four other reading corners within the Bayan Baru area,” said Sim.
The four areas are at the JKKK Sg. Nibong Kecil Kawasan D, Sg. Nibong Besar, Kampung Jawa and Sg. Nibong Pantai. These reading corners are all equipped with computers and internet connection.
In closing, Sim advised the MPPP officers to make regular rounds to receive complains from the stall tenants.
VIPs celebrate Mother's Day at Rumah Seri Cahaya
Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara and Sim Tze Tzin, the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak celebrated Mother’s Day with single mothers and orphans at a home in Permatang Damar Laut yesterday.
Although some of the children are orphaned, celebrating Mother’s Day with them made sense as the volunteers were already very much like mothers to these children, explained both Dr. Sim Joo Seng and Chew Lay Kean, the organizers of the event.
Betty Chew, president of Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara, together with Noorazlena Mat Kharsa and Lee Seok Looi, presented toys, clothing and books to the home, and was greeted with smiles and cheers all around.
Sim Tze Tzin pledged RM3000 to the home.
During the event, the children gave a well-rehearsed performance of song and dance to the VIPs and the evening ended with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Home with a heart
Rumah Seri Cahaya is an organization founded by two good women who believed in helping the needy. T.Kalliamah and Linda Gregory currently run three homes – one for the orphans, one for the less capable and another for senior citizens.
“We open our arms to anybody and everybody who needs help,” said Kalliamah who believes and professes in the teachings of Saint Ramalingam – that God is one and God is love.
Run entirely on donations and help from volunteers, Rumah Seri Cahaya has been in operation for 14 years, and currently houses 33 children and 10 senior citizens.
“We started in 1999 with only 18 children. Initially, we opened the home to help single mothers who had to leave their children at home while they went to work. Eventually, more and more people turned to us for help,” added the former nurse.
“Our expenses run up to about RM15,000 per month,” Kalliamah revealed adding that although their premises are now all rented, they will soon have their own building.
Those who wish to donate to Rumah Seri Cahaya may contact the home at 04-6265101.
Explanation on floods in Sungai Dua, Penang
14 May 2011
Sim Tze Tzin, state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak and S. Raveentharan, state assemblyman for Batu Uban, together with officers from JPS (Jabatan Pengaliran Sungai) visited Sungai Dua to access the damage and give explanation for the floods which happened after a sudden downpour today.
According to JPS, this was because the drainage culverts were unable to handle the volume of water and this in turn caused the retention pond in USM to breach.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sim donates RM2000 to Chong Cheng for repairs
Sim Tze Tzin, the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak handed over a cheque amounting to RM2000 to SRJK (C) Chong Cheng Sungai Ara to help with the repairs of a classroom which was damaged when a fire broke out on Monday night.
“We do not know the cause yet and it is still under investigation,” said Yeoh Soon Kheng, the principal of the primary school.
Fire broke out at the Year 1 classroom at around 10 p.m. two days ago. The bookshelf, books, notice board, ceiling fan and some classroom furniture were destroyed and the estimated cost of damage was around RM3000.
Yeoh said that he will seek to get the rest of the funds needed from the Education Ministry.
The students are currently using other spare classrooms.
“The children's studies are not affected at all.
“In fact, being children, they do not realise the severity of what just happened,” added Yeoh.
Yeoh also said that the damaged classroom would be ready for use by next week.
Chong Cheng has a total of 1700 students.
Press Statement by Sim Tze Tzin in response to Mr. Wong Mun Hoe’s Press Conference regarding Mahsuri Flats
Press Statement in response to Mr. Wong Mun Hoe’s Press Conference
11 May 2011
Mr Wong Could Not Deliver Promises, Now He Must Stop Politicking.
Yesterday, Mr Wong Mun Hoe and his Gerakan party leaders held a press conference to condemn the State Government regarding repainting of PDC and State Government built flats. He was quoted in Chinese Press as saying “Mahsuri Apartment (M3-M5) is privately managed and not under the management of PDC or State Government. They do not qualify to get repaint. How could they get to be the first to repaint?”
His statement has angered many of the residents of the Mahsuri Apartment. Mr. Wong has politicized the issue and made the innocent residents as scapegoats.
I would like to response to this matter by giving facts nothing but the facts. In March 2004, Mahsuri Apartment 3, 4 and 5 was approached by PDC to set up Management Corporation. During the formation meeting in August 2004, pro-tem committee requested to repaint the buildings, as part of the exchange agreement to take over the management. The then PDC DGM En. Rosli Jaafar had agreed to consider. However, since then there had been no reply. In July 2005, the PDC rejected their request. The residents felt cheated to take over the management from PDC. This has been a major discontent among the residents.
Mahsuri Apartment Management Corporation then turned to Mr. Wong Mun Hoe to seek help. Mr. Wong is in the know in the entire episode. Now he has suffered “Selective Forgetfulness Syndrome” to make it a political issue for his political gains.
The residents later approached me to pursue their problems. After I was elected to be State Assemblyman, I continue to work towards making their (Mahsuri residents) dreams come true. I had several meetings with PDC as well as CM YAB Lim Guan Eng. In April 2011, finally Chief Minister visited Mahsuri Apartment and delivered the said promises and thus resolved all the unhappiness all these years.
I wish to remind Mr. Wong that, in his tenure as the state Assemblyman. He as a state assemblyman and his Gerakan Chief Minister Tan Sri Khor Tsu Koon, could not even deliver their own promise. It is the Pakatan Rakyat Government that delivered the promise.
Please do not confuse the Rakyat in this matter. We urge Penang Gerakan especially Mr. Wong Mun Hoe to stop politicking because this will just further anger the residents.
YB Sim Tze Tzin,
ADUN Pantai Jerejak
--
Sim Tze Tzin
ADUN Pantai Jerejak
State Assemblyman of Penang
11 May 2011
Mr Wong Could Not Deliver Promises, Now He Must Stop Politicking.
Yesterday, Mr Wong Mun Hoe and his Gerakan party leaders held a press conference to condemn the State Government regarding repainting of PDC and State Government built flats. He was quoted in Chinese Press as saying “Mahsuri Apartment (M3-M5) is privately managed and not under the management of PDC or State Government. They do not qualify to get repaint. How could they get to be the first to repaint?”
His statement has angered many of the residents of the Mahsuri Apartment. Mr. Wong has politicized the issue and made the innocent residents as scapegoats.
I would like to response to this matter by giving facts nothing but the facts. In March 2004, Mahsuri Apartment 3, 4 and 5 was approached by PDC to set up Management Corporation. During the formation meeting in August 2004, pro-tem committee requested to repaint the buildings, as part of the exchange agreement to take over the management. The then PDC DGM En. Rosli Jaafar had agreed to consider. However, since then there had been no reply. In July 2005, the PDC rejected their request. The residents felt cheated to take over the management from PDC. This has been a major discontent among the residents.
Mahsuri Apartment Management Corporation then turned to Mr. Wong Mun Hoe to seek help. Mr. Wong is in the know in the entire episode. Now he has suffered “Selective Forgetfulness Syndrome” to make it a political issue for his political gains.
The residents later approached me to pursue their problems. After I was elected to be State Assemblyman, I continue to work towards making their (Mahsuri residents) dreams come true. I had several meetings with PDC as well as CM YAB Lim Guan Eng. In April 2011, finally Chief Minister visited Mahsuri Apartment and delivered the said promises and thus resolved all the unhappiness all these years.
I wish to remind Mr. Wong that, in his tenure as the state Assemblyman. He as a state assemblyman and his Gerakan Chief Minister Tan Sri Khor Tsu Koon, could not even deliver their own promise. It is the Pakatan Rakyat Government that delivered the promise.
Please do not confuse the Rakyat in this matter. We urge Penang Gerakan especially Mr. Wong Mun Hoe to stop politicking because this will just further anger the residents.
YB Sim Tze Tzin,
ADUN Pantai Jerejak
--
Sim Tze Tzin
ADUN Pantai Jerejak
State Assemblyman of Penang
PRESS STATEMENT BY MR WONG MUN HOE on Mahsuri Flats
PRESS STATEMENT BY MR WONG MUN HOE, VICE CHAIRMAN OF PENANG STATE GERAKAN, ON BEHALF OF BARISAN NASIONAL PENANG
On 3rd May, 2011 after the memorandum to appeal to the Penang State Government for the repainting of 53 blocks of flats and apartments was submitted to the Chief Minister, two important points were immediately made by the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, YB Ng Wei Aik
1. Private high rise management including repainting is the responsibility of the developer or the management committee.
2. The State Government will only consider the repainting for PDC, MPPP, MPSP and State Government low cost flats.
Following his response, I have 3 questions for YB Ng Wei Aik to answer.
1. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that the first apartment to be announced to be given this repainting ‘grant’ is the M3,4 and 5 apartments in Mahsuri, Bayan Baru and that this announcement is made by his boss, the Chief Minister himself?
2. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that the M3, 4 and 5 apartments is not low-cost or low-medium cost?
3. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that although M3, 4 and 5 apartments is build by PDC, that does not mean that M3,4 and 5 is State-owned and that M3,4 and 5 have been managed by their Management Committee for almost 8 years now? In other words, M3,4, 5 is a medium cost private apartment.
Subsequently, on 6th of May 2011, EXCO member for Housing, YB Wong Hon Wai in his response to the repainting issue, said the following:
1. Management Corporations of private low-cost flats should use their SINKING FUNDS to carry out repainting and repairs on these buildings and that the State Government was not obliged to carry out repainting work on these flats.
2. The State Government has for now agreed to undertake 80% of the repainting cost on low and MEDIUM-COST flats that are UNDER the State Government, PDC, MPSP and MPPP.
In response to this, I have 6 questions for YB Wong Hon Wai:
1. Is YB Wong Hon Wai aware how much sinking funds are available for each and every one of the low-cost and low-medium cost flats, both State-owned and private? I suspect that YB Wong does not have the answer but one does not need to be clever to know that the answer is either none or very little. So how if no sinking funds?
2. Is YB Wong Hon Wai aware of the present problems faced by many of these residents, who are even unable to pay for their monthly rental and maintenance fees? Again, I suspect that YB Wong also does not know but I can inform you that the sum total of those in default is probably in the millions. So if can’t even pay for rental or maintenance, how to pay for repainting?
3. Is the Penang State Government saying that they will not be responsible for the repainting and repairing of low-cost flats in the State if it is built by the private sector? If this is so, then I hope that residents of those staying in these private low-cost flats will seriously take note of this answer since it is the State requirement for all developers to build low-cost flats which are then allocated by the State Government. If Penang State Government does not bother or care for those in low-cost, then whose responsibility is that?
4. Does this now mean that the State Government will undertake 80% of repainting cost for ALL MEDIUM-COST flats UNDER the State Government? Notice that there is a difference between what is being said by YB Ng Wei Aik which never mentioned about medium-cost while the ‘clarification’ by YB Wong Hon Wai include medium-cost.
5. What is the difference between medium-cost flats that are under the State Government, PDC, MPSP and MPPP versus those that are privately built? If the Penang State Government is prepared to pay for the repainting of those flats that are under the State Government, they should also be prepared to do the same for other such flats irrespective of whether they are under the State or not. Again, I would like the owners of such private flats to take note of this discriminatory measure.
6. Can YB Wong Hon Wai clarifies if M3,4 and 5 is under PDC or PDC-built? There is a very big difference between PDC-owned and PDC-built. PDC-owned means that the building and all the units still belong to PDC and therefore PDC as the owner is certainly obliged to undertake all repainting or repair work whereas PDC-built is not the same. For example, if PDC were to build apartments costing RM250,000 per unit, does this mean that PDC will still undertake to take care of all its repainting and repair works?
So, from the responses of both the YBs, we can only conclude the following:
1. The Penang State Government seems to be in a terribly confused state of affairs as far as this repainting issue is concerned as they are not even able to differentiate between low-cost, low-medium and medium cost. They are further confused by what are State-owned and State-built flats and apartments.
2. It is very unfair of the Penang State Government to give the innocent and poor people living in low-cost and low-medium cost flats the ‘false hope’. When the Penang State Government first announced the repainting of M3,4 and 5, surely they have raised the expectations of all others who are presently living in such similar high-rise. As such, there is totally nothing wrong for residents of all low-cost and low-medium flats in Penang to expect the same benefits, failing which, we can only conclude that this is a real discriminatory and unfair policy by the Penang State Government.
Irregardless of how the Penang State Government is going to resolve this issue, we stand by and reiterate that there is totally nothing wrong in us to represent those living in low-cost and low-medium cost in making the appeal that:
1. The Penang State Government should be responsible for the repainting of all low-cost and low-medium cost flats and apartments irrespective of whether State-owned, State-built or private.
2. For those in low-cost and low-medium cost, the formula of 80:20 to repaint should be dropped and that the Penang State Government should fully undertake the cost of repainting.
On 3rd May, 2011 after the memorandum to appeal to the Penang State Government for the repainting of 53 blocks of flats and apartments was submitted to the Chief Minister, two important points were immediately made by the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, YB Ng Wei Aik
1. Private high rise management including repainting is the responsibility of the developer or the management committee.
2. The State Government will only consider the repainting for PDC, MPPP, MPSP and State Government low cost flats.
Following his response, I have 3 questions for YB Ng Wei Aik to answer.
1. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that the first apartment to be announced to be given this repainting ‘grant’ is the M3,4 and 5 apartments in Mahsuri, Bayan Baru and that this announcement is made by his boss, the Chief Minister himself?
2. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that the M3, 4 and 5 apartments is not low-cost or low-medium cost?
3. Is YB Ng Wei Aik aware that although M3, 4 and 5 apartments is build by PDC, that does not mean that M3,4 and 5 is State-owned and that M3,4 and 5 have been managed by their Management Committee for almost 8 years now? In other words, M3,4, 5 is a medium cost private apartment.
Subsequently, on 6th of May 2011, EXCO member for Housing, YB Wong Hon Wai in his response to the repainting issue, said the following:
1. Management Corporations of private low-cost flats should use their SINKING FUNDS to carry out repainting and repairs on these buildings and that the State Government was not obliged to carry out repainting work on these flats.
2. The State Government has for now agreed to undertake 80% of the repainting cost on low and MEDIUM-COST flats that are UNDER the State Government, PDC, MPSP and MPPP.
In response to this, I have 6 questions for YB Wong Hon Wai:
1. Is YB Wong Hon Wai aware how much sinking funds are available for each and every one of the low-cost and low-medium cost flats, both State-owned and private? I suspect that YB Wong does not have the answer but one does not need to be clever to know that the answer is either none or very little. So how if no sinking funds?
2. Is YB Wong Hon Wai aware of the present problems faced by many of these residents, who are even unable to pay for their monthly rental and maintenance fees? Again, I suspect that YB Wong also does not know but I can inform you that the sum total of those in default is probably in the millions. So if can’t even pay for rental or maintenance, how to pay for repainting?
3. Is the Penang State Government saying that they will not be responsible for the repainting and repairing of low-cost flats in the State if it is built by the private sector? If this is so, then I hope that residents of those staying in these private low-cost flats will seriously take note of this answer since it is the State requirement for all developers to build low-cost flats which are then allocated by the State Government. If Penang State Government does not bother or care for those in low-cost, then whose responsibility is that?
4. Does this now mean that the State Government will undertake 80% of repainting cost for ALL MEDIUM-COST flats UNDER the State Government? Notice that there is a difference between what is being said by YB Ng Wei Aik which never mentioned about medium-cost while the ‘clarification’ by YB Wong Hon Wai include medium-cost.
5. What is the difference between medium-cost flats that are under the State Government, PDC, MPSP and MPPP versus those that are privately built? If the Penang State Government is prepared to pay for the repainting of those flats that are under the State Government, they should also be prepared to do the same for other such flats irrespective of whether they are under the State or not. Again, I would like the owners of such private flats to take note of this discriminatory measure.
6. Can YB Wong Hon Wai clarifies if M3,4 and 5 is under PDC or PDC-built? There is a very big difference between PDC-owned and PDC-built. PDC-owned means that the building and all the units still belong to PDC and therefore PDC as the owner is certainly obliged to undertake all repainting or repair work whereas PDC-built is not the same. For example, if PDC were to build apartments costing RM250,000 per unit, does this mean that PDC will still undertake to take care of all its repainting and repair works?
So, from the responses of both the YBs, we can only conclude the following:
1. The Penang State Government seems to be in a terribly confused state of affairs as far as this repainting issue is concerned as they are not even able to differentiate between low-cost, low-medium and medium cost. They are further confused by what are State-owned and State-built flats and apartments.
2. It is very unfair of the Penang State Government to give the innocent and poor people living in low-cost and low-medium cost flats the ‘false hope’. When the Penang State Government first announced the repainting of M3,4 and 5, surely they have raised the expectations of all others who are presently living in such similar high-rise. As such, there is totally nothing wrong for residents of all low-cost and low-medium flats in Penang to expect the same benefits, failing which, we can only conclude that this is a real discriminatory and unfair policy by the Penang State Government.
Irregardless of how the Penang State Government is going to resolve this issue, we stand by and reiterate that there is totally nothing wrong in us to represent those living in low-cost and low-medium cost in making the appeal that:
1. The Penang State Government should be responsible for the repainting of all low-cost and low-medium cost flats and apartments irrespective of whether State-owned, State-built or private.
2. For those in low-cost and low-medium cost, the formula of 80:20 to repaint should be dropped and that the Penang State Government should fully undertake the cost of repainting.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Draft Ucapan ADUN Pantai Jerejak, Sim Tze Tzin dalam sidang DUN 4hb Mei, 2011
Draft Ucapan ADUN Pantai Jerejak YB Sim Tze Tzin dalam sidang DUN 4hb May, 2011.
1.0 Terlebih dahulu, saya ingin mengucapkan selamat hari pekerja dan juga selamat hari kebebasan akhbar. Para wartawan memperjuangkan kebenaran dan melaporkan berita dengan jujur, dan saya menghormati professionalisme para wartawan. Penghormatan saya tidak termasuk editor TV3, Utusan Malaysia dan Awang Selamat.
2.0 Para pekerja adalah tunggak pemacu ekonomi di negeri Pulau Pinang. Setiap hari ratusan ribu pekerja collar biru dan collar putih begitu juga pegawai kerajaan, menjalankan tugas mereka secara jujur dan disiplin. Sumbangan mereka amat besar kerana merekalah yang memajukan ekonomi mereka.
3.0 Saya ucapkan syabas kepada kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang kerana Berjaya menarik FDI sebanyak 12.2 billion tahun 2010. Ini adalah pencapaian yang cukup membanggakan. Ini adalah hasil usaha para pekerja di kawasan-kawasan perindustrian di FTZ, yang menyakinkan para pelabur bahawa melabur di Pulau Pinang akan memberi keuntungan kepada pekilang.
4.0 Saya ingin memanggil perhatian kerajaan terhadap kebajikan para pekerja. Beberapa masalah besar yang dihadapi oleh para pekerja. Pertama, adalah gaji pekerja yang amat rendah. Secara purata gaji permulaan seorang pekerja kilang lulusan SPM adalah hanyalah RM550. Gaji 10 tahun dahulu adalah RM500. Tetapi harga barang naik berkali-kali ganda.
5.0 Kedua, kemasukan pekerja-pekerja asing telah memberi saingan yang begitu hebat kepada pekerja tempatan. Mereka telah merampas tempat pekerja tempatan dan juga suppress kenaikan gaji yang sewajarnya. Saya memahami bahawa kita masih kekurangan pekerja dalam perindustrian. Dan sememangnya isu pekerja adalah di bawah kerajaan pusat. Tetapi saya mohon prihatin kerajaan negeri dan berbuat sesuatu kerana Perindustrian adalah tunggak ekonomi negeri Pulau Pinang.
6.0 Pakatan Rakyat memperjuangkan gaji minima untuk pekerja kilang. Ini telah termaktub dalam manifesto Pakatan Rakyat. Maka saya berharap kerajaan negeri mula memperjuangkan isu gaji minima di kalangan para industrialists dan pekerja. Kerajaan negeri harus memberi satu mesej yang jelas bahawa gaji pekerja sekarang terlalu rendah dan perlu dinaikan secara berperingkat sehingga ke garis gaji minima. Para industralist mempunyai masa untuk membuat perubahan sehingga Pakatan Rakyat membentuk kerajaan di Putrajaya.
7.0 Mereka harus diberi tempoh masa untuk meningkatkan proses automation di dalam kilang-kilang mereka. Supaya mereka tidak lagi bergantung kepada tenaga pekerja berkemahiran rendah. Proses ini tidak boleh dilonjatkan secara serta merta. Pekilang juga tidak rasa desakan jika dasar perindustrian kita masih bergantung kepada low skill, low wage workers. Maka kerajaan negeri jika memberi hala-tuju dan tempoh masa untuk menaikkan gaji ke gaji minima, maka, para industrialist akan mula perancangan dari sekarang.
8.0 Ketiga, adalah kekurangan perbincangan dan dialog tripartite antara pekerja-perindustrian-kerajaan. Para pekerja mempunyai banyak rungutan, para industrialist juga ingin tingkatkan produktiviti pekerja. Tetapi mereka kurang mempunyai ruang dan platform untuk berbuat demikian. Maka banyak isu pekerja berlanjutan.
9.0 Apa yang boleh kita buat?
10.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan satu MMK Pekerja di bawah Exco Perindustrian iaitu Timbalan Ketua Menteri 1. MMK ini bertujuan memperjuangkan isu pekerja-pekerja kilang. Ia boleh juga boleh mengadakan dialog berkala tripartite dengan pekilang dan union-union pekerja. MMK ini juga bertanggungjawab melakarkan perancangan dasar pekerja negeri, bagaimana menarik lebih ramai skilled workers untuk bekerja di Pulau Pinang dan mengatasi kekurangan pekerja.
11.0 MMK Pekerja juga boleh melakarkan program-program seperti bantuan guaman, program skill training dan sebagainya. Saya harap kerajaan boleh mempertimbangkan cadangan saya.
Demokrasi
12.0 Selepas 3 tahun Pakatan Rakyat memegang kerajaan negeri, pelbagai initiative untuk mendemokrasikan negeri telah dijalankan. Saya beri contoh seperti meluluskan usul untuk menjalankan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan, draf undang-undang Freedom of Information dan juga menyediakan sudut free speech corner. Syabas kepada kerajaan negeri.
13.0 Kerajaan tidak harus henti begitu sahaja, malah kita harus memimpin arus perubahan dan pendemokrasian. Kerajaan Pakatan harus menggunakan kekuatan 2/3 DUN untuk melaksanakan reform pendemokrasian secepat mungkin.Saya ingin cadangkan 3 reform initiative untuk memantapkan demokrasi negeri Pulau Pinang.
14.0 Yang pertama, campaign finance reform.
15.0 Parti-parti politik di Negara ini kebanyakan mendapatkan dana pilihanraya dari ahli parti atau penyokong-penyokong. Saya tidak tahu dengan UMNO/BN sebab mereka kaya dan mempunyai banyak saluran. Baru-baru ini MACC mengesyorkan bahawa mereka ingin memantau sumbangan wang politik kerana ia adalah satu unsur rasuah. Tetapi menteri Barisan Nasional Hishamuddin Tun Hussein Oon cepat-cepat keluar kata tidak setuju, kononnya akan menakutkan penderma.
16.0 Ada satu buku….
17.0 Maka, kita tahu bahawa sumbangan politik adalah satu masalah yang besar dan mencabar system demokrasi Negara kita.
18.0 Kerajaan negeri harus menerajui campaign finance reform di negeri Pulau Pinang. Pulau Pinang adalah epicenter tsunami politik tahun 2008. Rakyat Pulau Pinang ingin melihat political reform.
19.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan penubuhan satu Tabung Amanah Pilihanraya. Tabung ini berfungsi untuk menyumbangkan wang kepada calon-calon pilihanraya, baik PR atau BN. Calon-calon akan menggunakan wang kerajaan untuk bertanding. Dengan ini, mereka dilarang mendapatkan sumbangan kewangan yang mungkin berunsur rasuah. Maka calon-calon boleh bertanding secara adil dan kita boleh memastikan pilihanraya dijalankan secara bersih.
20.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan RM100,000 untuk setiap calon di setiap DUN. Maka, kerajaan hanya perlu memperuntukan RM8juta untuk kesemua 40 kerusi pilihanraya DUN. Ini adalah satu kos yang cukup rendah untuk menjalankan pilihanraya yang adil dan Bersih.
21.0 Sebenarnya, campaign finance yang dibiayai oleh kerajaan bukan sesuatu perkara yang baru. Negera German telah melaksanakan system ini selepas perang dunia kedua dan Berjaya mewujudkan Negara demokrasi yang mantap. Baru-baru ini, Negara Africa Naminbia juga melaksanakan Tabung Amanah Pilihanraya dan Negara tersebut mengalami pendemokrasian yang pesat.
22.0 Pulau Pinang haruslah menerajui pendemokrasian ini.
23.0 Kedua, Pemantapan Demokrasi Dewan Undangan Negeri.
24.0 Apa yang dimaksudkan pemantapan ini? Ada beberapa criteria yang disyorkan oleh Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA. Di antaranya Parliament atau DUN harus mempunyai independence of jurisdiction. Saya ingin syorkan bahawa kerajaan negeri memberi kuasa independent kepada DUN. Dimana DUN mempunyai kuasa tertentu. Contohnya kebebasan untuk mengurus kewangan DUN. Kewangan DUN diperuntukan oleh kerajaan negeri kemudian baget DUN ditentukan oleh select committee.
25.0 Kita harus belajar dari Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor dan pimpinan Exco kerajaan Selangor dalam hal ini. Mereka telah kedepan dari segi pendemokrasian dan pemantapan DUN.
26.0 Ketiga, melanjutkan sidang DUN demi kerajaan yang lebih Accountable dan Transparent.
27.0 Saya memeriksa rekod dan dapati bahawa pada tahun 2005 sidang dewan 14 hari. Tahun 2006 dewan bersidang 12 hari. Tahun 2007, 12 hari. Tahun 2008, sidang dewan 14 hari. Tahun 2009, 12 hari.
28.0 Ini bukan satu rekod yang kurang memuaskan. Kerana kalau kita bandingkan dengan BN, tidak berbeza banyak. Saya nak ambil contoh Australia, DUN West Australia bersidang 22 minggu setiap tahun. Maksudnya lebih kurang 88 hari setahun.
29.0 Sidang DUN Pulau Pinang harus dipanjangkan untuk meningkatkan prestasi DUN dan memastikan kerajaan berfungsi secara accountable dan transparent.
Land Reclamation di Pantai Queensbay
30.0 Saya difahamkan kerajaan telah meluluskan penambakan tanah di pantai Queensbay. Ini adalah satu pampasan kerajaan negeri kepada Boustead Holding Bhd akibat larangan ketinggian di kawasan heritage UNESCO.
31.0 Boustead dibenarkan menambak 100 ekar tanah di pantai di hadapan Queensbay.
32.0 Setakat ini, saya masih belum dimaklumkan tentang projek ini maka saya tidak tahu secara teliti dengan projek ini. Saya meminta kerajaan negeri boleh memberi taklimat kepada Adun kawasan setiap kali projek besar dan penting seperti ini. Kami perlu jawab kepada pengundi-pengundi.
33.0 Saya ingin membangkitkan kekhuthiran dan reservation terhadap projek ini.
34.0 Pertama, projek tambakan boleh menghasilkan masalah alam sekitar. Kita harus mengambil iktibar dari projek tambakan E&O di Tanjung Tokong, di mana Gurney Drive mendapat mendapan dari situ. Mungkin mendapan akan berlaku di sekitar pantai Queensbay, Pulau Jerejak ataupun Batu Maung. Saya berharap EIA dijalankan secara teliti.
35.0 Kedua, Pulau Jerejak adalah crown jewel untuk negeri Pulau Pinang. Ia sepatutnya dibangunkan sebagai kawasan perlancongan seperti Sentosa Island di Singapura. Maka ia memerlukan tanah di sebelah kawasan Queensbay untuk melengkapkan pembangunan di Pulau Jerejak. Sebarang penambakan di kawasan sisiran pantai Queensbay harus dibuat secara berpandangan jauh.
1.0 Terlebih dahulu, saya ingin mengucapkan selamat hari pekerja dan juga selamat hari kebebasan akhbar. Para wartawan memperjuangkan kebenaran dan melaporkan berita dengan jujur, dan saya menghormati professionalisme para wartawan. Penghormatan saya tidak termasuk editor TV3, Utusan Malaysia dan Awang Selamat.
2.0 Para pekerja adalah tunggak pemacu ekonomi di negeri Pulau Pinang. Setiap hari ratusan ribu pekerja collar biru dan collar putih begitu juga pegawai kerajaan, menjalankan tugas mereka secara jujur dan disiplin. Sumbangan mereka amat besar kerana merekalah yang memajukan ekonomi mereka.
3.0 Saya ucapkan syabas kepada kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang kerana Berjaya menarik FDI sebanyak 12.2 billion tahun 2010. Ini adalah pencapaian yang cukup membanggakan. Ini adalah hasil usaha para pekerja di kawasan-kawasan perindustrian di FTZ, yang menyakinkan para pelabur bahawa melabur di Pulau Pinang akan memberi keuntungan kepada pekilang.
4.0 Saya ingin memanggil perhatian kerajaan terhadap kebajikan para pekerja. Beberapa masalah besar yang dihadapi oleh para pekerja. Pertama, adalah gaji pekerja yang amat rendah. Secara purata gaji permulaan seorang pekerja kilang lulusan SPM adalah hanyalah RM550. Gaji 10 tahun dahulu adalah RM500. Tetapi harga barang naik berkali-kali ganda.
5.0 Kedua, kemasukan pekerja-pekerja asing telah memberi saingan yang begitu hebat kepada pekerja tempatan. Mereka telah merampas tempat pekerja tempatan dan juga suppress kenaikan gaji yang sewajarnya. Saya memahami bahawa kita masih kekurangan pekerja dalam perindustrian. Dan sememangnya isu pekerja adalah di bawah kerajaan pusat. Tetapi saya mohon prihatin kerajaan negeri dan berbuat sesuatu kerana Perindustrian adalah tunggak ekonomi negeri Pulau Pinang.
6.0 Pakatan Rakyat memperjuangkan gaji minima untuk pekerja kilang. Ini telah termaktub dalam manifesto Pakatan Rakyat. Maka saya berharap kerajaan negeri mula memperjuangkan isu gaji minima di kalangan para industrialists dan pekerja. Kerajaan negeri harus memberi satu mesej yang jelas bahawa gaji pekerja sekarang terlalu rendah dan perlu dinaikan secara berperingkat sehingga ke garis gaji minima. Para industralist mempunyai masa untuk membuat perubahan sehingga Pakatan Rakyat membentuk kerajaan di Putrajaya.
7.0 Mereka harus diberi tempoh masa untuk meningkatkan proses automation di dalam kilang-kilang mereka. Supaya mereka tidak lagi bergantung kepada tenaga pekerja berkemahiran rendah. Proses ini tidak boleh dilonjatkan secara serta merta. Pekilang juga tidak rasa desakan jika dasar perindustrian kita masih bergantung kepada low skill, low wage workers. Maka kerajaan negeri jika memberi hala-tuju dan tempoh masa untuk menaikkan gaji ke gaji minima, maka, para industrialist akan mula perancangan dari sekarang.
8.0 Ketiga, adalah kekurangan perbincangan dan dialog tripartite antara pekerja-perindustrian-kerajaan. Para pekerja mempunyai banyak rungutan, para industrialist juga ingin tingkatkan produktiviti pekerja. Tetapi mereka kurang mempunyai ruang dan platform untuk berbuat demikian. Maka banyak isu pekerja berlanjutan.
9.0 Apa yang boleh kita buat?
10.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan satu MMK Pekerja di bawah Exco Perindustrian iaitu Timbalan Ketua Menteri 1. MMK ini bertujuan memperjuangkan isu pekerja-pekerja kilang. Ia boleh juga boleh mengadakan dialog berkala tripartite dengan pekilang dan union-union pekerja. MMK ini juga bertanggungjawab melakarkan perancangan dasar pekerja negeri, bagaimana menarik lebih ramai skilled workers untuk bekerja di Pulau Pinang dan mengatasi kekurangan pekerja.
11.0 MMK Pekerja juga boleh melakarkan program-program seperti bantuan guaman, program skill training dan sebagainya. Saya harap kerajaan boleh mempertimbangkan cadangan saya.
Demokrasi
12.0 Selepas 3 tahun Pakatan Rakyat memegang kerajaan negeri, pelbagai initiative untuk mendemokrasikan negeri telah dijalankan. Saya beri contoh seperti meluluskan usul untuk menjalankan pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan, draf undang-undang Freedom of Information dan juga menyediakan sudut free speech corner. Syabas kepada kerajaan negeri.
13.0 Kerajaan tidak harus henti begitu sahaja, malah kita harus memimpin arus perubahan dan pendemokrasian. Kerajaan Pakatan harus menggunakan kekuatan 2/3 DUN untuk melaksanakan reform pendemokrasian secepat mungkin.Saya ingin cadangkan 3 reform initiative untuk memantapkan demokrasi negeri Pulau Pinang.
14.0 Yang pertama, campaign finance reform.
15.0 Parti-parti politik di Negara ini kebanyakan mendapatkan dana pilihanraya dari ahli parti atau penyokong-penyokong. Saya tidak tahu dengan UMNO/BN sebab mereka kaya dan mempunyai banyak saluran. Baru-baru ini MACC mengesyorkan bahawa mereka ingin memantau sumbangan wang politik kerana ia adalah satu unsur rasuah. Tetapi menteri Barisan Nasional Hishamuddin Tun Hussein Oon cepat-cepat keluar kata tidak setuju, kononnya akan menakutkan penderma.
16.0 Ada satu buku….
17.0 Maka, kita tahu bahawa sumbangan politik adalah satu masalah yang besar dan mencabar system demokrasi Negara kita.
18.0 Kerajaan negeri harus menerajui campaign finance reform di negeri Pulau Pinang. Pulau Pinang adalah epicenter tsunami politik tahun 2008. Rakyat Pulau Pinang ingin melihat political reform.
19.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan penubuhan satu Tabung Amanah Pilihanraya. Tabung ini berfungsi untuk menyumbangkan wang kepada calon-calon pilihanraya, baik PR atau BN. Calon-calon akan menggunakan wang kerajaan untuk bertanding. Dengan ini, mereka dilarang mendapatkan sumbangan kewangan yang mungkin berunsur rasuah. Maka calon-calon boleh bertanding secara adil dan kita boleh memastikan pilihanraya dijalankan secara bersih.
20.0 Saya ingin mencadangkan RM100,000 untuk setiap calon di setiap DUN. Maka, kerajaan hanya perlu memperuntukan RM8juta untuk kesemua 40 kerusi pilihanraya DUN. Ini adalah satu kos yang cukup rendah untuk menjalankan pilihanraya yang adil dan Bersih.
21.0 Sebenarnya, campaign finance yang dibiayai oleh kerajaan bukan sesuatu perkara yang baru. Negera German telah melaksanakan system ini selepas perang dunia kedua dan Berjaya mewujudkan Negara demokrasi yang mantap. Baru-baru ini, Negara Africa Naminbia juga melaksanakan Tabung Amanah Pilihanraya dan Negara tersebut mengalami pendemokrasian yang pesat.
22.0 Pulau Pinang haruslah menerajui pendemokrasian ini.
23.0 Kedua, Pemantapan Demokrasi Dewan Undangan Negeri.
24.0 Apa yang dimaksudkan pemantapan ini? Ada beberapa criteria yang disyorkan oleh Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA. Di antaranya Parliament atau DUN harus mempunyai independence of jurisdiction. Saya ingin syorkan bahawa kerajaan negeri memberi kuasa independent kepada DUN. Dimana DUN mempunyai kuasa tertentu. Contohnya kebebasan untuk mengurus kewangan DUN. Kewangan DUN diperuntukan oleh kerajaan negeri kemudian baget DUN ditentukan oleh select committee.
25.0 Kita harus belajar dari Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor dan pimpinan Exco kerajaan Selangor dalam hal ini. Mereka telah kedepan dari segi pendemokrasian dan pemantapan DUN.
26.0 Ketiga, melanjutkan sidang DUN demi kerajaan yang lebih Accountable dan Transparent.
27.0 Saya memeriksa rekod dan dapati bahawa pada tahun 2005 sidang dewan 14 hari. Tahun 2006 dewan bersidang 12 hari. Tahun 2007, 12 hari. Tahun 2008, sidang dewan 14 hari. Tahun 2009, 12 hari.
28.0 Ini bukan satu rekod yang kurang memuaskan. Kerana kalau kita bandingkan dengan BN, tidak berbeza banyak. Saya nak ambil contoh Australia, DUN West Australia bersidang 22 minggu setiap tahun. Maksudnya lebih kurang 88 hari setahun.
29.0 Sidang DUN Pulau Pinang harus dipanjangkan untuk meningkatkan prestasi DUN dan memastikan kerajaan berfungsi secara accountable dan transparent.
Land Reclamation di Pantai Queensbay
30.0 Saya difahamkan kerajaan telah meluluskan penambakan tanah di pantai Queensbay. Ini adalah satu pampasan kerajaan negeri kepada Boustead Holding Bhd akibat larangan ketinggian di kawasan heritage UNESCO.
31.0 Boustead dibenarkan menambak 100 ekar tanah di pantai di hadapan Queensbay.
32.0 Setakat ini, saya masih belum dimaklumkan tentang projek ini maka saya tidak tahu secara teliti dengan projek ini. Saya meminta kerajaan negeri boleh memberi taklimat kepada Adun kawasan setiap kali projek besar dan penting seperti ini. Kami perlu jawab kepada pengundi-pengundi.
33.0 Saya ingin membangkitkan kekhuthiran dan reservation terhadap projek ini.
34.0 Pertama, projek tambakan boleh menghasilkan masalah alam sekitar. Kita harus mengambil iktibar dari projek tambakan E&O di Tanjung Tokong, di mana Gurney Drive mendapat mendapan dari situ. Mungkin mendapan akan berlaku di sekitar pantai Queensbay, Pulau Jerejak ataupun Batu Maung. Saya berharap EIA dijalankan secara teliti.
35.0 Kedua, Pulau Jerejak adalah crown jewel untuk negeri Pulau Pinang. Ia sepatutnya dibangunkan sebagai kawasan perlancongan seperti Sentosa Island di Singapura. Maka ia memerlukan tanah di sebelah kawasan Queensbay untuk melengkapkan pembangunan di Pulau Jerejak. Sebarang penambakan di kawasan sisiran pantai Queensbay harus dibuat secara berpandangan jauh.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sg. Nibong Fire causes excitement among local politicians
Suspected faulty electrical wiring may have caused two families to lose their homes in a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon at Sungai Nibong Tengah, near the Shell station at Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru. No casualties were reported.
"The fire was put under control within 20 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation," said Arifuddin Atis, the chief fireman.
Arifuddin also confirmed that the Jalan Tengah fire station received a call from the public at 2:29 p.m., and that the fire engines arrived at the scene in less than five minutes.
“..I saw smoke coming out of his house and immediately dialled 999,” said Mohd Rashid Hasnon, representing the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak, Sim Tze Tzin.
Sim presented RM1500 each to the two families today.
"The financial aid is from my allocation, Tabung TYT and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat," he added.
“I have also initiated the volunteer fire-brigade with Arifuddin today,” commented Sim, indicating a need for more volunteer services in the community.
According to Chan Kim Beng from the Residents’Association of Bayan Baru, several notable people were present at the scene. Wong Mun Hoe, the BN coordinator for Pantai Jerejak, together with Tan Lai Theng and K.Sathiaselan; both chairman of the Bayan Baru division of MCA and MIC respectively.
Independent MP for Bayan Baru, Zahrain Mohd Hashim will visit the site tomorrow morning.
Ong Poh Siang resided in the squatter house together with his family. His father, daughter and son-in-law, Lim Seng Teong lived next door. Everyone except the elderly man was at work when the fire broke out. The elder Ong had shouted for help which caught the attention of his neighbour some ten minutes later. His daughters are Lake Koon, Lake Hoon and Lake Cheng.
Four fire engines arrived at the scene. However, only a small fire engine managed to squeeze through the narrow paths of the squatter area to the site. During which, the fire had already razed the whole house leaving behind only some walls.
The total amount of loss is not known yet.
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