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Cabinet to investigate Indira children conversion

April 17th, 2009
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If this lady is as tough as her namesake, its going to a be hell of a problem for the husband.  The story, as written published below, may not tell the whole picture, and to be fair, we have to wait till more details come out.

But while the case is going on, I wonder what happened to the initiative to streamline the conversion processes as proposed by PM Badawi last time. Then, MCA, ABIM, IKIM, and other groups were making noise of the illegal conversions issues that caused lot of unhappiness and distrust among the communities in the country. And some people wonder why certain community can be ungrateful or unappreciative or whatever.

This kind of problem won’t end without proper guidelines and perhaps a monitoring body for the non-Muslims to ensure their rights are actually protected, and not exist merely as words in the constitution. We had the Subashini case which still reverberates in our minds. Granted there were few cases where the conversion was reversed –  like the Chinese lady, Tan Eng Huan who married an Iranian (I think) out love, but never practised anything remotely close to Islam. A lady was buried as Buddhist after it was proven that she never did practise Islam, in Perlis. There was another case in Kota Bahru and one more in Malacca, if I’m not mistaken where the families of the convert got back their properties. Some may be deemed convert just because their MyKad said so! Or do anyone remember case of Elangesvaran?

The case of Indira Gandhi was first highlighted via a Hindu Sangam press statement as below, with specific mention of abuse:

PRESS STATEMENT :
APPEAL TO RAJA NAZRIN – DO WE NEED TO CONVERT BREASTFED 11 MONTH OLD BABY ?

At a time when we are welcoming “ONE MALAYSIA” concept we still have Ulamas who convert a 11 month old baby named Prasanna Thiksha to Ummu Abima bte Mohd Ridzuan. This baby was grabbed by a wife beating husband and both the husband Pathmanathan and the baby were converted in the state of Perak at Ipoh, Pasir Putih. The baby is still being breastfed.

A police report was made, but, as usual it does not “interfere” when it comes to one particular religion.

The mother a kindergarten teacher Indra Gandhi had to protect her other two children. The husband was able to snatch the Birth Certificates of the two Children and the wife now lives in fear because she is wondering whether the Birth Certificates can be used to convert the other two children.

Is this the “ONE MALAYSIA” vision we are going to encounter in the years to come? The Malaysia Hindu Sangam is most disturbed with this turn of events because the Judiciary in Malaysia has most often been “blind” to issues on Islam. We now have to channel our appeal to the Royalty because the head of the religion is the Ruler.

It is with good intentions that we appeal to the lovable Prince of Perak HRH Raja Nazrin ibni Sultan Raja Azlan Shah to intervene and solve this problem in a mutual humane way with harmony, peace and justice for all.

Thank you.

Datuk A. Vaithilingam
President
Malaysia Hindu Sangam

So, for now, just like Saravanan (the ex-husband of Subashini), this fellow is also looking like a coward who brings shame to the religion he claims to converted to. He had no guts to go through the divorce process and took the back door way.

THE MHS issued another press statement saying that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Cabinet:

Press Statement : Cabinet Intervenes On Complaints on Child Conversion

15 APRIL 2009

Early this month a father forcefully converted his eleven month old baby by grabbing the baby from the mother after assaulting her. This happened at Pasir Puteh, Ipoh. Last week the father Pathmanathan alias Mohd Ridzuan B Abdullah has obtained a Syariah court order to send the other two children whom he claimed to have converted to Islam by using their Birth Certificates to be sent to him.

After bringing this matter up to the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Hj Muhiyuddin and Cabinet Ministers Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon and Datuk Dr.S.Subramaniam, this matter was brought to the cabinet meeting today and it was viewed with great concern.

Tan Sri Muhiyuddin informed me that 3 Minsters led by Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon, Major General Datuk Jamil Khir and Datuk Dr S.Subramaniam have been asked to immediately look into the matter.

Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon has requested the Malaysia Hindu Sangam and all others concerned to provide all the information so that a quick solution can be worked out. He also said that the Prime Minister has taken a serious view of this matter.

In the meantime Malaysia Hindu Sangam appeals to all concerned to be calm and assist in finding a just solution to this issue.

Datuk A.Vaithilingam.
President
Malaysia Hindu Sangam.

I hope the ministers concerned can indeed come out with some statement, instead of we have to rely on MHS. This will go a long way to reestablish some trust in the system. It will be good indeed if the DPM or PM mention something so that can reassure the families and community at large.

So, will Indira Gandhi plea be heard?

Her three young children were forcefully converted to Islam by her estranged husband. And M Indira Ghandi is taking her plight straight to the doorstep of Sri Perdana.

Calling on newly minted Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to explain the matter, the 35-year-old kindergarten teacher said: “He talks about an united Malaysia. But what does this mean when only the Muslims have rights.”

“I am not anti-Islam and I am not saying that they (Muslims) are doing wrong things but why do non-Muslims have to suffer like this?” she asked as tears welled up in her eyes.

Indira’s marriage is now is a limbo as her husband K Patmanathan, 40, had converted without her knowledge on March 11.

She claimed that her husband, who has since assumed the name Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, had also converted their children, aged one to 12, on April 12 without their presence and using only their birth certificates.

“He took my baby (their youngest child) from me and ran away… I have not seen her ever since and I don’t know how she’s doing,” lamented Indira.

As for her marriage, the teacher, who also claimed to have been physically abused, said the couple were married for 16 years and had been facing problems for a long time. “It started so many years back that I can no longer keep track of when it started.”

“Recently he asked for a divorce and I thought to myself that since that was what he wanted I consented but he did not want to start the process and demanded that I do so.

“So I went to a marriage tribunal and filed for counselling in Ipoh but he never attended any of the counselling sessions,” she said. [so, there will be some records here]

Indira claimed that after one particular explosive argument, which also involved her mother and sisters, her husband had fled with their youngest daughter Prasana Diksa.

“When we went to the police station and lodged a report, no immediate action was taken by the police although my baby was still very young and needed to be breast-fed,” she said.

Since that incident, Indira has filed six police reports, with one alleging that she feared for her life because her husband had threatened her.

Indira said the police managed to locate her husband later but only to discover that he had converted the children.

The couple’s two other children Tevi Darsiny, 12 and Karan Dinesh, 11 are currently living with Indira, who has taken refuge with a relative fearing that Islamic officials would take the kids away.

“I was neither told nor asked about it (the conversion)… I don’t know what to do,” she lamented.

According to Indira, her husband had called her last Wednesday and promised to return her youngest child.

“He asked me to come to the Islamic Department (Jais) in Ipoh and take my baby because he could not care for her but he didn’t show up.

“Instead there was a man waiting there to serve me papers from the Syariah Court granting custody of my other children to him,” she said.

However, she refused to accept the papers as she believed that Syariah laws had no jurisdiction over her.

As for her husband’s conversion, Indira said he had spoken about his interest in Islam but she claimed this was related to monetary gains.

“I have no idea what his intentions are… but he mentioned once before that we will get RM5,000 each if we ‘nikah’ (marry according to Islamic rights) and money would also be given on a monthly basis to each of our children for education purposes.

“Over the past couple of days he keeps calling me and asks me to convert to Islam. He tells me that I should convert first and then we, as in the whole family, can opt out later back into Hinduism,” she said, adding that she wanted to remain a Hindu.

‘I love my wife very much’

Contacted later, her husband dismissed Indira’s allegations as absurd, saying he converted because he was passionate about Islam which he had discovered during his business trips.

Denying that he had physically abused her, Mohd Ridzuan said: “I don’t want to say anything but I love my wife very much… right now I only want her back.”

Asked why he had converted the children without informing his wife, he replied: “You see all the children must follow the father’s religion no matter whether he is a Hindu, Christian or Muslim.”

“This is not a political issues, this is my family matter and I don’t want to shame my wife,” said the businessman who has filed for custody of the children with the Syariah Court.

Meanwhile, Indira has sought the help of several legal adviders, non-Muslim organisations and the public.

“This is not only my case, many people are suffering because of this. We are filing for the custody of my children because they don’t want to go to their father, and they (the other party) are totally rejecting this.

“But the question is even if I can get back my children, will they be Hindu again? Why does it only take a day to convert my children but it is so difficult to return to their old religion?” she asked.

“Don’t I have say in it, when I was the one who carried them for nine months… aren’t they my children too? So what is my right and my children’s rights?

“The government say this is a country where it is free to practice your own religion but what is the right of a non-Muslim in this situation?” she added.

Well, in any case, Indira better make plan to migrate.

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Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian, Religion

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SJKT Ladang Lauderdale

April 17th, 2009
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Update from Dr Sreedharan who is leading the initiative on SJKT Ladang Lauderdale:

SRJK(T)LADANG LAUDERDALE , MATANG – Latest update .

It has been about 2 weeks since MI Club members visited the SRJK(T) LADANG LAUDERDALE,MATANG . On the 14th April , I visited the school again to see the progress taking place in the school .

Since our last visit , both myself and the Headmaster have been constantly in touch and I was updated on the progress taking place . I called up one of the Berkat share holders who own the estate and explained about the school and the urgent need for expansion and requested for permission to build another 2 classrooms . Mr. Anwar , one of the share holder called me back one week later to inform that they have no objection to our request but for formality asked us to submit a letter so that the matter can be brought up in their board meeting . A letter was send to Mr.Jayaraman who is in charge of this matter . On the 9th April the estate tractors was send to clear the land proposed for the building and about 7 palm oil trees were uprooted.

The same time , we also received a quotation from JKR which estimated the cost of the building including wiring to be about RM 58,000 plus . The quotation was a little higher then we had expected . We decided to look for other contractors and to get their quotations .

The PPD then informed the Headmaster that Rm 20,000 has been allocated for the school as part of “ Naik Taraf “ . This money is for repairs ,painting and to purchase electrical stuffs . Initially when we told the PPD officer that we would like to use this funds for the building of 2 new classrooms , they did not approve . After speaking to the higher officer and explaining the urgent need , he agreed to approve . They sent their contractor to asses and estimate the cost . We had the plans drawn and the contractor estimated the cost will be about more than RM30 ,000 . We asked for estimation without wiring or painting . He quoted the estimation to about Rm22,000 . After negotiation he agreed to get it done at Rm20,000 .

I have already got a friend who agreed to do the wiring at free of cost . The painting , I suggested once the building is up , we will get some volunteers on a Sunday and together with the students get the painting done . It will make everyone feel that they had done something for the school . I am hoping MI club members will be there to participate since it is their effort and their kindness which had helped the school to get two new classrooms .

Four weeks ago MIC President Dato Samy Vellu had made surprise visit to the school and promised the school RM400,000 K for the purpose of the new building . He had promised to follow up and get the new building up as soon as possible . This was prior to the Bukit Gantang election . This school falls in Bukit Gantang district . As usual Politicians make many promises before election and forget about it after the election especially when they get defeated . Anyway I found out that the Rm 400,000 K was already allocated to the school as part of the Governments stimulus package of Rm50 million . As part of the package this school was to receive Rm400,000 K . Our kind President of MIC who already knew about this announced the amount making it look like MIC is giving . I feel so disgusted and could not find the right words to describe my feelings . I sincerely request to members of MIC , if you can’t do anything , please stop delivering false promises to help the poor people . Let people who are really sincere do the needful .

We also discussed other matters , the headmaster was busy as there is going to be a Tamil Carnival in Perak state where all Tamil schools in Perak will be Participating in Essay , poetry , story telling and other competitions . They were busy deciding which students will participate in which competition and looking at the results of the students , most of them have high marks and the HM did not want to disappoint them . He had to choose the right competition for each of them based on their talent .

I also went thru the attendance record of the students and the performance of each students in their exams . The attendance record are maintained daily and monthly and yearly for each students . This year students who have 100% record of attendance will be recognised and awarded .

There were about 10 students who are having transport problem coming to the school . Actually most of the students are from surrounding the estate . One girl from standard 4 , thevadharshini who has other 6 sibblings , whose alcoholic father had deserted them , was about to drop out of the school . Her mother had send the elder brother to a welfare home . quick intervention from the Headmaster managed to keep her in school . Everyday a teacher picks the girl up and drives her to the school and drops her back on the way home . I went through Thevadharshini’s records and she has scored nothing less then 90% in most of the subjects . Throughout the 4 years , she has done well in the school .

The Headmaster had asked for 10 bicycles but he was able to get one . Since Thevadharshini needed it the most , the bicycle was given to her .

We discussed about the financial matters . I informed the Headmaster that Mr.Poobalan had banked in Rm500.00 on behalf of UMIC . All together the total amount that we have collected is about Rm5,000.00 . We decided for time being to put the money in a fixed deposit and to use it later for the building . I was shown other things that was donated through MI club. There was few book cabinets , file cabinets , classroom tables , chairs and tables and benches for the canteen . I think it was Mr.Balu ( I am sorry if I got it wrong . There were a long list of names ) who had donated all these things . Mr. Sugu had donated some revision books and it was distributed to all the classrooms.

At 12.30 pm , I left the headmaster to attend to his urgent work . 4 hours of discussion was a quite a long one . I went around the classrooms to take some photographs for you to see how cramped up the classroom was . One class was being held in the canteen . The teachers do not have their own tables since there was not enough space . They share the tables with the students .

We hope to have a fundraiser to raise more funds for the school . We also understand that the standard of the school must improve and maintain . This will further encourage more parents to send their children to this school .

We hope the project of the classroom building will start by May and hope to finish by end of June . this will help to reduce congestion and hope helps the exam going students to concentrate better in their class .

Weekly twice , these children , plus other students have tuitions after school . The HM has arranged for a small meal for those who are unable to go home for lunch .

The HM monitors the progress of all the students and those who are not doing well , their parents are called in for counselling and when they fail to turn up , the HM himself pays them a visit .

Every detail of each children is maintained as a record which includes their financial status and other personal details .

We are really hoping to improve this school and bring it to another level . Even the teachers now feel a little confident with our involvement and with the progress taking place , they believe changes will take place and they too feel motivated .

Dr.Sreedharan PHF,MBBS,FAGE

Photos:

srk-lauderdale-3

srk-lauderdale-2

srk-lauderdale-1

Land cleared for the new building.

srk-lauderdale-4

This is the school . Half of the school is divided to classrooms . The other half is computer room . Office and the Headmasters room. The portion you see the wall painting is the office and the other portion is the classrooms.

SRJK Ladang Lauderdale

This is the whole school . Classes divided with boards. Make shift according to the size of the classes

srk10

srk12

This is the classrooms

srk13

This is another classroom . The tables and the chairs are new . Courtesy of a member of MI club who generously donated these items.

srk-lauderdale-5

srk-6

Classes conducted in the school canteen . This only happens in Tamil Schools . Behind the teacher is a set of new tables and benches . Donated by one of the MI Club member

srk8

office

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Waytha suspends HINDRAF coordinators

April 17th, 2009
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In a surprising move, HINDRAF chairman Waythamoorthy suspended all coordinators of HINDRAF with immediate effect, to be replaced with a 3-man interim committee (no info on who they are). Initial response from Thanenthiran is that he supports the move made by Waytha.

Hindraf’s London-based leader P Waythamoorthy has suspended the movement’s 10-member coordinators with immediate effect and replaced them with a three-man interim committee.

Among those dropped from the line-up included the movement’s national coordinator RS Thanendran who was helming the show for Hindraf locally while Waythamoorthy was leading from London.

Waythamoorthy has also put a gag order on these dropped coordinators.

“All Hindraf coordinators are to refrain from issuing statements in the name of Hindraf though they are free to express their personal opinions on any matters they choose,” he said.

He also said that the reason for the change was to allow the movement to move forward with its original cause and aims.

The 10-member coordinators were appointed at the end of 2007 after Waythamoorthy had left the country to seek international lobby in the face of government arrests…

Since then Thanendran (photo) and the other nine coordinators have been keeping the Hindraf movement alive and relevant, including successfully turning the Indian voters to support the opposition in the 2008 general election.

However there have been complaints recently that the movement and some of its coordinators have become politically ambitious.

The final fallout was apparently the showdown the movement had with PKR’s leader Anwar Ibrahim after he decided to pick someone from outside of Hindraf to contest for the Bukit Selambau state by-election early this month.

Hindraf supporters had originally proposed that Thanendran was given that seat.

The matter came to a close only after a phone call from Anwar to Waythamoorthy, who then instructed his coordinators to stand down and throw their support behind PKR, which eventually won the by-election.

At the same time, there were other coordinators who had started acting on their own and without any coordination with the Hindraf leadership.

Waythamoorthy told Malaysiakini today that he had to make the startling changes in order to keep Hindraf in the mainstay of fighting for the community’s rights.

“Hindraf’s struggle has entered a new phase where the situation in the country has qualitatively changed since our mass protest on Nov 25, 2007,” he said.

He said that the needs, expectations, desire and the aspiration of the Indian community from Hindraf has developed beyond the initial demands and seeking the release of its leaders currently held under the ISA.

“In light of these developments and the need to restructure the working groups, Hindraf with immediate effect suspends its 10-member coordinators team including its national coordinator, event coordinator and publicity coordinators and all state and district coordinators,” he added in a statement.

He also said that a new committee of volunteers and working groups would be set up nationwide to meet the need of the Indian community.

He said this would be done after consultations with the grassroots supporters of Hindraf/Makkal Sakthi.

When contacted Thanendran said he accepted Waythamoorthy’ decision and that he will continue to fight for Hindraf’s struggles.

“I will continue to back the movement. This is a good strategy to ensure that Hindraf remains apolitical in its struggles,” he added.

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Live interview with Dr S Subra

April 16th, 2009
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NST is doing a live interview with Human Resource Minister, Datuk Dr S Subra from 4 to 5pm.

Catch it at:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/clive_html

10:13 [Standby] The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.
2:11 [Standby] The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.
3:38
 fauziahismail:  Good afternoon. Human Resources Minister Datuk S Subramaniam will join us at 4pm. You can post your questions and comments here for the minister to reply. Thank you.
3:57
 [Comment From Riley]
Datuk SS, Good afternoon. Good of you to join us in this chat. What is your take on the current economic situation. How badly affected are we in terms of the job market?
3:58
 fauziahismail:  Datuk S Subramaniam is here with us. He will take questions from our on-line readers,
4:04
 S Subramaniam:  From Oct last to end of Feb and middle of March, unemployment increased. To date, nearly 30,000 retrenched, of which 22,000 were locals. In the last month, the number of retrenchment tapering. I don’t know if this is temporary. The number of cases lesser. Overall, we are quite happy that he find jobs are being created too. During this period, the number of vacancies is 28,000 in various sectors. As for the job situation is concerned, if people not picky, they can get jobs.
4:04
 [Comment From PREITY]
Datuk, I read university students like me may not have a job after I graduated. What can I do?
4:07
 S Subramaniam:  i dont think you should be pessimistic. Some get jobs early. Some face difficulties. It is how you sharpened your skiils. We have introduced programmes in my ministry, Bank Negara and Mosti which provide training that come with offer for jobs. Try to get the first job you get. Experience is a factor. Sharpen your lingusitics and communications skills. Factors being looked into.
4:07
 [Comment From G.Rajasekaran]
Can YB comment on the following: YB Datuk announced 3 months ago that no new work permits for recruitment of foreign workers for manufacturing sector will be be issued. From the number of complaints received it appears that Licensed labour suppliers continue to ignore govt’s directive.
4:10
 Datuk S Subramaniam:  Hello Mr Rajasekaran. Delighted to receive a question from you in this forum. You very well know that we are committed towards reducing and abolishing outsourcing agencies, We want to evolve a system where our supply of labour will be on supply-demand. That is where we want to move.
4:10
 [Comment From G.Rajasekaran]
Can YB Comment on the following:the situation is made worse by Imigration authorities’ practices which do not seem to recognize HR minister’s effort to safeguard local workers.
4:14
 S. Subramaniam:  we have formed a joint committee called jawatan kuasa teknical antara agensi chaired by KSU, where members of Home Affairs and others sit together. We are trying to coordinate this well. We have good results from the initial meetings and i hope this lack of understanding you are talking about can be reduced and overcome as time goes by
4:14
 [Comment From Guest]
Good Afternoon Datuk, many company are not paying our salaries for 2 to 3 month now
4:14
 [Comment From Jenny]
Gd Afternoon Datuk! Many of us are still awaiting our salaries for the past 2 months and end of April will be 3 months without salaries. Recruitement is still on-going. How can we be helped in situations like these?
4:16
 [Comment From Confused]
I heard that your ministry helds the Job Placement Day. I am one of the job seeker. I am confused. How is the result?
4:16
 S. Subramaniam:  You can bring this matter to Labour department and if the company is still active, we will take necessary steps to ensure that   the payment which is rightfully yours is paid. If they failed to do so, the department can take action against the employer
4:17
 S. Subramaniam:  The above answer is for Jenny
4:19
 S. Subramaniam:  Confused, we do have job placements twice a month on a regional basis and once a month on a national basis and so far the number of people who attend these functions are encouraging. We have been successful with 5,000 getting jobs, and we will continue. A wonderful place for employers and we are trying to get more employers to join in. Apart from recruitment, we also recruit people for training programme
4:19
 [Comment From uma]
congratulations ,datuk,you are indeed doing a very good job,by introducing and implementing many programmes to cushion the effect of the current economic crisis, but in your view, how long do you think it will take to come back to normalcy,atleast in Malaysia.
4:21
 [Comment From Job seeker]
I heard that there will be a Kiosk for the convenience for the job seekers located in Tawau?
4:22
 S. Subramaniam:  Uma, A it of good news. The economy is not detetriorating as it was thought.. that second half of the year, it will   recover We may go back to normal by middle of next year. Situation here is not so bad and with so many programmes, we have seen some effects. We are monitoring situation and will take appropriate action as and when necessary
4:24
 S. Subramaniam:  Jobseeker, yes our JobsMalaysia, our job matching portal is going to be upgraded and given a corporate image and we are going to have job placement centres in 109 places throughout the country out of which 22 of them will be in public places, like shopping complexes and us stations. A proposal to have it in Tawau, a public place. That will provide you opportunities ad you should utilise the facilities and you can find suitable jobs and to be linked to suitable employers.
4:25
 [Comment From Poobalan]
Dear Dr, as the recession is expected to last till year end at least, are there any contingency plans to provide monetary aid for the retrenched or unemployed, in addition to providing re-skilling or retraining options?
4:28
 [Comment From Calvin]
Datuk, you talked about us grads getting soft skills and getting any job available… but so many grads are fighting for so few jobs, how-la?
4:28
 S. Subramaniam:  Poobalan, our monetary aid to be given to retrenched and whose income has been reduceddue to layoffs, will be given additonal income through assisted training programme. For example, for the trained and place programmea trainie will be given RM500 to 800 a month. Those who have been working half the normal time, will be allowed to attend training with allowance. We are also facilitating industry who are facing economic problem to ensure 1 to prevent retrenchment and 2, to increase income of workers
4:31
 [Comment From KFTANG]
Datuk, for those workers retrenched, have they been compensated adequately by their employers?
4:31
 S. Subramaniam:  Calvin,   our present programme for graduate employeesis targeted to help 7 – 8000 graduates. Aparrt from that, similar prog are available by Bank Negara , Khazanah and Ministry of Higher Education and MDec. You can utilise all these available.
4:33
 [Comment From kelvin]
my boss plans to have 4-day week and asks us to take 20% pay cut… can he do that? we are making pewter items.
4:34
 S. Subramaniam:  Kftang, except in sitaution when the company has been wound up and under OA, in all other situation, compensation must be paid. And if there is compensation, workers can report to us so that we cAN Take remedial action to date, AMONG THE 22,000 local s who have been retrenched, none has complained they are not paid. About 6,900 have been terminated via VSS and have been compensated
4:36
 S. Subramaniam:  Kelvin, your boss has the right to reschedule working time. That;s his prerogative. But before he does that, he has to inform the labour Department and get their consent before implementing all these.
the departmtrent will ensure there are legitimate reasons for any changes in the normal working system within the agency.   the employer msut also contact employees before this can be implemented
4:36
 [Comment From KFTANG]
Are our unemployed workers prepared to work in the plantation and building sectors formerly shunned by them?
4:38
 S. Subramaniam:  KFTANG, Unfortunately no.   We have very aggressively campaigned f r this, we are trying to improve lives and condition   in plantations to ATTRACT LOCAL WORKERS but still the number of local workers wanting to take part is not encouraging. We have suggested to Mapa to identify new methods by improving local involvement with better salary, working condition and this is an ongoing process
4:38
 [Comment From Reddy]
Datuk, it looks like the trend is that the lower-incomegroup is affected more by retrenchment at the moment. Will higher income group also be affected?
4:40
 [Comment From Shaharuddin M Saaid]
YB Datuk Subramanian. Many say that local companies hiring foreign workers bucasue it is cheaper but actually it is not true. Many companies esp hotels say that locals are not keen/do not want menial jobs much teh 3D jobs and many do not stay on the job for long. On the other hand an employer is assured of the service of contracted foreign worker for at least 2 years and they are reliable and put much efforts/interest in their job. I suggest we should tackle/handle employment issue which locals are not keen to take up.
4:40
 S. Subramaniam:  Reddy, Amon g the retrenched, the highest number is operator, machinist level followed by those in the technician level. You might want to know among these 22,000, about 4,800 professionals and managerial capacity are affected.
4:43
 [Comment From Retrenched]
Dear YB Datuk, I was recently retrenched and was paid RM15,000 retrenchment benefits for every year of service. I am so sad that my retrenchment benefits was not given full tax relief especially when I know that I will not be able to land another job due to may age factor. Can you assist me to get full tax relief?
4:43
 S. Subramaniam:  Shaharuddin, I agree with you. In hospitality industry, we are doing aggresssive campaign and recently in langkawi, a plilot programme, we trained 110 in a one month course, and 90 of them have been absorbed. We have expanded this in other states with the cooperationm of other bodies, we are aggresively training people with skills in hospitality,. this is an opportunity for locals
4:46
 [Comment From R.Rajeswari]
YB What is the status of minimum wage for the security guard?
4:46
 S. Subramaniam:  Retrenched, if only I could. But the second economic package allows for full tax relief for the 1st RM10,000 received as compensation. Please try your best to get another job. Need help? Come and see us
4:47

Expand
4:49
 [Comment From siti]
Are there any vacancies in your ministry?
4:49
 S. Subramaniam:  Rajeswari, We are in the process of finalising a minimum wage for security guard through the wages council mechanism . And a good announcement will be made within the next two months.
4:51
 S. Subramaniam:  Siti, we have 28,000 jobs registered in the job portal which is managed by my ministry. if you want to work within my ministry itself, unfortunately the power of apppointment is with the SPA and not with me
4:51
 [Comment From Lecturer]
Gd evening Datuk, can you comment on the following:
4:52
 [Comment From Lecturer]
Gd evening Datuk, can you comment on the following: Our employment contract says 20 hours teaching period per week as per MQA guideline. But employer force to teach more with just verbal promise of overtime pay. What should the employees do?
4:53
 S. Subramaniam:  Lecturer, you can come to the Labour Department and our officers will help you. If you work more than your contractual hours, you should be renumerated as per your contract.
4:53
 [Comment From Najee]
YB Datuk: Any figures on Malaysian workers in Singapore that have been retrenched and from which sector in particular?
4:55
 S. Subramaniam:  Najee, We tried hard to get these figures but unfortunately those retrenched do not report to us or the labour attache in Singapore or to our labour department. Your guess is good as mine.
4:55
 [Comment From oh yeah baby]
Dear YB Datuk, is there a possibility of another stimulus plan?
4:57
 S. Subramaniam:  Oh yeah baby, it all depends. If there is a real need the government might introduce another package
4:57
 [Comment From Chris Wang]
Dear YB, thanks for taking time out to chat with us. is there a levy going to be imposed on foreign workers starting in May 1st?i heard my Myanmarese friend say he is returning next month bcos he cannot afford the Rm3k + levy.
4:59
 S. Subramaniam:  Chris Wang, there has been a big hoo haa about this. We have had memorandums from various sectors. So the govt has temporarily withheld implementation of the levy increase to allow further consultation and dialogues with the various trade agencies. I will be meeting them soon and we will try to chart a strategy in realising the government’s intentions to reduce dependency on foreign labour
4:59
 [Comment From Najee]
YB Datuk: Do you have a blog?
5:05
 S. Subramaniam:  Najee. this will be the last question I will take.   I used to maintain my own blog when i had more time to myself. Now due to work consideration I find it difficult to maintain my own blog. I prefer not to allow others to maintain blogs for me. however, my ministry has a very comprehensive website with interactive facilities and we maintain a lot of communication through emails which are very readily responded to. My email address is s.subra@mohr.gov.my.
As a concluding remark for thsoe looking for and advertising jobs, please contact www.jobsmalaysia.gov.my.
Thank You
5:05
 Datuk S Subramaniam:  Thank you Datuk S Subramaniam for spending time with us on NSTLive. We hope to have Datuk again soon to field more questions from our on-line readers. Thank you to all on-line readers who have participated in this chat.
5:06 [Standby] The host is placing this Live Event into Standby Mode.

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Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian

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Happy New Year

April 14th, 2009
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Well, its been about 8 hours since we woke up to a new year. This year is known as Virodhi (means “enemy” in tamil), but hopefully it will be a good year for everyone. One Hindu priest says there’s nothing to fear:

This year is called Virodhi in Tamil. It means “enemy”.

But there is no need to fear that the Tamil New Year, which begins today, will bring death and destruction, assures Hindu priest Sivasri Thevaindran Gurukal.

Mother Earth is not expected to wreak havoc upon its inhabitants as no great natural disasters are expected.

The name Virodhi, according to Gurukal, indicates that this year will be a time when enmity takes a back seat and peace generally prevails.

However, on the political front, he said there would be instability, and changes in leaders and governments throughout the world.

The Tamil New Year, or Putthaandu, is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai.

Gurukal, reading from the Panchangam or almanac, said the year promises to be better for those who have been suffering.

“This goes for nations, businesses, groups, individuals and families. But it can only be achieved with the exercise of great patience and caution.”

Gurukal said although business would be slow and debts would increase, many new ideas, contracts and opportunities would open up.

He said families would become more cooperative, especially in view of the difficult times its members have gone through so far.

“There will be a lot of changes for individuals, including the birth of children and the arrival and achievement of things long wished for.”

Gurukal, however, warned that the political atmosphere in the country and worldwide would be most unstable with unexpected changes in governments and leaders.

He said in Malaysia, there could be some political change come September.

He said the positive thing was that, overall, people would have more say in the governance of nations.

“It is important to seek the advice and blessings of elders before making any new move,” he advised.

Incidentally, the Malayalees celebrate Vishu new year today as well, while the Sikhs celebrated Vasakhi yesterday. The days between 13 to 15 April is very significant in many parts of the world as man cultures celebrate it as new year or some other festival.

Let’s see what some other prominent figures say:

Mariamman Temple chairman Nadarajah:

Sri Mahamariamman Temple board chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said the Tamil new year, called Virothi, marked the beginning of the Chittirai month.

“All our temples will mark the new year with the abishegam or bathing of the deities at 6.30am followed by a special pooja,” he said.

This will be followed by the reading of the almanac or panjangam immediately after at the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Old Pudu Road temples here. The panjangam will, however, be read at the Batu Caves temple at 8pm tonight.

Nadarajah said ponggal, or sweet rice, will be prepared for devotees. The temple board will also distribute 10,000 copies of the new Tamil calendar to those attending the ceremonies.

Secretary of Sri Kandaswamy Temple:

G. Ganesan, the secretary of the Sri Kandaswamy Temple in Lorong Scott, Brickfields, said they would pray for the well-being of the Government and nation, especially since Malaysia has a new prime minister and Cabinet.

Malaysian Gurdwara Council president:

In Seremban, Malaysian Gurdwara Council president Malkith Singh said the Vasakhi celebrations at most gurdwara (Sikh places of worship) began on Sunday with the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy book. The Sikhs regard the Granth Sahib as their living Guru.

“Our non-Sikh friends are more than welcome to celebrate with us. Vegetarian meals will be served, and they can learn more about our culture and traditions,” he said.

Samy Vellu in NST:

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu extended greetings to Tamils, Malayalees and Sikhs celebrating their respective new year yesterday, and called on the Indian community to embrace the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the need for unity among Malaysians, particularly among Indians, was vital if “1Malaysia” was to become a reality.

“Unity is the top priority of the new administration and, as such, we as Malaysian Indians must do our part to assist in the unity process.

“We must have strong will and determination to make this happen for the sake of our country,” he said in a statement.

He said the MIC would lead the way in embracing the “1 Malaysia” concept by working with all sections of the Indian community and Indian-based non-governmental organisations.
“We have already embarked on this mission to ensure that the Indian community will have a stronger voice,” he said, urging Indians not to waste time quarrelling over petty and unproductive issues.

Samy Vellu said the government had promised to find new ways to resolve many problems affecting the Indian community “but we too have to work hard and become independent”.

Dr S Subra in NST:

MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the Tamil, Malayalee and Sikh communities have contributed immensely to the nation and that they have been instrumental in the Indian community becoming an advanced society on par with the other communities.

“We have come a long way but we must remain united to ensure peace and stability are sustained,” he said.

The human resources minister called on the Indian community to grab the many opportunities provided for it by the government “as failure to do so will result in us losing out”.

MHS President in NST:

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said that with all Indian groups celebrating their new year together this year, it was “definitely going to be an excellent opportunity for the 1Malaysia concept to start off”.

“Let us all pray together for peace and harmony in a united 1Malaysia,” he said and wished Tamils “Putthaandu Valthukkal”, Malayalees “Happy Vishu” and Sikhs “Happy Vasakhi”.

And of course, this year marks the beginning of new leadership in the country, and thus our new PM’s first wish for the Indian community:

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has extended greetings to Tamils, Malayalees and Sikhs who celebrate their respective new year today.

“I would like to wish you a wonderful and prosperous New Year and hope that the well-being of Malaysia and its people are in your prayers. Have a joyous New Year!” Prime Minister said in a statement yesterday.

Najib said the celebrations reminded him of the tremendous value of the country’s diversity.

Today, the Tamils celebrate “Varusha Pirappu“, the Malayalees “Vishu” and the Sikhs “Vaisakhi“.

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Posted in Indian, Religion

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