Posts Tagged ‘Penang’

Prof Ramasamy for all community

June 19th, 2008
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Reiterating his earlier statement, Prof Ramasamy clarifies that he represents all community, not only Indians. There have been heavy criticism from Indian DAP members themselves, which Prof attributed to a minority voice of discontent. There were also unhappiness when he supposedly said that “he did not represent the indian community”, which Prof Ramasamy denied.

 “However, they cannot expect us to resolve all the problems involving Indians overnight. We have to handle the situation delicately.

“I have been trying hard to change the mindset of not only the Indians, but also other races. We have adopted a multiracial approach to handling issues. I am an Indian, but I don’t hold an Indian affairs portfolio.

“Many Indians still come and see me because of their mindset that Rama (Ramasamy) is an Indian and he must be in charge of Indian affairs.

“I tell them, look, the state government represents all communities and if they have problems involving local government issues, they have to see the executive council member in charge of that.

“It is difficult to satisfy every wish of all segments of society, but we are trying our best. We are taking a gradual approach to right the wrongs and make Penang a glorious place to live in once again.”

source

schools construction delayed claims Penang CM

June 17th, 2008
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Earlier, we read how Hishamuddin, the Education Minister asks about Pakatan Rakyat states’ plans on creating more vernacular and Agama schools. He chided them, saying no plans or proposals have been submitted to Education Ministry, but many promises were made during election campaign.

This was followed by announcement of the ministry’s own to-be-drawn Mini-blueprint for such schools, something done after so long. And note the “to be drawn”.

Yesterday, Penang government said that schools construction had been delayed since land were handed over by state to the ministry. Penang CM urged the ministry to provide fast-track approval for additional schools.

“To make matters worse, the state government cannot reclaim the land ownership once it is given up. As such, I want the ministry to give its assurance that the construction works will start immediately after the land title is surrendered to the federal authorities,”

source

So, one one hand we have the Education Minister saying no plans are forthcoming from Pakatan held states, while on the other hand we have Penang Chief Minister saying construction works are delayed after land had been given to the Ministry.

And the people will still be waiting for new school.

penang religious panel

May 26th, 2008
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Not sure who are the rest of the committee members, so we can’t really comment on how these 4 will impact the decision-making. Since its mentioned that previous state government had formed the panel, we can see that more responsibility for the state assemblymen. I hope they don’t suffer a burnout soon.

I think its high time for someone to keep track of the all the posts each assemblymen is holding coz I’m losing count.

That aside, we obviously we hope that with the addition of the assemblymen, future places of worship problems will not arise or will be solved amicably.


Four reps appointed to religious panel

source

THE Penang Government has appointed four state assembly-men from different religions to the Non-Muslim Worship Committee, a state body that deals with complaints and disputes regarding non-Muslim institutions. They are state Town, Country Planning and Housing Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (Air Itam), state Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow (Padang Kota), Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman A. Tanasekharan (Bagan Dalam) and Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat). Wong, who heads the committee, is a Buddhist while, Chow is a Christian, Tanasekharan a Hindu and Jagdeep Singh a Sikh.

Wong said the committee would deal directly with government agencies to expedite the handling of disputes and issues. “There are many issues when it comes to religion. The committee’s job is to help settle disputes regarding land issues, the location of new temples, churches and gurdwaras, cemetery placements and all other issues that affect non-Muslim religions,” he said.  He said the past state administration had formed the committee and the appointment of the assemblymen was done at the state exco meeting last Friday.

When asked about the Gurdwara Sahib Bayan Baru Association’s appeal for a 0.4ha piece of land adjoining the Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas, Wong said Jagdeep Singh had highlighted the issue to the committee and they were currently waiting for relevant government agencies to provide reports.

Spectacle Debacle

May 7th, 2008
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Simple activity to help poor students also can be publicised and make headlines. For past few years the same activity was done without any concern for disruption of school activities. Suddenly, the activity is asked not proceed. Very fishy! » Read more: Spectacle Debacle

Prof Ramasamy replies to critics

April 27th, 2008
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After being criticized by the party members,  Prof Ramasamy replies. I mentioned that the grassroot members may not be interested in the high level agreements and strategies. Now it seems that this voice of discontent is just a minority. Whatever it is, i think it points to problems that may duplicate BN later. Those who enter politics (and political parties) most likely have personal ambition. It will easy to get a group of people roused up and protest. Thus, Prof Ramasamy and his team should ensure all decisions and issues are clearly explained to members at all levels. I think he needs more people to help him out. If not, his position can be jeopardised. » Read more: Prof Ramasamy replies to critics