Posts Tagged ‘Politicians’

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

Devamany criticises Hishamuddin over Tamil schools land

June 18th, 2008
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Looks like Devamany has the same opinion as me 🙂 He subtly hits back at Hishamuddin by saying that:

THE ruling Barisan Nasional Government should work proactively to allocate land for Tamil schools first, before asking Pakatan Rakyat state governments to allocate such land.

He said many Tamil schools were situated on private land and the Barisan Government should take over these schools and convert them into fully aided ones.

source 

Earlier, Hishamuddin was questioning non-action by Pakatan states on land allocation for vernacular and religious schools.

Hopefully he is not reprimanded again.

Samy not revealing successor

June 17th, 2008
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I saw the interview on “Karathu Kaalam” (Saturday 6-7pm, TV2, 14 June), but only from halfway. Interestingly, the survey done via the show indicates that more than 86% of the voters want a MIC leader who can speak Tamil fluently as one of the criteria.

Samy was calm and jovial at times, throughout the interview, conducted by Paandithurai. He tried to captivate the audience with flowery Tamil, but looking at the comments from viewers scrolling on the TV, not so successful. Many of the comments looke like came from MIC members (as indicated on the messages).

Samy highlights th criteria to be the MIC’s numero uno:

  • must prove to have the party and the people’s interests at heart.
  • must earn the trust and respect of party members
  • must have displayed leadership qualities and people-oriented
  • must be near the people, communicate with them, know and resolve their problems and have the peoples interests in his or her heart

He reiterated his retirement date is in 2012, meaning another term as President is imminent. » Read more: Samy not revealing successor

Education Ministry to draw mini blueprint

June 16th, 2008
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Hmm…Education Minister can ask others about their plans, but own ministry now only  “WOULD” draw up a special “MINI-blueprint”. Reminds me of the a 50 years old gigantic pot calling the 100-days old small kettle black.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the ministry would draw up a special “mini-blueprint” focusing on the development of various types of schools receiving capital grants. This, he said, would be incorporated into the main blueprint to form a complete masterplan and would ensure that the schools receive the same attention as national schools.

“This shows how much we value Chinese schools, Tamil schools, mission schools and religious schools. “This is part of comprehensive measures my ministry is taking to help all students, regardless of what type of school they come from,” he said.

… According to Hishammuddin, the mini-blueprint will address the welfare and development needs of the schools. Aspects such as the development of basic facilities, allocation of land for building new schools, upgrading of infrastructure and other financial needs will be looked into.

source

Perhaps that’s what Samy meant when he announced recently that Education Ministry “agreed in principle” that all Tamil schools will be converted to fully-aided status. Meanwhile, PPP’s Deputy Minister Murugiah is busy talking about Tamil Schools Fund. What is actually happening? Can these two parties sit down and talk first before making further announcements that may confuse the community?

No merger with IPF says Samy

June 15th, 2008
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Samy clarified that IPF should not merge with MIC since some of its (IPF) members were not ready, and that the IPF should instead support MIC. He further said that IPF should remain as a political to “carry out the aspirations and dreams of Pandithan”. As for IPF’s ambition to join BN, well I don’t think so Samy is that charitable! 🙂

It remains to be seen if IPF can also “rebrand” itself like many of the BN coalition members. It has good reasons to do so – lost its charismatic leader, party is being led by Pandithan’s widow at the moment, and its in limbo, since its support for BN had not seen any positive effects in the last election.

IPF can take this opportunity to join Pakatan as well. But Pakatan will not accept a raced-based party. They can merge with PKR or DAP. Or dissolve and join Gerakan or PPP if we look at BN.

It depends on the next General Assembly. Will Pandithan’s wife stand for presidency or make for others? Will there be a split in the party?