Posts Tagged ‘UMNO’

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khairy complains paper not deliver on deepavali

November 10th, 2007
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Khairy: Only the needy should enjoy subsidies
Andrew Ong
Nov 8, 07 4:08pm
source
Umno Youth has urged the government to revamp how it subsidises various areas of the economy in order to ensure that only the needy and deserving receive such privileges.

The Youth wing’s deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin said that at present every Malaysian enjoys government subsidies in areas such as electricity, water, fuel and essential food items.

In all, the government had to foot RM35 billion, or 25 percent of government income, lamented Khairy during the debate on economy and education at the Umno assembly today.

He said the present situation would cause wastages as subsidies have made certain commodities too cheap.

“Imagine: A pakcik on a motorbike pays RM1.92 for a litre of petrol. A towkay in a Mercedes-Benz pays the same price. Why? Why must we subsidise those who are already rich?” asked Khairy.

He said continuing government subsidy efforts would be a burden on the country’s finance in the long run and ways must be found for equitable distribution of subsidies.

Give warning before removing subsidies

But Khairy urged the government to give prior warning before removing subsidies so that the masses can prepare themselves.

“Please give a little bit of notice. Don’t wait until the 11th hour to make an announcement,” he said.

On education, Khairy said Umno Youth suggested that the government improves the standard of English classes in schools instead of using the language as a medium of instruction for science and maths.

Khairy said the objectives of teaching science and maths in English were noble but it had not achieved the desired results.

“It was supposed to improve the command of English. It was supposed to improve the performance of students in maths and English. Instead, their performance worsen,” said Khairy.

On Oct 30, Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein announced that the government would not force students sitting for public examinations to only use English in science and math.

The controversial move was first mooted by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2002.

Be part of supply chain

On Malay entrepreneurs, Khairy said the Malays lack control of the supply chain and this explains their poor standing in various industries.

“Today is the first time the Umno president’s speech is not being read by the masses because a particular ethnic group controls the distribution line of newspapers and they are on holiday,” he said.

Khairy was referring to ‘no publication’ day of almost all the major newspapers in Peninsular Malaysia as it was the Deepavali holiday.

Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had yesterday delivered his annual presidential address yesterday but it was only carried in Utusan Malaysia, Kosmo and Oriental Daily today.

He was using this as an example of how the Malays are often at the bottom of the supply chain.

“If you look at the distribution network, all is control by a certain race. We have always allow this distribution network to be controlled by one race. Only today, we know the implication. This is because we did not control the distribution network.”

While he did not name the ethnic group which control the distribution network, it is an open secret that Indian Malaysians made up the majority of the newspaper vendors.

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SRK Tamil Ladang Bukit Jalil new site surrounded by proposed cemetery

November 9th, 2007
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This school became famous due to the frequent flood that happened (read more here and here) and the slack work by DBKL. The parents got together to repair the drains and other maintenance works. As usual, after highlighted in media, MIC and govt sprang into action. The education ministry provided alternative land…which turns out to be small (with no field) and surrounded by cemetery.

Now, try convincing me that all the speeches at UMNO Assembly yesterday about being "sensitive to others", "we are all Malaysians", etc. are really true.

Quoting PM's speech: "Malaysia is a nation for all races and there is a future for every citizen" and "Issues must be addressed on the basis of the interests of the nation and the Malaysian people as a whole."

More quotes: “We are ready to seek intelligent resolutions and win-win solutions when dealing with sensitive issues relating to race and religion,” he said.

Let's leave out the race issue (it being a Tamil school), and consider if any sane person would put a school in such a place. I'm being Malaysian and questioning the logic of this move. This really takes the cake: "When contacted, Kuala Lumpur City Hall said the plans for the cemetery reserve land had not been finalised and that so far no complaints had been received." Need to for complaint ahh..? Where's your common sense la? Makes one wonder what these people been eating for food!

From wet to eerie for Tamil school

By : Evangeline Majawat and Choong En Han
source

Proposed location of SRKT Ladang Bukit Jalil

KUALA LUMPUR: The joy of moving into a new and better school was short-lived when parents of the pupils found out the site will be on reserve land for cemeteries. 

Less than a month ago, the Education Ministry approved RM650,000 to build a new school for SRK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil which had been hit by floods five times in September. But the site for the new school, which is about 1km away from the present site, is on a large plot of land reserved for burial grounds. Parents were initially enthusiastic when Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu announced the relocation on Oct 16, as the 60-year-old school was in a state of dilapidation, especially after the floods. "We were shocked to find out that the new school will be surrounded by cemeteries," Ladang Bukit Jalil resident action committee secretary Thiakarjan Sathasivam, 54, said.

"It's unthinkable how the authorities can allocate such a piece of land. How do they expect the children to learn in such an environment?" To make matters worse, space is limited as the new school building would be alongside a temple on a 0.4ha plot. This is small in comparison to the surrounding burial grounds. The cemetery reserve land will be segmented according to the different religions: two cemeteries for Muslims (9.6ha); Buddhists (3.3ha); Christians (0.5ha); Hindus (0.4ha); and other religions (0.17ha). A detention centre will stand in the midst of the Muslim burial ground. "The land is so small, and shared with a temple too. There is also no field for the children to play." Thiakarjan said that the authorities should allot at least 5ha for the new school building. "The dead should be respected and a school should not be placed in the midst of dead people."

A parent, who declined to be named, is worried of the effect on the pupils. "No parent would want to send their children to study in such a setting. "Psychologically, the kids will be affected. These children seem to be discriminated because of their simple background," said the mother of two.

When contacted, Kuala Lumpur City Hall said the plans for the cemetery reserve land had not been finalised and that so far no complaints had been received. A visit to the present school site by New Straits Times found that the construction of the detention centre was under way. The empty plot beside the school was full of rubbish and a breeding ground for vectors.

Yasotharan Rajandren, 11, a pupil of SRK (T) Ladang Bukit Jalil said it was common for snakes and rats to enter the classroom. Yasotharan also said mosquitoes were abundant in the area. Flats and an upcoming gated community lie on the fringes of the proposed burial grounds.

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PM says react with moderation over religious issues

November 1st, 2007
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this really takes the cake. coming from the very person who did not entertain top leader of indian community, pembela rakyat india di malaysia who went to meet him at shah alam.

Abdullah also pointed out non-Muslims also had their religious sensitivities. (yah..like smashing up deities).

“So it is important that we all take great care in what we say and ensure what we say is always right and moderate. We don’t have to be harsh in our words or go overboard even though we feel angry and hurt,” he said, adding that his message was also meant for the non-Muslims. 

“Even though many things are not right, what is important is that we discuss things among each other. Muslims must work to make others understand them (wow…what does that imply in the case of selangor MB and the MBSA?). Religious tolerance is when everyone understands what is happening and takes the correct action,” he said.

well…as vaigai puyal says.."ennai vechi komedi kimidi pannelele…"

thanks for the joke, pak lah.

React with moderation over religious issues, says PM

source

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims should react with care and moderation even though they are rightfully hurt and angered by insensitivities to their religion.  

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said religion was a sensitive matter to everyone and Malaysians should be thankful that they are able to honour religious sensitivities so as not to create a situation that benefited no one. 

He noted that there were cases such as the caricature of Prophet Muhammad which had rightfully angered Muslims around the world, and they reacted strongly with outrage. 

“Those of other religions did not understand the strong reaction by Muslims and asked why it was such a big deal. We do not regard it as small matter but as a serious one. 

“The Muslims’ reaction reflected their frustration over the episode not because they were being emotional but because they took it as an insult to Islam and reacted spontaneously,” he said when closing the National Umno Religious Bureau Chairmen Conference here yesterday, where he also launched the Umno religious bureau website and bulletin. 

Abdullah also pointed out non-Muslims also had their religious sensitivities. 

“So it is important that we all take great care in what we say and ensure what we say is always right and moderate. We don’t have to be harsh in our words or go overboard even though we feel angry and hurt,” he said, adding that his message was also meant for the non-Muslims. 

“Even though many things are not right, what is important is that we discuss things among each other. Muslims must work to make others understand them. Religious tolerance is when everyone understands what is happening and takes the correct action,” he said.

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Makkal Osai under fire for insulting picture of Jesus and PM disappointed

August 24th, 2007
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I'm sure most would have known about this issue already, and the zealousness of MIC and MCCBCHST to condemn fiercely. MIC Youth even had time to prepare a four-page memorandum. Kudos to them 🙂
 
This is one of the few moments where MIC can get some coverage in the papers. The Star, NST and The Sun (all reproduced below) all carried news on comments by various parties. Two of them accepted the apology – Council of Churces and Archbishop of KL.
 
Our PM also mentioned his dissapointment today in Star :
 

Do not mock any religion or its teachings as these are sensitive issues, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has reminded all Malaysians. "Do not do things which may offend the believers of other religions … this is not good,” he said. … “This can make the Christians unhappy. Muslims too cannot tolerate such things.” 

 
and he took task Makkal Osai in the NST :
 

Abdullah, who also heads the Internal Security Ministry, said publishers had a professional and moral duty to be more sensitive towards religious beliefs and issues. Abdullah was clearly upset over the matter, saying the blunder should not have occurred in a multi-religious society like Malaysia’s.

"I am sure the Christians, as we Muslims, cannot accept this," he said. "Do not do anything to upset religious followers," he said.

The prime minister did not say whether action would be taken against Makkal Osai. But he stressed that the government had always reminded publishers to treat religious matters with caution.

 
 
Worst may yet come, since drawing of prophet's images/caricatures are forbidden in Islam.  This applies to all their prophets, including Nabi Isa (Jesus) (from what I understand).. Hope there's no complaint from UMNO or some other muslim persons/organisations or Makkal Osai may find themselves in hot soup.

Anyway, I suppose the burning question among most Indians is where was MIC/MCCBCHST when all those conversion, illegal kidnapping and separation, and otehr religious issues were happening? Conveniently missing?

 

THE STAR: source

Tamil daily says sorry over Jesus pic

KUALA LUMPUR: A Tamil daily has apologised for using a picture of Jesus Christ, downloaded from the Internet, to highlight the sayings of great sages and leaders. Makkal Osai expressed regret for using the picture to depict the sayings under “Today’s Thoughts” on the top left hand corner of the front page on Tuesday. “We apologise for the grave mistake. We also want to apologise if we have hurt anyone’s feelings,” the paper said in page two. On the front page on Tuesday, the daily printed a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a canned drink (which looked like beer) in the other with the quote: “If a person repents his mistakes, heaven awaits him.”  

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism has urged the authorities to take action against the paper for hurting the feelings of the Christian community in the country. Its president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the Home Affairs Ministry should investigate Makkal Osai and take necessary action against those responsible for publishing the “shameful” picture.  

In Putrajaya, the MIC Youth handed over a four-page memorandum on the matter to Ravin Ponniah, special officer (policy) to the Prime Minister, at the premier’s office. A police report has also been lodged.

NST: source

Uproar over picture of Jesus holding beer

KUALA LUMPUR: A police report was lodged yesterday against a Tamil newspaper for publishing a front-page picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a can of beer in the other. The report, lodged by a Puchong MIC member at the Tun H.S. Lee police station, alleged that the picture was a "threat to national harmony".

Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily, printed the picture in its Tuesday’s edition with a caption quoting Christ as saying: "If someone repents for his mistakes, then heaven awaits them." The daily apologised for the publication, but the MIC is not letting the matter rest. Deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel urged the Internal Security Ministry to act against the newspaper for hurting the feelings of Christians in the country.

The MIC Youth submitted a four-page memorandum to the prime minister’s office asking the government to revoke Makkal Osai’s publication permit.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) also called for action against the newspaper. MCCBCHS president Datuk A. Vaithilingam expressed surprise that the newspaper could commit such a grave mistake.

The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Murphy Pakiam, said the picture of the sacred heart of Jesus depicts his burning love for all people. "It is very sacred to Catholics. As such, this caricature of Jesus is a desecration and therefore hurtful to the religious sentiments of Catholics," Pakiam said. Pakiam said he had received an explanation and apology from Makkal Osai and he was satisfied with it and considered the matter closed.

Meanwhile, Makkal Osai general manager S. M. Periasamy said the offending picture published on its front page was "a mistake". "We admit that we made a mistake by publishing the picture. This was not intentionally done. We would never want to hurt the feelings of Christians in this country. We really regret this," he said. He explained that the paper carried daily quotes from great world leaders on its front page. The quote for that day was from Jesus Christ, and the picture accompanying the words was sourced from the Internet.

The Sun: source

MCCBCHS wants action against Tamil daily for Jesus Christ pic
PUTRAJAYA (Aug 22, 2007): The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) wants the authorities to investigate a Tamil newspaper which published on its front page a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and what looks like a beer can in the other.

Its president Datuk A. Vaithilingam wants the Internal Ministry to act against those responsible for the publication of the picture. Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily, printed the picture on yesterday with a caption quoting Jesus Christ roughly as saying "if someone repents for his mistakes, then heaven awaits them". The daily apologised today for the publication. "Firstly, I'm surprised as to how they could make that mistake … it is a grave mistake. Newspapers should avoid publishing this kind of pictures as it causes hurt to people of that religion," Vaithilingam said.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia took a harder stance calling for a ban on Makkal Osai, saying that a precedent had been set. "When two newspapers published a caricature of Prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb-shaped turban early last year, the government took immediate action banning the two newspapers. Now we have this and they, too, should be served the same punishment as a lesson to others," Bishop Julious Paul said. He said the newspaper's apology was not enough as the publication of the picture "looked deliberate and unacceptable". Terming the publication of the picture as mischievous, he also wanted the newspaper to publish an apology in all the major newspapers, Malaysia's national news agency Bernama reported today.

MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel wanted the ministry to act against the paper "to drive home a clear message as religion is something which cannot be made fun of".

MIC Youth submitted a four-page memorandum to the Prime Minister's office asking the government to revoke Makkal Osai's publication permit. Puchong MIC member Peter Sinnappan, 37, lodged a police report at the Tun H.S. Lee police station in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Murphy Pakiam said the picture of the sacred heart of Jesus was very sacred to Catholics as it depicts the heart of Jesus burning with love and tenderness for all people. He said the Makkal Osai picture is a desecration and, therefore, hurtful to the religious sentiments of Catholics. "It is certainly in bad taste for the editor of Makkal Osai to publish such a picture, although the message in the accompanying words is an attempt to call repentant sinners to hope and salvation," he said in a statement here.

Council of Churches Malaysia secretary-general Rev Herman Shastli said they accepted the Tamil daily's public apology and consider the case closed.

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much ado about namewee and his negara ku ku

August 20th, 2007
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the current controversy related to student Wee Meng Chee who posted a rap parody of national anthem is very much in the spotlight. the AG is looking at pressing charges, while some like Gelang Patah Umno Youth calling for stripping of citizenship, and other asking him to be forgiven and counselled.
 
as the attention is diverted to insulting national anthem, not many are focused on the real issues – which is dissatisfaction of chinese youths on some of the issues as mentioned by Johor Bahru MP below.
 
the clip is in youtube and have been viewed nearly a million times (about 3 days ago).
 
anyway, expect him to be charged – may be fine and prison, or at very least a suspended sentence, if can.
 
some of the people who seen it appreciated his creativity. lots of chinese students support him. pity he chose the wrong song and ended up in hot water.
 
MP: Song is about youth narrating his problems

JOHOR BARU: The controversial “Negarakuku” is a song of a Malaysian youth narrating his problems and expectations, Johor Baru MP Shahrir Samad said. 

He said it was more important to look at the messages delivered by the song made by Taiwan-based student Wee Meng Chee, 24. 

“He expressed the youths’ point of view for all to pay attention to,” he said. 

Shahrir said Wee had brought up police corruption and problems faced by Chinese independent schools' students. 

“It is a fact known by all of us that those who graduated from these schools cannot enter local universities because the education systems are different ,” he said. 

Wee caused a furore with his “Negarakuku” rap video clip with several quarters condemning him for mocking the national  

anthem and making offensive statements. 

“Now, we should check if he has violated any Act or if the content is seditious. 

“I am not sure if it is wrong to sing the national anthem in such a way according to the law,” he said after flagging off 110 bikers who took part in the Segamat Bikers’ Johor Ride here yesterday. 

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said if action was instituted against Meng Chee for his controversial video clip, action must also be taken against others who incite hate. 

He added that the feelings expressed in the video clip must be taken seriously as they reflect the sentiments of Chinese youth. 

However, he felt that Meng Chee’s method was not right.

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