Minister gives unprecedented second reply to same question

The Star (10/7/08): Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop made history in the Malaysian parliament after he became the first Cabinet member to return to the House to deliver a reply for a second time.

The minister, who had replied to points raised on his portfolio on Tuesday, had to return due to “popular demand” from MPs, including Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN - Batu Pahat), Azmin Ali (PKR - Gombak) and Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS - Shah Alam).

Nor Mohamed's move, which was allowed by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, was heckled by other MPs.

He started off his reply this time around by saying that he was willing to come back and explain the Government’s policies and also listen to suggestions and criticisms.

However, Nor Mohamed said he also did not want to create a precedent with his appearance for the second time in the House, noting that 19 other ministers were supposed to present speeches after him.

Later in the lobby, Nor Mohamed denied that his first reply had been inadequate, forcing his return.

“My answer on Tuesday was adequate. Just that there wasn’t enough time,” he said.

Earlier, Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN - Sri Gading) complained to Pandikar Amin that Nor Mohamed’s return disrupted the Dewan’s schedule and that replies from other ministries should have been given priority.

Pandikar Amin said Nor Mohamed wrote to the Dewan secretary to say that he was willing to come back and reply again.

“There is nothing to stop him from coming back and continuing with his answer. I didn’t make a ruling to call him back. It was what some of the MPs wanted.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP - Ipoh Timur) said this was the first time a minister had returned to the house to reply for a second time.

Shabery: SAPP members shouldn't follow Yong

Daily Express (24/6/08): Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) were voted in on the Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket in the March 8 election and as such should be more responsible and uphold BN discipline, said Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said it was not the BN way to question its leadership.

"Like in a family, it is not right for a member to talk bad about the family to outsiders, what more to cooperate with enemies of the family just because they promised better things.

"If the SAPP MPs feel they need to serve the people, they have no other choice but to remain in BN. They must take a different path from their own leader, who has gone against the BN top leadership," he told reporters at Parliament lobby, Monday.

Ahmad Shabery, who is also Kemaman MP, said SAPP MPs must make a stand whether to accept their leader's action or respect the wishes of the people for them to serve under BN.

SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee recently announced that the party had lost confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and that its two MPs, Datuk Eric Majimbum (Sepanggar) and Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau), would support a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah in Parliament.

However, when asked about the presence of the two MPs in Parliament, Ahmad Shabery said: "I have yet to see them."

Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said to date, the Speaker's office had yet to receive any notification about a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the passage of a motion on the increase in the price of fuel and other goods in the Dewan Rakyat Monday, is a reflection of the strong support by Barisan Nasional (BN) members towards the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Government.

Shabery said the motion, which was passed through block voting - with 129 members voted for and 78 against - was a very important motion and could be regarded as a vote of confidence on the Government and the PM.

"We are grateful as majority of members of the House supported the motion. This does not mean the Government don't care for the people because if this motion is not approved, the Government will bear huge costs and may run into debt.

"This shows that BN is still strong and solid and will remain so until the next election."

Commenting on proposal by PAS MP for Shah Alam, Khalid Abd Samad, that tender be opened to foreign oil exploration companies, Ahmad Shabery said it was an unpatriotic proposal.

Meanwhile Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abd Samad, when met by reporters, said Petronas was still the oil company which had contributed immensely to the country's revenue.

He said the tabling of the motion was to give the chance to the Dewan Rakyat to garner support from the opposition members to come together and tackle whatever challenges facing the country.

Iskandar Malaysia draws RM33b investment

The Edge Daily (26/6/08): The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has registered investments totalling RM33 billion or 70% of the RM47 billion target set for Iskandar Malaysia under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz.

“This figure is derived from contractual agreements, and not memoranda of understanding (MoU), with the IRDA,” he said in his reply to questions from Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (Batu Pahat-BN), Tony Pua (Petaling Jaya Utara-DAP), Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor-PAS), Khalid Abdul Samad (Shah Alam-PAS), Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed (Pulai-BN) and Hamim Samuri (Ledang-BN).

Amirsham said six foreign companies from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have invested in Iskandar Malaysia.

They include Kuwait Finance House, Aldar Properties PJSC, Mubadala Development Company, Millennium Development Company, Damac and Limitless Dubai.

Local investors include UEM Group, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Tradewinds Bhd and Lido Boulevard.

“All investments, be it local or foreign, are required to follow all policies and regulations set by the federal and state governments. This will be monitored continuously by the state government and IRDA,” Amirsham said.

He also told the House the total investment included RM4.3 billion from the government for infrastructure development while the rest were from the private sector and government-linked companies.

On the rights of landowners, Amirsham assured the lawmakers the government would protect the rights of landowners in all development corridors.

“No landowner will be forced to sell their land, but it must be noted that they are free to sell their land on the willing-buyer and willing-seller concept,” he said, adding all matters related to sale of land in any corridor were under the purview of the state government concerned.

To a supplementary question, Amirsham said efforts were underway to improve security in the Iskandar area.

He said the government has approved an allocation for more police officers and crime prevention in the area.

“We are also negotiating with a joint committee in Singapore for feedback and to encourage Singapore to avoid describing the IRDA or Johor as unsafe,” he added.

Some 'isms' to brighten up the day

Malay Mail (25/6/08): Proceedings in the House yesterday were mostly overshadowed by what was happening outside at the lobby or, rather, what was not happening (see accompanying analysis), but Members were unfazed at Question Time since the cameras were rolling anyway.

Khairy Jamaluddin (BNRembau), fresh from his scrape the day before, rose on a question of corruption to rail against the Selangor government.

“Lord Acton said power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he began. “My question is: What is the result of the Anti-Corruption Agency’s (ACA) investigation into the corruption scandal involving the Selangor Menteri Besar? “Is this good governance? And what makes matters worse is the fact that the officer being investigated was suspended for two months yesterday, and has since resigned because he has no faith in the Menteri Besar.” Amidst thumping on the government benches, the words “ECM Libra” and “Avenue Capital ” issued from somewhere in the vicinity of Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) and rang throughout the House.

(In 2005, Khairy was involved in a controversial merger of financial houses ECM Libra Capital Bhd and Avenue Capital Resources Bhd a government- linked company - but was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Public Accounts Committee on Aug 10 last year. On Aug 12, Khairy disposed of his interest in ECM Libra, but his name is still frequently mentioned in connection with that issue.) Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (PKR-Bandar Tun Razak) was present in the House yesterday but responded to Khairy’s attack with a shrug, probably for the better since he has proven himself barely capable of stuttering his speeches in the House.

Khairy then had to give way to Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas) who provided a perfunctory answer on behalf of the Prime Minister that proved to be of no account.

Things livened up considerably, however, when Khalid Abd Samad (Pas-Shah Alam) rose on a point of order after Question Time ended.

Referring to his speech the previous day, in which Khalid said Petronas was being subsidised by the people, the first term parliamentarian reported that he had since been censured by Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (BNKemaman).

“The minister says that I made a traitorous statement.

In my speech yesterday (debating his brother’s motion on the price increases) it appears that my proposals were interpreted as an attempt to betray our national interests and to hand over our natural resources to foreign oil companies.

“This is a ‘tipuisme’ and ‘keliruisme’ (‘cheatism’ and ‘confusionism’).

‘Isms’ championed by the Barisan Nasional,” he declared, ridiculing the pseudo-intellectual habit of adding “isms” to every other word.

Barisan members, to their credit, began shouting wildly and matters went swiftly out of control despite Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Ja’afar’s impassioned speech, just moments before, for better Parliamentary standards.

Once order resumed, the House settled to debate various sleep-inducing Bills (the most interesting one, dealing with revisions to judicial pensions, was postponed).

At lunch, however, MPs became disconcerted by the lack of media attention given to them outside the chamber. A delegation of Kuala Lumpur MPs trotted up to the Media Centre, only to discover that the Press boycott included them as well.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen (BN-Raub) also sent her staff to the Press room to determine why no one was interested in her, and the Information Ministry was forced to postpone the launch of its website “to a date yet to be determined”. (U En-Ng )

Lobby ban leads to boycott

Malay Mail (25/6/08): Lobby correspondents were yesterday appalled by Parliamentary officials’ decision to bar journalists from the lobby, which has been for decades one of the chief points of contact between the Third and Fourth Estates.

The move comes on the heels of an order, issued on June 20, to limit Press representation to five each per agency.

Citing concerns about “chaos ”, Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Ja’afar told an outraged Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) that the decision to remove the Press from the lobby was reached by a consensus of himself, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee.

“I visited the House of Commons (in London) and never once witnessed the same kind of chaos there,” he said, “and likewise (there was no disorder) when I attended Congress in the United States, the Western Australian Parliament in Perth, and the Federal Australian Parliament in Canberra." The government backbench thumped their support, and several MPs, notably Datuk Lilah Yassin (BN-Jempol) and Datuk Dr Mohd Shahrom Osman (BN-Lipis) shouted for Lim to sit down and not waste the House’s time with what they apparently considered to be a trivial matter.

Within minutes, however, the Barisan backbench provided journalists in the chamber a startling display of Parliamentary conduct when mayhem broke out during a point of order raised by Khalid Abdul Samad (Pas-Shah Alam).

Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), responding to jibes from N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai), shouted repeatedly at the latter to “go drink toddy” - a remark that in the last sitting occasioned some humour, but today had decidedly confrontational overtones.

Wan Junaidi was unable to impose within the House the order he would have liked to see outside in the lobby, and MPs spent considerable time hurling insults at each other in a display of decorum very far from the idea of a “first-world parliament” that has lately been bandied about.

Given the lobby ban, the Press ordered a general boycott of all corridor reportage -- such as lobby correspondence had become -- and victims of the voluntary action included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and other ministers, as well as opposition MPs.

Clearly, no one expected an immediate retaliation from the parliamentary correspondents: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz described himself as a mere intermediary in the matter between parliamentary authorities and journalists.

Some MPs, however, would have none of it. A few minutes before the House reconvened after lunch, 15 members of the Barisan Backbenchers Club, led by Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), removed the cordon around the lobby.

Bung Mokhar’s reasoning was thus: Parliamentary administrative authorities had not informed backbenchers of the Press restrictions, and the Sabah MP said he saw no reason now to inform the same authorities of the barrier’s removal.

As a matter of principle, however, the Press still refused to cross the now imaginary boundary. Besides, an official decision from the authorities was still wanting.

Minutes later in the House, Pandikar Amin got himself into a long and heated argument with Karpal Singh (DAPBukit Gelugor), Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) and others who sought an explanation for the controversy.

Ignoring the issue of the cordon, Pandikar Amin claimed that media agencies were not instructed to limit their representation in Parliament, and that letters had been sent to editors merely to seek their views on the matter.

He also cited security issues and the difficulty security staff apparently had in establishing the identity of journalists in spite of mandatory identification tags issued by the Information Department, and strict procedures on entering the building.

These reasons may have satisfied Members in the House, who subsided back into a dry debate of a Bill to amend the Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority Act.

The question of principle, however, remained: Parliamentary authorities had cited a desire to impose “first-world parliamentary standards” that required an end to the “chaos” of reporters asking difficult questions of Ministers and parliamentarians.

This concern is both misguided as well as inimical to the democratic practices of the same first-world parliament we are trying so desperately to achieve and, if the conduct of MPs in debate yesterday morning was any measure, standards of conduct ought first to be observed within the House, rather than in the lobby.

Parliamentary reportage exists not merely to repeat the carefully vetted official statements of our leaders, but also to evaluate and comment on their views in the interest of the public; that much should be obvious to even the least politically astute.

Access to elected representatives for this purpose is a fundamental necessity to any informed democracy, and while news agencies can certainly request statements from Ministries and the offices of other politicians, access to public information, and the opinions of government and opposition leaders, is a fundamental duty, as well as the basic right, of every journalist. (U En Ng)

Now, media barred from Parliament lobby

The Star (25/6/08): In another move that has journalists infuriated, the Parliament administration slapped a ban on them entering the lobby.

More than 100 representatives from various media organisations were allowed at a small corner, where press conferences are normally held.

The journalists retaliated by reporting only on events in the House while boycotting events held at the lobby. These included one press conference by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and two meetings by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Parliament Affairs Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz was quick to response: “I am the intermediary between the legislative and the executive, I am not involved.”

Out with the red tape: Barisan MPs removing the tape that cordoned off journalists from entering the Parliament lobby area on Tuesday.

On Friday, the Parliament administration faxed a notice to media organisations after 5pm on a new measure - limiting the number of pressmen covering Parliament to five at any one time effective from Monday. It cited security reasons.

Yesterday, red tape was used to cordon off the lobby with security guards stationed in the area. Only non-press members and civil servants were allowed in.

Pressmen, thus, only had access to the cafeteria, the small corner for press conferences and the Speaker’s office. They had none to the lounge meant for MPs, the cubicles for ministers, the bridge linking the lobby to the next building where the Prime Minister’s Office is located, mobile post offices and ATM machines.

In the House, some MPs fought for the journalists. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP - Bagan), for instance, raised the matter with the Chair, saying the ban did not reflect on freedom of press nor showcased the institution as a “first-world Parliament”.

“Restricting them to a corner like that will make it troublesome to get explanations from the ministers on the various government policies.

“I feel the House is not according proper respect to its role,” he added.

To this, Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told Guan Eng that the Chair had discussed the matter after the previous Parliament meeting.

“We decided there should be more order in the lobby,'' he said, promising to bring the matter up with Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and deputy Datuk Ronald Kiandee. An announcement is expected either today or tomorrow.

He, however, disagreed with Guan Eng that the ban be revoked while the decision was still pending.

Later at about 3pm, Pandikar Amin said he was awaiting replies from editors on the number of reporters required at Parliament. “If five reporters are not sufficient and they need 10, then I need them to explain to me why,” he said.

“There are people who are out to gain political mileage on this issue.

“I may not be popular in this matter,” he said to Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang (DAP - Ipoh Timor), Karpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Gelugor) and the other MPs who had raised the matter.

Karpal Singh said in his 26 years as MP, he had yet to witness such restrictions.

Kit Siang said the ban made it seem as if reporters were dangerous animals. “This has made the Malaysian Parliament a world news item. We want an open Parliament.”

Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) later interrupted the debate on the Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority Bill by bringing up the issue.

“Point of Order. Which rule is being referred to block journalists from covering (Parliament)? In 50 years this has never happened.

“Their work is affected,'' he added.

President of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia Norila Mohd Daud said: “The action is unprecedented and has only outraged journalists and media practitioners.”

She said the new ruling appeared to be puzzling and irrational.

Boycott Timeline

9.30am: Reporters arrived at Parliament lobby to discover that red tapes were used to cordon off the main part of the lobby and there were security guards around.

Reporters, photographers and camera crew were only allowed to at a small corner where press conferences used to be held. Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) was at lobby and spoke to reporters separated by the red tape.

Consensus reached among pressmen to boycott press conferences held at the lobby.

10.30am: When Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) and Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) expressed their intention to hold a press conference at the lobby, many refused to attend.

10.40am: Photographers, cameramen and journalists left their “working equipment” such as cameras, voice recorders and notebooks on the floor as a sign to stop covering news events at the lobby.

11.30am: After being told that all press members had suspended their work outside the Parliament chamber, Edward Jules, an aide of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said he respected them and would convey the information to his boss.

However, he returned a few minutes later with Dr Rais and held a press conference, which was only attended by a few official media such as Bernama and RTM.

Opposition MPs Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) and Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) decided to issue written statements through their aides instead of speaking directly to the press after realising that most reporters were going on “strike”.

But when Ipoh Timor MP special assistant Lim Swee Kuan wanted to distribute some press statements at the media centre, two security guards prevented him from doing so.

“They told me that staff like us are no longer allowed to give out statements and only MPs have the right to do so.

“I then asked them where the directive came from and they told me that ‘we have it in black and white’,” he said.

Noon: Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut), Tian Chua (PKR-Batu), Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai), R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) and Jeff Ooi (DAP-Jelutong) were present at media centre to give their statements but the press told them that the ban is on.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s meeting at noon involving the Barisan Nasional management committee meeting held at the committee room was only covered by Bernama.

2.15pm: A group of Barisan Nasional backbenchers marched through the lobby and announced business as usual for all press members by removing all barricades that restricted the movements of reporters.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said they did not consult the Parliament administration, nor did they get permission from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker before removing the barricade.

Najib’s second meeting – the Cabinet committee on sports development – was also covered only by Bernama.

3pm: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s meeting on palm oil was covered only by Bernama.

3.30pm: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who sent two aides to the media centre to look for press coverage on her 100th day in the ministry, was told “No press coverage at the lobby.”

A big aye for government

The Edge Daily (24/6/08): The much-anticipated drama on Barisan Nasional’s (BN) motion in parliament to endorse its efforts to restructure the fuel subsidy scheme and combat inflation fizzled out as the opposition failed to get any backbenchers from the ruling party to vote against the motion.

After a six-hour debate, the motion to support the steps taken by the government to ease the burden of the people as a result of the hike in fuel, food and commodity prices was passed via block voting. The government garnered support from 128 members of parliament (MPs) as opposed to the opposition’s 78 votes.

The opposition was hoping to garner support from some members of the ruling party to thwart the motion, which effectively would be deemd as a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The optimism of the opposition was sparked by the decision of a BN component party — Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) — last week to move or support a motion of no-confidence against Abdullah in relation to the subsidies on fuel and food. Surprisingly, SAPP’s two MPs were conspiciously missing from the sitting yesterday.

In a related development, SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee claimed that the duo were intimidated and hence could not attend the session. Earlier in the day, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad moved the motion, setting the stage for the long-drawn debate.

In a move to protest against the petrol price hike, opposition MPs, (from left) Chua Tian Chong (Batu-PKR), N Gobalakrishnan (Padang Serai-PKR), Zulkfili Nordin (Kulim Bandar Baharu-PKR) and Hee Loy Sian (PJ Selatan-PKR) cycle to parliament yesterday.

Among those who spoke were Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-DAP), Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN) , Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas-Independent) and Khalid Samad (Shah Alam-PAS), who incidentally is the brother of Shahrir.

After hours of hearing the views from both sides, Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee asked the House to vote on the motion via voice.

At this juncture, Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR) stood up to protest but was told to sit down.

Kiandee got the House to vote and declared the motion passed based on the strength of voice.

However, Azmin protested saying the process was unfair. He subsequently invoked Standing Order 46.6. By then Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin had taken over the chair and allowed the call for bloc voting, which the BN won convincingly.

(Voting by voice is determined by the loudness of MPs’ voices while voting by bloc is determined via ballots with individual MPs casting their vote which is collected by designated leaders. Bloc voting is not a secret as each bloc leader would know how the individual MPs cast their vote.)

Although the bell was rung, there weren’t any MPs who ran into the hall as most were already seated. The notable absentees were the two SAPP MPs — Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui (Tawau-BN) and Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar-BN) — Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz (Kuala Kangsar-BN), Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (Jerantut-BN), Tiong Thai King (Lanang-BN), Datuk James Dawos Mamit (Mambong-BN), Federal Territory Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique (Setiawangsa -BN), Raime Unggi (Tenom-BN), Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim (Jelebu-BN), Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad (Kangar-BN), Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk-BN), Nurul Izzah Anwar (Pantai-PKR), Chow Kon Yeow (Tanjong-DAP), Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-DAP) and another unidentified Opposition MP.

Earlier, Shahrir had tabled the motion in accordance to Standing Order 27(3) where he had explained the oil subsidy restructuring purposes and the various measures, such as rebates for cars and motorcycles that the government had taken to ease the people’s burden after the 41% and 63% increase in petrol and diesel prices, respectively.

The Opposition MPs took the government to task for not sharing Petronas’ wealth with the people. Lim reiterated his call for Petronas to give each poor household RM6,000, which would amount to RM30 billion.

“The money given to the people would result in fiscal stimulus effect as they would spend the money locally and help generate local economy,” said Lim who also continued to question the gas subsidy given to the independent power producers (IPP).

Khairy said the country faces the twin crises of restructuring of economic base and allocation of scarce resources.

He and Azmin traded barbs when he (Khairy) claimed that some of Petronas’ decisions were made while PKR’s de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in the Cabinet.

Khairy also defended Petronas’ executives using private jet to travel to its operations overseas. Earlier in the debate, Lim had questioned the need for Petronas to own a private jet when it should instead fly on MAS.

“Petronas will use MAS if it has flights to Sudan and Khazakstan,” said Khairy.

Ibrahim (Pasir Mas-Ind) brought up the issue of the connection between ECM-Libra and Pos Malaysia and whether Pos Malaysia stood to gain RM6 for every RM625 rebate for car disbursed.

Khalid (Shah Alam-PAS) said the motion was merely an academic exercise since the government had gone ahead to raise fuel prices without any consultation with MPs from both sides.

In winding up, Shahrir said the gas subsidy cost was part of the agreement that Tenaga Nasional Bhd would bear the costs instead of the IPPs.

It gave RM56.8 billion to the federal government while the states received RM4.7 billion in royalty. Shahrir also said Petronas’ output in 2007 was 661,000 barrels per day (bpd), of which 305,000 bpd were exported.

He said 36.6% of Petronas’ revenue comes from its overseas operations.

Shahrir also clarified that Petronas does not own any private jet but leases one when needed.

On the issue regarding Pos Malaysia, he said: “I asked the Second Finance Minister and he said Pos Malaysia was paid according to actual costs. It has already explained to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that during the restructuring of Avenue Capital and its connection with ECM-Libra, Pos Malaysia has gone on to become a GLC (government-linked company).”

Hush in lobby after media ban

The Star (25/6/08): The lobby at Parliament House had always bustled with activity, but yesterday it was silent. Journalists were barred from the main part of the lobby, and were only allowed access to a small corner of the area.

Surprised pressmen were greeted by red tape cordoning off the lobby as they entered Parliament yesterday morning.

Security personnel standing guard told reporters that they had been issued a directive to keep the press away from the lobby.

As a sign of protest, the journalists refused to attend any of the press conferences held yesterday.

MPs were also taken by surprise.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS – Kubang Kerian), Khalid Abd Samad (PAS – Shah Alam) and even Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen tried to hold press conferences, but their requests were politely declined.

Committee meetings chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim’s press conference were only covered by national news agency Bernama and RTM.

Sensing the frustration of the pressmen, the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club members decided to take matters into their own hands and remove the barricade.

Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said they did not consult the Parliament administration, nor did they get permission from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker.

“The administration did not inform us of the ban, so we need not tell them we are removing the barricade,” he said.

R. Sivarasa (PKR – Subang), Tian Chua (PKR – Batu), Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR – Lembah Pantai), Jeff Ooi (DAP – Jelutong) and Lim Lip Eng (DAP – Segambut) went to the media centre to give press conferences but were turned down.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said he believed the press should have the right access and facilities to be able to carry out their duties properly.

“If they don't get the right access to the right information, then they will not be able to do a proper job, which will be worse.

“I think the Government and its relevant agencies should talk to the press. But, I urge the press to not boycott. Try to be patient. You all have an important duty to do,” he said yesterday.

Passage of motion proof of strong support towards Abdullah

Bernama (23/6/08): The passage of a motion on the increase in the price of fuel and other goods in the Dewan Rakyat Monday, is a reflection of the strong support by Barisan Nasional (BN) members towards the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the government.

Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the motion, which was passed through block voting -- with 129 members voted for and 78 against it -- was a very important motion and could be regarded as a vote of confidence towards the government and the prime minister.

"We are grateful as majority of members of the House supported the motion. This does not mean the government don't care for the people because if this motion is not approved, the government will bear huge costs and may run into debt.

"This shows that BN is still strong and solid and will remain so until the next election," he told reporters at the parliament lobby Monday.

Commenting on proposal by PAS MP for Shah Alam, Khalid Abd Samad, that tender be opened to foreign oil exploration companies, Ahmad Shabery said it was an unpatriotic proposal.

Meanwhile Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abd Samad, when met by reporters, said Petronas was still the oil company which had contributed immensely to the country's revenue.

He said the tabling of the motion was to give the chance to the Dewan Rakyat to garner support from the opposition members to come together and tackle whatever challenges facing the country.

BMC residents take grouses to Parliament

Malaysiakini (29/5/08): The House broke into an uproar, however, with M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) saying that the issue must be debated according to Standing Order 18(3) if at least 15 MPs stood up in support of it.

Wan Junaidi's remark that he was not satisfied with the urgency of the issue prompted Khalid Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) to cheekily ask what would satisfy him.

As calls from both sides continued to disrupt the proceedings, the deputy speaker sternly told all the MPs to sit down and said he did not want to hear anything more about the matter. (Full report)

Only 60% of positions for docs, specialists filled in govt hospitals

The Sun (29/5/08): Only 60% of positions for doctors and specialists in the Health Ministry's hospitals are filled, its minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.

"We are working towards filling up the vacancies," Liow said in his winding-up for the purpose of a RM200 million allocation under the Supplementary Supply Bill in Parliament today.

Admitting thatvthere is a severe shortage of doctors and specialists in government hospitals, Liow said there were constant opportunities for training and upgrading of skills that were being provided, in addition to looking to speed up promotions of doctors and specialists under the ministry.

"We have 1,860 doctors working out of the 3,628 positions," he said, adding that the ministry was also working on efforts to prevent specialists and doctors from migrating to the private sector.

To a question by Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) for migration figures, Liow said he did not have the detailed figures but disclosed that in 2007, the ministry had 1,867 specialists compared with 1,680 this year.

"These numbers comntinue to fall despite yearly replacements. The more we train, the more will leave," he added.

However, in response to a different question raised earlier, Liow said general practitioners in the private sector were also welcomed to help government hospitals in extended hours of services.

"We encourage doctors to come to the hospital and we give them an allowance of RM80 an hour," he said, also admitting to a shortage of nurses.

Liow said health services amounted to 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that escalating costs were a burden.

"The government has been giving 98% subsidies for treatment costs and only 2% pay for the treatment under the full-paying patient scheme in which patients who can afford to pay for treatment pays for the service.

"We will be studying the full-paying patient scheme in August but the costs are rising daily and government’s subsidies are also bloating," he said, adding that the ministry received RM10 billion in subsidies in 2007 and RM12.9 billion last year.

Liow also reassured Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) that the ministry will build a hospital in Shah Alam city under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

Urgent motion denied, denied, denied

Victim of police bashing at Bandar Mahkota Cheras (Malaysiakini)

Saudari Teo Nie Ching of Serdang filed for an urgent motion 2 days ago, due for a hearing by the Speaker today on whether it could be debated in the House. Almost as expected, the motion was denied.

There are probably some 10 or so urgent motions which has been denied the chance to see the light of day in the House. So far the most frequently use reason for rejection is "not urgent" - be it urgent medical treatments on ISA detainees (not urgent), death to National Service detainees (not urgent) or death under police custody (only very few such cases).

So far, the only motion allowed for debate was on the issue of the sharp increase in the price of rice and its possible shortage.

Today, the Deputy Speaker once again rejected Serdang's motion, that is to debate the police action and inaction over the Bandar Mahkota Cheras - Grand Saga toll controversy, which has resulted in individuals being hurt by thugs in full police presence and another being beaten up by some 20 police officers. This issue has hit the headlines over the past 3 days or so.

The Speaker ruled that the motion is not urgent, and that since the matter is under court action, the House is not permitted to discuss the issue as it would then be sub-judice.

Both Serdang and myself stood up to point out to the speaker that the issue that is being discussed here in police inaction and brutality and not the case due for hearing in the courts. Hence there is nothing sub judice about the case.

The Speaker would have none of it, despite more members from the opposition bench speaking in support of the motion, of course with the BN backbenchers at the same time vocally opposing our cause for the Malaysian victims.

Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) stood to ask the speaker to explain to the house, if death and being beaten up by authorities isn't sufficiently "urgent", then what is the criteria the Speaker use to define "urgent"?

Well, obviously the question didn't require an urgent answer, and I don't expect to hear it any time soon. (Courtesy: Tony Pua)

Person Tony Pua

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Minister says he does not order ACA to investigate

Bernama (22/5/08): Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said he had not been ordering the Anti-Corruption (ACA) Agency to investigate any case or to take statements.

He said the ACA, however, did contact him regarding a statement made by a Barisan Nasional Member of Parliament that he was offered money by the opposition to cross over.

"Since the ACA had contacted me, I asked them to get in touch with the Kota Belud MP and make a report.

They did not ask for permission (to investigate). They just informed (about the MP's statement) to facilitate their work," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today when winding up the debate on the King's address.

"If I was not informed about it, how would I be able to reply to Lim Kit Siang's (DAP-Ipoh Timur) questions on the issue," he said in reply to Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) who had asked whether the ACA had to seek permission each time it wanted to act.

On May 15, Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahalan revealed that he was offered a large sum of money "that could last for three generations" if he defected to the opposition.

Nazri was also bombarded with questions, especially from opposition lawmakers, as to why the use of delible ink for voters was cancelled only three days before the March 8 general election, why there were conflicting statements between the prime minister and the Election Commission (EC) chairman on the matter, from where the ink was bought and what happened to it now.

He explained that the cancellation was because of the legal implications if some voters refused to be tainted with the ink (on their finger) while they had the right to vote under the Federal Constitution.

He said the use of indelible ink was to prevent multiple voting by any voter but if some voters refused the ink use, then it would defeat its purpose.

Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh), Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), Khalid Samad (PAS-Shah Alam), Dr Zulkifli Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) and Mahfuz all stood up to ask who had lied and who was responsible in the matter.

Nazri said when the Attorney-General informed the cabinet that the use of the indelible ink would have legal implications, it rejected the use and informed the EC about it.

"The cabinet had conveyed its rejection but it did not mean that it ordered the EC not to use the ink. Rejection and ordering are two different things," he added.

Govt may take over highways

The Edge Daily (22/5/08): The government is mulling the option of taking over highway concessions from private operators as part of its efforts to reduce the burden of toll on the people, said Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed.

On May 7, the government announced that it would revisit the agreements with highway concessionaires with the possibility of reducing toll rates.

Winding up the debate on the motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Mohd Zin said his ministry would need about three months to study the matter in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

“The suggestion to take over toll highways requires a detailed study. A committee at the ministerial level headed by Malaysian Highway Board (LLM) chairman has been formed to study this proposal,” he added.

The minister was responding to suggestions from Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan-BN) and Loke Siew Fook (Rasah-DAP) for the government to take over toll highways.

Mohd Zin also said his ministry would require up to three months to consider the matter before reverting to parliament as the issue of taking over toll highways would involve 22 concessionaires.

On traffic congestion at the Seremban exit of the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban highway that was due to it having only two lanes, the minister said he would instruct LLM to study and find a way to resolve the matter.

Responding to a question from Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PAS), he revealed that the ministry had a policy of distributing 10% of the total project value under its purview in the Ninth Malaysia Plan to Class F contractors.

“This policy will only be applicable for projects above RM10 million,” Mohd Zin said, adding that the list of Class F contractors given to the lead contractor were those approved by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

He also said the lead contractor would then appoint and monitor the work of these Class F contractors.

“Until May this year, there are 31 projects worth RM2.18 billion, which are approved for the distribution of 10% of project value to Class F contractors,” he added.

The minister said lead contractors for these projects had appointed 1,015 Class F contractors.

According to him, there were about 17,000 Class F contractors in Malaysia and his ministry had advised big contractors who got projects of above RM10 million to distribute at least 10% of these to small contractors.

Mohd Zin also revealed that the state with the most Class F contractors was Terengganu with 351 individuals, followed by Negeri Sembilan (123), Sabah (100) and Selangor (62).

“We hope small contractors can gain more experience and guidance from lead contractors by participating in mega projects. The implementation of this policy will be monitored by the ministry’s bumiputera development division,” he said.

On the award of the National Palace project to Syarikat Maya Maju Sdn Bhd, the minister said the project was valued at RM649 million and works had started in November last year.

He explained that the company had been registered with CIDB in the Class G7 category and was given exemption from the requirement to register with ministry’s contractor service centre

“The project now is 10% completed and full completion is expected on Nov 29, 2010,” he said.

Mohd Zin also said the project was awarded to Syarikat Maya Maju based on direct negotiation because the government reckoned this would give the “best results” as the National Palace renovation would require a high degree of expertise.

He also pointed out that the government placed a high priority on “value engineering” despite not having open tender for certain projects.

However, Khalid Abdul Samad (Shah Alam-PAS) said he could not see how direct negotiations could give the best value for government projects.

“It is better if there is open tender. Justice must not only be done but must be seen done,” he added.

Reply sparks shouting match

The Star (16/5/08): “Soalan bocor!” shouted an MP in the Dewan Rakyat when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Amirsham Abdul Aziz read out a prepared text during Question and Answer time on Thursday.

“That is not the right answer!”

Opposition MPs were quick to create a stir when they realised that Amirsham was reading from two pages of text in reply to Khairy Jamaluddin's (BN – Rembau) supplementary oral question.

While it is normal for a minister to read from a prepared text for an original question, it is not so for a supplementary question as it is asked on the spot.

Khairy’s original question touched on whether the Government was planning to change existing policies which were based on the New Economic Policy (NEP) , especially those related to assisting bumiputras, in reaction to the Opposition’s call to reject the policy.

After Amirsham answered from a prepared text, Khairy then asked him what he thought about Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s statement that the NEP breeds corruption.

“Does he mean that every poor Malaysian regardless of their race, the millions of students, bumiputra professionals like the minister are all cronies and corrupted?” he asked.

To this, a visibly upset Amirsham said he felt that such a statement was inaccurate.

“His conclusion also means that everyone who gained from the NEP are actually cronies and corrupted,” he said before he was interrupted by shouts from the Opposition MPs when they saw that Amirsham was reading from a prepared text.

“The answer has been prepared!” said Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timor).

This prompted other Opposition MPs to join in the fray, with Chong Eng (DAP – Bukit Mertajam) calling it a “planted question” and Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS – Shah Alam) shouting that “the question was leaked!”

When Mohd Azmin Ali (PKR – Gombak) stood up to submit his next question, he said: “This House is like a market because the market chairman is Rembau.”

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee told Azmin to stop the remark after Khairy protested.

Issue of Malay rights, privileges hot topic in Dewan Rakyat

Bernama (16/5/08): The issue of Malay rights and privileges turned into a hot topic in the Dewan Rakyat Thursday, with backbenchers and Opposition MPs engaging in some intense argument.

It happened when Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal was winding up debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address, and touched on the need to maintain unity in the interest of the nation's future.

Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), who had sought permission, said non-Malays should not regard Malays as racist when they defended their rights.

"As Malays, surely we will defend our rights and we have never questioned the rights of others. Why the misunderstanding?

"I do not want any non-Malay to manipulate this matter. Malays have never questioned the rights of others," he said.

N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) stood up but Shafie insisted on continuing with his speech and he was ordered to sit by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee.

Gobalakrishnan refused to sit and insisted on being given the chance to speak, which resulted in an uproar when backbenchers and Opposition MPs started shouting at one another.

Following repeated warnings and after calm was restored, Shafie continued with his speech, saying the issue of uniting the Malays themselves was not easy as it did not involve Umno alone but all quarters.

Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Patu Pahat) stood up and expressed agreement with Shafie's opinion, saying the question of unity had become all the more difficult with the Opposition acting irrationally in the matter of the Malay Rulers recently.

Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) took exception to Dr Mohd Puad's statement and said no one wanted to join Umno which he described as "a sinking ship".

This caused another uproar in the House, and Deputy Speaker Ronald quickly adjourned the sitting to Tuesday.

ISA?

Amirsham blunders by reading from text

The Sun (15/5/08): Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Amirsham A. Aziz – a newbie in the administration – was caught with his pants down when he was spotted reading the answer to a supplementary question in Parliament today.

Ironically, the topic was the New Economic Policy (NEP) – already a controversial subject – and the first supplementary question was posed by Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau).

Amirsham was meat to the prey when the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parliamentarians pounced – all with a wide grin on their face – on his antics of bowing his head to read from his prepared text.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) was the first to let all hell loose in the House, saying the supplementary question was already prepared.

"It was a planted question. The answer is all ready," charged Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam).

"The question was leaked!" shouted Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) and in the background someone was heard screaming "Crony! Crony!"

Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) also rose to add to the ruckus by accusing Amirsham of having his answers ready.

"Siap jawapan sampai dua muka! (Prepared answers run to to pages!)"said Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena).

Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee tried to calmly take charge of the ruckus by saying: "Cukup lah Yang Berhormat (enough Yang Berhormat), Yang Berhormat sila duduk (Yang Berhormat, please sit down). Sila duduk Yang Berhormat (Sit down Yang Berhormat),". However, he seemed to have had little control over the situation as the shouting continued while Amirsham went on reading his answer.

Khairy asked if he (Amirsham) thought Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan)'s vow to abolish the use of NEP in the state administration is because "it breeds corruption, cronyism and systemic efficiency".

"If that is his conclusion, then anyone who got assistance from it whether in loans, job opportunities, scholarships, entrepreneurship opportunities and others are cronies and corruptors," he said, going on to provide figures while the ruckus continued.

Allowing the second supplementary question by Prof Dr P Ramasamy (DAP-Batu Kawan), someone was heard saying: "Tengok boleh jawab tak (let’s see if he can answer)."

Ramasamy asked whether the NEP had lost its original principle of affirmative action which is widely known throughout the world to be giving to the minority instead of the majority.

"Affirmative action is to help the people who are left behind like the poor and the lower income community. That is the NEP's aim and its policies are to help overcome and reduce poverty as well as to give equal opportunities to all Malaysians," Amirsham replied.

Amirsham said the government did not plan to change the policies evolving from the basic spirit of the NEP, the National Development Policy, the National Vision Policy and the National Vision under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

Kiandee then called for Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) to take the floor to raise his question.

But just before Mohamed Azmin took the floor, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) called for a Point-of-Order in Standing Order 44, asking the Speaker to take control of the situation.

"This is like a market, Speaker! People watch us on television! Can we ask for control?" he said to which Kiandee assured that it was under control and Lim stood up to call for no "extreme control to the point that the minister has answers (to the supplementary question)".

When Mohamed Azmin had the floor again, he said: "Dewan jadi pasar sebab Rembau pengerusi pasar (The House is like a market because Khairy is the market chairman)!"

Khairy did not take it sitting down, calling for Point of Order on Rule 36 (character assassination) and asked for Mohamed Azmin to retract his statement.

The peace in the House ws restored when Kiandee asked Mohamed Azmin to proceed with his question.

Home Ministry probing claims of labour outsourcing licence abuse

NST (15/5/08): The Home Ministry is investigating claims that some companies appointed to handle outsourcing of foreign labour are abusing their licenses.

Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the original aim of the lincenses was to ensure a syatematic management of the influx of workers.

"However, due to infringements and maybe abuse of the licenses, we are investigating the matter," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS-Shah Alam).

The new face of Pas

Malay Mail (14/5/08): Khalid Abdul Samad (Pas-Shah Alam) demonstrated to an agitated House yesterday that an intelligent, humane and cosmopolitan renaissance is now bearing fruit in the once hardline pro-Islamist party.

In his maiden speech deba t ing the mot ion of thanks on the Royal Address, the urbane opposition member launched an eloquent and devastating attack on the Barisan Nasional. He demolished in a few sentences what many on the government benches had worked hard to establish.

The other side seethed, and their discontent soon spilled over into outraged jeering. Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), fast developing a disagreeable reputation for rudeness, attempted several times to interrupt with his usual method of growling closely into the microphone.

This came to nothing, however, for the Umno stalwart failed to remember being hobbled by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, who after lunch forbade interruptions in order to save time.

Tajuddin’s final defeat came in an example of supr eme bad t iming: Just as he ended his last growl above the Speaker’s objections, Khalid (who had carried on with his speech) reached his line: “Sayonara, Umno,” and delivered it with an impish wave that reduced Tajuddin to a sputtering mess.

Worse, however, was to come. Members went wild (or apoplectic, in the government’s case) when Khalid held up his frontbench colleague Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan, and also chief minister of Penang), as a fine example of Islamic leadership.

“The chief mini s ter has repeatedly stated his intention to imitate the pattern of government of (the eighth-century Umayyad Cal iph) Umar Abdul Aziz, and I wish to say ‘shame on you’ to Umno for having failed, despite your Islam Hadhari rhetoric, to manifest the requisite leadership required of you by the Muslim community.

“I can only pray that this awareness shown by the chief minister will be emulated by all those within Umno.” The government had no answer to that, and the opposition was in an uproar of cheers. Indeed, if the BN does not act swiftly to check this new onslaught, Pas will swiftly render communal politics irrelevant in this country — putting an effective end to claims of championing sectarian interests that have fuelled our politics for the past half-century.

It was a fitting remembrance of the May 13 tragedy.

Khalid is, of course, the brother of Domestic Trade and Consumer Af fairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad. Yesterday, he was preceded on the floor by another member of an illustrious political family.

T he maiden speech of Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (BN-Jerlun) was, however, on par with boiled cabbage. Why he chose this moment to entertain members with a seemingly interminable ramble about foreign direct investment in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos is anyone's guess, and MPs soon lost interest.

PKR frontbenchers were intent on their laptops.

Salahuddin Ayub (Pas- Kubang Kerian) used the lul l in proceedings to show off a new book to his friends along the row, and then scooted off to the back where a lonely Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) seemed to want company. Even opposition frontbencher Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) fell asleep.

Mukhriz’s speech, and its delivery, will inevitably be compared with that of his arch-rival Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) who was savaged by the opposition on Monday.

While Khairy may have lost some points, he could in no way have been said to have reduced the House to a state of blank-eyed catatonia. (U En Ng)