Govt has not finalised Pos Malaysia fee

The Edge Daily (9/7/08): The government has not finalised the fee to be paid to Pos Malaysia Bhd for handling the fuel subsidy cash rebate payout to motorists, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said, refuting rumours that the company would get 1% of the total payout.

"We are still negotiating for a reasonable fee and we will inform the House of the amount paid to Pos Malaysia," he said in his winding-up speech on the debate on the Ninth Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Nor Mohamed was replying to Dr Hatta Ramli (Kuala Krai-PAS) who said he heard that Pos Malaysia may get a 1% commission amounting to RM50 million a year from the total payout of RM5 billion.

Nor Mohamed explained that Pos Malaysia was selected to implement the cash rebate payout as the company had 686 branches nationwide with computer systems linked to the Road Transport Department.

To date, Pos Malaysia had paid out RM839.6 million in cash rebates to 1.8 million motorists, he said.

The minister also said that the government was expecting to distribute up to RM6.13 billion in cash rebates to motorists who paid their road tax between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

"This amount would be provided to Pos Malaysia in stages and the government would only extend the amount paid out by Pos Malaysia. Not one sen more," he said.

On how long the government would maintain the cash rebate policy, Nor Mohamed said the mechanism would be reviewed after the first year.

He also refuted an allegation by Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju-PKR), who claimed that the ECM Libra Financial Group was involved in the cash rebate payout. "ECM Libra is not involved at all. This is a fact that can be checked," he said.

Nor Mohamed said the government's subsidy bill could increase to more than RM30 billion this year from RM8.8 billion last year due to the hike in crude oil prices.

"In this situation, the government needs to make a decision - which can either be a popular decision or a responsible one," he said. The government, Nor Mohamed said, was aware that it would be criticised no matter what decision it took.

"The trust that we hold is not only for the 27 million people (of Malaysia) now," Nor Mohamed said. "We are also responsible for the future generations. As such, the government has to find a mechanism (to reduce the fuel subsidy)."

Chor: Showing butt not our way

The Star (9/7/08): It is not the Malaysian culture to show one’s backside, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung told the Dewan.

“It is a foreign culture to do so but not Malaysian,” he said, referring to the concert at the rally to protest the fuel price increase at the Kelana Jaya Stadium on Sunday where a rock singer showed his behind to the audience.

To a question by Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN - Batu Pahat) on why the police did not take action to stop the rally, Chor said it was a rally organised by PKR.

Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS - Kuala Krai), the organising chairman of the rally, then quickly said they had controlled the situation well and the police’s help was not necessary.

More ways to help Malaysians face rising oil prices

The Star (8/7/08): The Government is working on other mechanisms apart from offering the fuel rebates to Malaysians to face the onslaught of rising global oil prices, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.

Among them was the creation of a fuel purse of up to RM3,000 for MyKad holders.

He advised that it was very important that the country practised financial discipline and efficiency to protect the livelihood of Malaysians from external financial problems.

He added that contingency plans have to be made if the oil prices were to rise up to US$200 (RM658) per barrel by the end of the year from US$145 (RM477) per barrel now.

Nor Yakcop said the RM625 subsidy rebates programme was introduced as an immediate measure to reduce the financial burden on Malaysian motorists.

He explained that the Government had analysed that about six months were needed to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce the financial burden to both the Government and the public in the wake of the global oil price increases.

"However, things happened too quickly and the oil prices began to shoot up.

"Time was getting short and we decided to introduce a repayment system (rebates) to motorists as an immediate measure to cushion the impact of the reduction in fuel subsidies.

"The Government is now studying whether to extend the fuel rebate period or implement other systems in place of the rebate payment, which is implemented from April this year to March 2009.

"There is no move to raise petrol and diesel prices until the end of the year despite the rising global oil prices," he said Tuesday in winding up the debate in Parliament on behalf of his ministry on the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said the Government had paid a total of RM8.8bil in fuel subsidies last year, adding that the amount would have to be raised if nothing was done to counter the oil price increases.

Nor Yakcop said the Government could have implemented popular measures to reduce the fuel price burden on the population, but decided against them to protect future generations.

He added the Government would face a lower credit rating and stricter financial regime if the country decided to borrow large sums of money to lessen the impact of the rising oil prices.

"We cannot be borrowing from the IMF, which is regarded as an Ah Long, and we have to surrender our sovereignty to them," he said.

Nor Yakcop also said it would be bad if the Government was to take all the profits gained by Petronas and used them to help the present generation of 27 million Malaysians at the expense of the company, which would lead to strategic and financial losses for Petronas in the future.

"Petronas had contributed RM332bil to the country since it was formed in 1974.

"If the Government takes all of its profits since 1974, Petronas will only have RM160mil to invest, which is inadequate.

"The future generations will also not receive any benefits at all from the gains received by Petronas," he added.

Nor Yakcop said the ministry was still in discussions with Pos Malaysia Bhd on the charges that the Government would pay the company to offer fuel rebates to motorists, adding that no commission is paid to the company for giving the rebates to each eligible motorist.

He said a total of RM839.6mil in fuel rebates had been paid out to 1.8 million eligible motorists since the campaign had been introduced from June 4.

Eligible motorists could get RM150 to RM625 in rebates from Pos Malaysia Bhd's 686 branches nationwide, he added.

"The Government is providing RM6.13bil in stages to Pos Malaysia to hand out the rebates to the applicants," he added.

To a question from Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju), Nor Yakcop denied that ECM Libra or any other private entity had a stake in the payment of the fuel rebate scheme being carried out by Pos Malaysia.

Nor Yakcop also informed Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) that Pos Malaysia didn't receive commissions from its involvement in paying fuel rebates to motorists.

Pants pulled down: Organisers to probe incident

The Star (7/7/08): The organisers of Sunday's fuel hike protest rally at the Kelana Jaya Stadium will investigate the incident in which a rock singer pulled down his pants midway through his performance.

Organising chairman of the rally, Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS - Kuala Krai) PAS treasurer, said "a post mortem" would be done on the episode.

Declining to comment on the matter further, he said the rally was considered a success as it went on well despite being given warning by the police for not applying a permit for it.

“It’s the first time we have held a protest a stadium. It is different from street protests. They had a chance to listen to speeches from various leaders, including the NGOs,” he said at Parliament Lobby Monday.

“We hope we have sent a strong message to the government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and hope to get immediate response from them, in the next few days.

Dr Hatta also did not rule out street demonstrations if the government did not reply.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Khalid (PKR - Bandar Tun Razak) said he was thankful to the Selangor police where the rally was held without a glitch.

He said the Opposition did not intend to bring this same protest to the Parliament.

On the rock singer who showed his boxer shorts after pulling down his trousers, Khalid said he hoped the matter would be closed as soon as possible.

“The manager of the singer has come to apologise to the organising committee on Sunday night,” he said.

Khalid also said he was thankful to PAS supporters for not protesting over the issue.

“I feel that the singer has to be sensitive and not to act over board as the crowd is from various cultures and ethnicities.

But Hatta hails rally a success

Malaysiakini (7/7/08): Although some quarters view the ‘one million people’ protest as a failure, Coalition Against Inflation (Protes) coordinator Hatta Ramli has insisted that it was a ‘success’. (Full report)

Government gives priority to OIC countries to expand trade to non-traditional marts

Bernama (26/6/08): The government always gives priority to Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) countries in its strategy to expand exports to non-traditional markets.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, said Malaysia's trade with OIC countries has increased every year since 2003.

He said the amount in 2003 was RM46.1 billion, 2004 (RM61.6 billion), 2005 (RM70.1 billion), 2006 (RM83.8 billion) and 2007 (RM95.3 billion).

"Until April this year, trade with the grouping has touched RM36.1 billion," he said during the question-and-answer session of the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Liew said this in reply to a question from Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) regarding Malaysia's trade with OIC countries during the period when the country held the presidency of the organisation (2003-2008).

He said the government has set up branch offices of Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority in Dubai to tap the market and investment opportunities in the Middle East

"The government has also established bilateral ties with OIC members by signing various agreements, undertaking trade missions and investments in United Arab Emirates and promotional activities to strengthen trade with them," he said.

July 29 For Mention of warrants of arrest against accused in illegal assembly

Bernama (23/6/08): The Session's Court here Monday fixed July 29 for mention of the warrants of arrest on nine people, out of 10 accused, who failed to attend Monday's hearing on a charge of participating in an illegal assembly at Parliament building in December last year.

They are Kota Damansara Member of Parliament Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, 61, PAS Youth deputy chief Nasrudin Hassan, 38, PAS Muslimat (women's wing) chief Nuridah Mohd Salleh, 47, PAS treasurer Mohd Hatta Mohd Ramli, 52, Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Dr Lo' Lo' Mohamed Ghazali, 51, Ang Hiok Gai, 51, Mohamad Sabri Sapiai, 32, Hashim Awang, 37, Azira Arifin, 34, and Mohd Badilah Muda, 33.

Ang, Nuridah and Mohd Nasir were said to be at the court earlier, but left due to some confusion and misunderstanding.

However, judge Fathiyah Idris ordered the warrant of arrest against Mohd Nasir be revoked when he attended Monday's hearing after his counsel, Mohd Radzlan Jalaludin, contacted him.

All the accused are alleged to have committed the offence at the exit road of Parliament building, Jalan Parlimen, at 11am on Dec 11, 2007.

Bumbling minister riles them

Malay Mail (27/5/08): Questions must be asked about the competence of Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Latiff Ahmad ( BN-Mersing) during Question Time, even if he has had to face up alone and unaided to an increasingly hostile Opposition in the absence of his Minister.

Last week the diminutive bumbler was charged with being unprofessional for failing utterly to provide an adequate response to the shortage of medical specialists in the country.

Yesterday, with what can only be described as reckless ineptitude, he managed single-handedly to offend the entire medical profession in half a sentence.

Replying to a question from Dr Mohd Hayati Osman (Pas -Pendang) , Latiff observed that doctors had a “licence to heal, and a licence to kill”. Members immediately pounced on the utterly unnecessary pronouncement, sensing that it served no purpose other than to drag Latiff further into disrepute.

Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai) and Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohd Ghazali (Pas- Titiwangsa), both medical doctors, rose to demand a retraction, but Latiff refused, thinking perhaps that he needed to demonstrate the strength of his convictions to his colleagues.

These convictions swiftly turned to the dumb refusal of a rabbit mesmerised by the headlights of an oncoming lorry, and the Opposition made a big deal of running the honourable gentleman over. In the sudden eruption of points of order, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia provided Latiff an exit: Promise not to repeat it, and be done.

Latiff, however, was at the moment inspired by a distant Muse unknown to the rest of us, and chose to prevaricate. “I intended no malice,” he said, to a wave of boos and reminders of the Hippocratic Oath.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) then raised his rule book for the coup de grâce: Retract the remark, or be sent down for 10 days, or, alternatively, face the wrath of the Committee of Privileges.

Still the Deputy Minister tried with increasing desperation to wriggle out of the unexpected trap of his own making. At length, the verbose Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad (Pas-Kuala Selangor) obtained the floor and nearly upset his bench’s momentum with a rambling account about his teaching days in the field of pharmacology.

Pandikar Amin, realising from bitter experience that Dzulkifli’s point lay somewhere in the distant and unforeseeable future, cut the matter short by forcing Latiff’s retraction.

Finally the Deputy Minister relented, by which time the House had spent 30 minutes debating this urgent matter of obvious national importance.

Later in the day, the House debated a procedural Bill from the Finance Ministry that sought, amongst others, to place the Uni t y and National Integration Department (in the Prime Minister’s Department ) within the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

This prompted a long series of speeches from both sides about both unity and heritage, and two government backbenchers (Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, BN-Batu Pahat, and Hamim Samuri, BN-Ledang) rose to condemn Malaysia’s performance in its dispute with Singapore over Pulau Batu Putih as an outright loss and a demonstration of our failure to protect our heritage.

Luckily for Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim (BN-Jelebu), he was absent during the debate and entered the House just as the matter was being put to vote.

(Proceeding s in the House, incidentally, are broadcast on televisions in the Lobby.) Also in the same debate, Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) raised eyebrows on both sides with an impassioned speech about national unity.

The fiery nationalist defended the idea that Malaysians of all races are, as a rule, much closer to each other than politicians are prepared to say.

“We all have friends of other races,” he said, annoyed that he had to state the patently obvious.

“Even in my place, my children have Chinese friends and they sleep over all the time. Is there a problem? No. It’s only politicians who make an issue of it.” The House was stunned, and Tajuddin gracefully resumed his seat. (U-En Ng)

Latiff says 'docs have licence to kill'

The Sun (26/5/08): "Licence to kill" was a subject that dominated 20 minutes of argument but it was not about Ian Fleming's secret agent James Bond that the MPs were at loggerheads with.

It was the sentence "doctors have the licence to heal and licence to kill" in a supplementary answer in Parliament today by the Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad (BN-Mersing) that sparked a furore amongst the doctors amid the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) representatives.

Dr Mohd Hatta Mat Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) was the first to start the ball rolling asking Abd Latiff to withdraw his statement as it sets a wrong impression on medical doctors.

Dr Lo’ Lo’ Mohamad Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa) was next to voice her dissatisfaction on the statement also citing concern that there would be misunderstanding amongst the students who visit the House frequently.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia first waved it off and asked for proceedings to continue but this did not go down well with Opposition parliamentarians, with Mohd Hatta standing up to ask Pandikar Amin to order Abd Latiff to withdraw the statement.

And this was also called for by a few other MPs like Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who cited Point of Order that the statement had not complied with the Standing Orders of the House.

Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) also stood up to notify that doctors took an oath to protect the lives of their patients and Abd Latiff’s statement was inappropriate.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) also said he hoped Pandikar Amin would rule that such words would no longer be used and for Abd Latiff to withdraw the phrase.

Pandikar Amin agreed with Tan and looked for affirmation from Abd Latiff in saying that he did not have bad intentions when he uttered the phrase.

"Yes, I had not meant it in a bad way," Abd Latiff said.

After much ruckus, Pandikar Amin asked for the parliamentarians to refrain from using terms or phrases that may insult their peers and can be defined through other perceptions. Further, he asked Abd Latiff to withdraw the statement.

Abd Latiff said: "I am sorry to have said that and I had no mean intentions. I will not repeat it but I will not withdraw my statement."

This caused another loud roar from the side of PR but Pandikar Amin then ticked off the MPs, reminding them of their shared responsibility in ensuring smooth proceedings that adhere to the Standing Orders.

He said he had taken note that this was not the first time Abd Latiff had used the phrase but was also sure that he had no bad intentions in saying it.

"From what I gather, what he meant was sometimes there are doctors who are careless and that was what he meant," he said.

The Rules in the Standing Orders were thrown across the House, asking for Pandikar Amin’s actions and when he had seemed to have had enough, he quipped: "I have memorised all these rules – up, down, left and right."

Pandikar Amin refreshed the memory of the MPs that he had first decided to ignore the phrase and carry on with proceedings and the decision could only be reviewed with a motion under Standing Order 43.

"You all have this responsibility of ensuring that the meeting goes smoothly. Next time, don’t use that term," he said.

At this point, Lim stood to refer to a Standing Order allowing parliamentarians to refer the act of a fellow-MP to a Special Committee.

After some resistance, Abd Latiff put an end to the issue when he said: "I will not apologise for the remark but I will withdraw it."

Opposition up in arms over 'licence to kill' remark

NST (27/5/08): Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff left some members in the House, including doctors, huffing and puffing when he declared doctors have a "licence to heal and licence to kill".

His statement, made in the course of replying to a supplementary question, saw House proceedings come to a halt for about 20 minutes as opposition MPs repeatedly demanded that Dr Abdul Latiff withdraw his remark.

Dr Abdul Latiff, who was answering a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Hayati Othman (Pas-Pendang), had replied that medical graduates were lacking in certain skills and clinical expertise when dealing with patients.

He said this was the reason the government had decided to increase the housemanship period for trainee doctors from 12 months to two years.

"The doctors have licence to heal and licence to kill so we (ministry) have to ensure that our doctors are well trained so that we can safely receive treatment from them," he said.

Immediately, Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai) objected and asked Dr Abdul Latiff to retract his statement.

Several other opposition members also questioned Dr Abdul Latiff's intention.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia ordered all to be seated and told the House that Dr Abdul Latiff's statement should not be misinterpreted.

Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) said "licence to kill" had a different meaning altogether and doctors cannot be James Bond.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong), a skin specialist, said he did not want such words used about doctors in the House.

Pandikar Amin advised Dr Abdul Latiff not to make such statements and retract it if possible.

Dr Abdul Latiff stood firm with his decision not to retract, saying he had no intention to humiliate the medical profession.

"I meant licence to kill in the event of a doctor being negligent or careless in his duties."

This angered several MPs who raised several points of order including one that could refer Dr Abdul Latif to the Special Privileges Committee if more than 15 MPs find him to have committed an offence.

"Negligence is not an acceptable act. This does not give a doctor the licence to kill, especially when they have taken the Hippocratic oath that they will value every life they treat," said Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh), who is an eye specialist.

After a second call by Pandikar Amin to retract his statement, Dr Abdul Latiff said: "I do not wish to apologise but I retract my statement."

Dr Abdul Latiff was originally replying to Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) who had asked him the reason Sarawak faced a shortage of doctors and medical officers in all its hospitals.

His ministry, he said, has taken several measures to ensure automatic appointment of retired medical officers on a temporary basis.

Licence to kill retracted

The Star (27/5/08): Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad became the target of several Opposition MPs when he let slip that doctors were “licensed to kill.”

The 15-minute attack on him led to Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia warning all MPs not to use unparliamentary words in future.

Speaker to speaker: Penang state assembly speaker Abdul Halim Hussain (second from left) paying a courtesy call on Pandikar Amin (second from right) at the Parliament House. He was accompanied by Guan Eng (centre), Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy (left), Datuk Zahrain Hashim and other MPs from Penang.

“You have set a precedent and the next time if any of you start using an unparliamentary word, I will not hesitate to exercise my power,” he said.

Dr Abdul Latiff had wanted to adopt the famous James Bond movie title “Licence to Kill” when replying to a supplementary question by Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN – Kapit) during Question Time.

He said doctors were given the “licence to heal” as well as the “licence to kill.”

This prompted several Opposition MPs, led by Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS – Kuala Krai), to stand up and demand that he retract his phrase as it damaged the reputation of the profession.

Pandikar Amin however felt that it was only a small matter and it should not be blown out of proportion, as it was a waste of time to argue about a trivial matter.

Dr Abdul Latiff finally stood up to defend himself and explained that the phrase was only a figure of speech.

“But if the Yang Berhormat feels that he (Dr Mohd Hatta) has the licence to kill, that’s his assumption,” he said, causing a fiery uproar from the Opposition again.

“Retract your words or show us your licence,” demanded N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR – Padang Serai).

“How can he (Dr Abdul Latiff) be appointed as the deputy health minister if he has the licence to kill?” interjected Mahfuz Omar (PAS - Pokok Sena).

Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP – Kepong) also stood up and said he hoped Dr Abdul Latiff would not use such words again but the best would be for him to retract the words.

Pandikar Amin followed Tan’s suggestion even with outbursts from Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) and his son Guan Eng (DAP – Bagan).

“We are here not as James Bond, only James Bond has the licence to kill,” said Guan Eng.

Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR – Permatang Pauh) also demanded a retraction saying that doctors were meant to save lives and not kill anyone.

Pandikar Amin then ordered Dr Abdul Latiff to retract his words but when he refused, Pandikar Amin said: “Please help me so I can do my duty. Just say the two words - tarik balik (retract),” he said.

At this juncture, several MPs stood up for points of order that the Speaker’s decision must not be ignored, to which Pandikar Amin said: ”Don’t tell me how to do my job.

“I know the Standing Orders very well and I’ve memorised it from top to bottom and left to right,” he said.

Dr Abdul Latiff finally retracted his words but said he would not apologise.

Azmi is the new PAC chairperson

Malaysiakini (26/5/08): Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) and Kamaruddin Jaffar (PAS-Tumpat) called for the committee to reflect the presence of political parties in Parliament - in particular, PAS, which has more representatives than MCA and MIC.

...Mohamed Hayati had also queried regarding the rise in the project cost from RM8 billion to RM16 billion as a result of projects given in reciprocation to companies closely linked to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The session was disrupted briefly as some backbenchers objected to the picture painted by the PAS representative that the company awarded the project was under the 'armpit' (ketiak) of the prime minister. (Full report)

Abdul Latiff: Docs have licence to kill

Malaysiakini (26/5/08): As a result, he said, the ministry is unable to approve their employment, adding: “As you all know, doctors have a licence to kill and a licence to cure.”

On hearing this, Dr Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) demanded a retraction of the statement as “it could send a negative signal to the public”.

“I am a doctor myself and I demand that (you) retract your statement. It is not wise to say that doctors have a licence to kill. What kind of message are you sending the public?” he asked.

Dr Lo’ Lo Mohd Ghazali (PAS-Titiwangsa), another medical doctor, also criticised Abdul Latiff. Several of her Pakatan Rakyat colleagues then added to the barrage of calls for retraction. (Full report)

'Licence to kill' heats up Parliament

Bernama (26/5/08): The use of the phrase, 'licence to kill' by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad created an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat with opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) calling for its withdrawal as it reflected poorly on doctors.

Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) set the tone when he said the phrase implied that doctors had a "licence to kill" followed by Dr Lo' Lo' Mohamad Ghazali (Pas-Titiwangsa). They wanted the phrase withdrawn.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia then intervened and asked Abdul Latif to explain what he meant.

Abdul Latiff said "licence to kill" did not imply that doctors had the licence to kill but to show what the failure or negligence of certain doctors could do.

"The opposition always has a negative attitude. If they think they (doctors) have the licence to kill, let it be," he said.

Earlier, replying to a question from Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit), Abdul Latiff used the phrases "licence to kill" and "licence to heal" when describing the poor service due to lack of doctors at hospitals and rural clinics in Sarawak.

The opposition MPs were not satisfied with the explanation and wanted him to withdraw the phrase, "licence to kill".

Abdul Latiff then stood up and said he had no bad intention and promised not to repeat it.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) and N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) then joined the fray and said the use of the phrase was unsuitable to describe negligence by doctors.

This forced the Speaker to ask Abdul Latiff to withdraw the phrase which the latter agreed but he refused to apologise for using it.

If Temasek wants to sell BII equity, just grab it!

NST (14/5/08): It was the first of the ministerial response to points raised during the debate on the royal address but the combative spirit of the House won’t allow Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop – the Second Finance Minister who was first in line – a fluent ride towards finishing his response, such was the persistent queries bombarded by MPs on the rationale behind Malayan Banking Berhad’s purchase of the Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII).

Malaysia’s largest bank, which reportedly controls assets in excess of US$$66 billion and reportedly commands a place in the top 120 banks worldwide, is now in the process of completing the purchase of a 55.7% stake in BII from Singapore’s Temasek Holdings Bhd, according to reports. Reports also state that Maybank is buying BII, Indonesia’s sixth largest bank, for a princely sum of RM8.6 billion. Simply too much, some MPs complained.

Devoting four paragraphs on Maybank’s BII purchase in response to Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) and Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat), Nor Mohamed stressed the pressing need for Malaysian banks to expand as regional banks to compete long term with Singapore and that was why the Government was confident that the BII purchase would turn Maybank into a renown, solid and competitive financial entity, on top of spreading Islamic finance expertise to Indonesia’s Muslim population, the largest in the world.

Nor pointed to CIMB’s RM555 million control of GK Goh Securities, a Singapore stock brokerage policy, and also listed out AmBank, RHB and Public Bank, as banks that embraced the regional expansion policy. However, Nor Mohamed conceded that Maybank was subjected to Indonesia’s foreign investors’ regulations and the “single presence policy”.

As a company listed on Bursa Malaysia, Maybank was also subjected to stricter administrative pre-requisites, like a tight disclosure requirement. “Any equity buying process needs the agreement of stockholders, including the purchase of BII,” he said, acknowledging Maybank’s solid funding and capacity to expand overseas. “Therefore, Maybank’s volatile stock price is more tied to investors’ indeterminate perception and does not necessarily reflect Maybank’s ability and position,” he summed up.

But that was just page 7 in his 20-page reply when MPs quickly erected a road block: alluding to reports that the purchase sum may be too much, Azmin disputed the purchase’s book value, which he rated at four times, when the norm is 2.5 times. Azmin also questioned whether Maybank’s purchase followed good corporate governance.

Nor Mohamed agreed with Azmin’s book value appraisal but elucidated that book value was not always a principle to be followed when a golden opportunity beckons, and in this case the rare opportunity to buy over a regional bank.

Datuk Ibrahim Ali (IND-Pasir Mas), pointing to the Minister’s intimation of Indonesia’s regulations, questioned the probity of such laws because he had heard of horror stories of Malaysian companies doing business in Indonesia. In also questioning the risks involved, Ibrahim proposed that Maybank conduct a briefing for MPs on the soundness of the BII investment, to which Nor Mohamed enthusiastically agreed.

Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong), while recognising that the buy was wise, asked if the Government had launched an independent analysis for the buy, which Nor Mohamed replied in the negative. However, the Minister dismissed as irrelevant queries that the Government failed to control a GLC’s activity, asserting that the Government cannot and must not intervene or make decisions on behalf of its GLCs, be it Maybank or CIMB. He also refused to entertain the contention of Saifuddin Nasution (PKR-Machang) that since billions were being spent, more clarification was needed, when a comprehensive explanation had already been given.

Then, in a conspiratorial tone, Saifuddin contended that the purchase of BII, particularly from Temasek, hinted a “good buy but would falter later.” More conspiratorial overtones: one MP claimed that uncomfortable questions are being asked about Maybank’s ex-president and CEO, Datuk Amirsham Aziz, who started the BII initiative but was now a Cabinet Minister. Nor Mohamed didn’t think that the conspiracy theory merited a response.

N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) soon thundered that the banking and financial checking system was riddled with problems, pointing to the controversy behind CTOS Sdn Bhd, which he claimed provided dubious information about loan applicants.

Nor Mohamed had a ready answer: all banks and Government departments and agencies have been ordered not to use CTOS, especially in deciding on loan applications because the Government had no supervisory control over the private company. “That is why the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara are initiating a law to supervise bodies like CTOS, which is currently unavailable,” he said.

Nor Mohamed agreed with Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) that elements of data protection and a freedom of information provision would be included in the new law.

Back to his altercation with Gobalakrishnan, whose dismissive stance on the banking system included a complaint that his attempt to open a banking account at Citibank took six months, Nor Mohamed had a sarcasm-filled response: “I am sad that it took you six months to open an account but I am sadder that you chose to open an account at a foreign bank when there are nine local banks that you can chose from to open your bank account. After 50 years of independence, you still have no faith in our banks!”

That triggered a reaction from Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai) who insinuated that the faith wasn’t there because of some MPs involvement with some banks. At this point, the Speaker decided that he had allowed more than enough questions, clarifications, banter and dialogue on a Ministerial response which barely moved halfway, so it was after this that Nor Mohamed cleared the road block and concluded his winding-up.

Azmi Khalid picked to be new chairman of PAC

The Star (14/5/08): Former minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid has been proposed as the new chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, taking over from Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

In the motion tabled by the Prime Minister, Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP - Kepong) is re-nominated to the deputy chairman’s post.

However, the motion may still get rejected if enough Opposition members are unhappy over the composition of the committee as it now has 81 members in contrast to 77 backbenchers.

The Opposition has previously made known its stand that the chairmanship of the committee – which looks into allegations of misuse of public funds – should be from their bloc.

Before 2004, both the chairman and deputy's posts were held by backbenchers but this was changed when Dr Tan was given the deputy’s post.

When asked, Azmi said he was surprised that he was named, and said it would be difficult to emulate the previous chairman Shahrir, who has been appointed minister.

“I am willing to work together with all PAC members in a constructive manner as it is a very important select committee as we are expected to look into how public expenditure is spent.

Dr Tan said the names had been agreed among party members earlier and there would be no point for the names to be debated in the Dewan again.

Party stalwart Lim Kit Siang (DAP - Ipoh Timur) said it was “still too early” for the Opposition to come to a decision on the motion.

Dr Hatta Ramli (PAS - Kuala Krai) said Pakatan Rakyat members “would be coming up with something” and that it had “something planned”.

In another motion, the Prime Minister has also proposed for the setting up of a seven-member select committee under Standing Order 76 for the new Parliament.

The committee, which will be chaired by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, will see that the running of the Dewan is according to rules set out under the Standing Orders.

Other members are Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN - Kulai), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Human Resources Minister Datuk S. Subramaniam and Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Islam Hadhari approach to be enhanced

Bernama (7/5/08): Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today only the opposition parties felt that Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) had failed and manipulated the approach for politican gain.

As such, the Islam Hadhari approach would continue to be enhanced through various agendas in the effort to create awareness and appreciation, he said.

"Efforts are being made to establish a Hadhari standard with an index of 10 principles as the benchmark to gauge the level of achievement," he said when replying to a question from Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai) during question time in the Dewan Rakyat.

Ahmad Zahid also said that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had deployed two officers in every ministry to help coordinate the approach.

"Why the phobia against Islam Hadhari? It is not a sect or new religion. Just consider the content of the Hadhari approach," he said.

Dewan Rakyat: Full telecast will cost govt RM100,000 a day

NST (6/5/08): Full telecasts of Parliament sittings will cost the government RM100,000 a day, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabeery Cheek said yesterday.

He said this in a written reply to questions by Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera) and Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Pas-Kuala Krai).

Shabeery said the move to telecast the proceedings of the Dewan Rakyat starting from April 30 without any vetting was proof of the openness and transparency of the government in line with the country's democratic practice.

"The current 30-minute live telecast during the question and answer session was also broadcast by Radio Klasik and is streamed live through the ministry's web portal," Ahmad Shabeery said.

He added that his ministry was prepared to extend the live telecast to cover the debates provided there was positive feedback from the people.

Ahmad Shabeery said he was pleased with the way the Members of Parliament had conducted themselves yesterday during Question Time compared to the much maligned session last Wednesday.

The Information Ministry last week threatened to stop the telecast when only three questions were dealt with in the one and half hours allotted for the question and answer session, which was overshadowed by shouting and name calling among the MPs.

Shabeery said it was too early for the government to decide to extend the live telecast based on a single day's sitting that went smoothly.

"For the time being, the trial run is still on going.

"There is still another two or three weeks for the sitting to go on.

"We will decide after that," he said.

He said the criteria for continuing the live telecasts was that it must be for the betterment of the country and the people.

"We do not mind the elected representatives being rowdy when it comes to debating or discussing issues which are relevant.

"Not like last time (last Wednesday) where, they were only discussing standing orders and trivial matters."

Meanwhile, Liew in a separate statement said the decision to broadcast parliamentary proceedings should be left to MPs to decide through the parliamentary select committee.

"Ahmad Shabeery should bear in mind that MPs are not schoolboys and should not be treated in a patronising manner.

"It is also presumptuous of the minister to denigrate his parliamentary colleagues in such a manner."

Liew suggested that the live telecast be extended to the full one and half hours of the question and answer session.

He said the ministry should allocate a dedicated radio frequency and Internet portal to carry the entire proceedings.

'Islam Hadhari a cause of BN's dismal electoral performance'

The Sun (7/5/08): Opposition MPs alleged in Parliament today that Islam Hadhari was part of the reasons for Barisan Nasional (BN)'s dismal performance in the 12th General Election.

"The people have questioned and rejected it, especially the two main principles that the government has given prominent attention - human capital development and modernisation in the country’s development," said Nasharuddin Mat Isa (PAS-Bachok).

"With such a failure, why is the government still insisting on continuing with it? Is BN thinking that they need time to rectify all the weaknesses or is this just a political move to compete with the Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) struggle which is much better for the people?" he asked.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is in charge of religious affairs, said only the opposition took it as a failure but in actual fact, it has been successful.

"Why have you not noticed that it was the Islam Hadhari awareness that had contributed to BN’s huge victory in 2004? What happened in the recent election was due to the twists and turns made by certain groups against this noble approach for their own political mileage," he said.

Addressing Nasharuddin’s supplementary question, Ahmad Zahid said the opposition should not develop a phobia towards the term Islam Hadhari as it is not a new mazhab (sect) or religion but only an approach to civilise the community.

To the original question from Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai), Ahmad Zahid said a committee has been formed to conduct a research on Islam Hadhari to set a standard which would be used as a benchmark to measure the achievement of all its 10 principles.