RM630m gone to LDP concession holder

Malaysian Insider (22/5/08): The government has paid RM630.54 million in compensation to the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) concessionaire up to last year.

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said the government had implemented the restructuring of the LDP toll rates and as a result, it had to pay compensation to the concessionaire.

"To avoid the burden of higher tolls for LDP users, the government studied and restructured the toll rates and approved lower tolls than that called for in the the concession agreement. For example, the rate for a Class One vehicle in 1999 was reduced to RM1 from the RM1.50 allowed for in the agreement and last year the government again restructured the rate to RM1.60 from RM2.10," he said.

Mohd Zin was replying to a question from Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan) who wanted to know the subsidy paid by the government until now for the LDP and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) to avoid the burden of higher tolls for highway users.

He said for the NPE, the government had not restructured the toll rates.

Bumiputera contractor list for Iskandar

The government is drawing up the Bumiputera Contractor Master List to ensure the active participation of Bumiputeras in the Iskandar Malaysia economic development region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the preparatory effort, expected to be completed by end of this year, was an important strategy towards supporting a strong Bumiputera economy.

"The objective of the programme is to reduce and eventually eradicate any imbalance in the participation of Bumiputeras in business and it is also a mechanism to easily facilitate the establishment of efficient Bumiputera joint ventures with potential investors in Iskandar Malaysia," he said in his written reply to a question from Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian).

Abdullah said the master list is also being drawn up to strengthen the ties between Bumiputera-owned companies, especially the small and medium enterprises, with the public and private sector as well as research institutions.

The prime minister said several initiatives have been identified to counter social issues of locals.

Abdullah said the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development has also formulated an action plan to help identify and get the involvement of capable Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the development of all the corridors.

The implementation of Iskandar Malaysia and all the other corridors have been in fact planned taking into account the interest of all communities, he said.

Walls at Sarawak-Indonesian border

The government has agreed to erect walls at several locations along the Sarawak-Indonesia border to prevent foreigners sneaking into the country via secret land routes dubbed as "jalan tikus".

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the walls would be built among others at Mangsasan, Lingsawan and Wongpanjang in Lubuk Antu, and Titika and Batu Lintang in Sri Aman in reply to Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Support for Myanmar not mistake

Malaysia did not make a big mistake in supporting Myanmar's entry into Asean in 1997.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said that what was important was for Myanmar not to return to its closed-door policy.

"It is a country close to us and if Myanmar were to be isolated, its development, economy and trade would be stifled, besides having to face a more serious poverty problem. "Inevitably, it would have to depend on the big powers which will eventually usurped its sovereignty," he said when winding up the debate on the King's address.

Abdul Rahim said although not much change had taken place in Myanmar, it was nevertheless developing little by little after it joined Asean.

He was replying to Dr P. Ramasamy (DAP-Batu Kawan) who had asked whether Malaysia had erred by recognising Myanmar as a member of Asean.

Solid Waste Management Act

The Solid Waste Management Act will not be enforced in Sabah and Sarawak as both the states have their own set of laws to regulate solid waste management and public cleanliness, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said.

He said both the Sabah and Sarawak governments had also expressed the intention that they would not apply the Act even when the legislation was being formulated.

"When we were formulating the act, it was with the view of including Sabah and Sarawak but the governments in both states decided not to apply the law for the time being as they have their own legislation for the purpose," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan).

Ghapur had wanted to know whether it was the federal government or the state government which was responsible for sewerage management in Sabah.

30pc target for women decision makers

Although no time frame has been given for the 30 per cent target for women to be at the decision-making level in the public sector to be achieved, the indications have been positive.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said promotions for civil servants were determined based on certain criteria regardless of gender.

"If more women qualify and can meet the criteria, the 30 per cent target for women civil servants to be at the decision-making level can even be surpassed," she added in her written reply to Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam).

Dr Ng said the number of women holding top positions in the public sector increased from 18.8 per cent in 2004 to 26 per cent last year, the number of women ambassadors from 10 per cent in 2006 to 15.6 per cent in 2007 and High Commissioners from 4.3 per cent (2006) to 40 per cent (2007).

She said the ministry believed that the target could be achieved soon considering that women officers at the middle management level (Grade 48 to 54) exceeded 30 per cent last year.

Call to speed up work on Penang's tuna port

The government has called for a faster completion of the upgrading work carried out on the tuna port at the Batu Maung fishing port in Penang.

Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industries Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the upgrading of the Malaysia International Tuna Port, besides speeding up the government's plans to develop the port as an international tuna hub, will be also important in generating economic activities in the region.

He was replying to a question from Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim (PKR-Bayan Baru) on the short and long term plans by the ministry for the tuna port.

The upgrade costing more than RM260 million included extension of the tuna berth from 430 metres to 1,600 metres, expansion of the port area and construction of several office buildings. It will then be able to handle tuna boats of 3,000 tonnes instead of the present 150 to 750 tonnes. It will be able to also handle 100 boats at a time.

Malaysia's tuna industry is estimated to be worth between RM70 and RM80 million.

Rebranding of Agrobank

This exercise of turning Bank Pertanian to Agrobank on April 1 was aimed at giving the bank a more global image and enhance its competitiveness, Mustapa said to reflect its new paid-up capital of RM1 billion.

Besides providing loans to local farmers, it will only be natural for Agrobank to look at establishing global links, he told Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique (BN-Tenggara) on the reason for the name change.

Agrobank, which has 173 branches nationwide, approved loans worth RM15.3 billion as of last year. Its deposits and savings amount to RM4.58 billion with a total of two million account holders.

Heart surgery in Bangalore

The sending of children of poor families who have congenital heart disease for surgery at the Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital in Bangalore, India, is a last resort to save them, deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad explained due to reduced waiting time.

"Ten out every 1,000 children born in Malaysia each year are afflicted by congenital heart disease. This means each year we are faced with about 5,000 cases of children born with the disease, of which between 2,000 and 3,000 of them need surgery," he replied to Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR-Gopeng).

The Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital is world renowned as a heart surgery centre for children. -Bernama

Motion on oil royalty rejected

Opposition instigating territorial sentiments, says Mojigoh

The Star (15/5/08): A backbencher criticised the Opposition for allegedly inciting disunity among the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN – Putatan), who accused the Opposition of instigating “territorial sentiments”, said in a supplementary question to Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohamed Shafie Apdal:

“The people in the two states were almost taken in by their lies and malicious attempts to exploit racial sentiments.”

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia commented that Dr Mojigoh’s question was actually a statement.

Earlier, in reply to Dr Mojigoh’s original question of how the Government would act against those who incited disunity, anti-peninsula and territorial feelings, Shafie said such feelings grew from a lack of knowledge and understanding about the country’s formation, bumiputra rights and privileges.

“Programmes to bolster unity, cooperation and understanding among the races in Malaysia would not be enough through education and campaigns alone,” he added.

Shafie told Datuk Abd Halim Abd Rahman (PAS – Pengkalan Chepa) that the Government was worried that the younger generation, who were now more exposed to new ideas and cultures in a changing environment, would not understand the foundations of the country and racial understanding.

“We may see a rise in problems related to racial and religious sensitivities, lack of respect for the official religion, the sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and many things if we fail to set a good example as Malaysians.

“If we are unable to play our role well, we may lose the nationalistic spirit and respect for the country in the long run,” he added.

‘Good numbers’ ready to defect to PKR, says Azmin

The Edge Daily (16/5/08): Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice president Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR) insisted that good numbers of MPs on both sides of the South China Sea would be defecting to the party.

“We have good numbers. Credible numbers. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said many times that we need a strong and credible government. If we only have 30 then there is a lot of risk because it would be a fragile government.

“We do not want to form a fragile government. We want to form a strong government and want the transition to be smooth. That is also an important element that we have to consider,” he said in Parliament lobby yesterday.

When told that the Sabah MPs had said they were not going to cross over, Azmin said: “Wait and see.”

He said Anwar and PKR were approached by the MPs first instead of the other way round. He also challenged Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan to prove the allegations of attempts to buy him over by PKR.

On Wednesday, Abdul Rahman said that “friends”, who had good connections in both Umno and PKR had approached him and asked if he wanted to create history by bringing down the Barisan Nasional government.

Azmin said the MPs knew they need a strong leadership. “We have a leadership issue in the country, which is weak leadership. Do not underestimate the MPs’ wisdom.

“They need a strong person who can call the shots and offer good development package,” he said, adding his party did not offer any monetary enticement but development packages for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the MPs’ anger was real, as they had to go back and face their constituents.

Asked on the date that Pakatan Rakyat would be forming the federal government, Azmin said Anwar had mentioned September 16. “It would be formed latest by September 16.”

On Information Minister Datuk Shaberry Cheek labelling of leaders who pleaded for crossovers as ‘political prostitutes’, Azmin said: “Who was Shaberry Cheek before this? From PAS to Semangat 46 and then to Umno. He is the political prostitute if he wants to use the term. I didn’t use it. Tell him to remember the history.”

On the 20% oil royalty that PKR is offering, he said rational people would accept that as compared to the 5% offered by BN.

As for the complications in adjusting the oil royalty agreement between Petronas and the government, Azmin said: “They cancelled the one between Petronas and Terengganu. Umno converted the oil royalty into Wang Ehsan. How do you explain that?”

He also reiterated they would reduce the petrol and gas prices upon forming the federal government. They would return the royalty to Terengganu while abolishing the Federal Development Department (JPP) in Kelantan and Sabah, he added.

Azmin also told reporters that the shadow Cabinet would be announced in due time.

Asked if Anwar would contest in a by-election he said there were several options available for Anwar, including a senatorship and by-election.

Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili yesterday denied that some BN MPs had switched parties. According to a Bernama report, Ongkili said the matter was an old story and the speculation had been spreading since the 12th general election concluded.

“The rumour from the opposition is actually to undermine the existing political stability. I feel it is also to undermine the mental stability of politicians from Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after officiating at Mimos Bhd’s portal eBioChem at Seri Kembangan near here.

Game still on after anti-climax

The hype that several Barisan Nasional MPs would be crossing over to the Pakatan Rakyat yesterday has fizzled out but the danger is not over.

The Star (15/5/08): Wednesday has come and gone, but no one has yet to cross the floor in Parliament.

For days, the buzz was that 17 MPs from Barisan Nasional would be defecting to Pakatan Rakyat on Wednesday.

It was likely the more hopeful had imagined that they would be a step closer to being the government of the day by Thursday. The Sabah MPs had heightened the mood over the past week when they defiantly aired their unhappiness, raising hopes on the Opposition bench.

But nothing of that sort happened. The Barisan is still in power, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is still the Prime Minister and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s promises of having the numbers to form the government remain promises.

As Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi pointed out, one would have sensed it in the air if something so big were about to happen.

“There was a marked shift in mood by yesterday. The Sabah and Sarawak MPs who spoke in the morning made veiled criticism of the federal government for not taking care of their states but they also balanced it with pro-Barisan rhetoric,” said Ooi.

By afternoon, the anticipatory mood had evaporated. The moment, as they say, had passed.

But, said Ooi, it was quite clear even as early as Tuesday that some sort of compromise had been struck with the Sabah MPs.

“I would think Pak Lah used his experience to defuse the situation for now,” said Ooi.

It is no secret Abdullah has been busy fire-fighting the last few days, meeting up with key Sabah leaders, listening to them, asking for their understanding and providing some degree of assurance.

He has managed to forestall another potential crisis until at least August, which is the deadline of sorts from SAPP president and one of Sabah’s most fiery politicians, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, on Sabah demands.

In fact, he must have been pretty confident of their loyalty because he surprised everyone with an unscheduled appearance in Parliament on Tuesday at 11pm.

Datuk Rahman Dahlan, MP for Kota Belud in Sabah, was inside when he saw MPs, including a few ministers and deputy ministers, rushing in through almost every door in the House. Minutes later, a smiling and very relaxed-looking Abdullah walked in, took his seat at the prime spot and listened to the debate till Parliament adjourned at 11.45pm.

Younger MPs like Rahman called it a “spot check” but the political significance was quite clear. Abdullah was basically saying he is still around, he is not running scared of all the speculation of defections and he has things under control.

The east Malaysian MPs had caused ripples the past week, making speeches that were akin to veiled threats. It was a direct sign of just how dissatisfied they were with the political spoils of war, so to speak, and seemed to lend credence to Anwar’s claim of support.

“We are just voicing issues we feel strongly about. I’m quite close to my fellow Sabah MPs and I did not get the vibes that they would abandon Umno,” said Rahman.

It has been such an anti-climax and as Wednesday drew to a close, even PKR members were asking what had become of the promise of defections.

Among the Opposition coalition, PAS politicians have been the least excited over the crossover talk. Said a PAS MP from Kelantan: “Change must come from the ballot box. A coalition built on defections will not be stable or respected.”

The DAP, on its part, is trying to contain its assemblyman from defecting in Perak where the Pakatan Rakyat is holding on to power by a three-seat margin.

Still, the danger for Abdullah and the Barisan is not over, merely defused.

But yesterday’s non-event has deepened the perception that Anwar is a master at mind games. The build-up about him forming the government has been so tremendous that when he called a press conference on Monday, the media rushed to his office only to learn that it was about the Royal Commission report on the V. K. Lingam video.

Anwar has some names on his side but the numbers probably do not add up to forming the next government. Otherwise, he would have declared game over for Barisan by now. (Joceline Tan)

Anifah: Once the defections start, there's no stopping

The Sun (14/5/08): If and when East Malaysian Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians defect, the ruling coalition cannot do anything anymore (to stop the defections), said Datuk Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis).

Anifah, one of the many Sabahan and Sarawakian MPs who voiced their concern and dissatisfaction over BN’s lack of attention to issues in the two states in debates on the motion of thanks on the royal address, did not discount himself from doing the same.

"I will do it (defect) if it is in the best interest of the people," he told reporters in Parliament lobby today.

However, Anifah defended that the Sabah leaders were actually trying to stop the people from defecting.

When asked about the up till August time frame given by Datuk Yong Teck Lee (Sabah Progressive Party President and Gaya MP), Anifah said people were getting impatient and were drawn to the 20% oil royalty offer by Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

"It makes a lot of difference for Sabah. Whether it becomes a reality, is debatable. What we are saying is 'look into our grievances', the problem of illegal immigrants.

"If you can set up the Judicial Appointment Commission and the Malaysian Commission against Corruption, why can’t you set up a commission to look into this matter," he lamented.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan likened the situation to the government being the doctor who is not treating the aches and pains of the people, the patient.

"It is just like when we are sick, the doctor doesn’t treat you to get rid of that pain in the body, you will continue to feel sick and unhappy and miserable. The aches and pains have been expressed in the Dewan and the patient has been talking and telling the doctor they need treatment," he said, adding that Sabah MPs were merely protecting the country and its sovereignty.

"This means illegal immigrants must be sent away. We have laws which must be enforced. Who are you choosing, your citizens or the illegal immigrants? Of course your citizens must be protected," said Pairin.

On the oil royalty, Kitingan said it needed to be considered "as I see it as a lopsided agreement".

"It is also being fully exploited by the Opposition and the agreement has to be studied. You can’t just dismiss it as not being lopsided but there must be a discussion with all the MPs and leaders to look at the facts and figures so that the people are satisfied," he added.

Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) denies any knowledge of MPs "jumping ship" and says he isn’t one, for now.

However, he quipped: "If I am not satisfied, I will form my own party. Why should I jump? I don’t want to jump because the other party will also tie my legs, like BN". "All I am saying to the leadership is we don’t want to be second class citizens."

Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) said the election gave the people a chance to change the political model of country and he is all for a two-party system in the country.

On Yong’s ultimatum that his party may leave BN in August if the state issues are not resolved, Abdul Rahman said he believed Yong said it in good faith as he was only presenting the views of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

Priority in education development to Sabah, Sarawak, Dewan Rakyat told

Bernama (14/5/08): The government always gives priority to development in Sabah and Sarawak including in education, and the two states receive greater focus and allocation than the other states, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Wednesday.

He said that, for example, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), the government had allocated RM3.4 billion to Sabah and RM3.1 billion to Sarawak for education.

"The ministry is aware of the gap in the level of education between the urban and interior areas in Sabah and Sarawak, and allocations have been made to upgrade the infrastructure and amenities in schools there," he said when winding up debate for his ministry on the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat.

Hishammuddin said allocations had been made to implement 3,604 education development projects in Sabah and 2,187 projects in Sarawak.

"Statements that Sabah and Sarawak have been marginalised are inaccurate; in fact, they are given priority and higher allocations," he said.

Referring to a question from Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PAS-Rantau Panjang), he said the ministry would ensure that all projects were completed in the alloted time as far as ensuring that there were no more schools in poor condition in the Sabah and Sarawak interior.

"It is not possible to resolve all problems in a matter of two or three years. Sabah is 73,710 sq km in size while Sarawak is 125,000 sq km in area and they have 1,271 and 1,439 schools, respectively. Sabah has 497 underpopulated schools while Sarawak has 788," he said.

On the relocation of underpopulated Chinese and Tamil schools, Hishammuddin said the ministry had resolved the matter and denied that its actions were politically motivated.

The Dewan Rakyat will sit again Thursday.