Opposition files no-confidence motion against PM, cabinet

The Edge Daily (11/7/08): After weeks of threatening to do so, the opposition led by its leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has submitted a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his cabinet.

Accompanied by other Pakatan Rakyat leaders, Wan Azizah filed the emergency motion under Standing Order 18(1) and (2) at the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s office in parliament at about 3.45pm yesterday.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has up to 24 hours to decide whether to allow the motion to be debated on Monday. Even if the motion is allowed, it is unlikely to cause the government’s downfall because members of parliaments are not required to vote on motions filed under Standing Order 18(1) and (2).

At a joint press conference with DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and PAS secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar later, Wan Azizah said Pakatan Rakyat filed the motion because the people’s confidence in the government’s integrity had been eroded.

She alleged that the Barisan Nasional achieved a slim victory due to the “manipulation” of the Election Commission and “lies”.

“The price of oil was suddenly increased after the general election although the deputy prime minister had promised not to do so during the launch of the BN manifesto. The states governed by Pakatan Rakyat are also marginalised and this shows BN’s attitudes against the spirit of democracy and federalism,” Azizah said.

She also said BN members who rejected their irresponsible leaders were threatened and forced not to speak up.

Among others, she said, the people had been affected by crises such as the increasing prices of oil, food and other basic necessities, erosion of confidence in the police, attorney-general and the judiciary, rise in crime rates and corruption.

On why Pakatan Rakyat submitted the motion now, Azizah said it was to allow MPs to discuss the matter as the situation in the country had gotten worse after the general election.

Kit Siang said the debate itself would provide an opportunity to gauge the level of confidence that the people had in the prime minister.

“That is why I think this opportunity should not be missed,” he added.

When approached by the press later, Pandikar said he would mull over the matter before deciding on whether to allow the motion on Monday.

On chances for the motion to be allowed, he said: “I don’t know. I still have a few days to think about it. I still haven’t read the motion.”

Under normal circumstances, those who proposed an emergency motion would know the speaker’s decision within a day as to whether the motion was rejected in chamber or brought to the House and rejected there, he added.

Pandikar also said there would be no voting on the motion even if it was allowed and he did not know the effect it would have.

Pressed further on the effect of the motion, he said: “I don’t know how to answer you because the question doesn’t make any sense to me. How to have the motion accepted if there is no vote? Read between the line. Exercise that mind.”

Four state water bodies to be corporatised by year-end

The Edge Daily (10/7/08): The corporatisation exercise of four state water authorities - in Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Perak - is expected to be finalised by the end of this year, said Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor yesterday.

Replying to a question from Mohd Nasir Zakaria (Padang Terap-PAS) in the Dewan Rakyat, he said a similar exercise in Perlis and Federal Territory of Labuan is expected to take place by the middle of next year.

"As for several other states which have already privatised their water services, they are negotiating with the concessionaires in the respective states in order to go into the licensing regime," he said.

Shaziman said the government would like to enhance the efficiency and competency of the water service in all states through the restructuring of the water industry.

"The ministry believes that the monitoring method through licensing regimes is suitable for enhancing the operations of water entities in each of the states," he added.

To a question why the process of corporatisation was going very slowly, Shaziman said it took a long time because the government has to ensure that the water industry is well-managed and is beneficial to the people.

Meanwhile, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said the prospects of the cocoa industry in the country were still bright despite the perception that Malaysia's cocoa has poor demand in the world market due to its acidic content.

Answering a supplementary question from Prof Dr P Ramasamy (Batu Kawan-DAP), he said the price of dry cocoa seed in the world market at RM9,000 per tonne has shown that "the price is still good".

"Unfortunately, we don't have enough production for the industry in Malaysia. That's why we encourage farmers to replace old trees with good seeds in the future," he said.

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)."

PR MPs stage walkout

The Edge Daily (30/6/08): Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a walkout from the Dewan Rakyat today to protest Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia’s decision to allow Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to speak on the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

While in the Dewan Rakyat, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, supported by other Pakatan Rakyat members, pointed out that it would be a misuse of Standing Order 14(1)(i) to make a ministerial statement on his support for the mid-term review.

“He should have make the statement when he seconded the motion last week,” Lim said, adding that it was misuse of standing order.

Meanwhile, Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) questioned whether the government was admiting that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had missed out some points when he presented his speech on the mid-term review last Thursday by allowing Najib to provide further explanations.

In response, Pandikar said it was his discretion under the Standing Order as the Speaker to allow Najib to make the speech and told the MPs who disagreed with his decision to submit a motion to the parliament on the matter.

Pakatan Rakyat MPs stage walkout

The Edge Daily (1/7/08): Pakatan Rakyat Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a walkout from the Dewan Rakyat yesterday to protest against Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia’s decision to allow Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to speak on the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Pandikar said it was his discretion under the Standing Orders as the Speaker to allow Najib to make the speech, and told the MPs who disagreed with his decision to submit a motion to parliament on the matter.

DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timur-DAP), supported by other Pakatan Rakyat members, pointed out that it would be a misuse of Standing Order 14(1)(i) to make a ministerial statement on his support for the mid-term review.

“He should have made the statement when he seconded the motion last week,” Lim said, adding that it was misuse of a standing order.

He said they walked out in protest because there was no respect for the standing orders.

“This has never happened. It was very clear the DPM didn’t use his opportunity to support the mid-term review last Thursday, and now he wants a second bite of the cherry. It is unparliamentary and unacceptable. We will present a motion to review the Speaker’s decision on this matter and also on suspending the Puchong MP for two days,” Lim said.

He said any ministerial statement should have instead touched on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was taking refuge in the Turkish Embassy because of fear for his personal safety. “That is an urgent matter. Not an extra explanation on the mid-term review. That is ridiculous,” he said.

Pakatan Rakyat MPs kept interrupting Najib, who was trying to deliver his speech, with various points of order until they finally decided to walk out in protest.

As they were walking out, the deputy prime minister could be heard quipping that it was “better” without the opposition MPs in the House.

In his speech, Najib elaborated on the third thrust of the 9MP, which involved strategies to overcome socio-economic inequality in a constructive and productive manner, to avoid misinterpretation by any party.

“The approach taken under this thrust is to reduce the imbalances among ethnic groups, between rural and urban areas and among regions. I would like to explain that the implementation of strategies under this thrust will not exclude opportunities to other groups,” he said.

Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PAS) asked if the government was admitting that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had missed out some points when he presented his speech on the mid-term review last Thursday by allowing Najib to provide further explanations.

Opposition leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Permatang Pauh-PKR) questioned why was there a need for Najib to add further explanations to the mid-term review.

“The review by the PM finished before 1pm last Thursday. They had time until 5.30pm,” she said. The House went into a recess until Monday right after Abdullah had presented the review.

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.

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).”

Witty repartee doesn’t always translate to good debate

The Edge Daily (2/6/08): Some people expected the quality of debates in parliament to improve with more opposition members of parliament (MPs) to watch over the government. Undeniably, the Dewan Rakyat has become more interesting - but it is difficult to tell if the quality of debates has improved.

The first day of parliament was already marred by boyish antics from both the government and opposition camps. In a heated exchange over some technicalities, Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor-DAP) labelled Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan-BN) as “bigfoot”, and the latter responded in kind by calling Karpal “big monkey”.

Although such incidents are not unusual in the Dewan Rakyat, the matter was compounded by the fact that the first half hour of the parliament session was telecast live for the first time nationwide.

Some consider this as entertainment which one can expect from parliament, while others feel embarrassed, so much so that the Information Ministry threatened to stop the live telecast. In the end, the government decided to proceed with the broadcast.

However, the opposition has continuously engaged the government in name-calling and mud-slinging throughout the sessions.

Be that as it may, there was a lot of creativity flowing from the ranks of Pakatan Rakyat, especially Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR), who made a memorable remark in one of his speeches.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN), he said: “Since when does Umno care about “ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy), when all this while it only practised “ketuanan menantu” (son-in-law’s supremacy)?”

When it came to Khairy’s turn to speak, the Umno Youth deputy chief tried to get his revenge by sowing the seed of disunity in the opposition camp, targeted at staunchly Islamic PAS MPs, by playing up the pig farm issue in Selangor.

He also said Pakatan Rakyat was just a “public relations” stunt among parties with different ideologies to pull wool over people’s eyes.

Calling PAS a “junior partner” in Pakatan Rakyat, he claimed that the PKR-led Selangor state government was giving more priority to “Projek Khinzir Raksasa” (mammoth pig project), which is a play on the acronym “PKR”.

Khairy’s remarks managed to rile up several PAS MPs, who pointed out that the project was actually approved by the previous state government led by Umno.

Not to be outdone by Khairy, Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PAS) said it was actually “Projek Babi Negara” (National Pig Project), which is a twist on the Barisan Nasional’s acronym.

Khairy appeared to be a favourite target of the opposition’s stinging attacks, as DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timur-DAP) had earlier called him the “richest unemployed in the world” for being able to acquire and sell a lot of shares in ECM Libra.

Lim also challenged Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun-BN), who is the youngest son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to answer on his father’s behalf.

“Isn’t Dr Mahathir’s administration known for KKN? Does the honourable Jerlun MP know what KKN is? The first K stands for kronisme (cronyism), the second K for korupsi (corruption) and the N for nepotisme (nepotism),” he said.

Even the demure Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Permatang Pauh-PKR) displayed her mettle as an Opposition Leader in the debate on the motion of thanks on the royal address, by hurling various accusations against the government.

She tried to implicate Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also the defence minister, by alleging corruption in the procurement of military equipment, such as Scorpene submarines and Sukhoi fighter jets.

Najib also hogged the limelight as popular blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin was charged with sedition for his article, which contained allegations linking the deputy prime minister and his wife to the murder of Altantuya Shaaribuu.

Despite the prevalence of playground antics, the Dewan Rakyat still managed to hear an array of issues of public interest, ranging from food security to highway concessions.

While it is heartening to note that many MPs took the opportunity to raise many issues while debating the motion of thanks on the royal address, their skills on real policy matters are not really tested this round.

The real occasion for law-making only came in the fourth week when they debated the Supplementary Supply Bill and the Pensions (Amendments) Bill. Alas, the two bills had to be rushed through the Dewan Rakyat.

In a nutshell, it is still too early to tell whether parliamentary debates are better now, as mud-slinging and name-calling seem to have moved to a new level.

On a more positive note, the government is trying to become more responsive to certain issues judging from certain pronouncements made in parliament. Some BN MPs are also becoming more vocal on issues such as minority rights, corruption and independence of the judiciary.

For example, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has even been accused by some backbenchers from his own camp of being “an opposition minister” and “realising the opposition’s manifesto” for his plans to reform the judiciary.

The government also announced that it would consider taking over highway concessions or review the toll charges to reduce the financial burden on the people.

In fact, Abdullah himself was seen sitting in the Dewan Rakyat to observe parliamentary proceedings until as late as 11pm on one occasion.

At the end of the day, regardless of the quality of debates in parliament, the more important objective of parliamentary democracy is to ensure that the government is honest and responsive.

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.

‘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.

Greenhorn Amirsham answers amid taunts

The Edge Daily (16/5/08): New kid on the block Datuk Amirsham A Aziz, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, had to dodge a slew of jibes yesterday after he was spotted reading the answer to a supplementary question in parliament.

The former Maybank chief, a greenhorn in the august house, was treated to heckling by the opposition MPs as he was answering the first supplementary question on the New Economic Policy (NEP) posed by Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau–BN) from what appeared to be a prepared text.

All hell broke loose when Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timur–DAP) said the answer to the supplementary question was already prepared.

“Planted question. The answer is all ready,” shouted Chong Eng (Bukit Mertajam–DAP), while shouts of “Crony! Crony!” were heard in the background.

“Siap jawapan sampai dua muka! (The answer was so prepared it runs to two pages!),” said Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PAS).

Although the MPs pounced on him mercilessly, they all had smiles on their faces. And, to his credit, Amirsham didn’t waiver but continued to read his answer.

Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee tried to calm the house but to no avail.

Khairy had asked Amirsham on the remark by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-DAP) who vowed to abolish the use of the National Economic Policy in the state administration because “it breeds corruption, cronyism and systemic efficiency” .

“Is it fair for Lim to make a general conclusion that people who benefit from the NEP, regardless of race, millions of students and bumiputera professionals like yourself — a product of the policy and became the CEO of the biggest bank in Malaysia — as if we are all cronies and corrupt?” Khairy asked.

Amirsham, in his answer, said he found Lim’s statement inaccurate and that Lim did not understand the objective of the NEP.

“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 corrupt,” he said and proceeded to provide figures while the ruckus continued.

He concluded that the NEP was generally a fair and good policy that had evolved with the country’s development.

Amirsham said the government had no plans to change the policies that evolved from the basic spirit of the NEP into the National Development Policy, the National Vision Policy and the National Mission under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“The policies are not only aimed at raising the socio-economic status of the bumiputeras but also the Indians, Orang Asli and minorities in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

He said the government would continue with its commitment to implement the basic NEP strategies of poverty eradication regardless of race, and restructure the society to eradicate ethnic identification through economic function.

“If the objectives are realised, especially with a fairer distribution of wealth between and within ethnic groups, between states, and in urban and rural areas, it will speed up our efforts to ensure balanced participation amongst all levels of society,” Amirsham said.

He also said that based on the National Mission, the government had agreed to extend the timeline for realising several objectives of the distribution policy, such as eradication of poverty and achieving 30% bumiputera equity by 2020.

Prof Dr P Ramasamy (Batu Kawan–DAP) was allowed to ask the second supplementary question on whether the NEP had diverged from the original principle behind the affirmative action, which was meant to benefit the minority instead of majority as was practised in Malaysia.

“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 without any reference to text.

The ruckus continued when the deputy speaker called for Mohamed Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR) to raise his question to the minister in the question-and-answer session. However, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh (Kalabakan-BN) 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 him that the house was under control.

Azmin who had the floor then took a potshot at Khairy. He said: “Dewan jadi pasar sebab Rembau pengerusi pasar (The House turn into a market because Rembau MP is a market chief)!”

At this point Khairy stood and called for Point-of-Order on Rule 36 (character assassination) and asked for Azmin to retract his statement. Peace descended when Kiandee asked Azmin to ask his question.

Khairy who was met at the parliament lobby later denied that his supplementary question was planted. “It is not planted. It is a supplementary question. The minister is a very intelligent man. He was the CEO of Maybank. I am sure he had anticipated what would be the supplementary question. Maybe he was looking at the facts and statistics in front of him.

“For me what is more important is substance. It was clear that the opposition was causing trouble because they were afraid of substance,” he said.

Related: Amirsham: Straight man but something is suspicious (A Voice)

Ringgit tumbles to lowest level since January

The Edge Daily (15/5/08): The Malaysian ringgit tumbled to the lowest level since Jan 24 this year closing at RM3.26 against the greenback yesterday.

According to analysts, strong oil prices, which are testing the US$125 (RM400) per barrel mark, generated demand for the US dollar, which led to most currencies taking a fall against the greenback. The US dollar was also given a boost by better retail sales data for April, from the US economy. This is an indication that the US will not need to slash its key interest rates further.

Other Asian currencies also weaken against the US dollar. However, among Asian currencies, the ringgit was the worst hit, as the unstable political climate added to the woes.

Political observers said that the recent statements by members of parliament (MPs) from Sabah increased the risk of political instability in the country. Over the last two weeks, three MPs from Sabah have expressed their dissatisfaction over the treatment from the federal government. The grouses range from inadequate oil subsidies to insufficient positions in the Cabinet.

The growing voice of MPs in Sabah has lent credence to speculation that some of them could cross over to the opposition Pakatan Rakyat which is made up of DAP, PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

In tandem with the weakening ringgit, yields on short-term papers also increased. Five-year benchmark MGS rose by 70 basis points (bps) to 3.54% since May 5. The yields on three-year MGS meanwhile has climbed from 3.44% to 3.5% since last Monday, indicating a selldown in debt papers.

Much of the weakening in the ringgit was also a result of China raising its reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 50 bps to 16.5%, its fourth hike this year to stem off inflation. A combination of high-growth economy fuelled by foreign investments has contributed to a higher inflation rate in China.

According to a report by HwangDBS, China may want to slow the yuan’s pace of appreciation because the many factors that hastened its appreciation in 2006 and 2007 were no longer compelling.

“First, the trade surplus is narrower in the first four months of this year compared to ballooning surpluses in the past two years. Second, the stock market is still struggling to recover from its sharp fall, unlike the bull run in 2006 and 2007.

“Thirdly, Asian currencies are no longer appreciating across-the-board against the US dollar like they did in the past two years. Fourthly, US rates are no longer the highest amongst the G3 currencies, which makes managing the yuan appreciation pace harder. Fifthly, there is now a need to balance the yuan appreciation against the euro, not just against the US dollar,” HwangDBS added.

Many opined that the ringgit, to a certain extent, tracked the Yuan, as both currencies were unpegged from the greenback at the same time.

Dealers, however, said that this depreciation of the ringgit may be a short-lived and expected it to trade at a range of between RM3.15 and RM3.20 to the US dollar once the political climate stabilises. (Jose Barrock)

Kota Belud MP said offered large sum to defect

The Edge Daily (14/5/08): Backbencher Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (Kota Belud-BN) caused a stir in parliament yesterday when he alleged that he was offered a large sum of money to defect to the opposition camp.

“I’d like to ask the Speaker, is it not corruption for certain opposition leaders to offer goodies to members of parliament (MPs) to jump ship? I myself have received a call offering a large sum of money to jump ship. Is that not corruption?

“They also offered me a Cabinet position. Is that not corruption?” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Abdul Rahman also claimed that bribery was pervasive during the contest against the late Tun Ghafar Baba for the position of Umno deputy president, where tons of money, projects and “pink forms” were used as “grease” to secure victory.

“We in Sabah still remember how delegates (to the Umno general assembly) can be bought and threatened. Thanks to the supreme leader of PKR (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for introducing and turning money politics into a culture in Umno Sabah,” he said.

He also teased the Pakatan Rakyat on who would succeed Anwar if he became the next prime minister, claiming that his constituents were pressing him on the matter.

“Who will become the next prime minister after Anwar? The people want to know? Can Pakatan Rakyat continue to surprise and create history by appointing the first prime minister from among the Chinese and Indians — (for example) the honourable MPs from Ipoh Timur (Lim Kit Siang) or Bukit Gelugor (Karpal Singh) from the DAP. We will wait…” he said.

Abdul Rahman also questioned whether Pakatan would allow PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to become prime minister.

“With his turban and robe ala Taliban, he is said to be unsuitable to hold the prime minister’s position as he can give the wrong image of Malaysia to foreign investors,” he said, adding that even non-Malays in Malaysia would be concerned if Hadi became either home or education minister.

He also asked whether PKR president and opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, whom he characterised as a puppet and warming the seat for Anwar, could become a prime minister.

Taking a swipe at Mohamed Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR), Abdul Rahman said the PKR vice-president was so obsessed with his leader to the point of following Anwar’s style of clothing and speaking.

He ended his speech by saying Anwar was building an empire of nepotism and would appoint his daughter, Nurul Izzah (Lembah Pantai-PKR), to succeed him as prime minister.

Give prosecution powers to MCAC, says Khairy

The Edge Daily (13/5/08): Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN) has called for the Malaysian Commission for Anti-Corruption (MCAC) to be given prosecution powers as part of the country’s efforts to combat corruption.

“The implementation of the suggestion will allow the commission to focus on the prosecution of corruption cases and lift the burden off the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which is facing a backlog of cases,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Debating the motion of thanks on the royal address, Khairy praised the government’s effort to fight corruption by restructuring the Anti-Corruption Agency into an independent MCAC and to provide protection to whistleblowers.

“I also hope the government will continue its effort to combat corruption through the use of modern technology,” he said, adding that this would allow for money spent on anti-corruption efforts to bring the best value.

He said the government could use information technology to lower the cost of procurement and channel the savings to development projects.

Citing the example of electronic procurement, Khairy said it could ensure that goods would be sold to the government at reasonable prices, adding that this system had lowered the costs to giant corporations by up to 25%.

In his speech, Khairy also welcomed Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar’s proposal to review the annual licensing requirement for the print media, which would eliminate the bureaucratic restriction on print media’s freedom.

According to him, an open, responsible and credible mass media was a pillar of democratic system and there should be an integrated effort to increase the credibility of all forms of mass media.

He said new journalists, including journalists for weblogs and Internet news portals, should also enhance their skills by undergoing professional training like new journalists in the mainstream media. “This will expose them to the basics of journalism such as ethical journalism and laws regarding sedition and false news, to produce responsible journalists.”

Once the media industry could demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, including a greater sense of responsibility, the government could transfer its role of regulating the media to an independent body, Khairy said.

Khairy also highlighted that there were models for a commission of complaints on the media in several countries to prevent seditious news reports which could incite public anger.

“If this mechanism can be established and the regulation of the media can be done independently without affecting public peace and security, and if the industry is serious about building up their capability and skill for ethical, fair and responsible journalism, then the Printing Presses and Publications Act can be abolished,” he said.

Khairy also criticised the opposition for promising to lower oil prices by tapping Petronas’ coffers to win support during the general election.

He said the government received RM48.3 billion, representing 66.2% of Petronas’ gross profit, which went straight into the government’s budget for development purposes in 2007.

“Among others, the balance of the profit is used for exploration and production activities in foreign countries. Is it wrong for Petronas to look after our future to ensure we can at least share these foreign oil reserves when our reserves dry up?”

Khairy also called for Petronas to hold a special briefing and table its complete financial report in parliament to prove that the government and the national oil company had nothing to hide.

There was a commotion when he touched on the issue of food crisis and accused the Selangor state government of giving top priority to “Projek Khinzir Raksasa” (mammoth pig project) or PKR, which is also the acronym of the largest opposition party.

He was referring to the decision of the PKR-led Selangor state government to proceed with the centralised pig farming project in Kuala Langat.

Khairy also claimed that PAS had lost its “teeth” as it failed to take DAP to task on issues such as the social contract and the Malay monarchy.

Dismissing Pakatan Rakyat as just a public relations ploy among those with different ideologies, he said PAS did not even bring up the Islamic state once it became a “junior partner” in Pakatan Rakyat.

A shouting match with name-calling ensued as Khairy refused to ,allow other members of parliament to interject his allegations and questions posed to the opposition.

At one point, Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena-PAS) responded by saying that the pig farming project in Selangor was actually approved by the previous state government led by Umno.

Retaliating to Khairy’s twist on PKR’s acronym, he said it was “Projek Babi Negara” (national pig project), which is a play on Barisan Nasional’s (BN) acronym.

Miti incentives are for all states, says Muhyiddin

The Edge Daily (6/5/08): The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) has given an assurance that all its existing initiatives and new ones will continue to be channelled to the five non-Barisan Nasional-governed states.

Its minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government encouraged the inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) to all states.

“FDI is an important factor that contributes to the country’s development. The federal government will not discriminate against any state government.

“Hence the five states are encouraged to continue with their existing pro-business policies. They should continue the good track record that they have inherited in attracting FDI,” said Muhyddin in a reply to a question from Teresa Kok (Seputeh-DAP) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Kok asked if the ministry would cooperate with the five states in their effort to attract FDI and also provide the necessary incentives.

Muhyiddin said he hoped the five states would not introduce new policies that are not proactive and against federal legislation.

Kok also said she had not been able to secure an appointment with the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida), to which Muhyiddin said he had directed the various agencies to give briefings to the states in an effort to increase FDI.

“We will continue to cooperate,” said Muhyiddin.

On Kelantan’s lack of FDI, he said that location and infrastructure were a problem. “The state should also take the initiative to go on foreign business trips. It should also have clearer policies in attracting investments,” Muhyiddin said.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, when met at the parliament lobby, welcomed the minister’s assurance but said that the federal government should provide the necessary infrastructure.

“One of the critical areas is gas. We have all the gas pipelines (in Penang), and yet there is no gas supply.

“We were told there was about RM6 billion of investment lost in the country because there was no gas supply. We are the largest gas exporter but we don’t have sufficient gas for own consumption,” said Lim, who is also MP for Bagan.

He said Penang would continue with its business-friendly policies and work with the federal government to boost investment.

“The federal government also realises that for any investment that comes to these states, they (federal) would be the biggest beneficiary as taxes are not paid to the state or local authorities but to federal (government).

“Whether foreign investments come to the BN state or the opposition state, it is in everyone’s interest. Let’s go for triple win solution. The investor wins, the state wins and the federal (government) wins. Once all three parties win, the people of Malaysia win,” said Lim.

Lim also said that a notable investment would be coming to Penang as a result of close cooperation with Mida and Miti. He, however, refused to name the investor or sector.

“Our policies have been very pro-investors but at the same time we must look into the infrastructure that we can provide. Supply of gas is one of the important inputs required in some industries. We have to discuss with Petronas,” said Muhyiddin in response to Lim’s complaint on gas supply.

Meanwhile, Nasharuddin Mat Isa (Bachok-PAS) refuted Muhyiddin’s statement on Kelantan.

“Trips have been made by our state government (Kelantan) to places like China to attract investments. The problem that we always had was the rules and regulations and restrictions from Miti that do not help to ease the way for the FDI to come straight to Kelantan,” he said, adding that location was not a problem.

He also said that the state government had asked for a port to be built in Kelantan to facilitate the flow of goods from Vietnam and southern China, but the request had been rejected.

However, Nasharuddin said he was now optimistic that the problem could be resolved with a new minister at the helm of Miti.

EPU looks into role of Bernas

The Edge Daily (7/5/2008): The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) was directed two weeks ago to look into the effectiveness of Bernas in carrying out its duties, said Agriculture and Agro-Based Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.

The ministry has also directed Bernas to almost double its distribution of Super Tempatan 15% (broken rice) (ST 15%) from 11,000 tonnes per month to 20,000 tonnes per month starting from today to cater to the increasing demand. Private millers have also been directed to increase their production of ST 15% by 10%.

Bernas, according to Mustapa, has the social obligation of ensuring the stability of the price of rice and maintaining adequate stockpiles.

“Bernas also has the social responsibility of buying padi at a minimum price and ensure financial aid reaches the farmers,” said Mustapa after the debate on an emergency motion on the rice price hike tabled by Salahuddin Ayub (Kubang Kerian-PAS) in parliament yesterday. “We will wait for the result of the report and will take the necessary actions.”

The opposition members of parliament (MPs) had taken Bernas to task and had asked the government to end its monopoly as the sole rice importer in the country.

On the significant increase in distribution of ST 15% from today, Mustapa told reporters at the parliament lobby that the demand for the particular type of rice increased because it was relatively cheaper.

“Previously, the demand for ST 15% amounted to only 10% (of total demand) from the market but now it has grown because it is cheaper compared to other types of rice,” he said.

Citing an example, he said that producers of bee hoon and hawkers have also switched from using broken rice because it cost RM2.20 per kg, up RM1 from RM1.20 per kg previously.

Mustapa assured consumers that the price control of ST 15% will remain and it will be sold between RM1.65 and RM1.80. He said the increase in rice prices is a global phenomenon and is not isolated to Malaysia. He also said that Malaysia’s rice price is currently cheaper as compared to neighbours such as Thailand and Vietnam.

The 5% broken rice is retailed at RM3.20 per kg in Malaysia, while it is sold at RM3.60 and RM3.80 per kg respectively in those countries.

According to Mustapa, Malaysia has a rice stockpile of 550,000 tonnes which can last the country for three months. Out of this, Bernas keeps stock of 92,000 tonnes of rice as a national stockpile while the rest is padi that can be milled within hours and trading stocks in storage.

“There is no issue on the stockpile,” he said, adding that the government would take action against those who smuggle rice out of the country.

Mustapha also said the current high price of paddy at RM1,050 per tonne has also put pressure on the prices of rice.

“We want to take care of the consumers’ interests and will come up with a strategic price for ST 15%. We will ensure the price remains reasonable. If the price of rice continues to rise, we can put a cap on ST 15%. Then, there is an element of subsidy for the government.

“We are looking at a few methods. Our guiding principles are the interest of the lower income consumers and farmers because it may involve high subsidy cost,” he said, adding that no decision had been made.

Mustapha also said that his ministry would be spending an additional RM803 million over and above the RM93 million already spent to boost the output of the next crop.

The money would be spent on the purchase of fertilisers, pesticides and machinery to aid farmers. The ministry is expected to spend RM146 million on fertilisers. Each crop takes about four months to cultivate and the cycle differs from state to state. There are 140,000 paddy farmers in the country.

“We have asked the Treasury exemption for direct negotiations to purchase these items instead of calling for tenders,” he said. Mustapha also said that RM4 billion has been set aside recently for food security, of which RM2.5 billion has been allocated to his ministry. Paddy production would use up to RM1.8 billion.

Asked on paddy land being converted into development, Mustapha said the ministry would look into the matter and might impose certain legislation to prevent it from being converted.

“About 3% to 4% of paddy fields have been turned into development. In Japan, they have legislation that prohibits the conversion of paddy land to other users. We are working on the details,’’ he said.

Related: Bernas to raise ST15 rice supply (Bernama 6/5/08)