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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Press Statement: I can work with anyone/ 文告:我能和任何人合作

I am responding to calls by party leaders that MCA leaders should work together.
I must emphasize that I can work with anybody including the President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. I have said this openly in the last year’s general assembly.
The President and me are elected by Central Delegates. We have to work together to fulfill the trusts and confidence placed on us.

The President and Deputy President working together is not an option but a necessity. This is something that MCA members and the Chinese community look forward to. This is the only way that MCA and BN can work together to strengthen the coalition.

I respect all those elected including the President. In the same way, I expect them to accord the same respect to the chair of Deputy President.

After my appointment as the chairman of MCA Government Policy Monitoring Bureau, the bureau has been working actively with 6 meetings and 6 press conferences. This shows that I take my work seriously.

I have a responsibility to the central celegates as a Deputy President. They voted for me and I have to demonstrate that I deserve their support.
MCA members and delegates and the Chinese community are mature enough to know that the party problem is not created by me. Cooperation and closing rank need sincerity and positive action, not just lip service and slogan shouting.
I am fully aware of my responsibility to the party and the Chinese community. I will not let minor issue distract my work. I have spent 25 years servicing the party and the community. In no way I will destroy the party.
I will work with anyone who can effectively transform MCA to meet the high expectation of the Chinese and the rakyat.
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我响应众马华领袖要求马华领导层必须共同合作的呼吁。
我须强调,我可以和任何人包括马华总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰合作。我也曾在去年的马华代表大会上也公开表明。

我和马华总会长皆由中央代表票选而来。因此,我们必须共同合作,以实现中央代表给予我们的委托与信任。
总会长和署理总会长必须携手合作,这是一种需要,并非一项选择。这也是马华党员及华社的期许。只有这样,马华才能和国阵共同努力,强化国阵联盟。

我尊重所有当选者,包括总会长。因此,我希望对方亦能尊敬署理总会长职的中选者。自我受委马华政府政策监督局主任以来,该局已积极针对时局和要题召开了6项会议及6场新闻发布会。这足以表明我认真对待这项工作。
身为马华署理总会长,我对中央代表也有责任。代表们投选了我,我必须证明我值得他们支持和拥护。

我相信,马华党员及华社有成熟的心智去理解,党的问题非由我而起。合作是需要双方诚意和积极的行动,而不只是空口说说或高喊口号即可。
我充分了解我对马华及华社的责任。我不会让次要的问题干扰我的工作。过去25年来我一直为党及华社服务,我不可能要摧毁这个党。而我也将继续与任何能听取民意对
马华实行改革的领袖合作,以达到华社和人民对马华的期望。


Friday, February 27, 2009

DEWAN RAKYAT Chua sex video case closed, says PM

From New Straits Times, 27.02.09

THE Attorney-General's Chambers will not be taking action on the video clip showing former health minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek in a sex romp.

The case was closed, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in a written reply to Tan Kok Wai (Cheras- DAP) who asked about the progress of the case.

He said 22 witnesses, including Dr Chua, were interviewed, but the authorities could not find the culprit who made the recording. "That is why a decision was made on Aug 28 last year not to pursue the case."

Meanwhile, in the NST paper yesterday (26 Feb), a Wanita PKR chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is also the Ampang MP said that the wing would back anyone who was a victim of gutter politics, including Dr. Chua, who is facing a police probe over an alleged oral sex offence.

Even Lim Guan Eng two days back also questioned the police on why would Chua’s sex dvd case is only opened for investigation when the matter happened 2 years back? He expressed shocked over the news of Chua being re-investigated over the old sex dvd matter.

“As a political party leader, what we should show is the concern to the nation development and not just concentrating to attack on someone’s privacy matter, moreover such privacy has nothing to do with other people,” he said.

Surprisingly, my own party leaders just keep quiet about this matter. 

Press statement from Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho regarding MCA

I must thank Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho who is the MCA Central Committee Members cum MCA Bandar Tun Razak’s division chairman and 4 other MCA members:

1) Datuk Ei Kim Hock (MCA Kuala Langat Division Chairman)

2) Loh Seng Kok (Former MP of Kelana Jaya and Central Committee Member)

3) Koo Chin Nam (MCA Putrajaya Division Chairman)

4) Daniel Ling (MCA Segambut Division Youth Chief )

for taking own initiatives to hold a press conference about the resurfacing of the DVD and the attitude of the President, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

I have taken the liberty to place the press statement given during the press conference into my blog.


PRESS STATEMENT BY DATUK SERI TAN CHAI HO

The Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had on 25th February 2009 stated in Parliament that the police is still unable to identify the person behind the recording of the Chua Soi Lek’s DVD.

He further reiterated that the police had completed their investigation and the Attorney General had on the 28th August 2008 decided to close the case.

It has been more than a year since the sex DVD matter. Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek had apologized and relinquished all his posts. However, on the 18th October 2008, Datuk Seri Dr. Chua made a successful comeback in the MCA election.

MCA leaders and members have voted for him to continue to serve the party and the nation despite the despicable action of certain quarters to continue practicing gutter politics.

The sex DVD incident occurred a year ago. Despite this, there are people who claimed to have high moral grounds and had used the same sex DVD to carry out political assassination.

We believe those who had surreptiously carried out the alleged recording of private life of citizens, or distributed pornographic material should be prosecuted and condemned by all right thinking people.

The sex DVD should not be used to tarnish the image of Datuk Seri Dr. Chua who had been elected in MCA by popular votes.

It is not good for the party and its members if one continues to harp on the issue.

A lot of party members and Chinese community are concerned with MCA’s reform plans and its future.

We urge all MCA leaders to stress on party closing rank and party unity to face the challenges of the economic downturn.

The party’s agenda is above personal agenda and vendetta.

我要感谢马华中委兼敦拉萨区会主席拿督斯里陈财和、马华乌鲁冷岳区会主席拿督余金福、中委卢诚国、布城区会主席许振南以及泗岩沫马青区团团长林世进,召开记者会针对再次流传的光碟以及总会长对待该事件的态度,反映基层的心声。

我也得到上述领袖的同意,张贴他们在记者会所发表的声明:

关于马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生的性爱光碟事件,内政部长拿督斯里赛哈密前天在国会的书面回答中已说明,由于警方无法确认偷拍蔡细历的黑手,因此总检察署已在2008年8月28日年决定结案,不会采取进一步的行动。

不过,此事件沉寂多时后,由别有居心者旧事重提及散播,目的是打击蔡细历在党内和社会的形象和地位,灭杀他的政治生涯。

蔡细历在去年一月已经辞去官职和党职,也至诚向全国人民道歉寻求原谅,并要求大家给予他重新为党和社会服务的机会。蔡细历过后在10月的马华中央改选重新获得代表的委托,中选为马华署理总会长。这项选绩向我们传达了明确的信息:

1)马华党员和代表认同蔡细历的政治意愿和才华
2)马华的代表把光碟事件的议论和领袖的才能划清界限
3)马华的代表要蔡细历继续为党和社会服务

光碟事情已发生超过一年,如今再次在城中流传,明显地潜存着政治迫害的目的,此风不可助长!我们不能容许偷拍和利用光碟对任何人进行人格谋杀的行为,更不能让有心人借助这种歪风击跨其竞争者,包括政治领袖。因此,我们要求全民强烈谴责偷拍、录制和散播光碟的做法,促请执法当局务必揪出幕后黑手,将他们绳之于法。否则,或有更多优秀的政治领袖遭受这种政治屠杀,最终让人民和国家受苦。

我们也认为,有心人借助死灰复燃的光碟舆论,来打击蔡细历在党内的信誉,这种恶行也形同摧毁党的形象,以及削弱党员的士气。

我们常常教诲后人,知错能改,善莫大焉。我们能给予一个曾被治罪的人第二次机会,并协助他重新做人。蔡细历已为他过失付出代价,并勇于承担后果。如今,他愿为党和国家继续作出贡献,我们应该给予他新的机会,而不是苦苦纠缠旧事,置他于绝路。

我们也了解到,很多党员甚至华社都很关注马华的改革计划,及党的未来。马华必须正视308大选后党所处的颓势,全球的经济困境已让人民苦不堪言。因此,我们吁请马华领导层能抛开个人恩怨,以国家、人民和党为重,团结和整合马华,让马华以更强大的力量面对当前的艰巨挑战。

Thursday, February 26, 2009

An Economic, Social and Education Consultative Council

Many of us are familiar with the Economic Consultative Council set up by Dr. Mahathir to discuss post NEP policy.

Today, a lot of people think the government should set up a council not just confined to economic, but to include social and education matters. 

We are confronted with a host of social and education issues beside economic. It is good that this council have representation from politicians from both the political divide, NGOs and professional bodies.

Let the government leaders listen to problems at the ground. This is a difficult time and it calls for a difficult decision. At least it shows that the government cares for the rakyat and is willing to listen and hopefully to respond accordingly.

If a mistake is made, the government must have the political courage to admit and even apologize to the rakyat.

Take this opportunity to hear the grouses and shortcoming of the NEP, the education policy and the social (including racial) issues starring at us.

Nobody can claim to have panacea that beset us.

The call for a total review of NEP becomes louder everyday. With the economic slowdown, it is timely to ensure that we are competitive so that even under the most difficult economic condition, because of our competitiveness, we have economic growth.

In Malaysia, economic growth and development is closely associated to social orders. NEP implementation has always been a contentious issue. Someway along the line, NEP’s objective of poverty eradication and restructuring of society was hijacked. This has caused a lot of distress and dissatisfaction, both among the Bumiputras and Non-Bumiputras.

A proper review without an emotionally charged atmosphere will be good for the nation.

While the nation develops, unfortunately the standard of education continues to slide. We have to take the bull by the horn; otherwise we continue to churn out graduates that cannot find job. Quality human resources and brain drain will be one of the major constraints in our nation development.

We will continue to slide in our competitiveness rating at the world stage if we have 3rd class human resource.

Post 308, the intense and non-stopped politics have affected racial relationships. Racial harmony is the foundation of our nation’s prosperity and development. Nobody can afford to destroy this rather fragile racial harmony.

A relook at policy and how we cope with the daily stresses of work and living because of rapid urbanization will hopefully desensitizes our racial instincts. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Pakatan Rakyat Can Do No Wrong, BN Can Do No Right

The political scenario is such that a lot of the younger generation thinks all is good with PR – in other words, it can do no wrong. What BN does is all wrong!

People are getting more critical of BN and forgiving of Pakatan. Even if its YBs do not serve its constituents well, there are less rumblings among the voters. PR is enjoying its political honeymoon.

Since coming to state power, some of the Pakatan policies are good and deserved our support e.g. freehold land for new villages.

However, its impact on the long term needs to be look at.

Since state revenue is very dependent on the land premium (on conversion of land usage or renewal of land lease), once it is freehold, the one off payment of land premium will be high but there will be no further payment since there is no renewal of land lease and no recurrent revenue.

This will have an impact on further generation in term of land revenue to the state bearing land premium is the primary source of state revenue. It will also have impact on long term planning and development within the state when land becomes freehold.

There is a need for BN to monitor the performance of the PR. We have to point out its shortcoming, in the same way PR scrutinize BN policy through a fine combination.

BN has not been able to play the role of an opposition member in the Pakatan controlled state effectively. That is the problem being in the government for too long!

We should monitor how PR govern its state:

1) Have PR fulfill its election pledges as contained in its manifesto – or it is just empty slogans e.g. free interest loan to government servants, grant to all kindergarten schools, cash aid to family whose children are going to university, land for Chinese schools, reduce land premium as promised in its manifesto.

2) Election for local councilors

Have Pakatan initiated policy changes to enable this to be implemented? Have Pakatan appointed NGOs to be councilors?

3) Are the local authorities more effective in PR states, e.g. the performance of the local authority?

Have they improved, less corruption and abuse of power, or it is business as usual. Have the towns (city in PR state) been cleaned up? What about garbage disposal problem?

4) What about the security problem?

At the state level, Menteri Besar or Chief Minister is chairman of the state security and is entitled to call for briefing on state security matters by either the State Chief Police on State Special Branch officers. Have Pakatan MB or CM done this briefing so that the necessary security measures can be undertaken on the request of the state government.

5) Transportation problem is with the state.

Is there any proposal to overcome the horrendous traffic system in Penang city?

If Pakatan wants to be the viable alternative government, it has to show that it can do its work better than BN. Short term pronouncement to curry favour the voters will not do.

I do not expect Pakatan to be perfect but they must show us better leadership and understanding of the rakyat aspiration. Hitting out the previous administration without remedial and better alternative is not long term planning for development.

BN leaders should be more alert about the shortcoming of the Pakatan administration.

Let there be healthy competition and it is the rakyat that calls the final shot. Then the 2 party system will see healthy competition and good political development. The rakyat gets nothing from political gamesmanship and political dramas enacted by PR and BN leaders.


当前的政治现实是,很多年轻人认为民联是最好的;换句话说,民联做任何事都错不了,国阵做的全是错。

人们对国阵越来越苛求,相反的对民联却很宽容,即使后者的代议士没有做好选区的服务工作,但选民也没有什么抱怨。民联迄今还沉醉在政治蜜月期。

无可否认,自取得州政权,民联确实推行了一些利民政策,值得我们支持。为新村居民争取永久地契就是一个例子。

无论如何,它对长远的影响还有待观察。

土地转换、征用或地契续期所收取的地税是州政府主要的收入。一旦土地获颁永久地契,当局只能收取一次性的高付费,不再有持续性的地税收入。

长期下去,将影响州内未来的土地收入,也对州内长远的策划及发展构成影响。

国阵必须监督民联的表现。监督之余,我们要指出对方施政的缺点。其实,这是一个很好的互相监督机制。

因为执政党太久,我们无法在民联执政的州属有效地发挥反对党角色。

其实,我们应该监督民联如何管治它的州,包括:

民联是否兑现其竞选宣言里的承诺 ?或只沦为空谈;如公务员可获得免息贷款、幼儿园可获资助金、孩子考进大学可获得现金援助、拨校地给华小、降低地税等。

地方议会选举。民联是否已推行相关政策,落实让地方议会选举?民联已经委任非政府组织代表出任地方议员吗?

在民联执政的州属,其地方政府是否比较有效率,例如地方政府的表现,是否大有改善?贪污和滥权是否减少?城市的清洁有提高吗?垃圾问题是否或妥善处理

治安如何?在州内,州务大臣或首席部长有权召见州警察总长或政治部官员,向他汇报州内的治安状况。民联的州务大臣或首席部长是否有这么做,以针对州内的情况采取应对措施?

州内的交通问题。民联州政府是否已有助纾缓槟城交通系统问题的建议?

民联要取代国阵,那它必须证明能比国阵做得更好。若只有一些讨好选民的话,而没有持续性的良好政策,是无济于事的。

我不指望民联的表现十全十美,但它至少得证明具有领导能力,及了解人民的期许。一昧的抨击或揭前朝政府疮疤,却没有更好的改善政策,绝非长远的发展策略。

另一方面,国阵领袖则须要更注意民联的施政缺点。

让国阵和民联进行良性的竞争,然后交由人民定夺。这是人民期望的两线制,也是促成国内健康政治发展的基石。若民联及国阵的领袖还一味耍弄政治把戏,吃亏的将是我国人民。

Monday, February 23, 2009

PRESS STATEMENT BY DATUK SERI DR. CHUA SOI LEK 马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生文告

I went to Petaling Jaya police station today to identify a tape following a police report lodged by a resident of Petaling Jaya recently. 

I told the police it is the same tape as I have identified in January last year.

I strongly feel that there is an attempt by some quarters to revise these dvd tape to continue to discredit me, to threaten and cowed me into silence.  

I will give my fullest cooperation to the police.

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(吉隆坡23日讯) 马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生今早到八打灵再也警局录取口供,提供线索助查光碟重现的事件。

他今日在文告中说,基于一名格拉那再也的华裔男子早前携带一片性爱光碟向警方报案,警方需要他向他录取口供,及鉴定这片光碟的内容。

他说,有关光碟的内容和去年所流传的相同。

我认为,这是有心人试图通过此光碟,再次恐吓和抹黑我,以胁迫我安静。

无论如何,蔡细历强调,他会全力与警方配合助查此案。

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Mini Budget and the 2nd Stimulus Package

The government will present the mini budget and the 2nd stimulus package soon. This is a difficult time that calls for difficult and bold decision. I will not talk about the amount of stimulus package. I would rather point out things that Ministry of Finance should do.

1) Transparency

a)   The government must reveal why such an amount is committed.

b)   How the money will be spent.

c)    The effect of the stimulus package and this should be revealed at regular intervals the achievement of stimulus package. Since the money spent from stimulus package comes from budget deficit, we are actually spending money from the future. Transparency will go down well with the rakyat.

2) Projects should increase productivity to restore economic confidence and growth. Hence, there is no room or PET project.

3) As part of Corporate Social Responsibility, the government should get companies to take collective responsibility to care for its employer so that it is time to invest back in their human resources. The government is there only to help.

It is said that an economic crisis is a confidence crisis. At this juncture of confidence crisis, it is said the economic policy that will define the political situation in the country.

The new Prime Minister in line must give the rakyat hope by doing the right thing, if possible, on a bi-partisan manner. This will show that the BN government will truly care and will inspire confidence towards his leadership.

The excessive politicking has made the rakyat dislike and disdain politicians and do not trust politicians. They think that most politicians are just self-serving personality.

The stimulus package should be directed at the following:

a)    Improving infrastructure – especially public transportation, building connectivity between different modes of public transport; between residential clusters and between towns.

b)    Improving education, vocational training – retrain teachers; increase study loans for upgrade to postgraduate education – let the banks administer these study loans – ptptn has been a big failure as it boost very high default rates – the government should not be in the business of disbursement of these loans; make sure the banking intermediaries are responsible in assessing risk and collect.

c)     Give incentives and support to local food production – encourage each state to specialize in one type of food crop or meat production – build linkages with advanced agri-business countries through partnership. Just by saving our food import bill that can generate billions worth of business. There is never a better time for the nation to refocus on food security. Malaysia still has plenty of land – small plots of land to do garden farming – and we need to achieve a balance between commercial crops and food crops.

Those who are able and willing to farm must be supported – this is for the interest of all Malaysians. Speed up the lease of all possible farmland and put money into acquiring expertise on agri-business and farn economics.

Food production is a ready market for Malaysia as we are currently a net importer.

d)    Put the money into environmental infrastructure – for example the drains and pipes that carries the nation’s sewage system have not undergone maintenance and repair – they were built decades ago.

This investment will go a long way towards improving the capacity to produce a better quality of life. Massive cleaning up of the nation’s environment will also help with the current dengue epidemic!

e)    Health care and low cost housing for the poor.

I would strongly object to see this money going into new development zones such as Iskandar. We should see money going into repairing and reviving old cities such as Ipoh, Melaka, Seremban, and connect them up with the main arteries of communication and transportation. The nation’s telecommunication service is also sub standard.

Now, if BN do the right thing, we still have a fighting chance to win back rakyat’s support. 

This letter was also sent to the Finance Minister Datuk Sri' Najib Razak.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

By-Election Festival

Since 308 election, there have been 2 by-elections, one in Permatang Pauh and the other in Kuala Terengganu, both won by Pakatan Rakyat.

Now the nation will face another 2 by-elections – Bukit Gantang in Perak and Bukit Selambau in Kedah, all are set on April 7. There may be another by-election in Bukit Lanjan, Selangor.

There will be another round of intense politicking while the nation faces an economic downturn. The voting date will be after the “Mini-Budget” to be tabled on the 10th March and after UMNO general assembly and party election.

By then, Najib will be PM and a new man will lead UMNO and the nation.

The ‘mini budget’ and UMNO AGM and election will have a bearing on the nation and the voters.

Bukit Gantang Parliamentary Seat

With an ethnic presentation of Malays: 63%, Chinese: 27% and Indian: 9%, it is a ‘mini-Malaysia’ in ethnic composition.

It has been traditionally been a BN seat until its fall in 308 general election. Today, it is not a safe seat to BN or PR.

With the Perak fiasco and change of government, Perakians sentiment and emotion may be running high.

PR will go to town about how voters have been betrayed by the defection of 3 ADUNs and how fresh by-election should be called.

Voters’ angers will be palpable. Often we forget that it was PR Anwar openly encouraging BN MP to leap frog to PR.

In short, BN and PR cannot claim moral high ground, as both are players in this “frog game”.

However, we cannot deny that PR may have a lot of sympathy, although it was its own people that cause its downfall. The 3 ADUNs days are numbered with public opinion dead against them.

DAP ADUN Hee Yit Fong seems to bear the burnt of her constituency anger.

PR is going to spin this issue to gain vote, it needs no rocket scientist to understand. BN needs a more effective communication line to counter this.

BN should ban these 3 former PR ADUNs to come near Bukit Gantang. It will only add more anger and emotion to the Bukit Gantang folks.

Whether the palace issue will affect voters’ sentiment, especially Malays are still too early to gauge.

Off course the Sultanate is often a revered institution, especially among the rural Malays. Hence, we can see Karpal Singh’s move to take the Sultan to court becomes a personal undertakings.

No Malay politician from both the political divide in this country will dare to defy the Sultan and to be labeled as “penderhaka” or traitor.

Bukit Selambau State Seat in Kedah

This is one of the very few state seats with significant Indian voters – 29.5%, Malays – 50.2% and Chinese 19.2%.

After the Hindraf episode, Indian support for MIC dropped dramatically. MIC claim to rebrand (like other BN component party) but whether it gets Indian is doubtful.

The Malay votes will be split. This will also be another tough battle.

Having lost 2 by-elections, BN needs to win this 2 by-election.

The domino theory is well known. It is important to have local candidates who are friendly and well known. Campaign period is not the best time to introduce candidate.

BN election machinery needs to be fine-tuned. Talking about development, peace and prosperity will not do.

BN should point out the shortcoming of PR. Its leader admits that there is a lot of low caliber YBs in PR. They never expect to win during the 308 election.  

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Comment on Elizabeth Wong’s matter

I can understand what Elizabeth Wong is going through in the last 48 hours.

I can only say that she has my sympathy and support. I feel that she has done the right thing by offering to resign as EXCO and state representative and I fully agree that everyone has the right to privacy.

Elizabeth Wong must stay strong and be brave to face the storm. This is not the end of the world.

Finally, it’s your determination, honesty and hard work that will earn you understanding, support and recognition.

-------------------------

我可以理解黄洁冰在过去48小时的心情和感受。

我同情她的遭遇,也支持她的决定。我认为,她献议辞去所有官职是正确的决定。我也绝对同意,每个人都有自己的隐私权利。

我希望,黄洁冰能坚强和勇敢面对这场风暴,这不是你的世界末日。

最终,是你的诚信、决心和工作表现,将为你赢得众人的谅解、支持和认同。

Monday, February 16, 2009

Ban on Highland Development Lifted


Now, the Minister of Work has announced to lift the ban on highland development.

While I agree that there should not be a total ban on highland development, I am surprised that when announcing the lifting of highland development, there was no detailed information about how highland development should be supervised during the project implementation, who should be the monitoring agency since there are many agencies involved.

It cannot be left to local council where there is a lack of expertise.

If private and government consultants are involved in highland project, they should be held accountable. When the project is completed, who is supposed to monitor and for how long.

I regret to say that while the government has not announced its detailed findings in Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy, it has chosen to pre-empt the study by lifting the ban.

Every landslide provides an opportunity to the authority to investigate the actual cause of the landslide – what went wrong and who is responsible. Often nobody seems to be accountable. The usual finger pointing and blame game starts. There seems to be lack of political will to ensure safety in highland development.

Meanwhile, buyers must be more careful in purchasing hillside houses. We have never seemed to learn from the human tragedy that strikes residents of Bukit Antarabangsa.

(文告)
吉隆坡16日讯)马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生认为,公共工程部应该先公布国际山庄土崩的调查结果,才决定是否让山坡地区发展解冻。
他认同不该全面禁止国内的山坡发展计划,但政府尚未公布土崩调查结果,却率先为山坡工程亮绿灯的决定让他十分惊讶。
“工程部长宣布解禁,却未加以说明政府将会采取的监督措施。山坡地区发展涉及多个机构,究竟谁将负责监管进行中的山坡工程?要如何监管?我们总不能把所有责任留待严缺技术专才的地方议会处理。”
蔡细历也是马华政府政策监督局主任。他今日发表文告指出,如果有关计划的咨询专家来自政府和私人界,双方都有责任。此外,政府也须鉴定竣工的工程,该由谁执行监察工作?监察为期多久?
他认为,每一起土崩事件给关当局机会深入调查土崩真正肇因,包括查出问题的症结、鉴定该负责的单位。惟事发后,没有任何一方愿意承担责任,互相指责则司空见惯。政府也似乎缺乏政治决心来确保高原发展的安全。
“我希望国际山庄的事件能让各造引以为鉴,勿重蹈覆辙。”
蔡细历也提醒购屋者日后必须加倍小心选购山坡地区的屋业。

Part of the speech given in Muar MCA Installation Dinner on the 8/2/09

Part of my speech delivered in the Muar MCA swearing in ceremony appeared in the Chinese Press. This is in relation to the fall of the Pakatan state government in Perak.

I felt that as a gentleman, BN should have the courage to accept plans and strategies beneficial to rakyat promoted by PR state government in Perak. At the same time with specific reference to Perak state government, it should continues to implement these plans, for example the freehold land title to the new villages to ensure its success. We should practice bi-partisan politic.

After 308 election, people have higher expectation of government and they will compare both government, BN and PR government to see which is better.

The crossover is an act of denying the system of democracy where the rakyat decides but the 3 Perak ADUNs who has quit PR has just chosen to be Independents that support BN and not “crossover” to BN. This will always generate a lot of controversy.

In the speech, I also encouraged more PR wakil rakyat to quit PR and become Independents that support BN.

At the moment, Perak BN state government is facing 2 major challenges; whether or not BN state government is accepted by the rakyat and whether or not they are welcomed by the rakyat.

People will not only request for country’s development, they hope that the society is stable and everyone live in peace, the most important thing is that whatever decision made by the government must be fair, democratic and transparent as to ensure that the rights and benefits of all races is being taken care of.

I also urged MCA leadership not only participates in interaction with MCA members and should participate in more non-MCA functions and try to understand Chinese who are non-MCA members.

We have about 6 million Chinese in Malaysia, apart from 1 million MCA members, there are 5 million of Chinese who we need to understand their thinking, then only we can claim to understand Chinese aspiration.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

EXCO in Perak

Ever since the BN government forms its EXCO, I have been receiving a lot of calls and SMS complaining about the composition of EXCO in Perak.

MCA is not given its correct representation in the state government. There are 6 elected ADUN appointed as EXCO. Since there is only 1 MCA ADUN, he was appointed to the EXCO.

However, the state government appointed 4 advisors with the status of an EXCO and this is the part that has given rise to dissatisfaction about power sharing at the state level.

Of the 4 appointed members, 2 come from UMNO, 1 from MIC and 1 from Gerakan. In other words, the state EXCO is made out of 7 UMNO members, 1 Gerakan, 1 MIC and 1 MCA.

No MCA members were appointed as advisor with rank of an EXCO.

Before the 308 General Election, MCA had 2 EXCOs, there was 1 from Gerakan and 1 from MIC.

To add insult to injury, the Gerakan ‘advisor’ was to be in charge of Chinese affairs. MCA is a solely Chinese based political party. Gerakan claims itself to be multiracial political party, then why is Gerakan representing the Chinese?

So, on these counts, Chinese affairs should be given to MCA. There should be an appointment of MCA advisor. There is over representation of UMNO in the EXCO composition.

People will compare the composition of EXCO plus the advisor against the line up of the previous PR government.

I wonder the new MB has ever discussed with its component party before the appointment of advisors or is it a question of after appointment, then only inform.

Hence, today, there is the unacceptable power sharing at the state level. I am sure that this will be fully exploited by PR in the next by-election.

On a personal level, I will raise this up in the coming MCA Central Committee meeting on Sunday that the composition in EXCO is unacceptable to MCA and that the one in charge of Chinese affairs should be MCA.

Meanwhile, I’m given to understand that there is an intense lobbying from the both political divide to be the candidate in Bukit Gantang.

Often the choice of candidate does influence voter’s choice. Local candidate usually does better than parachute candidate, unless the parachute candidate is a national leader and a well-known personality.

Let’s hope when the new candidate is chosen, there will be no interruption from UMNO members that will jeopardize the chances of winning in election.

There is no safe seat to BN and PR. Both parties need to slog it out to achieve victory.

霹雳国阵州政府阵容公布后,许多人致电或通过手机短讯,向我表达对霹雳州行政议员结构不均的不满。

他们认为,有关委任未能适当反映马华的代表性。在新的州内阁,共有6名州议员受委为行政议员,包括马华在霹雳唯一的州议员。

州政府也同时委任4名享有行政议员地位的大臣顾问。而这正是掀起不满州领导层职权分配的导因。

在308普选前,霹雳州马华有两位州行政议员,民政党和国大党各有一位。如今,4位大臣顾问中有两位来自巫统,印度国大党和民政党各一位。换言之,目前霹雳州行政议员的结构是巫统7人,民政、马华和国大党各仅1人。

更甚的是,新的阵容未有马华代表受委为大臣顾问。反之,民政党的“大臣顾问”却受委负责州内华人事务。自称多元种族政党的民政,何以能代表整个华社?

马华作为纯华基政党,应该被委顾问一职并掌管霹雳州华人事务。巫统行政议员人数则未免过多了。

人民必会把新任政府的行政议员结构,与民联政府的阵容结构作比较。

我想知道,新任州务大臣事先是否曾与其他成员党讨论委任事宜,还是在事后才发出通知。

目前,霹雳州政府的职权分配并不能被所有人接受。我也相信,民联必会利用此课题,在下一场补选大做文章。

我个人将会在周日召开的马华中委会中表达我的看法。我也将提出,霹雳州华人事务应由马华掌管。

与此同时,我也了解到各政党皆对武吉干当州议席虎视耽耽,使尽全力争当候选人。
候选人将影响选民票向。一般而言,本地姜比天兵更能取胜,除非这名天兵是国家级领袖,声明显赫并受人欢迎。

希望补选候选人敲定以后,巫统党员不会进行干预,以免打击国阵的胜算。

国阵或民联,都没有所谓的安全区。在即将举行的两场补选,双方都得全力以赴,顽抗取胜。

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Press Freedom/ 新闻自由

Image taken from Google images.

I am not so naïve to believe that there is absolute press freedom, more so in a multiracial country, where restrain by the press is essential to maintain harmony.

Off late, I have received a lot of comments by people that a leading English newspaper has been giving a lot of space including picture opportunity to some leaders of MCA.

There are days when a particular leader occupies 2 to 3 pages of the newspaper.

Comments made by this particular leader are almost the same, which is “always very sensitive about the needs of the rakyat”. This is good if it is true and not just a political rhetoric.

A lot of people also commented that there is total blackout about me in the same newspaper. My reply was I am not surprised.

I have been travelling and officiating a number of functions and make pertinent comments about current events. To be fair, so far the Chinese press carried my news; but there is none in this particular newspaper.

To the English speaking MCA members, I am probably sleeping since they don’t read about me at all for the last 1½ month.

However, I told them if there is any adverse publicity about me, be sure it will be headline in this particular paper.

Papers have to be reliable and credible. The readers are discerning to fathom this. Only the editorials have loss touch with the people. Yet, these same paper editorials tell politicians not to loss touch with the rakyat.

This same newspaper in its leading comment about Najib adopt people first leadership style – said, “Leaders would always want to hear only good news but they could come from people with personal interest”.

Newspaper should present 2 sides to a coin.

If it only serves to trumpet a selected few and taking readers for granted, then the newspaper must be in denial.

Meanwhile, more and more readers are aware of the happenings in the editorial staffs of this particular newspaper. Good luck to them.


我从不天真地相信,世界上有绝对的新闻自由,更何况在一个多元种族国家,约束新闻自由是维持和谐的基本线。

近来,许多人向我投诉,国内一家畅销的英文报章,对一些马华领袖特别慷慨,拨用许多新闻和图片版位让他们曝光。

有些时候,特定领袖的新闻甚至占了2至3版,其言论几乎都大同小异,不外是“时刻对人民的需求敏感”。若是发自内心而非一贯的政治语言,这样当然很好。

不少人同时认为,这份报章也已全面封锁我的新闻。对此,我并不惊讶。

当选以来,我走访各州主持许多活动,也针对时局发表过许多中肯的言论。说句公道话,截至目前,除了这份英文报以外,中文报章都有刊登报道。

受英文教育的马华同志因为我在报章上消声匿迹,还以为我在过去一个月半都在冬眠。

不过,我告诉他们,若有不利于我的新闻,必将成为有关报章的重点报道甚至头条新闻。

报章的信息应该是可靠和可信的。读者也了解这一点,也能识辨真伪。同样的报章叮嘱政治人物不能与人民脱节,自己反而和读者脱节了。

该报章曾在一篇“纳吉继承以民为先的领导风格”的社论中提到:“领袖通常只喜欢听好话,但说话的人可能心存私心。”

报章的报道必须呈两面,不能以偏概全。如果它只为某些人吹擂,而视读者于无物,这样的报章应该被唾弃。

越来越多读者察觉到该份报章的人事的变化。祝他们好运吧。

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

PR Breaking Up?

After the 308 political tsunami, there was euphoria and optimism that PR is a reliable alternative to BN authority.

Earlier, I have written in the blog that we should be more careful about the future direction of the PR coalition. While facing BN in the General Election, they have the common agenda that is to beat BN and win. After the General Election, the more difficult task will be:

1) Governing the state

2) Sharing of power

One of the reasons for the fall of PR state government in Perak is the minority represented by the MB PAS trying to exercise control over the majority of DAP. Hence, the outburst of Karpal Singh against Anwar and against PAS is to be anticipated.

Obviously, when Karpal attacks his own party and colleague, Kit Siang and Guan Eng, then obviously people may think his personal agenda overwrites his party agenda.

In any of the BN component party, Karpal Singh’s action will invite a disciplinary action. However, in the PR coalition, which is a rather loose arrangement and not formalized, I wonder who can enforce that its component party toe the party line.

This will be another acid test of the level of cooperation and confidence that they have among themselves. No way can Karpal say that this is his personal view when he’s the chairman of DAP.

The BN’s coalition is not a perfect coalition. It has a lot of defect and weaknesses that needs to be improved but at least it served the need of the nation for the last 52 years.

Obviously, there is a need to redefine the role of component party and how UMNO dominance can be reduced so that the cooperation becomes equitable and fair.

Meanwhile, Malaysia will be subjected to more politicking, which is rather unfortunate in viewing of the economic crisis that we are facing.

Now we are suddenly confronted by 2 by-elections, the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary seat in Perak and Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah.

After all the confusion in political arena recently, BN must now work harder to win the hearts of rakyat because if not, BN may be on the other side of the table after the next General Election.

However, the PR is not the best alternative. A lot of PKR members are splitters group from UMNO or DAP.

Indians and the Chinese representation are still minimal in PR. We cannot escape from racial politics in Malaysia.

308政治海啸以后,人们兴奋和乐观地以为,人民联盟(民联)是国阵以外,另一个更可靠的选择。

早前,我在部落格里写道:人们要更谨慎看待对民联未来的方向。在全国大选,民联成员党有共同的议程,那就是击败国阵夺得胜利。大选结束后,会有更多艰难任务等待他们:治理全州 以及职权配置。

少数统领多数,是导致霹雳民联州政府跨台的其中一个原因。霹雳拥有最多行动党议员,但却由议员人数最少的回教党出任州务大臣。所以,加巴星对安华和回教党开炮是预料中事。

显然,民主行动党全国主席加巴星抨击同僚林吉祥和冠英的做法,皆被人们视为个人议程甚于党议程。

若发生在国阵任何一个成员党,加巴星此举必将受到内部纪律处分。然而,对民联这个松散既非正规的政治联盟,该由谁执行规章以使各成员党效忠盟体?

这是对民联成员党之间合作和信任水平的严峻考验。加巴星身为行动党主席,所发表的谈话绝不仅于“纯属个人意见”而已。

当然,国阵也非完美的政治联盟。它有许多缺点和不足之处,需要加以改善。但至少它在过去52年来的服务都获得人民接受。

明显的,国阵必须对各成员党的角色进行重新定位,并削减巫统的强势作风,以达致更公平和公正的合作。

与此同时,预计我国将出现更多的政治拉拢动作。在国家面对经济衰退之际,这种情况的发生实属不幸。

如今,我们突然将面对霹雳州武吉干当区,以及吉打州武吉士南卯区的两场补选。

经历这场混乱的政局以后,国阵必须加倍努力赢回选民的心。否则,国阵在下届普选后很可能变成反对党了。

然而,民联也并非最佳的选择,因为多数的公正党党员,都是来自巫统或民主行动党的决裂分子。

此外,民联里的华裔和印裔代表仍然不多。在马来西亚,我们始终离不开种族政治。


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Undated Signed Resignation Letter/ 未志期的辞职信

Undated signed resignation letter by YB has become crucial in Perak PR government.

The question now is that whether the letter is legally binding or not although there is precedent where the court ruled that it is not binding?

I personally signed such undated resignation twice. The first occasion was at the height of the co-operative deposit crisis, where MCA under Tun Dr Ling, wanted all MCA YBs to sign the undated resignation letter. All MCA members must be prepared to resign as YB should the government refused to accept a dollar to a dollar formula as proposed by MCA then to resolve the deposit co-operative fiasco.

The MCA YBs didn’t exercise this right as the government accepted the proposal.

The 2nd letter I signed was when Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting become the President and all MCA wakil rakyats had to sign another undated resignation letter. This was in preparation for any event that requires the President to exercise this right.

Political party should discontinue this practice.

Since undated resignation letter can be challenged in court, political party have to devise another mechanism to compel its YB to toe the line.

In Malaysia, almost all BN candidates are holding some posts in the party. They should have been evaluated before being selected as candidate in General Election. There is no foolproof evaluation.

I have seen many good leaders who changed after becoming a YB. That may explain why most YBs do not last more than 2 terms.

Often, it was its own party members or the voters who reject them. Some YB becomes a different person when they are appointed to serve government posts, where there, they enjoyed more perks and trapping of power. This did get into the head of some YBs and they lost their bearing.

You just don’t believe your eyes that it is the same person you know before their appointment. No wonder when they face the voters, they are rejected.

Meanwhile, at this point of time, a PAS MP passed away because of heart attack. Another PR Kedah ADUN resigned as ADUN.

There will be soon another by-election, on in Perak and Kedah.

Politicians from both the political divide will be busy again and politicking will be in the air.

预签未志期的议员辞职信,在霹雳州已成为关键文件。

问题是,这封辞职信是否受法律约束?法庭曾有先例,裁定未志期的信件其实没有法律效应。

我个人曾签署两封类似的信件。第一封,正置马化合作社出现存款危机。当时的马华总会长敦林良实医生向政府献策以一元对一元的方程式来解决这场危机,并指示所有马华议员事先签署一封未志期的辞职信,准备在政府拒绝有关献议后,集体总辞。

政府最后接受建议,该信件也没有生效。

另外,当拿督斯里黄家定出任马华总会长时,也指示全体马华代议士签署未志期的辞职信,以让总会长在必要时行使其权力。

我认为,政党应该停止指示议员签署未志期函件的做法。

由于未志期辞职信的合法性可被挑战,政党应该实行另一机制来促使其议员必须服从不得抗命。

在马来西亚,几乎所有国阵候选人都持有党职。这些人被选为候选人之前应该接受评估。惟目前并没有一套完整、全面的评估机制。

我亲眼见证许多好领袖,当上议员后就变了。这说明为何一些议员的寿命仅止于两届。他们往往是被自家的党员或选民否决。

一些议员被委任官职后,获得权力、威望带来的好处后,简直判若两人,利欲熏心导致他们失去方向。你简直不敢置信这是你认识那个人。

随着一名回教党国会议员病逝,以及一名公正党州议员呈辞,霹雳州和吉打州将各有一场补选。各阵营的政党又得忙碌了…

Friday, February 6, 2009

The Fall of PR-State Government/ 民联州政府的倒台


Image taken from Google Images.

Perak Flag.

It is said that two can play the same game.

Since the failure of Anwar to form the federal government on September 16 last year, there have been talks of YBs crossing over from BN to PR or vice versa. Finally, it was the defection of PR state assemblymen to BN that caused the downfall of the Perak PR state government.

The government, both federal and state should not be formed by relying on support by defector. It sets a bad precedent and does not reflect the wish of the voters.

The 3 PR ADUNs probably have been forced to a corner. The concept of power sharing is often easier said than done.

After 308 election, I’ve written in my blog that after the victory, the PR government must learn how to manage power sharing.

The winner may want to enjoy the cake of their victory and it is the sharing of this cake that is the cause of friction among coalition partners.

BN has the advantage of a long tested module. It may have its weaknesses but it has withstood the test of time until the 308 election.

Earlier, when the 2 PR ADUNs were charged in court for corruption, it was alleged that it was a frame up by the government. Now that they are in BN, the court case will still proceed.

If they are found guilty after they have exhausted their legal avenue, they may have to vacate their seat. If this occurs 2 years before the next General Election, which is due in 2013, then a by-election may have to be called.

If BN loses these 2 seats, the BN government will then fall. However, if they are not found guilty, there will be a lot of speculation also that this is because of back door influence.

Either way BN government stands to lose by accepting these 2 ADUNs.

The PR MB should convey a general assembly and test whether he will get confidence of majority vote of ADUNs. If not, he should resign and dissolve the state assembly and call for fresh election.

Image taken from Google Images. Istana Iskandriah, Kuala Kangsar

Any demonstration is uncalled for. You’ll only aggravate the situation and if not properly managed, it often turns violent and is easily exploited to become racial.

This should be avoided at all costs.

It is often in crisis like this that the leadership is subjected to extreme pressure and we can see whether the leadership is a responsible one or an opportunistic leadership.

Clinging to the job will not be a honourable choice. The democratic thing is to let the state assemblymen decide.

However, in the present circumstances, if BN has simple majority in state assembly, it is unlikely that they will advise Sultan to dissolve state assembly and call for fresh election. The BN state government will then have to function with a simple majority from the support of the 3 Independents.

This may turn out to be the case when the minority calls the shot and be the power broker.

The rakyat may not look upon this power structure with favour. This high political drama will continue to drag for quite sometime.

The Perak rakyat do not need this political diversion when the country is confronted with the economic slowdown.

If the BN do a good job in this period, they may, in the long-term wins the hearts of rakyat. If not, BN ADUNs may be punished by the voters should fresh election be called within the state.

自安华在去年916夺取中央政权变天失败后,就流传着国阵与民联在玩同样的挖角游戏,有的说国阵议员将跳槽到民联,也有的说民联议员要过档国阵。

最后,是民联的州议员退党投向国阵,造成霹雳州政府倒台。

不论是州或联邦政权,都不能仰赖跳槽议员的支持來组政,这不仅立下一个极坏的先例,且无法充份反映霹州选民的意愿。

或许,这3名民联州议员是饱受严重打压,因为分享权力往往是说易行难。

308大选后,我曾在部落格中写道,胜选后民联政府必须要学习如何管理权力分享 。胜利者都想要分享胜利的蛋糕,但往往这个“分享”却是盟友间产生摩擦的导火线。

国阵的优点在于,它是一个经过长时间磨合与测试的组合,它或许存在弱点,但它毕竟是经过时间的考验,直至308大选。

稍早前,两名民联议员因贪污罪遭起诉,当时大家还斥责这是国阵政府设下的陷阱;如今虽然他们身在国阵,案件还是即將开审。

如果他们最终被判罪名成立,届时将丧失议员资格。这情况发生若在下届全国大选的前2年,即2013年之前,那么有关议席就必须有举行补选。

如果国阵输掉这两席,该州的国阵或会倒台;如果这两名议员最终获判无罪,那么也会出现各种揣测指这是幕后操纵审判的结果。

不论是何者,国阵都会因为招纳这两名议员而成为输家

因此,霹雳州务大臣应召开州议会,通过投票表决验证自己是否能得到多数州议员的信任和支持。否则,他应该辞职并解散州议会,重新举行州选举。 因此,没有必要展开任何示威或抗议,这样做只会使局势火上加油,如果沒有妥善管制,甚至会演变成暴力冲突及扩大成为种族课题。

任何人都应该要竭尽所能避免上述情况发生。

在诸类的危机中,领导层通常会承受庞大的压力,但我们也可从中看出这究竟是个负责任的领导层,或是投机者。

紧捉权位不放,并不是值得称誉的做法。民主,就是让人民來做决定。

然而,在目前情况下,如果国阵在州议会取得简单多数议席,就不太可能会寻求苏丹御準解散州议会重新举行选举。那么,国阵州政府将会靠3名独立州议员的支持以获得简单多数议席执政。 最终,这关键的少数票反而成为最有权说话的人。

人民不会喜欢或希望这种权力结构的产生,而这出政治大戏还会持续一段相当的时间。国家面临经济困境之际,霹雳州人民不会要这种政权转变。

如果国阵在这段期间表现得好,或许长期下來能赢回人民的心。否则,选民会在州选举时,用选票惩罚国阵的所有议员 。

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The 2nd Stimulus Package

The world’s economic problem is manufactured in America, and being the biggest economy of the world has assumed a global dimension.


Image taken from Google images

There is lack of detailed information about how the economic slowdown is going to affect Malaysia.

The various sectors in our country will be affected in various degree of severity – the manufacturing sector probably is the worst affected.

Last year, the government has announced the 1st stimulus package of RM7 billion. However, there is a lack of public information about the details of the package. Any delay in its implementation will not have the desired effect of stimulating the target sector.

The government intends to announce the 2nd stimulus package. Lets hope it should be done early with a bigger package.

Our government revenue is at about RM150 billion a year and the RM7 billion package as announced is too small to have the desired effect.

There should be less worry about budget deficit for 2009 and 2010. When the economy picks up, we would think of how to balance the budget.

There is still a lot of wastage of government funds for non-productive activities. While we spend our way out of the recession, resources should be for productive economic activities.

Meanwhile, I cannot figure out why the review of the electricity tariff should be delayed to July.

The reduction of electricity tariff and gas prices should be done immediately as higher costs had put pressure on companies.

There is a reduction in demand and coupled with increased costs, a lot of companies may have cash flow problem.

I understand in energy intensive industries, energy costs account for about 20% of production costs. Electricity tariffs were increased by 26.6% and natural gas price for industrial users was also increased by 71% last year.

Now that the petrol price has dropped drastically, any delay in review of the above prices is unjustified.

Government should be more sensitive towards the needs of the industries at this time and assist them so that they are able to pull through this difficult period.

Let’s hope that the 2nd stimulus package is worth the wait.

横扫世界各国的经济危机源自美国。作为世界最大经济体,它的影响力冲击全球。

到底经济萧条对马来西亚影响有多大,迄今我们还不得而知,因为这方面的资讯严重匮乏。

国内各领域受影响的程度各异,而制造业面对的冲击力最大。

去年,政府已经宣布第一期的70亿令吉“刺激经济配套”。然而,公众却缺乏有关配套的详情,也无法让面对冲击的领域取得预期效果。

政府打算宣布第二期的刺激配套。希望这将是一个更大的计划,且可以早日付诸落实。

政府一年收入约1千500亿令吉,相比之下,要取得预期成效,去年宣布的70亿令吉数额未免太少。

其实,我们不应过于担心2009年及2010年会有赤字预算案。当经济复苏,我们就会设法如何去平衡预算。

我认为,仍有很多政府资金浪费在那些没有生产力的活动。在我们改变花费方式以抵消经济低迷冲击的同时,应该把既有资源用在有生产力的经济活动。

因此,我想不通为何要迟至7月才检讨电费。当局应该即刻调降电费及燃气收费,因为高企的成本已经对各公司构成压力。

此外,基于人们的需求减少,加上成本不断攀上,很多公司可能面对现金流转的问题。

据我了解,在能源密集的工业,能源占成本总额的20%。去年,工业用户的电费及天然气价格分别上涨了26.6%及71%。目前汽油价格已经大幅度下调,因此没有道理要延迟检讨以上种种收费。

相反的,政府应该要更了解各工业当下的需求及给予协助,让他们有能力度过这个难关。

我希望第二期的刺激经济配套会一项是值得期待的喜讯。

Monday, February 2, 2009

A.Kugan – A Hero or Criminal? 古甘-是英雄或罪犯?

The death of A.Kugan, a suspected car thief has created a controversy that has the potential of becoming a racial conflict.

The circumstance of A.Kugan’s death led to speculation that he was victim of police brutality. A.Kugan was a suspect and until proven in court, he is innocent.

While it may be difficult to illicit information from the suspect, the right of the suspect should be respected. The police have not done a good job in explaining his death and this must have led the victim’s family to demand a second post mortem.

A healthy young man should not die while in police custody. What causes his lung to have fluid (probably a pleural diffusion) should have triggered senior police officer to probe further since a healthy person would not have fluid in the lung without an underlying cause – infection, trauma and etc.

Failing to identify this must have triggered the family outburst.

The 2 Deputy Ministers have no choice but to be at the mortuary on the requests of A.Kugan family members. They are doing their work as MP and if they have not shown up, they will be bombarded by the family members and public. To their credit, their intervention led to the Deputy Prime Minister to request for a 2nd post mortem.

When it comes to 2nd post mortem, the police have been very defensive rather than helpful to manage what is obviously a PR disaster by the police.

This only serves to provoke anger among family members and public. The police have a job to do; they should be doing it well and beyond suspicion of a possible cover up about the actual cause of death of A.Kugan.

The harsh statement by the Minister of Internal Security only serves to ignite more anger.

Of course we all agreed that issue like this should not be politicized or assume a racial overtone.

The poor handling of this case certainly serve to strengthen the Hindraf claim of marginalization of a particular ethnic group in our country.

Common sense and professionalism should prevail. The police need badly a PR course in handling the press and aggrieved family members.

Arrogance and the know-all attitudes among some police offices will only further alienate public co-operation with the police.

Let’s hope that the 2nd post mortem will shed more light into A.Kugan’s death. Whoever is responsible for his death should be dealt with promptly. Only then it will serve to restore some confidence and respect among the people towards our police force.

Meanwhile, the police and the doctors involved in the post mortem should be allowed to do their work.

偷车疑犯古甘阿南达之死,掀起了一场可能会引发种族冲突的争议。

古甘的也死引起猜测,怀疑他是警察暴力的受害者。虽为嫌犯,直至法庭宣判有罪以前,他仍是无辜的。

向嫌犯套口供非易事,但嫌犯的权力也应被尊重。在古甘的事件,警方没有详加解释其死因,以致死者家属要求第二回验尸。

一个健康的年轻人不可能无端端在扣留所里暴毙。死者肺部为何出现积水(可能因胸膜扩散),高级警官理应展开进一步调查,因为一个健康的人若非受到感染、外伤等,绝不会出现肺积水的现象。

当局未能确定这点,因而导致死者家属悲愤填膺。

鉴于死者家属的要求,两位副部长别无他法必须现身太平间。其实,他们也是在履行国会议员的职责。若两人没有出现,必将受家属、民众等千夫所指。他俩的介入,也促使副首相要求当局进行第二回验尸。在这方面,两位副部长应记一功。

事情演变到第二回解剖验尸,警方本应力补公共关系处理失当的弱点,惟当局反而显得层层设防。

这样做只会进一步激怒死者的家属和民众。警方必须执行他们的职责,而且须执行得当,侦查古甘真正的死因厘清疑点。

至于内政部长严厉的声明,只会点燃众怒,让更多人生气。

当然,我们都认同类似的课题不该被政治化,或被套上种族色彩。

此案件若处理不当,必将加强兴都权益委员会所提出的我国边缘化特定族群的申诉。

警方必须具备常识和展现专业精神。警方也迫切需要接受应对媒体及愤恨家属的公共关系培训。

部分警员傲慢和自以为是的态度,只会疏远人民和警方和合作。

让我们期望第二回解剖结果能进一步解释古甘的死因。任何涉及致死他的人应当受到对付。唯有这样才能恢复人民对警方的信心和尊重。

与此同时,让负责此案的警员和医生去执行他们的工作吧。

Welcome to my Blog

As a concerned MCA member, I am trying my best to help in the process of rebuilding and repositioning of the party.

Therefore, I welcome party members and members of public to post your constructive suggestions and opinions on my blog on how to rebuild and reform the party, eventually enabling MCA to regain support from all party members and the community.


Thank you for your suggestions.