The verdict of the people of Sitiawan on the performance of YB Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham especially for the period where the Pakatan Rakyat was in power.
(Published in the Nanyang Siang Pau on 11 March 2009)
Since MARCH 08 – FIRST YEAR REPORT CARD – Performance Evaluation by Constituents in Sitiawan
Ngeh Koo Ham: We have to institutionalize policies to continuously improve the condition of the people and the region.
NGEH KOO HAM: BRINGING ABOUT LOCAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROFIT THE PEOPLE
D.GOOD INITIATIVES TO ESTABLISH WIN-WIN
“IT IS THROUGH EQUITABLE AND EFFECTIVE POLICIES, INSTITUTIONALIZED PROMOTION OF LAND, WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE, ALLOCATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT WE CAN , QUITE OFTEN, RESOLVE PROBLEMS OF SCHOOLS, ASSOCIATIONS AND PLACES THAT DO NOT GET ALLOCATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENTS AND MATTERS THAT HAVE SO FAR BEEN NEGLECTED.”
The former senior executive councilor of the state, state assemblyman of Sitiawan, Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham when interviewed by Nanyang Siang Pau reiterated that good governance, effective help for the people and development of the region would narrow gaps and reduce matters being neglected.
He indicated that ever since Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) formed the Perak state government, they had been implementing land, welfare and other policies, setting up non-Muslim affairs committee and so on to address problems at its roots (systemic treatment) and not just treatment of localized symptoms like trying to treat the head to get rid of a headache or treat the leg when there was a pain there.
‘ Looking at the example of the policy of charging RM1000 as fees for the conversion of land status for schools, religious and non-profit organizations, we know that originally, the Manjung Dialysis Center in Sitiawan, had to pay fees of RM60 000 but under the present policies, it pays only RM1000. A church has also similarly benefited.’
Freehold Land Titles Boost Village Economy
Ngeh Koo Ham believed the issuance of freehold title not only helped the people to have a sense of security and instilled faith in the government but also helped to uplift the economy in the villages or the outskirts, thus making the younger generation stay on.
He opined that when people claimed (permanent) ownership to their land, they would tend to upgrade their homes and hence, there would be renewal in the villages and Kampung Tersusun (Planned Villages), and this will boost the construction industry and its side (upsteam and downstream) activities, creating more employment opportunities and helping the younger generation to be gainfully employed in their own hometown.
SYSTEMATIC ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS
LET ALL PEOPLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE, ORGANIZE ACTIVTIES TO TRANSMIT THEIR CULTURE
Ngeh Koo Ham indicated that systematic provision for schools and organizations, not only advance education and nurture quality younger generation but also allow people of all races to organize and promote diverse activities to pass on culture, cultivate and develop all kinds of talents and potentials.
‘ With regard to allocation in the area of education, welfare and activities in the constituency, I try my level best, as long as it is within my abilities, to help. A case in point is YB Nga Kor Min (Pantai Remis) and I donated RM150k for the new library and hostel of SRJK Min De (Primary School) in Ayer Tawar.’
‘Help was given to all schools – Chinese Independent, Chinese Primary, schools of all mediums of instruction, whenever they made their needs known.’
GIVES PRIORITY TO JUSTICE AND WELFARE
Ngeh Koo Ham emphasized that justice and welfare of the people are top (on his list of concerns) in his political struggle and his life principles. Therefore when he was at the helm of the state government, he pushed for the government to celebrate together the festival of each and every (major) race. Hence when there’s Hari Raya, Lunar New Year or Deepavali, the government had to be fair in putting up decorations so that Ayer Tawar, Sitiawan, Lumut, Pantai Remis and Beruas, in the ambience of the spring season, had huge red lanterns hung up high to enhance the fesitivity.
‘Taking care of the weak is something that must not be neglected by those in power. No matter what festival, I would give gifts to single parents and poor families so that they too can celebrate joyously together with all the others.’
CHANGE IN THE WEATHER (ATEMPT FOR POWER CHANGE ) IN PERAK THE FUTURE HANGS IN THE BALANCE
NGEH Koo Ham indicated that the change of power in Perak had been causing a lot of policies and plans awaiting implementation to face uncertain future and consequences. He passed the remark that SMJK Nan Hwa’s sky bridge project had already got approval from the state’s public works department but in the present political situation, he wouldn’t know whether they would get the funds to proceed.
‘ The state government had approved in principle an allocation of RM5 million to construct a road behind Kutian Associtaion Hall, parallel to the main road, right up to Batu 16 (16 th Mile Ayer Tawar). Now we’ll just have to wait and see what’ll happen next.’
The ‘attempt for power change’ had been affecting the efforts to attract investments to Kg Acheh, Sitiawan and plans to set up factories and to further develop the maritime industries in the area.
Mr Chong Yong Hong Reports
Ngeh Koo Ham , accompanied by Municipal Council Chairman, Zamri B Man on his hospital rounds, cheering up a patient suffering from a mosquito-borne disease (photo: NHK in action)
Pekan Gurney: Lin Xin Hua*
BEST EVER STATE ASSEMBLYMAN
Pekan Gurney resident, plantation keeper, 48, said Ngeh Koo Ham had been Sitiawan’s best ever assemblyman to date. He would give 90 marks for his service performance.
“He has made a point of being on his rounds in Pekan Gurney once a week. Even though, sometimes, he can’t make it in person, he arranges for his political secretary and special assistant to lend an ear to the people and help them resolve diverse problems.”
Voter of Sitiawan Constituency: Zhang Xiao Xing*
EARNEST IN HIS WORK AND HAS NO AIRS
Sitiawan voter, 58, felt happy with Ngeh Koo Ham’s performance , describing him as earnest in his work and he had no affectation of superiority. He said there were improvements in road transport systems and street lights. All the residents acknowledged his contribution.
Businessman in telecommunications, Gon Tian De, 63, opined that Ngeh Koo Ham led Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) government brought considerable improvement to the efficiency of the municipality, bringing everyone a great deal of convenience.
He was of the opinion that, ‘Good representatives are those who bring good policies that promote commercial and industrial activities. I support Ngeh Koo Ham.’
A YEAR OF FULFILMENT FOR THE PEOPLE
Segari grocer, Wang Jia Xin, 47, said that all the Malay and Indian customers expressed accolades for Ngeh Koo Ham as a fine assemblyman with sense of justice. He added that freehold titles met the needs of the people as it was a great plan that brought impetus to the economy and Ngeh Koo Ham did not disappoint the people in the past year.
MASSIVE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Resident of Kg China, Weng Chun Di , 68, stated that Ngeh Koo Ham had got things done.
He moved the lampposts that blocked the motorists’ view in Pasir Panjang,There were more street lights and the roads were widened.
‘The local infrastructure has seen extensive continuous improvement (kaizen).’
BUSINESS IMPROVES AFTER CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES AND REPAIR OF ROADS.
Grocer, Wang Li Xiang, 35, expressed her gratitude to Ngeh Koo Ham for improvements in bridges and road systems, making it easier for people to commute. Business had become better for her.
A GOOD AND DILIGENT REPRESENTATIVE WHO LOVES THE PEOPLE
Sitiawan Businessman, You Zheng Nian, 45, was of the opinion that Ngeh Koo Ham in governing the state had definitely contributed to the transformation in and increase in efficiency of the Perak government departments.
He described Ngeh as a good representative who was diligent and as one who loved the people. He added that Ngeh had to remain tenacious in the present political situation (‘change of weather’). He believed people would always support an assemblyman who was wiling to do work and implement beneficial policies.
SHOWS CONCERN AND PAYS CLOSE ATTENTION TO EDUCATION
Sitiawan , Vice-President of PTA SMJK Nan Hwa: Zhan Yi Fei mentioned that
Ngeh Koo Ham showed concern for and paid close attention to education, having given RM15000 to the school’s Chinese Orchestra to purchase additional instruments. He believed that under the present political circumstances, people must give support to Ngeh Koo Ham to help him make democracy a reality.
Kampong China retiree: Guo Jin Chun*
STEADFAST IN SERVICE TO THE PEOPLERetiree in Kg. China, Guo Jin Chun, 71, said Ngeh Koo Ham is an exceptionally good assemblyman who spoke out to uphold justice and he is unwavering in his service to the people. ’All the local residents give him very high appraisal marks.’
CONSTRUCTS BRIDGES TO PROVIDE AMENITIES FOR THE VILLAGESSmallholder, Lin Ai Xin, 67 said Ngeh Koo Ham worked together with the developers to construct bridges in Kg China and Seri Manjung making it convenient for villagers to get to government offices and back.
FOGGING TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES FROM SPREADINGResident Lin Qing Bing, 71, pointed out that when Ngeh Koo Ham received news of people’s concern about the outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, he immediately arranged for someone to visit the residential area to investigate. Soon, there would be fogging to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya.
SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE IS OFTEN PLACED ABOVE HIS NEEDS TO HAVE MEALS
Ngeh Koo Ham’s Special Assistant, Jason Ling, revealed that unfeigned service is Ngeh Koo Ham’s work ethics. He further observed that because of the local populace and their area, it was very common for him to forgo meals.
‘Though his workload is heavy, he is ever unyielding – a facet of his earnestness. Therefore, a lot people are willing to teamwork with him, moving from accomplishment to accomplishment.’
posted by jason ling
The crowd in the hall
The people outside the hall
More people outside the hall
All the people hoped for is justice for the people of Perak
