Sunday, March 29, 2009

Nomination Day for Bukit Gantang By- Election, 29/3/09

By-election or referendum?

More than Pakatan Rakyat 20,000 supporters (merely 5,000 from BN) came to Taiping to support Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Ir. Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as candidate for the Bukit Gantang be-election on the 7th of April 2009. The DAP, PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat members came from as far as Lumut, Sitiawan, Gerik, Selangor, Pahang, Malacca, Bagan, Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

The turn-up clearly and simply shows that the power grab in Perak on the 6th of February was unacceptable to the people. Let's hope that the result of the by-election will be a clear signal to the BN that what they have done is not acceptable and they need to go back to the people for a mandate to rule and not sieze power by undemocratic means.

There are 55,562 voters in the Bukit Gantang constituency: 63,5% Malay, 27.1% Chinese and 9.1% Indian. In 2004, the BN won with a majority of 8,888 votes while in 2008 PAS won by 1,566 votes. With the increased support of the voters in Bukit Gantang, we hope the majority will be bigger this time around.

We need your support. Give PR your vote and help in the by-elections, in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau or Batang Ai.

Vote Pakatan Rakyat for DEMOCRACY!

Here are some pictures from nomination day in Bukit Gantang.












posted by jason ling and edited by Bénévole Anonymne

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

People's Verdict

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 PEOPLE
Retiree 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 VILLAGES
Smallholder, 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 SPREADING
Resident 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

Friday, March 20, 2009

Tribute to Pakatan Rakyat Leaders in Perak

To all faithful, selfless PR leaders in Perak who worked tirelessly especially the past 10 months in managing the state of Perak. Because of the good work you have done many have become envious and have criticised the work which BN in their 50 years of government could not do.

Here is an article that might encourage all of you who believe in God. I extracted it from the parish bulletin of Wesley Methodist Church, Sitiawan, Perak.

Back from Failure

[jl: Back from BN Power Grab]


The Lord may not have planned that this should overtake me [jl: us]

but He has most certainly permitted it

therefore though it were an attack of the enemy

by the time it reaches me

it has the Lord's permission and therefore all is well

He will make it work together with all life's experience for God


He Cares for you

Whatever life shall bring your way

through each and every fleeting day

through the months and long years too

God in His heaven shall care for you

so with this knowledge, may you go

serenely and content to know

whatever comes your whole life through

God in His heaven shall care for you

We must be aware that this is only a temporary set-back

we must not be discouraged

as long as we keep on striving towards our goal

we are not defeated


If anyone would tell you the shortest

surest way to happiness and all perfection

he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself

to think and praise God for everything that happens to you

for it is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you

if you thank and praise God for it

You will turn it into a blessing

(Author unknown)


Therefore I strongly believe that Pakatan Rakyat will be back in POWER stronger, more vibrant and more dedicated to serve the people. We shall be back in the very near future, in terms of months!. The people of Perak and the whole nation are behind the Pakatan Rakyat government.


posted by jason ling and edited by Bénévole Anonymne

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Soalan Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham di Parlimen Mar 2009


Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham (Beruas) meminta Menteri Pengajian Tinggi menyatakan jumlah penuntut-penuntut di setiap institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) dan jumlah mengikut kaum.

Jawapan
Sehingga September 2008, jumlah penuntut di IPTA adalah seramai 403,009 orang. Pecahan mengikut kaum adalah seperti berikut:-
Ini bermakna,peratus mengikut kaum adalah seperti berikut;-
Melayu-65.1%
Cina-11.67%
India-2.72%
Lain-lain- 20.46%

Dalam sidang media yang dianjurkan oleh Dato' Ngeh di pusat perkhidmatan DUN Sitiawan, Perak hari ini, beliau telah menimbulkan beberapa persoalan serta mencabar pemimpin-pemimpin MCA, MIC dan Gerakan untuk membuat pendirian atas perkara ini supaya sistem meritocrasi yang sering diuar-uarkan oleh mereka dilaksanakan demi kebaikan negara. Lebih memalukan apabila Timbalan Menteri Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia adalah ahli MCA.

Peratusan jumlah penduduk(tahun 2007 ) berdasarkan 27 juta orang di Malaysia mengikut kaum adalah seperti berikut;-
Bumiputra-60.69%
Cina- 23.01%
India-6.7%
Lain-lain-9.39%
Ini bermakna 45,000 penuntut (11.6%) Cina dan 16,000 penuntut(3.9%)India yang lain hendaklah diberi perluang untuk menlanjutkan pelajaran di institusi tinggi awam selain daripada jumlah sekarang.Kalau tidak sistem meritocrasi yang sering diuar-uarkan adalah cakap kosong sahaja. Atau adakah penuntut Melayu yang memasuki institusi-institusi ini adalah golongan yang cerdik belaka? Kalau begitu, kenapa setiap tahun ada sahaja penuntut-penuntut bukan Melayu yang memperolehi A's yang penuh tidak mendapat tempat yang sewajarnya di institusi-institusi pengajian tinggi awam tempatan walaupun Kementerian Pelajaran hanya mengumumkan bilangan penuntut yang memperolehi A's yang banyak adalah berbeza dengan angka pengambilan masuk ke institusi tinggi awam tempatan.
Harap kerajaan dapat melaksanakan sistem meritocrasi sepenuhnya demi masa depan pemuda-pemudi kita dan negara kita dari segi modal insan supaya cendekiawan kita tidak hilang ke negara jiran.

posted by jason ling






Monday, March 9, 2009

Pakatan Rakyat 1st anniversary gathering

Pakatan Rakyat commemorated its first year in power with a gathering at Dewan Tow Boh Keong, Kampar Road on the 8th of March 2009.

More than 5000 people packed the temple hall to celebrate the occasion and in support of the Pakatan Rakyat actions and reactions to the constitutional crisis of the past few weeks.


The crowd in the hall


The people outside the hall

More people outside the hall


The crowd in another wing of the hall


The people lighted the light of hope in democracy


All the people hoped for is justice for the people of Perak


Perak MB Dato' Seri Ir. Md Nizar Jamaluddin addressed the crowd


The Leaders released the balloons of freedom (from oppression!)




The leadership stands united


The crowd in a thunderous voice, unanimously said yes to all the Pakatan Rakyat leaders’ actions when the question was posted to the crowd. The speakers explained that all that they have done is allowed by the laws thus far and that they are law-abiding people.
The responses from the crowd clearly shown that the people wanted the State Legislative Assembly to be dissolved and by-elections so that they would have the government of their choice, and not a government that siezed power by the back door. Hak Rakyat dikembalikan!

The crowd also condemned the actions of the police in not allowing the legitimate Assemblymen to enter the State Assembly to convene their meeting on 3 March 2009 at the invitation of the Speaker. The court was also reminded to respect Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly as the highest legislative bodies in the land and that there must be a separation of the executives, the legislative and the judicial branches of government. The Election Commission must also act fairly and without bias.

Let’s look forward to a speedy solution to this so-called crisis in Perak so that the present global economic downturn will not hit the people of Perak badly. May all the energy, strength and the human resources of the government be pulled together to spur the economy of the state.

The speakers for the night were En Zukifli Ibrahim, YB V. Sivakumar (DUN Speaker), YB Wong Kah Who, YB M. Kula Segeran, Sdr Dr. Lee Boon Chye, YB Nga Kor Ming,YB Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham, YAB MB Ir Hj Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin, YB Lim Kit Siang, YAB Lim Guan Eng (Penang Chief Minister).

For the comments of former Appeal Court Judge, NH Chan on the related issues, please refer to Malaysiakini-http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/99838

posted by jason ling and edited by Bénévole Anonymne

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

High drama at Perak State Secrectariat


FRU water canons on standby




The crowd in front of the State Secretariat building awaiting the arrival of the Pakatan Rakyat and BN state assemblymen to enter the building where the emergency sitting of the State Assembly was supposed to be held.



Who is this man in the songkok? He was seen shouting profanities at the PR supporters. The police did not apprehend him! There was no retaliation by PR supporters, otherwise fights could have broken out. One PR supporter was kicked in the legs and a stone was thrown at Dato's Ngeh but fortunately it missed. The state assemblymen were also pushed by the FRU personels when they tried to enter the building for the assembly sitting.




None of the state assemblymen were allowed in into the secretariat building, so they marched to the shade under a nearby raintree and convened the assembly sitting (standing) there and thus created Malaysian, and probably world, history.







The Speaker YB V. Sivakumar in full regalia presided over the state assembly with all the 27 ADUN from the PR present under the 'BIG TREE OF DEMOCRACY'


All 27 ADUNs unanimously voted in favour of all three motions by saying 'Sokong' and with shows of hands. The three motions were: a vote of confidence in Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Ir. Hj. Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin, the dissolution of the state assembly and an endorsement of the Speaker's suspension of the new 'Menteri Besar' and his 'Excos'.




The crowd gathered in front of the Wisma DAP, Perak where the press conference was held by the Menter Besar Dato' Seri Ir. Mohd Nizar.

Let's hope DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah the Sultan of Perak will allow the dissolution of the assembly to resolve this prolonged crisis which is not good for the people, the state government or the nation.



posted by Jason Ling andedited by Bénévole Anonymne

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Barisan Nasional's U-Turn/Flip Flop Government

After reading in the Malaysian Insider today that the government had changed their mind about an earlier decision to allow conditional use of the word ‘Allah’ in a Christian publication ('The Herald', the Catholic weekly) I was appalled. The Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said that it was the government’s mistake. I shall not comment but would just to remind you of some of the ‘U-turn’/flip-flop decisions I have observed in the recent years.

Another example was the toll hike for five highways initially announced for the 1st March 2008. The next day the PM announced they have been postposned. The question is 'WHO is the BOSS?' And why the frequent U-turns? Is this how we teach our children how to be 'as good as one's word'? What about investors' trust in our government's policies?

Other examples are as follows:
1) In 2008, the PM annonced that Parliament would not be dissolved two days before its dissolution.
2) The Transport Minister announced that his ministry would allow an Australian low cost airline to fly from Malaysia to Singapore, but two days later said that there had as yet been no approval of this scheme.
3) An announcement of the resignation of the former Menetri Besar of Perak as Barisan
Nasional Chief of Perak was made by the Deputy PM on TV but on the same day and on the same TV channel the PM said he had not received the resignation letter.
4) Double U-turn for double rail tracks.
5) After BN lost in Perak, BN made an U-turn to grab power from the back door.
6) Let’s see the PM will make an U-turn on his decision to step down as PM end of March 2008.


posted by jason ling and edited by Bénévole Anonymne.