Inflation is an abstract, it can't be seen or feel unless it is reported by the media, especially the print media. The BN feels that as long as the media did not report on the issue, then the people would not feel it. It is like "see no evil, speak no evil and speak no evil" type of fictional story the kids read.
According to a report by Malaysiakini, The DPM Najib and the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry Shafie Apdal have both held meeting with the mainstream media not to report on this matter or at least paint a brighter image about the issue.
With the approaching general election, inflation seems to be the biggest worry of the BN and the heat is on even among the UMNO bigwigs as how the inflation will affect the outcomes of the election. It has been admitted by both the PM and the DPM that the BN can't win as handsomely as in the 2004 general election and rumours have it that the BN is struggling with the 2/3 majority that it has enjoyed for the past eleven (11) general election, especially with the uncertainty of the Indian votes after the Hindraf rally in the capital.
The balance of power seems to rest on the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. However, with the 2006 state election of Sarawak as a reminder of the problems of the urban voters' dissatisfaction, the mood of the SUPP, the Chinese-based party in the BN, is uncertain. Sabah seems to be a better bet for the BN in all things go smoothly, with the palm oils prices at their peak and good tourism sector, maybe the BN can pull off another record win.
So, what is the next move? The BN has a high task to retent its Bumi votes first and inflation is a no-no for the BN and thus the Police had obtained a court ruling not to allow the rally organised by the Coalition against Inflation (protes) to take place today in the nation capital. The government last year gave the public services sector(86.6% Bumi) the biggest pay rise in history with a 25%-35% increment meant to secure their support for the coming election and thus inflation must not offset the feel-good effect of that strategy.
After that, the Chinese votes must be wooed and what better way than to re-open the SJKC Damansara (Chinese primary school) and the granting of RM 10 millions for the Chinese primary schools through MCA? The MCA would be proud to present to the Chinese community the "presents" of their pleading in the BN and forget that the education policies are those of the BN whom they are a part of. The MCA and the other Chinese based parties would tell the Chinese community how "liberal and open" is our Education Minister and of course of the PM in the coming election as they promised not to close the Chinese schools in Malaysia. But the Chinese community is facing the high cost of inflation as it prepares to celebrate the Lunar new year which falls on the 7Th of Feb. The noise on the street and in the coffee shop is not favorable to the ruling BN as peoples struggle to make ends meet in the months to come.
Then comes the Indian community whom the BN was caught by surprised by the Hindraf rally that saw almost 100,000 Indians going to the street. 130 supporters of the rally are still on hunger strike after its leaders went on hunger strike in the jail's cell following their arrest under the ISA. The PM Abdullah announced Thaipusam a public holiday for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as the setting-up of a cabinet committee to tackle hardcore poverty. But the Indian community leaders in general feel that a holiday for Thaipusam was over due and the announcement of a holiday after 50 year of Merdeka is itself the proof of marginalization of the Indian community and the BN did not set up the special mechanism like the NEP to address the pressing issues of the poor Indians.
Apart from the inflation, i hope Malaysian would look into all the issues such as corruptions, judicial rot, crimes and security, the NEP and mismanagement that prevent the country to march forwards and demand a Malaysia for all Malaysian based on equality, fairness and democracy in every sense of the words .
David Wong
16-01-2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
We have no chioce left but "change"
Democratic Elections, Shifting Values
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/58252008-01-19 15:17
For many countries or regions, this is an election year in which people can hope for changes by casting their votes. Of course, this may seem too optimistic as our experiences tell us that changes could be bad. However, our experiences also tell us that if there are no changes there is no likelihood to something good emerging.For this year, the most attractive election would be the presidential election of the United States. Even the presidential election is scheduled to be held at the end of year, state primaries have been carried out. It was said that this year's elections takes the longest duration as election campaigns were carried out since the end of last year.
Looking at our country, the election date is unclear, and candidates refuse to make comments while voters are confused. We do not examine policies, debate on concepts and we have no chance to ponder what kind of future we want. We are just waiting for someday when we have to get up from bed and cast our votes.
(By CHUA SZE CHIH/ Translated by SOONGPHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily.
What democracy when the PM decides everything
In Malaysia, the date of the general election is decided by the PM and only after he has the Inspiracy (inspiration in english). The state-owned media then becomes the machinery for the ruling BN to sing to their tunes and often used to blast the opposition, our Information Minister even claimed that RTM(Radio Television Malaysia) belongs to the BN. Government machinery then become the properties of the BN to ensure their electoral victory at the expense of the tax payers' money. There has never been what we called a care-taker government even after parliament was dissolved to oversee the transitional period as if BN is the only political party and as if BN will forever be the government of Malaysia.
General election without public debate
There has never been any public debate on television over policies and agendas for the voters to decide but only one-sided propaganda of the BN to boost about the developments it brought and films of yest er-years will be broad casted on state television to show the voters how far we have come forwards. Guilds and Associations were then summoned to organise dinners and functions so that BN's candidates can send their "love" messages out and of course developments funds would be given to these associations to show BN's benevolence.
Even the God's servant was used
In 2004 general election, a Chinese newspaper advertisement showed a pastor of a particular church in Sibu "promoting" one particular BN's candidates with praises as if he is the campaigner for the BN's candidate. I did not complain as i did not want the name of the church and God to be smeared by such a character. Oh, he did say after that he did not know that they would use his "innocent" conversation to use as campaign materials, but he should know that that was very sensitive during election time.
Intimidating the voters
Then of course, as Malaysian are all peace-loving and generally timid in nature, why not broadcast the chaos and bloody confrontations and insecurity in Iraq or Pakistan or better still those of our Asean neighbors to scare Malaysian seeking for "change" with the slogan "Malaysia is a heaven, don't gamble it away!"
The BN used the Indonesian riots as its propaganda before and i am very sure they will use Pakistan, Cambodia or Mymar as their propaganda materials this time around.The BN will divert the attention of the peoples from the rot in the judiciary, the Hindraff issues,the Chinese education woes, corruptions, crimes and insecurity ,the inflation and the fuels price hike , the NEP and all those scandals exposed by the Auditor-general 2006 reports by giving out candies and small grants to pacify each sector of the society.
Don't just blame the BN
But why blame all on the BN? Is it not the voters themselves who decide who is to form the next government or how big is the majority for the ruling political party or their pact? Malaysia has been ruled by the BN for the past 50 years since Merdeka and like one elderly Iban voter told me "Kalau BN Kalah, Kita tak ada Kerajaan". It is difficult for the country to rid of the BN and its barbaric rules as long as we are as ignorant as that elderly Iban voter!
The future holds bright for Malaysia as long as the peoples know how to "play" with politics such as the using of the equation of equilibrium, i.e. check and balance. So, let us make our first move in 2008 to curtail the BN's strength to within two-third (2/3) majority in the Dewan Rakyat (Peoples' Hall). That would be the "change" the country needs for better things to come after 50 years of rot.
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
25-01-2008
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/58252008-01-19 15:17
For many countries or regions, this is an election year in which people can hope for changes by casting their votes. Of course, this may seem too optimistic as our experiences tell us that changes could be bad. However, our experiences also tell us that if there are no changes there is no likelihood to something good emerging.For this year, the most attractive election would be the presidential election of the United States. Even the presidential election is scheduled to be held at the end of year, state primaries have been carried out. It was said that this year's elections takes the longest duration as election campaigns were carried out since the end of last year.
Looking at our country, the election date is unclear, and candidates refuse to make comments while voters are confused. We do not examine policies, debate on concepts and we have no chance to ponder what kind of future we want. We are just waiting for someday when we have to get up from bed and cast our votes.
(By CHUA SZE CHIH/ Translated by SOONGPHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily.
What democracy when the PM decides everything
In Malaysia, the date of the general election is decided by the PM and only after he has the Inspiracy (inspiration in english). The state-owned media then becomes the machinery for the ruling BN to sing to their tunes and often used to blast the opposition, our Information Minister even claimed that RTM(Radio Television Malaysia) belongs to the BN. Government machinery then become the properties of the BN to ensure their electoral victory at the expense of the tax payers' money. There has never been what we called a care-taker government even after parliament was dissolved to oversee the transitional period as if BN is the only political party and as if BN will forever be the government of Malaysia.
General election without public debate
There has never been any public debate on television over policies and agendas for the voters to decide but only one-sided propaganda of the BN to boost about the developments it brought and films of yest er-years will be broad casted on state television to show the voters how far we have come forwards. Guilds and Associations were then summoned to organise dinners and functions so that BN's candidates can send their "love" messages out and of course developments funds would be given to these associations to show BN's benevolence.
Even the God's servant was used
In 2004 general election, a Chinese newspaper advertisement showed a pastor of a particular church in Sibu "promoting" one particular BN's candidates with praises as if he is the campaigner for the BN's candidate. I did not complain as i did not want the name of the church and God to be smeared by such a character. Oh, he did say after that he did not know that they would use his "innocent" conversation to use as campaign materials, but he should know that that was very sensitive during election time.
Intimidating the voters
Then of course, as Malaysian are all peace-loving and generally timid in nature, why not broadcast the chaos and bloody confrontations and insecurity in Iraq or Pakistan or better still those of our Asean neighbors to scare Malaysian seeking for "change" with the slogan "Malaysia is a heaven, don't gamble it away!"
The BN used the Indonesian riots as its propaganda before and i am very sure they will use Pakistan, Cambodia or Mymar as their propaganda materials this time around.The BN will divert the attention of the peoples from the rot in the judiciary, the Hindraff issues,the Chinese education woes, corruptions, crimes and insecurity ,the inflation and the fuels price hike , the NEP and all those scandals exposed by the Auditor-general 2006 reports by giving out candies and small grants to pacify each sector of the society.
Don't just blame the BN
But why blame all on the BN? Is it not the voters themselves who decide who is to form the next government or how big is the majority for the ruling political party or their pact? Malaysia has been ruled by the BN for the past 50 years since Merdeka and like one elderly Iban voter told me "Kalau BN Kalah, Kita tak ada Kerajaan". It is difficult for the country to rid of the BN and its barbaric rules as long as we are as ignorant as that elderly Iban voter!
The future holds bright for Malaysia as long as the peoples know how to "play" with politics such as the using of the equation of equilibrium, i.e. check and balance. So, let us make our first move in 2008 to curtail the BN's strength to within two-third (2/3) majority in the Dewan Rakyat (Peoples' Hall). That would be the "change" the country needs for better things to come after 50 years of rot.
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
25-01-2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
One for the Royal Commission and Justice
Commission rules holiday evidence relevant
The royal commission on the Lingam tape today (24-01-2008) rejected an application by lawyer VK Lingam to expunge evidence in regards to his holiday together with the former chief justice Eusoff Chin in December 1994.
The commission said it was allowing evidence to be adduced on the personal relationship between the two to be included in the inquiry.Following this ruling, Bar Council representative Robert Lazar is now continuing with his questioning of Lingam on his relationship with Eusoff.
The Commission has ruled that the relationship between Tun Yusof Chin and Lingam is of substance to the whole issue whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged. This is an important step forward as it determines whether the Commission's scope of enquiry was limited to ascertain whether the person in the tape was Lingam and who was at the other end of the conversation. The Royal Commission must be given a free hand to ensure that the conversation was fully probed as to whether it contains other evidence that judicial has been "hijacked" and "manipulated" by the politicians and lawyer and business tycoons.
The sad thing about the whole thing is most of the public still do not bother about the Lingam case and feel that this is "normal" under the BN administration. Many might feel that "so what?" or "what can we do?" or "I can't even handle my own problem, why should i bother?". Of course, even many lawyers are "indifference" towards the whole thing as they are only concerned about their own welfare.
David Wong
24-01-2008
The royal commission on the Lingam tape today (24-01-2008) rejected an application by lawyer VK Lingam to expunge evidence in regards to his holiday together with the former chief justice Eusoff Chin in December 1994.
The commission said it was allowing evidence to be adduced on the personal relationship between the two to be included in the inquiry.Following this ruling, Bar Council representative Robert Lazar is now continuing with his questioning of Lingam on his relationship with Eusoff.
The Commission has ruled that the relationship between Tun Yusof Chin and Lingam is of substance to the whole issue whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged. This is an important step forward as it determines whether the Commission's scope of enquiry was limited to ascertain whether the person in the tape was Lingam and who was at the other end of the conversation. The Royal Commission must be given a free hand to ensure that the conversation was fully probed as to whether it contains other evidence that judicial has been "hijacked" and "manipulated" by the politicians and lawyer and business tycoons.
The sad thing about the whole thing is most of the public still do not bother about the Lingam case and feel that this is "normal" under the BN administration. Many might feel that "so what?" or "what can we do?" or "I can't even handle my own problem, why should i bother?". Of course, even many lawyers are "indifference" towards the whole thing as they are only concerned about their own welfare.
David Wong
24-01-2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
'It looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me."
VK Lingam, the lawyer said to be at the centre of the video clip on alleged judicial fixing, had declined to confirm or deny his involvement ever since the explosive footage was revealed last September.
If one is to look at his testimony, one will learn the new art of judicial defense. One just have to tell the magic phrase that "It looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me" and justice would stand by him. How the world would turn upside down if that by itself could be considered a defense mechanism.
The Malaysian judicial system is under probed because of the alleged judicial fixing, the Royal Commission set up has the one and only change to give what Justice truly deserves. If some smart lawyers or tycoons or politicians or ex-judges could think of "it looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me", then justice should counter that with " It must be free, it must be fair and it must be upheld."
Let see what the Royal Commission is make of and how the Malaysian in general would judge the Judicial rot in the coming election.
David Wong
22-01-2008
If one is to look at his testimony, one will learn the new art of judicial defense. One just have to tell the magic phrase that "It looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me" and justice would stand by him. How the world would turn upside down if that by itself could be considered a defense mechanism.
The Malaysian judicial system is under probed because of the alleged judicial fixing, the Royal Commission set up has the one and only change to give what Justice truly deserves. If some smart lawyers or tycoons or politicians or ex-judges could think of "it looks like me, it sounds like me, it just ain't me", then justice should counter that with " It must be free, it must be fair and it must be upheld."
Let see what the Royal Commission is make of and how the Malaysian in general would judge the Judicial rot in the coming election.
David Wong
22-01-2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A sad father outside a supermarket
I met a middle-aged Chinese man outside the Kin Orient Plaza at around 8:00 pm this evening seemingly looking "lost and puzzled". I observed for a minute or so before i approached him. He was puffing on a cigarette as i walked towards him and he looked at me without any expression at all. I started with a stupid but friendly opening "shopping, my friend?" He answered with a simple "yeah" but he started to warm up a bit to this stranger who was me.
We then started on the Chinese New Year and how much does it cost a family just to barely make it for the festive celebration. He told me that the price increases of average goods are in the region of 30-50% but as high as 100% for certain essential items. He further revealed that he would rather stand outside the supermarket while his wife shops with his kids. I asked him "why didn't you join them?" He told me that that would make him bankrupt as his kids would demand him to buy more which he can't afford. He was angry at his lack of money to give his family what they want but sad that he can't help it.
He also told me that this would be a painful year as the flood in December 2007 and the new school year had burnt a deep hole in his pocket and now the CNY would definitely adds burden to him. Finally he told me in Foochow dialect "no government" which means the government is useless
The above innocent conversation revealed how good is our economy. The government can boost all they want about how good and how solid is our country's economy but the average Malaysians are facing price hike unprecedented and they are suffering in vain. All the oils money and the good palm oil prices only make a few rich while the rest of the Malaysians have to suffer fuel price hike and vicious inflation. But you can see the anger and the sadness in them if you spend time listening to them, they will pour out their sorrow and their anger even if they do not know you well.
After finishing talking to him, i introduced myself and he was glad that an opposition leader has listened and shared his hardship with him. He also told me that "you really sound like an opposition" but he likes it as i understand their problems and hardship. He also knew that i will be contesting the Lanang seat in the coming election but he is not voting in Lanang but i told him that it does not matter as long as he understands that we do need a strong opposition in the country so that we have "government" (in Foochow).
David Wong
20-01-2008
We then started on the Chinese New Year and how much does it cost a family just to barely make it for the festive celebration. He told me that the price increases of average goods are in the region of 30-50% but as high as 100% for certain essential items. He further revealed that he would rather stand outside the supermarket while his wife shops with his kids. I asked him "why didn't you join them?" He told me that that would make him bankrupt as his kids would demand him to buy more which he can't afford. He was angry at his lack of money to give his family what they want but sad that he can't help it.
He also told me that this would be a painful year as the flood in December 2007 and the new school year had burnt a deep hole in his pocket and now the CNY would definitely adds burden to him. Finally he told me in Foochow dialect "no government" which means the government is useless
The above innocent conversation revealed how good is our economy. The government can boost all they want about how good and how solid is our country's economy but the average Malaysians are facing price hike unprecedented and they are suffering in vain. All the oils money and the good palm oil prices only make a few rich while the rest of the Malaysians have to suffer fuel price hike and vicious inflation. But you can see the anger and the sadness in them if you spend time listening to them, they will pour out their sorrow and their anger even if they do not know you well.
After finishing talking to him, i introduced myself and he was glad that an opposition leader has listened and shared his hardship with him. He also told me that "you really sound like an opposition" but he likes it as i understand their problems and hardship. He also knew that i will be contesting the Lanang seat in the coming election but he is not voting in Lanang but i told him that it does not matter as long as he understands that we do need a strong opposition in the country so that we have "government" (in Foochow).
David Wong
20-01-2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Phantom voters in Sibu?
Bersih rally in KL last year demanded the election commission to give Malaysian a free, fair and transparent election. However, it seems that Malaysian would be disappointed again in the coming election as the latest electoral rolls have revealed that the rolls are not "bersih" or clean.
We have found that in one of the constituencies in Sibu parliamentary district, namely Tanggi, there was a sudden increase of 1362 voters registered in the last quarter of 2007 (1-10-2007 to 31-12-2007). This is certainly shocking to us and thus we called up the election commission for clarification and was told that these are military personnel who were registered as Pos Undi or postal votes, which are considered 100% pro-BN.
Further enquiry by me revealed that these 1362 new voters in Danggi was "arranged and key-in" by Ibu pejabat or head quarter of the election commission. That means the whole thing was not done by the SPR or its Representatives in Sarawak as should be the case. How could someone key-in the names of new voters by "remote control".
It defies logic that there was such a large movement of voters within such a short period of time (3 months) as military transfer of such a high number of personnel's is rare as the country does not face any emergency or threat at all.
The Sibu seat is considered a hot seat by the BN and there is a total qualified voters of some 61,000 in number. Chinese voter accounted for nearly 63% of the qualified voters and thus it is a seat that both the SUPP and DAP are eyeing closely. However, the previous parliamentary elections' results showed that the SUPP-BN secured victories with the help of the postal votes.
So expect not that the electoral rolls in the coming election would be clean, as there are only as "bersih" or clean as the SPR itself.
David Wong
19-01-2008
【政坛风云】诗巫丹吉新选民暴增，黄培根：全属邮寄票
(诗巫18日讯）诗巫国会选区的选民大调迁，在去年10月1日至12月31日的第四季选民注册中，其中一区丹吉（TANGGI）暴增1362个新选民，民主行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根对此数据存疑，特向选举委员会查询，证实是由吉隆坡的选委会总部所存档，为军人及其家眷的邮寄票。
今天上午在新闻会上，黄培根表示，最新选民册显示，丹吉拥有2210个合格选民，其中200个是普通选民，2000个是军人，但是难以置信的是，上届国会选举时丹吉的选民人数才800多人，竟会在短短的3个月里暴增1362个新选民，而且还是邮寄票，也是投给国阵的“铁票”。
黄培根指出，1362个新选民，尤其都是邮寄票，是可以决定来届国会选举诗巫选区的成绩。
“虽然选举委员会指全部是军人乃是正常的，无论如何，砂州民主行动党将会致函予选举委员会要求对该区新选民突增作出解释及调查真相，以给予人民一个交代。”
黄培根说，民主行动党绝对相信在来届的国会选举中所使用的选民册还存在着许多的问题，在诗巫这个10多万人口的2个选区里，火箭展开为期6个月的新选民登记运动中，才作到2000多个新选民，而丹吉这个地方，竟然会有1362个新选民注册。
他于今天早上拨电联络古晋的选举委员会，获知丹吉的1360个新选民是由吉隆坡总部所存档，全部是属于军人及其家眷的邮寄票。 不过，黄培根质疑的是，选民更换地址是平常的事情，但是军人不可能有如此大幅度的调动，而且也不知这些新选民是何人？从何来？因此觉得极不寻常。
黄培根呼吁选举委员会要作到最基本的职责，对不寻常的“选民大搬家”要作出调查，并给予选民一个清洁的选民册。
We have found that in one of the constituencies in Sibu parliamentary district, namely Tanggi, there was a sudden increase of 1362 voters registered in the last quarter of 2007 (1-10-2007 to 31-12-2007). This is certainly shocking to us and thus we called up the election commission for clarification and was told that these are military personnel who were registered as Pos Undi or postal votes, which are considered 100% pro-BN.
Further enquiry by me revealed that these 1362 new voters in Danggi was "arranged and key-in" by Ibu pejabat or head quarter of the election commission. That means the whole thing was not done by the SPR or its Representatives in Sarawak as should be the case. How could someone key-in the names of new voters by "remote control".
It defies logic that there was such a large movement of voters within such a short period of time (3 months) as military transfer of such a high number of personnel's is rare as the country does not face any emergency or threat at all.
The Sibu seat is considered a hot seat by the BN and there is a total qualified voters of some 61,000 in number. Chinese voter accounted for nearly 63% of the qualified voters and thus it is a seat that both the SUPP and DAP are eyeing closely. However, the previous parliamentary elections' results showed that the SUPP-BN secured victories with the help of the postal votes.
So expect not that the electoral rolls in the coming election would be clean, as there are only as "bersih" or clean as the SPR itself.
David Wong
19-01-2008
【政坛风云】诗巫丹吉新选民暴增，黄培根：全属邮寄票
(诗巫18日讯）诗巫国会选区的选民大调迁，在去年10月1日至12月31日的第四季选民注册中，其中一区丹吉（TANGGI）暴增1362个新选民，民主行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根对此数据存疑，特向选举委员会查询，证实是由吉隆坡的选委会总部所存档，为军人及其家眷的邮寄票。
今天上午在新闻会上，黄培根表示，最新选民册显示，丹吉拥有2210个合格选民，其中200个是普通选民，2000个是军人，但是难以置信的是，上届国会选举时丹吉的选民人数才800多人，竟会在短短的3个月里暴增1362个新选民，而且还是邮寄票，也是投给国阵的“铁票”。
黄培根指出，1362个新选民，尤其都是邮寄票，是可以决定来届国会选举诗巫选区的成绩。
“虽然选举委员会指全部是军人乃是正常的，无论如何，砂州民主行动党将会致函予选举委员会要求对该区新选民突增作出解释及调查真相，以给予人民一个交代。”
黄培根说，民主行动党绝对相信在来届的国会选举中所使用的选民册还存在着许多的问题，在诗巫这个10多万人口的2个选区里，火箭展开为期6个月的新选民登记运动中，才作到2000多个新选民，而丹吉这个地方，竟然会有1362个新选民注册。
他于今天早上拨电联络古晋的选举委员会，获知丹吉的1360个新选民是由吉隆坡总部所存档，全部是属于军人及其家眷的邮寄票。 不过，黄培根质疑的是，选民更换地址是平常的事情，但是军人不可能有如此大幅度的调动，而且也不知这些新选民是何人？从何来？因此觉得极不寻常。
黄培根呼吁选举委员会要作到最基本的职责，对不寻常的“选民大搬家”要作出调查，并给予选民一个清洁的选民册。
Friday, January 18, 2008
Please apply hypnotism to the dear Doctor !
Ex-PM of Malaysia , Tun Dr. Mahartir was mocked by a group for his "selective memory", the group held a short gathering outside a court complex with banners that read "Marhatir mudah lupa" (Marhatir forgets easily).
The mockery obviously refers to Marhatir replies in the court case nick-named "Lingam Tape" for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Malaysia (the highest ranking judge in Malaysia). Marhatir were grilled but he only replied to the questions that he wishes to reply and use the memory-lapse to some of the most important questions that might bring to lights whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged by business tycoons, lawyer Lingam and some of the top bosses in Umno including the present minister of Tourism who was working in the Prime Minister department when Marhatir was the PM.
Marhatir was the key person in the scandal as he ruled Malaysia for 22 years and it was during his rules that the Judiciary has lost its Independence with the ousted of the Lord President of the supreme court (now the Federal court) which attracted much criticism from the oppositions and the Bar council of Malaysia.
The government must return the people a "verdict", that the Royal Commission must be given a free hand without interference to probe into the tape and the persons behind the fixing of the Chief Justice of Malaysia. If this case dies a premature dead because someone like Marhatir refuse to cooperate, then it would be the worst injustice to the country and the people of this country.
My suggestion would be if the needs arise, the western experts must be called in and even hypnotism should be considered so that no stone is left unturned in order to bring justice to Malaysia and Malaysian.
David Wong
18-01-2008
The mockery obviously refers to Marhatir replies in the court case nick-named "Lingam Tape" for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Malaysia (the highest ranking judge in Malaysia). Marhatir were grilled but he only replied to the questions that he wishes to reply and use the memory-lapse to some of the most important questions that might bring to lights whether the appointment of the Chief Justice was arranged by business tycoons, lawyer Lingam and some of the top bosses in Umno including the present minister of Tourism who was working in the Prime Minister department when Marhatir was the PM.
Marhatir was the key person in the scandal as he ruled Malaysia for 22 years and it was during his rules that the Judiciary has lost its Independence with the ousted of the Lord President of the supreme court (now the Federal court) which attracted much criticism from the oppositions and the Bar council of Malaysia.
The government must return the people a "verdict", that the Royal Commission must be given a free hand without interference to probe into the tape and the persons behind the fixing of the Chief Justice of Malaysia. If this case dies a premature dead because someone like Marhatir refuse to cooperate, then it would be the worst injustice to the country and the people of this country.
My suggestion would be if the needs arise, the western experts must be called in and even hypnotism should be considered so that no stone is left unturned in order to bring justice to Malaysia and Malaysian.
David Wong
18-01-2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Birds of the same feather flock together!
Surharto, the dictator?
I was tuned in to the RTM radio 4 news on the 13th,9.00 pm and heard the news from Angansapuri and was amused by "...Surharto,former Indonesian dictator's condition was described as critical..."
According to the dictionary the word dictator is defined as "a person exercising absolute power, esp. a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession."
There is no dispute that Surhator was the dictator that ruled Indonesia for 32 years with an Iron fist backed up by the military's generals. But what amused me was the fact that the government-run rtm pronounce him as a dictator only after his retirement and not while he was in office. How would they call the ex-PM who also ruled Malaysia with an Iron fist and with the same absolute control over Malaysia for 22 years. How would they call Abdullah administration who has an absolute majority (91%)in the Parliament although not on the number of votes.
How are we to say that we are better than the Surharto regime when we have so many Acts such as the ISA, Printing press and publication Act, the OSA etc etc. Abdullah must make sure that he would not be labelled as such after he steps down and thus must ask Malaysian not to give the BN the absolute support.
On second thought, i wonder how the Indonesian government would react if they heard the news on RTM as i did. May be they would stage another protest just like the Rasa Sayang saga?
David Wong
16-01-2008
I was tuned in to the RTM radio 4 news on the 13th,9.00 pm and heard the news from Angansapuri and was amused by "...Surharto,former Indonesian dictator's condition was described as critical..."
According to the dictionary the word dictator is defined as "a person exercising absolute power, esp. a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession."
There is no dispute that Surhator was the dictator that ruled Indonesia for 32 years with an Iron fist backed up by the military's generals. But what amused me was the fact that the government-run rtm pronounce him as a dictator only after his retirement and not while he was in office. How would they call the ex-PM who also ruled Malaysia with an Iron fist and with the same absolute control over Malaysia for 22 years. How would they call Abdullah administration who has an absolute majority (91%)in the Parliament although not on the number of votes.
How are we to say that we are better than the Surharto regime when we have so many Acts such as the ISA, Printing press and publication Act, the OSA etc etc. Abdullah must make sure that he would not be labelled as such after he steps down and thus must ask Malaysian not to give the BN the absolute support.
On second thought, i wonder how the Indonesian government would react if they heard the news on RTM as i did. May be they would stage another protest just like the Rasa Sayang saga?
David Wong
16-01-2008
2008 will be an eventful year for Taiwan as well as for Malaysia
Taiwan has spoken, loud and clear.
At the close of counting, the official Central Election Commission said the Kuomintang had won 81 seats in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan, the Democratic Progressive Party won 27 and the balance went to minor parties and independents.
The main reason for the worst defeat by the DPP who came to power 8 years ago was Chen's China policies that have made Taiwan's once-vibrant economy to lose competitiveness and have raised tension in the edgy Taiwan Strait. After coming to power, the DPP has spent the last 4 years politicking instead of managing the country. Corruptions, mismanagement, cronyism and money politics have been the hallmarks of the Chen’s administrations.
Taiwan was once governed by the KMT until Chen’s DPP came to power in March 2000. Many claimed that democracy has finally landed in Taiwan then as KMT had ruled Taiwan with an iron’s grip since it moved to Taiwan after losing to the CCP in mainland China. Many would not expect Chen to win the 2000 presidency but Taiwanese proved them wrong by choosing for change and thus Chen was elected.
This time around, the people of Taiwan have spoken loud and clear that they want change again and they exercised their rights to pull off the biggest defeat for Chen’s DPP in the just concluded legislative council election. The Taiwanese had sent a very clear message to all the political parties that they will not be manipulated and they will play their roles in the democratic process to elect only those who can deliver.
Malaysian will go to the polls in the coming months to elect the next government and Malaysian will be given the chance to address the issues facing the country which far out weight those of the Taiwan’s. Judicial and political scandals, corruptions, inflations, crimes, racial tension and widening gap between the have and have-not will all be under scrutiny. I hope 2008 will be the beginning of the change that we have been waiting for 50 years.
David Wong
16-01-2008
At the close of counting, the official Central Election Commission said the Kuomintang had won 81 seats in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan, the Democratic Progressive Party won 27 and the balance went to minor parties and independents.
The main reason for the worst defeat by the DPP who came to power 8 years ago was Chen's China policies that have made Taiwan's once-vibrant economy to lose competitiveness and have raised tension in the edgy Taiwan Strait. After coming to power, the DPP has spent the last 4 years politicking instead of managing the country. Corruptions, mismanagement, cronyism and money politics have been the hallmarks of the Chen’s administrations.
Taiwan was once governed by the KMT until Chen’s DPP came to power in March 2000. Many claimed that democracy has finally landed in Taiwan then as KMT had ruled Taiwan with an iron’s grip since it moved to Taiwan after losing to the CCP in mainland China. Many would not expect Chen to win the 2000 presidency but Taiwanese proved them wrong by choosing for change and thus Chen was elected.
This time around, the people of Taiwan have spoken loud and clear that they want change again and they exercised their rights to pull off the biggest defeat for Chen’s DPP in the just concluded legislative council election. The Taiwanese had sent a very clear message to all the political parties that they will not be manipulated and they will play their roles in the democratic process to elect only those who can deliver.
Malaysian will go to the polls in the coming months to elect the next government and Malaysian will be given the chance to address the issues facing the country which far out weight those of the Taiwan’s. Judicial and political scandals, corruptions, inflations, crimes, racial tension and widening gap between the have and have-not will all be under scrutiny. I hope 2008 will be the beginning of the change that we have been waiting for 50 years.
David Wong
16-01-2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sex Vs. Race? Both are against Obama
Change, is that really what Americans want?
My opinion
American do not want to admit it but the Democrats primary in New Hampshire disclosed the underlying truth; that the country is feeling the chill in the spine that a colored person might run the White House after all. Obama came very close to it and almost knock off Clinton in the all important New Hampshire primary that would gives him and his campaign the momentum to finish off the Democrats' race in the Super Tuesday to be held on February 5th.
Although i did not follow the primaries in the US very closely, I did glance through the results and forecasts and the issues that were discussed by the front runners of the Democrats in the past days.
0n the 5th of February, after I finished our regular weekend go-around together with Wong Ho Leng (DAP Sarawak Chairman) and other comrades, we went for a quick bite at around 7:30 pm and as usual we discussed the political issues. Our subject of course touched on the US primaries as Obama win in Iowa has fascinated and surprised many as earlier polls all put Clinton double-digit lead over the African-American going into Iowa.
Ho Leng touched on the miracles and showing of the only Black candidate in the US primary race. At which time the results of the Iowa’s caucuses was 37.6% for Obama while Hillary only took the third place with 29.7% of the votes. But pollsters forecasted another Osama’s victory in New Hampshire as the polls showed Obama has almost a double digit lead over Clinton while Edward ran second.
Americans fear
But in New Hampshire,ordinary American and not only Democrats can cast their ballots and that would be more indicative than the Iowa’s caucus. Both the Obama and the Clinton camp needs to win the New Hampshire primary which would almost decide the winner of the Democrats’. If Clinton is to lose the New Hampshire, she would have almost bowed out but a win for her would leave the race open again. The odds are against Clinton and the momentum is in favors of a first African-American running for the White House.
However, I told ho Leng that I would put my money with the Clinton because of the view above-mentioned. That the American Presidency is an institution and not a person and that only the elites would decide who runs it and not public opinion. The powerful Unions, the rich defense contractors, lobbyists, and the religious organizations and of course the powerful Jewish community would decide the institution. But the most important is the conservatives and the White Folks would never allow their self-conscious and unconscious mind to allow the colored-folk to surpass them in politics, that the colored-folks could only excel in sports and entertainments in the land of the free.
From the Malaysians’ perspective
Obama win would bring a real change that we would to see as Malaysian are facing the increased conflicts and rising tension among the ethnic groups in recent years. The Hindraf rally brought to light the despair of the Indian community while the Chinese community is also anger by the BN’s policies such as the National Economy Policy (NEP), the quota systems in the education and economy policies and the rising Malays’ extremists within the Umno.
The Umno deputy President and the deputy Prime minister of Malaysia, Najib, had earlier said that “as long as there is Umno, there will be NEP...” This brought to light the BN’s intention of using the Malays Agendas to secure political dominance no matter how the other ethnic groups feel and no matter how they appeal to the government for equal opportunity and equal access to the country’s resources.
When will Malaysian see a change? In this multi racial and cultural country, Malaysian will only succeed through an All Malaysian Agenda instead of a restrictive and narrowly defined Ethnic-based Agenda. Only through political transformation and democratic means would this country continue to prosper into the next 50 years. We will need a bi-patrician system so that the people can be guaranteed that no one ethnic group would be left off and being marginalized to the extent that riots and hatred and racial polarization continue be the stumbling blocks to national development.
My stand
I write this article without any disrespect to all the candidates of either the Republican or the Democrats but to bring to light the need for change not only in the US as being proclaimed by both the Obama and Clinton campaign and to high light the political polarization within Malaysia after 50 years of the BN rule.
A country’s strength is drawn from its peoples and the change can only by brought by the peoples and not the political leaders. Whether there is a real and true change in America or Malaysia will in the end be decided by the peoples of both the countries. We will see what the peoples in both the country are made of in the coming months.
David Wong
13-01-2008
My opinion
American do not want to admit it but the Democrats primary in New Hampshire disclosed the underlying truth; that the country is feeling the chill in the spine that a colored person might run the White House after all. Obama came very close to it and almost knock off Clinton in the all important New Hampshire primary that would gives him and his campaign the momentum to finish off the Democrats' race in the Super Tuesday to be held on February 5th.
Although i did not follow the primaries in the US very closely, I did glance through the results and forecasts and the issues that were discussed by the front runners of the Democrats in the past days.
0n the 5th of February, after I finished our regular weekend go-around together with Wong Ho Leng (DAP Sarawak Chairman) and other comrades, we went for a quick bite at around 7:30 pm and as usual we discussed the political issues. Our subject of course touched on the US primaries as Obama win in Iowa has fascinated and surprised many as earlier polls all put Clinton double-digit lead over the African-American going into Iowa.
Ho Leng touched on the miracles and showing of the only Black candidate in the US primary race. At which time the results of the Iowa’s caucuses was 37.6% for Obama while Hillary only took the third place with 29.7% of the votes. But pollsters forecasted another Osama’s victory in New Hampshire as the polls showed Obama has almost a double digit lead over Clinton while Edward ran second.
Americans fear
But in New Hampshire,ordinary American and not only Democrats can cast their ballots and that would be more indicative than the Iowa’s caucus. Both the Obama and the Clinton camp needs to win the New Hampshire primary which would almost decide the winner of the Democrats’. If Clinton is to lose the New Hampshire, she would have almost bowed out but a win for her would leave the race open again. The odds are against Clinton and the momentum is in favors of a first African-American running for the White House.
However, I told ho Leng that I would put my money with the Clinton because of the view above-mentioned. That the American Presidency is an institution and not a person and that only the elites would decide who runs it and not public opinion. The powerful Unions, the rich defense contractors, lobbyists, and the religious organizations and of course the powerful Jewish community would decide the institution. But the most important is the conservatives and the White Folks would never allow their self-conscious and unconscious mind to allow the colored-folk to surpass them in politics, that the colored-folks could only excel in sports and entertainments in the land of the free.
From the Malaysians’ perspective
Obama win would bring a real change that we would to see as Malaysian are facing the increased conflicts and rising tension among the ethnic groups in recent years. The Hindraf rally brought to light the despair of the Indian community while the Chinese community is also anger by the BN’s policies such as the National Economy Policy (NEP), the quota systems in the education and economy policies and the rising Malays’ extremists within the Umno.
The Umno deputy President and the deputy Prime minister of Malaysia, Najib, had earlier said that “as long as there is Umno, there will be NEP...” This brought to light the BN’s intention of using the Malays Agendas to secure political dominance no matter how the other ethnic groups feel and no matter how they appeal to the government for equal opportunity and equal access to the country’s resources.
When will Malaysian see a change? In this multi racial and cultural country, Malaysian will only succeed through an All Malaysian Agenda instead of a restrictive and narrowly defined Ethnic-based Agenda. Only through political transformation and democratic means would this country continue to prosper into the next 50 years. We will need a bi-patrician system so that the people can be guaranteed that no one ethnic group would be left off and being marginalized to the extent that riots and hatred and racial polarization continue be the stumbling blocks to national development.
My stand
I write this article without any disrespect to all the candidates of either the Republican or the Democrats but to bring to light the need for change not only in the US as being proclaimed by both the Obama and Clinton campaign and to high light the political polarization within Malaysia after 50 years of the BN rule.
A country’s strength is drawn from its peoples and the change can only by brought by the peoples and not the political leaders. Whether there is a real and true change in America or Malaysia will in the end be decided by the peoples of both the countries. We will see what the peoples in both the country are made of in the coming months.
David Wong
13-01-2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Who is the dark hand?
The downfall and the out pour
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday his downfall was caused by those who were suspicious of him and had used his indiscretion to their advantage.
"My biggest mistake was to think that upon reaching the federal level and being MCA vice-president that I should fulfil my duties by going to the ground and visiting all hospitals," he said at an unscheduled press conference when he turned up at the Health Ministry to clear his belongings.
"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.
MCA's system as well as the BN system
"It's the political system -- when we work too hard, people think we are ambitious or have an agenda.
"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.
Dr Chua refused to go into the specifics about his perceived enemies and chose his words carefully throughout the press conference.
The 5 culprits in Dr. Chua's down fall
First to be blamed, the technology
Of course, Dr. Chua should also say that the technology was to be blamed for his down fall, without the CCTV he would not be caught with his pants down, would he?
Second culprit, his adversary in the MCA
Political observers believe that Dr. Chua next political move is for the Jewel on the Crown of the MCA, the Presidency of the MCA. If that is true, then it was clear who he meant when he said that there was a political conspiracy to bring him down.
Third culprit, his hard work and ambition
He said that because of his hardwork in moving around a lot, he was seen as a threat.
Fourth, the pen and the reporters
Because the press mentioned that he has intended to mount a challenge, he was "chop off".
Fifth, he is a man
He is a man and it is "manly" to court around.
So, he was not at fault at all, they were to be blamed.
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said yesterday his downfall was caused by those who were suspicious of him and had used his indiscretion to their advantage.
"My biggest mistake was to think that upon reaching the federal level and being MCA vice-president that I should fulfil my duties by going to the ground and visiting all hospitals," he said at an unscheduled press conference when he turned up at the Health Ministry to clear his belongings.
"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.
MCA's system as well as the BN system
"It's the political system -- when we work too hard, people think we are ambitious or have an agenda.
"My advice to the new minister is, please go slow. Go too fast and you'll be the subject to political speculation," he added in his trademark sarcasm.
Dr Chua refused to go into the specifics about his perceived enemies and chose his words carefully throughout the press conference.
The 5 culprits in Dr. Chua's down fall
First to be blamed, the technology
Of course, Dr. Chua should also say that the technology was to be blamed for his down fall, without the CCTV he would not be caught with his pants down, would he?
Second culprit, his adversary in the MCA
Political observers believe that Dr. Chua next political move is for the Jewel on the Crown of the MCA, the Presidency of the MCA. If that is true, then it was clear who he meant when he said that there was a political conspiracy to bring him down.
Third culprit, his hard work and ambition
He said that because of his hardwork in moving around a lot, he was seen as a threat.
Fourth, the pen and the reporters
Because the press mentioned that he has intended to mount a challenge, he was "chop off".
Fifth, he is a man
He is a man and it is "manly" to court around.
So, he was not at fault at all, they were to be blamed.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
It is the tip of the iceberg!
A shame to the Malaysian government, especially the Chinese community
Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek who is also MCA vice-president admitted he was the "actor" in the sex video but refused to resign as the health minister and said "I serve at the pleasure of the prime minister, I will not allow (other) people to jeopardise or obstruct my duties."
He further accused the whole despicable episode as a " conspiracy within the party(MCA)" as if he was the victim of the whole episode of lust and infidelity. What he did not say was "many politicians are in my same league" and "they are just lucky that they were not caught on tape like me".
Dr. Chua should had resigned immediately after the incident as it was the only "right" thing to do. His initial refusal to resign indicated a man of with no remorse and a politician without integrity. And for this reason alone, he does not deserve "a grain" sympathy if you will.
The BN government and the whole country on International spotlight
The sex video had tarnished the name of the country and in particular the Chinese community as the news was broadcast in many countries. The PM must apologised to the whole country as Dr. Chua, as the health minister is a member of the Malaysian government Cabinet. We normally consider "Collective responsibility" of the Cabinet while talking about their decision but that goes as well to the government's "integrity and honour" as well.
Our sympathy is with his family
But our sympathy do go to his wife and children who are deeply hurt his act. His wife had earlier released a press statement today supporting his embattled husband in the wake of the sex video scandal.
She said “He has been a good husband, father and family man who have never shirked his responsibilities. But that statement was discounted 100% by everyone no matter how.
Bad Omen for the MCA and the BN
The scandal welcomed Malaysian into 2008 and this sure isn't a good start for the BN and MCA, a bad Omen indeed!
The Malaysian poll is expected to be called soon and the BN will be seriously tested in many areas of its failed administrations. The people are waiting for the day to come, and actually they can't wait any longer. So, Abdullah, please let it comes.
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
2-1-2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Malaysians spent the new year eve at petro station!
(八打灵再也31日讯) 即将跨入2008年之际，公众除了忙着参与倒数活动，随着“燃油1月1日起价”的传言不径而走，油站今天的生意也特别兴旺！
民众纷纷接获短讯，指燃油将在1月1日涨价，每公升汽油将调整40仙，隆市多家油站因此出现车龙。 尽管很多民众都抱着半信半疑的态度前往油站添油，不过，至今没有人证实燃油涨价的消息是否属实。
多个政府机构和相关单位一致否认这项消息。 他们也促请民众不要轻信谣言，并直言政府不会在1月1日调整汽油价格。 一些读者也致电报馆指出，蕉赖一带的油站也一度出现汽油供应短缺问题。不过，民众依然耐心排队，等候添油。
A New Year Eve at the petrol station
The above Chinese news was in most of the Chinese dailies, many lined up in the petrol stations until almost mid-night last night as news that there will be a petrol price hike of RM0.20 per lite on the first day of the new year 2008.
In Sibu, as i was returning home at around 10:40 pm last night, i saw a long queue along Pedada road that were almost 150 meters long and thought it was either a major accident or police check-point holding up the traffic. But as i got nearer to the petronas gas station, i realized it was the queue to pump up their vehicles out of the fear on the price hike.
The rumour of the petrol prices hike was circulated in Sibu at around noon as i also received sms from the general public about the rumour. My reply to one of them was "unless the BN is over confident of the coming election or else the petrol prices hike would only comes after the general election which is speculated to be held at around March." But peoples were rather line-up even on the eve of the new year just to "save" that extra RM 10-15. The BN government had in late last year announced that the prices of petrol and diesel would not be increased in 2007, this was an open announcement that they will be increased in 2008!
The DPM, Najib told the country that Malaysia government would be bankrupted with the current subsidy on petrol and diesel prices. That was a very strong indication that the government intended to call for the hike of petrol soon and thus the rumour was actually driven by the DPM, just before we welcome the new year of 2008.
The above Malaysians are constantly living in a state of fear, the fear that their economic and financial situations would get worst in 2008 as prices of all kinds of commodities and services have been increased by some 10-35%. Housewives who have to manage their families' budget were worst hit as there simply isn't enough to spread over with the reducing purchasing power.
The BN government has no measure to ease the fear and worry of Malaysian of their hardships with the news that it will cut back the fuel prices subsidy soon. Heavy inflation in the country is affecting almost every sector of the society except the ruling elites and their cronies. In the August House of Sarawak DUN, there were some BN's YBs who declared that the inflation rate is only 2%, they were either blind or deaf to be able to talk such "rubbish".
The sight of the peoples' scrambling to buy petrol before the new year eve was disturbing to say the least. It showed the peoples' fear of the price hike and also indicated the peoples' lack of confident that 2008 would be a better year. But doesn't it also revealed the fact the BN would not dare to increase the prices of fuels before the election?
So to those who scrambled to the gas station last night, it was simply a warm-up to the real episode after the general election, and that would be a real RM0.50 per liter price hike. Fellow Malaysian, get ready to rumble!
Happy New Year!
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
1st of January 2008
民众纷纷接获短讯，指燃油将在1月1日涨价，每公升汽油将调整40仙，隆市多家油站因此出现车龙。 尽管很多民众都抱着半信半疑的态度前往油站添油，不过，至今没有人证实燃油涨价的消息是否属实。
多个政府机构和相关单位一致否认这项消息。 他们也促请民众不要轻信谣言，并直言政府不会在1月1日调整汽油价格。 一些读者也致电报馆指出，蕉赖一带的油站也一度出现汽油供应短缺问题。不过，民众依然耐心排队，等候添油。
A New Year Eve at the petrol station
The above Chinese news was in most of the Chinese dailies, many lined up in the petrol stations until almost mid-night last night as news that there will be a petrol price hike of RM0.20 per lite on the first day of the new year 2008.
In Sibu, as i was returning home at around 10:40 pm last night, i saw a long queue along Pedada road that were almost 150 meters long and thought it was either a major accident or police check-point holding up the traffic. But as i got nearer to the petronas gas station, i realized it was the queue to pump up their vehicles out of the fear on the price hike.
The rumour of the petrol prices hike was circulated in Sibu at around noon as i also received sms from the general public about the rumour. My reply to one of them was "unless the BN is over confident of the coming election or else the petrol prices hike would only comes after the general election which is speculated to be held at around March." But peoples were rather line-up even on the eve of the new year just to "save" that extra RM 10-15. The BN government had in late last year announced that the prices of petrol and diesel would not be increased in 2007, this was an open announcement that they will be increased in 2008!
The DPM, Najib told the country that Malaysia government would be bankrupted with the current subsidy on petrol and diesel prices. That was a very strong indication that the government intended to call for the hike of petrol soon and thus the rumour was actually driven by the DPM, just before we welcome the new year of 2008.
The above Malaysians are constantly living in a state of fear, the fear that their economic and financial situations would get worst in 2008 as prices of all kinds of commodities and services have been increased by some 10-35%. Housewives who have to manage their families' budget were worst hit as there simply isn't enough to spread over with the reducing purchasing power.
The BN government has no measure to ease the fear and worry of Malaysian of their hardships with the news that it will cut back the fuel prices subsidy soon. Heavy inflation in the country is affecting almost every sector of the society except the ruling elites and their cronies. In the August House of Sarawak DUN, there were some BN's YBs who declared that the inflation rate is only 2%, they were either blind or deaf to be able to talk such "rubbish".
The sight of the peoples' scrambling to buy petrol before the new year eve was disturbing to say the least. It showed the peoples' fear of the price hike and also indicated the peoples' lack of confident that 2008 would be a better year. But doesn't it also revealed the fact the BN would not dare to increase the prices of fuels before the election?
So to those who scrambled to the gas station last night, it was simply a warm-up to the real episode after the general election, and that would be a real RM0.50 per liter price hike. Fellow Malaysian, get ready to rumble!
Happy New Year!
David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
1st of January 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
New Year message
New Year message
From the desk of the DAP Sarawak publicity secretary
A Year of upheaval
· 2007 has been an eventful year, in the domestic front, floods, dreadful crimes, high-profile court cases, Judicial and Administrative scandals, street rallies and the use of ISA thereof just to name a few.
· The world continued to face a daunting array of challenges, from the assassination of the opposition leader, Madam Benazir Bhutto, of the nuclear-armed Pakistan to the political instability in Thailand and to growing racial and religious tensions in many countries.
· One major hot spot was the Middle East. The war in Iraq and the instability in the mid-east had pushed the oil prices to an all time high hovering around USD95 per barrel. This has caused a vicious inflation spiral that affects the whole world. Malaysia, been a net petroleum exporter, has threatened to take away its domestic fuels subsidiary in the wake of pressure of the world oil prices.
Growing our Economy
· The economic outlook is negative. Malaysia on its eleventh (11)straight year of budget deficit will be hard hit to bring orders to its economy policies. Globally, there are some downside risks, including a slowing US economy, weaker global electronics demand, and high oil prices. In Asia, China and India will remain powerful growth engines.
· Good economic performance can only be sustained with constant effort, change and innovation. We need to transform the economy to compete on the basis of knowledge and ideas. Malaysia over dependent on the oil revenue (40% of government incomes) would create fear and uncertainty as where the country is heading with the depleting oil and gas reserves. The World is Flat as envisioned by Friedman is a must read for all politicians especially the ruling elites.
· To create more opportunities for Malaysia, we must change our mindset in the country’s administration. Malaysian should not be divided along ethnic and cultural backgrounds, there should not have any policy to elevate a particular ethnic group only and ignore the other ethnic groups in the country.
· At the same time, we must look further afield for global opportunities. One major advantage we enjoy is the multiracial population which has become an important asset in the Era of Globalization.
· More Malaysian is venturing abroad, not just to the major cities, but also to less familiar destinations. This trend is on the upswing due also to the lack of opportunities to compete on equal footing in the country and the much governmental interference on economic activities.
· Over dependent on the oil revenue, making up 40% of the government incomes, is a threat not only to the country but especially to the people as how the economy is going to cope when the oils and gas reserve run dry.
Preparing for the Future
· Overall, Malaysia is still in a strong position. But we must accept chances and be prepared for global competition. We must capitalise on the strength of our multiculturalism asset in the country, especially in capitalising on the emergence of China and India, and open up a decisive lead over competitors.
· We will strengthen our competitiveness in attracting direct foreign investments (FDI) by doing away the 30% Bumi-equity (NEP),such as those implemented in The Iskandar Development Zone. The government should think Malaysian First Policy instead of the Bumiputra Agendas as being promoted by the NEP.
· We must invest in the best education for all our children regardless of their backgrounds, improve our infrastructure and our city, and grow our capabilities, including through R&D.
· We must consolidate our social cohesion at a time when incomes are stretching thin. Globalisation has created prosperity worldwide, but it has also put more pressure on workers, especially those uneducated, in many countries. They must now compete against millions more from China, India and Vietnam entering the world economy and not only against fellow Malaysians. As a result, workers are receiving less than their fair share of the increase in their countries’ national output.
Conclusion, the next 50 years
· All the developments we enjoy today came from the hard work of all Malaysian. Fifty (50) years after Merdeka, all fellow Malaysians should be able to accept the need of a colour-free, religious-free and cultural-free country without any discrimination of any Malaysian in his/her pursue of a happy and prosperous life. Thus the abolition of all the policies that were carried forward in line with the NEP in term of allocation of resources, granting of government contracts, quota systems in the educational and recruitment policies.
· We need policies that will unite all Malaysian regardless of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reemphasize on the nation-building spirits, tackle corruptions, practising meritocracy in all spheres of the governance, enhance our competitiveness, our social safety net and strengthen our cohesion. They will enable us to grow and prosper, and to improve the lives of all Malaysian for many more years to come.
· The government must be able to accept criticisms and be able to abolish the infamous Acts such as the internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Printing Presses and Publications Act, the Official Secrets Act 1972(OSA) and the Press Publication and Printing Act 1984(P&PA). It should address the issues on hands by inviting dialogues and discussion with all the dissent groups instead. Repression would only lead to unrest such as the Pakistan experience.
· The Malaysian government must return the Independence of the Judicial to the people and what else better than to give a thorough investigation of the Lingkam Tape scandal and report the outcomes to the Parliament and publish them in the press without any “reservation”?
· The Election Commission must be revamped to conduct clean and fair elections in the future as the Malaysia’s parliamentary elections are characterised by vote buying, the use of public resources by the ruling parties, and gerrymandering. The Election Commission has also been accused of bias and no help from the present Chairman of the Commission either.
· The Malaysians must demand that the country shall continue to pursue the rule of laws and democracy least that we shall follow the path of Pakistan in the future. Every Malaysian must come out to cast their vote in the coming election to “grade” the BN government’s policies, just as what Tun Mahatir said on the 22nd December 2007 "If you don't like the ISA, you have to elect people who don't like the ISA.”
Indeed what better advise can we give than “vote for changes” in the coming election?
David Wong
30-12-2007
From the desk of the DAP Sarawak publicity secretary
A Year of upheaval
· 2007 has been an eventful year, in the domestic front, floods, dreadful crimes, high-profile court cases, Judicial and Administrative scandals, street rallies and the use of ISA thereof just to name a few.
· The world continued to face a daunting array of challenges, from the assassination of the opposition leader, Madam Benazir Bhutto, of the nuclear-armed Pakistan to the political instability in Thailand and to growing racial and religious tensions in many countries.
· One major hot spot was the Middle East. The war in Iraq and the instability in the mid-east had pushed the oil prices to an all time high hovering around USD95 per barrel. This has caused a vicious inflation spiral that affects the whole world. Malaysia, been a net petroleum exporter, has threatened to take away its domestic fuels subsidiary in the wake of pressure of the world oil prices.
Growing our Economy
· The economic outlook is negative. Malaysia on its eleventh (11)straight year of budget deficit will be hard hit to bring orders to its economy policies. Globally, there are some downside risks, including a slowing US economy, weaker global electronics demand, and high oil prices. In Asia, China and India will remain powerful growth engines.
· Good economic performance can only be sustained with constant effort, change and innovation. We need to transform the economy to compete on the basis of knowledge and ideas. Malaysia over dependent on the oil revenue (40% of government incomes) would create fear and uncertainty as where the country is heading with the depleting oil and gas reserves. The World is Flat as envisioned by Friedman is a must read for all politicians especially the ruling elites.
· To create more opportunities for Malaysia, we must change our mindset in the country’s administration. Malaysian should not be divided along ethnic and cultural backgrounds, there should not have any policy to elevate a particular ethnic group only and ignore the other ethnic groups in the country.
· At the same time, we must look further afield for global opportunities. One major advantage we enjoy is the multiracial population which has become an important asset in the Era of Globalization.
· More Malaysian is venturing abroad, not just to the major cities, but also to less familiar destinations. This trend is on the upswing due also to the lack of opportunities to compete on equal footing in the country and the much governmental interference on economic activities.
· Over dependent on the oil revenue, making up 40% of the government incomes, is a threat not only to the country but especially to the people as how the economy is going to cope when the oils and gas reserve run dry.
Preparing for the Future
· Overall, Malaysia is still in a strong position. But we must accept chances and be prepared for global competition. We must capitalise on the strength of our multiculturalism asset in the country, especially in capitalising on the emergence of China and India, and open up a decisive lead over competitors.
· We will strengthen our competitiveness in attracting direct foreign investments (FDI) by doing away the 30% Bumi-equity (NEP),such as those implemented in The Iskandar Development Zone. The government should think Malaysian First Policy instead of the Bumiputra Agendas as being promoted by the NEP.
· We must invest in the best education for all our children regardless of their backgrounds, improve our infrastructure and our city, and grow our capabilities, including through R&D.
· We must consolidate our social cohesion at a time when incomes are stretching thin. Globalisation has created prosperity worldwide, but it has also put more pressure on workers, especially those uneducated, in many countries. They must now compete against millions more from China, India and Vietnam entering the world economy and not only against fellow Malaysians. As a result, workers are receiving less than their fair share of the increase in their countries’ national output.
Conclusion, the next 50 years
· All the developments we enjoy today came from the hard work of all Malaysian. Fifty (50) years after Merdeka, all fellow Malaysians should be able to accept the need of a colour-free, religious-free and cultural-free country without any discrimination of any Malaysian in his/her pursue of a happy and prosperous life. Thus the abolition of all the policies that were carried forward in line with the NEP in term of allocation of resources, granting of government contracts, quota systems in the educational and recruitment policies.
· We need policies that will unite all Malaysian regardless of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reemphasize on the nation-building spirits, tackle corruptions, practising meritocracy in all spheres of the governance, enhance our competitiveness, our social safety net and strengthen our cohesion. They will enable us to grow and prosper, and to improve the lives of all Malaysian for many more years to come.
· The government must be able to accept criticisms and be able to abolish the infamous Acts such as the internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Printing Presses and Publications Act, the Official Secrets Act 1972(OSA) and the Press Publication and Printing Act 1984(P&PA). It should address the issues on hands by inviting dialogues and discussion with all the dissent groups instead. Repression would only lead to unrest such as the Pakistan experience.
· The Malaysian government must return the Independence of the Judicial to the people and what else better than to give a thorough investigation of the Lingkam Tape scandal and report the outcomes to the Parliament and publish them in the press without any “reservation”?
· The Election Commission must be revamped to conduct clean and fair elections in the future as the Malaysia’s parliamentary elections are characterised by vote buying, the use of public resources by the ruling parties, and gerrymandering. The Election Commission has also been accused of bias and no help from the present Chairman of the Commission either.
· The Malaysians must demand that the country shall continue to pursue the rule of laws and democracy least that we shall follow the path of Pakistan in the future. Every Malaysian must come out to cast their vote in the coming election to “grade” the BN government’s policies, just as what Tun Mahatir said on the 22nd December 2007 "If you don't like the ISA, you have to elect people who don't like the ISA.”
Indeed what better advise can we give than “vote for changes” in the coming election?
David Wong
30-12-2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
NEP, the root of all evils?
36 years after the implementation of the NEP, the non-bumi of Malaysia are fighting back to assert claims over their rights and equal opportunity. The Hindraf which is a power group of the Indian community has brought the issue on the open with demands and allegations that shock the Abdullah administration.
Indian wants a quota system as well
The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) wants a quota to be created for Indians in the public service. This is equbilium to the NEP for the bumiputras, which is simply out of date and outlives its usefulness. Next would come the demand by the Chinese, the Kayans, the Dayaks, the Penans and the list goes on and on...
“The Indian community has lost hope and confidence as far as the public service is concerned. This has brought about a serious decline in the community applying for government jobs,” Miba president P Sivakumar told Malaysiakini.
However, the Public Works Department (PSD) director-general Ismail Adam said earlier this week that non-Malays are not interested in government jobs. This can not be the case as the quota system implemented by the NEP has caused much dissatisfaction and mistrust among the non-bumi and thus a serious decline in the application for the government posts.
Bumi made up for more than 86% of the 1.2 million strong civil servants
Today, only less than 3% of the civil servants are of the Indian ethnic group while the Malaysian Chinese comprise less than 2% of the approximately 1.2 million strong civil servants. The Indian and the Chinese made up for 8% and 25% of the Malaysian population. These two largest ethnic groups after the Malays are disgruntled about the domination of the Malays not only in politics, but also in the economic and educational fields.
Rising tension among different ethnic groups
The rising tension among the different ethnic groups has been on the rise since the 90s and the recent outburst of the Hindraff movement is seen as the torch that sets the dried wood burning. The UMNO as the backbone of the BN must address the issue and not use its political muscles to sweep the issue under the carpet.
The Crown Prince of Perak has earlier spoken out the need to allow the people to voice their unhappiness and discontent. This is a call that the PM must listen and heed to as he has vowed to be the PM for all, and not for the Malays only.
Set up a Malaysian First policy(MFP) to replace the NEP
The BN must abolish the infamous NEP and put in place an economy and education policies based on needs and merits instead of on ethnic and religious lines. As long as the NEP is still in place, there will be no equality and justice for all, period.
Remember the call by the MM of Singapore? That is Malaysia must give equal opportunity to all Malaysian regardless of their racial and cultural backgrounds if it wishes to progress and surpass the achievement of the City-State. And there is no place for the NEP in that formula!
David Wong
DAP publicity sec.,
27-12-2007
Indian wants a quota system as well
The Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) wants a quota to be created for Indians in the public service. This is equbilium to the NEP for the bumiputras, which is simply out of date and outlives its usefulness. Next would come the demand by the Chinese, the Kayans, the Dayaks, the Penans and the list goes on and on...
“The Indian community has lost hope and confidence as far as the public service is concerned. This has brought about a serious decline in the community applying for government jobs,” Miba president P Sivakumar told Malaysiakini.
However, the Public Works Department (PSD) director-general Ismail Adam said earlier this week that non-Malays are not interested in government jobs. This can not be the case as the quota system implemented by the NEP has caused much dissatisfaction and mistrust among the non-bumi and thus a serious decline in the application for the government posts.
Bumi made up for more than 86% of the 1.2 million strong civil servants
Today, only less than 3% of the civil servants are of the Indian ethnic group while the Malaysian Chinese comprise less than 2% of the approximately 1.2 million strong civil servants. The Indian and the Chinese made up for 8% and 25% of the Malaysian population. These two largest ethnic groups after the Malays are disgruntled about the domination of the Malays not only in politics, but also in the economic and educational fields.
Rising tension among different ethnic groups
The rising tension among the different ethnic groups has been on the rise since the 90s and the recent outburst of the Hindraff movement is seen as the torch that sets the dried wood burning. The UMNO as the backbone of the BN must address the issue and not use its political muscles to sweep the issue under the carpet.
The Crown Prince of Perak has earlier spoken out the need to allow the people to voice their unhappiness and discontent. This is a call that the PM must listen and heed to as he has vowed to be the PM for all, and not for the Malays only.
Set up a Malaysian First policy(MFP) to replace the NEP
The BN must abolish the infamous NEP and put in place an economy and education policies based on needs and merits instead of on ethnic and religious lines. As long as the NEP is still in place, there will be no equality and justice for all, period.
Remember the call by the MM of Singapore? That is Malaysia must give equal opportunity to all Malaysian regardless of their racial and cultural backgrounds if it wishes to progress and surpass the achievement of the City-State. And there is no place for the NEP in that formula!
David Wong
DAP publicity sec.,
27-12-2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Latest Update! Three dead, one missing in Kapit landslide!
LATEST UPDATE AT 7:00 PM, 26th December 2007
LANDSLIDE IN KAPIT CLAIMED 3 LIVES AND ANOTHER ONE MISSING.
RELIABLE SOURCE TOLD THE UNDERSIGNED THAT THE YOUNGEST ONE, AGED 12, IS STILL MISSING, BUT THE ODDS IS AGAINST HIM.
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A SQUATTER AREA NEAR KAPIT TOWN. THE YOUNG BOY (STILL MISSING) WAS REPORTED TO BE VISITING THE GRANDMA FOR THE Xmas AND WAS SUPPOSED TO RETURN HOME TODAY.
There are many such squatter areas (without planning approval) in Kapit where the authorities found them prone to such disaster, the landslide, following years of logging activities. However, a local council employee who refuses to be named, told the undersigned that resettlement is the only choice left for many such squatter areas but resettlement would have political consequences because some of these people have live there for more than 20 years.
Years of deforestation has taken a heavy toll on the natural environment of Sarawak and landslides have become more frequent because of the over-felling of the primary forest in the upper Rejang river basin. Erosion along the upper Rejang banks due to these timber-felling activities has turned the Longest river in Malaysia into a muddy and sick river, just like the Yellow river (Huan He) in China.
The erosion over the years has caused heavy siltation to the Rejang river in Sibu and other coastal towns along the river's banks. as per my earlier posting http://davidwongsblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/one-and-half-inches-in-3-days-imagine.html
and
http://davidwongsblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/our-proof-rejang-river-and-sibus-flood.html
The state government had over the past decades given out timber concession licences to many timber giants who are closely linked to the BN's based politicians and political parties without due regards for the natural environmental and the natural habitat that were affected by the over-felling of the trees. Now the people are left on their own to live with what the BN's politicians called "natural disaster" that strikes ever so often.
David Wong
Boxing Day, 2007
p.s. The youngest victim is a relative of mine, a nephew in fact. Let us pray for a miracle, a miracle that Xmas might bring!
LANDSLIDE IN KAPIT CLAIMED 3 LIVES AND ANOTHER ONE MISSING.
RELIABLE SOURCE TOLD THE UNDERSIGNED THAT THE YOUNGEST ONE, AGED 12, IS STILL MISSING, BUT THE ODDS IS AGAINST HIM.
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A SQUATTER AREA NEAR KAPIT TOWN. THE YOUNG BOY (STILL MISSING) WAS REPORTED TO BE VISITING THE GRANDMA FOR THE Xmas AND WAS SUPPOSED TO RETURN HOME TODAY.
There are many such squatter areas (without planning approval) in Kapit where the authorities found them prone to such disaster, the landslide, following years of logging activities. However, a local council employee who refuses to be named, told the undersigned that resettlement is the only choice left for many such squatter areas but resettlement would have political consequences because some of these people have live there for more than 20 years.
Years of deforestation has taken a heavy toll on the natural environment of Sarawak and landslides have become more frequent because of the over-felling of the primary forest in the upper Rejang river basin. Erosion along the upper Rejang banks due to these timber-felling activities has turned the Longest river in Malaysia into a muddy and sick river, just like the Yellow river (Huan He) in China.
The erosion over the years has caused heavy siltation to the Rejang river in Sibu and other coastal towns along the river's banks. as per my earlier posting http://davidwongsblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/one-and-half-inches-in-3-days-imagine.html
and
http://davidwongsblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/our-proof-rejang-river-and-sibus-flood.html
The state government had over the past decades given out timber concession licences to many timber giants who are closely linked to the BN's based politicians and political parties without due regards for the natural environmental and the natural habitat that were affected by the over-felling of the trees. Now the people are left on their own to live with what the BN's politicians called "natural disaster" that strikes ever so often.
David Wong
Boxing Day, 2007
p.s. The youngest victim is a relative of mine, a nephew in fact. Let us pray for a miracle, a miracle that Xmas might bring!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Season's greetings!
With quotations like the followings, what else is there left for me to say except to wish each and everyone
"Merry Xmas
&
Happy New Year!"
David Wong and family
Eve of Xmas 2007
W. J. Tucker, Pulpit Preaching
For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home.
Hamilton Wright Mabie
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
Dale Evans
Christmas, my child, is love in action.
Matthew 1:21
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.
"Merry Xmas
&
Happy New Year!"
David Wong and family
Eve of Xmas 2007
W. J. Tucker, Pulpit Preaching
For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home.
Hamilton Wright Mabie
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
Dale Evans
Christmas, my child, is love in action.
Matthew 1:21
And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
One and half inches in 3 days! Imagine what 30 years have done to the Rejang river!
Photo (Jalan Khoo Peng Loong)shows the mud measuring some 1 1/2" left behind after 3 days of flood, imagine 30 years of siltation caused to Rejang river bed ! The Rejang river bed has never
Fong Pau Teck and the undersigned inspecting the left behind mud after the flood.
迄今未見治水大藍圖黃培根：很遺憾08:08:49 MYT
（詩巫18日訊）行動黨砂聯委會宣傳秘書黃培根指出，在這次水災中，數千間屋子被水入侵，車輛遇水損壞，人民損失約几百萬至1千萬。但是國陣政府仍讓水災的悲劇一次又一次重复。“2004年的水災過后，詩巫市議會損失了1千萬，不知在此次的水災中，又得面對多大的損失。”
（詩巫18日訊）行動黨砂聯委會宣傳秘書黃培根指出，在這次水災中，數千間屋子被水入侵，車輛遇水損壞，人民損失約几百萬至1千萬。但是國陣政府仍讓水災的悲劇一次又一次重复。“2004年的水災過后，詩巫市議會損失了1千萬，不知在此次的水災中，又得面對多大的損失。”
黃培根是今早在新聞發佈會上，如此表示。他說，詩巫水患問題已困擾了人民10年之久，若是詩巫國陣發展宏願隊伍仍以同樣心態去面對水患，那10年后水患問題仍會存在，政治人物仍在原地演戲。
“詩巫治水問題已經講了超過10年，特別是在水災之后及選舉之際。國陣政府或詩巫國陣發展宏願隊伍在選舉的時候，都會邀請一些專家來詩巫談治水，在報章大做文章，指詩巫治水方案已出爐，派希望予人民。”
黃培根指出，2004年3月16日丹斯里陳康南表示中國專家來晉巫治水；拿督斯里黃順舸在2005年5月時透露已聘請專家來詩巫治水。另外他也在3月18日指行動黨藉漲水課題來撈選票。“我遺憾的是在2007年12月的現在，詩巫國陣發展宏願隊伍仍沒有把真正的治水藍圖展現在人民眼前。我也沒有看到被邀請來詩巫治水的中國專家及台灣逢甲大學教授的治水大藍圖。”
黄培根：10年治水 水患问题悬而未决
（本报诗巫18日讯）行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根说，宏愿队伍的治水问题已经讲了超过10年，但是往往只是在水灾过后，朝野政党各说各话，没有结果。
“特别是在选举来临的时候，国阵宏愿队邀请专家前来诗巫，大作文章，给人民一种希望，认为诗巫的治水方案已经出炉了。”
（本报诗巫18日讯）行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根说，宏愿队伍的治水问题已经讲了超过10年，但是往往只是在水灾过后，朝野政党各说各话，没有结果。
“特别是在选举来临的时候，国阵宏愿队邀请专家前来诗巫，大作文章，给人民一种希望，认为诗巫的治水方案已经出炉了。”
他透露，在2005年，黄顺舸在报章上说“聘请专家治拉让江水”；在2004年3月16日国会选举前3天，陈康南说3个月里研究结果，中国专家晋巫治水；2005年5月，黄顺舸说考虑接纳中国专家建议；2004年3月17日，黄顺舸指责行动党制造课题，趁机捞取选票。
“黄顺舸指责我们利用涨水来捞取选票，行动党是在捞取选票吗？2007年12月的今天，国阵宏愿队还没有推出治水大蓝图。”
治水大蓝图
治水大蓝图
他说，以前中国专家前来砂州，没有看到治水大蓝图，台湾逢甲大学教授也被宏愿队邀请过来，大蓝图也没有看到，如果宏愿队还是以这种心态来做事，10后还只是做戏而已。
“在这次水灾中，受影响的人民有多少？私人界损失至少有千万令吉，在2004年大水，市议会曾宣布说花了千万来维修道路，这次私人界的损失加上市议会的耗费，诗巫的损失至少超过2000万，有几千间的房屋受影响。”
【砂州水灾报导】拉让江河床淤泥沉积严重性，黄培根码头测量积路上泥浆深度
（诗巫18日讯）为了证明拉让江河床淤泥沉积的严重性，民主行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根在诗巫大水消退后，到邱炳农路码头测量沉积在路面上泥浆的深度，竟然深达1寸半，因此拉让江河道狭窄且浅是无庸置疑的事实。
今天上午在新闻会上，黄培根表示，民主行动党领袖在2005年也曾经到拉让江测量江中的水位，结果水深7尺，也足见河床淤泥的沉积有多严重。
黄培根指出，不只是民主行动党领袖知道拉让江河床浅，全诗巫的人民在这次大水来袭，也看到了造成诗巫水灾的祸首，即使是国阵宏愿发展队伍，也明白这个事实，为什么政府却看不到问题的症结所在？
他认为，拉让江的淤泥沉积问题不能再等了，当务之急是要挖深河床，这也是解决诗巫发生大水的方案；同时也将开采泥沙的执照开放，不要再被垄断。
此外，在拉让江岸边经过长年累月的累积下，也形成了沙丘。
黄培根说，诗巫的治水计划已经讲了10年，也曾经邀请外国专家展开研究及作出报告，惟人民却没有看到真正的治水方案落实，如果政治人物持续以这种“做戏”的态度，即使再等10年，诗巫水灾问题还是继续存在。
“每一次的大水所造成的财物损失是几百万到千万令吉计算，在2004年的大水中，财物损失估计千万令吉，这次大水，有上千的房屋进水，车辆抛锚，道路损坏。”他补充。
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Our proof! Rejang river and Sibu's flood
The photos shown here were taken in 2005 when DAP leaders took a tour of the Rejang river to prove to the government that the siltation of the river is the main cause of the serious flood in Sibu.
The photo shows the depth of the Rejang river, a mere 7 feet deep at the center of the river. The bamboo stick in Wong Ho Leng's hand is proof of the discovery. The DAP chartered a boat in 2005 to prove to the government that the siltation of the Rejang river has caused the river banks to be over-flown so easily and frequently. The situation is getting worst by the year and yet the government is not doing anything about it.
The land in the photo should not be there at all, it was built up by the sand and the siltation caused by erosion and neglect by the authorities. Imagine the effect on the water-flow and the volume it takes away from the Rejang river. This is disastrous!
Years of neglects and erosion brought by the over deforestation in the up-stream of Rejang river has brought disaster to the river. The people of Sibu are paying for the environmental destruction caused by the government's policies and a few timber conglomerates. The original river bank is almost a kilometer from the presence one.
The photo shows the depth of the Rejang river, a mere 7 feet deep at the center of the river. The bamboo stick in Wong Ho Leng's hand is proof of the discovery. The DAP chartered a boat in 2005 to prove to the government that the siltation of the Rejang river has caused the river banks to be over-flown so easily and frequently. The situation is getting worst by the year and yet the government is not doing anything about it.
The land in the photo should not be there at all, it was built up by the sand and the siltation caused by erosion and neglect by the authorities. Imagine the effect on the water-flow and the volume it takes away from the Rejang river. This is disastrous!
Behind me is the massive sand bank built-up a few hundred feet from the original river bank. We can see trees and other vegetation on the sand built-up area as well, this will transformed into part of the river bank replacing what is supposed to be part of the river.
Years of neglects and erosion brought by the over deforestation in the up-stream of Rejang river has brought disaster to the river. The people of Sibu are paying for the environmental destruction caused by the government's policies and a few timber conglomerates. The original river bank is almost a kilometer from the presence one.
The photo here shows the sand dunes built-up by the Rejang river's bank because of siltation.The sand dunes the actual river bank, it became part of the land instead of the river!
Are the photos sufficient proof?
Anyone looking at these photos would see for themselves the reason why Sibu is so easily flooded and why the situation is getting worse in the past 7 years. We have published these photos in the press in 2005 and i am sure the SUPP leaders in Sibu know about these, then why the hell they did not act?
Indeed, why didn't they act?
The SUPP simply does not have the political will to stand up for the people of Sibu. We all know that there is a company who obtained the monopoly license to collect royalty from those who excavate sand along the Rejang river here.
I have personally request the SUPP leaders to declare the persons behind the company and why its interest is over-and-above all the 220,000 peoples' in Sibu. But the SUPP leaders did not dare to declare the facts to the people and kept on misleading the people that they are taking steps to mitigate the flood in Sibu.
Where were the expects' reports
The Wawasan team had earlier paid expects from China and Taiwan to come up with a master blueprint of the flood mitigation plan for Sibu. Years had passed without any concrete effort and we have yet seen them published the blue print at all. One professor from Taiwan was reported paid no less than half a million ringgit for her consultation work!
Where is the road ahead for Sibu?
In deep and trouble water, my fellow brothers and sisters!
David Wong
DAP publicity sec.,
16-12-2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The evacuation by the DAP
Sibu has been submerged under water for the past 2 days and the situation is not getting any better in the next day or so. The pictures above were the perfect reflection of the seriousness of the flood and the efficiency of the authorities especially the agency in-charged of the flood's rescue and relieve team.
Yesterday, when more than 1/2 of the Sibu township was submerged under water, the whole Special Relieve Center ( set up by the government and among them were the Resident of Sibu, the Adun for Dudong, the Adun of Parlawan, the deputy chairman of the SMC) was still having their meeting in Wisma Sayang by 11:30 am!How did i knew about this? We were at the Rejang Medical Centre when we saw a SMC's truck dropped by with a patient on board and was told by the truck driver that they were sent there as the Special Relieve team was still having the meeting at that time. A few staffs of the Rejang Medical center also overheard our conversation. That was the most unprofessional and unaccepted standard we would expect from the agancy in-charged of the rescue operation as they should operate immediatelywithout having to wait for meeting or discussion by the members, it should work like the Bomba who reacts immediately with a phone call.
Today, when i tried to contact the Special Relieve Center today, there were much difficulties and even when the phone got through, i could not find the person in-charge. It seems that the center is not an emergency relieve center but just a normal government office. There was only a single line phone with the operator who spoke Bahasa Melayu only.
The same thing also happened to the old woman's family when they tried to request assistance to evacuate her from their single-story residence at lane 8, Jalan Tekam. As the water started to pour in last night(12/12) at about 10pm, the family members called 999 for assistance, the call for help was not answered.
Today (13/12)at 11:30pm, the family called the Special Relieve Center to help to evacuate the old lady. They waited until 2:30pm but no help came to them, so they called again and was told that the help would be there within half an hour, i.e at 3:00pm. But what happened? Was it an empty promise or simply a cruel joke?
Fate interfered,luckily for them and the Special Relieve Center, the team of DAP went to the site this afternoon for our rounds, the team headed by the undersigned included Fong Poh Teck(DAP Miri Chairman) , my own wife and wong Leong Kok and another supporter. We were approached by the granddaughter of the old lady who shouted "Help us!" Upon inquiry, we immediately took up the responsibility to evacuate the old lady who suffers mild stroke yaers ago. Luckily everything went smoothly and the whole operation ended in 15-20 minutes.
I must express my thanks to one of the residences of Jalan Tekam who offered us the sampan(small boat) in the first place without which we would not be able to evacuate the old lady immediately and that could brought much anxiety for our team and the family members of the old lady.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The Bar Council sets a new sub-standard!
The Bar Council has called off its annual human rights day march on Sunday, ostensibly due to pressure from the authorities to obtain a police permit and it being branded as an ‘anti-government’ rally although it will proceed with other festivities.Its chairperson in a press statement said the council’s decision was made after “anxious consideration to the present circumstances that surround the event, particularly the interests of the public and the Malaysian Bar".
The decision of the Bar Council to call off the march is most regrettable since this is an annual event of the Bar Council. The decision is a surely not in the interest of the human rights in the country and against the basic right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (on December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ).
Article 20 (1) Everyone has the right to the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
and
Article 30 Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
Malaysian being a member state should be reminded that it has to act according to the Declaration. The Bar Council should know what the Declaration means and it is its obligation and responsibility to remind the BN government of the consequence of non-compliance. Instead of giving in to the pressure of the BN government like calling off the annual human day march, it should go ahead with it with or without the police permit.
The Malaysian public have look upon the Bar Council as the "symbol of justice" and there is a high calling for the Bar Council to keep the spirit of "freedom and justice" alive under any circumstance. As the officers of the Courts of Malaysia, the members of the Bar Council should be "fearless" in discharging its duty to safeguard the fundamental rights of the people and not to treat the profession as a money-spinning machine.
To say that i am disappointed by the Bar Council decision to call off the March is an under statement as the decision has a prolong effect on the country's democracy and set a new sub-standard for the human rights in this country.
David Wong
Dap sarawak publicity sec.
05-12-2007
The decision of the Bar Council to call off the march is most regrettable since this is an annual event of the Bar Council. The decision is a surely not in the interest of the human rights in the country and against the basic right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (on December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ).
Article 20 (1) Everyone has the right to the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
and
Article 30 Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
Malaysian being a member state should be reminded that it has to act according to the Declaration. The Bar Council should know what the Declaration means and it is its obligation and responsibility to remind the BN government of the consequence of non-compliance. Instead of giving in to the pressure of the BN government like calling off the annual human day march, it should go ahead with it with or without the police permit.
The Malaysian public have look upon the Bar Council as the "symbol of justice" and there is a high calling for the Bar Council to keep the spirit of "freedom and justice" alive under any circumstance. As the officers of the Courts of Malaysia, the members of the Bar Council should be "fearless" in discharging its duty to safeguard the fundamental rights of the people and not to treat the profession as a money-spinning machine.
To say that i am disappointed by the Bar Council decision to call off the March is an under statement as the decision has a prolong effect on the country's democracy and set a new sub-standard for the human rights in this country.
David Wong
Dap sarawak publicity sec.
05-12-2007
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