Here comes 2009, all hands on deck!

Ship captain will shout “All hands on deck!” to warn all crews of an imminent storm.

In the year 2009, we have to prepare ourselves for a severe storm of economic recession. A storm of joblessness, poverty and steep hike in crime rate. But if we unite ourselves with persistence, refuse to slide deeper into a crisis of confidence, we will surely get over the fiscal storm and will be able to achieve with whatever is left for further development.

Lim Lip Eng

2008 Best Actor and Actress

2008 Best Actor goes to Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin

5 Nov-Tajuddin’s act in Parliament on “Bustard…, bloody bustard”


2008 Best Actress goes to Wanita MCA chairman
Chew Mei Fun(photo taken from Sin Chew Daily)
21 Dec-Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun having fun washing toilet at SJKC Chung Hwa (formerly SJKC Damansara)

DBKL took 6 months to reply a letter

I wrote to DBKL on 20.6.2008 to inquire into Glomac Damansara development project. I only got the reply this morning by post dated 17.12.2008. I suppose it’s the fault of the snail mail.

Lim Lip Eng

Building of a Telco Transmission Towers at Taman SPPK Segambut

Early this week, the residents of Taman SPPK Segambut discovered that contractors started to put 20m-high piles, erected at a playing field which is nearby a mosque just across the street from their homes, for a telecommunication tower.

When I visited the site, the residents present reiterated that they strongly object to any telecommunication tower at the field due to fear that the resulting radiation is health hazardous and there were worries that the construction might injure children as no hoarding is built. A large section of the field was seen dug up which may cause injury to children when they fall.

To me, the piling work is illegal even if it has got all relevant approvals because first, the neighboring residents were not consulted before the construction and second, there was no signboard informing the public about the tower and no information was forthcoming about the company responsible for it.

I have asked DBKL for a stop work order and also to look for those responsible.


Lim Lip Eng

Assessment, Fines But No Basic Service

Businessmen at Segambut Pusat, Segambut Tengah have been paying assessments annually to city hall but their requests for basic municipal services were ignored.

According to them, there is no collection of garbage by the authority in the area for almost 20 years, drains are all clogged up as no cleaning in 5 years. Every month, they are paying RM120-RM150 to hire private contractors for the work.

City hall enforcement teams come and go once a while to fine shop owners whose back lane are dirty. RM300 per fine they have to fork out unless they wish not to renew their trading licenses.

For months, I’ve been writing letters to city hall’s deaf ears.

New city mayor, I will write to you.

Lim Lip Eng

Natural Disaster? I don't think so...

Once again, our beautiful country despite being spared of fearful natural calamities has witness a disaster of "great" magnitude. Bukit Antarabangsa descended in chaos and ruins as the very earth itself raise up in protest hauling buildings and car into the air as toys. Millions are lost and worse still innocent blood has been shed! My heart grieves as I read in the local dailies that some children will not have a mother to hug from this day on.

Very quickly I heard many politicians pointing the finger to the Earth, blaming her for being evil and destructive. No, to them the previous government wanton over development of the sensitive slopes and ridges at the Northern Edge of the capital was never at fault, the earth or perhaps God is. I’m speechless when they claim they are not to be blamed at all for all that happened despite the were ruling government since the formation of the country and are the sole parties approving and allowing the hills to be raped! They are not to be blamed for demarcating the dangerous slopes for development. They are not to be blamed for allowing trees to be fell. They are not to be blame for the haphazard buildings. They are not to be blamed for not ensuring water is flowing to the river the right way. They are not to be blamed, bloods were shed yet they are not to be blamed.

As usual, after such disaster, the entire sleeping government wakes up. Tongues waggle, finger start pointing and the various "caring" leaders surveyed the disaster areas. My question is why Malaysia must only act after things has happened and lives were lost, including having the gall to say "we are not to be blamed"! I can think of so many incidences Penang Jetty, Highland Tower, Gua Tempurung rest area and the list goes on. What are the people who hold lofty position and titles are doing when they are suppose to ensure a safe nation?

Well, my Pakatan Rakyat colleagues at Selangor Government would rather not say "we are not to be blamed" but act. Early after forming the government, one of the first measures for Selangor is to halt further development of such slopes. No more development, period. Rich tycoons screamed and rant yet my colleagues held their ground. For them, the way forward is clear, no hillside development so there can't be any more disaster.

My advice to those in direct responsibility for this issue, to have some honor, resign and just leave. I am sure the people have enough of those who never act and yet never want to take the responsibility. Thorough inspections on all existing development must be ordered to identify potential problems there. To me, I don't blame God on this disaster, I blame men. Men and the other minor lackeys who worship mammon are definitely to be blamed.


Thomas

Medan Damansara Residents say NO to "Damansara 21" hillside project

Datuk PG Lim

Declare war to hillside project

FT Deputy Minister & DAP MPs

MBPJ Councillor Derek Fernandez

Medan Damansara RA Assitant Secretary & FT Deputy Minister

Medan Damansara RA Committee

Medan Damansara RA President

MP Puchong Gobind Deo

MP Bangsar Nurul Izzah

Praying for Bk Antarabangsa landslide victims

Datuk Nicol Davids

From left: Teresa Kok, Nicol Davids, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri and Lim Lip Eng

Nicol Davids, the undisputable best female squash player in the world, won her third World Open title in Manchester last October. She visited parliament last week.

Sadly, the National Sports Council, though millions of taxpayers’ money spent, has yet to show signs of producing young talents who are able to follow Nicol’s footsteps.


Lim Lip Eng

Encore please, Pak Lah and Najib

We have heard many statements coming from PM, DPM, Ministers, deputy ministers and to local officers after the Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy. They sang in one tune: “No more hillside housing projects”. How long will the music last? When it stops, how many more victims will fall off the musical chair?

Today, Medan Damansara residents and I band together to put up banners crying out encores from PM and DPM to stop the “Damansara 21” hillside project.

Here’s our lyric:

6 Major Landslides, 8 Killed in Klang Valley Since October

At about 4am this morning, a landslide occurred at Taman Bukit Mewah in Bukit Antarabangsa that buried at least 14 houses and claimed 4 lives. After the mishap, Deputy Prime Minister Najib says no to new application for hillside projects. However the Drainage Department, as of Saturday, had listed Bukit Antarabangsa as facing no risk of landslides from rain.

On Thursday, 6 cars were buried in the landslide while 5 other vehicles were damaged and more than 300 people were forced to evacuate 2 buildings when a landslide caused part of the retaining wall of a car park to collapse in Jalan Semantan, Segambut.

The above latest 2 counts add to a total of 6 major landslides, 8 killed in Klang Valley since October.

My immediate concern is for the hillside project of 21 luxury bungalows at Medan Damansara where the residents’ association has filed a corruption complaint against the mayor and the DBKL over the project. The residents are already worried for their safety when the development is still on earthwork stage. In the wake of the recent series of landslides, will the authority cancel the permit for the development?

The government has to conduct thorough investigations and declare whether Bukit Antarabangsa, the areas at and below Jalan Sri Semantan 1, “Damansara 21” project and all other completed or approved hillside developments are still fit for occupation, so that future victims will know which party to sue for damages. The government is responsible if after declaring the project is safe yet it collapses during downpours.

Lim Lip Eng

MCAC Bill

Anonymous wrote:

I think there will be a constitutional issue with regard to the draft MCAC bill which is currently debated in the Parliament. Based on the extracts of newspaper that I have read, it appears to me that the DG of ACA will be empowered to prosecute certain case while certain cases will have to be referred to AG for sanction. In the Star newspaper, it is said that such power to prosecute by DG of ACA will not usurp the powers of AG.

I cannot understand nor fathom how such power to prosecute given to the DG of ACA will not usurp the powers of the AG. It will be, in my honest opinion, interfere or usurp the powers to prosecute accorded to the AG under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution. Article 145(3) gives the power to AG to among others 'institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for an offence'. Therefore, it is clear that the exercise of powers of DG of ACA, if the Bill is passed by the Parliament, will usurp the powers of the AG.

While the intention of allowing DG for ACA some powers to prosecute is novel, let us get back to the basics. Please propose an amendment to the Federal Constitition first to allow such powers to be given to DG of ACA before even talking about the MCAC Bill. I am totally surprised that this issue is not even advised by the persons drafting the MCAC Bill at all. Even if the MCAC Bill is passed, if there is no amendment made to the Federal Constitution to allow such powers to be given to the DG of ACA, I am afraid that such MCAC Act will be useless piece of paper as any persons convicted under the new MCAC Act will raise the very basic point on the Powers of AG accorded under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution as being usurped. If that happens, that will be a travesty of justice as after having convicted under the new MCAC Act, this person may get away free.

I hope you will voice out your concerns on the MCAC Bill during parliamentary session or even during any of the press conference if you have a chance. I take this point as quite a serious point.

DBKL Joyrides vs Selangor Bus ride

What was DBKL’s weekly activity for the past 33 months up to September 2008?

DBKL has gone overseas for 137 times during that period. Simple calculation would be more than one overseas trip a week!

How much of our money spent on these voyages? RM8,616,794.68!

Where has the richest state in Malaysia, Selangor Pakatan Rakyat state government, been after March election?

A bus ride to Singapore.


Lim Lip Eng

Beat base not a must, says cop

(see my blog on 14 Nov 2008)

The Star by JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ Wednesday November 19, 2008

THE crime rate at Manjalara Sector 62 in Kepong is not alarming and there is no real need for a beat base. The police said this in response to a report in StarMetro recently on a vacant beat base in Jalan 3/62, which was said to be built by a group of residents at the request of the police about two years ago. Sentul OCPD ACP Zakaria Pagan said the beat base was a result of that meeting between the police and the residents.

However, he said there were no further discussions held with the police on the beat base. “It was the residents who came up with the idea and the police welcomed it and asked the matter to be discussed further. We appreciate the initiative taken by the residents. “But no discussion took place between then and now about the building and now we have a beat base and asked to patrol the area. “When a beat base is created, there are certain requirement which must be met and is based on the needs of the area. “Technically, the beat base is not ours,” he said at a press conference at the Sentul police station yesterday. “We will continue to patrol the area but there is no need to have a 24-hour watch,’’ he said, adding that since the beat base was already there, the police would work out the matter with the residents.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/19/central/2581042&sec=central

RM160,260-00 for a CCTV

If you have watched the recent hit movie “Eagle Eyes” then most probably you would agree with me that CCTV surveillance cameras are vital if not essential in curbing the KL’s ever increasing crime rate. So how many CCTV were installed in the city by the authority?

The Federal Territories Ministry answered me in Parliament that 255 CCTV cameras were installed in KL to monitor traffic flow with the cost of RM160,260-00 each camera plus installation, and from 2007 until October this year, 80 of the 255 CCTV cameras (almost 1/3) were damaged either by theft or motor vehicles. The ministry has to spend 8 millions ringgit to repair the damaged CCTVs and on some electronic boards called Variable Message Sign (VMS).

Maybe we should just blame it on the car drivers for crashing the cameras.

Lim Lip Eng

Flood woes getting worse

The Star by JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ Tuesday November 18, 2008

FOR years, the residents from a few villages in Segambut have been putting up with flash floods each time it rained for more than 30 minutes.

The situation has now become worse with new up-scale development projects in the neighbouring areas.
Sometimes the water level is about 60cm high, flooding homes and damaging properties.
Due to the projects, the flood also brings in muddy water and dirt and this makes cleaning a chore.

Kg Masjid Segambut Dalam resident Imeran Mohamad, 54, said water overflowed fast from the drains in the neighbourhood.

Unhealthy level: A drain next to a house in Kg Masjid Segambut Dalam is filled with water.

“We have been dealing with the flood problem for about 15 years and the condition has gone from bad to worse,’’ he said during a site visit to the area with Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng on Saturday.

This year alone, the area has experienced more than 10 major floods.
Imeran also said his car drowned in the floodwater several times with the last incident taking place about two weeks ago.

He added that numerous complaints had been made to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over the years but that no action had been taken so far.
Meanwhile, another problem in the area is the bad roads brought about by construction lorries.
Jalan Segambut Dalam, which is the trunk road in Kg. Masjid Segambut Dalam, is used as an alternative route to access some of the construction sites at the end of the road, neighbouring Hartamas.

Resident Irwan Sabei, 32, said the roads were damaged by the heavy vehicles and complaints to the DBKL had not helped.

“We have also complained to the developer but they told us that the DBKL has not given permission to tar the road,” he said.
Besides all this, the area is also facing an increase in the number of illegal immigrants of many nationalities.

Segambut Keadilan deputy head Maswan Darjuh said the number of immigrants in the area exceeded the number of local residents.

“Some are renting houses in this area while others have just settled here without permission on reserve land. There have been raids periodically but the immigrants keep coming back,” he said.
Lim said he had forwarded the complaints to the DBKL, especially matters pertaining to the flash floods several times and hoped action would be taken soon.

“I will also bring up these matters during the closed door meeting that the DBKL is having with all the Kuala Lumpur MPs on Nov 19,” he added.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/18/central/2563836&sec=central

Petition Against Night Construction Works At Mont Kiara

Please help me with this petition and sent it out especially if you know of anyone living in Mont Kiara, in the hope of getting the developers to stop work in the evening. It has caused residents tremendous stress and discomfort.

http://www.petitiononline.com/mkx2008/petition.html

Residents want police presence at vacant beat base

The Star Metro Tuesday November 11, 2008. By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

FOR almost two years, the police beat base at the Bandar Manjalara Sector 62 in Kepong has not been manned by any police personnel.

And the residents are seeking co-operation from the police to provide the personnel.

The beat base in Jalan 3/62 was built upon the police’s request by the Bandar Manjalara Residents Association through funding from the former Segambut MP Dr Tan Kee Kwong.

However, the building has not been in use ever since it was built. Resident Simon Loong, 55, said the need for the beat base came due to the alarming crime rate in the area.

A waste: The residents and Lim (fifth from right) posing in front of the beat base.

Loong said after a discussion with the police, the police had requested for a beat base to make it easier for them to keep tab of the crime rate in the area.

“The crime rate in this area is alarming. There have been cases of break-ins, snatch thefts and car thefts in this area for many years.

“Before the residents association started the security guards system, I can say there were about 30 crime cases in a month.

“Last month alone, there were four cases and the residents are living in fear.
“That’s why we need the police presence here because we have done what we can,” he said in a press conferenceon Saturday.

Also present was Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng.

Lim said he wrote a letter to the Sentul police station in September requesting for police patrol in the area with regards to the unused beat base but have received no answers for them.

“There are 90,000 people in the police force in the country, including Sabah and Sarawak and of that, about 30,000 are based in Bukit Aman alone which is within the Segambut area.

“So technically there shouldn’t be any complaints from the police saying they are lacking in manpower especially in this area,” said Lim.

City Mayor’s Response to Flash Floods

After my numerous complaints to City Hall for a dialogue with the residents to find a permanent solution to the recurring flash floods in various areas of Segambut, this morning City Mayor Dato’ Hakim b. Borhan brought an entourage comprising of his officials and the media to visit Taman Segambut Bahagia (TSB), one of the affected area.

By not informing me, let alone inviting me, to join him at the visit this morning, Dato’ Hakim has clearly shown that he has no regard for Member of Parliament. Must he be reminded that the 10 Pakatan Rakyat MPs in KL are elected by the people whereas he is appointed to be a civil servant?

I was told that he made 2 announcements at TSB, first is to build 5 floods prevention dams at Segambut flood-prone areas in 3 months and, second is to give RM300 each to 173 families in TSB.

I welcome the dam projects. I will definitely follow closely its completion date which is in 3 months from now.

I do not understand why Dato’ Hakim only benefiting 173 families in TSB, what about the rest of the victims in Segambut Dalam, Segambut Pusat, Taman Sri Segambut, Taman Kok Doh and Taman City Timur? I will pursue the matter vigorously.


Lim Lip Eng

Joint-Petition by 85 MPs to PM asking for a Parliamentary Debate on ISA

At the entrance of PM's office yesterday, Lim Lip Eng, Dr Siti Mariah, William Leong and Fong Poh Kuan questioned by journalists on the identity of the sole BN MP who broke rank

Over 1/3 of Malaysia’s Parliamentarians represented by PAS’s Dr Siti Mariah (Kota Raja MP), PKR’s William Leong (Selayang MP), Gwo-Burne Loh (Kelana Jaya), DAP’s Fong Poh Kuan (Batu Gajah) and I submitted a joint petition to Prime Minister at his office in Putrajaya yesterday around 11:30am, appealing for a parliamentary debate on ISA.

81 Pakatan Rakyat MPs (DAP, PAS & PKR), 3 independent MPs (SAPP & Pasir Mas) and 1 BN MP signed the historical petition.

What the Parliamentarians want is just a debate on ISA, not a repeal of it.

Will the Prime Minister try to salvage his legacy (if there is any left) by moving a motion in Parliament for the debate on ISA after the Depaavali break? We shall see.

By the way, for people’s sake, MCA, MIC and Gerakan, please stop acting.


Lim Lip Eng

Lending Support to the 10 Detainees

Batu Gajah MP Fong Poh Kuan and I puzzled at the sight of so many riot police trucks

This morning 8:30am at Putrajaya Magistrate court a.k.a. Kajang criminal court, Member of Parliament for Batu Gajah, Fong Poh Kuan and I attended the remand hearing of the 10 people arrested yesterday when they attempted to submit a letter at the Prime Minister Department's office in Putrajaya, appealing for ISA detainees to be freed.

Security was tight at the court complex. Lawyers (myself), though deemed as officials of court, and lawmakers (Poh Kuan and myself) were made to surrender identification cards to the police before entering the court. Only lawyers and family members of the detainees were allowed to enter.

Security was even spectacular outside the court complex. About 8 to 10 riot police vehicles including a water-cannon truck and a large number of FRU personnel have been deployed there.

The hearing started around 10am due to the delay of the police. The magistrate reprimanded the police for the delay. Remand hearings must be held at 8:30am, said the magistrate.

The police have applied for a two-week remand for the 10 detainees, however, the magistrate only extended remand to 3 days till Sunday. Just in time for the 10 to celebrate Deepavali on Monday.

Their arrest and further remand do not make sense at all. Will any criminal go to submit a letter to the head of state in broad daylight?


Lim Lip Eng

Late Night Fire Tragedy in Kampung Sungai Pencala

Haji Ali Jaffar discussing with Lim Lip Eng at the scene of the fire

At least two children of a Malay family were killed in a fire that broke out at their house in Kg Sg Pencala, on the outskirts of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), yesterday. The incident took place around 10pm Thursday. The victims aged 6 and 11 years, community sources.

However, there were conflicting reports regarding the actual number of casualties. Some residents said there were three kids at the house when the accident took place. While, firemen said they found only two bodies. Cause of the fire is still being investigated by fire department’s forensic team.

Two fire-engines were at the scene when I arrived at around 11pm. Large crowd and I dispersed at about 2am.

I was informed that the scene was formerly a stronghold of Al-Arqam, a banned Islamic religious movement.

Kg Sg Pencala is the biggest Malay village in Segambut. Lately, foreigners especially Indonesians made up almost half of the population in the area, said Haji Ali Jaffar, a local Pas youth leader.

Lim Lip Eng

Crashing Taman Sejahtera Stall Vendors’ Livelihood

Enforcement team and officials from DBKL, TNB and police have a joint demolition exercise on Monday morning at Taman Sejahtera, Segambut to tear down 4 "illegal" car workshops located right under high-tension cables.

The same team came again the following day trying to demolish a row of 6 roadside stalls opposite of the road which location is not below the high-tension cables. DBKL postponed the demolition works on the 6 roadside stalls to 23.10.2008 (Thursday) when they were informed by stall owners that the area is not TNB's business.

My questions to the government are: The stalls have been in business there for more than 10 years with individual separate TNB meter, water meter and even telephone line, why only now DBKL take action against them? If they are indeed illegal stalls without relevant permits, then TNB, Syabas and Telekom too have been conspired with them in the wrongdoing for more than 10 years. Shouldn’t action be taken against TNB, Syabas and Telekom for conspiring in the same offence?

I have personally sent a letter to DBKL last week requesting to have the demolition exercise delayed for 3 months so that to let the stall vendors have sufficient time to relocate. Obviously my request was turned down when DBKL sent its enforcement team to demolish some of the stalls on Monday. I was informed yesterday by 2 DBKL officers that the complaints against the stalls came directly from Ketua Setiausaha Negara (KSN). I wonder why KSN is so concerned about such local issue instead of larger national issues.

My hope now lies with FT Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan because he told me that he will "look into the matter" when I approached him yesterday in Parliament for help.


Lim Lip Eng

Flash Floods Again. Act Of Who?

Bedridden Puan Sheriah Bt. Ahmad helplessly waited in her water-immersed house in Kg Segambut Bahagia. I have arranged for her food supply from city hall.


City hall and fire-fighters arrived at the badly flooded areas soon after I called them for assistance. Religious school children have to be evacuated from school.



Countless buildings were hit this time with waters as deep as 2 feet.


This house owner has to break some part of his house in order to release floodwaters from the building.

Flash floods occurred again at Segambut Luar, Segambut Tengah, Segambut Dalam, Kg. Segambut Bahagia, Taman City Timur and Masjid Segambut after a 2-hour downpour about 5pm today. This is the second time in a week.

Who fault is this mishap? No time for that at the moment and let’s forget about the mega SMART Tunnel project which costs taxpayers in multi-millions.

What’s for sure is that flash floods will repeat over and over again if there is no permanent solution from the authorities.


Lim Lip Eng

Seeing red over poem 'likening Kok to dog'

Photo caption: From left: Teluk Datuk state assemblyman Philip Tan, Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching & Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng lodged a police report today at Dang Wangi Police Station against an article by Malaysia Press Institute CEO Chamil Wariya and published by Utusan Malaysia.

Taken from Malaysiakini (Beh Lih Yi & Rahmah Ghazali) 16.10.2008

Before the dust has settled over a fictional story on the assassination of a politician, Utusan Malaysia has raised the ire of DAP again.

This time, it is a poem, which the opposition party claims, likens its Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to a dog.

Titled 'Ratu anjing; yang melengking itu' (That queen of dogs that barks), the poem penned by Dr Ibrahim Ghaffar appeared in Utusan's pullout 'Mega' today. The daily described the poem as a reminder to those who threatened Islam and the Malay race. Over the weekend, Utusan published a short story titled 'Politik baru YB J' written by Malaysia Press Institute CEO Chamil Wariya. DAP claimed that the fictional piece, which is about the assassination of a female Chinese parliamentarian, was referring to Kok (left).

This afternoon, DAP Youth had filed a police report against Chamil and Utusan and described the story as ‘literary terrorism’.

Meanwhile, the poem, among others, contained phrases such as 'Kok anjing biar menyalak' ('Kok the dog, let it bark'). It however did not specifically name any individuals.

Speaking to Malaysiakini in Parliament today, Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) argued that anyone who read the poem would know that it was referring to Kok.

"The poem is not necessary as Kok has done nothing wrong. This is too much and unfair not only to her but to all Muslims and non-Muslims.

"I believe Utusan has an agenda behind this," he said, adding that DAP will consider lodging a police report on the matter.

Ibrahim, however, told Malaysiakini that his poem was not directed at anyone in specific but was a general call to all that “when they do something, it must be done with wisdom and maturity.”

Flash Floods After Downpour: A Sure Event

A 3-hour downpour caused flash floods at 6pm, 10 October 2008 Friday in Segambut.

Floodwaters immersed few main roads at Taman City Timur, Taman Kok Doh, Taman Sri Segambut and along Jalan Jambu Mawar as deep as half a feet.

Some of the affected roads were inaccessible to motor vehicles during the floods and the floodwaters only began to recede after the rains stop.

I received more than few dozen phone calls over the weekend complaining about the floods. Few callers even accused me for not doing anything about the floods.

In fact, flash floods were a constant occurrence after heavy rains not only in Segambut, but in many areas in Kuala Lumpur.

I have written a number of letters to city hall asking for a permanent solution to it. At one time, when I called a DBKL officer during a flash flood, the officer merely told me to call city hall hotline directly.

The public should know that the Draft Kuala Lumpur 2020 City Plan, the first city plan in Malaysia’s history, has proposed no permanent solution to floods issue.

I will keep raising this issue in Parliament. The last time I asked in the August House on floods issue was regarding the Smart Tunnel project, I asked to be given video recordings inside the tunnel during downpour to prove its efficiency. The Ministry of Works refused based on the reason that it is dark inside the “SMART” tunnel!


Lim Lip Eng

Damansara 21 Stop Work Order Lifted: Developer Boleh Again

Lim Lip Eng & residents protesting the project

M. Saravanan (left) and Lim Lip Eng (centre) studying a map of the project with resident Randhir Singh

The Sun reported today that KL City Hall has lifted the stop work order on the Damansara 21 project, allowing the developer SDB Damansara Sdn. Bhd to proceed with the project.

Let me recall what the authorities have said or have not said one month ago.

Deputy FT Minister Datuk M. Saravanan accused the developer Selangor Dredging did not give City Hall the complete picture when it submitted an application to develop Damansara 21, "so this is their fault… we didn't approve it for development" he said.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/2335304/Article

The man who was supposed to confirm whether the Damansara 21 project had the go-ahead from City Hall, Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan avoided questions from reporters on whether the project was started with City Hall's approval.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/2335306/Article/index_html

I was told by Medan Damansara Residents’ Association (MDRA) that the association has not been informed, let alone discussed, of the lifting of the stop work order.

M. Saravanan and Ab Hakim Borhan are duty-bound to answer to MDRA on whether Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (ESCP) has been apporved by Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran WPKL. If yes, since when and with what conditions? If no, this lifting of stop order is then flawed!

I am also curious about whether the developer has paid up the RM100,000 compound slapped by City Hall in April.


Lim Lip Eng

*Photos courtesy from The Star

PUSPAKOM Boleh

A complainant came to me this morning alleging that his lorry inspection by Puspakom, Taman Bukit Maluri yesterday failed not because the lorry did not meet the safety requirements but because he did not “co-operate” with a syndicate operating there. He asked me what I can do.

I can bring this up to Parliament next week or I can talk to the relevant agencies namely JPJ, Puspakom or even to the MCA chief in waiting Datuk Ong Tee Keat who is also the Minister of Transport. But the dilemma is that the complainant needs his lorry to earn his daily living as the lorry is his only mobile office, he can’t work while I bring his issue through the various avenues as mentioned above.

What can I do then? Knowing how efficiency is Puspakom, I advised the complainant to have his lorry inspected by Puspakom elsewhere, say at Wangsa Maju.

By 3pm the complainant called. He passed the Puspakom inspection at Wangsa Maju! Same lorry, same condition, same approach but at different place comes out with two self-contradicting results. Is this Puspakom Boleh or what?

Now what should I do next? I have just written to Pemudah, a self-claimed “high-powered taskforce” set up by Prime Minister to address bureaucracy in business-government dealings, to look into the operation of Puspakom.

I have also called on Ong Tee Keat to do away with Puspakom just like how he got rid of e-Kesihatan 2 days ago (refer http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/6/nation/
2197800&sec=nation).


Lim Lip Eng

3-headed Brute

KL city was originally governed by KL City Hall (DBKL) and, Federal Territory Ministry was re-established in 2004 by PM Badawi which has jurisdiction in KL. A case of duplicity? Not yet.

Since yesterday, Pemudah, the special task force set up to facilitate business, has “adopted” DBKL with immediate effect. Yes, now we have a triplicity.

KL city mayor, Dato’ Hakim b. Borhan, dumbfounded agrees to the visionary offer. Does he have a choice?

Reason given by Pemudah to get in the way of DBKL daily business is to “to make it more customer-friendly and improve its delivery services”. Meaning since its inception in 1972, DBKL has been customer-unfriendly and poor in its services?

Not only now KL tax payers have a 3-headed brute to breed, they may have to listen to 3 different calls of tune.

This tripartite is a sheer wasteful and ridiculous excess. To make KL a better city, all that we need is a capable CEO to run the city. If the current one is of no good, sack him immediately and hire a qualified one.


Lim Lip Eng

60% Gerakan want out from BN

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said his party will not pull out from Barisan Nasional for the time being despite 60% of party members wish to leave BN based on sentiments.

Democracy is where majority counts. Freedom of expression based on sentiments is also part of democracy. 60% is majority but it seems like Tsu Koon still doesn’t get it. Tsu Koon and his gangs at the helm have learned nothing from 8 March lesson where not only that they lost Penang, the state they were in control for decades to DAP, the entire Gerakan was wiped out from the pearl of the orient.

Why are Tsu Koon and the handful top leaders of Gerakan so afraid of leaving BN?
Don’t they remember their party started with no office and later captured Penang as opposition?

I can think of two possible reasons:
1. They have got everything to lose if they leave BN.
2. Aftermath repercussions against them by you know who.


Lim Lip Eng

Report lodged against Teresa Kok for insulting egg

It was reported today that Seputeh Umno Youth division has lodged a police report against YB Teresa for insulting egg (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=26013).

How could Brickfields police station accept their report? Which investigating police officer has been assigned to the case? Perhaps they would engage the service of an egg-vendor. Or maybe Seputeh Umno Youth division just wants to teach one's grandmother to suck eggs.

Under our Penal Code, it is not an offence to make such nonsensical complaint to the police, no matter how absurd the complaint is.

This is the second world-class joke by Umno after 8 March general election, the first is when Sinchew Daily lady journalist was detained under ISA for 18 hours on the ground that the government worried about her safety.


Lim Lip Eng

杨善勇是大马中文论坛的“教父”？

308大选前，如果说杨善勇是大马中文论坛的”教父”，我想全世界看懂中文、关心大马政治的人、又欣赏杨善勇的人，必定会高举双手双脚大喊赞成。然而，308以后。杨善勇就突然由“教父”变成“叫父”了。

有人说不平则鸣，不鸣则平。虽然我不赞成杨善勇對行动党的观点，但是身为律师，我必须捍卫他说真话的权利。

可是，如果一个人整天总是东抄西抄, 爱拿著別人的屁股当自己的脸皮，借由对別人恶意批评的机会，顺便赚取稿费。这种做法，我真得非常难以苟同。然而，如果一个人因为生活不正常，必须借著管道趁机发洩，还算是情有可言。但杨善勇生活不正常吗？我希望他不是。

像他这样一位精通东西方文化，地理、哲学，又流利地掌握三语，身为城市规划专家，文人，诗人，如果真的发疯了，而变得疯言疯语，那可是大马华社的损失。

我的中文水准肯定不如杨善勇，这一点我承认，以杨善勇批判我的文笔的手势，他肯定也当仁不让。所以我如果能被提名政治诗新人奖（初中组），那麽这提名人肯定脑筋有问题。

而这人，我衷心希望不是杨善勇。

民主行动党泗岩沫区国会议员林立迎
2008年9月24日

请参阅http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/90171

DAP Segambut Dinner

Time: 26 Sep 2008 (Friday), 8pm
Venue: Dewan Bren S.J.K. (C) Jinjang Selatan
RM50 per person

For enquiries, please call Mr Murugeshu 019-693 5569 or Mr Chua 012-397 0608

Call for ISA to be repealed

The Sun (Sept 21, 2008): 18 DAP members shaved their head bald to protest the detention of Malaysia-today.com webmaster Raja Petra Kamarudin and all other ISA detainees.

"We want the ISA repealed and all ISA detainees freed," said Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng who led the gathering of about 100 members.

Also present was Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San. The protesters, aged between 11 and 61, including women, gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly hall at 10.30am and took turns to lose their their "crowning glory".

Describing the 18 participants as "defenders of justice", DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang said 10 years ago a similar vow was carried out at the same venue when his son and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was jailed under the Sedition Act.

"We are here to demonstrate and object the use of ISA and to demand the release of ISA detainees especially the country's No. 1 cyber warrior Raja Petra." he said in his speech.

Lip Eng said he has sent a letter to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Syed Albar to adhere to the a statement made by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) urging the government to review the ISA.

Referring to a news report dated Sept 16, he said Suhakam had found the ISA as an outdated law and it's use was a breach of human rights.

"We urge the Home Minister to take heed of Suhakam's findings as on April 24, 1999, it was he who had announced that the government was ready to form the commission. Hence, Suhakam is his baby and he should pay attention to what they have to say," he said.

Among those present at the event was Seputeh MP Teresa Kok who was released on Friday a week after being held under the ISA, Raja Petra's wife Marina Lee Abdullah, Kelana Jaya MP Low Gwo Burne and several other DAP MP's.

Permintaan Mematuhi Gesaan Daripada Suhakam

21 September 2008

Y.B. Dato' Seri Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar
Menteri Dalam Negeri,
Blok D 2, Parcel D,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62546 Putrajaya.

Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri,

Permintaan Mematuhi Gesaan Daripada Suhakam

Dengan amat hormatnya saya meminta Y.B. Dato' Seri mencadang kepada Jemaah Menteri supaya undang-undang yang membenarkan tahanan seseorang manusia tanpa bicara seperti Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 dan sebagainya dapat dimansuhkan. Ini adalah sebab undang-undang tersebut telah mencanggahi Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR) yang diisytihar oleh Perhimpunan Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UN) dan diterima pakai oleh Malaysia melalui seksyen 4(4) dalam Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (Akta 597).

Saya juga meminta Y.B. Dato' Seri mematuhi gesaan daripada Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (Suhakam) iaitu "ISA yang diperkenalkan semasa pentadbiran Perdana Menteri kedua hanya boleh diguna pakai untuk tempoh 10 tahun dan bukan 100 tahun…" oleh kerana pada 24 April 1999, Y.B. Dato' Seri sendiri yang mengumumkan bahawa kerajaan sedia menubuhkan Suhakam melalui satu rang undang-undang dalam sidang Parlimen.

Maklum balas awal daripada Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri sungguh dialu-alukan.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Ikhlas,

Lim Lip Eng
Ahli Parlimen Segambut


S.k. 1. Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman
President,
SUHAKAM
Tingkat 29, Menara Tun Razak,
Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur

2. Para Media



Relevant link: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20080916182558/Article/index_html

林立迎回应郑云城在当今大马专栏的筹款运动文章

小心眼的商人

想必是一个成天梦想吃葡萄的家伙。

过去看见别人坐在某个位子吃葡萄，

就以为即使换了另一批人，

只要是坐上那位子的，

也必然会喜欢吃葡萄。。。

因为自己吃不到，才告诉人家那葡萄一定是酸的。。。。

因为眼红，才把青葡萄看成是红色的？

因为闭上眼睛看事情，才瞎说天下乌鸦一般黑。。。

在前朝时期因为检举别人一炮而红,

但后来却雷声大雨点小。

五十万不是小数目，

在教育界里抓不到人，碰了鼻子灰。。。

不如，转到政坛拿来奖赏肃贪有功的人士吧。。。

这一回，红的程度，

应该会长长久久。。。

http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/89872
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/90040

民主行动党泗岩沫区国会议员林立迎

2008年9月19日