Sunday, January 30, 2011

Pakatan’s eight steps for a better KL

Attached is the original statement from the FT Pakatan Rakyat MPs

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/30/nation/7904515&sec=nation (30/1/2011)

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat has outlined eight steps to create a better Kuala Lumpur.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said lack of maintenance of public infrastructure, high level of income inequality and the rising crime rate had led to a deteriorating quality of life for Kuala Lumpur folk.

Nurul Izzah said that although Pakatan’s manifesto was similar to Barisan Nasional’s Greater KL plan, the difference was in how Pakatan would implement its promises. Pakatan’s proposed measures include an initiative to revive abandoned public housing projects, introduce more business-friendly policies such as a one-stop centre for licensing to attract entrepreneurs and business owners, and forming a committee to work towards creating local government elections in Kuala Lumpur.

DAP’s Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, who was also present, said he welcomed the Federal Government’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project due to be built from July. “However, I was informed that none of the local councils have received (development) plans or had a formal discussion with the government regarding the construction work, so I don’t think it can take off in July,” he said, urging the Federal Government to work with the local authorities to ensure the project was a success.

Syndicate selling blacklisted cars uncovered

Photo from Guang Ming Daily: 5 used-car dealers showing police reports and documents of the cars that were impounded by the police

News: http://thestar.com.my/news (By ALLISON LAI, 27/1/2010)
KUALA LUMPUR: Several used car dealers and middlemen have allegedly been cheated after they were sold blacklisted cars by a syndicate.

Some of the cars, which had been resold to customers for up to a year, were recently impounded by police as they were suspected to be stolen. Cheah Kuai Wah, 39, said between June and October 2009, he purchased 15 imported sedans and MPVs from three individuals and subsequently sold them to several used car dealers. “I did the relevant background checks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and checked with the police and insurance companies before purchasing the cars,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Cheah said the vehicles also went through the compulsory inspection at Puspakom before the transfer of ownership was done. However, in mid-December 2009, Cheah said he received a call from a used car dealer that a car he had sold was impounded for suspected theft. “I received similar enquiries from other dealers questioning if I had sold them ‘blacklisted’ cars. “This has affected my reputation as no dealers will buy cars from me now,” lamented Cheah.

Used car dealers Choo Pow Chin, 50, and her son Lee Leong Seng, 26, said three customers who purchased a Toyota Camry, Toyota Alphard and Honda City from her in late 2009 had asked for compensation after their cars were impounded by police last week. “They accused us of tampering with the cars’ identification before selling to them. “But we had checked thoroughly with the authorities before making any purchase and everything was clear,’’ she said, adding she had dealt with the same three individuals as Cheah.

Meanwhile, Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said he had checked with the police and was told that a man, believed to be the syndicate’s mastermind, was picked up on Tuesday night. He said police have impounded more than 50 cars since January this year. “The owners are the ones suffering the most as they still have to service their loans when their cars are impounded,’’ he said.

Assault case: 'Missing' cop charged

Source: http://malaysiakini.com/news/154718 (By Aidila Razak, 28/1/2011)
A police constable claimed trial today to making a false charge against businessman Chia Buang Hing on Dec 18 last year, with the intent of causing harm to Chia. Norzali Rosle was charged in a magistrate's court in Petaling Jaya with two separate offences, under Section 211 of the Penal Code, for making a false charge of an offence, made with the intention of injuring another person. Norzali, 25, is also accused of charging Chia with possession of 0.01gm of heroin and possession of a machete.
Magistrate Nor Afidah Idris set bail at RM2,200, which was posted by Norzali's mother. Deputy public prosecutor Amirah Mohamed Yusof had asked for bail to be set at RM3,000, but defence counsel Suresh Singh appealed that it be reduced to RM1,500, as the accused had been suspended from duty and that his mother was a housewife. Suresh said Norzali had already been ordered to report to the Kota Damansara police station every Monday and Thursday. Norzali, who is attached to the same police station, faces jail of up to two years or a fine, or both, if found guilty.

Accused allowed to slip out via magistrate's exit
He is among five police officers who had earlier been charged in court for assaulting Chia. A warrant of arrest was issued against Norzali for not showing up in court that day. Today, he was smartly dressed, in a striped blue shirt and seen smiling after the proceedings. His lawyer said the arrest warrant was issued at the last minute and that Norzali had already been out of Kuala Lumpur then. Norzali was later allowed to use the magistrate's entrance to exit the courtroom, while his mother went to post bail. Lim Lip Eng, who is also the MP for Segambut, is representing Chia.
Earlier, as the charge sheet was read out, a man who was seated beside Norzali's wife expressed his dissatisfaction in a loud voice. "I'm sick of this. Someone else does it and another person is blamed," he said, before being censured by a police officer on duty in the court.

Related news: Cop claims trial to false charge offence http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/29/courts

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Arrest warrant out for runaway cop

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154528 (By Hafiz Yatim & Hazlan Zakaria, 26/1/2010)

A warrant of arrest was issued against a policeman who did not turn up at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court to answer a charge of making a false report against trader Chia Buang Hing. Magistrate Ahmad Solihin decided to issue the warrant against Lans Koperal Norzali Rosle upon request by deputy public prosecutor Amirah Md Yusof. "Your honour, the suspect was reasonably aware that he was going to be charged today. "However they seem to be an attempt at running away or to defy the court's order for him to present himself here today," said Amirah. The DPP argued that all avenues have been exhausted in their attempt to contact the accused.
Norzali, 25, is stationed at the Damansara police station was supposed to be charged in the court today for lodging a false police report against Chia, who operates a framing shop in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, for drug and weapons possession. He was to be charged under Section 211 of the Penal Code for making a false charge of an offence made with intent to injure another person. Norzali faces a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both. He is among five person that were charged earlier with assaulting Chia. The businessman claimed that he was assaulted by several policemen who then robbed him of thousands in cash after he was stopped for driving a car without a valid road tax on Dec 18.
Accused might be in Kelantan
Meanwhile, Chia, who was present in court this morning, said that he was informed by one ASP Nasuha about the attempt to charge Norzali today. "Nasuha informed me, so that I could get my lawyer Lim Lip Eng and Marcus Tan to be present in court," he told reporters. "However, when I arrived, Nasuha told me that the accused had escaped and that police diidn't know his whereabouts. The policeman's wife told Nasuha that she did not know the whereabouts of her husband, and that he could perhaps be in Kelantan." Lim said: "Unfortunately, the accused is not here and they do not know his whereabouts. Nasuha informed Chia that this policeman was the one who handcuffed Chia, as well as the first one to assault him. “This (his escape) should not have happened for he is a rank-and-file officer living in the police quarters - yet they do not know where he is.” Lim had, at a previous hearing, complained to the magistrate that he and Chia had not been informed about the five police personnel being charged in relation to the assault. As a result, Lim said, Nasuha informed Chia about today's matter.
'Fear for safety'
Chia had previously expressed fear for he and his family's safety. He is now even more worried that the policeman concerned is on the loose. “I am living in fear because the accused has escaped. What if he hunts me down?" he asked. Chia reiterated that he had been remanded, detained and assaulted and that a large sum of his money had been taken away by the policemen who arrested him for driving a car with an expired road tax. "This is a serious matter and it can have happen to anyone. If the police have anything against me, then they should charge me," he added.

Related news:

Accused cop goes into hiding http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/27/courts/7879123&sec=courts and

Court issues arrest warrant for policeman http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=56828

Syndicate selling blacklisted cars uncovered

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news (By ALLISON LAI, 27/1/2010)

KUALA LUMPUR: Several used car dealers and middlemen have allegedly been cheated after they were sold blacklisted cars by a syndicate. Some of the cars, which had been resold to customers for up to a year, were recently impounded by police as they were suspected to be stolen.

Cheah Kuai Wah, 39, said between June and October 2009, he purchased 15 imported sedans and MPVs from three individuals and subsequently sold them to several used car dealers. “I did the relevant background checks with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and checked with the police and insurance companies before purchasing the cars,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Cheah said the vehicles also went through the compulsory inspection at Puspakom before the transfer of ownership was done. However, in mid-December 2009, Cheah said he received a call from a used car dealer that a car he had sold was impounded for suspected theft. “I received similar enquiries from other dealers questioning if I had sold them ‘blacklisted’ cars. “This has affected my reputation as no dealers will buy cars from me now,” lamented Cheah.

Used car dealers Choo Pow Chin, 50, and her son Lee Leong Seng, 26, said three customers who purchased a Toyota Camry, Toyota Alphard and Honda City from her in late 2009 had asked for compensation after their cars were impounded by police last week. “They accused us of tampering with the cars’ identification before selling to them. “But we had checked thoroughly with the authorities before making any purchase and everything was clear,’’ she said, adding she had dealt with the same three individuals as Cheah.

Meanwhile, Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said he had checked with the police and was told that a man, believed to be the syndicate’s mastermind, was picked up on Tuesday night. He said police have impounded more than 50 cars since January this year. “The owners are the ones suffering the most as they still have to service their loans when their cars are impounded,’’ he said.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Readers can send tweets with photos of potholes

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (21/1/2011)

POTHOLES are the bane of motorists, and are a particular danger to motorcyclists. Those who are familiar with a certain stretch of road riddled with potholes will know how to avoid the hazards. As for others, they will get a slight jolt or at worst, a hefty repair bill after their car is damaged from driving into a deep pothole.

With the problem being widespread, StarMetro is attempting to use the social media of Tweeter to highlight the numerous potholes encountered by readers, in the hope that this will get the local authorities to act faster in solving the complaints. StarMetro recently highlighted the pothole-riddled roads in Ampang and encouraged readers to send tweets with photos of potholes they have encountered in their daily drive. A reader, @rahulsk1947 tweeted that a “500m road stretch from KBU to SMKBU3 is badly damaged”.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng (@limlipeng) tweeted “Kampung Segambut Dalam-Mont Kiara link: Never ending construction works resulting in potholes appearing every day.”

There are also potholes spotted in Damansara Jaya and in front of the petrol station in Jalan 16/11, Petaling Jaya. Complaints have also come in from residents in Bangsar and Shah Alam.

If you have photos and tales of potholes to share, tweet us @thestarmetro and include the hashtag #pothole.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Lorryman wins ‘sex slave’ suit

Happy ending: Chow (right) smiling as he leaves the Temerloh High Court with his lawyer Lim Monday.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news=courts (By ROSLINA MOHAMAD, 18/1/2011)

TEMERLOH: The High Court has ruled in favour of a lorry driver sued for defamation by his late girlfriend’s father over news articles that she was a “sex slave” to a medium. Judicial Commissioner Akhtar Tahir said both the girl’s father, Ngew Sin Chon, 52, and the other plaintiff, medium Liew Fatt Meng, 47, had failed to prove that Chow Yan Wai, 33, had uttered such remarks in news reported by China Press. He said based on court testimony, the statements made by Chow to China Press was about his love story with the girl.

“Other things mentioned in the stories reported in the newspaper were from other sources. As such, the plaintiffs have failed to prove their case and their claims for damages are dismissed with costs of RM8,000,” said Justice Akhtar, who also awarded Chow the costs.

Both plaintiffs had filed the suit against Chow, The China Press Bhd and its then editor-in-chief Teoh Yang Koon on Jan 7, 2009, after several articles appeared claiming that Chow’s girlfriend, Tie Wie, was Liew’s sex slave for several years. Among others, the daily had printed claims that Ngew had sent his daughter to stay with Liew since she was 19 due to a superstitious belief and that she committed suicide because she could no longer stand the sexual assault. Tie Wie, who was 24 when she died, had been with Chow for about six months before the suicide in November 2007.

Although both the second and third defendants settled the matter out of court early last year, Chow chose to proceed with the hearing, which ran from July 1, 2009, until Oct 20 last year.

The plaintiffs were represented by counsel Albert Koo while Lim Lip Eng and Stella Ng appeared for Chow. Speaking to reporters later, Lim said his client was grateful that the court had ruled in his favour because it would help to clear his name and reputation. “My client has had to put up with a lot of hardship – financially and emotionally – during the hearing. “His reputation has suffered as he lives in a small community in Benta, Kuala Lipis. The case was of central interest in his hometown that even bookies had placed bets against him,” Lim added.

Lim said his client was also mulling over the possibility of appealing against the amount of costs.

Related news: Defamation suit quashed: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24loht/Article

Court reject father’s suit against daughter’s ex-boyfriend: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=557192

Friday, January 14, 2011

Assault victim says to sue cops, government

Video by: http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/20825 (14/1/2011)

Story by: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com (By Melissa Chi, 14/1/2011)

A man, claiming assault by the police, is planning to sue the district’s police chief and the government over his alleged beatings. Chia Buang Hing, 34, had previously claimed to have been beaten up by the policemen who also took RM13,000 of his money, after they stopped him at a roadblock, at 11pm on December 18 last year. Chia further claimed he was assaulted repeatedly by as many as five police officers at a time. He had been held under remand on suspicion of drugs and weapons possession until December 22, and is currently out on police bail.

DAP’s Lim Lip Eng told reporters that Chia will be filing a civil suit once they have all the particulars needed, such as the names of the police officers involved and his medical report. Marcus Tan, one of Chia’s lawyer, said they will be suing for the loss of RM13,000 in cash, as well as for general damages. They are also considering a defamation suit against the district PJ police chief. The lawyers will also be sending a letter of complaint to the Chief of Justice and the Attorney-General, against the magistrate on duty who had heard Chia’s complaint on December 19. Lim also used Chia's case to renew calls for the formation of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Aside from Tan, Chia will also be represented by Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Ooi Hong. Four police officers — Mohd Azwan Hassan, Norzali Rosle, Ahmad Saifullah Osman and Alizulhafiz Abdul Ghafar — were charged on January 11 at a Magistrate’s court over allegedly assaulting Chia. All four were charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing harm, and a maximum one-year jail term, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both upon conviction. Another policeman, Lans Kpl Mahadi Adam, also claimed trial to a charge of disobeying an order under the Police Act 1967, relating to the same incident. He was charged under Section 166 of the Penal Code for disobeying the law in order to “voluntarily” cause harm. All the men were later released without bail.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Five cops charged with assault

Source: http://malaysiakini.com/news/153096 (By Kuek Ser Kuang Keng, 11/1/2011)
Five police personnel were charged at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court this afternoon in relation to the assault of businessman Chia Buang Hing. Four of them were charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code with voluntarily causing hurt. They were accused of causing harm to Chia at the Kota Damansara police station from 12.30am to 3am on Dec 19 last year. The four are constables Mohd Azwan Hassan, Norzali Rosle, Ahmad Saifullah Osman and Alizulhafiz Abdul Ghafar. Mohd Azwan and Norzali also face a second charge under the same enactment for causing harm to Chia at Jalan PJU 3/15, Persiaran Tropicana, Petaling Jaya between 11.30pm on Dec 18 to 12.30am the next day. All four claimed trial. They face a maximum of one year in jail, a maximum fine of RM2,000 or both upon conviction.
Meanwhile, lance corporal Mohadi Adam was charged under Section 166 of the Penal Code for disobeying the law in order to cause harm. Mohadi too claimed trial. The penalty is a maximum of a year in jail, a fine or both upon conviction. Magistrate Nik Mohd Fadli Nik Azlan did not impose bail on the five. The case is set for mention on Feb 14. The prosecution team was led by DPP Amirah Mohamed Yusoff and Izazi Muhamedin. Mohd Azwan Hassan was represented by Suraj Singh while the other four were represented by Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar.

Magistrate's order

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, a lawyer, rushed to the court to hold a watching brief for Chia after he was informed of the proceedings by a journalist. Lim (in suit) complained to the magistrate that Chia (in pink shirt) had not been informed about the hearing. On his request, the magistrate ordered the prosecution to keep Lim updated on developments in the case.
Chia, who arrived after the hearing was adjourned, told reporters that he is still suffering from various internal injuries and currently undergoing treatment under a Chinese traditional doctor. "I though I would die in the police station," he said, pointing to parts of his body.

Two weeks ago, Chia lodged a police report that he had been assaulted by 11 police officers when arrested for allegedly carrying drugs at a road block in Petaling Jaya Utara. In his report, he also claimed that the police personnel had stolen RM13,000 from him. Chia said he was repeatedly beaten by a group of police officers while detained at the Kota Damansara police station for five days. The police filed a counter-report against him, accusing him of making false report. Subsequently he identified six of his assailants in a police line-up on Dec 26. However he could not confirm whether the five accused were among the 11 because he was not in court when they were charged. Chia has also decided to file a civil suit against the government demanding compensation. He will be represented by Gobind Singh Deo.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Food stall owner scalded by boiling hot oil wants justice

Photos from: Guang Ming Daily http://www.guangming.com.my

News from: http://thestar.com.my/news (By RAHIMY RAHIM, 9/1/2011)
KUALA LUMPUR: A food stall owner suffered serious burns when he was splashed with boiling hot oil during a dispute with a neighbouring trader. An innocent bystander was also injured in the incident at the Jalan Raja Laut morning market last November. Wo Kia Kee, 33, a food stall owner at the market, was believed to have been attacked after he put some leftover food at the neighbouring trader’s shop lot. “Before I opened my shop that morning, the words ‘die’ were scribbled on the road in front of my shop lot,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Segambut DAP Centre yesterday.

The victim said he was shocked when someone suddenly came and splashed boiling hot oil on his table, injuring both his hands and thighs. The man then took out a blade and threatened to cut the victim up. Wo was then rushed to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and later to Ampang Puteri Hospital for further treatment.

Student Toh Wei Lun, who happened to be standing near Wo’s shop, was also scalded by the boiling hot oil. “The oil splash burned 80% of my back and the wound took two months to heal. “I could not sleep normally as I had to lie face down the whole time and this affected my studies,” Toh said, adding that he was helping his mother at the market that day. Both victims lodged police reports on Nov 6 last year but have yet to receive any information on the progress of their case.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said he had written to the Attorney-General’s Chamber on behalf of the victims to get a status report. “Under Section 107(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, the A-G’s Chamber must reply within 14 days,” said Lim, who hoped the assailant would be brought to justice.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Politicians tweet their New Year wish list

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By TAN KARR WEI, 4/1/2010)

WHILE residents associations have shared their 2011 wish list for their local councils, StarMetro gets on Twitter to find out what politicians expect from the local authorities.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng (@limlipeng):

On DBKL: Open tender system for all contracts,Special Squads to spot pot-holes and rubbish, reinstate local govt election

Serdang Wanita MCA chief Senator Chew Lee Giok (@chewleegiok):

Reduce cukai pintu, Install CCTV at crime prone areas, resurface roads & speedy renovation plan approval

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo (@GobindSinghDeo):

MPSJ should wipe out flood problems in Puchong. All problems must be resolved within three months of complaints. Two much red tape now

Kinrara MCA service centre chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei (@drkowcheongwei):

MPSJ must enhance, quicken and restructure 3T, Traffic, Town Planning & Transportation

Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong (@elizabethwong):

I wish to see greater commitment & resolve by local councils to lead on the environment.

Petaling Jaya Utara federal development coordinator Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou (@drwongsaihou)

Integrated Master traffic dispersal plan~Master drainage system plan urban renewal of inner city ~ minimise Carbon Footprint

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San (@lauwengsan)

Better delivery system, more responsive and humble working attitude, greater transparency

Former Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (@hwabeng)

My wish is to have elections for local authorities as this is the only way to have transparency & accountability