Calling Suhakam to act now

MEMORANDUM

ON THE RISE OF INCIDENTS THAT INSTIGATE RELIGIOUS TENSION IN THE COMMUNITY.

THE SERIES OF ATTACK AND PROVOCATION ON WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS SITES IN MALAYSIA IS A SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION!

CALLING THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA (SUHAKAM) TO IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE

The court’s decision on the use of the term “Allah” by Herald Tribune has sparked diverse responses from various sectors of the society. The most worrying impact of the court decision is that it has led to a series of unwarranted incidents affecting worship and religious sites in Malaysia. It is suspected that the incidents were spearheaded by agent provocateurs with the aim of disrupting the peaceful co-existence and harmony of Malaysians. The incidents mentioned are as follows:

1. Metro Tabernacle Church (Assemblies of God) in Desa Melawati – molotov cocktail damages administrative wing (8 Jan)

2. Assumption Church (Catholic) in Jalan Templar – molotov cocktail hurled on pavement in front of church fails to explode (8 Jan)

3. Life Chapel (evangelical Brethren) in Section 17, PJ – molotov cocktail slightly damages porch (8 Jan)

4. Good Shepherd Church (Lutheran) in PJ old town – firebomb misses window, scorches outer wall, minimal damage (8 Jan)

5. Surau in Taman Menara Maju in Jalan Kampung Jawa, Klang – sliding door shattered (police report lodged on 9 January)

6. All Saints’ Church (Anglican) in Taiping – two molotov cocktails scorch stair case leading to main entrance and side porch (9 Jan)

7. Convent school (Catholic) in Taiping – molotov cocktail, probably meant for St Louis’ Church (Catholic) next door, breaks guard-house window (9 Jan)

8. Malacca Baptist Church (Baptist) in Durian Daun – smeared with black paint (9 Jan)

9. Good Shepherd Church (Anglican) in Lutong, Miri – stones shatter window panes (9 Jan)

10. Sidang Injil Borneo Church (Borneo Evangelical Mission) in Seremban – front doors scorched (10 Jan)

11. Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh) in Sentul – stones flung, mirror at entrance cracked and wall chipped (12 Jan)

12. St Elizabeth’s Church (Catholic) in Kota Kecil, Johor – packets of red paint hurled, splattering the main gate, the grounds inside, a wall and a statue (14 Jan)

13. Grace Global Prayer Church in Rasah, Seremban – two window panes found broken (15 Jan)

14. Mosque in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak – broken glass found near outside wall (16 Jan)

15. Sirratulrahim Surau in Kampung Sabak Awor, Muar – fire damages curtain, window shattered (21 Jan)

16. Surau in Parit Beting, Muar – fire damages the women’s prayer section, carpeting and a door (21 Jan)

The latest incidents that took place at the Jumhuriyah Mosque in Taman Dato’ Haron and Al Imam At Tirmizi Mosque in Taman Seri Sentosa, Lembah Pantai, where two wild-boar heads were found near a gate to the premises demonstrated the possibility that the culprit behind previous attacks are still free to continue to attack and provoke society with similar stunts in future. It is feared that these series of attacks and provocation, if left unchecked, will serve as fertile ground for further violence within the community of Malaysians.

Realizing the threat that this problem poses to our fragile democratic society, and understanding that Malaysian human rights are at stake and will be open to abuse, we submit this memorandum based on the following grounds:

1. The series of attack on the religious and worship sites is a violation to the community’s human right to exercise their religion in peace without unwanted interference and threat from agent provocateurs that are motivated by personal interest and gains. Freedom of religion does not only refer to freedom to adopt or profess a religion of one’s choice but also the assurance that their places of worship are respected.

2. Although we respect and uphold a person’s freedom of expression and opinion, the series of attack and provocation reflects malicious and excessive exercise of one’s freedom of expression at the expense of the rights of others. This is expressly condemned by Article 29 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948 where it states the following:

“…In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.”

3. The use of violence and show of disrespect towards another person’s religion or faith is the antithesis to human rights principles that condemns communalism, racism and intolerance. A further continuance of the series of provocation and attacks will threaten and negatively affect Malaysia’s democracy and culture of respecting human rights.

Therefore, we urge SUHAKAM to seriously look into the matter as the Commission is mandated to take charge and address human rights issues in the country

vide Section 4(i) of the Human Rights Commission Act 1999. It is saddening that SUHAKAM has not been vocal and upfront in addressing the issues of communalism, racism and religious intolerance as human rights issues that is of urgent concern to Malaysians. The decision of the International Coordinating Committee to retain the “A” status of the Commission should be reflected by the Commission’s actual commitment to address serious human rights violations in the country and this includes religious and racial issues. It is based on these grounds that we propose SUHAKAM take up the following actions in addressing the series of provocation against places of worship in the country:

1. SUHAKAM should conduct a National Inquiry into the series of provocation and attacks on places of worship and religious sites with the aim of investigating the root cause to the problem and to determine the appropriate rights-based solution or mechanism to address this issue.

2. SUHAKAM should engage the government and call for the enactment and passing of an anti-racial and religious intolerance law that will curb any attempts at instigating racial and religious hatred in the country. However, learning from experience, with the use of draconian laws such as ISA and Emergency Ordinance for arbitrary arrests and indefinite detention by the government, it is recommended that such law must be in accordance with principles of natural justice and rule of law.

3. SUHAKAM, together with other enforcement agencies in the country should observe and monitor growing attempts at the grassroots level that propagate racism and religious intolerance in order to curb any further potential provocations by irresponsible members of the society and also to preserve racial and religious harmony within the community. In addition to that, a proper impact assessment must be done by SUHAKAM to assess how the issue has threatened the community’s rights and wellbeing and negatively affected national unity and integrity.

4. SUHAKAM should continue to urge the government to ratify the International Covenant on Civil Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and to fulfill its obligations and commitment to other international human rights standards. The incidents that took place should be a reminder to the Commission and the governments on the need for the State to abide by human rights principles as a way to restore the public’s confidence that they will not be victimized and threatened by the perpetrators of chaos in the future.

We have observed that SUHAKAM has been silent on human rights issues that are intertwined with religious and racial concerns. This is a shame as the Human Rights Commission in other parts of the world have been very progressive in addressing issues of violence and discrimination that are motivated by racism and religious intolerance. We truly believe that the time has come for SUHAKAM to walk the talk and play its role effectively. The incidents that have happened should be a catalyst for SUHAKAM to go down to the grassroots and address the problem from a human rights viewpoint.

MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED BY

NURUL IZZAH ANWAR

TIAN CHUA

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD

HANNAH YEOH

AMIRUDDIN SHAARI

LIM LIP ENG

MP pertikai kewajaran bajet MSSM dipotong

Berita dari: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/123051 (Salhan K Ahmad, 27/1/10)

Seorang ahli parlimen hari ini mempertikaikan kewajaran Kementerian Pelajaran memotong bajet untuk program Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) kepada RM1.5 juta berbanding RM6 juta tahun lalu.

Ahli parlimen Segambut Lim Lip Eng berkata, ia memandangkan pelajar sekolah diwajibkan membayar yuran sebanyak RM4 setahun bagi MSSM. "Kalau pelajar (yang berjumlah) empat juta, didarab dengan RM4 seorang, sepatutnya ada (jumlah) bajet sebanyak RM 16 juta,” katanya merujuk kepada laporan akhbar mengenai tindakan kementerian tersebut memotong bajet berkenaan.

Laporan pada 13 Januari lalu, antara lain menyebut, sebelas jenis sukan - termasuk bowling, memanah, ping-pong dan kapal layar - digugurkan daripada 24 jenis sukan untuk kejohanan MSSM peringkat kebangsaan. Laporan tersebut memetik kenyataan pengarah bahagian sukan, kesenian dan ko-kurikulum Kementerian Pelajaran Jamie Alip yang berkata, hanya 13 jenis sukan MSSM dipertandingkan tahun ini kerana "kekurangan bajet."
Lim dalam pada itu menjelaskan, acara sukan itu tidak sepatutnya digugurkan kerana ada di antaranya termasuk dalam program 'Road to London 2012', satu program untuk menyediakan atlet negara bagi memenangi pingat di temasya Sukan Olimpik tahun depan. "Jadi saya galakkan persatuan-persatuan sukan yang berkaitan ini supaya buat bantahan kepada kementerian pendidikan," katanya. Lim berkata demikian dalam sidang media selepas menghantar satu memorandum bantahan kepada pengarah Jabatan Pelajaran Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur di pejabat Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur hari ini. Sehubungan itu beliau turut menggesa Menteri Pelajaran Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - yang juga timbalan perdana menteri supaya memberi penjelasan berhubung kedudukan perkara ini. "Kalau (Muhyiddin) sangat sibuk sebagai timbalan perdana menteri dan asyik ke luar negara, saya minta timbalan menteri pelajaran Datuk Wee Ka Siong yang jelaskan," katanya lagi.

Umno anjur program politik di sekolah

Berita dari: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/123000 (Salhan K Ahmad, 27/1/10)

Jabatan Pelajaran Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur didesak menjelaskan secara khusus sama ada program politik dibenarkan dianjurkan dalam kawasan sekolah. Desakan itu dibuat oleh pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat bahagian Segambut dalam memorandum bantahan bersama yang diserahkan kepada jabatan itu pagi ini. Ia ekoran penganjuran program Juara Rakyat Ekspo Pendidikan Jalinan Mesra 1Malaysia oleh Umno bahagian Segambut di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Segambut pada 24 Januari lalu. Menurut ahli jawatankuasa PAS Segambut, Ishak Sidin, program itu jelas bermotifkan politik berdasarkan sepanduk dan logo parti yang tertera dalam program tersebut. "Ini dapat dibuktikan melalui wujudnya Khemah Khas 'Jom masuk Puteri', promosi pada sepanduk program yang tertera logo 'Umno' dan 'BN 1Malaysia' serta kehadiran pemimpin BN yang memakai pakaian yang jelas mempunyai logo Umno - BN," katanya ketika memorandum bantahan tersebut, dalam satu sidang media. "Kami memohon agar tindakan tegas dapat diambil sama ada memastikan keadaan ini tidak akan berulang lagi pada masa akan datang. Beliau berkata, sekiranya parti politik sememangnya dibenarkan menggunakan kawasan sekolah untuk mengadakan program seperti itu, peluang yang sama juga perlu diberikan kepada parti-parti daripada Pakatan Rakyat. 'Guru tak boleh berpolitik' "Namun, seperti yang kita semua sedia maklum, Kementerian Pelajaran melalui (timbalan menteri pada masa itu) Datuk Razali Ismail telah mengeluarkan arahan agar guru-guru tidak berpolitik dan tidak membincangkan hal politik di sekolah," katanya lagi. Program berkenaan dilaporkan telah dirasmikan oleh setiausaha politik kepada menteri Wilayah Persekutuan, M Sazali Kamilan dan turut disertai ketua Umno bahagian Segambut, Datuk Kamarudin Ambak. Dilaporkan, dalam program tersebut, 66 keluarga masing-masing menerima sumbangan RM100 dan juga kelengkapan sekolah. "Lebih menyedihkan lagi, program ini telah mendapat sokongan daripada (antaranya) pihak PIBG (persatuan ibu bapa dan guru) sekolah, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBJK) dan Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia," kata Ishak lagi.

Dalam sidang media yang sama, ahli parlimen Segambut Lim Lip Eng berkata anjuran program Juara Rakyat itu menunjukkan pihak sekolah mengamalkan 'pilih kasih' dalam memberi kebenaran kepada ahli politik untuk menjalankan aktiviti di dalam sekolah. Katanya, beliau telah dihalang memasuki tiga sekolah di kawasan tersebut pada Oktober tahun lalu untuk mengedarkan topeng muka bagi mencegah jangkitan H1N1 kepada pelajar. "Sebaliknya saya hanya dibenarkan mengedarnya di luar kawasan sekolah. Itulah layanan yang diberikan kepada saya sebagai ahli parlimen," katanya.

Nightmare drive along Jln Segambut

Bumper-to-bumper: Residents have to put up with the daily crawl, especially during peak hours.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ, 21/1/2010)

Residents still in the dark over upgrade plan for single-lane road

MADDENING traffic congestion along Jalan Segambut in Kuala Lumpur is making many motorists upset, especially during the morning and evening peak hours. Residents say they have to get up very early in the morning and leave home by 6am just to beat the jams. If they leave any later, they would be stuck in a bumper-to-bumper crawl. Motorist Lim Ching Yang, 46, said there were times when it took him up to an hour just to move 100m along the road. The businessman from Taman Bukit Maluri said he woke up early each day to send his two children to school in Jalan Ipoh and he has to leave his house before 6.15am. “Otherwise, I would be stuck and my children will be late for school, which starts at 7.30am,” Lim said, adding that he was wondering why the plan to upgrade and widen Jalan Segambut had not materialised. Lim was among those present at a meeting with representatives from Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) engineering department and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng.

A DBKL representative said the road upgrading project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK9) would include full-scale work from the beginning of Jalan Segambut, starting from Jalan Kuching all the way to Mont Kiara. The 4km-long roadworks will be split into two phases and the first phase of 1.4km will cover the most crucial part of Jalan Segambut. The project will transform the current single lane road into a dual carriageway. There will also be a flyover intersection at Jalan Segambut and the SPPK junction. The work on both phases is estimated to cost RM95mil, while another RM65mil is expected to be used for land acquisition. The representative said 104 lots of houses and factories would be affected by the project along the road. “We have completed the land acquisition exercise for the 1.4km at the moment but I can’t comment on when we will be starting the project. “However, it will take about 24 months to complete work on the 1.4km,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim asked DBKL to offer a temporary solution by widening the one-lane road around the junction of Jalan Segambut and Jalan Jambu Mawar (at the Esso station) to ease traffic at the area. “Motorists find that this area is a bottleneck because traffic comes from a few roads and merges into this single lane road at the traffic light,” Lim said.

Pusara Negara

Source: http://www.sun2surf.com/article (By Maria J.Dass)
PETALING JAYA (Jan 14, 2010): The ex-police and ex-servicemen associations have lauded the establishment of a national mausoleum on Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin in Kuala Lumpur, while Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said public opinion should be sought on such projects, especially those developed in green lungs and recreation areas. The servicemen said it was a befitting way to remember and honour those who served the country and especially those who lost their lives in the line of duty to ensure security and peace for the country. Ex-servicemen association president Datuk Muhamad Abdul Ghani said: “We fully support this initiative as it signifies the appreciation for those who fought for the country, and a means for these heroes to be remembered by future generations.” The 6ha Pusara Negara mausoleum is being built by the government on a site just behind the National Monument to honour heroes and those who contributed to the development of the country. Abdul Ghani hoped measures will be taken to ensure that those who are buried there are deserving of the honour. “Recipients of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) and Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) awards are examples of those whose bravery and service deserve recognition," he said. “We must also not forget those who fought during the communist insurgency,” he said. He said the government should also look into the possibility of relocating the graves of war heroes and those deserving of a spot from their original locations to Pusara Negara. He pointed out that countries like Indonesia had such mausoleums to honour heroes and those who contributed to the country in one way or another.
Ex-police officers association president Shafie Bakri said: “The Pusara Negara is a good way to honour police and army personnel, especially those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and while going up against terrorist and criminals.” He said special consideration should be given to those who served in NGOs and those who were actively involved in promoting peace for the good of the country. “We should also not forget to honour those who served the country in other fields and areas too, including scientists, not only focus on the services of leaders and servicemen,” he added.

When contacted, Lim whose constituency the mausoleum is located, said: “I am all right with the project if the public want it.” “If the public opinion and feedback is favourable then go ahead, but if it is not favourable then scrap it.”

Folk puzzled over reports on Jalan Segambut

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By PRIYA MENON, 15/1/2010)

RESIDENTS of Segambut Bahagia are at a loss for words following media reports that they had received offer letters for the acquisition of land in the area. Security guard Bahar Ahmad, 39, is puzzled over the news reports as they had not received any such letters. “Mine is the first house on the stretch. We should receive letters informing us of the acquisition so we can either object or agree to it,” he said. Local Chinese dailies had recently reported that Gerakan Batu representative Lim Si Pin had announced that the first phase of road-widening work from Jalan Segambut heading towards Mont Kiara had been completed. It is said the road will be widened to four lanes from the current two.

“The first phase involves land acqusition and these houses will definitely be affected if the road is going to be made into four lanes,” Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said. According to him, the stretch is one of the busiest roads in the area, resulting in massive traffic congestion during peak hours. He added that he received a few complaints of the congestion every day and the issue needed urgent attention. On May 12, 2008, when Lip Eng raised the issue in Parliament, he was told the upgrading work on the road was set under the 10th Malaysia Plan. However, the land acquisition project was to be carried out under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The cost of the entire project under the 10th Malaysia Plan is estimated at RM165mil, while the budget for the land acquisition is RM40mil, and it was said that RM20mil had been set aside for the purpose. “Where is the money? These people have not received anything yet,” Lip Eng said. “The money set aside will not be enough for the land acquisition as Mont Kiara is an upcoming development area,” he added.

Illegal kongsi poser at Batu Estate

NEARBY residents are wondering how an illegal kongsi could exist at Batu Estate in Segambut and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng recently visited the site to highlight the issue.

There are about 150 households in the kongsi which has been around for more than eight years now. The living conditions are deplorable, with children growing up amidst rubbish and chicken droppings. The rooms were shabby and the planks holding the walls together were beginning to fall apart but the residents did not seem to mind.

According to Lim, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the police and the immigration department were aware of the situation but a solution had yet to be found. “Every time I bring up the question in parliament, nobody provides a straight answer and the departments push the responsibility to the other parties,” he said. According to him, the police and the immigration have conducted raids separately instead of having a joint operation.

The kongsi was first set up by workers in charge of the Royal Domain Condominium at Jalan Putramas. However the workers failed to move out after the works were completed. Resident Supatmo, 37, said they were still bound by a contract to the developer, saying they would be involved in the third and fourth phase of development at the Batu Estate. “My wife is still working as a cleaner in the condominium and we are still bound by the contract,” he added. Supatmo, who is from Surabaya, Jawa, only had a colour photostat of his multi-entry visa and passport. He also did not have a work permit on him. “All my original documents are with the agent. The immigration department and RELA raided the kongsi in October 2009 and picked up eight of the residents,” he added.

Lim, however, said that Supatmo did not have the proper documentation to stay at the kongsi. Lim also said illegal immigrants in Malaysia were a serious issue as highlighted by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By PRIYA MENON, 14/1/2010)

Related news: http://streets.nst.com.my/Current_News/Streets/Thursday

and http://www.mmail.com.my/content

Our law still allows complainants of corruption to disclose information

MACC new chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed is right under Section 29(4) of the MACC Act when he announced yesterday that from this year, action will be taken against those who disseminate information to the media on a complaint they have lodged.

However, there is an existing alternative legal avenue for those who still wish to tell the whole world the contents of their corruption complaints. Under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) 1999, it is the duty of police to investigate all complaints lodged to them. After the investigation, police will hand over the investigation papers to MACC if elements of corruption are found in a complaint. CPC does not ban a complainant from “disseminating” information of a police complaint to outsiders.

In fact, the people should just make all complaints which are criminal in nature to the police and this includes corruption cases. It is unfair and redundant to ask the victims or complainants to lodge complaints at various agencies which are located in different places.

Instead of invoking Section 29(4) of MACC Act to prevent those complainants with hidden agendas other than wanting to curb corruption, the authorities can charge them under Section 177 of the Penal Code for furnishing false information on any subject to any public servant as true or under Section 499 of the same Act for criminally defaming the innocents. Both offences if found guilty, are punishable with imprisonment term.

Our law as it stands now allows a complainant of a corruption case to disclose publicly who and what the subject is. At the same time, our law punishes sham complainant with ulterior motive to hurt someone.

Rain brings destruction to two families in Bamboo Garden

A two-hour downpour yesterday caused a huge tree to fall on top of two wooden houses in Bamboo Garden Jalan Ipoh. The rain started at 4pm while the unfortunate family members were watching television.

One of the house owner Mr Yap said he heard a loud cracking sound and when he looked over the window, he saw the 30 year-old tree was about to fall. He later managed to rush everyone in the house to flee. The tree fell on their houses within minutes. One house was literally write-off and the other was partially destroyed by the tree.

I visited the area yesterday and today to make sure that city hall emergency unit has carried out after math work properly.

The victims wish to get public housing from the authority to which I told them squatters on private land are not eligible for public housing scheme. Nevertheless, I would try my level best to discuss the matter with city hall based on humanitarian ground.

Related news: http://streets.nst.com.my

Don’t joke, Nor Mohamed Yakcop

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop has called on all agencies to complete all projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) as the 9MP would end this year.

In Segambut alone, there are still more than 30 projects planned under the 9MP have not even started including the Jalan Segambut widening project. I believe there are hundreds more projects nationwide which share the same fate.

Whilst some of the projects are not completed, the funds allocated are gone.

Tenth Malaysia Plan will start next year and these situations will repeat again unless the country’s top leaders are changed in the next general election.

Sri Putramas 1: JMC vs owners

I was invited to a meeting this morning called by Sri Putramas 1 residents to hear their issues with the condominium management which is under the control of Sri Putramas Joint Management Committee (JMC).

The residents claim that their building has some defective problems from the day they received vacant possession of the properties. They also alleged the on-going painting work is not properly carried out.

I stressed to them that I have to listen to both side’s story before I could comment because the current JMC consists of mainly owners and I wonder why JMC is not listening to their neighbours.

I shall hold a meeting soon with the JMC and some of the owners to clarify the issues.

Related news: http://thestar.com.my/metro

Ban use of plastic bags in KL

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro (By LIM CHIA YING, 9/1/2010)

The Penang and Selangor governments’ move for ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ has prompted 10 Kuala Lumpur MPs to petition for the city to follow suit. They are pushing for the initiative following the successful campaign in Penang since last July, while some retailers in Selangor had started the campaign last Saturday. The 10 MPs who signed the petition were Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, Titiwangsa MP Dr Lo’lo’ Mohamad Ghazali, Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Abd Khalid Ibrahim, Batu MP Tian Chua, Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong, and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar. Representing them were Lim, Nurul Izzah, and Tian Chua who were present at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) building in Jalan Raja Laut to hand over the petition to the mayor.

Nurul Izzah said in October last year, the Water, Green Technology and Power Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fa Kui had announced that a national campaign to ban the use of plastic bags would be carried out as one of the ways to conserve the environment and promote green technology.

“However, up until today, it has still not been implemented. “As Selangor has moved towards that stage recently, we wish to follow in their footsteps which is why we hope the DBKL could take the lead with this initiative,” she said. “Kuala Lumpur actually produces a lot of waste. In fact, I’ve done some research and learnt that only 5% of solid waste in Malaysia is being recycled,” said Tian Chua. “Compare this with Singapore where 30% of its solid waste is being recycled. It shows that our country is still far behind in this recycling aspect,” he said.

“By default, Kuala Lumpur as a Federal Territory should take the lead to spearhead the ban of plastic bags in the city,” said Lim. “Contrary to the worries of some in the retail industry, many urban shoppers nowadays prefer plastic bag alternatives because they care about the environment, and would likely shop at retailers who are doing their bit,” he said.

Nurul Izzah said in Selangor, the state government had invited the hypermarkets and supermarkets in implementing the campaign and said the DBKL, too, could do the same. “Once it is implemented, the DBKL could impose charges on those still wanting to use plastic bags on Saturdays, like what retailers in Selangor are doing. “Hopefully in future, we won’t have to impose charges on consumers once they are used to not having plastic bags,” she said.

“Some shocking facts about plastic bags that people should know - plastic bags are made of polyethylene which is a petroleum product; it takes about 1,000 years for polyethylene to break down; when polyethylene does break down, toxic substances leach into the soil and enter the food chain which can choke animals to death as animals often mistake them for food. And plastic is the main culprit for drain clogs,” said Lim.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Penang has extended its once-a-week campaign to three times a week, and announced that from this year on, it would not renew the licence of businesses that did not support the state’s plastic bag reduction policy. In the report, it is said that data provided by 45 hypermarkets and supermarkets showed that plastic bag consumption has dropped by more than a million since the campaign started.

Political leaders united against attacks on churches

From http://www.mmail.com.my (Submitted by Najiah on 8/1/2010)

KUALA LUMPUR: The political divide has closed for once with all soundly condemning the arson attempts on several churches this morning — and shocked politicians of all colours into calling for the police to act fast. The Malay Mail spoke with political leaders from the Klang Valley this morning for their reaction and all were united in urging the people to stay calm and remain tolerant in the true spirit of 1Malaysia.

DAP Segambut Member of Parliament Lim Lip Eng:

In expressing his shock over the incidents, he made a plea to the people by saying: "If people were to retaliate, I urge the people retaliate with love and forgiveness."

Lim also expressed hope that all Muslims would "pray for peace, acceptance, forgiveness and tolerance among all of us" during the Friday prayers in the afternoon.

"And I believe that police need to work fast."

One of the meanings of the word Islam is surrender

“One of the meanings of the word Islam is surrender, and human life is nothing but surrender”, said Dr. Shahid Athar who is a Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, and a writer on Islam. (see http://www.islamfortoday.com/athar14.htm)

I appeal for those involved in the fire-bomb attack on three churches in Malaysia to surrender themselves to the authority. I’m sad and I’m sorry for them but I believe God-fearing Malaysians will forgive them if they turn themselves in because the one commonly shared message of all major religions is one of love. I also believe those involved mean no harm to others because they have been misguided.

Come out now and we will accept you. If you hide, law-abiding Malaysians will forever go after you.

Treament at 1Malaysia Clinic for over RM1

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened a 1Malaysia Clinic yesterday. 50 such clinics which are subsidized by government will open in the following week. Malaysians can begin getting “medical treatment” for common illnesses for only RM1 at these clinics from today. Family Health Development director Dr Safurah Jaafar, who coordinated the set-up of the clinics in two months, said an assistant medical officer, a staff nurse and an assistant health officer with at least five years’ experience would staff each clinic. “Doctors from the nearest clinic or hospital will also make a visit once a week to audit, evaluate and ensure the clinics are maintained well,” she said. (Source: http://thestar.com.my)
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinic. “A clinic (or an outpatient clinic) is a small private or public health facility that is devoted to the care of outpatients… General practice clinics are run by one or several general practitioners or practice managers.”
From The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English: http://www.ldoceonline.com/search/?q=clinic. “Clinic means hospital”
Basically, it says a clinic must have a doctor. However, the 1Malaysia Clinic has no doctor.
Would you dare to make your child to take medicine given at 1Malaysia Clinic for over RM1? I wouldn’t.

Petisyen Untuk “Hari Tanpa Beg Plastik” Di Kuala Lumpur

YB Tian Chua, YB Nurul Izzah & I spoke to the press at DBKL lobby this morning

Campaigns to ban the use of plastic bags are not only adopted by Pakatan Rakyat state governments, Federal Minister for Water, Green Technology and Power Datuk Peter Chin Fa Kui has in October last year announced that a national campaign of that sort will be carried out eventually as one of the ways to conserve the environment and promote green technology.

By default, Kuala Lumpur as a federal territory and the capital city of Malaysia should take the lead to spearhead the ban of plastic bags in the city and no reason for city mayor to say otherwise.

Malaysian must consider the following shocking facts about plastic bags:

· Plastic bags are made of polyethylene which is a petroleum product

· It takes 1000 years for polyethylene bags to break down

· Production contributes to air pollution and energy consumption

· As polyethylene breaks down, toxic substances leach into the soil and enter the food chain

· Plastic bags are often mistaken as food by animals and these animals suffer a painful death, the plastic wraps around their intestines or they choke to death

· When these animals die and decay, the plastic bag is free again to repeat the deadly cycle

· Supplying plastic bags is a business expense with no financial return

· Plastic bags are the main culprit for blocking drains

Contrary to the worries of some in the retail industry, most urban shoppers now prefer plastic bag alternatives because they care about protecting the environment and they prefer to shop at retailers who are doing their bit to help the environment for example at IKEA and Jaya Jusco.

State exco member's statement recorded

Source: www.nst.com.my/Current_News (01/01/10)

SHAH ALAM: State executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah had his statement recorded at the Shah Alam district police headquarters yesterday to assist investigations into his recent remarks that could be interpreted as threatening or intimidating the police and for suggesting that his political aide, Teoh Beng Hock, had been murdered. On Dec 25, Ean Yong was reported to have hit out at the police for initiating a sedition investigation against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for suggesting, in his speech at the Pakatan Rakyat Convention in Shah Alam last month, that Teoh was murdered.
Ean Yong who arrived at the police station at 10am, accompanied by his lawyer and Segambut member of parliament Lim Lip Eng and fellow state executive councillor Teresa Kok Suh Sim, spent about 40 minutes recording his statement and left about 10.50am. Speaking to reporters, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman said he had given the police a copy of his press statement dated Dec 25. However, he claimed the investigation officer who recorded his statement later lodged a police report to confiscate the press statement and asked him to sign a seizure form at the end of the session but he refused.
He said his lawyer (Lim) advised him not to sign the document as it indicated they were not present at the police station voluntarily.

Vacant lot becoming a dump

Photo from Sin Chew Daily

Source of news: thestar.com.my/metro (By BAVANI M, 5/1/2010)

A PIECE of vacant land along Jalan Jambu Golok in Taman Sejahtera Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, has become an eyesore due to neglect.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had put up a notice last May informing the public that the site had been earmarked for a landscaping project. “To date, nothing has been done and the land has now become a dumpsite for rubbish and construction debris, and a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he said. Lim said he had read in the newspapers that KL mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail wanted residents associations (RAs) and corporations to adopt the parks and playgrounds in their neighbourhoods for maintenance and beautification works. “Since the mayor made the offer, many people have approached me about wanting to manage the parks in Segambut. “They asked me to speak on their behalf. I was told that when they had approached City Hall officers for information, the officers were clueless. “I think it’s a good idea but after his announcement, Fuad should have drafted guidelines on the issue,” Lim said.

Last November, Fuad had announced that the DBKL would embark on some cost-cutting measures to save the city some money. Part of his proposal included inviting residents associations and corporations to adopt areas in the city, such as roundabouts, green areas and neighbourhood playgrounds, for maintenance and beautification. Fuad said a committee would be set up to formulate policies and programmes to develop a system to enable corporations to adopt these areas and that he wanted it to be a win-win situation that would benefit residents and stakeholders.

Culture United: Indian Lion Dance

Resolutions for a better capital city

Source: thestar.com.my/metro (By BAVANI M, 1.1.2010)

THE Kuala Lumpur members of parliament are confident that the federal capital’s flaws can be resolved if the authorities concerned have the political will to live up to the basic principles of good governance. For the new year, the city’s MPs tell StarMetro their resolutions for Kuala Lumpur in 2010 and the requirements needed to become a world- class city.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng

Kuala Lumpur needs to get a grip on its transport problem now for its residents to enjoy a better quality of life in the future. We need an efficient and integrated transport system to solve the city’s traffic woes and despite the federal government’s efforts, nothing is working. The best solution is for the government to take over the management of all private transport companies and incorporate it under one agency. The current scenario doesn’t work since everyone is profit-driven and the people are on the losing end.

Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun

My hope for 2010 is that the country’s economy will improve and for KL, I would like to see the city improve in terms of safety and security and would like foreigners to choose KL as their preferred destination.

Setiawangsa MP Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique

Given the precarious world economic situation at present, I would really want our national economy to have a full recovery this year. That is of paramount importance as it is only with a healthy economy that we can have a conducive environment for other things to develop. For this, I hope all wakil rakyat from both sides of the political divide can throw their support behind our prime minister.

Batu MP Tian Chua

The government must improve the living standard of the low-income earners, especially those staying in public housing schemes. In terms of their services, environment and facilities, a lot has to be done to improve their living conditions.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok

We hope to see more positive developments and good policy changes in Kuala Lumpur. And we (Pakatan MPs) hope to continue to maintain the support of all races in the city and serve the people well.

Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw

Please cut the grass! In line with KL being a Tropical Garden City, ensure that all parks and vacant land are kept neat and trim. Make some effort to beautify these areas or else it would be open to encroachment.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai

The key ingredient to achieving a world-class city is good governance. We want to see more transparency in the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). The ratepayers are entitled to know how and where their money is going. We hope to see more transparency in the DBKL in 2010. It is after all the very principle and spirit of Local Agenda 21, to encourage public participation and provide feedback to the rakyat.

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar

To correct the flaws of the draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2020 in line with a balanced development for KL-ites and truly in sync with being a world-class city. To reduce DBKL’s weaknesses, by paving way for local elections and to eventually push the federal government to fully improve and reform the ailing public transportation.

Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong

To make Kuala Lumpur an orderly, prosperous and safe city for all and to ensure that DBKL is people-friendly with no interference from pseudo politicians.