Chua: MCA is not afraid

By CHRISTINA TAN

YONG PENG: The MCA will not be intimidated by the lawsuit which the Selangor government has threatened to file over allegations concerning deals worth more than RM1bil, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Dr Chua said he welcomed the lawsuit and hoped Selangor Mentri BesarTan Sri Khalid Ibrahim would not use the legal action to suppress MCA from talking about the controversy.

The Selangor government has been challenged to explain how a debt recovery exercise to get back RM392mil from a public-listed company ended in questionable deals worth more than RM1bil.

Dr Chua said the people had the right to question the matter.

“Don't use this (lawsuit) to threaten us, we will not feel threatened and will continue to speak up.

“He (Khalid) has the right to sue, but let's hope that the suing is not like a gag order against the MCA to cover the facts and divert attention.

“We raise this because we want the state government to enlighten the rakyat as it involves public funds,” he said after attending a dinner organised by Sam Shen Kuan Association here on Thursday.

Dr Chua said the Opposition always championed its ketuanan rakyat (the people's supremacy), transparency, credibility and performance, so it had the responsibility to explain the controversy.

“We just want to know the restructuring of Talam because it is the rakyat's money,” he said, adding that MCA would continue to do whatever is necessary to protect the rakyat's interests.

Dr Chua also praised MCA leaders nationwide who had been more vocal and urged them to continue to speak up as long as it was right.

The state government is said to have acquired land worth RM392mil and bought additional assets for RM284mil from Talam Corporation bringing the total acquisition to RM676mil.

MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong said the state government also received a RM392mil grant to facilitate the debt recovery exercise.

Khalid had said on Wednesday that the allegations were untrue and the state would sue those who had accused it over the issue. Yesterday, he again reiterated that the state would sue.

Selangor MCA Youth chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei said the people deserved to know the truth, adding that the state government, instead of explaining to the people, was trying to cover up by threatening legal action.

“We do not expect the state government to explain the intricate details regarding the circumstances surrounding this issue, but they must at least be made accountable to the people,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Source: The Star

Chua: No more debate with Guan Eng

When a debate that does not result in fruitful discussion but resort in personal attack, the outcome is meaningless. 
Using the debate platform to attack MCA ministers was not a gentleman's action and certainly unhealthy. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was aware of DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's strategy, thus called an end to that.
We hope to see mature debators that can really deliver critical yet construction arguments for the benefit of the people.

***

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said he would not have anymore debate with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as the later would turn it into a political campaign.
Chua said if the two debates he had with Lim recently were anything to go by, Lim had avoided answering questions tailored to the topics, and instead took the opportunities to hurl lies against MCA ministers.
"He (Lim) did not lay out strategies beneficial to the people, instead he just know how to make slanderous remarks, to campaign, and did not fully answer the questions," he told reporters after chairing the MCA Central Committee meeting here today.
Chua challenged the Selangor government to respond to the people's complaints on water woes which were brought up the Selangor MCA Complaints Centre.
Source: Mysinchew.com

Rakyat needs not taglines but a clear socio-economy plan

Looking at the debate between MCA president Dato' Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, we found out that Lim had totally averted questions posted by Dr Chua.

Dr Chua has consistently sought explanation from DAP on how implementation of Hudud Law would affect the Chinese community but no one from the party would give an answer to that. Even during debate when Dr Chua raised this question, Lim did not bother to give a clear view on DAP's stand.

In return, Lim used all sorts of tagline to mock MCA and the BN government.

As much as many people enjoy quirky taglines or slogans purportedly raised by the DAP, we need to come to realisation that such sarcastic tagline will not do us any good - especially in terms of socio-economy development. In other words, a rational person would know that it is just a gimmick from Lim to draw attention.

Dr Chua had stressed that any government to replace BN government must have a clear policy on socio-economy development.

He said any political party that did not have a clear layout plan to push for economy growth is not worth supporting.

Getting to know the socio-economy needs of the rakyat can solve the bread and butter issue of the rakyat, hence it is more important than all the politicking.

Dr Chua gave a very clear explanation on what is needed by the country as he responded to Lim's question. His arguments were delivered not for the sake of refuting Lim and his manners at his capacity as the MCA president was commendable.

Youths need to play a part in govt

Registering to vote is one way

Of the over 16 million Malaysians who are eligible to vote, it is thus shocking and disappointing to note that almost a quarter of them, 23% or 3.7 million, have yet to register themselves as voters.

Voting is the civic duty of a country’s citizens, and everyone should play a role in shaping Malaysia’s future, especially the youths. Youths are a country’s future, and as such it is important for them to be balloters as they are the ones who will be voting in the government of their choice - a government which would continue to look after the public’s interests and welfare while pushing Malaysia forward to become a high income nation.

The spirit of democracy in Malaysia is also very much alive, and to ignore such a blessing is sheer folly, as even former dictatorial countries like Myanmar have taken steps to become more democratic. Therefore I urge all Malaysians, especially the youths, to make full use of our democratic process.

In the Middle East, we have seen that it was the youths who played a crucial role in reshaping the country. However we do not condone such street demonstrations as we have the ballot box to express our dissatisfaction or gratification to the government.

As a great American author Louise L’Amour once wrote: “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

Creating Awareness Helps

However, registering oneself is not simply enough. Everyone should also do their part to encourage their friends and family members who are eligible to vote but have yet to register to do so. While previously one may complain that it was cumbersome to do so, there is no such excuse now as the registration process is simple and easy and is easily available at any post office in Malaysia.

It is important to create awareness on the importance of voting, and steps have been taken by various quarters to do so. I myself have taken part in a music video by Pete Teo entitled ‘Undilah’, which is meant to create awareness on the importance of voting.

Finally, I also congratulate all who have taken the initiative to register themselves. However, I urge them to check their voting status at the EC’s website to ensure that their details are correct so as to avoid any accusations of misconduct by the EC during the next General Elections.

Datuk Dr Ir Wee Ka Siong
MCA Youth National Chairman
Deputy Minister of Education

Acknowledge the hurt caused against the media fraternity

MCA Youth Perak to DAP Perak – Act responsibly, acknowledge the hurt caused against the media fraternity

It becomes more and more apparent each day that the “sorry” offered by DAP elections preparations chief Hew Kuan Yau following the storm of indignation against his facebook posting referring to reporters as prostitutes was half-baked at best.

New Straits Times (16 Feb 12) reported of Perak DAP Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham coming to Hew’s defence reasoning that “Hew was merely referring to several reporters and not all.”

Please be precise YB Datuk Ngeh. Are you openly implying that there are reporters in the flesh trade? If so, care and dare you identify which ones? What authority has been bestowed to you that you may cast aspersion against journalists by categorizing the ones whom DAP does not favour as being involved in vice?

Rather than chastising Hew, Ngeh has also resorted to the oft-used excuse of “statement was taken out of context,” thereby choosing to overlook the sully.

As the National Union of Journalists has rebuked Hew, I urge YB Datuk Ngeh to empathise with the press corp who in the course of performing their duties to earn an honest living have to endure the bigotry and insults which DAP hurls at them.

All of DAP’s claims of championing press freedoms are sheer hypocrisy as they violate the very occupation they claim to fight freedoms for.

Why are DAP female elected representatives mute?

I am astonished that DAP women wakil rakyats like Fong Poh Kuan, Chong Eng or Teo Nie Ching still have not rebuked Hew. Does “dignified” silence imply acceptance of Hew’s insults?

DAP Perak never owns up to mistakes

This is not the first time that Ngeh conveniently overlooks bigoted slurs uttered by his DAP members. Back in November 2011, when his cousin cum Perak DAP Secretary Nga Kor Ming was recorded stereotypically labeling dark complexion people as “black metallic b-st-rd” only to offer another half-baked apology in face of mounting pressure, Ngeh added insult to injury via his twitter message that “Indians not as stupid.”

Ngeh is a lawmaker at both federal and state levels. Carrying such an exalted responsibility, he should know that when a mistake has been done, he should acknowledge it rather than spurting out other forms of excuse to cover up such derogatory remarks.

Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon
MCA Youth National Deputy Chairman
MCA Youth Perak Chairman
State Assemblymen for Chenderiang
Perak Executive Councillor for Health, Local Government and Environment

No respect for journalists

Despite his bold personality had won him many fans, DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau had never exercise moderation in his speeches. His using of vulgar words intends to degrade a person or an entity only reflects the type of person he is.

As he played along his definition of 'creativity' in labelling people in any ways he could think of, he had not shown any respect to people or certain community.

Calling journalists prostitutes in an insult to the profession. Journalists are reporting news that are of public interest. For Hew, who had no respect for journalists when he made speeches during DAP events, journalists are BN tools and often find fault in his words. But have he ever thought is it possible for curses or extreme points he raised in his speech to appear on print?

The newspaper is not politicians battlefield. It is a platform to convey messages that are beneficial to the public. If you are not using the media the right way, then do not blame the journalists for not siding you because you are the one who misuse the media first.

***

NUJ disappointed with DAP's Hew and Tan

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is disappointed with DAP election publicity chief Hew Kuan Yau for making a sweeping statement that journalists were "prostitutes".

NUJ general secretary V. Anbalagan said the union was equally appalled by DAP disciplinary committee chairman Tan Kok Wai's stand for giving tacit support by saying that Hew was merely stating a fact.

He said Hew's statement had tarnished the image of journalists working in the print, electronic and online media.

"This is unfair as he has cast aspersions on journalists, a special category of people to serve the public and raise issues of public interest," he said in a statement Sunday.

It was reported Sunday that Hew had apologised for the controversy caused by his remarks.

Anbalagan said Hew should have backed his statement with a specific case like, who the person was, and which organisation he/she worked in.

"Hew should have complained to the organisation so that action could be taken, irrespective of whether the journalist was an executive, bargainable employee (most of whom are NUJ members), contract employee or stringer.

"We demand that the DAP leadership take action against Hew and Tan as truth or fact must be supported with evidence.

"Anything short is baseless and unfounded allegation against journalists and the profession," he said. - Bernama

Who is the Real Black Sheep in PAS?

More is revealed with the sacking of Datuk Dr Hasan Ali from PAS.

He said parasites were found within the party and these people were the ones who betrayed to party's struggle for the Islam.

PAS itself has to identify who are the real defenders of the religion and who are the "parasites".

The question is, are they willing to take notice of the "outcast" Datuk Dr Hasan Ali's observation and take action to gauge out the black sleep or remain focused on taking over Putrajaya?

If, by any chance, PAS becomes one of the ruling parties after the coming general election, can it be sure that the "parasites" would not strike back and stir up unnecessary political drama?

Will the “group of parasites”, who opposed whenever Datuk Dr Hasan Ali raised issues relating to alcohol and apostasy among Muslims, be a hindrance to PAS endeavour to implement the Hudud Law?

Above all, could PAS guarantee peace in the country?

Are you, as voters, willing to take the risk?

***

PETALING JAYA: A defiant Datuk Dr Hasan Ali continues to blast PAS, this time accusing his former party of being infested with “a group of parasites” who betrayed the party’s struggle for Islam.

PAS, meanwhile, seeks to quell the uncertainty surrounding the fiasco by presenting its candidate to replace Dr Hasan’s vacated state executive councillor post to Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today.

Dr Hasan, the former Selangor PAS commissioner, claimed there was a “group of parasites” who would oppose whenever he raised issues relating to alcohol and apostasy among Muslims in Selangor, he was quoted as saying in Sinar Harian.

Dr Hasan, however, did not name who the “parasites” were.

He said he would not appeal his sacking from the party as he could not see himself staying on in the party with the group continuing to betray his struggle to fight for Islam.

Dr Hasan claimed the “parasites” preferred to please “others” and support their struggle rather than the party’s own struggle for Islam.

Dr Hasan was sacked from PAS for acting against the party’s interest and has been given time until Feb 7 to appeal his removal.

Source: News by The Star; mugshot of Datuk Dr Hasan Ali by New Straits Time.

Hefty Sum on Licence Burdens Entertainment Operators

Imposing licence fee payment onto entertainment outlet operators adds on financial burden to the people. As renewal of licence would be needed to operate entertainment businesses, operators might find it hard to come out with a lump sum of money in every six month or a year.

Though there were certain quarters who refused to pay licence fee, the Kedah state government should not punish those who play by the rule.

It should, instead, get to the root of the problem, and identify the black sheep among all the operators in Kedah. With the ability of the PAS-led state government, it shouldn't be too difficult a task to do so, right?

***

MCA: Kedah govt's biannual licence fee payment a half-baked solution

By EMBUN MAJID

ALOR SETAR: Kedah MCA has described the new six-month entertainment licence fee payment as a half-baked solution to the problems faced by entertainment outlet operators.

Kedah MCA chairman Datuk Chong Itt Chew said the new ruling still put financial burden on the operators.

"They would then have to impose higher charges on their consumers to recoup the expenditure.

"The current monthly scheme was practical as operators may opt to halt operations should business be slow and there would be no need for them to renew their licence for that particular month," he said.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak was reported as saying that entertainment outlet operators could now pay their licence fees every six months or yearly.

He said the state executive council made the decision following complaints from operators that they would be financially burdened with paying a hefty sum every year.

The directive affected all entertainment outlets, including cinemas, karaoke and snooker centres and cybercafes.

He added that the decision was made following several cases of operators who skipped paying the monthly licence fees.

Chong said despite the outrage by operators against the directive, the response given by the PAS-led state government by reverting to biannual payment still did not address the hardship of the operators.

Chong said in a statement Thursday that the six-month payment endorsed by the state executive council meeting showed the failure of the three PKR non-Muslim exco members to protect the rights of non-Muslims and the income of the licence holders.

Meanwhile, MCA Gurun assemblyman Dr Leong Yong Kong in a statement said the state should investigate the reason why some operators skipped paying the monthly fee instead of punishing about 3,000 operators by imposing the lump sum payment.

"Could it be that they did not pay the licence fee due to poor business turnover for that month?

"Or maybe they decided to cease operations altogether?" he asked.

He said a reminder should be sent to licence holders who missed payment, including notices to pay up the sum before legal action was taken against them.

Source: The Star

Gag Order = Conventional Practice of Pakatan Rakyat?

Below is the message of MCA Perak secretary Datuk Tan Chin Meng

DAP, along with Pakatan Rakyat claims to champion openness and transparency. However, when the infighting between DAP and PAS spilled over to the public domain, thereby negating their chances of depending many seats, issuing gag orders become the standard order of the day.

However, what is more harmful is DAP’s act of not ordering investigation into matters that affect public interest especially concerning possible practices of nepotism on awarding projects in exchange for favours.

Perak

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang was hasty to instruct a gag order on the issue of DAP vice chairman Kulasegaran giving DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming a dressing down over his wife’s company Ethan and Elton Sdn Bhd awarded the tender to tailor lounge suits for Ipoh city councillors despite offering the highest quotation of RM650 over Goodman Tailor’s RM450. A more interesting point which must be alerted is that Ethan and Elton was registered with the Companies Commission Malaysia barely 42 days after Pakatan formed the Perak government.

Penang

Failure by DAP 3-men panel comprising DAP life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin, advisor Lim Kit Siang and Secretary General Lim Guan Eng to launch any internal probe into Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr R. Ramasamy’s allegations for projects and favours demanded from DAP grassroots point to DAP wanting to wash their hands off any responsibility on possible cronyism occurring which involve public funds.

Earning a rebuke from his own DAP state assemblyman for Seri Delima R.S.N. Rayer who remarked that “people are looking at us as if we are no longer the competent, accountable and transparent (CAT) government we’ve claimed to be.” If DAP top honchos are deaf to the pleas of their own members to come clean, the welfare of the rakyat who do not have any contact whatsoever with Pakatan rakyat elected representatives will be given a worse rebuff.

In both cases, these are not personal funds being used but taxpayers’ hard earned salaries which are being utilized for practices that warrant further probe. Thus, not only should DAP launch internal probes if there were any power abuse by the state top administrators, the police and MACC also should be called in to pre-empt any accusations that DAP internal investigations are influenced by personal bias.

Gag Order = Conventional Practice of Pakatan Rakyat

When taxpayers funds are at stake, another gag order is the standard order of the day from Pakatan

DAP, along with Pakatan Rakyat claims to champion openness and transparency. However, as DAP’s and PAS infighting spill over to the public domain, thereby negating their chances of defending many seats, issuing gag orders become the order of the day!

However, what is more harmful is DAP’s act of not ordering investigation into matters that affect public interest especially concerning possible practices of nepotism on awarding projects in exchange for favours.

Perak

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang was hasty to instruct a gag order on the issue of DAP vice chairman Kulasegaran giving DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming a dressing down over his wife’s company Ethan and Elton Sdn Bhd awarded the tender to tailor lounge suits for Ipoh city councillors despite offering the highest quotation of RM650 over Goodman Tailor’s RM450. A more interesting point which must be alerted is that Ethan and Elton was registered with the Companies Commission Malaysia barely 42 days after Pakatan formed the Perak government.

These public monies could have been better saved if the tender had been awarded to the lowest bidder but expectedly, Kit Siang would rather this fact be wrapped away from public scrutiny.

Penang

Failure by DAP 3-men panel comprising DAP life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin, advisor Lim Kit Siang and Secretary General Lim Guan Eng to launch any internal probe into Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr R. Ramasamy’s allegations for projects and favours demanded from DAP grassroots point to DAP wanting to wash their hands off any responsibility on possible cronyism occurring which involve public funds.

Earning a rebuke from his own DAP state assemblyman for Seri Delima R.S.N. Rayer who remarked that “people are looking at us as if we are no longer the competent, accountable and transparent (CAT) government we’ve claimed to be.” If DAP top honchos are deaf to the pleas of their own members to come clean, the welfare of the rakyat who do not have any contact whatsoever with Pakatan rakyat elected representatives will be given a worse rebuff.

In both cases, these are not personal funds being used but taxpayers’ hard earned salaries which are being utilized for practices that warrant further probe. Thus, not only should DAP launch internal probes if there were any power abuse by the state top administrators, the police and MACC also should be called in to pre-empt any accusations that DAP internal investigations are influenced by personal bias.

Other examples of DAP gag orders on matters involving public interests or funds

The recent cases in Penang and Perak are not the only cases where DAP leaders had sought to muzzle the speech and hearing of party members.

In Selangor, when Selangor exco Ronnie Liu’s letterheads and office seal were misused as support letters by a former Klang councillor and released to obtain businesses for his family and friends. But Karpal then ordered every DAP members to cease talking to the media. Despite calls for Ronnie’s sacking, he remains in office.

Also in Penang, it is well known that Penang state chief of staff Jeff Ooi are at logger heads with each other over the allocation of low-medium cost public housing. But Chief Minister Guan Eng stepped into the fray and directed that no DAP members speaks to the press. Meanwhile, the low-medium cost unit recipient namelist is still not properly disclosed.

Datuk Tan Ching Meng
MCA Perak Secretary

"KPI" for Elected Representatives from MCA

Elected representatives from MCA in the upcoming general election is given one year to benchmark their performances.

The ultimate judges, of course, are the rakyat.

It makes sense when MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek made this announcement. A representative for the people in a constituency is selected by the people through votes.

It is right for the people to evaluate their respective representatives. The people were given a chance to rate representatives that under-performed in duty in the first year after election.

Dr Chua did not deny that there were certain MCA leaders who has not been serving the people after they had been elected in previous elections, thus this move was set to address this unhealthy trend.

This is also one of MCA's initiatives to reconstruct the party image, showing MCA had learned its lesson in the last election thus endeavoured to pour their hearts and souls to serve not only the Chinese but also Indians and Malays.

This move had also put pressure on representatives from MCA, as they will soon have its very own "Key Performance Indicator". But they do not have to worry so long as these leaders do their best to solve woes of the people under their constituencies

Support BN while it strifes to upkeep equality

The Chinese in Malaysia will not accept theocracy as a political system for the nation.

Since 1957, Malaysia's multi-cultural image was determined by leaders, to ensure the rights of each race protected.

While the government is trying to strife to upkeep an equality between the Malays, Chinese and Indians, we should show support and place our trust in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

We must defend and preserved the Malaysian brand we had created together since Independence.

***

By JOSEPH KAOS Jr
joekaosjr@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is the better choice to serve the Chinese community, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.

The MCA president said that although Barisan was not perfect, the Prime Minister had a clear direction in developing the country through transformation programmes, unlike the Opposition coalition.

“There are fewer than 46 Chinese-majority seats in this country.

“Even if we win all the seats, it is impossible to form a government.

“We must work with other parties including Malay-based parties,” Dr Chua said, urging the people to choose Barisan.

He was addressing about 5,000 people, a majority of whom were Chinese, at a dinner organised by the Muhibah Kimlan Association here on Sunday night.

He said Pakatan Rakyat, led by PAS, was only interested in making Malaysia a theocratic nation governed by hudud laws.

“The people think Pakatan is led by Anwar (PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).

“But in actual fact it is PAS which leads the coalition, because it has more experience, resources and a larger membership,” Dr Chua said.

He also said the Chinese should throw their support behind the Government’s Economic Transfor mation Programme (ETP).

“The ETP is primarily led by the private sector, which will definitely affect the Chinese community,” said Dr Chua.

He added that the Government had achieved at least 90% of its foreign investment target in 2011.

The dinner was held to celebrate the completion of the association’s new headquarters here.

Dr Chua also announced a donation of RM200,000 from MCA to the association’s development fund.

Source: The Star

PAS Tells You What They Will Do But Not Why

If PAS insist on implementing the Hudud law, it has to step up and convince the mass on the positive impact it would bring to Malaysia.

The party only makes remarks that they will implement the Hudud law if they were to run the government. By consistently making such statements without giving convincing reasons, what is the purpose of announcing to the world?

Without the support coming from their counterparts, DAP and PKR, how can PAS stand on its feet to push for the implementation of PKR?

In terms of relevance to the context, the applicability of Hudud law is challengeble. We should not ignore foreign investors from the Islamic world but with a more secular background, needless say the western countries which put great emphasis on human rights.

While the relationship between Hudud law and human rights is better defined in readers' interpretation, but the examples of amputating offenders' limps as a punishment for theft, is could hardly be justified from the human rights standard the world has set today.

Of course, PAS is not going to tell you all this. They do not tell you the good, nor they tell you the bad of Hudud law.

All they want you to know is that, you people wait and see what they can do when they become the boss.

Liow: Hudud affects all races

GOPENG: Hudud law will inevitably affect non-Muslims although the Opposition claims otherwise.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said every non-Muslim should have a clear understanding as to how hudud would impact their lives.

“The Opposition may claim that it will not affect non-Muslims, but we should try to visualise and analyse the conflicts that could arise.

“For instance, in the case of a non-Muslim being molested by a Muslim, which law would be given priority to try the case?” he asked at Sunday's New Kopisan MCA branch fund-raising dinner here.

Liow said MCA's public forum on hudud, organised by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, revealed that such laws “would definitely affect non-Muslims”.

“And the Opposition is most likely going to implement these laws if it takes over Putrajaya,” he added.

Source: The Star

Can PR run a country without a Common Ideology?

Without an agreed ideology, how can Pakatan Rakyat run a country? And this is just one of the many cases which will haunting DAP, PKR and PAS. Think of other policies that might incur conflicting interests if they assume power in Putrajaya.

______________________________________________

WANI MUTHIAH, FLORENCE A . SAMY and JOSEPH KAOS Jr at the ‘Hudud and its Implications on Non-Muslims in Malaysia’ forum in Kuala Lumpur

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has challenged Pakatan Rakyat to include its stand on hudud and its implementation in its general election manifesto and common agenda.

Pakatan, especially PAS, he said, should be transparent in its stand.

“Right now, there are conflicting signals from Pakatan leaders. Hudud should be in their common agenda since they always never do anything without consulting their partners.

Making a point: Dr Chua delivering his keynote address during the forum at Wisma MCA Sunday.

“If the rakyat votes for PAS, DAP or PKR knowing full well that they will implement hudud law, then we should respect it as it is the voters' choice,” he said at a forum entitled “Hudud and its Implications on Non-Muslims in Malaysia” yesterday.

Dr Chua lambasted DAP for its contradictory stand and for misleading the Chinese community, especially with its “agreeing to disagree” statement.

“On one hand, DAP says it opposes hudud. On the other hand, in the last general election and subsequent by-elections, DAP campaigned vigorously to ensure the PAS candidate won,” he said at the forum organised by MCA's Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research.

The forum was moderated by Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee.

Dr Chua reiterated MCA's opposition to hudud and its implementation, adding that hudud law would adversely affect both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is a lie that it will not affect us. We have the right to talk about it as it does affect us.

“We do not accept hudud and its implementation in a multi-racial country,” he said.

Explaining the ramifications, Dr Chua said that the implementation of hudud law would affect the country's foreign direct investment, revenue as well as rights of non-Muslims, including gambling and drinking activities.

He dismissed claims by Pakatan that hudud law could not be implemented even if it came into power but did not have two-thirds majority.

He said Muslim MPs from both sides of the divide would be forced to support the Bill although they might not agree with the implementation as hudud was part of Islam.

Dr Chua pointed out that hudud law could not be implemented without amending the Federal Constitution.

“How then can the rights and freedom of non-Muslims be safeguarded? Which court will have jurisdiction which involves both Muslims and non-Muslims as hudud law cannot exist without the existence of Islamic law?'' he asked.

In his closing address, Dr Chua urged non-Muslims to reject the implementation of hudud law because it had great implications on them.

“We also heard the panellists say that the PAS version of hudud does not represent the true essence of Islam.

“Malaysians must make a choice of either choosing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's vision of a high-income nation by 2020 or a failed state run under hudud law,” he added.

On Saturday, Dr Chua had said in Malacca that he had no problem having a public debate on hudud with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng provided the latter answered two questions first.

He said Lim must first explain to the people if he could ensure the implementation of hudud law would not affect the non-Muslims.

Second, he said Lim must explain if the implementation of hudud law would affect the norms and life- style in Malaysia, especially the economic, education and social system aspects.

Source: The Star

Higher Chances for Undergrads to Know Politics

Words of Vivira ~ Getting in touch with politics doesn't mean one must be directly involved in it. It allows us to open our minds to understand how it will affect the entire development of the country. Kudos to MCA Youth for advocating greater political freedom

***

Undergrads in politics

By ROY SEE WEI ZHI AND AISYAH SULAIMAN
KUALA LUMPUR
news@nst.com.my

MCA Youth has welcomed the government's move to allow undergraduates to join political parties.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the move had realised one of the Barisan Nasional coalition member's longest struggles.

"Democratic politics and its policies affect every segment of our lives, it is fitting that the brightest and youngest group of our communities are given the chance to learn more about it," he told a press conference, here yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced on Thursday that Section 15 of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) would be be amended to allow university students aged 21 and above to join political parties.

"We strongly believe in the maturity and wisdom of our undergraduates," Najib said about the move.

However, this newfound freedom has a condition: students cannot bring partisan politics into the campuses.

Wee said however cautioned that the new found freedom to join political parties must be practiced sensibly.

"We cannot have 'ceramah' in university campuses every other day, academic studies still take precedence," Wee who is also the deputy education minister, said.

Gerakan also echoed similar sentiment on the move.

Its vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said the party, through it's youth wing, had been persistent in the fight to affect the change.

"University students are the future leaders of the country, so they should be given the liberty to be involved in politics."

"We must respect their political awareness, maturity of thought and wisdom," he said in a statement.

He hoped that the Prime Minister would reconsider the decision to appeal against the Court of Appeal's judgment on the UUCA case involving four Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students.

The four students, now popularly known as the "UKM 4", were embroiled in a series of legal action after being found at Hulu Selangor during the by-election there last year, which was against the particular section of the act

Meanwhile, university student associations had assured that students were matured enough to balance their participation in politics and their academic studies.

Perak student representatives council secretary general Mohd Hafizuddin Khan Norkhan said undergraduates were capable of adapting to the culture of poli-tics.

"However, some guidelines will be needed to help students stay mindful not to get carried away," he said.

United Students chairman Akmal Saufi Mohamed Khaled said the public should be confident that students were able to navigate through the country's political environment.

"The only danger is if students cannot distinguish fact from go-ssip and get entangled in political forays. But that scenario is unlikely."

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) board of directors chairman Tan Sri Dr Wan Zahid Mohd Noordin said that the move would allow university students more room for intellectual develop-ment, but hoped that university grounds would remain politically neutral.

Source: New Straits Time

MCA Awarding RM100 to All its Older Unsung Heroes

Another good news from MCA for its elderly members, as the party will be giving a sum of RM100 to all its members aged over 60 and above.

This showed the party's appreciation for their contribution and their loyalty to the party over the last few decades since Independence.

The elderly are a great asset to the country, for they had contributed their best of youth to the development of the nation in their very own ways.

At party level, many members had not abandon the party when fingers of blame are pointed at MCA for not looking after the Chinese communities.

Having been through thick and thin with the party, the elderly members have faith in MCA that one day, the party will be revived with a new mission to serve the people with greater sincerity.

No doubt, the elderly group in the party is worthy of being rewarded. Though it is just a small sum, the appreciation the party will surely be valued by the unsung heroes from MCA all over Malaysia.

'Playing with Fire'?

By JOSEPH SIPALAN

KUALA LUMPUR - MCA Youth has warned PAS that it is treading on dangerous ground in its defense of 13 suspected Islamic militants arrested in Tawau recently.

MCA warns PAS against defending 13 suspected militants arrested under ISA

MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Chai Kim Sen said it was a worrying to see PAS Sabah commissioner Aminuddin Aling defending the suspects who are believed to be local Islamic missionaries and activists allegedly linked to terror sect Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

Coupled with PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu's alleged pro-communist speech last August, it raised the question of whether they were in contact with Islamist militant groups in neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines such as the Abu Sayyaf, who kidnapped tourists from Sipadan island in 2000, and JI, who committed the Bali bombings in 2002, Chai said.

"... it should be left to the police to decide whether the persons detained are missionaries or terrorists, based on their investigations as the police had reason to believe that Tawau was being used as their transit point for weapons from the Philippines," he said in a statement Thursday.

The 13 suspects were arrested by a Bukit Aman counter-terrorism team between Monday and Wednesday, and are believed to be detained under Section 73 of the Internal Security Act.

Aminuddin slammed the police over the arrests, demanding an explanation as to why the individuals, whom he claimed were respected Islamic missionaries and PAS members, were detained.

Chai urged PAS not to jump the gun and allow the police to complete their work.

"I hope that in the meantime PAS and its allies in Pakatan Rakyat do not politicise the issue further by making up lies and distorting the truth. The security of our country is at stake here," he said.

Source: The Star