Violet Yong

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 on SALCO

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:08:00 +0000

SALCO

Tuan Speaker,

Since so much has been said about SCORE. I wish to seek some clarification on the SCORE.

I understand that in order to lure investment to Sarawak, the government is offering, through SESCO, very cheap electricity tariffs to these companies.

However, I was told that the system costs of electricity generation and transmission is approximately RM0.20 per unit.

In one of the business news reports, it was reported that Sarawak Aluminium Company Sdn Bhd is negotiating with the Government of Sarawak for the supply of electricity at the rate of RM0.06 – RM0.08 per kWh and that they are looking at the supply of 1,400 Mega Watts. Even at that price of RM0.10 per unit, that will be approximate RM0.10 per unit (kWh) below SESCO's costs of electricity production.

At such rate, we are talking about SESCO selling to SALCO at an approximate loss of RM1 billion a year. Coincidentally, SALCO is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and CMS Berhad. Why are we selling electricity to SALCO so cheaply while other industrialists and businesses pay so dearly for electricity.

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 on Land Issue at Sejingkat/Bako

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Land Issue at Sejingkat/Bako area

If the lands in Bako area which are registered under the names of Raziah @ Rodiah Binti Mahmud (CM's sisiter) and Tommy Bin Bugo @ Hamid Bin Bugo can be free from Section 47 notification and furthermore with perpetuity term, why can't other ordinary landowners enjoy the same conditions like the Chief Minister’s sister and Tommy Bin Bugo @ Hamid Bin Bugo? Why certain people are more equal than others? We should not run the state like an “Animal Farm”.

Tuan Speaker,

The next pertinent issue I would like to voice out is Land Issue, particularly touching on Section 47 of the Land Code.

For many years, the people in Sarawak have been expressing great dissatisfaction that many lands had been imposed under Section 47of the Land Code.

As revealed by the Land and Survey Department, as at 30.4.2009, there are still 397 parcels of land in Sejingkat/Bako area which are still subject to Section 47 notification since 1974. Hence, the Section 47 notification has caused great anxiety to the landowners in Sejingkat/Bako.

Tuan, Speaker,

We know very well that Section 47 represents a clog on the land for further private development or dealings, whether by way of sale or purchase or used for purpose to obtain loan from the banks or financial institutions. What horrify the landowners now is that the BN state government uses Section 47 notification as an excuse for not renewing the terms of leases of those lands in Sejingkat/Bako which are going to expire soon. Many landowners in the area have expressed their anxiety that in view that their lands are going to expire and that the state government refuses to grant extension of the lease term of their lands due to Section 47 notices. They worry that they will lose their property and end up with nothing because the state government does not have to pay them a single cent upon the expiry of their land lease. If the BN state government is a caring government as claimed, why the government is so heartless to let the landowners go through all these agony? With Section 47 restriction against private land development or dealings, where is the justice and fairness to all these land owners?

Why do the BN Government need 35 donkey years to sleep on Section 47? Where is the promise to review Section 47 every two years? 35 years for any Section 47 notification is very unreasonable. Therefore, it is high time for the State Government to revoke Section 47 Notifications imposed on these lands.

Tuan Speaker,

We DAP are not asking the government to do away with Section 47 of the Land Code. What we propose is Section 47 of the Land Code should be amended so that all notices imposed on the land under Section 47 of the Land Code shall automatically lapse two years after its imposition if the government does not proceed with the acquisition of the affected lands within the said two years period.

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 Sitting on Penan Issue

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:01:00 +0000

1. Penan Issue

Tuan Speaker,

Let me touch on a thorny issue which is not only sensitive to the state government but also to me. I consider it sensitive as I do not want any women, be they Chinese, Malay, Dayaks, Indians or Penan to go through it. I have to fight for this injustice for all women in Malaysia.

Rape is such a degrading act against women and some never recovered from the trauma of it. The worst are those who were impregnated during the heinous act.

The NGO had been brave to highlight the issue on rape of Penan Women last year, yes, a year passed by already. What is being done? Has any rapist been arrested? Has any justice been rendered to the victims? NO! Nothing concrete has been done yet! Where is the justice for these survivors of rapes?

Tuan Speaker,

Instead of spear-heading the investigation when the rape on Penan girls and women was brought out, there was an outcry of denial from all corners as the rapists roamed the jungles free. Instead, the NGO who broke the story ended up being the guilty ones. The leaders of this land including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister II, who is also in charge of Penan Affairs and the Minister for Land Development tried to sweep the issue under the carpet with accusations of the reports as being lies, calling the Penan good storytellers and asking newspapers which blew out the issue to check their facts. The NGO were branded liars and trouble-makers.

When the Woman, Family and Community Development Department made a finding early this year and confirmed that there were indeed rape cases of Penan girls, our state leaders came out strongly against the reports stating it as doubtful. The national media who broke the story was even accused of being Saboteurs.

Our DCM II who is also in charge of the Penan Affairs, denied outright when the report first surfaced. He said he went to Baram often and never heard of any rape case there. Is it because the DCM II did not want to listen to unpleasant issues or is it that the people did not trust him enough to solve such a ‘big’ problem?

Has the DCM II, who was assigned to protect the Penans, failed in his job? Why was he so fast to deny the truth vehemently when the issue broke out?

He should be stripped off his position of Penans Affairs when he has shown no compassion to the victims but instead exhibited extreme prejudice and insensitiveness.

Tuan Speaker,

The rakyat wants an answer. Who is the BN government trying to protect? Is the BN government trying to protect the logging companies who hired these rapists?

If the Penan issue happens in another country, I believe the Ministers and those who were involved would have apologized immediately and resigned to save their reputation. But, this is Malaysia. No one with such power gripped in their fists would want to let go no matter how many mistakes they have made and how many lives have been destroyed due to their non-committal efforts in taking the people’s welfare at heart.

At the Parliament recently, despite Shahrizat having confirmed second time that the sexual assault on the Penan girls are true, did any of our state leaders accept the fact and ensure that a wrong should be set right? NO, No one from the Barisan National is interested in the Penan issue because the Penan to them is of no monetary value and the setting up of roadblocks in the interior prevented their cronies from fattening their wallets. To them, the Penan issue brought out by the NGO is something they wanted suppressed from the world. The best solution for the BN government now is how to sweep the whole thing under the carpet.

Tuan Speaker,

The police, the consortium of law enforcer should take a huge chunk of the blame in their lackadaisical attitude towards the rape issue. There were so many excuses made by the police that one wonders if they were unable to function at all. With all the reports revealed, they still failed to do anything right. First, it was alleged that the victims were unable or did not want to co-operate. The police even blamed the NGO for giving zero co-operation.

It is time the police show some empathy. For once, do something right. Don’t be used by big companies and the ruling party for their own political and financial gain. Please check your conscience and get the suspects. The timber camps have been named. What is so difficult to go to the camps and do some questioning? Don’t just be good in questioning and harassing opposition politicians only. Do something useful.

24 projects with RM80 billion investments approved in SCORE had been announced but the BN has really failed to score any marks in helping their fellow Sarawakians including the Penan when it comes to lining their pockets. It is just so pathetic.

DUN Questions for November, 2009 Sitting

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:08:00 +0000

1. Bertanya Kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

On matter relating to lands gazetted under Section 47 at Bako/Sejingkat area in Kuching :-

(a) Does the State Government have any development plan for the lands gazetted under Section 47 at Bako/Sejingkat area in Kuching? If so,:-

(i) What are the development plans and the stages of implementation of the said plans as at 30.9.2009?

(ii) Please give details of the lands (i.e. lot number, block number and acreage) that have been affected by the said development plan(s) at Bako/Sejingkat area.

(iii) What is the amount of compensation that is likely to be paid out by the state government to the land owners as a result of the acquisition of lands in part (ii) above for the purpose of the said development?

(b) Given that:-

(i) there are still 397 parcels of land in Bako/Sejingkat area that have been subject to Section 47 Land Code (Chapter 81) 1958 since year 1974;

(ii) there is no Section 48 notice issued for the said 397 parcel of lands in Bako/Sejingkat area all these years;

(iii) the state government is always entitled to re-impose Section 47 notification should the government truly required the land(s) for public purposes as and when it needs it; and

(iv) for the natural justice and fairness to the landowners of the said 397 parcels of land in Bako/Sejingkat area;

Is the state government prepared to uplift the Section 47 Notice on all the said 397 parcels of land around Bako/Sejingkat pending any concrete decision respecting any potential development at Bako/Sejingkat area by the government?

(Written Answer)

2. Bertanya Kepada YB the Minister of Infrastructure:-

The ministry concerned had informed the August House on 2.8.2006 that Jabatan Kerja Raya is bidding for the federal funds under the 9MP to upgrade Jalan Setia Raja to a six-lane road. The round about near the Rajah Court Hotel will be upgraded to a traffic signal controlled junction. And also the section of Jalan Simen Raya near CMS Factory will also be improved as part of the bridge upgrading. However, there is still no sign of progress on sites respecting the aforementioned projects since its announcement three years ago. Please state:-

(i) Whether the projects abovementioned are still in plan?

(ii) If so, please furnish details as to the stages of implementation, the commencement dates, the contract sum involved and the estimated time of completion of each project abovementioned.

(iii) The causes of delay in commencing the abovementioned projects since its announcement of more than three years ago?

(iv) If the answer in part (i) above is in the negative, why?

(Written Answer)

3. Bertanya kepada YB Minister of Industrial Development -

On the matter relating to the proposal of building a permanent wholesale market at 6^th Mile, Jalan Kuching/Serian, in the answer supplied to my question no. 3 raised in the last May, 2009 sitting, it was stated that the Majlis Perbandaran Padawan had submitted the proposal and that it was a private driven project. Please state:

(a) When and where did Majlis Perbandaran Padawan submit the proposal to?

(b) Whether the said proposal has been approved by the relevant authority? If so, when? If not, why?

(c) Why the state government who claimed to be caring to its people does not take up the initiative and responsibility to provide the basic facility to the wholesalers in Kuching by building a permanent shelter but instead leave it to the private sector to take up the project?

(Written Answer)

4. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

In replying to my question No. (6) raised in November, 2008 sitting, the relevant ministry in its written answer informed that from year 2002 until 27.10.2008, a total of 80,933 hectares of state land in Sarawak have been directly alienated to private companies. In respect thereto, please list out in table form of each alienation with details of company names, particulars of state land with lot number and acreage, the purpose of development etc. and the premium paid for.

(Written Answer)

5. Bertanya kepada YB Minister of Environment and Public Health:

On matter relating to policlinic:

(a) For years, Tanah Puteh Policlinic, Kuching is facing a major problem of frequent power trips of at least 10 times per day due undersupply of electricity power in the said clinic. Please state:-

(i) Whether the ministry is taking the necessary steps to upgrade the existing electricity power to “three phased power”?

(ii) If so, please furnish details as to when can the upgrading works be carried out, the cost involved and the time frame to have the problem fully resolved.

(iii) In the answer in part (i) is in the negative, why so?

(b) In view that the Tanah Puteh Policlinic always overcrowded with average of 400 patients daily with patients come as far as Petra Jaya and that there are only 2 doctors on duty per day to cope with the numbers:-

(i) Whether the government has plan to build more and better polyclinics in the vicinity of Bandar Kuching and or Petra Jaya constituencies to meet the needs of the growing population and improving health care for the people?

(ii) If so, what is the plan? Please furnish details including the location, size of the policlinics and/or hospitals as well as the commencement date of the project and the estimated time of completion of the project.

(iii) If not, why?

(Written Answer)

6. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister and Minister of Planning and Resource Management:-

On matter relating to the compassionate aid fund for the flood victims, the Resident office, Kuching had via its letters dated 3.8.2009 (Ref: RBK/M.37Jld.22) and 12.8.2009 (87)RBK/M.37 Jld.22) respectively informed that the names of the flood victims from Bintawa Fishing Village, Lorong 1 Bintawa Fishing Village and Kampung Kudei had been entered in their registry and also forwarded to the higher authority for consideration and approval, please state

(a) Which higher authority is processing the application?

(b) Whether the approval has been granted? If so, what is the amount approved per household and when can the money be given out to the flood victims?

(Oral Answer)

7. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister :-

As reported in the Borneo Post dated 1.8.209, the Director of MACC Sarawak has mentioned in a forum that between 2004 and 2009, MACC Sarawak had received the following corruption complaints against the respective councils/District Office:

No.	Name of the Council/District Office	Number of Complaints Received
1.	Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara	28
2.	Bau District Office	19
3.	Majlis Perbandaran Padawan	16
4.	Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan	12
5.	Sri Aman District Council	9
6.	Lubok Antu District Council	8
7.	Saratok District Council	5
8.	Betong District Council	5
9.	Lundu District Council	4
10.	Serian District Council	4
11.	Samarahan District Council	4
12.	Simunjan District Council	2

(a) What is the status of investigation and action taken by MACC sarawak against the abovementioned corruption complaints received against the respective councils/District Offices? Please provide detailed status report against each complaint received including names of the officers being investigated, the complained act of corrupt practices by the relevant officers, the date of investigation being carried out etc.

(b) Whether charges have been proffered against the relevant officers under the law?

(Written Answer)

8. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister:-

On 1.7.2008, Press Metal Berhad (“PMS”) had executed a Power Purchase Agreement with Syarikat SESCO in connection to the power supply of 600 MW for PMS’s Mukah Smelting Plant by 2010.

(a) Whether the state government is prepared to reveal the terms and conditions respecting the Power Purchase Agreement between Syarikat SESCO and PMS? If so, when can the copy of the Power Purchase Agreement be extended to all the Honourable Members of the August House? If not, why?

(b) What is the years of term and the unit rate charged per MW by Syarikat SESCO for the supply of power to PMS under the Power Purchase Agreement ?

(Written Answer)

9. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

On matter relating to development projects:-

(a) What developments and/or upgrading projects including private sector driven projects of all forms be it buildings, complexes, roads, bridges etc have been approved and carried out in the constituencies of Padungan (N.9), Pending (N.10), Batu Lintang(N.11), Kota Sentosa (N.12) and Batu Kawa (N. 13) for the years of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011?

Please state the answer in table form of each project under respective constituency with full details of name of projects, commencement date, completion date, contract sum, stages of implementation, developers’ name, contractors’ name, indicates every projects whether it is federal, state or private sector drive projects etc.

(b) What are the total amount of the state and federal allocations for development carried out or intended to be carried out in each of the constituencies of Padungan (N.9), Pending (N.10), Batu Lintang(N.11), Kota Sentosa (N.12) and Batu Kawa (N. 13) for the years of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011?

(Written Answer)

10. Bertanya kepada YB the Minister of Infrastructure:-

A collapsed jetty behind the Land and Survey Store at Jalan Simen, Pending and “Maimuna” shipwreck embedded in nipah swamp have partially narrowed a section of Sungai Apong and thus causing great obstruction to the fishing trawlers using the said river:-

(a) When will the Land and Survey Sarawak start removing the collapsed jetty as what has been told in the August House by the ministry concerned in May, 2009 sitting?

(b) What is the cause of delay for Land & Survey Sarawak to take its own sweet time for carrying out the necessary steps to remove the said obstacle?

(c) Whether the discussion between Sarawak River Board and the Department of Museum Sarawak which was supposed to be held in June, 2009 had been materialized respecting the salvage of the shipwreck? If so, what was the outcome of the discussion?

(Oral Answer)

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish!

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:41:00 +0000

The Government can afford to buy two Submarine costing RM3.4 billions ringgits but they could not afford to pay for five cans of Ridsect costing RM43.50.

I only knew how hard-up the Civil Defence is after I personally made a call to them on Thursday afternoon. The 991 cannot afford to buy Ridsect but our government can buy submarines.

It all started last Saturday when a mother from Sg. Moyan wanted to spend quality time with her brother and three children to play in the jungle near their flat. After a swarm of hornets attack them, the three children were killed while the mother is still fighting her life in the Intensive care unit. Her brother is the only lucky one who escaped the fatal attack.

This is a bitter lesson for Kuchingnites to learn. After the incident, everyone appears to be looking upward searching their areas for hornet nests. And I must say, the hornets breed fast and far.

An officer from 991 was interviewed by the media following the incident urging the public to contact the department for help if they came across any hornet nests. I was impressed by their readiness to assist the people.

Back to Thursday, I received a few phone calls on the whereabouts of the hornet nests. I called 991 to give them the information. I was surprised when I was asked to describe the size of the hornet nests. I told them I have no idea as the complainant asked me to relay the message to them. I asked if they could go and see for themselves, providing them the location for their easy reference. The officer replied that they had too many phone calls and was unable to do so. I called back to the complainant and asked him. I then called 991 again to convey the size of the hornet nest which was described as the size of a rice plate.

Then the officer of the 991 dropped the bombshell: “Can you ask the complainant to get ready a five cans of Ridsect and we will try to go tonight”. I must say I was not only taken aback but was too shock to answer him. I can only say I will convey back the message.

The reality of the situation hit me hard. If it were not a serious matter, I would be laughing away. On September 3, the first submarine arrived in Malacca Straits and Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the 2^nd one will arrive in December. He announced that in the 13th and 14^th Malaysia Plan, the Ministry will try to acquire a few more submarines.

Here we are buying submarines worth billions. And the government CANNOT AFFORD to buy a few cans of Ridsect to save the lives of Malaysians!!! And all this time, I was impressed by the news report that 991 is willing to walk the extra mile and help the people. For once, a government department had taken an extra step to help the people. How wrong and disappointed I am to learn that there is a catch there.

Why is it that the people always must bear the consequences? There are lots of hornet nests found in trees and rooftops. It is not the people who breed the hornets there.

The officer-in-charge of 991 here should get his people moving. Go down to see how large the hornet nests are when people called up. Write to your bosses to ask for funding. If the government can afford to buy submarines, I am sure they can buy you Ridsect by the dozens. The Internal security department of which 991 is under will not break its bank buying Ridsect to save people lives but with more submarines (I am still wondering what it was for, another Malaysia Boleh ego trip for the government?), tax payers money are not used wisely.

And when you service the people, please do it sincerely. Do not ask them to buy the basic necessities for you to do your job when it should be your Ministry’s responsibility to do so.

The whole incident left a sour taste thinking of the logical inefficiency of our government system. The country may have the means of saving the country from enemies invading our shores, but to destroy a few hornets nests in Kuching, it would require members of the public to purchase the means to do it.

What next – members of the public pay for the petrol in police cars when they lodge police reports? I understand this is standard practice in a neighbouring country.

Mosquitoes attack!

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Special Branch Officers

Police in full force!!

I and a group of us DAP members spent Saturday morning donating blood, not to save lives but to feed mosquitoes at Taman Emas, Mile 9, Penrissen. We from the DAP including Chong Chieng Jen decided to hold a protest in front of the company which has ‘invaded’ Taman Emas and set up roots there by dumping several spots with recycle tyres.

I am not against people doing an honest business but I do dislike those who do business at the expense of the discomfort of the people. And this is one of the cases where the people’s well being and welfare were not taken into consideration.

Two years ago, I was called by the residents there to look into their plights where a mountain of recycled tyres was dumped there. The residents were not only unhappy with the ugly tyres taking shape near their houses but the invasion of mosquitoes was too much for them to bear. They were also worried that if the tyres burned down, the air would be filled with poisonous gas.

I went there to see for myself. Then on October 2, 2007, I wrote to the Padawan municipal council, Department of Environment, Samarahan district council asking them to ensure that the company be moved to a more appropriate place. Actually, the owner had agreed to do so earlier on.

Alas, two years have gone, the tyres are still there although less, but the swarm of mosquitoes are happily making the area their residence.

We went there at 11 am and not long after that, the police arrived. Ok, they may have a job to do. I would be grateful if they were there to film the tyres or to report to the higher authority the suffering faced by the people. If only that would happen, Malaysia would have been a better place to live in.

While the residents were in the process of signing the petition letter, more police were seen to have arrived. To me, the horde of policemen appears like harassment and resulted in some of the residents were too scared to sign. There were at least a total of 5 police vehicles and about 20 policemen, which made the area looked like a place where a major crime has been committed.

One of the residents was heard complaining that in the past, when they reported cases of crime in their area, the police were either late in arriving or they would not bother. He said, “Now, we have a complaint against the company and they are so efficient to come and see what the DAP are doing here,” he said cynically.

I certainly agreed with the resident’s statement. If only the police are efficient to fight crime, solve housebreaking cases, snatching cases instead of concentrating their effort in running after opposition members, who were in fact trying sincerely to help the people.

If the authorities had acted years ago when the matter was first brought up, do you think we would have to go there today? Had the police, who were there this morning in droves, patrolled the housing areas or the city, I am sure there are less crimes happening today. Come on, you all have your priority all wrong. We were not there shouting slogans against the government; we were there to ask the authority to do something for the 100 over residents there who are afraid of getting dengue fever due to the invasion of mosquitoes.

The government spends so much money on advertisement in the electronic and printed media telling the public to be aware of dengue, keeping their house clean, changing water frequently to prevent breeding of aedes mosquitoes and here we have a classical case of mosquitos’ breeding ground, and they are all turning a blind eye!

MBKS sits on fallen tree complaint

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:25:00 +0000

Almost a year ago, I wrote to the Kuching City South (MBKS) telling them of a few trees which were leaning towards the house of a Mr. Sim at 1106, Lorong 2 Chong Kiun Kong, urging the Council to chop down the trees before further damages could be done.

I had followed up by calling the Council’s Hotline and was given the excuse that the trees are on a private land.

I suggested to the council that due to the danger the trees might pose to Mr. Sim’s house and nearby residents, I asked them to chop the trees and the expenses be billed to the land owner.

Mr. Sim and his nearby neighbours had said that if the trees were to fall on their houses and cause damages, they would sue the council.

A week ago, I received a phone call from Mr. Sim who told me that a tree had fallen near his house, while those leaning trees appeared to be getting closer to his property. And this time, I called the Hotline again, urging for immediate help before anyone gets hurt.

This morning I took time to go to Mr. Sim’s house to take a look and was dismayed to find that nothing was done. The fallen trees, the shrubs and the debris covered part of the entrance leading to Mr. Sim’s house.

I can imagine the frustration Mr. Sim and his family is feeling. To make matters worst, the footpath at the side of his house has become inaccessible.

I am dismayed at the attitude of the council. Do they want to wait until another tree falls on someone? The council is a service orientated organization who should be looking into the welfare of the people. Complaints had been made not only once, but they choose to ignore the issue.

A year has passed. The pertinent question now is to wonder whether those trees and shrubs should be allowed to grow in front of their houses. Are Mr. Sim and his neighbours too insignificant for the authorities to help them? Whatever the reason, I hope the council would do something to clear the shrubs and debris. It is unfair for Mr. Sim and the others to live in such condition which creates an unsightly image right in front of their house.

Another point I wish to bring up here is that despite having written to the council, they never even have the courtesy to reply or raise the issue for discussion. I think it is time for the Council to move forward, and the working attitude among some its staffs have to be changed. They should be more efficient and friendly.

RM300 Million DUN Complex, But People's Questions Not Answered

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:26:00 +0000

I always believed that an elected State assembly person’s job is to see that the people’s woes and queries are attended to. I am very disappointed with the Barisan Nasional State Ministers and Assistant Ministers’ attitude in how they perceived and handled issues when posed to plights brought out by the people.

During the May, 2009 Dewan sitting, I submitted 7 questions on environment issues, land issues, floods, projects and others pertaining to the people’s problem. Till now I have not received any answers. This shortcoming is not to be endured by me but also by other DAP ADUN despite our Chairman insisting and requesting for the answers to be submitted by or on August 18 last month.

This showed the lackadaisical attitude of the BN State Ministers and Assistant Ministers’ attitude who are either sitting on the problems or not showing their concern.

The State government should be serious in tackling the people’s problems and by sitting or sweeping the matter under the carpet would not solve any problem. What is the use of having RM300 million DUN complex if people's problem not attended.

Disregarding and avoiding our questions is equivalent to the Barisan Nasional’s way of putting aside the people’s problems. It is almost five months already and here you are, we are still waiting for answers.

I hope the answers would be ready soonest. If they are not forthcoming within within two weeks, we would be forced to table a motion to deduct the Ministers and Assistant ministers pay by RM10.00 in the next sitting in November.

It is shameful that the salaries of these ministers are paid by tax payers’ money and all they do is to sit on the people’s problem without taking any effort trying to solve them. Put it blantly, "makan gaji buta". And obviously, "Malaysia Boleh"!

Turtle Eggs Again !!

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:48:00 +0000

Sarawak Wildlife Controller, Datu Haji Len Talif Salleh told reporters in a function at a hotel on Thursday that enforcement against illegal activities involving wildlife could be enhanced if local authorities like DBKU or MBKS could take part in the programme of Honorary Wildlife Ranger.

He even admitted that illegal trading of wildlife was still rampant in the State especially that of wild boar and turtle eggs.

I am utterly amazed that Len Talif could utter such statement after the unsuccessful case or was it a close case involving police senior officers and personnel who openly and blatantly consumed turtle eggs on a Saturday night on February 28 this year in Batu Kawa General Operation Force camp.

Despite the news appearing on Borneo Post front page with combo pictures shown of the turtle eggs on March 2, there was silence from the senior police officers. I lodged a police report on March 5; again the silence was deafening.

There was no comment from the police or Len Talif’s SFC until now. When reporters asked Len Talif then, he could only say investigation is going on. Even in the DUN when I brought up the issue, I was told that there was insufficient evidence!

Insufficient evidence even with photos shown? Why was it that Len Talif did not dare reveal the statistic of the turtle eggs seized and the number of people arrested and prosecuted? Was it because the figure was too little to be highlighted? Or were the turtle eggs consumed by an elite group, and the authority had to turn a blind eye? Or was it only Tom, Dick and Harry who consume such illegal delicacies would face the music and the number was too small.

The police is a uniformed body. They should uphold the laws and not break them. From that incidence, the people have lost faith in the already eroding confidence of the police. By not taking action, a lot of people have come to the conclusion that there are two sets of laws, in Sarawak, one for the high and mighty, the authorities who would escape from Gods know what laws they could break, and another for ordinary people like you and me.

I always wonder how the policemen would react if they see people selling turtle eggs. Will they arrest the people and have them told that the police had too consume the turtle eggs and no one was charged? How are they going to uphold the laws when they themselves broke it in the first place? The public will ridicule them. I know not all policemen consumed turtle eggs but some of those at the dinner are senior personnel in the police force. Why was it that none of them mentioned to the host of the dinner that it was illegal to consume turtle eggs. And please, don’t plead ignorance of the law; the court will not accept that as mitigation or evidence.

All marine turtle species are categorized as Totally Protected Animals under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 but this was disregarded by the authority. So I think Len Talif should stop talking on rampant illegal consumption of protected species. You have a case right under your nose but it was put aside just because the offenders are the police. What a joke!

国阵内部朋党操作人联青噤若寒蝉

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:17:00 +0000

砂拉越人联党青年团日前通过报章向林冠英抛出10项问题让我感到费解，尤其是其中有关行动党南区家族政治的问题，更是令我感到莫名其妙。

我们民主行动党行事透明，施政方针以民为本，绝对经得起任何质问。因此，前晚行动党在石角新农屋所举办的“冠英与你有约”的晚宴上，坦然开放宴会现场和群众交流，接受人民的审问。

行动党以如此别开生面的方式组办这次的晚宴主要是希望能以身作则，开创民主政治的新风气。而且，在行动党的场地质问很安全，可保证绝对不会发生类似赵明福的事件，人联青不用畏缩害怕。但令人费解的是，我们的晚宴时在7月30日举办，人联青却在31日等冠英离开砂州之後，才在报章上刊登那10大问题？

人联青不只没有胆量出席行动党的晚宴当面质问林冠英，连在报章上质问林冠英的胆量也没有。不然的话，为何要等到晚宴过后，冠英离开古晋之后才刊登他们的10大问题。

从人联青的10大问题，我们可以看出人联青似乎非常在意行动党在南砂有家族政治成分的存在，因此一而再，再而三的提醒人民注意，甚至还要告到火箭中央指南砂的行动党领袖的家族成员和公司职员都参与党的工作，掌管要职。

对此，我非常感谢人联青提出这课题，让人民有机会了解火箭的领袖是如何为民主事业，慷慨地付出。因为，参与民主行动党政治工作的的家族，只有付出和牺牲的份儿，有别于国阵的家族政治。国阵的家族政治是在瓜分国家资源，剥削民脂民膏。

在今天的马来西亚，到处都是贪污滥权的阴影，赵明福便是死在滥权的魔掌下。试想在金钱挂帅的今时今日，有几个人愿意献身反对党的政治工作，去得罪权贵、面对强权的镇压与刁难、面对被控与可能坐牢的困境，甚致连住家也遭丢汽油弹的後果？

砂州行动党的元老们如林源新同志，张守江同志和我的父亲杨景美；西马行动党如最高领袖林吉祥同志，陈胜尧同志，卡巴星同志，还有其他州级领袖都以身作则，带动家属、投身反对党政治斗争，不惧坐牢的折磨，不计个人得失。

在东马，张守江同志，在众人不看好的情况下，把行动党带进砂州，虽然7次饮恨沙场，30多年来，始终不屈不饶，一路来都在为党招收新血，甚致把他自己的律师楼用来培养党年轻战将的场所，让自已的员工把时间用在为人民服务，为民主斗争。这是对民主进程中的一种承担，是一种付出！这一切的一切，与人联青所想像的家族政治掌控、瓜分国家财富根本是不同的两码事。

我本身也可以说是砂州行动党的第二代。我父亲在早期80年代入党，我是21世纪入党。到今天，我父亲仍然非常活跃于党务，也每次都有出席党会议，参与支部的决策。

人联青应该担心的是，国阵的领袖中现有的家族政治如何掌控政府工程，瓜分国家资源及侵犯人民的土地产权，如何滥用国家公款，导致国库空虚，使到许多急需的基本设施都无法兑现，人民已怨声载道。

人联青应该勇敢地针讨这种国阵内部的家族政治加以指责，为民伸冤。但令人失望的是，人联青对国阵内部的裙带朋党操作，噤若寒蝉，不敢出声。反而将矛头对准献身民主斗争的家族，横加数落、肆意抹黑。

在东西马行动党的政治团队里，不乏夫妻搭挡、父子兵、兄弟情，但我们处事光明磊落，在执政的州属，施政以民为本，双手不沾民脂民膏，万民爱载。林冠英就是最好的例子。

我想，人联青可能是在国阵裙带朋党风的熏淘下，满脑子充塞着掌控权力就是有经济利益的幻梦，所以就以小人之心度君子之腹，以为行动党执政也会像国阵那样，执政为了掌控瓜分国家经济利益。

人联青智商表现如此差劲，不辨是非、不明黑白，从政完全没有理念为基础，把权力相等于个人经济利益。由此看来，人联青顶多也只能当土保党的点头随从。

马来西亚庆幸有这些行动党领袖的几个家族，能在恶劣的政治环境中，不屈不饶地领导民主斗争。这些家族同仁，历尽强权政敌的逼害、抹黑、恐吓。没有他们的付出，哪有今天行动党的壮大，那有今天出现了两线制的雏形？

Why no action by MACC against MPP?

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0000

As I browse through the local papers, a headline in the Borneo Post screamed "Delays make MPP (Padawan Municipal council) seem corrupted: MACC".

According to the complaints lodged at the MACC, the director has mentioned in a forum that 16 complaints have been made against MPP since 2004. That was five years ago and what has the MACC done about these complaints? Wait for another five years to let the MPP know about it in a forum?

Again, it appears that the MACC does not take seriously the complaints lodged against a government department. Why is there a double standard apply when it comes to probe BN government department? The complaints were made by members of the public who claimed that the council failed to take appropriate action against illegal hawkers, turned a blind eye to illegal extension, allowing premises which was not suitable to be used for karaoke and awarding contracts to the same friends, families and cronies. The list goes on.

After Teoh Beng Hock's sad episode, people have doubts on the effiiciency of the MACC and the baised attitude against the Pakatan Rakyat. Now, I want to see what the MACC is going to do next on the complaints. Sweep under the carpet again or are they going to call in the relevant staff of the MPP concerned.

Chairman of the council, Tan Joo Phoi should come out and do something about it. If what is alleged is not true, then he should produce proof to those who have made complaints against the council. If it were true, he should bring the culprits to book.

Corruption is Malaysia Public Enemy No 1. It is time for the MACC to do their job without fear or favour. It is time for them to regain public confidence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MACC must probed MPP, Violet

Source: http://www.sarawakupdate.com.my/

A report in the Borneo Post today “Delays make MPP seem corrupted: MACC” is a serious allegation as it claimed that there were 16 complaints made on the Padawan municipal council by members of the public from 2004 to 2009.

State Assemblywoman for Pending, Violet Yong said this afternoon at a press conference that among the complaints spelled out by the MACC included lack of law enforcement against illegal hawkers, delays in renewing hawkers licences, allowing building renovations without council approval, awarding contracts to the same people, either friends, families or cronies. Other complaints inlcuded allowing illegal extension, approving karaoke centres in unsuitable premises.

Yong pointed out that it was a serious matter that the MACC should look into and investigate thoroughly. She said the MACC should take this opportunity to ensure that they conduct an investigation without fear or favour after what has happened to Teoh Bang Hock investigation in West Malaysia which caused a huge uproar. Teoh was found dead after being questioned by the MACC.

Calling for no stones left unturned, Yong said MACC should not close an eye on the allegation made which was announced by them in a forum on Friday.

“The officers involved should be questioned and corruption being Malaysia Enemy No 1, MACC should not be seen to do a job instead of sweeping everything under the carpet,” she added.

Yong said the Chairman of the council, Tan Joo Phoi should also come out to give a statement on the issue and owed the people an explanation on what is happening in his council.

“If it were really just allegation, bring the proof to show the people. You just cannot say it is allegation and then sweep all the dirt under the carpet,” she added.

Three Fires in 2 months at Bintawa Hawker Food Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:30:00 +0000

I received a call at 1 am. At that hour, there is bound to be bad news. This morning, I called back the number and was told that the Bintawa Hawker Food Centre is on fire again-3^rd time in two months’ time.

As I had appointments in the morning, I went through my lunch break at a fast speed to find time to see what assistance I could rendered.

When I walked towards the stall, I heard a loud voice shouting to another, “Your daughter is here.” I cant help but smile. The Bintawa folks are a loud and jolly lot. They are not only friendly when you get to know them but they can be very helpful too.

Even the owner of the stall where the fire started tried to be smile. I listened to their problems, the back of the shop was set fire at 12.20 am and luckily, a group of people who knew them alerted them before putting out the fire.

A broken down refrigerator was burned, part of the walls and the canvas that hung from the ceiling. If the fire was not seen or put out on time, I dread to think of the consequences.

I look at the owner’s face. She is worried but she tried not to show it. Despite what has happened, she did not want to accuse anyone without evidences although she believed that someone have purposely done it. 3 times at different shops within two months. The message is all too clear to see, someone wanted to burn the place down.

These are simple folks, trying to earn an honest living. It is not an easy job. And if the place were to be burned, what are they going to do.

The place is under the MBKS. I hope the good Mayor will have a sentry send to the place to ensure that the place will not be burned. There is a police station nearby. The police should patrol the area more often.

I told them the lot (by then, a group has gathered) that I will be writing to the Mayor to see that something is done to ease their worries. And I hope the police would be able to catch the culprits if they patrol the place more often. Security is what these people need. Earning a living for them is already hard enough and to have this threat of the place burned down hovering over their heads is certainly not fair.

SUPP is Irrelevant

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:59:00 +0000

It did not take the DAP long to prove to the people that SUPP is an irrelevant party which has now shriveled to a wimp within the Barisan Nasional component party.

After over two decades of empty promises, Sg. Apong Baru residents had now seen the beginning of a concrete drain taking over their earth drain which was infested with mosquitoes, clogs and foul smell.

SUPP candidates had for many elections stood near the drains using it as a political means to lure voters. In the beginning, the drain is almost an ‘asset’ to their political campaign. During the last state election, the SUPP candidate, Sim Kheng Hui again stood over the drain. This time, the residents were fed up with their empty promises.

Besides having assistant ministers, DCM and even a Mayor (then Chan Seng Khai), the SUPP had failed the people miserably by not even giving a proper drainage system to the people of Sg. Apong. Baru They are part of the government and they cannot even deliver that for the past 2 decades.

It was not easy for me too. When I was elected in, I spoke on the issue in the Dewan for five times. I collected petition from the residents and forwarded it to the late Mayor Chong Ted Tsuing. I met with the present Mayor James Chan who was very open about the whole thing. I continue to bring up the topic for the sake of the people of Sg. Apong Baru.

Today, their dreams have come true. Why? Because they dare to make a change. They make a change of switching from SUPP to DAP. I always believed that development, including education, is the government’s business. On our part, we provide a check and balance within the framework of the state legal and government system.

Back to the drains, I learned that the drains would be done in phases. At least there is a start. I should credit Mayor James Chan for his receptive towards our views even from the opposition and reasoning for the people.

Again, it proved one thing. Mayor James Chan is non political. For a Mayor to perform his best, he should not be in any political party.

My only wish for the people of Sg. Apong Baru is that the project would be completed soon.

It should not remain an empty promise.

YB Tan Joo Phoi of SUPP, where are you hiding?

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

I received an email from a 3rd Mile resident to YB Tan Joo Phoi.

Hoping that through this email, the local authorities as well as the relevant ministry can take immediate steps to improve the horrible condition of the 3rd Mile traffic light junction before more lives are taken away.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My beloved dad and the State Assemblyman Mr Tan Joo Pooi, that let Batu Kawa, Kuching down.

23rd May 2009 will be etched in my memory forever.

Having received a tearful call from my sister in Malaysia, asking that we return soonest as dad was involved in a car accident, I stumbled out of bed, called mum, called my uncle but to no avail. Not quite grasping the extent of how my life will forever be changed, I racked my brains for the easiest way to get flight tickets on a Saturday morning.

The next shrill ring from my mobile delivered the blow……dad had died, dad is gone. Forever gone……but why? how? Dad had been walking that route daily for the past 10 years……I had so many questions…….No one should have to receive such a cruel call……no one should have to die the way that dad died – a tragic road accident where dad was a pedestrian hit by a car, his head and limbs damaged from the impact.

The hours that followed that earth-shattering phone call went by in a blur……the long emotionally arduous journey back to my childhood home will now always be marred with a tinge of sadness, a tinge of anger…..anger at the state that had let me down. A place where I worked hard, paid my taxes dutifully, even defended the need for everyone to be honest about their taxes as I wanted to see my beloved state progress…..now I realize, this was but, a misappropriated love.

The subsequent days passed by with us siblings and mum in a grief-stricken daze going through the motions, struggling to say our goodbyes to dad, questioning the cruel deal that was dealt to dad and us, questioning why such an young driver, who was reported shy of 18 years young, had to be so careless….perhaps he will live with the guilt of killing one man, but I wonder whether he comprehends in his young mind that he has robbed a wife of a life-long companion of more than 40 years, he has robbed a family of a dad, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, so suddenly, so prematurely …..we will never be able to share our big moments with dad around, our hearts will always break a little every time we return to our childhood home……..my view of the State Assemblyman representing 3rd mile area in Kuching, Mr Tan Joo Pooi is also enlightened.

Days later, I found out that dad’s accident was the second case in a similar spot at the 3rd mile bazaar traffic lights. A similar tragedy occurred a year ago to another elderly man.

State Assemblyman, Mr. Tan Joo Pooi, where are in you in all this?

• Have you ensure that the roads designed such that the driver’s tendency to over-speed to make a green light is avoided? Where are the surveillance cameras like those in KL, where are the police enforcement? Where are the stiffer penalties?

• What have you done to encourage pedestrians which can decongest the horrific traffic conditions & parking at 3rd mile?

• Are the timers for pedestrians adequate to allow a safe crossing, including the slower elderly folk?

I am reminded yet again; this is the 2nd fatality in a span of 1 year! Get out from your cosy cocoon, Mr Tan Joo Pooi! As the location where dad was knocked down was not new, what have you, Mr Tan Joo Pooi as the representative for this area done since last year? What have you tried to do for people in Batu Kawa & 3rd Mile Kuching?

• Mr Tan Joo Pooi, is it just a statistic for you? Is it easier just say it’s futile to improve as people will not adopt the improvements suggested? Are you, as a politician, not in a position to educate, to inculcate, to influence? If you, Mr. Tan are as passive, helpless and useless as you seem to be, then woe is our area and all areas represented by state assemblymen with traits like yours. You have abused the social responsibility entrusted to you. You need to step aside till a suitable replacement is found.

• Mr Tan Joo Pooi, act before the next fatality!

• Are the sacrifices of the elderly, immaterial when they reach their golden years? Are they not worth your time and effort to improve the situation as an area becomes more congested and chaotic as 3rd mile has over the years? Where are the funds accumulated from taxes used in the country? How many more lives need to be destroyed before you wake up to improve the situation at 3rd mile bazaar?

As I spent my time leafing through the local papers, I see the government willing to spend money to bring back fallen heroes from abroad – very noble gesture indeed, but what about a bountiful service to the living? I drive past the beautiful new golden DUN building (Kuching, Sarawak) and I balk at the costs incurred - what about spending money for improvement of lives of the general wider public who contributed so much to enable such exorbitant amounts to be spent by the ruling government for a lifeless building benefiting a few elites for perhaps no more than 1 month in a year.

I also plead fellow Sarawakians to wake up and start aggressively voting uncaring, useless YB’s and politicians out of office the next time round. Perhaps this is the only way for any wisdom to ever permeate and prevail among some of the current echelons of power. YBs, you are voted by people and are entrusted to take care of the public’s welfare. Your powers come from people, as such, from the people, to the people.

So Sarawakians, I urge you, come alive! These BN/SUPP YBs or leaders, should have people's interests in their heart, and look into whatever complaints seriously, take immediate actions to prevent the same thing from occurring in future, not to brush aside people's voices / complaints lightly. Accidents do happen, but tragedy can always be avoided if they would have taken precautions after the 1st accident which happened there. I understand that Dato Alfred Yap (ex-Supp YB and ex-Sarawak cabinet assistant minister) living nearby Batu Kawa area had at once received complaints from the people year ago about the traffic situation at 3rd mile area, but he ignored it.

I miss dad terribly, I still half expect him to walk in the door returning from his favourite past-time, chit-chatting with his coffee buddies at 3rd mile or to come into our childhood home from tending his garden. I still wish this was a bad nightmare I could wake up from……if nothing, I hope our loss, our dad’s life would count for a beginning of a revival of our land, our government and Sarawakians in speaking-up.

We chant Sarawak boleh!, Malaysia boleh!, Mr Tan Joo Pooi, let’s proudly boleh for something that is beneficial and positively life-changing for the wider general public at 3rd mile Kuching for a change!

Disgusted.
3rd Mile, Batu Kawa, Kuching

Where is the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge?

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:19:00 +0000

This morning, I went down with a young woman to view a traffic light junction at Mile 3 (in front of Sunny Hill School) who has lost her father on May 23 this year in a fatal accident.

The girl is still in mourning when she told me the story of her father being knocked down by a high speed Proton Waja as she was very close with her father. Stating her father’s death as senseless, she believed that if the overhead bridge was reconstruct back after the flyover was done, her father would still be with her today.

I learned that two deaths had occurred there. And there was a recent accident where a pedestrian was badly hurt. Doesn’t the authority think that it was time to do something about it or they want more death to occur there?

It takes a lot of courage to go back to the site where her father lay dead after a car crashed into him when he was crossing the road in the early morning to have breakfast with friends. It was the old man’s favourite habit in the morning.

The residents staying nearby Sunny Hill school ever went to see a SUPP leader to request that something should be done to improve the condition, the SUPP leader said there was already a pedestrian walk and that there was not much the party can do. What sort of person would say that? SUPP leaders are very good at playing "TAI CHI" when confronting with people's problems.

I get so upset when inefficiency or the cries of help went unheard by politicians in Barisan Nasional. Yes, there was an overhead bridge before the third mile flyover was built. Where is the overhead bridge after the flyover was done?

A faded pedestrian walk with a short timing was placed in front of the traffic light junction. Imagine an old man trying to run across the pedestrian walk at the busy road junction. Many of the times, the vehicles that travel from Batu Kawa towards Kuching direction drive in a very high speed. Speed breakers should be placed to tackle the problem.

The authority must not forget that there is a vast housing area behind the Sunny Hill School and almost everyone used the junction to cross the road to go to the market on the other side. The parking is always full there and residents tend to park their vehicles at homes and prefer to walk across the road.

I am writing this in the hope that the relevant authority would do something positive before more lives are lost.

Chong's house got thrown with Molotov Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:59:00 +0000

My peaceful drive to work this morning was shattered by a call from one of my comrades, MP Chong Chieng Jen, who told me that Molotov cocktails were thrown at his house at Central Road.

Risking a speeding ticket from the neighbourhood friendly policeman, I drove at neck breaking speed and finally arrived in one piece at Chong’s house at 7.55 am. The police were already there, and I feared for the worst. After a while though, I found that the men in blue did not do anything which appeared constructive to me, but instead only asked Chong to lodge a report at One Stop Police Station, Simpang Tiga.

Going round the house compound, I noticed a burned potted plant near the entrance door and splash of what smells like kerosene splattered on the floor, which was littered with broken glass. There was also two broken bottles near the window and door on the other side of the house. It looks like the perpetrators who used the Molotov cocktail were planning on imposing maximum damage as the other bottle appeared to be aimed at the other side of the door. I am relief that no one was hurt in the melee.

I am sad and angry of the whole incident if, suspicious as it appears, the dastardly act was perpetrated by a political rival. To resort to such tactics is just like hitting below the belt and this is the first time it has happened to a Sarawak DAP politician.

If indeed it was the SUPP, our arch political rival, going to such extend, I am sorry to think that they had to stoop so low and take such desperate measures.

As a politician, I believe that all our “fighting” are to be done in a gentleman way. We are supposed to fight for the rights of the people who elected us in the first place.

If it is true that this dastardly action has been originated and planned by our political rivals, then let the people decide who they want at the ballot boxes in the next election.

I hope that the SUPP would be gentlemen enough to do things through legal means and avoid such unwanted actions. Instead they should concentrate on trying to serve the people by improving their lives. That way, they would still have voters on their side.

I also called on the police to improve the security in the state. If the police have been doing what they were supposed to and take action in fighting crimes, such tactics would not be used to intimidate politicians.

Trying to burn down a politician’s house is really the lowest of the low tactic to be considered.

国阵拒承认统考文凭及拨款独中人联应退出国阵

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:30:00 +0000

针对副首相慕尤丁否决国内七大华团要求承认独中统考文凭及拨款资助独中发展的建议，民主行动党深感遗憾。

华文独中多年来为我国教育的贡献及我国培育许多人才是有目共睹的，然而，国阵政府却无视华文独中的贡献，拒绝承认统考文凭及拨款资助独中，令华社感到无比痛心。

令人感到遗憾的是，期盼政府承认统考文凭及拨款资助独中乃全国华社多年来的心愿，然而，作为国阵政府第二把交椅的副首相在粉粹了华社心愿后，却还声称华团领袖似乎认同政府的这项立场。

这显示了国阵政府根本不知道华社和华团到底需要什么，而且也抹煞了华文独中多年来对我国的贡献。

这种把华文独中教育排挤在我国教育主流之外的做法，也显示了首相纳吉的“一个马来西亚”的理念其实不过是一项空谈。

人联党向来都强调参政的重要，然而，今次副首相当面否决了华团的这两项要求，再次显示了人联党在国阵中只是参政不参权。

我们挑战人联党就有关事件退出国阵，以示人联党向来强调与华社同在的真诚。

显然的，国阵政府再次伤害了华社的心。人联党既然声称与华社同在，就应该勇敢的退出国阵，给华社一个明确的交代。

Durian Party

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:38:00 +0000

Over the weekend, I had a fun time with my comrades in West Malaysia. We had a durian session at YB Teresa's home.

Our state chairman, Ho Leng likes durian a lot. He insisted that we must have durian after our heavy dinner at the Palace of the Golden Horse. To be frank, I am a durian fan too.

Never in my life to have the accompany of the Chief Minister while enjoying durian. Yummmm............

My Speech in DUN - Compassionate Aid Fund for Flood Victims

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:09:00 +0000

Tuan Speaker,

Flood victims，despite the dry weather， is still reeling from the losses they suffered. Due to endless bureaucracy and red tape, the meager amount as promised by the BN government was still not received by a number of victims. Out of the total of 43 families who have yet to receive the monetary aid, 23 families are from Kampung Desa Ria (Lorong 3 of Desa Wira), 17 families from Desa Wira Resettlement Scheme, 1 family each from Taman Lovelyland, Jalan Sg. Tapang and Batu Kawa Resettlement Scheme. All the names list have been duly submitted to the Resident Office, the State Welfare Department and Kuching District Office. I had also extended a copy of the name list to the State Secretary Office.

Despite my numerous letters on matter relating to compassionate aid funds for the flood victims addressed to the Resident Office Kuching, the State Welfare department and Kuching District Office, I do not receive any reply from the three departments. I am disappointed with such attitude of the government departments. It appears that government departments seldom or seems reluctant to reply queries made either by opposition or individual. Is it because we are not in the government so we are seen to be transparent and there is no need to accord us with basic courtesy? Such attitude makes me wonder if the recent new branding of the state civil service with a new motto “An Honour to Serve” is only an empty slogan put up for show to satisfy own ego.

I however, received replies from the State Secretary Office and although I am not satisfied with the contents, at least I know where the flood victims stand.

Tuan Speaker,

It is the government who should provide the aid to the flood victims. The ruling party’s responsibility is to take care of the people’s welfare as best as it can while the opposition ensures a ‘check and balance’ for the people. This is a universal understanding. So, when the Chief Minister made a sweeping statement that Opposition prefers to lookand see and then make criticisms instead of lending a helping hand,” that was totally uncalled for.

This is also disheartening that the Chief Minister who is in control of all the government resources to expect the opposition party to hand out money to the people when it is the ruling party’s job. “If we DAP and PKR are in power today in Sarawak, then I will say it is our duty to ensure that substantial amount of financial aid will be given to not only flood victims but to improve their lives of all the poor.”
Welfare for the people of Sarawak including the recent flood victims should not be brushed aside and to be told that opposition could only criticize. This is surely a statement made by a rookie politician and certainly should not from the chief minister himself who had been in the governing party for decades.

Look at some of the flood victims whose only properties like houses, values which were destroyed by flood, were given a meager RM300 or RM500 and still the money was delayed until today. Why should the flood money be turned into a political stunt by the BN? The people need help. There is no need to announce the money a few times and then delay it when the people need it most. What a mockery of the government delivery system.

And yet, The Resident office, The District office and the Welfare department demanded for names and details of the flood victims to be filled up for verification so that alms will be given to them. What a waste of time for these folks who has to go through the hassle but ended up waiting for months. Is helping the needy such a tedious job that reimbursing a few hundred ringgits need months to handle? I think it is time the government should realize that the government money is actually the people’s money. Please give back to the people what they deserved now and should not use everything as a political mileage for the BN.

My Speech in DUN - Illegal Logging

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Tuan Speaker,

At the previous sitting of this august House in November 2008, I raised the issue of the Indonesian Government’s complaints of that country’s illegal timber being smuggled across the border from West Kalimantan into Sarawak through Sematan port.

Earlier in March 2008 Indonesia Metro TV produced a three-part series, based on interviews and on-the-spot filming, on the illegal timber trade which could be watched on YouTube in a programme called ‘Illegal Logging in Ketapang, Kalbar (West Kalimantan). The well-documented reports implicated Harwood Timber, a Sarawak government agency-owned company, as well as a top Sarawak Government leader.

The following month, in April of last year, an Indonesian blogspot Batak Monarchies in an article under the heading ‘Fight Against Illegal Logging! Fight for The Truth!’ again the same top Sarawak Government leader’s name was implicated in the illegal Indonesian timber trade across the border.

The West Kalimantan daily Tribune Pontianak followed it up with its own investigative report published on the front page of its August 14, 2008 edition, highlighting the same problems of illegal Indonesian timber being smuggled into Sarawak. It traced the route the illegal trade took from the protected forests in Katapang to Sematan by boats and again mentioned Harwood Timber’s name. This time, it also implicated the name of ‘Gubernur Sarawak Taib Mahmud.’ Taib Mahmud is, of course, the name of the YAB Chief Minister of Sarawak.

The report further said the Indonesian illegal timber was exported to Sarawak for the purpose of re-export to North Asian countries as legal timber from Sarawak. This implies that Sarawak was being used as a conduit for the export of illegal and/or smuggled timber from a third country, and in this case Indonesia. It was and is a serious allegation that must be answered by the authorities in Sarawak.

Tuan Speaker,

I raised this issue in the first place due to several concerns for Sarawak. First, the Indonesian media reports had implicated the names of a Sarawak government agency-owned company, namely Harwood Timber. Also, the name and reputation of our Chief Minister had been dragged into this somewhat unsavoury state of affairs. Secondly, if no action was taken to explain or clarify the matter, it could and would harm the good name and reputation of Sarawak timber overseas, particularly among the European Union countries which are now gravely concerned about timber coming from illegal sources (which includes logging areas where the rights of indigenous groups have been violated).

Unfortunately, despite all such negative reporting overseas, the Second Minister of Resource Planning and Management, chose to shut his eyes to these reportings. In his winding-up speech on November 10, 2008, he had this to say and I quote:-

“ ….However, let me say, categorically, the State Government has never received any official complaint from the Indonesian authorities pertaining to alleged export of illegal timber from Indonesian to Sarawak. As such we ought not to accept what had been alleged in the Indonesian newspaper to be true. “

I have in possession a copy of a letter dated October 29, 2008 from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia addressed to the General Manager Len Talif Salleh of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), making an official complaint about illegal Indonesian timber called batak timbers being supplied to Sematan port without any valid legal documents and seeking the Sarawak Government’s co-operation to put an end to such activities. Is this not official complaint?

The letter was copied to the Minister who is also Chairman of STIDC as well as to Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Nor, the Executive Chairman of Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd and was dated October 29, 2008, almost a fortnight before his winding-up speech in this August House. Was that not official complaint from Indonesian Authorities? Apart from extending letter, I was also told that there was meeting held with STIDC before the last Dewan Sitting to discuss on the issue.

Tuan Speaker,

According to the Indonesian Consulate General, the smuggling of batak timbers had become a matter of ‘serious concern’ as there were still on-going activities of supplying Indonesian illegal timber to Sematan port that is under Harwood Timber management.

The illegal timber, cut in the form of squares (batak), was supplied by several small boats/ships from Indonesia region of Sambas (Paloh and Temajuk) to the Sematan port, namely by KM Citra, KM Mahkota, KM Mustika, KM Hatadi, KM Ciitra Usaha, KM Pantai Mas, KM Putra Darma, KM Sinar Fajar, KM Sri Mulya, KM Impian Lindo, and KM Marcopolo.

The Consulate General believed that the batak timbers that have been supplied to Sematan Port were illegal timbers without any valid legal documents and thus sought the co-operation of the authorities in Sarawak to assist the Indonesian Government ‘to fight the illegal timber activities by not receiving any more the illegal timber into Sarawak’ and to ‘discourage and slow down the illegal timber trade activities between Indonesia and Sarawak.’

Tuan Speaker,

I wonder why the Honourable Minister claimed that there is no official complaint from the Indonesian authorities?

With the letter as clear proof and evidence of the Indonesian government’s official complaint to the Sarawak government about the smuggling of illegal Indonesian timber into Sarawak, how is the Minister going to explain to the Indonesian authorities now? How will the Minister justify the answer that he gave us in this August House in the last November, 2008 sitting?

Was the Minister hoping that by denying there was any smuggling of illegal Indonesian timber into Sarawak the matter would eventually die down and be forgotten? I do not think it is that simple because this involves a foreign country.

The Barisan Nasional State Government and the STIDC and the subsidiary company Harwood Timber Sdn. Bhd. have brought shame and embarrassment to Sarawak and they are not even bothered by the widespread allegations made in the Indonesian and foreign media about their alleged involvement in the illegal timber trade.

Tuan Speaker,

The BN State Government has always pride itself as being a government with far vision and a macro perspective of things. Why is such a vision not present in the timber field? In the short term, our state may benefit from such illegal timber smuggling activities, but in the long term we will lose out:-

1) Firstly, we are not qualified for EU certification. And I believe, soon Japan which is one of the largest importers of our timber products will likely to follow suit. If this happen, it will be disastrous to our state’s timber industry.

2) Secondly, illegal timber smuggling activities breed gangsterism. With the thriving of such activities, gangsterism will surely be more rampant.

3) Thirdly, the excessive illegal logging activities in Indonesia will have a negative environmental impact on our State. The whole world is moving towards preserving rainforests and here, our state government’s agency is seen to become a culprit in destroying rainforest by encouraging illegal logging.

4) Fourthly, I believe such illegal smuggling authority will strain the relationship between our state and Indonesia and we might be seen as unco-operative neighbours or worse.

Tuan Speaker,

We must come down hard on the smugglers on both sides of Indonesia and Malaysia.
The BN state government must assure the world publicly that we no longer condone or tolerate such activities in the future through action rather than empty talks only.
4.Wholesale Market

Tuan Speaker,

Vegetable wholesalers in Kuching which was deprived of a proper trading place for the last two decades yearned for a proper and permanent shelter so that they could trade with dignity and peace. Previously, they traded at Gambier Street and is now housed temporarily at the open car park lots at MBK Stutong Community Market.

During the rainy season, this group of wholesaler can forget about doing business as not only would be they soaked through the skin, there would hardly be any customer who would want to shop in raining open space.

I wanted to remind the State government that despite promises made to build a wholesaler market at Mile 6, Kuching Serian Road, the market has yet to see the light of day. Is this another BN government promise made during election and later to be broken after the election is over?

In my view, the requests from the vegetable wholesalers are not over demanding. And yet, their needs and demands have not been taken seriously by the BN Government. To put it bluntly, the BN government are hopeless, insincere, selfish and uncaring towards the grouses and needs of the people.

Tuan Speaker,

Due to rapid urbanization of Kuching city, it is imperative now for the BN state government to build a reasonable size of wholesale market. Why does the BN government always give empty promises? Do you think that the people can be easily fooled around by the sweet talks of the BN leaders? As the saying goes, “You can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time”.

The only request from the wholesalers is to have a proper and decent place to trade. Life is hard already and it is the duty and the responsibility of the Government to help these groups of people to earn a decent living in decent condition. Bearing in mind, the wholesalers do not have the same golden rice bowl like all of you sitting in here.

I hope that the BN government could be sincere in their promises. The BN government should seriously put their promises into action by coming out with the detailed plan to build wholesale markets in all major cities in Sarawak without further delay. Do not make the people wait in vain. I hope that the relevant ministry in charge could enlighten this August house on the status of progress of the project in the ministerial winding up speech.

My Speech in DUN - Turtle Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:28:00 +0000

Tuan Speaker,

I would like to bring to your attention that despite lodging a police report on March 4, 2009 at the Simpang Tiga One Stop police station on law enforcers from Bukit Aman and Sarawak police taking forbidden turtle eggs, nothing was being done about the issue.

“This matter is of international interest as law enforcers from both Bukit Aman and Sarawak police were caught with their pants down serving an illegal delicacy, turtle eggs, during one of their official dinner functions on February 28, 2009 at Batu Kawa. So far, there has been an eerie silence on the issue, both from the police and Sarawak Forestry Corporation, (SFC), the keeper of Wildlife protection on the matter.

Tuan Speaker,

What irks me most is “Not only was I approached a couple of times by so-call friends of the police to keep the matter on the lid, I was even asked if I want to meet the police to discuss the matter. This was done maybe to induce me or to threaten me to zip my lips”.

“One of them said he is a friend of the police and that he wanted to arrange for me to meet the police concerned to put an end to the issue. I was even told that the whole issue was the work of some police who wanted to bring down the host of the dinner by planting the turtle eggs on the table that night. And that some officers from West Malaysia did not even know that what was being served were turtle eggs. It just gets more and more ridiculous after each excuses”.

“Keep quiet, I will not. Why should there be a double standard for the very institution that is tasked to protect and uphold the law. Whenever the public was caught with turtle eggs by the police, they were expediently charged. But here, we have the senior officers from Bukit Aman and the Sarawak police seen with hard evidence which showed turtle eggs on each table during the dinner as splashed out in the Borneo Post on March 2 with pictures too and yet, there is no action taken.”

Police eating turtle eggs was then the talk of the town but as expected, there was an eerie silence from both the police and the SFC. I have waited a few days for the police or the SFC to take action but with no forth coming action, I lodged a police report and even after that, there was still silence until today.

“Is it because Bukit Aman Director of Internal Security and Public Order, Dato’ Husin Ismail, Sarawak General Operation Force commander, SAC 11 Dato’ Law Hong Soon, Sarawak Commissioner of Police, DCP Dato’ Mohmad Salleh, Head of Sections, Officer-in-charge of police stations and senior police were at the dinner, so they can be excused and immune from law?”

Tuan Speaker

“Silence is not golden in this case. I want answers, not only for me but for the people too who felt that the authorities are playing favouritism. Why is the law not being enforced just because the culprits are from the uniformed body? Why is it that every time the enforcers did something wrong, things are conveniently swept under the carpet hoping that time would make the people forget.”

I did not expect much from SFC Controller Len Talif Salleh. He said the case would be investigated and I bet he hoped that by saying that, the whole episode will die a natural death like so many issues before. It is pointless for Len Talif Salleh to cite all the laws pertaining to the preservation of sea turtle, if no enforcement actions are taken against those breaking the law.

I believe, the Controller of SFC, Dato’ Len Talif Salleh should resign in shame. Did he not realise that the issue has tarnishvestigation? If a simple case like this cannot be solved, what about complicated ones like murder or ed his department and the state of Sarawak world wide? He even said that the turtle eggs could be from Indonesia. So does it matter the turtle eggs were from Indonesia or anywhere else, it is still protected species. What a hopeless bunch of people in SFC!

Again, why are the police not helping with the investigation? Why are the Bukit Aman police not here to do an independent investigation then if Sarawak police could not get statements from their own officers? Is the case so difficult to solve simply because the turtle eggs are seen in front of senior officers? Or dare I say the police don’t know where to start with the inrobbery? No wonder, the crime rate in Sarawak is so high. Or is there a set of rules for the uniformed body that you do not investigate your own people!!!

I am ashamed. Ashamed of this lackadaisical attitude of the government agencies. This is an international issue as Malaysia is a signatory to the MOU on Asean Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection that promotes the protection, conservation, replenishing and recovery of sea turtles. Again we are in the world map for all the wrong reasons. There are a lot of environmentalists in other countries who are following the situation. And if no action is taken, the outside world is going to think the worst of us, again.

“I want this August House to know that those in authority who swept every wrongdoing under the carpet hoping that it would go away are wrong. The people involved must be brought to court to face charges as such irresponsible act must be condemned and stopped. Justice not served would in the end result in unwanted issues, at times very explosive and too difficult and too late to contain.

“It now seems such a waste of effort and taxpayers’ money to have sea turtle protection program when the enforcer itself failed to protect what should be protected.”

DUN Questions for May, 2009 Sitting

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:03:00 +0000

1. Bertanya Kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

On matter relating to lands gazetted under Section 47 at Bako/Sejingkat area in Kuching :-

(a) How many parcels of land in Bako/Sejingkat area have been subject to Section 47 Gazette Notification of the Land Code (Chapter 81) 1958 since year 1974? Please give details of the land i.e. lot number and block number.

(b) What are the descriptions of the 52 parcels of land at Bako/Sejingkat area which had been recently uplifted from the Section 47 Land Code notification? Please give details of the land i.e. lot number and block number.

(b) As at April, 2009, how many parcels of land around Bako/Sejingkat area are still subject to Section 47 Land Code notification? Please give details of the land subject to Section 47 notification i.e. lot number and block number.

(c) When will the State Government uplift the remaining parcels of land around Bako/Sejingkat area which are still subjected to Section 47 Land Code notification?

(d) How will the existnece of the said Section 47 notification affect the landowners’ application for renewal/extension of the lease term and what measures will be taken by the state government to ensure that these landowners will not be deprived of their land and house?

(Written Answer)

2. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister:-

On 28.2.2009, turtle eggs were served as delicacies during the official police function in Batu Kawa, Kuching. Among the senior police officers present at the said dinner were Director of Internal Security and Public Order Husin Ismail, General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade Commander Law Hong Soon and the Sarawak Commissioner of Police Mohmad Salleh.

(a) What is the status of investigation and action taken by the police and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation against the blatant consumption of turtle eggs by high ranking police officers during the function organized by the police on 28.2.2009 at Batu Kawa, Kuching?

(b) Whether charges have been proffered against the relevant police officers under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998 in Court?

(Oral Answer)

3. Bertanya kepada YB Minister of Environment and Public Health:-

For the past two decades, the vegetable wholesalers in Kuching do not have any proper trading site. Currently, the vegetable wholesalers are trading temporarily at the unsheltered car park of Stutong Community Market. Please state:-

(a) Whether the state government has any plan to build a permanent wholesale market at Mile 6, Jalan Kuching-Serian? If the answer is “yes”, what is the plan? Please furnish details as to the stages of implementation, the commencement date of the project, the contract sum involved and the estimated time of completion of the project;

(b) What is the cause of delay for the State Government to construct a permanent wholesale market in Kuching?

(c) If the answer in part (a) above is “no”, why?

(Written Answer)

4. Bertanya kepada YB the Minister of Infrastructure:-

A collapsed jetty behind the Land and Survey Store at Jalan Simen, Pending and “Maimuna” shipwreck embedded in nipah swamp have partially narrowed a section of Sungai Apong and thus causing great obstruction to the fishing trawlers using the said river:-

(a) Does the State Government intend to remove the collapsed jetty and salvage the shipwreck which is said to be a historical treasure?

(b) If the answer is yes, what is the plan? If not, why?

(c) How are the contracts works to remove these obstructions given out?

(Oral Answer)

5. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

(a) From 2002 until 27.10.2008, a total of 80,933 hectares of state land in Sarawak have been directly alienated to private companies, please list out in detail e.g. company names, particulars of state land with lot number and acreage, the purpose of development etc. and the premium paid for each alienation;

(b) On 16.4.2007, the state government approved the direct alienation of Lots 3252, 3293, 3294, 3296, 3298 and 3300 all of Block 10 Kuching Central Land District to Arif Hemat Properties Sdn. Bhd., please state:

(i) Whether any premium is paid by Arif Hemat Properties Sdn. Bhd. to the State Government? If the answer is “Yes”, what is the amount payable by Arif Hemat Properties Sdn. Bhd. to the State Government? If the answer is “No”, why?

(ii) What is the basis for the State Government to alienate the said lands to Arif Hemat Properties Sdn. Bhd?

(iii) What is the plan of development on the said lands?

(Written Answer)

6. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister:-

On matter relating to the compassionate aid fund for the flood victims in Sarawak as promised by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in January, 2009:-

(a) What is the total amount of allocation promised by the Federal Government for the flood victims in Sarawak?

(b) Whether the allocation in (a) above has been fully released to the Sarawak State Government? If the answer is yes, when? And why there are many flood victims who do not receive any monetary aid despite names submitted to the relevant authorities?

(c) How many flood affected families have yet to receive their monetary aid despite having their names submitted to the Resident Office and/or the State Welfare Department?

(d) Under the category of flood victims who put up at the evacuation centres, how many families have been given the monetary aid of RM500.00? Please state the number in the respective divisions in Sarawak and racial breakdown of recipients;

(e) Under the category of flood victims who put up with friends or relatives, how many families have been given the monetary aid of RM300.00? Please state the number in the respective divisions in Sarawak and racial breakdown of recipients.

(Written Answer)

7. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister:-

In Sarawak, the public transport system is so poorly managed that it is practically non-existent. Without a private vehicle, one could hardly travel within towns/cities in Sarawak not to say travel around the state.

(a) Does the State Government have any plans to build state-of-the art public transport systems in all the major towns and cities of Sarawak with a view to improve the current poor public transport system to benefit the people of Sarawak? If the answer is in the negative, why?

(b) What are the plans and what are the works carried out so far to implement state-of-the art public transport systems?

(c) When was the last feasibility study report and Environment Impact Assessment Report undertaken?

(Written Answer)

8. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister:-

Matter relating to Murum Dam:-

(a) How much and who shall bear the compensation and resettlement costs to indigenous people for the construction of the Murum Dam?

(b) How does the state government assure the people that the cost foot up by Sarawak Energy Berhad to fund the Murum Dam will not eventually be passed on directly to the state government and hence the tax payers?

(b) How is Murum Dam going to benefit Sarawakians after its completion, including whether Sarawakians enjoy cheaper electricity tariff and other spin off benefits?

(Written Answer)

9. Bertanya Kepada YB the Minister of Urban Development and Tourism:-

Matters relating to flood mitigation projects in Kuching:-

(a) What are the mitigation projects underway to solve the flood problem faced by the people in Kuching?

(i) Please list the project names, the respective contract sum involved, the stages of implementation and the names of the engineers, contractors, subcontractors and other parties involved;

(ii) Please state whether the projects have been awarded according to public tenders. If not, why?

(b) The tender for the proposed Sungai Padungan mitigation project (Phase II) and Sungai Maong Paroh project was said to be opened in April, 2009:-

(i) How many tenders have been received in total? Please provide the tender list with details of company names and respective tender sums.

(ii) Has the State Governenment accepted any of the tenders received? If yes, which companies have been awarded with the projects and what are the contract sums awarded?

(iii) What are the respective commencement and completion dates of these two projects?

(Written Answer)

10. Bertanya kepada YAB the Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Resource Management:-

On matters concerning land:-

(a) Since the announcement of the New Land Policy in 2007, how many applications for extension of leases have been received and approved by the Lands & Surveys Department of Sarawak for lands with houses erected thereon around the areas of Kenyalang Park, Chawan Road and Foochow Road Nos. 1 and 2?

(b) Of the approved applications in part (a) above, how many applicants have paid the renewal premium? Please give details of the land i.e. lot number and block number.

(c) How many applications in part (a) above have been rejected? Please state the reasons and the details of the land i.e. lot number and block number.

(Written Answer)

My Unpleasant stay at Tune Hotel KL and LCCT Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:47:00 +0000

After hearing much of Tune Hotel, I booked two nights stay at Tune Hotel KL and LCCT Airport during my trips to KL last week.

Room Rate:

You may notice at every Tune Hotel around Malaysia, a big advertisement board "RM9.90 per night" for 5 stars accomodation is placed at the entrance of the hotel. I was however, not sure whether I was just unlucky enough to get the so called special rate of "RM9.90"per night. Anyway, I paid RM112.24 per night for Tune Hotel KL and RM85.11 for Tune LCCT Airport. When my friends learned about the room rates that I had booked, many of them were of the opinion that the room rate is on the high side.

I was only later told by the Tune Hotel Staff that actually the RM9.90 per night rate only comes available March,2010. Have I been cheated?

Check In Time:

I spent my first night at Tune Hotel KL. When I arrived around 1.30 p.m. at Tune Hotel KL, I thought I could just check in and get relax in the room. Yet, I was told by the hotel staff that check in time is 2 p.m. There was nothing much I could do. So, I sat down at the lobby and wait until 2 p.m. for check in. As the clock ticked 2 p.m., queues were seen lining up for rooms check in. When the counter staff handed the room key, you will be asked to pay RM5 for each room key deposit and get reminded that the check out time is 10 a.m. the next day. That is two hours earlier than the usual hotel check out time.

Room Cleanliness:

After entering the room and switching on the room lights, I made a room tour. To my disappointment, the room was not properly cleaned. Ants are found around the wall edge and the basin area inside the toilet cum bathroom.

I noticed that the wall edge is full of dust too. Not only that, long hairs were also seen here and there. It is obvious the cleanliness of the hotel room needs improvement.

As for my stay at Tune Hotel LCCT Airport, I expect cleaner room since it was just declared open last month. For a less than a month hotel, one would expect everything in better condition.

Room Size:

The room size in Tune Hotel LCCT Airport is however much smaller when compares to the room size at Tune Hotel KL. I would think that if one brings along a big luggage, unless the big luggage is placed on the bed, it would not be possible to open it if it is placed on the floor. The walk space is big enough for one person. If two persons stay in the room, either one will have to give way. If one is above 100kgs and above, he or she may find it difficult to move around.

Room Cleanliness:

When I entered the toilet/cum bathroom, I found that the basin and the toilet bowl were not properly cleaned whereby yellow stains could still be seen. Especially the toilet bowl, it was too awful. I know that Tune Hotel management has been trying every means to save cost. But, I hope that the management would not be so stingy when it comes to provide toilet paper. In the room that I stayed, the toilet paper roll only left a bit after the previous room user. Luckily, I brought along one big roll with me just in case I need it. I think the house keeping staffs need to improve their services. For the toilet paper roll, if the left over toilet roll is almost finished, please provide an extra toilet paper roll too. Mind you, there is no intercom inside the room to request for house keeping service.

In view that the check out time is 10 a.m. the next morning, I therefore set my alarm clock at 8.45 a.m. to wake me up the night before I sleep.

Wake Up Call:

Unexpectedly, as early as 8 a.m. the next morning, I was awaked by the loud "Backstreet Boys" songs outside the room. At first, I thought it was some inconsiderate person from other room playing the loud music. As the clock ticks, the music gets louder. The loud music really annoyed me. I could not continue my sleep. So, I woke up and got ready for checking out.

After packing up and waiting for time to pass, I opened the room door trying to find out where the music comes from. I was extremely shocked that the music actually comes from the speakers that are placed along the corridor. I asked myself, has the hotel staff gone crazy? Don't they know that they are still guests in the rooms who try to get more rest? I was very mad at that moment. I could not understand why they did that to the guests by playing loud music at the early hour of the day.

When I approached the check out counter, I informed the staff that the music was too loud and requested them to turn down the volume. Guess what? The staff answered me that "the loud music was supposed to serve as morning call and we purposely turned the volume high". She even answered me, "you know that check out time is 10 a.m. " I was speechless when I heard her saying that. In my mind, I was thinking, not everyone is checking out that morning. I believe, there sure to be someone who may stay for few days in the hotel and still trying to get more sleep. I believe Tune Hotel Management has obviously intruded peoples' privacy.

Lobby Sofas:

After checking out and receiving my refund of RM5 deposit for the room key, I tried to take a sit at the lobby sofa. I could not believe what I saw. The sofas in the lobby area were stained with many flies. From far, it looks like sultanas being scattered on the sofas. That was the first time in my life seeing such scene. I did not dare to place my butt on it.

Why are there so many flies on the sofa, I asked the counter staff? She answered, "because outside is wet". Do you believe what she said? To me, either the sofas are dirty or smelly that attracts the flies. Furthermore, I also noticed that the lobby floors were very dirty too!

Stay Experience:

My stay experience at Tune Hotel is "unfriendly service, dirty and very small room space". Of course, I meet my friends "Ants" at Tune Hotel KL and "Flies" at Tune Hotel LCCT Airport.

Would you rate Tune Hotel 5 stars?

Flood Victims lodge police report

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Source: http://sarawakupdate.com.my Date: 1.4.2009

Sixteen families from Batu Kawa resettlement crowded at the Simpang Tiga police station one-stop centre to lodge police report which they claimed they were cheated by empty promises from Deputy Prime Miniter, Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak who had announced flood Relief Aid on February 12 to them.

Led by DAP State Assemblywoman for Pending, Violet Yong, the group waited for three hours for the 16 reports to be made. The reports was made slow as only one of the three computers were working.

Yong told reporters that the names of the victims had been submitted to the community leaders and the group even went to the Welfare office on Monday to enquire about the Aid but was told that there was no money.

They then proceed to Yong’s office yesterday morning seeking for help. Yong said the victim houses were flooded twice on January 12 and 29th.

She said Najib had made the announcement that Flood Aid Relief for each family between RM500 and RM300 would be handed out. “The weather is scorching hot now and the flood had been long past but there is no sign of any money coming in. Is this another of BN empty promises,” she asked.

Saying that if the money were not paid to the families, Yong said she would voice it out in the next dewan sitting. She said it was unreasonable and unfair for some families to get the money and some not to have any at all.

At the meantime, Yong said she will write to the relevant authority to find out the reason why the money was not given out to the victims who had suffered like the rest.

Due to such empty promises, that was why the voters punished the government by voting them out. “Enough is enough,” she added.

Batang Ai By Election

noreply@blogger.com (Violet Yong) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:08:00 +0000

To ensure PKR's victory in Batang Ai by election, a group of over 100 DAP Sarawak boys and girls made our trip to Lubok Antu on nomination day to give our biggest support.

As I see it, the coming Batang Ai by election on 7.4.2009 is not an ordinary by-election. This by-election will be the 1st election after Sarawak State Election 2006 and also the 8th March 2008 general election tsunami. It will be an election that determines the future of Sarawak. The result of this by election would be seen as a yardstick whether CHANGE in the state government will happen in 10th Sarawak state election.

The crave for change can be strongly felt during my trip in LA over the weekend. If the Dayak community can break through the BN curses this round, a new chapter of Sarawak polictics shall begin whereby the people's spell successfully dispel "Pek Mo's" black magic that has brought sufferings and disasters to the Sarawak people all these years under his leadership.

I have faith in Batang Ai voters and believe that the people there will perform miracle and write history in this coming by election. Batang Ai voters must understand that the people's fate lies in their hands.

Please vote wisely. Remember to take the BN money and vote for PKR candidate Jawah Gerang! Do not feel guilty in taking the BN money, that is people's money anyway!!

Dayak Arise, make the change!

Violet Yong

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 on SALCO

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 on Land Issue at Sejingkat/Bako

My Dun Speech for November, 2009 Sitting on Penan Issue

DUN Questions for November, 2009 Sitting

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish!

Mosquitoes attack!

MBKS sits on fallen tree complaint

RM300 Million DUN Complex, But People's Questions Not Answered

Turtle Eggs Again !!

国阵内部朋党操作 人联青噤若寒蝉

Why no action by MACC against MPP?

Three Fires in 2 months at Bintawa Hawker Food Centre

SUPP is Irrelevant

YB Tan Joo Phoi of SUPP, where are you hiding?

Where is the Pedestrian Overhead Bridge?

Chong's house got thrown with Molotov Cocktails

国阵拒承认统考文凭及拨款独中 人联应退出国阵

Durian Party

My Speech in DUN - Compassionate Aid Fund for Flood Victims

My Speech in DUN - Illegal Logging

My Speech in DUN - Turtle Eggs

DUN Questions for May, 2009 Sitting

My Unpleasant stay at Tune Hotel KL and LCCT Airport

Flood Victims lodge police report

Batang Ai By Election

国阵内部朋党操作人联青噤若寒蝉

国阵拒承认统考文凭及拨款独中人联应退出国阵