Why no action by MACC against MPP?

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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。