Sunday 31 August 2008

Ketua Umno dikritik isu kaum Cina 'menumpang'

Malaysiakini.com
Aug 28, 08 12:43pm

Kenyataan seorang ketua bahagian Umno di Pulau Pinang yang menyifatkan Cina sebagai kaum "penumpang" di negara ini mencetuskan kemarahan MCA dan DAP.

Ketua Pemuda MCA Wilayah Persekutuan, Hang Chin Pheng bersama lebih kurang 50 penyokongnya pagi ini berkumpul di ibu pejabat parti itu Wisma MCA di Jalan Ampang bagi mengutip tandatangan bantahan.

Kenyataan Datuk Ahmad Ismail, ketua bahagian Bukit Bendera, hujung minggu lalu dilaporkan dikeluarkan sewaktu mengkritik ketua menteri Lim Guan Eng berhubung Dasar Ekonomi Baru.

Menurut risalah yang diedarkan oleh sekumpulan ahli MCA itu, Ahmad dipetikkan oleh akhbar Sin Chew Daily sebagai mempertikaikan keupayaan kaum Cina mengagih-agihkan sumber kekayaan negara dengan saksama kepada semua kaum.

Sehubungan itu, mereka menuntut Ahmad menarik balik kenyataan tersebut dan mendesak Umno mengambil tindakan disiplin terhadap ketua bahagian tersebut.

Sementara DAP bahagian Tanjung, Pulau Pinang berkata ia "tidak dapat berkompromi dengan kenyataan berbau diskriminasi perkauman yang dikeluarkan oleh ahli-ahli politik yang tidak bertanggungjawab".

Timbalan pengerusinya Ng Wei Aik berkata DAP mengutuk sekeras-kerasnya kenyataan ketua bahagian Umno itu dan mendesaknya memohon maaf.

"Walaupun tema bagi perayaan kemerdekaan ke-51 adalah 'Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan,' namun kenyataan Ahmad sedemikian tidak dapat memupuk semangat perpaduan nasional, malah akan menjerumuskan hubungan perkauman yang sedia ada," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

"Kita sememangnya anak Malaysia yang dilahirkan, dibesarkan dan bersedia untuk korban di tanahair kita.

"Taat setia setiap kaum di Malaysia terhadap negara kita tidak dapatlah dipertikaikan."

Read more!

Saturday 30 August 2008

Come and join us tonite: Merdeka Spirit @ Penang 2008

Thursday 28 August 2008

Datuk Ahmad Ismail perlu segera memohon maaf dan menarik balik kenyataannya yang berbau diskriminasi perkauman

Kenyataan Media oleh Ng Wei Aik, Timbalan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perhubungan DAP Kawasan Parlimen Tanjung dan Setiausaha Pemuda Sosialis DAP Tanjung pada 28 Ogos 2008, Khamis di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang:

Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP) mengutuk dengan sekeras-kerasnya kenyataan oleh Ketua UMNO Bahagian Bukit Bendera Datuk Ahmad Ismail yang mengibaratkan orang Cina sebagai kaum parasit di Malaysia.

Walaupun tema bagi perayaan kemerdekaan ke-51 adalah “Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan”, namun kenyataan Ahmad Ismail sedemikian tidak dapat memupuk semangat perpaduan nasional, malah akan menjerumuskan hubungan perkauman yang sedia ada.

Kita tidak dapat berkompromi dengan kenyataan berbau diskriminasi perkauman yang dikeluarkan oleh ahli-ahli politik yang tidak bertanggungjawab. Kita sememangnya anak Malaysia yang dilahirkan, dibesarkan dan bersedia untuk korban di tanahair kita.

Taat setia setiap kaum di Malaysia terhadap negara kita tidak dapatlah dipertikaikan. Dengan itu, kami mendesak Datuk Ismail segera memohon maaf dan menarik balik kenyataannya.

Jikalau tidak, kami bersedia untuk membuat repot polis supaya pihak polis dapat mengheret Datuk Ismail ke mahkamah atas kesalahan menghasut atau dengan kecenderungan untuk menghasut sentimen perkauman.

NG WEI AIK

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阿末依斯迈必须即刻道歉及收回其声明,否则民主行动党将报案要求警方,援引煽动法令提控阿末依斯迈!

民主行动党丹绒国会选区联委会署理主席、社青团丹绒区团秘书黄伟益于2008年8月28日(星期四)在槟城乔治市发表的声明:

民主行动党强烈谴责巫统升旗山区部主席阿末依斯迈在8月24日发表“华人只是寄居在马来西亚”的言论,显然歧视所有在马来西亚土生土长的华裔同胞。

阿末依斯迈选择在我国即将庆祝独立51周年之际发表种族主义的言论,根本无助于加强国民团结,反而还会导致族群分化及产生猜疑。

从今年的国庆主题订为“团结是成功的基石”看来,国民团结乃是一个国家前进的最基本动力。

因此,我们更不能让巫统的超级极端种族沙文主义者,通过发表一些不负责任的言论来破坏全民团结。

阿末依斯迈的“寄居论”,意图要把华裔同胞描绘成寄居蟹,意即就是无壳的民族。试问,这个壳难道就是巫统领袖提供给我们的?

我们要严正告诉阿末依斯迈,华裔同胞绝对不会是寄居蟹,更不会尝试躲入贝壳洞内,过着暗无天日、见不得光的日子。

事实上,我们是顶天立地、光明正大地站在马来西亚国土上干活的一群;我们对这个国家所付出的贡献,绝对不会比其他族群来得少。

马来西亚华人,包括其他族群在内,对这个国家的效忠程度是无可质疑的。我们生于斯、长于斯,甚至准备死于斯,藉此来表达我们高尚的爱国情操。

对于马华与民政党领袖没有在第一时间站出来谴责阿末依斯迈的言论,反而等到巫统在补选落败后才发动攻势,让所有具备良知的公民感到汗颜不已。

这让我们怀疑马华与民政党领袖后知后觉,似乎有意包庇巫统领袖所发表的种族歧视言论,以便确保巫统领袖在峇东埔国会议席补选胜出。

因此,我们在谴责阿末依斯迈的言论之余,同样厉声谴责马华与民政党领袖后知后觉、黑白不分、颠倒是非的真面目。

我们要全民共同谴责阿末依斯迈,并要对方即刻道歉及收回其声明,否则民主行动党将报案要求警方,援引煽动法令提控阿末依斯迈!

黄伟益

Read more!

Wednesday 27 August 2008

Guan Eng lapor diugut bunuh

Monday, 25 August 2008

Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng dan Setiausaha Politiknya Ng Wei Aik hari ini membuat laporan polis berhubung ugutan bunuh terhadap mereka berdua. Bercakap pada sidang akhbar di pejabatnya di sini, Lim berkata ugutan bunuh itu diterima oleh Ng dalam sepucuk surat yang dihantar ke pejabatnya pada Khamis lalu, sehari selepas beliau berdebat dengan bekas ketua menteri Pulau Pinang Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon yang disiarkan secara langsung menerusi televisyen.

Ng yang juga ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Komtar berkata beliau membuat laporan mengenai ugutan bunuh itu di Ibupejabat Polis Daerah Timur Laut pagi ini, demikian menurut laporan Bernama.

Katanya surat yang diterimanya itu terdapat beberapa keratan akhbar mengenai kenyataan beliau dan ketua menteri serta sekeping kertas yang bertulis tangan dengan marker pen merah yang tertulis ugutan bunuh.

Read more!

Anwar to be sworn-in tomorrow!

Newly-elected Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be taking his oath in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia made the announcement when the sitting resumed at 10am Wednesday.

The Speaker's office confirmed receiving the letter from the Election Commission on the Permatang Pauh by-election result on Wednesday morning.

This means Anwar will be able to attend the Parliament sitting starting Thursday and he will in the House for the tabling of the Budget on Friday.

Read more!

Tuesday 26 August 2008

Official Result: Anwar won with 15,671 majority



According to official Election Commission tally - Anwar got 31,195 votes, Arif Shah, 15,524, Hanafi, 92. Anwar won with a majority of 15,671.

For sure, Anwar will return to Parliament after 10 years of absence.

The official voter turnout was 81.1 percent, or 47,410 out of 58,459 registered voters - which was much higher than what the EC had stated earlier. There were 599 spoilt votes.

Read more!

Unofficial result: Anwar won with 16,000 majority

Unofficial result showing that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won Permatang Pauh Parliamentary by-election with majority of 16,000 votes.

Read more!

Guan Eng, his political sec to soldier on despite death threat

Monday August 25, 2008 MYT 5:10:21 PM
By NG SU-ANN and ANN TAN

The Star Online

GEORGE TOWN: The state government will continue to expose land scams despite a death threat allegedly sent to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his political secretary Ng Wei Aik.

Lim said they would not be cowed by such threats.

“We will continue to korek, korek, korek (dig into) any land scam issue because we insist the people have the right to know the truth,” he told a noon press conference on Monday.

Ng lodged a police report at the Petani Road police station at 9.13am Monday after receiving a letter purportedly containing a death threat written in Chinese and in red ink.

The letter, which was sent to the Chief Minister’s Komtar office and addressed to Lim and Ng, had threatened that they would not be alive after the “Hungry Ghost Festival.”

The letter, sent last Thursday, read: “You are both mad dogs, smelly dogs who are barking incessantly. Do you know how the word 'death' is written?

“God is seeing everything you are doing. Both of you will definitely get what you deserve, especially Wei Aik, because too many people want to finish you off. Perhaps, you won’t be alive anymore after the Hungry Ghost Festival.”

The writer signed off as a Penangite.

Read more!

“Penang人”警告勿亂叫‧冠英偉益接恐嚇信


黃偉益(右)在魏祥敬的陪同下,在週一早上帶著恐嚇信到百大年路警局報案。(圖:光明日報)

(檳城)檳州首席部長林冠英和其政治秘書黃偉益先後接到一封署名“Penang人”的死亡恐嚇信,警告林黃這兩隻“瘋狗”和“臭狗”勿再亂“吠”。其中,黃偉益更被Penang人列為“重點目標”,恫言如果黃偉益再亂講話,將過不了這個中元節。

Penang人是以紅色馬克筆書寫恐嚇信,他在信中也說,他想對付黃偉益很久了,而且他身邊也有很多人想“動”黃偉益。

黃偉益週一在檳州行動黨宣傳秘書魏祥敬和助理的陪同下,到百大年路警局報案後說,這封類似“血書”的恐嚇信是在上週四寄到他的服務中心。

他說,這並非他首次接到的恐嚇信。“收到信的當天,我並沒有即時拆開來讀,一直到隔天我打開來讀,嚇了一大跳。”

他指出,這封信是由署名“Penang人”所寫,對方把他和林冠英稱作為“瘋狗”和“臭狗”,警告他們別再亂叫,更表示很多人想對付他,說他過不了這個中元節。

黃偉益也是光大區州議員,他披露,由於恐嚇信的內容已經對他和林冠英的安全構成威脅,在經過幾番思考後,他決定報警。

他說,他曾數次接到惡意批評的手機簡訊和信件,但由於內容並沒有對他的人身安全構成威脅,所以他沒有理會。

詢及是否知道恐嚇者的目的,黃偉益不想多加揣測,他僅希望警方迅速採取行動調查。

他也說,這封恐嚇信並不會打擊他繼續服務人民的信心,他依然會做對的事情,包括繼續揭發舞弊案。
“面對不實的指責時,我還是會據理發言。”

恐嚇信附剪報
疑是《中國報》讀者

由於“Penang人”在恐嚇信裡附上一張中國報於本16日的剪報,黃偉益相信“Penang人”可能是《中國報》的讀者。

剪報的新聞標題被人以紅色馬克筆圈上,是林冠英就檳州發展機構因武吉敏惹損失50萬令吉而責問前首長丹斯里許子根、和黃偉益呼許子根勿裝模作樣博同情的新聞。

黃偉益指出,他不排除恐嚇信可能和這件事有關,但仍待警方調查方可證實。

他說,之前他接到惡意批評的簡訊和信件時,曾在中國報的專欄上發表相關回應,不久之後他就接到有關回應的反駁。

“顯然的,他(Penang人)是中國報的讀者,不然他哪知我在中國報上寫了什麼?”(CLL)

恐嚇信的完整內容:

林冠英、黃偉益:
你們這兩隻瘋狗,臭狗一直在亂叫知道嗎?
“死”的字怎麼寫
人在做天在看你們兩個一定會受到“報應”尤其是偉益,因為要收拾你的人太多了,也許你過不了“中元節”

光明日報‧2008.08.25

Read more!

Death threat against Guan Eng, Ng

New Straits Times

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his political secretary Ng Wei Aik have received a death threat over their statements on land matters published in a Chinese language newspaper on Aug 16.

The one-page letter, written in red marker ink and addressed to Ng, was sent to the chief minister's office at Komtar on Aug 21, a day after the debate on the same issue between Lim and his predecessor, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The letter arrived together with the newspaper cutting and another piece of paper splashed with red ink.

It reads: "Lim Guan Eng, Ng Wei Aik, both of you are crazy dogs, smelly dogs who continue to bark non-stop. Do you know how the word 'die' is written? God is looking down at what you are doing. Both of you will 'pay' for what you did, especially Wei Aik. You may not live after the Hungry Ghost festival."

Ng, who saw the letter on Aug 22, only lodged a police report yesterday as he had to go to Kuala Lumpur over the weekend to attend the DAP's 15th triennial national congress.

The report was lodged at the Jalan Patani police station at 9.13am.

At a press conference yesterday, Lim said he would not submit or bow down to such threats. He said the person or persons who wrote the letter should know by now that such threats did not frighten the new state government.

Ng said he and Lim had also received letters criticising the state government's policies previously.

"However, we just left them as they were. This time, we are not going to sit still as it involves a death threat."

State criminal investigations department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said said police had classified the case as criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication and would record statements from Lim and Ng.

Read more!

Guan Eng and aide lodge police report over death threats

The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his political secretary Ng Wei Aik said they have received a death threats for exposing land scams.

They said they received a letter, written in Chinese and in red ink, warning them that they would not be alive after the Hungry Ghost Festival, which ends Aug 30.

Lim said the letter addressed to Lim and Ng was sent to the chief minister's Komtar office on Thursday. Both men lodged a police report at the Petani Road police station at 9.13am yesterday.

Lim said that despite the threats the state government would continue to expose land scams.

The letter read: “You are both mad dogs, smelly dogs who are barking incessantly. Do you know how the word ‘death’ is written? God is seeing everything you are doing. Both of you will definitely get what you deserve, especially Wei Aik, because too many people want to finish you off. Perhaps, you won’t be alive anymore after the Hungry Ghost Festival.”

The writer signed off as a Penangite. The writer also enclosed two articles dated Aug 16 from a Chinese daily.

The first article was on Lim questioning his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon about financial loss incurred by Penang Development Corporation. The other one was about Ng asking Dr Koh not to play with the people’s emotions by fishing for their sympathy.

Read more!

Guan Eng tells of death threat received for exposing land scandals

By Bernard Cheah
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN (Aug 25, 2008): In the face of a death threat over his expose of land scandals in the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng remains undeterred and is now even more determined to expose such scams.


Lim: We'll continue to dig

"We (the state government) will not bow or submit to such threats," he said, adding that such threats do not register with the present state government.

"We feel it is right to get to the bottom of all these land scams, as it is of public interest. The public has the right to know how many land scams there are and how much money is lost," Lim said today.

"We'll continue to dig, dig and dig up more land scandals," vowed Lim, who divulged to reporters at a press conference today about the threat contained in a letter which his office received last Thursday (Aug 22).

Lim said his political secretary Ng Wei Aik received an anonymous letter, the day after the debate between Lim and his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday (Aug 20).

The letter, which arrived at Ng's office on Thursday afternoon, contained the death threat against Lim and Ng, as well as a newspaper cutting from a Chinese daily featuring Lim and ngg hitting on former Chief Minister with regards to land scandals in the state and an advertisement pamphlet.


Ng showing the threat letters received by the CM's office.

The death threat, which was written in red ink and in Chinese language, reads;

Lim Guan Eng, Ng Wei Aik,
The both of you are crazy, smelly dogs that cannot stop barking. Do you know how the word 'death' is written? God is watching you. Both of you will receive the 'punishment', especially Wei Aik, as many would want to finish you off. You may not live after the 'month of the hungry ghost festival'.

Ng, who arrived later at the press conference, said that he has received a few threats in the past, criticising the state government since it took over in March.

He lodged a police report at the Georgetown District Police Headquarters in Jalan Patani yesterday (Aug25) "We had to report it, as it was a this was a death threat to an individual," he said, adding that he did not report it last week as they were busy at the DAP national congress over the weekend.

Ng said he suspects that it is the same individual or group of people who issued last week's threat, based on the handwriting.

"Perhaps he is a very loyal Barisan Nasional supporter," he added.

Read more!

林冠英黄伟益 接死亡恐吓信

2008/08/25 18:06:45
●南洋商报

(槟城25日讯)槟州首席部长林冠英及其政治秘书黄伟益接获死亡恐吓信,指他们一定受到“报应”,并指黄伟益过不了中元节!

黄伟益今日联袂首席部长特别助理魏祥敬前往百大年路警局报案,要求警方彻查此事。

黄伟益指出,他在报案书中说基于林冠英与他深觉生命受到威胁,而向警方报案。

他说,他是于上周五在首长署接到该封恐吓信,该信封虽贴有邮票,惟却没有邮政局的盖章。里头有一封恐吓信、一分新闻剪报和草纸。

他也说,迟至今早才向百大年路警局报案,是因为他们要出席民主行动党全国代表大会。

“基于事态严重,警方已着手调查,以确定恐吓信发出的地方和写恐吓信者的身分。”

他说,发出恐吓信者是个人或更多人不得而知,惟依附上的新闻剪报内容看,对方也许是国阵的支持者。

可接受批评

他也说,剪报上的首则新闻是林冠英于本月15日指槟州发展机构损失50万令,许子根到底到底做了什么。另一则是黄伟益呼吁许子根勿装模作样博同情。

黄伟益强调,州政府可以被批评,惟不至于以死亡恐吓作威胁。

他相信发出信件者是同一人,因为在大选后至今,他在首长署和本身位于百年巷的服务中心,也曾接到3至4封批评州政府和作人身攻击的信件。

他说,署名者同样是以槟州人自居,且是以红色笔书写,字迹也相同。其中一封曾印有吉打州邮政局的盖章。

“此次是死亡恐吓,指我过不了中元节,显得问题严重,目前还是中元节时刻。”

他强调,他向警方报案并非作宣传,因涉及死亡恐吓才这样做。


恐吓信全文 2008/08/25 18:06:45
●南洋商报

林冠英,黄伟益你们这两只疯狗,臭狗一直不停在乱叫,知道吗?“死”的字怎么写。人在做天在看,你们两个一定会受到“报应”,尤其是黄伟益因为要收恰你的人太多了,也许你过不了“中元节”。

Penang 人


黄伟益之前所接获恐吓信内容 2008/08/25 18:06:45
●南洋商报

你只是林冠英身边的一支(条)狗吧(罢)了,别以为是你的靠山,对前首长夫人的无礼,真是让人痛心!!槟城人都对你吐口水了。

风水轮流转,人在做,天在看,看你们这般人怎样死或者是你的后代及家人。会有报应在你们的身上,叫疯狗林冠英别乱“汪汪叫”太多,什么Poor Lady,难道你们的妻子,母亲也不是Poor Lady吗?

最好检点自己的行为,别说没有给你们机会。


林冠英坚持揭土地舞弊案 2008/08/25 18:06:45
●南洋商报

(槟城25日讯)槟州首席部长林冠英强调,他及槟州政府不会因为恐吓信而不去揭发土地舞弊案。

他说:“我们揭发并让这些舞弊案曝光,是因为这些涉及到公款,影响公众利益,所以我们会追根究底,查到水落石出。”

他今早在记者会上,针对其政治秘书黄伟益接获两封恐吓信件,这样说。

他说,由于州政府决心查个水落石出,才会导致即得利益者担心及害怕,才会如此不择手段。

他强调,州政府不会向恐吓信低头,相反一定会查出真相。

“我要告诉那些恐吓我们的人,这种手段对我们无效。”

询及他是否会加强保安时,他说,这交由警方决定。

之前,林冠英的办公室接获至少4封恐吓信件,而最新一封则在上周五接获。

由于最新的恐吓信件内容出现“死”字,黄伟益已报警。

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林冠英接“死亡”恐嚇‧匿名信字眼粗俗


黃偉益(右)和首長特別助理魏祥敬展示恐嚇信和報案書。(圖:星洲日報)


黃偉益接到的恐嚇信、剪報和傳單。(圖:星洲日報)


星洲日報‧2008.08.25

(檳城)檳州首席部長林冠英和其政治秘書黃偉益接“死亡”恐嚇信!

黃偉益說,他周五(22日)拆閱信件時,發現一封於8月21日寄到首長辦公室給他的信件內含粗俗字眼,而且內容恐嚇他和林冠英2人。

由於擔心對方會有其他行動,黃偉益在林冠英的勸告下於今日(週一,25日)早上9時許到百大年路警局報案。

黃偉益說,他去年從政開始至今接過不少信件,但那多是建議和批評信。由於此次事態嚴重,他以事主的身份,同時也代表林冠英到警局報案。

他在警局受訪時不願評論對方此舉的用意,只表示一切交由警方去調查。

信裡提及“死”字怎麼寫
Penang人發匿名恐嚇信


署名Penang人(檳城人)的匿名者以粗紅筆書寫信給林冠英和黃偉益。他也在信內附上一張8月16日的中文報剪報(林黃2人對前首長許子根所發表的言論)和一張用意不明的電腦產品傳單。

他在信件中以動物和動物舉止的字眼來形容林冠英和黃偉益,並在信裡提及“死”字怎麼寫,“人在做,天在看”,以及“報應”等。他尤其針對偉益,表示要“收拾”黃偉益的的人太多了,也許黃偉益過不了“中元節”。

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Sunday 24 August 2008

Penang State Government Declares August 26 2008 A State Public Holiday To Ensure A Full Turnout Of Voters For The Critical Permatang Pauh By-Election.

The state government declares August 26 2008 will be a state public holiday to ensure a full turnout of the 58,459 voters for the critical Permatang Pauh by-election. The Penang state government has been mulling over the decision ever since the Elections Commission fixed a working day on Tuesday August 26 as polling day in defiance of public opinion that this will reduce the voter turnout.

Clearly reducing the voter turnout will affect the election results as it may be seen as favouring one party over the other. This sentiment is further reinforced by the announcement of Education Director-General Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom yesterday that all government schools in Permatang Pauh would be given a special holiday on 26 August, the polling day of the by-election. Moreover, this special holiday need not be replaced which means it is an additional free holiday.

Clearly this latest act by the Federal government shows that the Permatang Pauh by-election is no ordinary by-election but has crucial national significance with wide national implications. This is due to the participation of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his attempt to return to Parliament and make a bid for Federal power as the alternative Prime Minister.

The various distribution of money and financial assistance by the Federal government only in Permatang Pauh shows the real threat posed by Anwar in making a bid for Prime Minister and that this by election is essentially a contest between an ordinary candidate and a candidate who has a chance of being the Prime Minister.

By fixing polling day on a working day and giving such preferential treatment of a special school holiday, the Education Ministry is trying to gain an advantage for a certain party and their candidate. To ensure a level playing field and fairness to all candidates, the Penang state government has decided to declare August 26 2008 as a state public holiday.

All voters are urged to turn out to cast their votes in this public holiday. The state government requests all factories to assist their workers in Permatang Pauh to carry out their duties to determine not only their choice of wakil rakyat but also decide the destiny of the country.

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槟州政府宣布2008年8月26日为槟州公共假期,以确保关键性的峇东埔补选,所有的选民能参加投票。

槟州政府宣布2008年8月26日为槟州的公共假期,以确保关键性的峇东埔补选,所有5万8千459名的选民能参加投票。因为选举委员会决意将8月26日(工作日)定为投票日,不顾民意反映工作日进行补选将降低投票率,所以槟州政府经过深思熟率唯有做出这项决定。

很明显的参加投票的选民减少,将会影响补选的成绩,而且可能会对补选的某一方阵营有利。在教育总监拿督阿里慕丁宣布投票日当天为峇东埔学校特别假期之后,使上述"选民减少将影响选情"的观点得到了进一步的证实。而且,峇东埔学校的特别假期不需另行补课,是额外增加的学校假日。

很明显的,中央政府之所以宣布投票日当天为峇东埔学校特别假期,是因为峇东埔补选不是一般的补选,而是牵连全国的决定性补选。这项补选的重要性来自于参加补选的是拿督斯里安华依布拉欣,安华将尝试重返国会,以逐鹿中央政权,成为替代的首相。

中央政府近期不断的在金钱及财务上金援峇东埔,显示安华竞逐首相的真实威胁性,因为这项补选本来就是一场普通候选人与未来首相人选之间的较量。

在选举委员会将投票日定在工作日之后,教育部宣布峇东埔各学校列特别假日的优待举动,是尝试让某一方阵营及候选人获利。为了确保候选人能在公平的平台上竞选,槟州政府做出决定宣布2008年8月26日为槟州公共假期。

州政府呼吁所有峇东埔选民在这公共假期能踊跃参与投票。州政府已经要求各厂家协助及通融他们住在峇东埔的员工暂时卸下职务参与投票,让选民不只选出他们的代议士,同时也决定马来西亚的国运。

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Saturday 23 August 2008

亮燈與民倒數迎國慶 光大打造不夜城



黃偉益(左4)、籌委會委員魏祥敬(右)與贊助單位,一起歡迎公眾出席檳州國慶日倒數慶典。

(檳城22日訊)國慶倒數慶典,要將光大變成不夜城!

光大區州議員黃偉益指出,今年是檳州民聯政府首次主辦國慶日倒數慶典,因此,在籌備倒數慶典活動內容上,是採取州政府與私人界合作的形式承辦。

他說,其中一個概念就是要希望光大內兩大購物商場光大及新光大,能夠將營業時間延長至午夜12時,同時光大也將亮燈至午夜12時,與民一起倒數迎國慶。

“我們會通過光大管理層及新光大店商公會,向上述兩購物廣場業者作出這項呼籲,我們不會勉強業者配合,但我相信都不會是問題。”

黃偉益是今日聯同國慶日倒數慶典晚會合作夥伴召開新聞發佈會時,這么回答記者。

他說,國慶日倒數慶典活動將會從早上10時至31日午夜12時半,因此,如果商場業者延長營業,將會提供一個商機給業者。

吁延長營業時間

“我們也會在光大及新光大行人廣場,舉辦展覽會及嘉年華會,屆時會有汽車展、美食攤格等,如果有任何文化團體有意參與,我們將會給予免費的攤格。”

有意參加者,可聯絡陳俊霖或林欣瑩,電話:017-4116388。

他說,這次是州政府以活動養活動的概念主辦倒數慶典,因此,在一些節目上,難免會商業化,不過在表演活動上,都是文化表演,例如有舞獅、街舞、馬來武術表演等。

他估計這次的慶典會吸引約3萬人參與,而且這次的活動地點改在麗雅路,即光大前路段,因此,從29日午夜12點開始,林萃龍路的其中一條路將會封路,他也呼籲當地居民不要將車子泊在路邊。

他指出,這場倒數活動是州政府直接參與的慶典,國慶日當天的官方慶典將會在皇后灣舉行。


解決顧客保安員工來源
延長營業沒問題
報導:梁儀雅

延長營業沒問題,但先解決顧客、保安及員工來源問題。

光大店商公會主席陳廷燊及新光大店商公會主席汪天福不約而同歡迎延長購物廣場營業時間的建議,但是,必須解決商場業者將面對的問題。

汪天福受詢時說,籌委會的建議在可行性上是比較困難,而所謂的商機也不是商場內的業者,而是在外擺攤賣小食小販,商場內的業者很難從中獲得商機。

“而且延長生意至午夜12點,試問有人會在這樣的時段買手錶之類的物品嗎?除非是有促銷活動。”

他說,新光大的冷氣系統是中央系統,所以如果只有幾家商店願意延長營業,管理層會為了數家商店而啟動冷氣嗎?

另外,陳廷燊指出這項建議非常好,可是如果要實行,必須從長計議,絕非是在短短一個星期內就能給予配合。

須從長計議

“目前光大要營業至晚上9點就已是難事了,如何延長至午夜12點﹖但如果能有更長的時間一起商量,也許可以一起想出方案,因為這是需要整體的配合,而不是各自行事就能成功的活動。”

他強調,如果州政府能夠解決廣場的生意、保安問題以及員工來源,光大店商業者絕對是樂意配合,因為延長生意將加重了業者的成本。

同時,兩大店商公會目前還沒接獲有關當局要求在倒數慶典上,延長營業時間的來函。

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The Opening of Auction Exhibition by Sincerity International Auctioneer Pte. Ltd

Speech by Ng Wei Aik, the Political Secretary to Penang Chief Minister for the Opening of Auction Exhibition by Sincerity International Auctioneer Pte. Ltd on 22nd of August, 2008 in Traders Hotel, Georgetown, Penang:

I am honoured to be invited for the opening of auction exhibition organized by Sincerity International Auctioneer Pte. Ltd. This is in conjunction with the Sincerity International 2008 Autumn Exhibition Auction of Chinese Paintings, Ceramics and Curios to be held at the end of August in Singapore.

On behalf of Penang state government, I would like to record my deepest appreciation for Georgetown, the beautiful city of the Pearl of Orient to be identified as part of this promotional tour for the event. I think you have made a right choice for picking Georgetown as one of your destinations for promotion.

It is indeed another plus mark for Georgetown, together with Malacca, which were enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites recently. According to UNESCO, both sites have been imbued with a multicultural heritage after more than five centuries of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West.

The Chinese paintings, ceramics and curios shall be constituted part of the cultural heritage. By putting up these exhibitory items in this city, it will not less than making our living culture or heritage become more alive. The effort of the organizer for this event should be commendable and I hope the public will appreciate by visiting this exhibition in these couple of days.

The Penang state under our new leadership hopes to be a regional hub for M.I.C.E., which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, as there are currently no good M.I.C.E. facilities in northern Malaysia. We have identified few sites, including reclaimed land for the project. It will either be built under a private finance or public-private initiative.

This is in line with our eight key thrusts for promoting tourism in Penang. We hope that this project will be off the ground in two or three years and thus providing spin-off effects for various sectors, including the hospitality industry in the state. By then, I will strongly recommend the organizer for today’s event to organize another bigger scale of auction exhibition in one of these M.I.C.E. facilities.

By these few words, I would like to announce officially the opening of Auction exhibition by Sincerity International Auctioneer Pte. Ltd.

Thank you very much.

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Wednesday 20 August 2008

社青团严厉遣责国阵利用补选来消费李宗伟!

民主行动党社青团丹绒区团团长刘敬亿与秘书黄伟益于2008年8月20日(星期三)在槟城发表的声明:

社青团严厉遣责国阵为了加强本身在峇东埔国会议席补选的胜算,不惜通过青年及体育部强逼奥运会羽球单打银牌得主李宗伟为国阵助选,根本就是要把体育政治化!

青年及体育部副部长黄日升没有汲取古健杰与陈文宏羽球双打组合,去年为国阵在马六甲马接区州议席补选助选而失意亚洲羽球锦标赛的教训,今次再把李宗伟搬到峇东埔助选,根本就是不择手段、强人所难,实为侵犯本地体坛的另一不良先例。

李宗伟经过长时间训练与参赛后,目前最需要一段时间来休息。可是,李宗伟从8月18日回国迄今,根本没有机会回家跟家人团聚,反而被安排住在一栋洋楼不能与外界接触。

过后,青年及体育部安排李宗伟参与一系列宣传活动,其中包括8月21日到峇东埔为国阵助选,让李宗伟不仅心疲力尽,而且可能影响其接下来参赛的表现。届时,黄日升又是否要针对此事负起全部责任吗?

李宗伟夺得奥运会羽球亚军,可说是槟州与马来西亚子民的骄例。他是属于全民的资产,而不是专属于国阵所垄断的资产。既然如此,青年及体育部更不应该公器私用,安排李宗伟专程到峇东埔为国阵助选。

目前,市面上有一些手机短讯抨击李宗伟,指李宗伟辜负国人对于他的寄望,一返国就忙着要为国阵或巫统助选。这些内容负面的手机短讯,确实对李宗伟及其家人构成一定的影响。

我希望公众认清楚到底是谁把体坛政治化,藉着推广羽球运动来消费李宗伟夺获奥运会银牌的荣耀,而不是一味把这些矛头对准李宗伟。事实上,青年及体育部或更确实说来,黄日升才是整个问题的始作俑者。

社青团促请青年及体育部即刻取消安排李宗伟到峇东埔助选的行程,让政治回归政治、让体育回归体育,不要再假公济私来扼杀我国青年才俊的美好前途,以便还给我们的体坛一片清新蓝天!

刘敬亿与黄伟益

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Sunday 17 August 2008

Speech for Go Green Batu Ferringhi: An Environmental Initiative

Speech for Yang Berhormat Tuan Ng Wei Aik, State Assemblyman for Komtar and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Penang
Go Green Batu Ferringhi: An Environmental Initiative by the Penang Community
Saturday, 16 August 2008

Mr. Suresh Chandra, Financial Controller, Intel Malaysia
Yg. Berhormat Tuan Teh Yee Cheu, State Assemblyman for Tanjong Bungah
Yg. Berbahagia Datuk Zainal Rahim Bin Seman, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang
Mr. Marco G. Battis Totti, Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hoteliers, Penang Chapter
Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Volunteers
Teachers and Students
Government Agencies
Participating NGOs
And last but not least, members of the media

A very good morning to all of you. First of all, I wish to convey my thanks to Intel and the co-organizers of today’s event for inviting me here. It is indeed an honour to be involved in such an activity, especially so when it brings the various communities together for a good cause.

I have also been made to understand that today’s beach clean-up activity is actually held in conjunction with the International Coastal Clean-Up Day 2008, which is supposed to happen on the 20th of September. We’re celebrating this one month ahead, so I suppose it’s a good opportunity for us to set an example for the rest to follow.

Ladies and Gentlemen

David Ross Brower, a prominent environmentalist, was credited for this famous quote: We do not inherit the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.

Let me repeat that: We do not inherit the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.

Now take a moment and let that sink in. I believe you will all agree that that is a profound statement, and one that shall hold true for as long as Mother Nature exists.

If we subscribe to that statement, then we must put into action today the things required to ensure our children reap the benefits offered by Mother Nature. What was done in the past shapes the present. Hence, what we do today determines the future, and for that matter our children’s future.

Today’s beach clean-up event is certainly a step in the right direction, and I trust that this initiative will be a catalyst for more environmental sustainability initiatives in the State of Penang.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The fact that this “Go Green Batu Ferringhi” environmental initiative is an idea mooted by members from the private sector is indeed encouraging. It is precisely this sort of proactive stance from the private sector that ensures ideas become reality. Furthermore, the willingness among companies, NGOs and the larger communities to engage in a public-private partnership with the State Government bodes well for everyone. This helps ensure that we continue to share similar aspirations and work together towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

In that regard, I wish to commend Intel Malaysia and its employees for spearheading this initiative, and for their fantastic effort in bringing other private sector members, NGOs, the municipal council and local agencies, as well as the larger Penang and Kulim community together for this event.

Intel’s long term commitment towards environmental sustainability and their contribution to the community in which they operate in is clearly a shining example for others to emulate. There is no doubt Intel’s presence in Penang for the last 36 years has brought about tremendous benefits for all Penangites, and I’m sure this commitment shall continue for a long time to come.

Of course, due credit and recognition must also go to all the other parties for without their participation and support today’s entire event would definitely not have been possible. On behalf of the Penang State Government, I wish to convey my utmost gratitude to each and every one of you for your support and willingness to share a common objective.

On that note, let’s all bring the beautiful coastline back to Penang. All of you deserve to be proud of your contribution towards environmental sustainability, and for making this State a greener, cleaner and better place to live -- for us, for our children and for our children’s children.

Thank you.

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Tuesday 12 August 2008

Please come to help!

We have set up DAP Permatang Pauh By-Election Operation Centre at:

No. 5 (Tingkat 1), Jalan Arowana 4,
(di belakang Bomba Sukarelawan)
Kawasan Perniagaan Arowana,
13500 Permatang Pauh.

The opening of operation centre is on tomorrow 10am. Please come to help us in the campaign.

Should you have any query, please contact Dr. Ben Lee 016-4462200, Ms Tan 016-4101181 or Mrs Lee 016-4462288.

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Saturday 2 August 2008

Chopping the cherry tree - Malaysian political version

Just to share with you:

I remember a story told to me by my late father regarding telling the truth and facing the consequences.

It has been a story told by many a father to his offspring.

I am of the conviction that the truth is not always a simple "yes" or "no" but many of us miss the point when it comes to taking decisive action.

Legend has it that George Washington, America's first president, chopped down a cherry tree in his youth.

George gives the tree a good swing and chops it down with an axe. His father sees the damaged tree and asks his son if he knows who did the deed.

George is quoted bravely admitting the truth:-

"I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my axe."

This is a satire of how some Malaysian politicians circa 2008 may have reacted to the question:-

PM Badawi - I did not cut down the tree , I was just taking a nap underneath it.

Najib - I swear that I have never MET that tree.

Hishamuddin- .....but I only own a keris ,not axe, how to cut down the tree.

Dr.M - Apa nama cherry tree, I chopped it down because , I don't like the idea of Pak lah sleeping under it.

Chua Soi Lek - Yes it was me, I resign as caretaker of this orchard.

VK Lingam - It could be me, it might have been me but I don't think its me.

Anwar Ibrahim - I DID NOT do it, and I am not giving any DNA samples for you to plant on the axe handle.

Khir Toyo - the new state government should just trim the grass and not waste time asking who cut the tree.

Ahmad Said (Terrenganu MB) I chopped it because cherry trees are more expensive to maintain than durian trees.

Azalina Othman - The cherry tree is not included under my tourism MOU so I cut it down besides there were unauthorized signboards put up around the tree.

Shabery Cheek - I challenge you to a debate on tree cutting.

Samy Velu - I chopped it because HINDRAF members were using it as a meeting point

Wira Ali Rustam - We have planted Durian trees for 50 years and we will plant them for another 50 years, we do not need cheery trees, apple trees , pear trees and all these other foreign trees.

Rais Yatim - you must see the bigger picture, Ahmad said cherry trees are expensive to maintain, Ali Rustan said that are against our national identity and I needed to test my new axe, so you see - its a WIN-WIN situation all around.

Sharir Samad - I cut the tree because we could no longer afford to subsidize it.

Karpal Singh - The bigfoot creature did it.

Bung Mokhtar - The big monkey did it

Pandikar Amin Mulia - There is nothing in the standing orders against chopping cherry trees. Kinabatangan duduk, Bukit Gelugor duduk.sit down.

Khairy Jamaluddin - I did not do it, neither did the mat rempits.by the way, what's a cherry tree ?

Lim Kit Siang - In response to Khairy - cherry tree also you don't know, you are an insult to Oxford.

Nazri Aziz - racist, racist, racist, when we cut down durian trees nobody made a fuss.

Malaysian Citizens - oh for heavens sake ! somebody plant something before we all starve to death.

Dear Parliamentarians of all stripes, while you debate the merits of your arguments and lambast your opponents, please also spend more time tackling the issues that affect the nation, that is primarily the reason we voted you in.

This is no longer the 1970's , you can no longer skirt around the issues using political spin, some of us are jaded, some of us are cynical, some of us are wiser but very few of us are going to fall for it, so please do not insult our intelligence.

Your actions, inaction and response to challenges have dire consequences for this beloved country that we all share.

If you cannot do this within reasonable limits, we the the citizens have no qualms about replacing you with those who can.

Best Regards

Vijay Kumar Murugavell (original author)

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