ON KLANG UMNO ASSEMBLYMAN & MPK COUNCILLOR - JG SAYS THANK YOU TO YAB DATUK SERI NAJIB TUN RAZAK!

Even after, the much lauded statement and call by our beloved Sultan of Selangor, HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to Zakaria - there were many “interpretations and spins added” to the story by certain politicians trying to protect their “political warlords and turf!”   

But with this statement - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stated that Umno is unhappy with any of its leaders who flouts the laws and regulations of the country.

Saying that the case might be discussed at an appropriate forum, the deputy UMNO president who was also the deputy prime minister stressed that those who held public office must show a good example and respect the law.

He rightly stated that one must not think that just because one hold positions one can ignore the regulations or the local council laws!

Of strategic importance was that that statement was made after Najib chaired a meeting of menteris besar and chief ministers.

The point made was that Umno is not happy with what’s happening,”  - in response to questions on Zakaria, the Klang Umno division chief and municipal councillor who is involved in a controversy surrounding his construction of a mansion in Kampung Idaman, Pandamaran, without planning permission from the local council.

Zakaria earlier had received a throughly deserved dressing down from the Sultan of Selangor.

My call is that Zakaria and ‘others like him’ should be removed from all posts in the government to protect the Barisan Nasional image and government!

Najib had all the reasons to get involved in this issue as he had just received a report from the Housing and Local Government Ministry originating from the Klang Municipal Council on what had transpired.

And I am glad that this report will become a framework for discussion on of the same at an ”appropriate forum!”

Deputy Premier Najib also stressed that elected representatives should set a good example by being law-abiding citizens in view that laws were made to be adhered to by Malaysians in all their activities.

Queried whether he felt that Zakaria was a liability to Umno, Najib stated he was concerned as this involved public positions!

Yes - Najib was concerned as once one holds a public positions one must show good example and you must, above all, respect the laws of the country!

It is quite clear Zakaria in this case has not and should therefore be removed - period!

Nothing short of his total removal from all positions of power will satisfy the raayat and public interest!

AS THE DEBATE AND CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING COUNCILLORS RAGES - I REFLECT ON WHAT I WROTE 3 YEARS AGO!

   

In the interest of the Barisan Nasional government Pak Lah (pix above)must act to remove all who abuse the trust of the people immediately!

Alleged RM9 Million Ringgit building (see pix above) with 17 bedrooms among others - a monument of the abuse of the law by elected representatives!

My article written three years ago still rings true today!

And it shows the high expectations and confidence I had in the incoming Abdullah administration! Was I wrong?

Time to bring back council elections (Posted on 09.54am Feb 12, 2003 )
An appointed councillor in Klang, Selangor has claimed trial at the Klang Magistrate’s Court to a charge of assault, under Section 323 of the Penal Code.

At the e-savvy Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), it is rumored that one councillor is busy lobbying to secure a “Lawatan Sambil Belajar” (educational trip) ticket to attend an international IT conference in Germany.

All this while, his counterpart indulges in political rhetoric and theatrics to force MPSJ to change its present logo, as he claims it depicts green - the official colour of PAS, an opposition party. (Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced).

He is not at all bothered that it would cost the council over a further RM500,000. After all, it is not his father’s money.

He can say and demand whatsoever, as he is not accountable to the ratepayer, except perhaps his “political masters”, and they rarely interfere unless their own positions are threatened by the intervention of the federal government.

Some when exposed play the race and religion card - pretending to be religious and a “wira bangsa dan agama” (champion of the race and religion) - when they are a disgrace to both party and religion for their hypocrisy and Jekyll and Hyde political tantrums!

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

To prevent such rogue councilors and ministers from continuing to take office, the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa), with the assistance of the civil society, grassroots organisations, women’s, youth and religious groups will lobby the incoming federal administration under the leadership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to bring back council elections and to initiate stringent scrutiny of candidates nominated for positions of political power.

However, there has been no other position as “abused and raped” in the political arena as the appointed councillor’s position where suspect candidates - ones who are indisciplined, have no grassroots work experience, neither academic qualifications nor strength of the language or issue discussed at length - are repeatedly selected by political parties to fill their respective party quotas.

Like the quota positions filled for state assembly representatives, members of Parliament, for senators, the federal government machinery does not screen the candidates proposed in by respective Barisan Nasional component parties, so as not to “rock the boat”.

Of course, I am aware that the Special Branch will give their report on the candidates, but, how persuasive can their report be, if individual “power brokers and gatekeepers” of respective component political parties want their candidate nominated at all costs?

After all, as one senior politician told me at Health Minister Chua Jui Meng’s recent Chinese New Year open house celebrations, right in front of deputy premier Abdullah, that there is an unwritten understanding for decades between component parties in the Barisan Nasional to not question each others’ nominee for government positions, even if there is a better candidate - academically qualified, has the grassroots support and strength, a proven record and good family background.

WINDS OF CHANGE

Against this backdrop, one cannot expect a drastic change as local political power brokers act as gatekeepers to keep out better suited candidates in order to protect their own agenda and political interests.

But I want to sound optimistic that there can be all-round changes in the Malaysian political system when deputy premier Abdullah takes over the nation’s leadership.

I believe that there will be a drive to replace ageing politicians and various political leaderships and appointment with young qualified candidates, religious, family man, candidates with a proven track record, transparent, accountable and free of corrupt practices.

I believe that the ‘winds of change’ to this end will begin after October 2003 and those few who have abused their respective positions and accumulated questionable wealth and gains will be told to go quietly as it is in their interest to do so.

NATIONAL AIDIL FITRI CELEBRATIONS IN PERLIS HEADED TO BE A SUCCESS!

More Than 100,000 People To Attend National Aidilfitri Open House in Kangar, Perlis today.

JG is advised by government sources, that more than  100,000 people including southern Thailand residents are expected to attend the National Aidilfitri Open House at the Main Stadium today!

Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has gone on record stating that the gathering would be the merriest compared to the previous gatherings as there would be a ’slight difference’ in this year’s celebration.

It would be a special event as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail (see pix above) would end his term as King this December.

Perlis is the present King’s home state!

The gathering, which would see the presence of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Cabinet ministers, would be celebrated under the Hari-Raya-in-Kampung theme.

I am excited too as I will be in Kangar to join in the celebrations as I lived there in the early years of the late 50’s and early 60’s!

My sister in law Dr (Mrs) Philip George was a medical practitioner in the Kangar General Hospital and special physician then to the Perlis Royal household.

So it brings back memories to me too!

CHINA PRAISES NEXT UN HEAD!

Mr Hu (right) congratulated Mr Ban for his new appointment as the UN head. UN Secretary General-elect Ban Ki-moon has held talks in China that were believed to have centred on the recent North Korean nuclear test.Mr Ban, currently South Korea’s foreign minister, met President Hu Jintao as well as China’s special envoy to North Korea, Tang Jiaxuan. At the start of their meeting, President Hu congratulated Mr Ban on his appointment as head of the UN. Mr Ban has pledged to play an active role in ending the North Korea crisis. The details of Mr Ban’s talks were not immediately released, although prior to his visit both Chinese and South Korean officials said North Korea would be high on their agenda. Mr Hu praised Mr Ban’s appointment, pointing out that it was “the first time in 35 years that an Asian has been elected to the post.”

JG SUPPORTS SAMY VELLU’S VIEWS ON MOTORCYCLE LANES!

Last year, there were 3,600 deaths in 200,000 accidents involving motorcyclists. This represented 60 per cent of the total number of deaths and accidents.

According to Road safety researcher Prof Radin Umar who recently conducted a study on the impact of motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway stated that his findings recorded one death over a period of 18 months compared to one death every month before the lanes were built in 1994.

According to the study, motorcycle lanes should be built at accident-prone areas.

Operative words accident prone areas?

As such I tend to concur with Radin that the Public Works department should work with police on identifying accident-prone areas before building the lanes.

Perhaps, as suggested by the latter first road shoulders be turned into motorcycle lanes.

Or better, let us have a test case on several  “killer stretches” to justify the difference!

But one is certain, ultimately mind sets of bikers must also change - and you can spend billions in having ‘first class’ motor cycles lanes throughout the country and still have massive deaths all due to negligence and recklessness!

There must be a balance!

NOW NICARAGUA VOTES TO BAN ABORTION!

Some women’s groups have hit out against the changes As expected by JG in view of recent political moves Nicaragua has approved a sweeping new law banning abortions, even in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.This I find unreasonable and totally unacceptable by any normal standards! But the national assembly approved the bill by 52 votes to none, and the bill is now likely to be signed into law. For the record one must know that Abortion has become a central issue in the campaign for Nicaragua’s presidential elections on 5 November. It is stated that left-wing Sandinistas in parliament supported the bill for fear of alienating Roman Catholic voters before the election. For the record the former Sandinista charasmatic leader Daniel Ortega was a defender of Nicaragua’s limited abortion rights and a critic of the Catholic church when he led a left-wing Nicaraguan government in the 1980s. But thanks to ‘politics and political realities and pressures’ he has since been reconciled with the church and has become a strident opponent of abortion. According to reliable diplomatic sources Daniel Ortega is currently the lead candidate in the presidential election campaign, but is unlikely to gain enough votes to avoid a run-off vote after the first poll. Nicaragua already has strong anti-abortion laws, with women and doctors who take part in abortions facing prison sentences of up to six years. A section of the bill increasing those sentences to up to 30 years was not approved by the parliamentarians, and so will not be signed into law by the country’s President, Enrique Bolanos.   One pregnant demonstrator spread her message on her stomach The timing of the vote was opposed by Nicaragua’s medical association and UN representatives, who warned that the debate had become politicised ahead of the election. According to Reuters news agency reports - hundreds of people protested outside the National Assembly in the capital Managua on Wednesday night, saying the law would be a death sentence for the some 400 women who suffer ectopic pregnancies in Nicaragua each year. We are adviced that public opinion in Nicaragua, which is estimated to be 85% Catholic, appeared to be behind the bill which is nota surprise to JG. There must be ‘discussions and enpowerment’ given to women to decide! Their right should not be taken away by unfair and unreasonable legislation! But the Women’s Autonomous Movement -  a rights group have indicated that it was prepared to file an injunction to stop the law.

PM TO LEAD DELEGATION TO CHINA! A GOOD MOVE SAYS JG!

JG is glad that Premier Abdullah will lead a much awaited second trip in Asean-China Commemorative Summit!

Malaysia’s Premier Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will head the Malaysian delegation to the two-day Asean-China Commemorative Summit in Nanning next week according to JG’s sources.

According to the details, Premier Abdullah will attend a plenary session of the summit on Monday where he will take the opportunity to exchange views on current, regional and international issues as well as the future direction of the Asean-China dialogue relations with the Chinese and other Asean leaders.Abdullah is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremonies of the Third China-Asean Expo and Third China-Asean Business and Investment Summit which is vital and in Malaysia’s interest!

He will also deliver a keynote address at the “Second Session With The Leaders — Improving the Environment for More Mutual Investment” — at the business summit.

The premier will be accompanied in this trip by Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz ‘Kak Rafidah’ (see pix above)  and senior officials to the summit convened to mark the 15th anniversary of Asean-China dialogue relations.

We pray that the sessions will be a success and would pave the way for more foreign direct investments (FDI) into Malaysia and on several more government to government initiatives!

Well done Prime Minister Sir!

Licences Of Motorcyclists, Bus Drivers On Drugs To Be Revoked For Two Years - Good Says JG But More Action Less Talk Please!

 Motorcyclists and commercial bus drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs will have their licences revoked for a minimum of two years, federal traffic police chief SAC II Nooryah Md Anvar has announced!

I fully support this move!

She said this comes in the wake of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s instructing the police to take drastic action to curb road accidents caused by reckless motorcyclists and commercial bus drivers.

“Since the Ops Sikap XI traffic safety operation was launched on Oct 17, more than 50 motorcyclists and commercial bus drivers were tested positive for morphine, heroin and cannabis while they were on the roads,” she is reported to have told a press conference.

She said that the revocation was provided for under Section 36 of the Road Transport Act 1987 and that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) was empowered to revoke the licences of these errant drivers within 14 days after receiving the urine test reports from the traffic police.

This action would be conducted throughout the year and not for festive seasons alone, she said.

Nooryah said that on expiry of the two-year period, the offenders would also be made to resit JPJ’s road test before a new license was issued to them.

But she indicated that you have to bear in mind that after the two-year period, the JPJ has the discretion whether or not to allow an offender to resit the road test. If the department feels that the offender must wait for a longer period, then that person will not be allowed to resit the road test which I think is a brillant idea!

Meanwhile, Nooryah said that out of the 156 fatalities reported in first nine days of Ops Sikap XI, 106 deaths involved motorcyclists and pillion riders, mostly aged between 16 and 27.

She also said that the police planned to install speed trap cameras every 50 km along accident-prone state and federal roads.

She indicated that they have submitted a proposal to the government to acquire some 500 to 700 speed trap cameras and hope they can be installed along the roads and traffic junctions during the next festive season but what will that do except bring in more revenue through fines and what we need is a high powered media blitz on the do and don’t of driving!

And talking about drivers can we start with the drivers of a certain bus company that covers the Klang to Kuala Lumpur route?

Got my drift?

DESPITE THE TALK SO LITTLE EVIDENCE OF THAKSIN’S ALLEGED GRAFT!

Thaksin Shinawatra is currently in exile in the UK Thai investigators are struggling to find definite evidence that ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra is guilty of graft.Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who launched last month’s coup to oust Mr Thaksin, said it was “difficult to implicate” him in any major corruption cases. The news is a major set-back for the coup leaders, who cited massive government corruption as one of the main reasons for the takeover. Speculation is mounting that Mr Thaksin might try to return to Thailand soon. He is currently staying with his daughter in London. I sincerely doubt he will return soon. It would not be good for him nor for the country!  I would advice Thaksin to stay in London for Christmas as it would be a very rewarding experience!

INDIA TACKLES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

Women protest in Delhi against a rise in domestic violence A landmark new law seeking to protect women from domestic violence has come into effect in India.The law also bans harassment by way of dowry demands and gives sweeping powers to a magistrate to issue protection orders where needed. Punishment could range from a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 20,000 rupees ($450). Every six hours, a young married woman is burned, beaten to death or driven to commit suicide, officials say. Overall, a crime against women is committed every three minutes in India, according to India’s National Crime Records Bureau. Despite the scale of the problem, there had been no specific legislation to deal with actual abuse or the threat of abuse at home. Domestic violence, under the new law, includes “actual abuse or the threat of abuse whether physical, sexual, emotional or economic,” a statement from the federal ministry of women and child development said. The law provides protection to the wife or live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband or live-in partner or his relatives. INDIA: CRIME AGAINST WOMEN One crime against women every three minutes One rape every 29 minutes One dowry death case every 77 minutes One case of cruelty by husband and relatives every nine minutes Source: National Crime Records Bureau Besides physical violence, the law also covers forcing a wife or partner to look at pornography. “We have been trying for long to protect women from domestic violence. In India alone, around 70% of women are victim of these violent acts in one or the other form,” junior minister for women and child development Renuka Chowdhury told the Press Trust of India news agency. She said the news law would help provide relief to the women suffering from domestic violence. Women’s activists have welcomed the law, although many say it is not perfect. They say a bill alone will not help in preventing domestic abuse; what is needed is a change in mind sets. A survey by the International Institute for Population Studies showed 56% of Indian women believed wife beating to be justified in certain circumstances. The reasons varied from going out without the husband’s permission to cooking a bad meal. Domestic abuse is often denied by the victims themselves.

ORDINARY NORTH KOREANS FACE STARVATION!

As expected millions of North Koreans are at risk of starvation this winter as humanitarian aid levels drop amid an international furore over the country’s nuclear bomb test.

North Korea is not able to produce enough food to feed its people

Aid agencies are already saying that much of the population is already surviving on basic rations and fear any further drop in food supplies could lead to a repeat of the 1990s famine that killed as many as two million people.

While sanctions imposed by the UN following North Korea’s nuclear test on 9 October specifically exclude humanitarian aid, observers fear they will have an impact regardless.

South Korea - one of North Korea’s main food suppliers - suspended its shipments after Pyongyang’s missile tests in July.

Food from China, another key supplier, is believed to have dropped by a third in the past year.

We pray that common sense endures and that the powers that be in North Korea will ’stand down’ and indulge in peace talks that will pave a way to prevent the suffering of millions of North Koreans specially children!

PM TAKES TIME OFF TO REMEMBER BELOVED WIFE!

PREMIER ABDULLAH WITH HIS LATE WIFE KAK ENDON AS WE FONDLY KNEW HER! |   

Despite his heavy schedule, I am really touched, but not surprised, that our beloved Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi visited his wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood’s, grave on the first day of Aidilfitri!

This was leadership by example - a lesson about love and of remembrance of one we love!

For the record, this is the second time that Premier Abdullah is celebrating Hari Raya without his wife at his side. She died of cancer on Oct 20 last year.

Abdullah was accompanied by his children, Kamaludin and Nori, and their spouses, Azrene Abdullah and Khairy Jamaluddin.

We are advised that the first family spent about 15 minutes at the Muslim cemetery in Putrajaya reading verses from the Quran and sprinkled scented water and flowers on her grave.

MAY THE FOCUS OF OUR HARI RAYA CELEBRATIONS (EID MUBARAK) BE ALSO PRAYER! LET US PRAY FOR PEACE AND GOODWILL AMONG ALL MAN! FOR ALL TO UPHOLD JUSTICE, FAIRPLAY, DIGNITY AND UNIVERSAL VALUES OF LOVE AND RESPECT OF ONE ANOTHER! AMIN. 

DECISION TO TARGET MOTOCYCLISTS GOOD SAYS JG!

THE PRESENT ROAD CARNAGE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED STARTING WITH HEAVY VEHICLES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SAYS JG!

I am indeed glad to hear that motorcyclists and their pillion riders will be the target of a massive road safety campaign in 2007 including making non-wearing of crash helmets a serious offence.

Yes - we are aware that the crash helmet law has been enforced in the country for more than two decades but we are advised that despite so, the level of compliance in the rural areas is shocking — only 20 to 30 per cent — compared with 95 to 99 per cent in the urban areas.

This is sad but I am not that worried so much about rural areas than as I am of at urban areas where the casualities are higher!

And the nation’s top Road Safety Department official has warned that ‘enough is enough’ as the authorities have reached the limit of their patience and tolerance on the motorcyclists, who make up about 65 per cent of some 6,300 people who died in road accidents annually over the past few years.

Director-general, Datuk Suret Singh who is the uncle of CASSA’s deputy secretary general II, Harry Singh outlined today a host of measures aimed at cutting down fatalities among these, most accident-prone road users, with those not wearing helmets to be deemed as no longer committing a light offence but a serious one under a new Road Safety Act to be introduced next year.

It is sad that despite knowledge that studies show that the proper use of helmets could reduce injury-related deaths by between 40 and 50 per cent people are not doing so!

I am glad to hear too that the infrastructure to support safer motorcycling would also be put in place for thisis important!

The construction of special motorcycle lanes should be  given priority under the current 9th Malaysia Plan as part of the department’s five-year plan to cut road accident deaths by half by 2010 as most accidents occurred from collisions between motorcycles and cars as I personally found out when on deepavali day at around 12.50noon at SS1/11 Sungai Way, Petaling Jaya the owner of Kenari registration number WLL 8982 from house number 13, SS1/11, Sungai Way reversed recklessly into the SS1/11 road in front of my vehicle without looking at the main road nearly smashing into another oncoming car!

Unfortunately, a motocyclist riding a motor registration number JFY3335 riding at very high speed behind me at that material time also smashed into the back of my car causing extensive damage to my vehicle.

The rider was hurt and I called for an ambulance for assistance and other friends for help as my car was severely damaged at the back with the back view windscreen smashed, mudguards and bumpers broken, the boot all dented and so forth and my little children were in it all “shocked and afraid!”

When the ambulance arrived I left with a friend to make a police report at Petaling Jaya Police station after having transfered my children into another friend’s car for safety reasons.

The police were extremely kind and helpful and felt sorry for me as this was the third time in these six months my car has been hit by another vehicle from the back and I had to make reports at the same station!

Some said I should sell off the car as it was taboo?

Honestly, there are far too many people driving recklessly putting the ‘lives and limbs’ of innocents in danger and I for one support any form of curtainment of this episode! 

Yesterday, I also saw a public bus driving recklessly at 8pm without both its lights along the federal highway heading towards KL.

I recognized that particular bus company which has a bad record and as such told my wife to take down its number!

I will get ‘Harry’ to pass it on to his uncle the DG with our detailed observation report for immediate action as the company is putting members of the public at risk!

For the record, as of today - I am also certain that the statistics on accidents and deaths must have skyrocketed nationwide from day one of OPS SIKAP XI?

MAY THIS BE THE MAIN FOCUS OF OUR DIWALI CELEBRATIONS!

JG PRAYS THAT THIS WILL BE THE MAIN FOCUS OF OUR DIWALI CELEBRATIONS!

ONCE AGAIN BLESSED DIWALI 2006!

JG WISHES ALL MALAYSIAN HINDUS - BLESSED DIWALI!

JG WISHES ALL MALAYSIAN HINDUS A BLESSED DIWALI 2006!

MAY GOD BLESS AND LEAD US TO ALWAYS STAND FOR THE TRUTH AND JUSTICE WITHOUT FEAR NOR FAVOR!

IN ALL HUMILITY I SAY YOU ARE WRONG PM SIR ON PORT KLANG ASSEMBLYMAN SAYs JG!

JG saddened by PM’s interpretation!  

 The controversy has created ‘political tremours’ and embarrassed  may of us who are strong Barisan Nasional supporters!

I have no problem that our beloved Premier has decided to leave it to the Selangor Chief Minister or Menteri Besar, as we call him, to address the issue but certain points must be raised!

 So as I said - it will be entirely left to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo (left Pix) to take action against Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria @ Zainal Md Deros for violating Klang Municipal Council (MPK) regulations.   

The Prime Minister said Mohd Khir had informed him of the matter two days ago as well as the legal action to be taken against Zakaria.

Speaking to reporters after handing out Hari Raya aid to the less fortunate in the Penaga state constituency in my home state of Penang (I am a Butterworth lad!) where the premier said in principle a council member must comply with its regulations as failure to do so could cause uneasiness among the people )

PM Sir he was also breaking the law!

The PM was of course commenting on the violations of several MPK regulations allegedly committed by Zakaria, who is also a its councillor, including the construction of a luxurious four-storey mansion at Kampung Idaman, Pandamaran, Klang without approval from the MPK.

Abdullah said society could not accept such offences committed by an elected representative.

The premier was right that the perception will certainly be negative because the particular individual came from UMNO - the ruling party and those in position (who breach regulations) are certainly bad.

The premier of course was aware of the anger of the raayat when they read of such cases!

More so, since it was Pak Lah who made it the cornerstone of his election campaign/theme to fight abuse, corruption, uphold good governance, accountability and transparency!  

He said the Selangor government would take action that commensurate with the offences committed by Zakaria.

I believe ‘reading his lips’ the operative words are “commensurate” and as such, I predict nothing more tha a fine as according to the by-laws would be santioned!

But the core of the issue was not answered as if one was trying hard to avoid it but the press raised it when they asked the premier whether Umno would take action against Zakaria, who is also the Klang Umno Klang division head and the Premier to my surprise and shock stated that Umno would not take action as the offence did not involve the party, but involved government regulations.

Here if the operative words were “did not involve the party, but involved government regulations” I am sad to say that Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was very wrong and if he checks this with the Attorney General’s Chambers office he may receive perhaps, another interpretation, which I am about to cite!

It is about conventions which are so dear to the raayat!

You must remember Zakari was appointment to be a councillor based on his position in UMNO and as UMNO state assemblyman!

And his actions here was a ‘betrayal of trust’ put on him by UMNO and the raayat who elected him as state assemblyman.

His actions brings the raayat’s anger and contempt for not only on Zakaria and his family (no matter how qualified people think they are which is also a question of interpretation!) but also UMNO and the Barisan Nasional whose election manifesto spoke about accoutability, good governance, transparency and so forth!

This is where we have failed and this is where we allow politicians to get away violating their oath of office!

In my mind - Zakaria has violated his oath of office and nothing short than a ‘blanket suspension’ is warranted from all positions he holds in the government and party - period!

But, I realise only someone totally committed to the principles of accoutability, good governance and transparency could bring this about!

Is there someone like that in Malaysia today?

OPS SIKAP XI TURNING INTO A NIGHTMARE?

 Pak Lah - deeply concerned at road carnage statistics!JG is told that the second day of the OPS SIKAP XI results in further 16 deaths!

It is really sad that 16 people died in road accidents yesterday the second day of Ops Sikap XI, bringing the fatalities to 34.

We are told by Federal Traffic Police Chief SAC II Nooryah Md Anvar that of the total, 11 were motorcyclists, two car drivers, two van passengers and one pedestrian!

Five were killed in crashes on federal roads, four on municipal roads, three on state roads and two each on highways and other roads, she added!

A total of 1,054 accidents were reported and 10,883 summonses issued yesterday, she reinterated!

For he record and background to this - Ops Sikap XI is a road safety enforcement exercise to reduce accidents during the balik kampung rush and the return journey.

It will be in force until Oct 31.

But the truth is it is sad that the death toll is rising!

APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL COUNCILLORS HAS BEEN ABUSED SAYS JG!

 JG has great respect for deputy premier Najib Tun Razak.JG Says  He Is Glad that Govt To Re-visit Criteria On Local Councillors’ Appointment!

After the great  embarrassement caused by the appointment of ‘a trio - from the same family’ in Selangor as councillors the battered and embarrased government calls a rethink which is overdue and much lauded though late!

Yes we are told that the government will re-visit the criteria on the appointment of local councillors to avoid allegations that a local authority is dominated by family members, deputy premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stated!

The Deputy Prime Minister said this problem did not arise before because appointment of local councillors was based on a certain criteria.

What criteria he did not mention but the fact is this appointments are a joke and it is time we relook at the entire scheme of things and remove the appointments based on political party considerations like sharing the “spoils” thingy!

The nation deserve a better scheme of things!

We must have a conscience and therefore I am glad that that deputy premier Najib Tun Razak commented on the case which had its issue emanating from the appointment of Port Klang state assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros, his son Zainuri and daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil as Klang Municipal Council councillors.

More so, his stance that this will be addressed.

I have very high respect for the deputy premier and find him to be very knowledgeble about these things and I am certain that this problem will be addressed and the entire scheme will be overhauled in time to come!