JG SAYS IT - DO NOT HIDE CONTENTS OF TOLL DEALS UNDER THE OSA!
January 31, 2007 on 11:49 am | In General | Comments Off
I appeal to the Malaysian government not to hide the contents of the toll concession deal under the draconial Official Secrets Act (OSA)!
Yes, indeed I am aware that Works Minister Dato Seri Dr S Samy Vellu (see pix right) has stated that toll agreements between the government and highway concessionaires will continue to be classified as OSA.
But simple reasons why this should not be so:
1. As taxpayers and motorists are bearing the brunt of toll hikes, Malaysians have a right to know the contents and the rationale for paying so much to the concession companies
2. Only a fool will deny that there is no mounting public anger over the toll hikes which is seen as as ‘unfair and unreasonble and profiteering’ where politically connected companies and alleged cronies are guaranteed profits and protected against losses - a made in Malaysia style business venture something unknown in the field of economics!
But fair enough - Keep it under OSA if there is something in it that can and will shame the government quite outrightly!
But remember there is indeed a need for compromise and fairness!
Members of the Malaysian public are certainly not fools!
WHO’S INTERESTS PROTECTED IN MEDIA BLACK-OUT IN HELICOPTER CRASH INCIDENT?
January 31, 2007 on 10:36 am | In General | Comments Off
’Super Puma L2?’ WHO’S INTERESTS PROTECTED IN MEDIA BLACK-OUT IN HELICOPTER CRASH INCIDENT?
It is just shocking to what length certain cross sections of the Malaysian political and corporate elite would go to keep sealed vital and pertinent information which is of public interest!
I am of course referring to the Malaysian Helicopter Services’ (MHS) a ill-fated Super Puma L2 helicopter chopper crash about 80km off Bintulu at about 2.30pm shortly after taking off on Tuesday from an offshore platform en-route to another which was kept out of the media!
In mitigation, certainly Malaysian’s Oil Giant Petronas would state that they issued a statement ‘that six of the passengers were staff of Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, while another two were workers of a company contracted to Petronas Carigali and that a Malaysian Helicopter Services’ (MHS) chopper crashed about 80km off Bintulu at about 2.30pm shortly after taking off from an offshore platform en-route to another!’
But I must sadly point out that this information was only issued after six hours after the said incident!
I must state that that four-paragraph statement came as the only official response on the incident by Petronas with no further releases made since then as secrecy shrouded the mission to bring the survivors back ashore to Bintulu.
But ‘rumors and reports’ indicate that whatever updates on this mishap is kept exclusively for the management level and why I may ask!
Prior to that, there was indeed a black out and the black out continues to pertinent questions being raised and needed to be raised in the public interests!
But I am grateful that nine survivors of the helicopter crash finally arrived at the Bintulu Hospital under police security at around 11.10pm, almost nine hours after the incident was reported.
According to reliable sources who spoke to this writer, all of them were still in their red and yellow-colored over alls, one of them was carried on a stretcher on arrival at the hospital’s accident and emergency unit while another had to be placed on a wheelchair for further treatment.
We praise God that the rest apparently were not hurt and walked ‘on their own’ to the unit but rather strangely we are advised that they too refused to speak to the members of the press at the hospital.
Perhaps, that could be overlooked as they may be still suffering from shock, post crash anxiety and mental trauma!
But to add to this rather bizarre code of silence - even hospital management kept a tight lid on the identities of the victims and injured.
But reports indicate one is still missing!
As expected, a police report was said to have been lodged about the incident.
According to reports - this rather sad incident is the third to involve a Super Puma helicopter belonging to MHS in the last two years.
For the record - on June 18, 2005, one crashed near Shell Malaysia’s B11 oil rig about 170 km off Bintulu, but all the 13 passengers including two pilots on board survived.
Again on Nov 11 2006, another carrying 23 people crashed 103 nautical miles off Dungun, Terengganu during stormy weather, killing its pilot, 41-year-old Capt Mohd Salleh Teguh, while the rest escaped unhurt.
It is vital that a comprehensive independent probe be conducted in this and other incidents from multiple angles and if there was negligence or liability involved, those responsible must be brought to account!
This is all the more a necessity as Malaysia continues to go on record preaching about accountability, good governance and transparency ‘to the Malaysian public and rest of the world!’
TTDI JAYA FLOODS - Star’s Metro Should Be More Responsible!
January 29, 2007 on 10:47 am | In General | Comments Off
‘those who experienced the trauma and pain of the last floods in Feb 06 have nothing but contempt for those behind the Jan 27/07 article! - Dr Jacob George.Star’s Metro Should Be More Responsible!
The journalist who covered the said article was none other than one, Elan Perumal who had only days earlier covered the same story with the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) coordinating but that time with the voices of the residents in fear and anxiety being heard!
Elan tells me yesterday ‘that article’ created anger/anxiety in certain quarters resulting in many harsh letters being written to the Star Metro complaining!
Now who were complaining?
Certainly, NOT THE RESIDENTS who still live in fear AND THOSE INTENDING TO LIVE THERE HAVING NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE, UNLIKE OTHERS!
The article of Jan 27 headlined - ‘Thing of the past painted’ quoting the resident committee head and the developer quite rightly in my mind was a PR exercise of damage control to an earlier article.
Equally disgusting was the attempt by certain person (s) ‘to intimidate’ those interviewed in the earlier article.
Today, when I asked the resident’s head who was extensively used in the Jan 27 article (who has himself and family according to reports moved to another home ‘near the airport at Putrajaya’) he shared that he was asked to do the piece after pressure was exerted on him because certain people feared the price of their properties would be hurt with such negative publicity and developers had problem selling their homes in the area!
Yes - many houses have already put up sale signs but with no takers for months!
I do not deny that yes - work is being done since the last great flood of Feb 2006 namely:
1. existing embankment along Sungai Damansara at TTDI Jaya had been raised by one metre from 8.5m earlier.
2. DID had installed three manual pumps in the area and would be spending RM2.3mil for a new automatic high-powered pump to be commissioned by the middle of this year.
3. reports indicate that the DID has directed developers around TTDI Jaya such as Perwira Holdings Sdn Bhd and Guthrie Properties Sdn Bhd to carry out flood mitigation works to prevent water from their areas entering TTDI Jaya.
That Perwira will be carrying out widening and desilting works on Sungai Damansara and Sungai Kuning while Guthrie has built an earth bund to prevent rain water from the Guthrie Industrial Area from flowing into TTDI Jaya housing estate.
4. a 130m-long reinforced concrete wall behind Ilham Apartments at a cost of RM700,000
5. a new retention pond at a 0.4ha site, which complements two existing ones is built.
But, are these the answer to the problem or just another ’round of cosmetics’ where the only person (s) benefiting is the contractor and those linked to him?
The article in the Star Metro virtually gives a guarantee of ‘No Flood!”.
This is strange because the area around us went on ‘red alert’ just on the eve of Hari Raya Haji a few weeks ago!
One thing is for certain - the next time it floods here a large cross section of residents and I will initiate legal action on the representations/guarantee made here in this newspaper report!
I wonder then who the developer and others who made grand statements in this article will blame?
El Nino?
Or ‘little green men in space ships’ or even perhaps, ‘land reclamation in Singapore?’
TIME FOR LEBONAN TO MOVE FORWARD AND NOT BE CRIPPLED BY INTERNAL POLITICAL BICKERING!
January 27, 2007 on 9:07 am | In General | Comments Off
’time to rebuild Lebonan not to further destroy it!’ - Dr Jacob George 
Murdered Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri still missed and loved by all!
It is widely reported that the Paris-based international conference on Lebanon had representatives from over 40 countries attending.
As usual, over coffee, tea, cocktails, we can assume the ‘usual rehetoric’ and discussions transpired.
Perhaps, they include ways in which a ‘kick-start’ or ‘rekindle’ improving conditions in Lebonan which has suffered so much strife over so many decades.
If you remember, pledges of financial aid as gifts or loans on “soft” terms were made to the tune of about $7.6 billion, up from the $4.2 billion promised in Paris five years ago.
But if nations who pledge will pay then good, as we all know such conferences are notorious for representatives to “out-do” each other in making ‘fanciful pledges’ of vast sums, only to find once they get home, that their governments are less generous than had been envisaged.
But the truth ofthe matter is - promises of money, even if it is stumped up in one form or another, and even if it does fall short of expectations, only go a small way to restructuring a ravaged nation.
Beautiful Lebanon is currently some $41 billion in debt, a figure that approximates to over 180 per cent of the entire national wealth of the country.
Both Prof Dr Aziz and Dr Shahiddha - both close diplomat friends from my university days in England quite rightly says that looking to those Arab nations which can afford to give, to obtain anything approaching the required monies to make good the deficit requires far more than passing round the hat.
But sadly opposing factions in Lebonan have failed miserably and now the country is further facing a crippling effect which serves no one in particular and it is simply stupid!
It is time to put an end to the riots and violence, allowing the citizens to put aside their differences and pursue the more honourable task of rebuilding the country and its infrastructure.
Sadly, it is something the Lebanese have had to do many times before but the truth is they have yet to learn from past mistakes!
It is time for peace - it is time for reconstruction and to move forward!
JG SAID THIS THREE YEARS AGO BUT NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE!
January 25, 2007 on 9:57 pm | In General | Comments Off
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 INDEPENDENT NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF EAST MALAYSIA Established since 1963 |
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26 January, 2004
Don’t take safety of children for granted, parents told!
SUBANG:
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) has called on parents to be more responsible in watching over their children in view of the growing number of assaults, rape and murder of children in the country.
An observation by CASSA in several shopping malls in the city revealed that parents do not seem to be minding their children when they go shopping.
We sent a team from CASSA to 10 shopping complexes in the city and found that parents are too pre-occupied with their own thing. Additionally, the childrens walkabout is not supervised, said CASSA president Dr Jacob George.
This happens especially with large families, he said.
The parents are not aware of the movement of all their children.
He said if parents continue this irresponsible trend, these places may become favourite spot for kidnappers and sexual predators.
If parents are more perceptive, we won’t have this problem of missing children. All it takes is a few minutes for a child to go missing. Parents should not take for granted the safety of children.
Jacob also called on the Information Ministry to spearhead campaigns that promote child safety and good parenting skills.
However, some parents said they always kept watch on their children when shopping.
Secretary Goh Sze Lin, 36, who has three young children says when she and her husband take the family out shopping, they always watch over their children.
I will hold my daughters hands, while my husband will be watching our son. We are never careless when we are out with them, she said. Mother of four Suriani Abdul Ghani, 40, said her children can take care of themselves.
I have an 11-year-old son, and three daughters aged nine, seven and four, said the teacher.
They are always looking out for one another.
She added that although her children rarely sit still and are always running around, she knows where they are and always has an eye on them.
I make sure I can always see them and they know not to stray too far.
I have also advised them never to follow strangers. They are obedient. I know they listen to me, Suriani said.
William Beven, 48, who had a 10-year-old son said he usually takes his son out to safe and familiar shopping complexes.
I do let him go off on his own to computer game shops and such, but I always know where he might be, he said.
The businessman added that they know the lay-out of the complex well, and this ensures that there is no way his son could get lost.
Site supervisor Nuridah Sadikis, 26, said when she takes her five-year-old niece out, she always holds on to her.
I rarely take her out, but when I do, I will hold her hand.
She is not stubborn, so it is easy to control her, Nuridah said.
As she is not my child, I have to take extra care of her.
Father Jaafer Abdul Rashid, 49, practises the same thing on his eight-year-old son.
I always take him shopping and I never let him go far.
JG SAYS THANK YOU TO MALAYSIAKINI LETTERS COLUMN CONTRIBUTER LJ FOR VIEWS ON SUB JUDICE RULE!
January 25, 2007 on 9:20 pm | In General | Comments OffJG’S MALAYSIAKINI ARTICLE ON MONGOLIAN MURDER DRAWS CRITICISMS FROM CERTAIN SECTORS INCLUDING A MORON FROM AUSTRALIA!
January 24, 2007 on 10:37 pm | In General | Comments Off| THE MALAYSIAKINI ARTICLE
Mongolian murder – leave Najib out of it |
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As a law-abiding Malaysian citizen, I am deeply disturbed at the ongoing debate, postings and political discussions on various media mediums pertaining to the gruesome murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shariibuu.
It is a pity that comments, innuendos and insinuations’ being made, posted and uttered by individuals, including politicians, in public pertaining to the murder. This is sadly unfortunate. More so, as it borders on contempt of court as the case has already being fixed for trial. What is more shameful is the blatant attempt to bring in innocent third parties into the fray for political reasons. A comprehensive reading of the various posts, articles and speeches clearly shows a deep-rooted malice of which the sole objective seems to be to damage and destroy a leader’s reputation and political career. Just because two of detainees were Special Action Unit or ‘Unit Tindakan Khas’ (UTK) personnel and C4 plastic explosives were used to blow up the remains of the late Altantuya, a malicious linkage is made with the Defence Ministry. Those who are familiar with the ‘Special Action Unit” know only too well that it is not linked to the Defence Ministry, as claimed by a politician in a distorted and malicious speech in Penang. It is obvious that those making these claims have a long-term political agenda and among them is to destroy the brilliant political career and reputation of the nation’s deputy premier. As accountable and responsible Malaysians, we must take every step to deny these political desperadoes and adventurers the chance to do so as it would spell the destruction of all that we as Malaysians hold dear. The trial date has been set and as law-abiding citizens, let us wait for the legal proceedings to take their course and for justice to be served in due course. Anything else would be a miscarriage of justice. |
| ATTACK ONE!
Mongol murder: Let police probe with fear, favour |
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I am writing this in response to Dr jacob George’s letter Mongolian murder – leave Najib out of it. Let me first ask the good doctor a few questions. Is he a paid lackey of the government or just a very naïve boy scout?
Yes the ‘certain political leaders’ mentioned are definitely out to destroy Najib Razak’s reputation but we must look at the bigger picture, my dear doctor. Every angle must be investigated so that justice shall prevail and if that means questioning the deputy prime minister, then so be it. It is in no way implied for certain that he is guilty. Let the police do their job without fear or favour. If one is so concerned about bringing injustice upon ‘innocent third parties’ then where were they when ‘innocent third parties’ Sukma Dermawan, Mohd Munwar Anees and S Nallakarupan were arrested for something that the then DPM was accused of? Where were you when our justice system became a laughing stock of the world, when clearly questionable evidence was admitted to court and the then DPM charged and found guilty? Double standards of integrity, wouldn’t you say, so my dear doctor? Surely we must remember 1988, don’t we? It wasn’t just only about when Rick Astley and Kylie Minogue ruled the pop charts, it was also when the judiciary lost its independence when good and honest judges were removed just because they wouldn’t bow to political pressure. If the judiciary was left intact, well clear of interference from the ruling powers, then the then DPM wouldn’t have been jailed. So can one blame us - the ordinary Malaysian people - for not trusting the current justice system? Are we 100 percent confident in our current courts and justice system and if they are indeed independent and able to prosecute anyone that commits a crime regardless of political position, connection or affiliation? While we are at it about justice, how about justice for the anti-toll hike protestors who were beaten even when they did not fight back? How about justice for the man on the street who has no where else to air his grievances? Well? |
| ATTACK NO 2
Razak Baginda trial - gossip can’t be stopped |
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I refer to the letter Mongolian murder - leave Najib out of it.. Dr Jacob George is naive for an educated man. The idea that all the speculation now in the various media about the Abdul Razak Baginda trial (which isn’t till March next year) borders on contempt of court is plainly ridiculous.
It’s contempt of court during the trial - not before and not after it. George is just as naive about natural human traits. It’s nothing peculiar about any human action, voluntary or otherwise, to engage in speculating about who else may be allegedly involved in the alleged murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shariibuu, or, indeed, who else ought to be interviewed or investigated, including politicians, for this heinous crime. George could have said very simply that the Malaysian police be allowed to fully investigate the alleged murder, and that would have been perfectly sensible. But to rant from atop his moralistic high horse that nobody in society has a right to gossip, at minimum, about the murder in whatever forum is silly and outrageous because George reckons all Malaysians are ‘accountable and responsible’ citizens. Tell that to the Malaysian police force, the judges and magistrates of Malaysia’s legal system, and, best of all, Malaysian politicians, of whom not many Malaysians hold in any high regard or trust. Why didn’t George condemn Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the ex-premier, who became judge, jury and executioner of Anwar Ibrahim’s alleged wrong-doing even before the latter’s trial had begun? George’s moralistic Jacob-come-lately or Goody Two-Shoes rave is fanciful, farcical and naive. |
1. “It’s contempt of court during the trial - not before and not after it - Manjit Bhatia Australia.
2. “Is he a paid lackey of the government or just a very naïve boy scout?” - Dr Danone
3. ”naive boy scout, moralistic Jacob-come-lately or Goody Two-Shoes rave is fanciful, farcical and naive”
My response:
First I have no regard for individuals who write articles and post them under various pseudo names!
In my book they are but cowards!
If they really believe in something they must have the courage and conviction to put name to paper and face the consequences of that conviction!
Secondly, Malaysians of all walk of life know who Dr Jacob George is so I do not have to try to justify my position as per the article written especially to a moron living in Australia and posting various views on Malaysian political life from Australia or another idiot who goes by a pseudo name!
Malaysians know very well my position on various issues which includes of events from 1988 to 1998 and beyond!
My articles have on them have appeared in various letters column in all mainstream print and electronic media!
Incidentally, even a pre law student knows about ‘contempt of law’ and incidentally only an idiot and fool would claim that contempt of court is only during a trial not before or after it!
My contention in the article was simply that chargers have been made, due process is taking its course, the rule of law is taking shape and we need to wait instead of conducting a trial by media!
Incidentaly for that I am called a boy scout, naive, paid lankey and so forth!
But Malaysians know me better!
JUST FANCY THIS!
January 24, 2007 on 10:11 am | In General | Comments Off
I just could not help laughing and it helped as I didn’t laugh for quite sometime and how to lah with all the havoc that is going on in raining and flooded negara ku!
So here, the spin is that investment proposals are pouring into the proposed Iskandar Development Region!
Operating words - “pouring” like the rain has been over Johor and other parts which are flooded resulting in economic loss, damage to propety and loss of lives!
We are told in this latest spin that the said multi-billion ringgit Iskandar Development Region has indeed received many investment proposals since its launch in November last year?
Of course, he further added that the said project, modelled after the Shenzen province in China was open to all investors, including Singaporeans, who are from time to time are politically blasted by Malaysian politicians!
No one denies that the plans to develop Southern Johor into a vibrant growth area offered opportunities but after the kind of flood only a fool will want to risk investing when there are better and more lucrative sectors and portfolios away from Malaysia!
Again, the MB’s claim that the ‘Iskandar Development Region’ is among the most important investment hub in the region is strongly debatable based on ‘Malaysian realities and bias?’
FLOODS AFFECT MORE THAN 50,000 WORKERS!
January 21, 2007 on 8:36 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘foreign workers play a key role in our country’s economy and we should do all to protect their rights and interests!’ - Dr Jacob GeorgeFLOODS AFFECT MORE THAN 50,000 WORKERS!
I believe more than 50,000 workers and 2,565 employers in various sectors were affected by the floods in Johor!
I am also glad that Human Resource Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn has taken note of this and urged all to assist the affected!
In fact he said the highest figure was recorded in Batu Pahat district involving 15,100 workers and 685 employers, followed by Kota Tinggi (11,820 workers, 845 employers), Kluang/Mersing (13,554 workers, 720 employers), Johor Baharu (5,000 workers, 20 employers), Segamat (2,265 workers, 286 employers) and Muar (781 workers, nine employers).
And those affected are from various sectors including manufacturing, services, retail, plantation, smallholding and livestock rearing.
Thankfully, the minister has indeed instructed all employers to assist workers affected by the floods, including in terms of their welfare and rebuilding their houses.
Although the flood situation had almost returned to normal, he said, more than 25 plantations were still cut off due to flooded roads.
“The ministry has contacted the employers of all the plantations concerned asking them to look into the welfare of their workers. It is the responsibility of the employers,” he added.
He also said that efforts would be made by the ministry to ensure that necessary aid was sent to workers in plantations which were cut off by the floods.
For operators of small and medium industries, Fong said they could apply for loans from financial institutions to revive their respective businesses.
I wonder who is coordinating and monitoring this execise that it bears fruitition and does just be a ‘political speech or a still born idea as many are!’
But for the record - we are monitoring!
MONGOLIAN MURDER – LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE!
January 19, 2007 on 10:10 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘remember innocent until proven guilty!’ ‘we cannot have a trial by media please urges JG!
MONGOLIAN MURDER – LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE!
As a law abiding Malaysian citizen, I am deeply disturbed at the ongoing debate, postings and political discussions on various media mediums pertaining to the gruel some murder of Mongolia Altantuya Sharibuu.
It is a pity that there are several ‘comments, innuendos and insinuations’ being made and posted by individuals and in public speeches made by politicians pertaining to the Mongolia Altantuya Sharibuu murder.
This is sadly unfortunate!
More so, as it borders on contempt of court as the case has already being set for trial.
What is more shameful is the blatant attempt to bring in innocent third parties into the fiery fray for political reasons.
A comprehensive reading of the various posts, articles and speeches clearly show a deep rooted malice whose sole objective seems to be to damage and destroy a leader’s reputation and political career!
Just because two of detainees were Special Action Unit or ‘Unit Tindakan Khas’ (UTK) personnel and C4 plastic explosives were used to blow up the remains of the late Altantuya Sharibuu a malicious linkage is made towards the Ministry of Defense!
Those who are familiar with the ‘Special Action Unit” know only too well that they certainly are not Defence Ministry ‘Special Commando Group’ as stated by a politician in his distorted and malicious speech in Penang or that those officers take their instructions from the Ministry of Defense!
For the record, it is widely believed that SAU Officers take their instructions from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or their commanding officers!
The pathetic political conspiracy theorist also forget that one of the accused was asked to return to Malaysia as he was on duty guarding our beloved Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdulah Ahmad Badawi in his last trip to Pakistan!
It is obvious that those making these claims have a long term political agenda and among them, to destroy the brilliant political career and reputation of the nation’s deputy premier!
As accountable and responsible Malaysians, we must take every step to deny these ‘political desperadoes and adventurers’ the chance to do so as it would spell the destruction of all that we as Malaysians value dear!
The trial dates have been set and as law abiding citizens let us wait for legal proceedings to take its course and justice in due course served!
We must remember - ‘innocent until proven guilty!’
Let us not have a trial by media!
As anything else is a miscarriage of justice!
Bernama Poll A Reflection Of Apathy In Msian Society?
January 19, 2007 on 4:07 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘foreign workers have helped build this nation from time immemorial - a fact we must never forget!’It says plenty about those who answered the questions!
That Malaysians are more bothered about foreign workers “loitering in public places on weekend” rather than corruption, abuse and misuse, the lack of transparency, accountability and good governance, ethics and plain decency in society!
We are told that in an opinion poll conducted over 11 days ending Thursday on the Bernama website, 32 per cent of 1,070 respondents wanted the authorities to look into the loitering of foreign workers in public places on weekends.
This was followed by 28 per cent of the respondents choosing cleanliness of public toilets, then unfriendly taxi drivers (25 per cent), dishonest traders (nine per cent) and assistance for tourists (six per cent).
For the record again, in a poll conducted in September last year, readers of Bernama online chose the influx of foreign workers over other issues which ought to be looked into seriously by the authorities.
I wonder what the agenda was and whose?
Perhaps, those who coined the questions and those who answered them rather foolishly are not aware that foreign workers have been playing a major and significant role in the state of the Malaysian economy in all prime sectors namely construction, plantation, services, manufacturing and industry!
And close to home, please do not forget the Indonesian Maids who wake up at 5am and slave through till nitefall for a mere RM450/-
Bernama should have had the courage to conduct the same poll here in Subang Jaya or among us forumers - perhaps they would have been enlightened!
And by the way - what is wrong if on their ‘off days and leave’ they frequent Malaysian destinations like us Malaysians and the rest of mankind?
As long as like all of us they are law abiding!
Unlike the Mat Rempits whom some ‘mentally bankrupt and sicko politicians’ are idolising!
Did I sense a ‘kinda of racist behavior’ emerging as if we didn’t already know exist in this country that celebrates its 50 anniversary this year?
CONSUMER SLAMS TOSHIBA SERVICE CENTRE!
January 18, 2007 on 11:17 am | In General | Comments OffCASSA LETTERS
‘it is a pity if post sales service and consumers grouses are not immediately attended! It affects consumers greatly and tarnishes the company’s corporate image!’ Dr Jacob George CASSA President/Legal Adviser ‘Dear Sir,
Recently, my Toshiba tv broke down and I have called up Toshiba service hotline to arrange for a technician to come over my house to check on the set.
That was more than 1 week ago, and was told my report is logged and a technician will come over my house within 3 working days.
When there is no one turning up or even give me a call after 1 week, I called the company again (on Monday, 15 Jan 2007) and they refer my case to Mr Song who said a technician called Mr Lee will call me the next day and arrange to come over.
It was an empty promise again and I need to call Mr Song again the next day. He was engaged even after a few tries, and I decided to leave a message requesting him to return my call.
Again, the company disappoint me as no one called me.
We are getting frustrated and disgusted by the service level provided by the company.
Eric Kwan
Puchong’
CASSA SECRETARY GENERAL SLAMS METRO!
January 18, 2007 on 10:31 am | In General | Comments Off
The Metro Editor
The Star Publications
(Attention: Ms Tan Ju Heng)
Dear Ms Tan,
Re: METRO NEWS ON FLOOD SITUATION TTDI JAYA – JAN 17 2007 (PAGES 1 TO 3)
We refer to the above mentioned report which the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) had assisted to coordinate with your reporter, Elan Perumal, on Monday 15 Jan 2007.
1. We record our ‘sadness and displeasure’ that your newspaper had failed to even have the decency to give mention/credit to neither CASSA’s comments nor their role in the facilitation and coordination of the said report that appears in the Metro Section of The Star today.
2. We are shocked at this omission, more so, when the said reporter confirms that he had in his article mentioned CASSA very clearly.
3. Which only means after the report was filed ‘someone took it upon themselves’ to remove any mention of our comments nor role in the said article and report which confirms our observations prior to this incident when several press releases and comments of ours have since 2004 been absent.
4. This was brought to the attention of Datuk Wong Chun Wai at one of the morning breakfast sessions at SS5 Petaling Jaya when both our president and Chun Wai met! Chun Wai had then confirmed that there was no such “ban nor spiking of our press statements”.
5. But for the record, we too had stopped writing to the Star Letters column or sending press statements to the Metro section after many of our statements and faxes were ignored.
6. It was indeed a sad situation since we have been rather prominent in this respect from 1982 and our press statements appear in all other media, both print and electronic and in both English and the vernacular.
7. Perhaps, we were under the false impression that we had an excellent relationship with The Star since its inception in the early 70’s and a deeper relationship and bond as our Penang born president and legal adviser was a close friend of all senior staff and management at The Star.
8. Our president had always mentioned to us how he used to spend time with several of the journalist at The Star since the paper started and more so, during the ‘dark days’ of the Star Ban, after the infamous ‘Operation Lallang’ of the late 80’s when many of your journalist took on extra jobs as taxi drivers and burger sellers in Penang when our president was then attached with the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) a fact known to Star’s veterans and seniors like Saudari Poh Tip and Saudara Koh Su Koon and Saudara Kallimullah.
9. When Elan contacted us, we were apprehensive to want to assist but our president told us we should help and he personally put into motion our limited resources of time and finances to assist in the said report in view of our cordial relationship since the 70’s. More so, since he is also a resident of TTDI JAYA and instrumental in sending three memorandums on the issue since 1998 to then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
10. We trust you would look into our comments and make certain this form of ‘journalistic indecency’ does not happen to CASSA in the event of any ‘similar project partnership’ with your newspaper!
Thank you
Puan Nora Bte Hj. Mod Noor
Secretary General
CASSA SG SLAMS STAR REPORT!
January 17, 2007 on 9:46 am | In General | Comments OffThe Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) today slammed those behind the Metro news on TTDI JAYA Shah Alam (Metro pages 1 to 3) for failing to give credit to CASSA in their report which CASSA had helped coordinate this Monday.
‘If this is what journalistic ethics is all about in the Star - May God Help Us all!’ said Puan Nora Md Noor CASSA Secretary General!
The Metro Article: Jan 17 2007
Memories of last year’s flood haunts TTDI folks
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
THE bad memories of last year’s flood still haunts the 15,000-odd residents of Taman TTDI Jaya in Shah Alam. Ever since that fateful afternoon, there has never been a day when they did not fear a repeat of the Feb 26 flood.
The residents are apprehensive, even when it is only drizzling outside.
The nightmare of having been trapped in their homes for more than 24 hours after the flood waters rose about a metre high is still fresh in their minds. Some were even locked up on the first floor of their homes and had to wait through an entire night before the waters subsided.
For the residents, Taman TTDI Jaya “is the biggest retention pond in the state capital”. They feel that their homes are on a lower ground as compared to neighbouring developments where the ground level had been raised to between five and 10 metres.
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Unfinished business: Seow says her home is still a mess as a result of last year’s floods.
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The residential area has experienced many more floods even before last year’s. Some claim that they have seen over a hundred flash floods before that, but most agree that the last one was the most devastating in terms of property losses. Even the prices of their houses have dipped.
The “For Sale” signs have increased in recent months. However, there seems to be no takers.
“We were caught unawares before, and we do not want a repeat of it today,'’ said Cindy Seow, 41, a managing director of a travel agency.
She had only recently spent about RM6,000 to paint her house. “I’ve incurred a loss of about RM30,000 in damages to furniture, electrical appliances, clothes, car and other items in last year’s tragedy,” said Seow. “To this day my home is still messy.
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Bitter memories: Ameena suffered losses worth RM1mil when flood waters inundated her stationery shop last year.
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“And, I don’t think the authorities have done enough to prevent a recurrence of the floods,'’ she added.
An executive with the Sungai Way Free Trade Zone, Amelia Zakaria, 33, said the residents had been having sleepless nights in recent weeks due to the current rainy spell.
“We have been moving our vehicles to higher ground near a bridge every time it rains,” she said, adding that they had done so twice in the last five days already.
“I have started to hang sundry goods such as rice, sugar, salt and food on a wall so that they could be reached should a flood hit us again,” she said, adding that her carpets had been rolled up against the walls as a precaution. “I dare not bring them down.”
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In stand-by mode: Amelia prepares for another flood by hanging up dry goods and groceries on the wall.
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Businessman R. Elangovan, 43, estimated his loss to be over RM300,000. “Two of my cars, including a Mercedes Benz E200, and furniture have been damaged in the February floods.
“We have to make do with the damaged furniture as I do not want to risk spending money on new ones,” he said, adding that he feared for the safety of his wife and two children each time he went on business trips abroad.
Stationery and computer accessories shop operator Ameena Bi Mohd Yusoff, 33, still sheds tears when she recounts her loss in last year’s flood.
“I lost about RM1mil. What is the point of talking about it now? I would have gone crazy if it was not for the backing of my family,” she said.
“The worse is not over yet,” she said. “The road outside my shop still floods each time it rains.”
TTDI Residents Association chairman Abdul Jabar Kasim said he had undergone training to handle pump houses.
“I have the keys to the pump houses so that the residents can have access to the premises should help not arrive on time,” he said.
State Infrastructure committee chairman Datuk Abdul Fatah Iskandar said the Selangor Government and the Drainage and Irrigation Department had spent about RM10mil on flood mitigation projects at Taman TTDI Jaya alone.
“We have created new retention ponds and the embankments on either side of the river have been raised by about a metre,” he said. “And, a new automated pump house is being built while the river is being widened and deepened.”
JOHOR FLOODS (Part 2) JG PRAISES THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE KOTA TINGGI HOSPITAL!
January 16, 2007 on 8:39 am | In General | Comments Off
‘Cut the bull-shit and admit that Johor is in a state of emergency!’
I sincerely join the chorus of praise to the brave staff of the Kota Tinggi hospital who have endured all to provide healthcare to the people!
And I am glad to hear the statement from Health Minister, Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, denying that the army has taken over the operation of the Kota Tinggi Hospital which is on the verge of being completely flooded.
He said the operation of the hospital was still under the ministry and the army had only sent a generator after the electricity supply at the hospital was disrupted.
He added:
“The army and Tenaga Nasional Berhad have restored electricity supply to the hospital with the use of the generator,”.
Chua is also the Member of Parliament for Labis was in Yong Peng visiting flood victims!
He said the outpatient department of the hospital had been closed and that there were 91 patients in the wards.
He also said that the hospital was cut off by road and that all critically ill patients had been transferred, with the help of rescue teams, to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru.
In the meantime, JG advises people who have symptoms such as flu and high fever to seek medical treatment immediately as I am adviced that two people had died of leptospirosis, a disease caused by water contaminated by rat urine.
JOHOR FLOODS - JG - DO NOT SEND KIDS TO DO A MAN’S JOB!
January 15, 2007 on 11:34 pm | In General | Comments Off
’do not risk our children with your petty games!’ Agreed by all quarters that Johor is facing a serious crisis!
And many agree that an emergency should be declared but some people are rather sturborn and stupid as they think declaring the needed emergency means a weakness and that it would create a spin to hurt our ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007!”
‘Bodoh betul!
There are rumors too that our media has been told to downplay the issue!
There is no doubt that Johor is facing its worst nightmare in over 100 years and this ’second wave’ is simply terrible!
Rumors are also plenty that our national leaders are caught dumb and flat footed, some are on holiday or repeated holiday!
I am rather displeased and shocked at the state of affairs!
Affected residents by the thousands are warned not to wade in the flood waters because the waters carries contagious and fatal diseases brought about by carcasses of dead animals and what may you!
But the ‘dummest idea’ (kerja bodoh!) that has so far come is the suggestion of sending the National Service trainees to Johor to help the flood victims.
May I sincerely ask why the National Service trainees?
They are after all, only children!
Are they really prepared for this trauma?
Have they been trained to manage crisis and emergencies and national disasters?
What should be instead done is the need to send in our army, riot police, police field force and others prepared for by training!
Or better still, send in those clowns who were screaming and waving ‘their kris’ and scaring peace loving Malaysians only a few months ago!
Let us see if they really love their country, as they claim to?
Now according to rumors - none of them were even seen in this place of need and so much for all the political rethoric!
I say tak payah malu lah - just declare ‘emergency’ and put into place ‘a plan of action’ not spins from well lit and air conditioned rooms of the news desk!
JG TAKES ON THE IRRESPONSIBLE RICE MERCHANTS!
January 15, 2007 on 7:46 pm | In General | Comments OffFrom the Malay Mail Report!
Soggy rice sold at markets
by MOHD ISKANDAR IBRAHIM
| SOGGY rice, believed to be from flood-stricken districts in Johor, are being sold in Klang Valley supermarkets. |
This was revealed by Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) president Datuk Jacob George who said so far, 30 brands have been identified.
“We believe the damaged rice is from the south,” he said.
“Some unscrupulous traders are trying to make a fast buck, selling them to other States, including the Klang Valley.”
The ploy was uncovered following com- plaints from Cassa members who found the rice soggy and smelly being sold at major supermarkets the past week.
George said complaints were also re- ceived from consumers in Penang and Pera k .
“They said they suffered from diarrhoea and stomachache after eating the tainted ric e, ” he said.
“If this is left unchecked, the products will make their way back to Johor for the flood victim.
“Imagine the consequences.
“The authorities must act fast.
This affects consumers’ health .”
George said he will lodge a report with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry soon.
The Ministry’s enforcement director (Federal Territory), Othman Nawang, said he will deploy his officers to check on the claims.
FLOODS - NO STATE OF EMERGENCY IN JOHOR SAYS POLICE! FLOODS - IS SELANGOR NEXT?
January 14, 2007 on 11:08 pm | In General | Comments Off 
Despite all the rumors that an emergency has been implemented in Johor the police dismissed it!
We are told quiterightly that declaration can only be made by the National Security Division (NSD).
In fact, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan stated the police only carry out three main tasks during floods — search and rescue, crime prevention and assisting flood victims at relief centres.
“We ask the public not to believe the rumour that emergency has been declared in Johor,” he had told reporters.
Musa was asked to comment on a rumour that the police had declared a state of emergency in Kota Tinggi, the town worst-hit by the second wave of floods in Johor in less than a month.
Earlier, Musa accompanied Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil on a visit to Sekolah Agama Gunung Lambak where 1,515 evacuees are accommodated.
“A state of emergency is when all flood victims are prohibited from returning to their homes,” he said.
Musa also said that additional policemen would be sent to Johor this evening to assist the authorities in helping the flood victims.
“So far, there are 2,120 policemen on duty here, and I have directed the General Operations Force to send 1,000 of its personnel as additional support,” he said.
In addition, 500 personnel from the Marine Police and the Federal Reserve Unit have been deployed to Johor, he said.
“A total of 29 boats have been distributed to flood-hit areas, and the two helicopters that we sent have been used in evacuating two women in labour yesterday,” he said.
Whatever said and done I pray that we will assure that the residents in these affected areas are safe and their properties protected!
AIR ASIA SLAMMED AGAIN BY CONSUMERS!
January 10, 2007 on 8:55 am | In General | Comments Off
Dear Dr JG & CASSA,
First let me congratulate you all for a great job you are doing to protect consumers’ interests in the country!
It is indeed a “thankless job” but you guys really are committed and “good at it”.
Now my complaint: AIR ASIA
It is rather amusing reading The Star report on Dec 13th, 2006; subject “Flight delays leave passengers fuming”.
Air Asia has done a great job in getting everyone to fly but increasingly, flights are either delayed or cancelled and the situation is getting, in a sense, out of control.
It must be quite a scene at the LCCT where flights were delayed up to five hours or perhaps cancelled. Amongst those helpless, frustrated and fuming passengers, there must be some foreigners who were left with no choice but to wait.
It is surely not the way to greet our VMY 2007. Malaysia is going to have an image problem, that, we can not even manage an airline.
It is rather interesting to note that Air Asia has always claimed “technical faults” or “safety of the passengers “as reasons for the delays or cancellations.
Of course, there is no dispute that aircrafts can break down and need to be serviced. However, these happen all too frequent and it surely brings doubts as to the airworthiness of their aircrafts.
Air Asia operates excellent flight schedule interm of frequency, timing and of course, some very good deals on fair. People are persuaded to patron Air Asia due to all these factors. However, it is very obvious that not all flights advertised would take off as promised.
Very often, flights are cancelled and passengers are forced onto the next available flights. Perhaps it is some unhealthy marketing gimmick to fool the public at large, a way to increase passenger load hence maximize its profit.
I, myself have some horrible experience in this “service advertised but not delivered” scenario.
Having said all these, we need to remind ourselves that low fair does not guarantee Air Asia the rights to delay or cancel or reschedule flights.
We, the public at large, have the basic rights as consumer to demand that we receive the service as promised after paying a certain sum of consideration. Low fair does not mean that we have to give up our basic rights to file complaint.
I used to be a frequent Air Asia passenger but after having endured some “routine” flights delay, cancellation or re-scheduled, I now fly Air Asia last.
When Air Asia was first launched some 5 years ago, it truly reflects its tagline “Now Everyone Can Fly”. However, nowadays, it is more of “Now Every Flight Can Be and Will Be delayed or cancelled”
KENNETH KUO (KUO CHIK LEE)
SMOKING BAN IN PUBLIC PLACES - WELL DONE HONG KONG!
January 3, 2007 on 12:39 am | In General | Comments Off
Hong Kong - protecting her people’s health by banning smoking in public places!I am really happy to learn that another Asian nation like Singapore before her has made a major choice pertaining to smoking!
They really mean business and are not hypocrites like others we know who hunt with the hounds and run with the hares and do whats convenient politically.
Hong Kong so becomes a mostly smoke free city with a ban on lighting up inside restaurants, workplaces, schools, karaoke lounges and public areas.
Amy Choi, a 27-year-old law student, supports the smoking ban because she hates breathing in secondhand smoke, even though she enjoys a puff when she drinks.
“I don’t like people smoking next to me. It’s so smoky and smelly,” she said.
Australian tourist Robert Hyde, a smoker for over 10 years, said the ban wouldn’t stop him from returning to Hong Kong.
“If I need to smoke, then I’ll smoke outside the restaurant and then go back to enjoy my meal. It’s easy,” Hyde said.
But maverick lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung opposed the new law, saying a complete ban is unnecessary. He plans to demonstrate against the prohibition in the next few months.
“Smoking is not permitted in many of the outdoor areas. The coverage is so large but the smoking area is so limited,” he said.
Leung, nicknamed Long Hair, also said there are filtration and ventilation systems that are effective in keeping air clean inside.
“It’s ridiculous that the government is not allowing restaurateurs to use those enhancement facilities to maintain a smoking area in their restaurants. They should be given a choice,” he said.
Anyone caught breaking the new anti-smoking law will be subject to a maximum penalty of $644.
The ban does not yet include nightclubs, bars, mahjong parlors, bathhouses and massage establishments — such venues have until July 1, 2009, to implement the law.
Syabas Hong Kong says JG!
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