ANOTHER FOOL TALKS KNOWING LITTLE OR NONE!
September 30, 2007 on 10:19 pm | In General | Comments Off
The above in Putrajaya, Malaysia - lawyers again exercising their democractic right!
So it is strange that another political fool has issued a statement that it is highly unprofessional of lawyers to hold street protests!
He went on to state that it’s about time the Government find out if the lawyers were allowing themselves to be used.
I wonder what the lawyers in Pakistan, another Islamic country has got to say about this fool’s comments or better they may remain silent knowing these are fools talking - basically empty vessels!
A FOOL CONTINUES TO ISSUE DENIALS AFTER DENIALS!
September 28, 2007 on 10:56 am | In General | Comments Off
Prior to the over 3000 marching down the Dataran Putrajaya towards the Prime Minister’s Office - a senior and former Bar council President said to me looking at the grand million ringgit building - ” JG - from where I am standing it looks like the Palace of Just…ice'’
And that got several others laughing and shaking their heads - and set the ‘pace and pulse’ of the feeling on the ground that Wednesday afternoon when over 3000 lawyers, legal academicians, members of NGO’s, political parties, including individuals from the BN, took the bold stand that - Enough Is Enough!”
The rot in the judiciary must be addresed!
And the ‘fixers need to be fixed!’
So after 48 hours of that walk and handing over of the memorandum - we continue to hear ‘denials after denials’ and various ‘twists’ led by at lest one senior minister suffering from ’selective amenesia and probably continuing to live in a state of comatose!’
The media certainly acting in half measures after alleged directives from ‘custodian godfathers’ on what, how and where to print news!
One editor going as far as continuing ‘his spin’ hoping to manage a neutralisation of events, news, stand and the political fall out that hurts his political masters, but that act will be in vain!
As far as the Minister of denials is concerned - in my book- he has been a total disgrace - to eveything, his legal training, the leadership claims and election manifesto, the ideals of the country and fading hopes!
Period!
But the good news that continues is the Bar Council and other NGOs must be applauded for taking a firm stand on this matter and pressing forward with their courageous march, in spite of the attempts by an army of police officers to deny them their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
A first time the dark ‘clean suits of black and white’ were totally drenched in heavy storm and the bodies within completely wet, standing together with another 3000 of the same with the civil society weathering the same storm, threat and making a stand for justice and the real reasons why they took this ‘vocation and stand’ for this calling as legal practitioners in whatever shades or specifics but all serving a cause for JUSTICE!
I am glad I was there with my friends (above far right!) despite, heavy work commitments!
Yes….. I was also drenched to the core!
CHINA NOW ACTS ON SEXY ADVERTISEMENTS!
September 26, 2007 on 7:00 pm | In General | Comments Off
As a Consumer Advocate, I am deeply happy to learn that China’s broadcasting watchdog has banned all “sexually suggestive” advertising on television and radio!We are advised that adverts for products like sex-related health supplements and sex toys will be prohibited which is a welcome news and we hope more coutries will follow this precedence! In this case, we are advised the ban includes ‘Vulgar’ adverts for things like breast enhancements and female underwear but we find the latter going a bit too far! The claims that the move was taken as the adverts were “socially corrupting” which again needs to be bench marked and managed and not just pushed through! Some ultra conservaties may say that the advert above is distasteful but then again, it may not to others, therefore - we needs benchmarks and standards and the industry needs to be regulated fairly - without being paranoid! Cheers! |
||
IT WAS A PEACEFUL WALK FOR JUSTICE - WELL DONE MALAYSIAN BAR SAYS JG!
September 26, 2007 on 5:47 pm | In General | Comments OffI was advised that the Bar Council also submitted a second memorandum calling for the establishment of a judicial commission to overlook the appointment of judges which I believe is long overdue and in the wake of the kind of allegations that has rocked our judiciary since the infamous happenings in 1988!
But the fact remains that this march could not have materialized if all the over 3000 protesters had not defied a police order not to march to the PM’s Office, many walking by foot to the ‘Palace of Justice’ after their busses were stopped from entering Putrajaya which was an act of stupidity in this modern age!
Yes, the boys in blue were there, also the infamous Riot Team and not forgetting the infamous helicopter that swung into action repeatedly hovering over us!
I joined many of my friends from the Bar, the NGO’s, certain political parties and the press despite the heavy rain that drenched our suit to the core!
It was brilliant and the point was made – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
They chanted “We want justice” as they marched, holding placards stating “Judiciary has gone to the dogs” and “Judiciary has gone (down) the drain”.
I witnessed a four-member delegation led by Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan then going into the PM’s Department where I am advised the documents were handed over!
For the record, all of us had gathered at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya this morning, over 3000 despite several buses denied entry and the lawyers walking in which made the authorities look pretty silly!
I was among several who appealed to Putrajaya police chief Supt Abdul Razak Abdul Majid to facilitate the proceedings as these were professionals gathering and it was all part of a democratic practice and that it was silly of him to cite ’security reasons’ to deny the march!
I told him that the heavy security during the protest, including the presence of anti-riot police and a police helicopter was totally unacceptable and could be described as an act of intimidation!
He told us he had “instructions!”
But the fact remains – in the end the peaceful march took place, the memorandum was handed over, the over 3000 people who gathered in the heavy downpour and the hundreds of cars that honked in support clearly made a point!
When there is a wrong it must be made right and members of the civil society must rise up in a non violent and accountable form and make known that the wrongs and continued sins will not be tolerated and that they had to be addressed!
And this was what happened today!
During this occasion, I was happy to meet and chat with old friends – Rocky, Jeff, dear friend of over 25 years MTUC Chief Syed, Sivarasa and several others!
And let us be matured – let us be accountable – let us get rid of corruption, the patronage, abuse, greed, abuse in its many forms this Holy season of Ramadan!
To those who are given responsibility please treat that responsibility as an ‘AMANAH’ and a responsibility from the ALMIGHTY – for you will be held accountable and must give account for all that you do here in this life to the ALMIGHTY!
You cannot say I was under orders – under Section 007 subsection 000 – it will not work!
To the BAR and the over 3000 who gathered here today – this day will not be forgotten!
The reading is on the wall to the corrupt – RESIGN!
USA UNITED AUTO WORKERS ON STRIKE MODE – WELL DONE!
September 25, 2007 on 12:37 am | In General | Comments Off
|
USA UNITED AUTO WORKERS ON STRIKE MODE – WELL DONE!
It is interesting to read how workers in some country’s can really show their democratic rights to fight for their rights and interests without been charged to be ‘hostile’ towards the sitting government or being defamed as a tool of the opposition and every other adjective in the Oxford dictionary!
These are countries that are really democratic and the democratic space is respected by all and sundry, and, not like in some countries where they claim to be democratic but in essence it is a hostile and pervert dictatorship!
And in that dictatorship you will always have an idiot making threats and speeches as if his IQ is that high and great!
The truth is he is an idiot!
So indeed I am happy to read that thousands of United Auto Workers walked off the job at GM plants around the USA on Monday, in the first nationwide strike during auto contract negotiations since 1976.
GM spokesman Dan Flores said the union launched a national strike after the late morning UAW strike deadline passed without agreement on a new contract, which would include a groundbreaking provision establishing a UAW-managed trust that will administer GM’s retiree health care obligations.
Well good on them to show that despite all – workers are not cowed or manipulated along religious and racial lines just to control a mass of people!
It revolves around facts and facts and causes – get my drift?
STATEMENTS SHOULD NOT MISLEAD NOR GIVE UNTIMELY HOPE!
September 24, 2007 on 9:42 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘The ‘Whose Done It List - continues to grow in Malaysia. Does anyone care?’
I am glad that the result of the DNA test on hair strands found on eight-year-old Nurin Jazlin Jazimin’s body would be known this week.
But I am confused whether the statement that Selangor police chief, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar has stated that the result would help investigators determine whoever was behind her sexual savagery and murder was correct and helpful!
It is true that the said DNA result will give us new clues but to bring the culprits to book we must have culprits or at least a data base where a cross reference can be made!
It does not take a rocket scientist to say that just common sense as I remember hearing from a very senior police official many years ago about the DNA samples of the ‘animal’ who raped and killed Audrey Melissa Batinathan in May 18, 1999, but to date what is fact is that case together with another dozen is still in the cold files!
They include cases like Jackie Ooi in October 27, 2003, Noritta Samsudin in December 5, 2003, young 14 year old lad, Xu Jian Huang in September 27, 2004 and Chee Gaik Yap in January 14, 2006!
So, please spare us the rethoric - leave that to the many politicians that we have in Malaysian who continue to ‘bull shit’ their way thinking the rest of Malaysia are filled with morons and an uneducated mass!
For the record - the latest gruesome murder of child Nurin was so blatant that I pray that there will be no arrest but that culprit (s) will be just shot dead and save us the media and court trauma that we see till today!
If you remember well on Aug 20, child Nurin disappeared when she went to a night market, unaccompanied, near the family home in Section 1, Wangsa Maju here.
Last Monday, her nude body was found stuffed in a sports bag left under the stairs in a three-storey shophouse in Jalan PJS 1/48, Taman Petaling Utama, Petaling Jaya.
A post-mortem revealed that an entire cucumber and brinjal were forced inside her private parts.
This caused the rupture of her rectum and its eventual infection with bacteria, resulting in her gruesome death.
So instead of wasting time and in foolishness’ threatening his parents with the Child Protection Act and penal sanctions for negligence - lets get on finding those behind this and other heneious crimes that has rocked our nation making us ‘a laughing stock’ of the civilized world!
COLD FILES - A BLOT ON OUR IMAGE!
September 24, 2007 on 3:45 pm | In General | Comments Off
I must congratulate my dear friend, Datuk Wong Chun Wai, for a much appreciated piece of the unsolved serious crime case that certainly needs looking into!
For far too long the sequence of events seems pedictable - usually more so, if a ‘high profile case’ is the matter at hand.
Today based on ‘the kind of comments’, some ugly that comes at all gatherings of Malaysians, at eating places coffee shops, at SPAs, high costs eateries - you name, it its the same dialogue!
One of frustrations, disbelief, when serious crimes takes place and for some inexplicable reason there are murders - but no murderers and even when there are murders most fowl - those charged for the crimes seem to escape in most cases, and in others worst without their defence being called?
I have been monitoring a very high powered murder case that has caught the country and the international media by storm.
I still remember the lead prosecutor saying to the learned judge - ‘Yang Ariff - the prosecution is always ready…”
However, what we have since seen is repeated ‘twist and turns’ and very embarasing moments and the conclusion …?
Now to add ’salt to tender wound’ - we have the infamous ‘Lingham Tapes’ and the country becomes the laughing stock of the learned world - yet again!
We must address this rot and fast!
I hope that those who have vital information will assist the ‘powers that be’ that ‘justice is seen to be done!’ and not ‘just preached?
We all must do our part too!
FUNDS WASTED & COMMUNITIES SUFFERING SAYS JG!
September 20, 2007 on 8:21 pm | In General | Comments Off ‘Najib’s observations right on track!’ |
||||
|
|
||||
|
As a consumer advocate with a track record of more than three decades, I cannot but fully support Deputy Premier Najib Razak’s recent observations that a concerted effort must be made to address the growing problem of rural and urban poverty irrespective of racial origin.
He pointed out that effective strategies and master-plans must be implemented to address the problem, from a truly Malaysian perspective. His comments come in the midst of recent controversies and anxieties over issues of polarisation and the increased disparities nationwide. The dilapidated, harsh living conditions of the various marginalised communities clearly show that some of our elected representatives, local politicos and local government agencies may have neglected the very demographics they were set up to address. We should not forget that apart from Kampung Medan and its surrounding areas, there are other similar areas nationwide with their own wooden houses with rusty, corrugated zinc roofs, small and illegal workshops, garbage-strewn narrow streets and poor social environment with their fair share of gangsters, drug addicts, juvenile delinquency, fights, social problems and even incest. It is moments like this when we have to truly ask why valuable financial resources made available by the government have not been used to address these community woes. From time to time, we are exposed to the countless wastage of public funds on projects and exercises which do not serve any purpose, except to stroke the egos of certain local politicos or local government managements. And when community-based groups, whistleblowers and individuals address this wastage, they are labelled as self appointed ‘no-gooders’ instead of being welcomed for their public spirit - a spirit badly needed in an age where personal greed for illegal wealth accumulation and political position overrides all. As far as excess public funds are concerned, would it not be better to instead divert this valuable funding to both rural and urban troubled areas the likes of Kampung Medan? I am saddened with the structural and implementation weaknesses of the usual master plans initiated to address various socio-economic imbalances and inequalities which include the lack of adequate housing, education and credit opportunities for businesses. If implemented religiously, with holistic audits done by independent third parties, these plans should be able to address urban poverty, prevent the repeat of past violent episodes and prevent the possibility of these issues being exploited by any quarter. The time has come for all of us to ‘turun padang’ to initiate various socio-economic programmes that will address the needs of all communities. And in view of the presence of many foreigners in many such urban settlements, perhaps the time is right for a government-appointed task force with the assistance of community-based groups to conduct a federal census inspection (FCI) to ascertain the number of such foreign and illegal colonies in the country. And in view of the alleged involvement of such groups in recent clashes and in the increase of crime, action must be taken to immediately deport such groups in the interest of national security. |
CHILD MURDER - THE COUNTRY IN THE PITS!
September 19, 2007 on 7:04 pm | In General | Comments Off
The New Straits Times, which ran the image of the tiny girl’s battered face over most of its front page, said it was an outrage that “child-preying monsters” were at work, and that no parent had reported her missing.
We cannot but all be shocked and saddened that such an heneious crime has again taken place in Malaysia!
Where do we go from here as all parents are shell shocked and in a state of panic that this has happened and what more, of no parents coming forward to claim the body of the victim.
Is the victim a foreigner? Something does not add up!
I feel really shocked, sick and really angry calling the Malaysian Police to set up a competent high powered investigating team to take charge and leave no stones unturned.
There should be a total ’shake down’ of the nation - no costs spared!
And let us stop boasting how safe Malaysian streets are as with this and the kind of serious crimes, we have been having - only a fool and idiot will claim - MALAYSIAN IS SAFE!
DO WE THANK OUR PARENTS ENOUGH?
September 19, 2007 on 11:21 am | In General | Comments Off
POSITIONS WANTED :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always h! ope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
letting them know they are appreciated
for the fabulous job they do…
or forward with love
to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
PETROL PRICES TO STAY SAYS DPM AND WE ARE GLAD!
September 18, 2007 on 6:01 pm | In General | Comments Off
PETROL PRICES TO STAY SAYS DPM AND WE ARE GLAD!
I am indeed glad to hear that the Government will not increase petrol price this year despite global oil prices hitting US$80 (RM280) per barrel last week!
This amazing news was stated by our deputy premier, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak!
However he made a great distinction and one must note this rather carefully – the commitment is to the price of petrol and gas is another entity altogether!
If one remembers, they should, as a lot of consumers were really furious with raising petrol prices in February 2006 where the government raised the retail price of petrol and diesel by 30 sen a litre and liquefied petroleum gas by 30 sen a kilogramme, with a promise to the people that there would be no further raise in the retail price of petroleum products this year.
However, the fact remains global oil price has been rising steadily, hitting US$80 per barrel last week, fuelling speculations oil prices would touch US$100 (RM350) by year-end.
If the US invades Iran then it is ‘a worst case’ international scenario and it’s not funny!
But, one must be fair too and I tend to agree with our DPM Najib that the increase in prices of commodities and foodstuff was a global phenomenon and was not peculiar to Malaysia alone.
And like he stated we need to take account, I believe it must include actions that prevent seepage through corruption, manipulation, syndicated monopoly and control and eventually make holistic adjustments in this matter.
The fact remains that on record the government is providing RM14 billion in petrol subsidy a year.
So basically it is back to the drawing board to address spiraling price increases for services and goods as price controls in themselves will not work!
BAN TO BE EXPECTED ON INDONESIAN ‘KRETEK’ IN THE US?
September 18, 2007 on 3:00 pm | In General | Comments Off
It was not the issue of the ‘Phuket air crash’ that took us by storm at the morning tea discussion with our special friends from abroad but the issue that now - Indonesia is concerned about a plan by the United States to ban the circulation of “kretek” (see above) which is a clove-flavored cigarette!
There is concern as some imply that there is information that there may be a plan that may result in its total ban in the US!
So some are being agitated and plan to proactively conduct a lobby to prevent the plan from being implemented!
Interestingly, I am advised that the exports of Indonesian kretek cigarette to the US reached a total value of US$20 million and accounted for only 0.1 percent of cigarette consumption in that country.
So if the value of kretek cigarette exports to the US was small compared to that of overall cigarette consumption in Indonesia would there be a ban?
Questions Questions Questions!
I think that Indonesia is not really afraid of the US ban but whether that US ban can be imported by other nations worldwide for that will be a whack to its tobacco industry and lobby!
For the record, Chris Kanter, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) vice chairman for investment, communication and telematic affairs, has interestingly stated that to issue such a ban the US must refer to WTO (World Trade Organization) standards according to which a product that was once permitted to enter a certain market could not normally be banned.
I differ on that point as any nation can ban any product if there was evidence that it affects public health - period!
So whether the Indonesian government and the Indonesian business community should now work hand-in-hand to lobby so that the US government would not issue the ban is to me just another academic exercise which may bear no fruits!
My view is clear all around – for I have been an ‘anti smoking activist’ for over 4 decades!
CANDIDATES FOR JAPAN NO ONE JOB - BOTH INTERESTING FIGURES!
September 17, 2007 on 9:09 am | In General | Comments Off
The dust has settled and time for Japan to pick its new leadership. And popular and charismatic Japan’s former foreign minister Taro Aso has conceded he is unlikely to win upcoming party elections to replace Shinzo Abe as prime minister. Speaking on a television chat show, he agreed that his rival Yasuo Fukuda was most likely to win the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership vote. But that he was continuing in the race to give party members a choice. True - choices are always important! And it shows political maturity and allows choice. Sad, today in many political fronts there are no choices - and those in power give the impression that they are the only saviors despite scandals after scandals rocking one’s administration! But it is interesting to see how a politically matured country like Japan is picking its leadership. |
||
AIR CRASH - COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED!
September 17, 2007 on 8:38 am | In General | Comments Off
  |
‘Sad that at least 70 of the passengers lost their lives’
We are really saddened that at least 88 people died and 42 others were injured when a plane belonging to Thailand’s low-cost carrier One-Two-Go Airlines skidded off the runway after landing during bad weather at the Phuket International Airport yesterday!
According to reports there were 130 people on board, 123 were passengers and seven the crew.
Seventy of the passengers were foreigners and 45 were Thais.
We are advised that those who are hurt and injured have been sent to several hospitals on the resort island, which is a popular destination for Westerners.
So far, there have been no reports of Malaysians involved in the tragedy, although there was at least one Indonesian casualty!
As required by international safety standards the Phuket airport has been closed to all flights.
We call for a comprehensive investigation on this incident and pray that all similar low costs air line operators throughout the world will also take all reasonable steps to check that despite the operations being low costs - safety and standards of care will not be compromised!
OF OIL SUBSIDY, PRICE INCREASES AND PETRONAS!
September 17, 2007 on 7:28 am | In General | Comments Off
OF OIL SUBSIDY, PRICE INCREASES AND PETRONAS!
It is common sense that consumers get really upset when politicians go overboard beating old drums and singing old songs!
And it is not the ’season for that’ anyway!
As if there are no other current issues to make a political spin or point with!
But never mind – this is Malaysian and we are again reminded that it was due to Petronas’ huge profits from its ‘upstream and downstream’ petroleum and gas ventures that the government is able to afford the oil subsidies that Malaysians enjoy!
Though the comment in made by Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin was in poor taste and forgot a cardinal principle that all resources rightly belong to the raayat to enjoy and ease their burden and not for the simple pleasure or wastage of those in power but all the same, he wanted to spin it this way perhaps, of recent political events.
But the fact remains, that the subsidies are still there despite oil price - peaking at US$80 per barrel on Thursday.
But the minister did a ‘boo boo’ when he stretched a political point too far when he went on to compare Malaysia against neighboring countries when he stated – ‘because at year end Petronas, as a government-owned company, will pay dividends to the government?
But what was the point or its relevancy Mr. Deputy Minister?
Are you comparing Malaysia against Brunei or Indonesia for both countries are doing certainly much, much more for the people directly and indirectly as compared to Petronas unless you want to say they are always helping by bailing out the country after politicians make a mess with their sums?
But never mind, its Monday morning - the fact remains to make consumers happy – that the subsidy remains and there will be no price increases for the public this year for petroleum and related items.
CASSA PRODUCT SAFETY NEWS! TOYS - MATTEL APOLOGISES AGAIN!
September 16, 2007 on 9:19 am | In General | Comments Off|
An apology finally!
I am glad to be advised by my international counterparts in New York that MATTEL’s boss has apologised for safety lapses which resulted in the recall of 21 million Chinese-made toys in recent months.You can blog this in our earlier posts on the issue! Right, in this case, Robert Eckert told a US Senate hearing that Mattel was “by no means perfect”, and acknowledged its Chinese producers had not been monitored closely enough. But he denied the firm was too slow to reveal safety concerns, saying notice of the recalls had been given speedily. “Made in China has now become a warning label,” Senator Sam Brownback said. For the record, we are aware that recent recalls have dented consumer confidence in toys and other goods exported from China and put pressure on US retailers to improve their testing procedures. We know that this issue is not confined to the USA or Europe but also in the Asia Pacific region and more so, in Malasyia! As such, we continue watching and examining this issue and urge the relevant authorities not to give the all clear until a comprehensvie scrutiny is held. Public interest overides diplomatic niceties! |
||
JG SAYS IT AGAIN- ‘THIRD PARTIES UNWARRANTED IN RTD’S Ekesihatan (eHEALTH) SCHEME!’
September 16, 2007 on 8:52 am | In General | Comments Off
APPOINTMENT OF A THIRD PARTY IN RTD’S Ekesihatan (eHEALTH) SCHEME UNWARRANTED!
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) today congratulates the Road Transport Department (RTD) for introducing a scheme where Malaysian commercial vehicle drivers will be tested for drugs under a medical check-up scheme, when they apply for and renew their license!
This project once implemented nationwide will address the many problems surrounding our commercial vehicles drivers indulging in drugs and being in poor or suspect medical health.
The new scheme, which will come into effect on Oct 1, will also see them being checked for other problems like alcoholism, cardiovascular and mental illnesses.
CASSA is confident with the implementation of this scheme, the rights and interests of public transport users will be protected in the wake of the unnecessary loss of life and limb, due to various incidences of road carnage seen in recent years involving public transport!
However, we are deeply ‘concerned and suspicious’ why the RTD did not initiate this worthwhile project with sensitivity and professionalism and avoid the usual pitfalls and controversies, when unqualified third parties are appointed and given monopolies in national projects and schemes only to increase overall costs that in the first place were unnecessary!
And as a result of this reckless act, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) President, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, have rightly ticked off the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for appointing a third party to register doctors under the eKesihatan (eHealth) scheme.
CASSA agrees that both the MMA and MMC were right in questioning ‘the appointment’ as professionally there was no reason for doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMA) or for that matter the MMC to undergo a re-registration process with a third party.
And they were right as MMA and MMC are the professional bodies and legal practitioners and it is fundamentally wrong to ask them to now register again with a third party, which is in this case a private company with absolutely no track record, in a scheme like this, whatsoever?
CASSA finds it disturbing that under the said scheme the service provider and the doctors would be charged RM100 for registration because of the presence of a ‘third party’.
And what is their track matter in such projects and why were they appointed in the first place by the RTD?
And why must this payment be made to them and members of the public have the right to ask whether this is indeed ‘a backdoor way to another infamous form of institutionalized corruption?’
For the record, the said scheme involves advice from doctors on the health conditions of license applicants and as such, it is academic that the MMA should be involved in discussions on the scheme.
And I find it rather shocking that the Road Transport Department had initiated this entire project without first bringing into the loop the MMA!
CASSA fully supports the new scheme which ensures that only medically-fit drivers were behind the wheel of commercial vehicles, but finds it rather shocking that instead of making this a joint project between the RTD and the MMA/MMC, the former has seen it fit to bring in a third party who is going to be a source of unnecessary financial costs, a source of controversy and an embarrassment to the government!
Therefore, CASSA appeals to the Minister of Transport to immediately revoke the appointment of a third party and facilitate this project to be a joint program between the RTD and the MMA/MMC in the public interest!
Dr Jacob George
President
AUSTRALIA - MIGRATION AGENTS UNDER REVIEW - WELL DONE SAYS JG!
September 13, 2007 on 10:02 pm | In General | Comments Off
I am indeed happy to learn that migration agents, including those in Malaysia, will come under the spotlight in an Australian Government review considering tougher professional guidelines for the industry.
A discussion paper released by Australia’s Assistant Immigration Minister, Teresa Gambaro looks at options for guiding the conduct of agents who provide advice to people seeking residency or entry to Australia.
I am advised that the said review will examine whether existing regulations on migration agents are sufficient, adequacy of registration and complaints procedures and whether the industry should move towards self-regulation.
Interestingly, it will also canvass whether priority visa processing should be introduced in some circumstances for applications lodged through migration agents.
Minister Gambaro had indicated that she wanted to ensure high professional standards and reputations among migration agents as the industry continued to grow.
This is true as I am told that migration agents are now used by over 80 per cent of applicants.
Like CASSA and JG, the Australian government believes consumers have a right to expect accurate, timely and lawful advice from migration agents which demonstrates high standards of professional conduct!
There is another - the professional advice given at a price that is fair and reasonable!
APPOINTMENT OF A THIRD PARTY IN RTD’S Ekesihatan (eHEALTH) SCHEME UNWARRANTED!
September 13, 2007 on 9:18 pm | In General | Comments Off
APPOINTMENT OF A THIRD PARTY IN RTD’S Ekesihatan (eHEALTH) SCHEME UNWARRANTED!
The Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (CASSA) today congratulates the Road Transport Department (RTD) for introducing a scheme where Malaysian commercial vehicle drivers will be tested for drugs under a medical check-up scheme, when they apply for and renew their license!This project once implemented nationwide will address the many problems surrounding our commercial vehicles drivers indulging in drugs and being in poor or suspect medical health.
The new scheme, which will come into effect on Oct 1, will also see them being checked for other problems like alcoholism and cardiovascular and mental illnesses.
CASSA is confident with the implementation of this scheme, the rights and interests of public transport users will be protected in the wake of the unnecessary loss of life and limb, due to various incidences of road carnage seen in recent years involving public transport!
However, we are deeply ‘concerned and suspicious’ why the RTD did not initiate this worthwhile project with sensitivity and professionalism and avoid the usual pitfalls and controversies, when unqualified third parties are appointed and given monopolies in national projects and schemes only to increase overall costs that in the first place were unnecessary!
And as a result of this reckless act, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has rightly ticked off the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for appointing a third party to register doctors under the eKesihatan (eHealth) scheme.
CASSA agrees that MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lim, was right in questioning the move as professionally there was no reason for doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMA) to undergo a re-registration process with a third party.
And he was right as MMA are the professional bodies and legal practitioners and it is fundamentally wrong to ask them to now register again with a third party which is in this case a private company with absolutely no track record whatsoever?
CASSA finds it disturbing that under the said scheme, Supreme System Sdn Bhd has been appointed to be the service provider and the doctors would be charged RM100 for registration.
And who is Supreme System Sdn Bhd?
And what is their track matter in such projects and why were they appointed in the first place by the RTD?
And why must this payment be made to them and members of the public have the right to ask whether this is indeed ‘a backdoor way to another infamous form of institutionalized corruption?
For the record, the said scheme involves advice from doctors on the health conditions of license applicants and as such, it is academic that the MMA should be involved in discussions on the scheme.
And I find it rather incompetent for the Road Transport Department to initiate this entire project without first bringing into the loop the MMA!
CASSA full supports the new scheme which ensures that only medically-fit drivers were behind the wheel of commercial vehicles, but finds it rather shocking that instead of making this a joint project between the RTD and the MMA, the former has seen it fit to bring in a third party who is going to be a source of unnecessary financial costs, a source of controversy and an embarrassment to the government.
CASSA appeals to the Minister of Transport to immediately revoke the appointment of a third party and facilitate this project to be a joint program between the RTD and the MMA in the public interest!
TSUNAMI ALERT!
September 13, 2007 on 1:53 am | In General | Comments Off
Yes I was informed that there was a Tsunami alert in our northern states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak!
The cause - Tsunami detected in Padang, Indonesia with wave height of one to three metre following the strong earthquake in Bengkulu, south Sumatera.
The public were rightly advised to be on alert and stay from the shores of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak!
© 2006 DrJacobGeorge.com. All rights reserved. Designed
by Web Channel PROductions.