ONLY ROAD WORTHY BUSES SHOULD TAKE PART IN THIS OPERATIONS!

‘Safety & Quality must not be sacrifized in the greed for profits and ‘quick fix’ - Dr Jacob George 

It is not a soap opera - but - YES - the CVLB allows additional buses to operate from Thursday!

By all means put additional buses on the road for the festive season!

But certainly not public transporting vehicles that may be suspect and driven by medically unfit or dangerous drivers!

All because there is a real shortage of vehicles to transport holiday seekers!

So forgive me if I sound rather upset hearing that the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) is allowing factory buses, tour buses, school buses and stage buses which are less than 15 years old to be used as additional buses for the Chinese New Year effective Thursday until Feb 16.

CVLB Chairman Markiman Kobiran however stated that the  bus operators must obtain the temporary conversion permits (LPS) from the board and they were allowed to impose an additional charge of RM5 above the normal express bus fares.

That is not relevant to me! Safety features are!

He also reminded the express bus operators to take stern action against their drivers who had outstanding summonses and were tested positive for drugs before the CVLB took action against the operators, including revoking their permits.

Yes - but who is taking the lead to ascertain that this is done!

Taking one’s blood samples after a road carnage is utter foolishness!

Interestingly, he also stated the board was studying the services provided by the public transport companies before raising the fare, taking into account the cost of living and spare parts as if that is the most important thing today!.

My call is before a vehicle is allowed to take part in this exercise there must be a comprehensive and stringent check of the buses before it is allowed to take part in this festive logistics!

The drivers selected must undergo medical test and be certified fit to engage in this exercise!

So do the tests and have a system of current certification before facilitating involvement!

It is better than to give ‘numerous excuses and statements’ when a carnage takes place!

You got my drift!

PENANG INDIANS - ABOUT TIME GERAKAN ACTED ACCORDINGLY SAYS JG!

The writer (far right middle) being questioned by local and foreign journalists in a ‘temple controversy’ in Shah Alam days before the last elections! 

These days (post Hindraf) it has become so fashionable to say that one is working for Indian interest that one cannot but shudder whether these oratory are done in sincerity or as part of an orchestrated lie to continue to mislead!

Only time and events post elections will show what is truth and what is not!

So I am deeply sorry if I stay amused but not impressed that now of all parties Gerakan has formed a special task force on the Indian community!Interestingly, they say that in their task to address the Indian issue four sub-committees have being formed to look at problems faced by the community.

ITS ABOUT TIME CVLB LEADS OPERATIONS AGAINST BUS COMPANIES!

‘public transport must not just be comfortable and ‘value for money’ but be safe! Bus companies have a duty of care to ensure that there is no compromise here. Public well being cannot be sacrifized at the ‘altars of obese profits’ for these companies!  - Dr Jacob George   

News that the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) in collaboration with other enforcement agencies will mount a nationwide operations against bus companies and bus drivers to enhance road safety during the Chinese New Year festive season cannot but be welcome by Malaysian consumers!

I am indeed glad to learn that CVLB Chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran has stated that enforcement officers would be checking on drivers, their licences, permits, the overall road worthiness of buses and conduct urine tests on drivers from now on.

We will not ask why this was not done before despite the road carnage that we have witnessed from time to time!

But I must advise our friends that talk is cheap - we want to see immediate action and not pussy footing when the bus companies send in their lobbyists to ’settle matters!

And I have said this before - action must be taken not only against the bus drivers who are found to have committed offences but also against the bus companies.

It is common sense and the law that it was the responsibility of bus companies to ensure that their drivers abide by the rules and regulations and that vehicles used as commuters of the public are road worthy to the core!

There is no compromise here and as far as public safety is concerned!

If there is still a carnage during the forthcoming festivities - nothing short than the resignation of the CVLB head will be called for by me!

Trust you got my drift!

Enough is enough!

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION - NOT GENERAL ELECTION!

‘Pak Lah & Najib should meet the Hindraf 5 privately and listen to their allegations, claims and grouses and address them if there is truth in them! This is the only way forward! Even ‘friends’ who have deceived must be held accountable and it cannot be ‘business as usual!’ No Sir - No Way! The governments good name must be protected! - Dr Jacob George.

By now it should have dawned on the country’s core leadership and aspiring and inpatient ‘political wanna-bees’ that it cannot be ‘business as usual’. The draconian Internal Security Act, the incompetence of the Attorney-General’s Office, the heavy-handed response to public demonstrations and the threat of imprisonment are certainly not going to solve or prevent a pubic outcry when things go massively wrong. Worse still, questions are today raised whether the government is fully aware of what is happening on the ground and whether the incompetent, obese civil service and the little Napoleons within are frustrating the need to move forward by tailoring data, facts, figures to mislead. I have said this before and I say it again – the government needs to think outside the box, the government needs to address dissent and the core and primary reasons for it. The government should stop all forms of action that can be described as a ‘witch hunt!. The government needs to talk to people outside the government, individuals who serve in civil society and those who have no political agenda but a strong passion and love for the nation. We need to address root and real causes and having the political maturity to meet individuals who raise these issues instead of using the Internal Security Act. The government would gain more nationally and internationally from the immediate and unconditional release of the ‘Hindraf 5’ who should instead receive a closed-door audience from both the premier and his deputy. This meeting free of other politicians who are alleged to be the root cause of this particular fiasco. All political parties have done so far was to protect their own political turf together with those they are politically comfortable with for their own self-interests (as they have done from time immemorial!) In the past Malaysia was a much respected nation for its moderation, fair and equitable position in addressing issues. However today, we are being ridiculed for our flip flops and hypocrisy which are blatantly seen. At the time of writing, one group of politicians and their parties in the BN are divided or infighting among themselves to settle political scores and vendettas, while the second group quietly accumulates more ill-gotten wealth before they are thrown out of office after the impending general elections. The third - a younger group - quietly initiates a plan of action to lobby for political positions by using all forms of publicity stunts from allegedly helping the poor, the sick and the marginalised. They are nothing but political predators. What Malaysia needs now is not a general election but a season for reconciliation, a period of time for honest political reflection and a postmortem to address the real issues confronting the nation before taking steps to address them with critical and clinical perception. Action that will result in politicians and senior civil servants who are corrupt and selfserving being removed or retired and government policies streamlined and made consistent with the nation’s constitution. That to me is the challenge facing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak.

MUCH WE CAN LEARN FROM LATEST SINGAPORE MOVE ON FOREIGN PASSES SAYS JG!

I am fascinated again that the Singapore government will no longer issue Professional Visit Passes (PVP) to foreigners working in republic on short-term assignments from February 2008 according to my diplomatic friends there!

I am told that instead they will be issued two types of work passes, the Miscellaneous Work Pass and the Work Permit for performing artiste by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

But that MOM would continue to exempt foreigners currently exempted under the PVP scheme as well as those performing two new short-term activities that required specialised skills or expertise from having to obtain a Work Pass.

This to me, means that a foreigner who is involved in activities directly related to the organisation or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, cause, or political end, needed to apply for the Miscellaneous Work Pass from Feb 1.

Others who need to do the same are foreign religious workers giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion and foreign journalists, reporters or an accompanying crew member not supported or sponsored by any Singapore government agency to cover an event or write a story in Singapore.

The Miscellaneous Work Pass is valid for up to 60 days.

Interestingly, foreign artistes performing at any bar, discotheque, lounge, night club, pub, hotel, private club or restaurant would also need to apply for a Work Permit (Performing Artiste) which had a maximum duration of six months.

It seems very straight forward and perhaps we may too need to look at something similar - a fast track mechanism, with all the safeguards in the near future?

COALITION AGAINST INFLATION - CALL OFF THE DEMONSTRATIONS SAYS JG!

‘let us manage this issue in a manner that is professional, creative and in the long term protecting consumer interests! - Dr Jacob George

COALITION AGAINST INFLATION - CALL OFF THE DEMONSTRATIONS SAYS JG! 

I am appealing to the organizers of the protest rally to protest the government’s handling of inflation! 

To be precise, I am addressing my appeal to the group that calls itself the Coalition against Inflation (Protes)! 

It is important to be clear about a few things and first among them the government is doing its level best to address the issue of inflation and price fluctuations in the country! 

And in all fairness, the problem of price increases and the insecurity to it is not a Malaysian phenomenon alone, as it is worldwide! 

So whether the protest is peaceful or not – my appeal is, please refrain from initiating any demonstrations and allow us the legitimate consumer advocates together with the government to address the matter in a manner that is fair and reasonable as we have been doing all these time! 

To me the organizers intent to organize about 3000 near the KLCC Twin Towers to protest against what the coalition claims to be the government’s failure to put a lid on inflation is going to only inflame sentiments and cause anxiety to all Malaysians and there is certainly no good going to come out of this! 

So I agree with Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman, who has warned that the police would take action against those participating in the rally under Section 27 (8) of the Police Act 1967. 

If you are aware of the provisions of this act - those found guilty under this law can be liable to a maximum RM10, 000 fine! 

My appeal to all Malaysians – please stay away from this display and work towards helping us address this issue in a manner that is fruitful, professional and not damaging and destructive!

We must be RESPONSIBLE MALAYSIANS & CONSUMERS! 

CHRISTIAN BOOKS SEIZED - CCM STATEMENT LAUDED!

SEIZE OF CHRISTIAN BOOKS (Part 2)

‘Literature meant for Christians should be left alone! Malaysian fanatics and fascists should stay on their own turf! Failing which another possibility of a high powered case being refered to the International Courts of Justice (ICJ) - Dr Jacob George. 

Latest:

I am now advised by my university colleague and friend, the Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, general-secretary of the Council of Churches Malaysia who has indeed sent a strongly worded letter dated January 17^th protesting against this ‘form and nature’ of religious assault on minority Christians!

He questioned quite rightly and legally - how the books could be offensive to Muslims when they were not meant for them.

In that strongly worded statement about the seizures, Hermen stated government officials “have no right and have overstepped their bounds by confiscating Christian literature.”

He urged the prime minister and his Cabinet to take immediate action to put a stop to such seizures and to “amend administrative rules and regulations especially in the Internal Security Ministry that give a free hand to enforcement officials to act at their whim and fancies.”

And the assault never ends as – these religious fanatics/fascists further stroked anger when it confiscated a total of 163 publications comprising 18 titles from bookshops nationwide.
I am sure the Malaysian Christians cannot wait to cast their votes for the next elections!

If you ger my drift!

DIESEL - WELL DONE - DOMESTIC TRADE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS SAYS JG!

‘the net should also be thrown further and at politically connected individuals who are beneficaries of subsidized diesel! - Dr Jacob George  

News that our Enforcement Personnel have Seized 28,900 Litres Of Subsidised Diesel is indeed brillant News!

I am indeed glad to hear that Selangor enforcement personnel of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had today raided a store at mile 2 of the Kuala Selangor-Klang road here and seized 28,900 litres of subsidised diesel.

The ministry’s state enforcement chief Rosle A. Hamid said his men had been watching the movement of tankers from Klang to Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam since 5am after receiving a tip-off.

At one point, a team followed a suspicious tanker which later stopped at the store. They moved in at 10.30am.

“During the raid, three men were seen pumping diesel from the tanker to a number of barrels. They were arrested for investigation,” Rosle said.

I hope this would be the turning point and beginning of a blitz on such activities be they diesel, cooking oil, sugar, flour or any other consumer products!

But I also praythatthe net will be thrown at several quarters who are beneficaries of subsidized diesel!

I am sure the MDTCA boys know what I am referring to!

MALAYSIA IN THE NEWS FOR THE WRONG REASONS AGAIN!

‘ Will these books be also affected! You must be joking! Or Simply stupid! I hope some people show some form of common sense, religious maturity and stop this ridiculous attacks and unsavory behaviour before it is just too late!’ - Dr Jacob George.

CHILD ABDUCTION - APATHY AS USUAL?

‘missing children a great concern - time for fast track solutions and action!’ - Dr Jacob George 

Really, my friends in various federal enforcement agencies in the UK and the United States of America say by now a high powered ‘task foce’ of senior officials and members of the civil society would have been roped and organized to deal with this new scourge!

But no people are more involved in ‘get rich schemes’ by being ‘politicians’ and seeing how fast they can become state and natonal candidates for the coming general elections rather than handle a situation like this!

And less than 48 hours after six-year-old Nur Fateha Zaidi went missing in Desa Sepakat, we are confronted with another child missing in neighbouring Taman Medan in the PJS area.

Reports indicate that in this 11.30am incident, Sharlinie Mohd Nashar, 5, also known as Nini, was reported missing while playing with her elder sister Sharliena, 8, at a playground, about 200 metres away from their house.

Petaling Jaya OCPD, ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed received a report on the missing case at 4pm which was lodged by her parents.

The OCPD indicated that Nini, the couple’s youngest of three children, all girls, was clad in a striped light blue-white sleeveless top, light blue short skirt and pink slippers.

We are told that this child is about 3 feet 2 inches tall, of slight build with a round face, tanned complexion and short hair!

But I am surprised that the police though investigating have classified it as a missing person case but did not dismiss that it could be linked to the abduction of Nur Fateha on Monday.

Nini’s mother Suraya Ahmad 28, a housewife, said Nini was asked by Sharliena to accompany her to Muqaddam class at a neighbour’s house but they went to the playground instead.

While on their way home, Sharliena realised that Nini was not behind her when she looked back and informed her mother about it.

Suraya said she and a neighbour went looking for Nini on a motorcycle in the rain until 2pm but could not find Nini.

She contacted her husband, electrical technician Mohd Nashar Mat Hussien, 29, who also went round the area to look for their missing child but failed to find her.

The distraught couple is appealing to anyone who is keeping Nini to return her to the family.

I am indeed grateful that at the press conference, police also issued a photofit of a man in his 30’s with curly hair and moustache who police believe could help in investigations into Nur Fateha’s case.

Nur Fateha was believed to have been abducted by a man on a motorcycle after he failed to get her to follow him “to see some cats and birds”.

She was reported missing at the Seri Manja Flats, Desa Sepakat, at 5pm on Monday but was found in Wangsa Maju (where eight-year-old Nurin Jazlin Jazimin went missing on last Aug 20) three hours later.

In Nurin’s case, her lifeless body which was stuffed in a sports bag, was found at a shoplot in the PJS area 27 days later.

My sincere appeal is that anyone with information on Nini’s disappearance should contact the nearest police station, or call Suraya at 016-2709096 or Mohd Nashar at 016-2583450 or our hotlines at 016-2917001.

‘Enough spins and talk - Time Malaysia initiated officially a similar strategy! - Dr Jacob George

BATTLING RISE IN CRIME - A MALAYSIAKINI REPORT!

RISING CRIME - CCTVS TO HELP?

‘eyes in the sky but will they be well maintained, strategically placed and operative or suffer the fate of other million ringgit toys?’ - Dr Jacob George. 

RISING CRIME - NOW LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ASSIST POLICE ON CCTVS! 

I am indeed glad to hear from Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting that the local authorities will assist the police in installing CCTVs in public places to curb crime!

The minister had indicated that the premier, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had asked his ministry to assist police in the matter at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

So great – the police will determine where the CCTVs should be placed and the local authorities will do as requested. 

So inline to this decision a circular has been sent out to all local authorities!

Yesterday, Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, had said that a proposal to empower the police to ask owners of buildings and business premises to install CCTVs to curb crime would be tabled at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister was concerned about an alarming increase in the crime rate and wanted more effective methods to be taken in tackling the problem.

As far as the financial aspect of this drive is a cool initial allocation of RM75 million provided for hiring and maintenance of CCTV equipment for five years in fulfilling the requirement. 

So let us hope that this cool RM75million will bring in the expected results and not just be appetizers for well connected contractors! 

Got my drift?

NOW BUS OPERATORS ARE ASKING FOR A HIKE!

‘passenger safety and quality should not be compromised - period! - Dr Jacob George 

It was expected and so it is that the Bus operators are urging the government to increase the fares for stage and express buses in the country.

The stupidity and irony of their argument seems to be that it is only by increasing fares, they can adhere to the many government requirements such as improving safety standards, introducing minimum wage for the drivers and installing the Global Positioning System device on their buses.

One would have thought as a responsible transport company dealing with the public the concept of safety and quality controls and benchmark would be uncompromising but in ‘bolehland’ - we are told certainly no! 

The irony is these fools are telling the government -  

“We are willing to follow whatever the government wants us to do but with limited revenue, some of us may even have to wind up,”  which to me is utter rubbish! 

We are told that ”many bus operators” faced cash flow problem when the government increased the diesel price from RM1.28 to RM1.58 per liter in February 2006 may be true but certainly not in totality!

However, I would agree that the prices of spare parts and batteries have also gone up and so has the Puspakom inspection fee and this is where I am appealing to the government to be ‘fair and reasonable’ in giving these operators a trade off here! 

I am told that the ”association” was preparing a memorandum to ask for fare increase from the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development.

But if the core argument is “more money” rather than quality and safety I would ask the government to reject the call without delay! 

This time a decision must be made for safety and ‘value for money’ in the passenger’s interest not fat obese transport companies! 

COOKING OIL RATIONING TO START! IN MY BOOK IT IS A DISGRACE!

‘now cooking oil what’s next?’ - asks JG!

We are told as a short term measure - retail sales of cooking oil will be limited to 5kg per buyer from next week!

Justification for the restrictions seems to be the following:
1.to prevent hoarding
2.panic buying

The ruling will cover all outlets, including hypermarkets, supermarkets retail outlets and grocery stores.

And manufacturers are told to increase production by 10% from 48,000 tones to 53,886 tones a month

Will this solve our problems – what do you think?

Please do also share.

What are the other measures that we can use?

How about stopping the leakages in the distribution system through corrupt acts/smuggling across the borders?

For the record I am advised that the states suffering are Kelantan, Pahang, Malacca, Kedah along with some parts of the Klang Valley.

Can subsidies to the over 23 cooking oil manufacturers do the trick in a way of assisting the manufacturers?

Or is it an artificial way of keeping costs down by ‘bleeding tax payers money indirectly’ - an act someone told is was ‘kerja bodoh’ and she should know having being a senior civil servant in several strategic ministries!

But just tell to those in policy circles - the ones who think they know it all and make decisions based on political agendas rather than on market price, or more importantly, paying attention to ’supply and demand’.

Remember that the Price Control Act 1956 is a relic that needs fine tuning to current changes, and to face up to national and international financial curves!

HEALTH MINISTER DATUK DR CHUA SOI LEK RESIGNS!

‘a dedicated, sincere and honest man’ - Dr Jacob George  

I am deeply sad to learn that my favourite Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has resigned!

I had urged him to stay and fight in my SMS to him this morning but being the man he is - dedicated, sincere and truthful he felt this was the right thing to do in the nation, party’s and family interest!

He remains still my dear and best friend - period!

JG IS MORE INTERESTED IN WHOSE BEHIND THIS INTRUSION OF DR CHUA SOI LEKS PERSONAL AND PRIVATE LIFE?

‘his performance as Malaysia’s Health Minister is far the best I have seen for a long long time’ - Dr Jacob George 

Yes, this is what I believe and I stand behind Malaysia’s Health Minister - Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek!

I stand by him because as far as I am concerned he is by far the best Health Minister we have had - period!

He is honest, competent and proactive and has brought tremendous inprovement in the Ministry of Health!

He has performed his duties as a politician and Minister remarkably!

Like all right thinking Malaysians I am not bothered about his private and personal life or what two consenting adults do in their private time and life!

But I ask - Why are we focusing on the personal & private life and affair between two consenting individuals?

Should we not concentrate on those behind this episode who planned the intrusion into ‘the personal and private life of two adults?’

Certainly, those behind the filming - did not do so, because they have ‘a certain high moral and holy calling?’

This was a well ‘planned political hit’ - well financed and with the help of operatives and ‘insiders’ to set up a political opponent!

I admire Dr Chua - he has the guts to come clean (unlike others!), no pussy footing, he apologises to his wife and family, updates the PM, DPM and party president!

He carries on his job and duties without delay as he did yesterday, today despite all the controversy and media spins!

It is the PM’s call now!

But Dr. Chua did not run, hide or take off abroad as many others had done, or ‘fake a heart attack’ and admit himself in a private hospital here or abroad!

Unless someone can show otherwise (or that the penal laws of Malaysia was broken as in the cases of abuse of power, corruption, rape, thuggery, lada lada lada!) that his personal and private action here has compromised his position as Malaysian’s proactive Health Minister - I for one stand by him! 

But woe on those initiating, planning, financing, manipulating such incidents for one’s political agenda - I am more afraid of them and you should be too!

They are more dangerous!

I am glad ‘Bukit Aman’ is tracking this case and we should have the results quite soon!

I wonder who is behind this heneious act - of intruding into one’s personal and private life as if ‘they do not have dark secrets of their own?’

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR ALL OF US IN 2008?

One would have thought that public frustration, growing anger and disenchantment with the Umno-dominated government would have facilitated a rethinking of public policies, a comprehensive postmortem on issues that has caused severe deterioration of race relations, positive engagement and dialogue and providing economic space and dignity to marginalised groups.

One would have thought that those who are corrupt, incompetent and extremist - religious or political - in Umno or in BN would have been sacked. But no. We are being selective, as always.

Instead, we see a chorus of lies, blatant lies and statistics being publicised by both politicians and the cowed and controlled media.

There are personal attacks on public figures, both independent or those linked to opposition groups. Despite the clear incompetence of senior politicians, they avoid reality and embark on a campaign to point fingers at others for their own failure to walk the talk!

We continue to hear crude political statements that challenge the dignity and intelligence of all right-thinking and peace-loving Malaysians who want fair and equitable management of the people’s grouses.

It seems as if nothing has changed. Politicians foolishly think that the problem is solved by arresting the five who brought about calls to address the Indian community’s marginalisation.

Hindraf is an example of the nationwide awakening of discontented and disillusioned Indian Malaysians. They wanted a change and needed a proactive Indian leadership which they found in Hindraf.

Despite the near empty halls of component party meetings and programs, BN politicians have failed to be convinced that the time for cosmetic changes and double-talk is long gone.

When long-serving politicians are booed off the stage by an angry group of politically-conscious people, the media blitz showing leaders giving out money or sweeping mud from the recent floods are certainly not going to sway votes or get any more support.

This is the new Malaysian reality.

The same goes for political warlords and entrenched politicians who are embroiled in various controversies and corruption themselves but point fingers and direct harsh words at opposition and civil society leaders accusing them of ‘crimes’.

It may have been fair if these allegations came from individuals of high moral fibre and integrity.

This is a sad irony. They make grand speeches and point fingers at others while thinking that their dark secrets, corrupt ways and criminal links are not public knowledge.

They think the public are as gullible as before. The earlier they accept constructive criticisms the better. Remove the incompetent and those who cause problems in the country. Institute carefully planned programmes with time lines to address the core issues affecting marginalised groups.

It may be a saving grace.

One is sadly wrong if one thinks that it is business as usual and that public perception can be swayed by spin masters, feel-good stories and controlled media.

The country’s leaders should realise that the average person is not interested in the much publicised multi-billion ringgit corridors of economic development, the billion-ringgit projects and foreign investments front-paged among other daily ‘feel good stories’.

Only those in the construction industry or others, who indirectly through proxies and politicians, are set to gain from the fallouts of such macro projects are very happy. They are watching and waiting with glee.

The average Malaysian faces price increases and a challenging quality of life in 2008. They are disturbed by the vulgarity of politicians and their obsession with accumulating wealth by unlawful means.

They are crying out for justice for all Malaysians. They want a caring and accountable government to take control of events with a firm but gentle hand and to initiate consistent policies. They want love, kindness and for everyone to walk humbly with our God.

Everything else is secondary as we face an unknown and challenging 2008!