PAK JIB - SACK HEALTH MINISTER – PROMOTE DIRECTOR GENERAL!
February 22, 2010 on 6:04 am | In General | Comments Off
‘We have a health minister today who should have never being appointed to this portfolio and replaced long ago!
The public sector cannot become the largest employer and worst having a civil service that is obese and ineffective!
It is a vulgar joke and a curse!
Just compare our public sector with those in the region and you will get what I am referring to.
I remember the Malaysian healthcare system never had this much ‘pencil pushing’ politicians, administrators and managers – that it is a crude and vulgar joke!
I know that many hospitals from north to south, east to west being run so effectively with lean mean administration in the 60’s to late 70’s!’ - Dr Jacob George
PAK JIB - SACK HEALTH MINISTER – PROMOTE DIRECTOR GENERAL!
Only an absolute idiot will say that there is a shortage of doctors in the country!
Having addressed healthcare issues for over 37 years I can safely say that there is no shortage just a very bad distribution of this much needed expertise!
Things are far better than they were in those ‘dark days’.
But individuals still complain even when it is a non issue?
Worst, we now have housemen and house officers who are cry babies!
If they do not, their parents will! Shame on them!
And the truth is most of the doctors are in the Klang valley or in big towns and this matter needs to be addressed with so many other issues from a revamp of the Ministry of Health starting with surgically removing or getting rid of the majority of ‘managers and administrators’ we have created in the system making it obese and ineffective with all the layers and tiers of bureaucracy!
The public sector cannot become the largest employer and worst having a civil service that is obese and ineffective!
It is a vulgar joke and a curse!
Just compare our public sector with those in the region and you will get what I am referring to!
I remember the Malaysian healthcare system never had this much ‘pencil pushing’ politicians, administrators and managers – that it is a crude and vulgar joke!
I know that many hospitals from north to south, east to west being run so effectively with lean mean administration in the 60’s to late 70’s!
A single chief clerk will manage with prefect efficiency that will make fools of today’s organizations charts, modus operanti or worst claiming to be quality certified!
Today – it is despicable and despite the huge manpower presence nothing has changed radically!
Just the healthcare budget going to salaries and the wastage in building more multi million ringgit concrete hospitals with its ‘costs over-runs, and multi million ringgit other machinery and gadgets which makes many contractors and politicians on the gravy train extremely wealthy!
But core services remain stagnant!
While – on the other end – the politicians are still playing their games of interference, the civil servants are unable to address issues administratively and professionally without the political interference, and professionalism goes out the windows!
We have a health minister today who should have been replaced long ago!
After so many years, we finally have a reformer, Director General of Health Services, a no nonsense and proactive professional individual and many quarters/politicians just cannot appreciate this! Bodoh sombong!
After many decades of ‘inaction, inactivity, being in comatose’ - he has brought about radical changes in the health ministry, stirred up imagination that things can be better and rightfully so - he is the best thing that has happened at MOH!
Yes, I am referring to DG Dr Ismail Merican! (see above left)
I am asking in fact pleading to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak for three things immediately for the health ministry!
- Sack the present Health Minister! Replace him with former Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek - the best health minister Malaysia has ever seen or had!
- If that is not possible, please make Dr Ismail Merican a Senator and appoint him Health Minister! Or make sure he does not leave or retire – no - not now when there are so many changes to bring about!Radical proactive changes that only he can initiate with his no nonsense approach! Whether it is the national healthcare financing, 1Clinic, the reorganization of the health ministry to become leaner and meaner and holistically professional, integrating and networking all hospitals IT, software, hardware and informational technology to be synchronized to work effectively! Initiating amendments to various outdated legislation that includes the Food Act, the Medical Act, the Healthcare Facilities and Services Act and seeking what ever happened to the Organ Tissue Act (which has not seen the light of day?) and so forth!
3. Please increase the healthcare allocation! But I say no - to the building of MORE multi million ringgit hospitals! It is time we had more well equipped ’state of the art’ clinics logistically distributed!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
A CONFERENCE INVITE WHICH IS A SCAM! BEWARE!
February 18, 2010 on 3:18 pm | In General | Comments Off
In the past, I have highlighted or exposed many a fraud schemes but no matter how many I expose - another hundred just is initiated by criminals in many parts of the world!
You name it - from South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Congo, in Britain, Spain, the US, Italy, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, Holland, Germany, Portugal, even in Malaysia!
They are all over - organized and many enrolled as international students or ‘tourists!’.
And every new scheme their plot is an ingenious one as you can see from the one below!
My advice - please watch out be careful!
They are looking for personal ID, information and whatever else and the reasons for it certainly not legal!
The following letter was forwarded to a dear friend asking him to participate in an international conference!
If you receive a similar email be vigilant and careful!
You have been warned!
The letter/invitation below reproduced without editing! Disclaimer - ‘Emily Jacob’ below no friend of mine! Neither a relative! Beware!
‘Dear sir/madam
My name is Miss (Emily Jacob) I am presently working with WORLD HUMAN RIGHT ORGANIZATION (WHRO) California, USA. We are inviting you to a Global Combined Conference taking place from 17th-20th February 2010 in Los Angeles-Anaheim Convention Center California, USA, and 24th-27th February 2010 in Savannah Central Hall, Dakar-Senegal, WestAfrica.
If you are interested to participate and want to represent your country, you may Contact the secretariat of the organizing committee via Email: (humanright.whro@secretary.net) for more details and Information.
You should also inform them that you were invited to participate by a friend of yours (Emily Jacob) the benevolent donors of the Organizing Committee will provide round Trip Air tickets and accommodation for the period of participants Stay in The United States, to all registered participants.
Delegates will only be responsible for their own hotel booking in Africa were the second phase of the events will be held. If you are a holder of an international passport that may require visa to enter the United States/Dakar Senegal you may inform the conference secretariat at the time of registration, as the organizing committee is responsible for all visa arrangements.
You may get back to me via (jemily82@globomail.com)
Sincerely,
Emily Jacob.’
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 3)
February 17, 2010 on 8:48 am | In General | Comments Off
Kudos to Malaysian Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi for the proactive move and fast tracked changes!
Today, this matter has been handled very professionally with the needed key performance indicators (KPIs) in place.
Secondly, Tun Zaki has introduced the whole question of mediation where Judges are to fix matters for mediation to narrow down contentious issues and thereafter commerce hearings!
And it is working so when not broken, why try to fix it?
As far as the awards go there is uniformity of awards and there are guidelines for judges to follow.
And such no runaway obese vulgar awards!
So who is stirring this hornets’ nest?
So who is seeking obese vulgar profits by sacrificing Malaysian consumers?
Have the courage to go on record!- Dr Jacob George
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 3)
It always shocks me how government organizations and other key ministries or institutions fail by ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ by sheer arrogance or worst, incompetence!
The Malaysian demography is today crying out for participation in government policy issues and rightfully so.
But sadly, in this case of the ‘no fault claims’ or call it whatever you want – again, the glaring absence of grouping all stakeholders before drafting the script of change is grossly visible!
There is a rumor that two law firms are to be asked to participate?
I must advice Bank Negara again that if this rumor is true; asking two law firms to provide an opinion paper is not consultation with stakeholders!
The two law firms are not stakeholders for the Consumers, the Malaysian BAR, the Trade Unions, the civil society, the Attorney General’s Chambers and others who have interest in this matter!
My humble request is Bank Negara should organize an all stakeholder conference to deliberate on the issue, set up a select committee thereafter to steer the issues involved in an organized manner!
I am sure Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak would welcome such a move and deliberation rather than one that is done in a ‘cloak and dagger manner’ which will escalate into a full blown controversy and backlash when the nation is already riddled with so many massive political bush fires and now risk creating another!
More so, if it is the intention of the federal government to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Malaysian demography?
But I also raise the whole question of this issue the controversial – ‘no fault claim’ proposal that is now undertaken like a ‘cloak and dagger thingy?’
Is this all necessary?
Has the present system failed so badly resulting in total chaos in the courts pertaining to insurance coverage and claims?
Only an absolute idiot will say so or worst, a ‘fat cat predator’ using his political tentacles to manipulate this sector in view ‘future mergers and acquisitions’ or to ‘dog tag’ the payouts to enrich the insurance companies and their owners and senior managements who would enjoy obese profits and vulgar bonuses!
This is not right!
Is it the plan of a selected few to want to reap great profits at the expense of other stakeholders and the injured on the streets and highways of 1Malaysia!
No? Then prove me wrong!
But, hear my contentions first!
Today, this matter has been handled professionally and at great speed!
And kudos to the Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi for the proactive move and fast tracked changes!
Today, this matter has been handled in a two tier system.
First there are two courts set aside to handle tortuous cases.
This means speed being the essence!
The result I am advised by my peers that the 2008-2009 cases have been all being disposed of!
Secondly, Tun Zaki has introduced the whole question of mediation where Judges are to fix matters for mediation to narrow down contentious issues and thereafter commerce hearings!
And it is working so when not broken, why try to fix it?
As far as the awards go there is uniformity of awards and there are guidelines for judges to follow!
And such no runaway obese vulgar awards!
My friends who sit at Bank Negara and the others busy ‘pushing pencils in air conditioned rooms’ need to know that the insurance tariffs have not changes drastically here in Malaysia for the last 30 years!
So who is stirring this hornets’ nest?
Who is seeking obese vulgar profits by sacrificing Malaysian consumers?
Have the courage to go on record!
Do not be like termites or political Eunuchs, come address my concerns and that of all the stakeholders in an all stakeholder’s conference before drafting any final change!
A failure will end with one having to face the wrath of Malaysian consumers for siding with the insurance mafia’s and cartels!
Bank Negara - You have been warned!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
KLANG COUNCIL TOLD REMOVAL OF PM POTRAIT DISRESPECTFUL!
February 15, 2010 on 11:25 am | In General | Comments Off
‘Enough politics and power plays!
Tit for tats! I am aware of the local guidelines and by-laws on banners and portraits but there are exceptions and here was the exception brother Ronnie – it was the PM of Malaysia visiting a district within the nation at a time of religious celebrations to show the world that despite our diversity we are all 1MALAYSIANS! - Dr Jacob George
Ini kerja bodoh!
This is absolutely stupid thing to do!
I cannot understand why a cloth banner with the portrait of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, put up to welcome him for the Chinese New Year celebrations, was taken down by the local council staff!
I am advised that the said celebration was set to be held in Pandamaran and the banner was put up by restaurateurs and traders who also had buntings close to their premises.
According to reliable sources the act was undertaken by Klang Municipal Council (MPK) who undertook this and others which include posters, banners and buntings around the township, meant to welcome Najib, without notice.
It was a surprise ‘thingy’ of appreciation!
I am also surprised at this as it had no political slogans.
Politicians from all divides should learn to accommodate and be cordial more so, during these festivities!
We need political maturity all around and that goes to the BN fellas as well!
If everything becomes ‘politics’ we will divide the nation at each and every corner and we cannot go forth as a nation!
After all the poster was of the Prime minister of Malaysia who was visiting the Pandamaran New Village!
So my politicians of all divides – please stop playing politics at each and every corner of our lives!
And my dear friend State exco for local government, Ronnie Liu should know better than to say that the removal of the banner with Najib’s portrait had to be done as there was no permit approval from the local council.
He is right on cue of course but brother this is different!
I am aware of the local guidelines and by-laws on banners and portraits but there are exceptions and here was the exception brother Ronnie – it was the PM of Malaysia visiting a district within the nation at a time of religious celebrations to show the world that despite our diversity we are all 1MALAYSIANS!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
MOVING ON AS 1MALAYSIANS THE TIGER YEAR!
February 14, 2010 on 11:22 am | In General | Comments Off
Malaysians are not stupid to believe the media spin and bias as we see in various talk shows and television programmes!
They are matured and know more than we think they do!
A mainstream newspaper has spanned in their front page report that more Malaysians have gone abroad for this Chinese New Year holidays because of economy recovery!
My foot!
Those who are going away are doing so to get away from the mind games and mental assaults and embarrassment the way our politicians and others in NGO positions have behaved!
They had enough of the tensions and anxiety we read and see over the mainstream media!
They see an abuse at various tiers and having enough those who can afford want a getaway from this at least over a weekend to see how other countries govern and their various institutions and civil society and media operate?
They know how low and far from the tree we have fallen that makes mockery of all the sacrifices and vision of our founding fathers! - Dr Jacob George
While I wish all my brethren celebrating the Chinese New Year 2010 which in essence is all 27 Million Malaysians as is our custom from time immemorial!
Have fun but drive safe!
If you drink please do not drive!
Public Transport – I pray we will not have the horror accidents that we are used to during long holidays and festivities!
But I would be foolish to ignore that while the spirit of cordiality is being harnessed and shared there will be those pariah newspapers among them, a racist vernacular one - known for its racist reporting!
They have so far being untouchables!
All sane and intelligent Malaysian continue to wonder why this particular pariah and racist newspaper has yet to be charged for sedition or incitement?
Of course, they are only a particular limb – we have others, that include NGO’s who are also fanning racial and religious sentiments, even a consumer group for that matter which is shocking, for we are always asked to be focused, neutral and supporting peaceful deliberations and the respect of law and order, of fair play, accountability, good governance, transparency and ethics free from racial and religious bias – ‘phew’ that’s a mouthful!
But no – that is not the case here, where political predators and others wanting political positions have penetrated even consumer groups and are using this as a platform for their personal and private agenda!
Perhaps they want to be ministers!
An analyst of their statements on print and the electronic media is a classic example!
Instead of being peacemakers they are fanning communal tensions highlighting what is different about us rather than the many similarities that should make us all 1MALAYSIANS as Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak (above left) desires!
If this was bad – look at certain political parties who lost at the General Elections now endorsing ‘acts and omission’ that makes a mockery of a democratic state and the rule of law as interpreted and practiced by responsible, intelligent and respected governments of the world!
We know of the saying that the ‘law is an ass!’ but how constitutional law is being interpreted here is a malicious assault on even ‘the mind of a 6 month of baby!’
Reading the mainstream media both print and electronic, it is clear that there is a plan of action to destabilize states that are run by the opposition by what ever means and even if it destroys the delicate race and religious unity and relations that have been fostered by painstaking previous Malaysian founding fathers!
This is an abuse and vulgar!
As for the opposition – they must themselves be professional and clean and deliver what they have promised!
Among them having dedicated, intelligent, responsible and clean politicians being selected as their representatives at state and parliamentary seats!
Your selection of council representatives was a joke in certain areas!
Your process of vetting candidates for all seats be they for state or parliament needs an overhaul!
If you do so – you will be a force having the people behind you.
Malaysians are not stupid to believe the media spin and bias as we see in various talk shows and television programmes!
They are matured and know more than we think they do!
They are also aware and embarrassed the way our politicians and others in NGO positions have behaved!
We are also aware how low and far from the tree we have fallen that makes mockery of all the sacrifices and vision of our founding fathers!
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is trying very hard!
He needs help from within not more problems and to fight various ‘bush fires!’
But what about others – they may need to speak less and do more work as the moment they open their mouths they only confirm to the Malaysian electorate that they are petty, foolish and absolute stupid!
Or worst that they are racist!
I hope the tiger year will bring all of us new fortunes and the nation peace, goodwill and most importantly the much needed foreign direct investments!
No matter what the spin the truth is we are in troubled waters!
We need to work, we need to get rid of corruption, the subsidy minded from the wealthy and rich, the racist, those abusing their positions for ill gotten gains!
Our government institutions must act professionally. There must be a separation of powers with well published check and balances!
They must by their actions and impartiality regain the self respect lost!
For this to happen we need to work as a team of 1Malaysians!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 2)
February 12, 2010 on 3:24 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA! (Part 2)
It always shocks me how government organizations and other key ministries or institutions fail by ‘shooting themselves in the foot’ by sheer arrogance or worst, incompetence!
The Malaysian demograph is today crying out for participation in government policy issues and rightfully so.
But sadly, in this case of the ‘no fault claims’ or call it whatever you want – again, the glaring absence of grouping all stakeholders before drafting the script of change is grossly visible!
There is a rumor that two law firms are to be asked to participate?
I must advice Bank Negara again that if this rumor is true, asking two law firms to provide an opinion paper is not consultation with stakeholders!
The two law firms are not stakeholders for the Consumers, the Malaysian BAR, the Trade Unions, the civil society, the Attorney General’s Chambers and others who have interest in this matter!
My humble request is Bank Negara should organize an all stakeholder conference to deliberate on the issue, set up a select committee thereafter to steer the issues involved in an organized manner!
I am sure Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak would welcome such a move and deliberation rather than one that is done in a ‘cloak and dagger manner’ which will escalate into a full blown controversy and backlash when the nation is already riddled with so many massive political bush fires and now risk creating another!
More so, if it is the intention of the federal government to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the Malaysian demographs?
I sincerely hope that Bank Negara officials are not so insensitive as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of dissatisfaction towards the federal government!
Bank Negara - You have been warned!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA!
February 12, 2010 on 9:02 am | In General | Comments Off
My humble advice to Bank Negara is to refrain from any ‘acts or omissions’ that may be seen as being extremely cordial to the insurance lobbyists and their cronies at the expense of consumers!
Malaysia is not the US, Australia, New Zealand, countries that are part and parcel of the European Union where they are either ‘welfare states’, or there are social ‘safety nets and parachutes’ to protect consumers, accidents victims and families – their short and long term interest!
It is sad when public policy is initiated without the involvement of the civil society and the various stakeholders participating. - Dr Jacob George
‘NO FAULT CLAIM’ – CASSA CAUTIONS BANK NEGARA!
I am surprised that despite the highlighting of this issue by the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA)- nothing has come out in a public statement from Bank Negara towards addressing a joint meeting of all stakeholders who will be affected by the outcome in the event the much speculated ‘no fault claim’ proposal becomes a reality!
I sincerely hope that Bank Negara officials are not so insensitive as not to know that public/consumer sentiments on the ground towards any radical change of policies affecting them will bring resentment, drastic opposition and a groundswell of dissatisfaction towards the federal government!
In fact, to fast track such a policy move without first addressing the core issues and analyzing other countries that had earlier incorporated the same and regretting would be politically suicidal!
Many countries are now distancing themselves from the same policy that they rooted earlier for and lessons should be learnt from this!
Even the much touted ‘Japanese model’ has its flaws!
It is sad when public policy is initiated without the involvement of the civil society and the various stakeholders participating.
I am aware that many groups have requested for a briefing from Bank Negara on the issue of the ‘no fault claim’ but sadly this has yet to materialize!
Why the fear and why the uneasiness to facilitate such a joint discussion with stakeholders and the civil society?
One must understand in today’s political landscape it is all part of good governance and accountability and public policy initiatives should always be transparent!
If there is secrecy, it becomes fodder for allegations that the insurance lobbyists and Bank Negara are in a sine biotic relationship of sorts?
Consumers and stakeholders will then be justified to feel that the ‘hidden agenda’ is to protect the insurance industry and their players at the expense of Malaysian consumers and others who are also stakeholders holding various responsible portfolios on behalf those who will be affected by any change in the way this scheme operates.
We cannot pretend that there is no such scheme based on the 2010 budget speech!
There are rumors that this may be implemented in the middle of 2010!
But I am advised there are no proposals to amend several statutes which includes the Road Transport Act 1967, the Civil Law Act 1956 with particular reference to ‘personal injuries’ and Court of Judicature Act in the next few Parliament sittings which will be fundamental for this new ‘no fault claim’ to take root!
I am certain it will be foolhardy to also try to rush the very sensitive Attorney General who is extremely professional in these matters taking cognizance of consumer and public sentiments!
Attempts to use the ‘Prime Minister’s name’ to fast track this matter will also back fire badly on Bank Negara!
If this is mismanaged this will hurt the ‘Najib administration’ very badly at a time the Prime Minister is working at breakneck speed to bring the country’s constituents together with policies that will protect their rights and interests!
My humble advice to Bank Negara is to refrain from any ‘acts or omissions’ that may be seen as being extremely cordial to the insurance lobbyists and their cronies at the expense of consumers!
Malaysia is not the US, Australia, New Zealand, countries that are part and parcel of the European Union where they are either ‘welfare states’, or there are social ‘safety nets and parachutes’ to protect consumers, accidents victims and families – their short and long term interest!
In view of this - this matter must be first deliberated in an atmosphere of cordiality and free flow of information so that no demograph will be sidelined or their interest and grouses discarded!
Bank Negara must be seen with the consumers and their stakeholders who protect consumer rights not with the bourgeoisie in silk suits representing the industry or worse, their lobbyists!
I hope our friends in the senior administration of the central bank will facilitate our concerns without delay!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
TOYOTA RECALL – LESSONS TO BE LEARNT!
February 11, 2010 on 12:47 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘But knowing their work ethics I am certain they will bounce back strongly!
They have the dedication and commitment and are strong willed unlike ’subsidy chasing and gravy train licking communities!’
They did well in addressing the recall and did not split hairs or attempt a cover up as many companies, even our ‘Malaysia Boleh ones’ usually do!’ - Dr Jacob George
TOYOTA RECALL – LESSONS TO BE LEARNT!
It was highly unimaginable that a Japanese product would see such a massive recall!
Really - by over 8.5 Million vehicles!
But, that was what happened to put it mildly!
Now as the dust tries to settle, one thing is obvious, Toyota has done what General Motors, Ford and other automakers have failed to accomplish for decades: Erase the perception that the Japanese automaker’s cars are of much higher quality than those of its rivals.
I am advised now that Toyota’s stumble after its sales soared will now benefit other carmakers across the board!
I am now certain that other brands that include Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Honda will make big gains!
What is shocking are the allegations in a report that 27 percent of new car shoppers who were considering a Toyota before the recall are no longer contemplating the brand.
Or that nearly half of the buyers who have defected from Toyota say they may never consider the brand again and if this is true Toyota has plenty of work on their hands!
But knowing their work ethics I am certain they will bounce back strongly!
They have the dedication and commitment and are strong willed unlike ’subsidy chasing and gravy train licking communities!’
They did well in addressing the recall and did not split hairs or attempt a cover up as many companies, even our ‘Malaysia Boleh ones’ usually do!
Interestingly, they have also courted feedbacks from professionals like us in the consumer protection platform!
This is welcome and more companies need to start treating the consumerists as partners rather than foes!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
FAST FOOD ENDORSEMENT - LESSONS FOR CONSUMERISTS!
February 9, 2010 on 9:01 am | In General | Comments Off
‘Of late there has been a strange inexplicable and subtle endorsement of certain corporate business interests or worst the involvement in business by those of us who are in the business of consumer protection!
I am aware that today some consumer associations and the leaderships behind some of them are certainly controversial when they either indulge in business or hold sine biotic relationships and endorsements with business interests!’ - Dr Jacob George
ITALY’S MINISTER UNDER FIRE FOR FAST FOOD PROMOTION!
I was not surprised that there was brickbats and severe condemnation for the Italy’s agriculture minister who defended his sponsorship of McDonald’s new all-Italian burger amid criticism that he is selling out to a multinational corporation and sacrificing Italy’s culinary reputation in the process.
The minister in that controversy was none other but Luca Zaia who had argued that McDonald’s new McItaly burger - using all Italian beef, Asiago cheese and artichoke spread - will pump euro3.5 million ($4.8 million) more a month into the pockets of Italian farmers grappling with tough economic times.
But this man forgot so quickly that for Italy - a country that gave birth to the Slow Food movement a quarter-century ago and prides itself on its varied, delicious and healthy cuisine, Zaia’s enthusiastic support of McDonald’s has been hard to swallow.
Worst there was public outcry when certain groups challenged Zaia and McDonald’s to back up their claims of helping Italian farmers with a kilo-by-kilo accounting of how much farmers are actually getting paid out of the deal.
And they chafed at Zaia’s suggestion that the all-Italian menu would “globalize the identity of Italian agriculture.”
The opposition Democratic Party has also slammed Zaia’s use of an official government seal of approval for the new burger.
This was because there was a seal on the McItaly’s promotional material saying “Under the patronage of” the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - a highly coveted government endorsement that is more often seen on museum exhibits and cultural initiatives than fast-food containers.
So as we all say one cannot but ask whether this Italian Minister was working for Italy or McDonalds?
There are lessons here for us Malaysians be we politicians, government servants, the civil society or consumer association managements!
Of late there has been a strange inexplicable and subtle endorsement of certain corporate business interests or worst the involvement in business by those of us who are in the business of consumer protection!
I am aware that today some consumer associations and the leaderships behind some of them are certainly controversial when they either indulge in business or hold sine biotic relationships and endorsements with business interests!
Many things have indeed changed since my early years in the 70’s and we do not produce the kind of consumer advocates who led these civil society groups as before as today there are pretenders and opportunists holding many a leadership positions, using this for political posturing and agenda, some even creating monopolies and strategic alliances with both business and private interests!
A betrayal no doubt!
To me this is a sell out, a blatant compromise of the founding principles of consumerism, ethics, objectivity and impartiality and all that my mentors both ‘Papa S.M. Mohd Idris and Uncle Anwar Fazal’ (above left) have taught me in my growing up years in consumerism in Penang!
This Italian example perhaps serves us as a reminder that many things have changed for the worse and need to be put right!
MAY GOD HELP US TO BE FAITHFUL AND TRUE TO OUR CALLING!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
FOOD HANDLERS ACT - A MUST FOR MALAYSIA!
February 5, 2010 on 10:14 am | In General | Comments Off
TIME FOR A FOOD HANDLERS ACT IN MALAYSIA!
Yes, I sound like John the Baptist - a voice crying in the wilderness urging, appealing and screaming for a comprehensive Food Handlers Act in Malaysia!
The reasons are aplenty from the ineffectiveness of the Food Act 1985 which is outdated, to the sorry, corrupt and ineffectiveness of our enforcement and total invasion of this sector by foreigners from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Africa, Middle East and West Asian countries to our own Malaysians!
With the reemergence of many once eradicated diseases – we need to question and seek answers to the present problems brought about by apathy, incompetence, corruption and sheer lack of political and professional will!
So if my appeal for a Food Handlers Act is favorable -
What do they cover?
The Regulations apply to all types of food and drink and their ingredients.
But some businesses - generally manufacturers of products of animal origin, such as dairies or wholesale fish markets - follow their own product specific regulations. These regulations are listed
Identifying and controlling food hazards
As the proprietor of a food business, you are expected to:
- make sure food is supplied or sold in a hygienic way;
- identify food safety hazards;
- know which steps in your activities are critical for food safety;
- ensure safety controls are in place, maintained and reviewed.
Controls do not have to be complex. There are systems that can be used by food businesses to ensure that hazards are identified and controls are in place.
For example - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is one of a number of such systems.
The Regulations aim to set out basic hygiene principles, which are generally not new. But their emphasis is different from previous regulations. They focus more strongly on how to identify and control food safety risks at each stage of the process of preparing and selling food.
Rather than simply following a list of rules, the Regulations let you assess the risk to food safety and then apply controls relevant to your own situation.
This will work provided you are accountable and ethical!
But in all fairness - not all the requirements for the structure and equipment of food premises will apply to you.
Some are followed by the words “where appropriate” or “where necessary”.
For example, one provision states that, “where appropriate” floors must allow surface drainage. But where you have a system to ensure water does not build up, so that there is no risk to food safety, actual floor drains may not be necessary. So there is no absolute requirement to have them.
Basic requirements for food businesses
Food premises should: (and where *Malaysian food outlets fail!)
- be clean and maintained in good repair;
- be designed and constructed to permit good hygiene practices;
- have an adequate supply of potable (drinking) water;
- have suitable controls in place to protect against pests;
- have adequate natural and/or artificial lighting;
- have sufficient natural and/or mechanical ventilation;
- provide clean lavatories which do not lead directly into food rooms;
- have adequate hand washing facilities;
- be provided with adequate drainage.
Rooms where food is prepared, treated or processed should generally have surface finishes which are easy to clean and, where necessary, disinfect. This would, for instance, apply to wall, floor and equipment finishes. The rooms should also have:
- adequate facilities for washing food and equipment;
- adequate facilities for the storage and removal of food waste.
Of course, many of the Regulations are basic minimum hygiene standards which apply to every food business. But how they are applied still depends on the situation. For example, every food premises must be kept clean. But how they are cleaned, and how often, will be different for a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals than for a bakery selling bread or even fast food outlets!
Supplies of raw materials
Do not buy or supply any raw materials if you think that even after sorting or processing they could make food unfit for human consumption. Any material which you suspect or know to be infected or contaminated with parasites or foreign substances to this extent should be rejected.
Quality of Water in food
There must be an adequate supply of potable (drinking) water, to be used whenever necessary to ensure food is not contaminated. In the vast majority of cases, this is supplied via the public water supply. But if there is any doubt about the quality of a water supply, you should seek advice from your local council Environmental Health Services.
Personal hygiene for food handlers
Anyone who works in a food handling area must maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness. And the way in which they work must also be clean and hygienic. Food handlers must wear clean and, where appropriate, protective over-clothes. Anyone whose work involves handling food should/must:
- observe good personal hygiene;
- routinely wash their hands when handling food;
- never smoke in food handling areas;
- report any illness (like infected wounds, skin infections, diarrhea or vomiting) to their manager or supervisor immediately.
If any employee reports that they are suffering from any such illness, the business may have to exclude them from food handling areas. Such action should be taken urgently. If you have any doubt about the need to exclude, you should seek urgent medical advice!
Employers must not send them to work fully knowing that they are ill as many do today!
Preventing food contamination
Food handlers must protect food and ingredients against contamination which is likely to render them unfit for human consumption or a health hazard. For example, uncooked poultry should not contaminate ready-to-eat foods, either through direct contact or through work surfaces or equipment.
Training and supervising food handlers
Food handlers must receive adequate supervision, instruction and/or training in food hygiene. Each food business must decide what training or supervision their food handlers need by identifying the areas of their work most likely to affect food hygiene.
Many of the guidelines in this guidance apply equally to food businesses trading from temporary or occasional locations like those under the tree, stalls, by hawkers, entrenched sites, canteens and so forth.
But because not all of them will be practical, there are also some slightly different requirements. However, wherever food is sold, two basic rules always apply:
- there should be adequate facilities to prepare and serve food safely; and
- food handling procedures should avoid exposing food to risk of any contamination.
Even some fast food and high end outlets are guilty of this from consumer feedbacks and our observations.
I have repeatedly asked those operating under such licenses to read again the conditions of their franchise from the mother company in the United States, the UK, and Spain, Germany or the cold terrains of the North Pole!
Let us say – No to any more food poisoning incidences or worst the continued increase of diseases we had at one time eradicated!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
CONSUMER - WHY HIGH PRICES COLD STORAGE?
February 3, 2010 on 5:31 pm | In General | Comments Off
‘Should we then boycott Cold Storage?
I hope outlets are fair and reasonable in their price index!
We are not asking them to be charitable but fair and reasonable!
Business outlets can make a profit but they should not indulge in acts of profiteering!
I hope the much waited for Profiteering Act will come into place soon after my appeals for such for over 17 years!’ - Dr Jacob George
CONSUMER - WHY HIGH PRICES COLD STORAGE?
Dear Dr Jacob,
I normally do not pay attention to my grocery purchases until I moved to live in Bangsar, a month ago.
When I mentioned that I shop frequently in Cold Storage at Bangsar Shopping Centre, my fellow Bangsarian (who are rich) said that some goods in Cold Storage in BSC are over priced.
I thought prices are about the same compared to the rest of the supermarkets and if there is a 20-30 cents difference I will not be bothered.
In my case – it is biscuit making time during this time of the year and I will need a lot of butter.
I was shocked when I realized that SCS Butter was at RM9.29 for 250gm at Cold Storage, BSC.
I took it upon myself to check on the difference of prices of the other two supermarkets in Bangsar.
Dr Jacob for your information - the pictures enclosed paint a thousand words. They were taken within 4 days of last week,
The price for Butter at Bangsar Village on 27 Jan was RM7.89.
At TMC just ‘over the road’ it was RM6.88 on 28 Jan and for some inexplicable reason at Cold storage on 30th Jan it was RM9.29.
To me this is RM1.40 more than Bangsar Village and RM2.41 or 35% more than TMC.
I hope Cold Storage can explain this huge difference of price when the other two supermarkets are also in the same location!
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Jullie Lim
CASSA SECRETARIAT - We hereby confirm that Ms Lim had also provided us photographs of all the outlets with the stated item price listed!
Our campaign against RACISM of all forms!
A PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!
February 1, 2010 on 7:07 pm | In General | Comments Off
It is an interesting picture with a message! Pray we all get wind of that message before it is too late!
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