The Sun Daily

IT WAS reported that the proposal under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to have three transport hubs to cater for buses bound for southern, northern and eastern states has been cancelled due to pressure from express bus operators.
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SOALAN LISAN

1. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN menyatakan alasan mengapakah tidak ada sebarang rundingan dengan pihak awam diadakan berkaitan dengan projek penaiktarafan lebuh raya dan LRT di Kelana Jaya. Sekiranya ada, nyatakan tarikh dan tempat ianya diadakan.

2. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN menyatakan alasan mengapa projek Link Subang-Kelana ditangguh tujuh bulan dan laluan Kewajipan tidak dirobohkan sungguhpun laluan baru sudah siap dibina.

3. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN menyatakan alasan mengapa Prasarana, Menteri Kewangan dan EPU masih belum mengumumkan hasil kajian pembinaan LRT Subang Jaya bernilai RM5 bilion.

4. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PELAJARAN menyatakan alasan mengapakah markah lulus PMR bagi kebanyakan matapelajaran ialah 20/100 dan matematik 8/100.

5. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN menyatakan status dan keberkesanan Sistem Markah Demerit untuk pesalah trafik.

6. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI LUAR menyatakan rasional kerajaan dalam meneruskan Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas (FTA) dengan Amerika Syarikat.

7. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI LUAR menyatakan pendirian Kerajaan yang memberi kelonggaran kepada pendatang asing tanpa izin (PATI) dengan memberi kompaun RM550 sedangkan agen masih mengenakan bebanan sehingga RM1500.

8. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI DALAM NEGERI menyatakan sama ada GMC Utama Sdn Bhd mempunyai lesen sah mengoperasi “Mat Kiosk” dan “Airku” sehingga terdapat 138 kes penipuan dilaporkan kepada pihak polis.

9. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PERDAGANGAN DALAM NEGERI DAN HAL EHWAL PENGGUNA menjelaskan kes penipuan syarikat pembinaan Bandar Subang Sdn Bhd yang mengugut tidak mahu menyerahkan sijil hak pemilikan pembeli sehingga pembeli menjelaskan tambahan sehingga mencecah RM10,000 untuk kos pembinaan yang lebih yang mana pembinaan tersebut tidak terkandung di dalam terma dan syarat perjanjian.

10. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI SUMBER MANUSIA mengambil pendirian tegas untuk terus mengharamkan penggunaan parakuat (racun serangga atau racun rumpai) di ladang-ladang terutama sekali di ladang kelapa sawit kerana penggunaan ini telah mengancam pekerja-pekerja ladang yang juga terdiri daripada kaum wanita.

SOALAN BERTULIS

1. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ]minta PERDANA MENTERI menyatakan statistik terperinci sepanjang tahun 2009 mengenai hukuman gantung sampai mati termasuk nama, usia, bangsa, mengikut kesalahan dan pesalah-pesalah yang masih menunggu hukuman.

2. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ] minta MENTERI DALAM NEGERI menyatakan jumlah kes kematian dalam tahanan polis dan penjara sepanjang tahun 2009 termasuk nama, usia, bangsa dan lokasi balai/pusat tahanan serta jumlah anggota polis/warden yang dibuang kerja atau diambil tindakan atas kesalahan menyeksa tahanan sehingga mati.

3. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ] minta MENTERI LUAR mengemukakan butir-butir Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas (FTA) yang ditandatangani sebagai ASEAN dengan Negara-negara luar serta penglibatan Malaysia dalam perkara ini.

4. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ] minta MENTERI SUMBER MANUSIA menyatakan jumlah kes berdasarkan gender, umur, taraf perkahwinan dan usia mengenai penyakit kulit, cacat kekal, barah dan jangkitan penyakit yang berlaku daripada penyusuan badan akibat kesan daripada penggunaan parakuat (racun serangga atau racun rumpai) di ladang-ladang terutama sekali di ladang kelapa sawit.

5. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [Kelana Jaya] minta MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN menyatakan hasil kajian terkini dari Prasarana dan Unit Perancangan Ekonomi (EPU) mengenai pembinaan LRT Subang Jaya.

USUL

1. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ] akan mencadangkan:-
“Bahawa Dewan ini mengambil maklum bahawa kerajaan Malaysia sebagai anggota Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu dalam menguatkuasa Resolusi 62/149 Bangsa Bangsa Bersatu mengenai Moratorium terhadap Hukuman Mati yang telah dikuatkuasakan oleh Perhimpunan Agung Bangsa Bangsa Bersatu pada 18 December 2007 dimana negara negara yang masih mengamal hukuman mati diminta untuk menghentikan pengunaan hukuman mati dan mengurangkan jumlah hukuman
hukuman yang membawa hukuman mati secara berperingkat dan melaksanakan moratorium terhadap kesemua hukuman hukuman mati dengan hasrat untuk menghapuskan hukuman ini sama sekali. Maka dengan ini Dewan hendaklah mengambil ketetapan untuk meminta Kerajaan melalui Kementerian Luar untuk membantu mematuhi Moratorium tersebut dan meminda undang-undang yang bercanggah dengan Morotarium tersebut.
(Menteri Luar)

2. Tuan Gwo-Burne Loh [ Kelana Jaya ] akan mencadangkan:-
“Bahawa Dewan ini menubuhkan sebuah Suruhanjaya Diraja Siasatan Kes Pembunuhan Altantuya Sharibuu yang mati dibunuh beberapa tahun lalu. Daripada siasatan dan perbicaraan yang dijalankan, banyak pihak tidak berpuas hati dengan perjalanannya dan diharap agar suruhanjaya ini mampu untuk menjawab pelbagai spekulasi.”
(Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri)

New Straits Times

IF you consume, accidently or otherwise, just a teaspoon of paraquat, you will be dead for there is no known antidote for this toxic herbicide.
Paraquat causes direct damage when it comes into contact with the lining of the mouth, stomach or intestines, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Toxic chemical reactions occur throughout many parts of the body, primarily the lungs, liver and kidneys, and the person who has swallowed it dies from multi-organ failure.

In Malaysia, as in most other countries, you need to be a commercially-licensed user to buy it. And yet, it is easily available, with even hardware shops selling it.

Paraquat poisoning is also possible after prolonged skin exposure, like those who spray it in plantations have suffered.
Poisoning is more likely to occur if the skin exposure lasts for a long time, involves a concentrated version of paraquat, or occurs through skin that is not intact (skin that has sores, cuts or a severe rash).

Sarojeni V. Rengam of Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific said the herbicide had been banned in many countries and restricted in others, including Indonesia and America.

“Paraquat should have been phased out by 2006 but it is still in use today,” said Sarojeni.

“The plantations are not looking after their workers, especially the paraquat sprayers.”

By Charles Hector

Nizar -v- Zambry… the problem was that many Malaysians (and others) already predicted the over-turning of the High Court decision by the Court of Appeal. Even, if the Court of Appeal affirmed it - people will expect the Federal Court to re-instate the BN man as the Menteri Besar as Perak…

This fact is bad…this perception of the Malaysian Judiciary is bad…and that is why we need to look again at our Malaysian Judiciary and see what needs to be done to cultivate again a Judiciary that is independent and impartial…

There really must be more checks and balances to ensure the independence of the judiciary…

a) Judges pay & pensions

There really is a need to increase the monthly wages of judges - and to re-look at the pension scheme. The current pension scheme for judges is really bad - for not only does a Judge lose all his ‘allowances’ and benefits, but he also not even assured of 50% of his last drawn salary. WHY? Because judge’s pensions are determined and calculated by a odd formula that looks at the number of months that the judge has sat on the Bench. Hence, the worry about the future …how will I survive after my retirement?

And guess what? The rich companies and the UMNO-led BN government can provide a solution for many judges…and this is not right.

Well, retired Judges could be appointed to become Human Rights Commissioners, or some other Commission members…a Consultant here and there… and these pay. They can also be made Directors, and will receive some Director’s allowances. They could also be made Consultants in some ‘big law’ firm, and I heard they pay about RM50K a month..

The point is judge’s independence can be compromised - and the so9lution may be Higher Pay for judges, and a Higher Pension.

Maybe the monthly pension should be 100% of last drawn salary (less allowances & benefits). Maybe every retiring judge should be paid RM250,000-00 and given a new car of a defines value, and this should be stated in written law.

b) Get rid of that ‘contract Judge system’ or probation judge system - the Judicial Commissioners. Just appoint them straight as judges…so they enjoy all that as been put in place to ensure independence. Remember security of tenure is one such safeguard.

Come take a 2-year contract as a Judicial Commissioner, and we will see. If you perform well, maybe we may appoint you as a Judge. [Hence, for 2 years, many judges may 'perform well' - being pro-BN and maybe even pro-BN related companies and persons...so that they be appointed Judge. After all to be not made a Judge after being Judicial Commissioner can be a rather embarassing. .

This system of probation and 'short term contract' may also deter the better persons from accepting appointments as Judges...

c) Transfers and Elevations
- that is also a another tool that can be used to control Judges. If you do not 'tow the line' or do as expected [or maybe instructed], then you may be transferred and kept in some ‘ulu’ High Court. Sent them off to Tawau…etc.

- Similarly, if you do not tow the line - you may never get elevated…

- the appointed of former UMNO lawyer straight to become a Federal Court Judge, then No. 2 in the Judciary and now No. 1 in the Judiciary tends to demonstrate this bias..- see earlier postsFight Corruption in Courts - Get rid of corrupt Judges and court staff…and Zaki Azmi ,

- Augustine Paul of the infamous Anwar trial…went up rather quickly? Rewarded for good job done? Maybe …maybe not.

Hence, the need for an independent commission to not only appoint judges, but to also look into the issue of transfers and elevations. Maybe candidates under consideration should be made known to the public, and time be given to the public to raise reasons why this person should not be made a judge…

Previously, when you just become judge you are sent to the far away courts …and then you do the circuit…and finally return to KL …thereafter elevated to the Court of Appeal…and so on. Maybe, something definite like this should be set out…

But SAFEGUARDS to ensure the independence of Judges all are of no use if the persons appointed as Judges are already ‘bad apples’…

How, then do you reform the Judiciary?
Maybe, we have to get rid of all the Judges…
and re-appoint new persons as Judges…that may be the only solution…
Why? The ‘existing’ judges may already be corrupted… already sold their independence, and it is near impossible to weed out which is bad and which is not…

Any other ideas?

I am writing on behalf of an informal group called, Making Our Streets Safe (MaSS), Klang Valley Action, which was formed about a month ago. We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend our follow-up meeting to campaign for a safe and secure Klang Valley for all.

The group is very concerned with the crimes that are happening in our community and yet there does not seem to be pro-active actions by those in authority. Some of us have been victims of snatch thief and violence. We have met and have decided to call for a discussion with civil society organisations and individuals whom we are certain are just as concerned as we are.

We would like to invite you and/or representatives from your organisation to attend our discussion. The agenda is as follows:

1. Welcome and Introduction

2. Update on the last meeting and mapping of the proposed actions

3. Open discussion

4. Plan of Action and allocation of Tasks

5. Any Other Business

Dear friends, we, as a group, want a crime free and safe environment for all and we would like to urge the new Prime Minister and the Polis Diraja Malaysia to implement the recommendations found in the Royal Commission Report. They are as follows:

· to launch a sustained nationwide drive against crime and make crime reduction priority No. 1 for PDRM

1. develop a priority list on crime types in order of urgency and according to geographical demands

· to formulate and implement annual and monthly crime reduction plans

· develop and strategise crime reduction plans, including involving citizens to play a role in assisting police in crime control

· formulate a monitoring system on progress in crime control and to develop key performance index for performance assessment

· to allocate more policing resources for crime control

· increase the national budget allocation for PDRM

· work closely with other government agencies to “invigorate Rukun Tetangga schemes in areas with high incidence of crime

· to enhance private sector partnership and contribution to policing

· engage and encourage private sector and business to contribute substantially towards preventive policing

· to develop PDRM research and development capacity

· develop a strong database on all types of crime to enhance monitoring and evaluation

· develop a strong research and development capacity to do practical research to strengthen policing methods against crime.

The details for the discussion are as follows:

************ ********* ********
MaSS meeting:
************ ********* ********
When: 15 May 2009 (Friday)
Time: 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm
Place: Bilik Inai, First Floor, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, 46675 Petaling Jaya.

Contact: 603 77844977 (office - Mary)

We sincerely hope that you and members of your organisations will be able to assist us in publicising our meeting and sending your staff to attend the meeting. Together we can make a difference to reduce, if not to eliminate, crimes in our communities. The meeting is also open to all interested individuals, so do bring any friends who want to join the action.

Kerajaan Negeri Selangor akan menganjurkan dialog umum dan perundingan sempena memperingati Hari Kebebasan Akhbar Sedunia pada 19 Mei 2009, dari 9.00 pagi hingga 1.00 tengahari di Auditorium Pusat Sivik Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Berdasar kepada Indeks Kebebasan Akhbar Sedunia oleh ‘Reporters Without Borders’, pada tahun 2008 Malaysia jatuh lapan tangga kepada 132, iaitu kedudukan yang terburuk pernah dicatatkan. Manakala pada 2007 dan 2006 masing-masing pada kedudukan 124 dan 92.

Sehubungan itu, Kerajaan Negeri Selangor giat mempromosikan “Kebebasan Maklumat” dengan tertubuhnya Badan Bertindak Kebebasan Maklumat pada awal 2009 yang dianggotai Ahli Parlimen Negeri dan Persatuan Awam, dipengerusikan oleh Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Selangor, YB Elizabeth Wong.

Pada peringkat awal, badan bertindak berperanan membuat kajian untuk mewujudkan Akta Kebebasan Maklumat (Freedom of Information) FOI Act selewat-lewatnya pada penghujung 2009.

Dialog dan perundingan umum ini bakal memberi nafas baru kepada kebebasan akhbar dan suara pelbagai media di Malaysia. Ahli panel yang dijangka membentangkan dan mengupas isu ini terdiri daripada YB Elizabeth Wong, Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Selangor dan Pengerusi, Badan Bertindak Kebebasan Maklumat; Sevan D., Pengarah Program, Pusat Kewartawanan Bebas; Dipendra Harshad Rai, Majlis Peguam; Dr. Lim Teck Ghee, Pengarah, Pusat Polisi Inisiatif; Mr Ngooi Chiu Ing, Ahli Eksko, Transparency International and Padmaja Padman, Editor Latihan, Malaysia Kini.

Semua dijemput ke majlis tersebut. Sekian, terima kasih.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KEADILAN) akan melancarkan Kempen Penerangan “Krisis Perak: Kembali Pada Rakyat” pada jam 9 malam ini (18 Mei) di Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya Selatan (Dataran Pasar Malam), PJS 2D/7 (Markaz PAS PJS).

Yang turut hadir dalam ceramah perdana malam ini adalah Ketua Pembangkang YB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Menteri Besar Selangor YB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, ADUN Perak YB Chang Lih Kang (Teja) dan YB Kesavan (Hutan Melintang), serta ahli jawatankuasa PAS Pusat Ust Idris Ahmad.

Kempen “Kembali Pada Rakyat” ini bakal diteruskan ke seluruh pelusuk negara dalam masa terdekat bagi memberikan penerangan berkenaan krisis politik di negeri Perak; serta menyampaikan mesej kepada rakyat umum agar bersatu menuntut hak rakyat dikembalikan.

Untuk maklumat terkini, sila ikuti laman web www.suarakeadilan.com dan www.mediarakyat.net.