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April 01 2012 06:46 AM
Showing posts with label Ong Tee Keat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ong Tee Keat. Show all posts
13 September 2012
Jayakan Transformasi Najib, kata Tee Keat
KUALA LUMPUR : Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Razak harus memastikan siri program transformasi yang diperkenalkan oleh beliau benar- benar didokong bukan sahaja oleh rakyat tetapi juga oleh jemaah menteri dan jentera Barisan Nasional demi memacu negara ke depan, kata bekas Presiden MCA, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
11 June 2012
PKFZ: Spectre yet to be exorcised
Ong Tee Keat
June 11, 2012
The issue will never be resolved if the findings of independent panels were perceived to have been buried in the confidential dossiers on the investigators and prosecutors’ desks.
*****_________________________________________________________________________*****
May 28 has always been a red-letter day to me. This year, as we ushered in the uncelebrated third anniversary of the release of Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) audit report commissioned by the independent auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the multi-billion-ringgit financial debacle remains a relatively sensitive riddle within the corridors of power.
Amid the legal proceeding brought against two former transport ministers, the discerning public, perturbed by the magnitude of the debacle, is certainly yearning for more big names to be brought to the fore of justice.
I raised this (PKFZ) question in Parliament last year but it was, however, rejected on grounds of sub judice. Though disappointed, I could still grudgingly live with it in view of the fact that the probe by both the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) still appears to remain open-ended.
As the immediate past-transport minister who triggered the PwC review of the PKFZ issue and later commissioned a more thorough probe into the 20 points of doubts raised by PwC, the much- laboured findings would certainly remain indelible in my memory.
Though my ministerial tenure was unceremoniously terminated, I am still hopeful to see that the confidential report compiled by the panel would ultimately do the taxpayers’ monies justice by bringing the culprits to book.
Any contemplated bid to obscure the self-revealing findings for fear of creating further damage to the ruling party is deemed inexpedient as any perceived cover-up would only alienate the people further.
The onus is now on such authorities as the police, MACC and Attorney-General’s Chambers as the findings had been handed to them to facilitate investigation as early as August 2009.
How long would they take to conclude their probe is beyond the realm of public knowledge. But it is within my right to seek clarification on the current status of the findings collectively compiled by the panel members who are helming the various professional bodies.
It would be unkind to accuse anybody revisiting the issue of thirsting for the blood of those culprits implicated in the debacle. But any inaction to punish the perpetrators of the alleged fraudulent claims in the mammoth project would readily be misconstrued as a form of tacit connivance of misdeeds designed to challenge the check-and-balance mechanisms within the establishment.
To the discerning taxpayers, the ultimate punishment of the perpetrators under the laws of the land is not going to mark the end of the episode so long as no serious recovery of public funds that had been fraudulently siphoned off is made.
Likewise, the taxpayers cannot simply turn a blind eye to the challenging future of the mega-transhipment hub in the face of its present difficulties in turning it around.
On June 10, 2009, hardly two weeks after the release of the PwC report, three independent panels were immediately established by me as the then minister to explore the possibilities of turning around the project, in addition to recommending structural revamp of statutory bodies to facilitate good corporate governance, especially within all port authorities and deep-diving into the 20 anomalies raised by PwC.
The turnaround task was swiftly taken over by the high-powered Cabinet committee headed by the Chief Secretary of the Cabinet.
No progress at all
But todate, no sign of a turnaround has ever been sighted. The repeated appeals to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to reschedule the high-profile RM4.6 billion loan with a downward revision of interest rate from 4% to 2% went unheeded.
The perceived elusiveness on the part of the Ministry of Transport (MOT) in answering a pertinent question of mine on March 15, 2012 in Parliament had somewhat further clouded the less optimistic scenario.
My question focused on the present arrears of the PKA (Port Klang Authorities) loan for the project and how would MOT endeavour to ensure PKA can afford to repay the outstanding loan based on the present schedule and interest rate, given that the present revenue generated by the PKFZ project could hardly defray the hefty debts.
As expected, my question that was numbered 71st ( the last question of the day in the order paper) was destined to be out of reach from the 90-minute time frame set for the parliamentary oral questions.
This had further led to the total denial of any opportunities for me to raise supplementary question on the subject matter.
Much to my dismay, the written answer I received did not address my question. The minister replied that so far PKA had used up a whopping RM2.6 billion from the government loans to service the debts.
This might raise many eyebrows but it was not in the question at all. On PKA’s ability to service the debts, the reply appeared even more inexplicable, if not incoherent, when it was said that one of PKA’s options is to apply to MOF for rescheduling the loan as well as revising its terms and conditions.
All in all, the minister was coy about answering the key questions I raised. I was merely told something that I myself had been pursuing while I was the minister, that is, seeking rescheduling of the loans.
This simply implies that there has been no progress at all in the probe after I exited from the Cabinet two years ago.
Those in the corridors of powers may have good reasons to frown upon me whenever I bring up the issue.
Nonetheless, to me and many others who have no personal vested interests in the project, the spectre of PKFZ could never be exorcised as long as the findings of the independent panels were perceived to have been buried in the confidential dossiers on the investigators and prosecutors’ desks.
The writer is the immediate past transport minister and MCA president. He is also the Pandan MP.
ORIGINAL LINK : PKFZ: Spectre yet to be exorcised
24 January 2012
Chinese, M’sians at crossroads for future generations
OngTeeKeat.net
by Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat
on Sun, 2012-01-22 23:27
AS MALAYSIAN Chinese celebrate to welcome their lunar year of the Dragon, their future is at the crossroads of sorts.
For the majority of the ethnic Chinese, they believe the Dragon Year is the best time to have babies.
For some reasons or others, they believe that Dragon babies are superior and that they have a brighter future than others.
Whatever the ancestral or traditional beliefs of the community are, there is no future for anyone if a nation collapses - socially, politically and economically.
A baby boom is expected but the fast growing debts of Malaysia at RM455 billion or up 11.9 per cent last year compared with 2010 must be the biggest worry for all Malaysians this year.
This is compounded by the recently released Global Financial Integrity (GFI) report that Malaysia was identified as the 4th most corrupt nation in the world, losing a total of US$338 billion (RM1.08 trillion) in illicit outflows over the first decade of the century.
The country’s astronomical capital flight activities show how devastating corruption or ill gotten gains can inflict on a nation’s health.
Beyond doubt, politicians who govern this country are to be held responsible for the sad state of our financial standing in terms of international reserves. However, we are equally responsible for misplacing our trust on the wrong leaders in high public offices.
I need not dwell into the details because the mounting expose of financial scandals is public knowledge and testimony to the erosion of integrity and competitiveness of our nation.
Graft is no selective “terminal disease” to a nation or any quarter or political party. It has been a long existing malaise perpetrated by individuals or a group of individuals at certain levels of power or positions of influence.
Similarly, we don’t need leaders who merely excel in finger pointing and point scoring. Indeed, trouble-shooting a nation's problems has never been an easy task. To reform the system sufficiently mired by some deeply entrenched norms is another enormous challenge.
Any notion that mere change of guards is the only way out in resolving the issues at hand is nothing but mere partisan propaganda that is being drummed up prior to the poll.
Mere change of guards without evolutionary changes in the prevailing partisan culture and the minds and psyche of the people at large could hardly bring us to the desired destiny.
In realising healthy bi-partisan / coalition politics aimed at providing meaningful check-and-balance within the political system, we truly need partisans of high integrity and good aptitude from both coalitions be elected to serve the populace.
In view that, the 13th General Election is likely to be called within this Dragon Year. Malaysians, especially the Chinese community, must therefore put more thought into the choice of their leaders to ensure their Dragon babies’ future is secure.
Malaysia needs to be healed – socially, politically and economically - and this can only be carried out by honest and trustworthy individuals or leaders.
Gong Xi Fa Cai to Malaysians, particularly my community, with the hope that we are wiser by another year in making our choices.
ORIGINAL POSTING : OngTeeKeat.net
by Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat
on Sun, 2012-01-22 23:27
AS MALAYSIAN Chinese celebrate to welcome their lunar year of the Dragon, their future is at the crossroads of sorts.
For the majority of the ethnic Chinese, they believe the Dragon Year is the best time to have babies.
For some reasons or others, they believe that Dragon babies are superior and that they have a brighter future than others.
A baby boom is expected but the fast growing debts of Malaysia at RM455 billion or up 11.9 per cent last year compared with 2010 must be the biggest worry for all Malaysians this year.
This is compounded by the recently released Global Financial Integrity (GFI) report that Malaysia was identified as the 4th most corrupt nation in the world, losing a total of US$338 billion (RM1.08 trillion) in illicit outflows over the first decade of the century.
The country’s astronomical capital flight activities show how devastating corruption or ill gotten gains can inflict on a nation’s health.
Beyond doubt, politicians who govern this country are to be held responsible for the sad state of our financial standing in terms of international reserves. However, we are equally responsible for misplacing our trust on the wrong leaders in high public offices.
I need not dwell into the details because the mounting expose of financial scandals is public knowledge and testimony to the erosion of integrity and competitiveness of our nation.
Graft is no selective “terminal disease” to a nation or any quarter or political party. It has been a long existing malaise perpetrated by individuals or a group of individuals at certain levels of power or positions of influence.
Similarly, we don’t need leaders who merely excel in finger pointing and point scoring. Indeed, trouble-shooting a nation's problems has never been an easy task. To reform the system sufficiently mired by some deeply entrenched norms is another enormous challenge.
Any notion that mere change of guards is the only way out in resolving the issues at hand is nothing but mere partisan propaganda that is being drummed up prior to the poll.
Mere change of guards without evolutionary changes in the prevailing partisan culture and the minds and psyche of the people at large could hardly bring us to the desired destiny.
In realising healthy bi-partisan / coalition politics aimed at providing meaningful check-and-balance within the political system, we truly need partisans of high integrity and good aptitude from both coalitions be elected to serve the populace.
In view that, the 13th General Election is likely to be called within this Dragon Year. Malaysians, especially the Chinese community, must therefore put more thought into the choice of their leaders to ensure their Dragon babies’ future is secure.
Malaysia needs to be healed – socially, politically and economically - and this can only be carried out by honest and trustworthy individuals or leaders.
Gong Xi Fa Cai to Malaysians, particularly my community, with the hope that we are wiser by another year in making our choices.
ORIGINAL POSTING : OngTeeKeat.net
15 January 2012
Ong Tee Keat is not Joining Opposition Party
January 15, 2012 12:05 PM
By Alan Ting
Tee Keat Denies He Intends To Join Opposition Party
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat today dismissed rumours that he intends to join a party in the PKR-DAP-PAS opposition pact.
Ong, who is the MP for Pandan, said he did meet opposition leaders as rumoured but denied that he had had talks on joining any of the opposition political parties.
"Previously, they (the rumours) said I will join PKR. After that was proven to be not true, they said I will join the DAP on Jan 20. What next? PAS?" he said when contacted by Bernama.
However, Ong, who is a former transport minister, remained coy about his next political move except to say that he will make an announcement at the appropriate time.
"I will cross that bridge when it comes. But, for now, I'm concentrating on my work as a member of parliament, helping people in the constituency," he said.
This is not the first time rumours have emerged about Ong planning to join another party.
Last October, online news portals claimed that Ong met Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Selangor DAP chief Teresa Kok on separate occasions, and had possibly discussed his joining the opposition pact. However, Ong denied the reports.
In a interview published by an English language daily last week, Ong vowed to defend his Pandan seat even if he is dropped by MCA.
In the past few days, speculation has been intense that he would leave MCA and join an opposition party on Jan 20.
It comes following the simultaneous resignation of two MCA grassroots leaders closely linked to him -- Penang MCA Youth chief Eng Hiap Boon and Johor's MCA Taman Desa Skudai Flats Branch deputy chairman James Wu Chee Heng -- at the end of last year.
-- BERNAMA
By Alan Ting
Tee Keat Denies He Intends To Join Opposition Party
Ong, who is the MP for Pandan, said he did meet opposition leaders as rumoured but denied that he had had talks on joining any of the opposition political parties.
"Previously, they (the rumours) said I will join PKR. After that was proven to be not true, they said I will join the DAP on Jan 20. What next? PAS?" he said when contacted by Bernama.
However, Ong, who is a former transport minister, remained coy about his next political move except to say that he will make an announcement at the appropriate time.
"I will cross that bridge when it comes. But, for now, I'm concentrating on my work as a member of parliament, helping people in the constituency," he said.
This is not the first time rumours have emerged about Ong planning to join another party.
Last October, online news portals claimed that Ong met Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Selangor DAP chief Teresa Kok on separate occasions, and had possibly discussed his joining the opposition pact. However, Ong denied the reports.
In a interview published by an English language daily last week, Ong vowed to defend his Pandan seat even if he is dropped by MCA.
In the past few days, speculation has been intense that he would leave MCA and join an opposition party on Jan 20.
It comes following the simultaneous resignation of two MCA grassroots leaders closely linked to him -- Penang MCA Youth chief Eng Hiap Boon and Johor's MCA Taman Desa Skudai Flats Branch deputy chairman James Wu Chee Heng -- at the end of last year.
-- BERNAMA
08 January 2012
Ong Tee Keat : ‘I will certainly contest’
NST 08 January 2012
Isolated by MCA after he lost his presidency in a power tussle in 2010, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, who managed to retain his Pandan seat in the March 2008 ‘political tsunami' when his surrounding parliamentary and state seats fell into the hands of the opposition, tells Tan Choe Choe that he will decide his own political destiny
Question: Since your defeat in the power tussle in MCA, have you ever talked to Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek? How is your relationship? Do you hate him?
Answer: There's no relationship. I've not talked to him at all. Why should I harbour hatred? It was nothing personal. More so, hatred is a form of self-punishment. So for what? I just want to see the party be effective in its role, in accordance with the spirit of the party's constitution, which clearly spells out that the role and function of the party is to be the custodian of rights for all Malaysians, not just a particular sector.
Question: It seems some Malaysians have come to view you as a sore loser.
Answer: Have I questioned the outcome? Never. You cannot stop certain individuals -- especially since we have a lot of hired snipers in cyberspace nowadays. Kindly-worded well-wishes, we take as a form of encouragement. If it's brickbats that you don't think you deserve and you know very well who perpetrated it, then just laugh it off. Why get upset and penalise yourself just because someone said something unkind? Life has to go on man (laughs).
Question: Many people think that if you're not going to be fielded as a candidate in the next election, your political career is as good as over. What is your Plan B?
Answer: There is no Plan A or B. I've said as early as last year -- with no intention of threatening anyone -- that I'm the one who's going to decide my own political destiny. I know what I want and I know where I'm going. I will certainly contest. But if I were to elaborate, they will say you are issuing a veiled threat. I don't have the mood or time to respond to these because I don't mean any of that. I have my commitments, my own political ideals, and destiny, and these shouldn't be swayed by anybody. I certainly won't allow my political destiny, including the realisation of my ideals, to be dictated by certain party forces. So long as I'm a Malaysian, I'm entitled to the right to vote as well as contest in the name of parliamentary democracy.
Question: So what will it be if you don't get fielded as a candidate?
Answer: Without issuing any threat to anybody, I maintain that I will face my electorate in Pandan. I know party insiders frown upon me on this as they interpret it in 1,001 ways. But that is beyond my control. I'm just talking about my rights.
Question: That means there's a possibility if you're not fielded by Barisan Nasional, you'll go independent or join the opposition?
Answer: Well, the logic is pretty clear, isn't it?
Question: If it goes that way, which is preferred? Independent or opposition?
Answer: I will cross that bridge when I come to it. But so far, bearing in mind that I was elected on a BN ticket in 2008, it's only fair for me to continue with my constituency service on this BN platform now.
Question: Have you talked to BN chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Razak?
Answer: One of the discussions we had was in last January, when we talked about the constituency service in Pandan, like any other MPs. I never brought up the issue of candidature. The BN candidature is the prime minister's prerogative. So far, my focus is on the effectiveness of my constituency service. I see no reason to bring this (candidature) up. His prerogative is his alone. Whether or not I have been effective in serving my constituents, that has to be judged objectively. I'm not blowing my own trumpet. Not just BN, but the people will judge.
Question: You still believe in the system, that you would be judged objectively on your service, and that your effectiveness will get you fielded again as a candidate for Pandan?
Answer: Certainly I'm not as naive as I was when I was a rookie years ago. To sum up my personal experience, either as an MP or a public office holder at one time, I must say that sometimes justice may not prevail or it may only prevail after a long, long time. Perhaps, after the fall of the personalities involved. There are no hard and fast rules. To say an absolute yes or no is not quite right.
Question: Do you think you have any chance at all of being fielded as a candidate in the coming general election?
Answer: Who am I to speculate? I'm in no position to say that. Moreover, I have had no dealings with MCA in the past two years. I'm appreciative of the people's support that has been spurring me on, because in any programme or activity involving the people, it's the people who make things work.
Question: Is remaining in MCA desirable to you now?
Answer: As an MP, I need to gauge the effectiveness if I were to remain a member of a certain political party -- to assess the effectiveness of my involvement and affiliation. But in this respect, if I were to do a similar assessment, I simply don't see the effectiveness.
Question: You have said MCA is "irrelevant", it sounds like you are likely to leave MCA.
Answer: Well, people can interpret it in 1,001 ways.
Question: I don't want to interpret. Why don't you tell me?
Answer: When I get such questions, I must speak my mind. But when I do, I get a lot of brickbats from the current leadership because those who are in power, largely, have a denial syndrome. Actually my exact words were "going to be irrelevant". We will be if we continue with the existing modus operandi. But unfortunately, people interpret it in their own way. And some choose to deny it. In Malaysia's partisan politics, denial has been the order of the day. Those who are being criticised find it hard to swallow their bitter pill. If we want to embark on any kind of transformation or reform, so long as we have this kind of denial syndrome, it will be our stumbling block.
Question: Penang MCA Youth chief Eng Hiap Boon had announced that he's quitting the party and he claims there's a mass exodus. There's speculation about you being the mastermind of it all. What's your comment?
Answer: Yes, he has been my aide until my exit from the cabinet. Even now on the non-governmental organisation platform, he has been helping me in community work nationwide. Now, even if my own family members were to quit the party, do you think I would have any kind of control over them? This is his own choice. Any quarters, especially party insiders, if they were to cast doubts or link Eng's exit and the exodus from the party to me, I must say that is very unfair to Eng. You are casting doubts on his own (ability to make) decisions. He's a mature person.
Question: Do you think more will be leaving MCA?
Answer: I don't know. These (in the exodus) are grassroots members. No doubt I was the president before, but I can't claim to know many of them. News reports point at me as the person behind this exodus, not just in Penang but in other places, too. When the news was out, I was in Taiwan, attending the worldwide conference of the Buddha Light Association, of which I'm the vice-president. I couldn't help but have a good laugh.
Firstly, party insiders have been labelling me a lone ranger over the years. Now, they blame the exodus on me. Don't you think that's contradictory? If I'm such a lone wolf, how can I wield such influence?
Question: What are your political aspirations now? A leadership post, a ministership? To get back what you have lost?
Answer: I've had the opportunity to assume the MCA presidency and a ministership. I'm not hungry for that. Over the years, with or without the political platform, I had been strongly committed to what I call a nationhood devoid of zero-sum mentality. I've observed that in our country, our social fabric has been heavily compartmentalised. Chinese with Chinese, Malays with Malays and so on. Even when we have so-called interaction, it's confined to the superficials, like during festivities; mentally or rather in terms of our psyche, we don't really interact. We don't appreciate each other's norms and taboos, the so-called inner soul of our respective ethnic groups.
I wish that one day all Malaysians can discard the kind of mentality where we tend to think that your gain is my loss, that a particular ethnic group can only make headway in the pursuit of their interests at the expense of others. That is my aspiration. In my active years in politics, I see this being cultivated and perpetuated by some irresponsible or point-scoring politicians looking to get a spot in the limelight and to climb up the political ladder. We don't have to single out anyone. This has been the norm among many politicians.
Original Post : New Straits Time
 |
| Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat says he will face his electorate when he contests his Pandan seat in the next election. |
Question: Since your defeat in the power tussle in MCA, have you ever talked to Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek? How is your relationship? Do you hate him?
Answer: There's no relationship. I've not talked to him at all. Why should I harbour hatred? It was nothing personal. More so, hatred is a form of self-punishment. So for what? I just want to see the party be effective in its role, in accordance with the spirit of the party's constitution, which clearly spells out that the role and function of the party is to be the custodian of rights for all Malaysians, not just a particular sector.
Question: It seems some Malaysians have come to view you as a sore loser.
Answer: Have I questioned the outcome? Never. You cannot stop certain individuals -- especially since we have a lot of hired snipers in cyberspace nowadays. Kindly-worded well-wishes, we take as a form of encouragement. If it's brickbats that you don't think you deserve and you know very well who perpetrated it, then just laugh it off. Why get upset and penalise yourself just because someone said something unkind? Life has to go on man (laughs).
Question: Many people think that if you're not going to be fielded as a candidate in the next election, your political career is as good as over. What is your Plan B?
Answer: There is no Plan A or B. I've said as early as last year -- with no intention of threatening anyone -- that I'm the one who's going to decide my own political destiny. I know what I want and I know where I'm going. I will certainly contest. But if I were to elaborate, they will say you are issuing a veiled threat. I don't have the mood or time to respond to these because I don't mean any of that. I have my commitments, my own political ideals, and destiny, and these shouldn't be swayed by anybody. I certainly won't allow my political destiny, including the realisation of my ideals, to be dictated by certain party forces. So long as I'm a Malaysian, I'm entitled to the right to vote as well as contest in the name of parliamentary democracy.
Question: So what will it be if you don't get fielded as a candidate?
Answer: Without issuing any threat to anybody, I maintain that I will face my electorate in Pandan. I know party insiders frown upon me on this as they interpret it in 1,001 ways. But that is beyond my control. I'm just talking about my rights.
Question: That means there's a possibility if you're not fielded by Barisan Nasional, you'll go independent or join the opposition?
Answer: Well, the logic is pretty clear, isn't it?
Question: If it goes that way, which is preferred? Independent or opposition?
Answer: I will cross that bridge when I come to it. But so far, bearing in mind that I was elected on a BN ticket in 2008, it's only fair for me to continue with my constituency service on this BN platform now.
Question: Have you talked to BN chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Razak?
Answer: One of the discussions we had was in last January, when we talked about the constituency service in Pandan, like any other MPs. I never brought up the issue of candidature. The BN candidature is the prime minister's prerogative. So far, my focus is on the effectiveness of my constituency service. I see no reason to bring this (candidature) up. His prerogative is his alone. Whether or not I have been effective in serving my constituents, that has to be judged objectively. I'm not blowing my own trumpet. Not just BN, but the people will judge.
Question: You still believe in the system, that you would be judged objectively on your service, and that your effectiveness will get you fielded again as a candidate for Pandan?
Answer: Certainly I'm not as naive as I was when I was a rookie years ago. To sum up my personal experience, either as an MP or a public office holder at one time, I must say that sometimes justice may not prevail or it may only prevail after a long, long time. Perhaps, after the fall of the personalities involved. There are no hard and fast rules. To say an absolute yes or no is not quite right.
Question: Do you think you have any chance at all of being fielded as a candidate in the coming general election?
Answer: Who am I to speculate? I'm in no position to say that. Moreover, I have had no dealings with MCA in the past two years. I'm appreciative of the people's support that has been spurring me on, because in any programme or activity involving the people, it's the people who make things work.
Question: Is remaining in MCA desirable to you now?
Answer: As an MP, I need to gauge the effectiveness if I were to remain a member of a certain political party -- to assess the effectiveness of my involvement and affiliation. But in this respect, if I were to do a similar assessment, I simply don't see the effectiveness.
Question: You have said MCA is "irrelevant", it sounds like you are likely to leave MCA.
Answer: Well, people can interpret it in 1,001 ways.
Question: I don't want to interpret. Why don't you tell me?
Answer: When I get such questions, I must speak my mind. But when I do, I get a lot of brickbats from the current leadership because those who are in power, largely, have a denial syndrome. Actually my exact words were "going to be irrelevant". We will be if we continue with the existing modus operandi. But unfortunately, people interpret it in their own way. And some choose to deny it. In Malaysia's partisan politics, denial has been the order of the day. Those who are being criticised find it hard to swallow their bitter pill. If we want to embark on any kind of transformation or reform, so long as we have this kind of denial syndrome, it will be our stumbling block.
Question: Penang MCA Youth chief Eng Hiap Boon had announced that he's quitting the party and he claims there's a mass exodus. There's speculation about you being the mastermind of it all. What's your comment?
Answer: Yes, he has been my aide until my exit from the cabinet. Even now on the non-governmental organisation platform, he has been helping me in community work nationwide. Now, even if my own family members were to quit the party, do you think I would have any kind of control over them? This is his own choice. Any quarters, especially party insiders, if they were to cast doubts or link Eng's exit and the exodus from the party to me, I must say that is very unfair to Eng. You are casting doubts on his own (ability to make) decisions. He's a mature person.
Question: Do you think more will be leaving MCA?
Answer: I don't know. These (in the exodus) are grassroots members. No doubt I was the president before, but I can't claim to know many of them. News reports point at me as the person behind this exodus, not just in Penang but in other places, too. When the news was out, I was in Taiwan, attending the worldwide conference of the Buddha Light Association, of which I'm the vice-president. I couldn't help but have a good laugh.
Firstly, party insiders have been labelling me a lone ranger over the years. Now, they blame the exodus on me. Don't you think that's contradictory? If I'm such a lone wolf, how can I wield such influence?
Question: What are your political aspirations now? A leadership post, a ministership? To get back what you have lost?
Answer: I've had the opportunity to assume the MCA presidency and a ministership. I'm not hungry for that. Over the years, with or without the political platform, I had been strongly committed to what I call a nationhood devoid of zero-sum mentality. I've observed that in our country, our social fabric has been heavily compartmentalised. Chinese with Chinese, Malays with Malays and so on. Even when we have so-called interaction, it's confined to the superficials, like during festivities; mentally or rather in terms of our psyche, we don't really interact. We don't appreciate each other's norms and taboos, the so-called inner soul of our respective ethnic groups.
I wish that one day all Malaysians can discard the kind of mentality where we tend to think that your gain is my loss, that a particular ethnic group can only make headway in the pursuit of their interests at the expense of others. That is my aspiration. In my active years in politics, I see this being cultivated and perpetuated by some irresponsible or point-scoring politicians looking to get a spot in the limelight and to climb up the political ladder. We don't have to single out anyone. This has been the norm among many politicians.
Original Post : New Straits Time
03 November 2011
Prove me wrong MCA, sack Tee Keat
November 1, 2011
FMT LETTER
From Jackson Ng, via e-mail
ALTHOUGH I have retired as a journalist of more than 30 years in the mainstream print media for about a year, I still believed in my instincts.
When, obviously pro-MCA (read as boot lickers of immoral president Chua Soi Lek) bloggers uploaded a news spin that ousted president Ong Tee Keat is to join the DAP, my suspicions were aroused.
Through the years of my experience as a reporter and editor, I sensed something was just not right. The news is based on a picture of Tee Keat having lunch with DAP Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok.
Why was I suspicious about the report:
- Why have lunch in the public for all to see; Don’t tell me there are no more discreet places to hold such politically sensitive discussions? and
- If Tee Keat had wanted to join the DAP or Pakatan Rakyat (PR), why now? Veteran political observers will tell you that the timing is just not right because political moves and decisions are made with calculated advantages.
Tee Keat would have followed the direction of former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng to join PKR if he wanted to, instead of making the move now because in politics, there is always the right time to make a right decision and a right move.
To prove my news instincts right, as a free lance journalist now, I decided to “watch the fun” at the SJK (C) On Pong 2 Environmental Day where Tee Keat was scheduled to attend.
I was not to be disappointed.
Tee Keat, now without a government portfolio to call the shots after being toppled by those who sinfully benefitted from the multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) financial scandal, is after all no more “news value” for the mainstream media. Take my word for this based on my experience.
Turning up for a purely school event on a Saturday (Oct 22, 2011) were TV, radio and the print media. I was tickled by their presence, by their herd mentality and lack of news judgment.
Instead of being offended, Tee Keat invited the reporters to shoot their questions even before the actual event and conference could be held.
A barrage of questions, all related to the news spin and photographs, that Tee Keat was quitting the MCA to join the DAP was asked. And this was how Tee Keat responded:
“Yes, I had lunch with Teresa and two others, a Taman Saga resident and an Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) councillor on Oct 25, 2011.
“Teresa invited me for lunch to discuss the long-standing objections of the residents of two housing estates over the construction of high-tension cables.
“It is an issue which I had taken up with the residents since 2008 and we have even submitted a memo to the state government.
“The state government needs to resolve this because the matter is now at the level of the state exco.
“The news spin is therefore devoid of any truth. It is the work of rumourmongers or cybertroopers resorting to the use of gutter politics to attack politicians to serve a specific agenda of their paymasters.
“I cannot be sure who is responsible for this attack. But, just before Deepavali, there was a similar attack by MCA cybertroopers that I am joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“This follows Chua’s media statement to the press at the recently concluded MCA annual general meeting that I should quit the party since I have expressed my view that the MCA had become ‘irrelevant and in denial’.
“Yes I bumped into (PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament now and then and we do sit down to chat. Does that mean I am joining PKR?
“Also, for those not in the know or had missed an ‘opportunity to spin rubbish news’ I had also met Selangor PAS MPs, so I will not be surprised that they will say I am joining PAS next.
“The cybertroopers also missed another opportunity to speculate! I was with Teresa Kok’s father at the SMJK Confucian Form Five graduation ceremony for the whole morning! What are you going to write next?”
Ong said he had been a subject of political speculations after he was ousted as MCA president.
“I have also been approached several times to join the PR since then. It is nothing new and I have left the matter that way because it is just water under the bridge,” he said.
Ong said he had reiterated many time that he would offer himself as a parliamentary candidate for Pandan in the next general election.
“This is my promise and my duty to my constituents whom I had served since January 1989,” he added.
It is now crystal clear that the current “immoral” MCA leadership is frustrated and wants Tee Keat out of the way in MCA and Pandan. But it has no guts to sack him.
Feel free to prove me wrong!
ORIGINAL POSTING : FMT
FMT LETTER
From Jackson Ng, via e-mail
ALTHOUGH I have retired as a journalist of more than 30 years in the mainstream print media for about a year, I still believed in my instincts.
When, obviously pro-MCA (read as boot lickers of immoral president Chua Soi Lek) bloggers uploaded a news spin that ousted president Ong Tee Keat is to join the DAP, my suspicions were aroused.
Through the years of my experience as a reporter and editor, I sensed something was just not right. The news is based on a picture of Tee Keat having lunch with DAP Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok.
Why was I suspicious about the report:
- Why have lunch in the public for all to see; Don’t tell me there are no more discreet places to hold such politically sensitive discussions? and
- If Tee Keat had wanted to join the DAP or Pakatan Rakyat (PR), why now? Veteran political observers will tell you that the timing is just not right because political moves and decisions are made with calculated advantages.
Tee Keat would have followed the direction of former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng to join PKR if he wanted to, instead of making the move now because in politics, there is always the right time to make a right decision and a right move.
To prove my news instincts right, as a free lance journalist now, I decided to “watch the fun” at the SJK (C) On Pong 2 Environmental Day where Tee Keat was scheduled to attend.
I was not to be disappointed.
Tee Keat, now without a government portfolio to call the shots after being toppled by those who sinfully benefitted from the multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) financial scandal, is after all no more “news value” for the mainstream media. Take my word for this based on my experience.
Turning up for a purely school event on a Saturday (Oct 22, 2011) were TV, radio and the print media. I was tickled by their presence, by their herd mentality and lack of news judgment.
Instead of being offended, Tee Keat invited the reporters to shoot their questions even before the actual event and conference could be held.
A barrage of questions, all related to the news spin and photographs, that Tee Keat was quitting the MCA to join the DAP was asked. And this was how Tee Keat responded:
“Yes, I had lunch with Teresa and two others, a Taman Saga resident and an Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) councillor on Oct 25, 2011.
“Teresa invited me for lunch to discuss the long-standing objections of the residents of two housing estates over the construction of high-tension cables.
“It is an issue which I had taken up with the residents since 2008 and we have even submitted a memo to the state government.
“The state government needs to resolve this because the matter is now at the level of the state exco.
“The news spin is therefore devoid of any truth. It is the work of rumourmongers or cybertroopers resorting to the use of gutter politics to attack politicians to serve a specific agenda of their paymasters.
“I cannot be sure who is responsible for this attack. But, just before Deepavali, there was a similar attack by MCA cybertroopers that I am joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“This follows Chua’s media statement to the press at the recently concluded MCA annual general meeting that I should quit the party since I have expressed my view that the MCA had become ‘irrelevant and in denial’.
“Yes I bumped into (PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament now and then and we do sit down to chat. Does that mean I am joining PKR?
“Also, for those not in the know or had missed an ‘opportunity to spin rubbish news’ I had also met Selangor PAS MPs, so I will not be surprised that they will say I am joining PAS next.
“The cybertroopers also missed another opportunity to speculate! I was with Teresa Kok’s father at the SMJK Confucian Form Five graduation ceremony for the whole morning! What are you going to write next?”
Ong said he had been a subject of political speculations after he was ousted as MCA president.
“I have also been approached several times to join the PR since then. It is nothing new and I have left the matter that way because it is just water under the bridge,” he said.
Ong said he had reiterated many time that he would offer himself as a parliamentary candidate for Pandan in the next general election.
“This is my promise and my duty to my constituents whom I had served since January 1989,” he added.
It is now crystal clear that the current “immoral” MCA leadership is frustrated and wants Tee Keat out of the way in MCA and Pandan. But it has no guts to sack him.
Feel free to prove me wrong!
ORIGINAL POSTING : FMT
12 October 2011
Tee Keat did not sack Chua
Jackson Ng
3:40PM Oct 11
I read with interest the two letters posted by Malaysiakini recently.
One was headlined ‘Ong Tee Keat's flagging fortunes his own doing' (Oct 4, 2011, by Tan SA) and the other ‘A case of blind loyalty for present MCA leaders' (Oct 7, 2011, by Sebastian Loon).
Tan SA wrote: "Had Tee Keat not sacked Chua, MCA politics would be totally different now. It was Tee Keat's own doing to start a full-fledged campaign to sack Chua, the then-deputy president ..."
It was not Tee Keat who sacked Chua. It was the party disciplinary board (DB) that recommended Chua's sacking which was endorsed by both the presidential council (PC) and central committee (CC).
To accuse Tee Keat of sacking Chua, just because he was the president, is grossly unfair as it was a democratic decision taken by the PC and CC.
The ultimate ouster of Tee Keat as president is testimony to the fact that he was not in full control of the PC and CC.
Also, the disciplinary matter was left unresolved by former president Ong Ka Ting. It was not an issue created or raised by Tee Keat.
Tan SA also wrote: "During Tee Keat's tenure as MCA chief many unprecedented records were set. He was the first-ever president to lose a vote of confidence in an EGM. He was also the first president to lose a re-election before his term expired. Furthermore, he set a record by holding two EGMs in a span of six months between October 2009 and March 2010. All in all, he left behind a trail of misfortune and misery for MCA."
Tan SA blames Tee Keat for everything that went wrong in MCA. He does not ask who are stirred up the problems in the party.
The facts:
It was not Tee Keat who initiated or called for the EGMs; The first EGM on Aug 10, 2009, was requisitioned by the delegates spearheaded by Chua to salvage him from being sacked. Ong Ka Ting left the mess behind and he and his lieutenants wanted to give Chua the boot;
The second EGM on Nov 28, 2009, was aborted by Ong Ka Ting's loyalists who initially wanted to give Tee Keat the boot; and
The third EGM on March 28, 2010, was engineered by Chua who secured ‘support' from Liow Tiong Lai to betray Tee Keat and to stage a coup d'etat via mass resignations to force fresh party elections sanctioned by Umno cronies looking after their own interests and agenda, especially the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) multi-billion-ringgit financial scandal.
Reading Tan SA's letter, the aim of the story seems to imply that when a person has lost a contest, in this case the presidency of the MCA, he has no right to speak but to opt out of MCA or politics.
Chua has also accused Tee Keat of sacking him. As the current president, he should check the facts or is it more politically convenient for him and his cronies to malign Tee Keat?
I agree with Sebastian Loon that both Chua and Tee Keat are, after all, human and they are therefore capable of many mistakes and wrong decisions.
However, it is the gravity of mistakes that matter. Is there any leader in the world that can claim that he or she did not make mistakes?
Regarding Chua's adulterous scandal, it is only his own doing. If his wife and family approve of his extra marital affairs, it is also their right. It only shows Chua and his family's level of morals.
Just because he has admitted to cheating on his wife does not give him the right to force us to accept him as a community leader.
The Chinese community do have higher moral values than Chua and his family. We have every right to condemn him and not trust him as a community leader. That is different from forgiving him.
I am sure the majority of women disapprove such behaviour. Perhaps not MCA vice-president Ng Yen Yen who would support an adulterer for political position and power.
As far as I am concerned, Tee Keat has been shown to be consistent in the fight against corruption. He was prepared to jeopardise his position in the cabinet to expose the PKFZ scandal.
Already, you can see how Chua's crony MCA secretary-general Kong Cho Ha is treating the PKFZ issue as transport minister.
And while on cronyism, why are MCA central leaders keeping mum on Chua appointing his son to key positions in MCA and its assets?
Why are they dumb on curbing press freedom by seizing total control of The Star? Cronyism was such a big issue during the Ong Ka Ting-Ong Ka Chuan era. Why not now?
As long as Chua keeps his crony supporters happy, the president can do no wrong. That's the way of warlords.
ORIGINAL POSTING MalaysiaKini
3:40PM Oct 11
I read with interest the two letters posted by Malaysiakini recently.
One was headlined ‘Ong Tee Keat's flagging fortunes his own doing' (Oct 4, 2011, by Tan SA) and the other ‘A case of blind loyalty for present MCA leaders' (Oct 7, 2011, by Sebastian Loon).
Tan SA wrote: "Had Tee Keat not sacked Chua, MCA politics would be totally different now. It was Tee Keat's own doing to start a full-fledged campaign to sack Chua, the then-deputy president ..."
It was not Tee Keat who sacked Chua. It was the party disciplinary board (DB) that recommended Chua's sacking which was endorsed by both the presidential council (PC) and central committee (CC).
To accuse Tee Keat of sacking Chua, just because he was the president, is grossly unfair as it was a democratic decision taken by the PC and CC.
The ultimate ouster of Tee Keat as president is testimony to the fact that he was not in full control of the PC and CC.
Also, the disciplinary matter was left unresolved by former president Ong Ka Ting. It was not an issue created or raised by Tee Keat.
Tan SA also wrote: "During Tee Keat's tenure as MCA chief many unprecedented records were set. He was the first-ever president to lose a vote of confidence in an EGM. He was also the first president to lose a re-election before his term expired. Furthermore, he set a record by holding two EGMs in a span of six months between October 2009 and March 2010. All in all, he left behind a trail of misfortune and misery for MCA."
Tan SA blames Tee Keat for everything that went wrong in MCA. He does not ask who are stirred up the problems in the party.
The facts:
It was not Tee Keat who initiated or called for the EGMs; The first EGM on Aug 10, 2009, was requisitioned by the delegates spearheaded by Chua to salvage him from being sacked. Ong Ka Ting left the mess behind and he and his lieutenants wanted to give Chua the boot;
The second EGM on Nov 28, 2009, was aborted by Ong Ka Ting's loyalists who initially wanted to give Tee Keat the boot; and
The third EGM on March 28, 2010, was engineered by Chua who secured ‘support' from Liow Tiong Lai to betray Tee Keat and to stage a coup d'etat via mass resignations to force fresh party elections sanctioned by Umno cronies looking after their own interests and agenda, especially the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) multi-billion-ringgit financial scandal.
Reading Tan SA's letter, the aim of the story seems to imply that when a person has lost a contest, in this case the presidency of the MCA, he has no right to speak but to opt out of MCA or politics.
Chua has also accused Tee Keat of sacking him. As the current president, he should check the facts or is it more politically convenient for him and his cronies to malign Tee Keat?
I agree with Sebastian Loon that both Chua and Tee Keat are, after all, human and they are therefore capable of many mistakes and wrong decisions.
However, it is the gravity of mistakes that matter. Is there any leader in the world that can claim that he or she did not make mistakes?
Regarding Chua's adulterous scandal, it is only his own doing. If his wife and family approve of his extra marital affairs, it is also their right. It only shows Chua and his family's level of morals.
Just because he has admitted to cheating on his wife does not give him the right to force us to accept him as a community leader.
The Chinese community do have higher moral values than Chua and his family. We have every right to condemn him and not trust him as a community leader. That is different from forgiving him.
I am sure the majority of women disapprove such behaviour. Perhaps not MCA vice-president Ng Yen Yen who would support an adulterer for political position and power.
As far as I am concerned, Tee Keat has been shown to be consistent in the fight against corruption. He was prepared to jeopardise his position in the cabinet to expose the PKFZ scandal.
Already, you can see how Chua's crony MCA secretary-general Kong Cho Ha is treating the PKFZ issue as transport minister.
And while on cronyism, why are MCA central leaders keeping mum on Chua appointing his son to key positions in MCA and its assets?
Why are they dumb on curbing press freedom by seizing total control of The Star? Cronyism was such a big issue during the Ong Ka Ting-Ong Ka Chuan era. Why not now?
As long as Chua keeps his crony supporters happy, the president can do no wrong. That's the way of warlords.
ORIGINAL POSTING MalaysiaKini
01 October 2011
MCA gung-ho only when it comes to talking, says Tee Keat
Saturday, 01 October 2011 08:42
Written by Malaysia Chronicle
The MCA is on the path to irrelevance, its former president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said this week ahead of the party’s annual gathering this weekend.
He said the Barisan Nasional (BN) component has not heeded the push for reform that saw the party lose 25 of the 40 federal and 59 of the 90 state seats it contested in Election 2008.“MCA is still stuck in the mindset of being gung-ho with statements instead of delivering good governance. It is parroting old polemic rather than delivering reforms asked for by voters.
“If MCA continues on this same old path and psyche, then it is certainly headed for irrelevance. Some have bluntly said we are already irrelevant,” said Ong, who was deposed as MCA boss by Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in a fractious power struggle 18 months ago.
The Pandan MP cited, as examples of “empty platitudes,” his successor’s threats to quit BN if Umno implemented hudud and to resign from the Cabinet and other government posts if the party does not improve in a general election expected soon.
He said the Barisan Nasional (BN) component has not heeded the push for reform that saw the party lose 25 of the 40 federal and 59 of the 90 state seats it contested in Election 2008.“MCA is still stuck in the mindset of being gung-ho with statements instead of delivering good governance. It is parroting old polemic rather than delivering reforms asked for by voters.
“If MCA continues on this same old path and psyche, then it is certainly headed for irrelevance. Some have bluntly said we are already irrelevant,” said Ong, who was deposed as MCA boss by Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in a fractious power struggle 18 months ago.
The Pandan MP cited, as examples of “empty platitudes,” his successor’s threats to quit BN if Umno implemented hudud and to resign from the Cabinet and other government posts if the party does not improve in a general election expected soon.
“I don’t see how his threats can lift the party from its doldrums,” he said.
The party holds what is likely to be its final general assembly this weekend before federal polls are called.
But despite having three presidents in as many years, the MCA has seen Chinese support continue to shrink in by-elections.
Some analyses state that the Tenang polls held earlier this year saw just 18 per cent of Chinese voting for BN.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak has begun taking over the charge for Chinese votes, spending last weekend dishing out RM15 million to Chinese schools and exempting a Community Chest project headed by Chinese tycoons from tax to help it channel RM100 million a year into vernacular education.
“Najib as BN chief is spearheading initiatives to win Chinese votes, triggering the question of ‘where is MCA?’ from the public,” Ong said.
He said the MCA could not shirk its responsibility as part of government despite Umno’s seniority in the ruling coalition.
“How are they justifying their position as minister? Chinese want a level playing field. Ministers must get rid of cronies and monopolies,” he said.
Ong cited his 26-month tenure as transport minister where he opened the probe on the RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone scandal even though senior officers told him it was a closed case.
“I put aside considerations of whether or not it would implicate Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik or Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy,” he said of the former MCA president and deputy who were Ong’s predecessors as transport minister.
“I was more concerned about how the party had been linked to that debacle which was a key factor in the March 2008 tsunami,” he added, referring to the BN’s landmark loss of its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament and five state governments.
But, he said, the reforms he tried to implement in the party and in the Transport Ministry, now headed by MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, “all went down the drain” after he was ousted.
He also said he tried to caution Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen whose tourism projects such as the RM1.8 million spent on developing six Facebook tourism campaigns have been repeatedly questioned.
“Taxpayers have every reason to ask, how can you justify your presence in that portfolio?” he said of the tourism minister, who was also criticised last year when Parliament revealed that she slashed her tourism promotional budget but increased spending on her official trips abroad.
Ng also came under fire after Tourism Malaysia’s former advertising agency alleged that the ministry had asked for bribes in exchange for a promotion contract.
“I admit that I failed to convince the party to change its mindset,” he said of his 18 months in charge of the MCA.
The party holds what is likely to be its final general assembly this weekend before federal polls are called.
But despite having three presidents in as many years, the MCA has seen Chinese support continue to shrink in by-elections.
Some analyses state that the Tenang polls held earlier this year saw just 18 per cent of Chinese voting for BN.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak has begun taking over the charge for Chinese votes, spending last weekend dishing out RM15 million to Chinese schools and exempting a Community Chest project headed by Chinese tycoons from tax to help it channel RM100 million a year into vernacular education.
“Najib as BN chief is spearheading initiatives to win Chinese votes, triggering the question of ‘where is MCA?’ from the public,” Ong said.
He said the MCA could not shirk its responsibility as part of government despite Umno’s seniority in the ruling coalition.
“How are they justifying their position as minister? Chinese want a level playing field. Ministers must get rid of cronies and monopolies,” he said.
Ong cited his 26-month tenure as transport minister where he opened the probe on the RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone scandal even though senior officers told him it was a closed case.
“I put aside considerations of whether or not it would implicate Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik or Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy,” he said of the former MCA president and deputy who were Ong’s predecessors as transport minister.
“I was more concerned about how the party had been linked to that debacle which was a key factor in the March 2008 tsunami,” he added, referring to the BN’s landmark loss of its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament and five state governments.
But, he said, the reforms he tried to implement in the party and in the Transport Ministry, now headed by MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, “all went down the drain” after he was ousted.
He also said he tried to caution Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen whose tourism projects such as the RM1.8 million spent on developing six Facebook tourism campaigns have been repeatedly questioned.
“Taxpayers have every reason to ask, how can you justify your presence in that portfolio?” he said of the tourism minister, who was also criticised last year when Parliament revealed that she slashed her tourism promotional budget but increased spending on her official trips abroad.
Ng also came under fire after Tourism Malaysia’s former advertising agency alleged that the ministry had asked for bribes in exchange for a promotion contract.
“I admit that I failed to convince the party to change its mindset,” he said of his 18 months in charge of the MCA.
03 September 2011
Tee Keat says Soi Lek backed ‘ketuanan Melayu’
Malaysian Insider
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
December 09, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat accused Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today of previously supporting the concept of “ketuanan Melayu”, contradicting the party’s fiery rhetoric now against Umno.
December 09, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat accused Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today of previously supporting the concept of “ketuanan Melayu”, contradicting the party’s fiery rhetoric now against Umno.
He said Dr Chua also remained subservient to Umno.
Ong, who was ousted as MCA leader this year by Dr Chua, said he was “surprised” and “puzzled” by his rival’s recent call for a ban on terms like “ketuanan Melayu” and censuring Umno for approving government policies during its supreme council meetings.
He claimed that Dr Chua’s firebrand views now contradicted his past statements on similar issues.
Ong alleged that Dr Chua’s remarks at last week’s Barisan Nasional (BN) convention were not only a distinct U-turn from the MCA chief’s past views, they also mirrored Ong’s stand when he was party chief.
“Firstly, on the issue of ‘ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) he mentioned about the master-slave relationship. I brought this up as early as 2008 when I was interviewed by Bernama, and of course I was under fire back then.
“But at the same time I can still remember some time back he (Dr Chua) himself was supportive of ketuanan Melayu. Especially when he made a statement in a front-page report of Utusan, which was given wide coverage,” said Ong today.
The Pandan MP demanded Dr Chua explain his change of heart, saying that MCA members knew about the “real” stand of some of its top leaders regarding the matter.
“Now all of the sudden he makes such a stand, of course that has taken me by surprise. At least when I expressed my view, I did so through the proper channels. Of course I don’t mean to say that he couldn’t voice his concern but what really surprised me was on the same subject matter, not too long along you were saying something different, and you seem to have made a U-turn and that you choose to do it glaringly, in the open. Which one is your real stand? Please state.”
Dr Chua had told his Umno allies that there should not be a “big brother, small brother” system in the ruling pact.
In his speech at the BN convention, Dr Chua had made direct references to Umno as he reminded the ruling party that the MCA, and all other component parties, deserved to receive equal recognition as coalition partners.
The veteran politician even took a direct swipe at Umno by pointing out that the MCA was not in agreement with how important government policy decisions were made during Umno supreme council meetings instead in the Cabinet.
The MCA president’s remarks were not well received by many Umno leaders, with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein saying yesterday that Dr Chua had upset a number of leaders last weekend with his remarks.
Hishammuddin had said that many had expressed their dissatisfaction that the straight-talking MCA president had used the Barisan Nasional convention over the weekend as a platform to air his grouses against Umno.
Ong also accused Dr Chua today of abandoning several proposals which Ong had pushed for during his tenure as MCA president.
“When I was MCA president, I brought up such suggestions to BN, to have multi-party participation in the BN grassroots network, especially the appointment of BN divisional chiefs.
“MCA brought up such a proposal and that was adopted by BN ... whereby if a constituency is represented by the MCA or any component party, the BN divisional chairmanship should go to the same party, and that was accepted. If the candidate won, the BN MP should himself be BN division chairman. If he lost, the chairmanship should go to the division chief of the component party,” explained the Pandan MP.
Ong claimed that the implementation of the proposal had been “watered down” when Dr Chua took over the MCA leadership, suggesting that despite the MCA president’s apparent boldness in defending the MCA’s rights, the latter was still subservient to Umno.
“Chua somehow, without the knowledge of grassroots, had overturned this decision ...and at the end of the day, the overwhelming majority of the divisional chairmanship still goes to Umno and of course that was done with his (Dr Chua’s) full knowledge, his consent as well. This could only be done at the BN supreme council level, and I was no longer in the council (when the decision was overturned),” said the one-time transport minister.
04 May 2011
A CALL TO REJECT THE POLITICS OF THREATS AND RACE
May 4 2011
PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A CALL TO REJECT THE POLITICS OF THREATS AND RACE
The Chinese community is an integral part of Malaysian society and the exercise of their intellectual rights should not be subjected to any political threats or intimidation. History has shown that the Chinese are pragmatic and open-minded and seek only fair implementation of policies by the Government of the day. The views I express below are the culmination of Chinese thoughts based on the above principles.
1. During the past MCA presidential campaign, I took out an advertorial at my own cost to denounce Dr Chua Soi Lek as a bad apple compared to Ong Tee Keat. Some members of the public misunderstood my action to mean that I am an MCA member and was taking sides in that party presidetntial elections.
2. Let me be clear. I am not and have never been an MCA member nor a member of any political party. I took out that advertorial because the issue at stake was very clear to me, as clear as night and day. Chua Soi Lek was a “soiled“ person, having admitted that he was the actor in the pronographic vcd that was widely circulated. A philandering husband and a person with such decadent moral values would be problematic if he takes on a public office. Being President of MCA would mean he is the leader of the Chinese community, the Chinese face in the Government when he meets government leaders from other countries.
3. By Chua Soi Lek’s own admission of his inherent weaknesses, he could not possibly be the best person in the Chinese community to talk about Chinese interest in this country. It would be a sad day for Malaysian Chinese if that was the case, as if we have scraped the barrel and could only come up with someone like him. After all, this is the same rationale used by UMNO to denounce Anwar Ibrahim as a great risk to the Malays if he ever ascend the Premiership. Thus, MCA must be seen consistent wiith the principles espoused by its more dominant partner in BN.
4. At that time, the option was for the MCA to be led by Ong Tee Keat whom the majority of the Rakyat had likened to be a good apple. The reasons are obvious. Ong Tee Keat did not have the inherent weaknesses of Chua Soi Lek. He was also fearless in raising the PKFZ issue that had resulted in several personalities being prosecuted. That proved costly to Ong when the invisible powers caused him to lose the MCA Presidency and his Minister’s post.
5. Today, Chua Soi Lek as MCA President had issued a statement that the party will give up all government posts if the Chinese community did not support its candidates in the next general election. In an act of total naiveness, the MCA presidential council says they back him. If they made that declaration out of of their own free will, then truly they have been deceived. I say so because they must been mislead by Chua Soi Lek’s cunning move.
6. Presently, Chua has no government post because under present climate he is too much of a liabilty. Thus, Chua loses nothing by making that declaration. If he succeeds in his scheme, he would only be perpetuating his presidency because the other MCA leaders would also have to give up their Ministerial posts. Thus, Chua would have removed the advantage they have over him as a party leader without a government post. Thus,Chua plays the wild card game. He is throwing the gauntlet to UMNO, to BN and to the Chinese community to accede to his demands in a round about way. He is resorting to the politics of threats.
7. By doing that he is making the MCA behave like a Chinese pressure group instead of the government’s coalition partner. He is making the MCA behave no differently than PERKASA, the ultra Malay rights group. It must be remembered that PERKASA is not a government component party. MCA cannot behave that radical especialy after having condemned PERKASA so vehemently. Therein lies the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of Chua Soi Lek. Even Tun Dr. Mahathir felt that way, thus he is defended PERKASA’s struggles.
8. As a BN coalition partner, I would expect MCA President Chua to behave more responsibly. By making his personal agenda to be MCAs‘ official stand, he will only harden our Malay bothers to support Perkasa and Utusan’s proposed “1Melayu, 1Bumi” movement to curb Chinese political power in the country. This philosophy of race-based politics should be rejected outright by all Malaysians. Dr. Chua’s statement paled in comparison to then CM of Penang, Lim Guan Eng – who dealt with this issue in a more statesmalike manner when he said that Elections are about democracy, not about race. It is about choosing the best candidate who can best serve and represent voters, not about race. It is about whose policies promote justice, freedom and truth, not about race.“
9. Chua’s declaration is setting a very dangerous precedent that will divide the country further if the Chinese are not represented in the government. His declaration was made for a very selfish motive because Chua realises that Prime Minister Najib would not have a man of his background in the Cabinet. He is a liability not only to the Government but also to the Chinese community at the next GE13. My fears of the gambit that Chua would take for his political survival have now proven true.
10. Needless to say, by his statement, Chua Soi Lek will only be remembered as someone who is looking after his own interest instead of the interest of all Malaysians. For that irresponsible stand, he should be consigned to obscurity.
11. To that end, I humbly appeal to our PM YAB Dato‘ Sri Haji Mohd. Najib to try comprehend more of the Chinese inner feelings, that the Chinese community do not like to be threatened. If the Chinese community in Semenanjung choose to remain silent, that would mean they will send the same message in a loud and clear manner as reflected by the Sarawak Chinese in the recent Sarawak state elections. Despite the strong and intimidating threats by the regime of CM Taib Mahmud and the BN, the Chinese community outrightly rejected them.This is a clear and undisputed fact. I pray our PM not to ignore this glaring fact. I implore the PM to avoid being dragged into this pitfall by the President of MCA, Dr. Chua Soi Lek.
12. Thus, I call on all Chinese especially the MCA current leaders and members to remove the blinkers and wake up, not to succumb to Chua’s politics of threat and race. They must reject that call to abandon government post because, in truth, that is a call to reject participation in a 1Malaysian Government.
“HUMBLENESS IS GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL, THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.
.....................................................................
Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin
Justice of Peace
PRESS STATEMENT BY:-
TAN SRI DATUK ROBERT PHANG MIOW SIN
Justice of Peace
Chairman – Social Care Foundation
A CALL TO REJECT THE POLITICS OF THREATS AND RACE
The Chinese community is an integral part of Malaysian society and the exercise of their intellectual rights should not be subjected to any political threats or intimidation. History has shown that the Chinese are pragmatic and open-minded and seek only fair implementation of policies by the Government of the day. The views I express below are the culmination of Chinese thoughts based on the above principles.
1. During the past MCA presidential campaign, I took out an advertorial at my own cost to denounce Dr Chua Soi Lek as a bad apple compared to Ong Tee Keat. Some members of the public misunderstood my action to mean that I am an MCA member and was taking sides in that party presidetntial elections.
3. By Chua Soi Lek’s own admission of his inherent weaknesses, he could not possibly be the best person in the Chinese community to talk about Chinese interest in this country. It would be a sad day for Malaysian Chinese if that was the case, as if we have scraped the barrel and could only come up with someone like him. After all, this is the same rationale used by UMNO to denounce Anwar Ibrahim as a great risk to the Malays if he ever ascend the Premiership. Thus, MCA must be seen consistent wiith the principles espoused by its more dominant partner in BN.
4. At that time, the option was for the MCA to be led by Ong Tee Keat whom the majority of the Rakyat had likened to be a good apple. The reasons are obvious. Ong Tee Keat did not have the inherent weaknesses of Chua Soi Lek. He was also fearless in raising the PKFZ issue that had resulted in several personalities being prosecuted. That proved costly to Ong when the invisible powers caused him to lose the MCA Presidency and his Minister’s post.
6. Presently, Chua has no government post because under present climate he is too much of a liabilty. Thus, Chua loses nothing by making that declaration. If he succeeds in his scheme, he would only be perpetuating his presidency because the other MCA leaders would also have to give up their Ministerial posts. Thus, Chua would have removed the advantage they have over him as a party leader without a government post. Thus,Chua plays the wild card game. He is throwing the gauntlet to UMNO, to BN and to the Chinese community to accede to his demands in a round about way. He is resorting to the politics of threats.
7. By doing that he is making the MCA behave like a Chinese pressure group instead of the government’s coalition partner. He is making the MCA behave no differently than PERKASA, the ultra Malay rights group. It must be remembered that PERKASA is not a government component party. MCA cannot behave that radical especialy after having condemned PERKASA so vehemently. Therein lies the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of Chua Soi Lek. Even Tun Dr. Mahathir felt that way, thus he is defended PERKASA’s struggles.
8. As a BN coalition partner, I would expect MCA President Chua to behave more responsibly. By making his personal agenda to be MCAs‘ official stand, he will only harden our Malay bothers to support Perkasa and Utusan’s proposed “1Melayu, 1Bumi” movement to curb Chinese political power in the country. This philosophy of race-based politics should be rejected outright by all Malaysians. Dr. Chua’s statement paled in comparison to then CM of Penang, Lim Guan Eng – who dealt with this issue in a more statesmalike manner when he said that Elections are about democracy, not about race. It is about choosing the best candidate who can best serve and represent voters, not about race. It is about whose policies promote justice, freedom and truth, not about race.“
9. Chua’s declaration is setting a very dangerous precedent that will divide the country further if the Chinese are not represented in the government. His declaration was made for a very selfish motive because Chua realises that Prime Minister Najib would not have a man of his background in the Cabinet. He is a liability not only to the Government but also to the Chinese community at the next GE13. My fears of the gambit that Chua would take for his political survival have now proven true.
10. Needless to say, by his statement, Chua Soi Lek will only be remembered as someone who is looking after his own interest instead of the interest of all Malaysians. For that irresponsible stand, he should be consigned to obscurity.
11. To that end, I humbly appeal to our PM YAB Dato‘ Sri Haji Mohd. Najib to try comprehend more of the Chinese inner feelings, that the Chinese community do not like to be threatened. If the Chinese community in Semenanjung choose to remain silent, that would mean they will send the same message in a loud and clear manner as reflected by the Sarawak Chinese in the recent Sarawak state elections. Despite the strong and intimidating threats by the regime of CM Taib Mahmud and the BN, the Chinese community outrightly rejected them.This is a clear and undisputed fact. I pray our PM not to ignore this glaring fact. I implore the PM to avoid being dragged into this pitfall by the President of MCA, Dr. Chua Soi Lek.
12. Thus, I call on all Chinese especially the MCA current leaders and members to remove the blinkers and wake up, not to succumb to Chua’s politics of threat and race. They must reject that call to abandon government post because, in truth, that is a call to reject participation in a 1Malaysian Government.
“HUMBLENESS IS GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL, THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.
.....................................................................
Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang Miow Sin
Justice of Peace
21 April 2011
You’re a liar, Tee Keat tells Soi Lek
Patrick Lee April 20, 2011
Free Malaysia Today
The former MCA boss launches a broadside against his successor for blaming him for the party's continued presence in the federal and state governments after the 2008 polls.
PETALING JAYA: Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat has described his sucessor Dr Chua Soi Lek as a “despicable liar”.
He was responding to Chua’s remark that it was Ong’s decision to allow MCA leaders to assume government posts despite the party’s dismal performance in the 2008 general election.
“Chua’s statement on my alleged insistence of staying in the federal Cabinet after 2008 should be disdained in view of its factual flaws,” said Ong.
He said that it was not possible for him to have made such a decision when he was not even MCA’s president in March 2008.
(The party president at the time was Ong Ka Ting. Tee Keat assumed the presidency on Oct 18, 2010)
Ong also added that Chua never mentioned anything about staying out of the federal government during the former’s tenure as president.
“The presidential council, which Chua was in (as deputy president), unanimously mandated me to handle the matter with the new prime minister,” he said.
‘Ongoing prejudice’
Chua’s statement, Ong claimed, was indicative of an ongoing prejudice against him.
“Perhaps Chua has been overly obsessed with his prejudice against my political presence until today,” he said.
The former president also criticized his successor for being hypocritical, as the latter had assumed various official positions after Najib Tun Razak took over as prime minister.
These included the MCA presidency on March 28 last year, the Penang Port Commission Chairman and becoming a member of the PM-run Economic Council.
Ong also took a swipe at Chua for pushing his son up the political ladder to become Labis MP and eventually a deputy minister in Najib’s Cabinet.
Following the Sarawak state election on Sunday, Chua had urged Sarawak-based Chinese party SUPP to reject positions in the state government in view of the party’s heavy defeat.
His call was met by criticism from DAP, who asked why MCA did not do the same after the 2008 general election.
Meanwhile, Ong said Chua should have walked his talk by pulling out Perak MCA from the state government as well since the party’s candidates were wiped out in the 2008 polls.
“He has no excuse to be evasive as he has been helming Perak MCA for the past one year,” he added.
Free Malaysia Today
PETALING JAYA: Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat has described his sucessor Dr Chua Soi Lek as a “despicable liar”.
He was responding to Chua’s remark that it was Ong’s decision to allow MCA leaders to assume government posts despite the party’s dismal performance in the 2008 general election.
“Chua’s statement on my alleged insistence of staying in the federal Cabinet after 2008 should be disdained in view of its factual flaws,” said Ong.
He said that it was not possible for him to have made such a decision when he was not even MCA’s president in March 2008.
(The party president at the time was Ong Ka Ting. Tee Keat assumed the presidency on Oct 18, 2010)
Ong also added that Chua never mentioned anything about staying out of the federal government during the former’s tenure as president.
“The presidential council, which Chua was in (as deputy president), unanimously mandated me to handle the matter with the new prime minister,” he said.
‘Ongoing prejudice’
Chua’s statement, Ong claimed, was indicative of an ongoing prejudice against him.
“Perhaps Chua has been overly obsessed with his prejudice against my political presence until today,” he said.
The former president also criticized his successor for being hypocritical, as the latter had assumed various official positions after Najib Tun Razak took over as prime minister.
These included the MCA presidency on March 28 last year, the Penang Port Commission Chairman and becoming a member of the PM-run Economic Council.
Ong also took a swipe at Chua for pushing his son up the political ladder to become Labis MP and eventually a deputy minister in Najib’s Cabinet.
Following the Sarawak state election on Sunday, Chua had urged Sarawak-based Chinese party SUPP to reject positions in the state government in view of the party’s heavy defeat.
His call was met by criticism from DAP, who asked why MCA did not do the same after the 2008 general election.
Meanwhile, Ong said Chua should have walked his talk by pulling out Perak MCA from the state government as well since the party’s candidates were wiped out in the 2008 polls.
“He has no excuse to be evasive as he has been helming Perak MCA for the past one year,” he added.
20 April 2011
Dato' Sri Ong Tee Kee response to Chua Soi Lek's nonsensical allegations
By Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat
Though Chua Soi Lek (CSL)’s statement on my alleged insistence of staying in federal Cabinet after the 2008 electoral setback faced by MCA should rightfully be disdained in view of its factual flaws, the despicable intention of spreading lies on-line should in no way be connived without setting the record straight.
Perhaps CSL has been overly obsessed with his prejudice against my political presence till today that he has erroneously attributed the decision of MCA to stay in Cabinet after the said setback to my alleged insistence when I was then NOT the Party President. (Note: Ong Ka Ting was then still the President till 18-10-2008)
In early April 2009 when Dato’ Sri Najib Abdul Razak took over the premiership, I was consulted in my capacity as the then Party President on the choice of MCA nominees to the Cabinet. The question of opting out the Cabinet line-up had never arisen as the Presidential Council, of which CSL was a member by virtue of his position as the Deputy President, had unanimously mandated me to handle the matter with the new Prime Minister. At that material time, nobody, including CSL, had ever raised the issue of staying out of the Cabinet.
Given the benefits of hindsight, had CSL been serious with his purported claim of staying out of the Cabinet in face of the plummeting ethnic Chinese representation in the 2008 poll, he could have done so after he took over the MCA Presidency on 28-3-2010. But instead, he had his own son, Tee Yong (MP for Labis) in the Cabinet line-up when Dato Sri Najib announced the Cabinet reshuffle on 1-6-2010.
On the other hand, CSL who had earlier vowed not to lobby for any government posts, however paradoxically chose to renege his words when he happily accepted the government portfolio appointments as the Penang Port Commission Chairman and later a member of the Economic Council headed by the Prime Minister.
Similarly, CSL could have reversed any earlier decision by bringing MCA out from the Perak State government if he were truly committed to what he advised SUPP, instead of resorting to finger-pointing. He has no excuse to be evasive as he has been helming the Perak MCA for the past one year.
I have no intention to pick a quarrel with such a character as there are many more meaningful things to do in serving the people, especially my Pandan electorate. Actions speak louder than fabricated lies deliberately dispensed with for political assassination.
22 March 2011
Pudu Rotary Club's wheelchair donation
Irene Medona
Danny Tan Wee Mun
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 11:24:00
Rotary Club of Pudu
KUALA LUMPUR: To help patients unable to afford wheelchairs, the Rotary Club of Pudu yesterday donated 20 of these essential aids to the Ampang Hospital.
The hospital's Department of Medical Social Works will assign the wheelchairs to needy patients based on demand.
Still, they are not enough and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat who made the donation for the club urged other corporate bodies and the public to make similar contributions.
Commenting on the Rotary Club's "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" project, he said: "I look forward to projects like this and would like to urge other NGOs to join the government sector in serving the needs of local communities."
The idea was the brainchild of former Pudu Rotary Club president Ng Sim Bee, who said: "I visited a friend who was admitted in Ampang Hospital and realised some patients who had difficulty walking, didn't have wheelchairs.
"Upon asking them why, most said they could not afford one."
Ng then called on Pudu Rotary Club members to plan a special project for poor patients.
Danny Tan Wee Mun
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 11:24:00
Rotary Club of Pudu
KUALA LUMPUR: To help patients unable to afford wheelchairs, the Rotary Club of Pudu yesterday donated 20 of these essential aids to the Ampang Hospital.
The hospital's Department of Medical Social Works will assign the wheelchairs to needy patients based on demand.
Still, they are not enough and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat who made the donation for the club urged other corporate bodies and the public to make similar contributions.
 |
| CHARITY: (From left) Rotary Club of Pudu president Leong Choy Ying, Rotarian Tam Peng Huat, Ng, Ong and Ampang Hospital vice president (Medical) Dr Roosli Muhamed Salleh with one of the wheelchairs from Rotary Club of Pudu |
The idea was the brainchild of former Pudu Rotary Club president Ng Sim Bee, who said: "I visited a friend who was admitted in Ampang Hospital and realised some patients who had difficulty walking, didn't have wheelchairs.
"Upon asking them why, most said they could not afford one."
Ng then called on Pudu Rotary Club members to plan a special project for poor patients.
Some past PKA board members may walk free
Karen Arukesamy
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (March 21, 2011): In less than 10 days, some of the 28 past directors of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) could be walking free as the Limitation Act would have excused them from any civil action with regards to their involvement in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The Act excludes officials of statutory bodies from civil action due to economic loss, after six years.
With the March 31 deadline looming – after previous board meetings which approved the additional works at inflated costs that brought the PKFZ bill to over RM12 billion – at least a dozen directors are expected to escape.
This is if the PKA does not initiate civil suits against these individuals soon.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Chor Har, when met at the MCA extraordinary general meeting last week, could only muster a smile when asked if these former directors would be let off the hook.
Former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there was a recommendation to sue the ex-board of directors when he was in office.
“When I was minister, I gave PKA the decision-making power in the case and did not influence nor interfere in its decisions.
“At that time, they wanted to proceed with the civil suit but I do not know what transpired after my time,” he said after launching a community project "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" by Pudu Rotary Club today.
Ong said normally the decision whether to sue or not is up to the current board of directors, yet PKA must follow instructions of the Transport Ministry.
“I am not sure if this is the minister’s decision or not,” he said.
When he was the minister, Ong had promised to bring to book all those responsible for the scandal .
PKA general manager Kee Lian Yong and chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng declined comment.
However, it is understood that the current board is waiting for one of the directors to seek his own legal counsel before deciding on endorsing the decision to sue the past directors.
A final decision is expected to be made by the board next week.
Updated: 09:55PM Mon, 21 Mar 2011
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (March 21, 2011): In less than 10 days, some of the 28 past directors of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) could be walking free as the Limitation Act would have excused them from any civil action with regards to their involvement in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The Act excludes officials of statutory bodies from civil action due to economic loss, after six years.
With the March 31 deadline looming – after previous board meetings which approved the additional works at inflated costs that brought the PKFZ bill to over RM12 billion – at least a dozen directors are expected to escape.
This is if the PKA does not initiate civil suits against these individuals soon.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Chor Har, when met at the MCA extraordinary general meeting last week, could only muster a smile when asked if these former directors would be let off the hook.
Former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there was a recommendation to sue the ex-board of directors when he was in office.
“When I was minister, I gave PKA the decision-making power in the case and did not influence nor interfere in its decisions.
“At that time, they wanted to proceed with the civil suit but I do not know what transpired after my time,” he said after launching a community project "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" by Pudu Rotary Club today.
Ong said normally the decision whether to sue or not is up to the current board of directors, yet PKA must follow instructions of the Transport Ministry.
“I am not sure if this is the minister’s decision or not,” he said.
When he was the minister, Ong had promised to bring to book all those responsible for the scandal .
PKA general manager Kee Lian Yong and chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng declined comment.
However, it is understood that the current board is waiting for one of the directors to seek his own legal counsel before deciding on endorsing the decision to sue the past directors.
A final decision is expected to be made by the board next week.
Updated: 09:55PM Mon, 21 Mar 2011
16 March 2011
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles
Submitted by webmaster on Wed, 2011-03-16 12:00
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles by Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat
Ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me great honour and pleasure to be given this opportunity to address everyone present.
I am honoured because at least, in my short stint as transport minister, I am still remembered for having encouraged the venturing into green technology in the transport sector.
Pleasure because it is a historic occasion for Malaysia’s foray into electric vehicles (EVs) and to be part of this unveiling.
While as transport minister, transport-environment related issues had bugged my conscience.
I told myself that Malaysia and mankind cannot go on polluting our beautiful earth and hope for a prosperous future for our generations.
As transport minister, it was therefore incumbent on me to try and encourage businessmen to seriously venture into cleaner alternative modes of transport.
EVs are definitely cleaner than fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. The only hitch is technology and cost. But we have to start from somewhere.
With today’s unveiling and launch of sales soon, Malaysian businessmen have taken a giant leap into reforming transport and the way man commutes daily.
As in everything else, the cost of EVs is expected to be brought down over time due to competition and aggressive Research & Development (R&D). Just look at technology development of wireless hand phones and lap tops. They are getting more and more affordable by the day.
That is due to demand, R&D and healthy competition.
Transport is one of the biggest culprits of air pollution, contributing to global warming concerns via exhaust pipe emissions.
Let us also not forget the traffic congestions in the cities.
Up to end of 2009, the number of active petrol and diesel-powered vehicles on the road, according to Road Transport Department records, is 19 million. Of the 19 million fossil-fuel powered motor vehicles, 8.9 million are motorcycles.
Can you imagine how much cleaner our environment will be when EVs replace all those polluting motor vehicles that are on the roads today.
The rapid pace of economic development and the need to overcome traffic congestion makes it all that urgent for the government to really encourage businessmen to tap the tremendous potential for EVs, especially starting with electric motorcycles.
Why electric motorcycles? There is growing consensus that electric vehicles are the closest “near to market” green technology.
The battery technology, particularly the application of lithium batteries, has been developing rapidly. The cost of this technology is falling while petrol/diesel fuel prices continue to rise. Fossil fuel prices are likely to continue to rise in the future, making EVs more cost-effective.
EVs are also softer on maintenance compared with conventional motor vehicles, thus contributing to reducing consumer cost.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Based on my years of experience with the government, the success of any initiative will depend on how committed we are in enforcing a policy.
In this case, whatever is the government’s Green Agenda or Green Technology policies, the political will to ensure strict and efficient enforcement will determine success or failure.
To realise the holistic green policies, enforcement must be based on the adopting of truly green technology. Therefore, cost must never be the overriding factor in enforcement and approvals.
If there is a premium to be paid by consumers for adopting truly green technology, so be it, as long as it is commercially viable.
We might as well not venture into EVs if approvals are based only on the lowest cost. Cheap is not always cleaner. Neither is it of better technology.
Enforcement agencies must, therefore, be suitably knowledgeable in the technicalities of green technology in order to make the right decisions.
Once a wrong decision is made and implemented, it is an awesome task to withdraw, as demonstrated in the past.
To propel Malaysia into taking a global lead in green technology and tackling global warming issues, the government must be fully committed to implementing holistic policies.
I see the government taking a step in the right direction by introducing a green technology ministry last year and for tax cuts in EVs in the Budget for this year.
That is a good start and of course there is much more to be done to forward Malaysia’s green agenda.
I wish everyone all the best in playing a role in greening our environment.
ORIGINAL POST From http://ongteekeat.net
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles by Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat
Ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me great honour and pleasure to be given this opportunity to address everyone present.
I am honoured because at least, in my short stint as transport minister, I am still remembered for having encouraged the venturing into green technology in the transport sector.
Pleasure because it is a historic occasion for Malaysia’s foray into electric vehicles (EVs) and to be part of this unveiling.
While as transport minister, transport-environment related issues had bugged my conscience.
I told myself that Malaysia and mankind cannot go on polluting our beautiful earth and hope for a prosperous future for our generations.
As transport minister, it was therefore incumbent on me to try and encourage businessmen to seriously venture into cleaner alternative modes of transport.
EVs are definitely cleaner than fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. The only hitch is technology and cost. But we have to start from somewhere.
With today’s unveiling and launch of sales soon, Malaysian businessmen have taken a giant leap into reforming transport and the way man commutes daily.
As in everything else, the cost of EVs is expected to be brought down over time due to competition and aggressive Research & Development (R&D). Just look at technology development of wireless hand phones and lap tops. They are getting more and more affordable by the day.
That is due to demand, R&D and healthy competition.
Transport is one of the biggest culprits of air pollution, contributing to global warming concerns via exhaust pipe emissions.
Let us also not forget the traffic congestions in the cities.
Up to end of 2009, the number of active petrol and diesel-powered vehicles on the road, according to Road Transport Department records, is 19 million. Of the 19 million fossil-fuel powered motor vehicles, 8.9 million are motorcycles.
Can you imagine how much cleaner our environment will be when EVs replace all those polluting motor vehicles that are on the roads today.
The rapid pace of economic development and the need to overcome traffic congestion makes it all that urgent for the government to really encourage businessmen to tap the tremendous potential for EVs, especially starting with electric motorcycles.
Why electric motorcycles? There is growing consensus that electric vehicles are the closest “near to market” green technology.
The battery technology, particularly the application of lithium batteries, has been developing rapidly. The cost of this technology is falling while petrol/diesel fuel prices continue to rise. Fossil fuel prices are likely to continue to rise in the future, making EVs more cost-effective.
EVs are also softer on maintenance compared with conventional motor vehicles, thus contributing to reducing consumer cost.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Based on my years of experience with the government, the success of any initiative will depend on how committed we are in enforcing a policy.
In this case, whatever is the government’s Green Agenda or Green Technology policies, the political will to ensure strict and efficient enforcement will determine success or failure.
To realise the holistic green policies, enforcement must be based on the adopting of truly green technology. Therefore, cost must never be the overriding factor in enforcement and approvals.
If there is a premium to be paid by consumers for adopting truly green technology, so be it, as long as it is commercially viable.
We might as well not venture into EVs if approvals are based only on the lowest cost. Cheap is not always cleaner. Neither is it of better technology.
Enforcement agencies must, therefore, be suitably knowledgeable in the technicalities of green technology in order to make the right decisions.
Once a wrong decision is made and implemented, it is an awesome task to withdraw, as demonstrated in the past.
To propel Malaysia into taking a global lead in green technology and tackling global warming issues, the government must be fully committed to implementing holistic policies.
I see the government taking a step in the right direction by introducing a green technology ministry last year and for tax cuts in EVs in the Budget for this year.
That is a good start and of course there is much more to be done to forward Malaysia’s green agenda.
I wish everyone all the best in playing a role in greening our environment.
ORIGINAL POST From http://ongteekeat.net
02 March 2011
Water arrears dispute with Syabas resolved
News Date: Wed, 2011-03-02
By OTK Info Unit
KUALA LUPUR (March 1, 2011): The outstanding accumulated water bill arrears dispute of nine blocks of Taman Lembah Maju apartment residents with SYABAS have been resolved.
By OTK Info Unit
KUALA LUPUR (March 1, 2011): The outstanding accumulated water bill arrears dispute of nine blocks of Taman Lembah Maju apartment residents with SYABAS have been resolved.
Pandan MP Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat announced at a Chinese New Year community rally dinner on Feb 16 that SYABAS executive chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail had agreed to a review of the arrears based on residential instead of commercial rates from Jan 1, 2008.
“The details of the arrears are to be ironed out in due course and there will be no water cuts as long as the current bills are remitted accordingly,” he said to the cheers of those present.
Shortly before Chinese New Year, the threat of water cut was again looming for the residents.
“The details of the arrears are to be ironed out in due course and there will be no water cuts as long as the current bills are remitted accordingly,” he said to the cheers of those present.
Shortly before Chinese New Year, the threat of water cut was again looming for the residents.
SYABAS, Selangor’s water concessionaire, had issued an ultimatum to all property owners to settle their arrears dating back to 2008 or water supply would be cut.
The residents approached Ong to help settle the dispute but they were skeptical that their MP would be able to resolve the impasse amid negative speculations that he would be dropped by the Barisan Nasional in the next general election.
Ong, however, hurriedly arranged with SYABAS for immediate negotiations for an amicable solution.
As early as 2005, the residents had been remitting their water bills at commercial rates unknowingly.
The residents approached Ong to help settle the dispute but they were skeptical that their MP would be able to resolve the impasse amid negative speculations that he would be dropped by the Barisan Nasional in the next general election.
Ong, however, hurriedly arranged with SYABAS for immediate negotiations for an amicable solution.
As early as 2005, the residents had been remitting their water bills at commercial rates unknowingly.
The Joint Management Board (JMB) comprising the residents grudgingly took over the arrears on Jan 1, 2008, but the unjust remittance at commercial rates was only discovered last July when Ong detected the error while scrutinising the residents’ complaints.
This was immediately addressed by SYABAS through Ong’s help and the rate was revised from RM2.28 per cubic metre (commercial rate) to RM 1.38 per cubic metre (residential rate) effective last July 2010.
However, the arrears remained unresolved as negotiations with SYABAS hit snag. This led to the pre-Chinese New Year water-cut threat in January.
Ong quickly spearheaded fresh negotiations with a proposed formula that was acceptable to SYABAS.
This was immediately addressed by SYABAS through Ong’s help and the rate was revised from RM2.28 per cubic metre (commercial rate) to RM 1.38 per cubic metre (residential rate) effective last July 2010.
However, the arrears remained unresolved as negotiations with SYABAS hit snag. This led to the pre-Chinese New Year water-cut threat in January.
Ong quickly spearheaded fresh negotiations with a proposed formula that was acceptable to SYABAS.
ORIGINAL POSTING : http://otkservice.org
22 February 2011
Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN)
About TRAIN
Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN) is managed by Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM). The foundation has Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat as its patron.
TRAIN was established to promote and coordinate vocational skills training for drop-outs and school leavers who are not academically inclined, to eventually assist them to secure a job.
All qualified Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are eligible for assistance by TRAIN .
Introduction
Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN) is managed by Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM). The foundation has Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat as its patron.
TRAIN was established to promote and coordinate vocational skills training for drop-outs and school leavers who are not academically inclined, to eventually assist them to secure a job.
All qualified Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are eligible for assistance by TRAIN .
Introduction
Technical Resource and Internship Network (TRAIN) is managed by Yayasan Pendidikan Bistari. The foundation has Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat as its patron.
TRAIN was established to promote and coordinate vocational skills training for drop-outs and school leavers who are not academically inclined, to eventually assist them to secure a job.
All qualified Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are eligible for assistance by TRAIN.
Patron
YB Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat
YB Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat
Everyone involved in the development of the concept of TRAIN should be commended for the contribution as training is not only useful in itself but rather as an essential ingredient to a decent life and constructive contribution to the development of society.
One of the key factors in the future development of our economy and labour market is human capital. The world is witnessing the fall of artificial boundaries as we liberalise our economies. This has created a pressing need for human workforce that is skilled and recognized. The opportunities are thrown wider with the combination between commercial, industrial and technical occupations and service occupations.
TRAIN is established to open up opportunities for our youths, particularly those who are not academically inclined, to get an equally good start in the world. They should be empowered with skills that are recognised by trade occupations worldwide.
I welcome the initiative of TRAIN partners to value add the programme by conducting the programme in multiple language. I also applaud the move to provide an international dimension to TRAIN in terms of accreditation and internship opportunities.
With scholarships, subsidized fees, private and government loans available via. TRAIN, youths of today will have no more excuses not to empower themselves with skills that set them up for a lifetime.
Scholarships & Financing
One of the attractions of approaching TRAIN for vocational training is access to scholarships and financing. These are some of the schemes available in which the Foundation can assist in:
Scholarships
Qualified trainees are able to apply for scholarships available such as:
* Ministry of Youth training programme
* Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia scholarships
The successful trainees enjoy full or partial scholarships off tuition fees. Certain scholarship schemes may also cover cost of living expenses such as accommodation, food and transportation.
Candidates are advised to approach the Foundation officers for more information.
One of the attractions of approaching TRAIN for vocational training is access to scholarships and financing. These are some of the schemes available in which the Foundation can assist in:
Scholarships
Qualified trainees are able to apply for scholarships available such as:
* Ministry of Youth training programme
* Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia scholarships
The successful trainees enjoy full or partial scholarships off tuition fees. Certain scholarship schemes may also cover cost of living expenses such as accommodation, food and transportation.
Candidates are advised to approach the Foundation officers for more information.
Subsidised Fees
Fee paying trainees are able to enjoy subsidized training rates which as substantially lower than fees charged in the open market. The subsidized fees come in the form of pledges of their excess places by participating training centres to the Foundation.
Candidates are advised to refer to the table on subsidized fees in this website or approach Foundation officers for detailed information.
Fee paying trainees are able to enjoy subsidized training rates which as substantially lower than fees charged in the open market. The subsidized fees come in the form of pledges of their excess places by participating training centres to the Foundation.
Candidates are advised to refer to the table on subsidized fees in this website or approach Foundation officers for detailed information.
Loans
The Foundation is able to assist in arranging for loans from the Government and private banks for training in cooperation with the participating training centres. Among the loans available are:
* Skills Development Fund Corporation or Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)
Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)
Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
link:www. ptpk.gov.my
* Kojadi
* Private banks
The Foundation is able to assist in arranging for loans from the Government and private banks for training in cooperation with the participating training centres. Among the loans available are:
* Skills Development Fund Corporation or Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)
Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (PTPK)
Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran (TPK) mula beroperasi pada 2001 sebagai satu kumpulan wang amanah untuk membiayai pelatih-pelatih kursus Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dari pusat-pusat latihan awam dan swasta yang programnya ditauliahkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK). Tujuan penubuhan TPK ialah untuk menyediakan pinjaman bagi latihan kemahiran agar memenuhi keperluan tenaga kerja mahir negara.
link:www. ptpk.gov.my
* Kojadi
* Private banks
How it Works
One of the advantages of TRAIN is the opportunity for TRAIN assisted trainees or graduates to undergo internship with leading companies in Malaysia as well as overseas.
TRAIN collaborates with partners and leading companies to provide internship opportunities. The trainees enjoy the following unique features of internship packaged by TRAIN:
* Availability of hundreds of internship positions in Malaysia and worldwide;
* Online matching of internship opportunities with qualification;
* Internship that is moderated and accredited;
* Certification upon successful completion of internship;
* Value-added courses are built-in such as interview skills, resume writing and professionalism.
List of Internship Partners:
* Jobstreet.com
* Media Prima
* SEG International
* Agensi Pekerjaan People Source
One of the advantages of TRAIN is the opportunity for TRAIN assisted trainees or graduates to undergo internship with leading companies in Malaysia as well as overseas.
TRAIN collaborates with partners and leading companies to provide internship opportunities. The trainees enjoy the following unique features of internship packaged by TRAIN:
* Availability of hundreds of internship positions in Malaysia and worldwide;
* Online matching of internship opportunities with qualification;
* Internship that is moderated and accredited;
* Certification upon successful completion of internship;
* Value-added courses are built-in such as interview skills, resume writing and professionalism.
List of Internship Partners:
* Jobstreet.com
* Media Prima
* SEG International
* Agensi Pekerjaan People Source
Advantages
The TRAIN programme offers the following advantages to young trainees:
Value-Added International Recognition:
Qualifications are accreditated, certified and/ or recognized by Malaysian Government. In addition, students have the option of value-adding their qualifications after completing and passing internationally recognized assessments. Trainees who possess qualifications that are recognized both in Malaysia and Internationally will have an edge in obtaining work overseas.
Relevant Courses Conducted in Mandarin:
Selected courses under TRAIN are conducted in Chinese for the benefit of those who are not proficient in English. Additional classes in English and Chinese may also be arranged.
Wide Network of Participating Training Providers
TRAIN works with a network of more than 30 approved training providers. The facilities and delivery of vocational training from these providers have been approved and recognized by the Government of Malaysia and various accreditation bodies.
Availability of Scholarships & Subsidised Fees
TRAIN has received pledge of scholarships for vocational training. The scholarships cover tuition fees, either in full or in part.
For selected programmes, trainees are provided allowances for food, transport and accommodation.
Fee paying trainees enjoy subsidized fees pledged by participating training providers.
Availability of Loans
TRAIN will assist qualified students to obtain loans from the Government such as PTPK. The loans may cover allowances and other cost of living. Additionally, the Foundation will also help students obtain loans from private institutions such as KOJADI and banks.
Certified Internship Prospects with local and foreign companies
Trainees and graduates of TRAIN have the option of undergoing internship with leading local and foreign companies. TRAIN have also partnered with job search companies to facilitate internship that is moderated, accredited and certified.
The TRAIN programme offers the following advantages to young trainees:
Value-Added International Recognition:
Qualifications are accreditated, certified and/ or recognized by Malaysian Government. In addition, students have the option of value-adding their qualifications after completing and passing internationally recognized assessments. Trainees who possess qualifications that are recognized both in Malaysia and Internationally will have an edge in obtaining work overseas.
Relevant Courses Conducted in Mandarin:
Selected courses under TRAIN are conducted in Chinese for the benefit of those who are not proficient in English. Additional classes in English and Chinese may also be arranged.
Wide Network of Participating Training Providers
TRAIN works with a network of more than 30 approved training providers. The facilities and delivery of vocational training from these providers have been approved and recognized by the Government of Malaysia and various accreditation bodies.
Availability of Scholarships & Subsidised Fees
TRAIN has received pledge of scholarships for vocational training. The scholarships cover tuition fees, either in full or in part.
For selected programmes, trainees are provided allowances for food, transport and accommodation.
Fee paying trainees enjoy subsidized fees pledged by participating training providers.
Availability of Loans
TRAIN will assist qualified students to obtain loans from the Government such as PTPK. The loans may cover allowances and other cost of living. Additionally, the Foundation will also help students obtain loans from private institutions such as KOJADI and banks.
Certified Internship Prospects with local and foreign companies
Trainees and graduates of TRAIN have the option of undergoing internship with leading local and foreign companies. TRAIN have also partnered with job search companies to facilitate internship that is moderated, accredited and certified.
More Info here http://www.train.org.my/index.php
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