Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:25
By Athi Shankar
GEORGE TOWN: Come Malaysia Day on Sept 16, former residents of Kampung Buah Pala will gather to mark a sombre event, the first anniversary of the demolition of their village.
Dubbed 'Black September', the ceremony would be held at an open space near the former village site.
Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association chairman M Sugumaran said Malaysia Day was chosen in order to refresh the memory of Malaysians about the demolition of the 200-year-old village.
“Thanks to the Pakatan Rakyat state government and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Penang Indians lost their final Indian heritage village last September. We aim to organise Black September as an annual event,” he said, adding that an application would be filed for a police permit.
“We hope the police will be considerate and kind enough to give us a permit,” he told FMT.
Sugumaran said he expected at least 100 people to turn up for the ceremony, where a prayer session would also be held.
Kampung Buah Pala was once known to locals, especially Indians, as the Tamil High Chaparral due to its high population of Indian cowherds and livestock as well as unique cultural features and festivities.
The village was flattened to make way for a posh condominium project - the Oasis - undertaken by landowner Penang Civil Servant Cooperative Society and developer Nusmetro Venture (P) Sdn Bhd.
Originally, some 33 families lived in the village when the Oasis project was hatched by the previous Barisan Nasional state administration some five years ago.
The 6.5 acres was sold to the cooperative for only RM3.21 million.
However, the Gerakan-led state government inserted a clause to compel the developers to settle the compensation issue with the villagers first before the land title could be transferred.
Court case pending
Nine families agreed to the original compensation package, which was either a flat unit in the Oasis or cash, and vacated the village.
But 24 others stayed put to fight for the land, which they claimed was given to their ancestors under trust by their colonial plantation master, the Brown Family.
When the village was demolished, the Pakatan government agreed to compensate the families with a double-storey house each, to be built on a 1.5 acre plot of land at the project site.
However, nine out of the 24 families did not get the house. The houses were instead given to villagers who had already left after agreeing with the original compensation package.
According to the official version, the nine families failed to ink the documents for the houses in time. However, Sugumaran and the rest pinned the blame on Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“The DAP-led state government wanted to exact revenge on us for standing up for our rights,” he claimed.
The nine families have already initiated court action to seek an order to have a full trial over the Kampung Buah Pala land status.
They have argued that since the land was under a federal trust, the state government had no right to transfer the land to a private developer.
Moreover, there had been no documented evidence to show that the federal government had ever transferred the land title to under the Penang government, read the affidavit.
02 September 2010
Raja Petra LIED yet again and amazingly some people believe it!
By Fatimah Zuhri Tuesday, August 31, 2010
1. It always amazes me the amount of people that are so willingly allowed themselve be taken for a ride just because of their blind hatred towards the ruling Government.
2. I was about to upload a cool video about overcoming different types of negative addiction in Facebook when I received a call from a friend. Apparently the BBC News International has been flooded by hate mails accusing the BBC of all sort of things in regards to Raja Petra.
3. At first I was puzzled but when she mentioned the name Petra and Hardtalk I realized that I read somewhere (in twitter i think) that was someone saying abt Petra being on Hardtalk. I have stop going to Petra's website for sometime now so I was unaware of his latest bullshit. Besides, I sincerely thought that after numerous expose on Petra's previous lies and innuendos, you would think Malaysian would "get it". Sadly that is not the case.
4. Guys/gals, please listen. Raja Petra was NEVER invited nor was he ever scheduled to be interviewed by the BBC. It was all a LIE. None of the 5 current producers of BBC Hardtalk ever invited Petra before to be on the programme. Yes, Anwar's Pakistani boys did managed to persuade The Guardian to do a piece on Petra abt a couple of weeks back but there has not been very much success with the other media (printed or electronic) in UK.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg2m/episodes/upcoming?page=1
5. When I heard what my friend was saying, I reluctantly browse Raja Petra's website and there was this notice stating that the "scheduled BBC Hardtalk with Raja Petra" was canceled basically because :
a) BBC received complaint from Malaysian Govt.
b) BBC lawyer's advise the production team to cancel it to avoid legal repercussion
7. Wow! This seems like a plot in Mario Puzo's mafia novel. Malaysian Government has managed to outmuscle the largest broadcasting organization in the world. Even China, a country which is much more important economically and militarily could not do what Malaysia is doing when BBC had the exiled Tibetan leaders or Chinese dissidents.
8. When I read the explanation given to the reason why it was cancelled, I told my hubby about it and we laughed but when we scrolled down we almost choked when we saw over 40 angry comments directing at BBC. Now, even TheMalaysianInsider is putting this on their website as "news".
9. Seriously, I am sitting and wondering, how many people out there really believed every words that is written by this proven liar ? It really baffles me. What further proof does a person need ?
10. Why would anyone sent hate email to BBC over this issue? Do you guys/gals know how dumb you all look at the moment? Was there any effort to at least do a bit of research first before sending those hate mails? If you have done your research, you would know :
a) Every Hardtalk programme have different producers. If it involves sports personality, it is Tama Muru (i.e. Sampras, Schumacher). If it involves leader of a nation, it is either Jamieson or Hancock (i.e. Mahathir, Prince Al-Waleed). If it involves controversial personalities/political dissidents (i.e. Geert Wilders, Hirsi Ali) it is Jessica Williams. If it involves social/religious personalities (i.e. 2005 Anwar was invited as a reformer of East-West rel lol) then the it would be Ms Osborne. If we look at the category, Raja Petra would suit the controversial/dissident list! The only reason why Ms Osborne name came up is because she was the producer who invited Anwar to Hardtalk in May 10th 2005.
Is this suprising? For me it is a big NO. Afterall these were the same group of people who used the Agong's name in their failed 16 Sept attempt. They would use ANYONE to get what they want.
c) The only information that stated Raja Petra is going to be interviewed by BBC on 1st September comes from RPK's own website. You would think that TheMalaysiaInsider, Sin Jew as well as The Star being a "news organization" would at least do their journalistic investigation first before publishing it on their website. I am not a journalist but shouldn't these journalist enquire regarding this matter with BBC first before publishing it? The title on TMI is just disgusting and another pathetic attempt to discredit the Government.
d) BBC HardTalk had conducted interviewes with :
i - Chinese dissidents - The Chinese Govt was extremely angry but BBC did not care
ii - Hamas leaders - The Israelis Govt was angry multiple times but even the influential pro-zionist NGOs fail to scare BBC
iii - Salamn Rushdie - Bomb threats were issued countless times but BBC did not care
iv - Anwar Ibrahim - The Malaysian Govt was displeased but BBC did not care
v - Russian critics - The Russian Govt was pissed but BBC was not scare
vi - Holocaust denier - Many people were angry but BBC still continue with the show
vii - Racist (i.e. Geert Wilder) - I was extremely pissed as did many others but BBC did not care, they even interviewed him twice in 1 month!
So why would BBC be scared of Malaysia? LOL It just does not make sense!
11. The bloke is a liar! Period. How long will people realise this? Seriously I do not know whether to cry or to laugh at this. I am going to be frank here. I am sure most of the people who sent hate emails to BBC are Malaysian Chinese students who are studying here. Listen here, Raja Petra is using your emotion to achieve what his paymaster is asking from him. He is a lonely bankrupted bloke (have you ever asked how he can live in UK ?). We all know why he created this lie. He wants to be seen as the figure whom the Govt cannot prosecute no matter whatever he does. He hopes to impress the rebellious young mind. This has been done before of course by Hishamudin Rais in the 70s and 80s. The difference is Petra is a wee bit smarter than Rais.
13. Yes, the things he wrote - fairness, equality, etc - all sounds like music to one's ear. But he does not mean a single word of it. Cant you see he is playing with your emotion? Look at the things he has written over the past 2 years. It is all aim to instill hatred to all the major institutions in this country. How long are you going to be manipulated by this liar and his lies?
14. MCA and GERAKAN need to really step up their effort in this. If I may, the first thing they need to do is to see Petra as their enemy. Too many times in UK and in Malaysia, I have seen many of their members go weak at the mention of Petra's name especially amongst their youth. It is sad because they really think Petra is fighting for them when in reality that is not the case.
1. It always amazes me the amount of people that are so willingly allowed themselve be taken for a ride just because of their blind hatred towards the ruling Government.
2. I was about to upload a cool video about overcoming different types of negative addiction in Facebook when I received a call from a friend. Apparently the BBC News International has been flooded by hate mails accusing the BBC of all sort of things in regards to Raja Petra.
3. At first I was puzzled but when she mentioned the name Petra and Hardtalk I realized that I read somewhere (in twitter i think) that was someone saying abt Petra being on Hardtalk. I have stop going to Petra's website for sometime now so I was unaware of his latest bullshit. Besides, I sincerely thought that after numerous expose on Petra's previous lies and innuendos, you would think Malaysian would "get it". Sadly that is not the case.
4. Guys/gals, please listen. Raja Petra was NEVER invited nor was he ever scheduled to be interviewed by the BBC. It was all a LIE. None of the 5 current producers of BBC Hardtalk ever invited Petra before to be on the programme. Yes, Anwar's Pakistani boys did managed to persuade The Guardian to do a piece on Petra abt a couple of weeks back but there has not been very much success with the other media (printed or electronic) in UK.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg2m/episodes/upcoming?page=1
5. When I heard what my friend was saying, I reluctantly browse Raja Petra's website and there was this notice stating that the "scheduled BBC Hardtalk with Raja Petra" was canceled basically because :
a) BBC received complaint from Malaysian Govt.
b) BBC lawyer's advise the production team to cancel it to avoid legal repercussion
7. Wow! This seems like a plot in Mario Puzo's mafia novel. Malaysian Government has managed to outmuscle the largest broadcasting organization in the world. Even China, a country which is much more important economically and militarily could not do what Malaysia is doing when BBC had the exiled Tibetan leaders or Chinese dissidents.
8. When I read the explanation given to the reason why it was cancelled, I told my hubby about it and we laughed but when we scrolled down we almost choked when we saw over 40 angry comments directing at BBC. Now, even TheMalaysianInsider is putting this on their website as "news".
9. Seriously, I am sitting and wondering, how many people out there really believed every words that is written by this proven liar ? It really baffles me. What further proof does a person need ?
10. Why would anyone sent hate email to BBC over this issue? Do you guys/gals know how dumb you all look at the moment? Was there any effort to at least do a bit of research first before sending those hate mails? If you have done your research, you would know :
a) Every Hardtalk programme have different producers. If it involves sports personality, it is Tama Muru (i.e. Sampras, Schumacher). If it involves leader of a nation, it is either Jamieson or Hancock (i.e. Mahathir, Prince Al-Waleed). If it involves controversial personalities/political dissidents (i.e. Geert Wilders, Hirsi Ali) it is Jessica Williams. If it involves social/religious personalities (i.e. 2005 Anwar was invited as a reformer of East-West rel lol) then the it would be Ms Osborne. If we look at the category, Raja Petra would suit the controversial/dissident list! The only reason why Ms Osborne name came up is because she was the producer who invited Anwar to Hardtalk in May 10th 2005.
Is this suprising? For me it is a big NO. Afterall these were the same group of people who used the Agong's name in their failed 16 Sept attempt. They would use ANYONE to get what they want.
c) The only information that stated Raja Petra is going to be interviewed by BBC on 1st September comes from RPK's own website. You would think that TheMalaysiaInsider, Sin Jew as well as The Star being a "news organization" would at least do their journalistic investigation first before publishing it on their website. I am not a journalist but shouldn't these journalist enquire regarding this matter with BBC first before publishing it? The title on TMI is just disgusting and another pathetic attempt to discredit the Government.
d) BBC HardTalk had conducted interviewes with :
i - Chinese dissidents - The Chinese Govt was extremely angry but BBC did not care
ii - Hamas leaders - The Israelis Govt was angry multiple times but even the influential pro-zionist NGOs fail to scare BBC
iii - Salamn Rushdie - Bomb threats were issued countless times but BBC did not care
iv - Anwar Ibrahim - The Malaysian Govt was displeased but BBC did not care
v - Russian critics - The Russian Govt was pissed but BBC was not scare
vi - Holocaust denier - Many people were angry but BBC still continue with the show
vii - Racist (i.e. Geert Wilder) - I was extremely pissed as did many others but BBC did not care, they even interviewed him twice in 1 month!
So why would BBC be scared of Malaysia? LOL It just does not make sense!
11. The bloke is a liar! Period. How long will people realise this? Seriously I do not know whether to cry or to laugh at this. I am going to be frank here. I am sure most of the people who sent hate emails to BBC are Malaysian Chinese students who are studying here. Listen here, Raja Petra is using your emotion to achieve what his paymaster is asking from him. He is a lonely bankrupted bloke (have you ever asked how he can live in UK ?). We all know why he created this lie. He wants to be seen as the figure whom the Govt cannot prosecute no matter whatever he does. He hopes to impress the rebellious young mind. This has been done before of course by Hishamudin Rais in the 70s and 80s. The difference is Petra is a wee bit smarter than Rais.
13. Yes, the things he wrote - fairness, equality, etc - all sounds like music to one's ear. But he does not mean a single word of it. Cant you see he is playing with your emotion? Look at the things he has written over the past 2 years. It is all aim to instill hatred to all the major institutions in this country. How long are you going to be manipulated by this liar and his lies?
14. MCA and GERAKAN need to really step up their effort in this. If I may, the first thing they need to do is to see Petra as their enemy. Too many times in UK and in Malaysia, I have seen many of their members go weak at the mention of Petra's name especially amongst their youth. It is sad because they really think Petra is fighting for them when in reality that is not the case.
‘Unrail’ deal for KTMB
Terence Fernandez
sreports@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1, 2010): Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is expected to get RM200 million for its prime land in Bangsar. It is still less than half the value for the 8ha property which was the former headquarters of Unilever Bhd, but far more than the RM50 million offered for handing over the land to Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd (PHB).
Even so, there are efforts to reduce KTMB’s returns for the sale of the property, now said to be valued at around RM500 million.
According to sources, former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had approved transfer of the land to PHB last year but it is understood that fresh negotiations are on to reduce the figure.
theSun had on Aug 27 front-paged the deal where the land was acquired from KTMB for a fraction of its market value, raising concerns among several parties. One of them was Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek who as KTMB chairman in 2008 had raised the matter with then prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Lim protested that the RM50 million compensation offered by PHB was far less than the market value of the property – which in 2007 was almost RM300 million.
PHB is a subsidiary of Yayasan Amanah Hartanah Bumiputera, created under Budget 2006 with an initial capital of RM2 billion to increase bumiputra property ownership.
It is learnt that when Ong became minister in 2008, he asked for a more equitable figure.
“PHB then offered RM100 million but Ong refused as it was only a third of the market value,” said a source, adding that it would not be enough to pull KTMB, which had more than RM100 million in losses, out of the red.
“Following this, there was pressure from all sides, including the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, on Ong to sign the deal, after which he agreed to approve it for RM200 million,” the source added.
When contacted, Ong was tight-lipped but admitted that he had reservations over the deal. “I had raised my concerns but was also reminded of the (then) prime minister’s commitment,” he said, declining to elaborate.
Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) general manager Abdul Kadir Ab Latiff had told theSun that the compensation to KTMB would be more than RM50 million but declined to say more.
The land had been eyed by various quarters for development. PHB, which had also purchased Dataran Perdana in Jalan Davis and the Rubber Research Institute land in Jalan Ampang, is expected to embark on a high-end mixed development project next year.
Transport Ministry officials declined comment.
Updated: 09:48PM Wed, 01 Sep 2010
sreports@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1, 2010): Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is expected to get RM200 million for its prime land in Bangsar. It is still less than half the value for the 8ha property which was the former headquarters of Unilever Bhd, but far more than the RM50 million offered for handing over the land to Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd (PHB).
Even so, there are efforts to reduce KTMB’s returns for the sale of the property, now said to be valued at around RM500 million.
According to sources, former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had approved transfer of the land to PHB last year but it is understood that fresh negotiations are on to reduce the figure.
theSun had on Aug 27 front-paged the deal where the land was acquired from KTMB for a fraction of its market value, raising concerns among several parties. One of them was Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek who as KTMB chairman in 2008 had raised the matter with then prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Lim protested that the RM50 million compensation offered by PHB was far less than the market value of the property – which in 2007 was almost RM300 million.
PHB is a subsidiary of Yayasan Amanah Hartanah Bumiputera, created under Budget 2006 with an initial capital of RM2 billion to increase bumiputra property ownership.
It is learnt that when Ong became minister in 2008, he asked for a more equitable figure.
“PHB then offered RM100 million but Ong refused as it was only a third of the market value,” said a source, adding that it would not be enough to pull KTMB, which had more than RM100 million in losses, out of the red.
“Following this, there was pressure from all sides, including the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, on Ong to sign the deal, after which he agreed to approve it for RM200 million,” the source added.
When contacted, Ong was tight-lipped but admitted that he had reservations over the deal. “I had raised my concerns but was also reminded of the (then) prime minister’s commitment,” he said, declining to elaborate.
Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) general manager Abdul Kadir Ab Latiff had told theSun that the compensation to KTMB would be more than RM50 million but declined to say more.
The land had been eyed by various quarters for development. PHB, which had also purchased Dataran Perdana in Jalan Davis and the Rubber Research Institute land in Jalan Ampang, is expected to embark on a high-end mixed development project next year.
Transport Ministry officials declined comment.
Updated: 09:48PM Wed, 01 Sep 2010
Thousands throng N-Day events nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR: National Day falling during Ramadan did not stop thousands of people from thronging the various festival venues nationwide to celebrate the 53rd National Day.
Although some states cancelled the usual midnight countdown while others celebrated in air-conditioned surroundings yesterday, the Merdeka spirit was apparent everywhere.
In George Town, thousands of people and tourists began gathering along Light Street as early as 6am for the 8.30am parade.
Patrick Lim, 37, who was with his wife and six-year-old son, said: “It is my son’s first Merdeka parade. He insisted on wearing his Jalur Gemilang songkok, which he made in his kindergarten.”
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were among those present at the event.
While there was no official countdown celebrations because of the fasting month, about 1,500 youths gathered at the Penang Times Square, as thousands gathered elsewhere in the state to shout “Merdeka” after the clock struck midnight.
The event, graced by Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, was the culmination of the two-day Youth Jam ’10 National Day celebrations organised by Jazzada Solution and presented by DiGi.
In Ipoh, hundreds turned up at the Perak Stadium early with their mini Jalur Gemilang to watch the march past, an acrobatic presentation by the air force and free-hand combat demonstration by the armed forces.
The parade was opened by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah. Also present was Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
In Klang, the thousands converged on I-city for the countdown and were treated to a patriotic documentary filmed in Gaza.
Aminurin Hassan, 34, who was with his wife Shahreena Anuar, 32, said: “We wanted to do something different this year as it is our fifth wedding anniversary today.”
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim attended the event with exco members, Ronnie Liu and Halimah Ali.
Halimah also launched an “anti-zina” campaign to provide aid for teenagers and young mothers who conceived out of wedlock.
In Malacca, it was a “cool” celebrations for the 5,000-odd participants and people since they were in the comfort of MITC’s air-conditioned hall in Ayer Keroh.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabahans marked National Day on a moderate scale at the Likas Sports complex. In addition to the usual parade, a special 10-minute cultural presentation on 1Malaysia was performed by the Sabah Cultural Board dancers.
In Kluang, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman joined 3,000 people for the celebration at the Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail.
Among the programmes in the one-hour celebration were the singing of patriotic songs and poetry declamations.
Although some states cancelled the usual midnight countdown while others celebrated in air-conditioned surroundings yesterday, the Merdeka spirit was apparent everywhere.
In George Town, thousands of people and tourists began gathering along Light Street as early as 6am for the 8.30am parade.
Patrick Lim, 37, who was with his wife and six-year-old son, said: “It is my son’s first Merdeka parade. He insisted on wearing his Jalur Gemilang songkok, which he made in his kindergarten.”
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were among those present at the event.
While there was no official countdown celebrations because of the fasting month, about 1,500 youths gathered at the Penang Times Square, as thousands gathered elsewhere in the state to shout “Merdeka” after the clock struck midnight.
The event, graced by Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, was the culmination of the two-day Youth Jam ’10 National Day celebrations organised by Jazzada Solution and presented by DiGi.
In Ipoh, hundreds turned up at the Perak Stadium early with their mini Jalur Gemilang to watch the march past, an acrobatic presentation by the air force and free-hand combat demonstration by the armed forces.
The parade was opened by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah. Also present was Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
In Klang, the thousands converged on I-city for the countdown and were treated to a patriotic documentary filmed in Gaza.
Aminurin Hassan, 34, who was with his wife Shahreena Anuar, 32, said: “We wanted to do something different this year as it is our fifth wedding anniversary today.”
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim attended the event with exco members, Ronnie Liu and Halimah Ali.
Halimah also launched an “anti-zina” campaign to provide aid for teenagers and young mothers who conceived out of wedlock.
In Malacca, it was a “cool” celebrations for the 5,000-odd participants and people since they were in the comfort of MITC’s air-conditioned hall in Ayer Keroh.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabahans marked National Day on a moderate scale at the Likas Sports complex. In addition to the usual parade, a special 10-minute cultural presentation on 1Malaysia was performed by the Sabah Cultural Board dancers.
In Kluang, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman joined 3,000 people for the celebration at the Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail.
Among the programmes in the one-hour celebration were the singing of patriotic songs and poetry declamations.
Let's save babies, says Tee Keat
Shahrim Tamrin
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 12:41:00
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is set to launch a ‘life-saving initiative for abandoned babies’ in his Pandan parliamentary constituency to curb baby-dumping.
“I can’t take it anymore. Lately, we heard of many tragic cases of abandoned babies nationwide and I want to do something to save these precious lives.”
He said he no longer wanted to rue what he could do everytime a new case cropped up. Police statistics showed from 2005 to this month, 472 babies were reported abandoned nationwide. Of this, 258 were dead.
“Enough is enough. Something needs to be done. I'm going to set up a place in my Pandan constituency area for those who don’t want their babies,” he said.
“The plan is at the final phase.”
Ong said his agenda would be similar to the ‘baby-hatch’ programme by Orphan Care, adding Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie endorsed it.
“I have discussed with Senator Heng and she supports me. A few non-governmental organisations have also voiced their willingness to help," he said.
“The plan includes legal matters. There’s also a strong possibility the service will be extended to the Klang Valley and other states.”
Ong said they were identifying potential places for the project. “I know this is not going to be an easy ride but I am least concerned if people are sceptical and question my intention not to see the life of a baby ended. If others are not willing to help, let it be me.
"My main concern is the life of the helpless little ones. That’s all I care.”
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 12:41:00
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is set to launch a ‘life-saving initiative for abandoned babies’ in his Pandan parliamentary constituency to curb baby-dumping.
“I can’t take it anymore. Lately, we heard of many tragic cases of abandoned babies nationwide and I want to do something to save these precious lives.”
He said he no longer wanted to rue what he could do everytime a new case cropped up. Police statistics showed from 2005 to this month, 472 babies were reported abandoned nationwide. Of this, 258 were dead.
“Enough is enough. Something needs to be done. I'm going to set up a place in my Pandan constituency area for those who don’t want their babies,” he said.
“The plan is at the final phase.”
Ong said his agenda would be similar to the ‘baby-hatch’ programme by Orphan Care, adding Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie endorsed it.
“I have discussed with Senator Heng and she supports me. A few non-governmental organisations have also voiced their willingness to help," he said.
“The plan includes legal matters. There’s also a strong possibility the service will be extended to the Klang Valley and other states.”
Ong said they were identifying potential places for the project. “I know this is not going to be an easy ride but I am least concerned if people are sceptical and question my intention not to see the life of a baby ended. If others are not willing to help, let it be me.
"My main concern is the life of the helpless little ones. That’s all I care.”
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