Forum on Global Economic Crisis : Impacts for business, workers and Nation

Last call!

Date : 9th Jan 2009

Time : 730pm

Venue : Hin Hua High School, Huang Jing Yu Auditorum

Speakers : Tony Pua, Dr. Leong Kai Hin, Khoo Kay Peng, Charles Santiago

Organizer : Charles Santiago and Ronnie Liu

Language : Mandarin

 

Jawapan Parlimen : Ekuiti Bumiputera mengikut kategori Melayu, Orang Asli semenanjung dan M’sia Timur

Soalan : YB Charles Santiago [klang] minta Perdana Menteri menyatakan ekuiti Bumiputera dalam sektor korporat (19.4%) seperti dalam laporan kajian separuh penggal Rancangan Malaysia Ke-9 mengikut kategori Melayu Semenanjung, Orang Asli Semenanjung dan Orang Asli Sabah dan Sarawak.

Jawapan :

Tuan Yang Dipertua,

Pada masa ini, maklumat mengenai ekuiti mengikut etnik yang diperolehi oleh Kerajaan hanyalah terhad kepada beberapa kategori umum sahaja iaitu Bumiputera, India, Cina dan lain-lain. Maklumat pemilikan oleh pelbagai suku kaum Bumiputera di Sabah dan Sarawak dikelompokkan secara bersama dalam kategori Bumiputera dengan pecahan sub-kategori mengikut jenis pemilikan oleh individu, institusi dan agensi amanah.

Usaha Kerajaan untuk membangunkan masyarakat di Sabah dan Sarawak bukanlah terhad kepada pemilikan ekuiti sahaja. Kerajaan percaya melalui program pendidikan dan peningkatan akses kepada pelbagai bentuk kemudahan serta bantuan akan membolehkan masyarakat berfungsi dengan lebih baik di dalam ekonomi dan seterusnya dapat menjana pendapatan dan mengumpul kekayaan termasuk melalui pemilikan ekuiti. Kerajaan sedar sememangnya banyak lagi usaha perlu diteruskan di Negeri Sabah dan Sarawak. Kerajaan yakin, dengan pendekatan ini yang dilaksanakan secara konsisten akan membawa kepada pembangunan masyarakat Sabah dan Sarawak yang lebih bermakna.

Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat, secara umumnya, dasar pengagihan negara adalah untuk merapatkan lagi jurang ekonomi di antara pelbagai kaum dalam negara khususnya di antara Bumiputera dan bukan Bumiputera. Adalah menjadi hasrat Kerajaan untuk melihat semua suku kaum Bumiputera di Semenanjung, Sabah dan Sawarak menikmati faedah pembangunan secara saksama dan seterusnya membantu merapatkan lagi jurang ekonomi di kalangan pelbagai suku kaum. Bagi memperkemaskan lagi maklumat Kerajaan, satu pangkalan data yang komprehensif bagi memantau kemajuan Bumiputera dalam sektor korporat kan dibangunkan dalam tempoh akhir RMKe-9 yang dijangkakan akan dapat memberikan maklumat struktur hak milik korporat yang lebih terperinci.

 

查尔斯 – 納吉：只是巫統領袖，而非國家領袖？

English version : Charles Santiago – Najib: Leader of UMNO but Not the Country?

新聞文告

日期 ：2008年11月4日

副首相納吉在巫統選舉中不戰而勝，平穩地邁向首相的職位，并不令人感到意外。

巫統領袖們都說納吉的勝利反映黨內的團結。實際上，他們寄望新任主席重塑巫統的形象，重新獲得人民的信賴，特別是馬來族群。

讓我們檢視納吉的誠信 – 他是大馬第二任副首相敦拉薩的兒子，他的名字始終縈繞在蒙古女郎謀殺案中，他被指責在潛水艇交易中接收巨額的回扣。最近國防部購買歐洲直升機被指程序不當而被擱置，納吉也難辭其咎。

這個人即將成為我國下任首相。

然而，巫統支部卻無視環繞在這位后任首相身邊的丑聞，一致投選納吉。

這清楚反映該黨領袖正努力贏取這些在三月大選遺棄巫統的人民的支持。

他們的策略就是冀望新主席帶來奇跡。納吉被視為能夠協助巫統重獲馬來社群支持的領袖。簡言之，黨內人士相信他能夠承擔拯救巫統的責任。

但是說總是比做容易。納吉或許能獲得巫統支部領袖的支持，但其他國人未必如此。這包括不在巫統內的馬來人和非馬來人。納吉必須推動改革和致力掃除黨內和政府的貪污。

納吉是否能實現這些改革，還是一個疑問。最近的事件顯示納吉正在傾全力確保自己成為下任首相，無論任何代價，即使必須鎮壓反對力量也在所不惜。

國會公賬委員會已經聲明政府在數十億計的歐洲直升機軍購案中沒有出現弊端。即使反對陣營強烈要求公賬會召見納吉和反貪局介入調查，納吉還是能夠置身度外。

一位發表法定聲明，指責納吉涉及阿旦杜亞謀殺案的私家偵探已經失蹤。不斷批評納吉涉及諸多丑聞的著名部落客拉惹佩特拉已被無審訊扣留。

因為反對巫統內部的激烈改變，納吉被廣泛認為將在任內以預防性法令打壓異議。他的確不會帶來一個亂局。許多人擔心馬哈迪主義即將回歸。

所以，我們將會有一位擁有巫統支持但是被人民拒絕的首相。這是否是我國即將面對的新分歧，還是納吉會帶領巫統和國陣走向滅亡之路？

查爾斯圣地亞哥 敬上

巴生國會議員

016 626  7797

 

Charles Santiago – Najib: Leader of UMNO but Not the Country?

PRESS STATEMENT

Date : 4th Nov 2008

It is not a surprise that deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has won the leadership of ruling UMNO uncontested, setting him on track to hold the top job in the country.

UMNO leaders have said Najib’s victory reflects the unity within the party. In reality, it embodies the hope that a new President would repair the image of UMNO and possibly regain the confidence of the people, especially Malays.

Let’s look at Najib’s credentials – he is the son of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, his name features prominently in the murder of a Mongolian woman and Najib has also been slammed for allegedly receiving huge kickbacks involving submarine deals. His recent claim to fame skirts around the irregularities in the suspended purchase of 12 Eurocopter helicopters.

This man will become the country’s next Prime Minister.

UMNO divisions, on the other hand, had unanimously voted for Najib despite the controversies surrounding the Prime Minister in waiting.

This clearly reflects that party leaders are grappling to win back the support of the people, who shunned UMNO and ruling component parties at the March general election.

The strategy is clear – a new party President and a change of guards is expected to work miracles. Najib is touted to bring Malays back to the UMNO fold and regain the support of the electorate. In short he is entrusted with the responsibility of saving UMNO.

But this is easier said than done. Najib might have the support of UMNO division leaders but not the rest of the country. This includes the Malays and non-Malays who are not in UMNO. Najib would have to carry out reforms and make a concerted effort to wipe out corruption in the party and country.

Whether or not Najib would be able to do this remains a question. The recent events in the country show that Najib’s focus is to become the next premier at whatever cost and every effort had been made to thwart any opposition.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had cleared the government of any wrongdoing in the billion-ringgit Eurocopter deal. Najib was not summoned for the PAC hearing and it is a long shot that Najib would be called to testify at the Anti-Corruption Agency’s investigation into the same matter.

A private investigator who alleged Najib’s involvement in Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder in a sworn affidavit had gone missing. Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the prominent blogger, who unveiled dirt on Najib faces indefinite detention without trial.

As opposed to initiating serious changes within UMNO, Najib is widely expected to curb dissent to his rule using various preventive laws. He certainly would not rock the boat. There are concerns that the country might witness a return of Mahathirsm.

So we would have a Prime Minister who enjoys the support of UMNO leaders and is rejected by the people. Is this the new disparity we would see in the country or would Najib lead UMNO and Barisan Nasional to its demise?

Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang

016 626 7797

 

Klang bus station change irks traders

Source : Malaysiakini

S Pathmawathy | Nov 3, 08 7:47pm The initiative to transfer Klang’s central bus station – away from city-centre and to a complex in Jalan Meru seven kilometres away – is turning into controversy as business owners have opposed the idea.

MCPX

The entrepreneurs fear the loss of income and even bankruptcy if the buses move to the new location.

The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) had set Nov 1 for the move – but not in effect yet – according to restaurant owner C Krishnan. He has been operating out of the terminal for 20 years.

Yet, he said those renting space within and around the terminal have not been formally informed of transfer and are greatly concerned that the relocation would adversely affect their businesses.

“We have been operating our businesses here for more than 30 years and some for 50 years… but there has not been an official announcement from the government of the transfer,” said Krishnan, who represents the business operators.

“We are worried about our future as we are in dark on whether all the busses would be directed to the new stop or only a fraction of it,” he said.

The newly constructed building appears to be a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project, which is being funded by a private developer.

Krishnan told Malaysiakini that less than three years ago he had renovated his restaurant, trusting that there would no relocating the station.

“When we heard rumours that the station is going to be moved a couple of years ago, we questioned them (Klang Municipal Council) but they gave assurance that the station will not be shifted.”

The new terminal, he noted also lacked public amenities.

“What happens if someone’s handbag is snatched or if there is a fire? For the exorbitant amount that was used (to construct the station), there are no police station, fire station or hospital anywhere nearby.

“Even the railway station is located in the city centre. At least here (in the city centre) all the needed amenities are only about one kilometre away.

“Not only that – buses would have to cross 12 traffic lights and one minor accident could delay a journey for more than an hour,” said Krishnan.

Another business operator, Haja Mahidin – who has been a hawker in the area for 13 years – said that all government buildings were in the city.

“It would very difficult for school kids and the elderly to travel all the way to new station to get a bus. We hope the town buses continue to pass through the present station,” said Haja.

Don’t let us “die off”

Although Krisnan conceded that development was necessary, he requested for the town buses to continue making stops at the current station so that the businesses do not “die off”.

Krishnan suggested that only express busses – serving Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Singapore – should be redirected to the new terminal – to reduce congestions in the city.

Business operators have jointly sent protest letters to state government authorities.

“Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Selangor executive councillor) was receptive towards our problem and he said that he would look into the matter to find alternatives,” said Krishnan.

Xavier is also the assemblyperson for Seri Andalas, which is located in Klang.

But they said they did not get the same reception when they approached Ronnie Liu, the state exco responsible for local government.

“Liu was not cooperative when we went by his office to state our problems,” said Krishnan.

When Liu was asked to comment on the meeting, the Selangor state exco responded that some of the operators were happy about the change, even if some others were not.

“The project was approved when the previous government was in power, and it has been completed. How do you knock it down without being sued?” asked Liu.

Liu said the entire road network in Klang “is messed up” and congestion would continue until development was properly managed.

However, he reassured that a special committee has been set up to “look over the problem and to see whether town buses can be redirected to the city centre”.

 

要求再益脱离马来族群 沙希旦欠国人一个道歉

Source : Merdekareview

English full statement : Charles Santiago : Shahidan Kassim owes Zaid Ibrahim, Malays and all Malaysians an Apology

 

Sambutan Deepavali DAP Kebangsaan di Klang

Gambar-gambar Sambutan Deepavali DAP Kebangsaan di Klang

 

Charles Santiago : Shahidan Kassim owes Zaid Ibrahim, Malays and all Malaysians an Apology

PRESS STATEMENT

Date : 3 Nov 2008

We have seen the brandishing of the keris, racial remarks that are disrespectful of the non-Malays and UMNO leaders play on racial sentiments. Now we have Perlis UMNO liaison chief Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim asking former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to leave the Malay race over his remarks on ‘Ketuanan Melayu’.

World leaders and heads of states are hammering out ideas to ward off an impending economic disaster. We read reports of daily meetings by key policy makers on ways to counter the global economic downturn.

But in Malaysia, we have a senior UMNO politician asking a Malay to stop being a Malay. That too because Zaid questioned the policies of the government and said “Ketuanan Melayu” is detrimental to the Malay race and had caused wastage to resources that could have been used to address real issues.

Since when does the Malay spirit not allow people to question the policies of the government and UMNO? Does embracing the Malay spirit involve keeping silent when injustice and misrule happens? Is keeping silent in the face of wrongdoing part of the Malay spirit? Is promoting the rights of all Malaysians un- Malay? Is providing hard criticisms against Malay by another Malay considered anti Malay?

The list could go on.

In reality, Shahidan is an embarrassment to the nation. His unthinking remarks  show he is not interested in independent progressive views, race-relations, fundamentals of democracy, transparency and accountability. Shahidan clearly wants others to zip up and play sycophant.

In fact he wants more of the same and this clearly suggests that there is no room for change in UMNO.

The Malays are acutely aware that the ‘Ketuanan Malay’, special privileges and affirmative-action had only benefitted those close to UMNO elite. The so-called government policies to uplift the status of the Malays did not reach the poor and vulnerable people.

It is this very realisation which created a backlash for the government and UMNO at the March 8 general election. The Malays rejected UMNO and voted for the opposition, denying the government its two third- majority in Parliament.

UMNO was dealt with a severe blow which forced the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to hastily announce he would step down before UMNO internal election in March.

UMNO leaders took an unprecedented whack but unfortunately no one learnt their lesson. They still skirt around racial issues in the hope of creating a smoke screen and regaining the confidence of the public and primarily Malays, who once formed the grass root support for UMNO.

It is high time that UMNO leaders try to read the pulse of the people and especially Malays. Malaysians, in the wake of the electoral victory, are pushing for greater rights, transparency and accountability.

No one would be taken in with flowery words, false promises and public show of support for the Malay community which does not translate into better living standards, job security and distribution of wealth and opportunities without the need for crony connections.

Zaid has commanded the respect of the people for throwing in the towel over arbitrary arrests under the Internal Security Act, which negates due process.

Shahidan, on the other hand, must apologise to Zaid for his ludicrous suggestion and to the Malays and Malaysians for treating them like they are an ignorant lot.

Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang

016 626 7797

 

查尔斯：沙希旦欠再益、马来人和所有大马人一个道歉

新闻文告

日期 : 2008年11月3日

我们曾经目睹巫统领袖挥舞马来剑，发表不尊重非马来人的种族言论，极尽煽动种族情绪之能事。现在，巫统玻璃市联委会主席沙希旦却谴责前首相署部长再益对“马来人至上”的评语，并要求再益脱离马来族群。

在欧美经济遭受惨重打击，世界领袖和国家首脑积极寻求应对即将来临的经济灾难的对策，政策制定者每日召开会议，拟订阻遏全球经济萧条的方案；但是在大马，沙希旦作为资深巫统政治人物，却要求一个马来人脱离马来族群。这只不过因为再益批评“马来人至上”的论述祸害马来族群及浪费资源，他认为政府应该把这些资源善用在其它领域。

什么时候，马来人精神不允许人民质疑政府和巫统的政策？拥抱马来人精神是否包括对不公正和管理不当保持缄默？对错误之事视而不见是否马来人精神的内涵？是否争取所有大马人的权益就是“非马来人”？是否一个马来人强烈批评马来人就该被视为反马来人？

同样的例子数之不尽。

沙希旦是国家的耻辱。他的反智言论显示他毫不在乎独立进步的见解，族群关系，民主的基本信念，透明和负责任的施政。明显的，沙希旦只是要他人闭嘴和阿谀奉承他的主子。

我们不难预见，沙希旦将做出更多同样的事，这充分显示巫统根本无法改变的条件。

马来人已经骤醒，“马来人至上”，特权和扶弱政策只能惠及巫统精英的朋党。所谓的提升马来人生活水平的政策没有泽及贫穷和弱势群体。

这些事实造成巫统和国阵在308大选中惨败。马来人抛弃巫统和投给反对党，国阵的国会三分二多数席位也被否决。

巫统遭受重创后就逼首相阿都拉在巫统三月选举前下台。

巫统领袖面对前所未有的批评，但是不辛地没有人吸取人民的教训。他们还是不断玩弄种族课题，尝试制造烟幕以重获公众特别是马来人的信心。马来人一向来都是巫统的草根支持者。

巫统领袖早该聆听民意，特别是马来人的心声。308大选的的空前胜利唤醒了大马人，他们都在争取更大的人民权利、透明和负责任的施政。

人民不再轻易接受花言巧语、空头承诺和赚取马来社群支持的政治表演，这些都无法转化成更好的生活素质、有保障的工作、公平的财富分配、人人享有平等和不必依赖朋党的机会。

再益因为坚持原则，反对政府使用不循正常管道的内安法令而辞职，赢得了人民的尊敬。

沙希旦对再益的批评简直把大马人当作无知的一群。因此，沙希旦必须为他的愚蠢言论郑重向再益、马来人和大马人道歉，

查尔斯圣地亚哥

巴生国会议员

016 626 7797

 

委任高职受质疑 反贪局应调查

Source : Oriental Daily 2/11/08

title : Suspicion over chief appointment, ACA should investigate (about PKNS)

Full Statement :Charles Santiago : Merit not Race and Religion the Basis of PKNS GM Appointment

查尔斯：雪州发展机构委任总经理 应以才能而非种族和宗教为标准