Published on
August 12, 2010,
2:37 pm in
Economy.
DAP is disturbed by the death threats against Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, who received a bullet with a threatening note on 11.8.2010. DAP condemns these threats against Tony and his family as a dangerous escalation of political polemics of race to violent threats against Pakatan Rakyat(PR) leaders.
Pua had said he did not rule out that the threat was related to his proposal to the Selangor government to slash Bumiputera discounts for luxury homes and commercial property to be channeled to help the poor. DAP can not understand why these bumi discounts for the rich should not be rechannelled to the bumi poor?
Where else in the world but Malaysia do you have millionaires enjoying discounts for purchasing luxury homes? Tony was making a suggestion that instead of millionaire bumis enjoying these discounts, the discounts should be taken out and paid to a fund for the bumi poor.
By refusing to develop the issue on social merits, opponents of PR have turned it into a political polemics of race. Unable to win the argument on social merits, these opponents of PR are now escalating the matter into violent threats. DAP detests such violent threats and will discuss this at the DAP Central Executive Committee(CEC) meeting tonight.
Published on
June 3, 2010,
6:54 pm in
Economy.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG LIM GUAN ENG AT THE PENANG OUTLOOK FORUM 2010
On 3 JUNE 20101 IN SINGAPORE:
Penang’s Focus On Penang’s Human Resources To Propel Penang Forward As An International City, High-Income & Knowledge Economy With A GDP Of RM 45 Billion And Per Capita Income Of RM50,000 By 2020.
Continue reading ‘Penang’s Focus On Penang’s Human Resources To Propel Penang Forward’
DAP Urges A Rethink On Building A Nuclear Power Plant Not Only For Safety And Environmental Concerns But Also Doubts Over Its Economic Necessity When Malaysia Enjoys A High Energy Reserve Margin Of 40%.
DAP urges a rethink on the government’s decision to build a nuclear power plant not only for safety and environmental concerns but also doubts over its economic necessity when Malaysia enjoys a high energy reserve margin of 40%. Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui announced that the first nuclear power plant has been approved by the Economic Council to begin operations in 2021.
Continue reading ‘DAP Urges A Rethink On Building A Nuclear Power Plant’
Published on
May 1, 2010,
12:20 am in
Economy.
In conjunction with Labour Day 2010, DAP urges the federal government to introduce a two-tier system of a compulsory minimum wage to ensure all our workers would earn basic salary above the poverty level and an aspirational fair wage.
Minimum wage
The absolute poverty rate in Malaysia is at 3.6 per cent, yet there are reports that some workers are still earning basic wages below the poverty line. Since the minimum wage is the lowest salary level that employers are legally bound to pay, I would like to propose a minimum monthly wage based on the poverty line of RM720 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM960 in Sabah and RM830 in Sarawak.
Although it may not sound much to some people, it must be understood that are still a lot of workers earning less than RM720 a month in this country. The minimum wage must be based on poverty level, and as such, different basic wages will paid in different states, according to the poverty line, as long as it is above the level.
Employers should not be alarmed by this proposal as this would only benefit them in the long run. The minimum wage will alleviate problems faced by their respective workers from the pressure of the ever-increasing costs of living such as prices of food, petrol, public transportation, lodging and other bills to be paid monthly. Such a personal pressure can affect a worker’s productivity and creativity.
Continue reading ‘DAP urges the federal government to introduce a two-tier system of a compulsory minimum wage and fair wage’
Published on
January 11, 2010,
6:21 pm in
Economy.
Press Statement by Cheong Yin Fan, Press Secretary to Chief Minister of Penang:
Penang Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng will be visiting Taiwan from 10 th – 13 th January 2010.
While in Taiwan, the Chief Minister will meet Taiwanese businesses, industrialists who are interested in Penang. This visit is part of YAB Lim Guan Eng’s efforts strengthen existing business and industry ties between Penang and Taiwan after face of turbulent economic outlook. Taiwan is one of the primary contributors and important player in business, investment, ICT and manufacturing.
Accompanied by a delegation of senior state officials, Continue reading ‘Visit to Taiwan’
Published on
December 8, 2009,
11:46 am in
Economy.
What is heartbreaking about the current economic crisis, caused by the collapse of key financial institutions in the West, is that the culprits are seldom the victims. This is one of the negative effects of globalization where abuses by those involved in the collapse of the western financial system can have dire consequences of deep financial distress, losses and sufferings to innocent people half a world away in Asia. Worse those involved often escaped unpunished and can go back to have their exorbitant bonuses.
There are 5 lessons to be learnt. Lesson One is this: Without transparency and accountability, arrogance takes over which invariably ends in disaster, for everyone.
Continue reading ‘6 Aspects Of “Think Globally, Act Locally” For Penang To Succeed In Transforming Itself As An International City, A Knowledge-Intensive And High-Income Economy.’
Penang’s participation in Malaysia Investment Development Authority’s(MIDA) investment mission to the United States this week proves our shared goals and common approaches in attracting FDI. Penang’s goals of transforming ourselves into an international city, To transform into a high-income economy with a percapita income of USD 15,000 from the USD 7,000, Penang is ready to work with the Federal government and MIDA with similar goals of attracting FDIs that are knowledge-intensive, creative and innovative. Penang is also willing to adopt a common approach based on principles of good governance, performance, training and retraining highly-skilled talent and trust.
Continue reading ‘Penang’s Participation In MIDA’s Investment Mission To The United States Next Week’
Published on
November 1, 2009,
11:59 am in
Economy.
The Federal Government should not be earning from the middle and lower income groups RM 555 millions annually from the RM50 & RM 25 service tax on each credit/charge card and supplementary card perpetually.
DAP reiterates its opposition to the BN government’s 2010 Budget proposals to impose the RM 50 and RM25 service tax on each credit/charge card and supplementary card respectively. This credit card service tax proposals would earn the Federal Government RM 555 millions annually which would impact more on the middle and lower income groups.
Continue reading ‘The Federal Government should not be earning from the middle and lower income groups’
Published on
September 8, 2009,
3:44 pm in
Economy.
To Protect The Prime Minister’s Credibility For Financial Soundness And Accountability, Bank Negara Must Take Action Against Those Responsible For Maybank’s Reckless Acquisitions Of PT Bank International Indonesia(BII) And Pakistan’s MCB Bank That Caused Impairment Losses Of RM 2 Billion.
Continue reading ‘Bank Negara Must Take Action Against Those Responsible For Maybank’s Reckless Acquisitions’
Penang State Government Would Seek Information Of The Shocking Failure Rate of 76% Where RM 5.8 Billion Out Of RM 7.6 Billion Worth Of Projects Allocated For Penang Under The 9th Malaysian Plan(9MP) Could Not Be Completed On Time, A Great Loss To Penang.
Penang state government welcomes the triple assurances given by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop that twenty-two delayed projects in Penang under the Ninth Malaysia Plan costing RM 300 million will be completed as scheduled by the end of 2010, that the Federal Government would help to promote Penang as a tourism destination and also offer just treatment to all states for development projects under the 10MP (2011-2015). Penang pledges full co-operation with the Federal government to ensure speedy and timely completion of these delayed projects.
Continue reading ‘RM 5.8 Billion Worth Of Projects Allocated For Penang Under 9MP Could Not Be Completed On Time’
Port Klang Authority To Pay RM 660 Million To Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd(KDSB) By July – If Ong Tee Keat Is Committed To Cleaning Up The RM 12.5 Billion Port Klang Free Trade Zone(PKFTZ) Scandal, He Must Stop All Payments To KDSB Or Any Other Parties Until The Culprits Responsible Are Arrested And Charged In Court.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat must clarify to the public the veracity of a report in the Edge Financial Daily on 26 Jun 2009 that the PKA is to pay a total sum this year of RM 660 million to KDSB by July 2009. If Ong is committed to cleaning up the RM 12.5 billion PKFTZ scandal, then he must immediately instruct all payments to KDSB or any other parties be stopped until the culprits responsible are arrested and charged in court. KDSB is the turnkey contractor for PKFTZ.
The Edge report had said that PKA will draw down RM 360 million from the government’s soft loan of RM 4.6 billion to pay KDSB on June 30 for the land and construction of scandal-hit PKFTZ project. Another RM 300 million will be drawn down in July as the next scheduled payment to KDSB. KDSB had received a payment of RM 510 million in 2007 and RM 660 million in 2008 from PKA and the government. With another RM 660 million this year, this makes a total of RM 1,830 million to KDSB in three years for a project that is clearly over-priced and without the prospect of ever earning enough to cover the costs incurred.
Continue reading ‘If Ong Tee Keat Is Committed To Cleaning Up The RM 12.5 Billion PKFTZone Scandal, Stop All Payments To KDSB Or Any Other Parties’
The NEP Should Be Replaced By A Malaysian First Economic Policy That Guarantees Equal Economic Opportunity And Socio-Economic Justice Based On Merit And Needs.
DAP welcomes the comments made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak during an interview with Singapore’s Straits Times on his intention to dismantle the National Economic Policy (NEP) because ethnic quotas had damaged Malaysia’s competitiveness and ran counter to global trends. Najib had clearly come around to DAP’s contention over the past 40 years that the long-term benefits of ending the scheme would outweigh the “pain” involved.
Even though such comments had come 40 years too late, it is a case of better late than never. This clearly shows the impact and effectiveness of people’s power during the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections that can force the spring and bring about change towards democratic and good governance.
Continue reading ‘The NEP Should Be Replaced By A Malaysian First Economic Policy’
Tidak ada sebabnya Lapangan Terbang Pulau Pinang tidak boleh membina LCCT yang dibina di Lapangan Terbang Kota Kinabalu sebanyak RM 200 juta apabila keuntungan operasi di Pulau Pinang adalah 5 kali ganda lebih besar daripada Sabah. Mengikut jawapan bertulis daripada Parlimen saya, di antara tahun 2000-2008, Lapangan Terbang Pulau Pinang mendapat keuntungan RM493.3juta berbanding RM96.1 juta yang diuntung oleh Negeri Sabah.
Sungguhpun perolehan keuntungan Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAHB) di Pulau Pinang adalah lima kali ganda lebih besar daripada Kota Kinabalu, namun tidak ada LCCT di Pulau Pinang. Sebaliknya Kota Kinabalu ada LCCT yang dibina dengan kos RM200 juta sungguhpun jumlah pendapatan hanya RM 96.1 juta. Sungguh luarbiasa yang untung RM493.3 juta diabaikan seakan-akan “membunuh burung angsa yang bertelurkan emas.” Walaupun pembinaan LCCT di Kota Kinabalu tidak dibantah maka ia harus dibina di Pulau Pinang kalau dibandingkan keuntungan yang diperolehi oleh MAHB untuk semua negeri yang dinyatakan di bawah.
Continue reading ‘Tidak Ada Sebabnya Lapangan Terbang Pulau Pinang Tidak Boleh membina LCCT’
Pakej rangsangan ekonomi RM 60 bilion selama dua tahun 2009 dan 2010 sebenarnya indah khabar dari rupa kerana hanya RM 15 bilion adalah dalam bentuk perbelanjaan secara langsung dan tidak membantu 27 juta rakyat biasa Malaysia. Ini kerana daripada jumlah RM 60 bilion ini, hanya RM 15 bilion merupakan suntikan fizikal manakala RM 25 bilion dana jaminan, RM 10 bilion pelaburan ekuiti RM 7 bilion inisiatif pembiayaan swasta(IPS) dan RM 3 bilion insentif cukai. Macam mana dana jaminan, pelaburan ekuiti, IPS dan insentif cukai boleh membantu rakyat biasa yang kehilangan kerja, tanpa gaji dan tidak layak pun untuk bayar cukai?
Dan RM 15 bilion ini pun dipecahkan kepada dua tahun, RM 10 bilion tahun ini dan RM 5 bilion tahun depan. Hakikat perbelanjaan secara langsung sebanyak RM 10 bilion boleh dilihat dalam Rang Undang-undang dan usul pembangunan. Beberapa soalan yang ditimbulkan sekiranya ia perbelanjaan terus ialah di mana akan datangnya RM 60 bilion ini. Macam mana RM 10 bilion pelaburan ekuiti akan menfaatkan pekerja biasa. Jelas sekali RM 10 bilion ini akan berfungsi sebagai satu pakej penyelamatan syarikat-syarikat kroni tertentu sepertimana yang digunakan sebelum ini bila RM 5 bilion dana wang KWSP dipinjamkan kepada ValueCap untuk menyelamatkan beberapa syarikat kroni Bursa Malaysia tahun lepas. Apa lojiknya bila untung tidak berkongsi bersama tetapi bila rugi rakyat biasa mesti menanggungnya?
Continue reading ‘Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi RM 60 Bilion Sebenarnya Indah Khabar Dari Rupa’
Penang welcomes the announcement made by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday in Parliament of a RM 250 million expansion project for the Penang International Airport, which is a culmination of many months work by both the Federal and state government. However despite the refusal to approve a LCCT for Penang, the state government will continue to press for a new LCCT, which will be needed if Penang is to succeed in transforming itself into an international city that is a destination of choice for tourists, a location of choice for investors and habitat of choice for those who desire sustainable living.
Penang has no natural resources to fight the coming economic crisis. We have no choice but to leverage on our human resources and our geographical position as a logistics hub and international gateway for tourists, high-tech manufacturing, biotechnology, green technology and halal hub. To succeed Penang must have a functional airport with all the modern facilities and amenities. We are not only talking about basic comfort such as toilets but also about modern necessities such as free Wifi.
Continue reading ‘Penang Still Seeking Approval For A LCCT, Asks Private Sector To Apply For A MRO’
