Sembang-Sembang Forum

A Problem For ALL Malaysians!

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:34:00 +0000

When the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) begins operations in the Gebeng industrial estate near Kuantan, it will be the world’s largest rare earth refinery. Despite widespread local and international objections, a temporary operating licence was issued to Lynas Malaysia early this month. Are the authorities concerned at all about our well-being or do dollars and cents matter more in this controversial issue?

This weekend, Himpunan Hijau 2.0 together with several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as well as Non-Governmental Individuals (NGIs) will organise "In Solidarity with Himpunan Hijau 2.0" events across the nation on 26th February in:

a) Kuala Lumpur @ Maju Junction 9.30am to 12 noon

b) Penang @ Speakers' Square from 6pm onwards

c) Bukit Merah (in front of old Asian Rare Earth from 11 am onwards

d) Tanjung Aru Beach 4pm onwards

Contrary to what some might think, the Lynas controversy is NOT just a Kuantan or Pahang issue. It affects EVERY SINGLE MALAYSIAN and even every single inhabitant of this planet!

Bear in mind that once it starts operating, the pollution from the plant will spread over a wide area, even into our ASEAN neighbours through the South China Sea. This is a serious health and safety issue for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US because contaminated seafood, agricultural produce will put our health and safety at risk. The North-east monsoon will carry the contaminants from the Lynas plant far and wide across the region.

Believe me, this is one issue that merits our attention and serious consideration. How many of us are aware that it is not just the location of the plant that is a controversy but also the waste from the plant which CANNOT BE TREATED and can only be stored?

If it is stored within the boundaries of our countries, Malaysians will have to bear the consequences for many generations - long after Lynas has packed its bags and left Malaysia!

How can they brush off our objections by saying that low radiation from the waste will not harm us?

In reality, the refinery processes require copious amounts of chemicals and reagents, such as concentrated sulphuric acid, magnesium oxide, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid as well as immense volumes of water and natural gas to extract the rare earth oxides.

On top of that, solid, gaseous and liquid waste will be produced from the flue gas desulphurisation (FGD), water leach purification (WLP) and neutralisation underflow (NUF) processes.

If it works at full capacity of 22,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide, the LAMP will produce waste as follows:

64,000 tonnes containing 106 tonnes of radioactive thorium and 5.6 tonnes of radioactive uranium every year
215,000 tonnes of residue likely to be contaminated with heavy metals and other hazardous substances every year
100,000 cubic meters of air discharge likely to be contaminated with hazardous substances and radioactive particles
500 cubic meters (or tonnes) of contaminated waste water every hour

Does the existing facility have the capacity to store the solid waste for the whole duration of its operations with the guarantee that it will not jeopardize the safety of surrounding areas and beyond?

Or will residents have to face risky waste water discharge strategy whereby water contaminated from its plant floor storm water run-off and its filtered waste water will be discharged into the Balok River?

The Balok River is an important mangrove habitat with four species listed in the global protection list of the IUCN. The mangrove mud flats along the Balok River are crucial breeding and spawning ground for a diversity of marine and aquatic flora and fauna including crustaceans and molluscs which are benthos or bottom-feeders.

Local fishermen have been collecting and trapping a wide range of seafood such as crabs, prawns,lobsters, river fish, cockles and oyster to sell and for their own consumption since time immemorial. Lynas’ water discharge plan can ruin their seafood industry and upset the naturally low ph peat riverine ecosystem of the Balok River.

Other industries at risk include fisheries, tourism and lucrative oil palm and bird nests industries which have been sustaining the local economy.

Malaysians must remember that the plant was constructed without any public consultation and least of all the informed consent of the local people. In its 2011 June review of the LAMP, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made a recommendation to improve public consultation.

Did Lynas act upon that recommendation positively?

Most worryingly, do the different contractors and sub-contractors for the project have the experience in rare earth processing? Would they able to ensure effective management of their work? What are the implications to be considered? Have sub-standard materials been used and corners being cut in the construction of the plant?

One of the eleven IAEA recommendations for the Lynas project is the provision of a permanent waste disposal facility. Has Lynas provided any safe solution to manage its waste?

Malaysians must face the hard and painful truth that there is no safe permanent waste disposal facility in our country! So what does that mean? How will it affect us?

Ask yourself a simple question: Why did an Australian company decide to locate its plant in Malaysia? It has to go through a lot of inconveniences. Why?

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THIS ENTRY.

A Window to Our Past

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

Admittedly, history is not a topic that would interest many today. Yet, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, what drew many Penangites to Kompleks Penyayang on 8th January? Simple. They knew that a window to our past would be opened for all to have a glimpse at what shaped the course of our history, political direction and the role of the left.

Undeniably, due to lack of exposure, education and exposition by parties who wished to bury the past for obvious reasons, the history of the leftists in Malaysia has been largely under-explained, misunderstood and even distorted.

Fortunately for Malaysians, Strategic Information and Research Development Center, better known as SIRD, an independent scholarly publishing house in Malaysia, has been publishing books that embody social awareness, critical and alternative perspectives, and the hidden histories of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and the wider world we live in.

To that end, SIRD organized a book launch of "MEMOIR PERJUANGAN POLITIK SYED HUSIN ALI and AN UNCOMMON HERO: M.K. RAJAKUMAR IN POLITICS and MEDICINE on Sunday followed by a talk on “Left Politics in Malaysia: An Appraisal” featuring Tan Pek Leng, Syed Husin Ali and Choo Chon Kai. The Special Guest for the event was Dr. Poh Soo Kai.

Tan Pek Leng : The Left in Malaysian History and the Role of the Labour Party

In the early pre-independence years, there was a conflict between nationalism and the left movement. Till today, many are wonder whether KMM (Kesatuan Melayu Muda) was a leftist movement or a nationalist movement.

But who were the leftists in Malaya? Leftists refer to those groups who support for social change to create a more egalitarian society. Examples include KMM, Putra AMJCA, PRM, PSM, Labour Party and the North Kalimantan Communist Party and the most controversial Communist Party of Malaya.

Speaker Tan Pek Leng highlighted the need for more non-partisan analysis of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) in our country's endeavour to develop nationalism, independence and justice, especially via the labour movement in the 1930's and 1940's.

In the post-WW2 period, there was actually a Malayan Spring where various parties tried to establish a new democracy in Malaya. Then, the CPM had considerable support from workers, peasants and students.

Notably, the first attempt at establishing a multi-racial coalition in Malaya was carried out by Putra AMJCA via the Council for Joint Action (CJA) comprising the MDU, PKMM, MIC and other parties which are elaborated HERE. Speaker Tan Pek Leng raised a very interesting question as to why the coalition disbanded after the Emergency.

During the next part of her talk, Tan Pek Leng traced the history and development of the Labour Party of Malaya and how it formed the Socialist Front with Parti Rakyat Malaya.

Interestingly,the LPM captured the City Council of Georgetown in Penang in the 1956 local elections with a majority of eight seats. With success, came more repression. Eventually, with the enactment and enforcement of ISA, the Labour Party was destroyed as key leaders and their cadres were arrested. Grassroot members who had to take over did not have the kind of esprit de corps of the leaders. Following infiltration by certain quarters, the party slowly lost its influence and eventually boycotted the 1969 elections as there was no one who could manage the campaign.

Speaker Tan Pek Leng questioned whether this move was strategically and tactically correct.

She ended her talk by emphasizing that their role in history is largely as a model for a multi-racial coalition. Clearly, there was a need for greater persistence in the cause.

Decades down the road, are we still fighting the same battles?

written by M

Environmental Justice for the 13th GE

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Penangites Move Into Action

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000

This evening, a crowd of about 100 gathered at the Speakers Square, Esplanade for the Launching of Local Democracy Month 2011 and official opening ceremony by YB Chow Kon Yeow.

YB Chow Kon Yeow giving his opening speech

The Local Democracy month was organized with the objective of encouraging people to be constructively active in the discussion, planning and implementation of policies and services in Penang and local communities.

With the launching of this initiative, it is hoped that it will make Penangites more aware of the mechanism of local government as well as increasing awareness of the roles and functions of the various arms and agencies of the state and Municipal government.

The organizers also hope that this will be an open channel for as many citizens, especially those marginalized groups, to be involved and to share their ideas and experiences about how to effect positive change for our shared future.

Many events have been planned for the period including an anti-racism workshop, citizen education workshop, street busking,a photography competition and a Youth Parliament.

The event organised by Penang State Government, Suaram (Penang branch), Sembang-Sembang Forum, Campus Ministry Office, Amnesty International Malaysia, KOMAS, People's Green Coalition and SERI-Penang Institute ended by 6.30p.m. and was followed by a "Penangites peaceful assembly against the Peaceful Assembly bill" organized by SUARAM.

When the "Penangites peaceful assembly against the Peaceful Assembly bill" began, the response from the crowd was a clear indication of how much Penangites opposed this Bill even though there has been an announcement about some amendments which would be tabled prior to the debate on the Bill which will start Tuesday. Two speakers spoke during the peaceful protest - Datuk Dr. Toh Kin Woon and YB Jason Ong, PKR's Kebun Bunga assemblyman.

Datuk Dr. Toh Kin Woon speaking during the protest

YB Jason Ong speaking at the peaceful protest

Both speakers spoke passionately about why the Bill should not be passed and the importance of our right to assemble. YB Jason Ong expressed concern that the new Bill would in reality, infringe on our constitutional rights to freedom of assembly

The crowd roaring for the proposed Bill to be dropped.

The other provisions in the bill which are objectionable include:

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE ENTRY.

Penang Forum Meets Penang Chief Minister on 16th October 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:29:00 +0000

The Penang Forum Steering Committee would like to apologise for the delay in sending out this brief summary of a recent meeting with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Sunday, 16 October 2011.

The meeting lasted from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

The State was represented by:

The CM

YB Chow Kon Yeow

Dato Lee Kah Choon

YB Lim Hock Seng

YDP MPSP Puan Maimunah

MPPP City Secretary Ir Ang Aing Thye

Pengarah Building Dept MPPP Ar Yew Tung Siang

Penang Forum was represented by:

Dato Dr Toh Kin Woon

Francis Loh

Lim Kah Cheng

Lim Mah Hui

Laurence Loh

Anil Netto

Dato Dr Leong Yueh Kwong

Loh-Lim Lin Lee

Tan Seng Hai

Rudhrapathy Vijayavale

Agatha Foo

Lim Thean Heng

A summary of some of the issues raised and discussed is as follows. A short powerpoint presentation was made highlighting areas of critical concern.

1. Berjaya and submissions re Turf Club

The CM reiterated that as yet no plans have been submitted by Berjaya. PF expressed concerns about the plot ratios to be allowed, heights and densities

2. Siltation at Gurney Drive

PF showed pictures of mud flats etc. CM said the Developer’s Consultant had claimed that the silting was caused by the dredging at the port(?!) Experts from PF revealed that Danish hydrological consultants (without prejudice and study) had observed the site quite carefully and postulated (again without prejudice) that the siltation was from the E&O/Straits Quay project. The CM asked PF to find a reputable international independent consultant and recommend to the State. PF stated that the study should be independent of E&O and the developers involved in the land reclamation deals should contribute to the state to fund their fees.

3. Local Plan

PF expressed frustration that the LP has yet to be displayed. This is obviously linked to the proliferation of high density – increased plot ratio development being applied for throughout the State. The CM stated that they were waiting for the Special Area Plan SAP for George Town to be ready so that the two would not contradict each other (?!). The George Town SAP is in its final stage. Can the Local Plan really not be done simultaneously with the SAP? They are by the same planners, they surely cannot be that different.

4. Penang Hill

The development proposals for the Stations appear to have been shelved due to overwhelming adverse responses from the public. It is acknowledged that while the requirements for shelter at the Bottom Station are valid, the design solutions are overly massive and both unsuitable and unacceptable. The Top Station Walkway as well as the walkway bridge to the car park are viewed as totally unnecessary as well as unsuitable in design Lee Kah Choon has set up an advisory committee – PF should ask for a seat – Penang Heritage Trust has been invited

5. Increased density development in Penang

PF showed a few slides depicting a digitalised rendition of a city block of projects of 87 units per acre adjoining each other.There are several projects in Penang that have submitted for the increased densities, this is a cause of great concern due to the over stretching of infrastructure, amenities and the traffic impact. The 87 units per acre are supposed to be for very limited and specific areas only (in particular ‘transport nodes’) but it appears as if development projects throughout the State are applying for this increased density. The CM assured PF that he was not on the ‘side of developers’ and that there was no reason to see him as such.

6. Traffic Impact Assessment studies

PF pointed out the weaknesses in the MPPP’s traffic evaluation process. In particular, PF recommended that an independent collective traffic impact assessment should be done for a particular area if there are several high-density projects in the pipeline for that area. This was particularly true for the Jelutong as well as the Kelawei Rd areas.

7. sPICE

PF expressed grave concern about sPICE. It also gave reasons why sPICE did not meet CAT principles from both a procedural and substantive manner. Various calculations re ‘actual costs’ and ‘losses’ were presented as well as questions were raised re.the necessity of building underground which would raise both building as well as maintenance costs substantially. The overall question of the actual necessity or priority of a Convention Centre when private developers were already planning one, was raised.

There was also the issue of a lack of a supportive infrastructure and amenities around sPICE to ensure success, i.e. thousands of hotel rooms, shopping malls, restaurants etc. Participants cannot be bussed in through traffic jams from George Town or Batu Ferringhi. The actual ‘costs’ to the Penang public, of the 1500 units to be awarded to the developer, was also questioned.

CM’s reply focused on the 7-acre public park above sPICE and that the State would inherit the building in 30 years.

PF remains unsupportive of the entire sPICE Project and urged re-consideration

8. Land reclamation policy

PF stressed that a comprehensive Land Reclamation Policy was required. The State should conduct its own Master Plan which can then be tendered out but it cannot wait to be presented with proposals on a case-to-case basis. Reclaimed land should be alienated on leasehold basis and never on a freehold basis. This is enshrined in the National Land Code 1965.

The State should ensure that any reclaimed land should always leave some area for public parks, green spaces, usage and access. PF suggested a minimum of 30 per cent, the CM responded by saying he was thinking of 25 per cent.

9. Tunnel/road mega projects

PF questioned whether these mega projects would fit in with the Transport Master plan that is currently undergoing preparation? PF urged the holding back of the announcements of any new major projects until the Master plan is completed. These projects do not seem to take into account the extra traffic created or the cumulative effect of several projects together in the same area. PF members are included in the State Traffic Master plan Committee. CM requested PF members to recommend suitable engineers. The CM raised the possibility of reintroducing trams.

10. Donations to alleviate poverty

PF made some proposals for poverty alleviation. Members were requested to identify people for secretariat.

-Written by Penang Forum-

Towards a New MPPP Budgeting Process

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:30:00 +0000

The following is the address to the Full Council Meeting of MPPP on October 28, 2011 presented by Dr Lim Mah Hui.

_______________________

Towards a New MPPP Budgeting Process

Selamat pagi and selamat sejahtera. Yg Bahagia YDP Ar Puan Patayah and Ir Ang Eng Thye, Pengarah2 and Ketua2 Jabatan, Ahli2 Majlis, Para wartan, tuan dan puan.

Saya harap membincang tentang proses bajet MPPP.

Saya minta izin untuk memberi pembentangan dalam bahasa Inggeris.

I wish discuss the MPPP Budgeting Process and suggest that we adopt a new approach to looking at budgeting and several steps for improving this process.

First, our budget must be objective driven not department driven. A budget is not simply a routine financial document. It is a financial statement of the objectives of our local government. In other words, the objectives must drive the budget and the budgeting process. It cannot be simply an exercise in filling in expenditures by the various departments. Hence, in our next budget, we should first identify what are MPPP’s objectives and priorities for the coming year; our expenditure should follow these objectives and priorities.

Second, in striving towards an objective driven budget, we should adopt a participative budgeting process, i.e., we must identify what are the needs and priorities of the ratepayers we serve. To do this we must consult with the target groups early in the budgeting cycle. For example, if one of our objectives is to have a cleaner and greener Penang and one of the target group is the wet market or the hawker centers, then we must do a proper survey and consultation with them. I understand the MPPJ has started to consult their wards on their budget.

Third, the budget must be performance based. Using input from local communities and target groups, we then set up measureable objectives, methods to achieve them, and ways to monitor the performance and achievement of these objectives through KPIs. In fact, we should set up committees that include not only MPPP staff and councilors but also the stakeholders and civil society groups or from resident associations that will monitor the performance and implementation of these objectives.

Fourth, we should be always be guided by big picture and not be lost in details. We begin with an overview, start from the top and drill down to the bottom. We must be able to discern the forest from the trees. We cannot be pinching penny here and there and then ignore the big-ticket items; as the saying goes being penny wise and pound-foolish.

Fifth, we should focus both on revenue and expenditure. Our present practice is focused on expenditure and not on raising revenue. Also the focus has been to increase and not to decrease expenditure; it is a one-way street. Going forward every department should be forced to suggest some new ideas and ways to raise revenue and to reduce expenditure, and how to improve efficiency.

Finally, 65% of our 2012 budget is allocated to make Penang cleaner, or to make the Pearl of the Orient shine. On the one hand this seems good; on the other hand, it is means something is wrong somewhere because we have to spend so much to keep our city clean. Perhaps we are focusing on the wrong thing, i.e., to pay for more cleaners to sweep the streets, to pick up and dispose garbage. It means Penangnites are not doing their duty in keeping the own city clean.

I suggest that instead of simply hiring more cleaners to pick up garbage, we should tackle the problem at the SOURCE, not at the end. This means reducing solid waste at the source through segregation, reduction, composting etc. Our priority should be to come up with a credible waste disposal system, not just hiring more garbage collectors. Money should be spent on the former.

It also means we must sternly go after people who throw garbage indiscriminately, who put up posters illegally, park illegally etc. We should raise fines and penalties and enforce our laws more strictly. This will not only make our city cleaner but also bring in more revenue. Again, there must be ways to monitor the implementation of these policies.

YDP and fellow councilors, we project a deficit of RM 77 million in our 2012 budget. This is one quarter of our total budget. We cannot do business as usual.

Our sister PBT, the MPSP has turned things around from years of budget deficits to budget surplus, while we are moving in the opposite direction from surplus to deficit. I also understand that they have started to adopt a transformative budgeting process.

I am sure we can do the same, if not better, under the wise leadership of our YDP and councilors. If we have to engage outside people to help us in this process, we should do that. I urge you to adopt this new approach and start the process now.

Thank you.

-Written by Dr. Lim Mah Hui

On Sustainable Development for Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:34:00 +0000

The following is the address presented to the full council meeting of MPPP on August 26, 2011 by Ahli Majlis Dr. Lim Mah Hui.

________________________

On Sustainable Development for Penang

I would like to touch on the issue of what type of development is Penang, in particular Penang island, heading towards.

Let me begin with an anecdote. Last week I had dinner with Mr Ramesh Chander who was a Chief Statistician in the Dept of Statistics of Malaysia in the 1970s who then went to work for the World Bank and is an advisor to many countries in setting up their statistics department. He was here on a visit from Washington DC to advise SERI, now Penang Institute, on improving their data collection. He said the last time he came to Penang was about 3 to 4 years ago and the thing that struck him the most this time was the enormous number of high-rise and tall buildings all over Penang island. He is not the only one to say this. Many other visitors have observed the same thing. And he continued he fears that we are heading towards a housing and construction bubble.

The present state government is right to say that it wants it Georgetown to be an international livable city and to be a magnet to attract talent to this city. In its rush to achieve this goal, it has opened the flood-gates to developers to build as much and as fast as possible: more houses, more high-rise apartments, more shopping malls, more commercial offices etc. If this is not properly planned and controlled we could end up destroying the unique charm of Penang island. One reason why Georgetown was awarded world heritage city status is Penang has the largest stock of prewar houses in South East Asia. Indiscriminately allowing high-rise buildings to sprout anywhere and everywhere, particularly in areas where the surrounding buildings are low rise and historic (not necessarily heritage) will kill the goose that lays the golden egg. International tourists come to Penang not to see more tall buildings; that they can find in Hong Kong, New York and Singapore. They come to experience the historic heritage of not only the heritage zone but the whole city.

The intention of the recent state government policy of increasing the plot ratio from 1:1 to 2.8:1 or the density to 87 units per acre is to increase the supply of more affordable housing. This intention is good. However, it is unclear whether that objective can be achieved under this policy without fine-tuning.

I have often been told that we need more housing because there is not enough houses in Penang and by increasing the density ratio we can supply enough houses to bring down the prices to affordable levels. How true is this argument? Is it based on facts? The 2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia showed that there are 385,658 households and 468,278 housing units in Penang state, an excess of 82,620 housing units. In plain language, there are 21% more housing units than there are households.

The problem of affordable housing is very complex and I cannot offer a full explanation here. It is good that the state has asked the Penang Institute to undertake a detailed and proper study. Good policies must be based on proper and thorough studies; they cannot be rushed into.

But briefly we can say the housing problem is not that there are not enough housing units in Penang. The problem is too many of these housing units are built to cater to a small group of rich local and international investors and speculators who view Penang property prices as still cheap by international standards and whose demand is pushing up prices beyond the reach of the average income earner in Penang. Many own multiple units. The state has to come up with a better policy to address this issue.

With increased permissible density, land suddenly becomes even more valuable and landowners can demand higher land prices. Developers sensing there is more money to make rush to purchase land with expectation of making higher profits. Of course, they would then want to build up to the maximum limit and to maximize their profits. That is the nature of their business.

It is, however, the responsibility of the state – the politicians, the councilors, the civil, the policy makers - to provide the checks and balances, to protect public interest, to come up with sensible policies to ensure we have sustainable development. The increased density ratio is a blunt policy instrument for a good objective. Policy planners and implementers must implement it judiciously and not indiscriminately.

Indiscriminate approval for developers to build to the maximum of 87 units per acre without due consideration of ample green spaces, adequate sunlight and air flow, fields and trees, public amenities, traffic congestion, availability of good transport network etc. will destroy our livable environment. A livable city has to enhance rather than degrade the natural environment.

We recently read in the papers about plans to build 30 to 40 stories high-rise in Cantonment Road, Burma Road and Jelutong Road with little regard for the traffic impact in these already overloaded areas. If we continue to indiscriminately approve high-rise and developers continue to buy up every piece of available property to build to the maximum density ratio, we will end up like Hong Kong city with high-density development and over crowding without the public infrastructure to support it.

I am not against development. The important question we need to ask is what type of development? Is it rampant and unbalanced development or is it sustainable and balanced development. The adjective is more important than the noun.

I am afraid our concept of development is simply too property centric. Can we learn any lessons from the over development of property in Dubai that has collapsed? Do we have enough public parks, green spaces, recreational facilities, good public transport system to sustain a livable city? Too much emphasis has been placed on property development and not enough emphasis is given to these other aspects of development.

Town planning must take into account the use of land space, the natural and cultural environment, the community needs, the amount of walkways and streets, the fields and trees, the movement of people, the type of buildings, do they blend or clash with the environment? 1 It cannot be just about putting up more bricks and mortar.

Let me quote a definition of town planning as the “ordering of building and land use according to a visually pleasing but practical scheme for the economy, and achieving convenience and beauty by ensuring accessibility and managing resource use while avoiding land use conflict.”2

Finally I would like to put forward a proposal for consideration. We know that the traffic impact studies for big construction projects have not been effective. One reason is because consultants are hired by developers. I suggest that developers pay to a pool to be managed by MPPP to hire its own independent consultants. This will reduce any element of conflict of interests. It will also enable a more integrated approach to traffic impact studies beyond single projects.

Thank you for your attention.

-written by Dr. Lim Mah Hui-

#Occupy Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:53:00 +0000

‎#OCCUPY SAMA-SAMA 11.11.11 Jumaat ni!

Tempat2 yang confirm ambil bahagian setakat ni:

1. #OccupyPenang, 9pm, Speakers' Square, Esplanade, Penang

2. #OccupyKotaBharu, 9pm, Tambatan D'Raja, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

3. #OccupyJohorBahru, 9pm, Dataran Bandaraya, Johor Bahru, Johor

4. #OccupySeremban, masa & tempat akan diberitahu kelak

5. #OccupyDataran, 8pm, Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270580606320595

6. #OccupyKuching, Padang Merdeka, Kuching, Sarawak

How It All Started

It started on 29 October 2011 where a group of us gathered to occupy the Speakers' Square in Penang. We started a People's Assembly. The topics discussed included problems faced by mahasiswas in higher places of learning and the issue of racism. About 50 participants came fromTaiping, Kedah, Prai and the Island. We found such discussion useful and decided to hold the People's Assembly every Friday at 9.00pm at the same place. This is the poster for our first event.

The second event was held on the 4th of November, on the eve of Hari Raya Haji. We saw about 15 friends despite a heavy rain and the eve of the festive season. We gathered at the porch of the MPPP Town Hall beside the Spaekers' Square to shelter from the rain and chatted two issues : Media and the Sexuality Merdeka event. The evening air was cool after the rain and we were happy with our open discussion in the open air. This is the poster for our second meeting.

We are now designing our third poster. There are artists among us. We like our work and our sharing of thoughts. We invite you to join us this Friday. We shall decide what to discuss where we all sit down together. We can even opt to play some music or do some gigs.

We shall not be alone. There will be friends doing similar things at different places in the country and in the world too. It is about people doing things together. Friday 11.11.11, 9.00pm at Speakers' Square, Padang Kota Lama, Penang.

See you there!

It's at the Speakers' Square, not at Komtar.

-posted by #Occupy Penang!-

They Came, They Stood and They Picketed

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:38:00 +0000

CLICK HERE for a short video clip.

MTUC, comprising of 390 of 692 labour unions nationwide and with 802,323 members, went ahead with its picket against amendments to the Employment Act that were approved by Parliament on October 6. MTUC president Khalid Atan said MTUC picketed at about 18 locations, including the one held near the Esso/Shell Station, Jalan Prai near Chai Leng Park in Butterworth yesterday.

Many labour unions have accused the government of bringing back “slave-like” conditions with amendments to the Employment Act that erode protection for workers. Contrastingly, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam has repeatedly defended the move as one that protects workers.

The MTUC is protesting proposed amendments to the Employment Act 1955, especially the proposal to amend the term “sub-contractor for labour” to “contractor for labour” under Section 2 because:

it takes away protection of the rights of contract labourers
the agencies supplying workers to a third party under the contract for labour would become employers of the workers;
workers will not have job security as they would be under the contractor’s payroll and not be under the main employer
discrimination in the workplace will occur as not all workers will enjoy the same wages, benefits and rights despite doing the same work.
it will also remove the obligations and duties of employers towards their workers; and, that labour suppliers are allowed to gain commission from the wages of workers.

The picket in Butterworth started at about 5 p.m. Despite the rain, about 500 MTUC members and activists gathered to show their discontent and objection to the amendments. Soon, the crowd swelled to about 1000. Most of the picketers braved the rain with umbrellas and raincoats and were visibly upset as they carried placards and banners that voiced their concerns.

The strains of "Bantan/Mansuh Pindahan" and "Tarik Balik Pindahan" resounded through the air as hearts were united in this public show of objection to the amendments.

Also present at the picket was State MTUC secretary K Veeriah who reiterated that the body was concerned about any failure to clamp down on discrimination and exploitation of workers.

Former state executive councillor Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon and PKR member Badrul Hisham Shaharin also known as Chegubard were also there in solidarity with the other picketers.

More actions are planned to increase awareness of workers on the impact of the amendments on ordinary workers. The picket was necessary in the hope that the amendments can be stopped at senate level, after being endorsed by Parliament.

No untoward incident took place during the event despite police presence. By 6.30pm, the crowd dutifully dispersed.

Freedom of Information Enactment: : The Penang Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Article written by Centre of Independent Journalism Malaysia

Photo from Here.

Forum: Freedom of Information - Penang's Experience (29 Oct 2011)

Moderator Himanshu Bhatt of the Sun (middle) and the speakers (from left):

ADUN and Pol-Sec for CM YB Ng Wei Aik, freelance journalist and Aliran Exco member Anil Netto,

Gerakan Chief of Political Training Bureau Rowena Yam and Prof Dr Abu Bakar Munir of Universiti Malaya. Backdrop is a pictorial highlight of events in the Malaysian freedom of expression landscape in 2010; by Shieko Reto.

Anil was superb.

He said "Occupy" protests around the world show that citizens believe their governments are not acting in their best interests. When in power, politicians are faced with huge temptations. esp with more contact with the corporate sector. It takes a strong, ideal govt to resist such temptations; not many in the world can do this. Most compromise and end up cutting deals all over the place with corporations.

Video Part2 by CJ. Malaysia

Why is a Freedom of Information law good? Law Prof Abu Bakar Munir:

it creates a better informed public, improves quality of government practice and decision-making process. Knowledge is power and the essence of public participation. It promotes a more transparent govt. This benefits not just the rakyat but also the govt.

UK info commissioner said principles under FOI law are a powerful reminder that govt serve the people and not the other way round!

Prof commended S'gor FOI Enactment for including entities owned and fully controlled by state to fall under the law, such as PKNS and "perhaps local government". But bad provision: it's an offence to use document for purposes other than the one stated in application form.

Rowena Yam from Gerakan:

Her party was the first to point out weaknesses of Penang FOI draft bill, and was labelled "bising", "bodoh" by the state government, who missed the point that Gerakan welcomed the FOI bill and want to give feedback to make it effective. They identified 10 clauses that are against the FOI spirit. Thanks to pressure created when NGOs stepped in, there's now an amended draft, with substantial clauses added.

Rowena was disappointed that the rule of separation of power was not observed in the appointments of info officers, chair, deputy chair and members of the Appeals Board.

Rowena pointed out that when Penang state govt opened up SPICE agreement, photocopying was not allowed, and viewing was only for 2 days, during work hours, which means big groups have to come at the same time. She raised other transparency concerns regarding the Bukit Jambul Country Club, wifi project and state govt convention centre.

Video Part1 by CJ. Malaysia

YB Ng Wei Aik: The idea for Penang FOI Enactment came from DAP's manifesto for Penang.

He raised it after GE 2008. Problems they've faced so far: opposition from state legal adviser; bound by OSA, otherwise create constitutional crisis for Penang. But State Legal Adviser agreed to table a draft bill that's adapted from the Selangor draft bill. If not for her hindrance, Penang would have been the 1st Malaysian state to enact an FOI law. The bill has gone through public hearings by a Select Committee (of the 3 UMNO assembly reps in the committee, only 1 participated).

Replying to Rowena's point about the separation of power, he said this has been addressed. Appointment and removal of Appeals Board members are by the state govt BUT subject to approval by the state legislative assembly. A first for Malaysia that this check and balance happens. If members are removed, the amended draft says the state must give reason. Chair must be qualified, eg former judge. Info officer is appointed among civil servants because they have to deal with documents that are in custody of administration, so must know where it is to retrieve.

Major milestone: if you disclose information in document out of context it is asked for in the application, you will not be prosecuted if it's done in good faith. However, he said, FOI doesn’t mean everything is public document. Minutes of exco is confidential; need to declassify before disclosure.

More from Anil Netto (he's a gem!):

There was lack of info all those years (when Gerakan ruled state). We shouldn't ignore the land reclamation project - no accountability, lack of info. The PGCC deal was cut with the corporate sector - which politician initiated it? Don’t know (formally) to this day. Batu Kawan land, close to the site of Penang's 2nd bridge. Is that a coincidence? Given to obscure company. Land reclamation deals involving prime land and waterfront view are given to companies at low price, but at tremendous cost to Penangites. This is where the FOI law is important.

The Auditor-General's report seems similar every year. How much is lost due to "leakage" in the national budget? Why does this happen? Lack of info for the public. The FOI law gives outlet for info to reach the public. With OSA, Sedition Act, PPPA, even when journalists have info, they are forced to self-censor + don’t publish. We need more diosclosure on the Net. FOI laws in Selangor and Penang are crucial steps forward and should be welcomed.

Aliran commented on the Bill's weaknesses. When told Penang used the Selangor model, they felt there was something wrong there. Of so many countries with many best practices to choose from, why follow Selangor draft?

Even with FOI, eg in the US, once documents are declassified, certain sections are blacked out; govts still want to hide info from the public! We have to struggle to get the law, we have to do so for our right to information that the FOI law provides. But it might eventually fall short. It must be user-friendly, so that the person on the street would be able to follow procedures to apply for info. Else, it will only be used by a handful of journalists and not widely.

FOI cannot operate with OSA curtailing its power. OSA needs to be repealed.

On the SPICE project, why do people get info only after the deal signed? Even the MPPP councillors only find out after that; how is this possible? It falls under MPPP! FOI law will make it difficult to hide info. Regarding the Kg Buah Pala issue, the people would be able to see extracts of previous minutes. He would like to see the minutes of previous land transactions that were finalised. What about the Penang island local plan? When was it completed? Why are there many projects with 87 units per acre? How do they get appoved? What's the process how it’s decided? Such info should be transparent, made accountable to the public.

Additional note by Sembang:

Prof Abu Bakar Munir suggested that the draft FOI Bill be posted online. YB Ng Wei Aik agreed and said that by Monday 31st October 2011 the draft FOI Bill will be available online.

Malaysia going nuclear: the untold costs

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 03:10:00 +0000

The announcement last year that Malaysia may go nuclear by 2021 did not raise many eyebrows. It seems that public opposition to nuclear power (NP) is relatively small compared with opposition to the 100 storey Warisan Merdeka Tower and the genetically modified mosquito field trials. Perhaps most Malaysians agree with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water that nuclear is the best option for cheap, reliable and low carbon power.

Nuclear energy has come under one of Pemandu’s NKEA (National Key Economic Areas) and one of its Economic Transformation Programs (ETP). A new company, Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation, has been formed to spearhead and lead the nuclear project from pre-project till commissioning in 11 to 12 years. It’s CEO, Dr. Mohd Zamzam bin Jaafar has said that “Nuclear energy is a reliable, high quality and cost effective supply of energy which is fundamental to attracting new investments as well as encouraging existing industries to expand into high value added activities”.

Below are excerpts from an article by Ken Yeong in StarBiz Feb 19, 2011 "Malaysia’s decision on nuclear power should come after due process”.

Economic costs:

• NP is not going to be cheap. Malaysia’s national average electricity cost is RM0.30/kWh. Analysts have estimated the projected NP cost to average RM0.50/kWh.

• A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has stated that the potential costs improvements by NP is only theoretical. Actual projects in Japan, South Korea and Finland have shown that costs have grown 25 to 90% higher. And these costs are trending upwards.

• Most nuclear power plant projects worldwide suffer significant delays and cost over-runs. Almost all projects require extensive government financial backing and subsidies. In the case of a cost blow-out, the Government (and ultimately the taxpayers) may need to bail out these projects at a cost of billions of ringgit to taxpayers.

• The ETP expects our private investors to fund 90% of the nuclear project is naïve.

• Malaysia’s reputation for megaprojects cost over runs, delays, corruption and leakages is a huge financial risk due the the country’s inexperience in NP.

Social costs:

• The Government estimates 2600 new jobs will be created by NP. NP jobs are highly skilled and will benefit only a very few in the field.

• A study by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that energy efficient (EE) and renewable energy (RE) projects will yield 2.7 times more jobs than nuclear. This includes jobs in the solar photo-voltaic, solar thermal, wind and geothermal sectors. Investing in NP is not the best way to create new jobs.

• Nuclear is only a new way of doing the same old thing. It needs to maximize consumption to recoup its massive infrastructure, operations and maintenance costs. Hence, it is a stumbling block to progression to greener times.

Safety and security:

• Most Malaysians who object to NP fear our poor maintenance culture might cause a nuclear disaster.

• The fuel used in NP (uranium) is the same stuff as that used in nuclear bombs. As more NP plants are operated, more material for nuclear bombs become available,

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed grave concerns over the wholly inadequate safeguards against the nuclear black market. It is not difficult for uranium to fall into the wrong hands via the black market.

• Nuclear, whether fuel, bomb or power plant is the terrorists dream weapon. Attacks on NP are very real and Malaysia in choosing NP can be a target.

Environmental costs:

• The mining of uranium causes severe damage to land often inhabited by indigenous people.

• There is yet no long term solution to discarding nuclear fuel wastes. Proponents of NP points to Finland’s Onkalo geologic repository which was built at a cost of RM12.5 billion.

• Nuclear waste must be isolated for at least 100,000 years. This is an extremely distant future to monitor a repository.

Future projects:

• Malaysia’s choice of NP must be scrutinized in light of future prospects of the industry. Does NP have a future and continuity in Malaysia?

• Today, there is a global shortage of skilled NP workers which is threatening the safe operations of the plants.

• The scenario of 30% of global electricity supply from NP will exhaust current uranium reserves in less than 20 years.

• Proponents have pointed to the new generation Gen IV reactors which are expected to be more efficient. The reality is this is still in the theoretical stage and will not be in operation until at least 2045.

• The future of NP is fraught with uncertainties. Malaysia is about to invest billions in a dead end industry.

Alternatives:

• EE and RE do not pose safety, waste and security woes that NP has.

• Some forms of RE like solar thermal could be as cheap as RM0.15/kWh, far lower than the RM0.30/kWh Malaysians now pay.

• Other innovations like smart grids, nanotechnology for solar PV, green power manufacturing could significantly add more jobs for Malaysians.

Malaysians have not been well informed or engaged by the Government on accepting nuclear power despite its immense costs and far reaching consequences. Nuclear power is being pursued without due process. There is more to nuclear power than just electricity needs.

(Ken Yeong is a Malaysian post-graduate student in Australia and a volunteer for an NGO called Beyond Zero Emissions.)

For the full article, please go to here.

FOI Forum (Mandarin version)

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:32:00 +0000

FOI Forum in Mandarin

Date:

Sunday 20 Feb 2011

Time:

8.00pm

Venue:

Han Chiang College

Jalan Lim Lean Teng

Penang

Speakers:

Dr. Wong Chin Huat (Political scientist/activist)
YB Ong Chin Wen (Adun Bukit Tengah)
Low Chia Ming (Malaysiakini journalist)
Albert Tan (Penang Gerakan Youth)

ALL ARE WELCOMED.

Report on Penang FOI Forum (English session)

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Forum: Penang Freedom of Information Act

Speakers:

YB Jagdeep Singh Deo (Chairman of Select Committee for FOI Enactment Penang)
Ms Sonia Randhawa (Director, Centre for Independent Journalism)
Ms Rowena Yam (Chief of Gerakan Penang Political Training Bureau)

Moderator: Dr Lim Mah Hui (Economist, MPPP Councillor)

The forum was held at the Penang Caring Society Complex on a Sunday afternoon and attended by about 60 people.

A section of the audience

The panelists (from left): YB Jagdeep, moderator Dr Lim and Ms Rowena. Sonia not in the picture.

YB Jagdeep reported that more than 60 feedback on the draft FOI Enactment were received from NGOs and the public. Invitations have been sent to all of them to attend the public consultation with the Select Committee which would be held over 2 days starting from 14 Feb. 28 have accepted the invitation to attend. Jagdeep agreed that there are several provisions in the draft bill that need amendments and called on the public to continue sending in their feedback. He said the public consultation period will be extended if necessary to hear all the feedback. The draft bill will be tabled for the second reading in the next state assembly.

Sonia Randhawa from Centre for Independent Journalism

Sonia Randhawa said that freedom of information and the right to information should be guided by 10 basic principles based on international standards. One of the principles is maximum disclosure where government information should be public information unless there are good reasons to withhold them. There must be an independent administrative oversight body to decide what information cannot be disclosed to the public. She gave the example of India which has an open appointment selection of their information commissioners. Sonia said that the current draft bill has many flaws. Requestors for information need to state what they want to use the information for. They can be liable of a fine of up to RM50,000 is they misuse the information. This is a vague provision as it is not clear what misuse is. There are about 80 countries in the world which practice FOI of which Mexico and India have the best practices. Some of the benefits that can be gained from implementing the FOI are better information management and better decision making. It will also reduce and help prevent corruption. It will increase trust of the government. She gave examples of the SARS epidemic and the air quality index during the haze when the rakyat did not trust and believe the data given by the government. in the media

Rowena Yam from Gerakan's Political Bureau

Rowena concurred that the draft bill as it stands is very restrictive and covers almost everything. It is vague and can be subjected to different interpretations and open to abuse. It needs to be more comprehensive. Too much power is given to the information officer and this may lead to issues of independence and transparency of the officer. As such, the FOI can become a penalizing act if misused.

The forum was then opened to the floor for questions. To a question as to why the Penang draft is a replica of the Selangor Bill, YB Jagdeep explained that this is to expedite the process and to cut down time on writing out a totally new document.

To another question on whether the Selangor state government is really committed to allow freedom of information, Sonia said that she is hopeful that in the next Selangor state assembly sitting, the Selangor Bill will be cleaned up with the inputs and feedback to show their commitment.

For more information on the freedom of information and the Centre for Independent Journalism, visit this site http://cijmalaysia.org/

Find out why Penang's FOI Bill is "disgusting" in Aliran's report here.

Also check out this website: Article 19: Global campaign for Free expression.

Report by: Tan Seng Hai

Public Forum on Freedom of Information Act

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Highway and bridge toll fees keep increasing every year? Why?

Why are residents not told when telecommunication towers are built in their neighborhood?

The Official Secrets Act has given authority to all ministers and their officers to classify any information as confidential at their discretion, whims and fancies. Disclosure or possession of the confidential documents is considered as illegal. Other examples like lopsided concessions given to operators of PLUS Highways, the Penang Bridge only comes to light 20 years after the agreements have been signed.

Do you want to continue to be deceived and be kept in the dark? If you say NO, it’s time for you to find out what is the Freedom of Information Act. Welcome to a public forum.

*******************************

Freedom of Information Act Forum

Date:

Sunday 13 February 2011

Time:

3pm-5pm

Venue:

Caring Society Complex, Jalan Utama, Penang

Speakers:

Jagdeep Singh (Chair of Select Committee of FOI Enactment, Penang)

Ms. Sonia Randhawa (Director of Centre of Independent Journalism)

Himanshu Bhatt (Chief of Northern Region Bureau, The Sun Daily)

Ms. Rowena Yam (Chief of political training bureau, Penang GERAKAN)

Jointly organised by:

Coalition for Good Governance Penang (CGGP)

Sembang-sembang Forum

SUARAM Penang

BERSIH 2.0 In Penang: Rakyat's Demands for Electoral Reforms

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:39:00 +0000

Launching of BERSIH 2.0 in Penang

Posted: December 1, 2010 by localdemocracypg in Programme of the Week

BERSIH 2.0 will launch its campaign in Penang in conjunction with the Penang Local Democracy Week.
The theme for the launch is:

“BERSIH 2.0 Penang: Rakyat’s Demands for Electoral Reforms”
Date : Tuesday Dec 7th, 2010 ( Awal Muharam )
Time : 2.00pm to 6.00pm
Venue: Bosch Hall, Kompleks Penyayang.

Speakers:
1. Dr. Pa Khim Ghee: Election of Local Council Representatives by Penang Civil Society.
2. YB Nurul Izzah: Direct Party Elections – Benefits and Challenges
3. YB Chow Kon Yeow: Restoration of Local Council Election.
4. Puan Ambiga Sreenevasan- The 11 point Demands of BERSIH 2.0.
Chairperson: Dr. Toh Kin Woon.
ALL ARE WELCOMED.

11 POINTS DEMAND OF BERSIH 2.0

1. A complete revision of the electoral roll to ensure that the existing irregularities are removed and a roll with full integrity is in place.
2. The use of indelible ink (as is done in Indonesia and India) to prevent multiple voting.
3. The reform of postal voting to abolish the existing separate electoral roll for postal voters and to make it flexible for all voters, at home or abroad, with valid reasons to opt for postal voting.
4. Free and fair media access for all contesting parties, which should include: (a) free access to state-owned media especially television and radio; (b) fair paid access (political advertisement) to private media; and (c) provision of the right of reply for all contesting parties and personalities who are covered negatively in news reports.
5. A meaningful minimum campaign period of 21 days.
6. Fair and professional practices in constituency redelineation exercises to minimise malapportionment, gerrymandering and consequent disproportionality in seats and votes.
7. Automatic registration of all eligible voters.
8. Reduction of the voting eligibility age from 21 to 18 years old.
9. Reform in electoral financing to ensure transparency and limit the influence of money politics.
10. Administrative neutrality of all levels of governments before, during and after general and by-elections for the federal and state legislatures.
11. Affirming the right of all students of 18 years and above, to participate in politics inside and outside campus.

Support BERSIH 2.0! Become A Friend of BERSIH 2.0!

Come to the BERSIH Penang Launch!

Penang Local Democracy Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:41:00 +0000

GET EXCITED! GET INVOLVED!

Penang NGOs are organising Local Democracy from Mon Dec 6 to Sun Dec 12. There will be series of interesting events for all age groups everyday of the whole week. For the youths, there will be a Youth Parliament, Freeze Mob, music and performances at various locations. There will also be appearances and talks by special guests eg. Nurul Izzah, Tian Chua, Syed Shahrir, Liew Chin Tong and Ambiga Sreenevasa.

For more details about Local Democracy Week, go to:

http://localdemocracypg.wordpress.com/

GET EXCITED! GET INVOLVED!

Penang Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill (Updated 26 Nov)

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:19:00 +0000

Update: This forum has been postponed as a mark of respect to the death and the funeral of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. A new date and venue will be announced later.

The right to know is a basic democratic right that has, for long, been suppressed by a culture of state secrecy and the lack of freedom of information (FOI) legislation. Information empowers citizens to hold governments accountable and enables people to make informed decisions. The introduction of FOI legislation is a step towards engendering a new culture of transparency.

The Coalition for Good Governance Penang (CGGP), Pertubuhan Wartawan dan Jurugambar Akhbar Cina Pulau Pinang (Pewaju) and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is organising a forum to discuss the recently tabled Freedom of Information (Penang) Enactment Bill 2010.This forum is open to all members of the public. We hope concerned citizens will take this opportunity to comment and provide feedback to the Select Committee studying the bill.

*************************************************************************

PUBLIC FORUM

When:

Sunday Nov 28, 2010 (3pm to 5pm)

Where:

Han Chiang College,

Jalan Lim Lean Teng

Penang

Speakers:

YB Jagdeep Singh (Chairperson, Penang FOI Bill Select Committee)
Gayathry Venkiteswaran (Director, Centre for Independent Journalism)
Ng Eng Kiat (Secretariat member, Suaram, Penang Branch)

50 Years Under The Brutal ISA

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 06:01:00 +0000

A Series of Activities on

"50 Years under The Brutal Internal Security Act (ISA)"

In observing 50 years of the oppressive existence of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the 23rd anniversary of Operation Lallang, a series of activities with the theme of "50 Years under The Brutal ISA" will be held on:

November 21, 2010

from 10am – 10pm,

at Komtar Walk, George Town, Penang.

The Programme:

A Photo Exhibition on the historical aspects of the ISA

( 10.00am onwards)

A talk entitled "ISA: A Political Tool for Oppression"
(11.00 pagi - 1.00 petang )

Mohamad Sabu dan Tian Chua
Speakers:
Lim Choo Leong (Former ISA detainee and Socialist Front activist),
Haji Mohamad Sabu (Former ISA detainee and PAS activist),
Tian Chua (Former ISA detainee and PKR activist),
Latest Change: Apologies from Tiam Chua that he cannot attend this function.
Hishamuddin Rais ( A former ISA detainee during the Reformasi movement ) will speak instead
V. Ganabatirau (Former ISA detainee of HINDRAF 5 and DAP activist)
Moderator:
Soh Sook Hwa (Former student activist and secretary of PSM Bayan Baru branch)

Lunch Break ( 1.00pm to 2.00pm )

We have invited YB Ng Wei Aik ( political secretary of Penang Chief Minister ) to delivery an opening speech for the event.

Books Launch ( 2.00pm to 3.00pm) by Dr. Toh Kin Woon

“ Beyond The Blue Gate” by Teo Soh Lung ( click to read more)
on her experience of detention under Operation Spectrum.

“445 Days under ISA” by Dr. Kua Kia Song ( watch video )
on his experience of detention under Operation Lalang.

"How Do Religions View ISA?" ( 3.00pm to 5.00pm )

YB Saari Sungib

Dr. Bala Tharmalingam
Speakers:
Y.B. Saari Sungib (Former ISA detainee and founder member of Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia -JIM),
Chong Hung Wang (Adviser of Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia),
Dr. Bala Tharmalingam (National Deputy President of Malaysia Hindu Sangam)

Dinner break ( 5.00pm to 7.30pm )

"The Night Without Trial" ( 7.30pm to 9.30pm )
"Malam Tanpa Bicara !"

Meor Yusof ( watch video Meor)
Black (Amin Iskandar) ( Facebook )
Latest Change: Meor and Black cannot attend.
Other groups will perform.
Hishamudin Rais (former ISA detainee) (watch video)

For further information.

kindly to contact Jing Cheng

012- 7583779 or suarampg@gmail.com

Ong Jing Cheng

Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) Pulau Pinang

63B-01-07, University Heights,
Jalan Sungai Dua,
11700 Penang.
Tel / Fax: +6 04-6582285
Mobile phone: +6 012 7583 779
E-mail: suarampg@gmail.com

These activities are initiated by

Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA Pulau Pinang (GMI)

and co-organized with

Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) Pulau Pinang,

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Pulau Pinang,

Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN),

Save Ourselves (SOS) Penang,

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) cawangan Bayan Baru,

Persatuan Abad Ke-21,

Persatuan Persahabatan Phoenix Malaysia,

Persatuan Kawan Karib,

Penang Lim Lian Goek (LLG) Cultural Development Center,

Sembang-sembang Forum and

Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM).

Report on Penang Forum 3: Election of nominees for MPPP/MPSP councillors

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:35:00 +0000

It was a crispy Sunday morning after heavy rain the night before at the Penang Chinese Girls’ School Alumni building in Jalan Bagan Jermal. About 15 people had already gathered outside the building from as early as 8.00am. The crowd swelled to more than 300 when registration for voters closed at 10.00am. Many more came later and could not register to vote. The election of nominees from civil society for the position of councillors for MPPP/MPSP for 2011 was organized by the Penang Forum. Nominations were received about 2 weeks earlier and closed 2 days before voting day. There were a total of 24 candidates vying for councillor positions, 15 for MPPP and 9 for MPSP. Campaigning was only allowed outside the voting hall and there was no lack of creativity and enthusiasm in the candidates. One group called themselves the “red shirts” and dubbed their candidate “Superken”.

Voters eagerly queueing up to register

Dr. Toh Kin Woon chairing the session with Kah Cheng (left) and Ahmad Chik (right)

The morning started with Ms Lim Kah Cheng, a third term MPPP councillor, giving a brief history of our local council. She pointed out that the Municipal Council of Georgetown was established in 1857, the first local authority in Malaya after Singapore. The first local election was held in 1951 but this was suspended in 1965 under the Emergency Ordinance. In 1968, the Athi Nahappan Report recommended the restoration of local elections but this was never carried out. Kah Cheng then presented some of the governing laws of local councils, the council’s structure and roles of councilors. She called on the council to make the full council meetings more public and make the council’s budget more transparent by putting it up on the MPPP website. She also urged the state government to give back 5 council positions to civil society groups which are not NGO’s. She pointed out that NGO’s like the chambers of commerce are special interest groups which do not serve the common interests of civil society and general ratepayers.

Encik Ahmad Chik, a Penang Forum and Penang Heritage Trust member, next spoke on the expectations required of a councillor who will represent civil society. He spoke on the importance of high personal integrity, honesty and a desire to serve.

Ahmad Chik then announced that Penang Forum 3 endorses the Penang state government’s no-plastic bags policy. The packed audience overwhelmingly supported this by a show of hands.

Teo Lee Ken garnered the most popular votes.

The 24 candidates were allowed 3 minutes each to present themselves and their manifesto. Issues raised vary from sustainable living, environment issues and illegal hawkers.
Members from the floor were then given the opportunity to ask questions to the candidates. Candidates from the ex-police association were asked on their stand on ISA and law enforcement. A representative from the hawkers’ association was asked how he is going to solve unlicensed hawkers and cleanliness issues. Another candidate was asked how he, as an engineer, is able to contribute as a councillor.

The more than 300 audience listening intently to the candidates speak

Voters eagerly casting their votes

Counting and tallying the votes

A total of 284 people casted their votes. Voting was very enthusiastic as the voters eagerly queued up. Vote counting and tallying was completed by about 3.30pm and the results were announced by the “election commissioners” Ahmad Chik and Rama. The elected nominees for councilors are:

For MPPP:
- Teo Lee Ken
- Dr. Lim Mah Hui
- Ms Chin Khuan Sui
- Low Swee Heong
- Dalbinder Singh Gill

For MPSP:
- Dr. Tiun Ling Ta
- Sivagurupatham a/l Vadivellu
- Teng Kim Chew
- Krishnan a/l Samiah
- Ung Teow Hong

The elected nominees

Aliran President, Ramakrishnan, said that today was a historical day and is a showcase for local democracy. Prof Francis Loh of Penang Forum said that the crowd’s enthusiasm and spirit shows that Penangites want to bring back local council elections.

YB Chow Kon Yeow arrived in the middle of the vote counting. In his speech, he said that today’s event showed that it is possible to have local elections in Penang. He said that he will bring today’s results to the state government to consider for appointment as councillors for 2011.

Note: Penang Forum is a group of more than 12 civil society groups and residents associations working towards playing a more involved consultative role with the Penang state government. You can get more details about Penang Forum here.

Report by: Tan Seng Hai

Invitation to Penang Forum 3: Elections to determine civil society nominees to serve as MPPP and MPSP Councillors for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 06:37:00 +0000

Elected local representation is a cornerstone of local government and local democracy. Municipal (local) government elections used to be part of our democratic process until they were suspended in 1965 by the federal Alliance government. Since then, local councillors have been political appointees. In 2008, the new PR state governments appointed a few NGO representatives as part of their election promises which included bringing back local elections.

Penang Forum is committed to helping bring back local elections to Penang to promote democracy, transparency and accountability. Pending that, Penang Forum would like to see a more transparent appointment of civil society's representatives in MPPP and MPSP and is asking that for 2011, there be five civil society councillors appointed for Penang Island and another five for Seberang Prai.

We are calling Penang Forum 3 to elect nominees for these positions.

Date:

Sunday, 14 November

Venue:

Penang Chinese Girls School Alumni Hall

(directly opposite St Nicholas), along Jalan Bagan Jermal.

Time:

9.00 am - 3.00 pm

Registration:

RM10 (vegetarian lunch/tea provided) (RM5 for students)

ALL ARE WELCOMED.

For more details, please click here.

Wacana Rakyat: Adakah Polis Pembela Rakyat?

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 02:35:00 +0000

Wacana Rakyat: Adakah Polis Pembela Rakyat?

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Negeri Pulau Pinang bersama-sama dengan badan bukan kerajaan (NGOs) seperti Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM), Sembang-sembang Forum dan Persatuan Muafakat Kesejahteraan Rakyat Pulau Pinang (PERMUAFAKAT) serta parti politik iaitu Lajnah Penerangan PAS Negeri Pulau Pinang, Angkatan Muda KEADILAN Negeri Pulau Pinang dan Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP) Negeri Pulau Pinang menganjurkan Wacana Rakyat bertajuk "Adakah Polis Pembela Rakyat?" pada 26hb September 2010 (Ahad), jam 8.30 malam bertempat di Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi, Butterworth.

Banyak persoalan telah dibangkitkan terhadap Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) termasuk kuasa ketiga dalam pasukan polis dan juga isu-isu yang pelanggaran dengan hak asasi manusia.

Pelanggaran hak asasi manusia yang serius boleh dilihat di dalam tindakan keras anggota polis terhadap peserta perhimpunan-perhimpunan aman, termasuk perhimpunan aman membantah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) pada 1 Ogos 2009 di mana seramai 589 orang, termasuk kanak-kanak telah ditahan.

Di bawah pimpinan bekas Ketua Polis Negara Musa Hassan selama empat tahun sejak 2006, PDRM mempunyai rekod dan reputasi yang teruk di dalam isu hak asasi manusia. Statistik rasmi kerajaan menunjukkan bahawa seramai 183 orang telah mati akibat ditembak polis dari tahun 2007 hingga 2009. Antara kes yang paling serius adalah penembakan mati remaja Aminulrasyid dan Mohammad Afham oleh polis.

Selain itu, terdapat sebanyak 153 kes kematian dalam tahanan polis antara tahun 1999 hingga 2008. Pada tahun 2009, seramai tujuh orang telah meninggal dunia di dalam tahanan polis. Antara kes-kes yang diketahui umum termasuk kematian A. Kugan, R.Gunasegaran, Mohd Anuar Sharip.

Kami berharap mendapat maklumat mengenai polis dan idea-idea reform melalui wacana rakyat kali ini.

Panelis:

1. Mahfuz Omar (Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena, Naib Presiden PAS Pusat)

2. Ong Chin Wen (ADUN Bukit Tengah, Naib Ketua AMK Pulau Pinang)

3. Wong Hon Wai (EXCO Kerajaan Pulau Pinang, ADUN Ayer Itam, Pengarah Pendidik Politik DAP Negeri Pulau Pinang)

4. Arutchelvan (Setiausaha Agung Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)

Moderator:

Nora Murat (Pengarah Eksekutif Amnesty International Malaysia)

*Sebarang pertanyaan boleh menghubungi Saudara Ong Jing Cheng 012-7583779 atau suarampg@gmail.com

Speakers Square: still drawing crowds after six months

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 15:24:00 +0000

Six months after its opening on May 4, 2010, the Penang Speakers’ Square is still drawing crowds. It consistently attracts crowds of about 100 listeners every Sunday evening. The biggest turnout so far was a capacity crowd of about 200 people on Aug 8 when the theme for the evening was Ramadan.

Mooted by a few members from civil society and NGOs early this year, the State Government agreed to the setting up of the first Speakers Square in Malaysia. Several meetings were held with State officials, the MPPP and Police and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng finally officiated the launch of the Speakers’ Square on May 4. Initial skeptics and critics predicted that the Square will not last more than a few weeks. A few were sure that the Police will arrest the speakers and put a stop to the Square. However these people were proven wrong. The Square has attracted a loyal following every week. There is a group of regular speakers including one from Putrajaya who comes up every month to speak. Even tourists and visitors from out of state have made the Speakers’ Square a tourist attraction. The Penang Speakers' Square is now listed in Wikipedia's speakers corners of the world.

The Chief Minister officially launching the Speakers' Square. In his speech, the CM said "Speakers can even criticise the State Government".

Some prominent guests at the launch. Tuan Hj. Sulaiman Abdullah, Dato Eddy Choong and Dato Anwar Fazal

The Chief Minister thanking some Penang activists and members of the Speakers' Square founding committee in his office.

Regular faces at the Square:

Andre Loh, the guitar man

Dalbinger, one of the youngest speakers

Mr. Lim, another regular speaker

Alfred (left) singing with Andre. A good singer with a baritone voice, Alfred also speaks fluent English, Bahasa Malaysia and Hokkien.

Past events at the Square:

Youths putting up a skit to request the State to enact the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act

Protesting against the inhumanitarian blockade of Gaza

Candlelight vigil: Solidarity for Beng Hock

Celebrating Father's Day

A sing-along session

"Malaysians for Beng Hock" campaigners came all the way from Kuala Lumpur

The Speakers' Square Committee welcomes inputs and feedback.

Please send your feedback to speakerssquare@gmail.com

*************************************************************************

(From Star Metro North Sep 23, 2010)

Teach kids about sexuality, says Square’s speaker

THE recent spate of infants being abandoned by their mothers was a heated topic at Speaker’s Square in the Esplanade.

Speaker’s Square founding committee member Andre Loh said the lack of sex education was linked with baby dumping.

“Too much emphasis is placed on achieving academic excellence.
“We should educate children on sexuality and relationships from as young as the age of 8. Begin by teaching them to respect the opposite sex,” he told his listeners on Sunday.
“We often speak of human rights but we are neglecting the rights of our children and the responsibility that we owe them. Be patient with them, teach them. Check their bags, check their homework,” he said.

He advised parents to spend more time with their children and be aware of their needs.

He also urged parents to cut their children’s online activities such as Internet chat, Facebook and Twitter and interact with them instead.

“Working parents who send their children to babysitters on weekdays and only see them on weekends should spend more quality time with their children.

Another speaker, 35-year-old Mal from Putrajaya, spoke on mixed marriages.

“There is nothing wrong with marriages between people of different races. In fact, children of mixed marriages benefit more as they will grow up in a multicultural environment at home,” he said.

Penang International Youth Day : 25th September 2010, Pragin Mall.

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Please come to celebrate

Penang International Youth Day !

Free Entrance! Free Participation in All Events!

Come Show Off Your Talents!

All Are Welcome!

Date : 25th Spetember 2010

Time : 12.00 noon to 10.00 pm

Venue: Pragin Mall, Komtar.

Forum report: Penang for Beng Hock

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:38:00 +0000

A crowd of about 400 people packed the forum hall in the Han Chiang College in Lim Lean Teng Road, Penang on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It was a very encouraging support from Penangites for the “Malaysians for Beng Hock” campaign.

A capacity crowd packed the hall on a Sunday afternoon

The panelists from left: Rama, Dr. Toh, Eng Kiat, Joseph and Nora

The speakers for the afternoon were:

• Ms Teoh Lee Lan (sister of Beng Hock)

• Mr. P. Ramakrishnan (President, Aliran)

• Dr. Toh Kin Woon (President, Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre)

• Ms Nora Murat (Executive Director, Amnesty International Malaysia).

• Mr. Ng Eng Kiat (SUARAM) was the panel moderator.

There was also a group of 5 people from the “Malaysians for Beng Hock” campaign who drove all the way up from KL for this event.

Yap Hwa: "Malaysians for Beng Hock" campaigner from KL

Lee Lan: "The family is fighting a lonely battle. We need your support".

Ms. Teoh Lee Lan conveyed her apologies for not being able to be present in person because of some urgent business at home. However a videotaped recording of her speech in Mandarin was played. Lee Lan gave an emotional and passionate appeal for justice for her brother. She narrated an account of the facts of the case. She said that her family has been facing all sorts of obstacles and setbacks all along the way. For example, steps to prevent Dr. Porntip from testifying, harassment and humiliation of Beng Hock and his family, deliberate delays to the hearing and withholding of evidences from the trial. Lee Lan said that Beng Hock was only a witness to an alleged corruption case involving slightly over RM2000 but he paid the price for it with his life. Lee Lan lamented that support for Beng Hock and his family is slowly waning and fewer and fewer people are attending the inquest. It is beginning to be a lonely fight for justice for Teoh Beng Hock. The authorities are deliberately delaying and prolonging the case with the hope that the public will lose interest and forget about it. Lee Lan said that her family does not need public sympathy but need our support. She said that the public can give their support by:

- Signing the on-line petition here.
- Attend public forums and help to spread awareness
- Show support by wearing the “Malaysians for Beng Hock” campaign T-shirt on Saturdays and Sundays to remind people and to keep the campaign alive.
- Donate or volunteer for the “Malaysians for Beng Hock” campaign. The campaign website is here.
- Attend at least one of the hearings in KL to give the family support with our presence

Mr P. Ramakrishnan raised several questions in his speech. He asked why was Beng Hock grilled non-stop for nearly 11 hours till about 3.45am in the morning when he was only a witness to an alleged corruption case involving slightly over RM2000? Is it believable that Beng Hock died without the knowledge of any MACC officers? There are far too many why, what, how and when in this case. Mr Rama said that important evidences have been clearly suppressed and the AG’s chambers has not acted in a transparent manner. The investigating officer has also given contradictory statements on the purported suicide note. The whole inquest is a sham and Aliran calls for the inquest to be disbanded and discontinued. A Royal Commission should be setup immediately to take over the case.

Ramakrishnan calls for the inquest to be discontinued and disbanded.

Ms Nora Murat said that there is an urgent need to transform the Police and enforcement units and their procedures. She questioned the transparency of the Police when there are so many deaths in police custody. She called for an immediate Royal Commission to investigate the cause of death of Teoh Beng Hock. The Commission must consist of a transparent committee comprising members with unyielding integrity. We cannot allow another Teoh Beng Hock case to happen ever again. Nora called on all civil society and members of the public to speak out and raise awareness.

Nora calls for the public to speak out.

Dr. Toh: Everyone must fight for a torture free society

Dr. Toh Kin Woon raised his concerns for justice for Teoh Beng Hock and all those who had died under Police custody. He is also concerned that the truth has not been told in the case. He urged everyone to fight for a torture-free society. We need to find the truth on who killed Teoh Beng Hock and why.

During the Q&A session, a member from the audience questioned the effectiveness of a Royal Commission. He reminded the panel that the IPMC and Lingam tape recommendations have still remained as recommendations up till today and the Federal Government does not seem to have the political will to do anything. One of the panel members replied that if the present Government does not want to change the system, then the Rakyat can change the Government in the next GE.

After the forum at the Han Chiang College ended, a group of supporters of “Malaysians for Beng Hock” brought the campaign to the Speakers’ Square. They spoke to a crowd of about 100 people gathered there. This was followed by a declaration of “Say Sorry Day” in support of the “Save Vui Kong” campaign.

"Malaysians for Beng Hock" campaign went to Speakers' Square

Dr. Toh addressing the crowd on "Say Sorry Day" in support of "Save Vui Kong" campaign

The attentive crowd listening to a speaker

And the ice cream vendor doing a brisk business.

More photos available here and here.

Photos courtesy of : Suarampg
Report compiled by: SH Tan

"Penang for Teoh Beng Hock"

noreply@blogger.com (Sembang-Sembang Forum) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:12:00 +0000

"Penang for Teoh Beng Hock"

Date:

Sunday 5 September 2010

Time:

2.30 - 4.30pm

Venue:

Han Chiang College,

Jalan Lim Lean Teng, Penang.

Speakers:

Ms Teoh Lee Lan

(Teoh Beng Hock's sister)

Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon

(President, Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre)

Mr. P. Ramakrishnan

(President, Aliran)

Ms Nora Murat

(Executive Director of Amnesty International Malaysia)

Moderator:

Mr. Ng Eng Kiat

(Secretariat, SUARAM Penang).

All Welcome. Free Admission.

Teoh Beng Hock's body was found on the morning of 17 July 2009 below the 14th floor window of the Selangor MACC office in Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam. A purported suicide note by Beng Hock emerged at the eleventh hour of the inquest into his death. Interests were also generated internationally by the MACC counsel for his comical (and nationally embarassing) line of questioning during the inquest.

Will Teoh Beng Hock get justice and will the real truth on the cause of his death be uncovered?

Welcome to a public forum at the Han Chiang College in Penang this Sunday afternoon. Show your support to Beng Hock's family as his sister will also speak in this forum.