SABAK BERNAM, SELANGOR, SUN: Jan 4, 2009
After initiating efforts to help the fishermen and the government in resolving the subsidised diesel issue last year, the MCA is now focusing on assisting the small and medium industry (SMI) players.
Its president, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said beginning this month, the MCA Technology Development Council, led by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha, would find ways and means to help the SMI players especially in getting business loans.
“Many SMI industry players have come to see me with issues such as the credit crunch and the difficulty in getting micro credit and loans facilities,” he told reporters after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony for the MCA new building in Jalan Raja Chulan, here today.
He said although the MCA could not guarantee that each loan application would be approved, at least they could offer accurate information and help the applicants to submit their loan applications in an orderly manner to facilitate the approval process.
Ong said the MCA was also planning to help the farmers and oil palm smallholders whose income had declined due to the drop in the price of the world commodity, next.
“I think our focus this year would be on the economy and I hope even though the MCA is representing the interest of the Chinese, our efforts would also give benefit to all,” he added.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Kong: We cannot neglect the people - Star
Dec 9, 2008
IPOH: The new Perak MCA liaison committee must stay united to face challenges and work hard to serve the public.
State chief Datuk Kong Cho Ha said the new line-up, particularly at the divisional and grassroots levels, had to work hard because the party could not afford to neglect its service to the people.
“The way forward will be for all of us is to work for a better tomorrow for Perak MCA,” said Kong, who chaired his inaugural state liaison committee meeting yesterday, after taking over from Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan as state chief.
New team: Kong (centre) announcing his new state liaison committee members during a press conference in Ipoh Monday. With him (from left) are Loke and Lee.
On whether factions in the party had posed a problem in naming the new committee, Kong said he had told the new line-up that they had to be united.
Kong explained that the basis for his new state liaison committee was capability, equitable distribution and geographical consideration.
He said it was not an easy task to come up with a new line-up because Perak was a big state.
“We cannot satisfy everyone but with all the limitations, this is the best team I can come up with,” he said.
Among the changes was the appointment of Ong, who is also Tapah MCA division chief, as state party adviser.
Tanjung Malim MCA division chief Datuk Loke Yuen Yow is now Kong’s deputy while his secretary is Kampar division chief Datuk Lee Chee Leong.
Tambun MCA division chief Hing Thian Kiak is the new organising secretary, replacing Dr Mah Hang Soon.
IPOH: The new Perak MCA liaison committee must stay united to face challenges and work hard to serve the public.
State chief Datuk Kong Cho Ha said the new line-up, particularly at the divisional and grassroots levels, had to work hard because the party could not afford to neglect its service to the people.
“The way forward will be for all of us is to work for a better tomorrow for Perak MCA,” said Kong, who chaired his inaugural state liaison committee meeting yesterday, after taking over from Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan as state chief.
New team: Kong (centre) announcing his new state liaison committee members during a press conference in Ipoh Monday. With him (from left) are Loke and Lee.On whether factions in the party had posed a problem in naming the new committee, Kong said he had told the new line-up that they had to be united.
Kong explained that the basis for his new state liaison committee was capability, equitable distribution and geographical consideration.
He said it was not an easy task to come up with a new line-up because Perak was a big state.
“We cannot satisfy everyone but with all the limitations, this is the best team I can come up with,” he said.
Among the changes was the appointment of Ong, who is also Tapah MCA division chief, as state party adviser.
Tanjung Malim MCA division chief Datuk Loke Yuen Yow is now Kong’s deputy while his secretary is Kampar division chief Datuk Lee Chee Leong.
Tambun MCA division chief Hing Thian Kiak is the new organising secretary, replacing Dr Mah Hang Soon.
I didn’t get quit letter, says Tee Keat - Star
Nov 24, 2008 By SYLVIA LOOI
GOPENG: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has denied receiving any resignation letter from Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.
Stating this for the first time after speculation started over Ka Chuan’s position in the Cabinet, Tee Keat said: “No, I have not received any resignation letter from him.”
New site: Tee Keat (second left) during a ground-breaking ceremony in Gopeng yesterday. Joining him (from left) are MCA vice-president Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Ka Chuan, Gopeng MCA division chief Albert Chang and his deputy Alex Chan.
He was speaking to reporters after a ground-breaking ceremony for the Lawan Kuda MCA branch office near here yesterday.
Tee Keat, nevertheless, confirmed that he did meet Ka Chuan just after the party elections.
“But the meeting was to discuss party issues.”
He said if Ka Chuan had wanted to leave his ministerial post, the resignation letter should have been addressed to the Prime Minister by convention.
It was recently reported that Ka Chuan, who lost his bid for the party’s deputy president’s post, had written a letter to inform Tee Keat of his decision to resign from his Cabinet post.
Asked whether there was a deadline for him to submit a new list of MCA Cabinet ministers to the Prime Minister, Tee Keat said: “We are not sitting for an examination. There is no deadline or time limit.”
On reports of his less than cordial relation with his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Tee Keat said it was just public perception.
He said the priority should now be on the party’s agenda and not personal obsession.
Pressed further on his relationship with Dr Chua, Tee Keat said: “No matter what you ask, I’ll stop at this.”
On reports that former MCA deputy president Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai might make a comeback to party politics,
Tee Keat said he had been receiving calls and messages of late from party veterans expressing their readiness to serve the party.
“Certainly with their wealth of experience, the veterans will be an asset to the party,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Tee Keat, who is also Transport Minister, reminded party members to be friendly to the community, adding that branch leaders should help restore the people’s confidence in the party.
GOPENG: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has denied receiving any resignation letter from Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.
Stating this for the first time after speculation started over Ka Chuan’s position in the Cabinet, Tee Keat said: “No, I have not received any resignation letter from him.”
New site: Tee Keat (second left) during a ground-breaking ceremony in Gopeng yesterday. Joining him (from left) are MCA vice-president Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Ka Chuan, Gopeng MCA division chief Albert Chang and his deputy Alex Chan.He was speaking to reporters after a ground-breaking ceremony for the Lawan Kuda MCA branch office near here yesterday.
Tee Keat, nevertheless, confirmed that he did meet Ka Chuan just after the party elections.
“But the meeting was to discuss party issues.”
He said if Ka Chuan had wanted to leave his ministerial post, the resignation letter should have been addressed to the Prime Minister by convention.
It was recently reported that Ka Chuan, who lost his bid for the party’s deputy president’s post, had written a letter to inform Tee Keat of his decision to resign from his Cabinet post.
Asked whether there was a deadline for him to submit a new list of MCA Cabinet ministers to the Prime Minister, Tee Keat said: “We are not sitting for an examination. There is no deadline or time limit.”
On reports of his less than cordial relation with his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Tee Keat said it was just public perception.
He said the priority should now be on the party’s agenda and not personal obsession.
Pressed further on his relationship with Dr Chua, Tee Keat said: “No matter what you ask, I’ll stop at this.”
On reports that former MCA deputy president Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai might make a comeback to party politics,
Tee Keat said he had been receiving calls and messages of late from party veterans expressing their readiness to serve the party.
“Certainly with their wealth of experience, the veterans will be an asset to the party,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Tee Keat, who is also Transport Minister, reminded party members to be friendly to the community, adding that branch leaders should help restore the people’s confidence in the party.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Nizar slammed over HIV quarantine proposal - NST
Dec 23, 2008 By Suganthi Suparmaniam and Brenda Lim
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-governmental organisations and religious bodies have lashed out at Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin for suggesting that people who are HIV positive be quarantined and not allowed to marry.
Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said quarantining a HIV positive person was a violation of his or her human rights.
"It is inhumane. Why quarantine? HIV is not like cholera or dengue. The virus can only be transmitted through four ways and controlled through behavioural changes," she said, adding that Nizar lacked awareness on HIV and AIDS.
She said denying a HIV-positive person the chance to marry was also a violation of human rights and those who wanted to marry should instead be counselled on how to manage their marriage.
"This kind of response, after so many years, shows we are still a long way off in giving a more humane and dignified treatment to those with HIV."
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said he was disappointed with Nizar's statement.
"My advice is for him to visit the Malaysian AIDS Council and spend at least two hours there. Get a good briefing for a better understanding of the disease."
However, the council's Selangor chairman Joseph Thambiah agreed that HIV victims be quarantined -- but only through persuasion.
He said this would reduce the opportunities for contact between sufferers and the public, thus reducing the chances of more infections.
He said AIDS was different from diseases such as diabetes and described it as a "socially contemptuous disease".
Malaysian AIDS Council president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman described Nizar's comment as "very regretful".
National Council of Women's Organisations deputy president Datuk Ramani Gurusamy said not allowing people with HIV to marry would be to infringe on their human rights.
Pengasih drug rehabilitation centre president Mohd Yunus Pathi said separating people with and without HIV would not solve the problem.
Instead, he said, people with highly contagious diseases like tuberculosis should be the ones who needed to be quarantined.
Perak Umno liaison committee member and Umno Lumut division chairman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was aghast with the suggestion.
"How long do you want to quarantine them? For their entire life?"
Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn said Nizar's suggestion would only alienate HIV carriers from society and push them to be secretive about their condition rather than openly seek treatment, thus fuelling the spread of the disease.
"This idea has been condemned internationally and is an unacceptable form of solution to the AIDS problem."
Ipoh City Watch president N. Sreethararaj said individuals who tested positive for HIV should be given counselling and treatment rather than be quarantined.
Screening for HIV would help the government compile a database on those infected with HIV and formulate programmes to handle the disease, such as taking preventive measures in the states most affected by HIV, he said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-governmental organisations and religious bodies have lashed out at Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin for suggesting that people who are HIV positive be quarantined and not allowed to marry.
Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said quarantining a HIV positive person was a violation of his or her human rights.
"It is inhumane. Why quarantine? HIV is not like cholera or dengue. The virus can only be transmitted through four ways and controlled through behavioural changes," she said, adding that Nizar lacked awareness on HIV and AIDS.
She said denying a HIV-positive person the chance to marry was also a violation of human rights and those who wanted to marry should instead be counselled on how to manage their marriage.
"This kind of response, after so many years, shows we are still a long way off in giving a more humane and dignified treatment to those with HIV."
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said he was disappointed with Nizar's statement.
"My advice is for him to visit the Malaysian AIDS Council and spend at least two hours there. Get a good briefing for a better understanding of the disease."
However, the council's Selangor chairman Joseph Thambiah agreed that HIV victims be quarantined -- but only through persuasion.
He said this would reduce the opportunities for contact between sufferers and the public, thus reducing the chances of more infections.
He said AIDS was different from diseases such as diabetes and described it as a "socially contemptuous disease".
Malaysian AIDS Council president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman described Nizar's comment as "very regretful".
National Council of Women's Organisations deputy president Datuk Ramani Gurusamy said not allowing people with HIV to marry would be to infringe on their human rights.
Pengasih drug rehabilitation centre president Mohd Yunus Pathi said separating people with and without HIV would not solve the problem.
Instead, he said, people with highly contagious diseases like tuberculosis should be the ones who needed to be quarantined.
Perak Umno liaison committee member and Umno Lumut division chairman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was aghast with the suggestion.
"How long do you want to quarantine them? For their entire life?"
Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn said Nizar's suggestion would only alienate HIV carriers from society and push them to be secretive about their condition rather than openly seek treatment, thus fuelling the spread of the disease.
"This idea has been condemned internationally and is an unacceptable form of solution to the AIDS problem."
Ipoh City Watch president N. Sreethararaj said individuals who tested positive for HIV should be given counselling and treatment rather than be quarantined.
Screening for HIV would help the government compile a database on those infected with HIV and formulate programmes to handle the disease, such as taking preventive measures in the states most affected by HIV, he said.
Najib: No multinational corporation has left the country - Sun
PUTRAJAYA ( Dec 23, 2008):
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stressed today that no multinational corporation (MNC) had left the country following the slump in the world economy.
He clarified that most of the MNC's had only reduced their operations.
"Some are downsizing their operations but are not leaving," he said after chairing the National Land Council meeting here.
Meanwhile, asked about the possibility of small and medium industries (SMIs)closing down next year as a result of the economic unstability, Najib said: "The government is ready to consider ways to assist.
"The SMIs are facing an extraordinary situation which has caused a shortfall in the demand for their products."
He also expressed the hope that the Ministries concerned would forward their suggestions to the government. -- BERNAMA
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stressed today that no multinational corporation (MNC) had left the country following the slump in the world economy.
He clarified that most of the MNC's had only reduced their operations.
"Some are downsizing their operations but are not leaving," he said after chairing the National Land Council meeting here.
Meanwhile, asked about the possibility of small and medium industries (SMIs)closing down next year as a result of the economic unstability, Najib said: "The government is ready to consider ways to assist.
"The SMIs are facing an extraordinary situation which has caused a shortfall in the demand for their products."
He also expressed the hope that the Ministries concerned would forward their suggestions to the government. -- BERNAMA
Tee Keat explains his dilemma on Soi Lek's request for a ministerial post - Sun
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 23, 2008) : By Kong See Hoh
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat says Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has asked to be recommended for a ministerial post after winning the party No. 2 post.
Disclosing this during an interview with Oriental Daily News two months after the party elections, Ong said Chua's request put him in a spot as the latter's victory in the election did not exonerate him over the sex video scandal.
"I don't want to judge values, I am talking about an objective fact. Under this situation, you tell me, what type of logic should I apply to handle it (Chua's request)?
"The case of the sex video scandal is still there. Under this circumstance, what kind of wisdom should I use to handle it?"
These questions underline Ong's feeling of helplessness.
On the seeming lack of cooperation between him and Chua, Ong, who exchanged verbal blows in the press with his deputy during the party elections, said in any organisation, there is only one leader.
He said if certain people, owing to their own agenda, choose to take an opposing stand, they have the right to do so but that would only expose their agenda.
He admitted that all the bickerings (with Chua) stemmed from the "ministerial post".
Chua was the one who had kept harping on the ministerial post, he said.
Although by convention, Chua should hold a ministerial post as party No. 2, Ong seems to be holding the the sex video incident, which he deems an undeletable scandal, against him.
He also disclosed that before he took over the party helm, several complaints, including on the sex video incident, were lodged against Chua.
Ong, who was them the vice-president, said he only came to know about it after he took over from former party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
He said the disciplinary cases (against Chua) are still there.
Asked if the party would look into these cases again, Ong said: "Not (whether to) reopen the files (or not), but (we) haven't wrap up the cases. We have to give the complainants an answer."
Pressed further what would the party do, he said he would leave it to the party disciplinary committee to decide.
In a departure from the norms in which the party No. 2 usually heads the disciplinary committee, Ong appointed veteran leader Datuk Ng Cheng Kiat to the post when he announced his party line-up on Nov 18.
Asked if he is not worried that a probe into the cases might result in another party infighting, Ong said the party cannot ignore public opinions or be devoid of basic ideas that conform to the social values framework.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat says Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has asked to be recommended for a ministerial post after winning the party No. 2 post.
Disclosing this during an interview with Oriental Daily News two months after the party elections, Ong said Chua's request put him in a spot as the latter's victory in the election did not exonerate him over the sex video scandal.
"I don't want to judge values, I am talking about an objective fact. Under this situation, you tell me, what type of logic should I apply to handle it (Chua's request)?
"The case of the sex video scandal is still there. Under this circumstance, what kind of wisdom should I use to handle it?"
These questions underline Ong's feeling of helplessness.
On the seeming lack of cooperation between him and Chua, Ong, who exchanged verbal blows in the press with his deputy during the party elections, said in any organisation, there is only one leader.
He said if certain people, owing to their own agenda, choose to take an opposing stand, they have the right to do so but that would only expose their agenda.
He admitted that all the bickerings (with Chua) stemmed from the "ministerial post".
Chua was the one who had kept harping on the ministerial post, he said.
Although by convention, Chua should hold a ministerial post as party No. 2, Ong seems to be holding the the sex video incident, which he deems an undeletable scandal, against him.
He also disclosed that before he took over the party helm, several complaints, including on the sex video incident, were lodged against Chua.
Ong, who was them the vice-president, said he only came to know about it after he took over from former party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
He said the disciplinary cases (against Chua) are still there.
Asked if the party would look into these cases again, Ong said: "Not (whether to) reopen the files (or not), but (we) haven't wrap up the cases. We have to give the complainants an answer."
Pressed further what would the party do, he said he would leave it to the party disciplinary committee to decide.
In a departure from the norms in which the party No. 2 usually heads the disciplinary committee, Ong appointed veteran leader Datuk Ng Cheng Kiat to the post when he announced his party line-up on Nov 18.
Asked if he is not worried that a probe into the cases might result in another party infighting, Ong said the party cannot ignore public opinions or be devoid of basic ideas that conform to the social values framework.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tee Keat wants MCA president to be chosen by party members - Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Oct 1, 2008
Direct election of the MCA president by party members - that is one of the proposals by presidential candidate Datuk Ong Tee Keat to reform the party.
In his manifesto with the theme “Agenda For Change”, Ong is proposing to allow members to vote directly for the party president, saying that it is crucial to enhance democracy of the party.
No Lone Ranger: Ong (fifth from left) with MCA leaders and supporters after launching his manifesto at Wisma MCA yesterday.
“By doing so, the party president will not only be more representative of the members’ aspirations, it will also be in keeping with participative democracy,” he said.
Currently, the party president is elected by 2,188 central delegates who, in turn, are elected at division level by party members.
Ong, who is an MCA vice-president, will be up against former vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who is contesting for the top post for the second time.
In the move to rebrand and reinvent the party, Ong also proposed that MCA state chairmen be elected by the state delegates to replace the existing system of appointment by the president.
He also proposed the selection of public office-holders at all levels of the Government, as well as candidates for general election, to be institutionalised.
“This will ensure that candidates are selected based on merit,’’ he said.
Among others, Ong also proposed to move forward with the Chinese community — to be prepared to voice the concerns of the people boldly and proactively, and initiate a new political paradigm so that inter-component party relations be premised on the basic foundations of equal partnership and mutual respect.
Also present at the launch of his manifesto at Wisma MCA yesterday were Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Datuk Wong Mook Leong, Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Dr Wee Ka Siong, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Yap Pian Hon, Datuk Loke Yuen Yow, Datuk Dr Yau Chai Thiam and about 300 MCA members. The launch was also broadcast live on his blog, www.ongteekeat.net.
Asked whether Ong is still a Lone Ranger, an image he has projected for a long time, Ong said: “With so many supporters, do you think I am still a Lone Ranger?’’
During his press conference, Ong said he respected Chua as a party veteran, who is also more senior than him.
On the New Economic Policy, Ong said it has since been replaced by the National Development Policy and he regarded it as a non-issue now.
“Poverty eradication is also incorporated into government policies,’’ he said.
On Umno’s transition plan involving its party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Ong said he would respect the decision of the party.
“It will bring a certain impact, for sure,’’ he said.
Direct election of the MCA president by party members - that is one of the proposals by presidential candidate Datuk Ong Tee Keat to reform the party.
In his manifesto with the theme “Agenda For Change”, Ong is proposing to allow members to vote directly for the party president, saying that it is crucial to enhance democracy of the party.
No Lone Ranger: Ong (fifth from left) with MCA leaders and supporters after launching his manifesto at Wisma MCA yesterday.“By doing so, the party president will not only be more representative of the members’ aspirations, it will also be in keeping with participative democracy,” he said.
Currently, the party president is elected by 2,188 central delegates who, in turn, are elected at division level by party members.
Ong, who is an MCA vice-president, will be up against former vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng, who is contesting for the top post for the second time.
In the move to rebrand and reinvent the party, Ong also proposed that MCA state chairmen be elected by the state delegates to replace the existing system of appointment by the president.
He also proposed the selection of public office-holders at all levels of the Government, as well as candidates for general election, to be institutionalised.
“This will ensure that candidates are selected based on merit,’’ he said.
Among others, Ong also proposed to move forward with the Chinese community — to be prepared to voice the concerns of the people boldly and proactively, and initiate a new political paradigm so that inter-component party relations be premised on the basic foundations of equal partnership and mutual respect.
Also present at the launch of his manifesto at Wisma MCA yesterday were Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Datuk Wong Mook Leong, Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Dr Wee Ka Siong, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Yap Pian Hon, Datuk Loke Yuen Yow, Datuk Dr Yau Chai Thiam and about 300 MCA members. The launch was also broadcast live on his blog, www.ongteekeat.net.
Asked whether Ong is still a Lone Ranger, an image he has projected for a long time, Ong said: “With so many supporters, do you think I am still a Lone Ranger?’’
During his press conference, Ong said he respected Chua as a party veteran, who is also more senior than him.
On the New Economic Policy, Ong said it has since been replaced by the National Development Policy and he regarded it as a non-issue now.
“Poverty eradication is also incorporated into government policies,’’ he said.
On Umno’s transition plan involving its party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Ong said he would respect the decision of the party.
“It will bring a certain impact, for sure,’’ he said.
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