Pejabat Exco Kelantan diceroboh lagi

KOTA BHARU, 24 Julai (Hrkh) – Ceroboh lagi. Apa sudah jadi dengan kawalan keselamatan di Kota Darulnaim, apabila berlaku lagi pecah masuk pejabat anggota Exco kerajaan negeri.

Hairan. Tahun ini sahaja sudah dua kali kejadian serupa berlaku. Malah, pada persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Jun lalu, isu menceroboh masuk ke pejabat Exco digegerkan. Ada Adun mencadangkan supaya dipasang CCTV.

Namun sehingga ke hari belum pun kelihatan CCTV dipasang. Nampaknya, isu ini seperti tidak selesai. Di mana silapnya.

Pegawai Khas kepada Exco terbabit, Mohamed Zainal Abidin Hussin berkata, kejadian itu disedari salah seorang kakitangan apabila mendapati pintu pejabat Dato’ Takiyuddin Hassan tidak berkunci ketika datang ke pejabat pagi tadi.

“Selain itu didapati ada kesan geledah seperti mencari sesuatu. Manakala fail dan barangan lain berselerak atas lantai. Selain itu almari serta laci meja dalam keadaan berselerak,” katanya ketika ditemui di sini.

Kata beliau turut terdapat kesan-kesan geledah di pejabatnya sendiri yang terletak bersebelahan dengan pejabat Exco terbabit dan meja kepunyaan pembantu khas Exco, Nik Norma Nik Daud.

Katanya, keadaan berselerak juga berlaku di meja Nik Norma. Bagaimanapun hairannya meja pembantu pejabat kepada seorang lagi anggota Exco, Dato’ Husam Musa tidak diusik.

Menurutnya berdasar kepada penelitian awal tidak terdapat barangan berharga hilang, malah komputer riba, kamera video tidak diambil penceroboh.

“Ini menimbulkan keraguan apakah motif sebenar pencerobohan dilakukan,” ujarnya. Kata beliau percerohan itu dipercayai berlaku malam tadi.

“Walau bagaimanapun masih belum dipastikan sama ada terdapat kehilangan dokumen penting memandangkan Exco terbabit ketika ini berada di Kuala Lumpur kerana menghadiri Seminar Emas Dinar Antarabangsa,” katanya.

Menurutnya laporan polis telah dibuat Nik Norma di ibu pejabat Polis Daerah Kota Bharu, kira-kira jam 9 pagi tadi.

Sebelum ini Sabtu lalu, pejabat Takiyuddin di Bunut Payung juga dimasuki pencuri di mana empat komputer dan beberapa barangan berharga lain didapati hilang.

Kelantan is unhappy over reports on Sultan's speech

Kota Baru: Wide coverage by the national media on the address by the Sultan of Kelantan which reprimanded the state government for its failure to attract investors was made an issue at the State Assembly.

Several state leaders, dissatisfied with the media reports, said the royal address in opening the budget meeting on Sunday was deliberately distorted by the media to put the PAS-led government in a bad light.

Speaker Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah issued a warning to media representatives covering the assembly "to be more careful in the future".

He said media representatives were given special permission to cover assembly sittings as long as they adhered to the conditions set.

The media had reported that apart from the reprimand, the Sultan also urged the state government to be more proactive in stimulating the state's economy by giving emphasis to the services, agriculture and manufacturing sectors and to strengthen its relationship with the federal government.

The issue was initially raised by State Public Administration, Local Government and Housing Committee Chairman Takiyuddin Hassan who said the mass media had distorted the royal address.

"The reports made it look like the Sultan was dissatisfied with the state government and commended the federal government instead," he said when winding-up the motion of thanks for the royal address.

He said the address should have been read in totality rather than highlighting passages only to smear the state government.

However, he admitted that the Sultan had chided the state government but only to get it to do better in the future.

Takiyuddin said if the speech was "read between the lines", the Sultan was actually dissatisfied with the federal government's effort to help Kelantan.

"The Sultan regrets the Federal Government's treatment of Kelantan in certain aspects. The federalism concept is not adhered to in Kelantan as similar aid given to other states is not extended to Kelantan," he said.

State Planning, Finance and Community Development Committee Chairman Husam Musa, in his winding-up speech, said the royal address was positive but was intentionally turned "negative and one-sided".

"Our mainstream media bring a slogan of unity but the way they publish news is full of attacks and disunity.

"Isn't it sweeter to take other perspectives and not sensationalise news for the front page," he said.

Husam said the time for fighting between the State Government and the Kelantan palace had actually passed, and the relationship between Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat and the palace was very good.--Bernama (Daily Express 8/12/2004)

My successor should be a professional ulama, says Nik Aziz

Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is on the lookout for a successor and the ageing politician wants the candidate to be both a professional and an ulama (religious scholar).

In a recent interview, he said his decision to rope in former parliamentarians Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Husam Musa to contest for state seats in the last elections was the first step of his succession plan.

Nik Amar is the former Pengkalan Chepa MP and now Pancur state assemblyperson while Husam is the former Kubang Kerian MP and now Kijang state assemblyperson.

“Yes, my efforts to bring them back from Parliament was to groom them to replace me later but their future also lies in the hand of the voters in future general elections,” said Nik Aziz when met at his office in Kota Baru recently.

“The people that I have brought back today cannot become menteri besar overnight, they must be trained first, learn how to become a ‘student’ in the state legislative assembly and learn how to generate financial revenue for the state,” added the PAS spiritual leader who has helmed the state since 1990.

However, Nik Aziz when questioned declined to pinpoint his successor. “I can’t say it now, it is not even the (next) general election yet.”

The 73-year-old politician, popularly referred to as ‘Tok Guru’, also did not state specifically when he would step down.

“If the rakyat agree with me and my health condition allows, there is no reason for me not to contest in the coming general election... but this also could be my last term,” he asserted.

Horse riding accident

Quizzed about his health condition, Nik Aziz said he goes for regular check-ups and recalled how a horse riding accident when he was eight had affected his health.

“I won in the horse competition with my brother. I was too excited and raised my hands. Suddenly a lizard crawled across, I was shocked and then fell off the horse,” he reminisced.

Following that, Nik Aziz said he came down with fever that lasted for about four months and even lost his hair.

“So my life is actually hidup mati balik,” he said.

Returning to the succession plan, Nik Aziz said in future there should be no distinction between the ulama and professionals in the party.

He said the schools administered by PAS in Kelantan placed equal emphasis on religious and academic subjects.

“We demand that an ulama is also a professional. It doesn’t matter that we lag behind now, but those who will take over later would not have a division between the two groups,” he added.

Nik Aziz quipped that he belonged to the ‘golongan lama’ (old group) who need the assistance of professionals to run the state.

“So we need professional-ulama who have combined knowledge of both - like graduates from the Al-Azhar university - and this is definitely the party’s future direction,” he added.

He said this would also resolve the ulama - professional divide in the party, which if left unchecked could destroy PAS.

In recent years, professionals who have moved up the hierarchy are seen as indirectly challenging the ulama’s hold on the party while the latter blamed the former for downplaying the Islamic agenda, resulting in PAS’ miserable showing in the last polls.

However, Nik Aziz is convinced that these two factions must work hand in hand.

“Islam says the ulama is needed as well as the professionals. Ulama are to enact policy while professionals are tasked to implement them, politics and religion are undividable,” he said.

DAP should return

Asked about development in Kelantan, the menteri besar said he was grateful to see more investors willing to invest in the state despite of “political pressure”.

“We can see more buildings now and let’s not forget that we have flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru every day. How can people say Kelantan is not developed?” he asked.

To another question on the relationship between PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in the Barisan Alternatif, Nik Aziz said the two parties should ensure the continuance of the alternative front.

“We have to continue the coalition. Even for DAP, I don’t think they should have withdrawn from BA, I hope they would come back and join us,” he added.

The Chinese-predominated DAP pulled out from the coalition in 2001 after crossing swords with PAS over the latter’s insistence to establish an Islamic state. (Malaysiakini)

Penyokong PAS tidak senang Kerajaan Kelantan beli Mercedes

Keputusan Kerajaan PAS Kelantan membeli tubuh kereta mewah jenis Mercedes untuk pegawai kerajaan negeri itu tidak begitu disenangi oleh penyokong akar umbi parti itu di Kelantan.

Seorang penyokong parti itu yang menghubungi malaysiakini untuk menyatakan rasa tidak puashatinya terhadap perkara itu, berkata kerajaan negeri sepatutnya membeli kenderaan lebih murah sesuai dengan kedudukan kewangan negeri yang paling corot di di negara ini.

“Mengapa tidak saja beli Proton Perdana yang lebih murah daripada Mercedes E280 yang berharga lebih setengah juga setiap satu? Ketika rakyat Kelantan berdepan dengan masalah kewangan, pemimpin mereka pula menggunakan kereta mewah,” kata beliau yang tidak mahu namanya disebut.

Beliau juga menyifatkan keputusan kerajaan negeri itu sebagai ‘kurang bijak’ sedangkan ia mendakwa mengamalkan konsep pentadbiran untuk rakyat.

Bagaimanapun, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perancangan, Kewangan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat, Husam Musa menjelaskan bahawa kerajaan hanya meluluskan pemberian kereta Mercedes yang telah diubahsuai (recond) yang berharga RM140,000 setiap satu, dan bukannya kereta baru sepertimana yang didakwa itu.

“Kita tidak membeli kereta baru. Semuanya adalah kereta ‘recon’. Kami perlu membelinya bagi menggantikan kereta yang telah dibeli oleh pegawai-pegawai yang telah bersara yang menggunakan kenderaan tersebut ketika mereka bertugas dahulu,” katanya ketika dihubungi.

Ikut peraturan

Menurutnya lagi, langkah membeli kereta Mercedes tersebut tidak akan menjejaskan kedudukan kewangan kerajaan negeri kerana ianya dilakukan secara telus dan mengikut peraturan yang ditetapkan oleh pihak Perbendaharaan.

Ditanya mengapa kerajaan negeri tidak memilih Proton Perdana, Husam menjelaskan, walaupun kereta jenis itu lebih murah daripada kereta Mercedes yang dibeli itu, tetapi kos penyelenggarannya adalah terlalu tinggi.

“Ya, memang ia murah kira-kira RM30,000 tetapi kos penyelenggarannya adalah terlalu tinggi. Kami melalui pengalaman itu ketika menggunakan Perdana sebelum ini. Kami boleh membuktikannya,” tambahnya.

(Kereta baru Proton Perdana sedan berharga kira-kira RM99,000 manakala Proton Perdana versi eksekutif yang digunakan oleh menteri sekarang, berharga kira-kira RM180,000).

“Sebahagian besar kenderaan rasmi di Kelantan adalah jenis Proton Perdana dan kami mendapati, walaupun baru, ia memberi banyak masalah...stering, pintu, enjin dan banyak lagi. Bila minta diganti, tidak dilayan. Jadi, kami tiada pilihan tetapi terpaksa menampung kosnya.”

Menurutnya, semua aduan yang dikemukakan kepada pihak Proton – secara lisan ataupun bertulis – tidak pernah dilayan dengan sempurna.

Kereta lama

Sementara itu, sumber-sumber parti itu berkata Husam dikatakan“terpaksa’ meluluskan pembelian kereta-kereta tersebut berikutan tekanan daripada pegawai-pegawai kerajaan negeri.

“Kami diberitahu Husam tidak bersetuju dengan cadangan tersebut, tetapi ianya tidak dipersetujui oleh yang lain, jadi tiada apa yang boleh dilakukannya. Tetapi kita dapat lihat pendiriannya, kerana beliau masih menggunakan kereta lamanya,” kata sumber-sumber itu.

Husam bagaimanapun enggan untuk mengulas lanjut, kerana menurutnya keputusan itu telahpun dibuat.

Husam juga mengakui bahawa beliau telah menolak untuk mendapatkan kereta baru.

“Tetapi saya diberitahu, jika saya berbuat demikian, saya berlaku tidak adil kepada yang lain. Lagi pun rumah saya tidak jauh dari pejabat, jadi tidak perlulah saya ada dua kereta. Saya lebih suka menggunakan kereta lama saya yang juga jenis Mercedes,” katanya. (Malaysiakini)

Gerbang Pembayaran Elektronik Negeri Kelantan

Bismilahirahmanirrahim

Assalamualaikum wbt.

Terima kasih pengerusi majlis.

Yang Berhormat Dato' Hj. Mohd. Aiseri Hj. Alias
Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan

Yang Berhormat Dato' Che Mohd. Ruzima Ghazali
Penasihat Undang-undang Negeri

Yang Berhormat Dato' Hj. Shkori Mohamed
Pegawai Kewangan Negeri

Yang Berbahagia Dato' Zukry Samat
Pengarah Urusan Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad

Dato' / Tuan / Puan sekalian,

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Kelantan dan Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Guru Dato' Menteri Besar kita sentiasa mengingatkan akan peri mustahaknya untuk sentiasa berusaha meningkatkan prestasi kerja dan kualiti perkhidmatan yang diberikan dari semasa ke semasa. Ini jelas akan keperihatinan dan harapan yang beliau letakkan terhadap jentera pentadbiran negeri yang bertanggungjawab menyusun, merancang dan melaksana strategi pembangunan negeri serta ummah di dalamnya.

Dalam usaha untuk meningkatkan lagi mutu dan produktiviti Perkhidmatan Awam di Negeri ini, Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri telah menekankan penggunaan dan perlaksanaan e-kerajaan yang berasaskan teknologi info-komunikasi atau lebih dikenali sebagai ICT dalam Perkhidmatan Awam yang akan menjadi pemudahcara proses-proses Perkhidmatan Awam di Negeri ini.

ICT merupakan salah satu cara bagi negara-negara untuk membangun dan melompat terus ke dalam dunia permodenan tanpa melalui peringkat-peringkat perkembangan yang dialami oleh negara-negara maju. Revolusi digital melalui Teknologi info-komunikasi ini juga merupakan satu ketumbukan atau force yang sangat kuat yang mampu merubah cara hidup dan bagaimana kita melihat dunia.

Ia memberikan kepada kita dan anak-anak kita, akses yang terbuka luas kepada maklumat dan segala ilmu yang ada di dunia ini. Ia juga boleh membantu dalam bidang pendidikan dan perkembangan sains dan teknologi. Ia menjadikan proses kerja menjadi lebih efisyen dan pantas serta lebih murah.

Di seluruh dunia, kerajaan-kerajaan melaksanakan pelbagai bentuk program e-kerajaan untuk menjangkau dan berhubung dengan rakyat dan orang ramai. Kemunculan internet telah berjaya membolehkan kerajaan untuk memperkenalkan perkhidmatan secara interaktif on-line kepada rakyat dan orang ramai pada bila-bila masa dan di mana-mana saja. Secara tidak langsung, penggunaan ICT melalui e-kerajaan dapat meningkatkan keberkesanan dan efisensi di dalam kerajaan serta membolehkan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan dapat disalurkan dengan cepat dan diperolehi dengan murah.

Walau bagaimanapun penggunaan ICT memerlukan kepandaian dan kemahiran yang baru, pemikiran yang baru dan perubahan dalam dasar-dasar sosial dan ekonomi. Revolusi maklumat ini membolehkan sesiapa yang sudah mahir akan menjadi lebih mahir dan bergerak maju ke hadapan. Kita perlu memastikan bahawa negeri kita ini tidak ketinggalan dalam perkara ini.

Adalah objektif Kerajaan melalui e-kerajaan akan dapat memberikan perkhidmatan dan proses pemerintahan/tadbir urus (governance) secara on-line. Iaitu untuk mewujudkan sebuah Perkhidmatan Awam yang benar-benar efisien, efektif dan responsive serta dapat menjadi pemangkin kepada pembangunan negeri disamping memperkenalkan satu budaya kerja yang lebih berkesan dan produktif melalui perkhidmatan elektronik yang bebas dari kertas (Paperless Administration).

Hadirin yang dihormati sekalian,

Walaupun Perkataan e-kerajaan sering didengari dan diperkatakan, akan tetapi konsep atau pemahaman e-kerajaan atau Kerajaan Elektronik ini selalunya dilihat dari satu kacamata yang terhad. Konsep pemahaman selalunya tertumpu kepada 'Electronic Service Delivery' dan kepada isu-isu seperti keselamatan data, reliabiliti ataupun akses kepada maklumat yang pada umumnya tertumpu kepada infrastruktur 'Information Society'.

Ini tidaklah menghairankan kerana isu-isu berasingan demikian adalah lebih senang difahami jika dibandingkan dengan perspektif sebenar e-kerajaan yang lebih meluas iaitu penggunaan teknologi maklumat untuk membantu tindakan-tindakan dan proses-proses pentadbiran awam dan pemerintahan ataupun governance.

Penggunaan e-kerajaan sepenuhnya memerlukan pemahaman yang meluas dan memerlukan reengineering kesemua proses-proses pengurusan perkhidmatan awam, peraturan-peraturan dan dasar-dasar.

Perlaksanaan sepenuhnya e-kerajaan memerlukan kita melihat dari segi interaksi awam dengan kerajaan melalui pengurusan capaian berintegrasi dan perkhidmatan 'single window', proses reengineering melalui rekabentuk semula organisasi atau redesigning organization; dan kerjasama yang sangat rapi dan rapat di antara semua agensi kerajaan melalui collaborative decision making.

Pada hemat saya, potensi e-kerajaan tidak dapat dipersoalkan. Jika ia dapat dilaksanakan sepenuhnya, ianya boleh digunakan bagi meningkatkan kecekapan dan keberkesanan perkhidmatan awam di dalam memberikan perkhidmatan kepada orang ramai dan perniagaan. Ianya akan dapat menyumbangkan kepada perkembangan dan pembangunan ekonomi. Ianya juga akan dapat membantu negara ini melompat terus ke arah tahap perkembangan negara-negara yang sudah maju.

Hadirin yang dihormati sekalian,

Salah satu aspek yang perlu diberi penekanan bagi perlaksanaan e-kerajaan ini adalah pengemaskinian terhadap sistem proses dan prosedur kerja. Perkara ini amat penting bagi mengelakkan kerja yang bertindan dan seterusnya mempercepatkan proses membuat keputusan atau decision-making.

Dalam melaksanakan projek-projek e-kerajaan ini, Perkhidmatan Awam haruslah sentiasa bersifat dinamik dan terbuka terhadap keadaan semasa bagi membolehkan ianya memainkan peranan yang penting dalam membawa peralihan paradigma dan perubahan minda serta sikap yang positif dalam menghadapi arus modenisasi dan kesan globalisasi yang rancak berjalan pada ketika ini.

Hadirin Sekalian,

Dalam melaksanakan projek-projek e-kerajaan, Kerajaan Negeri telah meluluskan satu jumlah peruntukan yang cukup besar bagi membangunkan satu aplikasi perdana dalam e-kerajaan Negeri Kelantan iaitu Sistem Perakaunan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (SPBT) dan Sistem Pembayaran Secara Elektronik atau ePayment. Tujuan utama perlaksanaan SPBT dan ePayment ini adalah untuk mempertingkatkan mutu perkhidmatan dan memberi kemudahan kepada rakyat. Ia juga bertujuan untuk meningkatkan dan memperkemaskan kutipan data dalam bentuk digital serta memudahkan pencapaian maklumat.

Aplikasi seumpama ini merupakan salah satu strategi kerajaan untuk membawa perubahan baru iaitu e-transformasi terhadap sektor ekonomi Negeri Kelantan. Secara tidak langsung, perkhidmatan e-Kerajaan yang akan diperkenalkan ini dapat mempromosi ICT secara agresif di kalangan masyarakat kita. Aplikasi ini juga adalah berdasarkan kepada imbangan teknologi antara kapasiti dan kapabiliti dalam membangunkan hubungan interaksi dengan pengguna secara digital.

Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia juga telah meluluskan penstrukturan semula jawatan operator telefon kepada Pegawai Khidmat Pelanggan Untuk melengkapkan penstrukturan tersebut Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri telah mengambil langkah mewujudkan Sistem Aduan Secara Online bagi kegunaan mereka yang mana sistem ini telah dibangunkan secara dalaman atau in-house.

Dato' / Tuan / Puan Sekalian,

Sebagaimana yang dimaklumkan oleh Dato' SUK dalam ucapan beliau tadi, pada petang yang berbahagia ini, kita akan melancarkan dua sistem iaitu ePayment dan eAduan Kelantan yang merupakan sebahagian daripada inisiatif e-kerajaan Negeri Kelantan. Antara perkhidmatan utama ePayment adalah kemudahan pembayaran yang membenarkan pengguna membuat sebarang transaksi pembayaran hasil kepada Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan. Manakala eAduan Kelantan menyediakan saluran perkhidmatan kemudahan membuat sebarang aduan oleh rakyat negeri ini.

Di kesempatan ini, saya ingin menyeru kepada semua yang hadir pada hari ini dan semua rakyat Negeri Kelantan supaya menggunakan kemudahan-kemudahan dan perkhidmatan yang kita telah sediakan ini. Kita tidak mahu projek-projek yang kita laksanakan dan akan laksanakan menjadi Projek Gajah Putih di kemudian hari. Walaubagaimanapun, saya percaya walaupun tahap Jurang Digital di Negeri Kelantan ini agak tinggi berbanding negeri-negeri lain, orang ramai khususnya rakyat Negeri Kelantan akan menyahut seruan ini dan memanfaatkan kemudahan atau perkhidmatan yang disediakan dalam kehidupan harian.

Hadirin,

Saya mengambil kesempatan ini mengucapkan tahniah kepada Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri dibawah pimpinan Dato' SUK kerana berjaya melaksanakan kedua-dua sistem ini dengan jayanya dalam tempoh masa yang dijanjikan. Tahniah.

Akhir kata, saya dengan lafaz bismilahrrahmanirrahim, melancarkan Sistem Pembayaran Secara Elektronik dan eAduan Kelantan.

Sekian. Wabillahit Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. (ePayment, Kelantan)

CCTV Pejabat Menteri Besar Tidak Berfungsi, Penceroboh Sukar Dikesan

KOTA BAHARU, 21 Mei (Bernama) - Kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) di pejabat pentadbiran kerajaan negeri di Kompleks Kota Darul Naim termasuk pejabat Menteri Besar tidak berfungsi, menyebabkan polis sukar mengesan penceroboh yang terbabit dalam kejadian Sabtu lepas.

Ketua Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Kelantan ACP Mazlan Lazim berkata CCTV perlu berfungsi dengan baik kerana perkara itu penting terutamanya jika berlaku sebarang masalah di pejabat utama kerajaan seperti pencerobohan melibatkan bangunan yang menempatkan pejabat Menteri Besar dan Exco-Exco di Blok 1 Kompleks Darul Naim.

"Dalam kes melibatkan Kompleks Darul Naim, polis sukar mengesan penceroboh berikutan CCTV yang ada di pejabat berkenaan tidak berfungsi," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang Kakitangan Penjara Zon Timur di sini, hari Isnin.

Mazlan berkata setakat ini polis sudah melakukan soal siasat terhadap beberapa polis bantuan dan kontraktor yang bertugas di kompleks berkenaan bagi mendapatkan maklumat lanjut.

"Cap jari yang diambil di beberapa tempat dalam pejabat yang diceroboh itu juga sudah diambil dan dihantar ke Bukit Aman untuk dianalisis," katanya.

Laporan sebelum ini menyebut pusat pentadbiran kerajaan di Kompleks Kota Darul Naim Blok 1 yang menempatkan pejabat beberapa Ahli Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri dimasuki pencuri.

Selain Pejabat Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Perpaduan Masyarakat Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah dimasuki pencuri, pejabat pentadbiran Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pentadbiran Awam, Perancangan Ekonomi, Kewangan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Datuk Husam Musa serta pejabat pentadbiran Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Islam dan Dakwah Hassan Mahmood turut berselerak.

Bagaimanapun tiada dokumen penting kerajaan yang hilang kecuali pencuri melarikan wang tunai kira-kira RM3,000 dan sekeping cek kerajaan RM33,000.

Threats to take Lojing issue to court

The Lojing highland issue has boiled to a point where PAS and Umno leaders have now threatened to bring their quarrel to courts.

It is learnt that a prominent lawyer is here to meet Kelantan state executive councillors Datuk Husam Musa and Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan over a possible legal suit regarding the hill issue, following reports of environmental degradation there.

State Umno chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa has also threatened that the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (Kada), of which he is chairman, would engage a lawyer to file a defamation suit against Husam, who is PAS vice-president.

Speaking at separate meet-the-press sessions here yesterday, both parties are accusing each other of attempted slander and defamation over the highland, which is allegedly in danger of being logged bare and silting streams and rivers.

After briefing 23 PAS assemblymen and MPs on the party’s perspective of the issue. Husam told reporters that the real issue was lack of enforcement, not rampant logging.

“The jurisdiction to enforce comes under the purview of the Department of Environment (DOE). The state and local authorities have limited clout on monitoring development in the highlands.”

He claimed from his records, there are 21 companies involved in either applying or having started work at Lojing.

Of these, two had flouted regulations by starting work without the environment impact assessment (EIA) report, he alleged.

He said there were eight companies that had not started work as they had either deferred it or were in the process of getting an EIA.

Annuar said Husam must issue an apology to Kada, for allegedly mis-stating facts and smearing the reputation of the Federal agency by saying that it had leased out 2,000ha of land to farmers relocating from the Cameron Highlands.

Annuar, showing Kada land title deeds and other documents, said the authority only had 193ha of land and had not leased out any.

He said if Husam did not reply within a stipulated period, Kada would engage a lawyer to file a defamation suit against him (Husam). (Malaysia Today)

Husam: Info on Lojing not withheld

The Kelantan Government has denied that it withheld information on earthworks at Lojing Highlands.

State Finance Planning Committee chairman Datuk Husam Musa said the state government never ordered the forestry department to withhold any information on the matter.

He also refuted that the state government gave such directive to anyone.

He claimed that the forestry authorities had given a three-page explanation to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry following a request by its parliamentary secretary Datuk Sazmi Meah.

He suggested that, perhaps, Sazmi forgot to pass the letter to minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid.

“The good minister should check his facts before hitting out at the state,” said Husam, referring to the allegation by Khalid that the state government had withheld information on the highland earthworks.

“We have no intention of hiding anything,” Husam told a press conference here, challenging Azmi to prove that the state government had instructed the state forestry department to withhold information.

On the gazetting of Lojing Highlands, Husam said the legislation conceived in the 1990s was outdated.

“The issue is of enforcement and not of legislation,” he said.

Husam said the Department of Environment (DOE) had indicated its intention to act against two companies that allegedly flouted the environmental impact assessment specifications.

“This shows there is adequate enforcement.

“But why did the DOE not act earlier and instead blame the state?” he asked. (Malaysia Today)

Media-friendly duo slated to lead Kelantan

Reme Ahmad

KOTA BARU - At the annual general assembly of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) at the weekend, two Kelantan leaders spent time at the large media booth mingling and trading jokes with reporters.

One of them, Mr Mohd Amar Abdullah, left a box of name cards on a table so that everyone can have his mobile phone number.

The other leader, Mr Husam Musa, invited reporters to the beach to ride his four horses.

In their shiny baju Melayu outfits, both were at ease with journalists despite the often negative local media coverage of PAS. Unlike some of the top PAS leaders, the two did not shun the press.

The two 45-year-old men are the front runners to take over the Kelantan leadership from the Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat, 73, who had a heart attack on July 22.

Although they are viewed on the ground as being well suited for their posts, both made it clear that the final decision must be made by the party's top leadership.

Said Mr Mohd Amar, who is a cleric: 'We abide by whatever the leadership decides.'

He is a former lecturer at the International Islamic University and delivers sermons regularly on Islam.

Carrying the title of ustaz (religious teacher), he was often asked to appear on behalf of Datuk Seri Nik Aziz at religious functions. He also served as an MP for two terms.

When the Menteri Besar was seeking a successor last year, Mr Mohd Amar was brought in to contest a state seat in Kelantan. He is now the state executive councillor for information, science, education and technology.

Asked about his stand on women going to work and entertainment for the masses - two issues often raised by Datuk Seri Nik Aziz - Mr Mohd Amar said: 'Women can work but must ensure their families do not lose out. Singing is okay but we must have certain guidelines.'

Mr Husam, who is an economics graduate and a former MP, was also brought into Kelantan recently and is now the state executive councillor for finance. He shone in his role as an MP, asking government ministers tough questions about financial issues.

But he has no chance of being a Menteri Besar because he is not a cleric.

In the party's succession plan, Mr Mohd Amar will become the Menteri Besar of Kelantan while Mr Husam is slated to be the deputy.

In a party dominated by old clerics, the duo represent a crucial generational change being engineered in the background by the leading PAS players.

Kelantan is the only state ruled by PAS and it cannot afford to make a wrong move.

'The leadership change in Kelantan is important for the party. But let us wait and see what comes up,' said a guarded Mr Nasharudin Mat Isa, the PAS secretary-general. Unlike the strict Datuk Seri Nik Aziz, the duo, who are both fiery speakers, are seen as being less uptight about issues.

The popular Datuk Seri Nik Aziz will be a tough act to follow. He is mobbed wherever he goes by people who respect his simple lifestyle and views on Islam. 'We are willing to wheel him around in a wheelchair if that is what it takes for him to continue leading us,' said Kelantan assemblyman Abdul Patah Mahmood.

Umno has a stronger presence in Kelantan now and PAS must work harder if it wants to retain control of the state assembly in the next election. (Asia Media, 30/8/2007)

Starting before the flag-off

Joceline Tan

The general election is still a date in the near future but in Kelantan the battle for control of this highly-political state has begun in earnest.

DATUK Seri Annuar Musa was in his element addressing a close-door meeting of Umno grassroots leaders in Kelantan when he dropped a bombshell.

The Kelantan Umno leader said he was fed up of people thinking he would be the next Mentri Besar of Kelantan.

“People say I am here (as Kelantan Umno chief) because I aspire to be Mentri Besar. Let me tell you that I sometimes feel like vomiting when people say I will be the next Mentri Besar,” he said.

Then he turned towards those seated on the stage and said that the best person for the job was Ketereh MP Datuk Alwi Che Ahmad.

Alwi’s jaw visibly dropped, and everyone burst into laughter at his reaction.

But Annuar was dead serious: “Why do you laugh? I am the state Umno liaison chief. I won’t say such things unless I have received the signal.”

Alwi, who is also the state Umno information head, has since told people that he is not after the Mentri Besar’s post. Instead, he claimed that the more suitable candidate was Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, the deputy state Umno chief.

“As a Kelantanese, I must choose the best for my state. Awang Adek is better than me,” said Alwi.

But Awang Adek, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, said: “I am happy where I am.”

Something strange is going on because Kelantan politicians, especially those from Umno, are rarely shy about claiming top posts.

Their opponents in PAS claim it is because Umno politicians know they are not going to win in Kelantan, hence there is no point jostling for something that will not be theirs.

For most other states, the election is still a date in the near future. But in Kelantan, the battle for control of the state has begun in some earnest. There are political ceramah every night.

“Every week I go back to Kelantan I see new posters announcing ceramah here and there,” said an Umno political aide.

Kelantan is the most political state in the peninsula and the hot political question is the choice of Mentri Besar for whichever side wins.

However, Umno is not the only one struggling with a succession issue.

Not everyone in PAS shares Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s preference for Datuk Husam Musa, an economist by training, as his successor.

Some believe that Nik Aziz’s successor should be another true-blue ulama. Others disagree simply because they have their own camps of support.

There are people in PAS who are envious of Husam’s rapid rise in the party and the special bond he enjoys with the elderly Mursyidul Am or Spiritual Leader. They resent the fact that he wields so much influence over Nik Aziz and has become too powerful.

“The anti-Husam faction in PAS is very real and intense. He feels the heat and finds it unbearable at times because it comes from friends in the jemaah (brethren),” said a long-time friend of Husam.

But Husam is clean, daring in his ideas and stands out as a strategist. Moreover, Nik Aziz has been known to refer to him as “God’s gift to Kelantan”.

“Opposition to Tok Guru’s choice of successor is not a big thing. We intend to win again and Tok Guru will be the Mentri Besar but for how long, only God knows,” said a senior PAS politician in the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has been on an all-out effort to win hearts, announcing aid for single mothers, giving goats to farmers and constructing a racing circuit in Tanah Merah for motoring sports.

But the big hit has been the recently launched Takaful Kifalah or insurance scheme for senior citizens.

The scheme, open to all Kelantanese regardless of race or religion, has not only struck a chord with ordinary people but also the Palace. The Raja Perempuan has given the scheme her royal stamp of approval by launching it at four districts in the last two weeks.

Not to be outdone, Umno has drawn up a string of socio-economic programmes including a counter-insurance scheme that promises wider coverage and better payments.

Politics, like business, needs some competition for the good of the people.

Umno seems to be still adjusting to being the opposition while PAS seems to be suffering from the party-in-power syndrome.

These days, said a PAS political insider, when people talk about YBs going around in flashy cars and having several marriage certificates, it could mean politicians from either side of the divide.

And just as Umno used to be stuck with ageing wakil rakyat who refused to make way for new blood, PAS is also being dragged down by many ulama figures who do not understand that while religious credentials are important, serving the people is just as necessary.

“People in Demit where I live complain that their YB (Datuk Mohamed Daud) is a religious man but does not bother to service his area,” said the political insider.

The elderly Demit assemblyman, better known as Mat Iraq because he studied in Baghdad, prefers to spend his time giving religious lectures and, despite rumblings on the grounds, has no plans to make way for someone more energetic.

Both sides are equally desperate to win Kelantan.

Umno’s top orator Alwi has told audiences at ceramah that all the factors are there for Umno to come back to power.

Umno, he said, has big development plans for the state, the government servants are happy, commodity prices are good and the palace is with Umno.

“I appeal to you. Think about what we have to offer if you have good sense; look around you if you have eyes and listen closely if you have ears and you will surely support us,” he said.

However, some Umno politicians privately admit that if elections were held today, it would be able to hold on to only 17 of the 22 state seats that it now controls.

Earlier, talk that Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah would not be defending his Gua Musang seat in the general election had sent thrills through PAS. If that happened, the seat was as good as theirs.

“Tengku Razaleigh is staying on. The PM has no plans to change things in Gua Musang,” said a Kelantan Umno source.

It is no secret that the royal politician and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi have not had a comfortable relationship, and more so after Tengku Razaleigh offered himself to be nominated for the president’s post in the 2004 party polls.

But in recent months, there has been a go-between who has played a key role in smoothening ties between the two senior figures.

Tengku Razaleigh, said the source, is no longer any threat to the Umno leadership.

Rather, he is an iconic figure with vast experience and, given his standing as uncle to the Raja Perempuan, he is definitely someone Umno would want on its side.

Relations between Abdullah and Tengku Razaleigh have thawed considerably and both men have more in common than most people think. They come from a period when Malay society and politics were more open and share that same easy social grace and sense of style.

During an Umno meeting in Kelantan earlier this month, the Prince approached the Prime Minister and, with a broad smile and outstretched hand, said: “I believe I’ve yet to congratulate the new bridegroom.”

PAS leaders are very worried about the Eastern Corridor Development Project that the Prime Minister will soon launch.

They are unfazed by political issues and the tactics of local Umno leaders but big-time federal money and schemes are something else. PAS is in trouble if voters buy into this federal trump card.

Some say the social programmes that PAS has begun introducing may be too little too late.

Although Kota Baru is a thriving capital, rural poverty is a still a major problem in the state. Religious piety alone will not be enough for it to secure a strong mandate.

“After 17 years, people expect something more concrete and specific. Our feet are not touching the ground nor are we anywhere near the sky. It’s not a nice feeling,” said an observer. (The Star, 2/9/2007)

50th Merdeka Celebrations: Joyous day for Malaysians

IPOH: The 50th Merdeka Day celebrations were marked with pomp and pageantry throughout the nation.
Residents here began the countdown to Merdeka by converging at the town padang at 5.30pm on Thursday for a programme filled with songs and traditional dances.

As the clock ticked towards midnight, performers re-enacted the journey taken by the country’s forefathers, the fall of the Malacca sultanate, the wealth brought by tin and the torture by Japanese soldiers.

With 10 minutes to go, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali took to the stage with a poem that reminded the people of the importance of unity.

Less than eight hours later, another equally large crowd lined the main road of Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab for the Merdeka Day parade.
Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun and Perak Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah and his wife Raja Puan Besar Tuanku Zara Salim, were also present to witness choir performances, poetry recitals and a cultural show.

In Johor Baru, people turned out in droves, waving miniature Malaysian flags and singing as bands played songs at the Merdeka parade in the heart of the city.

Families thronged the City Hall’s parade ground next to Jalan Skudai.

Eric Tee, 31 and his wife Law Shee Shee, 30, who is a Merdeka baby, were among those who made it a point to attend.

"I am very proud to be here. What better way to celebrate your birthday than with a parade, and to have thousands of people celebrate it with you."

The parade was made up of delegations representing 180 organisations, including government agencies, enforcement authorities and companies.

In Miri, thousands thronged the City Fan square to watch 102 contingents from uniformed and voluntary organisations, federal and state departments and agencies, state Barisan Nasional component parties and non-governmental organisations taking part in a mammoth rally yesterday.

Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng inspected the parade and took the salute from the grandstand.

Among those present were Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, state cabinet ministers, members of the parliament and state legislative assembly, senior government servants and community leaders.

In his speech, Taib praised Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, for his initiatives that eventually led to the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

"The initiatives also freed Sarawak from colonial rule to become part of an independent nation," he said.

In Kota Kinabalu, 130 contingents comprising more than 5,000 people took part in a parade at Anjung Senja (Sunset Esplanade) fronting Pulau Gaya.

The parade, which began at 7am, saw nearly 10,000 people gathering in Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, which had been widened to accommodate the larger crowd anticipated this year.

The highlight was a show by aircraft flying in formation over the area.

The event was witnessed by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and his wife, Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and his wife, Datin Seri Faridah Tussin, and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin, who is also the organising committee chairman.

In Kota Baru, 3,000 participants from 103 contingents of various government agencies and non-governmental organisations took part in the state-level Merdeka celebration march yesterday.

The programme, which started at 8am, was held at the Sultan Muhammad IV stadium. Participants included students, civil servants and martial art exponents.

Present were state Public Administration, Economic Planning, Finance and Community Development chairman Datuk Husam Musa and state police chief Senior Assistant Commissioner 1 Datuk Abd Rahim Hanafi.

In Butterworth, more than 15,000 people thronged the Padang Pemuda Merdeka here to participate in the state-level celebrations yesterday.

They were entertained for three hours by 140 contingents comprising 8,600 participants from various government and private sector organisations, NGOs and school bodies.

Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, his wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff and Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon were present.

Joining the crowd was world-renowned Japanese musician-cum-composer Masanori Takashi or Kitaro, 54, and his delegation.

In Kuala Terengganu, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh launched the celebrations at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah stadium.

He reminded the crowd of almost 5,000 that multiracial unity was Malaysia’s strength.

"We have shown the world that a multicultural and multireligious country can live in tolerance, harmony and peace."

Later, a procession comprising the army, police, state government agencies, the Terengganu Mini-Motor club, several schools and non-governmental agencies paraded from the stadium to Dataran Shah Bandar.

On the eve of Merdeka, about 10,000 people thronged the Batu Buruk park for the "Ambang Merdeka" celebrations, which ended with a fireworks display.

Earlier, about 100 people from 10 Christian denominations participated in a service at the St Andrews Anglican Church in Jalan Tok Lam to pray for peace and stability in the country.

In Kuantan, a crowd of over 25,000 turned up for the state-level Merdeka Day parade here yesterday.

Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, his consort, Sultanah Kalsom, and Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah witnessed the 100-contingent-strong parade, which began at the Municipal Council Field 1 and ended at the Kemunting field in Jalan Air Putih.

Stealing the show was eight-year-old mathematics genius from Perak, Adi Putra Abdul Ghani, who recited his self-composed poem entitled Akulah Adi Putra Anak Merdeka ("I am Adi Putra, the Merdeka boy").

In Seremban, thousands gathered to watch a parade in front of the Seremban Munipal Council building yesterday.

Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abd Rahman, Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Tunku Besar Burhanuddin and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan joined in the festivities.

Sixty-nine contingents from the public and private sectors took part in the parade watched by some 10,000 people.

In his speech, Mohamad reminded the younger generations to work hard to ensure that the nation continued to excel.

"Although Malaysia and Negri Sembilan have enjoyed a great deal of development in the last 50 years, there is work to be done to improve the lives of people from all walks of life."

In Shah Alam, more than 4,000 people from 109 contingents involving government departments, local authorities, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, uniformed bodies and school bands took part in a parade yesterday.

The state treasury contingent emerged the best government contingent while Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd was declared the best private sector contingent.

The police cadet contingent from SMK Seksyen 24, Shah Alam, came out the best school-uniformed body contingent while Shah Alam City Council was the top contingent in the local authorities category.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud and state executive councillors. (NST, 1/9/2007)

Challenge for Barisan

Joceline Tan

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will have no problem winning a new mandate but there are a number of “headache states” that he will have to face in the process.

MUSIC was already blaring from the stage by the time Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh arrived for the Hungry Ghosts festival dinner in Butterworth on Thursday evening.

But the sexy female performers who have become a staple of the Chinese seventh lunar or Hungry Ghosts month had yet to make their appearance.

The Hungry Ghosts festival, or “por tor” as it is known in Penang, is a big thing among the majority Hokkien population.

It is also a big thing for Chinese politicians in the state and arguably the most important month in their calendar.

That evening, DAP's Phee was at the same VIP table with Bagan Jermal assemblyman Ooi Chuan Aik and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho, both from the MCA. Tan had travelled up from Kuala Lumpur because the chairman of the organising group is his close friend.

This was a major gathering: there were 120 tables and every local politician and community leader in the area was there.

Tough job: It may be difficult for the Prime Minister to repeat his golden record of 2004 because even his home state Penang will be keenly fought for by the opposition.
“It is better than a ceramah because in Penang these days, you'd be lucky to get more than 300 people at a ceramah,” said Phee, often dubbed “Lone Ranger” because he is the sole DAP assemblyman in the state.

Almost every area or street in Penang has a por tor committee organising the hungry ghosts festival. Penang Island alone has 256 such committees and popular and wealthier politicians often find themselves attending up to five dinners a night.

Apart from dinners, stage shows and offerings of food and prayers to the roaming spirits, these events are to raise funds for a cause decided by the umbrella body, the Teong Guan Association. This year, they aim to raise RM1mil for a Chinese school.

Phee's colleague on the island, Tanjung MP Chow Kon Yeow, will be even busier because his downtown constituency alone has some 60 por tor groups.

“It's tiring but a great way to touch base with constituents and influential community leaders night after night,” said Chow.

These events can be very political and issues of concern to the Chinese are often on the agenda. Last year, some speakers even talked about the controversy sparked off by the intellectual Dr Lim Teck Ghee's report on the NEP and Malay equity.

The political tone at this year's dinners is bound to go up a few notches with the general election expected early next year and with Penang being the frontline state for the opposition DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Politicians like Phee even joke that the campaign for the Chinese hearts and minds in Penang has begun.

Much has been made of the Chinese discontent in the build-up to the general election.

Azmin: ‘We aim to give the Barisan a headache in every parliamentary seat’
DAP politicians are tight-lipped about plans for their frontline state but they have been telling supporters on the ground they are going to “capture Penang.”

Penang will be among a number of “headache states” for the Prime Minister when he seeks a fresh mandate.

The state has 40 state seats of which 20 are Chinese-majority seats which are now held by MCA and Gerakan. Another 15 seats are Malay-majority while the remaining five are mixed seats with more or less even numbers of Malays and non-Malays.

The opposition is eyeing the Chinese-majority and mixed seats. The DAP is hoping that the charisma of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will provide that extra burst of power to bring in the Malay vote.

At this point in time, it seems inconceivable that the opposition can go from one state seat to the 20-plus seats they need to form the government. Besides, the Northern Corridor Economic Region project is bound to provide some feel-good factor among the Penang people.

“It's definitely going to be a challenge for us but people are excited about the NCER, especially the bridge,” said Deputy Information Minister and Bukit Bendera assemblyman Datuk Chia Kwang Chye.

The DAP is said to be working on a scenario that will fire the imagination of Penang voters, like when Lim Kit Siang came to Penang in 1986, took on and defeated Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

In 1990, he challenged the maestro himself, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu. The contest created great interest and it was a dilemma for Penangites to choose between the two Lims – one who built Penang from a backwater to a thriving industrialised state and the other who is seen as a champion of the underdog.

Will Lim Guan Eng, the chief architect of the DAP campaign, be able to come up with something as exciting?

But the biggest headache for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi continues to be Kelantan.

It has managed to hold on to the state government by a one-seat majority. That alone is testimony to the incorruptibility of its sitting assemblymen.



An opposition wind

The 2004 polls was the golden year for the Barisan Nasional and it is unlikely that Umno can better its performance in Kelantan.

Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat's prestige plunged after PAS came near to losing the state but the Mentri Besar has made a remarkable recovery and seems as invincible as ever.

His blue-eyed boy, state exco member Datuk Husam Musa, has turned the state's finances around. He not only understands how a government is run but he is liked by the Palace, a key factor in the political stability of the state.

Husam is also looking for oomph-factors to get people excited about PAS. He has told friends that he would like to contest in Kepala Batas against Abdullah or in Putrajaya.

Nik Aziz has shot down the Kepala Batas idea but he has been neutral about Husam's interest in Putrajaya.

PAS will hold on to Kelantan barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Sabah and Sarawak will present headaches of a lesser scale for Abdullah.

PKR has identified Sabah as one of its key states. The party is banking on the Sabahans' history of going for change, the “Sabah sentiments” among the Kadazandusuns as well as the internal bickering in the ruling coalition over contracts and posts.

“There is an opposition wind and they can capitalise on protest votes but there is no big wind of change,” said a Sabah professional.

Sarawak will see only a parliamentary election because state polls were held last year.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud has said that he is still healthy and intends to lead the parliamentary election. Although the DAP has made a song and dance about its chances in Sarawak, there are only about seven Chinese-majority seats that it is looking at and it would be lucky to win three.

Chia: ‘We will do very well but we will lose a few Parliament seats to them’
There was a Chinese backlash during the state polls which cost the Barisan seven state seats. The Chinese were upset about the leasehold expiration on their property, the fuel price increase and they feel that the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has failed to push for Chinese interests.

“As long as the land lease issue is left hanging, it will cost the SUPP. Basically, the Chinese want a party that speaks up for them. They are not really bothered about who will succeed Taib although they are unhappy about his family's businesses,” said a Sarawak academic.

The conventional wisdom is that Abdullah cannot repeat the record performance of the 2004 election.

According to PKR vice-president Azmin Ali, the rallying cry for the opposition, especially in urban seats, will be issues like corruption, good governance and, most of all, economic issues.

Anwar, he said, had just completed the Malay version of the Malaysian Economic Agenda, which will be part of his manifesto for the general election.

“We aim to give the Barisan a headache everywhere,” he claimed.

Well, maybe not everywhere because Johor will remain the Umno bastion while the Barisan in the other states look set to hold their own against the opposition.

“We will do very well in the general election but we will lose a few Parliament seats to them,” said Chia.

Some have suggested that the opposition do what its counterpart did in Singapore, that is, declare victory to the incumbent ruling party on nomination day, then go on to contest the remaining seats.

This would put to rest the fear among voters of a change in national government while enabling the opposition to concentrate limited resources to seats where they have a fighting chance.

But the idea does not appeal to parties like PKR and PAS because they think that Malays are drawn only to parties with big plans and dreams of winning.

Still, even though the opposition parties intend to contest all of the 219 parliamentary seats, they definitely do not have the tsunami-like force of 1999. (The Star, 19/8/2007)

ECER cooperation sought with Kelantan

PUTRAJAYA (The Star, 21/9/2007): The Federal Government hopes that the Kelantan Government will cooperate in developing the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (ECER) to ensure that growth in the three east coast states is at par with those in the other states.

“Development of the eastern states is vital as it is the Government’s plan for a balanced and equitable development of the whole nation.

“If development for these states is not given a boost then their growth will be slower than states in the west coast,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who would launch the corridor, would announce targets for employment, investments and growth as well as the major sectors to be developed.

At a press conference in Kota Baru, Kelantan said it welcomed the ECER.

“The state is satisfied with the general development ingredients mooted by Petronas,” said state Finance Planning committee chairman Datuk Husam Musa.

In the long-term, Husam wanted the federal government to consider allowing Kelantan to be the landing point for oil and gas extracted particularly from the nearby Malaysia-Thai Joint Development Area.

The oil and gas sectors are some of the many sectors involved in the development of ECER that would cost RM112bil over a span of 15 years.

Najib, speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of an agreement between Felda and Indonesia’s PT Kalpataru Investama on the planting of oil palm in East Kalimantan, also commented on the proposed eKesihatan scheme.

He said Cabinet decided to postpone the eKesihatan health screening for commercial vehicle drivers after receiving a lot of protests from various quarters.

“If we want to start a scheme, it has to be agreed by the affected parties; the concept and the requirements have to be fine-tuned to everyone’s satisfaction,” he said.

Najib said ministries that received negative remarks in the Auditor-General’s Report were now dealing with the Treasury.

Forest policy defended

KOTA BARU (NST, 20/9/2007): The Kelantan government yesterday denied allegations that its policies had adversely affected forests in the state.

State executive councillor Datuk Husam Musa, who is also the State Public Administration, Finance, Economic Planning and Community Development Committee chairman said the state government should be credited for protecting the sandalwood industry. He was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's statement that development had eaten into forests at the Lojing highlands.

Kelantan defends purchase of 39 new vehicles worth RM4.57m

KOTA BARU (The Star, 14/9/2007): The state government has defended its decision to purchase 39 new vehicles, including 13 imported models, worth RM4.57mil as it was part of the requirements of state agencies and local authorities.

Furthermore, several of the vehicles purchased were second-hand reconditioned models as the state was conscious about not overspending, state financial planning committee chairman Datuk Husam Musa said.

According to him, although it was costly, the purchasing of the vehicles was necessary in view of the allocated rights of a few government agencies. Certain state civil posts are also entitled to their own vehicles, he added.

Husam said this in response to the Auditor-General's Report on the state’s administrative expenses from its 2006 Budget.

The annual audit report cited the purchase of the 39 new vehicles as one of the factors contributing to a higher Budget deficit of RM90.59mil for last year in Kelantan.

The deficit emerged after the state expenses were more than income earned. The state spent RM333.93mil while it merely earned RM243.34mil.

The accummulated fiscal deficit for Kelantan rose from RM241.97mil in 2005 to RM332.56mil for last year.

Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang summarised that the state’s financial status was not steady. He advised the state to undertake a form of austerity spending without compromising on the quality of services and public delivery system.

Ambrin also suggested that the state utilise more Malaysian-made Proton Perdana limousines to save on cost as was done by some state governments and the Federal Government.

Initially, the state executive councillors meetings had approved the purchase of 11 new vehicles worth RM1.29mil but it was later changed, and the state went ahead instead to purchase 39 vehicles at RM4.57mil.

Can BN Wrest Kelantan From PAS?

KOTA BAHARU, Sept 13 (Bernama) - It has been almost 17 years since PAS came into power in Kelantan and the people of the state have got use to the opposition party's rule anchored on the Islamic tenets.

While there is still no clear indication on the date for the 12th general election and the current mandate of the government extends to April 2009, one thing for sure is that political pundits have already started estimating Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances on turning the tide against PAS.

Umno shoulders BN's challenge in Kelantan and the party is well aware of the Herculean task ahead in ending PAS' domination. One thing for sure PAS has seen stable leadership in the state through its Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat despite its one seat majority while Umno has recaptured loss grounds.

However, political pundits are cautious in determining the odds for BN and PAS especially knowing well the Kelantan electorate is different compared to the rest of the country. What more when they literally gave BN a 39-0 knockout in the 1990 general election.

UMNO ATTEMPTING A COMEBACK

As for the record, after losing all the state seats in the 1990 election, BN gained some grounds in the following general election in 1995 with seven state assembly seats and two Parliament seats but in the 1999 elections BN was trounced again leaving it with two state seats and a Parliament seat.

Nevertheless, BN finally began seeing light at the end of the tunnel in the 2004 election. In a surprising turn of events BN considered the underdog won 21 out of the 45 state seats and eight of the 14 Parliament seats in Kelantan.

Though BN still failed to acquire the majority to form the state government, at the least it emerged as a credible opposition party in the state. Also for once Umno's presence was felt in the Kelantanese political landscape after a long hiatus.

PAS' majority was further narrowed down following BN's success in wresting the Pengkalan Pasir state seat in the by-election in Dec 2005 leaving BN with 22 seats and PAS with 23.

Yet PAS remained unfazed with the single seat majority. While some political observers started the countdown for the end of PAS' reign, Nik Abdul Aziz and his party held firmly to power and its obvious that they would continue until the next election.

For any political observer the question remains whether BN is really capable of taking on the iconic Nik Aziz, the PAS' spiritual head and a towering figure in Kelantan. There is a local saying that as long as Nik Aziz is there PAS will rule.

UMNO'S INTERNAL PROBLEMS A SETBACK?

It is an open secret that BN's defeat in Kelantan in the 1990 general election was due to internal bickering and Umno's splinter party Semangat 46 headed by a former Umno strongman in the state Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah that split the votes. The effects of the party's internal problem continued until the 1995 general election.

Nonetheless in the 1999 election, the sacking of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from the deputy prime minister's post in 1998 and the events that followed prompted the electorate to denounce BN.

However in the 2004 general election, BN came close to creating a surprise.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's `Mr Clean' image was the factor that won the hearts of the Kelantanese who voted for BN," said an Umno veteran from Machang, Kamal Che Pa, 72.

He related that Abdullah who took over from his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in late 2003 also exemplified good Islamic characteristics.

"That is why a big number of Kelantanese voted for BN, which almost defeated PAS," he said.

UMNO IS WORKING HARD

To win back the people's confidence, Umno has gone the extra mile in convincing the electorate that it can provide a better alternative for PAS.

"Umno headed by its state liaison chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa has done `all that is necessary' to woo the people, and BN will wrest the state assembly mandate from PAS.

"I can see that the momentum for Umno and BN is increasing and there is no reason why we can't unseat PAS this time," said Annuar.

In winning over the people, BN is banking on "Manhaj Islam Hadhari" or the Islam Hadhari approach.

Umno also took note of Terengganu's `Blue Wave' campaign that brought down PAS' administration in the state and came up with the `Kelantan Baru' campaign with the same goal.

BN'S CHANCES ARE GOOD

If the good attendance in programmes organised by Umno is anything to go by, then BN has a good chance of turning the tide against PAS.

Yet for PAS, the changing tide failed to bother its leadership and instead a senior leader of the party voiced his confidence that PAS would win more than 40 Parliament seats at the expense of BN.

PAS' Vice President Datuk Husam Musa said his assumption was based on the increasing support for PAS because the people had enough with Umno and BN. Nik Aziz too shared the same optimism.

Nik Aziz contended that there is no reason why the people should reject PAS because the party has done the best for the people and has never betrayed them.

PAS STILL HAS ADVANTAGES

A Kelantan resident, Asri Yaakub, 42, is still confident that the people in the state would remain loyal to the leadership of ulama.

"It's better to support PAS because we the people of Kelantan are getting all that we never enjoyed during BN's rule in Kelantan," said the goldsmith.

It's true, that the Kelantanese should be thankful to the federal government that has promised billions of ringgit especially for the East Cost Corridor to be launched by Abdullah after Aidilfitri.

Presently, there are many projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan in the implementation stages and visitors to Kelantan would be surprised to see the development there.

The prime minister recently announced the construction of the second bridge across Sungai Kelantan costing RM143 million and is expected to be ready in two years time. A new highway worth billions linking Kota Baharu and Kuala Krai is also on the way.

SITUATION STILL DOESN'T FAVOUR BN

Asri's view is also shared by Umno veteran Tan Sri Hussein Ahmad who is sceptical on BN's chances of capturing Kelantan.

Hussein is of the view that there are many more things that BN must rectify beforehand if it's to win over the people.

"No doubt that Umno has made inroads but it is still not good enough for the party to come into power and no doubt what I'm saying may offend many but this is the reality that Umno has to accept," said Hussein who was the former state Umno information chief.

He claimed that the continuing internal bickering has been a cause of concern for the state Umno.

Hussein also noted that the Kelantanese were looking for "Mr Clean" to administer their beloved state and BN would receive cold shoulders if it is still hounded by internal problems.

Hussein exemplified that "PAS is not strong but it is actually Umno that is weak".

Regardless what Hussein says, the chances of PAS or BN ruling Kelantan at the end of the day is still open for debate.

Kelantan To Review Maternity Leave

KOTA BAHARU, Sept 5 (Bernama) - Kelantan is also reviewing the maternity leave for working women in the state civil service, said Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

However, he said the state government was not planning to adopt wholesale the federal government's extension of the unpaid maternity leave from 90 days to five years.

"In principle, we agree on the proposal for it would benefit working women who needed the rest. Kelantan will review the leave.

"However, we have yet to make any decision as we have not received the papers on the matter," he told reporters after chairing the state Executive Councillors meeting here Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday announced the extension of the unpaid maternity leave to enable working women to give more attention to care for their children.

The leave could be broken up and taken several times but the total must not exceed five years.

Kelantan Public Service, Economic Planning, Finance and Development Committee chairman Datuk Husam Musa said there was no need for the unpaid maternity leave to be extended to five years as two years would be sufficient to mothers to breastfeed their babies.

"Our proposals include extending the paid maternity leave from two months to 90 days either with full pay, half pay or quarter pay.

"This does not mean we favour very long unpaid leave as working women would be without income for a long time. We are also planning to introduce paid `edah' leave (for widows)," he said.

He said the announcement on the revised leave would be made soon.

Mum saves baby as fire razes four houses

KOTA BARU: Housewife Nora Ali’s decision to leave her year-old daughter alone at home to pick up her son from kindergarten nearly proved fatal for the baby.

Fire razed four houses at Kampung Kijang, including Nora’s, but the kindergarten was near enough to her home that the 28-year-old managed to rush back in time to save daughter Aishah Nadia Arif.

Nora said she was on her way to pick up her son, Akmal, when she saw smoke coming from a neighbour’s house.

"I turned back and rushed into the house to get my daughter."

More than 20 people were made homeless in the 11am incident which caused an estimated RM150,000 in losses.

Another victim, Mohd Adip Firdaus Mohd Azmi, 22, said he and five relatives were resting in their rooms when he felt intense heat.

"I woke up and went out of the room and saw flames in the kitchen. I alerted the others and we rushed out of the house," he said.

Kota Baru Fire and Rescue Department chief Ismail Mohd Shukri said 25 firemen took about 30 minutes to control the blaze.

State assemblyman Datuk Husam Musa, who visited the scene, said the state government would give RM1,500 to each family. (NST, 22/6/07)