民聯支持信的雙重標準！雪大臣力挺公正黨發出的支持信

1. 雪州大臣卡立力挺政治秘书法伊卡发出支持信予雪州官联公司的做法，没有违规一事，显示雪州大臣的言行不一，并违反雪州政府於2010年8月发出的通令，即所有行政议员、州议员和县市议员停止发出支持信予工程、供应和服务性质的合约。

2. 在同年7月发生的“巴生市议员鄭文福，冒用行政议员刘天球的信箋和印章发出支持信”事件上，刘天球共发出17封支持信，其中7 封推荐的承包商成功取得总值马币逾70万元的工程。雪州政府当时的态度十分坚决，采取行动開除鄭文福的市议员职，但如今雪州大臣卡立却二度为政治秘书法伊卡护航，甚至承认本身也发出“类似信函”。本人要质问雪州政府，是否在发出支持信的事件上，持有双重标准，即行动党领袖不可以发出支持信，而公正党领袖就可以这么做？

3. 民联向来只懂得歌功颂德，但却对盟党的腐败事件选择视而不见，更试图模糊焦点及转移话题。在大臣政治秘书法伊卡发出支持信一事，行动党领袖皆选择“睁一只眼，闭一只眼”，没有表明立场，依然保持双唇紧闭。试问，向来强调清廉良政的行动党，如何看待上述支持信的事件？

 4. 本人促请雪州大臣卡立，深入调查此事，并向人民清楚交代整件事情的来龙去脉，而不只是说‘有关信件不是支持信，所以法伊卡没有违规’，就可以敷衍了事。人民有绝对的知情权，若雪州政府无法做出合理的解释，其公信力肯定深受质疑。

5. 如果连雪州大臣的办公室也不遵守雪州政府发出的通令，那么其他行政议员、州议员和县市议员又怎会将其通令视为一项指示？此次的“支持信风波”，民联似乎再次违背了给予选民的承诺，甚至欺骗选民。而民联一直强调的“清廉、透明化、负责任”，是否只沦为一种政治口号？

Dare Pakatan insert development of Chinese education into the Buku Jingga?

I challenge PKR leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PAS spiritual leader Dato’ Seri Nik Aziz and PAS President Dato’ Seri Hadi Awang to repeat and agree on what DAP’s Anthony Loke has said, as he claimed that the tripartite Opposition pact had an agreement to open a Chinese independent school in any state or place if there is demand should Pakatan wrest Putrajaya in the 13th general elections.

If this “announcement” is NOT officially made by Anwar, Nik Aziz or Hadi Awang, we will not believe that it is an agreement or consensus reached by the three parties in Pakatan.

If this consensus is indeed reached by the three Pakatan parties, it should be precisely listed in theirBuku Jingga as proof that Pakatan places high priority on the issue whilst demonstrating that this is not another empty promise for the Chinese. Why didn’t Pakatan list it in the Buku Jingga previously and only talk about it now? Apparently, it is just to gain support and votes each time there is a general election.

The PAS-led state government spent RM 330 million to construct Kolej Universiti Insaniah (KUIN)’s campus but failed to allocate land for any Chinese primary school.

No sound from PAS and PKR on opening a new Chinese independent school

I pose to Antony Loke: If there really is such a consensus on education, how come neither PAS nor PKR has released any statement to that effect? Particularly, why has not PKR ketua umum Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is trying to curry Chinese votes released any statement regarding Pakatan opening up any new Chinese independent schools? Doubts linger as to where Antony Loke’s comment is none other than a personal opinion.

 Strangely, when MCA leaders urged Pakatan to clarify whether or not the Chinese School policy is listed in theBuku Jingga, Anwar replied that MCA should ask PM on this issue. Anwar was obviously avoiding the question and finding a way to re-direct the conversation to another topic. TheBuku Jingga does not insert any clause to guarantee that funding will be allocated to Chinese primary schools nor recognize the Unified Examinations Certificate.

DAP has done nothing for education development

DAP consistently claims to emphasize Chinese education and to address educational issues. Yet the Rocket omitted listing Chinese education into the Buku Jingga, let alone any mention of establishing a new Chinese independent school.

Till now, we have not seen DAP or PR working to improve education, whereas, MCA has made significant contributions to education covering every aspect. Our party established KTAR, UTAR and Institute Kojadi which has produced an excess of 200,000 talented and skilled workers.

PKR adopts of policy of self praise but never bothers to pay attention to the wrongdoings by its own members. In the afore-mentioned case, DAP opted to play ignorance. We wish to know DAP’s real position on this matter.

I urge Khalid to conduct an in depth investigation so as to give the people a clear explanation. He cannot simply condone Faekah’s issuance of support letter as the Selangor government will lose its creditability and trust completely.

In view that the Menteri Besar himself is unable to abide by its earlier state directive, how are the Excos, state assemblymen, municipal and district councillors expected to follow suit? Once again, the Selangor state administration has broken on its promise of “competency, accountability and transparency.” Perhaps, these nice sounding descriptions are none other than an empty slogan?

陆兆福宣布将开办独中 蔡智勇挑战列入橙皮书

(吉隆坡26日讯) 马华青年专才局主任拿督蔡智勇今日挑战民联表示，民联执政后，将开办独中，同时无条件承认独中统考文凭的协议，列入橙皮书内，而不是由领袖们自己单方面在台上自吹自擂，自己讲自己爽。

他是针对民主行动党社青团长陆兆福昨日声称，民联三党已达成协议，民联一旦执政，，任何地区只要是有需求，便可直接开办独中。

 也是农业及农基工业部副部长的蔡智勇今日发表文告指出，既然是民联三党达成的协议，就应该直接列入橙皮书内，作为民联的治国方针，以示民联对此事件的重视。因为这对华人是一项承诺，而不只是一个口头禅，只说给华人听，让华人爽的空头支票。

 他认为，既然陆兆福表示这是民联三党的协议，可是​​为什么公正党及伊斯兰党至今却没有对此发表任何声明？特别是公正党实权领袖拿督斯里安华，最近频频表示重视华裔选民，可是却不见他发表任何有关民联将开办独中的课题，让人置疑陆兆福的谈话只是单方面的意见。

 他指出，行动党口声声强调该党重视华教，维护华教，可是却无法争取到把华教，华校和独中列入橙皮书，更甭说办华教，开办独中。

 “到目前为止，我们没有看到行动党或民联开办教育，就如马华一样，开办拉曼学院，拉曼大学和自立学院，培育了无数的人才。”

Animal welfare law must be fair to all, says Tee Yong

KUALA LUMPUR: Any legislation on animal welfare must be acceptable to all, said Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

Speaking at a consultation session between his ministry and animal welfare bodies, Chua said any proposed change must also be suitable.

“As we know, members of the public have differing views pertaining to animal welfare,” he said.

The consultation session, held to discuss provisions under the proposed Animal Welfare Bill, was attended by animal welfare organisations from all over the country.

Later, Chua told reporters that his ministry hoped to get feedback from both members of the public and industry players.

“This is because the Bill will affect everyone. It will not only be in relation to pets but to livestock breeding and the animal-related industry as a whole,” he said.

He said the ministry had conferred thrice with the Attorney-General's Chambers to conduct public consultation, with each period lasting two weeks.

On some local councils still resorting to shooting stray dogs despite the Veterinary Services Department's guidelines prohibiting the act, Chua said: “The problem is that these are only guidelines and not enforceable under any Act.”

The proposed legislation, he added, would prohibit the shooting of animals for the purpose of culling except during emergency situations.

The Government, said Chua, would also be formulating the National Strategic Plan for Animal Welfare by the end of the year.

He said the plan would oversee the development of the country's animal welfare for a period of eight years to bring this in line with that of developed nations.

During the event, the department also launched its Animal Welfare Draft Bill website to gauge public opinion on the proposed legislation.

The website can be accessed at http://research.dvs.gov.my/survey/index.php?sid=56159.

Animal welfare legislation will be accepted to all parties

蔡智勇：無公司可合法出口‧國內燕窩市場沒被壟斷

Created 06/17/2012 - 10:37

陳漢祥（右）贈送水果禮籃給蔡智勇（右2）；左起：拿督周良、何啟文。（圖：星洲日報）  

（彭亨‧關丹16日訊）農業部副部長拿督蔡智勇今日重申，國內燕窩市場沒有被壟斷，並強調至今仍沒有一間公司，可合法出口燕窩到中國。

針對中方要求燕窩須貼上無線射頻辨識（RFID）標籤，他說，農業部將協助業者簡化有關程序，避免繁文縟節。

出口燕窩貼追蹤標籤費時

蔡智勇今午在關丹與農業各相關領域的業者進行閉門會議後，召開新聞發佈會說：“對於出口的燕窩需在包裝貼上追蹤燕窩來源的無線射頻辨識（RFID）標籤，我們認為這需要長期的時間，因此先解決我國燕窩出口問題更實際。”

在漁業問題方面，他指出，農業部自去年開始一直監督及調查C2漁船的產量，確保政府提供的津貼柴油被善用。

他說，該部今年總共吊銷了322艘漁船執照，取消226艘漁船的柴油津貼，以及523艘漁產不達標的漁船。

“至於雙拖網問題，我建議漁民要認真紀錄所有資料，然後交給大馬海事執法機構（APMM）採取行動。”

出席交流會者包括彭州地方政府、環境及衛生委員會主席拿督何啟文、德倫敦州議員陳漢祥、士滿慕州議員拿督彭子明等。

农业部拟制定动物福利法案 禁用枪械射杀猫狗

Created 06/19/2012 - 18:25

                               蔡智勇与出席动物福利法案咨询大会的非政府组织成员交流。

（沙登19日讯）农业及农基工业部将制定2012年动物福利法案，禁止任何人使用枪械射杀猫狗等动物、包括研究、实验或教学及运输动物必须要有良好的设施，违例者将处最高罚款不超过5万令吉或监禁不超过3年，或者两者兼施。

农业及农基工业部副部长拿督蔡智勇说，建议的惩罚分为严重、中级及普通罪行。

“严重罪行罚款最低5000令吉，最高不超过5万令吉或监禁不超过3年，或者两者兼施。”

他说，中级罪行罚款最低3000令吉，最高不过3万令吉或监禁不超过3年，或者两者兼施。而普通罪行则是罚款2000令吉至2万令吉，监禁不超过1年，或者两者兼施。“

他说，新的法案也较为全面，包括运输动物、禽畜及宠物方面；除了刑罚，还包括制定宠物经营者或主人的责任指南及如何避免重犯等条例。

他今日在大马沙登农业展览园为动物福利法案公众谘询大会及把法案上载至网站主持仪式后，发表谈话。

出席者包括兽医局总监拿督阿都阿兹。
公众可以通过网站： www.dvs.gov.my [1] 针对动物福利法案提出各种意见及看法。

不可用动物做研究

蔡智勇说，动物福利法案禁止人们使用枪械射杀猫狗及其他动物，除非有关人士在紧急情况下获得特别准许，如射杀有病的猫狗。

“除非有采取合理的步骤确保动物生理、健康及行为需求，否则不可以使用动物进行研究、实验或教学。”

他说，宠物主人或经营者在交通运输动物时，必须提供干净及良好的设施，包括食物与水。
“若宠物主人或经营者无法提供足够的食物、水及住所给动物，或者丢弃动物，而导致动物饥饿、口渴、受伤或其他创伤、受苦及痛楚；或者主人有意、无意让任何动物带至有传染病的地方，将视为触犯残忍对待动物的罪行。”

法案上载网站

他说，法案也建议部长可以委任公共官员成为福利官员，并有权在新法令下执法。而福利官员也可以委任符合资格人士，成为福利助理官员。

“法案将会分上载至网站寻求公众二次的咨询，则整个程序预料费时2至3个月后，才会提呈到总检察署，过后，才会提交国会寻求通过。”

Upgrade works in Labis

Apr 19, 2012

This is for you: Chua (right) presenting 1Rumah 1Kit, the vegetable growing kit, to residents at Labis village committee building last Sunday.

LABIS: The government has allocated RM500,000 to upgrade roads and install streetlights at various housing areas here.

Labis MP Datuk Chua Tee Yong said road works would be carried at eight residential areas in the district.

This covers Taman Sri Aman, Taman Nanga, Taman Sri Emas, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman Budar Jaya, Taman Sinar Emas, Taman Suria and Perumahan Awam Jalan Muar.

Within the scope of the project, some 20 lamp posts would be installed at Taman Orkid and Taman Sejati.

Chua said the road works would cost RM300,000 while allocation for streetlights were at RM200,000.

“The residents in the affected areas needed streetlights because at present, their roads are dimly-lit.

“Installation of the lamp posts will begin this month,” he said at the presentation of the 1Rumah 1Kit to some 100 families in the town centre here recently.

Chua added that he would ask village heads to monitor the road upgrading works as a means to ensure the job is carried out well.

On the 1Rumah 1Kit, Chua, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry deputy minister, said more than 5,500 kits comprising garden tools, fertilizer, vegetable seeds and a guide book on how to grow plants were given out since last year.

The programme, which was initiated by Chua, was aimed to help reduce household expenses by inculcating the farming habit as well as to reduce carbon foot print.

RM300,000 for upgrading drainage in Chaah

May 28, 2012

LABIS: The government has allocated RM300,000 to upgrade drainage in a new village and Taman Muhibbah in Chaah, said Labis MP Chua Tee Yong.

He visited the project sites recently and said that part of the drainage at Lorong Yunus in the new village was old and needed upgrading.

The drainage around the public field in Taman Muhibbah were damaged and shallow and have to be repaired and rebuilt, he said.

In a separate development, Chua, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry deputy minister, said the Housing and Local Government Ministry has approved RM80,000 to restore the traffic lights at Taman Damai.

The traffic lights became faulty after it was hit by a vehicle in December last year.

Tenang folk to get their first ATM

Site visit: Chua (in orange) visiting the site of the ATM project near the Tenang police station recently.

LABIS: Maybank is set to become the first financial institution to have an automated teller machine (ATM) in a police station.

Labis MP Datuk Chua Tee Yong said a tender was issued for construction of a building at the corner of Tenang police station.

“The installation of the ATM should be completed by July.

“The ATM will be extremely helpful in helping people to save a trip to the nearest bank in Labis or Segamat, located about 20 minutes from here,” he said after visit the ATM project site here recently.

Chua, who is Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said the installation of the ATM, costing between RM60,000 and RM100,000, was part of Maybank’s corporate social responsibility.

He said it was not safe for people to travel to the banks to withdraw money, especially at night.

“We hope everyone will appreciate the bank’s effort and help protect the ATM from being vandalised,” he said.

Chua hoped the new ATM would help to improve businesses near the Tenang police station as the people could withdraw money and spend it in Tenang.

Resident S. Perumal, a 46-year-old supervisor at a private company here said he welcomed the cash dispenser.

“There are many factories that use bank payroll services and because of this we have to travel to Labis town which is more than 12km away to withdraw money,” he said.

Another resident P. Mayandi, 49, said Tenang residents had been waiting for ATM service for a long time.

“Many of us have to take a bus to Labis town because we do not have our own vehicles. A lot of time is wasted on the journey,” he said.

Another resident Lam Heng Leng, 73, said the move was good news for residents of Tenang station.

“I have to drive to Segamat town just to withdraw money and it takes me about 25 minutes to get to the bank if traffic is heavy,” he said.

Export of frozen durians to China set to spike

Wednesday June 13, 2012

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s export of frozen durians to China is set to double this year, said Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

Ever since Malaysia’s frozen durians – minus the thorny shell – entered the Chinese market last year, they have been a hit with consumers, he said at the ministry here.

Chua, who is a big fan of the fruit himself, added that durians from Malaysia were favoured over those from Thailand due to the better aroma, taste and flavour.

“The projected export of frozen durians from Malaysia to China is between 350 tonnes and 500 tonnes a year for the next three years.

“This is against the 150 tonnes, valued at RM11mil, between May and December last year,” Chua said, adding that this amount was processed from 600 tonnes of fresh fruits and just 0.002% of the 313,000 tonnes of durians worth RM1.4bil produced last year.

“While the export of frozen du­ri­ans is expected to grow rapidl­y, the ministry will seek approval from the Chinese authorities to also sell them fresh durians,” he said, adding that Malaysia had the facilities and technology to export fresh durians.

Chua added that the rising export of durians would not affect prices in the local market as they represented a very small percentage of the production.

Nonetheless, he said the hectarage for durian plantation would be expanded following a high probability of assured growth for frozen durians.

“The market for Malaysian durians in China is at its infancy stage and marketing efforts will be directed towards developing and enhancing consumer acceptance,” he said of the vast market potential in China with a population of more than 1.3 billion.

Last year, Malaysia exported fresh durians worth an estimated RM18.5mil to Singapore, against RM15.4mil in 2010.

蔡智勇：果農菜農申請外勞 冀內政部2月內批准

03/06/2012 23:32

（東甲3日訊）農業及農基工業部副部長拿督蔡智勇說，果農及菜農申請外勞時，無需再獲人力資源部的支持，同時希望把原本6個月的批准時間，縮成兩個月。
　

“經過一番商討，內政部也同意簡化外勞申請手續的措施，如今，業者只需到縣農業局索取申請表格，后經過縣官員調查及州農業局批准，業者就能把相關文件直接提呈農業部。”

　蔡智勇也是拉美士區國會議員，他今午蒞臨馬華禮讓區會與農業業者交流對話后，如是指出。

　他說，農業部收集所有申請后，便提呈內政部，之后由內政部批准有關申請。

　“我們希望，從部門接獲業者的申請至批准，從原本的6個月縮短至2個月。”

　他補充，業者在整個外勞申請過程中，有關申請者只需親自到吉隆坡一次，即面試的時候，其他時候都能委託代表代勞。

　他坦承，隨著部門簡化外勞申請程序，預料將有很多人提出申請，所以該部門也成立專門小組，負責處理外勞申請事宜。

　針對飼料法令，蔡智勇坦承，基于現今科技發達，原有的法令不足以監督及飼料的生產及發展。

　“國會上下議院已通過‘飼料管制法令’，預料在近期內宣布詳情。”

希望簡化程序
★陳端清（柔佛州中小型禽畜業總會會長）
希望政府能簡化農業業者申請外勞的程序。
　農業業者申請外勞時，需舟車勞頓，希望有關申請手續能簡化，方便業者。　

冀養雞業獲補貼
★陳蘇潮（馬來西亞菜農總會主席）
希望農業部能為養雞業者提供補貼。

　此外，雞農也希望農業部關注飼料問題，儘快落實“飼料管制法令”。

蔡智勇：大受歡迎 出口中國榴槤料倍增

13/06/2012 22:30

（布城13日訊）農業及農基工業部副部長拿督蔡智勇指出，政府預料今年出口至中國的冷凍榴槤數量增加兩倍。　

　他說，我國去年將冷凍榴槤出口至中國，獲該國人民喜愛，並指我國的榴槤比泰國更勝一籌，主要因為我國榴槤的香氣濃郁，口感、風味更佳。

　“從大馬到中國的冷凍榴槤，預計出口量為每年350噸至500噸，將持續3年。”

　蔡智勇昨日在部門指出，去年5月至12月期間，出口榴槤數量為150噸，總值1100萬令吉。

　他透露，除了出口冷凍榴槤，該部門也有意向中國有關當局尋求出口新鮮榴槤的批准，並補充我國已有出口新鮮榴槤的科技及設備。

擬動物福利法禁鎗殺貓狗‧蔡智勇：另修法令虐畜罰1萬5

Created 06/15/2012 - 10:49

（布城14日訊）農業部將制定動物福利法案，禁止任何人使用鎗械射殺貓狗等動物，更人性化地處理流浪貓狗的問題；同時也修訂1953年動物法令，讓擁虐待動物前科者，面對最高監禁6個月或罰款高達1萬5千令吉的刑罰。

目前，虐待動物者的罰款只是200令吉。

農業及農基工業部副部長拿督蔡智勇接受星洲日報專訪時說，動物福利法案其中一項草擬建議，就是禁止人們使用鎗械射殺貓狗及其他動物，除非有關者在緊急情況下獲得特別准許，如射殺有病菌的貓狗。

這項建議一旦通過，未來地方政府或市政廳等不再被容許使用鎗械射殺流浪貓狗。
“用鎗械射殺動物是不人道的做法，你可考慮使用麻醉藥捕捉它們，採取較人道的做法。”

福利法屬新法案
他也重申，新動物福利法案是全新法案，並不是1953年動物法令的修正版，兩者是有區別的，前者更加深入關切有關動物“福利”範圍，後者則是提高刑罰，加強執法。
他說，農業部將於6月19日在大馬沙登農業展覽園（MAEPS）召開公眾諮詢大會，讓公眾針對新動物福利法案提出各種意見及看法。

此外，該擬定的法案也較為全面，概括運輸動物的交通、禽畜及寵物方面；除了刑罰，還包括擬定寵物主人的責任指南及如何避免重犯等條例。

修動物法令年內呈國會

蔡智勇說，他們也跟進修改動物法案事項，雖沒在4月份的國會提呈，但應該會在今年內提呈國會尋求通過。

通過後的動物修正法案，一旦證實虐待動物者擁有前科，將加重刑罰，可監禁最高6個月，或罰款最高達1萬5千令吉。目前虐待動物者的罰款很低，犯者只須繳交200令吉。

2法案可同步應用
一旦通過動物修正法案及動物福利法案，兩者可以同步並用來對付有關犯罪者，而動物修正法案則加強刑罰。

“比如重犯者，除了刑罰，我們要如何防止他們不再重犯，如取消他養寵物的資格等，好讓有關事故不再發生。”

福利法概括寵物主人責任

蔡智勇說，動物福利法案不只是針對虐待動物者，也概括寵物主人應有的責任，或在照顧寵物者時需給予動物的福利條款。

他說，該法案也建議設立“動物福利助理”職位，讓公眾成為部門的“耳目”，更有效的執法。
針對該部是否有統一機構去處理流浪動物及執行防虐待動物條例，他表示，法案推出後，還有很多執照及註冊等種種涉及行業事項需要處理，目前還沒有一個部門真正地去關注或處理這課題。

收集流浪貓狗結紮意見
詢及有愛好動物者宣導為杜絕流浪狗貓問題，必須為動物結紮的行動，他認為，民眾及非政府組織能給予意見。

“我們相信結紮或可幫助減少流浪貓狗問題，但這並不代表野狗野貓就會從此消失，還是會有人丟棄它們，問題的根源是人們如何對待本身的寵物。”

蔡智勇：新動物福利法案涉及範圍甚廣，除了有關禽畜及寵物方面的福利，草擬的內容還包括寵物主人責任指南及如何避免重犯等條例。（圖：星洲日報）

蔡智勇：董总应慎言免信誉毁誉一旦

（吉隆坡13日讯）马华青年专才局主任拿督蔡智勇敦促董总不要为了逞一时之勇，单凭一封由教育部官员当年发出的回函，就妄下定论，这将抹杀马华对马来西亚华文教育所做出的贡献。

 他指出，副教育部长拿督魏家祥已经做出了非常清楚的澄清，也一再的强调事实上根本没有所谓的“契约”存在，当时出任教育部长的首相拿督斯里纳吉也表明没有任何限制华小或独中发展的契约存在。

 “当时的教育部长纳吉也已做出否认，马华也没有理由答应有关协议，这里我感到纳闷的是，当时董总在针对华小师资短缺问题时，对官方提出的数据和文件抱持质疑的态度，如今却对一份官员的公函笃信无疑，这是否是选择性的相信？”

他表示，马华在有关事件发生后已经彻底的调查有关指责的来龙去脉，当年参与1995年教育草案时的马华，民政领袖都已经否认有关契约的存在，马华当年努力的为华文教育做出的努力，致力的维护华文教育都是有目共睹的，这决不能没抹杀和忽视。

“马华在捍卫母语教育所做出的努力是有目共睹，独中教育近几年来在我国的可谓发展蓬勃，在马华的努力下，独中生开始可以申请高教教育基金贷款（PTPTN），而从2010起，50名最优越的统考生也获政府无条件颁发奖励金到国内外深造，以统考的成绩可以用以申请进入师训学院以及为独中设立分校等等成绩，董总的“典当华教”言论已经不攻自破”。

他希望，董总能够确确实实的拿出证据，而不是单凭一封以教育部官员名义回函的信件就扑风捉影，身为马来西亚华文教育其中一个重要的成员，董总必须慎言，不要典当了他们幸苦建立起来的信誉。

Dong Zong must not jump to conclusions based on one letter

I urge Dong Zong to not hurl accusations and jump into conclusions at the spur of the moment based on a mere letter by a Ministry of Education official subsequently obliterate all MCA’s past contributions towards the Chinese education in Malaysia.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Dr Ir Wee Ka Siong had already provided a clear explanation on this matter and had once again denied the existence of such a deal undertaken by MCA. Our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the then Minister of Education had also confirmed Dr Wee’s remarks, reiterating that an agreement which would constrict Chinese primary schools and Chinese Independent schools development was never made.

What leaves me pondering is that Dong Zong questioned the collected data and documents on teacher shortage issues but now throws its absolute trust in this ambiguous letter. Is Dong Zong biased and practising double standards?

Since this incident erupted, MCA has conducted a thorough investigation. Our findings conclude that BN leaders and MCA who were involved in the 1995 Education Bill did not strike such a deal.

MCA’s efforts for UEC holders yield results

MCA had diligently made consistent efforts to strive for Chinese education and will always be committed in preserving its continuity and growth. Our efforts are seen by the public as they have not come undone.

We succeeded in achieving new heights for UEC education as UEC holders are now eligible to apply for the PTPTN loan. As of 2010, 50 excellent UEC top-scorers are also annually awarded with unconditional grants to further their studies overseas while UEC students are also permitted entry into teacher training colleges. Dong Zong’s claim that we neglect our Chinese education is absolutely invalid.

I hope, Dong Zong will soon provide concrete proof rather than merely using a letter from a Ministry official as evidence. As one of the influential groups in Chinese education affairs, Dong Zong must be cautious and not tarnish the good reputation it has built for years.

Datuk Chua Tee Yong

MCA Young Professionals Bureau Chief

Member of Parliament for Labis

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister

動物福利法案通過後 嚴禁射擊野狗

(吉隆坡9日訊）農業部副部長拿督蔡智勇指出，一旦動物福利法案通過，日后當局將嚴禁射擊野狗或其他動物。

　他指出，射擊野狗，將被視為一種“殘忍行為”，而且早前就有很多投訴，指責當局不人道對待野狗。

　他說，該部對此條例沒有立場，但是有必要加入另一項條文，以便在緊急時刻或症病控制時，射擊動物行動不受影響。

　“無論如何，禁止射擊動物，是照顧動物福利與保護的措施。”
　蔡智勇是在接受《星報》訪問時，這么指出。

　他說，該部會在本月19日，在沙登農業展覽中心舉行開放日，供大眾就此法案提供回饋意見。

虐畜者禁養動物

　“除了原有的罰款及坐牢刑罰外，我們也會禁止一個人飼養動物，以防止他們重犯虐待動物的罪行。”

　他說，新法案的範疇，覆蓋所有動物，包括動物園的動物。

　他指出，新法案也將允許公眾協助當局，一起進行杜絕虐待動物的行為。

　“但這不是授權公眾，而是讓公眾扮演著監督的角色。”

　他說，待總檢察署審核新法案后，該部將提呈到國會；同時政府也會修改1953年動物法令。

　他指出，修改后的法令，一旦虐待動物罪名成立，將可罰款5萬令吉，或坐牢一年，或兩者兼施；而現在的刑罰是罰款200令吉，或坐牢不超過6個月，或兩者兼施。

Inhumane act’ may be banned

PUTRAJAYA: Shooting of stray dogs and other animals will be banned if the proposed Animal Welfare Bill is passed with all the suggestions intact.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said shooting was “an inhumane act” and there had been too many complaints over the mistreatment of stray dogs.

“Generally, the ministry does not condone nor support such acts,” he said. “However, there is a need to include a clause in the Bill for exceptions, such as in an emergency or for disease control,” he said in an interview.

Banning the shooting of animals is one of several proposals under the Bill, which Chua described as “a stepping stone to strengthen the welfare and protection of animals”.

He said the ministry would hold an Open Day on June 19 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang to gather feedback from the public, NGOs and other stakeholders on how best to improve the Bill.

“Aside from imposing fines and jail terms for offences related to animal welfare, we are also looking into introducing deterrent measures in the Bill,” he said.

“These include disqualifying a person from keeping pets to prevent the offence from being repeated.”

Chua said the Bill would cover all animals, including domesticated pets, livestock and zoo animals.

“Part of the Bill also outlines the responsibility of pet owners. This is subject to debate and as such, we welcome suggestions from the public at the Open Day,” he said.

So as to have a closer working relationship with the public on the issue, Chua said the Bill would also allow people to assist the ministry's officers in eradicating animal cruelty.

“They will not have the same powers and jurisdiction as the officers but they can keep an eye on behalf of the ministry,” he said.

Chua said the Bill would be ready for tabling only after obtaining clarification from the Attorney-General's Chambers.

“However, while waiting for the Bill to be ready, the existing Animal Act 1953 will be amended to impose heavier penalties for animal cruelty,” he said, adding that the ministry hoped to table these changes this year.

Soon, those found guilty could be fined up to RM50,000, a year's jail term, or both. Currently, the maximum fine is RM200, a jail term of not more than six months, or both.

Source: The Star
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/6/9/nation/11448770&sec=nation

Speak up Guan Eng, on Anwar’s proposal to axe PTPTN loan repayments

I challenge Lim Guan Eng to speak up against Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent antics of encouraging PTPTN loan recipients to not repay their debts as well as his promise to scrap the PTPTN loan. Such a move will spiral the nation into bankruptcy.

The DAP Secretary General must clarify his stance regarding Anwar’s proposal to shelve the PTPTN loan. Is this declaration made by Anwar an official announcement of Pakatan’s future plans or is it a mere personal stand of Anwar’s? Lim Guan Eng must inform the public on DAP’s stance on this matter.

In the past, Lim Guan Eng and his DAP cronies were often ‘bullied’ by their Pakatan allies as their opinions were called ‘personal opinions’ which do not represent the Opposition coalition’s collective view. Now, Anwar has made such irresponsible remarks - will Lim Guan Eng muster the courage to publicly oppose Anwar, and claim that ‘Anwar’s urge to not repay loans’ does not reflect the Rocket’s stance?

Anwar’s remarks a populist measure

This is not the first time Anwar made such outrageous comments. Previously, he promised to lower petrol prices. Now, his promise of removing the PTPTN loan is merely another populist measure to take over Putrajaya, which was not uttered under with scrutiny nor considerable thought.

Pakatan leaders also did not clarify on alternative policies to be implemented response to the lowering of petrol prices and the abolition of the North-South Expressway and the PTPTN loan scheme.

It is necessary of Anwar to give a detailed account of the whole implementation and abolition process to ensure accountability for these policies and not just utter verbal promises.

To fish for votes ….

Pakatan has made many remarks to instigate public hatred to fish for votes in light of the forthcoming General Elections. To appeal to the younger voters, Anwar resorted to urging them to refuse repaying their loans. In his desperation for power, Anwar displays ridiculous behaviour.

The shameful thing is, all these promises were made by a former Minister of Finance. The whole objective of the establishment of the PTPTN loan fund is to aid needy students who cannot afford tuition fee and living expenses during their tertiary years.

This loan scheme has proven to be a success as many students applied for this scheme in pursuit of their studies. Besides that, top-scorer students are exempted from repaying as the loan is converted into a scholarship while students with average results are not charged with any additional fees. It is a fairly reasonable scheme.

Anwar however is inciting the students to break the law while Lim Guan Eng is turning a blind eye towards this matter.

Anwar, as the Selangor economic advisor should walk the talk, and start by lowering the assessment tax by 20% in Selangor as he promised. Compared to the other impractical commitments he pledged, this promise looks more easily to be achieved.

Datuk Chua Tee Yong

MCA Youth Professionals Bureau Chairman

Member of Parliament for Labis

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries

安华呼吁人民勿偿还高教贷款，林冠英应表明立场

（吉隆坡4日讯）马华青年专才局主任拿督蔡智勇促林冠英就安华指民联执政即废除高教，并呼吁人民勿偿还高教贷款一事表明其立场，莫要再视而不见巧取功劳轻松当自个儿的官大爷。

 “林冠英有必要针对安华所提及的民联执政就废除高教贷款一事表明立场，那究竟这项宣布是民联领袖共同达致的立场，仰或是安华本身的立场，林冠英需对其表明行动党的立场。”

 “从过去的许多课题来看，林冠英和行动党的言论常常被民联友党贬为不能代表民联的‘个人意见’，毫无地位可言，那么现在安华这番无法无天的言论，林冠英是否敢否决，公开声明‘安华呼吁拒绝还贷款’的言论不代表民联立场？”

 他补充，安华为了确保来届大选夺得中央政权，已经不仅一次夸下海口声称降油价，废除高教贷款等承诺，惟这些都是在未经思考，而胡乱许下的承诺。民联领袖也没有考量到降低油价，废除南北大道以及高教贷款后的替代政策，只是模糊带过浅白的表述，却丝毫没有提及替代政策，安华应仔细说明如何执行和废除这些政策的实际内容，并且拟订一套“替代”政策，而非只是停留于表面敷衍的承诺。

 “来届大选越来越逼近，民联为筹谋胜算，经常做出煽动民众的言论，而这一次为了夺得年轻人的青睐，安华更夸张至呼吁人民勿偿还贷款，并指若政府要控告就由得其控告的荒谬论，这简直是不可理喻。”

 他补充，令人不耻的是，这些信口开河的承诺是出自于曾任财政部长的安华口中。高等教育基金成立的目的本是为了帮助没有经济能力负担学费的学子所设的，而许多学子也是因为这笔贷款而成功完成学业，成绩卓越的学子也可豁免学费，至于学业成绩不过不失的学子自然得依照合约做出偿还，实属合理。可是，如今安华竟然怂恿学子罢还贷款，林冠英也没有再保持缄默的理由，因此其有必要站出来表达支持安华言论的立场。

 “既然安华身为雪州州政府经济顾问，那倒不如安华可以实际点，首先落实在雪州降低20%门牌税的承诺来的更为实际，这项承诺相信更甚于那些口惠而实不至的虚情假话。”

MB: Images of idols not allowed

Sunday May 27, 2012

KOTA BARU: PAS appears to make a small consensus following the controversy on designs of new buildings but insist there be no image of idols.

The Kelantan government would allow buildings to be constructed without any Islamic feature so long they did not have elements that were against the religion, said Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Mat.

“Islam is a universal religion and suitable for all races. The Buddhist association can build it (its new building) as long as it does not have elements that go against Islam.

“For instance, they can have any Chinese design, architecture or colour, but they are discouraged from putting images of idols on the buildings,” he said after launching the state Muktamar Dewan Ulama PAS in Machang yesterday.

He was commenting on a controversy involving the Kelantan Buddhist Association, which was required to abide by municipal by-laws requiring new buildings within its jurisdiction to have Islamic features.

It had been reported that the Kelantan Buddhist Association had submitted an appeal to the state government for its building to be constructed with Chinese features at Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin here.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also PAS spiritual leader, said the state government had no problem with the Chinese community and highlighted that they had built the Golden Jubilee Mosque, better known as the Chinese Mosque, which was inspired from his visit to Beijing.

“The mosque was created 100% based on Chinese design and architecture. Previously, many Chinese groups had also approached me to seek approval to build Chinese-themed buildings and I approved them,” he added.

On a statement by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that “unceasing violent demonstration” might erupt if Pakatan Rakyat loses in the coming general election, Nik Abdul Aziz said such incidents would not occur as the Opposition did not promote political violence.

“We have lost in many general elections and it (violence) has never happened,” he said.

In LABIS, MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yongsaid the state government should focus on the basic needs of the people such as clean piped water supply instead of emphasising on non-welfare related matters.

He also challenged DAP to make its stand clear on PAS’ new ruling

School receives aid to upgrade premise

Friday June 1, 2012

By CHRISTINA TAN

LABIS: A Chinese primary school here in Chaah would receive RM100,000 to upgrade its infrastructure and fund its educational activities.

Labis MP Datuk Chua Tee Yong said the SJK (C) Chaah needed the fund to renovate its school hall, basketball court and other facilities to provide a better environment for its pupils.

He added that the funds were from his Parliamentary allocation as well as donations from the MCA and members of the public.

“I hope this will provide a more conducive environment for pupils here,” he said at the launch of the school’s diabolo camp here recently.

Chua, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry deputy minister, said the fund would be issued in stages as it came from different parties.

He added that the SJK (C) Chaah is not the only Chinese school in Labis under the care of the government.

Two other schools, the SJK (C) Tenang in Pekan Air Panas and SJK (C) Bekok also benefited from the allocations.

In a separate development, Chua said the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia had set up a recycling centre in Bekok new village to help encourage recycling among the villagers.

He said the collection centre had began its operations in April to collect recyclable items.

“I hope villagers will participant by involving in home recycling to protect the earth,” he said after visiting the centre recently.

He added that villagers could sort out their waste at home and bring the recyclable waste to the Tzu-Chi recycling centre.

Chua added that Malaysia produces average of 22 tonnes of waste everyday and 50% of the waste are mainly discarded foodstuff.

He added that recycling would help reduce the amount of garbage and raw material needed for various productions.

Chua said there are at least 10 volunteers working at the recycling centre and the money collected from the recyclable waste would be donated to charity.

Malaysians urged to keep house plants with health benefits

INDOOR green plants are more than decorations because many of them also have the power to make a difference to our quality of life.

From clearing cigarette smoke to repelling mosquitoes, houseplants such as peace lilies and geranium are set to feature more
prominently in Malaysian houses soon.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong, who was captivated by the plants during a visit to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Develop-ment Institute (Mardi) in Serdang recently, said plans were afoot to raise public awareness on such plants so more people could enjoy the benefits.

Repels mosquitoes: Chua taking a whiff of a geranium plant. With him is Mardi horticulture research centre director Tengku Ab Malik Tengku Maamun (left).

“They are also beautiful and easy to maintain. All them of them have different uses and strengths,” he said, citing peace lilies which help to clear the air of cigarette smoke as an example.
For people who are allergic to dust in the air, Chua suggested that they plant bamboo palms at home because it could reduce irritation caused by air pollution.

“One can also trade their mosquito coil or spray for geranium plants which have the ability to ward off mosquitoes,” he added.
Chua said geranium plants could also double as an insect repellent when placed on balconies of apartments or condominiums.

Meanwhile, Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Abd Shukor Abd Rahman said these plants, costing between RM5 and RM10, were God’s gifts.

I
Instant demo: A Mardi staff member demonstrating how the peace lily plant is able to clear the air of cigarette smoke, at the Mardi headquarters in Serdang.

He said some of the plants originated from tropical rainforests but had long been planted as decorative plants in local households.

“Mardi is trying to identify the active compound in these plants which enable them to have these special abilities.

“If we can process the compound, we can create products for commercial use,” he said.

The following are some of the indoor plants and their uses.

Peace Lily

Peace lily has the ability to purify indoor air from tobacco smoke and trading it for fresh oxygen. The plant also gets rid of toxic gases such as formaldehyde found in paint, and benzene, which is found in cigarette smoke. With its dark green leaves and spade-shaped white flowers, it is also a beautiful plant that adds a fresh touch to home surroundings. Peace lilies thrive in shady areas and needs to be watered about once a week. Keeping several peace lily plants at home can help reduce stuffiness in the air.

Geranium

With the citrus smell of its leaves, the geranium plant has the very practical and useful ability to repel mosquitoes. It is suitable to be placed in bedrooms and gives off a slight fragrance in the air. While it can be kept indoors, the plant needs to be brought out for some sunshine every two to three days. The plant takes about two months to grow from seed to a mature plant.

Aloe Vera

Perhaps more well known than other houseplants, the aloe vera is believed to have healing properties and can be used to treat wounds. This succulent plant is also able to clear the air from toxic gases like formaldehyde and benzene. Commercially, aloe vera gel is processed into facial products, yogurt, beverages and some desserts.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese evergreen plant has the ability to filter various toxic gases such as ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. It is easily maintained and does not require much sunlight. This leafy plant grows from 20cm to 150cm in height. It is a popular ornamental plant seen in shopping malls, hotels and offices as it is easy to grow.

Spider Plant

With its leaves stretching out like spider legs, this plant is helpful in purifying the air and reduces indoor air pollution. It clears the air from pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. This plant thrives easily but grows best at temperatures between 18°C and 32°C.

Source: The Star