PM announces 11 measures to slash public sector spending

PM announces 11 measures to slash public sector spending

PETALING JAYA: The Government has announced 11 cost-cutting measures for the public sector in line with its intention to practice more prudent spending in 2014.

The Prime Minister in a statement Monday said the decision to undertake the measures was made after discussions with his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.

“Other savings measures for the public sector will be announced from time to time based on needs and the current situation,” Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said in the statement.

The measures include cutting the entertainment allowances of Minister and Deputy Ministers by 10%; requiring all government ministries, agencies and premises to cut their electricity bills by 5%; cutting the toll payment facilities for senior government officers by 30%; and reducing the use of event management companies and door gifts for conventions and government functions involving public servants.

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In the coming years, the people will feel the pinch as expenses and cost of living increases. I foresee that jobs will be hard to come by, salaries, bonuses and perks will shrink as businesses have to contend with rising costs. In other words, the people will be angry.

What the PM has announced so far will not make any impact in terms of cost savings. But it will be seen as an act of empathy.Hopefully, he has plans to implement measures that will actually address the problems.

The people will be watching very, very closely on the actions of the government, both state & federal, in the years to come. These days, it is no longer possible to hide behind official reasons or excuses. This should be applied to the State level as well. Pakatan Rakyat supporters should keep a close eye on the doings of the Pakatan ADUNs & MPs. They are just as fallible. Some of them were ex-BN, mind you.

We should not be distracted by rhetorical issues. Focus on real, tangible issues. Issues that have a direct impact in our lives. Don't let the politicians make use of you to fulfill their agendas.

Instead of them asking us what we can do for the country, from now onwards, WE should be asking them what they can deliver/do for us, the people. Why must the people let themselves to be led by the nose?

1. THE PEOPLE should be setting the benchmark for THEM!

2. THE PEOPLE should set THEIR agendas.

3. THE PEOPLE should demand TANGIBLE results from THEM.

4. THE PEOPLE should not let themselves be USED.

5. THE PEOPLE should be proactive, not wait for THEM to get things done.

Lets get back to basics, shall we. A few examples:

Rising Prices
There is actually nothing much that can be done. The only way to reduce prices is through subsidies. But since everyone supports the removal of subsidies, (which I don't agree fully), increase minimum wages, then you have to accept rising costs. You have a choice. Either you cut your expenses, or you work harder to earn more. Back in the days, it is common for people to hold 2 or more jobs or side business for extra income, and are prudent with their spending. These days, workers demand high pay, short working hours, long vacations and even longer loans to enjoy first world lifestyle. Well, like they say, there's a price for everything.

Education
Everyone gripes about our lousy education system, but the more they meddle with it, the worse it gets. Since we know it will be ages before we see any improvements, if any, it's about time parents themselves take on the responsibility. Which should be the way in the first place. Why are educated parents outsourcing their responsibilities to others in the first place? The basic role of parents are to provide food, shelter, and guidance for their children. Impart values and ethics and the skill to seek knowledge, so that they will grow up to be independent and responsible adults. When your kids grow up to be undisciplined spoilt brats, it's your fault.

Medical Care
Medical care is getting out of reach for many people. Why are the people not concerned about this? They are so preoccupied with freedom of speech, democracy, corruption, and a host of other issues, while totally oblivious to those that have a direct impact on their well-being. The truth is, globally, people cannot afford to get sick. Getting sick is expensive. But the people have forgotten that affordable medical care is a basic human right. As you get older, this will be your major concern. So, wouldn't it be better if the people ensure that the government provides this to all?

Housing
It is obvious that housing is getting out of reach for the average population. If nothing is done, our future generations will be homeless. There must be a system in place to address this problem. Governments cannot put the responsibility on the developers. Housing developers are businesses. The responsibility rests with the government. In Penang & Selangor, for example, prices are skyrocketing. The developers are building expensive houses that give them higher profits.

Common Sense
Humans are driven by the herd mentality. It's human nature. It is the number one force that drives politics, stock markets, or any type of speculation, and even public rallies & protests. Why? Because humans react differently in different situations. That is why politicians like to put the people in a state of panic. When human are in panic, their brains reacts accordingly. They will follow the herd and do what they are told. Common sense and critical thinking shuts down.

That is how people are made to do terrible things to other people. For every kind of conflict, wars, killings, clashes, involving large groups of people, the participants are always in a state of panic, hysteric even. The way soldiers are trained reaffirms this concept. They are trained not to think, and only to obey orders. Which is why, when these soldiers return after their missions, many require counseling, suffering from guilt and depression.

So as the New Year is just around the corner, I would like to wish all A Happy New Year!

And my new year wish for Malaysians is to take a step back, calm your minds and see things as they really are. Not what you think they ought to be. Choose the middle way.

Zaid: Crackdown on conversions the way out of ‘Allah’ impasse

Zaid: Crackdown on conversions the way out of ‘Allah’ impasse

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 — Stronger anti-conversion and proselytisation laws will let Putrajaya address Muslim apostasy and allow the Christian use of “Allah” to end a growing standoff over the Arabic word, former minister Zaid Ibrahim said today.

Accusing Putrajaya of having taken the “lazy way out” in 1988 by banning non-Muslims from using the Arabic word for God, Zaid said the government could still return religious ties to how they were before the now-soured interfaith relations and “widespread animosity” between the Muslim majority and the Christian community here.

“If Christians say ‘Allah’ is integral to their Scriptures and their faith, then let’s accept that and move on. Equally, Christians should affirm that they will respect the rights of Muslims to practise their faith undisturbed,” the former Umno leader wrote in a blog posting today titled “The way to end the ‘Allah’ row”.

“No one should engage in deceitful, coercive or unlawful activities to convert anyone else — it’s not only illegal but morally repugnant,” he added, acknowledging fears by the Muslim community of alleged conversion attempts directed at them.

Earlier in his blog post, Zaid said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should recognise that “Christians consider the use of ‘Allah’ to be integral to their faith despite the ‘finding of fact’ by the Court of Appeal that it was not”.

Najib should also have a special sitting with the Malay rulers to solve the “Allah” controversy and revisit the 1988 decision to ban non-Muslims from using the Arabic word for God, Zaid said.

Pointing to the “repeated public display of utter confusion” by the government on the effects of the ban, Zaid said the conflicting opinions amounted to “international embarrassment” and needs to be stopped with clear discussions by the country’s leaders.

“The prime minister and the Malay rulers must discuss this issue with detachment and clarity. They should begin by returning to the pre-1988 status quo,” he wrote.

The former law minister said that a review of the then Home Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar’s reports and consultation of the religious departments in different states would show that there was “real concern” prior to the 1988 ban that certain Christian evangelists “were aggressively converting Muslims”.

The ban only served to treat the symptoms rather the real problem of Muslim conversion, he said, referring to the federal government and the state religious authorities' ban.

“It merely gazetted a few regulations banning the use of some words and thought the problem would go away. The state religious authorities took a similar route by passing laws to prevent ‘Allah’ and other words of Arabic origin from being used by non-Muslim. They thought this would stop the process of conversion,” he said.

Anticipating the outrage of the Muslim community over the reversal of the 1988 ban, Zaid suggested that the prime minister bolster his move by beefing up anti-conversion measures.

“The prime minister and the Malay Rulers can make this point to Muslims: that in exchange for the use of the word ‘Allah’ by the Christians in their prayers, publications and the Malay Bible, Christians in turn will support the enactment of special laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect the Muslims from any conversion,” Zaid said.

Earlier, he said that most Christians respect the country’s laws and would likely not mind a “special task force” by the government to look into conversions of Muslims.

The tussle over “Allah” arose in 2008 when Catholic newspaper The Herald was barred by the Home Ministry from using the Arabic word. The Catholic Church had contested this in court and won a High Court decision in 2009 upholding its constitutional right to do so.

Putrajaya later appealed the decision and successfully overturned the earlier decision when the Court of Appeal ruled this October that “Allah” was not integral to the Christian faith.

Since the ruling, churches in Sabah and Sarawak have become more vocal in pressing for their right to use the term that they say is entrenched in the 20- and 18-point agreements with the two states, insisting they will continue their age-old practice of referring to God as “Allah” in their worship and in their holy scriptures.

Islamic groups and authorities have of late also stepped up their “vigilance” against non-Muslims over their use of the word “Allah”, with a closed-door Christian event in Selangor now reportedly the subject of an investigation by the state Islamic religious department.

The Catholic Church has since appealed to the country’s top court for clarity on the religious row that has drawn deep lines between Malaysia’s non-Muslim minorities and its 60 per cent Muslim population, with the Federal Court fixing February 24 next year to hear the application for appeal. - SOURCE

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Islamic groups and authorities have of late also stepped up their “vigilance” against non-Muslims over their use of the word “Allah”, with a closed-door Christian event in Selangor now reportedly the subject of an investigation by the state Islamic religious department.

1. The only non-Muslims insisting on using "Allah" for their worship are the Christians (and Sikh community? or so I heard). People, especially politicians are fond of using general terms whenever it suits them. "Non-Muslim" means people from all other religions other than Muslims. I don't remember Taoists, Buddhists, Hindus, Jewish, Animists, and others ever making such demands. So, it is sometimes prudent to be more specific.

2. I am in full agreement with the banning of conversion and proselytisation of ALL religions. In Malaysia, it also includes Taoists and Buddhists and perhaps others as well. Everyone should be protected against each other. Proselytisation and conversions, sometimes not done willingly and even abused, have caused untold amounts of problems to the people. The Christians have been doing it for years. So have the Muslims. There are many such incidences past and present if we care to search.

3. There have been numerous cases, especially child conversions in the past. Read my previous post

Religion: Children's Conversion

There's one particular case not too long ago, in 2010/2011, which hardly got much publicity. It's the case of Tan Yi Min, a 7-year-old Chinese girl, secretly converted by her mother to Muslim without the father's knowledge.

Tan fails to obtain temporary custody of daughter

GEORGE TOWN (Jan 4, 2011): The George Town High Court here has rejected the application of assistant marketing manager Tan Cheow Hong, 36 to obtain temporary custody of his seven-year old daugher pending the disposal of the custody case.

High Court judge Justice Datuk Yaacob Md Sam, in reading out his decision today, said that the interim custody of the child, Tan Yi Min, is given to her mother, Fatimah Fong Abdullah @ Fong Mee Hui, while Tan is granted access to his daughter.....

.....Tan claimed that the incident occurred on Nov 8 when Fong showed up at their daughter's school in Butterworth, accompanied by the police and Islamic Affairs Department officials, to take away the child.

Now, why didn't Zaid offer this solution then? How come it is only seen as a problem only when Islam is viewed to be under threat?

Of course there are even more cases of Chinese as well as Hindus converting to Christianity as well. The Chinese & Indian community has been living with this for years. And more and more are being converted each year, especially the young.

The fact is, conversions to another religion from the one born into, more often than not, will create problems for the families. Both Christianity & Islam are proselytising religions. And people of other faiths should be accorded the same protection too.

I would also strongly suggest we prohibit religion in politics. Political parties should not be allowed to be associated with any type of religion at all.

If only we left each other alone and keep religion personal, it will be a much peaceful world.

Fukushima: Surge in cancers among young

Surge in cancers among young in Fukushima, but experts divided on cause

Anti-nuclear protesters gather at a rally in Tokyo. Photo: AP

Fifty-nine young people in Fukushima prefecture have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having thyroid cancer, but experts are divided about whether their illness is caused by nuclear radiation.

All of them were younger than 18 at the time of the nuclear meltdown in the area in March 2011. They were identified in tests by the prefectural government, which covered 239,000 people by the end of September.

At a meeting hosted by Japan's Environmental Ministry and the prefectural government on Saturday, most experts were not convinced radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear plant could trigger thyroid cancer in children so soon, the Asahi Shimbun reported yesterday.

Among those who voiced alarm was Toshihide Tsuda, a professor of epidemiology at Okayama University. He called upon the government to prepare for a possible increase in cases in the future.

"The rate at which children in Fukushima prefecture have developed thyroid cancer can be called frequent, because it is several times to several tens of times higher," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

He compared the figures in Fukushima with cancer registration statistics throughout Japan from 1975 to 2008 that showed an annual average of five to 11 people in their late teens to early 20s developing cancer for every 1 million people.

Tetsuya Ohira, a professor of epidemiology at Fukushima Medical University, disagreed. It was not scientific to compare the Fukushima tests with cancer registry statistics, he argued.

In November, prefectural officials deemed it unlikely that the increase in suspected and confirmed cases of cancer was linked to radiation exposure.

In the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, it was not until four or five years after the accident that thyroid cancer cases surged.

"It is known that radioactive iodine is linked to thyroid cancer. Through the intake of food, people may absorb and accumulate it inside glands," said Dr Choi Kin, a former president of the Hong Kong Medical Association.

Children might absorb more of it than adults because they were still growing, he said, but it remained to be proven that the radioactive iodine came from the nuclear disaster instead of the normal environment.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima plant, causing the meltdown of three of its six reactors. More than 23,000 people were killed. - SOURCE

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It's been 3 years since the accident, and people are still clueless as to the real impact it will have on the people of Japan and the rest of the world. Why has so many countries across the world developed & used this technology for so many years, not knowing about the dangers & consequences? Or perhaps they know, but chose not to acknowledge and instead deny it.

Are governments taking the easy way out by advocating nuclear plants? Populations & cities are growing, and they require more and more energy. Developing countries especially, are starting to turn to nuclear power for their energy needs. But only for those who are not deemed as a threat to western powers. One such country is Malaysia.

Malaysia has plans to build not one, but 2 of these things. There's already the Lynas plant built & despite protests, has already started operations. I have a feeling that the people will live to regret the decision... one day. Just like the people of Fukushima.

The fact is, developing countries have become a dumping ground for these highly polluting & dangerous facilities which all western and developed countries are trying to get rid of. Bear in mind, the cost to run & maintain these plants are very high. And these developing countries have to rely on foreign companies & expertise to run and maintain these nuclear plants. Which translates to billions and trillions of dollars in the long run.

Anyway, back to Fukushima. Scientists predict that we will only see the effects on those affected 20-30 years from now. By then, those responsible will not be around anymore. Moreover, it is difficult to ascertain the real cause of the cancer in a person and link it to nuclear radiation.  So, in the meantime, the government & the nuclear providers pretend everything is fine and it's business as usual. Life goes on.

I wonder, currently, how safe are Japanese food in Malaysia & other countries? Since most of the ingredients are produced in Japan and assuming that some parts of the country will be contaminated with radioactive fallout, especially the water and land.

Personally, although I like Japanese food a lot,  I would rather err on the side of caution.

Syed Ali to Wee: Don’t try to be a champion

PETALING JAYA: Former MCA Youth leader Wee Ka Siong was ‘advised’ by Umno Cheras division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee over the former’s remarks made at the MCA Youth annual general assembly yesterday.

“Having been a deputy minister, he should know better that whatever he’s not happy about can be brought up during Barisan Nasional (BN) meetings.

“Don’t try to be a champion. He’s trying to show that he’s championing the Chinese. However, he’s saying it for his self-interest without thinking about the people,” Syed Ali told FMT....

.... “Umno is a fair party. Although we are a Malay party, we have never neglected the Chinese,” he said.

Syed Ali said it was instead MCA’s responsibility to explain matters to the Chinese community.

“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said..... etc... etc...

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“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said.

You know, looking at both UMNO & MCA these days, I wonder how long BN would last. Many, especially those hardcore Malay UMNO supporters failed to comprehend that they are part of the contributing factors towards the near demise of UMNO's partners. Gerakan, MIC, and now MCA. It's a matter of time before the others would be forced to take the same path.

1. Do you honestly think that these component parties just lost support out of the blue? Their non-Malay electorates had it up to their eyeballs with the constant threats and insults to their community! The truth is, they lost faith in you guys!

2. Although MCA is a mess to begin with, it is also unfair to put the blame squarely on them. It takes both hands to clap. Do you mean Gerakan, after donkey years ruling Penang, lost everything just like that?

3. Politicians...and I mean both BN & PR, please don't patronise the public. Don't talk as though the people are idiots, although many are indeed borderline. For the other thinking ones, it's just insulting.

4. Wee Ka Siong is plainly playing to the gallery. There is a Chinese saying, "Do not wear a hat that is bigger than your head".

5. With leaders such as these two in BN, the circus is complete.

6. Since UMNO can win on their own, please do the Chinese a favour... stop the charade of "winning" back the Chinese votes with your silly antics. If this is all you guys are capable of, at least spare a thought and save your time, and let the Chinese keep whatever little dignity they still have.

Enough of the empty rhetorics and sideshows already. The Chinese are not stupid, so stop all these condescending acts.  It's the Malays you should be more concerned about... They are the ones who will determine the fate of BN.

Focus instead on the economy and Chinese schools. The Chinese schools are in a mess. Funds are short and not used efficiently. The poor quality of teachers and the ever changing system & syllabus causes much hardship to the students and parents. Parents are very, very unhappy!

Our education system is failing!

Race on for MCA leaders who can stand up to Umno

Race on for MCA leaders who can stand up to Umno

That headline speaks volumes about the the delusional leadership & members of MCA. This is testament to how far the party is disconnected with the community it claims to represent.

1. MCA is a part of BN. UMNO is the leader of BN.

2. If you need to stand up to the leader of your group, who happens to be the dominant partner, then what is the point of staying in BN?

3. MCA will never be on par with UMNO within BN. It is unrealistic.

I would like to ask the MCA leaders, and to a certain extent the delegates, members and supporters:

1. What have you guys been smoking?

2. Ask yourselves this: What benefits/contribution can you offer the Chinese community and the nation? What is your role in BN and the government? If UMNO is seen as a big bully in BN, what makes you think that you have any clout over them? What is your role in the government anyway?

3. Next, please take a good look at your candidates, especially for the top 2 posts. Do you really expect anyone with a normal functioning mind to believe that they are even close to this? ->

4. Most importantly, do you guys actually think that it is all about you, standing up to big brother?

Honestly, I see the MCA's prospects getting dimmer by the day. If this is all you guys can muster, there is no hope. Among the contenders for the top 2 posts, Ong Tee Keat has the most appeal to the Chinese electorate in general.

What drives 95% of a community to throw their support to a coalition comprising of a Chinese party led by Christians, an Islamic party, and a personal cult party? It seems to me the people in MCA haven't the slightest clue. MCA is grasping at straws, looking out for their own interests. The ministerial, government positions and party assets are too tempting to pass over.

I believe MCA's grassroots support is still intact, up to a certain degree... but national issues tend to eclipse party loyalty and traditional voting trends. The keywords are still education & economy, both which are apparently in a mess.

MCA should not take up minister posts!

It's called having a backbone... At least one of the 3 contenders have openly declared his intention of doing so. If they do, this will be their last term.

The result of the years of blaming & using the Chinese as a scapegoat by UMNO especially with the intense and vicious Chinese bashing after the 13th GE which continues to this day, is irreversible. The days of MCA even trying to stand up for the Chinese is long gone. We have crossed the threshold. The politicians have done it in. In my mind, I have no doubt that the original spirit of BN, or whatever was left of it, has officially died. UMNO does not want you anymore...

The consequence resulting from the current political developments appears to escape most people in the country. The future Malaysia will be one which religion, Islam specifically, will play a central role in government as well as politics. The Malays, as opposed to popular assumption of being more united, will actually be more divided, politically & socially. When the Malays are divided & fight among themselves, the minorities will suffer. Religious & social class differences will be the undercurrent driving national issues. As usual, the Malays will blame the Chinese, and vice versa, with the Indians positioned at the ringside.

The next GE, the Chinese voters will be much lesser than the last one. Many will not even bother to vote. I don't expect the Chinese to participate in any rallies or protests in large numbers anymore. They are fed-up.

The Chinese, if they are smart, should be neutral and not take sides. Place more emphasis on your spiritual well-being. Reconnect with your culture & religion. Think rationally rather that emotionally.

Take the middle way. And hopefully, things will find a balance. 

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — The hunt for a strong, decisive leader in MCA kicked off today with delegates seeking a chief who is able to rise from under the shadow of Umno and place the Chinese party on par again with its Barisan Nasional (BN) partner, after a humiliating performance in the 13th general election this year.

At the close of nominations, three hopefuls were confirmed to be in the running for the president’s hat: maverick one-term former chief Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat; incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai; and incumbent vice-president Gan Ping Sieu.

The results of who will take the top post will only be known after the party votes this weekend, but delegates at the large nomination hall within the MCA’s headquarters with whom The Malay Mail Online spoke with today seemed to have firm opinions on the man who can revitalise their flagging spirits and put a fresh wind in their ship to win back support from Malaysia’s sizeable Chinese community.

“In these challenging times, the best pair would be Ong Tee Keat, with number two, Wee Ka Siong.

“My view is that these two are the most articulate... strong, decisive and they are fighters,” Tan Foong Luen said, when approached.

The Negri Sembilan MCA legal bureau chairman voiced the sentiment that has been bubbling beneath the party’s surface these past few month since the May polls, and which its grassroots members have found to have chafed their pride.

“A lot of Umno people have ventilated very damaging statements against MCA,” he said.

He added that whoever among the trio was picked as captain should be able to stand up to both Umno leaders to the opposition force.

The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) bloc, especially the Chinese-dominant DAP, had succeeded in wresting bigger support this year, especially from the ethnic Chinese voters who resided mainly in the cities.

This is despite Datuk Wee Ka Siong who is nominated as the deputy is a strong backer of Liow, while Datuk Donald Lim, another contender for the number two post is aligned with Gan.

Wee was outspoken in his support for Liow especially during outgoing president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s attempt to censure his estranged deputy in October.

Another delegate however said both Liow and Gan have 45 per cent chances of winning the top post, while Ong only has 10

He was also hopeful that the new leadership would unite MCA members, while admitting it would be an extremely challenging task.

Meanwhile, the Wanita chief race is between Datuk Heng Seai Kie and Tan Ching Liang.

Heng is Perak Wanita Chief while Tan lost in her bid for the Penang Wanita chief post last month.

The race for the Youth chief is between Chong Sin Woon and Datuk Goh Gaik Meng.

Chong is the national youth education bureau chief while Goh is the Batu Youth Chief.

The Youth election will be on Thursday, while Wanita elections will be on Friday.

The MCA election for the top leadership will be on Saturday, followed by the annual general assembly the next day.

All eyes will be on the race as one of the outcomes could be the reversal of the previous presidential council’s decision to reject Cabinet positions.

Delegates who spoke to The Malay Mail Online said it is crucial to have MCA representatives in the Cabinet to be able to look our for the interests of the Chinese community.

One party leader who declined to be named lamented, however, that the Chinese should have voted for the party in the 13th General Election if they truly wanted representatives in the top Cabinet posts.

The party’s political fortunes has been on a decline since 2008 but eyes continue to watch developments at the head of the party as it entails control over the billions of ringgit in assets and shares that include Malaysia’s best-selling English language newspaper, The Star.

MCA only won seven of the 37 federal constituencies it contested in Election 2013 with two of these coming from Wee and Liow.

Dr Chua sat out the polls although his son, Tee Yong, won the Malay-majority Labis federal seat.

The Chinese, Malaysia’s second biggest community voted for the opposition.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/race-on-for-mca-leaders-who-can-stand-up-to-umno#sthash.Gnw7Qcch.dpuf

Singapore Riot - Little India

Singaporeans in disbelief 

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans are still in a state of disbelief that a riot by a group of foreigners at Little India actually happened in this relatively trouble-free island late Sunday night.

Bank employee Eugene Leong, 28, said that it was difficult to digest the images of about 200 foreigners attacking several police patrol cars, ambulance, a bus and setting them on fire.

"Its not something that you would think would ever happen, especially in Singapore, as we are famed for our stringent regulations.

"Watching the incident on the news was shocking and scary and now many of us want to know what action will be taken to make sure it doesn’t happen again," he said when interviewed along Race Course Road where the rioters ran rampant.... - SOURCE

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Eighteen injured as foreign workers riot in Singapore's Little India district

Police said about 400 people on the scene began rioting, attacking the bus as well as police vehicles after officers responded to reports of a commotion.

Officials said 10 policemen, four civil defence staff and the bus driver and conductor were among the injured, but none were seriously hurt.

A total of 27 workers were arrested on charges of rioting, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison plus caning. - SOURCE

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Many people in Singapore, Malaysia and across the globe, has expressed disbelief that this could happen in Singapore.  Well, like they say, whatever that can happen, will happen. The question on everyone's mind is "Why?". People want to know the reason behind it. The accident, involving a 33-year-old Indian man, was the trigger for the riot. I suppose we will have to wait for the investigations to be completed.

However, I can't help myself from speculating that it is due to pent-up frustration, and the accident provided the trigger. Perhaps these foreign workers were not treated well, or were even exploited. One thing for sure, they were definitely angry.

Before we point fingers at those rioters for being trouble makers, we should first establish the motive and cause. Well, I am fairly certain that they were not trying to overthrow the government of Singapore... :) and the cause can't be a traffic accident, else we would have riots everyday.

In almost every case of rioting, except for those involving revenge, ethnic hate, subversive or political in nature, the perpetrators were usually the discontented, angry, and powerless in the society they were in. Riots like these are an expression of victimhood.

Employers & governments should treat foreign workers (legal or illegal) fairly and more humanely. They should not be exploited and abused. They come to your country to work & earn a living by doing jobs that your own citizens do not want to do. Governments should ensure they have laws and regulations in place to deal with these workers' welfare and safety. Else, do not allow these workers into your country.

Anyway, Malaysia has had her fair share of similar riots involving illegal immigrants. Click on the titles to read more.

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1998

Malaysia Riots Kill 8 Immigrants and an Officer

Published: March 27, 1998

Eight immigrants and a policeman were killed in rioting today as Malaysian authorities put nearly 1,500 Indonesians on boats in a mass deportation, the police said.

The deaths stemmed from a clash between the police and hundreds of inmates at a detention camp for illegal immigrants near the capital.

Rioting also broke out in two other camps when the police moved in before dawn to repatriate Indonesians. Many of them are from the Aceh region of Sumatra, where there was a separatist rebellion that has largely subsided....

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2001

Illegal immigrants riot in Malaysia

More than 2,000 illegal immigrants have rioted and set fire to a detention centre in southern Malaysia.

Police fired teargas at the inmates to regain control during the overnight disturbances, but several buildings at the centre in Pekan Nenas in Johor state were razed to the ground.

No serious injuries were reported.

Officials say most of the immigrants who rioted were Indonesians, who were due to be deported on Saturday.

Last week the Malaysian Government announced it would deport 10,000 Indonesian illegal immigrants each month.

It says their presence has led to a growth in crime and fewer jobs for locals affected by the economic slowdown.

Officials figures say there are almost 500,000 Indonesian immigrants in Malaysia.

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2010

200 illegal immigrants stage riot at Ajil detention camp 

 KUALA BERANG, MALAYSIA: Some 200 illegal immigrants from Vietnam and Myanmar went on a riot at the Ajil detention camp late last night.

It is believed that the immigrants had tried to torch the main administration building at the camp at around 9.15pm, sparking a melee.

It is also learnt that several of the immigrants were also injured during the incident and had been warded at the Hulu Terengganu Hospital....

... In 2005, 131 Thai Muslims who were seeking temporary shelter from unrest in Southern Thailand were housed in Ajil camp.

While on July 1 last year, 700 Myanmar illegals had caused a ruckus at Semenyih camp.

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2011

WIKILEAKS: IMMIGRATION DETAINEES RIOT AFTER RELA BEATS PRISONERS

On April 20, after more cigarettes were found, Immigration officers beat an Indonesian and a Pakistani detainee. One refugee described how the officers struck the men on the soles of their feet and along their shins, and administered electric shocks. The Pakistani detainee reportedly cried out for help during his beating and, unable to walk, tried to crawl away until another detainee was ordered to drag the injured man back to the detention block... 

Selangor's High Income ADUNs

Selangor MB suggests Federal government review salary of PM and MPs - Bernama

Amid growing criticism over the pay hike for Selangor state assemblymen, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (pic) today proposed that the Federal government review the salary of the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament. He said it was about time the Federal government take a similar approach to that of the Selangor state government... Source

Name your charity, Selangor tells assemblymen unhappy with pay rise

The Selangor government has taken its controversial “donation” call to assemblymen who reject the salary increment to the next level by preparing pledge letters for them.

Exco member Datuk Teng Chang Kim said those who felt the increment was too high should sign the letter authorising the assembly to donate their increment to charity.

"We will be glad to help you donate the money," he said, adding that the letters had been circulated by Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim. - Source

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I suppose the whole country is already aware of the Selangor state assemblymen, both BN & PR, impending windfall. Rejoice, people of Selangor, for starting next year, you will be represented by incorruptible, high income earners!

You know, the lack of common sense of some people never fails to amaze me. And their arrogance are even more amazing. Those that take the cake, however, are those who blindly defend and make excuses on behalf.

1. Income levels have absolutely no relation to corruption. Lack of integrity & morals is what leads to corruption.

2. Public office is not private sector. One just needs to be elected, the other have to prove their capabilities and knowledge or skills to be hired.

3. Politicians can give themselves raise their own salaries, employees can't.

4. Lastly, pointing out that you are less corrupt does not mean you are not.

Reasons given to justify such obscene increments are just plain dumb. Come on. Don't insult our intelligence. And it was most entertaining to see the 2 persons who got the highest increments, the Speaker & MB, trying to defend their ridiculous pay hike. I mean, do they seriously think they are talking to farm animals?

"Bad excuses are worse than none."

Actually, they can't even come up with a single good reason for it, because there is none. The only reason is greed. What else could it be when they give themselves half a million a year because they say they deserved it? To me, it is corruption. Only that it does not qualify to be termed as such because it is done legally. Why not go all the way then, since you think you deserve it?

Selangor is touted as a rich state with about RM1Billion in reserve. Again, rejoice Selangorians! After all the cost saving and frugal administration all these years, and telling the world how well they have performed, what do they do with the money? Help themselves to it of course! And the MB even tells BN to do the same so that he can have his cut? Do they even listen to themselves talking?




Tell me honestly, did any people from the state benefited directly from the state's funds? Has your life improved tremendously, if at all? A PR supporter I know in his 60s, who requires medical treatment, still has to find work to pay for his medical and living expenses. What is the point of going gaga over these political parties and their politicians if you don't benefit? Or were you mislead into supporting the wrong things in the first place? Things like governance, freedom, rights, ideologies, etc. are abstract, non-tangible.

Voters should be demanding for tangible things, like free medical care, affordable houses, clean water, free education, child allowance, benefits, subsidies, and such. Get the allocations for schools, childcare, medical care. You yearn for the way of life like those of developed countries? Well, Selangor is a developed state!

 Demand these from your State Governments now when they have the funds. It is your right. If you don't, after they are done, there won't be any left. What is the point of voting them to office when you don't get anything? Think, people. Think! They are going for the money!

 Politicians think they DESERVE it? Don't you, the people who put them there, think you DESERVE it too? 

Today, the road conditions are still bad, water still dirty, open burning still going on, etc. The only thing the PR state govt. has done as soon as they took over the state in 2008 was to penalise consumers by implementing the stupid "no plastic bags day on Saturdays" and making shoppers pay 20 sen for each bag. That is all they are capable of?

In light of recent events, it's about time the people of Selangor start questioning their ADUNs exactly what they have done FOR the people. Anyone with a bit of common sense can see that these politicians, both in BN & PR, are increasing their own salaries and incomes in light of rising living costs and inflation. Other states are following suit, Perak, Penang, Johor. Next will be the MP & Ministers' turn. In the coming years, they will be buffered and will lead a rather comfortable life while the people will be struggling to cope with rising costs. I doubt any employer out there will be as generous to their employees.

In the first place, there should not even be any increments at this time, amid a sluggish economy. Shouldn't governments be prudent and help the people instead of rewarding themselves? Afterall, they keep telling the people to be frugal and change lifestyle.

The voters have indeed been taken for a ride, and deservedly so. They were indeed a passionate lot when protesting fuel hikes, toll hikes, electricity hikes, or any other hikes. They were the loudest when in comes to criticising the Federal Government, but when it comes to their favoured political parties, they are apologetic.

Hypocrites! Birds of a feather do indeed flock together.

It's sad to see the people taken advantage of like this. Now that you've seen their real intentions, do the decent thing and start looking out for yourselves for a change.

Stand up and demand what is due. Do not let them take you for granted! It's about time they did some real work instead of getting free rides!