How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Government fed by the people

Government fed by the people

Career options

Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?

When there's too much dirt...

When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.

Prevent bullying now!

Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Incoherent Kohilan on Dolomite's dynamite at Batu Caves

One of the things I love about blogging is the freedom to express myself (unless and until I get into trouble), and having my piece published in full, with amendments (if required); and best of all, a chance to find an appropriate title to it, good or bad, warts and all. I am journalist and editor rolled into one without having someone else to decide what should or should not be published. This is despite 'having no professional training', to quote William Hung, the one-time celebrity of American Idol for the wrong reason.

Our former vehicle repairs workshop in Jalan Ipoh used to repair lorries from Dolomite Industries Sdn Bhd, the quarry operators near Batu Caves, in the '60s and '70s. In the 80s, a sister-in-law mentioned about a Francis Huang who she knew, from the company. My last view from afar, was more than two years ago, when we waited to have a canopy fixed to our Navara, at a shop across the busy multi-laned road. Even then, if I am correct, shops were built near Batu Caves, presumably by Dolomite, as part of the whole scheme which includes the controversial high-rise condominiums. The other quarry operators known to us was Kenneison Brothers.

In their desperate bid to topple the present Pakatan Selangor state government, BN had tried all kinds of tactics to discredit them. Offhand, I can think of the artificially created water shortage; the so-called Talamgate or Billion Ringgit Scandal; and this project next to Batu Caves.

So far, instead of discrediting Pakatan, BN seems to have got pies on their face instead. It was like the proverbial 'one finger pointing at others while three fingers pointing at themselves', especially when most major projects were started by BN before Paktan took over. Even at the time before the then new state administration started their work, important documents were alleged to have been shredded or carted away. The unashamed display of ostentatious palatial homes of those in power before could only fuel speculation of much corruption having taken place.

In the present controversy, we have confirmation that the controversial project was approved in 2007 by then BN councillors, and among them was Kohilan. Planning approval in the form of Development Order was issued. Complaint about the Advertising Permit being issued when Pakatan was already in power was irrelevant because it was issued by Ministry of Housing and Local Government, a federal ministry and therefore BN controlled; so was Depart of Environment.

It seems strange that a project approved by BN, was never objected to for more than 4 years until recently. Batu Caves is special to the Indians, yet no objection over the years by MIC leaders. The recent protest was  led by former MIC President, Samy Vellu!

Nades provides insight of an interesting interview with Kohilan...

Dark secrets of Selayang council
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/538473

To most of us, what was revealed was unsurprising at all. PKFZ case had shown how a minister could sign documents without really knowing what was happening! 'I am guilty if Dr. M said I'm guilty', then Dr. M gave evidence that Dr. Ling was an honest man incapable of cheating. I can foresee Dr. Ling will be acquitted because there was no cheating, since the victim said he was not cheated!

Update on Nov 17: According to William Leong,

"The only reasonable inference that can be drawn on the sudden 24 hour notice by PSD to transfer Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala as President of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to INTAN is that he has incurred the wrath of Barisan Nasional leaders in disclosing that the planning approval for the Dolomite Park Avenue Project next to the Batu Caves Temple was given on November 30, 2007 and MPS releasing the minutes of the full Board Meeting of November 29, 2007..."

More:
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=43878:all-that-the-selayang-council-chief-did-was-tell-the-truth-can-bn-not-accept-that?&Itemid=2

In other words, being professional and truthful as a civil servant is unacceptable to BN!
Link

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