People's Forum by MCA

活动预告：全民大讲堂- “月亮代表我的心 vs 都是月亮惹的祸”。2009年6月23日，晚上7时，马华大厦13楼。主讲嘉宾：蓝志锋，郑丁贤，杨凯斌。欢迎大家出席！

People's Forum organized by MCA. 23rd June 2009, 7pm at MCA 13th Floor.

Facebook event here .

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Talk on Global Economic Meltdown - 18th Feb 2009

Lifelong Learning is organizing "Global Economic Meltdown: Its Implication & How To Cope".

The talk by Y. Bhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Lau Ban Tin.

It would be on 18th February 2009 (Wednesday), 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Auditorium, Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang.

Registration / Inquiry : MCA Lifelong Learning Secretariat, Tel: 03-2161 8044 ext 418-421 (Ms Law /Ms Tan / Ms Hoo )

Email: info@lll.net.my
Website: http://www.lll.net.my

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Chen Chow's Other Posts
Subscribe to Chen Chow's blog

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share

Feel free to quote any post within my blog, as long as you link it back here. Sharing is always a good virtue. :)

Condolence to family of YB Senator Datuk Lee Sing Chooi

This evening, a news shocked me. Was looking at The Star, and a news struck me.

YB Senator Datuk Lee Sing Chooi has passed away last night due to heart attack. This is definitely a sudden news, and it is a pity that YB Senator Datuk Lee has left the world.

I have had the fortune to cross path with him on several occasions, and in fact, the first MCA leader to call me via phone to get involved was him. He is definitely a very selfless person, just like what YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting mentioned "the people would remember him especially his selfless, tireless and sincere contribution to the MCA and the community".

He has been dedicated in wanting to contribute to the Chinese community and hence he embarked on an effort to do a massive school survey to all Chinese primary schools in the country, and luckily that the output of it was launched in October this year. Hopefully, that the output from the report would be able to be fully utilized, so that we can leverage on the legacy by YB Senator Datuk Lee Sing Chooi.

I would like to express my deepest condolence to the family of YB Senator Datuk Lee. He is definitely an exemplary leader, who is very humble and work very hard. May God bless his soul.

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MCA Bloggers

As I was surfing just now, I came across a pretty comprehensive site, which houses the directories and RSS to 88 MCA elected representatives, leaders and staff blogs.

The blog for this site is MCA Bloggers Directory .

So, on any issue, if you would like to have a quick check of opinion by MCA Leaders, this could be the fastest way to get the responses, since this is the one stop site that lists all their blogs.

Do check it out here .

As of now, quite a number of them are blogging in Mandarin, although there are a sprinkler of blogs in English. Premoninantly are still in Mandarin.


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

People's Debate on "Who is Responsible for prices not decrease? Government or Traders?

Lifelong Learning of MCA is organizing yet another People's Debate on the issue of "Price Not Decrease" and whose responsibility is that? Is it Government or the traders?

Come and watch this debate at 3rd Floor, Auditorium, Wisma MCA on 10th December 2008, 7:30pm.

It would be an exciting debate, which would involved various stakeholders in this issue!


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

全民辨翻天：“内安法令：废除或修改？”

MCA Lifelong Learning is organizing People's Debate on:-

12th November 2008 (Wednesday)
7:30pm
Auditorium, Level 3, Wisma MCA

It would be discussing on whether to Review ISA or Repel ISA.

It would be a debate between 2 MCA Central Committee Members vs a political analyst and Selangor Wilayah Chinese Assembly Hall Human Rights Committee Chairman.

It would be a great experience watching it.

Admission is free. All are welcome! The debate is done in Mandarin.

MCA Election Results

Thanks to Romen from AFP and Hooi San from Lifelong Learning for sharing the latest results for me. Hooi San, really appreciate your call, as you must be tired after many hours counting the votes!

Would quote Malaysiakini for the Official Results of MCA Election.

Congrats to all who got elected and hope to see all the leaders would close rank and work together for the future!

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The official announcement confirms the new president as Ong Tee Keat (1,429 votes), defeating Chua Jui Meng (917 votes).

The new deputy president is Dr Chua Soi Lek (1,115 votes), defeating Ong Ka Chuan (1,001 votes), Donald Lim Siang Chai (209 votes) and Lee Hack Teik (10 votes).

The four new vice-presidents are Kong Cho Ha (1,798 votes), Liow Tiong Lai (1,725 votes), Dr Ng Yen Yen (1,659 votes) and Tan Kok Hong (1,329 votes).

The 25 newly-elected central committee members are - Lee Wei Kiat, Wong Foon Meng, Tan Chai Ho, Tan Cheng Liang, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Lee Chee Leong, Gan Ping Sieu, Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Lee Sing Chooi, Wee Jeck Seng, Gan Tian Loo, Dr Yeow Chai Thiam, Chong Itt Chew, Hoh Khai Mun, Ti Lian Ker, Liew Yuen Keong, Wong Mook Leong, Paul Kong Sing Chu, Edward Khoo Keong Hai, Teh Siew Kiong, Loh Seng Kok, Wong Siong Hwee, Dr Por Choo Chor and Loke Yuen Yow.




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Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting's Address at MCA General Assembly

Today is MCA 55th General Assembly and also its Election!

This morning, was at Wisma MCA, helping to sell the book "Heartfelt Expressions - Embracing Ong Ka Ting and His Actions". And being there, I got some opportunity to take a look at how the General Assembly is.

When I reach there around 9am, tons of people were there already. Those candidates were busy going around, to speak, shake hand and convince the delegates to support them. For others, it is the time to catch up and discuss on national issues.

By 9:45am, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, led by Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting arrived at the venue, with leaders of other component parties too.

The ceremony ended just before noon, and then it was the election time. Voting was from around 1pm to 2ish pm. During that time, Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting even dropped by the booth selling the books, and started to autograph for many who were there. It is just amazing, seeing Dato' Seri being so humble to walk over and share with many there, including many journalists. Many asked to take photographs with Dato' Seri too. Thanks to Siad Huey from TV2 who helped to take photo for me, I got the chance to take a photo with Dato' Seri on this historical day.

Dato' Seri is definitely a selfless leader, who care a lot about the community, and not about himself. He made the sacrifice to quit being minister and now quit being MCA President, for the sake of party and nation, and also to inculcate a healthy political culture within MCA. This MCA election was done transparently, where anyone can view what happens inside the hall through the many screens that were placed outside the hall.

Over the years, Dato' Seri has fought on many issues for those under-priviledged and also fought for the education and future of many. His humility to just approach anyone, including many students and younger generation touched the heart of many. It is not easy to find someone like Dato' Seri who would go down to the ground. He shared on his many occasion driving on his own, directing the way for his driver, lining up to buy things etc.

It is amazing to see Dato' Seri grew from his humble background in a small village in Perak to today, MCA President and now retired, while still dedicating his life to contribute to community.

Below is his speech this morning (which he wrote himself) to cap his blazing career for the community.

This is quoted from The Star .

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The full text of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting’s speech at the 55th MCA Convention at Dewan San Choon, Kuala Lumpur

ON behalf of the MCA party, I convey my deepest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman, for being here with us once again and for officiating MCA’s 55th annual general assembly on this auspicious morning. I also welcome and extend my gratitude to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional deputy chairman as well as to all leaders and representatives from Barisan Nasional component parties for attending MCA’s annual general assembly this morning.

Honoured ladies and gentlemen,

It is a historic moment to have Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as our honoured guest who will officiate the MCA general assembly. This is because this is the last time he will officiate MCA’s general assembly and this is also my last MCA general assembly as president of the party.

On behalf of MCA, I wish to take this opportunity to convey my highest appreciation to Datuk Seri Abdullah for all the help and support he has given to the MCA thus far as Prime Minister in tackling the various challenges faced by the Chinese community specifically and also the Malaysian community on the whole. The MCA appreciates the Prime Minister’s sincerity and determination in his commitment to continue several important efforts before he retires.

Among them are the judicial reform, the reform and enhancement of anti-corruption efforts and reforming the police force.

The MCA welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to these important efforts and hopes that component parties will be truly involved in an effective manner to fix all current weaknesses in these three fields so that we can restore public confidence in Barisan. I previously represented MCA in raising several suggestions in Parliament on April 30, this year, on these three issues:

* MCA suggested that the Government enhance the judiciary system including setting up a Judicial Commission that is truly independent so that issues regarding the appointment and promotion of judges can be done in a transparent manner without taking into account race or religion. The Barisan government should enhance the judiciary system to restore the people’s confidence.

* The MCA hopes that efforts to curb corruption especially the restructuring of the Anti-Corruption Agency via the setting up of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission will be truly effective in preventing and combating corruption. It is high time for us to act firmly without taking into account which side is involved in the corruption, be it political leaders, influential people or those in high positions. The performance and achievements of organisations such as the ICAC in Hong Kong should be used as a reference in our efforts to improve ways to combat corruption.

* Security problems and the effectiveness in combating crime is closely related with the efficiency of the police force and public awareness. The Government should have a more open attitude towards the 125 suggestions by the Royal Police Commission to create a royal police force that is more efficient, transparent, not bribeable, professional and fair. One reform that will convince the people is to reconsider the suggestion to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Prime Minister and Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister, please act firmly in bringing changes and reforms to these three important issues that was just mentioned. The rakyat are really anticipating it. MCA will continue to be with our two leaders in making these reform efforts a success.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Malaysians of various races have sent us a strong signal through the voting trends in the results of the 12th general election on March 8. From the feedback received by the MCA, the rakyat have a negative perception towards the Barisan Nasional government in various aspects during the last general election.

Among them are:

i) They are not satisfied with the problem of corruption and misuse of power by politicians and government officers. Those entrusted to hold this trust seemed to have broken the trust of the people. There are also very negative perception towards the non-transparent manner in the awarding of government contracts and there were also leakages in the usage of government allocations when implementing development projects, acquisition or services.

ii) They feel disgusted and angry that a handful of politicians in Barisan Nasional had been arrogant and passionate in making statements or speeches that were racially-motivated or had threatened other races. There were also some politicians who became very wealthy not long after holding a party position or being made local councillors.

iii) Many people are also worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones especially when they kept reading crime-related news like cases of snatch theft, robbery, break-ins, assault and brutal murder.

iv) The increase in the price of goods and higher cost of living following the higher fuel prices even before March 8 has inconvenienced the people especially the low and medium income earners, a group which represents the majority of our population.

v) The handling of religious issues by the authorities often portray a picture that the freedom of religion is not practised as stated by government leaders including Y.A.B. Prime Minister.

vi) Many non-bumiputra traders, entrepreneurs, developers or investors constantly feel frustrated because they feel constrained and not being treated fairly by certain ministries, departments or government agencies in the issuance of licences, permits, loans or tender opportunities.

The relevant authorities seem to enjoy using excuses of government economic policies based on prejudicial interpretation and narrow-minded thinking.

In this event, the MCA has corrected several issues at the Cabinet level or through discussions with the Y.A.B. Prime Minister or Y.A.B. Deputy Prime Minister. Among the examples are the relaxing of government procurement and services policy to enable non-bumiputras to participate in the activities for limits below RM50,000 per item and to prevent the authorities from attempting to impose guidelines to curb foreign investment in the distributive trade.

If we want to ensure that our country’s economy grows at a satisfactory rate, we must ensure that all traders, entrepreneurs and investors, small or big, are able to participate in all sectors in the economic development of our country. The implementation of an affirmative economic policy should be based on a principle that does not sideline others and it should be done by making the economic cake bigger and by encouraging joint ventures between races.

The implementation of this policy should not limit any trader or investor who tries to expand their business or investment based on success achieved by their own efforts.

The Barisan Nasional government should re-look and re-evaluate the various weaknesses or misappropriation in the implementation of the economic policy which is different than what was promised to our multi-racial community. It is time the Government liberalised the economic policy to make Malaysia truly competitive.

vii) The issue of building new SJK (C) and the lack of development allocation for SJK (C), SJK (T) and mission schools have also been raised by the Chinese and Indian communities all this while. Before the general election on March 8, 2008, the Government had approved the building of six new SJK (C) and the relocation of 13 SJK (C).

Recently, the MCA suggested that the Government fund the construction costs and rebuild these SJK(C) as soon as possible. Besides that, the MCA also suggested that the Government institutionalise the building of new SJK (C) where needed and to always provide sufficient allocation.

There are other matters that I do not have the time to raise one by one. Actually, all the issues I have raised above are issues that had caused the loss of votes for Barisan Nasional in the last general election.

What is worrying the MCA party is that although we have raised these issues many times to be addressed by the Government, the solution has not reached a satisfactory level. The situation is worsened when the public have the perception that the power sharing within Barisan Nasional is actually not effective or fair.

Umno is seen as a party that is far more dominant than other component parties. The Barisan Nasional leadership needs to fix this situation through a practice that includes the involvement of component parties when making all important decisions and not for it to be seen as if Umno is the only party that decides on important policies and other parties are only asked to defend it later in the spirit of Barisan Nasional.

The power sharing slogan that is often spoken of is still seen as a mouthed slogan only. I have led MCA for almost five years and five months. The MCA central committee members and I have worked tirelessly and have discussed these important issues for at least five to six hours during each of our meetings.

Many MCA presidential council meetings have also been held to focus attention on issues that are not only related to the important rights of the Chinese community but also related to many universal issues that the non-Chinese are paying attention to. We have tried our best to tackle various issues but as long as there is no solution that convinces the people, then we will not get their support.

Y.A.B. Prime Minister, I still remember two days after I made the announcement not to defend my position as MCA president, I went to see Y.A.B. Datuk Seri to inform you of my decision as a sign of respect. In that meeting, Y.A.B. said that when I no longer hold the position as MCA president, I will be able to hear more feedback from the common people and I was asked by Y.A.B. to keep him informed of the people’s voice. I wish to state here that what I have touched on just now is really the feedback that I heard from the people. I did not even have to wait until I have stopped being the MCA president.

Actually, in the last seven months or so, my daily life is like an ordinary person, that is without any protocol or being escorted by bodyguards or security guards. I am always eating and drinking in the same table and breathing together with ordinary people so much so that they are not shy to express their feelings to me. All of us in Barisan Nasional must seriously consider the people’s grouses and act effectively to bring about changes.

Barisan Nasional must change before we are changed or replaced. After the March 8 general election until now, the people’s perception has yet to recover and Barisan Nasional reforms have yet to show evident results. Half-truth political criticisms have confused the rakyat and have raised many questions. The recent use of the ISA on those who did not jeopardise the country’s safety has also brought a very negative effect towards the Government. MCA suggests that the Government re-look the ISA in a comprehensive manner.

Meanwhile, the use of the ISA that does not follow the objective of the original drafting of the Act should be stopped. This Act is long behind time. It should be replaced by an Act that is not easily misused or causes the people to feel unsafe. The United States’ financial crisis and its economic effect has not only greatly impacted the world economy but can also bring about side effects to us.

Barisan Nasional cannot wait or act slowly. We need to reduce political squabbling in Barisan Nasional or within the country. The people are tired and fed up with the tricks and politicking that they read and watch in the media every day.

The Barisan Nasional leadership must join forces in providing a more focused leadership and clear direction as well as to be seen as firm and effective in tackling economic challenges and all of its side effects.

Barisan Nasional must also involve experts or professionals and experienced industry representatives to meet and brainstorm ideas so that an action plan can be formulated in a quick and accurate manner. We need to immediately stop giving any government contract or projects through direct negotiations to companies with no solid track record, we need to stop all form of leakages and wastage of government funds and to be thrifty when the Government uses taxpayers money.

The economic policy has to be further liberalised and the equity condition that limits expansion should be scrapped to enable companies in Malaysia to become more competitive especially given the very challenging economic situation at present. The Government must re-study the policy on the giving of APs, subsidy and price control.

In this context, open market competition should be allowed and at the same time, the Government must channel the appropriate source to the lower income group to ensure they benefit from the expanding economy and are not left out of the country’s economic wealth.

A healthy political culture

Malaysians of all races now want to see a ruling party that is truly clean and trustworthy. The Federal Government formed by Barisan Nasional parties must not only be seen as corrupt-free and trustworthy but it must also be really clean and sincere in its practices and actions.

To successfully restore the image and to give new hope to the people of Malaysia, we need to start by changing and reforming within the component parties of Barisan Nasional, especially parties that are the pillars of Barisan Nasional - that is Umno, MCA and other influential parties.

MCA’s leadership in the last several years have tried to practice a healthy political culture within the party. A healthy political culture is a culture that is free from corruption and one of integrity.

Therefore, I place high hopes that this spirit of a clean and healthy political culture will be strongly supported by all MCA delegates. I am confident that the delegates will realise that any form of unhealthy campaigning such as money politics, twisting of facts and the use of dirty tactics by defaming or hitting below the belt are methods that can damage the party and should be strongly rejected without a doubt.

Today, all MCA members are placing hope on the delegates to choose a leadership team that is of calibre, integrity, trustworthy, dedicated, honest, effective and one that constantly holds on to pure values.

The leadership team that will be chosen has to shoulder a huge responsibility in bringing changes to face the current political challenges that is so complex and not easy.

Thus, the central committee that will be formed must always be united and be able to work well with one another. MCA no longer has the time or space for internal conflicts and bickering within the party given that we are in a political situation that is most challenging.

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MCA Election - Against Menu

Last Sunday, Quek Ngee Meng gave me an opportunity to help out in his campaigning just before Bukit Bintang division delegate vote their precious delegate selection vote. I got a chance to see how people campaigning for party election.

Before I go further, do look at this campaign material and tell me whether Quek deserved to win one of the 2,000+ delegates in the MCA Election on 18th October 2008.

For Bukit Bintang, it is choosing 17 people as delegates to represent the division, and yet someone, like Quek, who have dedicated so many years of his life full time to MCA and Lifelong Learning and yet he is not selected. He is serving as Acting Director of Lifelong Learning for a few years, and yet those members are not recognizing it.

It is wierd, but as Ah Kam pointed out, it is the menu list that people voted "brainlessly" that caused Quek to lose out. It is sad that those MCA members who should be able to use their brain to vote, but yet decide to vote en bloc, and in the end Quek only got 99 votes.

Quek did manage to get a few times more votes, compared to the other 2 independent candidates in the division, but yet it is still short of 20+ votes to get the delegate ticket.

Quek, sorry to see this happen. Definitely see what you have done for MCA, Lifelong Learning and community, and I definitely admire your ability. It is very sad that the delegates are not willing to put the benefit of party as the main agenda.

Keep up your good work! Will definitely support you! Thanks for the opportunities for me to be there to observe and help out a little. Sorry that I was unable to swing more votes to you.




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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Public Speaking and Media Relations

Last weekend, thanks to Lifelong Learning , I get the chance to go for 2-day training camp by The Voice Academy .

It was seminar on Public Speaking and Media Relations.

It is great that the instructor shared with us many tips on that, from how to conduct press conference, how to handle podium, how to speak, intonation, voice control, body language, the needs by those reporters, how to face tv screen etc. It was definitely interesting and great learning!

Some of the key learnings.
1. 55% of the Golden ratio of public speaking is actually body language, with 38% on intonation and only 7% on the content! Yet, we need the content to speak..

2. Major skills in presentation - stressing point, where to stop, intonation, rhythm and who is the audience.

3. Main things that public speaker should avoid - fabricate content/avoid questions, hide from reporters, don't dare to say "I don't know", do not be too friend with reporters, do not be against reporters, do not say "I can't tell you", do not try to control reporters, do not ask reporters for source of news, do not memorize texts.

Hopefully, these would be good teasers to begin with. :) To know more, go and take the lessons lor... hahaha...
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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Response by Kian Nam on Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting

The feeling of loss, after hearing the decision by Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting not to seek re-election this October, still lingers around. Still feel that Dato' Seri still has a lot to contribute to MCA and it would be great if he has the opportunities to lead the party for at least another term.

But guess, Dato' Seri is hoping to really lead by example, to build a healthy political culture for the long-term of MCA. He is certainly admirable, especially when Dato' Seri is so willing to listen to opinion from a youngster. He is willing to personally contact the younger folks, something that not many leaders are willing to do so. He would put in the personal touch to contact students, to hear first hand on what they have to share with him.

Below is the blog article by Ng Kian Nam, former Press Secretary of Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting. Read it here


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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

诚邀出席《全民辩翻天》：单元种族政党是否能走多元族群路线？

MCA would be organizing a People's Debate on:-
7th July 2008
7:30pm to 9:00pm
3rd Floor Auditorium, Wisma MCA.

It is open for public, and it would debate on whether "Single Race Political Party can go on Multi-Party Platform".

Among the debaters include:-
YB Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Transport Minister
Quek Ngee Meng, Acting Director of Lifelong Learning
Ng Kian Nam, Press Secretary of YB Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Former Press Secretary of YB Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting not seeking re-election

Was shocked seeing the headline of Sin Chew Jit Poh just now. Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting decided not to seek re-election to be MCA President. It is definitely a shocking news, especially I have seen how sincere Dato' Seri is, in terms of bringing reforms to MCA. He is a leader, who doesn't care about his personal gain, but work tirelessly for the community.

He has made sacrifice after the 12th General Election, to not seek a Cabinet position. That's very rare in Malaysian history, especially with him only being 52 years old. And now, he decided to not seek re-election for party president post as well.

Malaysiakini did an article here too.

Personally, I definitely felt that it is a loss for MCA, Chinese Community and Malaysian community in general, due to Dato' Seri not continuing to be party president. Dato' Seri has been able to bring across many ideas that transform our community.

I, personally, would have to thank Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting on his fight to open JPA Scholarships for Chinese, and since 1999, he has managed to fight for more than 3,000 Chinese to get JPA Scholarships. That's something that no one has dreamed about previously, but Dato' Seri has made it happen.

Having said the above, I respect the decision by Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting. He is a leader, who hopes to set leadership by example, to bring upon healthy political culture within MCA. And his not seeking re-election is definitely part of the picture.

Hopefully, MCA would have a great successor, that would continue the great work of Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting, who have left so many legacy around, especially in terms of changing the MCA constitution to limit the number of years of MCA leaders serving the party.

Do check out Ng Kian Nam's blog too. Kian Nam was the Press Secretary of Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting previously when he was Minister of Housing & Local Government.



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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Panel on Talk Show at People's Debate

Thanks to MCA Lifelong Learning , I was given a chance to be part of the People's Debate organized by MCA at Bookfest @ Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur Convention Center this morning.

6 guests were invited to be the special guest and 10 more people like me are sort of the "backbenchers", where we can vote for "Yes" or "No", with giving some comments from time to time.

It was a debate on whether "Generously giving donation is the best solution to help those affected by Sichuan disaster".

The 16 attendees, including corporate figure, former assemblyman (Tan Cheng Liang - who was my Nibong Tebal assemblymen for a few terms), representatives from media (TV2, Sin Chew, Nanyang), MCA Beliawanis, charitable organizations etc. It was a fun experience.

Before the talk, there was a sharing on the Sichuan disaster by someone who went to Sichuan to help out and be on the front line of it. He shared a lot of very vivid examples of touching stories there.

This People's Debate would be a series of debates happening throughout the nation.

This is the 1st one. The 2nd one would be on 19th June, where there would be another debate at Wisma MCA at 7:30pm. It would be on Single-based vs multi-races politics/economy/social/education issues. I don't have exact wording of the debates, as it was flashed at the screen, and I don't have a pen to jot it down then.

If you are interested, you should be there!

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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Donating Books at Bookfest @ Malaysia

Thanks to my blog reader for sharing this with me.

This would be a good way for fellow Malaysians to help inculcate reading habits among fellow Malaysians!

And Bookfest @ Malaysia 2008 is definitely a good place to get some good books. It is amazing to read that the Bookfest has been getting very good response. Day 1 yesterday brought in about 30,000 people, and today, brought in 40,000 people. Does that mean that we have brighter day for improving the value add for Malaysians? Do Malaysians strengthen their reading habit already?

Go to the Bookfest at Kuala Lumpur Convention Center!

Full article below is quoted from The Star
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KUALA LUMPUR: A book recycling campaign will also be held in conjunction with Bookfest @ Malaysia 2008.

The campaign will see books donated by members of the public sent to selected orphanages, children hospital wards and primary school libraries.

Those who want to donate can bring them to the Readcycle for Charity counter located at the KL Convention Centre.

The counter will be open from 10am to 10pm for the duration of Bookfest@Malaysia 2008, which runs from today until June 1.

Each book donor who brings a minimum of 10 used books will be presented with a one-year Popular Adult Card, which entitles the bearer to many offers at all Popular bookstores nationwide. Only English books in fairly good condition will be accepted.
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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

Seminar for Lifelong Learning Reading Club

This would be an interesting talk to sign up! I will be there too!

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Greetings from Centre for Extension Education, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Thank you in registering for the talk entitled “Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing & Succeeding Under Any Conditions" and your support for our continuing effort to promote awareness of Lifelong Learning Reading Club among Malaysians.

"Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing & Succeeding Under Any Conditions" is a book written by Professor John P. Kotter, a world-renowed expert on Leadership and Change Management from Harvard Business School. This book talks about how organisations and individuals can effect positive change under any conditions with the right strategy. The talk will benefit managers who find it difficult to effect change at workplace. It is also for the staff member who can't understand how and why change takes place in corporate organisations.

Details of the talk are as follows:

Title : Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing & Succeeding Under Any Conditions
(programme information enclosed)

Date : 24 May 2008 (Saturday)

Time : 9.45am to 12.00 noon

Venue : Centre for Extension Education
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
11 Jalan 13/6
46200 Petaling Jaya

Kindly contact Ms Eileen / Mr Ooi at 03-79555181 / 03-79572818 ext 8666 / 8611 for enquiries.

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Click here to read more of Chen Chow's posts

Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting's Speech on 30th April

President of MCA, YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting's speech in Parliament on the 30th April 2008. This is a very daring and forward-looking speech.

I am quoting entire version of the speech in Mandarin for my blog readers' consumption. It is quoted from Ong Ka Ting's Website

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前言：人民的声音
3月8日刚过的大选，全民各族利用宪法赋予的权力选出222位令人尊敬的人民代议士。我首先要恭喜全场中选的国会议员，我希望大家都能以负责任、真诚的心态和良好的行为操守履行任务，这也是最高元首在施政御词中所交代的。

3月8日，人民选择国阵继续领导国家迈进，然而人民同时也通过选票传达他们重要的声音。大家必须关心和重视人民在大选中传达的讯息。人民希望改善国家的管理制度，和纠正政府的缺失。人民也希望，政治人物和各级政府官员清廉、有效率、开明、真诚和照顾全民。

这意味着，贪污、滥权、朋党等问题应获得具体的改善。为了这片国土的美好明天，我们一定要努力奋斗，聆听民意和积极改变。

A）肃贪

诚如最高元首在施政御词中所说的，如果贪污滥权继续横行，我国目前为此的经济成就将变得毫无意义。

首相拿督斯里阿都拉于2008年4月21日宣布将在年底前把反贪污局改革成马来西亚反贪污委员会、成立国会防止贪污委员会和独立的防止贪污谘询局。这些无疑是令人欢迎的宣布。

贪污是我国首号敌人。虽然我国已做出数项肃贪的努力，例如于2003年12月9日签署《联合国反腐败公约》、于2003年11月5日成立廉正学院（IIM）和确保反贪污局执行任务等，但整体成效未臻理想。

除了上述的反贪努力，为了更有效打击贪污，政府也应该同时实施以下措施：

1 无论是中央还是地方政府，都应设定各项申请的处理期限。政府机构应制定一套清楚和透明的处理申请程序。凡是在期限内无法完成或遵循处理程序的人士一定要给予合理的解释。这主要是为了避免任何人士寻找藉口拖延处理程序，以乘机向申请者要求不合法的交易。

2 情报提供者在贪污案件调查的过程中扮演着至关重要的角色。遗憾地是，目前为此情报提供者并没有获得任何特别的保护。为了鼓励更多社会人士提供情报，保护 “吹哨者”及证人的机制应通过法律途径加以落实。

3 马来西亚在 2007年国际透明组织公布的贪污印象指数排行榜中排名第 43，相较往年呈现上升的趋势。我希望我国在这排行榜有持续进步的排名。有鉴于此，无论职位高低，私人或政府领域，一旦涉及贪污，其刑罚都应该被加重。贪污是绝对不能容忍的，我国应该效仿香港的廉正公署和新加坡的反贪调查局，以严刑峻法对付贪污。

一旦发现任何政府官员涉及贪污，其退休金应该被取消。这样的步骤将能有效地阻吓任何人士涉及贪污。

我十分认同政府做出增加反贪局人手至5000人的决定。

除此之外，反贪污委员会应该直接向涉嫌贪污的人士采取行动。反之，若通过总检查署采取行动，这将会影响肃贪的成效。

全力肃贪应成为国家当前主要的工作。政府必须以坚定的信念和严厉的行动打击贪污，这才能符合人民对于清廉政府的期待。

任何反贪的努力最重要的还是要看到成效。涉及贪污的人士常常都是一些滥权、私吞公款的政治人物。我们应记得，无论是马来人、华人、印度人、卡达山人、伊班人或其他种族，我国仍有不少在生活线上苦苦生存的低收入家庭。他们可能是渔夫、司机、小贩、建筑工人、工厂员工等一群默默为国家付出的人。他们需要政府更大的关注和协助，以克服现实生活的压力。

挥霍巨款、滥权舞弊是令人难以接受的，尤其对于贫困的他们。

我国应实施一套照顾低或中低收入家庭的方案。他们都希望，纳税人的钱能获得良好和合理的使用。我国不应出现，一边有人在等待救济，另一边则出现有人正任意挥霍人民的钱。这是相当讽刺的现象。

无疑地，人民对政府的形象存在一些负面的看法。政府有些时候做出数项积极性的宣布，但最后却没有有效地执行。因此，为了消除人民对于政府的负面印象和恢复人民的信心，政府必须以实际的行动和坚定的信念贯彻这数项改革反贪的计划。

B）成立独立司法委员会与司法改革

我完全认同，国家最高元首施政御词中所提到的改善国家司法制度。我也全力支持首相于今年4月17日宣布的司法改革计划。

成立独立的司法委员会和调整法官的薪资是合时且应该的。这有助于我国建立透明独立的法官委任和升迁制度，以恢复国际和公众对我国司法制度的信心。许多英联邦国家都采用这样的机制遴选法官，所以我国的司法制度应该与时并进。

司法委员会主要是协助首相鉴定和推荐法官的人选。首相接着咨询马来统治者会议，然后向国家元首推荐法官人选。换言之，当首相征询联邦法院首席大法官他推荐的法官人选，其人选一定是委员会推荐的人选。

我建议，首相向国家元首和马来统治者会议推荐的法官人选一定要来自司法委员会仔细鉴定后的人选（calon-calon）。若首相推荐的人选是不受已仔细鉴定人选的委员会所认同，司法改革将变得毫无意义，似乎等于在走回头路。

司法委员会成员必须是由德高望重、形象良好、清廉的人士组成。任何政党都应严禁干预司法委员会成员的遴选。我希望司法委员一旦成立后能考虑下列事项：

1 制定一套详细且明确的法官人选评估准则，以鉴定真正有能力胜任的人选，而不是与特定人士关系良好的人。

若以目前的机制，短期性委任司法专员，这有可能导致司法专员效忠联邦法院首席大法官，因为联邦法院首席大法官有权推荐高庭法官的人选。如果要维持目前的机制，就应该由独立的司法委员会决定人选，而不是如现今阐明在联邦宪法122AB条文一样，由司法专员向最高元首推荐人选。

2 司法委员会应获准委任推事和初庭法官。目前司法和法律服务委员会（Judicial and Legal Services Commission）负责委任推事和初庭法官。总检察长是司法和法律服务委员会的成员，司法和法律服务委员会也是总检察长的行政执行单位，同时司法和法律委员会里的成员也可能会成为检察长作为主控官的案子的法官。

现阶段总检察长可以决定推事和初庭法官的升迁。如果继续由总检察长成为其成员的司法和法律服务委员会决定推事和初庭法官的升迁或委任，推事和初庭法官将会被公众视为不独立运作。因此，推事和初庭法官的升迁和委任应由独立的司法委员会决定。

印象而言，现有的法官比率并不能反映我国多元种族的面貌。我们也不能否认，法官也是人，他们希望自己被视作独立与公正的象征。然而，法官的宗教、种族和文化背景都可能影响他们原本自由与理性的思维。因此，为了给予更正面的印象，我国应该拥有多元种族的法官比率。

我并非建议说司法委任制里需要种族配额固打。理所当然的，法官的委任必须基于能力、才干、独立、公正、诚实和勤奋等更重要的因素来作出决定，而决不以种族或性别为考量。

我们也一定要纠正公众认为法官无法在宗教敏感问题上做出公平及公正裁决的主观印象。所以，我建议重新沿用以前的制度，让非常严重的案件由陪审团审判。

在此，我要欢迎政府决心致力推动司法改革，为人民和国家美好司法前景，做了一个正确的决定。

C）非穆斯林的宗教信仰

在过去的三年里，发生了许多牵涉非穆斯林的宗教事端，引发了涉及联邦宪法的争议，这些争端包括了Moorthy事件，Lina Joy事件，Gan Eng Hor，Shamala和Subashini事件等等。

本月初，就有数项修改联邦直辖区回教法令以保护穆斯林与非穆斯林的建议。回教法不能够用在非穆斯林身上，当非穆斯林遇到民事法庭与回教法庭权限有所冲突或重叠的案件时，将以民事法庭为最后仲裁单位。我们希望政府能够在处理这一类案件时能够展现充分的透明度，以免争端一再发生。

同时，我们支持1994年Tan Soong Mooi案件获得最高法院一致通过的决定，任何人改信回教过后，不影响他们履行在民事婚姻之下的法律责任与义务，若他们想要取消在民事法底下通过与承认的婚姻，就只能根据民事法行事。

在父母其中一人改信回教的个案中，孩子的宗教必需是由父母双方都同意的情况下决定，倘若父母未达共识而出现争议，孩子的宗教应该保持现状，直到孩子长大到了十八岁的法定年龄后让他自行决定本身的宗教信仰。

D）两性课题

联邦宪法第8条文阐明，“全所有人民在法律的保护下，应受到同等的待遇”，因此政府应严格遵守此条文。2008年4月25日，《新海峡时报》刊登了一位大马妇女的来信。信中透露在现有政策之下，其孩子因出生在国外，因此被否决其拥有大马公民权的权利。

联邦宪法第8（2）条文中提及，“不可因个人的出生地及其性别而产生歧视的情况”。换言之，大马妇女的子女应被赋予大马公民权，不计其婚姻状况或居住处。因此否决其孩子应享有的权利，是不公及违宪的做法。

E）教育

母语教育与半津学校

母语教育是我国的重要资产，多元语文社会更是我国的特色之一。虽然如此，我们仍需确保孩子掌握国语及英语，以便在全球化的趋势下，得以有效地互相交流及沟通。

政府应根据家长及社区的需求，为国小、华小、淡小、人民宗教学校及教会学校等提供各方面的援助，而非等到公众施加压力方才做出反应。根据联邦宪法第152条文阐明，每个国民都有学习母语的权利，因此政府必须在鉴定了地区的需求后，依需求增建各源流小学。

在第9大马计划之下，政府将拨出380亿令吉发展教育领域，因此政府应善用该款项惠及所有的学校。在此我建议教育部依地区的需求制度化增建华小及淡小，尤其是人口密集的地区如巴生谷、南柔、近打谷及槟城。

为了显示政府对母语教育的重视，我建议在大选前所宣布的6所新华小及13所搬迁华小的所有建筑费用，均由政府负责。

最近教育部长表示他将考虑重新启用旧白小建筑物的申请，我欢迎这项决定，并希望他可以在近期内批准。


除此之外，华小、淡小及人民宗教学校也迫切地需要政府的关注及援助。长久以来，教育部把各源流的小学划分成全津贴与半津贴2种学校，造成我国多元社会的诸多不满。

我们时常可以听到半津贴学校的董事部及家教协会的埋怨及投诉，纵然学校因年久失修而迫切地需要发展及维修经费，但是却在申请拨款时面对难题。有时候教育部拨给半津贴小学的行政费用甚至不足够应付水电费，导致董事部及家教协会必须向家长筹款。

现在是时候我们挣脱旧思维的枷锁，我们应该废除全津贴与半津贴学校之间的不平等待遇。在这个政府致力于发展人力资本的时代，我国人民已经无法接受“政府无法帮助半津贴学校”的说法。

如果教育部一视同仁，在发展和行政上全面支持所有源流的小学，所有人都会因此得益。这也是一个人民乐于见到的教育改革。

根据统计，2007年的华小共有643,679名学生、淡小则有103,284人，两者占了340万名总小学生人数的22%，占了学生总数的显著比例。因此，在我国栽培育高素质人力资本的过程中，有效地善用学校拨款发展软硬体设施是非常重要的。

华小师资不足的问题

华小师资不足是数十年来的老问题，直到现在仍不能妥善解决。到目前为止，华小共缺乏3500名老师，而在小学老师的比例从1.5提高至1.7之后，缺乏的教师总数将进一步增加，因此教育部有必要采用新的方法解决华小师资的问题。由于教育部的师资及培训人数的统计数据不精确，以致无法全面反映学校对师资的需求。

我吁请教育部必须认真统计师资及预算培训人数，并迅速采取行动解决师资问题。教育部聘请临教以及退休老师也是短期内应付师资短缺的方法之一。

作为一个长期的解决方案，教育部必须通过增加大学日间师训班, 大学在职培训班、教育学士课程等方式录取足够的老师人数。师训学院的副修科目必须弹性处理，而那些已经关闭中文系的师训学院，尤其是雪隆一带的师训学院，必须重新开放中文系。

英文教数理

2003年开始实行的“英文教数理”必须尽快进行检讨。以中学为例，社会对中学继续以英文教数理的反应是正面的。

至于小学方面，我欢迎政府之前宣布，在今年的小六检定考试后才决定英语教数理的去留。在2008年4月18日，教育部长也提出在中小学教授英文文学的建议，进一步提升英语水平。

我要重申，华社觉得华小的英语教数理制度应该废除，华小的数理科必须以母语教授，因为7岁至12岁的学生比较容易吸收以母语教学的课程。与此同时，华社也赞成加强小学生掌握英语的能力，包括从小学1年级开始学习英文

F）教会学校

除了国小、华小及淡小，我们也必须承认教会学校对国家教育的贡献良多。从19世纪开始，教会学校就开始培育无数来自各阶层、且品学兼优的学生。

教会学校、国小及华淡小同样不分种族、宗教及背景地公开给各族群的学生就读。这些教会学校在培养孩子爱心的同时，也向学生灌输爱国及对国家忠诚的意识。我国许多著名的领袖同样来自教会学校。

在226所的教会学校当中，其中的53所已有百年历史，这些学校都需要财务援助。这些被纳为半津贴学校的师生，时常涉及筹款活动。教育部应提供更多的财务援助，以提升学校的设备及学习水平。

G）经济

2008年是针对第9大马计划中期检讨的年份。与往年一样，这时候我们需要重新探讨及整理那些在此计划下还未达致的目标。第9大马计划是一份详细和全面的计划，因此我促请政府解决一切挑战，以完成那些此计划所仍未达致的目标。我们有必要进行明显的革新，提出创新的政策，以兑现政府的承诺，如良好管理、透明与快捷有效的公共传递系统等。

占了国内生产总值（GDP）31.9%的制造业，原定目标是在2005年至2010年间达到6.2%的平均增长率，但在这期间制造业的增长率却下降至1.8%。制造品出口也没有取得大幅增进，即从2006年的4517亿5千万令吉增加到2007年的4524亿8千万令吉。政府必须非常关注这个新的发展，因为如果有关趋势持续下去，相关业者以及他们的承包商与供应商将难以维持他们的生意。

除此之外，我们也必须认同经济发展走廊的成功，必须仰赖中小型企业的关键性作用。日前已易名为马来西亚伊斯干达（Iskandar Malaysia）的伊斯干达发展特区，就是政府其中一项吸引了200亿令吉外国直接投资的努力。国家元首在施政御词中指出，大马伊斯干达将在房地产、旅游业等领域吸引330亿令吉的投资，我对此表示欢迎。大马伊斯干达涵盖柔佛南部达2217平方公里的区域，概括努沙再也、新山市中心、士乃——士古来、西部区域与东部区域等5个主要地区。无论如何，我们担心本地商业社群无法有效参与大马伊斯干达的商机，因为主要的知名企业仅集中于努沙再也。

在2005年，零售与批发业、酒店与餐馆等领域赚取了384亿令吉的收入，预料在2010年这个数字将达到534亿令吉。目前，大马拥有超过550家购物中心、超过30万个商店单位以及约90家霸级市场。我们也拥有涵盖东南亚区域、中国及台湾的稳定特许经营系统。分销业则涵盖超过1000种领域，包括饮食、服装、饰品、餐馆、酒店、五金等。

配合国家元首有关分销业必须保持开放与自由的呼吁，某些政策如“外资分销业指南”绝对不能执行，因为它将给国内的零售业以及其供应网和旅游业带来严重影响。尤有甚者，此政策也将导致外资撤离大马，进而损害国家经济。

我们欢迎贸工部将通过清真工业发展公司（Halal Development Corporation, HDC）划一发出清真准证的程序，因为此举将提高颁发准证及其它相关手续的效率。这项划一措施也将带来更透明的政策执行，并确保有关领域保持亲商。

我也支持国家元首关于私人领域投资必须成为国家经济发展主要动力的御词，因为这对于确保政府维持低赤字，以及有效处理赤字是关键的策略。政府设下的私人领域投资目标是从2005年的2159亿令吉提高到2010年的3404亿令吉，也就是从占国内生产总值（GDP）43.7%提高到47.1%。目前，私人领域投资仅达2311亿令吉，换句话说已无法达到第9大马计划的中期预算。

为了确保达到第9大马计划所列下的目标，我希望政府必须推出以下数个开明自由的经商政策，以提高私人领域的投资：

a) 政府必须以公开招标的方式进行采购。 除了减少政府的运作开销，公开招标也可提高竞争力，更可以避免耗费300令吉购买螺丝转、10700令吉购买1套技术书籍、花费42.8令吉购买塑胶花盆等事件重演。政府须重新审视这个政策，不分种族地针对所有政府采购进行公开招标

b) 联邦政府应扮演火车头的角色，推动及提升农业生产力，创造财富及负责国内的粮食供应。但是，我们必须解决累积已久的土地问题。

目前我国有数千名耕作了几十年的农民，却仍然无法获得短期或长期的土地租约等保障。我吁请中央政府通过国家土地理事会，制定政策协助这些农民。

我建议政府应提供更多的奖掖、简易贷款、牙兰(Geran)给国内的农业，让这个行业继续为国家经济及粮食生产作出更巨大的贡献。

每年大马进口的粮食占了国内粮食消费的82%，总额达199亿令吉。在第9大马计划下，我们希望可以在2010年达到粮食自供自给的目的。由于我们的粮食供给问题开始恶化，因此若政府肯定要达到此目标，我们必须从现在就开始展开行动。

与其他国家一样，马来西亚现在也同样面对粮食与燃油危机，这也造成了物价上涨，造成了人民受苦的状况。由于长期干旱、洪水泛滥、温室效应及水源枯竭等环球问题，我们现在也可能同样面对这些因天气而带来的危机。

我们已经察觉，库存、津贴及控制物价再也不是一个良好的解决方案，因为我们必须面对造成低效率的体制及政策，而它们包括了准证(AP)、各种垄断、以及层叠的官僚制度。我们应移除这些限制与体制，让自由市场通过供应与需求的自然关系，决定货品的出售价格。

与此同时，我们必须提升现有福利制度的工作效率，确保那些老弱妇孺及有需要的人士可以适时地获得足够的援助。我们应把协助的重点放在帮助那些需要基本住宿、衣物、营养、教育及培训的人士，协助他们掌握一技之长，为社会做出贡献。政府也需特别关注边缘少年、单亲妈妈、被遗弃的孩子、年老、残障人士，我们绝对不允许这些弱势族群被边缘化。

由于城市化的步伐加快，城市贫穷问题于是也成正比地提高了。有鉴于此，政府应该提供更多经费给房屋及地方政府部所推动的消除城市贫穷计划，让该计划全面发挥作用，协助那些有需要的人士。政府也必须重视西马及东马的郊区贫穷人士，协助他们摆脱贫穷。

H）社会治安

政府应该透明化地公布大马皇家警察委员会所提出的125项改革建议的执行进度，以便打造一个有效率、负责任、正直、清廉、专业、杜绝贪污和维护人权的警队。此外，警队必须拿出决心和勇气做出具体的改变，落实独立警队投诉与行为不检委员会(IPCMC)的建议。

根据数据显示，过去4年国内的罪案率飙高了45%，导致警队打击罪案的效率受到民众的质疑。单在去年（2007），国内罪案竟然高达224，298宗，与2003年的156，315宗形成强烈对比。罪案指数已冲破200，000宗的水平，包括强奸案攀升2倍，从2003年的平均每天4个女受害者，上升至去年的平均每天8.5名受害者。这是一个非常严重的数据，我们可以想象民众对国内的治安感到多么的担忧和恐惧。

现今的国内治安每日愈下，人民期望警方可以更有效率地打击罪犯，包括威胁公众生命安危的强奸犯、强匪和攫夺匪。同时，执法者的贪污行为依然显著。

因此，我促请政府重新考虑成立皇家警察调查委员会的建议。

总结：公平社会和国家福利

我们不要一个以社会主义为主的福利国，我们要的是一个以经济开放为主要导向的民主自由国家。这也是3大民族先贤创立国阵时的主要基础。

涵盖5大原则的国家原则是依据民主自由而设，并非建筑在不能促进生产力及征收高税务的福利国原则之上。社会公义和人权必须在民主自由的大原则下加以落实。

国家原则的目标包括维护种族和谐、维护民主的生活方式，以及建立一个公平社会，确保各族公平共享国家财富和经济发展。国家原则也提供朝向维护多元文化的社会特征，以及建立一个资讯工艺便利的文明社会。

国家原则是我国的建国基础，它必须有效地灌输在象征国家未来栋梁的年轻一辈。国家原则是国家建设的一个重要指标，应该受到各方的尊重，它也是国家团结的宏愿，因此我们必须时时维护和贯彻国家原则里的5大原则。

我坚信，如果马来西亚国民可以恪守国家原则、尊崇国家宪法原则及精神、贯彻马来西亚精神团结一致建设国家，我们一定可以迈开脚步向前进，共同打造一个更强盛、更有活力及进步的马来西亚。

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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

MCA Lifelong Learning Reading Club

MCA Lifelong Learning Reading Club would be organizing a few others public lecture for general Malaysian public. It would be free talks for fellow Malaysians. Definitely hope to see more Malaysians making full use of such lectures.

Title:- Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing & Succeeding Under Any Conditions
Book Author:- John Kotter
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Lau Ban Tin
Date:- 24th May 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Into The Ice
Book Author:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Date:- 14th June 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- New Guide to Medicine & Drugs
Book Author:- John A. Henry
Speaker/Mentor:- Dr. Milton Lum
Date:- 26th July 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Emotional Excellence in the Workplace
Book Author:- Dr. Leonard Yong
Speaker/Mentor:- Y. Bhg Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina
Date:- 9th May 2008
Time:- 7pm to 9pm
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

Title:- Exporting & International Trade
Book Author:- AB Teoh
Speaker/Mentor:- AB Teoh
Date:- 9th August 2008
Time:- 9:45am to Noon
Venue:- Center for Extension Education (CEE), University Tunku Abdul Rahman, 11 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

For registration and enquiries, please contact:-
Ms Eileen/Mr. Ooi at 03-79572818/79555181 ext 8663/8611 or Fax 79573818 or email cee@mail.utar.edu.my

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Would encourage any of my blog readers to share with me any event that you come across. As long as the event/activity/initiative is education/charity/youth oriented and is not-for-profit, I would be more than happy to post it to share!

MCA's Report Card

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has announced its Report Card to showcase what are the achievements that MCA has done over the past 4 years since the last General Election.

Quek Ngee Meng, Acting Director of Lifelong Learning has scanned all those 9 Report Cards of 9 Point Party Platform in his blog. Please kindly refer to the links below:-

Platform 1: A Healthy Political Culture
Platform 2: Lifelong Learning Campaign
Platform 3: Revitalising Education
Platform 4: Chinese Language Education
Platform 5: Economic Competitiveness
Platform 6: Development and Promotion of Culture
Platform 7: New Villages Development
Platform 8: A Just and Caring Society
Platform 9: Rakyat Malaysia

Do help share the links of these MCA Report Cards of its performance.

To all voters out there, do go in and read through the report cards and decide for yourself, on whether MCA, and Barisan Nasional, has played its parts in fulfilling its responsibilities.


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12th General Election - MCA Parliament Seats

For this upcoming 12th General Election, Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) under the leadership of YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting would be fielding 40 candidates for Parliamentary Seats. This is 18% of total 222 Parliament seats available in this upcoming election.

Below are the list of MCA Candidates. Hopefully, MCA , with its fantastic track record of servicing the public, would be able to garner more than 31 Parliament Seats this time around.

Of those 31 existing MCA MPs, only 16 would be contesting in Parliament Seats again this time around. This is part of MCA process to provide fresher and newer blood, to ensure that it has a good continuation of new leaders.

Out of those 4 MCA Ministers, 2 would be contesting in Parliament Seats this upcoming election -
1. YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting (P163 - Kulai)
2. YB Dato' Seri Fong Chan Onn (P135 - Alor Gajah) .

Out of 9 MCA Deputy Ministers, 7 would be contesting in Parliament Seats this upcoming election. -
1. YB Dato' Kong Cho Ha (P074 - Lumut)
2. YB Dato' Dr. Ng Yen Yen (P080 - Raub)
3. YB Dato' Fu Ah Kiow (P083 - Kuantan)
4. YB Datuk Liow Tiong Lai (P089 - Bentong)
5. YB Datuk Ong Tee Keat (P100 - Pandan)
6. YB Dato' Donald Lim Siang Chai (P105 - Petaling Jaya Selatan)
7. YB Datuk Tan Chai Ho (P124 - Bandar Tun Razak) .

Out of 4 MCA Parliamentary Secretaries, 2 would be contesting in Parliament Seats this upcoming election. -
1. YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun (P106 - Petaling Jaya Utara)
2. YB Yew Teong Look (P116 - Wangsa Maju)

Lets hope that all these candidates would be able to win their elections convincingly. In any case, if MCA obtains back its allocation of 4 Ministers, 9 Deputy Ministers and 4 Parliamentary Secretaries positions (assume no addition or no reduction), then we would see at least 2 new Ministers, at least 4 new Deputy Ministers (assuming that the new Ministers are from the Deputy Ministers), and perhaps 4 new Parliament Secretaries (assuming that both the Parliament Secretaries get to move up to Deputy Ministers or even Ministers position).

We would be seeing a new Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat as well, as YB Datuk Lim Si Cheng did not seek re-election this time around.

There are a number of ex-state exco or ex-ADUN who would be contesting in Parliament Seats this time around, including several very senior politicians. So, it won't be a surprise if some of them made it to be Ministers/Deputy Ministers/Parliament Secretaries/Deputy Speaker.

There are 3 former MCA State EXCO who would now be contesting in Parliament Seats.
1. YB Dato' Koay Kar Huah (P051 - Bukit Gelugor)
2. YB Dato' Ch'ng Toh Eng (P110 - Klang)
3. YB Datuk Yu Chok Tow (P128 - Seremban)

There are 7 former MCA State Assemblymen who would now be contesting in Parliament Seats.
1. YB Boey Chin Gan (P017 - Padang Serai)
2. YB Dato' Yik Phooi Hong (P065 - Ipoh Barat)
3. YB Datuk Lee Chee Leong (P070 - Kampar)
4. YB Dato' Hoh Hee Lee (P102 - Serdang)
5. YB Datuk Lee Hwa Beng (P104 - Kelana Jaya)
6. YB Dato' Dr. Yeow Chai Thiam (P130 - Rasah)
7. YB Wee Jeck Seng (P165 - Tanjong Piai)

There are 5 existing MCA Parliament Seat holders who would continue contesting in Parliament Seats.
1. YB Dato' Chor Chee Heung (P009 - Alor Setar)
2. YB Wong Nai Chee (P138 - Kota Melaka)
3. YB Dr. Wee Ka Siong (P148 - Air Hitam)
4. YB Ling Ban San @ Teng Boon Soon (P158 - Tebrau)
5. YB Tan Ah Eng (P162 - Gelang Patah)

Above are those 26 existing MCA YBs who would be recontesting in Parliament Seats.

MCA Secretary General Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, who has significant experience in being in Perak State EXCO for several terms earlier would contest in (P077 - Tanjung Malim).

YB Senator Datuk Dr. Lee Chong Meng would give it another try at (P120 - Bukit Bintang).

The other 12 MCA new candidates for Parliament Seats are -
1. Sharon Song Choy Ling (P043 - Bagan)
2. Ong Tang Chuan (P045 - Bukit Mertajam)
3. Ooi Siew Kim (P052 - Bayan Baru)
4. Liew Mun Hon (P064 - Ipoh Timur)
5. Cheah Yoke Can (P066 - Batu Gajah)
6. Ling Hee Leong (P071 - Gopeng)
7. Lee Li Yew (P097 - Selayang)
8. Carol Chew Chee Lin (P122 - Seputeh)
9. Jeffrey Goh Sim Ik (P123 - Cheras)
10. Chua Tee Yong (P142 - Labis)
11. YB Senator Tay Puay Chuan (P145 - Bakri)
12. Dr. Hou Kok Chung (P152 - Kluang)

It looks refreshing of this great list of MCA candidates. I would say that MCA Leadership should be given credits for preparing a very solid list of candidates.

Out of the 40 candidates,
2 of them age 30 or less (5%)
9 of them age 40 or less (22.5%)
16 of them age 45 or less (40%)
18 of them age 50 or less (45%)
31 of them age 55 or less (77.5%)
36 of them age 60 or less (90%)
The oldest among them is Ling Ban San @ Teng Boon Soon, who is 67 years old.

This shows that MCA is really prepared to send in young candidates to stand in the 12th General Election.

Mean Age of the MCA candidates of Parliament Seats are 48.6 years old.

I sincerely urge all readers of my blog to vote during this 12th General Election! And do hope that you would support MCA Candidates, as well as BN Candidates, to ensure that Malaysia would continue to grow steadily towards Vision 2020.


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