Saturday, July 26, 2008
To whom it may concern.
Do you know that.........
The Persons With Disabilities Act 2008 enter in force on the 7th July 2008 in Malaysia
On behalf of ILTC, we are deeply regret because we are not been properly informed by the Ministry about this very important matter towards all the disabled people of Malaysia.
We hope that, this kind of attitude in the Ministry won't help the development of PWD in Malaysia.
We also believe that, the Ministry have to focus seriously on the development of PWD and to ensure that the information to be informed in time by the Ministry.
By the President of ILTC
NEW MINISTER FOR WELFARE MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
Badan Latihan dan Hidup Berdikari Malaysia (ILTC) pada 23hb Mac 2016 menyerahkan memorandum kepada ahli-ahli parlimen mendesak supaya golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU) dikecualikan daripada cukai barangan dan perkhidmatan (GST).
Disabled Members Protest
Disabled Members Protest at JPJ Wangsa Maju
ILTC Malaysia members staged a protest outside JPJ Wangsamaju KL.
Disabled group’s protest disabled drivers required to produce doc's medical report.
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Friday, 25 July 2008
Only 10 Per Cent Persons With Disabilities Registered
Friday, July 25, 2008
Bernama - General
July 22, 2008 19:52 PM
Only 10 Per Cent Persons With Disabilities Registered
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 Julai (Bernama) -- Assistance to the estimated 1.6 million to 2.7 million disabled population in the country is hampered by the fact that only 10 per cent of them have registered themselves.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said only those registered would be eligible for various government aid.
"Because only a small number of them (disabled) are registered, this has hampered our efforts to extend assistance to them," she said when opening a seminar on the Persons with Disabilities Act here Monday.
She said the ministry was expecting the number of disabled persons to grow in tandem with the increase in population and life expectancy as well as the rise in road and industrial accidents
As of last year, only 220,250 disabled people were registered with the Social Welfare Department.
Special schemes provided by the ministry for registered disabled people included a monthly allowance of RM300 for parents or caretakers in charge of those who were bedridden, from January 2008, she said.
Children with disabilities who enrolled in the community-based rehabilitation programmes would be given a special allowance of RM150 monthly starting February this year, she said.
Financial incentives of RM300 monthly would also be given to working disabled people less than RM1,200 a month.In 2007, a total of 16,542 disabled people benefited from this scheme with a total of RM32.9 million disbursed, she added.
Dr Ng said other ministries were also offering various aid for the disabled.
For example, she said, the Human Resources Ministry had allocated RM22 million in financial aid under the Business Incentive Aid Scheme for the Disabled.
BERNAMA
Bernama - General
July 22, 2008 19:52 PM
Only 10 Per Cent Persons With Disabilities Registered
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 Julai (Bernama) -- Assistance to the estimated 1.6 million to 2.7 million disabled population in the country is hampered by the fact that only 10 per cent of them have registered themselves.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said only those registered would be eligible for various government aid.
"Because only a small number of them (disabled) are registered, this has hampered our efforts to extend assistance to them," she said when opening a seminar on the Persons with Disabilities Act here Monday.
She said the ministry was expecting the number of disabled persons to grow in tandem with the increase in population and life expectancy as well as the rise in road and industrial accidents
As of last year, only 220,250 disabled people were registered with the Social Welfare Department.
Special schemes provided by the ministry for registered disabled people included a monthly allowance of RM300 for parents or caretakers in charge of those who were bedridden, from January 2008, she said.
Children with disabilities who enrolled in the community-based rehabilitation programmes would be given a special allowance of RM150 monthly starting February this year, she said.
Financial incentives of RM300 monthly would also be given to working disabled people less than RM1,200 a month.In 2007, a total of 16,542 disabled people benefited from this scheme with a total of RM32.9 million disbursed, she added.
Dr Ng said other ministries were also offering various aid for the disabled.
For example, she said, the Human Resources Ministry had allocated RM22 million in financial aid under the Business Incentive Aid Scheme for the Disabled.
BERNAMA
Push for more benefits, disabled urged
Friday, July 25, 2008
NST Online - Local News
Push for more benefits, disabled urged
KUALA LUMPUR: The disabled community must not limit their lobbying for rights and well-being to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said those involved with persons with disabilities must also lobby other ministries, such as the Housing and Local Government, Human Resources, Transport, and Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development.
"Ask the Works Minister to ensure all new buildings provide disabled-friendly toilets and are barrier-free to the disabled," she said.
She pointed out that the Human Resources Ministry has a scheme to assist the disabled in business and employment, with a funding of RM22m under the 9th Malaysia Plan.
"Make full use of the fund. Otherwise the unused money will go back to the government," she said yesterday.
She was attending a seminar on the Persons with Disabilities Act, organised by the National Council for the Blind Malaysia and the Malaysian Confederation for the Disabled
NST Online - Local News
Push for more benefits, disabled urged
KUALA LUMPUR: The disabled community must not limit their lobbying for rights and well-being to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said those involved with persons with disabilities must also lobby other ministries, such as the Housing and Local Government, Human Resources, Transport, and Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development.
"Ask the Works Minister to ensure all new buildings provide disabled-friendly toilets and are barrier-free to the disabled," she said.
She pointed out that the Human Resources Ministry has a scheme to assist the disabled in business and employment, with a funding of RM22m under the 9th Malaysia Plan.
"Make full use of the fund. Otherwise the unused money will go back to the government," she said yesterday.
She was attending a seminar on the Persons with Disabilities Act, organised by the National Council for the Blind Malaysia and the Malaysian Confederation for the Disabled
What are the roles of councillors?
Friday, July 25, 2008
What are the roles of councillors?
By SALINA KHALID
THE 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.
Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.
Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.
One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight ar
ound to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.
One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.
What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?
Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.
A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.
Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.
Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority
“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.
Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.
He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.
Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.
Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.
According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.
“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.
A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.
According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.
Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.
Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.
A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.
The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.
The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.
They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.
Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.
They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.
Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.
Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.
Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.
He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.
“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.
He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.
“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.
Roles and responsibilities of councillors
As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.
What are the roles of councillors?
By SALINA KHALID
THE 288 new councillors for the two city councils and 10 municipal or district councils in Selangor have been assigned zones within their respective councils.
Much has been discussed and debated about the selection and appointment of these councillors since the Pakatan Rakyat state government invited nominations from the community for the councillor posts following the March 8 general election.
Much has also been said about certain characters with doubtful backgrounds and underworld connections who were selected as councillors.
One nominee was alleged to have used his appointment letter to throw his weight ar
ound to prevent enforcement officers from doing their duty.One thing, however, has not been thoroughly discussed and articulated in public, and that is the roles and functions of a councillor.
What roles and responsibilities do the local councillors have?
Under the public administration scheme, the local council is the third tier of government after the federal government and state government.
A recent street poll revealed that most people are not clear and certain about what the functions of their local councillors are.
Many people do not know whether the council appointees are there to represent them or simply given the post as political rewards or to guard the interests of their political parties.
Petaling Jaya resident Hamzah Mohamad thinks that councillors are the eyes and ears of the local council and are those whom people go to when dealing with matters concerning the local authority
“They are like an agent of the local council to me. Yet I do not know exactly what their role is,” he said.
Hamzah, who has been a resident in Petaling Jaya for about 10 years, said he had met several councillors for various reasons, including for assistance in local council matters like parking problems in his residential area.
He knows that the councillors meet every month at a full board meeting to discuss and decide on matters concerning the community.
Other than that, he doesn’t know what else do the councillors do.
Hamzah is not alone. Most people are also in the dark like him.
According to a former councillor, councillors should serve as the eyes and ears of the council so that they can serve the people and at the same time advice the council on what is going-on on the ground.
“They should listen to the needs of local people and take their views into account when making decisions,” he said.
A source in the Federal Local Government and Housing Ministry describes councillors as community leaders who work in partnership with the respective local authority.
According to Federal Local Housing Department director-general Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, an appointed councillor has to be reside in the area of the council’s jurisdiction he is serving and have a wide experience and expertise in the local government matters. She said this in a recent talk.
Section 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 states that “councillors of the local authority shall be appointed from among persons the majority of whom shall be persons ordinarily residents in the local authority area who in the opinion of the state authority have wide experience in local government affairs or who have achieved distinction in any profession, commerce or industry, or are otherwise capable of representing the interests of their communities in the local authority area”.
Although it is the duty of a councillor to represent the whole community, he also has a duty to serve the local government as a member of its administration.
A councillor must know what is going on in his area, and to help solve any problems or answer the queries that the community may have.
The councillor’s job involves helping to solve the people’s problems, such as garbage collection, clogged drains, floods, as well the general welfare of the people.
The councillors are among the decision-makers of policies and practices of the council.
They are responsible for helping the people understand the policies and projects of their local councils.
Councillors, hence, are important because they are supposed to be the voice of the community and play a vital role in the functioning of democracy.
They are the community representatives and champion the local issues to enhance the quality of life and development in the area that they serve.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed local councillors in Selangor comprises party workers, professionals, NGOs, the disabled and women.
Previously more than one councillor was assigned to a zone, but now each has been assigned a zone.
Each will be assigned an office and staff to assist him in his work to serve the community.
Under the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the state assemblymen are not appointed as councillors, unlike the previous Barisan Nasional state government.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in his speech during last month’s mass swearing-in of the councillors reminded them that they were to serve the people.
He said the process of awarding contracts through direct negotiations had been abolished in Selangor and there would be no exception at the local council level.
“These councillors must strive to improve the quality of the delivery system and find ways to increase revenue and ensure that every ringgit is wisely spent,” Khalid said.
He said the councillors were expected to practice good governance at all times and ensure that decisions made at the sub-committee and full board meetings were favourable to the people.
“They must be impartial and should not allow any parties to exploit their positions to serve unscrupulous interests,” he said.
Roles and responsibilities of councillors
As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.
- As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.
- To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession
- To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.
- As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.
- To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.
- To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.
- To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.
- As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.
- To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.
- To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.
Appointment of the councillors
The Local Government Act 1976
- Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.
- residing in the respective local council
- Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs
- Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry
- Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving
Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.
Exclusive: NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAMPAIGN GROUP Formed in KL!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Exclusive: NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAMPAIGN GROUP Formed in KL!
The die-hard group of supporters of the new public transport advocacy body stay back for a dinner after the meeting finished.: They have booked a bigger room for the next meet in the same building.
Following unanimous decision a new public transport group is formed by 14 people who attended a meeting at Bau Bau Cafe, Central Market Annex, yesterday evening. Attendants included disabled people(future public transport users), train users, bus users, cyclist, bus map designer as well as pedestrians!They will decide on a name and the the logistics of how to function on the next meeting on Aug 5th (Tuesday) at 7.00pm, on the 2nd floor of Central Market Annex. Anyone interested to join are requested to contact penangwatch@gmail.com or 013-5900339 (Ong).
Exclusive: NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAMPAIGN GROUP Formed in KL!
The die-hard group of supporters of the new public transport advocacy body stay back for a dinner after the meeting finished.: They have booked a bigger room for the next meet in the same building.Following unanimous decision a new public transport group is formed by 14 people who attended a meeting at Bau Bau Cafe, Central Market Annex, yesterday evening. Attendants included disabled people(future public transport users), train users, bus users, cyclist, bus map designer as well as pedestrians!They will decide on a name and the the logistics of how to function on the next meeting on Aug 5th (Tuesday) at 7.00pm, on the 2nd floor of Central Market Annex. Anyone interested to join are requested to contact penangwatch@gmail.com or 013-5900339 (Ong).
The group call upon more Klang Valley residents to join the new initiative so as to give voice to a much neglected group in the nation's capital. Recent drastic fuel hike has highlighted the need to improve the welfare of public transport users across the board. The formation of this grop with great potential will make it easier for the government to get inputs from the Public transport users.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Irresponsible motorists park as they please
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Star - Metro
Irresponsible motorists park as they please
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
The Star - Metro
Irresponsible motorists park as they please
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
SOME local authorities in Selangor have ensured that developers provide designated parking lots for the disabled but irresponsible motorists have abused these lots and use them for their own benefit.
A random check by StarMetro at Klang, where there are ample parking lots for the disabled, revealed that most of these lots are taken up by normal people.
This is especially rampant at lots located at busy areas like banks and food outlets, where parking spaces are not easily available.
Irresponsible: This posh car has taken up a disabled lot and closer inspection reveals neither a handicapped sticker or a credential card.
However, the check also revealed that some of these motorists preferred to park at these lots even though there was ample parking space nearby.
There seemed to be no difference in the general mentality of these unscrupulous motorists whether they drove big or small vehicles.
It is believed that they park their vehicles at these lots for two reasons - they are readily available and parking is free.
The checks were conducted at various part of Klang including the town area, Bandar Baru Bukit Tinggi and Bayu Perdana.
Polio victim M. Paskaran, 45, from Kampung Raja Uda in Klang said finding parking was never easy even though there seemed to be a lot of parking bays for the disabled.
Stuck: Paskaran has been forced to park at regular bays on many occasions.
He said most of these lots were taken up by normal people at the expense of the disabled.
Sometimes, I have to park my car far away and walk to the bank or shops since motorists do not want to leave these parking lots alone.
“The council has provided a lot of parking lots for the disabled. These parking lots are mostly painted blue or red and they have the wheelchair symbol on them,” he said
Paskaran said he often placed his card issued by the Welfare Department on his dashboard so that he would not be fined by the council's enforcement personnel.
However, he said there had been times when he had been issued with comp
ound notices.
“I find it inconvenient to go to the council office to clear the fines and I believe this situation would not arise if I had parked my vehicle at the special lots allocated to us,” he said
Klang Municipal Council president Mislan Tugiu said the council viewed the offence as serious and the offenders would be slapped with a maximum fine of RM300.
He said the council would not compromise with those who abused the privilege offered to the disabled.
“I urge the enforcement officers to be strict and ensure that those who indiscriminately park their vehicles at these parking lots are issued with fines,” he said
Under its caring society policy, Mislan said, the council had made it compulsory for developers of new townships to allocate special parking bays for the disabled.
Shortcut: Able bodied drivers prefer to use the disabled lots as they are nearer the banks and other shops.
Meanwhile, checks at places like Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya and Kajang revealed that such parking bays were not available.
Due to lack of civic consciousness from the public, these councils feel that providing special parking lots for the disabled would not help the situation.
However, they allow disabled motorists to park their vehicles at normal parking bays for free.
“We will not fine them for not paying for parking as long they display their credential cards on the dashboard,” Subang Jaya Municipal Council public relations officer Azfarizal Abdul Rashid said.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Social Welfare Department to search for Malaysians eligible for financial aid
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Star - News
Social Welfare Department to search for Malaysians eligible for financial aid
By JOSEPH LOH
PETALING JAYA: If you know of anyone who is need of welfare aid, please call Talian Nur at 15999.
The Social Welfare Department is actively searching for Malaysians who are eligible for financial aid but have not registered.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen explained that this new initiative, called Projek Cari, was intended to strengthen the department’s network.
“Over the next two months, we will seek and identify all those who are eligible to receive aid (from the department),” she said.
Dr Ng called on everyone to inform the department if they knew of any families living below the poverty line.
“If you know of anyone who is a single mother, or has no income, or is poor, tell us. Call it public social responsibility,” she said.
Categories eligible for aid include the disabled earning below RM1,200, senior citizens above 60 and earning less than RM700 and whose family members are unable support them, and children from households with less than RM700 income.
“They can go to the nearest welfare office and register with us. Our officers will check to see if they qualify for the scheme. It should not take more than a month to process their application,” she said when opening the National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia (Nacscom) Old Folks Home in Kota Damansara.
She also noted that grandparents should not be obliged to care for their grandchildren.
“I’m not asking grandparents to not look after their grandchildren, but I believe they should not feel compelled to do so. That would be very sad,” she said.
Nacscom president Datuk Lum Kin Tuck said the home, which could house 20 people, currently had eight residents.
For more information on the home, contact Nacscom at 03-79585794.
The Star - News
Social Welfare Department to search for Malaysians eligible for financial aid
By JOSEPH LOH
PETALING JAYA: If you know of anyone who is need of welfare aid, please call Talian Nur at 15999.
The Social Welfare Department is actively searching for Malaysians who are eligible for financial aid but have not registered.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen explained that this new initiative, called Projek Cari, was intended to strengthen the department’s network.
“Over the next two months, we will seek and identify all those who are eligible to receive aid (from the department),” she said.
Dr Ng called on everyone to inform the department if they knew of any families living below the poverty line.
“If you know of anyone who is a single mother, or has no income, or is poor, tell us. Call it public social responsibility,” she said.
Categories eligible for aid include the disabled earning below RM1,200, senior citizens above 60 and earning less than RM700 and whose family members are unable support them, and children from households with less than RM700 income.
“They can go to the nearest welfare office and register with us. Our officers will check to see if they qualify for the scheme. It should not take more than a month to process their application,” she said when opening the National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia (Nacscom) Old Folks Home in Kota Damansara.
She also noted that grandparents should not be obliged to care for their grandchildren.
“I’m not asking grandparents to not look after their grandchildren, but I believe they should not feel compelled to do so. That would be very sad,” she said.
Nacscom president Datuk Lum Kin Tuck said the home, which could house 20 people, currently had eight residents.
For more information on the home, contact Nacscom at 03-79585794.
Do more to help the disabled, says Jeanne
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Star - Metro
Do more to help the disabled, says Jeanne
THE private sector could do more to help the disabled by reserving jobs suitable for them, said Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.
The Prime Minister’s wife said the private sector should emulate the government, which had reserved one per cent of all jobs in the civil service for the disabled.
Happy moment: Jeanne receiving a painting from Sharudin Omar, 36, a resident of the Lenggeng Community rehabilitation centre while Raja Salbiah (left) looks on.
Star - Metro
Do more to help the disabled, says Jeanne
THE private sector could do more to help the disabled by reserving jobs suitable for them, said Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.
The Prime Minister’s wife said the private sector should emulate the government, which had reserved one per cent of all jobs in the civil service for the disabled.
Happy moment: Jeanne receiving a painting from Sharudin Omar, 36, a resident of the Lenggeng Community rehabilitation centre while Raja Salbiah (left) looks on.She said this after launching the “One Product-One Community Rehabilitation Centre” programme at the Craft Complex in Seremban.
Also present were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his wife, Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumuddin.
Jeanne said companies could hire and train the disabled as part of their corporate social responsibility programme.
She said several non-governmental organisations such as Bakti (the organisation of wives of ministers and deputy ministers) had organised activities to benefit special children.
She added that Bakti had also organised programmes to train teachers who handled special children. For a start, 88 teachers were sent for a programme at Universiti Utara Malaysia.
Jeanne said parents should also bring out their special children and not keep them away from society.
Earlier, Jeanne launched the “Bumi Hijau” programme at Taman Rembau Utama.
She said since the cost of living had increased, people should grow their own greens.
“Always remember that it does not cost much to grow your own greens and the benefits are immense,” she added.
Two make history at councils
Sunday, 20 July, 2008
NST Online - Local New - 2008/07/19
Two make history at councils
By : P. Chandra Sagaran
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (right) talking to Society of Chinese Disabled Persons Malaysia president Kennedy Hong Chuan Lee after he was sworn in as Hilir Perak Municipality councillor in Ipoh yesterday.
NST Online - Local New - 2008/07/19
Two make history at councils
By : P. Chandra Sagaran
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (right) talking to Society of Chinese Disabled Persons Malaysia president Kennedy Hong Chuan Lee after he was sworn in as Hilir Perak Municipality councillor in Ipoh yesterday.IPOH: A paraplegic and an Orang Asli created history when they were sworn in as local councillors for the Hilir Perak and Kuala Kangsar municipalities respectively.
Society of Chinese Disabled Persons Malaysia president Kennedy Hong Chuan Lee, 42, and Sudin Uda, 38, a community leader, were among 338 councillors who took their oaths here yesterday.
Hong, who was also the Special People Association of Teluk Intan chairman, said the disabled had been neglected in many aspects and he wanted to ensure they were treated equally.
"I will use the associations as a platform to gather information and create a network so that their grievances can be raised with the relevant authorities," said the wheelchair-bound who was paralysed from the waist down four years ago.
Sudin, from Kampung Landap in Sungai Siput, said the appointment provided him with the opportunity to raise the problems faced by his community.
"Currently, there is no proper forum for Orang Asli folk to voice out their grievances," he added.
Of those sworn in, 110 were from the public and non-governmental organisations, 104 from DAP, 70 from Parti Keadilan Rakyat and 54 from Pas.
They were led in taking their oaths by Perak Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (Rehda) chairman Datuk Francis Lee.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, state Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming and state secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Hashim witnessed the event.
Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran was also appointed a councillor for the Ipoh City Council.
Mohammad Nizar, who spoke to reporters later, said those not appointed as councillors should not feel disappointed as the term of office of those selected would expire by year end.
"We will monitor their performance and make the necessary adjustments if the need arises," he said in response to several memoranda submitted to the state government by organisations which were disappointed after their representatives were not selected.
Earlier in his speech, Mohammad Nizar, asked the councillors to stay clear of corrupt practices, abuse of power and disciplinary problems, and use their expertise to serve the public effectively.
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