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.
Friday, 18 July 2008
Feeling the pinch
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Feeling the pinch
Wheel Power
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN
IT HAS been a while since I “read” out some of the wonderful responses that I get from readers of this column. Here are extracts:
I have been an avid reader of Wheel Power since I was sighted. However, I am now totally blind. It was most frustrating not to be able to read the newspapers after I lost my sight.
However, that all changed when I started using a screen reader. I am now able to follow your column once again online with my computer.
Some weeks ago, you wrote about the difficulties faced by disabled Malaysians in applying for free travel passes with RapidKL’s public transport service. I was relieved to hear from my friends that the problem has been settled.
Recently, however, the disabled, as you know, find themselves confronted with another tremendous challenge – inflation.
With spiralling costs, the blind and other handicapped people in our society are having serious hardships in acquiring their basic needs. In a nutshell, it is hard for us to tighten an already firmly tightened belt.
Not long ago, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen increased the special allowance for working disabled people.
This is most commendable. The minister had obviously considered the sharp impact of fuel hikes and inflation on the disabled.
However, I regret to point out that there is still a group of disabled persons that the minister has inadvertently left out. These are persons under the Socso invalidity pension scheme. Socso, as I understand, is under the purview of the Human Resources Ministry.
This group of permanently disabled people did not get any raise when civil servants got theirs. They were forgotten in last year’s budget as well. Their last pension review was in 2006.
The tiny raise that the handicapped received then is a pittance compared to our present fuel costs.
As the Finance Ministry is presently in consultation with various disability groups ahead of the upcoming Budget, I sincerely hope that the Socso invalidity pension scheme will be high on its priority list as the current situation is putting a tremendous pressure on pensioners.
Do you know that some disabled pensioners only receive about RM400 a month?
What difference would so little make?
VK
Thanks for your views, VK. You may be interested to know that a group of disabled people and organisations for the handicapped met Dr Ng last month.
They requested that all disabled persons nationwide be granted an additional RM500 (minimum) as a special monthly allowance. This, they said, should be in addition to whatever
financial aid they are presently receiving, in view of the present inflation crisis.
The unanimous view also stipulated that even those without jobs – who frequently don’t qualify for financial aid – should also be entitled to such a grant.
The groups insisted on this based on the fact that the disabled, compared to the able-bodied, face a higher cost of living. Their expenses include costs of medications, special aids and devices, and other necessities. Let’s hope that this request becomes a reality soon.
On the group of disabled persons who made a trip to Parliament House to demand that politicians show respect for the disabled in their speeches, (able-bodied) DW from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, wrote:
Our MPs should treat every disabled person with respect.
People who think that they are infallible cannot be more mistaken. Sooner or later, we will all be frail and infirm and be confronted with some form of disability. It would be foolish for anyone to think that he or she will remain young and strong forever.
Syabas to all you brave souls in wheelchairs for taking the time and trouble to educate us on this fact of life.
Finally, here is very positive feedback from one participant of an animal-assisted therapy session held at the Selangor Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Kuala Lumpur last month:
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit by the members of Petpositive. As an able-bodied person, I benefited even more than the disabled and elderly persons who came to our animal shelter to care for our puppies and kittens.
The happiness and lovely smiles on their faces said a thousand words! The healing touch of an animal to a human is truly magnificent. Animals see no differences in human beings. Neither should we.
Christine Chin
SPCA chairman
Selangor
Feeling the pinch
Wheel Power
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN
IT HAS been a while since I “read” out some of the wonderful responses that I get from readers of this column. Here are extracts:
I have been an avid reader of Wheel Power since I was sighted. However, I am now totally blind. It was most frustrating not to be able to read the newspapers after I lost my sight.
However, that all changed when I started using a screen reader. I am now able to follow your column once again online with my computer.
Some weeks ago, you wrote about the difficulties faced by disabled Malaysians in applying for free travel passes with RapidKL’s public transport service. I was relieved to hear from my friends that the problem has been settled.
Recently, however, the disabled, as you know, find themselves confronted with another tremendous challenge – inflation.
With spiralling costs, the blind and other handicapped people in our society are having serious hardships in acquiring their basic needs. In a nutshell, it is hard for us to tighten an already firmly tightened belt.
Not long ago, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen increased the special allowance for working disabled people.
This is most commendable. The minister had obviously considered the sharp impact of fuel hikes and inflation on the disabled.
However, I regret to point out that there is still a group of disabled persons that the minister has inadvertently left out. These are persons under the Socso invalidity pension scheme. Socso, as I understand, is under the purview of the Human Resources Ministry.
This group of permanently disabled people did not get any raise when civil servants got theirs. They were forgotten in last year’s budget as well. Their last pension review was in 2006.
The tiny raise that the handicapped received then is a pittance compared to our present fuel costs.
As the Finance Ministry is presently in consultation with various disability groups ahead of the upcoming Budget, I sincerely hope that the Socso invalidity pension scheme will be high on its priority list as the current situation is putting a tremendous pressure on pensioners.
Do you know that some disabled pensioners only receive about RM400 a month?
What difference would so little make?
VK
Thanks for your views, VK. You may be interested to know that a group of disabled people and organisations for the handicapped met Dr Ng last month.
They requested that all disabled persons nationwide be granted an additional RM500 (minimum) as a special monthly allowance. This, they said, should be in addition to whatever
financial aid they are presently receiving, in view of the present inflation crisis.
The unanimous view also stipulated that even those without jobs – who frequently don’t qualify for financial aid – should also be entitled to such a grant.
The groups insisted on this based on the fact that the disabled, compared to the able-bodied, face a higher cost of living. Their expenses include costs of medications, special aids and devices, and other necessities. Let’s hope that this request becomes a reality soon.
On the group of disabled persons who made a trip to Parliament House to demand that politicians show respect for the disabled in their speeches, (able-bodied) DW from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, wrote:
Our MPs should treat every disabled person with respect.
People who think that they are infallible cannot be more mistaken. Sooner or later, we will all be frail and infirm and be confronted with some form of disability. It would be foolish for anyone to think that he or she will remain young and strong forever.
Syabas to all you brave souls in wheelchairs for taking the time and trouble to educate us on this fact of life.
Finally, here is very positive feedback from one participant of an animal-assisted therapy session held at the Selangor Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Kuala Lumpur last month:
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit by the members of Petpositive. As an able-bodied person, I benefited even more than the disabled and elderly persons who came to our animal shelter to care for our puppies and kittens.
The happiness and lovely smiles on their faces said a thousand words! The healing touch of an animal to a human is truly magnificent. Animals see no differences in human beings. Neither should we.
Christine Chin
SPCA chairman
Selangor
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Disabled woman lodges report on abuse
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Malay Mail
Call to probe other homes
By Najiah Najib
THE adviser of a training centre for the disabled, where an inmate claimed she was abused by the operator, has urged the police to “thoroughly” investigate the matter and at the same time probe other centres for similar abuses.
“I urge the police to be very thorough in their investigation.
Since this issue has cropped up, it is best that the police start looking into the operations of other charity homes as well,” said Petaling Jaya City councillor Anthony Thanasayan, who is also the adviser to Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang.
Wheelchair-bound inmate A.
Kogilavani, 29, claimed in her police report that she was abused on several occasions by the wheelchair- bound centre operator, Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh, 47.
“It is good that the matter is being looked into.
‘‘We should take this as a lesson to learn some things about charity homes that we may not be aware of before,” said the 47-year-old who is wheelchair-bound himself.
Anthony said it was important for the police to carry out a full investigation on ILTC and find out what actually took place.
As the adviser to ILTC, Anthony said he would give his full cooperation to the police and help them in any way.
On the allegations against the operator, Anthony said he would be shocked if the allegations were true as he had known Gurdip Kaur and her husband, G. Sivasangararao, for a long time.
“The couple are both disabled people themselves, so they understand the challenges that a handicapped person has to go through.
There may be some yelling off and on within the centre, but I don’t believe the couple would resort to violence.” Anthony said ILTC may not be perfect, but they do a good job.
The centre had a good track record and its operators had helped a lot of disabled people, especially in Rawang, he said.
He added that ILTC was also one of the very few homes that allowed its residents to stay there for free.
He advised the centre operators to make their policies clearer, and to not accept people they can’t handle.
“Disabled people don’t always get the support they need, and may not socialise as much as ablebodied people, so their perspective of things could be different.”
The Malay Mail
Call to probe other homes
By Najiah Najib
THE adviser of a training centre for the disabled, where an inmate claimed she was abused by the operator, has urged the police to “thoroughly” investigate the matter and at the same time probe other centres for similar abuses.
“I urge the police to be very thorough in their investigation.
Since this issue has cropped up, it is best that the police start looking into the operations of other charity homes as well,” said Petaling Jaya City councillor Anthony Thanasayan, who is also the adviser to Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang.
Wheelchair-bound inmate A.
Kogilavani, 29, claimed in her police report that she was abused on several occasions by the wheelchair- bound centre operator, Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh, 47.
“It is good that the matter is being looked into.
‘‘We should take this as a lesson to learn some things about charity homes that we may not be aware of before,” said the 47-year-old who is wheelchair-bound himself.
Anthony said it was important for the police to carry out a full investigation on ILTC and find out what actually took place.
As the adviser to ILTC, Anthony said he would give his full cooperation to the police and help them in any way.
On the allegations against the operator, Anthony said he would be shocked if the allegations were true as he had known Gurdip Kaur and her husband, G. Sivasangararao, for a long time.
“The couple are both disabled people themselves, so they understand the challenges that a handicapped person has to go through.
There may be some yelling off and on within the centre, but I don’t believe the couple would resort to violence.” Anthony said ILTC may not be perfect, but they do a good job.
The centre had a good track record and its operators had helped a lot of disabled people, especially in Rawang, he said.
He added that ILTC was also one of the very few homes that allowed its residents to stay there for free.
He advised the centre operators to make their policies clearer, and to not accept people they can’t handle.
“Disabled people don’t always get the support they need, and may not socialise as much as ablebodied people, so their perspective of things could be different.”
False Allegations Against ILTC
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
False Allegations Against ILTC
As a President of ILTC, I would like to inform that the A. Kogilavani's allegations towards ILTC was false information.
On behalf of ILTC we already very clearly made a police report against her for tanishing our good society and waiting for full investigation from the police department.
We will keep up the latest development information.
Thanks
Mr. Francis Siva
President of ILTC
_____________________________________________________
View below the article from Malay Mail
Malay Mail July 15th 2008
Allegations false, says councillor
SELAYANG municipal councillor Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh yesterday refuted A. Kogilavani's allegations that she had abused her on several occasions.
SELAYANG municipal councillor Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh yesterday refuted A. Kogilavani's allegations that she had abused her on several occasions.
"These allegations are false," said the 47-year-old woman, who runs the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang, with her husband.
She told Malay Mail that Kogilavani, 29, had made the claims probably because the latter was unhappy with the training classes conducted at the centre. “She just wants an easy way out of the centre,” said Gurdip.
She said Kogilavani first came to the centre over a year ago, but left shortly after because she had wanted to be with her father who was suffering from diabetes.
“You know how it is with fathers and daughters. But after her father passed away, it seemed that the family couldn’t cope with her, so they contacted the centre and asked us to take her back,” said Gurdip.
She said Kogilavani returned to the centre earlier this year and was given lessons in computer, sewing, handicraft and English language.
“We have different classes every week, and computer classes in between. On weekends, they are encouraged to clean their own rooms.On Sundays, everyone would do gardening.
“We gave Kogilavani a sewing kit to work with but while everyone else was keen to learn, she didn’t seem interested. She cried a lot. She also slept in class,” said Gurdip.
She said the inmates had it quite easy at ILTC, adding that classes were free. She said sometimes, the centre would organise outdoor programmes for the inmates such as going to the movies or eating out.
Gurdip said before Kogilavani, the centre never had any problems with any other inmates.She said some former inmates even kept her updated on their progress in their working life.
Asked if she would lodge a report to counter Kogilavani’s allegations, Gurdip said: “No, I don’t want to do that. She’s like a daughter to me. Also, she’s an OKU (orang kurang upaya or disabled person) and I don’t want to make her life harder than it is.
“This is a small matter and I’ve got nothing to hide.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disabled woman lodges report on abuse
By Najiah Najib and Pauline AlmeidaA
WHEELCHAIR-BOUND inmate of a training centre in Rawang has lodged a police report against the operator of the centre, also disabled, for allegedly abusing her physically. In one incident, the victim claimed shelost a tooth after she was punched in the face.
In her report, lodged at the Ipoh police headquarters last Tuesday, A. Kogilavani, 29, said her abuser is also wheelchair-bound.Speaking to Malay Mail, the alleged victim from Menglembu, Perak, said the woman was recently sworn in as a Selayang Municipal councillor.
Kogilavani claimed the incidents took place at the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang, where she was an inmate since February. I
t is learnt that the centre was established eight years ago by the woman, Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh, and her husband, G. Sivasangararao, also known as Siva, to help disabled people learn living skills like sewing, computer, handicraft and English.
Kogilavani said she enrolled in ILTC in June 2006, with the hope of learning how to cope with her disabilities better so she could find work.
However, she said she and the other inmates were instead told to do housework such as sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom, feeding and grooming the dog, gardening, cooking and doing the laundry.
“There was so much work to be done everyday. I didn’t go to the centre to learn housework, so I decided to return home in July 2006.” She said the reason she left was also to be with her sickly father who was suffering from diabetes. Her father, whose legs had been amputated, died in January last year. After being encouraged by her uncle, Kogilavani returned to ILTC in February this year. However, she claimed she and the other trainees only underwent training during the first month.
“After that, the other trainees, who were living outside, stopped coming for the classes. As I was the only student left, the trainers stopped coming to the centre to teach,” she claimed.
She said as there were no more classes, she had intended to return to Ipoh but was held back by the centre operators.It was then that her nightmare began, she said.
“Once, I was cooking rice in the kitchen and forgot to turn off the switch after the rice had cooked. Just then, Gurdip approached me and noticed my mistake. She scolded me, saying that it could cause an electric shock if I didn’t turn the switch off.
“Suddenly, she punched me in the chin, so hard that a tooth from my lower jaw fell out. Blood gushed out of my mouth,” claimed Kogilavani, adding that she was then told by Gurdip to just clean herself up.Kogilavani claimed another incident took place about a week later.
This time she was arranging the inmates’ shoes on a rack when a sole fell off. Gurdip then approached her and scolded her for not knowing how to arrange the shoes properly. Gurdip then allegedly hit her with the sole that had fallen off. Kogilavani also claimed she not only had to endure physical abuse from Gurdip, but verbal abuse from Siva as well.
She said Siva was also wheelchairbound.
While Gurdip was paralysed from waist down, Siva was paralysed in his upper body and couldn’t move his hands much.Kogilavani said the latest abuse that took place was between June 30 and July 1, when she tried to run away from the centre.
“I sneaked out of the centre at 5.20am on a wheelchair and went to the bus stop a kilometre away.
A woman from the centre, Thevanai, spotted me and telephoned her husband Murugan who is a friend of Gurdip and Siva.
“Murugan arrived soon after. I told him that I couldn’t bear Gurdip and Siva’s bullying any longer. He coaxed me to stay on, saying that he would advise the centre operators to stop picking on me,” she claimed.
However, Kogilavani claimed that when they returned to the centre at 6.30am, Murugan turned the tables on her.
“When he told Gurdip and Siva that I had attempted to run away, Gurdip told him to beat me up. Murugan took a large stick and whacked me on my arms, thighs, back and the back of my head.” Kogilavani alleged she received another beating from Murugan three days later, under the couple’s orders, when she again tried to run away from the centre.
Depressed, Kogilavani said she swallowed a mothball that night to try to commit suicide. When the couple found out what she had done, they immediately contacted her family to take her
back.
False Allegations Against ILTC
As a President of ILTC, I would like to inform that the A. Kogilavani's allegations towards ILTC was false information.
On behalf of ILTC we already very clearly made a police report against her for tanishing our good society and waiting for full investigation from the police department.
We will keep up the latest development information.
Thanks
Mr. Francis Siva
President of ILTC
_____________________________________________________
View below the article from Malay Mail
Malay Mail July 15th 2008
Allegations false, says councillor
SELAYANG municipal councillor Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh yesterday refuted A. Kogilavani's allegations that she had abused her on several occasions.
SELAYANG municipal councillor Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh yesterday refuted A. Kogilavani's allegations that she had abused her on several occasions.
"These allegations are false," said the 47-year-old woman, who runs the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang, with her husband.
She told Malay Mail that Kogilavani, 29, had made the claims probably because the latter was unhappy with the training classes conducted at the centre. “She just wants an easy way out of the centre,” said Gurdip.
She said Kogilavani first came to the centre over a year ago, but left shortly after because she had wanted to be with her father who was suffering from diabetes.
“You know how it is with fathers and daughters. But after her father passed away, it seemed that the family couldn’t cope with her, so they contacted the centre and asked us to take her back,” said Gurdip.
She said Kogilavani returned to the centre earlier this year and was given lessons in computer, sewing, handicraft and English language.
“We have different classes every week, and computer classes in between. On weekends, they are encouraged to clean their own rooms.On Sundays, everyone would do gardening.
“We gave Kogilavani a sewing kit to work with but while everyone else was keen to learn, she didn’t seem interested. She cried a lot. She also slept in class,” said Gurdip.
She said the inmates had it quite easy at ILTC, adding that classes were free. She said sometimes, the centre would organise outdoor programmes for the inmates such as going to the movies or eating out.
Gurdip said before Kogilavani, the centre never had any problems with any other inmates.She said some former inmates even kept her updated on their progress in their working life.
Asked if she would lodge a report to counter Kogilavani’s allegations, Gurdip said: “No, I don’t want to do that. She’s like a daughter to me. Also, she’s an OKU (orang kurang upaya or disabled person) and I don’t want to make her life harder than it is.
“This is a small matter and I’ve got nothing to hide.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disabled woman lodges report on abuse
By Najiah Najib and Pauline AlmeidaA
WHEELCHAIR-BOUND inmate of a training centre in Rawang has lodged a police report against the operator of the centre, also disabled, for allegedly abusing her physically. In one incident, the victim claimed shelost a tooth after she was punched in the face.
In her report, lodged at the Ipoh police headquarters last Tuesday, A. Kogilavani, 29, said her abuser is also wheelchair-bound.Speaking to Malay Mail, the alleged victim from Menglembu, Perak, said the woman was recently sworn in as a Selayang Municipal councillor.
Kogilavani claimed the incidents took place at the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing, Rawang, where she was an inmate since February. I
t is learnt that the centre was established eight years ago by the woman, Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh, and her husband, G. Sivasangararao, also known as Siva, to help disabled people learn living skills like sewing, computer, handicraft and English.
Kogilavani said she enrolled in ILTC in June 2006, with the hope of learning how to cope with her disabilities better so she could find work.
However, she said she and the other inmates were instead told to do housework such as sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom, feeding and grooming the dog, gardening, cooking and doing the laundry.
“There was so much work to be done everyday. I didn’t go to the centre to learn housework, so I decided to return home in July 2006.” She said the reason she left was also to be with her sickly father who was suffering from diabetes. Her father, whose legs had been amputated, died in January last year. After being encouraged by her uncle, Kogilavani returned to ILTC in February this year. However, she claimed she and the other trainees only underwent training during the first month.
“After that, the other trainees, who were living outside, stopped coming for the classes. As I was the only student left, the trainers stopped coming to the centre to teach,” she claimed.
She said as there were no more classes, she had intended to return to Ipoh but was held back by the centre operators.It was then that her nightmare began, she said.
“Once, I was cooking rice in the kitchen and forgot to turn off the switch after the rice had cooked. Just then, Gurdip approached me and noticed my mistake. She scolded me, saying that it could cause an electric shock if I didn’t turn the switch off.
“Suddenly, she punched me in the chin, so hard that a tooth from my lower jaw fell out. Blood gushed out of my mouth,” claimed Kogilavani, adding that she was then told by Gurdip to just clean herself up.Kogilavani claimed another incident took place about a week later.
This time she was arranging the inmates’ shoes on a rack when a sole fell off. Gurdip then approached her and scolded her for not knowing how to arrange the shoes properly. Gurdip then allegedly hit her with the sole that had fallen off. Kogilavani also claimed she not only had to endure physical abuse from Gurdip, but verbal abuse from Siva as well.
She said Siva was also wheelchairbound.
While Gurdip was paralysed from waist down, Siva was paralysed in his upper body and couldn’t move his hands much.Kogilavani said the latest abuse that took place was between June 30 and July 1, when she tried to run away from the centre.
“I sneaked out of the centre at 5.20am on a wheelchair and went to the bus stop a kilometre away.
A woman from the centre, Thevanai, spotted me and telephoned her husband Murugan who is a friend of Gurdip and Siva.
“Murugan arrived soon after. I told him that I couldn’t bear Gurdip and Siva’s bullying any longer. He coaxed me to stay on, saying that he would advise the centre operators to stop picking on me,” she claimed.
However, Kogilavani claimed that when they returned to the centre at 6.30am, Murugan turned the tables on her.
“When he told Gurdip and Siva that I had attempted to run away, Gurdip told him to beat me up. Murugan took a large stick and whacked me on my arms, thighs, back and the back of my head.” Kogilavani alleged she received another beating from Murugan three days later, under the couple’s orders, when she again tried to run away from the centre.
Depressed, Kogilavani said she swallowed a mothball that night to try to commit suicide. When the couple found out what she had done, they immediately contacted her family to take her
back.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
A hero of the disabled
Saturday, 12 July 2008
New Straits Times
A hero of the disabled
Sheila Sri Priya
New Straits Times
A hero of the disabled
Sheila Sri Priya
Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan is the first ever disabled person to be an MBPJ councillor.
PETALING JAYA: Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan may have grown up with the disadvantage of being disabled, but the greatest obstacle he has faced in his life has had less to do with his disability per se, and more with the discrimination and lack of consideration shown by society to people like him.
For a while during his formative years, it seemed as if Anthony's spirit was beaten.
After a botched operation at the age of 10 left him paralysed, Anthony said goodbye to his education when his school refused to accommodate his need for special facilities.
Later, isolated from the world and intellectually-frustrated, he contended with depression and suicidal impulses.But Anthony soon rallied with a vengeance.
Spurred on by a determination to improve the lives of the disabled, Anthony would go on to become a celebrated disabled rights advocate.
Today, he is president of the Malaysian Animal-assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association and is also founder of the Reaching Out to Educate the Able-bodied and Care for the Handicapped (REACH).
But Anthony's greatest achievement was accomplished only recently, when he was elected as one of 24 new MBPJ councillors, making him the first-ever disabled person to hold such a position.
Q: Tell us about your childhood.
A: I was born in Klang. I'm the second-eldest of four boys, and the rest of my siblings are normal. At a young age, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, which meant that my spine was not properly formed and I had a lump on my back.
At the age of 10, I underwent an operation to alleviate the problem, but it was a failure. It resulted in the complete paralysis of the bottom half of my body.
What's worse, doctors blamed my body for the operation's failure and forced me to walk with the aid of calipers, but I couldn't.
There was more heartbreak when I wanted to return to school after Standard Four.
My parents had requested the installation of a handicapped toilet for me, and my principal responded by suggesting that I be sent to a school for children with Down Syndrome instead (which could not accommodate me academically).
The only option was for me to stop going to school.
Q: How did you and your family react to this?
A: Once I knew I was disabled, I began wishing that I could mingle with others like me, but I was never given the opportunity to do so. Also, my parents never really spoke to me about why I was different, so I was slightly in the dark.As a teen, my social activities were limited.
When we moved to PJ, I was virtually house-bound and I didn't have many friends.
But my life improved tremendously when my aunt bought me a wheelchair. Suddenly, I could move around of my own accord, and my whole world changed.
Q: Why didn't you have a wheelchair?
A: The silly doctors wanted me to learn to walk because they didn't want to accept the fact that they had rendered me disabled. Apparently, a pediatric doctor had accidentally severed my nerves.
So, they didn't want me to rely on a wheelchair because they wanted me to walk again.
Q: How did you manage to advance your education?
A: When I was on my own, I was left with the TV. And when I discovered radio, I was listening to Reuters and BBC news at times, five hours a day.
It was a great source of knowledge for me. I was exposed to the outside world.I was then dealt a blow when I developed bed sores that had to be operated on. I was in hospital for over a year, and was at a very low point emotionally.
I felt I only had two options -- live with depression for the rest of my life, or commit suicide. I was then in my early 20s.
But one day, I met a lifeguard who was so intent on teaching me how to swim.My first lesson in the pool was embarrassing. I was in my swimming trunks and other kids in the swimming pool screamed and ran away when they saw me.
But I didn't care because I felt free. I didn't need a wheelchair to swim! The day I finally realised I could swim was one of the best days of my life.
Q: What was the first big step you took towards living a full life?
A: One day, I wondered what it would be like to travel abroad and how life was like for the disabled in other countries.
So I wrote a letter to the US embassy stating that I was disabled and that I wanted to visit their country.
To my great surprise, my request was approved. And that began an adventure that opened my eyes to the possibilities of life. It was 1982.Upon reaching the US, I was surprised to be greeted by a quadriplegic who drove his own car.
Later, I went on a speedboat ride and a river-rafting expedition for the disabled -- things I never thought were possible for me.
Then I attended a conference where a disabled person giving a talk with a laser pointer had a dog seated beside him.At first, I didn't understand why the animal was there.
But when he accidentally dropped his laser pointer, the dog immediately picked it up, jumped on his lap and placed the pointer back in his hands.
The visit changed me profoundly. When I returned home, I wanted to share my new knowledge with others like me.
I began telling people that the disabled here in Malaysia were living in darkness. Then I started writing letters to newspapers on a range of disability-related issues.
Q: What did you buy with your first few pay cheques?
A: I bought a dog from a pet shop . Of all things, I was sold a rottweiler puppy (the shopkeeper had no clue as to its breed).
My friends were horrified, and told me that someday, the dog was going to push me off my wheelchair and have me for lunch.But that was then, and I've become quite a dog person since.
Today, I have a rottweiler, a German shepherd and a golden retriever.They are my best buddies. They taught me to look at life differently. By loving my animals, I learned to love myself.
And they're a big help to me. They help me pick up objects, push my wheelchair, and are generally better to me than some humans, including some doctors!
Q: What were some of the worst instances of discrimination you have faced in your life?
A: I was once insulted by a church pastor for wanting a special toilet. I enjoy window shopping but I was also accused of shoplifting several times when I left without buying anything. They suspected that I must have stolen things. Today, I'm a proud writer and PJ councillor. How much better can it get?
Q: How did it feel to be appointed as a councillor?
A: I never dreamt of becoming a councillor. In the US, there are disabled people in their councils, but not here.I was thrilled when I first got the news. They accepted me with my Standard Four education.
I was wondering they would change their mind if they knew I never completed my primary education, but maybe, because I have a story to tell, I was honoured with an important role.MBPJ sent their special van for the handicapped to pick me up from my home on the morning of the PJ councillors swearing-in ceremony event recently.I had tears of joy in my eyes when I saw the van, and at the board meeting room where the event took place, there was a special table made for me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank MBPJ for their concern.
Q: Where do you hang out?
A: I like going to Mid Valley, because it has wheelchairs and the place is very accessible for the disabled. I don't know of other places. I also enjoy driving around (yes, I can drive!) and sometimes my dogs would go along for the ride.
Q: Have you ever been in a relationship?
A: I've had several relationships, but they didn't work out due to differences.
Councillors begin with an objection
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Councillors begin with an objection
K. Harinderan
(From left) Selayang Municipal Council president Zainal Abidin Azim and his deputy Jamri Basni with the 24 new councillors at the first full board council meeting.
Councillor Lim Jit Lee says new technology will help waste management.
This issue was one of the many raised during four-hour full board council meeting at the Selayang Municipal Council.
Held after the swearing-in ceremony at the council headquarters, the panel chaired by council president Zainal Abidin Azim, discussed council procedures, issues faced by residents and functions of the sub-committees.
The 24 councillors were also appointed to eight sub-committees at the meeting:
Councillors begin with an objection
K. Harinderan
(From left) Selayang Municipal Council president Zainal Abidin Azim and his deputy Jamri Basni with the 24 new councillors at the first full board council meeting. SELAYANG: Many of the new councillors objected to a regulation under the Selayang Municipal Standing Order during a meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Lim Jit Lee says new technology will help waste management. The regulation that states each committee is to be chaired by the council president was met with objections from the floor .
The members questioned the reasons for the regulation and asked whether there would be a conflict of interest.This issue was one of the many raised during four-hour full board council meeting at the Selayang Municipal Council.
Held after the swearing-in ceremony at the council headquarters, the panel chaired by council president Zainal Abidin Azim, discussed council procedures, issues faced by residents and functions of the sub-committees.
The 24 councillors were also appointed to eight sub-committees at the meeting:
- Finance
- One-Stop Centre
- Service and Appointment
- Licensing and Development
- Town Services, Traffic and Tourism
- Investment and Privatisation
- Human Development, Sports and Culture
- Tender and Quotation Evaluation
Councillors Datuk A. Rashid Omar, a former Public Works Department director and Tan Hui Chuan, a lawyer, voiced their concerns that the council would only be an endorsement body to decisions made.Zainal Abidin replied that all council proposals by the sub-committees are open to scrutiny.
He went on to explain that the sub-committees would meet at least twice monthly and the full board would sit once monthly.
"This does not mean that decisions by the full board would be final. Councillors can debate the matter and raise objections or submit new proposals," said Zainal Abidin.
Councillor Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahin Abdul Wahab requested that the minutes of sub-committee meetings be given out beforehand so the members have sufficient time to digest the matters before they are tabled at full board meetings.
The other major topics brought up were rubbish disposal, collection of assessment, hygiene of food outlets and the passing of the previous year's board minutes and accounts.
To a question by Tan on the state's grading system for food outlets around Selayang, it was explained that more than 20 outlets have been fined due to non-adherence to council guidelines this year.
Zainal Abidin added that on-going checks based on existing set guidelines would be done on all outlets periodically with the assistance of the State Health Department in light of many complaints and possible health risks.
Upon presentation of the statement of accounts for 2007, Tan sought clarification on why more than a third of the council's expenditure was spent on waste management.Lim Jit Lee added that new technology methods were needed to reduce costs.
The council president explained by saying: "The collection of waste had been privatised. The higher tipping fee charges by disposal sites, wide geographical area covered and rising fuel costs had left them unable to make a profit."
We are looking into better measures to control costs such as a better incinerator and to open new disposal sites which are closer. The present disposal centre is at Bukit Tagar in Selangor," he added.
On the subject of council revenue and expenditure, Zainal Abidin said over 75 per cent of the council revenue is collected from the assessment rates collected twice yearly.
"We have issued 159,427 bills amounting to RM37,553,310 for the first term but collection of the rates always poses a challenge.
In light of this we have called up many commercial property owners to discuss settlements and even offered installment plans. A total of 64,746 notices and 9,383 warrants have been issued to enable the council to collect past dues.
"Councillor Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh, the secretary of the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang, brought up the matter of the many illegal stalls operating during school hours in the vicinity of four schools there. She said:
"There have been many complaints of food poisoning from the students and these stalls also pose the threat of hindering traffic flow along the road fronting the schools."
She also called for more handicapped and elderly citizen-friendly pavements and public transportation.
Zainal Abidin, when asked, said the new councillors formed "an enthusiastic panel with experience in many fields who offered many plausible proposal in heeding to the needs of residents here.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Diversity in Selayang
Friday, July 11, 2008
Diversity in Selayang
K. Harinderan
Newly appointed Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh (NGO) being carried into councilors swearing-in session of the Selayang Municipal Council yesterday.
They included lawyers, political officials, NGO representatives, businessmen, doctors and housewives.Selayang council president Zainal Abidin Azim said:
"The new councillors were appointed based on their experience and knowledge to better serve the public."
After the hour-long ceremony, the first full board meeting was held.
Zainal Abidin added that since all the councillors were new, a two-day briefing will be held within the next two weeks to familiarise them with the procedures, functions of the committees, and council protocols.
This is part of the Selangor government's move to conduct training for all councillors in Morib at the end of the month.
The council will have committees on finance, one-stop centre, service and appointment, licensing and development, town services, traffic and tourism, investment and privatisation, human development, sports and culture, and tender and quotation evaluation.
The new councillors are:
Zainal Abidin Azim (council president)Datuk Paduka Raja Wan Moahmood Pa'Wan TehAbdul Rahim Abdul Rahin Abdul Wahab, Datuk Mazlan Hassan, A. Rahim Ahmad Kasdi, Nanto Gopalan Krishnan Rajoo, Maznah Abd Aziz, Md. Sabri Md. Taib, Zulkifli Hamzah, Zulnizam Shahrani (all PKR).
Kuan Perk Siong, Murugan @ Murugeshu Arumugam, Hasbullah Mod Ridzwan, Lim Ching How (DAP).
Mohamad Abdul Raham, Samsudin A. Rahman, Khatifah Zamani Sulong, Dr. Ramli Jusoh (Pas).
Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh, Tan Kian Boo, Tan Hui Chuan, Lim Jit Lee (NGO), Associate Professor Husin Mohd Dini (dean), Datuk A. Rahid Omar (pensioner, former JKR director), Chee Chu Sang (advocate and solicitor),
Diversity in Selayang
K. Harinderan
Newly appointed Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh (NGO) being carried into councilors swearing-in session of the Selayang Municipal Council yesterday.SELAYANG: Councillors of diverse backgrounds were sworn in yesterday to begin representing residents on the municipal council here.
They included lawyers, political officials, NGO representatives, businessmen, doctors and housewives.Selayang council president Zainal Abidin Azim said:
"The new councillors were appointed based on their experience and knowledge to better serve the public."
After the hour-long ceremony, the first full board meeting was held.
Zainal Abidin added that since all the councillors were new, a two-day briefing will be held within the next two weeks to familiarise them with the procedures, functions of the committees, and council protocols.
This is part of the Selangor government's move to conduct training for all councillors in Morib at the end of the month.
The council will have committees on finance, one-stop centre, service and appointment, licensing and development, town services, traffic and tourism, investment and privatisation, human development, sports and culture, and tender and quotation evaluation.
The new councillors are:
Zainal Abidin Azim (council president)Datuk Paduka Raja Wan Moahmood Pa'Wan TehAbdul Rahim Abdul Rahin Abdul Wahab, Datuk Mazlan Hassan, A. Rahim Ahmad Kasdi, Nanto Gopalan Krishnan Rajoo, Maznah Abd Aziz, Md. Sabri Md. Taib, Zulkifli Hamzah, Zulnizam Shahrani (all PKR).
Kuan Perk Siong, Murugan @ Murugeshu Arumugam, Hasbullah Mod Ridzwan, Lim Ching How (DAP).
Mohamad Abdul Raham, Samsudin A. Rahman, Khatifah Zamani Sulong, Dr. Ramli Jusoh (Pas).
Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh, Tan Kian Boo, Tan Hui Chuan, Lim Jit Lee (NGO), Associate Professor Husin Mohd Dini (dean), Datuk A. Rahid Omar (pensioner, former JKR director), Chee Chu Sang (advocate and solicitor),
Momentous occasion
Thursday July 10, 2008
Momentous occasion
Much needs to be done before Petaling Jaya becomes a disabled-friendly city.
WHEEL POWER by ANTHONY THANASAYAN
LAST week was incredible! On Tuesday, I, together with 23 other Petaling Jaya councillors, was sworn in to our official posts.
At 8am on that day, the PJ City Council van was at my house. It had a wheelchair-lift to load my wheelchair into the vehicle. After my wheels were firmly secured by safety belts, the 10-minute ride began.
I could not help getting choked up over all that was happening, considering what an honour it was for me to be the first Malaysian in a wheelchair to be elected a city councillor. It was a milestone and a victorious moment for me, one that I could share with every disabled Malaysian in the country.
MBPJ deserves credit for its brand new disabled-friendly van which is available for free to the disabled and the poor in PJ.
Transportation remains a major problem for the physically handicapped. I hope every local council in the country will follow suit by providing at least one vehicle, for a start, for its handicapped residents.
On the way to the MBPJ headquarters, I could see that there was much to be done before PJ becomes a disabled-friendly city. The area surrounding the building, with its hostile and unfriendly pavements and public utilities, the disabled-friendly carparks in the wrong places and the uneven flooring inside the building are just some of the things that need fixing.
At the first meeting, I had requested for help from everyone to transform PJ into a model city for all disabled persons, be they the blind, Deaf, people with learning disabilities, epileptics or stroke victims. What a delight it was to receive a thumping applause from everybody.
And Thursday also saw me planting my first tree in Taman Jaya for MBPJ’s Go Green event. I was thrilled when PJ Mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman invited me to plant a tree for the occasion. I was glad that the mayor had not forgotten me in the exercise that required every councillor to plant their own tree.
Because Taman Jaya is inaccessible to wheelchair-users, one of the councillors volunteered to look after my tree daily during his morning jogs in the public park.
My job is to get the garden – and all others in PJ – to be fully accessible to all, especially persons with disabilities. I have been living next to the park since I was a teenager, yet I had little chance to access it as it was not disabled-friendly.
The image of a person in a wheelchair, pouring water over a newly-planted tree in a local government event, will go a long way towards encouraging more families to come out and participate in society, along with their disabled siblings, children or elderly parents.
Saturday was the mass swearing-in day for all Selangor state councillors at the Jubli Perak Hall in Shah Alam. Whilst Gurdip Kaur (Selayang) and I were delighted to receive our certificates from the Selangor Mentri Besar, we were disappointed to find the building’s toilets inaccessible to our wheelchairs.
We need to rectify this at once.
Much needs to be done before Petaling Jaya becomes a disabled-friendly city.
WHEEL POWER by ANTHONY THANASAYAN
LAST week was incredible! On Tuesday, I, together with 23 other Petaling Jaya councillors, was sworn in to our official posts.
At 8am on that day, the PJ City Council van was at my house. It had a wheelchair-lift to load my wheelchair into the vehicle. After my wheels were firmly secured by safety belts, the 10-minute ride began.
I could not help getting choked up over all that was happening, considering what an honour it was for me to be the first Malaysian in a wheelchair to be elected a city councillor. It was a milestone and a victorious moment for me, one that I could share with every disabled Malaysian in the country.
MBPJ deserves credit for its brand new disabled-friendly van which is available for free to the disabled and the poor in PJ.
Transportation remains a major problem for the physically handicapped. I hope every local council in the country will follow suit by providing at least one vehicle, for a start, for its handicapped residents.
On the way to the MBPJ headquarters, I could see that there was much to be done before PJ becomes a disabled-friendly city. The area surrounding the building, with its hostile and unfriendly pavements and public utilities, the disabled-friendly carparks in the wrong places and the uneven flooring inside the building are just some of the things that need fixing.
At the first meeting, I had requested for help from everyone to transform PJ into a model city for all disabled persons, be they the blind, Deaf, people with learning disabilities, epileptics or stroke victims. What a delight it was to receive a thumping applause from everybody.
And Thursday also saw me planting my first tree in Taman Jaya for MBPJ’s Go Green event. I was thrilled when PJ Mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman invited me to plant a tree for the occasion. I was glad that the mayor had not forgotten me in the exercise that required every councillor to plant their own tree.
Because Taman Jaya is inaccessible to wheelchair-users, one of the councillors volunteered to look after my tree daily during his morning jogs in the public park.
My job is to get the garden – and all others in PJ – to be fully accessible to all, especially persons with disabilities. I have been living next to the park since I was a teenager, yet I had little chance to access it as it was not disabled-friendly.
The image of a person in a wheelchair, pouring water over a newly-planted tree in a local government event, will go a long way towards encouraging more families to come out and participate in society, along with their disabled siblings, children or elderly parents.
Saturday was the mass swearing-in day for all Selangor state councillors at the Jubli Perak Hall in Shah Alam. Whilst Gurdip Kaur (Selayang) and I were delighted to receive our certificates from the Selangor Mentri Besar, we were disappointed to find the building’s toilets inaccessible to our wheelchairs.
We need to rectify this at once.
Bangunan MPS tak mesra OKU
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Metro
Bangunan MPS tak mesra OKU
Oleh Amir Abd Hamidamir@hmetro.com.my
My Metro
Bangunan MPS tak mesra OKU
Oleh Amir Abd Hamidamir@hmetro.com.my
BANTU...penguat kuasa MPS mengangkat Gurdip turun selepas majlis angkat sumpah di bangunan MPS, semalam.
KUALA LUMPUR: “Saya sanggup tidak minum bagi mengelak terkencing kerana di bangunan ini tiada kemudahan tandas untuk golongan Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU),” rungut Gurdip Kaur yang kecewa kerana bangunan Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) tidak menyediakan kemudahan berkenaan.
Gurdip yang juga Ahli Majlis MPS yang baru melakukan lafaz akuan terima jawatan itu semalam, berkata dia berazam membela golongan senasibnya bermula dari bangunan MPS dengan meminta supaya disediakan kemudahan OKU di situ.
Menurutnya, sebelum membuat cadangan supaya dibina kemudahan perkhidmatan awam bagi golongan OKU di tempat lain, dia sebagai Ahli Majlis akan memastikan bangunan MPS sendiri dilengkapi dengan binaan struktur yang boleh membantu OKU.
“Bukan saja tiada struktur binaan bagi membantu OKU di tandas, malah saya terpaksa bersusah-payah dan meminta tolong penguat kuasa MPS untuk menaiki tangga ke tingkat atas kerana tiada lif disediakan.
“Pelantikan saya sebagai satu-satunya Ahli Majlis MPS dari kalangan OKU dianggap amanah dan kesempatan terbaik yang akan saya gunakan untuk membela rakan senasib,” katanya yang juga Setiausaha Persatuan Badan Latihan dan Hidup Berdikari, Rawang.
Dia yang lumpuh kedua-dua kaki sejak 15 tahun lalu kerana terjatuh dari tangga rumahnya turut menyatakan iltizam membuktikan keupayaan walaupun ada kedengaran suara mempersoalkan kemampuannya memegang jawatan Ahli Majlis itu.
Menurutnya, dia sudah lali dengan prejudis yang dilemparkan, malah menempelak mereka yang tidak mahu membantu menaikkan taraf golongan OKU.
“Takkanlah kami hanya mahu duduk di rumah tanpa membuat apa-apa kerja baru mereka puas hati? Golongan OKU juga mahu hidup seperti orang normal seperti bekerja ada jawatan dan membeli-belah.“
Justeru, tidak salah jika kami meminta disediakan kemudahan yang mesra OKU yang sebenarnya secara tidak langsung meningkatkan kualiti taraf hidup kami sesuai dengan kenyataan mengenai masyarakat penyayang di negara ini,” katanya.
Yang Dipertua MPS, Zainal Abidin Azim, berkata pihaknya sudah menyediakan struktur binaan khusus memudahkan pergerakan OKU di bangunan baru dan akan melakukan perkara yang sama di bangunan lama seperti dimaksudkan Gurdip itu.
Mengenai majlis lafaz akuan angkat sumpah Ahli Majlis serta diikuti dengan mesyuarat penuh semalam, Zainal berharap semua Ahli Majlis berfikiran terbuka dan tidak hanya disempitkan di kawasan tempat tinggal mereka saja.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
A proud day for women councillors
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
SHAH ALAM: The presence of women was conspicuous during the mass swearing
-in ceremony for Selangor's 283 local councillors at the Dewan Jubli Perak here recently.
Rabiah said she plans to focus on the welfare of youth.
Gurdip said she was still in a state of disbelief.
Among those present was Gurdip Singh, one of 41 women councillors sworn in and a representative of the disabled at the Selayang Municipal Council.
She said she is proud to have been selected as a councillor. She had not been sure of being chosen. "I am still in a state of disbelief 
that I have been anmed a councillor from among the NGOs.
"I will use this opportunity to make changes for the betterment of the public, especially the disabled," she said.
Gurdip added that the appointment of more women councillors in municipalities is a great step forward, but that the appointees must be willing to work hard and not be motivated by self-interest.
Fellow-councillor Rabiah Omar, who is also a member of the All Women Action Society, said she was focused on the task ahead and is raring to begin carrying out her new duties.
"I plan to focus on the welfare of youth. I want to help provide more educational and self-enhancement building programmes for them," said Rabiah, a former executive director of the society.
Most of the new councillors were present for the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday; six could not attend because of personal reasons, and two had declined appointment.
Prior to the ceremony, the councillors attended a half-day conference where they were briefed on the duties and challenges of their new roles. The talk was delivered by Datin Arpah Abdul Razak, director-general of local government in the Local Government and Housing Ministry.
The councillors were also given a talk on national township policy by Rural and Urban Planning Department (National Physical Planning Division) director Rohani Md Hashim.
This was followed by the swearing-in ceremony, which saw the councillors making a mass pledge to serve in the state's local councils.
Shah Alam mayor Mazalan Md Noor then led councillors in accepting their appointment letters from Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Afterwards, Khalid said a total of 300 councillors had been appointed, with 288 of them comprising members of the ruling coalition's parties and NGOs, as well as professionals.
The remaining 12 were mayors or council presidents.
He added that unlike appointments by the previous administration, none of the current councillors was a state assemblyman or member of parliament.
However, the MPs and ADUN are allowed to attend council meetings as ex-officio members. As such, they are allowed to voice their views in meetings, but they have no voting rights," the Menteri Besar said.
"I am happy with the appointment and clearly, we see more women councillors and professionals in the line-up."
Khalid added that in two months' time, all the new councillors will be sent for a incentive course at a training centre in Morib.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
DISABLED COUNCILLOR IN SELANGOR SWORN IN
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
LAST SATURDAY, TWO DISABLED COUNCILLOR IN SWORN IN SELANGOR
Mr. Anthony and Ms. Rina had attended the swearing-in ceremony in Shah Alam. At below there are some pictures of the day.
LAST SATURDAY, TWO DISABLED COUNCILLOR IN SWORN IN SELANGOR
Mr. Anthony and Ms. Rina had attended the swearing-in ceremony in Shah Alam. At below there are some pictures of the day.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Selangor councillors sworn in
Sunday, July 06, 2008
NST - News
Selangor councillors sworn in
SHAH ALAM: Two of the 300 selected as local councillors declined their appointments and withdrew from the mass swearing in of Selangor councillors yesterday.
The two, who were not named, were from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and the Shah Alam City Council.Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said they did not think they were qualified to be local councillors.
"Take, for example, the candidate from Ampang. Although there was no proof he has a criminal record, he withdrew to clear his name."
The Ampang candidate in question is at the centre of a controversy after he reportedly refused to provide a statutory declaration attesting that he did not have a record.
The New Straits Times yesterday reported that he had been dropped by the state government, and that allegations against two other Ampang Jaya local councillors, S. Supiramany and S. Sooria Nara-yanan, were unfounded.
After launching the 2008/ 2009 Session Local Councillors Conference, Khalid said under the law, after maybe five years, someone with a conviction could rejoin public service.
"The same principle also applies to members of parliament. If they are fined more than RM5,000, they cannot contest in the election.
There are restrictions for those with a criminal record.
"He said that although the councillors had been sworn in, the vetting process by the police and Bank Negara was ongoing. "
To help administration, we have given out the letters of appointment, but there is a clause stating we have the right to terminate, or disallow them to become councillors, if things are uncovered.
" The state government, he said, was limiting the appointments of the newly sworn-in local councillors to just one year.
In six months, their performance will be assessed and they will be re-appointed if they have performed well.
He added that 80 per cent of them would serve for no more than two years.
"We favour rotations, and we'd like to bring in fresh faces. We do not want it to be a permanent position."
Meanwhile, the two Ampang Jaya local councillors accused of having criminal records denied the allegations.
Sooria, who represents the Ampang Indian Community Charity Bureau, said he may have been "sabotaged" by somebody who wanted his position.
"The police will have records, if the person wants to check. As far as I'm concerned, I have no criminal record. This allegation has spoiled my reputation."Supiramany said he was surprised to learn about the claim from the media."
I have never committed any criminal offence and I am thankful to the state government for placing its trust in me. "From now on, I want to concentrate on looking after my area," said the former vice-president of the Tenaga Nasional Bhd Union, who was also active in the Malaysian Trades Union Council.
NST - News
Selangor councillors sworn in
SHAH ALAM: Two of the 300 selected as local councillors declined their appointments and withdrew from the mass swearing in of Selangor councillors yesterday.The two, who were not named, were from the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and the Shah Alam City Council.Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said they did not think they were qualified to be local councillors.
"Take, for example, the candidate from Ampang. Although there was no proof he has a criminal record, he withdrew to clear his name."
The Ampang candidate in question is at the centre of a controversy after he reportedly refused to provide a statutory declaration attesting that he did not have a record.
The New Straits Times yesterday reported that he had been dropped by the state government, and that allegations against two other Ampang Jaya local councillors, S. Supiramany and S. Sooria Nara-yanan, were unfounded.
After launching the 2008/ 2009 Session Local Councillors Conference, Khalid said under the law, after maybe five years, someone with a conviction could rejoin public service.
"The same principle also applies to members of parliament. If they are fined more than RM5,000, they cannot contest in the election.
There are restrictions for those with a criminal record.
"He said that although the councillors had been sworn in, the vetting process by the police and Bank Negara was ongoing. "
To help administration, we have given out the letters of appointment, but there is a clause stating we have the right to terminate, or disallow them to become councillors, if things are uncovered.
" The state government, he said, was limiting the appointments of the newly sworn-in local councillors to just one year.
In six months, their performance will be assessed and they will be re-appointed if they have performed well.
He added that 80 per cent of them would serve for no more than two years.
"We favour rotations, and we'd like to bring in fresh faces. We do not want it to be a permanent position."
Meanwhile, the two Ampang Jaya local councillors accused of having criminal records denied the allegations.
Sooria, who represents the Ampang Indian Community Charity Bureau, said he may have been "sabotaged" by somebody who wanted his position.
"The police will have records, if the person wants to check. As far as I'm concerned, I have no criminal record. This allegation has spoiled my reputation."Supiramany said he was surprised to learn about the claim from the media."
I have never committed any criminal offence and I am thankful to the state government for placing its trust in me. "From now on, I want to concentrate on looking after my area," said the former vice-president of the Tenaga Nasional Bhd Union, who was also active in the Malaysian Trades Union Council.
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