Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka. Funds were also collected for victims of the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. The money was handed over to the Nanyang Siang Pau Foundation.
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Friday, May 30, 2008
Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka.
Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka. Funds were also collected for victims of the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. The money was handed over to the Nanyang Siang Pau Foundation.
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Compensation for Pig Farm Operaters at Kawasan Paya Mengkuang, Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Handing over compensation for former pig farmers by the Melaka State Government. Over RM5.6 million was handed to 7 owners which were affected.
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"Snoop Squad"
I urge all parties to refrain from making any statements on the alleged snoop squad to spy on MCA members, pending the outcome of investigations being carried out by the three-man committee set up by the MCA to look into the allegations. Any statements and counter-statements will only create confusion amongst party grassroots and the public at large. The image and integrity of the Party is paramount and should be the responsibility of all MCA members. This is also not the time for any party within the MCA to make any police reports. We should all wait for the report of the special committee. The Party will then take the necessary action based on the findings of the committee.
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Sunday, May 25, 2008
MCA CRSM Alor Gajah
Blood donation, cooking, hair styling - all for a good cause. Dr Fong at the MCA Charity Drive at Alor Gajah to collect funds for earthquake victims in China's Si Chuan province. Dr Fong gave an allocation of RM1,000 at the event.
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mangsa kebakaran di Machap Umboo
Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn paying a personal visit to Tai Kwee, whose family lost their home in a fire at Kg. Machap Baru recently. Dr Fong donated RM1,000 to the family.
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
MCA tough talk gets weak response
SINCE the March 8 general election, MCA has reinvented itself by taking a forceful position through a series of moves seen as populist. In a departure from past practice, the party is openly championing issues it previously said were best discussed behind closed doors. The party also convinced the Education Ministry to reopen the old SJK (C) Damansara premises by allowing Chinese schools with poor enrolment to be relocated there.MCA did all these to win back support from the Chinese community after the party's poor electoral performance. This new tough line is seen as being crucial to the party's relevance as it has been perceived over the years to be weak and "kowtowing" to Umno, a taunt chorused by political rival DAP.But is this a case of too little too late? Or is it better late than never?
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn denied that this was a knee-jerk reaction."It's not a question of too late, but something that ought to be resolved as Malaysians feel strongly about it. There is no political motive on our part. "Obviously, people want MCA to be more vocal and we are responding to their demands. "We are resolving issues both ways, within the four walls (of the cabinet) and outside." He added that this was necessary since the people did not know that the party had in the past discussed the issues in the Cabinet.
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MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn denied that this was a knee-jerk reaction."It's not a question of too late, but something that ought to be resolved as Malaysians feel strongly about it. There is no political motive on our part. "Obviously, people want MCA to be more vocal and we are responding to their demands. "We are resolving issues both ways, within the four walls (of the cabinet) and outside." He added that this was necessary since the people did not know that the party had in the past discussed the issues in the Cabinet.
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A heart for the disabled
My MP
By Foong Pek Yee
Full name: Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (MCA)
Age: 64
Marital status: Married
Children: Three
Education: Bachelor of Engineering, MBA/PhD in Economics
Constituency: Alor Gajah, Malacca
Website: http://www.fongchanonn.com.my/
DATUK Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn appears to be perpetually in a rush. And those who know him well would agree that Dr Fong is diligent, meticulous and a tad impatient.
The former dean of Universiti Malaya’s faculty of Economics and Administration contested and won the Alor Gajah parliamentary seat in 1990. There has been no looking back for him since.
Dr Fong was deputy education minister for two terms (1990-1995 and 1995-1999) and human resources minister for another two terms (1999-2004 and 2004-March 2008).
He also topped the list of MCA’s four elected vice-presidents for three consecutive terms, including the current term.
The fifth-term Alor Gajah MP, now a Barisan Nasional backbencher, wishes there could better facilities for the disabled in the country.
How much time to do you spend on the computer?
I carry my Air Book Mac with me everywhere I go. I use it to check my e-mail and to source for information from the Web and to browse the Internet whenever I have free time in between meetings or assignments.
Do you blog?
I have just set up a new website (www.fongchanonn.com. my) which incorporates a blog. This helps me to keep in touch with the rakyat and provides useful feedback for me and allows the people to keep in touch with me as my contact and those of my aides are listed there. It allows me to feel the “pulse” of the people, especially those in my constituency, and brings me closer to their problems and their sentiments. When I was the human resources minister, I also had my own website.
Do you dance, sing or play a musical instrument?
No, I don’t play any musical instrument. I can’t dance (and this often embarrasses my wife) and I don’t sing much, except on occasions and sometimes karaoke with party members and constituents.
Name your favourite song.
The Chinese song Qi Shi Ni Bu Dong Wo De Xin (You Don’t Really Know My Heart).
Are you into movies?
No, because I always say I don’t have much time for it, but my wife feels I should find the time for movies!
What do you read?
I like motivational and self-improvement books, and those relating to my personal interests like management, environment, labour issues, national and international issues.
What was the last book you read?
I am currently reading A Very Short History of The World by Geoffrey Blainey. It's inspiring. It explains in a very intuitive manner the evolvement of the human race some two million years ago until today. From now onwards, humanity can expect more changes and surprises as we forge into the 22nd century.
Are you into English Premier League football?
I am not so much into football but I watch occasionally, especially when there is an interesting game. I like to watch golf and tennis more.
What’s your game?
Golf.
Who is your favourite sports star?
Tiger Woods.
Coffee or tea?
Cappuccino.
What is your preferred drink?
Red wine.
What languages do you speak?
English, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia
Do you smoke?
Definitely not.
What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My handphone, which is also a PDA and my laptop.
What’s your favourite food?
Steak.
You have a weakness for ...
IT gizmos – the latest computers, handphones and, of course, golf equipment and shoes!
Do you have a pet?
I have a rascal (dog) called Xiao Yuen. He is a Pekingese.
What car do you drive?
I have a Mercedes.
What is your contribution to environmental conservation?
I try to encourage the household to do our part like recycling, cutting down on the use of plastic bags by bringing our own shopping bags to the supermarkets, and cutting down on the use of papers by going paperless as much as possible. I feel we can all do our part, no matter how small we think it is.
Name an idol (past or present) whom you look up to and why.
I am very impressed by Winston Churchill, how one person inspired a nation in the jaws of defeat to achieve ultimate victory.
Any phobias?
I hate sleeping in a very large, empty room even if it is a seven-star hotel room.
What do you like most about Malaysia?
I like the cultural mix which makes the country so interesting. We have different foods – Chinese, Malay, Indian, Thai, French, Japanese, German, Italian. Even Chinese food, we have varieties, such as Sichuan etc. Also, we are spared from most natural calamities.
What do you dislike most about Malaysians?
I would like to see Malaysians exercising better toilet habits and hygiene and also road courtesy. As a former human resource minister, I would like very much for Malaysians to improve our service industry – in the hotels, at counter services, public utilities, etc. I am not saying they are not courteous now, but I believe there is room for improvement. “Service with a Smile” for example, some of us could do with a little more of that.
Which sector in Malaysia would you like to see improvement?
I will not pinpoint any specific area but service is not something that should be static. We should not sit back and tell ourselves we have reached the “best” level of service we can attain. We should continuously seek ways to improve ourselves, no matter what our profession is. Professionalism should cut across all levels – whether we are tea ladies, drivers, or lawyers and doctors.
If there is one thing that you can change in the country, what would that be?
Personally, I would like to see our social set-up and values being more disabled-friendly. Every society has on an average one in 10 people who are disabled. But you find very few wheelchair-bound or disabled people in our streets. It pains me even more to find many of the so-called five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur don’t even have ramps up their main entrances or toilets for the disabled in their lobby or restaurant floors. I have attended many charity events in which the organisers invited wheelchair-bound groups to perform but don’t even have the courtesy to set up ramps for them to get up the stage by themselves. Is it surprising, then, to see so few disabled people up and about in Kuala Lumpur or other parts of Malaysia?
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Workers' Day and Mother's Day Celebrations, Tebong, Melaka
At the dinner to celebrate Workers Day and Mother’s Day, organized by MIC Tebong Dr Fong announced an allocation of RM2,000 to the Indian community.
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PIBG SMK Tebong, Melaka
Guest of Honour at SMK Tebong’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA) AGM. Dr Fong announced an allocation of RM2,000 for the PTA’s activities.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tokong Yi Wan Kong
Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, who is the MP for Alor Gajah, joined over 1,000 people in celebrating the Anniversary of the Yi Wan Kong Temple in Alor Gajah on 20 May 2008. At the function, the sponsors donated RM2,000 for the China Earthquake Fund. The money was handed over to Dr Fong to be given to the earthquake victims through the MCA. Dr Fong also handed out an allocation of RM2,000 for the anniversary dinner.
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Visit to SJK Alor Gajah
On 20 May 2008, Datuk Seri Dr Fong visited the SJK Alor Gajah, which is situated in his constituency. The school’s Parent Teachers Association, Board of Directors and Ex-students Association took the opportunity to bring out problems faced by the school, including funds to repair the school’s roof and the school fence. Dr Fong has promised to bring up the problem with the Education Ministry.
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Monday, May 19, 2008
JKKK Kg Padang Sebang
YB Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn spending time with constituents of Kampung Padang Sebang, Alor Gajah, Melaka. The time enabale Dr Fong, who is Alor Gajah Member of Parliament to hear, first hand, various problems and issues affecting the rakyat.
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Tokong Cheng Long Kong, Tampin, Melaka
YB Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn visited the Tokong Cheng Long Kong in Tampin, Melaka in conjunction with Wesak Day. He joined about 500 Buddhists for lunch at the temple. At the function, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong, who is the Member of Parliament for Alor Gajah, handed over RM2,000 for the development of the temple.
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
PIBG SK Ganun
YB Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, the Member of Parliament for Alor Gajah, opened the annual general meeting of the Parents Teachers Association of Sekolah Kebangsaan Ganun in Alor Gajah, Melaka. About 200 parents attended the function. He urged parents to always give importance to their children’s education. At the function, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong announced an allocation of RM5,000 for various activities in the school.
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
亚罗牙也区国会议员拿督斯里冯镇安博士在国会下议院，针对感激国家元首发表御词的动议而发表的讲话
议长先生，
最近全国大选的投票结果令人出乎意料之外，尤其是对国民阵线而言。人们除了把选举结果形容为政治海啸之外，实际上，人民到底有什么话要说呢？
简单地说，他们要的是改变。如果没有弄错，这并不等于说他们不要国阵。他们还是要国阵政府的。不过，他们要求的是，国阵改变态度，以及改变治理国家的方法。
国阵政府在过去50多年来就一直统治马来西亚。国阵的确为国家带来了很大的进展。我曾经是政府中的一分子，所以对政府所作的努力有所感受和了解。人民不是一次又一次的给以国阵委托，去统治国家了吗？我国已经举行12次全国大选，而国阵在过去的选举中都获得胜利。人民一次又一次给以国阵委托，所以政府没有理由不继续为人民提供他们所要的东西。经济的进展，社会经济的发展，人民福利的改善，我国在国际舞台政治地位的提升，教育和就业机会的提高，人民收入差距的缩小等等 – 这些记录显示，国阵已经成功地带领一个经济落后的国家，走到了全球工业化国家的前线。我们相信，我们所作的一切都是正确的。
在今年三月举行的大选中，通过国阵参选的政府，受到了人民的衡量与评估。选民的裁决显示，政府不符合标准，它依然有缺点。选民的投票结果说明，国阵并没有聆听人民的声音。国阵甚至挑战人民，呼吁他们通过投票表达他们的心声。结果，人民做了。如果国阵当时没有得到信息，现在，人民发出了洪亮和清楚的声音 – 国阵的确有许多缺点需要改进。
现在不是找理由或互相指责的时候。我们的当前急务是立刻纠正被认为有缺点的领域。且让我们支持只有经验丰富、资源充足、以及有权力的政府机制才可以做得到的国阵。总而言之，人民还是做出了明智的决定，再次给以国阵委托，让它继续掌管国家的政权多5年。对于在投票时没有支持国阵的选民，我们吁请他们不要因此排除国阵，而依然给以国阵机会去重拾所失去的信任。毫无疑问的，今后的路将是崎岖不平的，而国阵必须披荆斩棘，去赢取所有马来西亚人的心和想法。我所说的马来西亚人，指的是居住在马来西亚，以及在这个土地上奋斗谋求生活的全体人民，而不是单单指马来人，华人，印度人，卡达山人，或伊班人。我提到的是组成我国人口的全体马来西亚人。
我们到底做错了什么？且让我们先研究最基本的问题。每一个政府都有责任应付人民的基本需求 – 安全、房屋、教育、保健和司法方面的需要。
以普通老百姓的观点来看，要如何看待这些问题呢？讲公道话，国阵在过去多年来的表现并不太差。在一些领域，国阵甚至有杰出的表现，而在其他一些方面的表现，无疑还有改善的空间。
人民如何看待安全的问题？
议长先生，
我国的犯罪率已经稳健增长，尤其在过去三年。报告显示，光是2007年，暴力罪案率增长了大约13 %，强奸案提高了将近30 %，而匪徒结党抢劫的罪案增加了将近160 %。* 这种趋势令人感到忧心忡忡，迫切需要加以研究。为了消除人民的担忧，我们必须确保设立更多警亭，调派更多的警察人员到经常发生罪案的地区和工业区。此外，我们也应该增派旅游警察在游客经常到的景点驻守。其实，人民对警察的信心已经消减，主要是因为几宗涉及高层人士的谋杀案件，好比鲁乃前州议员费尔南德斯在8年前被谋杀，以及新加坡科技专业人士被暗杀事件，至今都还没有破案。为了致力于改善警方的查案权力，我们应该认真研究改进我们的司法体制和设立现代化的查案设施。也许，我们应该认真研究接纳 “提升马来西亚皇家警察行动与管理的皇家委员会”所提出的125项建议。让我们大家听取国家元首的规劝，相信目前还有改善的空间，使皇家马来西亚警察成为一股首要的部队。
政府以我国的罪案率仍然比其他国家的罪案率低作为借口，已经不能消除人民的忧虑。人民关注的并不是统计数据，因为他们对数目字根本不能理解。他们只知道，他们很不甘愿付钱雇用保安人员，去看管他们的房屋。他们不能了解，为什么他们应该付钱给专业的‘警察’。令人讽刺的是，曾经只有高级住宅区的产业才实行设立围篱和保安人员看管的概念，现在成为了所有住宅区随处可见的现象。这种现象并不是为了炫耀，而是因为需要。
教育问题又怎么样？
议长先生，
人民对我国实施的亲善教育体系感到满意。我国的小学教育是强制和免费的。中学教育则获得补贴，而且开放给所有要升学的学生就读。现在显然没有实际的问题存在。真正的问题是，我国缺乏可以让学生负担得起的大学教育。每年，令人民感到不满的是，当局缺乏为需要援助的学生提供大学名额。人们的看法是，分配给学生的大学名额和财务援助是不公平的，而且没有遵守精英绩效的原则。人们经常指责本地大学实行的录取学生政策不公平。本地大学实行公平与平等的名额分配，为需要援助的学生提供奖学金和财务援助，以及实行精英绩效政策，长期来说，将会增进我国的人力资本，而这些都是教育需要进行研究的领域。
一些人也对本地大学录取学生的标准表示不满。作为进入本地大学标准的预科班课程，只需要一年的时间，而参加马来西亚高等学校文凭考试STPM的学生，则需要花两年的时间。我建议，政府采纳单一的入学制度。如果政府希望保留精英绩效计划，它就应该开放给各族的学生。
与此同时，人民也对母语学校受到的对待，表示不满。他们对这些学校被边缘化，以及没有被纳入国家教育体系的主流的原因，提出质疑。为什么教育部的正常发展计划，没有包括母语学校的成立，但是，母语学校的成立，却被视为一种政治妥协呢？为什么在第9个马来西亚计划下的发展项目，没有提出建立母语学校的建议呢？
司法
议长先生，
毫无疑问的，司法体系是另一个令人民感到生气的问题。过去几年来，我国司法界的形象已经不知不觉地受到了侵蚀。在这方面，首相呼吁成立一个独立的委员会，研究委任法官的问题。这是为恢复我国曾经是杰出的司法界的尊严，而采取的第一个步骤。
也许，一些人认为，现在一切已经太晚。我说，迟到好过没到。我对首相为司法的改革踏出了第一步，表示感激和祝贺。司法任命委员会的成立，反贪污局的改革，都是政府决心要做而去做的例子。正如国家元首所说，首相授权司法界的行动，反映出政府做出承诺，以确保我国的司法体系是公正、受到尊重，以及独立而不受到任何方面影响的。肯定的，我们希望看到今后有更多的改革。
经济与社会政治关系
议长先生，
平心而论，从国阵过去治理国家的记录看来，有证据证明，国阵取得了很大的成功。它促进了经济各领域的成长。它为社会福利带来了新的水平 – 改善保健、提高人民受教育的机率、减少收入差距、制造就业机会等等。那么，什么理由叫一些人放弃支持国阵呢？我无法回答这个问题。那些寻求变革的人一般上认为，国阵政府态度高傲和实行镇压。我现在不打算对这些指责是否正确，进行详细的分析。选举的结果已经足以说明，这些广泛的指责达成了共识。
马华公会自成立以来，我们就相信，必须实行以种族为基础的合作模式。每个政党代表不同的族群，不过，他们所展开的斗争都朝着同样的目标。让我们回顾创党人在争取摆脱英国而宣布独立的日子，大家应该记得，争取独立的三个政党都有平等的地位。我们也必须记得，我国的代表团前往英国，是要向殖民地宗主国证明，虽然我国是多元种族的国家，但是，我们可以和谐共处。当时，白人采取的是短视的看法，他们认为，不同种族的人民是不可能在同一个屋檐下和平共处的。马来西亚人民的确有许多不同 - 他们的宗教信仰不同 ，他们的语言不同，吃的食物也不同。然而，我们让英国相信，马来西亚人民之间却能够和平共处。
新的媒体广泛报道有关指责我国各族之间的互相尊重与和谐的消息。如果一个人习惯使用新的媒体，它就会阅读到许多由一些有心的政治人物发表不利于某一个族群的声明。激发一个族群作出改进并没有错。但是，如果这种激发是在藐视其他种族，以及营造不满的气氛下进行，那就是犯了错误。只要一些公民意识到他们享有不公平的权益，以及政治人物继续鼓吹优势的理念，我们的先辈所梦寐以求的种族和谐，将永远成为一场梦。令人遗憾的是，这种偏见目前依然存在。
我们可以看到，政府的发展计划是不分种族，但根据需要的为所有的马来西亚人民带来利益。政府应该带头促进各阶层的选贤与能活动。在这方面，政府关联的公司不应该只让一个族群掌权。人民会质疑为什么政府关联的公司只有一个种族掌权呢？是不是因为其他族群没有人材可以担任这个工作？此外，政府服务也应该反映更多种族混合的情况，尤其是在柜台的服务。
人民已经提出改变的要求，改变是我们的权利。对马华公会来说，第12届全国大选的投票的结果告诉我，虽然我们有良好的意图，但是，我们向来为他们争取权益的马来西亚华人，却叫我们失望。虽然目前还在吵吵闹闹，但是，我不愿意推测，第12届大选是否为以种族为基础的政治，敲起了丧钟？马华公会开始成立时，只是一个协助当时的华裔工人解决他们是否要在这里落籍的问题的组织。它后来决定参加政治，因为它认为，英国在宪法的条款中忽略了华人。
我要说的是，我们取得了很大的进展 - 我们为华文学校，新村，教育机会，以及中小型企业带来了发展。我们曾经受到关注的，不过，这次求变的风刮得太猛烈。我们，也就是马华和国阵应该认同这些改变，而扩大我们的范围及策略。新的问题已经出现，而这些问题对人民，尤其是年轻一代是重要的。如果我们要继续受到人民的关注，就必须落实人民的意愿。
第12届全国大选让国阵失去了5个州的执政权，这是史无前例的。分析家说，这是选民对国阵投下的抗议票。这并不是因为人民比较喜欢反对党，不过，他们这次减少了对国阵的喜欢。最后的分析是，他们要的是改变。无论有没有我们，改变还是要来的。今后的5年对我们是非常关键和重要的。为了生存，改变是无可避免的。
在此，议长先生，我要支持感激国家元首发表御词的动议。谢谢。
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最近全国大选的投票结果令人出乎意料之外，尤其是对国民阵线而言。人们除了把选举结果形容为政治海啸之外，实际上，人民到底有什么话要说呢？
简单地说，他们要的是改变。如果没有弄错，这并不等于说他们不要国阵。他们还是要国阵政府的。不过，他们要求的是，国阵改变态度，以及改变治理国家的方法。
国阵政府在过去50多年来就一直统治马来西亚。国阵的确为国家带来了很大的进展。我曾经是政府中的一分子，所以对政府所作的努力有所感受和了解。人民不是一次又一次的给以国阵委托，去统治国家了吗？我国已经举行12次全国大选，而国阵在过去的选举中都获得胜利。人民一次又一次给以国阵委托，所以政府没有理由不继续为人民提供他们所要的东西。经济的进展，社会经济的发展，人民福利的改善，我国在国际舞台政治地位的提升，教育和就业机会的提高，人民收入差距的缩小等等 – 这些记录显示，国阵已经成功地带领一个经济落后的国家，走到了全球工业化国家的前线。我们相信，我们所作的一切都是正确的。
在今年三月举行的大选中，通过国阵参选的政府，受到了人民的衡量与评估。选民的裁决显示，政府不符合标准，它依然有缺点。选民的投票结果说明，国阵并没有聆听人民的声音。国阵甚至挑战人民，呼吁他们通过投票表达他们的心声。结果，人民做了。如果国阵当时没有得到信息，现在，人民发出了洪亮和清楚的声音 – 国阵的确有许多缺点需要改进。
现在不是找理由或互相指责的时候。我们的当前急务是立刻纠正被认为有缺点的领域。且让我们支持只有经验丰富、资源充足、以及有权力的政府机制才可以做得到的国阵。总而言之，人民还是做出了明智的决定，再次给以国阵委托，让它继续掌管国家的政权多5年。对于在投票时没有支持国阵的选民，我们吁请他们不要因此排除国阵，而依然给以国阵机会去重拾所失去的信任。毫无疑问的，今后的路将是崎岖不平的，而国阵必须披荆斩棘，去赢取所有马来西亚人的心和想法。我所说的马来西亚人，指的是居住在马来西亚，以及在这个土地上奋斗谋求生活的全体人民，而不是单单指马来人，华人，印度人，卡达山人，或伊班人。我提到的是组成我国人口的全体马来西亚人。
我们到底做错了什么？且让我们先研究最基本的问题。每一个政府都有责任应付人民的基本需求 – 安全、房屋、教育、保健和司法方面的需要。
以普通老百姓的观点来看，要如何看待这些问题呢？讲公道话，国阵在过去多年来的表现并不太差。在一些领域，国阵甚至有杰出的表现，而在其他一些方面的表现，无疑还有改善的空间。
人民如何看待安全的问题？
议长先生，
我国的犯罪率已经稳健增长，尤其在过去三年。报告显示，光是2007年，暴力罪案率增长了大约13 %，强奸案提高了将近30 %，而匪徒结党抢劫的罪案增加了将近160 %。* 这种趋势令人感到忧心忡忡，迫切需要加以研究。为了消除人民的担忧，我们必须确保设立更多警亭，调派更多的警察人员到经常发生罪案的地区和工业区。此外，我们也应该增派旅游警察在游客经常到的景点驻守。其实，人民对警察的信心已经消减，主要是因为几宗涉及高层人士的谋杀案件，好比鲁乃前州议员费尔南德斯在8年前被谋杀，以及新加坡科技专业人士被暗杀事件，至今都还没有破案。为了致力于改善警方的查案权力，我们应该认真研究改进我们的司法体制和设立现代化的查案设施。也许，我们应该认真研究接纳 “提升马来西亚皇家警察行动与管理的皇家委员会”所提出的125项建议。让我们大家听取国家元首的规劝，相信目前还有改善的空间，使皇家马来西亚警察成为一股首要的部队。
政府以我国的罪案率仍然比其他国家的罪案率低作为借口，已经不能消除人民的忧虑。人民关注的并不是统计数据，因为他们对数目字根本不能理解。他们只知道，他们很不甘愿付钱雇用保安人员，去看管他们的房屋。他们不能了解，为什么他们应该付钱给专业的‘警察’。令人讽刺的是，曾经只有高级住宅区的产业才实行设立围篱和保安人员看管的概念，现在成为了所有住宅区随处可见的现象。这种现象并不是为了炫耀，而是因为需要。
教育问题又怎么样？
议长先生，
人民对我国实施的亲善教育体系感到满意。我国的小学教育是强制和免费的。中学教育则获得补贴，而且开放给所有要升学的学生就读。现在显然没有实际的问题存在。真正的问题是，我国缺乏可以让学生负担得起的大学教育。每年，令人民感到不满的是，当局缺乏为需要援助的学生提供大学名额。人们的看法是，分配给学生的大学名额和财务援助是不公平的，而且没有遵守精英绩效的原则。人们经常指责本地大学实行的录取学生政策不公平。本地大学实行公平与平等的名额分配，为需要援助的学生提供奖学金和财务援助，以及实行精英绩效政策，长期来说，将会增进我国的人力资本，而这些都是教育需要进行研究的领域。
一些人也对本地大学录取学生的标准表示不满。作为进入本地大学标准的预科班课程，只需要一年的时间，而参加马来西亚高等学校文凭考试STPM的学生，则需要花两年的时间。我建议，政府采纳单一的入学制度。如果政府希望保留精英绩效计划，它就应该开放给各族的学生。
与此同时，人民也对母语学校受到的对待，表示不满。他们对这些学校被边缘化，以及没有被纳入国家教育体系的主流的原因，提出质疑。为什么教育部的正常发展计划，没有包括母语学校的成立，但是，母语学校的成立，却被视为一种政治妥协呢？为什么在第9个马来西亚计划下的发展项目，没有提出建立母语学校的建议呢？
司法
议长先生，
毫无疑问的，司法体系是另一个令人民感到生气的问题。过去几年来，我国司法界的形象已经不知不觉地受到了侵蚀。在这方面，首相呼吁成立一个独立的委员会，研究委任法官的问题。这是为恢复我国曾经是杰出的司法界的尊严，而采取的第一个步骤。
也许，一些人认为，现在一切已经太晚。我说，迟到好过没到。我对首相为司法的改革踏出了第一步，表示感激和祝贺。司法任命委员会的成立，反贪污局的改革，都是政府决心要做而去做的例子。正如国家元首所说，首相授权司法界的行动，反映出政府做出承诺，以确保我国的司法体系是公正、受到尊重，以及独立而不受到任何方面影响的。肯定的，我们希望看到今后有更多的改革。
经济与社会政治关系
议长先生，
平心而论，从国阵过去治理国家的记录看来，有证据证明，国阵取得了很大的成功。它促进了经济各领域的成长。它为社会福利带来了新的水平 – 改善保健、提高人民受教育的机率、减少收入差距、制造就业机会等等。那么，什么理由叫一些人放弃支持国阵呢？我无法回答这个问题。那些寻求变革的人一般上认为，国阵政府态度高傲和实行镇压。我现在不打算对这些指责是否正确，进行详细的分析。选举的结果已经足以说明，这些广泛的指责达成了共识。
马华公会自成立以来，我们就相信，必须实行以种族为基础的合作模式。每个政党代表不同的族群，不过，他们所展开的斗争都朝着同样的目标。让我们回顾创党人在争取摆脱英国而宣布独立的日子，大家应该记得，争取独立的三个政党都有平等的地位。我们也必须记得，我国的代表团前往英国，是要向殖民地宗主国证明，虽然我国是多元种族的国家，但是，我们可以和谐共处。当时，白人采取的是短视的看法，他们认为，不同种族的人民是不可能在同一个屋檐下和平共处的。马来西亚人民的确有许多不同 - 他们的宗教信仰不同 ，他们的语言不同，吃的食物也不同。然而，我们让英国相信，马来西亚人民之间却能够和平共处。
新的媒体广泛报道有关指责我国各族之间的互相尊重与和谐的消息。如果一个人习惯使用新的媒体，它就会阅读到许多由一些有心的政治人物发表不利于某一个族群的声明。激发一个族群作出改进并没有错。但是，如果这种激发是在藐视其他种族，以及营造不满的气氛下进行，那就是犯了错误。只要一些公民意识到他们享有不公平的权益，以及政治人物继续鼓吹优势的理念，我们的先辈所梦寐以求的种族和谐，将永远成为一场梦。令人遗憾的是，这种偏见目前依然存在。
我们可以看到，政府的发展计划是不分种族，但根据需要的为所有的马来西亚人民带来利益。政府应该带头促进各阶层的选贤与能活动。在这方面，政府关联的公司不应该只让一个族群掌权。人民会质疑为什么政府关联的公司只有一个种族掌权呢？是不是因为其他族群没有人材可以担任这个工作？此外，政府服务也应该反映更多种族混合的情况，尤其是在柜台的服务。
人民已经提出改变的要求，改变是我们的权利。对马华公会来说，第12届全国大选的投票的结果告诉我，虽然我们有良好的意图，但是，我们向来为他们争取权益的马来西亚华人，却叫我们失望。虽然目前还在吵吵闹闹，但是，我不愿意推测，第12届大选是否为以种族为基础的政治，敲起了丧钟？马华公会开始成立时，只是一个协助当时的华裔工人解决他们是否要在这里落籍的问题的组织。它后来决定参加政治，因为它认为，英国在宪法的条款中忽略了华人。
我要说的是，我们取得了很大的进展 - 我们为华文学校，新村，教育机会，以及中小型企业带来了发展。我们曾经受到关注的，不过，这次求变的风刮得太猛烈。我们，也就是马华和国阵应该认同这些改变，而扩大我们的范围及策略。新的问题已经出现，而这些问题对人民，尤其是年轻一代是重要的。如果我们要继续受到人民的关注，就必须落实人民的意愿。
第12届全国大选让国阵失去了5个州的执政权，这是史无前例的。分析家说，这是选民对国阵投下的抗议票。这并不是因为人民比较喜欢反对党，不过，他们这次减少了对国阵的喜欢。最后的分析是，他们要的是改变。无论有没有我们，改变还是要来的。今后的5年对我们是非常关键和重要的。为了生存，改变是无可避免的。
在此，议长先生，我要支持感激国家元首发表御词的动议。谢谢。
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Speech by MP Alor Gajah, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Motion of Thanks to DYMM Yang di Pertuan Agong
Mr Speaker,
The results of the recent General Election have been an eye opener to us all, and especially so to the Barisan Nasional. Above the row of the political tsunami, what are the people actually saying?
Very simply put, the people have said they want change. Do not be mistaken, that’s not the same as saying they do not want the Barisan Nasional. The still want the BN government. But they want it to change its attitude and the way it has handled the running of the country.
The Barisan Nasional government has been ruling the country for the last fifty over years. It has been doing a great job. Having been a part of the government myself, that was the impression we got. Has not the rakyat given the BN its mandate to rule, time after time? We have won in twelve elections. This continued renewal of the mandate was the reason that the government has continued to give what it believed the people wanted. Economic progress, social economic development, improvements in wellbeing and people’s welfare, raised political stature in the international arena, greater education and employment opportunities, narrowing of income disparities the records show that the BN has successfully steered the country from a backwater economy to the forefront of the global industrializing nations. We believed that we were doing the right thing.
In the March General Election, the Government, through the Barisan Nasional has been weighed and measured by the people. The verdict, it has not measured up. It has been found wanting. The rakyat has come to the opinion that we in the BN have lost the ability to listen and to hear. We had even challenged the rakyat to say what they had to say through the ballot. That they have done. And if we have not got the message then, it should be loud and clear now – the BN has shortcomings it needs to address.
This is no longer the time for excuses or finger-pointing. The correct and urgent thing to do is to make right the areas we have been found wanting. Let’s put our backs to it and do what only the Barisan Nasional, with its wealth of experience, its might of resources, and its power as the government machinery alone can do. After all, the rakyat has in its wisdom found it fit to give the BN another mandate to run this country for the next five years. For those who did not vote for the BN, we need to ask them not to shut us out, but to give us a chance to restore the confidence lost. Needless to say, there is a long and bumpy road and some bitter medicine that the ruling coalition must take to win back the hearts and minds of all Malaysians. By Malaysians, I mean the rakyat who live and toil for a living on this Malaysian soil. I do not mean it as the Malays, or the Chinese, or the Indians, the Kadazans, the Ibans. I refer to the collective peoples who make up the populace.
Where did we go wrong? Let’s take a look at the basics. Every government owes it to its citizens to provide for their basic needs security, housing, education, healthcare and justice.
Just where are we on those issues from the point of view of the man in the street. To be fair, the Barisan Nasional has done not too badly over the years. In some areas, it has done a splendid job, in other areas, there is undeniably room for improvement.
What is the people’s take on Security?
Mr Speaker,
The crime rate has been on the rise steadily, especially over the last three years. For 2007 alone, reports showed that violent crimes rose by about 13 percent, rape cases went up by almost 30 percent and gang robberies went up almost 160 percent. This trend is very disturbing and should be looked into urgently. To eliminate the concerns of the rakyat, we must ensure more police personnel in crime-prone areas with the establishment of more police “pondoks” and in industrial areas. The number of tourism police should also be increased in areas which are popular with tourists. The rakyat’s confidence in the police had also diluted somewhat because of the number of high-profile murder cases that were still unsolved – like the killing of former Lunas assemblyman Dr Joe Fernandez eight years ago and the killing of a Singapore IT professional in Kuala Lumpur. In efforts to improve the investigative powers of the police, we should seriously look into improving our forensic science and the establishment of modern crime laboratories. Perhaps we should seriously look into the adoption of the 125 recommendations of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police. Let us all heed His Majesty’s advice that there is room for improvement in making the Royal Malaysian Police a premier force.
Excuses such as our crime rate is still lower when compared to other countries bring no comfort to the rakyat. The rakyat cares little for statistics they cannot feel or grasp. They only know that they have to fork out money to engage security guards to watch over their homes. They cannot understand why they should pay for professional “police”. Ironically, the gated and guarded concept that was once found in high end residential property is now a common feature in all housing estates. Not for its snob appeal, but for its necessity.
What about Education?
Mr Speaker,
The rakyat is already grateful for the benevolent education system in the country. Primary education is compulsory and free. Secondary education is subsidized and open to all those who seek it. There is no real issue here. The real issue is the lack of affordable education at the tertiary level. Year after year, there is the expected outrage at the lack of places for deserving students. The perception is that the distribution of places and financial assistance to students is unfair and not in keeping to the principles of meritocracy. There is always the accusation of unfair admission policy to local universities. Allocation of places to local universities that are fair and equitable, scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, a policy of meritocracy which in the long run will enrich our human capital - these are areas in education that beg to be looked into.
Some are also unhappy with the criteria for entrance into local universities. The matriculation programme, which is used for entrance into local universities, takes one year, while those who have to sit for the STPM have to go through two years. I propose that the government adopts a single entry system. If the government wishes to maintain the matriculation programme, then it should be opened to all races.
The rakyat is also unhappy with the treatment of vernacular schools. They questioned why such schools are being marginalised and not regarded as in the mainstream of the country’s national education system. Why is the establishment of vernacular schools not included in the normal development programme of the Education Ministry, but the establishment of such schools regarded as political compromises? Why are they no proposals for the establishment of vernacular under the development plans of the Ninth Malaysia Plan?
Justice
Mr Speaker,
There is no denying that the Judiciary system is another sore point with the rakyat. The image of the judiciary has been systemically and insidiously eroded over the years. In this respect, the Prime Minister’s call for the setting up of an independent commission to look into the appointment of judges is a first step into restoring the dignity of our once towering judiciary. Some quarters may see it as too late in coming. I say, better late than never. I would like to record my thanks and congratulations to our Prime Minister for having taken the first step towards judiciary reforms. The setting up of the judicial appointments commission, the reforms to the Anti Corruption Agency – these are examples of what can be done when the government puts its mind to it. As His Majesty says, the Prime Minister’s move to empower the Judiciary reflects the government’s commitment to ensure that the Judiciary system is just, respected and independent of any influence. We certainly hope to see more reforms in the pipeline.
Economy and Socio-Political Concerns
Mr Speaker,
In all fairness, going through the Barisan Nasional’s track record in running the country, it is evident that it has been immensely successful. It has promoted growth across all sectors of the economy. It has attained new levels of social wellbeing for the people – improving healthcare, increasing access to education, reducing income disparities, creating jobs, and so on. What then could be the reason that some people are beginning to turn their backs on the Barisan Nasional. I have no empirical answer to that. The general reason cited by those seeking change is that the Barisan Government is arrogant and repressive. I do not intend to split hairs over whether those allegations are true. Suffice to point out that the results of the elections underscored among other things, the consensus on those broad allegations.
Since the beginning of the Malaysian Chinese Association, we have always believed in a model of cooperation based on race. Each party represents a different group of people yet they fight for the same goal. Going back to the days when the original founding fathers sought Independence from England, it must be remembered that the three parties went in as equals. It must also be remembered that the point of the delegation to England was to prove to the colonial masters that as diverse as we may be, we could be counted to live together in harmony. In the myopic view of the whites then, it was impossible for people who are not of the same genus to live together under one roof, peacefully. Malaysians are different – they pray to different Gods, they speak different languages and they eat different foods. That has always been the case. Then we convinced them that we are capable of living peaceably together.
The new media is rife with criticisms about racial respect and harmony. And if one is familiar with the new media, one would see and read the many unkind things being said about a certain race because of some overzealous politicians. How was it possible to nurture such a misguided notion of imagined superiority, I will choose not to detail. There is not wrong or unusual to motivating a race to do better. But, it is wrong if that is done by sowing contempt and disdain and by establishing a climate of discontent towards another race. As long as some citizens perceive themselves to have unequal rights and as long as politicians continue to propagate the ideology of superiority or first among equals, the racial harmony that our forefathers have dreamt about will remain a dream. The sad reality is that such prejudices are being consciously perpetuated.
Government development programmes must be seen to bring benefits to all Malaysians, irrespective of race, but based on needs. The Government should be in the forefront in promoting meritocracy at all levels. In this context, Government Linked Corporations (GLCs) should not see just one race at the helm. The rakyat will question why are GLCs only helmed by one race? Is this because there is no one from the other races that is capable of doing so. Government services should also reflect a more racial mix, especially at counter services.
The awards of government contracts, particularly small contracts, should not be race-based but again, based on capability and experience. Criteria such as the company’s or contractor’s experience, back ground and track record should be more important factors for consideration. Similarly, banks should also use these criteria in the provision of loans to SMEs.
Conclusion
Mr Speaker,
The people have asked for change. Change is within our power. With regards to the MCA, the results of the 12 General Election tells me that despite our good intentions, the Malaysian Chinese whose rights we profess to fight for regard us as a disappointment. There have been rumblings, but I do not want to presume that the 12th GE is the beginning of the death knell for race based politics. The MCA started out as an organization to help the then Chinese workers to settle into this new chosen home. It decided to get involved in politics when it felt that the British had neglected the Chinese in the provisions of the Constitution.
I would like to say that we have achieved much – thriving Chinese schools, new villages, Chinese culture, educational opportunities, SME’s. We were once relevant. But the winds of change blow hard. We, in the MCA and the BN, should take cognizance of these changes and expand our dimensions and strategies. New issues have emerged which are important to the rakyat, especially the younger generation. We need to meet their aspirations if we are to remain relevant to the people.
The 12 GE saw the Barisan Nasional losing an unprecedented five states. Analysts say it was a protest vote against the ruling coalition. It is not that the people love the opposition more, but that they love the BN less this time. In the final analysis, they want a change. The change can come from us, or without us. The next five years are extremely crucial to all of us. Change is imperative for our survival.
With this, Mr Speaker, I wish to support the motion of thanks. Thank you.
# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn is MCA Vice President
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The results of the recent General Election have been an eye opener to us all, and especially so to the Barisan Nasional. Above the row of the political tsunami, what are the people actually saying?
Very simply put, the people have said they want change. Do not be mistaken, that’s not the same as saying they do not want the Barisan Nasional. The still want the BN government. But they want it to change its attitude and the way it has handled the running of the country.
The Barisan Nasional government has been ruling the country for the last fifty over years. It has been doing a great job. Having been a part of the government myself, that was the impression we got. Has not the rakyat given the BN its mandate to rule, time after time? We have won in twelve elections. This continued renewal of the mandate was the reason that the government has continued to give what it believed the people wanted. Economic progress, social economic development, improvements in wellbeing and people’s welfare, raised political stature in the international arena, greater education and employment opportunities, narrowing of income disparities the records show that the BN has successfully steered the country from a backwater economy to the forefront of the global industrializing nations. We believed that we were doing the right thing.
In the March General Election, the Government, through the Barisan Nasional has been weighed and measured by the people. The verdict, it has not measured up. It has been found wanting. The rakyat has come to the opinion that we in the BN have lost the ability to listen and to hear. We had even challenged the rakyat to say what they had to say through the ballot. That they have done. And if we have not got the message then, it should be loud and clear now – the BN has shortcomings it needs to address.
This is no longer the time for excuses or finger-pointing. The correct and urgent thing to do is to make right the areas we have been found wanting. Let’s put our backs to it and do what only the Barisan Nasional, with its wealth of experience, its might of resources, and its power as the government machinery alone can do. After all, the rakyat has in its wisdom found it fit to give the BN another mandate to run this country for the next five years. For those who did not vote for the BN, we need to ask them not to shut us out, but to give us a chance to restore the confidence lost. Needless to say, there is a long and bumpy road and some bitter medicine that the ruling coalition must take to win back the hearts and minds of all Malaysians. By Malaysians, I mean the rakyat who live and toil for a living on this Malaysian soil. I do not mean it as the Malays, or the Chinese, or the Indians, the Kadazans, the Ibans. I refer to the collective peoples who make up the populace.
Where did we go wrong? Let’s take a look at the basics. Every government owes it to its citizens to provide for their basic needs security, housing, education, healthcare and justice.
Just where are we on those issues from the point of view of the man in the street. To be fair, the Barisan Nasional has done not too badly over the years. In some areas, it has done a splendid job, in other areas, there is undeniably room for improvement.
What is the people’s take on Security?
Mr Speaker,
The crime rate has been on the rise steadily, especially over the last three years. For 2007 alone, reports showed that violent crimes rose by about 13 percent, rape cases went up by almost 30 percent and gang robberies went up almost 160 percent. This trend is very disturbing and should be looked into urgently. To eliminate the concerns of the rakyat, we must ensure more police personnel in crime-prone areas with the establishment of more police “pondoks” and in industrial areas. The number of tourism police should also be increased in areas which are popular with tourists. The rakyat’s confidence in the police had also diluted somewhat because of the number of high-profile murder cases that were still unsolved – like the killing of former Lunas assemblyman Dr Joe Fernandez eight years ago and the killing of a Singapore IT professional in Kuala Lumpur. In efforts to improve the investigative powers of the police, we should seriously look into improving our forensic science and the establishment of modern crime laboratories. Perhaps we should seriously look into the adoption of the 125 recommendations of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police. Let us all heed His Majesty’s advice that there is room for improvement in making the Royal Malaysian Police a premier force.
Excuses such as our crime rate is still lower when compared to other countries bring no comfort to the rakyat. The rakyat cares little for statistics they cannot feel or grasp. They only know that they have to fork out money to engage security guards to watch over their homes. They cannot understand why they should pay for professional “police”. Ironically, the gated and guarded concept that was once found in high end residential property is now a common feature in all housing estates. Not for its snob appeal, but for its necessity.
What about Education?
Mr Speaker,
The rakyat is already grateful for the benevolent education system in the country. Primary education is compulsory and free. Secondary education is subsidized and open to all those who seek it. There is no real issue here. The real issue is the lack of affordable education at the tertiary level. Year after year, there is the expected outrage at the lack of places for deserving students. The perception is that the distribution of places and financial assistance to students is unfair and not in keeping to the principles of meritocracy. There is always the accusation of unfair admission policy to local universities. Allocation of places to local universities that are fair and equitable, scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, a policy of meritocracy which in the long run will enrich our human capital - these are areas in education that beg to be looked into.
Some are also unhappy with the criteria for entrance into local universities. The matriculation programme, which is used for entrance into local universities, takes one year, while those who have to sit for the STPM have to go through two years. I propose that the government adopts a single entry system. If the government wishes to maintain the matriculation programme, then it should be opened to all races.
The rakyat is also unhappy with the treatment of vernacular schools. They questioned why such schools are being marginalised and not regarded as in the mainstream of the country’s national education system. Why is the establishment of vernacular schools not included in the normal development programme of the Education Ministry, but the establishment of such schools regarded as political compromises? Why are they no proposals for the establishment of vernacular under the development plans of the Ninth Malaysia Plan?
Justice
Mr Speaker,
There is no denying that the Judiciary system is another sore point with the rakyat. The image of the judiciary has been systemically and insidiously eroded over the years. In this respect, the Prime Minister’s call for the setting up of an independent commission to look into the appointment of judges is a first step into restoring the dignity of our once towering judiciary. Some quarters may see it as too late in coming. I say, better late than never. I would like to record my thanks and congratulations to our Prime Minister for having taken the first step towards judiciary reforms. The setting up of the judicial appointments commission, the reforms to the Anti Corruption Agency – these are examples of what can be done when the government puts its mind to it. As His Majesty says, the Prime Minister’s move to empower the Judiciary reflects the government’s commitment to ensure that the Judiciary system is just, respected and independent of any influence. We certainly hope to see more reforms in the pipeline.
Economy and Socio-Political Concerns
Mr Speaker,
In all fairness, going through the Barisan Nasional’s track record in running the country, it is evident that it has been immensely successful. It has promoted growth across all sectors of the economy. It has attained new levels of social wellbeing for the people – improving healthcare, increasing access to education, reducing income disparities, creating jobs, and so on. What then could be the reason that some people are beginning to turn their backs on the Barisan Nasional. I have no empirical answer to that. The general reason cited by those seeking change is that the Barisan Government is arrogant and repressive. I do not intend to split hairs over whether those allegations are true. Suffice to point out that the results of the elections underscored among other things, the consensus on those broad allegations.
Since the beginning of the Malaysian Chinese Association, we have always believed in a model of cooperation based on race. Each party represents a different group of people yet they fight for the same goal. Going back to the days when the original founding fathers sought Independence from England, it must be remembered that the three parties went in as equals. It must also be remembered that the point of the delegation to England was to prove to the colonial masters that as diverse as we may be, we could be counted to live together in harmony. In the myopic view of the whites then, it was impossible for people who are not of the same genus to live together under one roof, peacefully. Malaysians are different – they pray to different Gods, they speak different languages and they eat different foods. That has always been the case. Then we convinced them that we are capable of living peaceably together.
The new media is rife with criticisms about racial respect and harmony. And if one is familiar with the new media, one would see and read the many unkind things being said about a certain race because of some overzealous politicians. How was it possible to nurture such a misguided notion of imagined superiority, I will choose not to detail. There is not wrong or unusual to motivating a race to do better. But, it is wrong if that is done by sowing contempt and disdain and by establishing a climate of discontent towards another race. As long as some citizens perceive themselves to have unequal rights and as long as politicians continue to propagate the ideology of superiority or first among equals, the racial harmony that our forefathers have dreamt about will remain a dream. The sad reality is that such prejudices are being consciously perpetuated.
Government development programmes must be seen to bring benefits to all Malaysians, irrespective of race, but based on needs. The Government should be in the forefront in promoting meritocracy at all levels. In this context, Government Linked Corporations (GLCs) should not see just one race at the helm. The rakyat will question why are GLCs only helmed by one race? Is this because there is no one from the other races that is capable of doing so. Government services should also reflect a more racial mix, especially at counter services.
The awards of government contracts, particularly small contracts, should not be race-based but again, based on capability and experience. Criteria such as the company’s or contractor’s experience, back ground and track record should be more important factors for consideration. Similarly, banks should also use these criteria in the provision of loans to SMEs.
Conclusion
Mr Speaker,
The people have asked for change. Change is within our power. With regards to the MCA, the results of the 12 General Election tells me that despite our good intentions, the Malaysian Chinese whose rights we profess to fight for regard us as a disappointment. There have been rumblings, but I do not want to presume that the 12th GE is the beginning of the death knell for race based politics. The MCA started out as an organization to help the then Chinese workers to settle into this new chosen home. It decided to get involved in politics when it felt that the British had neglected the Chinese in the provisions of the Constitution.
I would like to say that we have achieved much – thriving Chinese schools, new villages, Chinese culture, educational opportunities, SME’s. We were once relevant. But the winds of change blow hard. We, in the MCA and the BN, should take cognizance of these changes and expand our dimensions and strategies. New issues have emerged which are important to the rakyat, especially the younger generation. We need to meet their aspirations if we are to remain relevant to the people.
The 12 GE saw the Barisan Nasional losing an unprecedented five states. Analysts say it was a protest vote against the ruling coalition. It is not that the people love the opposition more, but that they love the BN less this time. In the final analysis, they want a change. The change can come from us, or without us. The next five years are extremely crucial to all of us. Change is imperative for our survival.
With this, Mr Speaker, I wish to support the motion of thanks. Thank you.
# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn is MCA Vice President
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Ucapan MP Alor Gajah, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn Usul Menjunjung Kasih Titah Ucapan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di Pertuan Agong di Parlimen ke-12
Terima kasih Tuan Yang di-Pertua,
Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini merakamkan junjungan kasih yang tidak terhingga di atas kesudian Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud, mencemar Duli bagi merasmikan Mesyuarat Penggal Pertama Parlimen Ke-12 di Dewan yang mulia ini.
Tuan Yang di-Pertua,
Keputusan pilihanraya umum baru-baru ini telah membuka mata kita semua, khususnya kepada Barisan Nasional. Disebalik gelombang Tsunami politik, apa sebenarnya yang dikehendaki rakyat?
Dengan kata mudah, rakyat sudah bersuara – mereka mahukan perubahan. Namun, ini tidak bermakna, rakyat menolak Barisan Nasional. Hakikatnya, mereka masih perlukan Barisan Nasional. Namun, rakyat mahu BN mengubah sikap dan cara ia merajui negara.
Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah mentadbir negara sejak lebih lima puluh tahun lalu, dan berjaya melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya dengan cemerlang. Sebagai sebahagian daripada kerajaan, itulah apa yang saya rasa. Bukankah rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN dari semasa ke semasa? Dan ia menjadi pegangan kerajaan untuk memberikan apa yang ia percaya diperlukan oleh rakyat. Pertumbuhan ekonomi, pembangunan sosio ekonomi, menaiktaraf hidup dan menjaga kebajikan rakyat, mengangkat reputasi politik di arena antarabangsa, peluang pendidikan lebih luas, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan – ini semua membuktikan BN berjaya membawa negara daripada ekomoni tradisional kepada negara perindustrian yang dikenali dunia. Kita di Barisan Nasional percaya bahawa kita telah melakukan sesuatu yang betul.
Dalam pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, kerajaan, menerusi Barisan Nasional, telah ditimbang dan diukur secukupnya. Keputusan yang diperoleh – kerajaan tidak dapat memenuhi sepenuhnya, harapan dan aspirasi rakyat. Rakyat berpendapat, BN tidak lagi berupaya mendengar suara mereka. Kita telah mencabar rakyat supaya meluahkan suaranya menerusi peti undi. Itulah yang telah mereka lakukan. Dan, jika kita tidak memahami mesej itu sebelum ini, sudah jelas dan nyata sekarang, BN mempunyai kekurangan yang perlu diatasi.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Kini bukan lagi masa untuk memberi alasan atau tuduh menuduh sesiapa. Perkara yang sepatutnya disegerakan ialah memperbetulkan kelemahan yang dikenalpasti. Marilah kita bersama-sama berganding bahu dan melakukan apa yang BN, dengan pengalaman dan sumber yang luas selain kuasa yang dipegang selaku jentera kerajaan, boleh lakukan. Lagipun, rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN untuk mentadbir negara selama 5 tahun lagi. Kepada yang tidak mengundi BN, kami meminta mereka agar tidak menutup pintu tetapi berilah kami peluang untuk mengembalikan keyakinan kepercayaan yang hilang. Tidak boleh dinafikan, jalan ini adalah panjang dan berliku dan BN perlu menelan segala penawar yang pahit untuk memenangi semula hati dan pemikiran rakyat Malaysia. Rakyat yang saya maksudkan disini ialah semua warganegara yang tinggal dan bekerja keras untuk hidup di tanah air yang tercinta. Saya tidak hanya maksudkan orang Melayu, Cina, India, Kadazan atau Iban. Yang saya maksudkan ialah semua individu yang membentuk populasi Malaysia secara seluruhnya.
Di mana silap kita? Mari renungkan perkara-perkara asas. Setiap kerajaan memegang amanah kepada rakyat masing-masing untuk menyediakan segala keperluan asas seperti keselamatan, perumahan, pendidikan, kesihatan dan keadilan.
Di mana kedudukan kita dalam isu-isu daripada kaca mata rakyat? Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah menunaikan tanggungjawabnya dengan baik sejak bertahun lalu. Malah, dalam beberapa bidang, ia berjaya melaksanakannya dengan cemerlang. Namun, dalam beberapa bidang lagi, masih ada ruang yang perlu diperbaiki.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Apa tanggapan rakyat mengenai keselamatan?
Kadar jenayah telah meningkat secara ketara, terutamanya dalam tempoh tiga tahun kebelakangan ini. Tahun lepas, statistik menunjukkan, jenayah keganasan meningkat kira-kira 13 peratus, kes rogol bertambah 30 peratus dan rompakan berkumpulan melonjak hampir 160 peratus. Keadaan ini amat membimbangkan dan perlu ditangani segera. Bagi menghapuskan kebimbangan rakyat, kita perlu mengambil beberapa pendekatan, antaranya memastikan lebih ramai anggota polis ditempatkan di kawasan-kawasan yang dikenalpati berisiko tinggi berlakunya jenayah dan menubukhan lebih banyak pondok polis, termasuk di kawasan-kawasan perindustrian dan perumahan. Jumlah polis pelancong juga perlu ditambah di lokasi-lokasi tumpuan pelancong.
Kini, keyakinan rakyat terhadap pihak polis sedikit terhakis disebabkan oleh jumlah kes bunuh berprofil tinggi yang masih belum berjaya diselesaikan. Contohnya, pembunuhan bekas Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Lunas, Dr Joe Fernandez, lapan tahun lalu dan pembunuhan seorang profesional IT warga Singapura di Kuala Lumpur. Dalam usaha untuk memperkasakan bidang siasatan polis, kita perlu memperkukuhkan sains forensik dan menubuhkan makmal-makmal jenayah yang moden. Mungkin, kita perlu menimbang dengan serius untuk menerima pakai 125 cadangan oleh Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia. Marilah kita memberi perhatian kepada saranan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang di-Pertuan Agong, bahawa masih banyak ruang yang boleh diperbaiki bagi menjadikan PDRM sebuah pasukan ulung.
Alasan yang diberi, termasuk statistik kadar jenayah di Malaysia lebih rendah berbanding beberapa negara lain, tidak akan menimbulkan rasa selamat dan selesa dalam kalangan rakyat. Malah, rakyat rata-rata kurang mengambil endah dengan statistik berkenaan. Rakyat cuma tahu, sejumlah wang perlu dibelanjakan untuk mengupah pengawal keselamatan bagi menjaga kawasan kediaman mereka. Persoalan yang timbul – mengapa mereka perlu mengupah ’polis profesional’. Ironinya, pagar dan konsep kawal yang dahulunya hanya boleh ditemui di kawasan kediaman mewah kini boleh dilihat di mana-mana premis kediaman, bukan untuk menunjuk-nunjuk tetapi sudah menjadi satu keperluan.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Bagaimana dengan pendidikan?
Sememangnya, rakyat boleh berbangga dengan sistem pendidikan negara. Pendidikan sekolah rendah adalah wajib dan percuma. Bagi peringkat menengah, subsidi disediakan dan terbuka kepada semua rakyat yang memerlukannya. Sehubungan itu, tiada sebarang isu yang timbul mengenai perkara berkenaan. Isu sebenarnya ialah kurangnya ruang pendidikan di peringkat tinggi. Saban tahun, ramai pelajar yang benar-benar layak tidak mendapat tempat di universiti tempatan. Ini menyebabkan timbul persepsi, berlaku ketidakadilan dari segi pengagihan tempat dan bantuan kewangan kepada pelajar yang layak dan dasar meritokari tidak dilaksanakan sewajarnya. Malah, kerap timbul tuduhan berhubung dasar kemasukan secara berat sebelah ke universiti-universiti tempatan.
Ramai pelajar tidak berpuas hati kerana mereka tidak diberi peluang memasuki program matrikulasi yang hanya mengambil masa satu tahun berbanding dua tahun bagi STPM. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, saya mencadangkan supaya kerajaan melaksanakan sistem tunggal bagi kemasukan ke universiti tempatan. Namun, jika sistem sedia ada diteruskan, peluang untuk mengikuti program matrikulasi wajar dibuka kepada semua kaum.
Penempatan pelajar secara adil dan saksama di universiti tempatan, bantuan kewangan dan biasiswa kepada mereka yang benar-benar layak, dasar meritrokasi yang berterusan akan memperkukuhkan modal insan negara – ini merupakan ruang-ruang dalam pendidikan yang diharap dapat diberi perhatian.
Rakyat juga tidak berpuashati dengan layanan yang diberi kepada sekolah-sekolah vernakular. Mereka mempersoalkan – mengapa sekolah-sekolah berkenaan dipinggirkan dan tidak dianggap sebagai sebahagian dalam sistem pendidikan nasional. Mengapa penubuhan sekolah-sekolah vernakular tidak dimasukkan dalam program pembangunan biasa Kementerian Pelajaran mengikut keperluan rakyat, tetapi penubuhannya dianggap sebagai satu tolak ansur politik? Kenapa tidak ada sebarang cadangan untuk menubuhkan sekolah-sekolah vernakular dalam program pembangunan biasa Rancangan Malaysia ke-9.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Keadilan
Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa sistem kehakiman merupakan satu lagi elemen yang mengguris rakyat. Sejak bertahun-tahun lamanya, imej dan integriti badan kehakiman tercalar. Dalam hal ini, YAB Perdana Menteri telah menyarankan penubuhan satu suruhanjaya bebas bagi mengendalikan urusan pelantikan hakim dan kenaikan pangkat hakim. Ini dilihat sebagai langkah pertama untuk mengembalikan maruah institusi kehakiman di negara ini. Bagi sesetengah pihak, ia mungkin satu tindakan yang sudah terlambat. Namun, saya berpendapat, ia lebih baik daripada tidak melakukan apa-apa. Di sini, saya ingin merakamkan ucapan terima kasih dan tahniah kepada YAB Perdana Menteri kerana telah menggerakkan usaha ke arah pembaharuan sistem kehakiman.
Penubuhan suruhanjaya pelantikan hakim, penstrukturan semula Badan Pencegah Rasuah – ini merupakan antara contoh, apa yang boleh kita lakukan apabila kerajaan mengambil berat mengenai perkara itu. Seperti titah Seri Paduka, langkah Perdana Menteri untuk memperkasakan institusi kehakiman menggambarkan komitmen kerajaan untuk memastikan sistem kehakiman adil, dihormati dan bebas daripada pengaruh mana-mana pihak. Dan, kami berharap, lebih banyak pembaharuan dapat dilakukan.
Kebimbangan mengenai ekonomi dan sosio politik
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Barisan Nasional telah terbukti berjaya mentadbir negara dengan cemerlang. Pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam semua bidang berjaya ditingkatkan. BN juga berjaya meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat ke paras yang baru. Ini termasuk memperbaiki perkhidmatan kesihatan, memperluas bidang pendidikan, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan dan mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan. Apa sebenarnya punca pengundi mula membelakangkan Barisan Nasional? Saya tidak mempunyai jawapan yang dibuktikan menerusi kajian empiris kepada soalan itu. Sebab umum yang disebut-sebut oleh mereka yang mahukan perubahan ialah sikap BN yang bongkak dan menekan. Saya tidak berhasrat untuk memperdebat, sama ada tuduhan itu adalah benar. Cukuplah dengan menyatakan bahawa keputusan pilihanraya antara lain menegaskan, tanggapan pengundi yang cenderung kepada tuduhan-tuduhan tersebut.
Sejak penubuhan MCA, kami sentiasa yakin kepada model kerjasama berteraskan kaum. Setiap parti mewakili kumpulan etnik yang berbeza, tetapi berkongsi perjuangan yang sama. Mengimbas kembali zaman pemimpin-pemimpin dahulu menuntut kemerdekaan daripada British, perlu diingat, tiga parti terlibat adalah setaraf. Perlu juga diingat bahawa antara cabaran tujuan rombongan yang dihantar ke England ialah membuktikan kepada penjajah bahawa walaupun mempunyai pelbagai perbezaan, kita mampu hidup bersama dengan harmoni. Ketika itu, Orang Putih berpendapat, adalah mustahil bagi masyarakat berlainan kaum duduk sebumbung secara aman. Rakyat Malaysia adalah berbeza. Mereka mempunyai agama yang berbeza dan berturut dalam bahasa yang berbeza. Malah, makanan mereka juga berbeza. Perbezaan ini telah wujud sejak dahulu lagi. Namun kita berjaya meyakinkan mereka bahawa kita berupaya hidup aman bersama.
Media baru penuh dengan kritikan terhadap keharmonian dan amalan hormat menghormati antara kaum. Dan, jika seseorang itu biasa menggunakan media baru, dia akan menemui banyak kenyataan tidak baik terhadap kaum tertentu yang ditulis oleh ahli politik yang terlalu ghairah. Tidak ada salahnya menggalakkan sesuatu kaum untuk memajukan diri. Tetapi adalah salah jika melakukannya dengan menghina dan mencetuskan perasaan tidak puas hati terhadap kaum lain. Selagi ada kelompok rakyat yang menganggap kaum mereka tidak mendapat hak yang sewajarnya, keharmonian yang diidam-idamkan pemimpin-pemimpin dan rakyat Malaysia, akan kekal sebagai impian. Yang menyedihkan, walaupun sedar, prasangka seumpama itu pada hakikatnya, masih wujud.
Program-program pembangunan yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan perlu dilihat membawa manfaat kepada seluruh rakyat, tanpa mengira kaum, dan harus berdasarkan keperluan. Sewajarnya, kerajaan berada di barisan hadapan, memperjuangkan konsep meritokrasi di semua peringkat. Dalam konteks ini, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan atau GLCs (dengan izin) tidak seharusnya memberi tumpuan kepada satu kaum sahaja. Rakyat akan menimbulkan persoalan – mengapa GLC-GLC hanya diterajui oleh satu kaum? Adakah kerana, tiada kaum lain yang layak untuk mengetuai GLC? Sektor perkhidmatan awam juga perlu mencerminkan komposisi kaum yang lebih adil, terutama melibatkan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan di kaunter.
Pemberian kontrak-kontrak kerajaan, khususnya kontrak kecil tidak sepatutnya berdasarkan kaum, tetapi perlu berasaskan kemampuan dan pengalaman. Kriteria seperti pengalaman sesebuah syarikat atau kontraktor, latar belakang dan rekod prestasi wajar menjadi kriteria-kriteria penting untuk dipertimbangkan. Malah, institusi perbankan juga harus menggunakan kriteria tersebut dalam meluluskan pinjaman kepada Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana.
Kesimpulan
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan berada dalam tangan kita. Dari perspektif MCA, saya sedari, masyarakat Cina di Malaysia, yang hak mereka kami perjuangkan, menganggap kami sebagai mengecewakan. Namun, saya tidak mahu membuat anggapan bahawa pilihanraya umum ke-12 menjadi titik tolak kepada kejatuhan parti-parti politik berteraskan kaum. MCA bermula sebagai sebuah pertubuhan yang membantu pekerja Cina menyesuaikan diri di Tanah Melayu yang dipilih sebagai tanah air yang baru. MCA memutuskan untuk membabitkan diri dalam politik selepas ia merasakan pihak British meminggirkan masyarakat Cina dalam peruntukan perlembagaan.
Saya ingin tegaskan, kami telah melakar pelbagai kejayaan – memartabatkan sekolah-sekolah Cina, kampung-kampung baru, budaya masyarakat Cina, pendidikan serta mewujudkan peluang pendidikan, perusahaan kecil dan sederhana dan sebagainya. Kita pernah dianggap relevan. Namun, angin perubahan bertiup kencang. Pilihanraya umum ke-12 menyaksikan Barisan Nasional kalah di lima negeri. Para pengalisis berpendapat, ia merupakan undi protes terhadap kerajaan BN.
Selaras dengan angin perubahan yang jelas dilihat dalam Pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, saya berpendapat, parti MCA dan BN seharusnya memberi perhatian serius kepada isu-isu baru, selain isu-isu yang saya sebutkan tadi. Ini penting jika MCA dan BN mahu menjadi parti yang relevan kepada semua rakyat, terutama golongan muda. Kami mesti memperluaskan dimensi dan strategi kami untuk memenuhi aspirasi rakyat.
Hakikatnya, rakyat bukan menyebelahi pembangkang, namun keyakinan mereka kepada BN sedikit terhakis. Secara kesimpulan, rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan itu boleh datang dari kita atau tanpa kita. Tempoh lima tahun dari sekarang merupakan waktu paling getir buat kita. Perubahan amat mustahak bagi kelangsungan kerajaan.
Dengan ini, saya ingin memohon menyokong.
Sekian, terima kasih.
# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn adalah Naib Presiden MCA
More...
Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini merakamkan junjungan kasih yang tidak terhingga di atas kesudian Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud, mencemar Duli bagi merasmikan Mesyuarat Penggal Pertama Parlimen Ke-12 di Dewan yang mulia ini.
Tuan Yang di-Pertua,
Keputusan pilihanraya umum baru-baru ini telah membuka mata kita semua, khususnya kepada Barisan Nasional. Disebalik gelombang Tsunami politik, apa sebenarnya yang dikehendaki rakyat?
Dengan kata mudah, rakyat sudah bersuara – mereka mahukan perubahan. Namun, ini tidak bermakna, rakyat menolak Barisan Nasional. Hakikatnya, mereka masih perlukan Barisan Nasional. Namun, rakyat mahu BN mengubah sikap dan cara ia merajui negara.
Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah mentadbir negara sejak lebih lima puluh tahun lalu, dan berjaya melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya dengan cemerlang. Sebagai sebahagian daripada kerajaan, itulah apa yang saya rasa. Bukankah rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN dari semasa ke semasa? Dan ia menjadi pegangan kerajaan untuk memberikan apa yang ia percaya diperlukan oleh rakyat. Pertumbuhan ekonomi, pembangunan sosio ekonomi, menaiktaraf hidup dan menjaga kebajikan rakyat, mengangkat reputasi politik di arena antarabangsa, peluang pendidikan lebih luas, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan – ini semua membuktikan BN berjaya membawa negara daripada ekomoni tradisional kepada negara perindustrian yang dikenali dunia. Kita di Barisan Nasional percaya bahawa kita telah melakukan sesuatu yang betul.
Dalam pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, kerajaan, menerusi Barisan Nasional, telah ditimbang dan diukur secukupnya. Keputusan yang diperoleh – kerajaan tidak dapat memenuhi sepenuhnya, harapan dan aspirasi rakyat. Rakyat berpendapat, BN tidak lagi berupaya mendengar suara mereka. Kita telah mencabar rakyat supaya meluahkan suaranya menerusi peti undi. Itulah yang telah mereka lakukan. Dan, jika kita tidak memahami mesej itu sebelum ini, sudah jelas dan nyata sekarang, BN mempunyai kekurangan yang perlu diatasi.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Kini bukan lagi masa untuk memberi alasan atau tuduh menuduh sesiapa. Perkara yang sepatutnya disegerakan ialah memperbetulkan kelemahan yang dikenalpasti. Marilah kita bersama-sama berganding bahu dan melakukan apa yang BN, dengan pengalaman dan sumber yang luas selain kuasa yang dipegang selaku jentera kerajaan, boleh lakukan. Lagipun, rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN untuk mentadbir negara selama 5 tahun lagi. Kepada yang tidak mengundi BN, kami meminta mereka agar tidak menutup pintu tetapi berilah kami peluang untuk mengembalikan keyakinan kepercayaan yang hilang. Tidak boleh dinafikan, jalan ini adalah panjang dan berliku dan BN perlu menelan segala penawar yang pahit untuk memenangi semula hati dan pemikiran rakyat Malaysia. Rakyat yang saya maksudkan disini ialah semua warganegara yang tinggal dan bekerja keras untuk hidup di tanah air yang tercinta. Saya tidak hanya maksudkan orang Melayu, Cina, India, Kadazan atau Iban. Yang saya maksudkan ialah semua individu yang membentuk populasi Malaysia secara seluruhnya.
Di mana silap kita? Mari renungkan perkara-perkara asas. Setiap kerajaan memegang amanah kepada rakyat masing-masing untuk menyediakan segala keperluan asas seperti keselamatan, perumahan, pendidikan, kesihatan dan keadilan.
Di mana kedudukan kita dalam isu-isu daripada kaca mata rakyat? Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah menunaikan tanggungjawabnya dengan baik sejak bertahun lalu. Malah, dalam beberapa bidang, ia berjaya melaksanakannya dengan cemerlang. Namun, dalam beberapa bidang lagi, masih ada ruang yang perlu diperbaiki.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Apa tanggapan rakyat mengenai keselamatan?
Kadar jenayah telah meningkat secara ketara, terutamanya dalam tempoh tiga tahun kebelakangan ini. Tahun lepas, statistik menunjukkan, jenayah keganasan meningkat kira-kira 13 peratus, kes rogol bertambah 30 peratus dan rompakan berkumpulan melonjak hampir 160 peratus. Keadaan ini amat membimbangkan dan perlu ditangani segera. Bagi menghapuskan kebimbangan rakyat, kita perlu mengambil beberapa pendekatan, antaranya memastikan lebih ramai anggota polis ditempatkan di kawasan-kawasan yang dikenalpati berisiko tinggi berlakunya jenayah dan menubukhan lebih banyak pondok polis, termasuk di kawasan-kawasan perindustrian dan perumahan. Jumlah polis pelancong juga perlu ditambah di lokasi-lokasi tumpuan pelancong.
Kini, keyakinan rakyat terhadap pihak polis sedikit terhakis disebabkan oleh jumlah kes bunuh berprofil tinggi yang masih belum berjaya diselesaikan. Contohnya, pembunuhan bekas Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Lunas, Dr Joe Fernandez, lapan tahun lalu dan pembunuhan seorang profesional IT warga Singapura di Kuala Lumpur. Dalam usaha untuk memperkasakan bidang siasatan polis, kita perlu memperkukuhkan sains forensik dan menubuhkan makmal-makmal jenayah yang moden. Mungkin, kita perlu menimbang dengan serius untuk menerima pakai 125 cadangan oleh Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia. Marilah kita memberi perhatian kepada saranan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang di-Pertuan Agong, bahawa masih banyak ruang yang boleh diperbaiki bagi menjadikan PDRM sebuah pasukan ulung.
Alasan yang diberi, termasuk statistik kadar jenayah di Malaysia lebih rendah berbanding beberapa negara lain, tidak akan menimbulkan rasa selamat dan selesa dalam kalangan rakyat. Malah, rakyat rata-rata kurang mengambil endah dengan statistik berkenaan. Rakyat cuma tahu, sejumlah wang perlu dibelanjakan untuk mengupah pengawal keselamatan bagi menjaga kawasan kediaman mereka. Persoalan yang timbul – mengapa mereka perlu mengupah ’polis profesional’. Ironinya, pagar dan konsep kawal yang dahulunya hanya boleh ditemui di kawasan kediaman mewah kini boleh dilihat di mana-mana premis kediaman, bukan untuk menunjuk-nunjuk tetapi sudah menjadi satu keperluan.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Bagaimana dengan pendidikan?
Sememangnya, rakyat boleh berbangga dengan sistem pendidikan negara. Pendidikan sekolah rendah adalah wajib dan percuma. Bagi peringkat menengah, subsidi disediakan dan terbuka kepada semua rakyat yang memerlukannya. Sehubungan itu, tiada sebarang isu yang timbul mengenai perkara berkenaan. Isu sebenarnya ialah kurangnya ruang pendidikan di peringkat tinggi. Saban tahun, ramai pelajar yang benar-benar layak tidak mendapat tempat di universiti tempatan. Ini menyebabkan timbul persepsi, berlaku ketidakadilan dari segi pengagihan tempat dan bantuan kewangan kepada pelajar yang layak dan dasar meritokari tidak dilaksanakan sewajarnya. Malah, kerap timbul tuduhan berhubung dasar kemasukan secara berat sebelah ke universiti-universiti tempatan.
Ramai pelajar tidak berpuas hati kerana mereka tidak diberi peluang memasuki program matrikulasi yang hanya mengambil masa satu tahun berbanding dua tahun bagi STPM. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, saya mencadangkan supaya kerajaan melaksanakan sistem tunggal bagi kemasukan ke universiti tempatan. Namun, jika sistem sedia ada diteruskan, peluang untuk mengikuti program matrikulasi wajar dibuka kepada semua kaum.
Penempatan pelajar secara adil dan saksama di universiti tempatan, bantuan kewangan dan biasiswa kepada mereka yang benar-benar layak, dasar meritrokasi yang berterusan akan memperkukuhkan modal insan negara – ini merupakan ruang-ruang dalam pendidikan yang diharap dapat diberi perhatian.
Rakyat juga tidak berpuashati dengan layanan yang diberi kepada sekolah-sekolah vernakular. Mereka mempersoalkan – mengapa sekolah-sekolah berkenaan dipinggirkan dan tidak dianggap sebagai sebahagian dalam sistem pendidikan nasional. Mengapa penubuhan sekolah-sekolah vernakular tidak dimasukkan dalam program pembangunan biasa Kementerian Pelajaran mengikut keperluan rakyat, tetapi penubuhannya dianggap sebagai satu tolak ansur politik? Kenapa tidak ada sebarang cadangan untuk menubuhkan sekolah-sekolah vernakular dalam program pembangunan biasa Rancangan Malaysia ke-9.
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Keadilan
Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa sistem kehakiman merupakan satu lagi elemen yang mengguris rakyat. Sejak bertahun-tahun lamanya, imej dan integriti badan kehakiman tercalar. Dalam hal ini, YAB Perdana Menteri telah menyarankan penubuhan satu suruhanjaya bebas bagi mengendalikan urusan pelantikan hakim dan kenaikan pangkat hakim. Ini dilihat sebagai langkah pertama untuk mengembalikan maruah institusi kehakiman di negara ini. Bagi sesetengah pihak, ia mungkin satu tindakan yang sudah terlambat. Namun, saya berpendapat, ia lebih baik daripada tidak melakukan apa-apa. Di sini, saya ingin merakamkan ucapan terima kasih dan tahniah kepada YAB Perdana Menteri kerana telah menggerakkan usaha ke arah pembaharuan sistem kehakiman.
Penubuhan suruhanjaya pelantikan hakim, penstrukturan semula Badan Pencegah Rasuah – ini merupakan antara contoh, apa yang boleh kita lakukan apabila kerajaan mengambil berat mengenai perkara itu. Seperti titah Seri Paduka, langkah Perdana Menteri untuk memperkasakan institusi kehakiman menggambarkan komitmen kerajaan untuk memastikan sistem kehakiman adil, dihormati dan bebas daripada pengaruh mana-mana pihak. Dan, kami berharap, lebih banyak pembaharuan dapat dilakukan.
Kebimbangan mengenai ekonomi dan sosio politik
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Barisan Nasional telah terbukti berjaya mentadbir negara dengan cemerlang. Pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam semua bidang berjaya ditingkatkan. BN juga berjaya meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat ke paras yang baru. Ini termasuk memperbaiki perkhidmatan kesihatan, memperluas bidang pendidikan, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan dan mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan. Apa sebenarnya punca pengundi mula membelakangkan Barisan Nasional? Saya tidak mempunyai jawapan yang dibuktikan menerusi kajian empiris kepada soalan itu. Sebab umum yang disebut-sebut oleh mereka yang mahukan perubahan ialah sikap BN yang bongkak dan menekan. Saya tidak berhasrat untuk memperdebat, sama ada tuduhan itu adalah benar. Cukuplah dengan menyatakan bahawa keputusan pilihanraya antara lain menegaskan, tanggapan pengundi yang cenderung kepada tuduhan-tuduhan tersebut.
Sejak penubuhan MCA, kami sentiasa yakin kepada model kerjasama berteraskan kaum. Setiap parti mewakili kumpulan etnik yang berbeza, tetapi berkongsi perjuangan yang sama. Mengimbas kembali zaman pemimpin-pemimpin dahulu menuntut kemerdekaan daripada British, perlu diingat, tiga parti terlibat adalah setaraf. Perlu juga diingat bahawa antara cabaran tujuan rombongan yang dihantar ke England ialah membuktikan kepada penjajah bahawa walaupun mempunyai pelbagai perbezaan, kita mampu hidup bersama dengan harmoni. Ketika itu, Orang Putih berpendapat, adalah mustahil bagi masyarakat berlainan kaum duduk sebumbung secara aman. Rakyat Malaysia adalah berbeza. Mereka mempunyai agama yang berbeza dan berturut dalam bahasa yang berbeza. Malah, makanan mereka juga berbeza. Perbezaan ini telah wujud sejak dahulu lagi. Namun kita berjaya meyakinkan mereka bahawa kita berupaya hidup aman bersama.
Media baru penuh dengan kritikan terhadap keharmonian dan amalan hormat menghormati antara kaum. Dan, jika seseorang itu biasa menggunakan media baru, dia akan menemui banyak kenyataan tidak baik terhadap kaum tertentu yang ditulis oleh ahli politik yang terlalu ghairah. Tidak ada salahnya menggalakkan sesuatu kaum untuk memajukan diri. Tetapi adalah salah jika melakukannya dengan menghina dan mencetuskan perasaan tidak puas hati terhadap kaum lain. Selagi ada kelompok rakyat yang menganggap kaum mereka tidak mendapat hak yang sewajarnya, keharmonian yang diidam-idamkan pemimpin-pemimpin dan rakyat Malaysia, akan kekal sebagai impian. Yang menyedihkan, walaupun sedar, prasangka seumpama itu pada hakikatnya, masih wujud.
Program-program pembangunan yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan perlu dilihat membawa manfaat kepada seluruh rakyat, tanpa mengira kaum, dan harus berdasarkan keperluan. Sewajarnya, kerajaan berada di barisan hadapan, memperjuangkan konsep meritokrasi di semua peringkat. Dalam konteks ini, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan atau GLCs (dengan izin) tidak seharusnya memberi tumpuan kepada satu kaum sahaja. Rakyat akan menimbulkan persoalan – mengapa GLC-GLC hanya diterajui oleh satu kaum? Adakah kerana, tiada kaum lain yang layak untuk mengetuai GLC? Sektor perkhidmatan awam juga perlu mencerminkan komposisi kaum yang lebih adil, terutama melibatkan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan di kaunter.
Pemberian kontrak-kontrak kerajaan, khususnya kontrak kecil tidak sepatutnya berdasarkan kaum, tetapi perlu berasaskan kemampuan dan pengalaman. Kriteria seperti pengalaman sesebuah syarikat atau kontraktor, latar belakang dan rekod prestasi wajar menjadi kriteria-kriteria penting untuk dipertimbangkan. Malah, institusi perbankan juga harus menggunakan kriteria tersebut dalam meluluskan pinjaman kepada Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana.
Kesimpulan
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan berada dalam tangan kita. Dari perspektif MCA, saya sedari, masyarakat Cina di Malaysia, yang hak mereka kami perjuangkan, menganggap kami sebagai mengecewakan. Namun, saya tidak mahu membuat anggapan bahawa pilihanraya umum ke-12 menjadi titik tolak kepada kejatuhan parti-parti politik berteraskan kaum. MCA bermula sebagai sebuah pertubuhan yang membantu pekerja Cina menyesuaikan diri di Tanah Melayu yang dipilih sebagai tanah air yang baru. MCA memutuskan untuk membabitkan diri dalam politik selepas ia merasakan pihak British meminggirkan masyarakat Cina dalam peruntukan perlembagaan.
Saya ingin tegaskan, kami telah melakar pelbagai kejayaan – memartabatkan sekolah-sekolah Cina, kampung-kampung baru, budaya masyarakat Cina, pendidikan serta mewujudkan peluang pendidikan, perusahaan kecil dan sederhana dan sebagainya. Kita pernah dianggap relevan. Namun, angin perubahan bertiup kencang. Pilihanraya umum ke-12 menyaksikan Barisan Nasional kalah di lima negeri. Para pengalisis berpendapat, ia merupakan undi protes terhadap kerajaan BN.
Selaras dengan angin perubahan yang jelas dilihat dalam Pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, saya berpendapat, parti MCA dan BN seharusnya memberi perhatian serius kepada isu-isu baru, selain isu-isu yang saya sebutkan tadi. Ini penting jika MCA dan BN mahu menjadi parti yang relevan kepada semua rakyat, terutama golongan muda. Kami mesti memperluaskan dimensi dan strategi kami untuk memenuhi aspirasi rakyat.
Hakikatnya, rakyat bukan menyebelahi pembangkang, namun keyakinan mereka kepada BN sedikit terhakis. Secara kesimpulan, rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan itu boleh datang dari kita atau tanpa kita. Tempoh lima tahun dari sekarang merupakan waktu paling getir buat kita. Perubahan amat mustahak bagi kelangsungan kerajaan.
Dengan ini, saya ingin memohon menyokong.
Sekian, terima kasih.
# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn adalah Naib Presiden MCA
More...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Fong: MCA wants equal standing with Umno, MIC Fong
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA wants to be equal partners with Umno and MIC rather than being " second" in the triumvirate.
Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said yesterday the party wanted parity with the two other founding members of the Alliance, which later evolved into Ba-risan Nasional.
He said the three parties had negotiated as equals for independence.
"There was so much parity (then), but over the years, MCA has become the distinct second to Umno and we have to correct this perception," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the party wanted its friends in Umno to know that working as equals would strengthen BN.
Fong said MCA should also have a new direction so that it can stabilise itself and BN.
"What we need is to rejuvenate and re-energise the grassroots. They have been demoralised by the poor showing of BN and MCA (in the March 8 election)."
For the next six months, he said, he would lift the morale of grassroots MCA members by giving the party a new direction.
He said the party would remain a Chinese-based entity but would articulate issues on behalf of all Malaysians.
Fong said: "It can be crime, security, economic development, job opportunities and education."
Citing the example of scholarships, he said scholarships should be given to all irrespective of race.
He said vernacular schools should be seen as part of the educational system so that MCA could speak on behalf of children of all races.
More...
Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said yesterday the party wanted parity with the two other founding members of the Alliance, which later evolved into Ba-risan Nasional.
He said the three parties had negotiated as equals for independence.
"There was so much parity (then), but over the years, MCA has become the distinct second to Umno and we have to correct this perception," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the party wanted its friends in Umno to know that working as equals would strengthen BN.
Fong said MCA should also have a new direction so that it can stabilise itself and BN.
"What we need is to rejuvenate and re-energise the grassroots. They have been demoralised by the poor showing of BN and MCA (in the March 8 election)."
For the next six months, he said, he would lift the morale of grassroots MCA members by giving the party a new direction.
He said the party would remain a Chinese-based entity but would articulate issues on behalf of all Malaysians.
Fong said: "It can be crime, security, economic development, job opportunities and education."
Citing the example of scholarships, he said scholarships should be given to all irrespective of race.
He said vernacular schools should be seen as part of the educational system so that MCA could speak on behalf of children of all races.
More...
Information Ministry Plans Blog To Disseminate Information
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Information Ministry is planning to use blogs as a medium to disseminate information to the people, its Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.
"The ministry is planning on using blogs as a bridge to provide information and solicit views on issues raised," he said in reply to a question by Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah) during the Dewan Rakyat session, here today.
Ahmad Shabery said he already had discussions with several bloggers to get their views.
"I believe they have considered what should or should not be put out. Those who break the law like like indulging in sedition or libel, I believe the laws must be used against them," he said.
Answering a question by Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) on the response to the programme 'Blog' over RTM1 aired for twenty minutes on Sunday, Ahmad Shabery said the programme had 200,000 viewers up till now.
"I understand from Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) that bloggers who are invited are those who are very critical of the government and this is part of the open attitude of the government today.
"There are many blogs in Malaysia and increasing every day. There are 14 million Internet users, 500,000 bloggers and more than 700 socio-political bloggers although there are also blogs on art, music and it is up to RTM's wisdom as to who qualifies to be invited for the programme.," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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"The ministry is planning on using blogs as a bridge to provide information and solicit views on issues raised," he said in reply to a question by Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah) during the Dewan Rakyat session, here today.
Ahmad Shabery said he already had discussions with several bloggers to get their views.
"I believe they have considered what should or should not be put out. Those who break the law like like indulging in sedition or libel, I believe the laws must be used against them," he said.
Answering a question by Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) on the response to the programme 'Blog' over RTM1 aired for twenty minutes on Sunday, Ahmad Shabery said the programme had 200,000 viewers up till now.
"I understand from Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) that bloggers who are invited are those who are very critical of the government and this is part of the open attitude of the government today.
"There are many blogs in Malaysia and increasing every day. There are 14 million Internet users, 500,000 bloggers and more than 700 socio-political bloggers although there are also blogs on art, music and it is up to RTM's wisdom as to who qualifies to be invited for the programme.," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
Not True, Government had Weakened Trade Unions.
The government had not weakened the trade unions under the pretext of globalisation. Neither is it true that labour laws favour employers. The country’s labour laws provide a check and balance for workers in terms of retrenchment benefits and compensation. Trade unions can play a role in the global environment by encouraging their members to be trained and re-trained so that they will be employable at any time. There will also be no fear of them being fired due to their multiple skills and capabilities. Trade Unions should also encourage their members to be more receptive to upgrade their skills and knowledge. If Malaysia wants to be more competitive than Vietnam, which is generally regarded as the second Asian miracle after China, it must expand its range of training courses to such areas as microelectronics, new material sciences and biotechnology. There are many foreign investors who want to establish these kinds of businesses in Malaysia and tap our abundant natural resources and skilled workers. I suggest workers master the relevant skills and propel the competitiveness of the country. In the last eight years, the government had spent about RM500 million to provide training and retraining programmes for workers under the Human Resource Development Fund (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad). Graduates who completed these programmes were reported to have found jobs.
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