Hishammuddin cautions that probe must be done fairly

Declaring he has nothing to hide, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said claims on the misuse of funds by the Youth and Sports Ministry when he was the minister should be investigated thoroughly.

But he cautioned that any probe must be conducted fairly.
“It should be investigated. What’s wrong is wrong. Action has to be taken against wrongdoers, including me if I have done wrong,” he said yesterday when commenting on the awarding of contracts worth RM450 million and doubtful purchases for the National Youth Skills Institute in 2002.
Hishammuddin was the Youth and Sports Minister from 1999 to 2004.
It was reported that the ministry’s secretary-general, only authorised to approve contracts which did not exceed RM5 million, was allowed to approve contracts worth RM449.42 million by the minister.

The Treasury, in its reply to the Auditor-General who highlighted various questionable expenditure by ministries and government departments in his 2006 audit report, stated that the youth and sports minister gave a letter of authority to the secretary-general to sign the contracts.
However, the Auditor-General said during the audit, “no such letter presented itself”.
The Auditor-General also said the ministry paid RM8.39 million more than the market price for 13 items for the institute’s programmes.
Among these were RM224 for a set of four screwdrivers costing RM32 in the market; RM5.72 million for two crane towers against the market price of RM2.98 million; technical books consisting of 10 titles priced at RM10,700; and a 3.1 megapixel digital camera that was bought for RM8,254.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Hishammuddin, in an obvious reference to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s statement on Monday that the contracts dated back to 2002 before she was appointed to the post, said: “On the allegations, my advice to them is no matter where we are, all are jointly responsible under the same government.”

Source: New Straits Times

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Auditor-General highlights questionable government expenditure

I’m the senator and I’m innocent

Mismanagement of public funds in Malaysia becoming more appalling

The mismanagement of public funds is indeed becoming more appalling – like inflating the price of a screwdriver set from RM32 to RM224, paying RM1,146 for a RM160 pen or RM5,700 for a RM50 carjack, as exposed in the 2006 Auditor-General Report. 

Among the other shocking fiscal imbroglios uncovered was the RM290mil spent by the Customs Department for an outdated, user-unfriendly information system. 

The department is in the process of replacing it with a new information technology plan, which is estimated to cost RM451.3mil. 

As for the police air wing, it bought two helicopters worth RM117.75mil but couldn’t use them because they did not meet specifications. Before that, RM15.37mil had already been spent on training pilots to fly the choppers. 

Another deplorable matter highlighted in the A-G’s report was the revelation that ambulances were found to be hazardous to the patients they were supposed to ferry.  

Vital medical equipment such as cardiac monitors and portable ventilators were dysfunctional in the vehicles, which were also apparently used to transport workers and even food.  

…

In the past, the corrupt few were careful not to show off their ill-gotten gains out of fear of being caught. There are more people committing such crimes today and they no longer fear of being punished, never mind their lack of shame.  

These people don’t care a damn about flaunting their riches, even when it is obvious that their salaries or legal incomes don’t match their lifestyles. 

A-G’s reports are tabled in Parliament without fail each year but how many of those named for mismanagement have been taken to court so far? What is the point of audits if the crooks get away most of the time? 

Real change can only come through perspicuous political commitment. To quote Transparency International, ending the pettier forms of corruption in the bureaucracy is almost impossible if grand political corruption persists.  

Reform of the public procurement system depends on political will to disclose spending, upgrade accounting standards and monitoring, along with improved access to information. 

Let’s look at how Malaysia has fared in nation management over the past decade. Based on the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators 1996-2006 Report released last week, the results are rather drab.

We have fallen back in five out of the six yardsticks used, only recovering marginally in the category of Government Effectiveness, which covers the quality of public services and the civil service. In 1996, Malaysia’s marks stood at 79.6 %. In 2006, we scaled a point up to 80.6 %. 

Scores have slid in the other key categories of Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law, and Control of Corruption. 

In Voice and Accountability, which gauges how citizens are involved in choosing their government, their freedom of expression, association and media, Malaysia was only at 38%, lower than the 39.2 % recorded 10 years earlier.

As for Political Stability, we only managed to get 58.7%, sinking from 65.4% set in 1996. It was the same state for the category of Regulatory Quality – 69.8% compared to 80% in 1996.

In Rule of Law, Malaysia recorded 65.7% for the third consecutive year, way below the 71% scored in 1996. Similarly, for Control of Corruption, the country has fallen behind at 68%, much poorer than the 73.3% scored 10 years earlier.

Source: The Star

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Auditor-General highlights questionable government expenditure

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chairperson says dog-catching competition is ridiculous

…

In response, SPCA chairperson Christine Chin said the association is not against the rounding up of strays. 

Stray control has to be done but the management and the method of catching the dogs should be carried out in a humane manner, she said. 

“We can’t propagate a fun and festive mood in dog catching as the whole idea is wrong. Having such a competition is ridiculous as it encourages cruelty and it is an unhealthy trade for Malaysians to pick up,” she said. 

She added that rounding up of strays is not the public’s responsibility but is the responsibility of the MPS animal squad to capture the strays as their men are trained to handle the animals in a humane manner. 

“SPCA does not catch or destroy animals. In fact it is wrong to say that the dogs are handed to us. Our role is to prevent cruelty to animals, promote kindness to animals and encourage responsible pet ownership,” said Christine.

Source: The Star

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Khir Toyo says dog-catching competition is good

Khir Toyo says dog-catching competition is good

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has supported the move by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to organise a dog-catching competition. 

“Competitions like this are good, as the animals are not killed but caught and handed over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). 

Source: The Star

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Khir Toyo’s other bright ideas:

Khir Toyo’s solution for illegal factories – slammed as senseless

Selangor lent funds without paperwork

Khir Toyo told not to indulge in petty matters and confuse Umno members

Khir Toyo says Klang Valley will be on par with Singapore within 5 years

Khir Toyo allocates RM36 million for development projects in Ijok in run-up to Ijok by-election while Selangor government agencies owe RM15 million in assessment arrears to Klang Municipal Council (MPK)

Khir Toyo has another bright idea: Use broadband to allow easier borrowing of books

Selangor’s Exco Village – a waste of public funds

Was the land alienation to Zizah in good faith and in the best interest of the people ?

Selangor under Khir – sad state of affairs

Khir the ineffective executive

Khir clamouring to repair public image

Khir Toyo called to drop the rhetoric and be transparent and accountable

Altantuya Trial Adjourned As It Resumes

 

THE trial of those charged with the murder of the 28-year-old Mongolian  Sh.Altantuya was adjourned for  a week  as soon as it was resumed at the Shah Alam high court in Malaysia on September 10. The presiding judge said he needed more time to study the notes of proceedings so far. The postponement once again raises questions about the way justice is being done in a case that has attracted international attention.

Two police officers from the Special Action Squad, that looks after the security of important Malaysian leaders, are accused of committing the murder in October last year. Abdul Razak Baginda, a close political associate of Malaysian Deputy Premier Najib Razak and an international arms dealer, is charged with abetting the murder. Observers have noted that the trial of the three accused has been overshadowed by a man who isn’t there: Najib Razak himself, who is a former defense minister of the country.

Sh.Altantuya, a well-educated and multilingual woman who worked as interpreter for Baginda, was found murdered and mangled in a forest near the city of Shah Alam. She had been shot in the head and her body blown up with C4 military-use explosives fastened to her body. The two policemen charged with the murder had once been Najib’s bodyguards. S.Shaariibuu, a professor at the National University of Mongolia, has repeatedly said his daughter was killed because “she knew too much”.

Early during the trial Prime Minister M.Enkhbold sent an official letter to his Malaysian counterpart expressing the hope that the court will work in a fair manner and free from influence. “The Mongolian people, the world community, and international and regional media are paying particular attention to this case. The Government of Mongolia continues to take all necessary measures in accordance with international law to protect the legitimate interests and the rights of its nationals. We do hope the court procedures will be fair and free from political influence,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia said in a statement. The Government also sent a team to Malaysia, including representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to observe the trial.

Not only the Government of Mongolia but also national and international human rights organizations have appealed to the Malaysian court to try the case without fear or favor.
The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia has asked the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia to “make a contribution to solving this horrible crime, to beginning proceedings against ‘bounty hunters’ and to bringing the guilty to justice”.
The trial will resume on September 17.

Source: UB Post, Mongolia

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Altantuya case raises some troubling questions in Malaysia

What did Najib know and when did he know it?

Lucky Black Widow directors explain

… managed to contact two of the four councillors I named last week as directors of a company called Lucky Black Widow Sdn Bhd operating out of the Petaling Jaya City Council headquarters.

Megat Firdouz Megat Junid said the company was formed to sell t-shirts and other merchandise to the MBPJ football fan club.

“It is a company that doesn’t make any money and has nothing to do with [the] football [team's] management. Cheques are only signed to pay distributors for the products (t-shirts etc).”

He added that the company was also formed to secure the trademark rights to the “Black Widow” logo.

Another councillor, Mohamed Azli Mohamed Saad said the company was formed to accept sponsorships on behalf of MBPJ.

“MBPJ cannot accept sponsorship directly from outside. So it goes to Lucky Black Widow first and then we pay for the products.”

He explained that his role as a councillor included securing sponsorships for the football team.

…

First, is it their God-given right to use the MBPJ headquarters as their place of business? Isn’t this highly irregular?

Secondly, why should four councillors be selling merchandise to the fan club?

And Mohamed Azli’s claim that “MBPJ cannot accept sponsorship directly from outside” is pure fiction.

Did the council not accept millions directly from outdoor advertising companies? Did the council itself sell its publications and route the money to the sports club?

Besides, he described his role as a councillor included securing sponsorships for the football team.

Where is this prescribed in the Local Government Act or any other statute?

…

And as councillors, did you all not angkat tangan when the proposal to give exclusive advertising rights to Seni Jaya was tabled at the full council meeting in December last year? So, since when couldn’t the council accept direct sponsorship?

…the then president Datuk Emran Kadir who decreed that every successful applicant for a billboard licence will have to make a sumbangan of RM10,000 to the sports club to the past president, Datuk Ahmad Termizi Puteh who entered into agreements committing the council.

.. Besides, if need be, the ACA should ask some councillors and some council staff to declare their assets. Judging by the lifestyle they lead, they must have a sugar daddy or some benefactor who left behind a large estate.

Source: The Sun

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MBPJ councillors are directors of Lucky Black Widow Sdn Bhd, registered address MBPJ

Billboard case closed, says PJ city council

MBPJ’s parking revenue dropped after giving parking concession

MBPJ’s many unresolved issues

MBPJ Football Club is not open for public scrutiny

Selangor’s Exco Village – a waste of public funds

Khir the ineffective executive

Khir clamouring to repair public image

Selangor under Khir – sad state of affairs

MMA and busmen question e-Kesihatan

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) yesterday questioned the way in which the e-Kesihatan scheme, involving a third party, was set up.

           The MMA has called upon all doctors, members and non-members, not to register under the new scheme. MMA president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said the association was in the midst of settling the issue and had the interest of all doctors at heart.

             “We are not against e-Kesihatan but we are opposing the manner in which it is being conducted],” he said at a press conference yesterday.

              He said the MMA was disappointed that it was left out of the programme, especially since it is the most appropriate organisation, being one which represents medical practitioners.

…

            He said the e-Kesihatan’s guidelines and format were very similar to those prepared by the MMA in the past. Asked about the MMA’s next course of action, Khoo said the association would write a protest letter to the Health Ministry, which will be copied to the Transport Ministry.
The MMA has 8,000 members out of the 17,000 doctors registered under the Malaysian Medical Council.

             The MMA was responding to the recent appointment of Supremme Systems Sdn bhd to conduct medical checks and drug tests on commercial and public service vehicle drivers.
The company has registered a panel of clinics to conduct the tests and would receive about RM35 out of the proposed RM85 fee for each test.

            Doctors invited to be on the panel are required to pay RM100 in registration fee, stamp duties and service agreement charges.

           “As usual the government did not bother to consult anyone and is rushing the programme through,” PMBOA president Datuk Ashfar Ali told theSun yesterday.

            “For a project as big as this, involving so many people and so much money, there must be tenders issued. But this was not the case. Why?” he added.

              He said drivers currently only pay RM10 under e-Kesihatan, but would have to fork out eight times more under the new scheme. Ashfar stressed that the association supported the idea for a more streamlined monitoring system for commercial and public vehicle drivers.

              “It is a good system especially in light of our increasing accident rate, but what we are saying is that the system should be implemented transparently and ensure that it does not cause bus drivers to be out of pocket,” he said.

Source: The Sun

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Supremme System Sdn Bhd appointed as e-Kesihatan middleman

NEP spawned corruption, cronyism, ethnic discrimination, widened intra-ethnic disparities

Public Accounts Committee chairman says get rid of middlemen for National Service trainees’ transportation

Supremme System Sdn Bhd appointed as e-Kesihatan middleman

Middlemen stand to gain almost half-a-billion ringgit under the Road Transport Department (RTD)’s e-Kesihatan project to conduct drug tests on drivers, attendants and conductors of commercial vehicles.

By its own projections, Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd – the company awarded the concession by the Transport Ministry – will make RM92 million over 15 years.

But those in the know argue that this figure is grossly under-estimated, claiming that RM400 million would be a more accurate number, based on 800,000 drivers.

However, working on 1.2 million drivers – the company’s projection – the figure would cross the RM500 million mark.

It was announced yesterday that from Oct 1 those applying for or renewing commercial vehicle licences must go for medical tests at designated panel clinics.

The Transport Ministry signed the concession agreement on Sept 3 and almost immediately doctors were invited to register with Supremme Systems.

…

What makes this venture stink of another money-making scheme involving a chosen few, is that Supremme Systems will not conduct the tests. Instead, it will be carried out by a panel of doctors selected by the company, who will be paid less than half the proposed RM85 fee – RM30; with RM20 going for laboratory tests.

The remainder – about RM35 – will go to the company.

Many medical practitioners oppose the arrangement which they feel is nothing more than a rent-seeking exercise.

The doctors claim that they had, through Koperasi Doktor Malaysia Bhd, submitted a comprehensive proposal to the ministry last year with two scales of fees – much lower than Supremme Systems’.

They argue that it is the doctor who will have to carry out the tests and take responsibility for the certification and that there is no necessity for middlemen to be involved.

“They are getting paid for doing nothing. Any monitoring must be conducted by the RTD,” said one doctor, adding that fees can be kept low if such middlemen were eliminated.

“It seems that the main agenda here is to make money and not to have more competent drivers on our roads,’’ said the doctor.

The practitioners also argue that Supremme Systems had been selective when deciding who can participate in the scheme.

“Why should only a selected few be involved when the whole profession should help ensure that we have safe drivers on our roads?’’ asked another doctor.

Letters of invitation to be a panel member of e-Kesihatan have been sent to several private practitioners, asking them, among others to pay Supremme Systems RM100 as registration, stamp duties and service agreement charges.

Those interested to be panel doctors are also required to have professional indemnity insurance. Supremme Systems was previously known as Pantai Supremme System Sdn Bhd.

According to information obtained from a search with the Companies Commisson yesterday, it is owned by a company called Hormat Bestari, which in turn is controlled by Nordin Yahya, Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus, Kuwi Anak Mel and Yew Bein Gin.

Nordin and Tunku Syed Razman control Arah Fikir Sdn Bhd, which owns 48% of Hormat Bestari. Kuwi and Yew control Kerjaya Unggul Sdn Bhd which owns 50% of Hormat Bestari.

Nordin Yahya was an original shareholder of Pantai Supremme through a company called Title Effect. Both Title Effect and Pantai Holdings (which was subsequently taken over by Singapore based Parkway Holdings) used to own Pantai Supremme.

Source: The Sun

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Outdated records led to overpayment in Penang

AT LEAST RM750,228 was mistakenly paid to the Penang Municipal Council by the state government – all because the state treasury did not keep updated records.

According to the Auditor-General’s 2006 report on Penang, contributions in lieu of assessments continued to be paid to the council by the state for government quarters that had already been torn down or given to the Penang Development Corporation.  

The audit said 63 units of the quarters were handed to the PDC in 1996 for commercial and hotel development while 165 more units were torn down between 1997 and 2001. 

“However, because state treasury records were not updated to take note of the change in ownership as well as confirmation from the Public Works Department (PWD) that the quarters were torn down, the contributions continued to be paid,” the report said. 

The audit also pointed out that maintenance at some government quarters was unsatisfactory and that prices quoted by the contractor did not follow the price schedule set out by PWD. 

“The prices of 23 different types of maintenance work was far higher than what had been recommended by (PWD) differing by between RM120 and RM850 from the recommended price,” the report said.

The audit added that payments were also made for maintenance work that was never done and that money was also paid for work that was different from what was described.

The audit said that apart from this there was a waiting list of 856 people for the 749 existing government quarters in Penang. 

“There are, however, 63 units that are still not occupied either because they are damaged or applicants had rejected the offer or had applied for other units,” it said. 

The report said the selection of applicants and ensuing distribution of units was also not satisfactory because those chosen were not listed. 

“Without a checklist by the housing committee, the audit was not able to find if the offer letter was sent to the same applicant who was approved by the committee. 

The audit also revealed that 62.5% (out of 104 units) of the quarters for federal department staff were given to those who were less deserving.

Source: The Star

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Auditor-General highlights questionable government expenditure

Perak departments spent more for less

ONLY 32% of projects, or 98 of 302, were implemented by 10 departments and agencies in Perak but 72.8% of the RM218.15mil allocation last year has already been spent.

The Auditor-General, who deemed this as “not satisfactory” in his report, said the state needed to practise frugal spending and work towards increasing its source of income. 

…

The report suggested that these weaknesses be given necessary attention to “ensure accountability and integrity in financial management.” 

“Among the main factors that caused these weaknesses is the lack of officers, no close supervision and inadequate training for officers,” it said. 

On the whole, the report found that the state’s financial position was still not stable because last year its revenue account saw a deficit of RM23.58mil, which resulted in the joint revenue account dipping by 4.4% to RM535.08mil. 

To increase its source of income, the state should start collecting overdue revenue of RM193.62mil and reclaiming outstanding loans totalling RM26.67mil from the Perak Foundation, Perak State Development Corporation and the Central Perak District Council, the report suggested.  

Source: The Star

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Auditor-General highlights questionable government expenditure