No funds for TARC exposes MCA as a party of low-down liars with only an agenda for themselves?

Facebook pic.
Why the Chinese hate MCA and BN
FMT
February 23, 2018 7:42 PM
By Sebastian Loh
Poor MCA. The party’s leaders have been wearing their best game faces as the general election approaches, apparently confident that they’ll make gains. But even if MCA president Liow Tiong Lai suddenly discovers the cure for cancer, they’re almost certain to be wiped out. The reason: Chinese people are mad as hell and hungry for change … for more, go to https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2018/02/23/why-the-chinese-hate-mca-and-bn/ 

No funds for TARC exposes MCA as a party of low-down liars with only an agenda for themselves?

Like UMNO, the MCA is just another party of devious manipulative lying leaders.

Recently, the MCA has been using its mouthpiece - The Star - to spin news demonising the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government, especially Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng for stopping the annual allocations for the MCA-controlled Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARC).

That is a plain lie or spinning and twisting facts to suit MCA’s political agenda.

The fact is it was the now deposed racist Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) federal government that had stopped the annual allocations for TARC in Budget 2018 (when BN was still in power).

And the MCA was as meek as mouse when this was raised by the then DAP Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong in November 2017.

The then Education Minister Idris Jusoh, when asked about the exclusion, said the government would look into the matter.

So, why is the MCA and The Star not stating this fact in its news spins?

And, is the DAP, Teo and Lim any better on this issue? Teo had defended TARC’s “right” for federal allocations? So, what is DAP and Lim’s stand now?

It sure looks like Teo is a “nobody” in DAP and that he was only speaking for himself?

Or, is it that Lim did not dare to raise this fact because the BN had in some point of time between November and May 9 (14th General Election) quietly reallocated the annual fund for TARC?

Whatever, both MCA and Lim need to clarify the facts? Did TARC get the funds or not after Budget 2018 was tabled?

However, No News Is Bad News’ stand on the allocation of annual funds is plain political and discriminatory - TARC should never have been given such funds. Why?

TARC is just another private institution of higher learning. It was given special treatment and got the funds just because it was set up by MCA - with millions of Ringgit in donations from Malaysians - of which it was part of the super corrupt ruling BN regime.

And now the MCA is demanding such discriminatory treatment for TARC to be continued by the PH federal government?

Discriminatory? Yes! Our stand is this: If TARC is to be given such funds, then all private institutions of higher learning nationwide should also get such funds too!

The new low-down MCA president Wee Ka Siong has claimed that TARC would suffer higher tuition fees if the funds are not reinstated.

Really? It was revealed that TARC had multi-million ringgit in savings to keep TARC going! So, why the need to raise fees?

So, is TARC just another revenue-generating machine for MCA? Bollocks to MCA’s claim from Day 1 that TARC was set up to help educate Malaysian children!

If Wee and MCA are truly defending TARC and the benefit of its students, then why can’t it give up control of TARC to the federal government and let it become a public university for Malaysians?

Of course MCA and Wee cannot give up the goose that lay the golden eggs! Right?

And, the MCA is now also lamenting and whining about all other MCA-controlled money spinning “machines” like Kojadi and others for not getting annual allocations from the PH federal government.

And that is why MCA must give up control of TARC and The Star so that integrity and public confidence can be restored.

So, MCA and Wee - Go Fly A Kite with your whining!

Here are the related news reports on the issue:

"MP shocked govt has stopped funding TARC

Michael Murty
November 29, 2017 1:13 PM

Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong has criticised the government for not allocating funds to the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

KUALA LUMPUR: It is shocking that not a single sen has been allocated to Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARC) under Budget 2018, the DAP’s Rasah MP Teo Kok Seong said.

He said this was especially difficult to comprehend as TARC was an MCA-founded institution, and had been receiving allocations prior to this.

He said TARC was allocated RM60 million in 2015, RM51 million in 2016 and RM30 million in 2017, but was not allocated a single sen in the 2018 Budget.

“As a former student of TARC, I feel extremely disappointed by this,” he said at a press conference in parliament here today.

He said although he was not from the MCA, he felt the need to ask the government why it had excluded the institution from funding.

“It is sad that no MCA leader has publicly spoken out about this. It is impossible that all MCA leaders, ministers and deputy ministers do not know about the exclusion, which required me to bring it up in parliament.

“The top leadership of MCA has to answer why this exclusion has occurred without their knowledge. Have they not gone through Budget 2018?

“What is the use of the party having three ministers and three deputy ministers if they fail to ensure the college that they founded receives funding from the federal government?” asked Teo.

Education Minister Idris Jusoh, when asked about the exclusion, said the government would look into the matter. - FMT

Guan Eng: UTAR, TAR UC must be separated from MCA before getting more govt money

NATION

Wednesday, 21 Nov 2018
9:55 PM MYT
by martin carvalho, hemananthani sivanandam, and rahimy rahim

File photo of UTAR's Faculty of Business and Finance in Kampar, Perak.

KUALA LUMPUR: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has insisted that MCA should break off ties with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) before the government provides more allocations for the two institutions.

"I would advise that next year, we will consider (more allocations) but at the same time, we want to be sure that there is a clear separation between education and politics.

"Both UTAR and TAR UC must not be owned by MCA," said Lim in his winding-up speech for his ministry on Budget 2019.

He was replying to MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong who queried why the government had slashed funds for the two institutions.

Dr Wee pointed out that the government had merely provided a RM5.5mil development fund for UTAR and TAR UC, but had not provided any matching grant.

Lim said that there could be a different forms of allocations for both the institutions if they were not owned by MCA.

He reiterated that politics and education needed to be separated.

"This is a brave decision made by my officers and I will support their decision.

"We cannot give matching grants to all schools, this would mean an outflow of money which we cannot bear," he said, explaining the reason for only providing the development fund but not the matching grant.

Dr Wee, however, argued that the matching grants were vital as it would help ensure lower student fees were charged by both institutions.

Lim insisted that MCA had a RM2bil fund, to which Dr Wee rebutted, saying that both Utar and TarUC were developed through public and government funds.

Dr Wee said that the institutions spent RM100mil to develop campuses in Sabah and Pahang without asking for government assistance.

Lim however later asked if MCA had received funds from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), to which Dr Wee said no.

"As far as I know, no," said Dr Wee.

Lim said it is best that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigate the matter.

"If you still deny that MCA did not receive funds from 1MDB, then let MACC investigate," said Lim.

Dr Wee then questioned the relevance of linking 1MDB to the education fund.

"Why are you mixing the issue of 1MDB and the universities," he asked.

Lim then became defensive and said: "You can hentam (bash) me in the Chinese media that I am anti-Chinese. Never mind."

"I am ready to accept because this is the principle of financial management that the government needs to uphold," said Lim. - The Star"

The racist Umno-led BN and PAS too cannot change their spots

The historic handshake that triggered the fall of the mighty racist Umno-led BM

 https://youtu.be/gEGOuLJ5LRo (VIDEO: Anwar Ibrahim’s full speech at the Congress on future of Bumiputras & Nation)

The racist Umno-led BN and PAS too cannot change their spots

For 60 years, the racist Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS have been playing the racist and religious cards to divide Malaysians for political power.

Even after being soundly rejected by the majority law-abiding cum peace-loving Malaysians in the May 9 14th General Election (GE14), both Umno and PAS continue to play both the divide and rule political cards.

Lately, various quarters, through various media tools and organisations, have been claiming in their news reports of a Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Dr M)-Anwar Ibrahim 2.0 rift or fallout.

Such reports have been posted by the suspected CIA-backed news portal Malaysia Chronicle (MC). And also the London-based now super racist political hatchet-man-for-hire Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) of the infamous Malaysia-Today (MT) fame.

Yes, both MC and MT subscribe to the same political strategy as BN and PAS to serve their political masters or agenda - divide and rule to weaken any administration.

For Malaysians who voted for change, thus giving the Pakatan Harapan (PH) the opportunity to rule Malaysia for a term or five years, the so-called Dr M-Anwar rift is becoming a bore and irritant.

At 93, Dr M is certainly running out of time to change or undo the damage done to Malaysians, especially the Malays, and Malaysia.

If or when Anwar succeeds Dr M, he will certainly have more time in his hands to change or reform Malaysia, socially, economically and politically.

But, there are already much rumblings and frustrations being voiced by Malaysians who are impatiently demanding change by PH.

To such Malaysians, may we at No News Is Bad News remind them: Rome was not built in a day.

Do you think it is that easy to dismantle the damage inflicted on Malays, Malaysians and Malaysia by the Umno-led BN and PAS?

An appropriate description of politicians?

There is no need for this blog to list out the changes that had been initiated by PH since GE14 - it is open for all to see.

Yes, there is still much more that need to be done or undone by PH to satisfy Malaysians and Malaysia - especially the divide-and-rule Ketuanan Melayu (Malay Supremacy) installed by Umno through Alliance and then BN since Merdeka (Independence) 1958.

The Umno-led BN and PAS are still lurking in Malaysia’s political arena and the Dr M-Anwar 2.0 combo need to tread with extreme caution in seeking national reforms.

Dr M-Anwar needs to consider the current and changing sentiments of the Malays, while initiating national change and reforms, so Ketuanan Melayu sentiments are not unnecessary ruffled to the advantage of Umno and PAS.

To the impatient Malaysians who are rooting for and demanding change from the PH leadership, we reiterate: Rome was not built in a day, neither can the Umno-led BN and PAS change their spots - a label that is often pinned on Anwar.

Yes, during the Abim and Umno days, Anwar used to say different things to different audiences.

But he is doing much less of that in public speaking. We republish, yet again, the above video clip for you to form your own judgment of Anwar.

The video clip was shot at a 100% Malay audience.

Isn’t this about change for Malaysians and Malaysia?

Malaysia is 8th worst country for freedom of thought - Say a big 'Thank you' to racist Umno-led BN’s 61-year rule!

(An officer canes a woman who violated strict Syariah laws. Source: AP
Brunei, M’sia, Indonesia rated region’s worst violators of rights, religious freedom
By A. Azim Idris | 8th December 2016 | @AzimIdrisHybrid
MUSLIM-MAJORITY Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been listed as the region’s worst freedom of thought defenders in a 2016 report released by the International Humanist Ethical Union (IHEU). The Freedom of Thought Report published on Tuesday rated the three as countries where “grave violations” of rights and the treatment of the non-religious occur. “Grave violations” is the last on a list of five categories, and is the worst rating to be given to the countries surveyed. The other categories are “free and equal”, followed by “mostly equal”; “systemic discrimination”; and “severe discrimination”. The report noted that both Brunei and Malaysia have threatened the death sentence for apostasy, while Indonesia enforces lengthy prison terms for those convicted of “criticising” religion …for more, go to https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/12/brunei-msia-indonesia-rated-regions-worst-violators-rights-religious-freedom/
https://www.facebook.com/iheunion/videos/352033285542647/ 

Malaysia is 8th worst country for freedom of thought - Say a big 'Thank you' to racist Umno-led BN’s 61-year rule!

Malaysians have only the racist Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) governments to "thank" for the 8th worst country for freedom “honour”.

For 61 years, the BN federal government that was re-elected 13 terms before it was given the boot in the 14th General Election last May 9, have been using the racial and religious cards to cling on to power.

With the MCA, MIC and Gerakan working in cahoots with Umno, race and religion were exploited to the hilt by Umno to cling on to political and governing power with rural, especially Malay, support.

The Umno-led BN’s political folly just was not sustainable in a multi-racial multi-religious country like Malaysia - it was just a matter of time before the majority of progressive peace-loving Malaysians will muster enough courage to say “enough is enough”.

That, they did. Today, they have rejected and given the Umno-led BN the boot with Malaysians crying out and heralding in a New Malaysia.

But, will the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government and its leaders have the political will and courage to dump the politics of race and religion?

Time will surely tell … in a decade or so? Read on for the details of Malaysia’s dubious global honour:

"Malaysia is eighth worst country for freedom of thought, just above UAE, Pakistan

Published 3 days ago on 31 October 2018
By Zurairi AR

According to a report, Malaysia is ranked the 8th worst country for freedom of thought. ― Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 ― Malaysia was ranked the eighth worst country for freedom of thought, placing 189th among 196 countries worldwide in the International Humanist and Ethical Union’s (IHEU) Freedom of Thought Report 2018 published yesterday.

The report pointed out that the ten worst-performing countries uniquely share “a conservative vision of Islam is deeply embedded in the legal framework”, where the legislation is either entirely or partly derived from religious laws or authorities.

“Both Malaysia and Pakistan are among the countries which have suffered specific apparent anti-atheist and anti-‘blasphemy’ violence in recent years,” said the report.

However, it noted that that there is “a few signals of hope” the worst-performing countries, such as the regime change in Malaysia following the 14th general election.

Malaysia ranked only slightly better than these countries: Saudi Arabia (196th and last place), Iran (195), Afghanistan (194), the Maldives (193), Pakistan (192), the United Arab Emirates (191), and Mauritania (190).

The list was jointly-topped by Belgium, the Netherlands, and Taiwan which received perfect score.

Among highlighted new issues that have cropped since last year were the teachings of violent topics in Islamic education, and the still unresolved matter of child marriages in the country.

The report also noted “increased discrimination, harassment and violent hate crime against the LGBT community” during Pakatan Harapan’s first 100 days in power, including the joint raid on alleged gay club Blue Boy in Kuala Lumpur.

It also highlighted the Shariah caning sentence against the single mother in Terengganu for offering sex work.

Responding to the report, advocacy group Malaysian Atheists and Secular Humanists (MASH) said that “religious-fueled intolerance, supplemented by hostile and violent sentiments from both state and non-state actors in recent years, have only increased in intensity”.

“Atheists and other minority groups, especially the LGBTQI+ community, are often forcibly stripped of their right to freedom of expression, being needlessly assailed by onslaughts of vitriol online and offline. Many go into hiding to avoid persecution,” its media officer Amelia Han said in a separate statement.

Starting out in 2012, the report is a worldwide survey of discrimination and persecution against humanists, atheists and the non-religious.

It is prepared from submissions received from experts, relevant parties, and members of IHEU, a worldwide umbrella of humanist, atheist, secular and similar organisations.

Last year, Malaysia was singled out and listed among seven countries worldwide that practise “active persecution” of the non-religious, following a so-called “hunt” against atheists starting earlier that year.

"

Malaysia and South East Asia: Freedom of Expression and Information

May 7, 2014

ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION

1. Most important 5 case law related to expression and information and why?

When understanding the nature of freedom of expression and information in Malaysia, it is important to note that almost all cases relating to freedom of expression have a central theme of not offending the 3 “R”s. The 3 “R”s refer to the issue of Race, Religion and Royalty. So long as any media organisation, politician or individual steers clear of the 3 “R”s, they will not attract any prosecution. Article 10 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of expression but in reality laws have been passed to curtail this freedom. Article 10 makes specific reference to the government’s ability to curtail this freedom. Some of the offending Acts of Parliament include:

A. SEDITION ACT

B. PRINTING PRESSES AND PUBLICATIONS ACT

C. COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA ACT … for more, go to https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/publications/malaysia-and-south-east-asia-freedom-of-expression-and-information/

Proof of America’s freedom of speech and expression bullshit!

Members of the Westboro Baptist church stage a protest across the street from a school in Maryland. The church can continue to picket military funerals following a supreme court ruling. Photograph: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
The freer the speech, the stronger the democracy
Tom Rogan
Europe could learn from the US supreme court Snyder v Phelps decision: free speech is the best defence against extremism
Fri 4 Mar 2011 20.16 GMTFirst published on Fri 4 Mar 2011 20.16 GMT
On Wednesday, in an 8-1 ruling the US supreme court affirmed the first amendment's enduring protection of free speech. While in its narrow result the court's ruling found for a fringe group of religious extremists over a family already burdened by the greatest loss, Snyder v Phelps was correctly decided (pdf). In doing so, the court sharpened the distinctions between rights to freedom of speech in the United States and in Europe. Following recent first amendment cases including, for example, United States v Grace, which held protests on public land as principally protected, and Rankin v McPherson, which held that a public employee was wrongly fired for remarking that she hoped President Reagan would be assassinated, the court's holding was a strong affirmation for first amendment stare decisis. Writing the majority opinion, Chief Justice Roberts noted the late Justice Brennan's words in the landmark case Texas v Johnson (which held anti-flag burning legislation to be unconstitutional): … for more, go to https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/mar/04/freedom-of-speech-us-constitution-and-civil-liberties 

Proof of America’s freedom of speech and expression bullshit!

Malaysians who continuously whine for greater freedom of speech and expression and look to the US as the global role-model for democracy, well eat your heart out!

The US government has, about two weeks ago, shut down Gab (Gab.com), the Americans’ alternative to Facebook.

To those who blindly worship the US as God or Saints and think the US can do no wrong, what have you to say about this?

Still support the US’ global China-bashing agenda? So, is the US sincerely defending freedom of speech and democracy when it batters China, accusing the Communists of lack of human rights and democracy?

You be the judge and form your own conclusions. Read the following message from Gab.com CEO Andrew Torba and rethink about the US if you wish. The way to Make America Great Again?:

"Gab has spent the past 48 hours proudly working with the DOJ and FBI to bring justice to an alleged terrorist. Because of the data we provided, they now have plenty of evidence for their case. In the midst of this Gab has been no-platformed by essential internet infrastructure providers at every level. We are the most censored, smeared, and no-platformed startup in history, which means we are a threat to the media and to the Silicon Valley Oligarchy.

Gab isn’t going anywhere.

It doesn’t matter what you write. It doesn’t matter what the sophist talking heads say on TV. It doesn’t matter what verified nobodies say on Twitter. We have plenty of options, resources, and support. We will exercise every possible avenue to keep Gab online and defend free speech and individual liberty for all people.

You have all just made Gab a nationally recognized brand as the home of free speech online at a time when Silicon Valley is stifling political speech they disagree with to interfere in a US election.

The internet is not reality. TV is not reality. 80% of normal everyday people agree with Gab and support free expression and liberty. The online outrage mob and mainstream media spin machine are the minority opinion. People are waking up, so please keep pointing the finger at a social network instead of pointing the finger at the alleged shooter who holds sole responsibility for his actions.

No-platform us all you want. Ban us all you want. Smear us all you want.

You can’t stop an idea.

As we transition to a new hosting provider Gab will be inaccessible for a period of time. We are working around the clock to get Gab.com back online. Thank you and remember to speak freely.

Andrew Torba, CEO Gab.com"

Shut down by the US government! Making America Great Again?

PH Penang government into its 3rd term … it will be a folly to take Penangites’ support for granted!

Pix for representational purpose only.
Chronology of landslides in Penang since 2017
Posted on 20 October 2018 - 11:36am
Last updated on 20 October 2018 - 01:48pm
GEORGE TOWN: Following is a series of landslides which occurred Penang in 2017 and 2018.
>> Sept 21 2017: Penang is hit by flash floods and heavy rain causing landslides and trees toppling in Jalan Tun Sardon-Jalan Bukit Baru, Paya Terubong resulting in the closure of several main roads to Balik Pulau and George Town.
>> Oct 21 2017: A landslide strikes an affordable housing project construction site in Lengkok Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah at about 8.57am. The incident claims the lives of 11 workers comprising a local, five Bangladeshis, two Indonesians, two Myanmar and a Pakistani after they were buried by earth from the landslide on a hill side.
>> Oct 5 2017: Continuous rain for almost 17 hours coupled with strong winds causes dozens of roads to be closed to traffic, while thousands of houses were inundated, hundreds of trees fell and landslides occured in several areas claiming seven lives.
More than one hundred landslides occurred in Penang Hill causing the railway service to the peak to be closed for a month.
>> Jan 5 2018: Heavy rain causes flash floods in 50 areas in the state as well as a landslide at a pepper farm in Tanjung Bungah resulting in four people being evacuated due to the landslide.
>> Oct 11 2018: Heavy rain and strong winds bring down 14 concrete beams measuring 25m each, collapsing on the hill side in the Bukit Kukus project.
>> Oct 19 2018: Rain lasting more than 10 hours results in a landslide at the Bukit Kukus project site for the paired road construction site linking Paya Terubong to Relau.
Three people have been confirmed dead following this latest incident. — Bernama/theSun

Above: Natural disasters or man (developer)-made disasters? Is the PH Penang government, into its third-term of governance, going about with BN’s business as usual in property development, giving excessive priority to private developers?

PH Penang government into its 3rd term … it will be a folly to take Penangites’ support for granted!

There is absolutely no such thing as honeymoon anymore for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Penang government which is ruling for a third term.

The new Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, a former Chinese newspaper journalist, should know well not to allow his government become arrogant and ignore the pleas of Penangites.

Just like what his state exco in charge of housing, the Jagdeep ‘Talk Cock’ Singh Deo, who is now arrogantly ignoring the pleas of Majestic Heights (MH) house buyers, the state government is doing the same with the many environmental issues - mostly related to over development.

Like the previous garbage Barisan Nasional (BN) state government, the PH is continuing with business as usual like the BN - giving excessive leeway to developers who care a damn for environmental safety issues.

No News Is Bad News has in the past three blog postings highlighted the issues related to the Majestic Heights mixed township project that was abandoned in 2001.

Jagdeep had in a meeting with MH victims on Jan 12, 2016 assured the Persatuan Penduduk Taman Terubong Indah (TIMH) PPM-029-07-28012016, representing 212 buyers, “That is not a problem!” with regards to waiving the state’s affordable housing scheme conditions.

Today, after being elected for a third term in office, he is avoiding and ignoring the pleas of the MH victims who had been waiting for their dream home for some 20 years, fair treatment and justice.

Do the victims deserve such a treatment from the so-called New Malaysia PH state government that is only prolonging their misery?

Read these previous blog postings for context:
https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/this-is-how-shitty-penang-state.html (This is how shitty the Penang state government has become!)
https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-mind-boggling-penang-ph-government.html (A mind-boggling Penang PH government and the 20-year abandoned Majestic Heights housing project)
https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/not-so-majestic-after-all-20-year-woes.html (Not so majestic after all … 20-year woes of house buyers and a simply unreliable and uncaring Penang PH government)

Will he have the political will to lead and whip his state executive councillors to serve the rakyat?

There is a limit to the political patience of Penangites who have changed their state government twice due to ruling coalitions’ failure to respond to the rakyat (people) and, provide good and sincere government service.

Chow is reminded about Penang’s political and electoral history.

If Penangites can kick out the Alliance-MCA state government, replacing it with the then Opposition Gerakan in 1969 and then again giving the boot to Gerakan in the 12th General Election (GE12) in 2008, there is nothing to prevent them from doing the same to the current DAP-led PH Penang government.

So, no more honeymoon. Start responding to Penangites’ pleas and concerns! You are elected to govern and serve the rakyat!

The site that was abandoned by Majestic Heights Sdn Bhd for some 20 years and is today revived and re-branded as The Stone state affordable housing project.


Three members of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia will be part of the team probing the landslide which killed nine in Penang on Oct 19. (Bernama pic)

Not so majestic after all … 20-year woes of house buyers and a simply unreliable and uncaring Penang PH government

253 property projects abandoned since 2009
Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 at , News | Property
By P PREM KUMAR & D KANYAKUMARI
The government has registered 253 abandoned private housing projects in Peninsular Malaysia since 2009, involving 64,290 residential units. Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar (picture) said from the total uncompleted houses, 43,537 units had been sold. “Selangor has the highest number of abandoned projects’ buyers with 20,639,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Noh said out of the 253 abandoned projects, 190 had been revived and completed between 2009 and October 2017 … for more, go to https://themalaysianreserve.com/2017/11/08/253-property-projects-abandoned-since-2009/ 

Not so majestic after all … 20-year woes of house buyers and a simply unreliable and uncaring Penang PH government

The Majestic Heights (MH) mixed township in Penang’s Paya Terubong that had been abandoned for some 20 years is a grim reminder to house buyers to be wary of unscrupulous developers and other stakeholders.

They are also adviced to not take all legal matters for granted and also not to solely rely on the authorities to monitor construction work and progress payments.

The buyers, especially first time house buyers, must take the trouble to find time to visit their housing project to inspect and monitor the work in progress.

In the case of MH, buyers paid progress payments for work not done due to unscrupulous architects and bankers who failed to inspect and establish the status of the real construction work done.

When MH went bust in 2001, there were buyers who had paid up to 90% but only 30% of work had been completed. All because certificates for work completed had been issued.

In Malaysia, the federal government had in Parliament on Nov 8 last year revealed that there were 253 abandoned private housing projects in West Malaysia since 2009 involving 64,290 residential units and that 43,537 units had been sold.

Doesn’t the statistics show that both the state and federal governments and the law do not protect or favour Malaysian house buyers?

Doesn’t it show that there had been no political will or sincerity on the governments, since Merdeka (Independence) 1958, to really protect house buyers from the unscrupulous housing industry players and stakeholders?

Has any developer and its cohorts been punished for abandoning housing projects and running away with the hard-earned savings of house buyers?

Therefore, trust no one! Trust only yourself!

In the case of MH, some 1,283 house buyers were left high and dry for about 20 years before it was revived by a so-called “White Knight” developer - PLB Land Sdn Bhd.

Construction work on MH, re-branded as The Stone and as a Penang affordable housing project, started last year after MH stakeholders, the MH liquidators, the PH state government and and PLB settled almost all encumbrances.

To make the revival of MH viable …

> PLB agreed to settle MH’s outstanding debts with financial institutions at an agreed haircut;

> The liquidators agreed to sell all three parcels of land where MH is located at RM1 per lot; and

> That the PH Penang government and its local authorities grant or waive certain approvals and conditions.

However, the woes of the house buyers, several of whom had died waiting for their dream home after investing their hard-earned life savings, continue to linger even after 20 years and the project revived.

Here are the facts:

What was offered to MH victims by PLB and the PH Penang government …

> That MH victims be given priority and automatic approval to take up The Stone units;
> That those who take up the units will have a full refund of what they paid to MH upon the completion of The Stone;
> That victims have the choice to nominate their children or relatives to take up a unit due to age and financial disability to secure housing loans; and
> Those who do not wish to take up The Stone units have two options of cash compensation (50% of payment made to MH).

What is really happening now …

> There is no priority or automatic approval for the victims to take up the units (a victim who is staying in Johor was rejected because he is not a registered voter in Penang! Others, including children or siblings who wish to take up the units, are rejected because they fail to meet the criteria to qualify for the state’s affordable housing scheme, and other obstacles …)
> That MH victims have to seek the approval of the state government if they want to sell their units after the handing over of the keys for The Stone; and
> That MH victims are bound by all the conditions under the state government’s affordable housing scheme.

Now, the Persatuan Penduduk Taman Terubong Indah (TIMH) PPM-029-07-28012016 representing 212 buyers, wishes to make it clear that it has no problems with PLB and has accepted the pricing of The Stone units as reasonable and fair.

However, TIMH is disappointed and disgusted with the many old and new problems arising from the PH Penang government that continue to frustrate MH victims.

The association had met up with the Penang executive councillor in charge of housing, Jagdeep Singh Deo, in two round tables on Jan 12, 2016 and March 11, 2016.

In the January meeting, Jagdeep had assured the association that waiving the state’s affordable housing conditions for MH victims is not a problem. (Note: Voice recording of discussion available)

Why is Jagdeep and the PH Penang government now not doing anything to end the 20-year woes of the MH victims?

What is perplexing to the victims is that waiving the affordable housing conditions will not cost the state government a single sen!

No News Is Bad News wishes to reiterate:

Did MH buyers buy MH units originally under the affordable housing scheme? If not, why are they now being treated as such?

Did MH buyers buy their units as REGISTERED PENANG VOTERS? If not, WTF!

For context, read these two previous blog postings:

https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/this-is-how-shitty-penang-state.html (This is how shitty the Penang state government has become!)
https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-mind-boggling-penang-ph-government.html (A mind-boggling Penang PH government and the 20-year abandoned Majestic Heights housing project

National House Buyers Association’s secretary-general Chang Kim Loong during the 'Does Greater Prosperity Come with Less Housing Affordability' forum held in Kuala Lumpur, today. Pix by Surianie Mohd Hanif
Govt urged to tackle issue of abandoned housing projects
By Seri Nor Nadiah Koris, Fairul Asmaini Mohd Pilus - May 17, 2018 @ 3:49pm
KUALA LUMPUR: The National House Buyers Association is urging the government to deal with the issue of abandoned housing projects in its plan for the housing sector. The association’s secretary-general, Chang Kim Loong, said it supported the government’s election pledge to build a million affordable homes. “We want to find solutions for affordable housing for Malaysians, said Chang, who met the Eminent Persons Council briefly this afternoon. His recommendations included a build-then-sell (BTS) system. “Under a BTS 10:90 system, house buyers pay 10 per cent when booking and 90 per cent when the housing project is completed,” he said. Chang also brought up the issue of developers being given more time to complete housing projects, which was unfair to house buyers. Referring to a case in which a developer was given a 12-month extension by the previous government, he said: “The developer was supposed to hand over vacant possession within 36 months. If not they must compensate buyers. But, they went to see the minister and got an extension, which meant that house buyers were not entitled to compensation. Its not fair.”

Here are some visuals at the previously Majestic Heights construction site that was abandoned for some 20 years and is now revived as The Stone state affordable housing scheme:

A mind-boggling Penang PH government and the 20-year abandoned Majestic Heights housing project

TIMH chairman Eric Ciah and treasurer Irene Lim posing a picture at The Stone construction site for No News Is Bad News.

A mind-boggling Penang PH government and the 20-year abandoned Majestic Heights housing project

https://youtu.be/jvPy8cJfcJk (TIMH officials monitoring the construction work in progress at The Stone site (abandoned by Majestic Heights) in Paya Terubong, Penang.)

Just what is the Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) government up to, frustrating some 1,283 Majestic Heights (MH) buyers who have been waiting for their dream apartment homes for more than 20 years.

Many of the Phase 3 buyers have waited so long that they are now retired and are unable to secure loans if they take up the units offered in the revived project.

The project stakeholders, liquidators, PLB Land Sdn Bhd (MH White Knight) and the Penang government have cleared almost all encumbrances and, thus, construction of the revived project is now in progress since last year.

However, the woes continue to plague the MH abandoned house buyers due to an unresponsive and uncaring state government whose executive councillor in charge of housing (Jagdeep Singh Deo) cannot keep his word.

It is simply unbelievable why Jagdeep is behaving as such after telling the buyers in a meeting that: “That is not a problem!”

The buyers, represented by the Persatuan Penduduk Taman Terubong Indah (TIMH) PPM-029-07-28012016, had only two meetings with Jagdeep on Jan 12, 2016 and March 11, 2016.

In the January meeting, Jagdeep had assured the association that waiving the state’s affordable housing conditions for MH victims is not a problem.

However, today there are many unresolved problems with new woes cropping up to frustrate the MH victims - no thanks to the Penang government.

What is perplexing to the victims is that waiving the affordable housing conditions will not cost the state government a single sen! 

So, why is Jagdeep and the Penang government continuing to frustrate and prolong their misery?

MH was launched in 1996 as the state’s largest mixed township project on the island. MH comprises several phases with Phase 1 affordable housing units scheduled to be delivered in 1999.

However, the project was abandoned in 2001 with Majestic Heights Sdn Bhd declared bankrupt in court after the buyers sued the developer.

The buyers then sought the help of the then Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon who failed to revive the project until he and his Barisan Nasional (BN) government were given the boot by Penangites in 2008.

So, MH is today the state’s largest mixed township project on the island and the longest abandoned housing project in history.

Phase 3 of MH is now under construction by PLB under a new product name - The Stone, featuring 1,000 sq ft apartments equipped with full condominium facilities.

Upon full completion of MH Paya Terubong, it will have no fewer than 7,000 residents. (View this earlier report for context: https://victorlim2016.blogspot.com/2018/10/this-is-how-shitty-penang-state.html - This is how shitty the Penang state government has become!)

PLB’s sales pitch for The Stone (previously Majestic Heights):




The abandoned MH sales pitch:

This is how shitty the Penang state government has become!

A meeting of empty promises!

This is how shitty the Penang state government has become!

This is not a tall tale but a real story faced by abandoned housing buyers in Penang, specifically the Majestic Heights (MH) victims.

MH was abandoned for more than 20 years and was  revived by a so-called “White Knight” developer - PLB Land Sdn Bhd - in 2016

The story goes like this:

You buy an apartment (condominium) some 20 years ago and the housing project was abandoned after you have paid up to 30% in progress payments and various other fees.

Some 500 buyers then took the developer to court and the latter was liquidated or bankrupted.

The three parcels of land on which the project is located is then, after some 20 years, sold by the liquidator (of MH) to a “White Knight” (PLB) for only RM1 each.

So, MH is now revived by PLB and under a new name - The Stone - in 2016.

Very well and good. But what about MH buyers, several of whom had died waiting for their dream home that they had invested with their life savings?

Then rides in the “hero” (the Penang state government) and the state executive councillor in charge of housing (in this case Jagdeep Singh Deo) who had two meetings with the buyers’ association.

He proudly declares that MH has been revived by PLB under The Stone and that all MH victims would be given priority and automatic qualification to buy the units which are classified as affordable housing units.

Those who did no wish to take up the units are then compensated by PLB by a certain quantum of package (way below what the buyers had invested).

When the buyers asked Jagdeep not to treat MH buyers as affordable housing buyers and to waive the conditions that are attached, Jagdeep said: “That is not a problem!”

Isn’t that pleasing to hear, a God-sent Saint to say the least!

Well, today, it is not only a problem but more and more woes.

MH buyers are not automatically qualified to buy The Stone units. Buyers who have reached retirement age are unable to secure loans can then nominate their children or relatives to take up a unit.

However, many children of buyers have been rejected after state government screening under the affordable housing scheme.

It gets even more ridiculous. A buyer, who is now staying in Johor, has been rejected because he is NOT A REGISTERED VOTER in Penang!

Well, Mr Jagdeep Singh Deo and Mr Penang state government! What the hell has buying a house in Penang by Malaysians got to do with registered voters?

Did MH buyers buy MH units originally under the affordable housing scheme? If not, why are they being treated as such?

Did MH buyers buy their units as REGISTERED PENANG VOTERS? If not, WTF!

So, Penangites and Malaysians, be careful with what you wish for when electing a “caring government” of your choice. It may instead turn out to be a monster!

What a shitty state government!

This is so-called offer letter from PLB after PLB reached some agreement with the Penang state government on the revival of :

When the print media was labelled as ‘Kings’

Is this also the common and easy excuse for Malaysia’s mainstream print media's declining influence or is it the easy way to justify lack of innovative news production?

‘THE NAKED TRUTH OF MEDIA IN MALAYSIA’

Multi-Cultural in Malaysia

Other countries should not identify Malaysia as the authoritarian press of Asia. The development media approach towards its national media, limits the roles and freedom of media. This is for the sake of national stability, security and also to successfully lead the Malaysian towards modernization, development, and economic prosperity. Malaysia is unique because of the challenges of different ethnicities, religions and languages. In fact, the Malaysian government has the choice between information make publicly available or privately kept: either control newspapers, images and ideas that are exposed to societies; allow freedom of debate and criticism but at the expense of harmony or restrict information for the sake of national security. Whatever their choice, we could not deny the enormous impact of media on the community and its capacity to change people’s perceptions of the government.

Malaysian Mainstream Media

Invariably, the Malaysian government would definitely intervene and manages its media to suit government agendas. Any dissent and criticism from the local and foreign citizens is considered anti-establishment to destabilize the country. This does not mean the media has lost its role of providing news or shaping the public opinions and perceptions about political, economic and social issues. The media can continually contribute to the development of the Malaysian society. In helping the Malaysian to transform into information communication society, the media must remain true to the spirit of the freedom of the press, free-flow of information and pro-social content and freedom to access and acquire information. - https://najmikhairri.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/the-naked-truth-of-media-in-malaysia/

BUKIT LANJAN: More bad news for mainstream print media in Malaysia

October 25, 2017

The mainstream media in Malaysia are still struggling to accept reality and embrace the digital media, and a new wave of technology is about to strike globally. And, like the online news portal The Malaysian Insight (TMI) news titled “Mainstream media caused its own downfall, say analysts” and “BN in trouble with falling newspaper circulation, says editor”, the mainstream media in Malaysia has been resting in their laurels for far too long – since 2008 or the 12th General Election (GE12). 

“They failed to face reality and to adapt and innovate with providing content that is acceptable to majority of Malaysians. Their folly has resulted in losing their clout as news providers, as evidenced by a free fall in circulation sales,” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said … for m ore, go to https://bukitlanjan.blogspot.com/2017/10/bukit-lanjan-more-bad-news-for.html

 When the print media was labelled as ‘Kings’ 

Remember those days when the media professionals and certain quarters in the public labelled the print media as ‘Kings”?

If they were “Kings”, they are no more “Kings”. Just irritants without an ounce of integrity, resulting in a free fall of circulation and advertising sales in Malaysia.

And, more newspapers are expected to vanish into thin air should both sales continue to dip.

The newspaper owners and their editors are to blame for their fate in the 21st Century digital era.

The fall of the print media may not be as acute or severe as in the last 10 years if the owners and editors had the guts or courage to remain apolitical in their news presentation - giving fair and equal coverage to both sides of the political divide.

They failed miserably to be professionals and, thus, pushed readers to the digital media, especially social networks like Facebook - faster and borderless reach.

They also failed to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour. They need to muster enough courage to deliver truthful and accurate news without fear or favour.

Now, it is too late for the print media to do anything to reverse the trend, or is it so?

It is certainly not always too late to do anything for the print media. All it needs are committed professional journalists and editors who are able to think out of the box to repackage their news presentations - not redesigning, please - to win back the confidence of readers.

Every article in the print media must be exclusive and nothing must be found in cyberspace.

Of course it can be done! How? That’s a trade secret! You go figure out.

As for the oldest newspaper in Malaysia, Malay Mail, closing shop on Dec 1 is expected.

As the oldest newspaper in Malaysia, it doesn’t even sell in many states outside the Klang Valley! What does that tell you?

The management is just plain incompetent. And, don’t bullshit, especially The Star.

The Star headline Malay Mail to stop print edition and go fully digital, one third of staff affected lacks depth, to say the least, and quality news content.

It is just financially and commercially not viable anymore for Malay Mail, and soon for others, to continue printing because of the valueless products that are churned out by the incompetent editors and journalists.

So, it is not about going digital, as The Star’s headline screams. It is about the quality and integrity of its news.

Furthermore, readers can now get almost any news and information free on the internet or in cyberspace, so why must one buy a newspaper to get yesterday’s news today?

And, that is the cue why newspaper editors must think out of the box, improvise and change the image of news presentations.

This was what was reported by The Star:

"Malay Mail to stop print edition and go fully digital, one third of staff affected

NATION
Thursday, 25 Oct 2018
8:18 PM MYT
by vincent tan

PETALING JAYA: Malay Mail, the oldest newspaper in Malaysia, will cease its print operations on Dec 1 and go fully digital on Dec 2.

This was announced on the paper's online portal earlier this evening, following a town hall meeting for its staff on Thursday (Oct 25).

Malay Mail began publishing on Dec 14, 1896.

Staff affected by Malay Mail's digital pivot this December have been given one week to decide whether they want to leave or stay on and retrain for new roles in the revamped organisation.

The move to a sole digital version of Malaysia's oldest English daily will affect up to one-third, or 55, of the Malay Mail's 165 staff.

This was confirmed by Redberry Sdn Bhd chief operating officer and Malay Mail editor-in-chief Datuk Wong Sai Wan when contacted by The Star this evening.

He explained that the organisation would no longer be just about publishing news.

"Of course I'm very sad – I started life as a print newspaper man.

"When we celebrate the (Malay Mail's) 122nd birthday, that's the last print issue. But it's also a new adventure, and we'll see where it goes," said Wong.

For many years the tabloid-format newspaper was part of NSTP Bhd's newspaper stable but since 2012, the paper has been under the ownership of Redberry Media Group, publishing news on both its online portal and print."

Is this also the common and easy excuse for Malaysia’s mainstream print media's declining influence or is it the easy way to justify lack of innovative news production?

‘THE NAKED TRUTH OF MEDIA IN MALAYSIA’

Multi-Cultural in Malaysia

Other countries should not identify Malaysia as the authoritarian press of Asia. The development media approach towards its national media, limits the roles and freedom of media. This is for the sake of national stability, security and also to successfully lead the Malaysian towards modernization, development, and economic prosperity. Malaysia is unique because of the challenges of different ethnicities, religions and languages. In fact, the Malaysian government has the choice between information make publicly available or privately kept: either control newspapers, images and ideas that are exposed to societies; allow freedom of debate and criticism but at the expense of harmony or restrict information for the sake of national security. Whatever their choice, we could not deny the enormous impact of media on the community and its capacity to change people’s perceptions of the government.

Malaysian Mainstream Media

Invariably, the Malaysian government would definitely intervene and manages its media to suit government agendas. Any dissent and criticism from the local and foreign citizens is considered anti-establishment to destabilize the country. This does not mean the media has lost its role of providing news or shaping the public opinions and perceptions about political, economic and social issues. The media can continually contribute to the development of the Malaysian society. In helping the Malaysian to transform into information communication society, the media must remain true to the spirit of the freedom of the press, free-flow of information and pro-social content and freedom to access and acquire information. - https://najmikhairri.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/the-naked-truth-of-media-in-malaysia/

BUKIT LANJAN: Mainstream media dying a slow death due to tight government controls

December 16, 2017

The federal government has revealed that Internet addiction in Malaysia had reached an alarming rate. Whether one hates it or not, whether cyberspace is good or bad, the internet influence on mankind cannot be curbed or stopped. In today’s 21st Century digital world, to curb the growth of technology is to return to the “caves” … for more, go to https://bukitlanjan.blogspot.com/2017/12/bukit-lanjan-mainstream-media-dying.html

BUKIT LANJAN: 24.5 million Malaysians on the internet - the reason for mainstream media’s slow death and dwindling influence

February 03, 2018

The federal government has revealed that 24.5 million Malaysians are hooked to cyberspace today, up from a mere 2.5 million in 2006. Is this the reason for the mainstream print and electronic media’s slow death and dying influence on Malaysians? “It is definitely one of the main reasons for the pathetic performance and struggle of the mainstream print and electronic media,” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said … for more, go to https://bukitlanjan.blogspot.com/2018/02/bukit-lanjan-245-million-malaysians-on.html

PETALING JAYA: Gamers across the country were shocked to discover the website of Steam, the popular gaming provider, as well as its online store blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today. Many took to Twitter to post messages objecting to the action and to voice their frustrations. The move came after a call by Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak for the provider of the video game “Fight of Gods” to disable downloads for Malaysian users within 24 hours, failing which action would be taken …for more, go to http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/09/08/gamers-shocked-as-mcmc-blocks-popular-steam-website/

BUKIT LANJAN: Good job MCMC but it has no business blocking news portals, websites

October 14, 2017

Of the 5,044 websites blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) between 2014 and 2016, 4,277 are pornographic, obscene and seditious websites. 

The rest of the websites contain elements of gambling, prostitution, cheating and piracy. 

“The statistics are enough reason for parents to pay some attention to where their children visit in cyberspace,” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said … for more, go to https://bukitlanjan.blogspot.com/2017/10/bukit-lanjan-good-job-mcmc-but-it-has.html