Selamat Hari Kerismas dan Selamat Tahun Baru 2013

Selamat Hari Kerismas dan Selamat Tahun Baru 2013

Pergerakan Pemuda MIC Perak dan Pemuda MIC Taiping mengucapkan "Selamat Hari Kerismas dan Selamat Tahun Baru 2013" kepada semua rakyat Malaysia khasnya rakyat Perak.

Semoga Perayaan Kerismas ini akan membawa kepada perpaduan kaum dan hidup aman damai di bawah payung 1Malaysia.

Kami juga berharap agar rakyat jelata hidup aman damai dan sejahtera di bawah kepimpinan PM Dato' Seri Najib Razak dan kerajaan BN

Loyalty won’t easily slip away from Veeran

Dec 10, 2012 - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: While others proudly wore the party badge on their shirts, one MIC member showed his loyalty by sporting a gold ring with the MIC logo engraved on it.

Perak Youth chief Veeran Muniandy drew a lot of attention at the general assembly with his custom-made ring, which he wears with another engraved with the 1Malaysia logo.

“I made the MIC ring about a week ago just for this year's assembly,” said Veeran, adding that he saved for a year to buy the RM4,800 ring.

He decided to get the ring as the party had transformed his life.

“I love the party and I have full faith in the efforts and the struggles of the party.

“I have seen how MIC helps people and has changed the lives of many, especially the poor,” said Veeran who has been a member for the past 14 years.

Asked why he used gold to show his affection for the party, he said it had always brought him luck.

As for the RM4,000 1Malaysia ring, Veeran said he was a firm believer in the concept.

Palanivel rallies MIC branch chairmen to ensure strong voting block for BN

Dec 9, 2012 - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 - MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel has urged the party’s branch chairmen to engage with their respective members to ensure a strong, 420,000 voting block for Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming general election. 

He said there were nearly two million Indians residing in Malaysia, with total voter base of 955,000. Of this, 450,000 are MIC members, with approximately 400,000 registered as voters.

“We must build a relationship within the party and outside the party. Outside the party, there are about 900,000 Indian voters. We must take this seriously to ensure 20 to 30 per cent of the voter block, in order to ensure a strong mandate for the party and BN,” he added. Palanivel, who is also minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said this in his closing speech at the MIC’s 66th Annual General Assembly held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today. The assembly was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Palanivel said he was touched by efforts undertaken by MIC Youth and its chief, T. Mohan, over the movement engaging in the tour, ‘BN, My Choice’, as an effective way to get through to young voters. He said, about 100,000 people had taken part and watched the tour and concert, which was a platform to enhance Indian voters, especially those outside the MIC, on BN’s contribution and achievement in uplifting the nation.

On another note, Palanivel stressed to the 1,500 delegates and 2,000 observers that MIC’s political stability would be enhanced since the prime minister had promised to ‘take care’ of the community’s needs.

“The prime minister has promised that the future will be bright and equal for all Malaysians, especially the Indian community. We are now getting the same opportunities as the rest in universities and matriculation,” he said. 

In his opening speech, Najib urged the Indian community to return as BN’s ‘fixed deposit’ to determine a big victory for the party in the coming general election. - Bernama

Education and election issues dominate MIC assembly debate

Dec 9, 2012 - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Issues on education, scholarships and elections featured in the 90-minute debate at the MIC general assembly here Sunday.

The delegates spoke on better infrastructure facilities for Tamil schools and more scholarships for the Indian community.

One delegate thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel for being sensitive to the feelings of the Indian community on the proposed visit by Sri Lanka President Mahindra Rajapakse.

Another delegate said if the 25 committee members of the 4,000 branches approached five voters each, then they would have met 500,000.

Datuk K. R. Murugiah from Penang said there should be special privileges for Indians in the economic and business sectors, including licensing.

Another delegate, Prakash Rao of Shah Alam, said there should be no quota imposed on Indian students to obtain places in the public universities.

"If an exemplary student is denied the choice to pursue his intended course, he and his family will be disappointed and this would be a loss to Barisan Nasional" he said.

He said 28,300 Indian students sat for the STPM this year and there was a need to monitor them to ensure that they were not left behind.

Senator Sivapakiam Aiyam Perumal said couples about to get married should be compulsorily attend pre-marriage courses.

"This is necessary as the divorce rate is high. There is also a need for counselling for youths due to social problems," she said.

MIC Youth secretary C. Sivarraajh urged members to have confidence in the party and speak on the stronger points rather than the weaker points.

"We are a 66-year-old party and we are a strong force. No other opposition party can come near us," he said.

He said the Youth wing had launched the Ops Jelas pamphlet, which provides the questions as well as the answers on the issues raised by the Opposition.

Six resolutions which touched on support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, government transformation, more intake in the civil service, education blueprint, and skills training and entreprenuer development were unanimously passed.

Palanivel: MIC to swap two state seats for upcoming polls

Dec 9, 2012 - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC wants to swap two state seats in Perak with other Barisan Nasional parties for the coming general election, said itspresident Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

He said the MIC would give up the Behrang and Pasir Panjang seats and instead, take up Buntong, which consists of a 48% Indian population, and another seat, which was still being negotiated.

He said if MIC did not get the seat requested for in Perak, it would look at Dengkil in Selangor as the second option.

"This is an ongoing discussion. We will not let go of the nine parliamentary and 19 state seats. All will remain with us," Palanivel told reporters after the opening ceremony of the party's 66th annual general assembly (AGM) held at the Putra World Trade Centre here Sunday.

The day-long AGM, which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, was attended by 1,500 delegates and 2,000 observers.

Palanivel, who is also minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said there was no misunderstanding between him and party leaders on the seat swapping exercise.

Furthermore, he said Indian and Malay votes were promising in Perak and Selangor, as both states had a large number of voters. Perak has a 55,000 to 60,000 voter base while Selangor has 230,000.

On Chinese voters, Palanivel said they were equally important, adding that MIC was currently working on the ground to garner votes from the community.

"We are getting connected with the Chinese community, through MIC constituencies nationwide. We are not writing off the Chinese votes, and at the right moment, they will cast their votes for us.

"Many of them will cast votes for us. If we can reach about 30 to 35 per cent in urban areas (with rural votes expected to increase in some areas), this will strengthen our victory and party," he said.

The party president said he was currently working in every constituency to ensure an MIC victory, adding that women candidates would also be fielded. - Bernama

Not wrong for Palanivel to contest safe seat, says Samy Vellu

Dec 9 2012 - Malaysian Insider

It is not wrong for MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel to contest in a safe seat in the coming 13th General Election, says former party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

He said it was understood that Palanivel would opt to contest in Cameron Highlands, a traditional safe seat for Barisan Nasional.

“It is not wrong...because when I lost in 2008, I lost direction for a few months. As a (party) president, Palanivel (picture) has the right to choose a safe seat.

“I think the preparation (being paved) for Palanivel to contest in Cameron Highlands is being done extensively. I am also sure that he will contest there,” Samy Vellu told reporters after the MIC’s 66th Annual Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.

The Cameron Highlands seat is currently held by MIC, via its vice-president, Datuk S. K. Devamany. 

Asked if Devamany, who is also deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, would contest in Sungai Siput, Samy Vellu said, “That is for Palanivel, as party president, to decide. A good politician should not comment after he (Samy Vellu) leaves.”

On the 13th General Election, the former MIC chief said the party had to be well-prepared to face ongoing as well as future social issues.

He expressed his confidence that MIC would secure all parliamentary seats in the coming election, with three seats namely, Subang, Kota Raja and Kapar, believed to pose a ‘tough fight’ for the party’s candidates.

“The opposition is clamouring to capture the Segamat parliamentary seat. But I believe, with the noble state leadership, they (Pakatan Rakyat) can never invade Johor,” noted Samy Vellu.

The one-day MIC General Assembly, which was attended by over 1,500 delegates and 2,000 observers, was earlier opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. — Bernama

PM: Stateless Indian figure exaggerated

Dec 9 2012 - Malaysiakini

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has disputed Pakatan Rakyat's claim that there are 300,000 Indian Malaysians who are stateless because they had no identity cards.

While addressing the MIC national general assembly this morning, Najib said that the number was being exaggerated, but did not estimate the number of those suffering from this longstanding problem.

“First of all, there are no 300,000 stateless Indians. We have done the registration. I have checked again just now with (Human Resource Minister) Subramaniam Sathasivam and he said 9,000 had registered.

“Of these, 4,500 cases have been settled and citizenship had been issued (to them). Another 2,000 are being processed,” he said.

A significant number of ethnic Indians, and to a lesser extent some indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak, are born without citizenship papers.

Reasons for this phenomenon varies - which includes logistics, illiteracy, poverty and ignorance - but critics claim that the ruling party do not see any insentive in rectifying the problem.

Without proper documentation, victims suffer complications in entering school, access to public healthcare and the ineligibility to vote, among others.

Najib calls on MIC to return Indians as BN’s ‘fixed deposit’

Dec 9 2012 - The Malaysian Insider

The PM flanked by MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel (left) and former president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu at MIC’s AGM today

KUALA LUMPUR: — The MIC must reclaim Indian voters as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) “fixed deposit” in the next general elections, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

The BN chairman reminded his coalition partners of their embarrassing defeat in Election 2008 when massive numbers of Indians voted in favour of the opposition parties that led to the birth of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact, and urged them not to be swayed by empty promises.

“In the past 11 general elections, MIC was the main contributor to BN’s fixed deposit but in the 12th GE, it became something else when the government lost that fixed deposit.

“I hope in the 13th general elections, which are soon, MIC can return the fixed deposit to BN. Can, sirs?” the Umno president asked the thousands of delegates at the MIC assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, today.

Najib, who is also prime minister, reminded delegates that a vote for the opposition is “a vote for chaos.”

“Do you still remember what happened to the Kampung Buah Pala promise? Promises remain promises, only empty promises,” he said, raising the spectre of the 2009 housing controversy in Penang that signalled the start of the Indian community’s disenchantment with the PR pact they had voted in at the 12th general elections.

The Kampung Buah Pala controversy came about when the residents, who were mostly Indian squatters, were ordered to vacate the land before August 3 following the sale of the 2.6-hectare land by the previous BN state government to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang Bhd.

The villagers — nicknamed the High Chaparral, after the late 60s Western-themed television series about ranchers — had first sought the PR government’s help to intervene after they were issued eviction notices.

They turned against the state after failing to get Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to negotiate a compensation deal to their liking with the developer.

Najib had raised the same issue yesterday during a whirlwind tour of Penang.

Najib officiates MIC’s 66th AGM at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur today

“Sirs, you must remember, a vote for the opposition means a vote for chaos. Must remember that, sirs,” he told the MIC assembly today, the last before national elections are called.

In Election 2008, decades of frustrations at being left out of development saw the Indian community flee from BN’s side, adding to the ruling pact’s historical loss of its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority. 

But since then, Najib has been actively courting the community, seen now as the possible game-changer for the coming 13th general election. 

The PM reminded delegates at the MIC assembly today that a vote for the opposition is “a vote for chaos.”

For example, the prime minister allocated RM100 million to upgrade Tamil schools in Budget 2012, the same amount given to Chinese schools and religious schools. 

The Indian vote is seen as crucial to determine BN’s future in the country as the next general election is expected to be a very closely fought battle between the ruling coalition and the fledgling PR pact.

Observers have claimed that Najib and BN leaders have lost confidence in the MIC’s ability to score the Indian vote, resulting in efforts by the prime minister to engage directly with the community, who form nearly 1.8 million out of the 28-million-strong population in Malaysia. Some 800,000 are registered voters.

Fixed deposits

Palanivel had referred to Indians as BN's "fixed deposits", that was lost during the 2008 general election but the community is now warming up to BN once again.

“Fixed deposits will be subject to ‘economic inflation’, so we must constantly upgrade and support the fixed deposit scheme,” he said.

In his speech, Najib also urged delegates to label opposition promises as Janji Buah Pala (Kampung Buah Pala Promise)

“What are their promises? Janji Buah Pala, (as in) Kampung Buah Pala.  I tell you, if the opposition makes promises, we shall equate it as Janji Buah Pala,” he said

He repeatedly egged delegates on during his speech by shouting “What are their promises?” to which delegates shout back, “Buah Pala!”

He said Pakatan Rakyat made an election promises that the traditional Indian village in Penang “can stay there forever”, but it turned out to be a lie.

'Pakatan are temple destroyers'

The village was demolished to make way for a condominium project after the developer obtained a court order to evict the squatters.

However, the state government had said it was able to convincethe developer to build houses for the displaced villagers, except for nine families that refused to sign the compensation agreement.

Najib also slammed Pakatan Rakyat-led governments for demolishing Hindu temples, saying that seven had been demolished so far while BN had never done so.

“Of late, even a private shrine in Sepang was demolished. BN will help to rebuild it.

“MIC, go and repair the shrine. If they demolish it (again), then repair it again, because this is a right that cannot be destroyed or alienated by anyone, including the opposition.

“The Indian community must fight for their rights, right or not? If you have to sue them, sue them!” he shouted.

MIC YOUTH AND NGOs PROTEST AGAINST TEMPLE DEMOLISTION BY SELANGOR GOVERNMENT

Dec 7, 2012

MIC Youth and Indian NGOs today assembled at Selangor State Secretary to protest against the demolition of 6 Hindu temples by Pakatan Rakyat govt of Selangor. The protest was led by its National Youth Chairman Sdra T. Mohan.

Hundreds of MIC Youth Leaders and Leaders Indian NGOs have turned up.

MIC to lay out issues at annual general assembly

Dec 7, 2012 - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC will put forward issues to be resolved by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the party's annual general assembly on Sunday.

Its president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the issues would be on politics, education, economic, social and loans affecting the Indian community.

“I don't think the Prime Minister will respond immediately but will discuss things with me after the next Cabinet meeting,” he said here yesterday.

Palanivel, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said 4,000 branch chairmen as well as another 1,000 branch committee members are expected to attend the second assembly under his leadership.

“The debate by the speakers will touch on politics, election machinery, education and Tamil schools,” he said.

He said the party planned to launch a helpline next year to provide assistance to the Indian community to complement the Sunday service centre which caters to about 100 people a week.

He said the Indian community including schools, temples, non governmental organisations and associations have received substantial allocation from the government as compared to before the 2008 general election.

“MIC is now a hard working party, with the leaders going to the ground to resolve problems, especially medical cases and educational loans.

“The opposition is only good at shouting but cannot perform.

“They have not resolved any problems,” he said.

Palanivel said the next general election, which is scheduled anytime, is an important watershed for Barisan and MIC.

“I believe our preparations have been very good and it is going to be very challenging.

“We cannot relax or take things for granted,” he said.

Palanivel said the Indian sentiment was good for the MIC and it was confident of regaining lost parliamentary and state seats in Kedah, Perak and Selangor as well as one of the two state seats in Penang.

Touching on the demolition of a Hindu altar at a home in Sepang, Palanivel said it was not a wise move.

“They should not do this. They must be sensitive to the feelings of the Indian community,” he said.

He was commenting on the action of about 30 council enforcement officers who had gone to the home of Umah Devi on Nov 20 and demolished an altar which was erected within the gated compound.

Disabled student can continue studies with MIC Youth’s assistance

Dec 2, 2012 - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Disabled accident victim M. Pavitra can now concentrate on her studies. MIC Youth has helped her obtain funding.

The wing managed to collect RM60,000 to enable Pavitra, 20, to continue her higher education.

During a mock cheque presentation ceremony here yesterday, Pavitra thanked caring Malaysians who had helped her achieve her dream of obtaining a degree.

“With the money, my worries are over. I can now concentrate on my diploma in business administration,” she said.

Youth chief T. Mohan said the fund would be managed by the wing.

“The money will be used to pay for her medical, educational, home and transportation needs,” he said.

Mohan added that Pavitra needed RM2,000 for the nursing home, RM500 for transportation from her home to the university college and RM474 for her medication each month.

Pavitra was about to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia in 2009 when an accident led to her being hospitalised.

She has a disabling medical condition called post-anoxic myoclonus and is confined to a wheelchair.

Her father M. Muthukumar is a driving school instructor while her mother V. Sivapakkiam is a housewife. They have two other school-going children.

Palanivel set to rally MIC members at party's general assembly

Dec 6 2012 - The Star

PETALING JAYA: After Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's rallying call at the Umno general assembly last week, it is now MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel's turn to set the tone for his party to woo support from the people.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department will drive home a message of unity to about 1,500 delegates and 2,000 observers in his presidential address at the party's 66th general assembly here on Sunday.

Observers said the president was likely to remind delegates of MIC's commitment to championing the cause of Malaysian Indians and address pertinent issues concerning the community.

To win the support of the community, Palanivel will appeal to members to serve the people's needs in a more coordinated way. One of the approaches undertaken is turning state MIC offices into service centres for the people since last year.

Palanivel has been out to match words with deeds since taking over as party supremo from Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in December 2010, given the setback the party suffered in the 2008 general election.

The split Indian votes caused Barisan Nasional dearly, with the ruling coalition losing its two-thirds majority for the first time.

As Prime Minister, Najib has been backing Palanivel through various initiatives, including short-term financial grants to uplift the community socially and economically.

Palanivel will surely highlight the positive results from initiatives to empower Indian entrepreneurs, namely via the RM180mil special government allocation managed by the special secretariat for empowerment of Indian entrepreneurs.

MIC secretary-general Datuk S. Murugesan encouraged delegates to focus on the six resolutions to be tabled during the one-day assembly, which will include entrepreneurship, job opportunities in the public sector for Indians, skills training for Indian youths and an education blueprint for Indian students,

“Since we are short on time, we hope delegates will focus on these topics,'' he added.

Palanivel can certainly leverage on MIC's “turnaround” since the last general election and make his case to delegates and members to go all out and give it their best shot.

Zambry: Perak gazette 11,600ha for Orang Asli settlements - Malaysian Insider

TELUK INTAN, Dec 6 – Some 11,600 hectares of land in Perak have so far been gazetted for Orang Asli settlements including for agriculture, proving that the state government has been proactive in carrying out development for this community.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said besides that, the Barisan Nasional state government was also committed to solving their basic problems by going to the ground to meet them.

“Perak has 250 Orang Asli villages and an additional 15,000 hectares of land will be gazetted for the Orang Asli,” he said after opening the “Semarak Kasih Bersama Masyarakat Orang Asli” programme at the Redang Penggor Orang Asli village, here, today.

Zambry said the state government had allocated RM1.5 million in this year’s budget for the development of the Orang Asli community and the amount would be increased in the 2013 budget to be announced at the state assembly sitting soon.

At the function, Zambry also handed over residential land titles to 160 Orang Asli from Kampung Palawan, located in the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency.

Earlier, he performed the ground-breaking for the 10-storey low-cost flats comprising 150 units.

The RM17.9 million project carried out by the state government with the cooperation of the federal government, in Jalan Laksmana, here, is expected to be ready in July 2014.

He said the units were for low-income earners and the hardcore poor, especially squatters. – Bernama

Kegigihan BN di Perak Utara — Zulkiflee Bakar - The Malaysian Insider

October 10, 2012

Oct 10 — ‘‘Dulu kita undi pembangkang sebab mereka janji mau tolong kita, sekarang yang banyak tolong kita BN, jadi pilihan raya nanti kita akan undi BN...’’

Itulah kata-kata seorang penduduk berketurunan Tionghua ketika ditemui penulis di Kuala Kurau, Perak pada Sabtu lalu.

Sememangnya tidak dapat dinafikan sokongan rakyat kepada Barisan Nasional (BN) di Perak semakin meningkat. Namun persoalannya mampukah BN bertahan di negeri itu dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 nanti?

Tidak dapat dinafikan tumbangnya kerajaan BN biar pun hanya 11 bulan di negeri tersebut dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 adalah mimpi ngeri untuk parti berkenaan.

Jika keputusan pilihan raya umum lalu dikaji, fakta jelas menunjukkan BN tidak akan tumbang di negeri berkenaan jika parti itu berupaya mempertahankan kelima-kelima kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di kawasan Perak Utara khususnya di Parlimen Parit Buntar dan Bagan Serai.

Bagaimanapun rakyat kawasan itu membuat keputusan mengejut ‘menyerahkan’ kedua-dua kerusi Parlimen berkenaan kepada Pas dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), mengekalkan BN di kerusi DUN Alor Pongsu dengan majoriti 95 undi dan mengundi kedua-dua parti pembangkang itu untuk menguasai kerusi DUN Titi Serong, Kuala Kurau, Gunung Semanggol dan Selinsing.

Walaupun keputusan berkenaan mengecewakan BN, namun parti tersebut tidak mahu terus bermuram durja selama-lamanya, BN Perak di bawah kepimpinan Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr. Zamry Abdul Kadir bangkit daripada kekecewaan dengan melaksanakan pelbagai projek pembangunan di kedua-dua kawasan Parlimen dan empat DUN di kawasan tersebut biarpun berada di bawah pembangkang.

Langkah itu dilakukan kerana kerusi-kerusi berkenaan harus dikembalikan kepada BN dalam usaha memperkukuhkan kedudukan parti itu di Perak. Sebab itulah seperti mana kata, Ketua Pemuda UMNO Bahagian Bagan Serai, Sharudin Ahmad, BN melalui Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan Zambry memastikan kedua-dua kawasan Parlimen itu tidak ditinggalkan.

‘‘Kita mahu buktikan kepada rakyat bahawa hanya BN yang paling layak membela nasib mereka dan kini mereka melihat sendiri bagaimana bersungguh-sungguhnya kerajaan Pusat dan kerajaan negeri membangunkan kawasan mereka,” katanya dalam pertemuan khas dengan Utusan Malaysia di Bagan Serai, Sabtu lalu.

Menurut Sharudin yang menganggotai Majlis Tindakan Pembangunan Daerah Kerian, ketika ini BN melaksanakan pelbagai projek bernilai jutaan ringgit untuk mengubah wajah Parlimen Bagan Serai dan Parit Buntar. Projek itu termasuklah Rancangan Tambatan Banjir yang bernilai RM460 juta, pembinaan persimpangan bertingkat dan Plaza Tol Alor Pongsu serta mini kompleks Sukan dan Dewan Milenium .

‘‘Semua projek ini apabila siap kelak akan mampu meningkatkan taraf hidup penduduk di kedua-dua kawasan Parlimen itu,” katanya.

Sebagai seorang pemimpin yang sentiasa turun padang bertemu masyarakat termasuk generasi muda, Sharudin amat memahami keperluan penduduk khususnya di kawasan Parlimen Bagan Serai.

‘‘Selain projek itu, apa yang ingin kita lihat ialah kawasan Parlimen Bagan Serai terutamanya dibangunkan sebagai sebuah kawasan industri.

‘‘Langkah ini penting kerana kita ingin memberi jaminan masa depan kepada penduduk-penduduk khususnya generasi muda yang mengharapkan peluang pekerjaan supaya mereka tidak berhijrah ke kawasan lain,’’ katanya.

Kesungguhan BN membangunkan kawasan Parlimen Bagan Serai dan Parit Buntar turut diakui oleh Pegawai Daerah dan Tanah Kerian, Kamaruddin Awang yang yakin bahawa banyak lagi limpahan pembangunan akan dinikmati oleh penduduk jika kedua-dua kawasan itu dikembalikan kepada BN.

‘‘Sepanjang saya berada di sini, saya dapat melihat kesungguhan kerajaan Pusat dan kerajaan negeri membangunkan kedua-dua kawasan berkenaan.

‘‘Pelbagai projek dilaksanakan, selain pembangunan, tumpuan juga turut diberikan untuk meningkat keselesaan hidup rakyat seperti pembinaan hospital pakar yang boleh menempatkan 150 katil, bantuan membaik pulih rumah golongan nelayan dan bantuan memperbaiki masjid,’’ katanya kepada penulis.

Keyakinan Kamaruddin ini tidak seharusnya dipandang sepi oleh pemimpin-pemimpin BN khususnya UMNO dan rakyat di kawasan-kawasan tersebut.

Sebaliknya, mereka perlu bersungguh-sungguh untuk memastikan impian tersebut tercapai kerana menguasai semula kerusi Parlimen Parit Buntar dan Bagan Serai serta memastikan panji-panji BN berkibar semula di Titi Serong, Kuala Kurau, Gunung Semanggol dan Selinsing bukanlah suatu misi yang mustahil.

Kawasan-kawasan berkenaan sebelum ini adalah milik BN dan berdasarkan kepada kegigihan Najib, keprihatinan Muhyiddin dan kesungguhan Zambry melaksanakan pelbagai projek di situ maka sudah pasti langkah itu akan menambat hati rakyat.

Apa yang perlu BN dan UMNO Perak lakukan ialah meletakkan calon sesuai yang boleh diterima oleh rakyat atau istilah calon boleh menang.

Dari segi masalah dalaman, penulis diberitahu, perkara itu sudah ditangani dengan penuh kebijaksanaan oleh kepimpinan Pusat dan negeri.

‘‘Kini tumpuan kita untuk mencari calon, saya berpendapat kegigihan dan semangat yang ditunjukkan oleh pemimpin muda seperti Sharudin yang sentiasa turun bertemu rakyat dan mendampingi generasi muda serta memahami kehendak mereka perlu diberi perhatian.

Sdra Mohd Salleh atau lebih dikenali dengan panggilan Cikgu Cop

‘‘Begitu juga dengan sikap dua ADUN yang tewas dalam pilihan raya umum lalu iaitu Mohd. Salleh Mat Disa (Kuala Kurau) dan Abu Bakar Mat Ali (Titi Serong. Mereka ini tidak pernah kenal erti kecewa selepas tewas, sebaliknya terus berbakti kepada rakyat. Pandangan ini berdasarkan kepada maklum balas yang diterima daripada rakyat di kawasan mereka,’’ kata satu sumber kepada penulis.

Sememangnya, Parlimen Parit Buntar dan Bagan Serai tidak memerlukan calon bidan terjun dalam pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Keadaan itu memandangkan di kedua-dua kawasan berkenaan penulis difahamkan UMNO mempunyai ramai calon-calon yang boleh diketengahkan di kalangan generasi muda termasuklah yang memegang jawatan di peringkat bahagian.

‘‘Berilah peluang kepada mereka kerana kita mahukan calon yang apabila menang sentiasa berada di kawasan dan bukannya pulang seminggu sekali.

‘‘Begitu juga dari segi umur, pilihlah calon yang boleh memenuhi cita rasa pengundi muda kerana golongan itu merupakan pengundi terbanyak, contohnya di Parlimen Bagan Serai akan dapat tidak kurang 11,000 pengundi muda yang kali pertama akan mengundi,’’ kata seorang pemimpin UMNO Perak ketika dihubungi.

Apa pun kerusi Parlimen dan DUN di Parit Buntar dan Bagan Serai amat penting untuk BN kerana kawasan berkenaan bakal memastikan ‘tragedi 2008’ tidak berulang.

Setakat ini peluang BN agak cerah kerana rakyat di kedua-dua kawasan berkenaan semakin memahami parti mana yang menepati janji dan puak mana pula yang sekadar saudagar mimpi. Namun tugas BN belum selesai kerana keyakinan rakyat itu perlu diterjemahkan dalam bentuk undi bagi memastikan sebuah kemenangan sejati.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel honours Datuk M. Chandran

Chandran still enthusiastic about football despite age and illness

By YVONNE LIM

KUALA LUMPUR: Neither age nor illness has dampened football legend Datuk M. Chandran’s enthusiasm for the national football team.

Chandran, 70, is now wheelchair-bound after suffering from a minor stroke in July. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with muscular atrophy in his left leg and he requires regular medical treatment.

But Chandran, who skippered the national team at the 1972 Munich Olympics, is still passionate about the game, especially the big strides made by the national team under coach Datuk K. Rajagopal.

“The national squad have shown vast improvement and we – the supporters, fans and critics – must join hands to continue supporting the team. We must give Rajagopal a chance to rectify the weaknesses in the team instead of crucifying him and the players,” he said.

Chandran also expressed hope that more local football talent will be unearthed and more parents will encourage their children to take up sports.

“It is regrettable that so many talents remain hidden among the young ones due to their parents’ over-emphasis on academic achievement, said Chandran, himself a father of two grown-up kids.
“During my time, studies were important but going outdoors to play football in the nearby field was also a daily activity.

“Today, so much importance is placed on studies, causing parents to send their children for many tuition classes. On top of that, computers and other electronic gadgets are keeping our kids out of the fields and indoors.”

He said that maintaining a healthy balance between studies and outdoor activities “is an essential element in a growing child’s life”.

Chandran said this after receiving a RM30,000 aid from MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel yesterday.
Chandran said the aid would greatly ease his financial burden.

Palanivel said the aid was to honour and acknowledge the football icon’s contribution to the country.
Chandran also led the national team to a bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Teheran. He also captained the side who won bronze medals at the 1969 and 1973 SEAP Games, silver medal in the 1971 SEAP Games and victory in the 1973 Merdeka Cup.

Source: http://football.thestar.com.my/2012/09/26/chandran-still-enthusiastic-about-football-despite-age-and-illness/

UM survey points to BN win, but increased support for PR in GE13 - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — A survey conducted by Universiti Malaya (UM) today showed that Barisan Nasional (BN) would likely win the 13th general election but also an increase in public confidence that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) could take over Putrajaya.

The survey “Polling Trends in the Run-up to the 13th General Election” was carried out from September 1-16. A similar survey was carried out last March.

 
University of Malaya’s Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMCEDEL) was responsible for the survey, which found that BN garnered 44 per cent of support among those polled, a drop from last March’s results that stood at 49 per cent.

For PR, the survey showed an increase in support, from only 21 per cent in March to 30 per cent.
Survey results also indicated that PR would likely hold onto Selangor and Kedah.

It, however, noted a decrease in support among Kelantan residents towards the state’s PAS-led government.
Public confidence in the PR-led government in Selangor also led to a marked increase from 38 per cent to 50 per cent in the state while for BN, there was a decrease from 28 per cent to 16 per cent.

A similar pattern was seen in Kedah, where confidence in PR rose from 37 per cent to 48 per cent, while BN saw a drop in confidence among those polled, from 40 per cent to 32 per cent.

In Kelantan, however, public confidence in PR fell from 44 per cent to 41 per cent, while the belief in BN’s ability to govern the state rose from 27 per cent to 32 per cent in September.

The face-to-face survey involved 1,536 respondents, from across all three major ethnic groups. Each person was randomly selected to answer a structured survey.

The survey also addressed public receptiveness to the prospect of a debate between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and PR’s de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

It found that 72 per cent of respondents were in support of such an event, 17 per cent were against it while another 11 per cent were unsure whether it should take place at all.

The survey also showed that Najib’s popularity had fallen from 61 per cent in March to 58 per cent this month.

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/um-survey-points-to-bn-win-but-increased-support-for-pr-in-ge13