TwoSen

WE refer to the letter, “Monitor the lanes as well” by C.L. of Johor Baru (NST, Feb 26).

I would like to thank C.L. for her feedback on what happened in Jalan Tekun, Taman Maju Jaya.

Public co-operation and information to police is vital to check crime.

The police are committed to delivering the best service and will intensify efforts through more frequent patrols to ensure a safer environment.

ASP BAKRI ZAINAL ABIDIN for Johor Royal Malaysia, Police Force

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

IT had been a while since I last travelled by car from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru via the Kuala Lipis/Gua Musang road. The chance came on the eve of nominations for the March 8 polls (Feb 24). I started out very early hoping to reach my destination before nightfall.

It was a pleasant drive all the way immediately after the Karak toll when I turned towards Bentong and Raub.

The road has been upgraded and straightened with extra lanes on either side for overtaking. The old bridges have been replaced by new ones. The breathtaking panoramic views of forest- clad blue mountains in the distance was enough to keep me awake during the journey,

As I crossed the border of Pahang into Kelantan, a signboard greeted me with the message “Welcome to Kelantan in Peace”. But what happened for the next 31/2 hours all the way to Kota Baru was a maddening experience for me and far from peaceful.

It was a nightmarish drive from Gua Musang to Kota Baru. The main trunk road from Gua Musang to Kuala Krai (128km long) is sorely in need of improvement. The road becomes narrow, and winds and twists all the way uphill and downhill like a roller coaster. How could anyone design such a road?

Halfway through I came across a Proton Wira that had just turned turtle. I could see the passengers crawling out or being assisted by others who had gone before me. Fortunately, no one was killed.

The distance from Kuala Krai to Kota Baru is about 70km (two hours’ driving depending on the volume of traffic).

For most of the time to Kota Baru, the road was single-lane with double lines stretching all the way and very few provisions for cars to overtake heavy vehicles such as timber lorries and express buses.

This stretch of road is notorious for accidents.

Lots of complaints have been made but the authorities have not done anything to solve the traffic woes.

One can only hope that should the Barisan Nasional win the elections, efforts will be made to improve this road.

TUNKU YUSUF JEWA, Kota Baru

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

YOUR report “When it pays to know electorate’s thinking” (NST, March 1) states: “Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been commissioning voter opinion surveys from Merdeka Center every quarter for the past two years, its (PKR) programme director and strategy team member, Din Merican, says.”

The Merdeka Center has never been commissioned to conduct opinion surveys by PKR or others acting on its behalf at any point in time over the past two years.

However, PKR was one of the parties which inserted questions into surveys sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation over the past two years. As I said in your report, the results for each of these parties’ questions were given exclusively to them.

The Merdeka Center is an independent and non-partisan organisation that conducts opinion research professionally. Our clients include organisations from both sides of the political spectrum in Malaysia as well as media firms, such as the New Straits Times.

IBRAHIM SUFFIAN, Director — Programmes, Merdeka Center for Opinion Research

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

RECENTLY, there was a lament by some from the Indian community about Astro’s Vaanavil drama channel 201.

They objected to some scenes which they felt downgraded the community.

Now, I, too, feel the same with the Punjabi serials aired on Astro every Sunday.

I have watched three and find they have no value culturally at all.

The series are full of fights, drunken characters who abuse women and children, and use foul language.

Astro should stop airing the series until they can get those which promote family values.

However, I must thank Astro for airing the morning prayers live from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

BULBIR SINGH, Seremban

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

A LOCAL 45-year-old housewife and four Africans who entered the country two years ago on student visas were arrested at a condominium in Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, by Narcotics Department officers. A total of 3.11kg of heroin worth RM1.7 million was seized (”Housewife held in drug bust” — NST, March 1).

The modus operandi: the heroin is repackaged as pellets that will be swallowed by youth recruited as couriers by the woman in shopping centres or through online chatrooms.

According to the source, 96 Malaysians, mostly students and youths, were arrested for drug trafficking worldwide. For our youth, it’s money that is too good to resist as couriers are paid between US$5,000 (RM16,200) and US$11,000 (RM35,600) for each “run”.

The only way to prevent our youths from being recruited is to increase awareness at all levels so that they will not be easily duped by such syndicates.

And it has to start with parents. Parents must monitor their children’s activities and keep an eye on their spending and travelling habits.

W.M. RAMLI, Ulu Klang

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

WHEN it was originally announced that Malacca would have a revolving tower and Light Rail Transit or monorail, I was intrigued by the proposal. After all, Malacca does need some improvements to public transportation, and a revolving tower sounds like an interesting way to see this lovely historical city.

I am only worried that the proposed tower and LRT or monorail might actually be built too close to the city.

This fear came true when the original construction site of the revolving tower was the site of one of the walls of the historical fort A’Famosa. Fortunately, the government chose to move the tower to its new site in Bandar Hilir, near Dataran Pahlawan, leaving the historical site alone.

But there is another concern in my mind and it is about the proposed LRT or monorail.

I am worried that the LRT or monorail will be built with tourists in mind, instead of being designed for the needs of Malacca’s population.

Last week, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam announced the RM1.5 billion “Aerorail” project, confirming that the urban transportation system that had been promised was not much more than a project for tourists.

The “Aerorail” is a name given to the “Aerobus” technology, built and marketed by Aerobus International. The reason for the change to “Aerorail” was probably to imply that this is a “rail” system, which sounds better than a “bus”.

No matter what they choose to call it, this is not an effective choice for an urban transportation system. What we have is a RM1.5 billion “people-mover” system built to cater to the needs of tourists.

The design for the “Aerobus” shows a vehicle that is a combination of a cable car (like the Genting Skyway or Panorama Langkawi) and a small monorail system (like the Sunway Monorail).

This technology is interesting but largely untried. There have only been two applications of the “Aerobus”.

The first was a test line in Mannheim, Germany, and the other was at a ski resort in Quebec, Canada. Neither of these lines is still operating. There is a tourist-oriented “Aerobus” under construction in Weihai, China. The “Aerobus” was even proposed for Kuala Lumpur in the 1990s, but ultimately rejected in favour of the monorail.

I am now concerned that the proposed “Aerorail” would do very little to improve traffic congestion and also prevent a proper urban transportation system from being built.

The well-documented failure of the Las Vegas Monorail should be an example of what not to follow.

The last thing that Malacca needs is a costly, unpopular and unused transport system that only benefits tourists.

Also, what is going to be done to improve public transportation and traffic congestion in Malacca for the next six years, while the project is under construction?

Even when the project is completed, it will not do much to improve existing roads and public transportation.

Malacca still needs a proper bus system with a decent, frequent bus service, as well as additional roads and flyovers to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.

MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD, Subang Jaya

Source: NST – March 4, 2008

Based on the issues highlighted in the media since the last election, I believe that there is a growing clamour for action on matters relating to corruption, transparency and the environment, among other things. So it is sad to note that some serious issues are not being concentrated upon.

As an eligible voter, I am highlighting the following matters which I hope will be taken into consideration by those who are voted into office:

• All candidates are currently going around places such as the coffeeshops, markets, etc to fish for votes. I am sure they can do the same once they are elected by way of conducting a “meet the people” session once a month or once in two months. This will enable the public to voice their complaints or grouses.

Thus, corrective action can be immediately taken and the public would not have go to the media to air their grouses. Those who are unable to attend these sessions can send their complaints via letters which will be attended to in the subsequent sessions. Such sessions are definitely one of the best ways to show that the government cares for its people.

• All local councillors should be elected by the people and not nominated by the government. They are accountable to the people and do not answer to the government. This will also ensure good governance on their part. If this is allowed, problems such as rubbish collection and clogged drains which are currently ignored by the councils will become history.

At the same time, the council’s yearly accounts should be made public for the benefit of the people. If this is implemented, I am sure controversies such as the one involving a local councillor building a mansion on land for low-cost housing will be a thing of the past because they would be answerable to the people who elected them.

• The Anti-Corruption Agency should be an independent body and should not come under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department. It should be given powers to apprehend even ministers and all their findings and reports should be made public. Thus, the people have the means to obtain information on all wrongdoings by individuals who abuse their power and status in gaining unlawful wealth.

• The government should also listen to the people in regards to the environment such as protecting forest areas, and building houses and bungalows on hillslopes that may bring untoward danger to the surrounding homes.

Thus, any development in such sensitive areas must only be done after taking into account the public’s views. At least 80% of the people living within the vicinity should vote in favour of a project before such developments take place.

• A public entrance examination should be held for all races to ensure that only qualified and eligible students are allowed to enter the public universities. At the same time, scholarships should be awarded to students who deserve them and not just children of people with connections. The scholarships awarded should be made public for the benefit of the people.

• The inflow of illegal immigrants into the country especially in Sabah should be monitored by properly guarding the borders because I understand that this is getting out of control in East Malaysia and disrupting the livelihood of the local people. A proper system should be implemented so that foreigners who overstay can be located and deported to their homeland.

I believe many Malaysians will be happy if the above issues are acted upon as soon as the elections are over. After all, we are not asking for much, just some consideration for our plight which had already been highlighted in the media many a time.

A Malaysian
Kuala Lumpur

Source: The Sun – March 3, 2008

The campaign for the 12th general election has begun. The various political parties have revealed their manifestos and vigorous campaigns for votes have begun. Each party and the candidates themselves claim they are the best. Have the parties concerned, both ruling and opposition, provided their best candidates for the people?

It was heartening to see opposing candidates putting aside their political differences and greeting, even hugging, each other in a friendly manner during the nominations. We hope their friendliness and goodwill will extend into the campaign period and thereafter. We hope they adhere to the election rules and ethics during their campaign, avoiding sensitive issues and personal attacks against their opponents. The Election Commission should ensure these laws are enforced strictly and fairly on all parties.

It is encouraging that in over 90% of the constituencies there is a straight one-to-one fight between the BN and the opposition, making it easier for the voters to make their pick. It is now up to the voters to scrutinise the merits of each candidate and the party they represent before deciding who they elect to represent their interests in parliament and state assemblies.

Unfortunately this time certain unhealthy trends appeared to have set in when it came to the choice of candidates. Firstly, there was the parachuting of high profile national leaders into areas where they were alien but considered “safe seats”. This virtually displaced the local leaders, who had worked tirelessly over the years to gain the trust and support of the local people.

Secondly, there appears to be a tendency towards the setting up of political dynasties. A significant number of children and relatives, some extremely young, of important personalities have managed to secure seats to contest.

Thirdly, many veteran politicians despite having passed their prime still refused to step down to make way for capable younger candidates.

Political parties should not allow these practices to take root as they would deny talented and capable leaders at the grassroots from being selected as candidates. Creating dynasties in political parties is unhealthy for the future of the nation as a whole because by doing so only those who are well connected will get a chance to be selected.

A number of issues require serious attention by the government coming into power. These include an escalating cost of living and basic amenities of healthcare, housing and education, corruption, racial and religious polarisation and allegations of discrimination, a partisan public service with recalcitrant “little Napoleons” at all levels and high crime rate.

These issues must be addressed immediately and professionally before irreversible damage is done to the socio-economic well being of the country. It needs a government that is not only experienced but possesses the political will to listen to the people and change for the better.

As responsible citizens, we have a very important obligation to our nation on this March 8. It is not about clearing clogged drains, filling potholes, putting up street lights or carrying out projects to beautify the environment, which should be the responsibility of the relevant local authorities.

It is far more important than these; we are to elect the leaders who will deliberate, debate and decide on national policies and issues that will affect not just the present but the future of our nation.

Let us not be blinded by the colour, creed and emotions, in deciding who to vote. In a democratic system, it is the voters not the voted who are the real masters.

Dr Chris Anthony
Butterworth

Source: The Sun – March 3, 2008

I propose that all future Members of Parliament, including ministers, and State Assemblymen, including Mentris Besar, should submit a statutory declaration of their current assets to the Speaker who will then table it in the Parliament or State Assembly. Then a copy of this should be made available to the members of the Press. (By the way the word “besar” means “big”. Who is big? This term should be dropped and they should be only called Ketua Mentri or Chief Minister of a particular state.)

Also a copy of this asset declaration should be sent to the Inland Revenue Board so that the board can keep an eye on their submission of income, etc. Such is the requirement in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India and many Commonwealth countries.

Nasser Hamid
Via e-mail

Source: The Sun – March 3, 2008

I HAVE three children under 12, all of whom watched Astro Ceria.

In particular, they loved the show called Tom Tom Bak which I feel is a children’s version of a particular thought-challenged entertainment reality show (without the overbearing drama, elimination, know-all judges and the millions they make from SMS votes).

Although I can appreciate shows such as these as trying to teach children to be vocal (sometimes crossing over to being loudmouthed), it can be disturbing to see children as young as six or eight writhing around like snakes, moving their hands up and down their bodies clad in tight-fitting clothes to the tune of Pussycat Doll’s Buttons.

I’m quite sure this would be fodder to paedophiles out there as much as misdirected parents are in the audience clapping and cheering their daughter on.

There are other ways children at that age can display their talents. They don’t have to resort to dancing provocatively in front of a TV audience.

Don’t get me wrong. I do like some of our local content for children. They may not be as educational, but at the very least do not rob a child of their childhood by making them dress like adults in skimpy clothes.

Similar shows have led me to the following questions: Are these the kind of qualities we want to nurture in the generation to come?

Do we really want a generation obsessed with the entertainment industry and the superficiality it represents? Do we really want a generation whose main aim in life is to make it as artistes?

A strong viewership base doesn’t necessarily mean a programme is first-rate for society. It’s somewhat appalling to see what some people in the entertainment/media industry would stoop to just to make a fast buck or cheap publicity without thinking about the impact their actions would have.

Parents too have a responsibility in selecting quality entertainment for their children and the manner in which they behave will shape the future of our society.

I hope people in the entertainment industry (especially one particular talkshow host who is famed for shows of similar genre) would give a second thought to the nature of entertainment they churn out.

There are a lot of impressionable minds out there. It is with great hope that they use their broadcasting licence with a little more civic-minded responsibility.

And yes, I have blocked out that channel.

DISTURBED PARENT,

Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star – March 3, 2008