TwoSen

I REFER to the report “Zaki:Two retired judges suspected to be corrupt” (NST, Nov 8) in which the chief justice was quoted as saying that to ensure efficiency, errant staff must be punished.

Hardworking staff member s who set newer benchmarks through higher levels of efficiency and productivity should be rewarded to reinforce and promote desirable work ethics. When heads of department fail to punish errant and under- performing staff, they help establish new standards of tolerance and permissive licence for under-performance and errant behaviour. This sends a strong message to efficient staff to adopt a more relaxed and inefficient pace of work. This swells the ranks of the ineff icient. Once the department head fails to take disciplinary action against even one errant, under- performing member, he loses the moral right to act against the hordes. Also, the majority who consider their chances of promotion slim are more likely to emulate the standard set by the under-performers rather than that of those who raise the benchmark.

M. GANESHADEVA, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – November 13, 2008

A LOT has been said on the matter involving former lord president Tun Salleh Abas and other judges following the ex-gratia payment of RM10.5 million,including RM5 million to Salleh.

I am not disputing whatever sum that he got but the government, and especially former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, should not try to make out as if Salleh had been victimised. For if the statements by Zaid and others are to be believed, the payment is a restitution for what they (especially Salleh) went through 20 years ago, the inference being that he had been unfairly treated and had not been given the due process he was entitled to. Thus, the suggestion by Noramtaz Abdullah (“It’s time to set the record straight”— N S T, Nov 11) that the government should reveal all is in order. To put things in per spective, I would like to cite the chronology of events leading to the “sacking” as mentioned in the booklet The Unrebutted Charges Against Tun Salleh Abas, an extract from the book Judicial Misconduct by Peter Alderidge Williams QC. It gives a different picture of the events leading to the convening of the tribunal. This is the chronology of events according to Williams. What sparked the incident was a letter from Salleh to the then king on March 26, 1988. On May 27, 1988, in the presence of the deputy prime minister and the chief secretary to the government, the prime minister informed Salleh that the king wished him to step down, that is, retire as the lord president, because of the letters he had sent to the rulers. May 28, 1988: Salleh signed the letter of resignation. May 29: Salleh withdrew his resignation by letter and held a press conference. June 2: Through the newspapers, Salleh made a request for a public hearing of a tribu n a l . June 3: Through the newspapers, Salleh requested that the tribunal consist of “per - sons of high judicial standing”. June 9: The prime minister made a second representation to the king alleging further misconduct by Salleh based upon Salleh’s undignified use of the press. June 11: Members of the tribunal were appointed pursuant to the Constitution by the king. June 14: Salleh was served with a list of the charges against him. June 17: Salleh was served with a set of rules setting out the procedure the tribunal would follow. June 21: Anthony Lester’s application to be admitted to the court for the purpose of defending Salleh was granted with the attorney-general offering no objection. June 27: Salleh’s solicitors were informed that the tribunal hearing would proceed on June 29 and that Salleh had permission to be represented by his solicitors and Lester. June 29: The tribunal convened but counsel for Salleh informed the tribunal that Salleh would not participate in the proceedings. Counsel for Salleh applied unsuccessfully for a week’s adjournment. July 7: The tribunal completed its report for the king but did not submit it. Williams said it was clear from the summary that a some fancy footwork was going on behind the scenes and the least important matter that seemed to be commanding Salleh’s attention was the actual confrontation and squaring up with the charges preferred against him. Thus, a reading of the book gives an insight into the incident and gives the impression that Salleh was not as innocent as some people h ave made him out to be, that is, being victimised.

REJAL ARBEE, Shah Alam

Source: NST – November 13, 2008

I DISAGREE with Ng Chong Phee of Chemor that the income tax should be reduced by three per cent (“Reducing income tax seems to be a better
option” — NST, Nov 12) instead of allowing Employees Provident Fund members to cut their contributions by three per cent Taxes provide an income for the government and every citizen and resident of the country
who holds a job should not object to paying taxes.

It is by using tax money that the government can build roads, railways, airports, schools, hospitals, libraries and parks. It is also by using tax money that the government can pay its employees to run the country and make sure that laws are implemented and followed by all citizens. Recently, the Perak government announced its intention to have a frequent and fast train service between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur to make Ipoh a satellite town to the capital. This is a wonderful idea which would benefit the residents of Ipoh. Yet, the realisation of this project will not come about unless the people are willing to help the government by paying income taxes. Saving is fine, but we have only the certainty of the present. Why worry so much about the future when none of us knows for sure whether we will be alive tomorrow? Thus, to rely on your savings is not the best strategy to ensure growth and prosperity. No doubt the government has realised the fragility of investment and savings, and how interest due on savings is a stumbling block to the best use of resources for development and progress. This is probably one of the reasons it is giving EPF members a chance to reduce contr ibutions. Malaysians must be willing to pay the price for this country to become fully developed, prosperous and happy. Indeed it is a pity to see how Malaysia, with all its resources of environment and population, is unable to claim the high status it has the potential to achieve locally and internationally. It is also disheartening that Malaysians are more concerned about the price of roti canai falling by a few sen than with adopting measures and a lifestyle that would make them able to afford eventual price increases, together with a much better quality of life. Malaysians should cooperate more and understand the effort needed to run a country and keep it in peace and prosper ity. On the other hand, the government should not be afraid to explain to the people why tax money is needed, how this money will be used and how decisions made will benefit the people. This would be a much more profitable strategy than dishing out subsidies, bonuses, rebates and other freebies for which there is no budget and which have not rightfully been ear ned.

MARISA DEMORI, Ipoh

Source: NST – November 13, 2008