Shahrir says Malaysians are greedy

Datuk Shahrir Samad, the minister who has faced the brunt of criticism over oil prices, courted even more controversy today when he suggested Malaysians were greedy if they expected subsidies to continue.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, whose job is to regulate prices, said subsidies are meant to only cushion the burden of high prices.

"When prices come down it will just be greed on the part of consumers to insist that they be subsidised," he said.

Shahrir's comments come as more Malaysians have accused the government of reneging on the promise to maintain a 30-sen subsidy on petrol and diesel.

While the government continues to subsidise diesel, it has stopped subsidies on petrol sales.

A quirk in the method in which pump prices are set and the steep drop in global oil prices have now resulted in the government collecting a "tax" through revenue gained from the difference between pump prices and the actual market price.

"It is not that we are not keeping our word. It is because the drop in prices has been faster than the 30-sen subsidy," he said.

He said it would be destructive to bring down prices quickly, but he offered no explanation for such an argument.

The minister also brushed aside suggestions that consumers were now subsidising the government.

"The Government collects taxes. It is Government revenue. When the price is high, that is when the Government extends it as subsidy," he said.

Oil prices have played a major part in Malaysian politics over the past year.

The opposition successfully used rising oil prices as an effective weapon against the ruling Barisan Nasional government in the March general election.

Playing on widespread dissatisfaction over rising oil prices then, the opposition succeeded in wresting five state governments and also denied for the first time in the country's history BN's two-thirds parliamentary majority.

While pump prices have fallen sharply recently because of a softening global economic outlook widespread unhappiness remains because the government has effectively removed subsidies on petrol sales.

Shahrir says Malaysians are greedy
The Malaysian Insider, Malaysia

other related stories

Greedy to expect continued subsidy: Shahrir
Malaysia Star, Malaysia
Shahrir: Another 15 sen price cut may come soon; Fomca wants RM3 ...
ASEAN Automotive News, Malaysia
Shahrir: Time for smaller businesses to cut prices
Malaysia Star, Malaysia



beritadarigunung: Shahrir?

New fuel rebate system next year, says Shahrir

PUTRAJAYA: A new rebate system will be introduced next year to replace the present cash rebate given to eligible vehicle owners.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad said the Government would have to rethink the rebate system as the people were unhappy with the current one.

“This is the feedback we have got. There are people who are satisfied with the rebate system introduced in June but many are not happy.

“We have yet to decide on a new system. We are still discussing, and toying with ideas and suggestions before deciding,” he told a press conference yesterday.

When the Government increased fuel prices in June, it also announced that private vehicles with engine capacity of up to 2,000cc as well as pick-up trucks and jeeps with engine capacity of 2,500cc would be given a rebate of RM625 a year per vehicle.

It also announced that owners of motorcycles with engine capacity of 250cc would be given a rebate of RM150 per motorcycle a year, from April 1 to March 31, 2009.

Shahrir said that between April and September, the Government had paid out RM2.5bil in rebate payments and it had five months to plan a new and better system.

On another matter, the minister said the floor price for petrol in the country should not be lower than RM1.92 per litre, where pump prices are “reasonable without having to be subsidised”.

He said the price could be achieved if world crude oil prices were between US$65 and US$70 per barrel, adding that last month’s average price was US$76.44 per barrel.

“The RM1.92 per litre price at pumps is merely my view. I believe we should try to reduce or even stop forking out money for fuel subsidy and use it instead for development and economic purposes.

“Despite the decline in global fuel price, the subsidy the Government has to fork out is still substantial.”

Shahrir said that when the Government announced the petrol price of RM2.70 per litre in June, the amount of subsidy spent on fuel alone was RM1.97bil while July and August saw a decline in subsidy payment of RM1.95bil and RM1.42bil respectively.

New fuel rebate system next year, says Shahrir
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

## Najib dilonjak dengan sengketa dalaman Kabinet Abdullah.

oleh BERITADARIGUNUNG

Sejak pengumuman Abdullah akan berundur pada 2010, inilah keputusan yang cenderung ke arah itu. Malangnya pertukaran portfolio itu dibuat dengan latarbelakang kritikan bertalu-talu. Publisiti kemasukan semula Tun Dr Mahathir dalam UMNO dan cadangan berani Muhyiddin menggesa peralihan kuasa dipercepatkan, dijangka memaksa perubahan drastik ini.

2. Ramai pemimpin telah menyatakan pandangan mereka, namun hanya dua sahaja dengan tegas mengasak Muhyiddin. Pertama Zaid Ibrahim dan kedua Mohamad Hasan. Zaid telah mengambil jalan selamat dengan meletak jawatan, apatah lagi beliau telah kehilangan tapak politik di Kota Baru.

3. Terdapat pemimpin kecil cuba menyampuk. yang ketara ialah Idris Haron dari Tangga Batu Melaka. Saya yakin beliau sedar kecenderungan Ali Rustam terhadap kritikan berani Muhyiddin. Ramai tahu betapa nasib pemimpin kecil berada dalam tangan Pengerusi Perhubungan Negeri. Idris telah memijak bara api. Mohd Khaled juga turut membidas Muhyiddin, walaupun mereka dari negeri yang sama. Sekadar peringatan buat Mohd Khaled, Muhyiddin pernah menjawat jawatan Menteri Besar Johor, sedang hajat Khaled dan Abdullah masih tidak menerima perkenan Sultan. Saya sebut ini semua untuk meletakkan ahli politik pada tahap credential masing-masing.

4. Agak janggal bila ahli kabinet Abdullah bercakaran. Terlalu sukar untuk terus menerima pandangan Shahrir dan Nazri suatu masa dulu, bahawa kini dalam kabinet mereka bebas bersuara. Walaupun ramai sedar, kata-kata itu dituju khas kepada Tun Dr Mahathir, namun ramai juga tahu, keberkesanan kepimpinan bukan ada hubungkait dengan berapa besar mulut yang bercakap, tetapi bergantung kepada berapa besar minda, ketajaman fikiran dan analisis serta berapa besar pemikiran strategik yang dapat digembeling. You cant quarrel and stay united. Singapore being idolised by some leaders never allow that. It is all about synergy!

5. Rakyat sedar betapa sejak awal lagi, Kerajaan pimpinan Abdullah kelihatan kurang synergy. Terlalu ramai pemimpin dan menteri membuat kenyataan. Hinggakan ada yang rasa perlu menegur dengan "Itu kenyataan peribadi beliau, Kabinet belum bincang". Pasukan tidak bergerak sebegini. Pasukan bolasepak pun tidak mampu menang jika pemain buat hal sendiri. Jawatan Kapten Bolasepak bukan sekadar glamour, malah ia menuntut komitmen dan kepimpinan. That's how it goes. Thats more of a reason, for a team requiring a leader. And thats what missing in Leadership. It is both bad and sad.

6. Dengan senario di atas, selepas perbincangan 4 mata anatara Abdullah dan Najib, lebih dari 4 jam, Malaysia dikejutkan dengan pengumuman pertukaran portfolio antara PM dan TPM. Dari sudut positif kita akan terima dengan lapang dada kerana inilah satu-satunya petanda jelas bahawa Abdullah serius dengan peralihan kuasa. Sedihnya, Abdullah buat begitu secara reactive, selepas diasak. Oleh yang demikian, akan ada yang mempersoalkan kejujuran Abdullah.

7. Najib ada credential untuk memikul tugas baru. Najib dulunya belajar ekonomi di University of Nottingham, England. Jawatan sebagai Timbalan Menteri Kewangan pada awal 80'an tentu jadi pengalaman berharga. Jangan lupa, Najib masih ada keakraban dengan Razaleigh dan Tun Dr Mahathir. Fikiran kedua-duanya masih gagah, dan tentu boleh membantu jika dipinta.

8. Dengan jawatan baru ini, hubungan antara Najib dan Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri Shahrir Samad perlu dikaji semula. Shahrir perlu sedar keperluan baru untuk beliau seiring dengan Menteri Kewangan yang baru. Sukar tetapi wajar.

9. Keperluan utama dalam membina semula BN dan UMNO adalah untuk membetulkan tindak tanduk Abdullah dan kabinetnya. Kini bukan masa untuk tunjuk mulut siapa yang besar. Perlu ada synergy yang ketara. Najib telah menyatakan dengan jelas bila menyebut Muhyiddin sebagai Team Player (click) . Synergy bukan datang secara kebetulan tetapi dengan secara sedar dan penuh strategik. Bukan Abdullah sahaja yang bertanggungjawab, yang lain juga perlu sedar.

Penutup: Lupakan "keterbukaan", tidak salah sedikit "tertutup". Biar berdisiplin. Biar ada synergy. Malaysia dahaga pemimpin gagah yang boleh menjana ini semua. Mereka perlu berjiwa besar (bukan mulut besar).

beritadarigunung

Malay Contractors' Involvement In Iskandar Malaysia Negligible, Says Association

Malay Contractors' Involvement In Iskandar Malaysia Negligible, Says Association

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Though the 2,200km Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor was launched in 2006, the involvement of Johor Malay contractors in the development projects there is negligible.

Johor Malay Contractors' Association of Malaysia president Mahmood Amir says only a handful of the association members were involved in the development of the economic corridor as compared to the size of Iskandar Malaysia.

"Many outsiders, especially friends from other states, told me how fortunate we are (Johor Malay contractors) to have the Iskandar Malaysia project.

"I could only smile (after hearing their remarks) because what is really happening is that not many of us are involved in the Iskandar Malaysia project," he told Bernama.

Since Iskandar Malaysia, an economic corridor encompassing several districts in south Johor was launched two years ago, it has attracted RM33 billion in domestic and foreign investments.

Due to certain reasons, the Johor Malay contractors were not keen to bid for tenders for development projects in the economic corridor, Mahmood says.

Among the reasons they often lament about are not being able to understand the criteria and procedures for tenders called by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and Iskandar Investment Berhad.

"They (local Malay contractors) don't understand the criteria and procedures required by the two agencies tasked with developing Iskandar Malaysia," he said.

Instead, Mahmood says, the Johor Malay contractors were more inclined to tender for Public Works Department projects as they were familiar with the procedures and conditions stipulated by the government agency.

Furthermore, most of the tenders called at Iskandar Malaysia involved Class "A" and "B" contractors, for projects costing millions of ringgit, whereas the majority of the 4,000 association members were Class "F" contractors.

Also, given the sluggish economic climate, he said, many of the Malay contractors in Johor were "dying" and could ill-afford to buy the tender documents to bid for development projects in Iskandar Malaysia.

"The documents cost up to RM500 for one project and they cannot afford it. Moreover, there is no guarantee they will be awarded the project," he said.

Under these circumstances, Mahmood says it was difficult to meet the target set by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman that at least 60 per cent of the infrastructure work be given to Bumiputera contractors.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said recently the Iskandar Malaysia project had not had any direct impact on local residents so far.

"This has caused Iskandar Malaysia not to be well-received by local residents and the business fraternity," added the Johor Baharu member of parliament.

-- BERNAMA



beritadarigunung: I hope, Shahrir's comments will not be seen as being naughty in the light of coming UMNO election. Questioning the very essence of Iskandar Malaysia is like pointing fingers onto Abdullah because Iskandar or SJER is all his ideas. Extrapolating Zaid's words, Shahrir should resign or be sacked by Abdullah.

Shahrir ulas MAHATHIR MASUK SEMULA UMNO

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said that as a Malay, the former PM had every right to rejoin the party.

“Maybe it was a condition back in 1987 when the party was dissolved and Umno Baru was established. But it is no longer the condition now.

“It’s better for him (Dr Mahathir) to criticise from within the party, rather than from outside. It’s good for him to be back, I welcome him.” he said

beritadarigunung: Shahrir masih pedih dengan peristiwa 87 dan 88. Shahrir sekadar manusia biasa. Waktu beliau merungut tentang peniaga tempatan disisih dalam SJER baru-baru ini, beliau sebenarnya menyoal diri sendiri tentang principle yang menjadi keagongannya. Disarankan Shahrir melihat sesuatu yang lebih besar. Shahrir juga wajar tahu apa ingredients Lee Kuan Yew terus memacu Singapura ke depan. Principle yang Shahrir agongkan tidak relevan di sana. Shahrir merasakan dirinya articulate, oleh itu beliau patut lebih tahu.

Mahathir mengulas "kenapa saya tak buat apa-apa"

beritadarigunung

1. Tun dalam blognya chedet menyentuh sesuatu yang berat mengenai kepimpinan kerajaan Malaysia hari ini. Tun mengisi ruang blognya WHY DON'T I DO SOMETHING pada 3 september 2008 dengan nada sedih. Ramai turut rasa pilu, namun ada yang menyifatkan tulisan Tun kali ini bersifat apolagetik.

2. Kalau itu disifatkan satu perjuangan, maka Tun sebenarnya sudah lama menuntut perletakkan jawatan Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Secara umum, apa yang Tun minta, bukanlah perkara baru dalam senario politik negara.

3. Dalam proses memanjat tiang licin, akhirnya seorang sahaja yang boleh tiba dipuncak. Dalam kedudukan yang sangat strategik diatas sekali, juara senang meninjau sekeliling untuk menangkis sebarang ancaman dari bawah dan luar. Itulah yang akan dilakukan oleh mana-mana juara. Biar lembik, biar keras, biar pandai, biar pun lembab. Perjuangan politik negara dicemari secara umumnya dengan sifat rakus mahu naik ke atas. Yang berada dipuncak hanya boleh jatuh, kerana orang itu turun sendiri atau direntap turun atau diperdaya oleh orang sekeliling lalu menggelongsor sendiri.

4. Abdullah sebagai politikus veteran, sangat peka dengan situasi ini. Mempertahankan kedudukan adalah perkara lazim dalam politik. Politik juga boleh membutakan, kerana rakyat biasa sangat dengan retorik dalam menangkis ancaman.

5. Membina tembuk disekeliling kubu adalah langkah yang telah Abdullah lakukan. Shahrir bila dibawa masuk semula adalah strategi yang baik. Shahrir ada parut lama sejak pilihanraya kecil 1988 di Johor Baru. Kemenangan besar Shahrir waktu itu tidak dapat memadam rasa dendam terhadap Tun. Tindak tanduk Shahrir dalam menangkis ancaman dari Tun adalah natural. Malah ramai lagi sedia memberi betis dan paha, supaya todak tidak menusuk perut pemimpin, dan mereka rela berkorban.

6. Apa lagi dalih yang dapat diberikan apabila Mahdzir Khalid merobek Tun tanpa belas kasihan. Osman Aroff sedia duduk bersebelahan tetapi pisau lipat tersimpan dalam kocek baju. Johari Baharum boleh menangis tetapi sanggup merembas bukan dengan belati, cuma dengan ranting keduduk sahaja. Usah kita tanya tentang Shahrir.

7. Nazri tidak peduli apa reaksi rakyat, bila secara sepontan beliau telanjang bulat dalam TV menunjukkan paha dan betis yang sedia ditujah todak, demi mempertahankan pemimpin beliau. Orang dapat melihat sifat sebenar Nazri samada berbaju atau bertelanjang bulat.

8. Waktu Tun keluar dari UMNO, reaksi pedas dari pemimpin-pemimpin dapat rakyat saksikan. Kemuncaknya ialah reaksi bisa dari Musa Hitam "duri sudah keluar". Saya ada pandangan peribadi terhadap Musa. Beliau sedia menyifatkan Tun sebagai duri, saya juga sedia menyifatkan Musa sebagai Daging Busuk yang perlu segera dibuang.

9. Walau saya belum cukup tua waktu Memali mandi darah, saya kecewa dengan sikap santai Musa waktu itu. Sayang sekali, semangat Melayu Musa terlalu rapuh. Atas nama beliau ada titisan darah bangsa Melayu. Tetapi atas nama beliau tidak ada setitik pun darah bangsa eropah merempat di Venezuela, Colombia atau Argentina. Musa boleh baham daging bangsa sendiri bila lapar. Musang pun tidak tergamak berbuat begitu.

10. Kritikan Tun saya jangka tidak dikaji dan dikupas oleh barisan kepimpinan Abdullah. Apa juga yang terkeluar dari mulut Tun dilonggokkan dalam bakul yang bertanda "Ancaman". Dalam Strategic Planning, Threat atau Ancaman perlu ditangkis. Sayang sekali, kerana kerajaan Abdullah melihat Tun sebagai ancaman. Lalu rakyat menunggu setiap hari, melihat kapal tersasar, melihat layar yang koyak untuk mengumpul angin dan kecewa melihat Abdullah tidak menguruskan kemudi dengan cermat dan cekap.

11. Saya selalu mengatakan bahawa sifat dendam dalam manusia jarang padam. Pertembungan Team A dan Team B adalah real dan sengit pada tahun 1987. Abdullah, Musa dan Radzi yang terluka dalam perang itu, masih ada parut untuk membelai nostalgia. Kini waktu membalas dendam. Oleh yang demikian apa juga komen Tun harus disanggah. Legacy Tun mesti dipadam. Man is always a child!! Naive and Spoilt.

12. Saya sangat memahami apa yang Tun sampaikan melalui, Jambatan Bengkuk,Pinta Abdullah Letak Jawatan, Rasuah Abdullah, Tun dimaki pemimpin-pemimpin UMNO.

13. Memang pedih, tetapi sangat natural dalam politik dan proses memanjat tiang licin untuk kepuncak, mencapai panji-panji. Bukan untuk mengiakan kritikan Tun, tetapi dimana-mana sahaja, orang sering mengatakan betapa Abdullah terlalu lemah, tidak pandai dan tidak cekap mengurus dan memacu negara kedepan. Orang tidak marah, tetapi orang makin takut dan bimbang. Saya khuatir, UMNO akan kehilangan segala-galanya bila undi PRU13 mula dikira.

14. Malangnya sejarah menulis dengan terperinci bagaimana Raja, Pembesar, keluarga dan gundik-gundik lari meninggalkan Istana dengan harta-harta mereka bila kota Melaka dirempuh dan ROBOH. Yang mati bergelimpangan adalah rakyat jelata. Mati mereka kerana taat setia pada Raja dan Negara.

BERITADARIGUNUNG:

Tun mengulas tentang mengenang budi pemimpin lama.

beritadarigunung

Saya sering menjengah blog Tun. Kupasan dari Tun memberi makna yang mendalam. Posting Tun yang terbaru tentang Mengenang Budi Pemimpin Lama jadikan saya sedikit terharu.

Bukan Abdullah sahaja yang menentang Tun suatu masa dahulu. Musa Hitam masih hidup. Shahrir masih hidup. Radzi masih bernyawa. Saya tidak percaya ketiga-tiga mereka sekadar bertenggek ditepi gantang kabinet Abdullah. Masakan mereka lupa dendam Team B.

Dimana-mana pun, kita dapat melihat bad loser dengan ragam mereka. Abdullah adalah bad loser yang nyata. Dendam lama tidak pernah padam disebalik muka alim. Bila Abdullah, Musa, Shahrir dan Radzi berpakat, ragam bad loser jelas menyerlah. Kalau tidak, tidak akan terkeluar kata-kata "Duri sudah keluar" dari mulut Musa, waktu mengulas perletakan keahlian Tun dari UMNO.

Kita terkeliru antara duri dan daging. Yang sudi mengkaji, akan faham kerenah Abdullah, Musa, Shahrir dan Radzi. Mereka adalah bad loser, dalam perspektif duri dan daging, mereka adalah daging busuk. Maaf.

Merujuk tulisan Tun Dr Mahathir dalam : MENGENANG BUDI PEMIMPIN LAMA

beritadarigunung

Malaysia Cuts Fuel Prices Ahead of Schedule as Inflation Soars

By Stephanie Phang and Ranjeetha Pakiam

Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia cut fuel prices earlier than planned after inflation accelerated to the fastest pace in more than 26 years in July and threatened to further stoke public discontent against the government.

``The Cabinet decided to hasten the implementation of the new petrol-price adjustments today,'' Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in a release today. ``This decision was made after taking into account the decline in global oil prices in recent weeks and the increase in the inflation rate in July.''

Consumer prices rose 8.5 percent from a year earlier, after a 7.7 percent gain in June, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad told reporters today in Putrajaya. Economists were expecting a 7.8 percent increase.

Voter anger over rising prices contributed to opposition gains in March elections that deprived Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of his two-thirds majority in parliament. Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim will run for a seat in a by-election next week in a bid to return to the legislature for the first time in a decade and oust the government.

``Undoubtedly, inflation is adding to the woes of the government,'' said Kit Wei Zheng, an economist at Citigroup Inc. in Singapore. ``This is not helped by the fact that at least some of the current inflation pressures are perceived to be inflicted by government policies.''

Thousands gathered at a July 6 rally to protest a 41 percent increase in retail gasoline prices the government announced in June to trim subsidies that keep pump costs artificially low. Diesel prices went up 63 percent at the same time, and electricity rates rose in July.

Fuel Prices

Abdullah today announced a 5.6 percent cut in gasoline prices and a 3.1 percent reduction in diesel costs effective tomorrow, bringing forward a plan to start monthly adjustments in September that would fix local gasoline prices at 30 sen (9 U.S. cents) below market rates per liter.

RON97 gasoline will cost 2.55 ringgit a liter tomorrow, down 15 sen, and diesel will be priced at 2.50 ringgit a liter, 8 sen cheaper than the current price. The price of gasoline won't exceed 2.70 ringgit a liter this year, Abdullah said.

The move will have an impact on inflation in the coming months, Shahrir said. The Cabinet sped up the fuel-price cut to help ease the burden of consumers and reduce inflationary pressure, Abdullah said.

The cut in fuel prices will help to ``stabilize'' the inflation rate in August and September and reduce pressure on the central bank to raise interest rates, Ho Woei Chen, an economist at United Overseas Bank Ltd., said in a note after the announcements today.

Monetary Policy

``We now expect Bank Negara Malaysia to maintain its overnight policy rate at 3.5 percent at the August meeting despite the surge in inflation in July,'' Ho said. With the reduction in fuel prices, ``it is even more unlikely that Bank Negara will hike its interest rates after failing to do so earlier.''

Eight of the 12 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News expect the central bank to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Aug. 25.

Bank Negara, which hasn't raised borrowing costs since April 2006, unexpectedly refrained from increasing the overnight policy rate last month, saying its immediate concern is to avoid a ``fundamental economic slowdown'' even as it raised this year's inflation forecast to a range of 5.5 percent to 6 percent. Slowing growth amid a weakening global economy will cause inflation to ease in the second half of 2009, it said.

In keeping the key rate at 3.5 percent, Bank Negara broke with central banks in neighboring Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, all of whom have tightened monetary policy this year to fight soaring oil and food prices.

To contact the reporters on this story: Stephanie Phang in Kuala Lumpur at sphang@bloomberg.net; Ranjeetha Pakiam in Kuala Lumpur at rpakiam@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: August 22, 2008 08:08 EDT

SHAHRIR: Trial runs for supply system

BANGI: Several trial runs will be carried out to help the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry find the best way to supply essential items at low cost to the public.

Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who said this, added that the first study would be in Seberang Prai Utara this month, and two more were planned for an urban and a rural location later on.

The direct distribution mechanism would be implemented nationwide by next year if the tests proved it to be effective, he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Consumer and Family Economics Association’s 12th national conference at Universiti Tenaga Nasional yesterday.

Shahrir said the results from the trial runs would enable the Government to find out the most efficient way to distribute price-controlled essential items and food supplies to the public, especially low-income consumers in the rural areas.

Among subsidised items that would be included in the study were ST15 Super Tempatan 15% broken rice, flour, cooking oil and bread, he said.

Shahrir said a bread company has been asked to help transport the items from the manufacturers to the shops.

“My theory is that the bread-distribution method is the most efficient supply system for both the urban and rural areas,” he added.

“If distribution costs can be reduced, consumers will be able to purchase subsidised goods at controlled prices, and have adequate supply.

“The new system will help address the problems of uneven supply and price fluctuation of such items, especially in the rural areas.”

On fuel prices, Shahrir welcomed a suggestion to implement a fortnightly review.

However, he said, the Government would allow the monthly review of the pump prices to go on first before implementing other measures.

“The monthly review is the first mechanism to keep up with price fluctuations in the oil market,” he said. “If we can resolve technical problems or fine-tune the system, maybe we may use the fortnightly system after that.”

Shahrir was commenting on the call by Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on Monday for a more frequent fuel price review.

CLICK HERE: Trial runs for supply system
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

By Election Permatang Pauh 2008 = By Election Johor Baru 1988

BERITADARIGUNUNG:

On 25th August 1988, the first electoral battle between UMNO baru and the dissident groups in the old UMNO. The Johor Baru by election was held because Shahrir who refused to join UMNO baru, vacated his parlimentary seat and forced the by election to test Mahathir's new party. In this crucial battle, Shahrir as an independent candidate from Team B in the old UMNO gained 23,581 (64.6 %) while the UMNO baru candidate received only 10,968 (29.8 %).

In the 1986 general election Shahrir, as an UMNO candidate obtained 19346 (51.8% of the total votes) whiles a PSRM candidate had taken 17,114 (45.8%). It was widely believed that Shahrir had won a substantial share of the Malay vote although his Chinese support was also impressive, especially from DAP. Read here Personalized Politics: The Malaysian State Under Mahathir by In-Won Hwang - 2003 - Political Science

And 20 years later, August 2008, another political heat is being generated in Malaysia, even before the date is decided for what is being billed as ‘the mother of all by-elections’, to be contested by controversial opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar arrived Sunday to a rapturous home-coming from large crowds at Permatang Pauh, the parliamentary constituency vacated by his wife to facilitate the by-election.

He told a rally hearing him in ‘rapt attention’ that he would contest even if he was placed ‘completely behind bars’, and win, The Star newspaper said Monday. The reference to jail is because of the sodomy charge (click) slapped against Ibrahim, 63, by a political aide in June that has had him battling the government in court and at police stations. Read here:Malaysia prepares for ‘mother of all’ by-elections involving Ibrahim SINDH TODAY, Pakistan

It is only best for Shahrir Samad to lead the Barisan Nasional's UMNO election campaign, since he has travelled a similar road 20 years earlier. But sad enough, Shahrir is suffering from a serious inward looking syndrome (click)

Shahrir: Kerap sangat tenguk bontot orang, kita lupa bontot sendiri.

Beritadarigunung:

Bukan hajat saya untuk berkasar bahasa atau celupar. Bontot adalah sebahagian dari anggota tubuh, dan tidak ada apa yang cela tentangnya. Bila mahu duduk, kita letak bontot atas kerusi.

Shahrir adalah wakil penduduk Johor Baru sama ada dengan simbol Neraca atau simbol "kunci atau kepala lembu". Dalam keghairahan berpolitik kadang-kadang untuk dapatkan status nasional kita kerap tenguk bontot orang, tempat orang atau domain orang, sehingga kita terlupa hal sendiri, penduduk sendiri dan kebajikan penduduk yang kita wakili.

Saya suka menyebut SJER sahaja kerana tidak rela nama Raja dikaitkan dengan Koridor yang kabur. Koridor ekonomi tajaan kerajaan sekarang tidak dimaklumkan secara khusus dan nyata kepada rakyat. Ia berlaku sebegitu saja, macam di air lalu, dengan sedikit punctuation dari Perdana Menteri yang berkata "ini idea saya". Ramai sangsi dengan SJER dari sudut kedaulatan negara. Ramai juga sangsi tentang faedah SJER kepada rakyat Malaysia, khususnya rakyat Johor. Dato Ruhanie Ahmad dalam kudakepang tidak serik-serik berjuang melahirkan kebimbangan mengenai SJER.

Agak lewat untuk Shahrir menyedari malapetaka disebalik SJER, tetapi bila ditimbulkan waktu ini, ada yang ingin bertanya samada Shahrir jujur dengan tulus ikhlas atau Shahrir terjumpa isu menarik menjelang pemilihan UMNO. Shahrir hanya perlu duduk atas bontot sendiri dikerusi dan tenguk sekeliling dan bertanya diri sendiri. Shahrir juga ada Musa Hitam (Gabenor SJER) (click) untuk bertanya. Tetapi malang sekali Musa Hitam kadangkala bersikap "detached" seperti mana lewanya sikap beliau tentang ribut di Memali (click). Jadi Shahrir perlu tanya Perdana Menteri, kerana SJER adalah idea beliau sendiri (click) , seperti yang rakyat Malaysia tonton dalam TV.

Shahrir, buatlah apa yang patut...

foto: kutipan dari http://umnojb.com.my/pilihanraya/

Shahrir terkilan Iskandar Malaysia pinggir peniaga tempatan

JOHOR BAHRU 3 Ogos – Ahli Parlimen Johor Bahru, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad melahirkan rasa terkilan terhadap projek pembangunan Iskandar Malaysia yang didakwanya masih tidak memberi keutamaan kepada penduduk bandar raya ini.

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna itu menegaskan, Iskandar Malaysia sehingga kini tidak menampakkan impak secara langsung kepada rakyat tempatan khususnya peniaga-peniaga kecil di kawasan pembangunan baru seluas 2,217 kilometer persegi di selatan Johor itu.

Beliau berkata, keadaan itu menyebabkan masyarakat tempatan dan peniaga tidak menerima dengan baik program pembangunan tersebut.

“Kalau masyarakat tempatan dan peniaga di Iskandar Malaysia tidak merasakan ia satu konsep yang membantu mereka, pembangunan itu tidak dapat membawa kejayaan.

"Dan kalau berjaya pula, ia bukan milik kita,” katanya yang mencadangkan diwujudkan konsep pemilikan bersama di kalangan penduduk tempatan di wilayah Iskandar Malaysia.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas majlis dialog bersama Persatuan Peniaga dan Penyewa Terminal Awam Larkin di sini malam tadi.

Shahrir berjanji akan mengemukakan beberapa cadangan kepada Pihak Berkuasa Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (Irda) bagi memperjuangkan nasib penduduk Johor Bahru dan memastikan program pembangunan yang dirancang diterima baik oleh rakyat serta mencapai matlamatnya.

Terdahulu dalam ucapannya, beliau meluahkan kekecewaan kerana pembangunan di Iskandar Malaysia masih tidak menampakkan faedah kepada golongan peniaga kecil.

Tegasnya, projek pembangunan itu bukan hanya melibatkan pelaburan asing. “Apa yang penting kita perlu ada sokongan daripada penyertaan rakyat Malaysia,” ujarnya.

Sementara itu, tinjauan Utusan Malaysia di kalangan peniaga di Johor Bahru hari ini mendapati rata-rata mereka bersetuju dengan kenyataan Shahrir itu dan menyuarakan kebimbangan projek mega Iskandar Malaysia terlalu mengutamakan pelabur asing sehingga mengetepikan usahawan tempatan.

Menurut seorang usahawan dalam bidang peruncitan, Abu Talib Alias, 45, kerajaan perlu menetapkan dasar yang membolehkan para peniaga tempatan menyertai pembangunan di wilayah itu.

“Kita boleh nampak sekarang ini bagaimana kompleks beli-belah tumbuh bagai cendawan di Johor Bahru. Kami bimbang syarikat-syarikat besar itu akhirnya akan menelan peniaga-peniaga kecil terutama orang Melayu,” katanya.

Abu Talib berkata, pelan induk Iskandar Malaysia juga perlu diperincikan sepenuhnya bagi melindungi perniagaan usahawan tempatan dan menggalakkan kerjasama dengan pelabur asing.

Seorang lagi peniaga, Awalluden Ahmad, 38, berkata, projek Iskandar Malaysia terlalu tertumpu kepada pelaburan asing dan keadaan tersebut boleh mengakibatkan penduduk bandar raya ini, khususnya para peniaga, berasa tersisih.

“Bagi saya, cukuplah kita kehilangan Batu Putih, takkanlah kita mahu perniagaan anak-anak tempatan pula hilang,” katanya.

Bagi seorang lagi peniaga, Johar Ariffin, 52, dengan ekonomi negara yang terjejas akibat kenaikan harga petrol dan diesel, projek pembangunan tersebut sewajarnya menjadi penyelamat dalam memberi peluang kepada para peniaga tempatan.

“Amat menyedihkan, kita belum nampak lagi manfaatnya Iskandar Malaysia kepada para peniaga tempatan. Saya amat berharap penjelasan dapat dibuat segera mengenai hala tuju pembangunan ini,” katanya.

Projek Iskandar Malaysia, yang juga dikenali sebagai Pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Selatan Johor (SJER), diumumkan oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pada 30 Julai 2006.

Namanya ditukar kepada Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (WPI) pada 4 November 2006 bersempena nama Sultan Johor, Sultan Iskandar sebelum sekali lagi diubah namanya menjadi Iskandar Malaysia pada 11 April lalu.

Sehingga kini, jumlah pelaburan di Iskandar Malaysia mencecah RM33 bilion iaitu kira-kira 70 peratus daripada sasaran RM47 bilion yang ditetapkan sepanjang tempoh Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9).

Pelaburan-pelaburan asing itu melibatkan syarikat dari Kuwait, Emiriyah Arab Bersatu, Arab Saudi dan Lebanon dalam bidang kewangan, hartanah, pelancongan serta rekreasi.Baca sini
Shahrir terkilan Iskandar Malaysia pinggir peniaga tempatan
utusan malaysia

Sekarang Shahrir tidak perlu lagi sibuk tentang bontot orang atau domain orang seperti di bawah ini:-

MRR2 retak lagi Tiga batang prategasan putus secara tiba-tiba di rasuk jejambat

KUALA LUMPUR 3 Ogos – Lebuh Raya Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2) di sini yang dibina dengan kos RM238 juta dan telah pun dibaik pulih menggunakan belanja tambahan RM70 juta mengalami keretakan sekali lagi....

Proton suspends Terengganu dealer (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Proton has suspended one of its dealers in Terengganu for allegedly using non-genuine spare parts, overcharging and repairing cars without recording it in the carmaker's online warranty system.

Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed told reporters at a press conference on Sunday that the company would also be cooperating with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) while conducting its own investigations into the matter.

"If the dealer is implicated in any wrongdoing, we will not hesitate to terminate the dealer's services," he said, adding that the dealer worked under EON (Edaran Otomobil Nasional) - one of Proton's super-dealers.

The national carmaker began its own investigation into the state government's claims on the high cost of maintaining the 16 Proton Perdana V6 Executive cars previously used by Terengganu executive councillors.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said had earlier said that the state had purchased 14 Mercedes E200 Kompressor cars at RM3.43mil to replace its Proton Perdana V6 Executive fleet in a move to "cut cost."

He said apart from the dealer being suspended, Proton also found that only 35 of the 67 Proton Perdanas bought by the state government were being sent to authorised workshops. It was found that 93% of the RM1,071,669 (cost that was reported in the media) was spent outside of the Proton service system.

"If a car is taken to an unauthorised workshop and non-genuine parts are used, there are bound to be problems. Putting in non-genuine parts only compounds the problem.

"Furthermore, if repairs to a car are done outside the Proton warranty system, there is no way the company would be able to know what is going on."

Syed Zainal Abidin said preliminary investigations into the matter found that there was overcharging and second hand-parts being sold as genuine parts.

"In some instances there was also 'over-servicing' of the car," he said, adding that the average maintenance cost of a Proton Perdana was RM2,373 per year.

Moving forward, Syed Zainal Abidin said the company would be offering all state governments a free audit of their fleet of Proton cars to determine if they were being properly maintained.

"We may also suggest to the state governments which service branches, and not dealers, they should send their car to for maintenance so this kind of problem can be avoided."

When asked if other states could be having the same problems, he said it could not be discounted.

Still using Mercs
Meanwhile, Terengganu state executive council members and senior state government officers would continue using the Mercedes cars pending completion of the ACA investigation, Ahmad Said said.

The ACA had taken the Proton Perdana cars that were used by the state executive councillors and officers, he was quoted by Bernama.

"So the executive council members and officers will have to use the Mercedes ... the prime minister had also said that (we) can use the Mercedes cars once in a while," he told reporters at a dinner with state Umno leaders here on Saturday night.

State Tourism and Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Za'abar Mohd Adib arrived at the Malaysia Flora Fest 2008 in Johor Baru on Saturday in one of the new Mercedes cars, Bernama said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had earlier said that the Terengganu government could keep the Mercedes Benzes, but only for use by its guests and not for the state exco members and its senior officers.

Sunday July 27, 2008 MYT 3:28:13 PM
By ROYCE CHEAH

BERITADARIGUNUNG: The check can also be extended to other states, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perlis. Of course, cars provided to Ministers and Government Officers, all of them must go through the screen by BPR and Proton. Who knows, few more will "sangkut"!! Shahrir, you have Proton Perdana too? (Nobody ask about your Merc etc etc)

Review only when oil price drops further or stabilises, says Shahrir

KUALA LUMPUR: Oil prices must stabilise or drop further before the Government can consider reducing pump prices, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said.

Shahrir said a review of domestic fuel prices depended on how consistent the price reduction remained despite the global crude oil price falling from a high of US$147 (RM470.40) to below US$125 (RM400) per barrel.

The dipping price was welcome news for the Government because it could save on fuel subsidy if the price fell further, he said.

“When the latest fuel price rise was announced in June, the market price of oil was at US$125 per barrel. The Cabinet is waiting to see whether the level can be maintained for long or even better, go down further,” he told reporters yesterday after launching the Consumers Day 2008 at the Putra World Trade Centre.

On whether Malaysia would allow the domestic fuel prices to float according to market prices, he said the Government was against this because a rapid upward trend of the global crude oil price would see a drastic increase of fuel sold at the pumps.

Shahrir added the Government’s early decision was to review fuel prices at year-end but this would again depend on the situation.

On the inflation rate, which more than doubled to 7.7% in June, Shahrir said the Government had expected this to occur due to the rising cost of two important components in the consumer price index – food and transport.

He said inflation was expected to increase for this month but would decrease after that.

He added that the rate was still under control because of subsidies and price control.

“Otherwise, it could go as much as two digits like in some countries,” he said.

On his meeting with petrol station operators on the two-tier pricing system for petrol at border towns, he said technical problems needed to be ironed out.

He also said petrol station owners were only allowed to take in more workers if the workers were local.

He added that the limit on two foreign workers working at the pump area remained.

Sunday July 27, 2008. The Star online.

BERITADARIGUNUNG: Shahrir is so concerned with government coffer. People do have coffers too, small but meaningful. Can he be more people sensitive? But he has drawn a line. "I am the government, you are the people or the rakyat". Huh? Shahrir looks at drop of crude oil price as saving to government He could have send the same message with more rakyat friendly. He must have forgotten for being much older albeit w.......r.

Shahrir turning into an Old Man?.. Creativity diminishing...

Be moderate in spending, consumption: Shahrir

KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumer Day celebration this year was a scaled down affair in keeping with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry's message to the people to be moderate in their spending and consumption in bracing for the higher cost of living.

Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the theme Moderation for a Better Life (Kesederhanaan Menjamin Kesejahteraan) with the tagline Practice Sustainable Consumption (Amalkan Penggunaan Lestari) was timely and he wanted Malaysians to adopt moderation in their lifestyle.

To lead the way, he chose to scale down the event including reducing the number of exhibition booths instead of having sales carnivals and exhibitions. Emphasis was given to seminar and forums participated by consumer advocates.

The launch of the two-day celebration was also kept simple with an address by the minister.

"We should be moderate not only because of higher expenses but to me it is not the appearance and style that matter but the message we want to send at the events," he said.

The message was that moderation in spending, consumption and production was based on needs and was related to sustainable consumption and production.

Shahrir said he wanted the celebration's theme maintained for the whole of his tenure, saying that the message was good enough. "We only need to change the way we celebrate the event," he said.

With that he called on consumer groups and school consumer clubs to give inputs on how they want the celebrated to be held next time.

He also presented the Sustainable Consumer Award to social and environment activist Gurmit Singh, the Sustainable NGO Award to the Consumer Association of Malaysia and Sustainable School Consumer Club Award to SMK Sultan Abdul Jalil in Johor.

By JANE RITIKOS, Saturday July 26, 2008 MYT 8:12:51 PM.

BERITADARIGUNUNG: Of course, be moderate has been peoples choice. No doubt, otherwise everyone will live in deficit. Now Shahrir is becoming an old man, talking to sons and daughters and granchildren too. I dearly miss the sit-com when he poke fun at everything except ECM-Libra thing ...... But of course, politics is a career, therefore one must toe the line. Now it is too late to pick "kunci" or "kepala lembu" for a little by election in Johor Baru. Yea, everyone is getting older but not necessarily wiser.

Quotes by Shahrir Abdul Samad

"We cannot afford this," Shahrir said, adding that the government had taken measures to protect citizens from inflation.
Jun 23, 2008 Gulf Times

Datuk Shahrir described Malaysia's rationale for introducing the windfall tax as a measure "to ensure balanced distribution of income to deserving groups".
Jul 6, 2008 Malaysia Star

BERITADARIGUNUNG: I dont feel like laughing.

Berlaku Adil dengan Koridor Ekonomi era ABDULLAH

Must visit Websites:-

ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION, Southern Peninsular Malaysia
Govt Plans For More Projects In Economic Corridors To Attract More Investors ... regional economic development corridors, namely Iskandar Malaysia,

NCER
Economic Corridors of Peninsular Malaysia.

East Coast Economic Region Official Website : Soaring Towards 2020
East Coast Economic Region Official Website.


:: www.sdc.gov.my - Sabah Development Corridor Official Website ...
Sabah Development Corridor Official Website,


Sarawak SCORE
The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy or simply known as SCORE



The economic plan must also be read WITH quote from Shahrir Samad

refer here for Shahrir Samad Quote Reuters

BERITADARIGUNUNG:

Shahrir Samad handling price increase (in his way?)

"The price increases are beyond the government's control and the government has no resources nor capability to shield the country's economy from the effects of the global phenomenon"

Justice to Shahrir Samad: his share in the news!

Taxis will get 720 litres of fuel a month at RM1.92
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 8 hours ago
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the vehicle owners could submit applications for the subsidy to the ministry or ...

More aid measures on the way New Straits Times, Malaysia - Jul 17, 2008 Shahrir said additional measures to help the people would be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during the budget presentation on ...

Government Continues To Subsidise White Bread And Flour Bernama, Malaysia - Jul 17, 2008 ... flour and bread to ensure they could be sold at current prices, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said. ...

Ministry to review diesel subsidy distribution system New Straits Times, Malaysia - Jul 17, 2008 Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said about two weeks ago, the ministry had asked the National Audit Department to carry out an audit on the system and ...

Shahrir agrees to Umno members contesting any post New Straits Times, Malaysia - Jul 16, 2008 Umno supreme council member Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad agrees with Youth head Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein that party members are free to contest any post ...

New sodomy charge for Malaysian opposition figure International Herald Tribune, France - Jul 16, 2008 "The purpose of the investigations is not to fix someone but is to really help him clear his name," said Shahrir Samad, the domestic trade minister. ...

Parliament Erupts Over Anwar Arrest
Sin Chew Jit Poh, Malaysia - Jul 16, 2008
Shahrir Samad, domestic trade and consumer affairs minister, said Anwar should clear his name through police investigations. Shafie Apdal, Culture, Arts and ...

BERITADARIGUNUNG:

Shahrir! wanna try pakistani's way?

I should not ask Shahrir too often as if it is his sole responsibility to handle inflation in this country. But folks in general look at inflation in a very crude way, how much is take-home pay, how many things you can buy with it, and how much you can save. very crude, i agree but that suffice to survive through this turbulence.

I ask Shahrir because his mask is "integrity". He flashed the mask at the slightest disagreement with his understanding of integrity, fundamentals and principle. He swapped BN symbol for key, lembu or something for one little by election down south just to prove the point. Parliment saw his wits when he relinquish the burden of being chief backbencher. He likes something and people dont, therefore he quit. For that matter, shahrir quits more than once through his public life.

Then came ECM Libra. Definitely he shouted. But again, he was a different person then. He learned how to keep quiet when needed. He shut both his big mouth and the case. What a miss, a terrible miss. Otherwise he will quit again.... But of course he send few boys to court, you know that little story about buying spanners, screwdrivers, cellotapes, pencils, pens hammers etc. So sad, the aftermath of Direct Nego is hell to bystanders, while the drivers have right of way in a toll free highway. Yes, accidents do happen.

Then the current price hike. We look at Shahrir as saviour. But he cant talk much, since not all things done in thios country come from his mind and mouth. The reality of 4th floor boys is beginning to make sense to Shahrir and folks.

Shahrir, look at Pakistan for a change. But of course they are different, too eastern in nature, because some of us find it necessary to look west where skins are fairer.


Benazir Income Support Programme : 3.5 million households on monthly basis in order to mitigate inflation-stricken poorest segments of the society in the wake of an unprecedented hike in food items and petroleum products.

"The government has identified and given priority to unemployed, widows and disabled persons in the scheme in order to give them relief by providing cash subsidy to the tune of

Rs 1,000 per month in order

to mitigate the rising prices of food items and the POL products," a top official of the government told The News here on Saturday.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is going to formally launch the Benazir Bhutto Income Support Programme within two weeks, probably when he would address the nation for giving his point of view on the first 100-day performance of the incumbent regime. ... Benazir Income Support Programme The News - International, Pakistan


BERITADARIGUNUNG: SHAHRIR oh SHAHRIR


Further reading:

1. Benazir Income Support Programme
The News - International, Pakistan

2. Food crisis gaping at Pakistan
Gulf Daily News, Bahrain

3. Editorial: Unfamiliar challenges and ‘leadership vacuum’
Daily Times, Pakistan

4. Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi fears bloody revolution if poverty not ...
Pakistan Daily, Pakistan

5. Govt making efforts to stabilise country’s economy: Naveed Qamar
Associated Press of Pakistan, Pakistan
6.
PPP govt committed to overcome crises facing country: Raja Riaz
Associated Press of Pakistan, Pakistan

7. The Real Crisis in Pakistan
Foreign Policy In Focus

8. Dangerous Ground
TIME

9. At 100 days, Pakistan government in disarray
The Kindred Times, UT

CASE FOR INTEGRITY: Shahrir, ECM Libra years later...

Old ECM Libra:

item no 1:-

JOHOR BAHRU 23 Julai – Jawatankuasa Kira-Kira Wang Negara (PAC) mahu kerajaan menjelaskan beberapa persoalan berhubung penggabungan syarikat Avenue Capital Resource Berhad dengan ECM Libra.

Pengerusi PAC, Datuk Sharir Abd. Samad berkata, soal penggabungan kedua-dua syarikat itu menimbulkan tanda tanya sama ada pengambilalihan itu menguntungkan kerajaan yang merupakan pemegang saham terbesar dalam Avenue Capital Resource.

Menurut beliau, kerajaan memiliki pegangan saham dalam Avenue Capital melalui MOF Incorporated iaitu salah satu syarikat diperbadankan oleh Kementerian Kewangan.... Utusan Malaysia Online - Berita Utama 24 Julai 2006

item no 2:-

Merujuk perkara di atas, Datuk telah berkata demikian: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad conceded after the PAC meeting on Thursday that the merger between ECM Libra and Avenue raised troubling questions.Shahrir said: " In principle, there is a conflict of interest if the minister's family member is involved. But here, maybe there was no minister's consent because the matter was not brought to the cabinet - it was decided between the ministry's officials and the party which made the offer." Ibnu Hakeem .... [harakahdaily] PERINGATAN KEPADA DATO SHAHRIR SAMAD CHAIRMAN PAC

Public Accounts

item no 3:-

As the Parliament's Public Audit Committee convenes its investigation into the ECM-Libra/Avenue Capital Resources merger today, the media spotlight is trained on how the famous Son-in-Law funded his RM9.2 million purchase of a minority share in ECM-Libra, which was first revealed in December 2005.

On December 27 last year, the three founding members of ECM Libra -- Lim Kian Onn, Kalimullah Masheerul Hassan and David Chua -- announced that they were each selling 1% of their shareholding in the company to Khairy Jamaluddin. The deal was transacted at 71 sen per share, or a total of RM9.2 million. .... Screenshots: How Khairy funded his ECM-Libra shares

item no 4

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin has sold his entire stake of 10.2 million shares representing 1.23 per cent of ECM Libra Avenue Bhd, an investment and stockbroking-based company, it was announced Saturday.

Khairy sold his shares for 65 sen a share yesterday. He had bought them at 71 sen a share in December last year.

ECM Libra Avenue chairman Datuk Kalimullah Hassan Masheerul Hassan has also reduced his stake in the company to 40 million shares or 4.8 per cent in the company and is now no longer deemed a substantial shareholder, The Edge business weekly reported. ... The Malaysian Bar - Khairy Jamaluddin sells entire stake in ECM ...

New ECM Libra:

Ibrahim (Pasir Mas-Ind) brought up the issue of the connection between ECM-Libra and Pos Malaysia and whether Pos Malaysia stood to gain RM6 for every RM625 rebate for car disbursed.

On the issue regarding Pos Malaysia, he said: “I asked the Second Finance Minister and he said Pos Malaysia was paid according to actual costs. It has already explained to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that during the restructuring of Avenue Capital and its connection with ECM-Libra, Pos Malaysia has gone on to become a GLC (government-linked company).” ...24-06-2008: A big aye for government
The Edge Daily, Malaysia

BERITADARIGUNUNG: After all, we are human, not angels, Shahrir included.