Will the Education Ministry look into Bangi Tamil school? – Senator Ramakrishnan

Malaysian debt level is worrisome

After 55 years of rule, the BN government’s national debt is about to hit 55 percent of the GDP. Malaysia’s indebtedness has been increasing about 1% every year. But the deputy finance Minister Datuk Awang Adek Hussin still insists that our debt level is still manageable “It is not at a critical level at the moment. Our self imposed limit or threshold is 55 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)’, He added. The national debt level in 2007 was RM266 billion but increased to RM456 billion in 2011(53.8%). It is important to take note that the debt increased by leaps and bound after March 2008. With a population of 28 million, every Malaysian has to bear RM16000 of national debt. This is what the government can show after 55 years of uninterrupted continuous rule.

Beside If we were to take into account the debts guaranteed by the federal government, the total debt exposure of the federal government hit RM573 billion in 2011 (equivalent to 67 percent of the GDP). This is an alarming situation in view of the debt crisis in Europe and North America. How did the government land in this situation? Below are some of the scandals, unaccounted spending and corrupted practices of BN rule for 55 years that has brought the current national debts.

1. Former Work Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu once said in the Parliament that the government has compensated a total of RM38.5 billion to 20 highway companies. RM1.3 billion have been wasted building the white elephant Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities on cancellation of the Malaysia-Singapore scenic bridge. After completing highway construction with taxpayer’s money the toll concessionaires collect toll from 30-60 years.

1. Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the Central Bank has lost RM30 billion in foreign exchange trading in the 1990s. Who was the manipulator behind it? (Second Finance Minister Nor mohamad yacub was in charge of Bank Negara’s Forex trading at that time)

1. The Bank Bumiputra twin scandals in the early 1980s saw US$1 billion (RM3.2 billion in 2008 ringgit)

1. The Maminco attempt to corner the world tin market in the 1980s is believed to have cost some US$500 million. (RM1.6 billion)

1. Perwaja Steel resulted in losses of US$800 million (RM2.56 billion). Eric Chia, was charged with corruption for allegedly steering US$20 million (RM64 million) to a Hong Kong-based company

1. Use of RM10 billion public funds in the Valuecap Sdn. Bhd. operation to shore up the stock market.

1. Banking scandal of RM700 million losses in Bank Islam

1. The sale of M.V. Agusta by Proton for one Euro making a loss of €75.99 million (RM 348 million)

1. For the past 10 years since Philharmonic Orchestra was established, this orchestra has swallowed a total of RM500 million

10. The government has spent a total of RM3.2 billion in teaching Maths and Science in English over the past five years. Out of the amount, the government paid a whopping RM2.21 billion for the purchase of information and computer technology (ICT) equipments which it is unable to give a breakdown. The whole project was scrapped

11. The commission paid for purchase of jets and submarines to two private companies Perimeker Sdn Bhd and IMT Defence Sdn Bhd amounted to RM910 million.

12. RM 100 million on renovation of Parliament building and leaks

13. National Astronaut Programme – RM 40 million

14. National Service Training Programme – yearly an estimate of RM 500 million

15. Eye on Malaysia – RM 30 million and another RM5.7 million of free ticket

16. RM 4.63 billion, ’soft-loan’ to PKFZ

17. RM 2.4 million on indelible ink

18. RM32 million timber export kickbacks involving companies connected to Sarawak Chief Minister and his family.

  BAILOUTS

19. Two bailouts of Malaysia Airline System RM7.9 billion

20. Putra transport system, which cost RM4.486 billion

21. STAR-LRT bailout costing RM3.256 billion

22. National Sewerage System costing RM192.54 million

23. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway costing RM142 million

24. Kuching Prison costing RM135 million

25. Kajian Makanan dan Gunaan Orang Islam costing RM8.3 million.

26. Le Tour de Langkawi costing RM 3.5 Million

27. Wholesale distribution of tens of millions of shares in Bursa Malaysia under guise of NEP to cronies, children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth billions of ringgits.

28. APs scandal had been going on year-after-year going back for more than three decades, involving a total mind-boggling sum of tens of billions of ringgits

29. Alienation of tens of thousands of hectares of commercial lands and forestry concessions to children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth tens of billions of ringgits.

30. Travel around Malaysia and see for yourself how many white elephants like majestic arches, roads paved with fanciful bricks, designer lamp posts, clock towers, Municipal Council buildings that looks more like Istanas, extravagant places of worship, refurbishment of residences of VIPs, abandoned or under-utilised government sports complexes and buildings, etc! Combined they could easily amount to the hundreds of billions of ringgits!

31. Wastages and forward trading of Petronas oil in the 1990s based on the low price of oil then. Since the accounts of Petronas are for the eyes of Prime Minister only, we have absolutely no idea of the amount. Whatever amount, you bet it is COLLOSSAL!

There are many more scandals unexposed to the Malaysian general public. The UMNO BN government has not learnt any lessons and continues to spend as though they are born to rule this country. The recent 250 million sharizat NFC scam is another case where money was given just to spend the way sharizat and her family wants. No proper procedure and dateline to repay back?

Despite all these scandals and wastages, Indians in Malaysia are denied even basic rights. Therefore, is this the government that we want to leave behind for our children and grandchildren?  Register as voters and act now. it’s now or never.

Senator S. Ramakrishnan

27/3/2012

DONG JIA ZONG group has shown the exit door to MCA

Yesterday (25/3/2012) the Chinese community made a strong presence at the DONG JIA ZONG ground in Kajang protesting at the inaction for 40 years by ministry of education to resolve the problem of temporary and not enough trained teachers in Chinese schools. The strong gathering and the fiery and firm speeches from the Chinese education umbrella group would have sent clear message of how this community feels over the inaction and empty promises.  The goose of deceit and lies by the ministry of education to Chinese schools has finally come to roast them just before the 13^th general election. Tamil schools are worse off then Chinese schools but the community is blissfully ignorant and living in a make believe world where all are fine. Well, unless we become informed and act firmly, nothing is going to change for Tamil schools under UMNO BN rule.

MCA president has commented that Dong Jia Zong need not organize such a gathering for it would not serve any purpose. The deputy education minister and MCA youth chief Wee Ka Siong attended the gathering and was booed and heckled each time the speakers took a jab at the ministry of education. Wee lamented later that the rally has been hijacked by the opposition to attack the government. These episodes reveal that the MCA has been outcast by the Chinese community.  MCA is like MIC. It’s all about self and business interest at the expense of the community and serving UMNO, the oppressor, obediently. Despite the increase in student intake in Vernacular schools, the numbers of Chinese and Tamil schools have been reduced by the ministry. MCA did not protest but pretend to take action.

More and more non Chinese parents are sending their children to Chinese schools. It is estimated that 20% of Chinese school students are non Chinese. Chinese schools are built with the support of the community and they have made a success story out of it.  There are more non Chinese in Chinese schools than non Malays in national type schools. They are more multi racial in numbers compared national schools. This is because Chinese schools have provided higher teaching standards. Unfortunately those in the education ministry did not buck up to improve the national schools. Instead they were busy thinking how to politicize education and abolish vernacular schools.

Ministry of education was never keen to support vernacular schools. They started sending non Chinese teachers to Chinese schools so that they can change the medium of instruction gradually. They deliberately delayed the training of teachers in vernacular schools. Ministry of education has never implemented multi culturalism and plurality in their education policy. The Dong Jia Zong chief put it bluntly in his speech that the ministry did solve the teacher shortage because it did not have the political will.

Yet MCA and MIC were holding the shoulders high thinking that they are protectors and guardians of vernacular schools. They will make vernacular schools to kowtow to UMNO racist agenda. MCA and MIC must be removed before that happens. It’s now or never.

Senator S. Ramakrishnan

27/3/2012

SRJK(T) Bangi is riddled and strangled by MIC bad hats

Last Sunday (18/3/2012) the SRJK (T) Bangi called for its AGM at 9 am. The meeting started with price giving for students who performed well in studies followed by cash handouts to 30 parents and speeches by local UMNO leader and PIBG chairman Pannirselvam who is also MIC Pelangi branch Semenyih, chairman and then followed by lunch. The meeting proper started only at 1pm which infuriated many parents, as the AGM is used for BN goodies handout and propaganda event. The AGM was also attended by other local MIC branch chairmen.

When the meeting started, the PIBG chairman spoke on general matters and later handed over to the treasurer to read PIBG treasurer report. The treasurer was one teacher Puan Indrani who was present but teacher Puan Santhi who is not PIBG committee member signed the treasury report and was reading the report. This prompted some parents who was waiting to question the PIBG over some improper financial transaction to ask why Puan Santhi who is not a PIBG member reading the financial report when the treasurer is there at the meeting. Puan shanti explained that Puan Indrani has resigned as treasurer. One parent then pointed that the internal auditor who resigned is mentioned in your report but why was Puan Indrani’s resignation not mentioned. The PIBG committee apologized for the error. Parents expressed their dissatisfaction over other financial irregularities of PIBG. Parents reminded the PIBG committee that for the past 3 years PIBG have asked for apologies, the parents have apologized but the PIBG financial report is fabricated and not transparent. Meeting continued with arguments over the financial matter and later moved on to the election of new PIBG committee members.

The incumbent chairman Pannirselvam was nominated for re-election but was challenged by another parent whose children are studying in the school. Many parents voiced their dissatisfaction over Pannirselvam because none of his children studied in SRJK (T) Bangi or any Tamil school. The election was rigged and Pannirselvam was re-elected. This led many parents to walk out and the meeting stopped. Later Pannirselvam who is a livestock dealer went to the house of Santiran, the parent who questioned Pannirselvam in the PIBG meeting, for a physical fight which ended in cuts in Santiran’s hand. Santiran made police report but nothing happen to Pannirselvam and he is still walking with heads high in Bangi. Pannirselvam and other MIC local leaders seem to be above the law. Police go lenient over any report on them.

The parents, who complained about the conduct of PIBG chairman Pannirselvam, said that they have made several reports to district education department, regarding the management of finance in PIBG, no additional support for UPSR students, no headmaster and the poor condition of learning and teaching in school but no action taken. Pannirselvam who cannot read and write has police record and a former Emergency ordinance detainee. Ever since Pannirselvam became the chairman of PIBG 3 years ago, the school’s UPSR performance deteriorate, intake dropped and the former headmaster lasted only 6 months. Pannirselvam threatens and keeps the teachers and headmaster toe to his whims and wishes. Teachers are not supervised and no concerted effort to prepare for UPSR examination. Complains to the supervisor of Tamil School in Selangor education department falls in deaf ears.

Parents now do not know where to go. The state of affair in SRJK (T) Bangi is the result of unrestrained interference of MIC local leaders. To the local MIC leaders Tamil School is their political power base to intimate and show off their influence. MIC local warlords have made Tamil School remain primitive and keep it un-conducive and dilapidated conditions for studies. They are not interested in children’s education. The parents are held at ransom and helpless. The district education department and local police are not bothered at all over the bossing around of local MIC leaders, some them are criminals. This is how UMNO want Indians to be. All the mollycoddling of Indians now by UMNO is to get Indian votes.  This will last till the 13^th general election.

Senator S. Ramakrishnan

21/3/2012

The roof collapse in SRJK (T) Serdang is another proof of Tamil schools being not part of education system

SRJK (T) Serdang a 50 year old fully aided school with 700 pupils is located near Putrajaya the administrative capital of Malaysia. PWD inspected the school in 2002 highlighting the leakage in the roof and the damaged wiring system. The school administration and PIBG sent several letters to the Selangor Education Department and Education Ministry seeking allocations for repairs. The appeal was ignored giving the standard reply of no more allocation. Then in February 2012 the ceiling in one of the classes collapsed and fortunately the fall was not sudden by which time the pupils in class were evacuated.

 

Even after the collapse, the Ministry of education couldn’t be bothered as to what happened. MIC deputy minister has to come and stand in for minister of education. Besides, there is no unit or department in ministry of education to handle the affairs of Tamil Schools. There is just one junior officer whose ranking is close to clerical level called organizer of Tamil Schools. He or she has no voice in the huge ministry of education. Tamil Schools are handled by MIC and not ministry of education. MIC which is the running dog of UMNO dare not open its mouth and ask anything that may irk UMNO. MIC leaders have no guts, wish and will to speak for Tamil Schools. The civil servants in ministry of education on the other hand are guided by National civics bureau (BTN) racial propaganda and the implementation and coordination Unit (ICU) of PMO’s bumiputra agenda. Tamil schools are outside the scope of their work. Where is the hope of improving Tamil schools? Penang and Selangor has banned BTN programs for their civil servants.

 

Each time the opposition MPs speak about Tamil schools, at least one UMNO MP will interject and question why Tamil and Chinese children want to study in Vernacular. UMNO MPs will say that we must all study under one roof to build national unity. Even after March 2008 election, UMNO backbenchers still sing the same rhyme.  Tamil Schools still exist because of the voting rights of Indians. A vote for UMNO is a vote against Tamil Schools and the Indian rights. Unfortunately vested interest of MIC leaders, blind their vision and they sacrifice the Indian rights and Tamil schools at UMNO’s altar. PM announces the building of Tamil Schools for political expediency not because the government cares about Tamil schools. Information on Tamils is given to PM by NGOs who care about Tamil language not by MIC or ministry of education.

 

PM announced that they have spent 440 million on Tamil schools between 2008 and 2012. PM must spell out how the money was spent if at all spent on Tamil schools. Why no allocation was made to the SRJK (T) Serdang? Only after the roof collapse, PM office decided to build new blocks in SRJK (T) Serdang. Who is following and implementing the announcements made by PM that 6 more new schools will be built. Definitely no one from ministry of education is listening what PM says. Eventually the building of Tamil schools will be passed to MIC who has no authority and allocation.  MIC should be honest enough to admit that Tamil schools are the unwanted orphans in ministry of education. PM office will only spend money to attract Indian votes. Unless Indians vote wisely, their fade will remain the same.

 

Senator S. Ramakrishnan

14/3/2012