Using government funds/resources - both Opposition and BN? - A BERSIH statement

MEDIA STATEMENT

16 APRIL 2018

The Government, EC and MACC must defend caretaker government principles

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) demands the Election Commission (EC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) take immediate action against the blatant and open abuse of government funds for electioneering, which has occurred throughout the country since the dissolution of Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies. 

BERSIH2.0 also strongly condemns the action of the caretaker State and Federal Governments that have been violating principles of caretaker governments. BERSIH 2.0 has observed and recorded undue election hand outs by politicians using funds from every State and Federal Government.  

Some notable examples of undue government hand outs include:

Date	Government Involved	Incident
8 April 2018	Kelantan State Government	Kelantan Menteri Besar Dato Ahmad Yakob held a function in Kuantan, Pahang, organised by the Kelantan State Government, where he handed out TVs, fans, hampers and other goodies. At the event, he campaigned for PAS.
10 April 2018	Terengganu Stte Government	Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman gave RM100,000 to Tabung Amanah Warisan Polis (TAWP), a yearly contribution of RM50,000 to Persatuan Kebajikan Polis (Perkep), RM400 for every police family and RM200 for every single officer.
10 April 2018	Negeri Sembilan State Government	Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hassan handed out monetary aid to NGOs and needy individuals. The aid,bearing the state government logo, was handed out by Menteri Besar office in Wisma Negeri, Negeri Sembilan state government building.
11 April 2018	Penang State Government	The Penang State Government gave an additional RM17.5 million to Islamic education institutions in the state. The event was held in Permatang Pauh and present at the handover of the funds were Nurul Izzah, Wan Azizah and Mat Sabu. Lim Guan Eng used the handover to dispel allegations he is “anti-Islam”.
12 April 2018	Federal Government	Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak used an event organised by SPAD to announce 67,000 taxi drivers nationwide would receive the 1Malaysia Taxi Assistance Card (Kad Bantuan Teksi 1Malaysia), worth RM800 each. At the event he said, “I will not forget about taxi drivers, you are a group that is close to the government’s heart…Ladies and gentlemen, if all of you help me, I will definitely help you.”
14 April 2018	Selangor State Government	The Selangor State Government organised functions in Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali’s constituencies of Bukit Antarabangsa and Gombak. He handed out cheques, laptops and tablets. When giving the hand outs, he said, “This is a compassionate state…Amin, amin, amin, don't forget to vote.”
14 April 2018	Sabah State Government	At an event organised by the Public Services Commission, Minister and MP for Tuaran Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor gave out RM1000 to a total of 66 local youth associations and said Barisan Nasional would defend the youth in Tuaran.
15 April 2018	Melaka State Government	Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron officiating the ground breaking ceremony of the PRIMA project in Alor Gajah.

These hand outs given in the guise of government aid by elected politicians violate the convention of caretaker governments. 

BERSIH 2.0 reiterates that caretaker government guidelines prohibit combining official visits with electioneering work. Elected officials should not make use of governmental or official machinery, resources, transport or personnel during their electioneering work. Furthermore, the caretaker government must not use monies from the federal or state consolidated funds for the purposes of holding or organising political rallies or meetings. Prior approved programmes or ongoing government aid programmes should be conducted by civil service and not caretaker Ministers of EXCO members.

These guidelines are based on the internationally accepted norms and practices of caretaker governance and were sent by BERSIH 2.0 to all political parties in 2017 as part of the Memorandum on Electoral Reforms. BERSIH 2.0 will resend the guidelines on caretaker government (attached at the end of this statement) to all State and Federal Governments, and call upon the governments to adhere to the principles.

It is not enough to just use the term 'caretaker' and to return official cars, but at the same time refuse to adhere to any of the meaningful practices.

So far, despite the brazen hand outs, the EC and MACC, along with their much publicised joint task force, have remained silent.

If EC Chair Tan Sri Hashim Abdullah believes these hand outs do not have any impact on the fairness of elections, he should state so publicly and let the rakyat judge his reasons. The MACC should also speak out and act against the abuse of government funds and resources. 

Additionally, both bodies should produce clear guidelines of what constitutes corrupt practices during the election. Failure to do this would suggest the EC and MACC's complicity in allowing the denigration of our elections to an open auction with votes up for sale.

The Malaysian public, especially those receiving these hand outs, must question why these goodies are being given now and if it is the best use of government funds. Questions must also be raised if this aid, such as BR1M, taxi drivers' assistance and funding for Islamic schools could have been done earlier, but were delayed for the purposes of electioneering. 

Such "goodies" are not indicative of 'caring' governance, but instead show a willingness to manipulate and abuse the civil service and government funds for short-term personal and political gain. 

BERSIH 2.0 also call upon all voters to take action. All Malaysians must come out to vote and vote against any candidates that corruptly use government funds as a way to win the election.. Vote on the quality of the manifestos and politicians' track record rather than the size of their wallet. Whoever wins the election will have access to the same amount of funds, so vote for those who will use such funds in the interest of the rakyat.

Reports on election offences can be made to BERSIH 2.0 at aduan.pemantau.org, 011-17721546 (WhatsApp) or 03-79314444 (Hotline).

Issued by:

BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee

___________________________________________________________________

Best regards,

Lochna

Media and Communications Officer

BERSIH 2.0 Secretariat

A-2-8, 8 Avenue, Jalan Sg. Jernih 8/1,

Seksyen 8, 46050 Petaling Jaya.

Tel. No : 03-7931 4444 / 019-3811 615

Fax No : 03-7931 4111

Azmin Ali becoming a liability to Opposition? Millions spent after disolution of Legislative Assembly?

Azmin Ali continues to be a liability to PKR, and also to the Opposition Pakatan Harapan, which also includes DAP... 

The fact that Azmin is the number 2 in PKR, and considered one of the top leaders of Pakatan Harapan makes it even more 'damaging' - when key leaders like him should be be setting the best example for Pakatan Harapan and/or PKR? 

Using government funds and resources to campaign for yourself and/or your party is something that the Opposition has often criticized the UMNO-BN - But, is not what Azmin doing now the same?  Worse still, when he is doing it in the constituecy where he is ADUN and/or MP.

Well, it is a Malaysiakini report - not a report of some media suspected to be 'associated' with the UMNO-BN?

In those two events in Ukay Perdana and Kampung Kerdas, the amount of aid distributed totalled over RM2.24 million.

RM2.24 million - that is a lot of money for just 2 places. Whose money? Selangor Government money? Or Azmin's personal money?

The timing of the hand-outs is most disturbing - so close to the upcoming General Electiions...

If this was part of the government earlier plan, the question arises whether the handing out of 'goodies' were delayed to serve possibly another purpose... 

It could have also been handed over to the people without funfare by the relevant departments/agencies - no need for the MB to turn up and handover what is due to people from the government..

Odd that Prime Ministers and/or Menteri Besars sometimes behave as though the money/aid/development resources ALL belongs to them personally  - and they are being 'so GENEROUS" in giving out from their OWN money. 

Hello, government money is peoples' money - and PM/MB are simply persons appointed by the people to administer the money/wealth and take care of all the people...You are just 'fund managers' ...working for the people, your BOSSES.

That Rm2.24 million (or maybe double that if we believe similar amount spent in the other 2 places Malaysiakini did not manage to cover) belong to the PEOPLE - the people of SELANGOR..

So, ARE the people from the other areas of Selangor also receiving the same amount of 'goodies' - or is the MB giving preferential treatment to people from just his OWN constituencies?

 The RM75,000 was requested by the Spring Ville 2 residents' association for local council public facilities.

 

There are some questions - as to why he is giving a resident's association RM75,000 f
for local council public facilities. Local council will build, provide and main 'public facilities' provided - so, why is RM75,000 being given here?

The caretaker menteri besar also gave six laptops to village chiefs as part of the state government's Peduli Rakyat initiative.

Well, these are not democratically elected 'village chiefs' - but most likely government appointed "village chief' - so lap tops being given to 'your' people, and for what exactly do these 'village chiefs' need laptops? Well, if you had democratic elections that people elect their own village leaders and committee(maybe once every 3 years), then it makes sense donating a computer for the leader and committee to do their work (but not directly to individuals who happen to be 'leaders' now) - Something very odd?  

The lack of transparency of Azmin Ali is disturbing - he and Exco member Elizabeth Wong still remain the 2 in the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri/EXCO that have yet to provide a Perisytiharan Harta(Declaration of Assets)?

What is Azmin Ali hiding? How much is his monthly income? Where is it coming from? Did Azmin Ali in his term as Exco, and then Menteri Besar, enrich himself and/or his family members through wrongful means including kleptocracy?

DECLARATION OF ASSETS is most important as it shows the assets and income when a person comes into office...and that periodic declaration of assets(preferably anuually) will show people that these politicians are CLEAN - they did not use their position to ENRICH themselves in wrong ways??? So, when someone is afraid to make a Declaration of Asset - we wonder why?

  

Azmin Ali - should we vote him out? Still no 'Perisytiharan Harta'(Asset Declaration)? WHY?

So, maybe PKR and Opposition pacts may want to consider seriously whether they still want to field Azmin as a candidate for Parliament or State legislative assembly for GE14...

Because, in so doing, the Opposition is saying that what Azmin is doing, did and/or failed to do is OK - and that is the Opposition's stand and position...??

 

Cash, laptops, iPads - Azmin doles out over RM2m worth of goodies

Published on 14 Apr 2018, 11:29 pm  |  Modified on Today 10:19 am

   

GE14 | Caretaker Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali doled out over goodies in the form of cash allocations, laptops, and even iPads to his constituents in Bukit Antarabangsa and Gombak today.

Azmin had four aid distribution events scheduled this morning, two of which Malaysiakini was able to attend.

In those two events in Ukay Perdana and Kampung Kerdas, the amount of aid distributed totalled over RM2.24 million.

For youths, Azmin gave over RM44,000 in cash as student aid, as well as 14 laptops.

The caretaker menteri besar also gave six laptops to village chiefs as part of the state government's Peduli Rakyat initiative.

The bulk of aid, however, was for community programmes and public facilities, with cash funding worth between RM5,000 to RM75,000.

The RM75,000 was requested by the Spring Ville 2 residents' association for local council public facilities.

Besides this, Azmin also gave cash aid of between RM500 to RM1,000 for living costs to the poor, as well as cash aid to cover medical expenses.

In his speech in Ukay Perdana, Azmin denied that the handouts were due to the upcoming 14th general election on May 9.

Instead, he said the aid delivered was a regular part of the caretaker Selangor government's responsibilities as a caring administration.

"We are not giving today because of May 9, we give (aid) every week. That is why the (community) chairperson knows to ask for more every week that I am here.

"That is ok, it doesn't go into his pocket. The money is for the rakyat. Today we want to give to mosques, suraus, NGOs, youths, students, the sick, the old. This is a compassionate state," he said.

The crowd responded by chanting "amin" (amen) while others clapped and cheered.

"Amin, amin, amin, don't forget to vote," Azmin said to laughs from the audience.

He added that the more one gives, the more rezeki (blessings) God would grant.

The opposition has frequently criticised the BN federal caretaker government for giving handouts prior to elections, with some equating it to bribes. - Malaysiakini, 14/4/2018

People denied opportunity to evaluate candidates? Different consideration for Federal and Opposition States?

The last minute disclosure of the names of candidates contesting to be Member of Parliament(MP) and/or ADUN by the Opposition parties/coalitions, and also UMNO-BN is UNJUST to the people - One just will not have the time to do a proper evaluation of the candidate - his past history of involvement in justice and democracy issues, history of speaking up for what is right, etc ...

It is most sad that the people in the area is not at all in process of choosing a candidate - In fact, it may be a GOOD Practice for political parties, intending to contest in a particular constituency, do disclose the name of the potential candidate(or candidates) that they plan to put forward in an upcoming election. The party could invite comments and even questions ...It may also highlight some 'flaw' in certain candidates, which the party may not have known early - hence the opportunity to put forward a better candidate.

How candidates are chosen is important? Early information enables people time to also 'get to know' these candidates...

Early disclosure of names also gives more time for Opponents to dig up 'dirt'...so what? Better to confront or deal with the 'dirt' fast(if the allegations is not FAKE), rather than having to deal with it once a party rep has already been elected an MP or ADUN..

Now, most people vote not knowing really the candidate who is standing, but rather because of the 'Party' under whom he/she is standing... There is just not enough time to get to know the candidate ...and even if they are successful getting elected MP or ADUN, many of the 'wakil rakyat' has got no time for the people...

INFORMATION - How many MPs and ADUNs keep their constituents informed? Do they share the answers to Parliament questions they asked? Do they highlight main concerns being debated in Parliament or the DUN? Do they share using a Blog or Website, or a FB page or Twitter? Or printed newsletters/pamphlets? Or through e-mail? If they do not even share with the people such matters - VOTE THEM OUT IF THERE IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE..

CONSULTATION AND DISCUSSION - Does your MP or ADUN have public meetings - ceramahs - question and answer session - history of getting peoples' opinion, etc ...OR is ,he just doing things as he thinks best (just like many BN MP/ADUNs?) - well, then
VOTE THEM OUT IF THERE IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE...

Attendance at PARLIAMENT/DUN - Only the wakil rakyat can attend, debate, talk in Parliament/DUN, his main job for which they get well-paid (salary plus allowance) - What is your 'wakil rakyat' attendance - Did he ponteng? Did he go to Parliament but just hang out in the canteen - not really listening and participating in the debate, and even the vote? Did he have a good reason when he was not there in Parliament? - Well, evaluate this and if he/she is not doing his job as 'wakil rakyat' - time to kick him/her out ...
VOTE THEM OUT IF THERE IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE...

VOTE OUT UMNO-BN MPs  - Well, these MPs could have kicked out Najib at any time - and chosen another BN PM that would have helped Malaysia but they did not.. Maybe out of FEAR or maybe they maybe 'accomplices' in some wrongdoings? 

Anyway, in my Opinion, time for Malaysia to have a taste of a NEW different government for Malaysia...We have all had just ONE taste since MERDEKA...We have just been eating kangkung all this while - time to maybe taste some other ...maybe bendi,...maybe kobis...maybe labu...maybe sawi... 

And this time, we will have many ALTERNATIVES...

- Pakatan Harapan(DAP+Amanah+Pribumi(Mahathir) + PKR) 

- PAS and its Coalition

- Parti Rakyat Malaysia(PRM) -contest 100 seats in GE14

- Parti Sosialist Malaysia(PSM)

- Warisan

DIFFERENT CONSIDERATION FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ... different from Selangor, Penang and Kelantan State government

* Most likely majority of the MPs from the different Opposition group/parties(not BN) will finally come together to form an Opposition coalition government if the Opposition(including Independent) win more than 50% of the Parliamentary seats...I do not think that PAS will ever join BN in such a situation where an other than BN government becomes a possibility after results announced...

TOUGH CHOICES FOR ALL OF US - We cannot simply vote by just looking at parties but we also need to look at CANDIDATES...[

**** Pakatan Rakyat was different as it had both PAS and DAP in it - not so with Pakatan Harapan, Pakatan Rakyat was different as it only had 1 former UMNO-BN leaders led party, this time PH has 2 out of the 4 in the coalition. For 2 GE, the arguement was to have a 1 to 1 fight - i.e. between PR vs BN...but still PH today remains an 'exclusive club' when they could have tried harder to bring together all Opposition parties...Some parties elected to not stand in last 2 GEs - but no more...

What about Selangor? Penang? Kelantan? - well they have been government by the Opposition Coalition for 2 terms now ... so, do we want to change these State governments? 

Today, effectively Penang and Selangor are Pakatan Harapan governed States (or is it really one PKR governed State and 1 DAP governed State) - 

Are we happy with these State governments...or is it time to change? Should we vote in more Opposition - well, in Penang and Selangor, other than UMNO-BN, we have options, it seems in the form of PRM, PSM and even PAS....? 

 

  

 

MTUC comments only on BN manifesto..but not Pakatan or other Opposition manifestos?

One fundamental problem with the Malaysian Trade Union Congress(MTUC) and many Malaysian Trade Unions is that it only seeks to LOBBY the government of the day - and that too just the Prime Minister, relevant Minister, relevant Ministry and departments...

They do not even seem to lobby Parliament - i.e. the Parliamentarians(MP, Senators) or the State Legislative Assembly ...By not highlighting worker and union concerns to these different politicians and political parties, it 'cripples' worker and union struggle - because without so doing, we cannot get other political parties and politicians in joining the struggle for better union and worker rights in Malaysia...

Likewise, trade unions and workers fails to lobby the people of Malaysia - to highlight to Malaysians their issues and concerns...inviting the Malaysian public to join them in the struggle for better worker and trade union rights in Malaysia...Many do not know what changes the MTUC and unions want...what are they fighting for? If people do not know, how can they support union and worker struggles?????

Looking at the Malaysian Trade Union website, what are even the main issues that Malaysian unions are concerned about - what changes they are wanting in law/practice, etc is unclear...

We know that they are fighting for a HIGHER Minimum wage - is that all.

A recent statement at the MTUC website - reveals a statement commenting on the Barisan Nasional manifesto - asking a review of the promise to increase minimum wage to RM1,500...

BUT where is the statement by MTUC commenting on what is in the Pakatan Harapan's manifesto...or the other Opposition parties' manifestos...

Back to MTUC's recent statement, which really is not just for the BN...even though the title says... 'MTUC urges BN to review manifesto on Minimum wage'

Employers and even the Malaysian government is infamous to linking 'productivity' to wages and wage increase, which is really 'bull shit'. 

 

A worker does what he/she is instructed to do...productivity and/or profits really must be the responsibility of employers -  it depends very much on how they market their products and services. Market - well, that depends on creativity and skill of employers...

If workers are being paid on piece meal manner - i.e. if they stitch and make a T-shirt, they will be paid RM1 per T-shirt, and RM10 for 10 T-shirt. But alas, in most companies production is no longer dependent on individual workers, but on a whole group of different workers....Maybe, then workers should be paid part of the profits - maybe 40% of the profits should go to the workers...

But, then there is no such policy about 'profit sharing'.

In the hotel/restaurant industry, where workers over and above their basic wage is entitled to service charges - a percentage charged to customers/purchasers of product and/or services...so the more sales, the higher the worker gets. Not profit sharing - but income depends on the amount that customers pay for the service/products at the workplace...Really, there should also be a further profit sharing in hotels/restaurants - maybe 40% of profits should really go back to workers...and owners get 60%...which seems fair.

Today, recently a study of smartphones, revealed that labour cost - is just about 5% of the total final cost.Without workers, nothing get produced...is 5% of the final profits be given to workers...or should it be a more just amount like 40-50% of profits?

There really should be a basic wage for workers - and this reasonably should be sufficient for a decent living, and in Kuala Lumpur, that should not be less than RM2,700...For some other town or area, it may be lesser. Malaysian workers seem to just survive with what they earn - but recent revelation of undernourishment and poverty amongst children is a great concern. 

As such, fixing one minimum wage for all is not a good system. In India, minimum wages is fixed differently for different area/region depending very much on the cost of reasonable living in different areas. It also looks at different kinds of work - manual workers entitled to a higher minimum wage...yes the 3D workers should really be entitled to a higher minimum wage...as less people are interested in doing such dirty dangerous work...

Profits alone cannot be a factor for some companies not making products that will be immediately sold to the consumer...they usually make components that will be sent to another different company in the supply chain...and another and another...who may finally make and package the final product to be sold to the end user... So, on paper when it is making products for another in its supply chain(especially one that ultimately belongs to the same parent company), there may be little or no profits shown in its books ...and as such, using even company profits may not do justice to workers as a means to calculate entitled wages/income...

Wages of workers need to be increased annually as expenditure of individual workers and their families naturally increases in time ...but alas, in Malaysia, since the UMNO-BN government allowed the use of precarious forms of employment - employment security is not there for many workers - they are employed for a year, then terminated...and have to go around looking for another job which may pay the same or less. Security of tenure for workers is lost - as Malaysian government failed to protect Malaysian workers allowing employers to use unlimited number of short-term contract workers, when the government by law, could have limited the percentage of use of short-term contract workers...ensuring that most of Malaysian workers will get regular employment until retirement(or at least until retrenchment and/or business closure)...

Through the 'contractor for labour' system, factories/businesses do not even have to employ employees - they use workers supplied by these 'contractors' and pay the contractors directly, who tend pay the workers the balance after the contractor takes their profits. So, the workers get low wages - so much more if the factory had paid them all the money paid for the work done.

Migrant workers today are cheaper than a local worker - So, employers will prefer a migrant worker to a local worker. In Singapore, the levy that an employer has to pay for a migrant worker is equal to the additional sum he has to pay for a local worker - being the month EPF/SOCSO contributions....The UMNO-BN government can be seen as more bothered about Employers than their own Malaysian workers...and it is government policies that have kept wages low...not just low...but also reduced in terms of real wages - when the Ringgit fell in value and cost of living increased.

Sadly, Pakatan Harapan and some other political parties have nothing much about employment issues - an important issue for all Malaysian workers....WHY? Are they not bothered about the Malaysian worker and their rights...their well-being.

For public servants, the UMNO-BN government, and even some Opposition State governments, seem to believe that just giving an increased bonus this year will ensure that these workers 'can be bought' and will vote the incumbent government ....Will workers in Malaysia be happy with this 'bonus', and vote in incumbent governments or will be better and be more concerned for the future well-being of Malaysia and ALL its people ...and vote in the better MP/ADUN AND GOVERNMENT?

We await MTUC's statement about the Pakatan manifesto...PAS manifesto...PRM manifesto...Warisan manifesto...etc...since they have already made a comment on the BN(a political coalition contesting in the upcoming GE14)...

Is the MTUC only bothered about one political coalition? ...Their statement comes out after Parliament is dissolved ...and thus, it cannot be said to be simply addressed to the government of the day...for what we have now is simply a 'caretaker government'...

 

 

 

MTUC urges BN to review manifesto on Minimum wage

10 April 2018

MTUC urges employers and politicians to stop misleading Malaysians by propagating that productivity is to be used as a yardstick to determine minimum wage.

The recent BN manifesto to fix RM1500 as minimum wage for the next five years does not correspond with RMK11, Vision 2020 and the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Annual Report on living wage.

In relation to productivity and increase in income, BNM has clarified that there is ‘economic’ argument that supports increase in income of workers.

Similarly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) argues that unless lower and middle income workers earn enough, their spending will be restricted. Their inability to spend will stifle the demand for products and limit social spending contribution toward the GDP of the country.

The argument from certain sections of society that wage increase will impact economic growth has no substance and is a convenient political tool for some politicians. Naturally, irresponsible employers relying on this baseless inference take undue advantage to exploit workers. That is why for many years Malaysian workers’ salaries have been stagnant and does not commensurate with the country’s impressive economic growth.

The minimum and living wages are viewed as benchmarks, respectively for workers to survive and the income to secure a minimum acceptable living standard. Therefore, productivity has no relevance to be used as a yardstick for neither, the minimum wage nor the living wage.

Naturally, the above reasons also would have been the justifications for the BNM to reveal in its Annual Report that “Malaysians may not be poor but it is evident that Malaysians are rich in borrowings”. Be that as it may, MTUC appreciates and endorses BNM’s researches and its outcome to reveal such factual position which is the reality that we observe in the country.

In addition, the law that stipulates a review of Minimum wage every two years was not complied when it was due on 1 Jan 2015. Consequently, the workers were deprived of a review on the minimum wage which was delayed for 18 months.

Therefore, workers in Malaysia especially the B40 and M40 are in dire need of a government which will draw up economic policies to facilitate equitable share of wealth to all Malaysian and honour such policies.

In this circumstances, the BN manifesto on minimum wage needs to be reviewed otherwise the said manifesto will be seen to be undermining workers consistently and may have deficit in trust. -MTUC Website

Election - Did parties commit to employment security, increased financial security, reforms in employment law, etc?

The central bank estimates that the living wage in Kuala Lumpur for a single adult is RM2,700, a couple without child RM4,500 and couple with two children RM6,500.

Malaysian government is responsible to ensure the financial and economic well-being of all Malaysians. This means that every Malaysians should have enough income to live reasonably in the country but alas the current Malaysian government has been failing in this respect. The truth of the reality of income of individual Malaysians and their families is not information easily available today. Today, all we get is 'Household Income' - and that is the total income of all persons in a household - which means that if there are 10 workers in a house earning RM1,000, then the household income is RM10,000. This is not helpful - because what we need is the income of individual worker, and maybe their spouses (not the income plus others including children who have to stay with parents because they simply cannot afford to get their own accomodation, or the income of people renting rooms? 

Even, when it comes to household incomes, we usually get the MEDIAN household income(that means in a list of 100 households arranged from the lowest income to highest, the income of the 50th household in that list - we do not get the household income of the lowest, or number 10 or 20 or 30, which maybe so much lower than the median income. AVERAGE income is also useless...because if the household with the highest income earning RM100 million makes the average household income more than RM1 million - clearly not a correct indicator of the income of all Malaysian households, is it?

When the Malaysian Ringgit dropped in value, then it automatically reduced the real wages plus savings of Malaysian workers. The price of ice Kopi-O was 80 cents, but today it is more than double - the lowest maybe is RM1.80. But did wages of workers rise at the same rate - if it did not, then real wages or income of Malaysian workers have in fact dropped...so too has the real value of monies in his/her savings.

If a government keeps wages low, for reasons like attracting the foreign investor to invest in Malaysia, then naturally the government must also make sure that cost of living is also LOW - so Malaysian workers can continue to live with the 'low' wages...

One way still to determine, how much wages a local worker receives is to look at the EPF statistics - and, more than 50(maybe even 60%) of EPF contributors really earn less than RM2,000.

An increase of crime, especially crimes driven by poverty, like theft, purse snatching, robberies, etc ..is also an indicator, as most of the suspected criminals are still Malaysians(not foreigners) - but alas, now such crime statistics are also difficult to come by - now, this government provides us with a CRIME INDEX - and it is not helpful indicator to determine the amount of poverty driven crimes in particular states and towns...

Increasing MINIMUM Wages is a solution - but for the small businesses, like shops and restaurants, it must be noted that they may not earning sufficiently to cause a higher wage to be paid. Remember many small businesses also had to close down just because of the GST. The way forward is to increase minimum wages for just the bigger companies/businesses - maybe those that employ more than 10-15 workers or is showing an annual profit of more than RM100,000. For others, especially businesses in smaller towns, a profit sharing scheme with workers should be considered rather than a blanket minimum wages for all its workers - hence when less profits, workers get less...when higher profits more.

Recently Bank Negara came out with how much living wages is needed to survive in Kuala Lumpur -  for a single adult is RM2,700, a couple without child RM4,500 and couple with two children RM6,500. It will be different for different parts of Malaysia...

UMNO-BN Najib, current Prime Minister, have been talking about a 'high incomed nation' - but this is not talking about increasing income of Malaysian workers and/or their families, or other Malaysians...is it?

Now, did any of the Opposition parties and/or coalitions take a position or comment anything about this disclosure by Bank Negara - Have the Opposition parties made sufficient commitment to workers - besides increasing minimum wages?

Pay living wage, Bank Negara tells bosses

FMT Reporters

 | March 29, 2018

The central bank says while minimum wage is still relevant, people should be paid so they can live comfortably. 

More than a quarter of households in Kuala Lumpur are earning below the living wage.

PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has urged employers to consider the living wage, not just the minimum wage, when rewarding their workers.

The central bank defines living wage as the level of income needed for a household to afford a minimum acceptable standard of living.

BNM governor Muhammad Ibrahim said people should be paid so they could live comfortably.

The central bank estimates that the living wage in Kuala Lumpur for a single adult is RM2,700, a couple without child RM4,500 and couple with two children RM6,500.

“But it doesn’t mean that everyone should be paid according to these numbers. It’s a number that equates the living standards in Kuala Lumpur,” The Edge Markets quoted him as saying in conjunction with the release of the bank’s 2017 annual report.

“The minimum wage is still relevant. But what we are trying to advocate here is that when we pay people, we pay people decently. And for Kuala Lumpur, this is the decent rate. It’s more of a guideline for employers.”

It is estimated that more than a quarter of households in Kuala Lumpur are earning below the living wage.

In a study titled “The living wage: Beyond making ends meet”, BNM said the wage growth in the bottom 40% of households by income (B40) is just enough to keep pace with the rise in the cost of living.

BNM’s annual report said although the B40 group’s small increase in average monthly income over the last few years might be sufficient to keep up with inflation, it falls short of achieving a minimum acceptable standard of living.

The study said a living wage could only be effective if it was set at a realistic and sustainable level, adding that a higher wage should be commensurate with higher productivity.

It warned that persistently weak productivity growth risked lower wage growth, which could hamper the ability of households to have a minimum acceptable living standard. - FMT News, 29/3/2018

 

MTUC on why local workers don’t get RM2,700 minimum pay

FMT Reporters

 | April 5, 2018

It says the government is to blame for the influx of foreign workers which has resulted in low wages.

MTUC says although the service sector is well positioned to introduce the minimum wage recommended by BNM, wealth is not distributed equitably. (AFP pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today blamed the government for the large number of foreign workers in the country, saying this has resulted in depressed wages for locals.

The umbrella body for private sector unions expressed surprise that it had taken the government more than 20 years to realise that the reliance on foreign workers had deprived locals of being paid the RM2,700 minimum wage recommended by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

MTUC secretary-general J Solomon said now that the government had acknowledged the situation, it should set an example by ensuring workers in government-linked companies (GLCs) and banks are paid a minimum salary of RM2,700.

He said unions had, for years, been telling the government that the influx of foreign workers was depressing the wage levels of Malaysian workers.

“What steps did the government take to curb the inflow of foreign workers since the 1980s? In addition to the misery caused to Malaysian workers by this, just three years ago the government made an announcement to bring in another 1.5 million foreign workers.

“Again, what action did the government take when unions voiced concern about the exploitation of foreign workers? It only fell on the deaf ears of the related ministries.”

Solomon was responding to a statement by Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani on Monday, urging employers to reduce their reliance on foreign workers and utilise technology to meet the minimum wage of RM2,700.

Solomon said: “The government cannot blame anyone but itself for the problems caused by excess foreign workers. This influx of foreign workers has caused extreme depression to Malaysians in the B40 and M40 category, whose rights to job opportunities and decent livelihood were robbed from them over the last 20 years.”

He said MTUC was surprised that “despite being the underlying cause of the influx of foreign workers”, the government was now asking businesses to pursue more automation so that they could pay better wages and ensure a decent life for Malaysian workers.

“Is it a case of too little, too late or misdirected attention again? MTUC welcomes technology but unfortunately the emphasis on technology is not directed to the labour intensive sectors where there is high dependency on foreign workers but rather in service sectors where there are largely Malaysians working.”

He claimed that the government and employers in the service sectors were aggressively using technology to the extent of laying off Malaysians who had served them for many years.

“Making the situation worse, the service sector is even getting rid of Malaysian workers and opting for automation and artificial intelligence merely to compete with the Western world, under the guise of remaining competent.

“The service sector is in a position to set an example by introducing the RM2,700 as recommended by BNM as most service providers are profiting in billions, not millions. Unfortunately, the wealth is not shared equitably.”

Solomon said if Johari wanted to do justice to Malaysians, he must first ensure that banks and GLCs under his ministry set the example by providing a minimum living wage of RM2,700. This is especially so, he said, as automation and technology had been a part of the bank scene since 1980s.

“The need to reduce foreign workers in banks in order to enjoy the BNM-recommended minimum wage does not arise as there are no foreign workers in the banks.” - FMT News, 5/4/2018

Wednesday Polling Date - REASONABLE or simply foolish and inconsiderate?

Polling Date is on a WEDNESDAY(9/5/2018) - and the Election Commission fixed this. 

That means many Malaysians will have to travel back to their home towns(where they will vote) from wherever they are now working, doing business and/or studying to the towns where they are registered to vote.

In Malaysia, this may mean many people from even Sabah/Sarawak will have to fly back to their hometowns, and vice versa will have to take leave to go back to vote - and this will mean having to take leave(annual leave) of 2 to 3 days. It is not during school holidays - so, children too will have to miss classes...

It would have been more LOGICAL and reasonable to have the Elections during a rest day(weekend) or a day just before the normal rest days in a week or the day just after the rest days - which will mean having to take just one day off to go vote. 

Do we have enough flights and/or bus/taxis or train to cater for all those having to return home to cast their votes? Will there be extra transportation for those wanting to return home to vote? 

POSTAL VOTES - Well, the ballot papers can only be prepared and printed after nomination day...logically, this would take about 2-4 days. Then time is required to post the ballot papers - well, even for Malaysia, Pos Malaysia takes at least 3-5 days to guarantee delivery, and for voting and sending back postal ballots, it will again take about 3-5 days. What about for those overseas? Surely more time is required. Is 11 days between nomination date(Saturday, 28/4/2018) and balloting date(9/5/2018) even practical for postal votes to reach the voter and be send back?

In short, it will be most difficult for many Malaysians to cast their vote, that will reach in time to be counted on 9/5/2018?

POSTAL VOTERS - Well, this is not for Malaysians living (or working) now in Sabah/Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia,...Southern Thailand... '...Malaysians staying in South Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia are not eligible to vote by post and are required to return to Malaysia on the polling day to cast their vote...'. In any event, time for registration as postal voters closed on the day Parliament was dissolved.

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said registered Malaysian voters, who are currently living overseas, however, must adhere to several conditions set by EC.

Among the conditions include the person must be a registered voter under the category of normal voter, not Overseas Absent Voter; have returned to Malaysia not less than 30 days within five years before the parliament or state assembly is dissolved; and those residing overseas except South Thailand (Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla dan Satun), Singapore, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Malaysians staying in South Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia are not eligible to vote by post and are required to return to Malaysia on the polling day to cast their vote.

"Therefore, Malaysians who have registered as voters and are eligible to vote on the polling day (besides the Overseas Absent Voters) and meet the stipulated conditions, can apply to vote via post using 1B Form.

"The 1B Form-Postal Vote Application Form (Overseas Postal Voters) have been uploaded on EC website at www.spr.gov.my, together with the guidelines for applicants to fill up the form," Hashim said in a statement today.

After completing the form, he said, applicants can send the form back via email to upup@spr.gov.my; or fax 03-8881 0424/ 0399/ 0394/ 0386/ 0369; or mail to Election Commission, Menara SPR, No.2 Jalan P2T, Presint 2, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan 62100 Putrajaya (u.p. Unit Pengurusan Undi Pos Luar Negara).

The application for postal voting will be closed on the day the parliament is dissolved.

"EC will not process any applications received after 12 midnight on the day the parliament is dissolved. - New Straits Times, 22/1/2018

Well, who decided on the dates was the Election Commission - so, one wonders whether they are INDEPENDENT and/or reasonable. They really should be concerned to ensure that all qualified Malaysians could easily be able to VOTE and participate in our Elections.

They should also have considered the state of the economy of individual workers, the best interest of the child(noting that now many children of voters may be forced to miss school for a few days more when balloting is fixed for Wednesday)...they should have considered so many other practicalities...

Will many workers even be able to take LEAVE to be able to go cast their votes? Will they even still have the required number of annual leave left...or will employers even be willing to give them 'No Pay Leave' to go back home to cast their votes?

Election Commission just announced the date - it will be interesting to know whether some were privy to early knowledge as to when the election dates would have been - and as such had already bought their bus/train/flight tickets to enable themselves and/or their members/supporters to get back to vote in time? Maybe, the police and other relevant law enforcement agencies should investigate this....Was there a 'LEAK' of the date of elections to some parties...

REMEMBER - the categories of civil servants who can now be postal voters were also recently increased...including '...civil servants who would like to vote through postal voting if their employers confirmed that they were needed to be on duty on polling day...' How could any employer confirm this without really knowing when is the polling date?

On Monday, the EC said it was ready to receive applications from civil servants who would like to vote through postal voting if their employers confirmed that they were needed to be on duty on polling day.

EC chairman Mohd Hashim Abdullah said beside EC staff, police and army personnel, nine other categories of civil servants may also apply to be postal voters.

They include staff of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Prisons Department, Fire and Rescue Department, government hospitals and clinics, volunteer police, Civil Defence Force, Immigration Department, National Disaster Management Agency, and those from the National Registration Department stationed at urban transformation centres.

Bersih said expanding the categories of postal voters is “flawed” and “a gross violation of principles of the right to vote, vote security, electoral integrity and the democratic process”.

It said there was also no clear guidelines on the identity of the “employer”. - FMT News, 21/2/2018

What about people working in the private sector -  do they also not have to work on the election dates? Well, this would include people working in shops(restaurants, supermarkets,hotels, petrol station, banks, etc), bus drivers, persons working for airlines/train/taxi/bus companies...? Are they all expect to close down for 1-3 days to allow bosses and workers to go back to the towns to cast their votes - YES - it is not just public servants but also people in the private sector who should be able to vote at another time...

Postal Voting is an option - but really, more practical and transparent would be what is known as 'Advance Voting' - whereby people can come a day or 2 earlier to vote, as they will not be able to vote on balloting day...

Some say, that the increase in public servants to be 'postal voters' is because the UMNO-BN believes that this will induce them to vote for the incumbent government - i.e. the UMNO-BN..

Well, the public servant, including police and the armed forces, are NOT FOOLS - it is a folly that they will SELL their vote simply for money(extra bonus, pay, etc) or FEAR - they do not serve the UMNO-BN but the Malaysian people. They know that it matters not if there is a change of government ...for their position or job will not be jeopardized...If an Opposition government comes into being...

Their employment and position may be more secured....After all, so many civil or public servants lost their jobs when UMNO-BN continues to 'privatize' government jobs - train, electricity, water, sewage, road works... and outsource work to private contractors. So many public servants are no more public servants today... 

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY for public servants under the UMNO-BN government is in fact rather precarious ...

Civil servants will therefore choose to vote for the future of Malaysia - Malaysians, themselves, their family members including their children, ...and not throw away their VOTES because of money or threats...The FUTURE of Malaysia is the most important concern... 

For the future, we really need a BETTER Election Commission who would be independent and will only be interested in ensuring all registered voters will be able to cast their vote on voting day...

GE14 polls on Wednesday, May 9

Published on Today 12:16 pm  |  Modified on Today 1:09 pm

 

Election Commission chairperson Mohd Hashim Abdullah announced May 9 (Wednesday) as the polling date for the 14th general election while the nomination of candidates will take place on April 28.

The campaigning period will be for 11 days.

The announcement was made at the EC headquarters in Putrajaya this morning.

Caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak had announced the dissolution of Parliament on April 7 after receiving the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent, to pave the way for the “mother of all polls” in Malaysia.

According to the law, the general election must be held within 60 days from the date of parliament's dissolution.

Apart from determining the federal government, the election would also see the parties battling for control of all states, except Sarawak.

The Sarawak state assembly would not be dissolved as the last state election was held in 2016.

The coming general election would see contests for 222 parliamentary and 505 state seats.

[More to follow] - Malaysiakini, 10/4/2018