NO GROUNDS TO FEAR

-------------------------------------

I refer to the letter, "Not the road for IJN," by S.M. Mohamed Idris, President Consumers Association of Penang, (nst. Nov. 6 ) While I appreciate his concern over the proposal by the Malaysian Health care Travel Council (MHTC) to persuade eight American companies to send patients for treatment at the Institute Jantong Negara (IJN), I feel that he should see the proposal objectively, instead of criticizing without weighing and studying the pros and cons why IJN struck such a deal..

The involvement of the American companies, would not only keep Malaysia on the medical travel industry map, but would also enhance the possibility of collaborating with world-renowned universities in California to train our cardiologists and cardiothorices surgeons at IJN or possibly in the United States .

I don't think that as a responsible government with the 1 Malaysia concept of " People first, Performance now", mooted by the Prime Minister, the government would compromise health care of the rakyat, just for the sake of getting rich foreign patients, to be treated at IJN. So there is no ground to have all those fears.

The underprivileged the middle income groups, and the rich Malaysian, will I am sure continue to receive due treatment at IJN, as promised by the Government when the Institute was built.

I think this is a concept of the rich helping the poor rakyat, as the fees collected from them will definitely be channeled to the IJN Foundation to support the underprivileged and needy patients, in Malaysia as evident from the more than 300 patients,old and young, rich and poor from all walks of lives, crowding all the various clinics everyday at IJN..
IJN is Malaysia's premier centre for the treatment of heart diseases, and it is now known throughout the world as one of the best heart centre. Due to the increased in the number of patients, the government recently extended the hospital with a new 200 beded wing, making IJN a 500 beded hospital, Unfortunately IJN is still short of cardiologists, cardiothorices surgeons, para medics, and trained nurses. There in lies the opportunity for more of our doctors to be trained locally and overseas.

I feel that the consumer associatios should instead focus their study on the amount of medication being dispensed to patients by IJN daily, and the cost involved. Every patient, including me, after seeing a doctor , received a six months supply of various types of expensive medicine. I often wonder whether all the patients consumed all the medicine given to them. More often than not some patients just stoped taking certain type of medicine for various reasons and the medicine s are thrown away. On their next oppointment the doctor might change the medicine, and the old ones are not returned. This is a shear waste of public fund.

I suggest that IJN should review their method of dispensing medicine and reduce it to a two months supply only, and if the patients finished their medicine , they should go and get them at either IJN or the nearest general hospital, or at the community clinics, or send by post as practiced by the Putrajaya Hospital.
I am sure IJN can save millions, and the money could be better used to help the underprivileged



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

CIRCUMCISION IS NOT VULGAR

----------------------------------------------------

I refer to your report, " 'Potong", ad review for being vulgar," (nst Nov.11 ) I feel sorry for some members of Parliament, who have nothing better to do than to raise question on the word 'potong' used in an advertisement which was aired over television and radio. According to Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN Sri Gading ) the word ' potong ' brings a vulgar connotation, as it is a colloquial way of expressing the act of circumcision.

I wonder, since when the word ' potong ' or the act of circumcision itself became vulgar? As far as I know every Muslim boy has to be circumcised , as it is his religious obligation, and there is nothing vulgar about it.It is an open secret and nothing to be ashamed of. Muslim parents before every school holidays will openly discussed among family members, relatives and friends to fix a date for a kenduri and the circumcision ceremony of their sons.. Sometime a group circumcision is organized by mosques, or government departments. and it is often shown on television. There were no public outcry, and why cry wolf over this particular advertisement?

Now what if an ice cream company, advertises its ice-cream 'potong' showing a girl sucking the ice-cream and said " wow its the best ice-cream ' potong ' in the world. Is that vulgar? I think it is a matter of interpretation, and it depends on how one looks,feel, and think about it, and not everyone will have the same narrow-minded interpretation.

If the advertisement has passed the strict censorship code imposed by the National Censorship Board than it should be allowed to advertise on television as usual, without fear or favour.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

MALACCA PRISON MUSEUM

--------------------------------------------

I refer to your report, "Prison life for Malacca tourists," (Star Nov.1). I must applaud the Malacca Chief Minister,Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustum
for answering my call to turn the Banda Hilir Prison into a museum, which will be opened in 2012,
The 140 year old H.M. PRISON as it was known before the second world war, was built by the British in 1860. After the war the prison was known as a Young Persons Prison, where prisoners below the age of 21 were confined, till it was gazetted in l964 as the Henry Gurney School II,to ease overcrowding of the main school in Telok Mas Melaka. One hundred years after it was built, I took over command of the prison from a British officer, who had retired under the Malayanazation scheme,in August 1960 .,and was the first Malayan officer, to take charge of the prison as its Officer in Charge. I served the School for ten years until I was transferred to Taiping Prison in 1970.
Some people think that the Malacca prison, which is now in the heart of the city is an eyesore,and should be removed, but older generations, who are heritage lovers and foreign soldiers who were interned in the prison during world war 2 and myself as the man in charge for ten years wanted the prison as a Heritage Building in a UNISCO declared World Heritage sight to remain, and be turned into a museum for posterity..
The .decision of the State Government is timely in view of the fact that many old prisons in the United Kingdom, France, Germany,Switzerland and nearer home Australia have been preserved and turned into museums, hotels, and other establishment to attract tourists from all over the world. This could be a plus factor for Malacca .

SUPERVISE SCHOOL CHILDREN

----------------------------------------------------

I am saddened by what has happened in the suspension bridge tragedy, because not only has innocent lives been lost, but it also tarnishes, the image of the Education Ministry, teachers in particular, and the newly born 1 Malaysia concept, mooted out by the Prime Minister, so much so that, the Perak opposition State assemblymen wanted all the 1 Malaysia camps suspended in view of the tragic incident. "opposition hold their own "sitting"," (nst Oct. 29 ).
I think this ridiculous political motivated decision is uncalled for. Does it means that when a plane crashed with 230 passengers on board killed, people should be stopped from flying?.
As usual in the aftermath of a tragedy, there will be so many individuals ,non-governmental organizations, and politicians,figure-pointing at the authorities and developers responsible for the construction of the project. Almost all will emphasis on the physical aspects of safety. like whether the project
was supervised and inspected by the Public Works Department,or a Fit to Use certificate issued by the relevant authorities,,or if there was an element of corruption, or was there a Notice Board or a Signage put up to warn the public on the use of the bridge, etc. etc.
Our former Prime Minister,Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, after the Highland Towers tragedy, warned that there was a need for a comprehensive study of any construction and development of public projects. The security aspects should not be compromised. The authorities must not be lulled into a false sense of security and must learn from all the tragedies that has happened. I wonder whether the warning has been taken seriously or not.
So much so, as far as Physical aspects of security are concerned, but we seem to be neglecting the practical aspects of security one that should be taught and practiced , by the people especially school children who are venerable to all sorts of accidents, I am more concerned about school children being taught to queue at bus stops, train stations,toilets, school canteens, ticket booths, etc. to let others come down first before alighting a bus or train..They should not be standing on doorways, putting their heads and hands out of the bus's windows, and running and playing while the bus is moving.
When was the last time a fire drill held in schools and school hostels? Are children taught how to leave the classrooms, halls, or hostels. when there is a fire or any disasters ? Do children rushed out of their classrooms when the bell rang, or do they leave in an orderly manner, starting from the first row followed by the others in single file? Children will be children, and while in schools they should be strictly supervised and disciplined. I believe that discipline at home as well as in schools will create an awareness of the practical aspects of security I feel that the Parent Teachers Associations, and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and health should seriously play their roles to oversee to the implementation of the practical aspect of security in all schools in Malaysia
If only precautions were taken and the children were supervised strictly to stand in single file and then allowed to cross the bridge five at a time with a teacher standing guard in the middle of the bridge and two others at both end of the bridge, the suspension bridge tragedy could have been averted
I would like to refer to the letter by Zahidi Ahmad,"were there enough safety measures?," (nst Oct.30 where he mentioned about how his children studying in England were strictly supervised at every school outing. I suggest that the Education Ministry take a cue from this system, so that parents will have more confidence in allowing their children to attend future 1 Malaysia camps.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
31.10.2009

PRESERVE PART OF PUDU JAIL

I refer to your report, "Pudu Prison makes way for traffic",(nst Oct.19) The curtains finally came down on the old legacy, Pudu Jail, and its wall facing Jalan Pudu and part of the execution chambers have been demolished, a couple of weeks ago to make way for traffic. The project is aimed at easing the traffic congestion along Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah. While i appreciate the objective of helping motorists to end their daily traffic woos , surely the entire complex does not have to go.

Built by the British in 1895, Pudu Prison, a relic of the Victorian era is set to be completely demolished soon, to make way for more shopping complex.The decision to tear down the 114 year old prison has upset not only war veterans, locally , and overseas, but also the Ex-Prison Officers Association, Malaysia. who wanted part of the prison preserved for nostalgia.
Many NGOs,,historians,, lovers of heritage buildings, and I,an ex- Superintendent of the prison, have been writing many letters and articles on Pudu Jail to the New Straits Times , appealing to the Government and the Urban Development Authority to preserve part of the prison as a National Heritage, Alas they have been falling on deaf ears .
I can understand that UDA will not compromise on the re-development plan. After all it spent millions of ringgit to build a new prison at Sungei Buloh. However I would like to urge, The Malaysian Heritage Board, the Home Affairs , the Tourism,and the Cultural and Heritage Ministeries to appeal to UDA to consider preserving at least the Tower Block Main Gate, with the Administration Building at the back, for the purpose of turning them into a museum of Crime and Punishment.
This could be another landmark reminding Malaysians and tourists of the place, where local and foreign, prisoners and prisoners of war, from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan were once confined during World War 2.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA.
24.10.09

MCA SHOULD NOT SIDELINE BAHASA MELAYU

Many readers have been writing in about the importance of Bahasa Melayu, as the National Language of 1 Malaysia. and in spite of the frequent media reports, it is regrettable and distressing to see that of all political parties, the MCA, which is the component party of the Barisan Nasional failed to use Bahasa Melayu which is the National language on the backdrop of their Extraordinary General meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on the 10th of October 2009
It was entirely written in Chinese characters on top followed by bold lettering in English. This was not only a blatant disregard for the use of bahasa Melayu, on all official signage, posters,buntings, bill boards, and backdrops, but also did not comply with the requirements and directives of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Yes ,The government is encouraging Malaysian to learn and use English.,but not at the expense of sidelining Bahasa Melayu wich is the official National Language.
The backdrop was seen on all local T.V stations many times for a couple of days, and that for a moment I thought that the MCA's EGM this time around was held in either China, Taiwan or Hong Kong
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and other relevant authorities, did not protest or took any action, because they have no power to fine or take any other actions , on any organization that did not use Bahasa Melayu in their official administration.
It was reported in Berita Harian Oct.19) that 2 Acts, the National Language Act l963, and the Education Act l996 will be amended in order to give more clout to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to act and fine the public sectors and their agencies for not using Bahasa Melayu in their official administration. The amendment is timely, in view of the fact that the DBP after 52 years of Merdeka is still toothless. I think that it will be more effective if the power is also given to, City Halls, municipalities,, Town and Local Councils. to act on the matter.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
20.10.09

CREATE COOPERATIVE YOUTH BANK

I refer to your report, "Khairi,Stop being defensive," (nst Oct 15 ) While calling on the Malays to get rid of the crutches, and compete with the others on a level playing field, he suggested, that the Government create a Youth Bank "Bank Belia" for the benefit of Malay Youths to get involve in entrepreneur enterprises. It is vital since the youth are facing hardship in finding jobs and demanded that the Government settled their problems immediately, I think it is a tall order that contradicted with his maiden policy speech, calling on the Malays to stop being defensive and relying on the crutches.
If UMNO youth have the civilisational confidence, than they should on their own initiative find ways and means to stand on their own feet without depending on the crutches.Why then the need to have a special bank for the youth,when there are already so many banks and Government agencies that are committed to giving out loans and grants to would be entrepreneurs. I know of many Malay youths who have become successful farmers,,and businessmen on their own initiative. They applied for loans and grants, went for training in various fields, work hard, and were not afraid to dirty their hands, and when they have full confidence, they started their own business. To day they are successful entrepreneurs.
There are more than a million foreign workers in this country, and every one of them are employed, in various fields from plantation and cons traction workers to workers in fast food outlets, petrol stations, hotels, supermarkets and shopping complexes .and yet our youths said that they could not fi nd jobs. I was told by the foreigners that in Malaysia they could pick money on the roads, meaning that it is so easy to find jobs and make money in Malaysia than in their own countries.
UMNO youths with the help of the various banks and government agencies should be able to stand on their own feet and venture into business. There are plenty of opportunities out there .There are 3.4 millions UMNO members in Malaysia, and if each one of them contribute RM1 ringgit each monthly towards a Youth Fund, they would be able to collect RM 3.4 million ringgit a month, and that would add up to RM 40 milluion a year. I am sure all could afford to contribute RM 5 ringgit a month and that would add up to Rm 200 million ringgit a year, and after a couple of years with the help of the Government, it would be enough for UMNO youth to create a CO Operative YOUTH BANK , which not only could go into business,but could also give out loans and other benefits including dividends to members..Allow members to buy a minimum share of Rm 100 ringgit,and I am sure that it would attract more people to become UMNO members Imagine the amount of fund that could be generated. In a decade It could be as strong as Bank Rakyat or Tabong Haji.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
16 Oct.2009

So What's in a Word

I refer to the letter by S.A.I. ,"Words tell their own tales", (nst 8 Oct) Bahasa Melayu was the lingual Franco, or Bahasa of the Malay Archipelago, spoken since the 15 century by more than 300 million people, not only from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei,and Indonesia, but also from Southern Cambodia, Southern Thailand, Southern Myanmar, Cocos Island, Christmas Island,Sari Lenka, and South Africa, Although a word may sound Malay, but it could be pronounced differently, in different countries. Even the meaning of a word could be different, so I am not surprised if the word "membutuh" which means "memerlukan" or need, in Indonesian could have a different meaning in colloquial Malay.

Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu, are separated by some centuries of different vocabulary development, partly due to the influence of different colonial languages. Dutch and German in the case of Indonesia, and English in the case of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Some Malay dialects however show only limited mutual intelligibility with the standard language, for example the Northern Malays or the Kelantanese pronunciation, is difficult even for some fellow Malays in the South to understand. Each State has its own colloquial Malay accent.
Bahasa Indonesia contains a lot of words unique to it, that are unfamiliar to speakers of Malay. There are many ethnic dialects in Indonesia, however they have managed to standardised Bahasa Indonesia into one Official Language spoken in the same accent from Menado to Acheh. While we in Malaysia still speak Bahasa Melayu with our strong colloquial accent A decade ago there was a suggestion to use Bahasa Melayu Baku in schools with the pronouncation according tp the spelling of the word. This could have standardardised Bahasa Melayu as an Official language from Perlis to Sabah, but unfortunately that too has gone with the wind.
So I feel that it would be impossible to standardardise Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia, although it is Malay in origin. My only hope is that the Indonesian do not claim Bahasa Melayu as theirs as it originated from Bangka Island off the Southern Coast of Sumatra in the 7th century.From there it spread on to Jambi and Pelembang in Sumatra before going to Melaka.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

BAJU KURUNG WILL NOT CHANGE A NON MUSLIM WAY OF LIFE

I refer to the letter by Samuel Yesuiah,"Make them truly National," (nst OCT. 5 )

Many NST readers have been writing in, far too often with regards to the negative perception,that National Schools,are Malay and religious schools,because most of the students and teachers are Malays, and the language medium is Bahasa Melayu. So non Muslim parents shy away from sending their children to these schools, not because of all these weakness, but for fear of loosing out in respect of their own language and culture.
I am appalled by the writer's comment that some National schools encouraged their non-Muslim pupils to wear the "baju kurung",and to tie their hair, thus making parents look upon these practices as a subtle means of influencing , non-Muslim children to embrace the Islamic way of life. This uncalled for remark, and without any proof, is a blatant disregard for the sensitivities of the Muslims.
I have yet to hear official complaints or protests from non-Muslim parents over this issue. I am sure the schools only encouraged Muslim pupils to wear the "baju kurung" and "tudung" and to tie their hair neatly ,because there are still many Muslim students who do not use the "baju kurung and Tudung", which is their religious obligation to cover up their "aurat"
However non-Muslim pupils may use the baju kurung on their own free will, or with their parents consent .Many Chinese and Indian students wear this attire for comfort. I suggest the writer interview these students and find out whether they are forced to use the "baju kurung",before making such assumption.
Please remember that there is no compulsion in Islam. This is clearly written in the Al Quaran, I quote
"I worship not that which you worship
nor will you worship,that which I worship
and I shall not worship that which you are worshiping
nor will you worship that which I worship
To you be your religion, and to me my religion."

So it is ridiculous to assume that students will change their way of life, just by using the "baju kurung" and tying their hair neatly..
Many Malay women, including my wife, her five sisters, my six sisters, their daughters, my daughters were all educated in convent schools. The can even recite the Christian prayers, but none of them became a Christian. I believe that for as long as we want to be Chinese,Indians and Malays, the concept of 1 Malaysia will remain a political dream.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

REVIVE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE CENTER FOR TRAFFIC OFFENDERS

I refer to your report, "261 road deaths recorded during Ops Sikap," (nst Sept.29) .It appears that the campaign had not succeeded in changing the 'sikap' or attitude of road users. The recorded death toll was higher than last year's Hari Raya holidays. This not only saddened the government and other Malaysians, but most of all the families of the victims, who must have lost their loved ones and had to spend the festive occasion with tears of sorrow, and 'Tahlil' prayers.

Still, in spite of the frequent announcement of the accidents and death tolls over radio and T.V and strict enforcement by the police and J.P.J, Ops Sikap did not frightened, deter,or changed the attitude of drivers who continued to flout the traffic Rules with impunity.They seemed to be suffering from the 'kiasu' syndrome . The "I must win"," I must not give way," and " I must be first," attitude. Once behind the steering wheel ,they turned into monsters,uncaring, ill mannered ,inconsiderate, and irresponsible ..That was when they broke all rules under the sun, until they were awaken or died in a nasty accident
How then do we changed the attitude of such drivers?. The former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed,suggested in a local Malay daily, that offenders be put to shame by making them stand at road junctions or highways, with their faces painted and holding a board with the words 'I AM A TRAFFIC OFFENDER'. On the other hand the Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hasan gave a negative statement by saying that, drivers will not change their attitude even if a death sentence is imposed. Tan Sri Lim Lam Thye ,Chairman of the National Institute for Occupational and Safety and Health in his letter, " teach them to value their lives" (nst Sept.29) and many other letters ,written by him on this subject, have been falling on deaf ears, Teach them fine, it is easier said than done but who are there to teach, monitor, and enforce , the teaching.The Transport Minister ,Dato Seri Ong Tee Keat, was quoted by a local English daily at the Prime Minister's Hari Raya open house on sept.22 said that he wanted to bring down,the death toll further, and wanted to keep road users on their toes. Instead the drivers put their toes on their accelerators and increased the death toll from 31 on Hari Raya day to 261 at the end of Ops Sikap. Many readers have been writing to this column, suggesting ways on how to change the attitude of drivers,but the authorities do not seem to be interested, and every festive season we hear of rhetorical speeches made by the powers that be on accidents and death tolls, and ended without any positive action being taken. The government should start taking positive action now, if it is serious about reforming and changing the attitude of these drivers. I would like to suggest that the Minister take a look at the existing "Compulsory Attendance Centres, Ordinance or Rules l955.Two centers were built,one beside the Pudu Jail, and the other in front of Penang prison, to cater for offenders sentences under the minor Offences Act l955.These offenders were sent to these centers to undergo reorientation programmes from 5 pm to 9 pm daily. They were not confined behind prison walls and they could keep their jobs and stay in their homes with their families. At the centers they underwent re orientation programmes that included lectures on moral ,religious education, civic mindedness ,etiquette and respect for law and order and ,respect for others .They were taught to be responsible citizen..With amendment, or new legislation to the Road Transport Act, Traffic Offenders could also be sentenced to these centres .For the last decade, we have been talking about the Community Service Order Act, and nothing seemed to materialised . I think it is necessary to have the Act., not only to commit vandels but also traffic offenders, which pose a msajor threat to society.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
30th Sept.2009

PROVIDE FREE BUS SERVICE

Many readers have been writing to this
column for many years, criticizing Kuala Lumpur's Public Transport

System, which I think has not shown positive improvement. There has
been endless complaints by not only the Malaysian public, but also
local and foreign tourists, on the inefficiency and deplorable
services provided for by the city's buses and taxis. Buses are often
crowded, especially during peak hours, and with the exception of
RapidKL buses, some of the others are old and dirty, and not handicap
friendly. The time schedules are not always observed, resulting in the
accumulation of people at bus stops. Some bus drivers are rude, and
inconsiderate, talking aloud,shouting and scolding old passengers,
smoking and talking on the hand phones while driving.
Some taxi drivers sometime refused to take
passengers to their destination, refused to use meters, and often
overcharged foreign tourists.They even refused to go on short
distances ,and demanded a fixed rate according to their whims and
fancies.
Soon there will be a fare hike for buses
and taxis,and this would further infuriate commuters , causing more
dissatisfaction with the city's overall transport system ,leading them
to buy private cars on low interest credit, and would further
contribute to the already congested roads.
Malaysian commuters are not angles either,
we do not queue, at bus stops or train stations.We have this 'KIA SU'
syndrome, , to get into the bus or train first, without bothering to
give ways to the elders, pregnant women, children or the handicap. We
rushed, jolted and pushed our way in order to get in even before
others can get out. The congestion created at the door, gave pick
pockets and sex perverts a field day to do their dirty jobs, without
being caught.
Still with all these inconveniences,public
transport is necessary compliment to car owners,and how how they
wished,they can leave their cars at home, and catch a bus, taxi, or
train to their places of work. To many people this is still the most
convenient way of commuting instead of driving through, the worsening
horrible traffic jam on the city's roads, taking hours to reach their
destinations. It is a nightmare to search for parking lots.Expensive
parking fees and being fined for indiscriminate parking ,burns holes
in their pockets.
I feel that the Transport Ministry and
City Hall should now work hand in glove to positively solve the
problems, and buy over all the privatized bus operators in the city,
and manage the Public Transport System on its own. The services should
be provided FREE within the city limits as it is being done in PERTH
Western Australia.
I was in Perth last week and was amazed
with the city Transperth's CAT (Central Area Transit) buses offering a
fast FREE and convenient means of traveling, in and around the city
(FTZ) Free Transit Zone..Free travel is only permitted within the
(FTZ) and if one travels outside the zone normal fares apply. There
are 3 bus routes , running in circles within the (FTZ) and each route
is covered by, The Red Cat Bus, The Blue Cat Bus, and the Yellow Cat
Bus. Each bus route covers 22 to 35 bus stops and each bus takes 6 to
8 minutes to travel from one bus stop to another. Within three days I
covered all the three bus routes , stopping at tourists spots and
places of interest, shopping complexes, covered by the three routes.
It was a marvelous way to tour the.city and it was FREE. That is how
people in Perth travel to work in the city. There was no traffic jam
even during peak hours.
The bus service is superb, the driver
friendly and very considerate especially towards the handicap, women
and children. People said thank you to the driver when getting off the
bus,and wished the driver "good dye" or good morning when going in.
There was no rush to get in or out, people are polite and
courteous,The buses are specially built to provide for the handicap
with wheel chairs and mothers with prams.
I suggest that the Federal Territory
Minister in The Prime Minister's Department, Dato Raja Nong Chik and
the Minister of Transport and his Officers visit Perth and make a
feasible study of Perth's Central Area Transit System to access
whether it could be implemented in Kuala Lumpur.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

APPOINT SYARIAH COURTS CANING OFFICIALS

I refer to your report,"Prison can carry out Syariah caning," (nst 23rd July
).Whatever it is, Judicial or Syariah caning is a deterrent, because
very few among those caned, repeated the same crime. However I am not
sure whether there has been any amendment to the Prison Regulation or
Act that could authorised the prison authority,to administer Syariah
caning recently imposed on a Muslim woman found guilty of drinking
beer in public. The sentence of 6 strokes of the rotan did not include
a jail term, and I doubt whether it is legal to bring the woman into a
prison just to undergo the punishment of caning. The prison has never
flogged a female prisoner before since Malaysian Criminal Law
excludes women from caning and I am not aware whether the prisons
department has a female caning official now to inflict the rotan on
an exposed buttock of a female.
I remember of a
case of a Muslim male, sentenced by a Syariah Court to 6 strokes of
the rotan for drinking alcohol in public, more than a couple of
decades ago when I was still a prison director. Due to some legal
complication , the prison authority did not administer the whipping,
and besides caning officials at that time were not trained in Syariah
caning, which is different from Judicial caning.

Caning officials
are required to undergo specialise training before they are
officially certified as judicial caners, and are now paid an allowance
of Rm 10 ringgit for each strike, making it their obligation to do
such duty.without fear or favour.
Judicial caning
carried out under Malaysian Criminal Law differs from that of Syariah
caning, ordered by the Syariah Courts on only Muslims male and females
. Judicial caning is more severe ,causing injury,great pain , and
degrading. The idea is to make the prisoner feel the pain, and suffer
from the punishment, as a deterrent not only to himself but to would
be criminals. Caning is the second highest form of punishment after
the death penalty, which were introduced by the British Colonial
masters, during the colonial era. The maximum number of strokes that
can be inflicted at one go is 24 strokes. However the Medical Officer
(doctor) present has the authority to stop the whipping altogether if
further caning could endanger the life of the prisoner.

The caning
official begins with the holding of the rotan on his right hand, while
the left hand holds the tip of the rotan just above his head level and
when he is ready, the left hand is released, and the rotan is swung
with full force towards the prisoner's exposed buttock.As the rotan
hit the buttock with the first stroke, the skin will begin to tear and
swell, a nd after 3 to 4 strokes the skins will be detached and
bleeding occurs. If the prisoner could withstand all the 24 strokes
all the skin of his buttock will be detached and blood will be oozing
from the injury causing the prisoner an unbearable pain. He will
then be taken to the clinic for immediate treatment by the doctor.
After the treatment, he will be lying face down, an d will be in that
position for the next 7 to 10 days depending on the extent of the
injury.Any one would be wrong to say that no treatment is given to the
prisoner after being whipped. That is the responsibility of the
Director of the prison, to
oversee that the judicial sentence is carried out accordingly.
Whereas Syariah
caning is less harsher and severe. The cane used is smaller, and the
caning official cannot lift the rotan above his shoulder, making the
impact lesser, besides the subject is fully covered with a robe and
nothe subject feel ashamed art of the body or flesh will be exposed,
so that the rotan will not touch any part of the flesh. There will be
no injury or bleeding and the subject will not suffer much pain. The
idea is not to hurt but to make him feel ashamed of his or her sin,
so that she will repent and never to repeat the offence.
I feel that it
is about time the Syariah Courts appoint their own certified Syariah
caners and possibly gazette a room in the syariah court as a prison so
that the Syariah, caning can be executed there, as I dont think beer
and alcohol drinkers are criminals.

NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA


my blog at http://norshahid.blogspot.com/

STICK TO THE RULE OF LAW

I refer to the letter, "There is just no escape from the red tape," by Dr. A Soorian (NST OCT>21)
It is regrettable that the writer failed to understand the simple Rule of Law by bringing up this trivial matter, which states that all applications for Death Certificate should be submitted within the first seven days of the date of death. There must be reasons for this. To say that the mourning parties are preoccupied with prayers etc. is I think a lame excuse.
If police report and the Burial Certificate could be obtained on the same day, I see no reason why someone could not spend a couple of hours just to collect the Death Certificate on any day within the week of death
Penalty for late application of certificates or late payment of bills are common We all have to pay penalty for late payment of our parking tickets, summons ,Cukai tanah, cukai taksiran and credit card bills etc. and if our electricity ,water supply,or telephone , Astro, and internet lines are cut off for late payment, we have to pay reconnecting fees, which can cost us from RM 20 to RM 100 ringgit. So what is RM 25 ringgit for a late application of Death Certificate compared to RM 35 to 50 ringgit to get a cough syrup and panadol from a local clinic.
It should be realised that Rule of Laws cannot be made to suit everyones taste. To suggest that the time frame to be extended to at least a month is a waste of time. Some Malaysians are in the habit of waiting till the last moment to do anything withen the frame work of the Rule of Law

NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

WAYS TO FIGHT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

NEWSPAPER reports of the continuing rise in juvenile delinquency, especially in schools is cause for concern. In the 1960s and 1970s most juvenile delinquents were school dropouts, but this trend has changed as more schoolchildren, are now turning to crime . There is certainly an urgent need to recognise the problem and take positive steps to arrest this unhealthy trend
Offences committed by students these days include assaulting their teachers and fellow students,bullying, theft, housebreaking,robbery,extortion,dadah abuse,sexual crimes, smoking, drinking,truancy, vandalism and illegal racing. Smoking among students of both sexes is also reported to be on the rise, in spite of the no smoking campaign launched by the Government.
It has now been established that most juvenile delinquents are schoolchildren, especially those who come from broken homes in the slum areas and also from urban areas., and as such I strongly believe that in the prevention of juvenile delinquency , the home and the schooling aspect should never be neglected , but then there are more than 40,000 single mothers who are living below poverty line, and with so many children to take care,they are often neglected , and something must be done about this.

I think the weakest link lies in the absence of a policy on crime prevention in schools to evaluate the impact of home environment ,truancy ,indiscipline ,dadah abuse, smoking, drinking etc on child behaviour and in particular its relation to juvenile delinquency.
I hope the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation ,and others instead of just prescribing antidotes play an active role not only in preventing crime, but also to determine ways in which the public, parent-teacher associations,the mass media, Government departments, non Governmental Organizations , can contribute to the reduction of crimes especially in schools.
Public response has been encouraging as seen by the number of people writing to this column, giving their ideas and suggestions, and I feel that MCPF should take the initiative to gather all the ideas ,informations,and suggestions and call upon all the relevant authorities to have a seminar and come out with a solution that could be implemented in our schools system.There should be a referendum on the issue.
The following suggestions could be of help:

.School social work should be introduced to help students modify their attitudes towards
schooling and their teachers and to enhance adjustment to the school enviro0nment.

. Build up their sense of belonging and loyalty to the school through sports academic excellence, and co curricular activities.

Better communication between parents students and teachers through the PTAs to discuss and solve problems

The mass media should promote the appreciation of the intrinsic value of education. It is very important for parent and the community to realise the importance of education as a positive step towards the prevention of crime and delinquency

Students should be guided on the useful occupation of their leisure hours. More playing fi elds should be developed ,instead of golf course and cyber cafes

Students should be compelled to be members of disciplined uniform groups. They could help discipline teachers enforce discipline. School discipline teachers should be members of the police volunteer reserve with powers to arrest and detain, and they should be in police uniform while teaching in schools. Its objective is to induce in students the respect for law and order, regard for property, love for their parents, teachers, fellow students and elders, and a sense of pride in themselves and to foster in them the awareness of their abilities.
.
They should also be encouraged to take up vocational training, hobbies,or socializing ,like biking, hiking picnic canoeing and other organized activities.

Religious groups, clubs like the Lion and Rotary Club , PTAs, NGOs and private sectors companies should take an active part in organizing various activities for students so that they would not be left on their own

Re introduce the post of Probation officers,besides handling probation reports, they should also be responsible for handling schoolchildren who play truant and to report the matter to the schools and their parents as it is done in the United Kingdom..They should work closely with the police in all matters regarding juvenile delinquency.

There is no easy way to fight juvenile delinquency . I realise also that it is not an easy task to implement all suggestions put forward by everyone as there are a lot of obstacles to be overcome such as funds.

However we must realize that it is better to spend on preventive measures rather than see our schools turned into ganglands, which will not benefit future generations.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

USE TOLL FREE ROADS

It was reported in a
local T.V , news at 8 pm on 19th April,2009, that it would cost the
Federal Government, RM 5 billions to buy over the North/South Highway,
concessionaire Agreement, in order to solve the issue of toll
increase, to benefit the people and the government.
I presume this does
not include the cost of daily repairs, road resurfacing , repairs to
bridges, and land slide areas. Maintaining hillsides which are prone
to landslides, rest areas, drainage, lighting, grass cutting,painting
of road signs, security etc. All these and the payment of salaries to
staff and workers would amount to a billion more or less per year..
Dato Salleh
Majid,who was interviewed by the TV, said that the Rm 5 billions,
could be better spent on the development projects which would be more
beneficial to all Malaysians. He added that with the exception of the
people from the business community, and transport operators, not all
Malaysians travel on the highways daily.He suggested that a discount
be given to frequent travelers.
I feel that PLUS
should continue giving discounts to motorists who travel after 12
midnight, A 50% discount should be given to those who travel from
Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Alor Setar and vise versa and from Kuala
Lumpur to Johore Baru and vice versa.
Motorists who want
to travel toll free should make use of the old Federal Roads which are
now wider and well maintained. In order to ease the traffic flow the
Government should where possible increase the two lane roads into
four lane roads If these roads are wider better and well maintained
then people would be encouraged , to travel on the old roads rather
than pay tolls through their noses to travel on the highways.

PLUS on the other
hand should not only be thinking of increasing toll rates for their
revenues,which could burden the people. I observed that there are a
lot of road reserved lands on both sides of the highway stretching
from Johore Baru to Bukit Kayu Hitam. These could be better used to
plant rows of tamarind trees or "asam Jawa". trees as they did along
the highways in some part of India and Thailand.We are now importing
millions of ringgit worth of asam jawa from these countries.Teak trees
or mango trees could also be planted.As it is we are importing tons
of of the lemak manis manggo from Thailand which are being sold at Rm4
a kilo.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

NEED TO ENFORCE THE LAW

I refer to your Cross
Talk, "Living in fear of Mat Rempit Gang," by Prof. Rozmi Ismail, Head
of Psychology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. (NST May 9).
I am sure many would
have read, the professor's report on them, and the fear that they have
created for the people.The phenomenon will be here to stay if nothing
drastic is done soonest, especially by the Government. Amend the law,
enact new Act. or do whatever is necessary
We have been talking
about this serious issue for more than a decade. In those days they
were only "pelumba haram", earning a few bucks from punters , but
today the groups have increased to an alarming numbers, making it
more difficult for the police to combat the trend, which is worrying
and frightening the people. They have turned into aggressive mobsters
,gangsters,rapists, gang robbers, and snatch thieves. Unfortunately
,the professor did not mention whether they are also hook on drugs as
drug pushers or addicts .
More than a year ago,
I suggested in my letter to this column (NST April 29) that Mat Rempit
be classified as Juvenile delinquents, as most of them are below 18
years of age, and they should be committed to Henry Gurney Schools,
for three years or till the age of 21. The suggestion turned into deaf
ears, and today the phenomenon is getting from bad to worse.. It
appears that the public is not given any protection at all.
Tan Sri Lim Lam
Thye,from the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, recently ,agreed
with me
when he wrote to letters ,(NST May 6)" Classify them as Juvenile
Delinquents," and suggested that they be sent to reform schools like
the Henry Gurney schools, where they will receive counselling and
skill training .
Since we already have
the necessary laws and facilities to commit them ,I feel that it would
be a waste of time and public fund to set up more rehabilitation
centres especially for the Mat Rempit, as suggested by the Inspector
General of Police, in your report,"rehabilitate illegal racers (Nst.
May 8). All the police and the JPJ need to do is to enforce the law
strictly. Commit the below 18 to Henry Gurney Schools and the above
18 to Prisons, for various offences under existing laws.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
Petaling Jaya.

BAN PROTESTS IN PLACES OF WORSHIP

I refer to the photograph showing Dato
Seri Najib Razak ,launching a programme to supply treated water
dispensers to the Al- Taqwa Mosque in Permas Jaya (NST 27 April)
I think the advice given by the Deputy
Prime Minister, that mosques should become the center of activities
for communities , and urged the people not to misuse mosques by sowing
hatred among the people against the government is timely, in view of
the fact that some mosques in the past and up to the 8th March
election have been used by not only the immams to lambaste
individuals and the government through their sermons, but also by
others who took the opportunity to hold protests in the mosques
compound, after the congregational Friday prayers
This unhealthy trend cause traffic jams
and hardships to the people living in the surrounding areas of the
mosques.In a demonstration insults might be uttered and inappropriate
behaviour might affect worshippers . Mosques belong to the Creator
and it is illogical to turn them into a place of protests.
Protesters usually chose mosque and other
places of worship as their venues for they can assemble swiftly
without police intervention as protests are illegal without police
permit. However not all the worshippers belong to the opposition
groups and it is feared that trouble might erupt and turn into a riot
resulting in death. This is happening in India, Pakistan, Afganistan
Iraq and many other Muslim countries.
I suggest that the government passed a law
that criminalises holding of protests and demonstration in places of
worship in order to safeguard the true worshippers and the sanctity
of places of worship.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

MUSLIM WOMEN IN MALAYSIA ARE NOT DISCRIMINATED

I refer to the letter,' Involve leaders in change process," (NST Feb.17) from Mariam Mokhtar.

I deeply regret that Islam has been receiving a bashing these days not only from Muslims but also from non Muslims. It is regrettable that their shallow and conflicting views and knowledge of the religion especially among some Malay women led them to believe that they are being discriminated against, and that according to her there are areas in Islam where they do not enjoy equality with males.
Why is it that she chose to blame and involved Islam to highlight all the setbacks or prejudice that causes hardship and resentment among some of them today?. Thats nothing to do with Islam, and I feel that the problems is with the Muslim men and women themselves, who are at loggerhead with one another each trying to compete as to who should wear the pants.
I think it is impossible in all respect for women to be equal with men. That was why Allah created men and then women as their partners. Men are supposed to be the protector and maintainer of women, and women were entrusted with motherhood and parenting .I am not a male chauvanist and neither am I a religious pigot, but what I have said above is an ayat from the Al Koran, which was revealed as a Manifest to show the Muslim Ummah the Right Path, the lawful and unlawful things and set boundaries of Islamic religion.
I am sorry I beg to defer from anyone who says that all religion are the same, NOT with Islam anyway. Islamic monoticem is the belief in the one and only God that is Allah. There is no other God but Allah and all Muslim must believe in Him, the Al Koran, and the Sunnah. All Muslim must hold on steadfast to the Islamic faith. Faith will be meaningful if it is practiced and followed in daily life,because Islam is a way of life. Wearing the hijab is a religious obligation for Muslim women, it is not about being pious or being faithful. Allah only calls on the Believers to oblige , the others can choose not to wear the hijab
not to pray five times a day,not to pay zakat, not to fast during Ramathan ,and not to believe in the Al Koran and Sunnah. There is no compalcion in Islam..

It is untrue when she said that, education, job opportunities scholarships, employment,sports,land and inheritance rights are but a few of the areas where women are prejudice..If we look at the statistics today, 60% of the students in colleges and institution of higher learning are women , 99 % of nurses are women, 80% of teachers are women and there are thousands of women.in the public sector from clerks to top management posts who are women and there are more in the armed forces, and other uniformed services. There are also thousands of women professionals to day than they were 25 years ago. To day women enjoy the same pay with men especially in government service. Thanks to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed the former Prime Minister and Pak Lah our prime Minister who are both strong supporters of women's rights
Since women are fighting for their equal rights, the homes are being left to the maids to take care of the children. ,and that is why juvenile delinquency is on the increase .Today there is not a day that we dont read news of children committing serious crime. Who are to be blame for this.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

SMS ANY EVENTUALITIES

I refer to the letter from Moaz Yusof Ahmad of TRANSIT, "How about SMS alerts?", (nst Mac 5) I applaud the suggestion to give public transport users a better and greater access to information about services and disruption of services through SMS.
The twitter technology to send out free bursts of information to inform people of any eventualities , should be considered for use by the relevant authorities without further delay as the services are considered useful and helpful to all mobile phone users all over the country.

The Meteorological Department should also use the same technology to distribute weather information to the people especially fishermen and fishing enthusiast so that they can familiarise themselves with local weather conditions before venturing out to sea.
JAKIM ( Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia ) could distribute information on Muslim prayer time, Muslim date month and year, while the Police could provide updates with information on Highway conditions, traffic jam , floods , road closed, detours, etc.

Had there been such a service road users would not have been inconvenienced by being stranded on the Seremben/Kuala Pilah road, when a land slide occurred at Bukit Putus a few day, ago and the road was closed to all traffic.
Radio and television news take a longer time to reach the people while with SMS it is faster, and I feel that the authorities should go for it, as it will benefit all phone users throughout Malaysia.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

BE LOYAL TO KING AND COUNTRY

I refer to your report " Six charged with insulting Perak Ruler," (NST Mac.14)

It is regrettable that some young Malaysians to day have either forgotten the Principles of the RUKUN NEGARA, or just can't be bothered to respect and practice them, as all Malaysian should. Its their lackadaisical attitude that have driven them to be disloyal to King and Country, and instead insulted and posted vulgarities against the Sultan of Perak on the Internet, for all the world to read. It is disgusting, and as Malaysian I am ashamed of them.
This is a serious and sensitive public interest issue that could be blown out of proportion if the matter is not dealt with quickly. Malaysian of all races are expected to respect the Sultan and the King as Head of State, as enshrined in the State and the Federal Constitution.
When I was attending a course in London a couple of decades ago , I had the opportunity to visit the Speakers Corner in Hyde Park where I observed many foreigners , standing on soap boxes badmouthing their own country and its leaders. I was told by my British course mate that at the speakers corner everyone can talk on any subjects under the sun except on the Queen and the Royal Families of England. You could be arrested by the police and charged for insulting the Queen.
A couple of years ago an American was arrested for insulting the King of Thailand and he was sentenced to I think 8 Years imprisonment , and early this year he received the King's pardon and was released from prison and
deported.
Malaysia too has the law to punish such traitors, and as Malaysian let us live by the principles of the RUKUN NEGARA, and be loyal to King and country.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

SEND BULLIES TO REFORM SCHOOL

I refer to the letter from Jane Ooi," A police presence will help," (NST Mac.10 ), and your report," Call to set up auxiliary police unit to tackle bullies ," (NST MAC.7 ). While I have my reservation about the suggestion to set up such unit, what more a detention center in schools, I feel that the Ministry of Education , The Parent Teachers Associations,and the School Boards, should first study the legal aspects of the ideas, whether it is legal, practical or the need to implement such proposals in our schools.
People especially foreigners should not have the perception that our schools are akin to Juvenile Detention Centers . Besides I am sure the police does not have the manpower to provide such services to all schools in the country.
True indiscipline among some school children ,in some schools, are getting out of hands and the teachers seem helpless to tackle the complex problems themselves, for fear of reprisal from both parents and students, who are more daring and " KURANG AJAR " today, than we were before. They even dare to damage teachers' cars, abuse them with filthy language, and at times even assaulted them. So it is unfair to blame the teachers alone.

My suggestion which I think is more practical and the police presence is not to obvious, is to enlist
the school discipline teachers as trained auxiliary police officers. They should wear the police uniform while in schools, and with the help of the school police cadets or prefects, oversee to the school discipline. Its objective is to induce in students the respect for law and order , regard for property, love for their parents, teachers and fellows students.

Sacking of students from schools is not going to help them reform, and I still feel that the schooling and home aspect should never be neglected, and if these fail, they should be recommended to be sent to reform school such as the Henry Gurney Schools for being beyond parental control.The teachers and officers of the schools are trained to break even the hardest of gangsters and bullies. Believe me I was the Officer in charge of Henry Gurney School II, Bandar Hilir, Melaka from 1960 to l970.Students who are committed to the schools will be able to continue their education till form five or even six.

NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

WAYS TO FIGHT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

NEWSPAPER reports of the continuing rise in juvenile delinquency, especially in schools is cause for concern. In the 1960s and 1970s most juvenile delinquents were school dropouts, but this trend has changed as more schoolchildren, are now turning to crime . There is certainly an urgent need to recognise the problem and take positive steps to arrest this unhealthy trend
Offences committed by students these days include assaulting their teachers and fellow students,bullying, theft, housebreaking,robbery,extortion,dadah abuse,sexual crimes, smoking, drinking,truancy, vandalism and illegal racing. Smoking among students of both sexes is also reported to be on the rise, in spite of the no smoking campaign launched by the Government.
It has now been established that most juvenile delinquents are schoolchildren, especially those who come from broken homes in the slum areas and also from urban areas., and as such I strongly believe that in the prevention of juvenile delinquency , the home and the schooling aspect should never be neglected , but then there are more than 40,000 single mothers who are living below poverty line, and with so many children to take care,they are often neglected , and something must be done about this.

I think the weakest link lies in the absence of a policy on crime prevention in schools to evaluate the impact of home environment ,truancy ,indiscipline ,dadah abuse, smoking, drinking etc on child behaviour and in particular its relation to juvenile delinquency.
I hope the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation ,and others instead of just prescribing antidotes play an active role not only in preventing crime, but also to determine ways in which the public, parent-teacher associations,the mass media, Government departments, non Governmental Organizations , can contribute to the reduction of crimes especially in schools.
Public response has been encouraging as seen by the number of people writing to this column, giving their ideas and suggestions, and I feel that MCPF should take the initiative to gather all the ideas ,informations,and suggestions and call upon all the relevant authorities to have a seminar and come out with a solution that could be implemented in our schools system.There should be a referendum on the issue.
The following suggestions could be of help:

.School social work should be introduced to help students modify their attitudes towards
schooling and their teachers and to enhance adjustment to the school enviro0nment.

. Build up their sense of belonging and loyalty to the school through sports academic excellence, and co curricular activities.

Better communication between parents students and teachers through the PTAs to discuss and solve problems

The mass media should promote the appreciation of the intrinsic value of education. It is very important for parent and the community to realise the importance of education as a positive step towards the prevention of crime and delinquency

Students should be guided on the useful occupation of their leisure hours. More playing fi elds should be developed ,instead of golf course and cyber cafes

Students should be compelled to be members of disciplined uniform groups. They could help discipline teachers enforce discipline. School discipline teachers should be members of the police volunteer reserve with powers to arrest and detain, and they should be in police uniform while teaching in schools. Its objective is to induce in students the respect for law and order, regard for property, love for their parents, teachers, fellow students and elders, and a sense of pride in themselves and to foster in them the awareness of their abilities.
.
They should also be encouraged to take up vocational training, hobbies,or socializing ,like biking, hiking picnic canoeing and other organized activities.

Religious groups, clubs like the Lion and Rotary Club , PTAs, NGOs and private sectors companies should take an active part in organizing various activities for students so that they would not be left on their own

Re introduce the post of Probation officers,besides handling probation reports, they should also be responsible for handling schoolchildren who play truant and to report the matter to the schools and their parents as it is done in the United Kingdom..They should work closely with the police in all matters regarding juvenile delinquency.

There is no easy way to fight juvenile delinquency . I realise also that it is not an easy task to implement all suggestions put forward by everyone as there are a lot of obstacles to be overcome such as funds.

However we must realize that it is better to spend on preventive measures rather than see our schools turned into ganglands, which will not benefit future generations.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

WRONG TO SAY ORANG ASLI ARE MARGINALIZED

I refer to the letter, 'A leg-up for Orang Asli", (nst Feb 13) by Datuk S Ambiga.
It is regrettable that the learned President of the Bar Council, for whatever reasons,took the opportunity during the ongoing political crises in Perak to commend and highlighted what the Nizar Administration did in the last 10 months for the Orang Asli in Perak.
What irked me is that, why is it that the Bar Council, all these years never even mentioned, let alone commended or highlighted the Federal Government's effort to improve the socio economic standard of the
Orang Asli community in Malaysia for the last six decades?
I am sure to day the Orang Asli are much better off than their ancestors of 70 years ago when they used to live in deep jungles, far away from civilization
without proper housing. electricity, water, proper food,medical and health care, education and economic activities .
In 1939 ,the British established the Department of Aborigine Affairs,which is now known as Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli,headed by a Director General to oversees to the affairs of the Orang Asli in Malaysia. In 1961 the Federal Government established an Administrative Policy with and objective to integrate the 141,000 Orang Asli community with mainstream Malaysian society, so that they will be at par with all the other communities..
Unfortunately it is not an easy task for the Department to integrate the minority prebumi people, as they still prefer to be among their own community and practice their own culture, customs ,and religious beliefs . About 39% of them still lives in the jungles, 60% in jungle fringes and 1% in kampongs and towns
However the government's effort at improving and uplifting their socio economic standard is ongoing and they are slowly moving out of their cocoons
and leaving the jungles for better life, In 2008 ,RM 58 million was allocated to implement development projects, like better houses with modern amenities , schools ,clinics,community halls roads ,bridges etc.
So it is certainly wrong to say that the Orang Asli are a marginalized group. I do not wish to delve further on the subject, and I leave it to The Director General of JHEOA to give a better picture on whether the Orang Asli are being marginalized or not .


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

norshahidmohdnor@gmail.com No. 55 SS 3/41 Kelana Jaya 47300 Petaling Jaya
Tel.03 78730320 , 019 2213647
13 February 2009

MAKE BUKIT LARUT THE VENUE FOR ECO TOURISM

There are people who want upgrading and modern development, including the cable car project for Bukit Larut, while there are others who are nature lovers including myself as a Taipingite , want the surrounding jungles with its flora and fauna , birds and bees, butterflies and insects, monkeys and most probably tigers, preserved for heritage.

Bukit Larut the former Maxwell Hill, is the only hill resort left in Malaysia which has not suffered at the hands of massive development. It will not be long though if the proposal for the cable car project goes through. Instead of spending RM 60 million on the project which I am sure will not be profitable, it would be wise for the State Government to spend around RM 5 million ringgit to improve the present infrastructure and winding steep narrow, 15 km road leading to the top of the hill, including lighting up the whole stretch of the road.This would enable better 4 WD vehicles to make faster trips up and down the hill The drive up on a land rover is indeed a part of the old charm, and many would want to experience it once in a lifetime.
One of the many wonderful features and charms of Bukit Larut is the quiet nights, the charming and romantic atmosphere that it has which is still old and pristine. When one stands on the verandah of the rest house at night facing and looking down at the flickering lights of Taiping town with the cool breeze blowing on one's face and the sounds of crickets and insects droning and buzzing in the nearby jungle, one would feel so peaceful that for a moment one would feel as though one is in a Lost World. This is the feeling that we want our tourists to feel in Bukit Larut, not the sounds of discos , noise from the pubs with wine women and song, or enjoying in the comfort of a five star hotel with a golf course., and swimming pool. Bukit Larut should be the venue for eco-tourism , and if it is kept the way it is today, without changing the whole environment ,it will be on the world map and will become a magnet to not only local but also foreign tourists.
Before bringing in the tourists accommodation must be improved and make sure that there are enough rooms available, maintain the Colonial facade of all the present buildings with repairs and renovations.Refurbish the lobby, the dining hall,and all the bedrooms in the rest house with new furnitures. Toilets facilities with hot and cold running water should be up to international standard and should be maintained at all times
Build a new food court with Asian and Western menu , a convenience store, and internet cafe with wi fi and high speed internet services. I remember the Hill used to have a small post office and this should be revived , with a police post, a clinic with a resident doctor, and a 4 WD ambulance added up.
Next improve on the infrastructure ,by repairing and upgrading the cement steps leading from the base station to Tea Garden. Add iron railing on both sides of the steep steps and build a couple of concrete platforms on both sides of the steps as rest areas, .Theses would provide better access to those who are keen to walk up the hill, and enjoy the sounds and sights of birds from the jungle .
As an eco tourism resort, it should have a camp site where people can pitch their tents ,or provide tents for hire. It should also be equipped with public baths and toilets, BBQ pits, camp fire site etc. As a boy scout in the fifties we used to camp somewhere near Tea Garden,and held campfire and BBQ with our scoutmaster the late Mr Utam Singh. I am sure this will attract Boy Scouts and Youth Groups not only from Malaysia but throughout the world
Build more log (kayu bakau) cabins near the camp sites for visitors who would want to experience living in a jungle for a couple of nights.

Have more well arrange flower gardens with tulips and roses as the main flowers, and turn it to look like an English garden with a small flower shop to sell the flowers to visitors.Establish a nature museum with various species of staffed birds , insects and butterflies,found in Bukit Larut. Provide a better and beautiful park and children"s playground complete with public toilets and amenities where day trip visitors can have their family picnics .
Whatever it is the State Government must appoint a professional managing director with professional workers to manage the Hill Resort for the benefit of not only the local but also foreign tourists.Finally I would like to urge the people of Taiping who loves the town to say definitely 'NO' to the cable car project.

NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

EDUCATE LITTERBUGS NOT HELP THEM

I refer to your report,"Volunteers to clean up Thaipusam rubbish", (nst Street 4 January).
Year after year, and I am positive that the same scenario at the Sri Subramaniam Swamy Temple after Thaipusam this year would be the same , as tons of waste and litter, would be left behind by hawkers,stall holders, visitors, and devotees, for someone else to pick.

Thanks to the Selayang Municipal Council and Alam Flora who as usual, would clear the rubbish and clean up the place within a couple of days. These die hard litterbugs will never learn to keep the place clean, simply because they know that the authorities who are paid will do the job, for them, so why bother?
This year Sampah Masyarakat, a non -profit organisation , together with about 100 volunteers will join the Selayang Municipal and Alam Flora workers to reduce the rubbish left behind during the celebrations.
While I applaud the noble cause , I feel that the move to encourage youths to participate in the cleanliness work ,when everyone has left the site is ridiculous .I dont understand the rational behind the move.
Instead Sampah Masyarakat should organize an educational programme , to remind and to warn the public not to throw rubbish anywhere they like. especially in a sacred place like the Temple. Volunteers should be going around mingling with the people, distributing plastic bags and encourage the people to throw their rubbish into the bag which they should be carrying around until they come to the nearest bin where they can deposit the bag.Volunteers should be given loud hailers to encourage people , hawkers and stall holders not to litter but to put all their rubbish in the bins provided.Enforcement officers should also be going around , warning litterbugs of the possibility of being fine.
If Sampah Masyarakat, the volunteers ,and
the enforcement officers could play their role strictly and positively, I am sure there will be less rubbish to collect from the floor.There is a need to change the mindset of these litterbugs.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

AWARD ALL BRAVE PUBLIC SERVANTS

AWARD ALL BRAVE PUBLIC SERVANTS

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I refer to your report," Award for soldier who braved pain for duty", (nst. l9th January)
In my letter to this column, "Praise for an injured soldier's devotion to duty ,(nst 20th August). I suggested that he be commended and promoted for his exemplary conduct and devotion to duty.Kudos to Corporal Mohd Zamri Md Soot, who was awarded the Darjah Keberanian Kedah by His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Kedah on his 81st Birthday. I presume that he had also been promoted to Corporal soon after the incident.
In spite of this ,he is still a modest soldier, who did not want to disappoint his comrades , or ruin his battalion's reputation. Despite his injury he did not flinch and remained on parade right up to the end. Now that he is a moral booster and a role model to his battalion, he should at least be a Sargent .
I would also like to suggest that the fireman who risked his life to save a suicide bid woman , be commended and promoted for his brave deed . C Kesaven didnt hesitate and rushed forward to break the woman's fall. She landed in his arms and escaped death. (nst 16 th January)."Woman falls into fireman's arms.
I am sure critics would say that all these acts of bravery are in line of their duties as uniformed personnel,, but would anyone be brave enough to wait for a 60 kilogram object falls into his arms from a hight of a three story building?. Well done C.Kesaven ,you risked your life in line of duty.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRODUCED TOP STUDENTS

I refer to the letter by Dr. S.Nathesan, "Make them attractive to all races;"(nst 5 January). I beg to defer from the writer's comment that the feeling of togetherness does not exist in National schools.
It is regrettable that not only the National school system , but also the National schools have been receiving a lot of bashing lately for baseless reasons.. I wonder weather the writer is aware that not only Malay but also Chinese and Indian students from these schools came out top in the 2008 PMR examination, and thousands with straight As, as compared to students from the vernacular schools. Past students of these schools are today ,captains of Industries,top corporate figures,top government servants, and professionals in various fields.These goes to prove that there is nothing seriously wrong about these schools.
The truth of the fact is that some Chinese and Indian parents do not want to send their children to National schools not because of the unattractiveness of these schools, but because they are greatly influenced by their elders, educationists,NGOs,and politicians. They give the perception that the National schools, are Malay or religious schools,just because most of the students and teachers are Malays, who speak Bahasa Melayu,and the medium of instructions are in Bahasa Melauyu and English. So they shy away from sending their children to these schools for fear of loosing out on their own language culture, and above all their religion.
This fear is clearly stated by a member of a Chinese NGO a couple of weeks ago, who said that third generation Chinese immigrants American no longer know their own mother tongue and have lost out on their culture and tridition. They are no longer Chinese, but American and speak only English, a language that all Americans must know how to speak read and write before they could become the citizens of the United States.
That was the main reason why some Chinese educationists were against the suggestion put forward by Dato Mukriz Tun Mahathir to have only one school system, that is the National schools with Bahasa Melayu and English as the medium of instructions, and pupils-own-language classes, for Chinese and Indian students.
When I was in an English school in Seremban back in the fifties , 95% of the teachers were Indian and
Chinese.There was only one Malay form teacher.The Headmaster, the English and science teachers were British. There were only about 20% of Malays in the school of about 600 students, and although we were outnumbered by Chinese and Indian students and teachersa we always had the feeling of togetherness and until today I still have many close Chinese and Indians friends who were once my classmates.
Why this fear of sending your children to the Nationals schools? Many Malay women, including my wife, her sisters and my sisters and my daughters were all educated in convent schools. They can even say the Christian prayers , but none of them became Christian or became Chinese and Indians. I believe that for as long as we want to be Chinese ,Indians and Malays the concept of Malaysian Malaysia will remain a political dream.


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

DRUG ADDICTS A RE JUST NOT CATTLE OR SHEEP

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I refer to the letter by Abdul Razak Abu Samah ," Cast away drug addicts on a rehabilitation island,
(nst 8 December).
I have my reservation about the writer's suggestion,unless a thorough feasible study has been made. This is to ensure the safety of not only the drug addicts but also the staff and their families. I think it is unwise for anyone to believe that hard core drug addicts could be successfully rehabilitated by putting them away forever on remote islands ,These are sick and desperate human beings. They would even kill their own mother to get money to support their habit. They are not just cattle or sheep, that could be left to fend for themselves on remote islands.Most of them are walking skeletons with HIV or AIDS, and dying a slow death. Besides it is against Human Rights to cast them away from their families, relatives and friends.
How many people today still remember,when in the early fifties the British Government in Singapore thought it was wise to rehabilitate hard core criminals,and triad society gangsters on an island called Pulau Senang. It was a success story for a couple of years,until a riot broke outand the prisoners not only massacred the British Superintendent of Prison, his officers and warders, but also burnt the whole facility to the ground..
Pulau Senang was history and the United Nations later advised countries not to establish penal islands unless maximum security is guaranteed.
Think of the funds needed to build the facility on a remote island. There is also the matter of logistics, staffing,and management. Is it worth it?. There are now more than 200,000 registered addicts with many more not accounted for. Going by the trend, the population of hard core addicts will increase from year to year. Do we have enough islands to cast all of them there?.
The easy availability of dadah on our streets is a plus factor for the rise in dadah abuse. This contributes to the rise in not only petty but also serious crimes,
Although large amount of various drugs,have been found by the authorities in recent years ,very few big time pushers and smugglers have been arrested. The authorities seem to be arresting more dadah addicts, and unless aconcerted effort is made by all enforcement agencies, the war on dadah which the Government declared three decades ago will not be won.
We must fight the war against dadah, just like the United States,is fighting the war on terrorism.The pushers and smugglers must be hunted and tracked down. Offer attractive rewards to those who give information leading to their arrests.

HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR THE DEAD

Some senior citizens would probably remember that during the emergency from 1948-l960, many communist terrorists were shot dead by our security forces and their dead bodies were placed at the back of police land rovers, to be taken to the police station, where they would be photographed and fingerprinted for record purposes. They were later placed at the back of the land rovers and taken to the hospital for burial .
I used to see pairs and sometimes more than one pair of feet protruding out of the back of the land rover. There were no body bags then and the bullet riddled bodies covered with blood could be seen by the public as they passed through the villages and towns.
Today 50 years after the end of the emergency, I am sad to say that, we still see the same scenario , when dead bodies of murdered and accident victims were placed at the back of uncovered police land rovers to be taken to the hospital mortuary for a post - mortem .Criminals shot dead by the police are also carried in the same vehicles. Only this time they are all put in body bags.
. . What I am implying here is that, shouldn't the police be more courteous by separating murdered and accident victims from dead criminals. Murdered and accident victims are not criminals and as such they should be afforded a decent transportation like a covered vans, hearse, or coroner's ambulance, like in the United States and United Kingdom.
I hope the police , in their re branding exercise consider buying such vehicles for use at least inthe towns and cities. Lets have some respect for the dead


NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

INTRODUCE TOURISTS TAXIS

INTRODUCE TOURISTS TAXIS

Tourists often wrote to this column , complaining not only of the deplorable taxi service , but also the rude,arrogant,and intimidating drivers, who refuse to use their meters, and charging exorbitant fares for shot distances .

These were among the many grouses we often hear from Malaysian and tourists. It is regrettable that the government has not been able to solve the problem plaguing the taxi services , since the days of the late Tun Sardon Zubir the then Minister of Transport.It has been a pain in the neck every time I read of the same old complaints . The law enforcement agencies must be forever acting without fear or favor against these errant taxi drivers, who sometimes refuse to take in passengers or refuse to go to the place where the passenger wants to go.They are running a taxi service and they have no right to refuse. Taxis should be more consumer friendly so as not to tarnish the country's image.
I suggest that the authorities introduce tourists taxis in all our cities These taxis should have a uniform colour ,with a 12 inch black and white chequered pattern opainted around the four doors of the taxi for easy recognition by the tourists. A large logo with the words TAKSI PELANCONG and TOURISTS TAXI painted on both the front doors. These metered taxis should be authorised to charge RM 10.00 on entry and thereafter RM 2.00 per kilometer . This works out to about RM 35.00 to RM 40.00, from KLCC to Petaling Jaya or Subang Jaya which I think is reasonable for a tourist to pay. instead of being cheated with a fare of Rm 100.00 to RM 150.00 for the same destination without using the meter.

I leave it to the authorities to plan as to whom the tourist taxi permit be given and the terms and conditions to be observed by the qualified drivers. I am sure if it is plan properly the tourists taxi will be a success and complaints from tourists will be a thing of the past.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA

MISUSE OF SEX WRECK SPIRITUAL IDEALS

I refer to the letter by Mariam Mokhtar," Don't drive them underground ",(nst 31 December)

I am not writing to disagree or agree with the writer's opinion, that the religious department edict is a blatant abuse of human rights of the individual, as I believe that everyone has the human rights to form his or her own opinion
What I failed to understand is that, on the one hand, the writer concluded that the best weapon is education and information, and on the other, the ABC approach which is widely used worldwide for preventing HIV infection according to her is infallible .I think if the approach is properly, and efficiently managed or organized is in itself educational and informative.
In the first place the religious department's edict is only for Muslim couples intending to get married. It is I presume a three prong approach to deter Muslims from engaging in free sex with different partners before marriage , second to prevent newborns from contacting the disease , and third to educate and remind Muslims of their religious obligations,
All Muslims should understand that the environmental and social influence which most frequently wreck our spiritual ideals have to do with SEX and especially with its MISUSE . Thus all Muslims from a very young age must abide by the extortion of the Holy Koran, which forbids Muslims from engaging in free sex before one is legally married
I do not wish to delve further on the subject as it is clearly stated in Surah Al Nur in thye Holy Koran for all Muslims to read and abide.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
Petaling Jaya.