The anarchist in PR

Wednesday, 14 July 2010 10:30 |

The wave of change was likened to the Tsunami.

And like the Tsunami, it takes the victim by surprise.

Such is the behaviour of Pakatan Rakyat. When it came to power in the few states that were supposed to lead the way in competency, accountability and transparency, they have so far promised much but delivered far less.

I had really high hopes for them in the recent SELCAT inquiry on Kumpulan Semesta (the sand minig concessionaire) but in their findings, it was announced that stakeholders had done no wrong.

In fact, the recent talk around cyberspace is that the media attention by mainstream was all, well a smokescreen!

To blame in on the media is such an easy thing to do these days, isn't it? Banning MSM from covering so called press conferences, as well as to publish unlicensed publications is all a big part of their scheme to promote anarchy.

In Malaysia, as most minerals and deposits would come under the purview of the Jabatan Galian (Minerals and Geoscience Department - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) which carries a 'To enhance the contribution of the mineral sector to the socio-economic development of the nation through the efficient, responsible and sustainable development as well as the optimum utilisation of mineral resources.' tagline, it would be most difficult to breach the regulations on mining of valuable minerals.

So the next best thing to do is skim the top! Sand!

And given that the previous BN led state government had low yields from taxation in this area, the PR led Selangor government is going to town with their claims that they have collected RM36 million from 'lost revenues' in the taxation from sand mining as opposed to the RM4.5 million under Khir Toyo. Surely in the laws of economic scale, it is an achievement right? But let's look at it objectively, shall we?

In Khir's time, sand mining was not as massive as now under Khalid's rule. As such the RM4.5million vs RM36 million comes with the scale of economy, i.e you allow more to mine, you can collect more in taxation. And in the process for every 10ha approved, another 10ha is provided 'free' with eyes wide shut! Get the picture?

And this is based on the scarring of the wetlands and mining areas, that have resulted in depths of 40metres in some areas of the sand mine. With RM40 per ton as claimed by a TV report , the actual price sold in the open market for finely sift sand is around RM95 per ton!

Apart from the sand issue, the hot topic right now was raised by Sivarasa, MP Subang. Being a trained law professional, one would expect him to understand the requirement of the law, and the very need to respect the law too. Imagine a Malaysia when her law is subjected to the whims and fancy of the citizens!

As such, his claims to the issue of non renewal of printing permits as required under the Printing Presses and Publication act is a non starter.

This is a clear example of an opponent hitting below the belt even before the fight began. In fact the issue here is the delay in renewal of the permit, isn't it? And given the problems that Suara Keadilan has been getting itself into, one would really wonder if the permit was served on a gold platter!

Why?

Has Suara even bothered to check facts when printing? After all, as a responsible paper, shouldn't it report facts? The fact that it got itself into the latest round of controversy is the claim that Felda had gone bankrupt! Surely, a check with the insolvency department can get you the answer!

The invoking of the PP&P act is therefor justified, and if one cares to remember, even MSM publications has had their fair share of suspension and threats of revocation as well! And why should Suara be any different?

Malaysians have much to be thankful for, and the realisation by the current government that it needs the help and support from its neighbours is a good start to lift her up to the next level. What it does not need is anarchist hell bent on leading her down the dark alley, waiting to devour her at the very second it gains control of her!

Remember how organised anarchy have brought sovereign nations to their knees, a very fond tactic of a certain three letter agency that starts with a 'C' and ends with an 'A', 'I' stand between.

So it is not surprising then to see the opposition adopting this stand at the time that their 'supreme' leader is ending backwards to his 'masters', isn't it? - PJ Moorthy, Malaysia-Instinct