theSun | FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6 2009
news without borders
Stop large-scale water
extraction: Fomca
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian
Consumers Associations (Fomca) objects to the
large-scale commercialisation of ground water
extraction as it would deplete water resources.
Its president Datuk N. Marimuthu told Ber-
nama that there is a shortage of water sources
to meet the needs of a growing population. He
said extraction would:
» cause a reduction in river flow and surface
water including wetlands, lakes and springs;
» destroy the ecosystem by affecting living
organisms depending on ground water;
» allow intrusion of sea water into soil; and
» create sinkholes due to increased soil
instability.
It was understood that Sime Darby was plan-
ning commercial ground water extraction at its
estate in Slim River.
Marimuthu said this would necessitate deeper
bore holes, which in turn would cause the water
table to be lowered. “The lower the water table,
the more difficult it would be for plants to survive
as their roots cannot reach the water.”
Civil servants can claim up to
RM90 for parking
KUALA LUMPUR: Effective Feb 1, civil serv-
ants can claim a maximum of RM90 a month
in parking charges. Public Services director-
general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said in a circular
yesterday that the reimbursement was for
staff who were entitled to use cars in the
course of their work. The reimbursement
would be for the sum incurred, up to a RM90
maximum, whichever is lower. Cuepacs, how-
ever, has urged the government to increase
the quantum, particularly for those working
in urban areas, where parking is more expen-
sive. – Bernama
Jui Meng’s ‘gracious’ gesture
for the MCA
analysis by Ng Kee Seng It was heard coming from a
newsdesk@thesundaily.com politician who had campaigned
twice for the MCA presidency and
FOR decades, Chinese New Year lost on the platform of “a contest
parties and concerts have been between friends is to win or lose
the norm for Chinese politicians graciously”.
in Malaysia. So a concert in Muar Chua pleasantly surprised
organised by party veteran Datuk those present when he said: “The
Chua Jui Meng last night was to contest is over. MCA’s national
many going to be just another delegates have elected Datuk Seri
event for the occasion. Ong Tee Keat as president. Give
However, what Chua (below) him a chance to perform.”
had to say in his address to party That speaks volumes of his
grassroots and the Bakri constitu- current stand in the MCA. It’s
e n t s who had sup- hands-off to any party leader har-
ported him for bouring hopes of getting Chua’s
22 years, giv- support to sow seeds of discord to
ing him a destabilise the new leadership.
more than Chua said: “This is an event to
19,000- show my appreciation to the peo-
v o t e ple of Bakri for having given me
majority the opportunity to serve you all as
each time MP. I am still with you, although
he stood for I was not given the chance to
elections, defend Bakri (on March 8).
was not just “Political contests must be
music to based on principles, not on
many. personal interests. When friends
contest based on principles,
then you are not doing battle as
enemies.
“I have been in (MCA)
presidential battles twice (against
Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting in 2005
and Tee Keat last year), and on
both occasions, I lost graciously.
Friendship can outlast contests.”
In terms of national delegates,
the Johor MCA has the largest
number. Being a veteran leader
from the state, Chua’s political
stand in the party is seen as a
“unifying” factor in the leadership
proving itself during its current
three-year term.
For Tee Keat (right), who is
also transport minister, it is a
welcome opportunity for him
to proceed with his transforma-
tion plan to rebrand the MCA to
overcome the political tsunami
of March 8, 2008, so that it might
see a resurgence of support in the
next general election.
Ong has announced that the
plan would be unveiled on March
1 in conjunction with the party’s
60th anniversary celebrations.
He has also said the plan,
being drafted with feedback from
various quarters including party
members and the public, would
set the party’s immediate and
future directions.
11
Suffice to say, the effective-
ness of its implementation would
depend not only on substance and
action, but also unity, especially
among the grassroots, that is so
crucial for the party’s administra-
tion.
Former Johor MCA chief and
deputy president Datuk Seri Dr
Chua Soi Lek has since the party
elections been seen to be causing
“discomfort” to the leadership by
projecting himself as “sidelined”.
Grassroots see this as an attempt
to destabilise the party, and it has
also fuelled rumours that Soi Lek
is to gather support to petition an
emergency general meeting.
With Jui Meng openly
expressing support for Ong, there
is now greater pressure
on Soi Lek
to march
to the
beat of
Ong’s
drums.