PKNS: New GM appointed

[pywong]

A few interesting viewpoints on the appointment.


1. S'gor appoints non-bumiputra to temporarily head PKNS

By EDWARD RAJENDRA
Updated: Monday October 27, 2008 MYT 5:38:09 PM

SHAH ALAM: Dissatisfaction over the appointment of a non-bumiputra to helm
the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) as acting general manager
did not stop the state from giving the post to a Chinese.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the appointment of a non-bumiputra
was a short-term measure for one year to ensure the effective continuation
of management.

On being told that certain quarters are against the appointment of a
non-bumiputra to the post, Khalid smiled and said, that "it is their view
and this is mine".

...... http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/27/nation/20081027173322&sec=nation

2. PAS unhappy with PKNS chief appointment
28 Oct 08 : 8.29PM

SHAH ALAM, 28 Oct 2008: PAS, a member of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition
government in Selangor, is unhappy with the appointment of Low Siew Moi as
Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) head.

Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamad Ali, who is also state
executive councillor, said today the party would help the state government
find a more suitable candidate.

....http://www.thenutgraph.com/pas-unhappy-with-pkns-chief-appointment

3. PKNS staff associations want an iman.

Side Effect of UMNO's Racist Rule
Posted by Khoo Kay Peng at 7:45 PM Tues, Oct 28, 2008

Incoming Prime Minister Najib Razak has promised to relax the FIC guidelines
and dismantle the New Economy Policy. The relaxation of the guidelines mean
very little if the mindset of policy makers, civil servants and some segment
of the community remains the same.

The appointment of Low Siew Moi as acting GM of PKNS by Selangor Chief
Minister Khalid Ibrahim is a prime example.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/92028

Six staff bodies of state agency Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS)
have objected to the appointment of a senior official as acting general
manager on grounds that she is Chinese.

In their joint memorandum dated Oct 25 to Khalid, the staff associations
said:

"PKNS was established for Malays and to fulfill the Malay agenda.
Because of this, the organisation needs to be led by a Malay."

The document was signed by the respective heads of associations of senior
officers, executive officers and workers; the sports and recreation club;
Islamic association, and staff welfare body.

.....
http://khookaypeng.blogspot.com/2008/10/side-effect-of-umnos-racist-rule.html

[besitai2007]

It is sad that racial issues still crop up. Can it be verified that PKNS was established for Malays and to fulfill the Malay agenda..now what do they mean? The so-called social contract?

[pywong]

Besitai,

It is correct to say that PKNS was set up to help the Bumis in business and construction. Having said that, one would have thought that having a competent leader (the new lady GM is quite sharp and competent) at the top would be in the best interests of the Bumis as PKNS will be more successful. In turn, that would mean PKNS can help more Bumis.

UMNO have tried one way for the past 38 years. The results have been deplorable with many individuals promoted beyond their level of competency, combined with corruption on a massive scale.

One example: The issue of Perangsang International S/B being sold off for RM2 has still not been resolved. This was to avoid an investigation of the company by the ACA.

Logic would tell us that if a particular way does not work, we should try other ways.

If we don't, we are just like the mad man who insists on doing things a particular way and keep on expecting a different result.

Sadly, UMNO's brainwashing over the past 50 years has been too successful.

[pywong]

Doesn't matter whether is black or white as long as it can catch mice.

In the present financial crisis, we need every capable person we have to work hard and help the country climb out of the morass. We shouldn't waste our energy fighting over the skin colour of the person.

Wanita MCA chief Chew Mei Fun urged Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to remain steadfast in appointing Low as the acting General Manager of PKNS.

"Even though I share a different political ideology with Tan Sri Khalid, I believe in the Selangor Menteri Besar's trust and confidence in women's capabilities to helm PKNS," she said.

Chew took to task the former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and state Pas commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali for disparaging Low's qualification based on her gender and ethnicity.

"The behaviour of these two leaders, who questioned and prejudiced the capabilities of women, will not increase the country's competitiveness and encourage economic growth," she said.

"In this globalised world, the appointment of top government posts should not be based on skin colour or gender. Those with capabilities and who are able to perform should be given the opportunity to serve," she
emphasised.

"At the end of the day, Malaysia will experience a brain drain with more and more talented professionals leaving for other countries to seek work and pursue their ambitions."

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11401-mca-backs-penang-selangor-governments-on-signboards-pkns

[pywong]

Is Pakatan Rakyat perpetuating race-based politics and governance?
October 28, 2008

…And we, the rakyat of Malaysia of all races and of various faiths, now declare that we reject raced-based systems of governance of the country in favour of non race-based, integrated systems of governance…

This is an excerpt from The People’s Voice & The People’s Declaration, the document that was endorsed by, amongst others, DAP, PKR and PAS in February this year, just before the 12th GE.

Acceptance of this document by these political parties was taken by a great many of us as an expression of full agreement by those parties with the aspirations of the people as laid out in this document.

http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/is-pakatan-rakyat-perpetuating-race-based-politics-and-governance/

[pywong]

I think he has stated the issues very well.

http://harismibrahim.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/letter-to-selangor-state-exco.pdf

[Han2]

Racists... all of them including the PAS man.

[pywong]

Racists... all of them including the PAS man.


I thought you said "No name calling"? ;D ;D

[Han2]

Sorry lah... I cannot accept PAS, if I may borrow a quote from another thread somewhere "running with Pakatan and hunting with UMNO". The PAS objection of the appointment of a Chinese GM at PKNS really showed their true sincerity in fighting for a Malaysia for Malaysians... so name calling lor....

[pywong]

Han2,

One swallow does not a summer make.
Neither does one ADUN make a party.

60 years (since 1948) of brainwashing by UMNO. You expect to undo that in 7 months?

Sabar, kawan. In a democracy, everyone has a right to their views. We may not agree with them. But we still have to respect their right.

PAS MPs complain. Let them. Their leaders have to sort it out with these people.

Finally, what prevails is what has been agreed at the leadership level.

The issue is spinning in different directions now. The staff associations have sent a petition to the new acting GM demanding she steps down from her post.

Since when have staff associations dictated the selection of the GM to the MB. The issue is very simple. If one does not agree to a particular appointment, he resigns and leaves quietly. No need to demonstrate.

[pywong]

Gerakan and MCA, no need to talk.

Just walk.

PKNS: MCA wants Khir Toyo apology, Gerakan backs Khalid too
By Debra Chong


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 - The MCA is stepping up its pressure on Umno over the PKNS issue and is now also calling for a review of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Not to be outdone, the Chinese-based Gerakan has also thrown their support behind Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim for appointing a non-Malay as acting general manager of the Selangor State Economic Development Corporation (PKNS).

Gerakan Penang state chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan urged Khalid not to cave in to the intense pressure to rescind the appointment offer to Low Siew Moi as the first female and non-Malay acting general manager of PKNS.

"Although Gerakan and PKR are from opposing camps, we are of the same view as far as this issue is concerned," Teng said in a press statement today.

He highlighted the fact that Low had served PKNS for over 30 years, with 11 years spent as the deputy GM.

"All those who are opposing the appointment of an experienced, efficient and effective officer to helm PKNS just because she is a lady and a non-Malay, although a true bred Malaysian, is simply unacceptable in this very competitive world," he said

Read on.....http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/11475-pkns-mca-wants-khir-toyo-apology-gerakan-backs-khalid-too

[besitai2007]

The different issues that have cropped up with PAS in the PR makes us wonder whether the relationship is tenable in the near future? Even UMNO is trying to entice them to join UMNO.. remember Hadi? Hasn't heard much from him. The latest protest against the PKNS acting GM by PAS shows that they are not practising the true spirit of Islam. I thought Islam does not condone prejudice against any race or religion? For that matter all religions do not encourage this. It is just those who become politicians .. they will try to get political mileage to mix religion and politics to come up up a corruption of the religion.

[pywong]

Besitai, one MP does not represent the whole party. Let's wait for PAS HQ to issue a statement.

Tony's take on the issue: http://tindakmalaysia.com/tm_forums2008/index.php/topic,220.new.html#new, post #7

[pywong]

Race and Islam, Farish Noor
Thursday, 30 October 2008 18:24

A row was sparked off by the nomination of a Chinese woman - Low Siew Moi -
as the head of a state institution linked to the economic management and
development of the state of Selangor, the PKNS. Despite the fact that Low
was selected on merit, some quarters chose to publicly disagree with her
appointment on the grounds that the Malay-Muslims of the state would object
to the appointment. But objection on what grounds, asks Aliran member Farish
Noor.

It is odd, to say the least, that after more than 14 centuries there remain
some people who claim to be Muslims but who still have not internalised the
universal values of Islam. Odder still that there remain those who on the
one hand can embrace Islam's universal claim of brotherhood (and
sisterhood), but still cannot get around to understanding the simple idea
that Islam and racism do not mix.

Read on... http://www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=
751:race-and-islam&catid=55:2008&Itemid=40
____

'PKNS belongs to all the rakyat'
Oct 30, 08 9:41am [extract]

'The staff should not be unduly worried about who takes over as their
general manager provided that person is a capable Malaysian citizen.'

Read on...
http://www1.malaysiakini.com/news/92113

On PKNS - 'Get the best person for the job'

Ashvin Raj: I am indeed baffled that once again Malaysians are still divided
over the race issue. I am wondering if racial issues are more important
issues in Malaysia than economic issues.

>From the report, it seems to suggest that the menteri besar of Selangor has
a prerogative on who to appoint as the general manager for PKNS, as even
acknowledged by the former menteri besar Khir Toyo.

If that is not enough, what is the problem of having a non-Malay Malaysian
as the acting general manager of PKNS? Does Selangor consists of only Malays
in the state?

Read on... http://www1.malaysiakini.com/news/92045

[pywong]

PAS must walk its talk
Terence Fernandez
THE recent outburst by Selangor Executive Councillor Datuk Dr Hassan Ali over the appointment of a non-bumiputra to head the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) is an indictment of the bigotry of the party he leads.

That the PAS state commissioner – who is exco member in charge of Islamic and Malay affairs, infrastructure and public amenities development – went public against Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s decision to promote deputy general manager Low Siew Moi to acting general manager of PKNS makes his party’s "PAS for All" clarion call during the election campaign a farce and a misrepresentation of the party, when it was clamouring for the hearts and votes of the rakyat.

http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=27173

[pywong]

PKNS sets up committee to identify new GM
Karen Arukesamy

PETALING JAYA (Oct 31): The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) will form a special committtee to identify a suitable candidate for the post of general manager, the Menteri Besar's office said in a statement this afternoon.

The board of directors, at a meeting on Oct 29, decided to form the committee to go through applications for the post, as there has a lot of interest both from within and outside the PKNS, and provide a shortlist of the best candidates for the board's consideration.

http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=27201

[pywong]

Pas denies racism, sexism for opposing PKNS boss
Posted by St Low
Saturday, 01 November 2008 22:12

SHAH ALAM, Nov 1 - Denying racism or sexism for opposing Low Siew Moi's appointment as PKNS general manager, Pas Selangor commissioner Datuk Hassan Ali said it preferred "new blood" to manage the state corporation.

"I am prepared to support the appointment of a new PKNS general manager even if the person is not a Malay or a man, as long as they are professional and can provide a better future for PKNS," Hassan told the Siasah Daily news portal yesteday.

Hassan said his opinion was based on allegations that attacked the character of Low, who was corporate and accounts deputy general manager, and just-retired PKNS general manager Datuk Harun Salim.

Hassan has a point here.

His deputy, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, concurred that PKNS needed new blood.
Since when has an MP become the deputy of a State Exco?

"If we say that the PKNS management is bad, then I assume Madam Low is also bad as she is one of the senior managers there and not because she is not Malay. Anyone can lead PKNS as long as they understand its policies and aims and follow directives from the board led by the Menteri Besar," Khalid said.

"We don't want to appoint a Malay only to see the person not performing and causing Pakatan Rakyat trouble," he added.

....Hassan, who disclosed that Khalid had agreed to consider other candidates, said he had asked Khalid why the two most senior officers — Deputy General Manager (Administration) Md Nasir Md Arshad and Deputy General Manager (Technical) Abdul Ghani Hassan — were not appointed to succeed Harun.

Wouldn't Hassan's objections to Low apply here?

http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/14475/84/

[Han2]

They (PAS) said they wanted 'new blood' but yet they still asked for the other 2 Deputy GMs who are Malays.
I think PAS is racist as far as this case is concerned... no matter how they spin, it is obvious.

[pywong]

They (PAS) said they wanted 'new blood' but yet they still asked for the other 2 Deputy GMs who are Malays.
I think PAS is racist as far as this case is concerned... no matter how they spin, it is obvious.
Han2,

1. Watch for some broken heads during the coming PAS Chiefs Meeting. ;D

2. A lot of spinning by the MSM. So don't trust what you read there. Check behind the scenes.

I am arranging a meeting with the PAS leaders to have a dialogue to find out more. Do you want to attend?

[racheljansz]

1. Watch for some broken heads during the coming PAS Chiefs Meeting. ;D

2. A lot of spinning by the MSM. So don't trust what you read there. Check behind the scenes.

I am arranging a meeting with the PAS leaders to have a dialogue to find out more. Do you want to attend?
So what is your take on this PAS only for Malay and not Muslim and ALL?
If the MSM spin is to discredit PAS, well they are doing an excellent job at it with the help of some PAS members!
If PAS wants to be more 'Malay' than Muslim then they can carry on with this type of antics and statement.
It is high time they start earning the Rakyat trust before it is too late.
With the internet, this Malaysian will not easily forget and will remind others too!

[pywong]

1. Watch for some broken heads during the coming PAS Chiefs Meeting. ;D

2. A lot of spinning by the MSM. So don't trust what you read there. Check behind the scenes.

I am arranging a meeting with the PAS leaders to have a dialogue to find out more. Do you want to attend?
So what is your take on this PAS only for Malay and not Muslim and ALL?
If the MSM spin is to discredit PAS, well they are doing an excellent job at it with the help of some PAS members!
If PAS wants to be more 'Malay' than Muslim then they can carry on with this type of antics and statement.
It is high time they start earning the Rakyat trust before it is too late.
With the internet, this Malaysian will not easily forget and will remind others too!


Rachel, wait for Item No. 1. Why don't you come down to KL and get it from the horse's mouth? PM me. Probably 3rd week Nov when I return from overseas.

It is useful to remember that a party consists of individuals. We have some morons in PKR whose names make us wince when it is mentioned.

What to do? That's life. Those are the cards dealt to us at this moment. We just have to deal with it as best as we can. Similarly, I don't think Badawi enjoys having that Ahmad-what's-his-name ranting away about pendatang in Penang. Obviously, given the troubles he is having, Badawi does not need that. Every party have their loose cannons. That is what makes life interesting. ;D

[pywong]

Are we a hostage to confusion?

Dr. Farish Noor speaks his mind: Race and Islam

source: http://www.othermalaysia.org

October 30, 2008

By Farish A. Noor

It is odd, to say the least, that after more than fourteen centuries there remain some people who claim to be Muslims but who still have not internalised the universal values of Islam. Odder still that there remain those who on the one hand can embrace Islam’s universal claim of brotherhood (and sisterhood), but still cannot get around to understanding the simple idea that Islam and racism do not mix.

http://dinmerican.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/dr-farish-noor-speaks-his-mind-race-and-islam/

[pywong]

The hoohaa over Low's appointment by the PKNS staff associations and UMNO's exploitation of the issue is to be expected. The Malays have to learn to overcome their insecurities and work it out of their system.

What is more important to bear in mind is that this lady is part of the old system. PAS has raised this point about her being tainted by her past association. They do have a point and we should not allow the dispute over race to hide that.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/1/nation/2435150&sec=nation

Low gets PKNS' nod
Saturday November 1, 2008

SHAH ALAM: Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) board of directors
has endorsed the appointment of deputy general manager (corporate and
accounts) Low Siew Moi as acting general manager.

The board, which met on Wednesday, also extended her retirement date by one
year.

It is not clear how long she will be acting as general manager because PKNS
is expected to begin interviewing candidates for the position on Thursday.

There are already 15 hopefuls on the application list. PKNS is expected to
name the new general manager within a month.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said in a statement yesterday that
shortlisted candidates would be vetted twice - first by the board chaired by
him, then by an external committee comprising representatives from
associations in the housing and real estate industry.

Selangor DAP, meanwhile, said that it stood firmly by Khalid on Low's
appointment.

Senior executive council member Teresa Kok said Low was a walking dictionary
who knew the ins and outs of PKNS, as well as investments and developments
in the state.

"I know she is very loyal to the state and PKNS and I have seen her
bargaining with businessmen who tried to press down the land prices of
property," wrote Kok in her blog recently.

Low's appointment has not gone down well with Selangor PAS.

Its commissioner Datuk Hassah Mohamed Ali publicly questioned the wisdom of
appointing Low.

State Speaker Teng Chang Khim said PKNS was a statutory body set up by the
legislative with the main purpose of managing the state's economic
development.

"Of course in doing so, part of its duty is to balance the socio-economy of
all races. However, there is no provision to say the PKNS head must be a
bumiputra." he said.