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How Victory Keeping Hope Of Breath of Around Town Was Won Promises of A Nation Fresh Air Reform

FEATURE 6 FEATURE 10 FEATURE 13 LIFE STYLE 15 LIFE STYLE 16

BUSINESS 8 BUSINESS 4 A Farewell to GST by Batrisyia Jay PARAGON OF SUCCESS

hen the Tsunami of May 9 gave birth to a new govern- ment led by Tun Dr Maha- thir Mohamad, one of its first tasks was to announce that the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) Wwould be rated 0% effective June 1, 2018. (PH) stuck to its promise to remove GST and have it replaced with SST (Sales and Service Tax). By 2020, it hopes to The Selangor Pakatan Harapan be able to completely remove GST. government under Azmin Ali achieved A major move like this will certainly have the impossible; they increased the an impact not only on the country’s financial state’s financial reserves to more than standing, but on the people too. The income RM 4 billion, and attracted Foreign group that stands to benefit the most from the Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune removal of GST is the middle-income group of 5.59 billion in 2017 alone while as they are the ones who have to spend the still running modern, effective social most on household goods and services that do assistance programmes in the form of not fall under the zero-rated or GST-exempt the 42 Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR). categories. Story continues on page 4 Story continues on page 4 02 NEWS June 2018 | Selangor Journal

New traffic flow for Subang raffic along Persi- Michelle reports that north- have to take. Hence in the next aran Kewajipan to bound vehicles travelling from two months from 9 June on- and from Kompleks USJ will not be allowed to turn wards, I encourage Persiaran 3K to DaMen has right onto Kesas to head to Kewajipan users to ask wheth- been a longstanding . Instead, these er their overall travel time has issue for residents of Subang vehicles must turn left towards been shortened after sufficient TJaya. Shah Alam and take the nearby time has been given for drivers As such, MPSJ has been elevated U-turn. to get used to the new traffic.” working on a traffic manage- The left-most lane of the ment plan to improvise this four-lane northbound carriage- Michelle expresses that if it stretch of road, reports Subang way from USJ 1 to SS14 will be has, this will be a short term Jaya assemblywoman Michelle closed to allow smoother traffic pain for a long term gain. Mean- Ng Mei Sze in a recent Face- flow. while, if it hasn’t tempered with book post. “Southbound motorists will the driver’s travel time, then “Having researched and con- no longer be allowed to make Subang would have at least ex- sulted experts and stakeholders a U-turn at the traffic light in hausted an option in trying to including KESAS, I would like front of Da Men shopping mall. resolve this issue, adding that it to inform residents of Subang Motorists from Kuala Lumpur really is only a matter of com- Jaya that MPSJ will be running who are headed to SS14 must ing up with another solution to a trial for a new traffic manage- instead go past the interchange, the problem. ment plan at the interchange take the elevated U-turn and “This was not a decision between Persiaran Kewajipan exit Kesas via the slip road,” reached in haste. I would need and Shah Alam Expressway says Michelle. all of Subang to work together (Kesas) over two months, effec- “I am aware of a longer to solve this. Thank you in ad- tive 9 June,” says Michelle. route that some of us might vance, Subang.”

fficers from the The officers says that they All members of INTERPOL, AGC, CAD and have received media queries on including , would have MAS met the Ma- the issuance of INTERPOL Red been aware of the Red Notices laysian 1MDB Notices. when they were published. Singapore Taskforce led by “Singapore law enforce- The statement reports that Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail in ment and regulatory agencies Singapore does not tolerate OSingapore on 8 June, 2018. have been actively investigat- the use of its financial system The meeting was held at the ing possible money-laundering as a refuge or conduit for illicit working invitation of the Singapore au- and other offences pertaining funds. thorities, following an earlier to 1MDB-related fund flows, “We have taken strong ac- meeting with the Taskforce last starting in March 2015.” tion against financial insti- week in Kuala Lumpur. Following investigations, tutions and individuals who closely on “It was a productive meet- the Singapore authorities is- have broken laws within our ing, with a fruitful exchange sued warrants of arrest in jurisdiction in connection with of information. Singapore has April/May 2016 and at Singa- 1MDB-related fund flows, in- been providing Malaysia infor- pore’s request, INTERPOL pub- cluding criminal charges and 1MDB mation on 1MDB-related fund lished Red Notices in October convictions, as well as large fi- flows, since March 2015, and 2016, for Low Taek Jho and Tan nancial penalties.” this was acknowledged by Ma- Kim Loong, who are suspected Investigations are continu- laysia,” the statement reports, to have committed offences in ing into several other individu- adding that both sides has Singapore and cannot be locat- als suspected of being involved agreed to continue this cooper- ed here. in 1MDB-related offences in ation. Singapore.

ADVISOR Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB Democracy must be built CHIEF EDITOR through open societies that Cecelia Alphonsus share information. When there is information, there MANAGING EDITOR is enlightenment. When Editorial Ameena Siddiqi there is debate, there are Team solutions. When there is no WRITER sharing of power, no rule Batrisyia Jay of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation. Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor Atifete Jahjaga Tel 03-5523 4856 Fax 03-5523 5856 Email [email protected] NEWS Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 03

Perangsang Selangor bags Asia’s Responsible Enterprise Award

umpulan Perang- sang Selangor has been recent- Taiwan, Dr Eugene Chien, siev- sang Selangor Ber- ly conferred as winner of the ing through the submissions had (Perangsang Se- ‘Jury Award’ by Selangor Sports over a three-month judging pe- langor) was named Council and named as top 10 riod. recipient of the Asia in Asia for the ‘Best Sports CSR Apart from being able to Responsible Enterprise Awards initiative of the Year’ category demonstrate the design and ex- K(AREA) 2018 under the Health by Asia Sports Industry Awards ecution of sound and effective Promotion category on 1 June, in 2017. CSR programmes, nominees 2018 in Manila, Philippines. “Our mission under the were also required to demon- The awards which were or- ‘Sports for All’ programme is strate the extent that CSR prac- ganised by Enterprise Asia, the to enhance the quality of life tises have been institutionalised leading non-governmental as- among the underprivileged, within their organisations and sociation for entrepreneurship, disabled and rural society in Se- the measurable impact of their had selected fifty-one corporate langor by providing knowledge programmes to people, com- social programmes and leaders and opportunity to be involved munity and environment. across Asia as the recipients of in sports as well as producing The awards ensures that the AREA 2018. potential champions for the Asian businesses are honoured “Perangsang Selangor is state or country,” Suzila ex- for championing sustainable extremely pleased to be rec- pressed, adding that more than and responsible business prac- ognised by AREA as recipient 10,000 participants were in- tices, demonstrating compa- of the award for year 2018. The volved in the programme with nies’ leadership, sincerity and award is the fifth achievement 90 events implemented across on-going commitment in incor- under our Corporate Social Re- the state of Selangor last year. porating responsible and ethical sponsibility initiative, two for Over 200 submissions from values, compliance, investment social empowerment and en- 14 countries were received in stakeholders, involvement in gagement and three for ‘Sports from companies across Asia, communities and protection of for All’ programme,” said Suzi- with judges led by Ambassa- the environment into the way la Khairuddin, Chief Operating dor-at-Large of Taiwan and For- they run their businesses. Officer of Perangsang Selangor. mer Minister of Foreign Affairs According to Suzila, Perang- and Minister of Environment of 04 BUSINESS June 2018 | Selangor Journal

Invest Selangor Bhd is aim- ing to bring in a total of RM12 billion investment this year (2018), from the services and manufacturing sectors. Of Ithe total, RM7 billion worth of investments is expected to come from the manufacturing sector, while RM5 billion will come from Selangor Paragon the services sector. Last year in 2017, Selangor attracted RM5.59 billion of direct investments in the manufactur- of Success ing sector, as well as RM4 billion in the services sector, mainly Continued from cover page... from the world’s largest furniture retailer, IKEA, establishing a re- gional supply chain centre in Pu- Last year alone Selangor policies of the previous admin- lau Indah, worth RM908 million. secured RM5.59 billion worth istration. I am also determined The services and manufacturing of direct investments with 202 to ensure there is social justice sectors contributed 59.5% and approved manufacturing proj- in which the country’s wealth 3.45b 3.12b 29.5% to Selangor’s gross do- ects, while the services sector is distributed fairly and equal- 2.88b mestic product in 2017 respec- tively. garnered RM4 billions of in- ly.” This has always been at the 2.42b vestments, largely contributed heart of his policies in Selangor. by IKEA’s distribution facility Appointed as Menteri Besar % for the Asia Pacific region slat- in September 2014, during a % 53.20 52.20

ed for development in Pulau tumultuous period, Azmin Ali’s % %

Indah. stellar leadership of transpar- 50 53.19

ency, accountability and deter- % China % %

People’s Leader mination lead Pakatan Harapan 50 5 projects 47.80 % Needless to say the appoint- to win 51 out of 56 State seats 46.80 worth ment of Dato’ Seri Mohamed in the 2018 General Elections. 46.81 RM282 Japan million Azmin Ali to join the leadership The result was seen as a form of 13 projects in was a surprising affirmation of the current gov- worth yet highly anticipated move. ernment in fulfilling its prom- RM533 2015 2016 2017 2018 million Having served more than 15 ises. Selangor is close years as a Selangor state as- Selangor State government Development to my heart. I am semblyman, and four years as senior executive councillor Da- Management tuk Teng Chang Khim said the touched by the Menteri Besar, his move to Pu- Selangor yearly development state’s investment market is trajaya as Minister of Economic and management budget requests made Affairs brings with it a certainty expected to perform better this of leadership and an assurance year due to encouraging inter- openly through of good governance. national investors’ confidence. in Selangor, which means that social media for Azmin Ali is a man who to “Overall, Azmin Ali has left the state can leverage on its in- a certain extent has proven his his trademark here in Selan- cremental critical mass. me to continue mettle as he navigated Selan- gor. He has been proven to be Commenting recently Azmin helming Selangor. gor to Malaysia’s most devel- a successful leader, who is both Ali said the mid-term review on oped and progressive state, a meticulous and knowledgeable the state of the economy, sched- Believe me, I will modern state with the wellbe- in the development of the econ- uled to be tabled in September, continue to be ing of the people at the centre omy. We have developed good will lead to a new economic di- of his policies. Chances are he working relationships with rection for the country in line with the people will bring these same pragmat- both foreign and local govern- with Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) of Selangor as we ic and successful policies to na- ments even though we were an manifesto. tional level. opposition led state. We believe “This time, the mid-term continue to bring the market is better than last This year, Azmin’s thrusts have always review is rather different as Selangor year, even with the slight dis- success, harmony been to empower Selangorians we will not only review the has garnered from all walks of life. Building ruption from the General Elec- achievements under the 11th and peace to the about RM1.8 on a stable economic growth, tions.” Malaysia Plan over the last two state, billion of the Selangor Menteri Besar has years, but also set new targets investments to made good on his promise to Selangor Economy based on PH’s promises.” Add- date walk the talk by ‘Inisiatif Pedu- Transformational change in ing that “the main reason the li Rakyat’ policies. Commonly Selangor has been marked by PH federal government was known as IPR, these initiatives significant shifts in strategic elected was to ensure that the are a series of commitments by thrusts specifically in the con- cost of living remains low.” the state government to ensure text of driving the economy of One thing for certain is that the wellbeing of the Selangor the state forward. In his book, continued successes by our Singapore people. “Propelling Selangor’s Transfor- new government in keeping 18 projects Selangor’s economic suc- mation Into A Regional Smart its election promises and good at RM439 cess is due to good governance State.” by Professor Dr. Mohd governance will help safeguard million and people-centric policies has Faiz Abdullah, he writes that our credit ratings and slowly Azmin Ali Total Investment made it a model for the future pursuant to Azmin Ali’s clarion but surely improve foreign in- of Malaysia. call for paradigm change, great- vestors’ perception of Malaysia 40% Foreign Investment When appointed to the posi- er focus and emphasis is given while attracting them back onto *At the time of writing, Dato’ 60% Local Investment tion of Minister of Economic Af- to high impact and high-tech Malaysian shores. Seri still fairs Azmin remarked “I realise industries, namely, aerospace, If the Selangor experience holds the portfolio of Menteri Besar of Selangor and Minister that I also have a huge respon- future commerce, services and is anything to go by, the public Selangor, dubbed as the golden of Economic Affairs sibility to Malaysia and Malay- biotechnology. can rest assured that with him state of Malaysia, remained the main sians, as a whole I accept this The aerospace industry in Putrajaya persistent good contributor to the national econ- trust and responsibility with a alone is an apex industry driv- governance, transparency and omy in 2016, with a 22.7% share, sense of awareness to imple- ing innovation and technolo- accountability of our respective ahead of Kuala Lumpur (15.3%), ment economic reformation in gy in economic development. institutions will result in a more (9.8%), (9.4%), Pulau Pinang (6.7%) and (6.7%). order to save the country from More than 62% of the nation’s stable and vibrant Malaysian crisis caused by the confusing aerospace activities are located economy.

06 FEATURE June 2018 | Selangor Journal

HOW by Ibrahim Suffian Programs Director, Merdeka Center for VICTORY Opinion Research WAS

that of other peoples who have WON toppled decades of dominant political parties such as the Peo- he blue flags em- Now in the wake of the ple’s Revolutionary Institution blazoned with the event, we are left to figure out in Mexico, the Grand National scale of justice hang what went through the minds Party in South Korea, the Kuo- limply in the humid of millions of voters that day - mintang in Taiwan, and Golkar air. Speeding cars relying on preexisting research, in Indonesia. drive by ragged remnants of countries with similar political There are at least six critical blue banners and flags strewn contexts, as well as analyzing factors that led to the result. The T first three are embedded in our by the roadside - relics of the the raw results from the elec- watershed Malaysian elections tion. political system. Regular elec- on May 9th 2018. Life moves Detailed data that would Yet ample tions, which have conducted on, unrelenting into the future. shed light on how here since 1955, have served as Many analysts, including this decided may not be available information a source of mandate and valida- writer, were blindsided by what for many more weeks and exist from work tion of the party holding power happened. would then require careful -- the Alliance, then expanded While some may have analysis that seeks to reveal already done and renamed claimed to foretell the future how people from different to explain how -- since Independence. These a month ago, the surveys of all ethnicities, sub-regions, age periodic events, though flawed organizations showed that a groups and income strata made the sentiments and unfair to the then Opposi- significant proportion, as many up their minds. Yet ample in- turned to a silent tion, became part of the nation- as one-third, of Malaysians re- formation exist from work al- al political culture. Second was fused to disclose their choices to ready done to explain how the revolution that the continuous presence of Op- pollsters and politicians alike, sentiments turned to a silent overturned a position parties, though usually preferring to say they were “un- revolution that overturned a weak and inhabiting the fring- decided”. This is amply evident six decade long dominant par- six decade long es of the political spectrum, in the many polls produced by ty and turned it into opposition dominant party they were a source of potential various organizations leading overnight. competition for the ruling par- to election day. The truth is, Some have postulated the and turned it ty. Third was the pragmatism voting for the Opposition, par- outcome of the election on one into opposition among the Opposition parties ticularly among Malay voters, or two critical factors, citing to cooperate in order to maxi- was something one does not public backlash over the Goods overnight mize the votes – an uphill task Ibrahim Suffian is speak about openly, for fear of and Services Tax or the 1MDB in Malaysia’s heavily gerryman- a co-founder and losing practical benefits, privi- scandal. That alone does not dered, first past the post sys- programs director of leges or even friendships. This explain the near perfect storm tem – yet coalitions or electoral Merdeka Center for can be explained by the “spiral that terminated Barisan Na- pacts among opposition parties Opinion Research, a of silence theory” which speaks sional’s hold on power. While had been a feature in our elec- leading public opinion of the tendency of people to reform hungry Malaysians and tions since 1964, such when polling and political not openly express views or supporters of Pakatan Harapan the Socialist Front was formed surveys organization opinions they feel are divergent were right to celebrate their to challenge the then Alliance, in Malaysia. from the community they be- years of toil upon reaching or the unnamed electoral pact long to. victory, this journey resembles FEATURE Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 07

Achieving the Eschewing complex vocabulary, eroded. In our view, this was 2018 created a voter revolt in Tipping Point – the Mahathir called Najib a ‘thief’ the crucial factor that enabled the Bidayuh and Iban areas Leadership Factor rather than a kleptocrat. More PH to achieve the tipping point within lower Sarawak, along In Mexico, it was Vicente Fox, critically, Mahathir helped ordi- among Malay voters – their with internal problems in other in the former Czechoslova- nary, conservative and nation- trust in Dr. Mahathir’s leader- parties delivered eight unantic- kia, Vaclav Havel, in the case alistic oriented Malay Muslim ship. ipated parliamentary seats to of Malaysia, it needed not one voters overcome their fear of Finally, the outcome would Pakatan Harapan, thus allowing but two charismatic leaders voting the Opposition – per- not be complete if not for a for the coalition to have a size- to cement a coalition that was haps, just enough to make the few last minute own goals by able enough majority to form a strong enough to challenge the numbers to win the election Barisan Nasional that enraged stable federal government. dominant ruling party. Both led that night. Najib on the hand, the voting public – all of which May 9th 2018 was the cul- splinter groups that left Barisan resorted to ridiculing his oppo- took place in weeks and days mination of the efforts of many Nasional to form new parties nent for being in politics again leading to election day: the ger- groups and individuals who, that cooperated with exist- at the age of 92. This generated rymandering proposal, a law for the hardships and sacrific- ing political parties. In 1999, more sympathy for Mahathir on “Fake News”, the Registrar es they endured, deserve to the then jailed rather than diminish his appeal. of Societies disbanding of Dr be called patriots. It was many formed a pact that eventual- Our survey data from the Mahathir’s party, calling a mid- factors both pushing and pull- ly broke the Barisan Nasion- days leading to the election week election day ostensibly ing towards the outcome, none al’s two-thirds supermajority. showed that a significant num- to depress voter turnout, and could do without the other. It needed another splintering ber of Malay voters began to promising tax relief for young Winning the battle over Barisan of the ruling party before the set aside the importance they voters and increase in cash Nasional was one challenge, final blow could be delivered. held for “preservation of Ma- handouts – all probably pushed our hope is that this victory Former premier and strongman lay rights” and moved towards undecided voters to the brink will be translated into tough Dr Mahathir Mohamed quit choosing “having a competent and brought them out in droves but meaningful, sustainable, UMNO in February 2016 and national leadership” during the early in the day. systemic reforms that mark the formed a new party later in the course of the 11-day election One self-inflicted factor beginning of a democratic and same year, joining the preexist- campaign. This is significant however deserves special men- inclusive political order – one ing Pakatan Harapan coalition. because it meant Barisan Na- tion – James Masing’s dismissal that unleashes the true poten- The fifth factor was a slew sional’s primary appeal to its of several senior Parti Rakyat tial of Malaysia – its diverse tal- of critical issues that caused core Malay base had become Sarawak leaders in late April ent and cultural capital. widespread dissatisfaction with Barisan Nasional. The removal of subsidies in late 2013, the introduction of the Good and Services Tax in April 2015, and finally the sordid details emerging from the 1MDB scan- in 1969 among nearly all of the , all taking place when a Opposition parties which took large majority of Malaysians two states from the Alliance, as felt squeezed between stagnant well as garnering nearly one- wages and rising costs. These half of the popular vote. issues had eroded support for Yet it took a fourth factor BN since late 2013, but the Op- – the consistent pressure for position was unable to make election reform that achieved headway among more conser- the first breakthrough in 2008. vative, BN-leaning voters, as Tentative efforts by the BERSIH seen in the 2016 Sarawak state coalition of civil society organi- elections and two by-elections, zations and their allies in the in Kuala Kangsar and Sun- Opposition to demand more gai Besar, that same year. Our transparency in the conduct of data from mid-2015 onwards elections by the Elections Com- showed Barisan Nasional ap- mission managed to gain popu- peared to make some gradual lar support by the mobilization recovery as can be seen in the of a number of large rallies, the chart below. While the Oppo- first in late 2007. sition had been articulating These initial steps delivered various populist promises and modest improvements – trans- criticism of BN failings before, parent plexiglass ballot boxes none had the impact as when it and the counting of ballot pa- was articulated by the former pers at the polling room (rather premier, particularly among the than being transported to a cen- Malay swing voters that was tralized counting center), and needed to cross the line. Seen eventually, in 2013 the use of in this context, the data suggest indelible ink to prevent repeat that Dr. Mahathir’s leadership voting. Groups such as BERSIH factor was critical in lending le- and independent media orga- gitimacy and credibility to the nizations served as a critical solutions proposed. force in awakening ordinary Leadership allows for com- Malaysians to the power of the plex issues and concepts to vote, which when coupled with transcend barriers, so it could technology and knowledge con- be understood by the masses. It nected people with one another works both ways for good and in a manner that left them in- bad leaders. Barisan Nasion- vested in the political process. al and ’s problems It soon became not just another began when Dr Mahathir began election, but a sacred ritual to articulating his criticism in the determine the path to be taken characteristic straight talking by the nation. fashion he is well known for. 08 BUSINESS June 2018 | Selangor Journal

Continued from cover page...

When GST was first implemented in 2013, high prices were not expected, ac- cording to then secretary-general of the Ministry of Finance Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, “Prices of some goods may rise, but this should go down later on. Hopefully, this is a one-time spike, after that it will moderate downwards.” That certainly didn’t happen and since GST was implemented, prices were on a rise while salary growth remained stag- nant. GST A brief history Introduced on April 1, 2015, the GST was to supplant the then existing Sales and Services Tax (SST) in Malaysia. The former government proclaimed that the GST was meant as an additional income for the government, seeing that they were solely dependent on the revenue A Farewell to GST mustered from PETRONAS (Petroliam National Berhad), Malaysia’s state- owned oil company. While it might seem to be the best Despite the GST removal, the extra choice to salvage the economy, consid- income, review of projects and the sta- One of the ering the apparent drop in petroleum bilization of fuel prices the government revenue, it was to say the least very un- expects to only see its budget deficit most apparent popular amongst Malaysian. Hence, its increase from the original projected disadvantages of current abolition is seen by many as a RM39.8 billion to RM40.1 billion. positive impact for the people. Oil revenue to offset this tax reform is However, Moody’s Investors Service Malaysia being one of the largest oil Was GST evil? its impact on the had announced since that Malaysia’s and natural energy producers in the 160 countries have adopted the GST/ plan of abolishing the GST will be “cred- Asia-Pacific region is set to benefit VAT, and GST has been instrumental country’s real estate it negative”, seeing that the government from crude oil prices trading up to in providing the government with more industry. will be again heavily relying on oil-re- a new high of roughly RM314 per revenue than SST did. It was estimat- lated revenue. barrel, this will partly offset any loss ed that RM43.8bil was to be collect- Unless the government introduces in revenue. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Un- ed in 2018 from GST as compared to other offsetting measures over the next gku Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who is part of the RM17.2bil collected in 2014 through two years, the removal of GST will have the Team of Eminent Persons to ad- SST. the economy. This includes value added a net negative effect on government rev- vice the new government, said that The current government’s main strat- tax (VAT), octroi, central sales tax, state enue, even accounting for some budget- Malaysia can reduce fiscal deficit by egy appears to be to depend on crude sales tax, entry tax, and others. ary cushion from higher oil prices, the controlling expenditure. oil prices remaining high for an extend- However, given all its leverage, one of credit rating agency said. ed period of time, this reliance on pe- the most apparent disadvantages of this troleum-related revenue means that the Impact on the economy tax reform is its impact on the country’s country’s budget will be vulnerable to real estate industry. GST added 8% to fluctuations in oil prices. Since the im- the price of new houses which had si- plementation of GST in 2015, revenue multaneously led to deterioration in the has proven to be much more balanced. demand for new homes in Malaysia. Review, defer or renegotiate On June 1 with the implementation What’s more, the payment of the GST The Finance Ministry is confident of zero rated GST the Customs depart- had to be made online. This proved to there will not be any problem even ment already received 20 complaints on be inconvenient for the small businesses with the GST removed as the govern- profiteering on the first day and expects to comply, particularly when compared Ease Inflation ment plans to review, defer or rene- to receive more in the next few days. to the old days, where the process of tax The removal of GST will bring pos- gotiate at least RM10 billion worth The government therefore has to imple- filing was conducted offline. GST also itive changes to the economy as it of projects. ment new laws to strictly enforce and required quarterly or monthly submis- is supposed to ease rising inflation. curb unlawful profiteers. sions which affected the cash flow of When GST was introduced in April companies as it was calculated on bill- 2015, it caused the inflation rate Pros and cons ings rather than collections. to hike to 4.2%. This was in part due As is with every amendment, the GST In 2017, the revenue collected from to profiteers taking advantage of the has its share of pros and cons. Amongst GST was RM44.3 billion, which was new system to indiscriminately in- its advantages are that it has no hidden 3.3% of gross domestic products (GDP). crease the prices of goods and ser- charges. GST mainly consists of 2 taxes, vices. Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Money back to the people Additional income and State Goods and Services Tax Malaysians will enjoy three months tax The federal government will be (SGST). These taxes have been levied free on goods and services. The MOF getting an estimated RM14.4 billion on all the manufacturing goods and ser- has indicated that Malaysians will have in additional income this year, in- vices which are offered in the country, approximately RM17 billion in savings cluding from higher corporate and resulting in no hidden taxes other than for the rest of the year that would oth- petroleum income taxes from oil CGST and SGST which can be charged erwise have been collected as tax and firms on the back of higher oil prices for the goods and services. are expected to save RM3 billion from (RM5.4 billion) and higher dividends GST has also been amicable towards the fixed pricing of RON95 petrol and from government-linked companies Increase consumer spending business. As the cost of goods reduces, diesel prices , while a special assistance like Khazanah Nasional and Petronas consumption rate increases, which in of RM700 million will be given to civil The removal is predicted to create (RM5 billion). turn benefits companies and business servants ranking Grade 41 and below an increase in consumer spend- Out of the RM14.4 billion esti- individuals greatly. and pensioners for Hari Raya. There- ing, therefore boosting the econo- mated, SST is expected to contribute The most favourable factor gained fore they will have RM20.7 billion this my overall. Bank Negara Malaysia RM4 billion this year after its imple- from the implementation of GST was year in savings, which the ministry be- (BNM) has forecast that the econo- mentation in September. the permanent removal of all the unnec- lieves will boost consumer spending and my will grow 6% in 2018. essary tax rates which were dominant in business profits. BUSINESS Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 09

GST vs SST: the differences

mplemented on April 1, 2015, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax on most products and services for do- mestic consumption at every level in the production process. As a replace- ment for the Sales and Services Tax (SST), GST can be claimed as input tax for compa- Inies with revenue above RM500k. Also known as Value Added Tax (VAT) in some other countries, GST is the most GST SST commonly used form of taxation used by GOODS AND SERVICES TAX SALES AND SERVICE TAX 160 out of 190 countries globally. Implemented in the 1970’s, the SST is covered by two separate tax laws on a wide variety of goods and services at a single lev- el. The Sales Tax Act in 1972 is a single-stage tax charged at the manufacturer’s level. Meanwhile, the Service Tax Act of 1975 is a single-stage tax charged at the con- sumer’s level with the exception of tax free Multi-stage taxS ingle-stage tax zones. Prior to being replaced by the GST, the sales tax was at 10% and service tax was at 6% respectively. The Sales Tax is levied only to the man- ufacturer or consumer level while the Ser- vice Tax is imposed to consumers who are using tax services. As it varies from five to Broad-based, levied on all goods Levied on all locally ten percent to specific rates, the SST rates and services including imports manufactured/imported goods are deemed to be not as transparent as the (unless specifically excluded) and certain prescribed services six percent rate of GST. Paid input tax is not claimable by businesses. With the GST, tax is being levied to 5%- every level of distribution. These include % manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and 25 consumers. Paid input tax is claimable by businesses. Hence, the GST is claimed to be able to Standard rate of tax: 6% Sales tax: ranging from 5% to 25% curb transparency, tax-payment issues and Certain supplies are treated as zero-rated, Service tax: 6% misappropriations as the tax system is at a exempt or are subject to relief one standard rate of six percent and is not an added tax. On the other hand, the SST rates vary from five to ten percent or a specific rate, not forgetting another six percent from ser- vice tax. As such, certain importers, man- ufacturers, wholesalers or retailers fail to declare their taxes through transfer pricing. Mandatory registration upon reaching Sales Tax: A license had to be obtained Even so, GST was unpopular amongst threshold of RM500,000 if annual sales turnover the people as it has caused hardships with (voluntary registration also possible) exceeded RM100,000 the cost of goods going up since implemen- Service Tax: A range of registration tation. While it is true that some goods were thresholds from 0 to RM3mil exempted from GST, with a zero percent rate, these goods are often items that are only purchasable by those comprising of the high-income group, such as lobsters. Although input tax is claimable by busi- nesses, the GST claim back on tax is diffi- cult, and oftentimes can be declined. What’s No tax credit mechanism more, businesses require RM500k in sales before being able to claim tax input. However, the SST too is not without its own shortcomings, with the biggest concern being that the SST will cause government tax revenue to drop when compared to the GST, with the revenue collected being Returns filed either monthly, bi-monthly Returns filed on a bi-monthly basis RM44.3 billion last year. or quarterly (with the option to request SST is also seen as a less progressive an alternative filing period) form of tax, seeing that most countries have moved on to GST. Switching back from GST to SST will also cost businesses ambiguity and ultimately, more loss on money. 10 FEATURE June 2018 | Selangor Journal

Keeping Promises of Reform by he new Pakatan government employees is driv- Sangetha Jayakumar Harapan led Federal en by the created need to bol- Government carries ster the former government’s a huge burden of Bumiputra agenda and creden- expectation on its tials, often resulting in overlap- shoulder. Institutional reform is ping ministries, agencies and Tdefinitely an important item on recursive red tape. Not only is the agenda, but with 61 years this counter-productive, it re- of BN hegemony, the laundry sults in a crowded workspace Educational reform list of problems with Malay- with little room for individual Much has been said about na- sian institutions forms a litany career growth and training op- tional harmony and how the of woes perhaps as long as the portunity, which in turn, ham- policies of the past twenty list of Malaysian agencies them- pers the ability of that partic- We have a years resulted in poor cohesion selves. ular department to contribute deficit of new between the races and grow- However, it is important for meaningfully to the national ing mistrust among adherents the new government to manage GDP or Productivity Index. technology and of various faiths. In the medi- the electorate’s expectations To simply axe the civil ser- new processes um term, this erodes political and come up with timelines to vants would be out of the ques- and economic goodwill within deliver these institutional re- tion- the impact would result in here in Malaysia. communities, which is vital to forms, beginning with the most the complete negation of trick- We should learn a vibrant internal economy, but urgent, as this is important to le-down effect on as many as on the long term it threatens to maintain market stability and the touted number of 15% or from other unravel the delicate social fab- continued investor confidence. around 300,000 staff.. Instead countries where ric of the nation itself. Falling short of this could prove what could be considered is a The key to this is educa- both politically and economi- two-prong strategy of repurpos- students are tion- from the formative years cally detrimental. ing and privatization. Repur- encouraged to right through graduation and posing would involve retraining beyond. Aside from removing government employees that are enter vocational internally damaging modules redundant and deploying them and technology like BTN, it is essential to fill to critical areas, such as health- these gaps of overt nationalism care, while reducing the head- training from the with both moderate ideologies count in areas that are deemed early age of 13. and a true sense of patriotism less of a necessity. These staffs among the young. Also key to can be designed to be mobile, this is the support structure for much like the PSD’s revolving education- with teachers being talent pool. The second would bogged down with administra- be to market know-how from tive tasks and incredulous pa- the existing civil service as a perwork, it has to be simplified Civil Service marketable expertise for prof- and the joy of teaching needs to it. That way, instead of being This tops the list of reforms, as be brought back into the class- seen purely as a cost center, it under the previous regime, the room and beyond. would actually help offset its Federal civil service has grown Multiple streams of educa- own costs. This has been done to be bloated and highly bu- tion is expensive, and will be before in agencies like the EPF reaucratic. The large number of more expensive with the push or LHDN. FEATURE Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 11

He went restored, reshaped and empow- liament as one of the key state the creation of just 10 Select on to add ered to perform their role as institutions in a democratic sys- Committees to shadow cabinet, that most of equal partners and guardians tem of governance has a critical however the previous Najib ad- the current of the Malaysian democracy. A role to play in promoting de- ministration did not allow that programmes commission of eminent persons mocracy and good governance. through.” are unable in those fields should be ap- Parliamentary select commit- “I think that we must start to create val- pointed to convene in tandem tees for instance, if created and by creating at least 10 Select ue for small with efforts taken to correct given the necessary freedoms Committees, to ensure that and medium our economy and eradicate cor- and made independent, can every Ministry is covered by a enterprises. ruption, as the next progressive provide a huge amount of in- Select Committee. These SC’s “Therefore natural step. formation to Parliament and must have full powers to sum- , Member of Parliament for since 2008 because the Educationists and the Malay- mon whomever they feel is nec- local output is sian society at large need to be essary to their investigation.” for vernacular education from not tech savvy or skill savvy the re-educated on their roles, and Most importantly he added that beyond K-12 to tertiary level, businesses have to either copy mechanisms for check-and-bal- the SC’s and the entire enqui- therefore a holistic approach or buy technology and skills ance need to be set in place. ry process must be done in the towards education should be from foreign countries.” For starters, every ministry public domain, and the report taken. This could be achieved The formation of TVET arms should appoint an ombudsman that follows is made public as with increased emphasis on vo- in secondary schools, as well and complaints commission well. cational and technical training as the elevation of STVM as to oversee it, reporting to Par- We must modernise the pro- (TVET) which would gel well an equal to SPM in university liament. Impeachment proce- cess and bring back the respect with Malaysia’s push for tech- entrance exams, especially to and independence of Parlia- nically-capable skilled workers courses offered by these TVET ment as a separate arm of gov- to fulfil both local and regional units, could expedite this pro- ernment. Documents released demand. cess. by the SC or any committee in Charles Santiago, Member With global projects along Member of Parliament Parliament must be available to of Parliament for Klang since the entire belt of the OBOR since 2008 for Sungai Buloh the public. 2008, strongly believes that we (One Belt One Initiative) and In the UK, Select Committees need to increase the availabil- also the emergence of Asia can summon public officials, ity of technical and vocational as the new economic power- the broader public. Select Com- civil servants and even Minis- training facilities especially for house of the world, it is time mittees are much more consen- ters to answer questions in rela- the younger generation. “We for TVET to be seen as a viable tion to a specific subject matter. dures should be laid in place for sual in nature and they try to have a deficit of new technol- and rewarding conscious career The benefit of Select Commit- judicial members who overstep work across party lines to try ogy and new processes here in choice as opposed to a consola- tees is that they can delve far their boundaries, while the Fed- and ensure that regardless of Malaysia. We should learn from tion prize and be positioned as deeper and more thoroughly eral Court, as the apex court, the politics behind the law, that other countries where students such. into issues, providing unprece- should have a separate Consti- the law works as effectively as are encouraged to enter voca- Institutional reform would dented amount of details. The tutional court division that is it possibly can. tional and technology training be also important to support reality is that proper SC’s can empowered to overturn laws. “As of now we do not have from the early age of 13. The the earlier two. Without strong do much more than MPs can thematic Select Committees in idea of vocational training institutions to support the na- Implementation of Malaysia” said Sivarasa Rasiah do on the floor of Parliament, needs to be rethought, there tional agenda, all other reforms Member of Parliament since because they can force the gov- must be a modern digital ap- would be bound to relapse or Parliamentary Select ernment of the day to explain Committees 2008 for Sungai Buloh (previ- proach to the training modules worse, completely fail. ously Subang). He added that and justify their actions and in provided and knowledge acqui- The judiciary and legislative The government has to ensure “in all fairness Pandikar Amin doing so the government along sition must be the key.” arms of government need to be in the coming months, that Par- did try and suggest to cabinet the way also improve their act. 12 LIFESTYLE June 2018 | Selangor Journal

he Refugee Fest is themselves and also to show- now that we have a new gov- other parts of the world as well, by Cecelia Alphonsus back at Publika’s Black case their talents. While it’s ernment that has pledged to it also demonstrates the impor- Box for the third year important to understand that look into the welfare of the ref- tance of inclusion and why we running. This four-day the refugees are fleeing per- ugees.” are stronger as a society be- festival runs from 28 secution, violence and death; “The festival also serves as cause of the diversity. June 2018 to 1st July 2018. The are victims of abuse, torture a platform to continue building Over this four-day festival first of its kind in Asia, the festi- and trafficking, we believe it’s bridges between Malaysian so- refugees will come togeth- Tval hosts the participation of the equally important to also ac- ciety and the refugee commu- er to showcase their culture various refugee communities in knowledge them as people with nity so that we can impart the and tradition through art. Also the country. immense abilities. This is perti- knowledge that this is a global contributing to the festival is a Festival Director, Mahi Ra- nent, so that the Malaysian so- responsibility.” line-up of activists, filmmakers makrishnan says, “The main ciety and the government can While the festival strives to and photographers who would focus of the festival is to give work together to support and explain why people seek ref- present their work on the refu- the refugees a voice to express nurture these talents, especially uge in not just Malaysia but gee communities.

Launch Day Program 2nd Day Program 3rd Day Program 4th Day Program 28 June, 2018 29 June, 2018 30 June, 2018 1 July, 2018

2.45pm: Arrival of guests 4pm: Film Screening: “Road 4pm: Film Screening: “Poets 4pm: Refugee theatre titled 3.00pm: Welcome remarks to Biate” by Fazil Nc and of the Past/Fallen Chinar 2 “Screaming in Silence” - a by Mahi Ramakrishnan, Shawn Sebastian - This film by Fazil Nc - The film tells play about child marriages Festival Director traces one of the oldest us the everyday struggles in Afghanistan by Parastoo 3.10pm: Opening remarks by tribes that reside in Assam, of people in Kashmir, India Theatre followed by a Q&A JK Asher, Author & Activist Meghalaya and Mizoram through narratives of a with Director Saleh Sepas 3.20pm: Photo presentation called Biate and is about group of young artists. This 5pm: Poetry Performance titled “Waiting for Rain” a Musician from Chennai is followed by a Q&A with by The Refugee Poets by photojournalist David (South of India) travelling Director Fazil Nc Society followed by a panel Verbeckt on climate refugees to live with a Biete family to 5pm: Panel - Traditional discussion. in Somalia explore the musical practices media vs New Media in Panel: Poetry as a form of 3.30pm: Keynote address and their traditions which is Refugee News Coverage resistance & Launch of The Refugee on the verge of extinction. Panelists: Panelists: Fest: Sharing A Global This is followed by a Q&A J K Asher, Author/Filmmaker Mwaffa’s Al-Hajjar, Syrian Responsibility by HE Madam with Director Fazil Nc Hafidz Baharom, Columnist/ poet Maria Castillo Fernandez, 5pm: Panel - Is the unfolding Political Analyst Harnika, Tamil poet EU Ambassador to Malaysia. refugee crisis a global Umapagan Ambikaipakan, Saima Shah, Ahmadi poet She will also launch a poetry responsibility? Journalist (TBC) Moderator: Pauline Fan, book by refugee poets Panelists: Moderator: John Quinlley, Writer 3.45pm: Presentation and EU Ambassador HE Maria Human Rights Specialist@ 6pm: Closing remarks and poetry performance by Castillo Fernandez Fortify Rights launch of a film titled “From Syrian refugee Mwaffa’a Al- Charles Santiago, 6pm: Recipes and Killing Fields to Playing Hajjar Chairperson of ASEAN Ceremonies: Traditional Fields” by Charles Santiago, 3.55pm: Poetry performance Parliamentarians for Human food preparation and Tanaka Klang MP and Chairperson of in Ghazal by Ahmadi refugee Rights demonstration ASEAN Parliamentarians for Saima Shah Lilianne Fan, Humanitarian 7pm: Theatre presentation Human Rights (TBC) 4.05pm: Bharathanatyam Specialist and Founder of by refugees from six The film looks at Rohingya dance performance by Sri Geutanyoe Foundation different communities, football players who aim to Lankan Tamil refugee Gopi Moderator: Henry Koh, presented by Same Skies play at the Conifa Games, Nath (TBC) Human Rights Specialist @ 8pm: End which is equivalent to the 4.15pm: Tea Break Fortify Rights World Cup, followed by a 4.30pm: Film Screening and 6pm: Traditional Mon Q&A with Director JK Asher Q&A with Zan Azlee, Director Umbrella Dance by Mon 7pm: Indian classical dance 5pm: End Refugee Organisation presentation by Tamil Learning Centre in refugee Kayalvili Manoharan collaboration with 7.10pm: Close of Festival Geutanyoe Malaysia 7pm: An Oriental Flamenco presentation followed by Q&A with Artists Omar AlKhammash & Majd Hassan 8pm: End FEATURE Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 13

HOPE OF A NATION TABUNG HARAPAN MALAYSIA RM

3pm on June 8th by Cecelia Alphonsus

lot has been said about the want to contribute for the benefit of the fund, Tun has given ordinary people like Tabung Harapan Malaysia people who live there though I don’t live me the chance to do something for tanah or Hope Fund since it was there anymore. By helping the govern- tumpah darahku, to make things easier for launched. As of June 8th, the ment, it will help Malaysians too. I just our children and future generations of our amount collected stands at want to give to my country, that is all that beloved country.” RM52.22 million. Undeterred by naysayers is to it.” Even before the fund was set up by the and critics, people from all walks of life, MaryAnn Tan, from Rawang shares that government, some Malaysians had already race,A creed and age are happily contribut- she decided to chip in because “the debt started crowdfunding exercises and were ing to the fund daily. left behind by the former government is asking where they could donate money Malaysians generally are quite so massive. I love my country too much when news broke about the actual state tight-fisted and are champions at hag- to see it slide back to being a backwater of debt the nation was facing. gling just to save a ringgit or two. So, it is country due to this. I am doing it because I This level of patriotism has hardly been indeed refreshing to see how willingly and hope that with my little donation, it would seen before (aside from Thomas Cup happily they are to dig into their pockets lessen the burden that the future gener- matches) where the euphoria of being and break-open piggy banks to donate ations would have to bear, all because of Malaysian superseded everything else that what they can afford. What is even more one man’s greed.” we have been repeatedly indoctrinated heart-warming, children and teenagers While critics claim that it is a futile at- with that is designed to divide us. are wanting to do their bit as well by dig- tempt as the nation’s purportedly one tril- While the fund may grow steadily and ging into their savings or donating their lion-ringgit debt is too high to overcome, no doubt it will help in some way or an- allowance money. netizens like Wan Hanuman says that he other, the true hope for the nation is that Justina Shanti Gabriel, a Malaysian re- didn’t think twice about donating. “All this just maybe we have finally come of age as siding in Australia says, “the reason I want time, it is only the army and the police that Malaysians. to donate is that I love my country and I can serve and protect our nation. With the

Hye you alls! Malaysia But Malaysians are a daring lot, removed the 6%, so it’s good, I have a people with hope and belief who extra money. I hear a certain some- baru. went beyond colour and creed to go one has been in hideout and is now Macik out there and vote. On voting day minus 284 bags and oodles of cash. As I write this it would it felt like going to the funfair, ev- Imagine we have our own Mary be the one month anni- eryone was excited. Some looked Antoinette with glittering rings and Puan Sri versary of the birth of a sleepy, some were busy posting on fancy big hair, living in her fancy insta, but what was so beautiful in big house not realising that the new nation with albeit my eyes was how everyone was unit- people are not blind and this is not an old leader, but never- ed and taking care of each other. I the dark ages. Whatever happens theless still a new dawn read those living overseas passed will happen but Malaysians must for my beloved country. their ballots to strangers to bring stand proud for their achievement Macik has been walk- back to Malaysia. Everyone has so of being a beacon of democracy and ing over the moon for a much love and devotion for their following the rule of law. That’s all homeland. My favourite no GST! I for now! Macik needs to go and get month though with ap- have gone to some shops and truly that red bag for Raya its Versace I prehensions, change is prices have gone down, my water hear. Selamat Hari Raya you alls. scary. filter is less, generally everyone has 14 PROPERTY June 2018 | Selangor Journal

Properties After GST by Batrisyia Jay

The introduction of GST back in April 2015 caused a spike in inflation to 4.2 percent in the year 2016, even after the allocation of handouts by the government for low and middle-income residents which had been given to help counterbalance the bigger tax bills implemented, were given out.

Abolishment of GST Property consultants had announced that the zero-rating of Goods and Service Tax (GST), effective 1 June, 2018 is a smart move for the new government as this will encour- age property buyers to end their wait-and-see stance.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the abol- ishment of GST on the property market in Malaysia:

Disadvantages Advantages

Developers faces dilemma over Selling price for residential Property market is expected to Transaction price for commer- the pricing of properties already properties will be reduced as take two years to recover cial properties will be cheaper built or under construction as building and raw materials are GST on materials has been paid no longer charged with GST

RM43.8 billion 2-3% 5-7% Bringing prices down by 6% will GST revenue is expected to hit Estimated cost reduction for Estimated cost reduction in the lower developers’ profit margins RM43.8 billion under budget residential sector for develop- industrial and commercial sec- 2018 ers: 2-3% tor for developers: 5-7%

RM25.6 2-4% billion Government revenue will see Selling price for commercial Middle-class earners will in- a shortfall of RM25.6 billion as properties will be reduced inline crease purchasing power by GST has been abolished with the cost reduction 2-4% LIFESTYLE Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 15

by Cecelia Alphonsus Breath of Chief Editor Media Selangor Fresh Air

and I owe it to them to make sure that ment company, not a monopoly. Our we deliver on their expectations.” aim is to ensure that the local economy Ramli approached the challenge of is stimulated by creating more business smart waste management by going back owners in this industry. We invest in pur- to the basics of economies of scale and chasing the compactors, we process the utilizing technology to ensure that he permits and when we handover the com- created a business model that works ef- pactors to the operators, I have already ficiently and effectively. pre-signed a transfer of ownership of the “It is like managing a sports team,” compactor to the operator which comes says Ramli “if they are given the right into effect after 5 years,” says Ramli. equipment, the best shoes for perfor- This sense of empowerment and own- mance, the right training and coaching, ership is one of the key factors that drive Recently, KDEB Waste Management We have been en- there is no reason why they cannot suc- operators to perform according to the Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) was named Smart trusted with a grant ceed.” standards and procedures set by KDEB- Waste Solutions Company of the Year Similarly, with KDEBWM, Ramli real- WM. For many, it is a golden opportu- 2018 by Frost & Sullivan. They will be and fully supported ized that capital expenditure was neces- nity as on their own, they have neither honoured amongst other top Malaysian by the state govern- sary to equip the company with sufficient the funds nor the credit worthiness to firms at the 14th annual Malaysia Ex- compactors and roros that are needed to invest in the capital expenditure needed cellence Awards banquet which will be ment to keep Selan- service each area. Each of these lorries to be a player in the waste management held on 26th June 2018. gor clean. It is not were then installed with an automatic industry. Mr. Hazmi Yusof, Senior Vice Presi- vehicle locater system and CCTV which These machines are their bread and dent and Malaysia Managing Director my money, it is the is tagged to their Centralised Command butter and they adhere to the stringent at Frost & Sullivan said that the award tax-payers money Centre. maintenance regime imposed by KDEB- recipients have demonstrated exempla- “Micro-management is necessary WM to ensure that they are always ry achievements in the local market. The and I owe it to them in this business. Technology helps us road-worthy and performing at opti- award puts the spotlight on firms that to make sure that we manage our operators and service our mum level. are driving innovation, striving for ex- customers better. Each lorry is given a “Every 6 months, we arrange with cellence and creating a positive change deliver on their ex- route that we can track at our command Puspakom to inspect our vehicles so in the economy by recognizing best-in- pectations. centre so if we receive a complaint that they do not pose as a hazard to road class products, companies and individ- garbage has not been collected from a users or the environment. Some local uals. certain area, we can see if the operator councils that are not under us, just re- At the helm of KDEBWM is Manag- by-passed the area in question.” paint their old lorries but not KDEBWM, ing Director, Ramli Mohd Tahir who “If we receive a complaint before 12 we make sure that our vehicles are in has steered Selangor’s premier smart noon, I see no reason why we cannot re- tip-top condition and don’t leave a trail waste solutions company to outstanding solve it within the day itself. With our of waste water on the roads.” achievement and superior performance tracking system and on-the-ground per- Currently KDEBWM has 300 opera- in areas such as leadership, technologi- sonnel in each area we are able to re- tors which is likely to double by year end cal innovation and customer service. spond to issues faster.” as they take over more local councils. Speaking to Selangor Journal recently, For Ramli, economies of scale are For Ramli, he attributes the success Ramli said that never before in the histo- about ensuring that for each local coun- of KDEBWM so far to the philosophy of ry of the industry has a company invest- cil that he services, it is first carved up getting to the root cause of a problem ed so much in capital expenditure. “We into manageable areas. He identifies and finding the right solution for it, even have invested more than RM100 million where the wet markets, pasar malams, if it means convincing people to do what in asset development. This is something high-density residential and commercial was never done before and to change that has never been done before in this KDEB Waste Management areas are and divides them into equal how the industry is managed. industry.” Sdn Bhd areas which are then tendered out to “This is the new model in smart waste KDEBWM, wholly owned by Menteri different operators. Each operator then management. I believe with the right Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), was wholly owned by Menteri Besar manages one compactor or roro where intention, planning, buy-in and mindset appointed Project Management Com- Selangor Incorporated (MBI) the waste collected is optimal to the ton- we can keep Selangor clean together.” pany (PMC) by the State Government nage capacity of the compactor servicing of Selangor on March 2016 to manage the area. This is to ensure the lorries are domestic waste collection and public Invested not overworked. cleansing for Klang Municipal Council RM This, Ramli believes is key to ensure A Chartered Marketer by (MPK), as a pilot project for seven years, that public funds are utilized in the best training and aspiring media with effect from 1 July 2016. possible way and to create more busi- maven by passion, striving “We have been entrusted with a grant nesses in the waste management indus- for a fairer, sustainable and and fully supported by the state govern- 100m try. a more caring world. in asset development ment to keep Selangor clean. It is not “We are basically a project manage- my money, it is the tax-payers money LIFESTYLE Selangor Journal | June 2018 | 16 Art

Le French Festival: France Back to Where We’ve AR UND Is Now, Now Is France Never Been Cheap Spirits lefrenchfestival.com.my/events-en-cours-de- rkfineart.com/exhibition/melissa-tan-back-to- facebook.com/events/1788991117824466/ montage-2/visual-arts/ where-weve-never-been/ Singapore-based photographer George TOWN Her first exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Her first exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Wong and Singaporean painter Yeo Tze June issue Melissa Tan presents 16 wall and floor Melissa Tan presents 16 wall and floor Yang’s ‘Cheap Spirits’ exhibition cele- sculptures in Back to Where We’ve Never sculptures in Back to Where We’ve Never brates the mundane by revealing the Been, scheduled to run from 24 May – 14 Been, scheduled to run from 24 May – 14 crude and sublime moments of daily life, June. The exhibition is a continuation of June. The exhibition is a continuation of prompting us to question the nature be- the artist’s feature at Singapore Biennale the artist’s feature at Singapore Biennale hind the subjects’ momentary state of 2016 with the Opening Reception taking 2016 with the Opening Reception taking ecstasy, as well as examining everyday place on Thursday, 24 May 2018 at 5pm. place on Thursday, 24 May 2018 at 5pm. scenes such as a dirt-stained kaki lima An artist talk will be held on Saturday, 26 An artist talk will be held on Saturday, 26 and a man on the bus looking into the May at 3pm. May at 3pm. distance.

Richard Koh Fine Art (229, Jalan Richard Koh Fine Art (229, Jalan Our ArtProjects Kuala Lumpur (No. Theatre Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar 80 Jalan Rotan Off Jalan Kampung 59100, Kuala Lumpur.) 59100, Kuala Lumpur.) Attap 50460 Kuala Lumpur) Free admission (By appointment only) Free admission (By appointment only) 1 June 2018 – 14 June 2018 1 June 2018 – 9 June 2018 1 June 2018 – 1 July 2018 26 June 2018

We, The Singaporeans

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We, The Singaporeans (WTS!) is a quirky Seen and relatable exploration of the unique CHEEV The 101 Faces of Malaysia dynamics in Singaporean culture. Cap- Unconventional Sculptor facebook.com/Weiling-Gallery-157878490904431/ tured by the symbol of an iconic - facebook.com/thehulo/ tiam chair, the dancers from The Royal g13gallery.com/preview/cheev-the- Seen brings together ten leading Ma- Dance-Off (TRDO / @trdoco) present a unconventional-sculptor/ This photo exhibition features the works laysian and renowned international art- comedic yet action-packed play on both of local photographers Ravi John Smith, A tribute to the late Vong Nyam Chee ists to showcase their visual and activist the things that Singaporeans love, and Ahmad Yusni, Thomas Phoon, Raj Thang- (1956-2017) or better known as Cheev, projects – from documentary and - the things that drive them mad. araj and more. The photos on display tell Gallery 13 (G13) is having a tribute exhi- tography to conceptual practice, from a story about Malaysia through the lenses appropriation of censored imagery to Damansara Performing Arts bition of his artworks which is ongoing of each photographer, whose individual re-contextualization of leaked footage – Centre (DPAC) ( H-01, DPAC, at the National Visual Art Gallery up until style and technique add to the unique the curated exhibition provides a critical Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, 30th June. The exhibition is curated and and vibrant depictions of our beloved insight into contemporary surveillance Damansara Perdana, initiated by Tan Sei Hon with the support country. culture, exposing the hidden gaze and 47820 Petaling Jaya) of G13 and the National Visual Art Gallery the anonymous watchers that are at once RM58 (NVAG). The Hulo Hotel+Gallery Bukit omnipresent and covert. 10 June 2018 Bintang (196 Jalan Changkat National Visual Arts Gallery (Balai Thambi Dollah, Bukit Bintang, Seni Visual Negara) (No 2, Jalan Wei-Ling Contemporary, the 55100 Kuala Lumpur) Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Gardens (RT01, 6th Floor, Free admission 53200 Kuala Lumpur) The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, 1 June 2018 – 10 June 2018 Free admission Kuala Lumpur) 21 April 2018 – 30 June 2018 Free admission 1 June 2018 – 30 June 2018

We are at the tail end of Ramadan and Aidil Fitri beckons around the cor- ner. Most Malaysians would have had their fill of fancy Iftar buffets around town as every hotel tries to out-do the other by serving up an interna- Warisan tional gastronomic feast to sate even the most finnicky of taste buds. Before bringing the curtain down on Iftar buf- fets this year, The Eatery at Four Points Sajian Sheraton Puchong is worth a visit to evoke the nostalgia of typical Malay- sian fare from yester years. Warisan Sajian Juadah is a com- JuadahFour Points Sheraton plete offering that goes back to the basics of food that we grew up with. Puchong Feast on a variety of perfectly grilled , be spoilt for choice as delicious nasi kandar from the ubiquitous fish head to the aromatic prawn masala and fragrant mutton kurma vie for your attention.

Published by the Selangor State Government PERCETAKAN TURBO (M) SDN BHD (140879-U) No. 8, Jalan Sekinchan 26/9, Section 26, 40400 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel 03 5192 9800 Fax 03 5192 9803