Hey, that's OUR mon Malaysians alarmed at EPF's handling of their hard-earned retirement savings by Anil Netto

ucked away on page What's worse, the EPFBoard is two of The Star on 14 going to charge tht:' KLIAB only g May was a tiny report 8 per cent interest. So, is it any with the innocent­ wonder then that the EPF can looking heading 'EPF nod for only pay us less than 8 per cent additional loan'. But beneath in dhi.dends? that title lay some disturbing news: The loan to the KUAB is among the latest in a se­ 'The Employee's ries of questionable Provident Fund has investments and agreed to grant an loans by the EPF additional term Board. The EPF, loan facility of up with inYestments to RM1.5 billion to totallirg R\1129 the new Kuala billion in 1997, had Lumpur International already pumped in Airport Bhd (KLIAB) at an about 19 per cent or applicable rate of 8 per cent per RM25 billion of our money into annum.' the stockmark~.. t- which is now in the doldrums. That invest­ The report continued: ment in the stock market only 'The KLIAB will use the loan to yielded a pathetic return of 4 finance part of the develop­ per cent. ment cost of the new airport in Sepang.' ~o one knows how much of that inve~ tment mone) has Groan ... so now they are using been lost as share Yalues our EPF money to develop an CO!"tinue to spiral down­ airport. What next? ward::..

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5} Poge 2 Puncak Niaga Or Punca Masalah?

Food As 'Look Good' Politics A Sa bah Community's Cry For Help Uncomfortable Thoughts 33 An Assault On Civil Liberties 35

11 ALIRAN'S HOMEPAGE 19 hnp:/ /www.malaysia.net/aliran 36

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Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 3 Also included ill the RM129 bil­ ernment may be tempted tore­ have sound fundamentals, lion in investments were RM34 sort to the EPF, which is prob­ with a good track record of billion given out as loans. These ably the richest agency in the profitability and proven loans earned only 6.5 per cent country in terms of assets, to management. in income, which Wei$ lower save certain companies that than the 7.7 per cent earned may be in trouble. • The EPF should not gamble from the EPF's investments in with the people's money in Malaysian Government securi­ Already, concerns are mount­ companies where the core ties. ing about the rising number of business activity is specula­ non-performing loans given tive such as property devel­ Who did the EPF give these out by banks; who knows when opment. loans to? And why was the in­ intervention may be needed. To terest charged so low? If the avoid asking the IMF to step in • The EPF should not put EPF had invested our money in if and when the need arises, the money in long term infra­ fixed deposits in banks instead government may be looking at structure projects (where ini­ of giving out cheap loans and other cheap, local sources of tial returns are bound to be investing too much in shares, it funds - and the EPF money poor), and other economi­ could have earned at least 11 looks like an easy target. cally unviable or question­ per cent fixed deposit interest. able projects - the EPF in­ And it would then have been But that's our money, not the vestment in Perwaja springs able to pay us contributors government's. The EPF Board to mind. If the projects are much more than the 8 per cent is merely a trustee for our sav­ really feasible, the compa­ dividend we had grown accus­ ings. The Board's role is to pru­ nies involved can easily ob­ tomed to and deserve. dently manage these forced tain loans from banks or savings to yield reasonable re­ raise money on the stock It's a shame that after almost a turns -which at one time com­ market through public is­ decade of strong economic pared favourably with bank sues of shares. growth, we should receive a fixed deposit interest rates-for paltry dividend of 6.7 per cent, workers. • The EPF should not over-ex­ the lowest in 21 years. One pose itseU on the stock mar­ dreads to think what the divi­ It is not wrong to use EPF ket. It could im·est up to a dend for 1998 is going be like money to give loans to or invest maximum of say 10 per cent with the slump in the stock in genuine businesses. But of its funds in shares. But, market and with the use of EPF loans given have to be at com­ certainly not 19 per cent; money to lend to or invest in (or mercial terms, with interest that's leaving the EPF funds to bail out?) certain companies rates comparable to market too heavily exposed to the - with poor returns. rates. Again, it is not wrong for vagaries of market forces. the EPF to buy shares in the The money in the EPF is the stock market. WHO DECIDES? people's money - our money. We, workers, contribute to the But all these investments in the The EPF's contro\·ersialinvest- EPF from our salaries and corporate sector should be sub­ ments raise!> questions over wages, from the sweat of our ject to several conditions: who is responsible for deciding brow, to provide us some secu­ where to invest our money. rity, to make life a little bearable • The companies should not There seems to be some confu­ for us when we retire. be highly geared (heavily sion regarding who ultimately indebted). decides where our money The EPF is not a bailout fund­ should be invested: the EPF though increasingly the gov- • The companies chosen must Board or the EPF Investment

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 4 Panel. Table detailing l.PJ incomes ,md ,ls.,cts brcakdo\\'n Workers' representatives EPF Assets Income Rate of (unionists) appointed to the (RM Million) (RM Million) Return EPF Board claim they are not Malaysian consulted when decisions are Government made as to where to invest our Securities 38067.5 2941.81 7.73% EPF money. They claim that the Loans 33836.9 2199.71 6.50% Investment Panel decides on its Equity own and they have no say in (Share markets) 24574.2 994.27 4.05% the decision-making process. Money markets 32420.6 2546.22 7.85% Property 479.5 50.62 037% Let's look at what the EPF Act Others 51.82 1991 says about the roles of the Total 129378.7 8784.45 6.79% Board and of the Investment Panel. Source: Business Times, 5 March 1998

Under the Act, the EPF Board should comprise government The law states that the EPF the Board. Thus, it is unaccept­ officers, employers contribut- Board was set up "for the pur­ able for the workers' represen­ ing to the fund, workers repre- poses of managing the Fund." tatives on the EPF Board to say sentatives, and "persons who The Act also states that "the In­ that they were not aware as to shall have experience in ii- vestment Panel shall be subject how our money is being in­ nance, business, or other rei- to such directions issued by the vested. It would be much evant experience." Board and approved by the honourable for these represen­ Minister, from time to time." tatives to resign from the Board The EPF Investment Panel rather than to remain and add should include the Bank Further in the Act, it is stated legitimacy to investment deci­ Negara Governor, a Finance that the Board "sha11 be the sions that they had no part in Ministry representative, and trustee of the Fund." Section 26 and which are not in keeping "three other persons who shall of the Act outlines the "Power with the Act itself. have experience in finance, of the Board to invest" (note the businessorotherrelevantexpe- power lies with the Board Right now, many EPF contribu­ rience, to be appointed by the rather than the Investment tors feel terribly betrayed by the Minister." Panel). EPF. Many would like to with­ draw their savings if they could So which has the final say on Clearly, under the Act, the In­ and invest in fixed deposits, deciding where to invest our vestment Panel comes under which earn much higher inter­ money- the Board or the Panel? the direction and supervision of est.

The EPF Board should remind itself that it has a heavy respon­ The EPF must never allow itself sibility to contributors to pro­ tect their assets. It must safe­ to become a Bailout Fund for guard the workers' interests above everything else. It must certain doomed companies. never allow itself to become a Bailout Fund for certain doomed companies. 0

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 5 EPF funds usecl to save YIPs, tycoOns ancl cronies Board ignores members' right to question investment deals By Lim Kit Siang

RMl.S billion from EPF will be about the proposalfor EPF to pay used to bail out debt-laden UEM UEM RMI.S billion for a stake in by buying a 20 per cent stake in PLUS until it was announced in Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Parliament. It is safe to assume (PLUS)_ the to)] operator of the that he and the other trade union North-South Expressway. The representatives on the EPF Board Malaysian Trades Union Con- alsoknownothingaboutthepro­ gress has declared its opposition posal for EPF to pay RMl.S bit­ to EPF buying a stake in PLUS lion to fund a bank in the acqui­ as it regards the EPF-PLUS deal sition of Sime Bank. as a rescue plan for UEM Bhd, which wholly owns PLUS. With this nonchalant attitude of workers' and people's represen­ Five trade union leaders, includ­ tatives on the board, the DAP ing two top MTUC leaders, will consider the possibility of ssurances that there namely MTUC President Zainal taking legal action to block EPF would be no bail-out of Rampak and Secretary-General Investment Panel using EPF troubled companies of G Rajasekaran, CUEPACS Sec­ funds. IIand individuals by the retary-General N. Siva government have been greatly Subramaniam are members of In December last year, EPF shaken by an indication that at the EPF Board. The trade union bought 3.5 million shares in Sime least five bailouts are underway. representatives on the EPF Board Darby so as to hold 131.72 mil­ should be fully conscious of their lion shares in Sime Darby. It con­ What is even more shocking is powers and responsibilities as tinued to increase its stake in that EPF funds will be used to EPF Board members and their re­ Sime Darby this year. The Sime bailout UEM, Sime Bank and lationship with the EPF Invest­ Darby reported a group pre-tax KUB. Public funds will be used ment Panel, and be vigilant in loss of RM1.81 billion for the half to bailout Bank Bumiputra and their duty to monitor investment yearended31 December1997. It there will be a Petronas bailout decisions by the EPF Investment was reported that Rashid of Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd Panel through the issue of direc­ Hussain Bhd (RHB) has offered (KPB) which is owned by Mirzan tions and review as to whether to buy KliB Malaysia Bhd's en­ Mahathir, the Prime Minister' s such directions had been ad­ tire 30.01 per cent equity stake in son. Petronas is set to buy hered to. Si.me Bank Bhd, after offering to Mirzan's shipping operations buy Sime Darby's entire equity and liquefied-natural gas trans­ According to press reports Zainal stake of 60.35 per cent interest in portation interests. Rampak said he did not know SimeBank

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 6 In March, Bank Negara an­ per cent growth for 1997? income from RM1,188.77 million nounced that Sime Bank Bhd, the to RM994.27 million. 60 per cent-owned financial set­ Furthermore, the economic vices division of Sime Darby downturn was only for the sec­ EPF executiv e Bhd, had posted a lo!,is ofRM1.57 ond half of last year which, in any chairman owes an billion for the six months ended event, had not altered the explanation 31 December, leaving Malaysia's government's forecast for the blue-chip stock in the red. year's economic growth. ln the Despite making these data avail­ second 1998 budget on 5 Decem­ able, the EPF executive chairman Sime Darby posted a loss of ber 1997, the Finance Minister, still owes the public the details RM676.2 million in the six Anwar Ibnrhim, revised of the EPF's equity investments, monthsended31 December1997 Malaysia's economic growth which caused the EPF income as a result of deep troubles at its forecast for this year from 7 per from equity to drop to RM99427 banking and securities arms. cent to 4-5 per cent. The Interna­ million from RMJ.188.77 million. tional Monetary Fund (JMF) fore­ Were these equities acquired be­ Lowest cllviclencl casted the growth to be 2.5 per fore the stock market turmoil in In 21 years cent with private economists giv­ July? The EPF also suffered ing even lower estimates. This losses as a result of the EPF' s for­ The people are affected badly gives rise to the question as to ays into the Kuala Lumpur stock by the recent announcement by whether the eight million EPF market during the financial tur­ the government. The govern­ contributors are heading for the moils in the second half of 1997. ment announced a 6.7 per cent lowest dividend in the history of What is the outcome of the RM60 dividend for the Employees' theEPF? billion government scheme to Provident Fund for 1997. This prop up certain stock prices from news came as a shock for the EPF executive chairman early September last year? eight million EPF contributors. Sallehuddin Mohamed said that The figure is not only one per the 1997 dividend was decided The subscribers have a right to cent lower than the dividend based on the net income after know why the EPF bought 65.91 last year, but it is the lowest providing for the diminution in million shares in the United En­ dividend offered in z-t years. lt asset value. Outlining the fund's gineers Malaysia (UEM) between is even lower than the dividend financial performance for 1997 in 30 September and31 October last offered during the deep reces­ a statement, he said that ''despite year, just before the outrageous sion of the 1980s. EPF contribu­ the turmoil in the financial mar­ RM2.34 billion acquisition o£32.6 tors are further surprised by kets, the EPF posted a gross in­ per cent or 722.9 million Renong the reaction of trade union come of RM8,784.45 million for shares by UEM, which created a leaders, who, though express­ the year under review, up 6.7 per stock market earthquake. The ing disappointment with the cent from RM8,231.59 million in tremors are still being felt today. low dividend, are happy that 1996. "at least there is transparenncy The EPF contributors are also ... in that EPF is giving a true Sallehuddin's explanation how­ entitled to know whether or not picture of what it is going ever must be seen in the context the EPF lost RM4 billion in the through". of the increase in the total annual Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange contribution. The EPF funds rose (KLSE) as reported by local Why has the EPF been so badly by 15.58 per cent or to newspapers. There must be a full hit by the economic downturn, . RM14,909.65 million from disclosure of the stocks con­ when it is not as bad as the eco- RMU,899.36 million in 1996, re­ cerned, the prices and dates they nomic recession of the eighties suiting in the total EPF assets of were bought and why. when the.J;e was negative GDP RM129.38 billion as at31 Decem­ gmwth of -1.0 per cent in 1985, ber 1997. Sallehuddin said the Sallehuddin also said that while 1.2 per cent in 1986 and 5.3 per capital market turmoil had ad­ in 1996 the EPF required cent in 1987 as compared with versely affected income from eq­ RM998.1 million of income to the government's forecast of 8 uity which resulted in a drop in pay for every one per cent rate

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 7 of dividend, it will need Bank Nt:gare~ in April, espe­ Did the Cabinet approve the five RM1,153.5 million for 1997. cially as the loans for share ongoing bailouts, the violation of Could the EPF have done better purchases, amounting to 22 the freeze on corporate restruc­ with a prudent investment policy per cent for Sime Bank's total turing and the use of EPF mon­ to safeguard the interest.of the outstanding loans, were made ies to rescue UEM, Sime Bank subscribers rather than by bail­ during the June-December and KUB, or were these the deci­ ing out troubled companies or in­ period? sions of the NEAC without any dividuals? reference to the Cabinet. The • Who are the people who have DAP calls on the Cabinet and the On 8 December 1997 Anwar an­ defaulted on their loan repay­ NEAC to give a full accounting nounced a freeze on all corporate ments, causing Sime Bank's on the five bailout operations to restructuring, new company list­ non-performing loans (NPLs) explain why the government ings and rights issues. Announc­ to rise to 18 per cent at end De­ flouted its decision and under­ ing what were described as "Stra­ cember 1997, which was taking that there would be no tegic Measures To Strengthen above the industry average of corporate restructuring and no Economic and Financial Stabil­ just under 7 per cent. bailouts. ity", Anwar said, "Submissions for new listings, rights issues and • What is the responsibility of There is a need for the EPF man­ corporate rcstructuing will be the Sime Bank and the Sime agement to develop a culture of frozen and no new approvals be Darby management for Sime accountability, transparency and given. This is to ensure that li­ Bank's RM1.8 billion pre-tax responsibility wj th regard to the quidity is not unnecessarily di­ loss for the six months ended RM130 billion funds belonging to verted from the market." 31 December 1997? the eight million EPF contribu­ tors and to develop a mechanism During the question and answer Bank Negara also revealed that whereby EPF contributors in session with the press, Anwar Malaysia's second largest various parts of the country can said: banking group, Bank have channels where such ac­ Bumiputra is in trouble for the countability, transparency and Q. Was the directive on the third time in 12 years, and responsibility could be exercised. freeze on corporate restruc­ could need as much as RM750 turing exercise brought million in fresh capital in a The time has come for the EPF about by the recent UEM­ worst-case scenario - despite Executive Chairman and the EPF Renong deal? the RM2.5 billion bailout by Board to be reminded that their Petronas in 1986 and a RMl bil­ salaries and allowances are paid A. Yes. That (deal) caused a lot lion bailout at taxpayers' ex­ from the EPF funds and that they of confusion in the (financial) pense in 1989. Is there to be no are trustees and employees of the market. Wedonotwantthat end, as well as no accountabil­ contributors, and not EPF bu­ sort of occurrence to recur. ity, in the colossal losses of pub­ reaucrats who are answerable to lic funds in the three bailouts no one. Although Sime Darby has an­ of Bank Bumiputra in 12 years? nounced that it wants to sell its The .EYF Executive Chairman 60.35 percent stake inSime Bank, When Anwar announced the and EPF Board must devise a the public interest questions cry­ "Strategic Measures To Strengthen mechanism whereby the con­ ing out for answers are: Economic and Financial Stability'' tributors can give their input and including a freeze on corporate re­ express their concern andreceive • How could Simc Darby's structuring and no bailouts of appropriate responses.::l RM2.1 billion investment in troubled companies last Decem­ Sime Bank dwindle to less ber, both the Prime Minister and than RM200m in two years? Deputy Prime Minister said pub­ Lim Kit Siang is the Ma­ • How could Sime Bank bust licly that it was the Cabinet which laysian Parliamentary Op­ the 15 per cent limit for loans made the decision to restore inves­ position leader. for share financing set by tor confidence.

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 8 Deeply concerned Concerned groups call for independent inquiry into the EPF

e, the undersigned, vested in the company. Congress, into the EPF. We urge wish to register our all organisations representing deep concer11 ov~r th~ The lack of confidence is com­ workers' interest in the country lack of transparency in pounded by the fact that the in­ to take an active interest in this the management of the Employ­ terest rate of the EPF has fallen issue and firmly support the ees Provident Fund (EPF). in the recent two years. Last year, MTUC in a national campaign to the trade union movement defend the EPF. We also call We believe that the recent loan clearly expressed its displeasure upon the MTUC to form a spe­ from the EPF to Khazanah Na­ over the lowering of the EPF' s cial committee to study and tional Bhd and Perwaja dividend rate to 7.5 per cent. In monitor the handling and opera­ Terengganu Sdn Bhd under­ 1996, the MTUC called for the tions of the EPF. The trade union mines public confidence in the EPF base dividend rate to be movement can work together integrity of the EPF. It appears fixed at 8 per cent and it recom­ with academics, experts and to many workers that the EPF has mended the Fund to take neces­ NGOs to formulate an alterna­ been used to bail out certain com­ sary measures to ensure con­ tive investment strategy for the panies affected by the economic tributors earn not less than 10 per EPF. With their support, the downturn. cent in annual dividend. This workers' movement can offer year, the dividend rate of the EPF constructive criticism if the We wish to reiterate that the EPF has again been reduced to 6.7 per present way of investment fails is accumulated from the hard cent, a record low since 1975. to generate enough returns for work of millions of workers over workers. the years. Its purpose is to pro­ This makes the EPF an invest­ vide social security for workers, ment fund with the lowest inter­ Lastly, we would like to reiterate not a relief fund for companies. est rate in comparison to other that the EPF is the workers' only savings schemes or trust funds. form of safety net in old age; it is Further we are puzzled by talk Tabung Haji, Amanah Saham the responsibility of all parties - of the EPF buying over 20 per Nasional, Amanah Saham the government, employers and cent of PLUS company shares. Bumiputra, Amanah Wawasan, unions - to ensure that the Fund We strongly believe that the EPF and all commercial banks giv.e is managed carefully and seri­ Board should reject such a ven­ much higher returns. This im­ ously. 0 ture. While the shares of PLUS plies that something has gone may bring financial gains wrong with the way the EPF ==1 through increased toll collection, manages its investments. EndOrsed 1;7j: the purchase will not be benefi­ The Associlltion of Bank Officers cial to the average worker. In As contributors to the fund, Mlllaysill, Harris Admnced Tech­ general, PLUS is engaged in eco­ workers have the right to know nology Workrs Union, National Union of 1'rlmsport Equipment nomic activities which the DPM what caused the depreciation of and Allied Industries Workers, described as 'unproductive'. Its the EPF dividend rate. Hence, National Union Rotel, Bar ana profits mainly come from road we call upon the EPF Board to Resiaunmt Workers, Malaysilm users who themselves are work­ provide a public explanation. Nurses Union, Union of Employ­ ers. It would be a great irony for ees in Trade Unio1ts and trade unions to oppose toll in­ We also call for an independent U1tiversiti Mtllaya Genetal Staff creases and at the same time to inquiry, with the participation of Union. allow workers' savings to be in- the Malaysian Trades Union

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 9 A large proportion of the EPF' s posit rate in some banks has The EPF cash surplus is invested in low­ gone up to 11% while loan in­ interest bearing, long-term gov­ terest is charged as high as 14% ernment securities. In other currently. words, the EPF has been a ma­ jor source of funds for the de­ The concern with the dividend velopment budget. In this re­ rate relates to what might be gard, the EPF also provided termed the "actuarial integrity" much needed funds for "wealth of the Fund. If the dividend rate restructuring" and "corporate is lower than the rate of infla­ asset formation" during the tion, for instance, not even the NEP years. Consequently, a principal has been conserved. large proportion of the domes­ This poses serious problems for he Employees' Provi­ tic federal debt is owed to the the contributor who may only dent Fund (EPF) was EPF. However, about 19% of withdraw his or her entire con­ g established primarily EPF's investment was also in­ tribution plus accrued dividend for the purpose of pro­ vested in the share market in at the age of 55. He or she de­ viding some retirement security 1998. pends on this saving to provide to workers earning low wages. for themselves and their All contributors earn dividends dependants after retirement. When the EPF was set up in on their contributions. The divi­ 1951, workers whose wages ex­ dends declared for the past 20 The welfare and social security ceeded a certain minimum, and years are: of the contributors is the reason workers covered by private pen­ why the EPF was set up in the sion funds were free not to con­ Year Percentage first instance. The Governing tribute to the Fund. Today, 1977-78 7.00 Board of the EPF whose 20 nearly all employees outside the 1979 7.25 members (including five trade government's pension scheme 1980-82 8.00 union representatives) are ap­ are required to contribute to the 1983-87 8.50 pointed by the Minister of Fi­ EPF regardless of salary. 1988-94 8.00 nance are obliged by law to keep 1995 7.50 this goal uppermost in their As of 1998, there are more than 1996 7.70 minds. 8 million contributors. The to­ 1997 6.70 tal provident fund is estimated All the EPF's investments, to be about RM130 billion. In The 6.7% dividend declared for therefore, must be geared to­ 1997, about RM14.6 billion was 1997 is the lowest in22 years de­ wards realising this end and collected. The collection for spite a GDP growth of almost not some other, whether di­ 1998 is expected to decline to 8%. Even in 1985 when GOP rected by the Minister of Fi­ about RM13.0 billion due to loss growth was minus 1%, the EPF nance or other leaders. Under of jobs. paid out a dividend of 8.5% . Section 18(2) of the EPF Act, the Governing Board has con­ The mandatory contribution in Many questions have been trol over the activities of the 1998 is 11% for the employee raised about the low 1997 divi­ EPF's Investment Panel To be . and 12% for the employer. How­ dend. In contrast, for example, sure these funds are definitely ever many employers fail to re­ the Amanah Saham Bumiputera not to be used as a source of mit these contributions to the declared a dividend of 11.5% for cheap funds for bailing out EPF. 1997. Moreover the fixed de- failing companies. C1

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 10 MORALITY BASED ON ABSOLUTE TRUTH

A leader requires a strong base of morality to maintain his or her integrity and honesty.

The practice of democracy is in­ complete unless the principles of morality based on absolute truth are laid down as the proper foun­ dation to follow. A government consisting of representatives low in morality will be dishonest and corrupt.

Let it be known that it is not the rule by the sword that makes one Letters should preferably be no more than 250 words and must in­ a leader. The indestructible spirit clude the writer's name and address. Shorter letters will be preferred of justice and freedom lies within and pseudonyms may be used. Letters should be addressed to The the people and is forever glow­ Editor, ALIRAN MONTifLY, P.O. Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia. ing in their hearts. Views expressed need not necessarily reflect those of Aliran. Lee Bok Seong Penang POLITICIANS equipped government hospitals. SHOULD LIVE SIMPLY ASIAN CRISIS: Politicians are supposed to set an JAPANESE TAX CUT Tt is very, very wrong timing for example for the rakyat. Yet, they NOT THE SOLUTION the Selangor state government to spend the people's hard-earned have spent so much money in money living in luxury. Economists, business leaders and renovating the Menteri Besar's politicians - they are all cock­ residence. Can the Selangor government sure. If only Japan exercises sub­ publicly display the renovation stantial tax cuts (say 3 to 4 per It has cost the country about RMS items, the cost and countries of cent of GOP), then the Japanese million, which is really a colossal origin of the materials used, and will start spending. In turn, this sum. Even if the house was in a the criteria for approval by p ub­ will spur Japan's moribund shambles as claimed, it doesn't lic officials? (Remember UMNO economy, stimulate it and all will justify that kind of expenditure. Baru leaders gave every detail of be well. Japan will start consum­ make and cost of marble, furni­ ing the excess exports of Asia There are many unfortunate citi­ ture etc running into millions of (South-East Asia in particular) zens in this country who need ringgit with regard to the new and America need not worry hard cash for more p ressing UMNO building when they about becoming the importer of needs: for heart surgery, kidney wanted to denigrate Tengku last resort or about the pressure transplants and cancer treatment. Razaleigh, the one-time UMNO from Capitol Hill for protection­ treasurer who was then President ism. RM5 million could have helped of Semangat 46?) This will allow these poor souls indire straits. It the people to see if their money But wait a minute! How sure are could have helped in providing was wisely spent. we that a tax cut will induce the at least 200 low-.cost houses to average Japanese to spend? squatters. It could also have been Manoharan Balan What if the Japanese cons1..1mers used to upgrade poorly Seremban have changed?

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 11 Where's the consumption study? term strategy needed to solve and courts and judges had, in the past On which research findings are avert a global financial crisis. at least, been dabbling in party we basing this entire assump­ politics; that they had not been tion? Anas Zubedy without fear or favour; that they Petaling Jaya had been swayed by emotions If the cost of capital that is next MAHATHIR'S and other considerations other to zero is unable to stimulate REMARKS A than the principles and require­ Japanese spending, will a tax cut ments of justice and the law, in do? Economic policy makers CONTEMPT OF COURT? the course of their work. (like the IMF) and politicians Commenting on the recent deci­ (like Clinton and the US Con­ sion of the Court of Appeal to In view of the utter seriousness gress) are myopic. Not only did impose a jail sentence on Kota of Mahathir's allegations, noth­ they earlier fail to see that this cri­ Mclaka MP Lim Guan Eng, ing less than a Royal Commis­ sis has an all powerful contagion Prime Minister Dr Mahathir sion of Inquiry should be estab­ effect, but now, they are putting Mohamad said, "There is no ero­ lished to: almost all hopes on a Japanese sion of freedom of speech. When tax cut! you make a baseless allegation, (I) look into the entire system of the law must take its course." the administration of justice The endeavour to make sure a in Malaysia to ensure that Japanese tax cut occurs is like Mahathir also said, "Sometimes the judges and courts of law dishing out panadols. There in the effort to prove the allega- have not and will not be would be a little euphoria; South­ tion (of injustice), there were swayed or influenced by par­ East Asian markets may jump a courts in Malaysia which inten­ tisan politics and other extra­ few points, but it is more likely tionally did not pass any sen­ neous factors; than not that the Japanese will tences because it involved a not consume more. They will member of the opposition party. (2) determine if Mahathir'salle­ keep more. Then what? gations against the courts "This had happened ... when a and judges constitute a con­ Why is it that the world is totally member of an opposition party tempt of the judiciary, and dependent on one country, Ja­ was found guilty, he was given a if so, to recommend appro­ pan, to soak up the astronomical light sentence. priate penalties. output of South-East Asia and East Asia? What happened to the "However, when it involved a Fan Yew Teng millions, nay ... billions in the Af­ member of the Government, and lpoh rican continent, Central Asia, In­ as if to prove the court is free, he THE HUNTER WHO dian sub-continent and China? I was given a stiffer sentence." BECAME THE HUNTED am sure Mrs Ravi in Rajastan, India, can do with a television set lL is outrageous that the Prime It is a sad episode in the annals and Mrs Ngugumbeh of Tanza­ Minister should have com­ of Malaysian legal history: the nia with a camera. mented on a case the appeal pro­ saga of a hunter trying to uphold cess of which is far from ex­ justice and to do his duty as a Sorry ... what?? Mrs Ravi has hausted. Member of Parliament in defend­ never had electricity supply in ing the weak and helpless against her entire life and Mrs Who told him that a court had all odds, who instead becomes Ngugumbeh andher family have "intentionally" given a light sen­ the hunted! not had a decent meal for many tence to a member of an opposi­ days? tion party and a stiffer sentence It is not so important whether to a member of the Government? Guan Eng was guilty of the How come? charges against him. What is Mahathir's comments constitute more important is his sentence of The answers to this question may very serious allegations against 36 months' jail, which would give us some dues on the long- the Malaysian judiciary: that the throw him out of the political

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 12 arena and thus disqualify him as cerned. However, the judge in a RM1,000 fine and essentially Member ofParliament apparenUy the judgment (l was told by continue his life as usual Bio­ fordefendingtherightsofallMa­ friends in the legal circle) called logical differences appear to de­ laysians regardless of ethnicity, Abdul Razak a "mere busy­ termine whether you me locked religion or gender. This .is what .is body", "a trouble-shooter" and up or not. The judgement clearly at stake! Whither juslice? "a maverick out to stir trouble". shows a blatant and outright bias These descriptions of Abdul against women. EeKim Chye Razak were uncalled for and Penang completely unnecessary. Is the Malaysian public to believe JUDGE'S UNCALLED· that the girls' morals need "reha­ Abdul Razak might not have had bilitation" while the morals of the FOR REMARKS a good case on the merits of the boy, through the payment of a The March issue of A/iran matter. Still, instead of being fine, will somehow automatically Monthly carries a press release by ridiculed and insulted, he should correct themselves? Mrs Mary Robinson, the United have been congratulated for his Nations High Commissioner for civic-consciousness and courage The article also states that the boy Human Rights in which Param in bringing the suit against the and the 15-year-old have agreed Cumaraswamy, the Special Rap­ Council, which, I am sure he was to get married. We are deeply porteur on the Independence of aware, had at its disposal the en­ concerned that the young couple Judges and Lawyers, who was a tire government machinery to are considering or are being litigant in a case which came be­ fight him. asked to consider marriage; they fore the Federal Court, was re­ are very young and really need ferred to as an "unpaid part-time While the presid1ng judge has a to be counselled, not only for the provider of information". As a duty to comment on the merits trauma they are going through at Malaysian, I find this description of a litigant's case in arriving at the moment but before entering of a fellow Malaysian in a judg­ his decision, he has no right to into marriage. They need to be ment of the Court not only un­ pass unnecessary insulting re­ totally prepared for what is an necessary but insulting. marks on litigants to ridicule important decision. them. Such behaviour earns the It brings to mind another case judge no respect but serves only Whlle Islam promotes forgive­ which took place not long ago in to undermine public confidence ness, education and leading Johor Baru. A well-known law­ in the judiciary. through good example, again and yer, Abdul Razak Ahmad, sued again it appears as though the the Johor Baru City Council for Citizen only way we seem to know how refusing to reply to his letter in Johor Baru to deal with young people is which he, as a resident and rate­ through punitive measures. They payer, asked U1e Council whether KHALWAT CASE: BIAS are being made to pay as though it had given notices to the adja­ AGAINST WOMEN? they were criminals when, in fact, cent land-owners on the devel­ We refer to an article whlch ap­ in the greater scheme of things, opment of the project in the peared in The Sun on 17 May they are youngpeople who made Straits of Johor, commonly titled "Youths get three years for a small mistake. knownas the "Floating City", as close proximity". The article re­ .is required under the law. ports that three young people AWAM, therefore, calls for the pleaded guilty in the Kota Star immediate release of the two The presiding Judge held that Shariah Court to committing girls (just as the boy has been re­ Abdul Razak was not entitled to "close proximity". leased) and the replacement of the information sought as he had the punitive sentence with a no real interest in the subject Upon reading the article, it be­ more caring, sensitive and non­ matter and, therefore, had no le­ comes apparent that it .is the 15- discriminatory approach. gal standing to sue the Council. year-old and the 18-year-old girls That may well be the. case on the who are sent to detention, while All Women's Action Society merits, as far as the law is con- the 18-year-old boy is able to pay Petaling Jaya

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 13 alaysia is fortunate in able though not morally and ethi­ lion litres of treated water were having abundant water cally right. produced per day. But the NRW g resources. Under nor­ loss rate averaged 38 % in 1995. mal climatic trends, rain Replacing old and rusty pipes is In other words, 3,587 million falls almost the entire year in all very costly, tedious and mun­ litres per day (mld) were lost. parts of the country and no single dane. Politicians, however, pre­ This amounted to a total loss of month is ever completely dry. As fer more prestigious and high 1,309,255 million litres, or a result there are more than 150 profile projects, such as building RM671.6 million worth of water river systems which serve as the a new dam ('the biggest' in the (at the selling price of 51.3 sen per country's major sources of water region). Private water companies cubic metre) in Malaysia in 1995. supply. Potentially Malaysians which sell treated water to the enjoy a per capita renewable government are not concerned The extent of NRW is dismaying. water supply of more than20,000 with reducing NRW. These com­ The Penang Water Authority, a cubic meters per year, compared panies charge what they treat, relatively efficient water author­ with less than 1,000 cubic metres and NRW is accounted for only ity, suffers an NRW loss of about per year for some of the Middle after the water leaves the treat­ 20 %. Other states have worse Eastern people. ment plant. This is one reason for records of NRW losses -- Sabah the current dispute between a (58%), Kedah (48%), Pahang (48 However, the recent water crisis private water company and a %) , Selangor (40%), and Kelantan in several parts of the country, state government. Any large (40 %). notably Kuala Lumpur and scale water mains replacement Selangor, shows that all is not project would also cause consid­ The water authorities and the well with water supply, manage­ erable inconvenience to the pub­ water companies are not solely ment and security in the country. lic and significant water loss in to blame for water loss and wast­ the process. Not surprisingly age. Public, community and What lies at the heart of our wa­ mains replacement work is given household wastage is another ter crisis? low priority. problem. Who is unfamiliar with the sight of running taps, leaking Wastage The water authorities should not pipes and burst mains, left unat­ just concentrate on increasing tended for long stretches of time? One obvious but important issue water supply (and, hence, profit). Since water is cheap (the average is Non-Revenue Water (NRW) or person pays only about RM5 per water that is lost either through They need a more balanced man­ month for his/her water bill), breakage, theft, seepage or some agement by increasing water many simply do not care about other unaccountable way. Yet this supply and reducing water loss. saving water, unless forced to in issue is often 'hidden' in the They should realise that millions times of shortage, as experienced agenda as the water authorities of litres of precious treated wa­ in parts of Kuala Lumpur or and water companies deliber­ ter are lost daily from NRW Selangor recently. ately concentrate on increasing (Table 1). supply instead of reducing NRW. Water theft is another problem This is economically understand- ln 1995, for example, 9,442 mil- wlUch has not yet been fully in-

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 14 Table 1: Water Supply Capacity and Non-Revenue Water in Malaysia

Year Capacity Consumption Water Water Estimated Loss Annual (mld)• (mid) Loss Loss in Revenue Loss (mld) (%) PerDay(RM) (RM)

1995 9,442 7,704 3,587 38 1.84 million•• 671.6 million 2~ 11,800 9,160 3,304 28 1.69 million 616.9 million

3 3 .. mid =million litres per day; llitre = 0.001 m ; 1 mid = 1,000 m per day). .... Based on cost of water sold at 51.3 sen per m3 (Average price in Penang). e For the year 2000, all values are estimated. (Source: Seventh Malaysia Plan)

vestigated. Recently, a private a few 'big thieves' and making company was alleged to have stern examples of them. been stealing about 450,000 litres of water, daily, from the mains in Apathy Bukit Kamunting, Shah Alam, The water security situation in for the past two years (The Sun, Malaysia appears sound only 16 May 1998). At the height of against a wet climatic back­ Selangor's water crisis, a sports ground, but not when considered club in Klang was caught steal­ against a record of years of mis­ ing water from a fire hydrant to management and neglect. Our fill its swimming pool (The Sun, water security situation is actu­ 22 May 1998). ally far from being enviable. Wa­ ter stress and other hazards, such Incredibly, the dub was not as floods, droughts, shortages, charged in court but merely and pollution, have become fined RMSOO for misuse of wa­ regular occurrences in many Plate 1 -A landslide m tltt> Penang Hill ter! Such a cavalier approach by parts of the country. The current area. the authorities towards water water crisis which theft has not helped to control has crippled many the problem of illegal connec­ aspects of life in tions to water mains. The many states testifies Selangor Waterworks Depart­ to bad management, ment, for example, does not wastage and negli­ take offenders to court but lets gence. them off lightly by installing meters to the illegal connec­ Take Selangor as an tions (NST, 29 April 1998). It example. The state may be impossible to track government had down all illegal connections, been repeatedly but the water authorities warned about over- Plate 1- Knrak Highway: excessive sail erosion and should concentrate on catching logging and its ef- landslides dur to over-logging and development ofltil/lalld.

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 1815) Page 15 lution and to reject the plan. Yet, in 1997, the downstream Penang Hill Structure Plan, flooding which permits a significant por­ (Plate 1 and tion of water catchments in the Pia te 2). To­ area for development, was ap­ day, the pub­ proved. The Penang state lic in government's continuing apathy Selangor has towards water conservation can had to pay a best be seen from the State Exco's severe price 6 January 1998 decision to lift a for that neg­ 20-year freeze on hill develop­ ligence. ment above the 75 m contour. This utterly myopic decision, de­ 2 - Water catchments in the destroyed d11e to illegal fanning, sq11atting InPenang, a fended on grounds that Penang lackadaisica I has limited land, has removed fed on water catchments since attitude amongst state and local the last effective defence of much the National Water Resources authorities has also been respon­ water catchment land. Study was completed in 1982. In sible for the state's water woes. 1991, the Selangor Forestry De­ Water catchments are scarce in The apathy of state governments partment again urged a restric­ Penang, and the state draws 80% to serious water resource man­ tion on excessive logging. Even of its water needs from Kedah. agement is also clear from the the Prime Minister advised the Over the years, the deforestation Durian Tunggal episode in Mal­ State to impose a total ban on log­ of Penang Hill, Paya Terubong acca (1991), the destruction of ging in 1991. ln 1993, the Drain­ hill and other hills had depleted water catchments in the Lojing age and Irrigation Department Penang Island's water resources. Highlands in Kelantan (1997), issued a similar call. In 1995, the The results were predictable: in­ and the diesel spills in the Langat Selangor Waterworks Depart­ creasing water hazards such as River in Selangor (1997) and the ment projected a severe water flash flooding, (Plate 3), and the Sungai Dua plant in Penang shortage beginning in 1997. No recent water stress in Balik Pulau. (1998). adequate response from the state government was evident. In its How ludicrous then that the gov­ A more general public apathy obsession with 'rapid develop­ ernment, in 1990, should towards water use and the envi­ ment', it overlooked that over­ favourably consider a grandiose ronment is also to be blamed for logging and development of hill plan to develop Penang Hill. much of our present water prob­ land could lead to excessive soil Only a strong public protest and lems. For example, while the au­ erosion, landslides, destruction the concerted efforts from NGOs thorities have allowed too mt1ch of water catchments, water pol- 'convinced' the state government development in Cameron High-

Platt! 3 - Fln~h flood in Ceargetcrwn, Penmtg in September 1995. Rash flood m Kamptmg Kasipillny, Kuala Lumpur m May 1981.

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 16 The lake in Cameron Highlands used to be a major water reservoir Plate 4 -Rapid development of Cameron Highlands as a farming brlt is now almost completely silted and polluted by red muddy centre nnd tourist resort has destruye..1 many importa111 water sediments. catchments in the area. lands which led to the destruc­ from forest fires, haze, drought, tioning period in Selangor. tion of water catchments and the flood, crop loss, water shortages, siltation of the lake in Cameron etc. on El Nino. When Selangor Responsibility Highlands (Plate 4), vegetable faced its water crisis, the Works The government has a moral re­ farmers in the area are respon­ Minister blamed the State Gov- sponsibility to provide the sible for pouring excessive ernment since 'water' is a 'state people with adequate and qual­ amounts of pesticides, matter'. The state government ity water supply. Water is an es­ weedicides and chem1ca1 blamed the water authority, sential public good needed by all fertilisers into the soil and the which in turn blamed the climate people regardless of ethnic ori­ water system. Here again, profit and water theft. Under such cir- gin, creed and status. Even the has taken priority over every­ cumstances, blaming the El Nino homeless and those living in re­ thing else, and the farmers have is pointless. With our abundant mote villages must not be de­ had no qualms about poisoning rainfall and surface water re- prived of this vital resource. Wa­ the land and water. sources, even the greatest of El ter should, thus, never be Ninos will have no more than a privatised d espite claims by The Malaysian public, too, must mere side effect on the water se- many quarters (especially pri­ be blamed for littering and irre­ curity situation had those re- vate water companies) that sponsible rubbish disposal The sponsible for managing our wa- privatisation of the water indus­ condition of our rivers is proof ter resources handled it well. In- try will improve effectiveness. of such irresponsibility. The riv­ stead we should put the blame While there have been cases of ers are Malaysia's main water squarely on those in high places successful privatisation of the sources (since underground wa­ who have never been held ac- water industry in western coun­ ter is rare) but are too frequently countable for such incidents as tries, there is none so far in Ma­ treated as raw sewers into which the one that occurred in Durian laysia. States that have privatised everything from domestic rub­ Tunggal in Ma lacca in 1991, the part or all of their water indus­ bish to furniture and old cars can February 1998 spillage of 2,700 try are now having problems as be dumped (Plate 5). Sources in litres of diesel into a raw water evident in the current water en­ the Municipal Council of Penang canal at the PWA pump station sis in certain states. Island confirm that at least ten in Lahar Tiang, Sungai Dua, lorry loads of rubbish are cleared Penang, or the ammonia poilu- In principle, privatisation may from Sg Pinang every day. tionoftheLangatRiverinMarch work ii suitable and capable 1998. For that matter, no one has companies are involved which Blaming El Nino taken responsibility for the diffi- are considered entirely on perfor­ The years 1997/1998 are El Nino culties and stress caused to hun- mance criteria. Companies want­ years. Hence, many are inclined dreds of thousands of people ing to take over the water indus­ to blame everything ranging during this most severe water ra- try must show strong experience

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 17 Plate 5- Dumping domestic rubbish 111 the Sg. Pari in Ipoh. Dumping construction waste into a river in Cameron Highlands. in the field. This has simply not How can there be good quality of Water Resources Council after been so with many water com­ life when we do not have enough the idea was mooted in 1983. panies in Malaysia. Even if the water (apart from dean air, a green Even after the Cabinet approved current economic crisis necessi­ environment, fertile soils, etc.)? the formation of the Council on tates the awarding of contracts to How can one reconcile the fact 29April1998, nooneknowshow local companies, it does not make that a large hotel in Batu Ferringhi effectively this Council will re­ sense to award water contracts to (Penang) uses the equivalent of form water management in the an inexperienced company. If the total water usage of Teluk country. The resistance of some privatisation cannot be avoided, Bahang, a small town? Obvi­ water-rich states and powerful a partnership between an inter­ ously, rapid development more economic interests to reform can national company and a local one or less equates more hotels (in the be anticipated. Likewise, may be the only acceptable solu­ case of tourism) and since water privatised water companies are tion, and even then only if its se­ is limited in a small State like a new phenomenon with a mis­ lection is made in a manner Penang, someone will have to erable record. transparent to the public. suffer in times of water woes, and The current water crisis will be The price of you can bet your last ringgit that 1 it will not be the tourist. forgotten when people pick up clevelop111ent'? their Hves as the economy recov­ In its frantic quest for progress, Even without looking at the ers. When the market is bullish development, modernisation blunders of western developed again, there will be even less and industrialisation, Malaysia countries, we have had enough chance that anyone will remem­ is falling into the same trap as episodes of water related crises. ber this water crisis. Maybe then, did more developed but envi­ Yet, tragically, and to the detri­ another water crisis will occur, ronmentally degraded western ment of the public, the water au­ and useless finger pointing will counterparts in the past. What thorities have learnt very little resume. Perhaps committees will is the price one should pay for indeed from those crises. They be formed again and drastic mea­ such development? Look at the seemed to be lulled into a false sures (involving traditional and USA, the UK and eastern Eu­ sense of security about our wa­ high-tech methods and bomohs) rope. They are no doubt devel­ ter situation. taken by desperate authorities. If oped but must now spend bil­ water woes remain a part of Ma­ lions of dollars to clean up The public has suffered and per­ laysian life in the next millen­ their environments, if they can haps will learn the necessity of nium, it will not be because our be cleaned at all. curbing wastage and the virtue weather is changing or El Nino of water conservation. But the is reappearing, but largely be­ The authorities must realise that public needs to exert pressure on cause the Malaysian authorities 'development' must be accompa­ the authorities which took 15 and the public cannot get their nied by a high quality of life. years just to form the National priorities right. 0

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 18 does it merely betray a need for self-consolation? Who knows? Maybe if your son had ample corporate 'opportunity' before the East Asian meltdown put him in 'danger', you might need to tell yourself the same thing over and over again.

How different is that from some Chinese saying that to be a real politician you must be able to talk out of both sides of your mouth at the same time? Let's take someone like Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. One day he says there should be no contests for top posts in UMNOYouthinthe With friends like ming fool. He fixed the PBS with interest of stability-could be he Harris ••• the BN's good old ways of coer­ senses 'danger' to his presi­ cion and enticement, but has dency of the wing. Next day he Superstitious Cantonese don't evidently corrected his diagno­ welcomes contests as a sign of like the number 4 - it sounds sis of Sa bah's body politic, albeit democracy-could be he detects too much like death in the dia­ 13 years late. 'I've been a good 'opportunity' for graduating lect. Double 4 is worse, as in 4 friend of Harris', he said, but into UMNO's really big league. April in the year 1985. Not a this 'big nuisance' was thrown date Dr Mahathir would care to out 'lock, stock and barrel'. Not so long ago he ordered his recall in his old age. That day, flunkeys to bust the Asia Pacific in Sabah, he'd declared he And, really, who wants to go Conference on East Timor ll - would 'sink or swim with swimming again with an ex­ there was 'danger' in upsetting Berjaya', then led by Harris friend like Harris who couldn't Suharto's ancient regime. Now Salleh of 'abolish Tambunan's even carry out a coup if his po­ even Zahid talks of 'openness' district status' notoriety. litical life depended on it? and 'transparency' -perhaps he ***** sees 'opportunity' to score a few Not three weeks later, Harris, Two mouths are points with 'Mat SaJleh' inves­ Berjaya and BN Sabah sank. Of tors who push this jargon. 1ain't IIeBer than one? course, Dr M kept swimming - no politico, but, helt I can tell no sense in keeping promises if In times of uncertainty, some hypocrisy when I hear it. you want to keep your head people can say some truly above political water. No one's strange things. That we face a fi­ ***** really heard £rom Harris since nancial and economic crisis is Many Moon• Ago­ PBS and Joseph Pairin l(jtingan certain. But people like Ling (Extracted from the Ittternet) blew him away. LiongSik love to repeat that 'cri­ Many moons ago, the Big Boss, sis' in Mandarin is made up of whose knowledge of economics But the true homo politicus never two characters, the first mean­ was as good as his knowledge dies, only gets more thick­ ing 'danger' and the second on the subject of gobbledegook, skinned. With Parti Bersekutu, meaning 'opportunity'. said, "Our country's woes will Harris dreams of re-immersing be over and everybody will re­ himself in Sa bah's political Is that supposed to show vision gain his wealth in 6 months' whirlpool. But Dr M's no swim- and bravery under crisis? Or time, if we can sight the moon."

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 19 Many moons have passed and, not get anything up except his But more than that, the lesson in fact, the situation has gone toll Realising that he could not that we could draw from this from bad to worse, because no­ fool his colleagues this time, he episode is that one doesn't nec­ body can sight the moon with said, 'Well, what I meant is my essarily have to have a good the lack of transparency and the proposal in a Cabinet Paper in mastery of the English language haze. that time. Isn't it as good as get­ to be a millionaire. Never mind ting the job done?' about how one amassed such a At that time the First Stooge, colossal amount of wealth. Taib known for his sycophancy, The Third Stooge was seen ill­ perhaps also showed the world stood up and said in his dron­ humoured and sulking away in that someone like him, whose ing voice in a slow motion man­ a corner. When asked by the oth­ English isn't good, could also ner of talking, 'But Boss, I think ers why he felt so sullen and dis­ take literally the commercial recovery will be sooner. I have mal, he complained, 'Actually, I philosophy of "cash and carry". had a long and hard gaze at my have devised a perfect scheme little son's plastic ball, and I saw that can overcome the present ***** beds of roses all over the coun­ crisis of the country, and no fool Ialii and try in three months' time.' The wants to listen to me. It's made the Cash C lture three months have come and of palm oil!' In this dramatic legal episode, gone and not only are there no Mat Taib also established as a roses, there are even no weeds. Actually, there was a Fourth fact that it has been the culture Why, how can plants grow Stooge. The last he was seen of Malaysians to carry lots of when there is no water? was in his smoke-filled office cash wherever they go, an asser­ toilet unobtrusively puffing tion even the Aussie judge ac­ The Second Stooge, a semi-val­ away. Not wanting to be left out cepted, although rather ued friend of the First respon­ in making his contribution, he patronisingly. sible for looking after the was heard shouting, 'lake the li­ country's water supply, felt a cence away from the TV station Yes, we do declare that most little guilty about the water cri­ that reports any haze. When Malaysians carry lots of cash sis and tried again his well­ there is no report of any haze, around, whether for the pur­ worn excuse which had saved we will sight the moon, and all poses of buying ikan bilis, his sldn many times in the past. will be well!' Mercedes, condos, or a mere He replied, 'It's an Act of God!' ***** piece of land. We still prefer cash Cash strapped Tailt to credit cards, telegraphic Trying to show that he was not and English language transfers of money, cheques, e­ only good at trying to find a commerce transactions, and valid excuse for any problem By now, the whole world knows what have you. You see, these but could also be a problem­ that former Selangor MB alternatives to cash are actually solver at times, he added, 'If you Muhammad Taib, aka Mat inventions of the foreign devils, had told me earlier, r would Tyson, had a legal tussle with things which we normally have used a tool of mine that I the Aussies. For those with short wouldn't touch with a ten-foot had kept under wraps to bore a memories, Mat Taib was caught pole. tunnel through the mountains by the Australian Customs for in 45 days to tap water from the not declaring the fact that he Our love for cash is so immense East Coast where there is an had taken money outofAustra­ that we don't mind carrying abundance of water.' lia way beyond the legal limit. bags and bags of it, no matter His defence, among others, was how heavy. It doesn't matter As he was well-known for his that his little knowledge of En­ whether we live in luxury apart­ hype and fantasy trips, the oth­ glish prevented him from£illing ments or mansions, work as ers gaped at him in disbelief as in the Customs form adequately chief executive officers of indus­ everyone knew that he could and satisfactorily. trial outfits, or go to Australia

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 20 and the United States for a holi­ lieve that something in the (what's that?) day. We still prefer cash to any­ middle has not been touched • the Asian Values crisis thing else that tries to resemble yet, or if touched, rather too • the Asian Renaissance crisis money. That's why, even in this delicately, by the investigators. • the lack of accountability and age of electronic gadgetry and transparency in governance wizardry, we abhor the concept ***** Crises Galore Year of a cashless society. Otherwise, all is fine in Malay­ Since July 1997, we have expe­ sia and the people are happy. ***** rienced one crisis after another a n o eYe in the country. But hey, blame it Some of us live in Never Never Some poor parents break their all on one or more jealous West­ Land- that's for sure. See what backs to send their children to em plots wanting to undermine happens when we let politicians local universities in the hope of our brilliant economic success run the country? a better life for their offspring. since the late 1980s. Those with more money can in­ H ey, maybe Sabarrudin Chik dulge their children an overseas The BN politicians and govern­ and Tok Mat (seen by some as education. But most inspiring ment in Malaysia can do no Malaysia's very own walking is how former Selangor Mentri wrong. They are always right disaster personified) together Besar Muhammad Taib and his and everyone else wrong. From with Ling LiongSik, Samy Vellu wife bought a house in God to George Soros to ordinary and Lim Keng Yaik could get to­ Australia's Sovereign Islands Malaysians like Ahmad, Minah, gether, and form a real living because their daughter 'had Ah Chong and Subramaniam. National Disaster Committee, hoped to study in Australia one and find a way to promote Ma­ day and it would be nice to have Here's a list of some of our woes: laysia as the ASEAN Crisis des­ a house nearby'. Her testimony • the recurrent, long-lasting tination of choice for tourists? al her father's trial has and extensive haze crisis We can still make money even prompted me to nominate the • the stock market crisis as things collapse all around us, couple as Parents of the Year. • the currency crisis no? • the bailouts of crony capital­ ***** ists Reverse gear towards the year A Touching Tale • the Bank Negara crisis 2020? The legal Saga of Mat Taib • the banking and financial sec­ brings to mind the case of tor crisis ***** former Malacca Chief Minister • the misuse of EPF funds Penang's Alternative Rahim Tamby Chik who was • the communal tensions in TraHic Rules alleged to have raped an under­ Penang crisis (E~racted from t1te Internet) age girl. Referring to the nature • the judicial crisis (old story of the investigation made thic; one - getting from bad to Right of way: against him and the wide pub­ worse) • The larger or structurally licity and interest it had • the illegaJ migrant workers stronger vehicle has the aroused, Rahim was quoted in crisis right of way over the Malaysian Business (1 February • the riots involving Achehnese smaller vehicle. 1996) as saying, 'There are not political asylum seekers • The vehicle with the louder many leaders who have been • the drought and the water cri­ hom has the right of way. investigated. I was investigated sis • The vehicle in the wrong from head to toe.' • the food shortages in Sabah lane has the right of way • the Sarawak 'Coxsackie over vehicles driving in the That may be so, but others are crisis'(which turned out not to correct direction in that not terribly convinced by such be coxsackie) lane. (This is still a point of a public declaration. They be- • the ASEAN solidarity crisis contention even among

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 21 driving experts in Penang) What is the Advanced Penang road durin!$ peak hour traffic. Turn? Some driving techniques de­ If you happen to be travelling Pedestrians veloped in Penang: towards a T-junction and Pedestrians have no right of you're on the minor road with way at all unless they are on the The Pemmg Turn the intention of turning into zebra-crossing. All vehicles The Penang Turn is a driving the main road, you are notre­ have the right to knock down manoeuvre that requires much quired to stop at all. You can pedestrians as they see fit. skill, panache, confidence and just simply turn right or left recklessness, which can only be into incoming or oncoming Parking found in the local Penang driver traffic. The vehicles on your You can park anywhere you or out-of-town drivers who path will adjust their speed want as long as your vehicle is have acclimatised themselves to accordingly to accommodate able to fit in. There is, however, the driving culture in Penang. your en trance. no guarantee that you'll be able to leave once you have parked. What is a Penang Turn? It is best The Snake Manoeuvre described as follows: When on a straight road, swerve What To Do In Case Of Acci­ left, swerve right, swerve left dents Suppose you are on the right again and so on to avoid deadly lane and you intend to turn potholes, which may damage If you are right and if you look right. If the right lane is your vehicle. This technique is fierce or dangerous enough, jammed, you can cut into the oftenappliedinsmalllanesand threaten the offender with physi­ left lane, which would be quite roads within industrial zones. cal violence. If you have friends clear. Once you reach the spot Watch out for motorcyclists or passengers with you, that where you want to turn right, though. would be even better. Hopefully, you can do so by either block- the offender would be frightened ing the cars on the right lane Specific Rules For Different into 'settling' the matter. If not, with your vehicle or if the situ- Road-Users & Vehicles one should drag the offender to ation allows, you can squeeze the police station. in with the vehicle on your Cars right if the turning lane is wide Car owners are advised not to If you are wrong, shout or (lr­ enough. Allow for possible buy new cars for driving in gue your way out. Look fierce cursing and unwanted eye Penang. or menacing. If that doesn't contact from the drivers on the work, pretend to call your right. Possible noise irritation Motorcycles relative who is a bigshot in the due to car horns may also re­ Motorcyclists are allowed to go whatever department or board sult. Similarly, there is an anywhere they want and any­ etc. If you think you were in equivalent technique to do a time they want. They are par­ the wrong and won't be able left turn. ticularly notorious for executing to win the argument, you the zigzag manoeuvre in be­ should start pretending to be The Advanced Penang Turn tween cars travelling at speeds seriously injured. Getting your The Advanced Penang Turn is a in excess of 60l

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 22 Puncak Niaga or Punca Masalah7 The people want the truth about tlte real cau.. of the water • • CriSIS by Seruling Bambu

n 5 April, residents of flow miraculously after a Selangor, who then directed Section 5, Petaling press conference. Today, 21 the Petaling District Officer to Jaya, called for a press May, is the third straight day organise a meeting with the conference and on that very that the residents are deprived committee. This meeting, morning taps that were dry of water. How long will this which was held on 19 May, for 17 straight days began to last? Will the residents have to was also attended by the Pub­ flow miraculously. Taps call for another press confer­ lic Works Department District flowed for long periods with ence before water once again Engineer, and JBA and MPPJ cuts lasting no longer than a begins to flow? representatives. few hours a day once in a while. The Residents Unacceptable Aci·Hoc CommiHee Reasons Then, at the begining of May, The reasons that were given the same residents once again On 5 April, after the first press (outlined below) are unac­ experienced water cuts that conference, a Section 5 resi­ ceptable. lasted for eight straight days. dents ad hoc committee on the Another press conference was water problem was formed. The water level in the called on 11 May, and this time The residents' committee was Semenyih Dam is low and some 300 residents attended given the mandate by the resi­ that the reason for this is the bringing along empty buckets dents to deal with the water drought that the country is ex­ and placards. About two problems, which includes in­ periencing. Pantai Reservoir, hours after this press confer­ vestigating why the residents which supplies water to Sec­ ence, which received great were subjected to the 17-day tion 5, receives water from the publicity, water once again be­ continuous water cut. Semenyih Water Treatment fa­ gan to flow through the dry cility. But Section 5, unfortu­ taps of Section 5 and this Meetings were organised with nately, is placed at the tail end lasted for about 7-8 days. In­ the Member of Parliament, the of the main pipes from Pantai termittent stoppages were ex­ Water Works Department or Reservoir and therefore no perienced but they lasted for Jabatan BekalanAir(JBA), and water reaches Section 5 as all no longer than a few hours at the Petaling Jaya Municipal the water is used by those a time. Council (MPPJ). After the sec­ who get water supply from ond period of continuous dry the earlier points of this main The question to ask is how taps, the committee also wrote pipe. It seems that Section 5 come water can suddenly to the Menteri Besar of will only get water if the pro-

Aliran N\onthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 23 duction capacity of water public amenities and services. Apparently, as the 'rumour' treatment is above 70 per He went on to state that the goes, when Puncak Niaga cent. local goverment can now only took control of the Semenyih direct these companies when Dam, the private company The blame is not to be placed it involves things like potholes failed to pay attention to the on the JBA because the JBA on main roads, non-fw1ction­ warnings issued by the can only supply treated water ing street lights or traffic Health Ministry and the De­ that it receives from the wa­ lights. Is this true? Does this partment of Environment ter treatment plants, which mean that the local govern­ about the increase in contami­ are within the control of ment and the government no nation level in the dams. Puncak Niaga Berhad, a pri­ longer have the responsibility, PuncakNiaga's apparent fail­ vate company. Whatever wa­ and/or the capability to en­ ure to address this problem, as ter is received by the JBA is sure that all citizens are pro­ would have been done previ­ pumped to all the users. vided with the basic public ously by the JBA, allegedly re­ amenities and services once sulted in the contamination The water supply to the vari­ they are privatised? level rising to a point that ous areas in Selangor and the treatment of the dam water Federal Territory of Kuala The Real Reasons Or was not possible. The water in Lumpur comes from different Mere Rumours? the dams had to be then dis­ dams/water treatment plants, posed off safely and was ap­ which are not linked, and that In the statement issued on 11 parently channelled away to is the reason why some areas May, the Section 5 residents be used in construction activ­ are affected by water ration­ asked for clarification on cer­ ity. Once levels had dropped ing exercises but not other ar­ tain "rumours" that had been sufficiently, the dam had to be eas. It all depends on which going around. But, alas, not refilled. This process takes a dam your water is coming much media coverage was very long time and the from. So then, what are we talk­ given to these concerns, if any drought we are experiencing ing about getting water from in some of the local print me­ has not helped. Apparently, other states when within the dia, and there have been no the news reports about in­ states there are 110 links between clear refutations or confirma- creased ammonia levels in the the various dams and/or treat- tions of these "rumours". So water and dead fish floating ment plants? are these the real reasons for in the river near the dam are the "water crisis"? related. Is this a rumour? Now that the dams and the water treatment plants have DuetoPuncakNiaga'slackof The relevant authorities ap­ been privatised, the MP, the proper monitoring and proved too many new build­ MPPJ, the JBA and even the prompt response, thewaterin ingprojectsforthisarea, with­ government cannot direct one or two dams was alleg- out considering the availabil­ Puncak Niaga to treat and edly contaminated to such a ity of adequate water supply. provide more water to the us- level that it could not be used ers; all that can be done is to for human consumption. In The water is being stored up request this private company. September 1997, Puncak or reserved for the Common­ One MPPJ councillor even Niaga concluded a contract wealth Games in September. went so far to say that now the with Selangor for the manage- local government, and even ment, operation and mainte- The water is being siphoned the government, is 'crippled' nance of a new water treat- off for use at the Kuala by the privatisation of basic ment plant in Sen1enyih River. Lumpur International Airport

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 24 (KLIA) and the Bukit Jalil ment, the residents also called JBA now has anything to do Sports Complex. for water treatment and wa­ with the fact that the SBAS is ter supply to be handed back taking over the responsibility Are these "rumours" or the to the competent and experi­ for water supply from the truth? We can only speculate enced hands of the JBA. But, JBA. Would we get a situation but it is hoped that the gov­ alas, this important point was when it is fully privatised, ernment or the relevant bod­ never highlighted by the me­ where water will suddenly ies can confirm or deny the dia. Why? We must, however, start flowing continuously, above. The government, acknowledge that media did and this phenomenon would which was elected by the mention Puncak Niaga, but be used to highlight the effi­ people, should strive to be this was inserted somewhere ciency of privatisation? We transparent and accountable. in the middle of their reports remember that similar prob­ The government's disclosure -somewhere that would not lems were encountered just of failings and mistakes will catch the eye of the cursory before Tenaga Nasional took not necessarily draw criticism reader. over electricity supply, and in from Malaysians- but honesty that siituation also electricity will most definitely be appre­ One wonders whether supply was no longer a prob­ ciated. People hate cover-ups Puncak Niaga is being pro­ lem after the privatisation ex­ of the truth. tected. Who really owns ercise. Puncak Niaga? Could this be Why Is Puncak Nlaga the reason why criticism of Truth and nothing but the protected? Puncak Niaga is not given truth. What most Malaysians prominence? Could this be want is for the present gov­ Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd the reason that the blame for ernment to be transparent and (PNSB) is a wholly owned this water crisis has almost accountable. They do not subsidiary of Puncak Niaga never been placed at the want cover-ups. The person­ Holdings Bhd. Under the con­ heads of Puncak Niaga? Why in-the-street, including the cession agreement with the is it that it is always the JBA residents of Section 5 believe Selangor state government, and the Municipal Councils that there is some 'hanky­ which was granted on 17 Au­ that get blamed and attacked panky' going on resulting in gust 1994, PNSB was given in the press, when it is evident these 'water problems'. Ad­ the sole responsibility to op­ that the blame should clearly missions of fumbles and mis­ erate, manage and maintain lie with the party entrusted takes committed by the gov­ the 27 water treatment plants with the control of the dams ernment or other relevant au­ (WTPs) m Selangor and the and the water treatment facili­ thorities will be better than Federal Territory of Kuala ties in Selangor. "cover-ups". What the people Lumpur for 26 years and one of Malaysia crave for is the month, that is up to 31 Decem­ There is also a growing con­ truth and nothing but the ber2020. cern that Syarika t Bekalan Air truth. 0 Selangor Sdn Bhd (SBAS), an­ The Section 5 residents' state­ other private company, which ment issued on 11 May 1998 is earmaked to take over wa­ was entitled "Is the Inexperi­ ter supply and billing from Seruling Bambu is a ence and Incompetence of the JBA, is a sister company human rights worker Puncak Niaga the cause of of Puncak Niaga. One won­ based in Petaling ]aya Section 5 Residents Prolonged ders if Puncak Niaga's lower Sufferings?" In the said state- supply of treated water to the L

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 25 and experienced hands of the Give us water! Jabatan Bekalan Air Selangor. Disturbing rumours Section 5 Pelaling Jaya residents protest neecl to be clarified a t prolonged water cuts - yef. again We are also perturbed about the many rumours that we have been hearing. One ex­ e, the resi­ ample is that due to dents of Sec­ Puncak Niaga's lack of tion 5, proper monitoring and II Petaling Jaya, prompt response, the wa­ are very angry over the ter in one or two dams fact that we are once were contaminated and again made victims of therefore the water was long continous periods wasted and could not be of water cuts. To date, used. Another rumour our taps have been dry that is floating around is for eight straight days. that water meant for Sec­ tion 5 and other parts of Earlier this year, in Petaling Jaya is being si­ mid-March, we were phoned off to the Kuala similarly deprived of Lumpur International piped water for 17 Airport (KLlA) and Bukit straight days. When we Jalil Sports Complex. We went to the press and highlighted Dam, which is presently under call on the relevant authorities to this matter, water miraculously the responsibility and control of clarify this point. Once again, we began to flow and things were Puncak Niaga, to the Pantai Res­ reiterate the importance of the tolerable for a while until about ervoirs is inadequate. principles of transparency and eight days ago. We note, how­ accountability. ever, that water to this area was Our memory tells us that when never in accordance to the sched­ water treatment and supply was Water woes aHect ule of rationing as advertised in under the control of the govern­ relationship among the press. ment, specifically the Jabatan residents Bekalan Air, we never had any Hanel Back Water such water problems or short­ We also note the good relation­ Treatment Ancl ages even in times of drought. ship among residents is being Supply To JBA? Puncak Niaga's incompetence jeopardised by this continuous and its failure to meet the stan­ deprivation of piped-water. At present, water treatment has dards already set by tl1e Jabatan There have been instances of already been privatised to Bekalan Air, makes us question near-fights and situations where Puncak Niaga, and in about a the wisdom of privatising water harsh words were exchanged month's time, this private com­ treatment and supply. We call on between residents when collect­ pany will be taking over water the government to consider ter­ ing water at static tanks. We are supply as well. We are informed minating whatever agreement it also concerned about the number that the source of the problem has with Puncak Niaga and to of stories of bribery, corruption that we are facing now is that the hand over the responsibility and and 'preferential treatment of a water that is flowing from the control of water treatment and privileged few' that have come treatment plants in Semenyih supply back to the competent to our attention.

Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 26 Bring back the water tankers

We also note with disappoint­ ment that the water tankers aie no longer coming around to the homes of residents. Noting that Section 5 is a widely spread resi­ dential area, the existence of a few static tanks is insufficient to deal with the water problem. There is still the need for the wa­ ter tankers to continue their runs especially to homes far away from static tanks. Unpredictable Supply We would also like to highlight that even during the time that To what end when we used to get piped wa­ grandiose visions ter, supply was unpredictable o£20/20, and definitely did not follow the in the absence water rationing schedule that was advertised in the dailies. of transparency good old­ All our eHorts fashioned visibility? bore no fruit what we want is for the return of To what end piped water. We do not under­ a hi-tech stand why we are made to suffer multi­ for so long a period. We have ap­ super corridor, proached theJabatan BekalanAir, in the absence theMPPJ,ourStateAssemblyman of simple and even our Member of Pailia­ ment, but sadly they have not no-frills H20? been able to solve our water woes. Satellite in the sky A plea to the PM, Satellite in the sky DPM and MB what's the bloody point We, the residents of Section 5, when taps run dry hereby call on the Menteri Besar, and forests are on fire? the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister to look into Bugger Measat! this matter and put an end to the No more haze continuous and prolonged suf­ fering of the residents of Section Give me, give me water! 5, Petaling Jaya. 0 Cecil Rajendra Section 5 Residents Ad-Hoc Committee on Water Problems U May 1998

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 27 Foocl as 1 Look Goocl' politics? The Food Crisis in Sabah has become an opportunity lor politicians to show their concern ... but especially to #look good"

This was followed by a disclo­ sure on 1 March, by the state Agricultural and Fisheries Belatedly, the Malaysian public, including in Kota Minister, Datuk Pandikar Kinabalu, became aware of the food crisis afflict­ AminMulia, thatnearly2,800 ing several parts of rural Sabah. It has now become families had lost more than apparent that the Sabah authorities paid very little 5,000 ha of agricultural pro­ attention to the problem until it was highlighted in duce. He added that farming the press. Yet, instead of launching a comprehen­ families in 125 villages had sive effort to redress the problem, the politicians lost about RM6.9 million have u sed the food crisis as an opportunity to worth of crops, with 2,270 hill present themselves in good lighL Dr Jojo M Fung padi farmers being the worst who visited some of the affectedvillages elaborates. hit as they lost 1,031 ha of crops.

And then, silence! There were hat might be termed the government parties and no further reports in the Sabah "look good" politics politicians to save themselves newspapers on the rural has subtly developed from the embarrassment of drought victims as though the in Sabah as a result of the food the severity of the food crisis, problem had disappeared or crisis. and their neglect of their re- as though a media blackout sponsibilities as the peoples' on the problem had been im­ Food distribution and show­ representatives in preventing posed. ing concern for the hungry it. have become an opportunity In fact the situation had for political parties and poli­ The alarm bells had gone off turned acute rapidly. This ticians to '1ook good" in the as early as 16 February when was highlighted in the very eyes of the public. The next State Secretary Datuk Khalil disturbing reports and photo­ Sabah state election is due in Jamalul, head of the State Di- graphs carried in The Star on early 1999. But distributing saster Relief and Management 30 March 1998. food and expressing concern Committee, announced that for the affected villagers were 110 villages in eight districts Thanks to Rita Mujim and probably also an attempt by were running out of water. Datuk Markus Majihi, respec-

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 28 tively President of the Sabah drought. (The Star, 30 March the 12 kampongs in the Pitas Rungus Association and As- 1998). district. When interviewed by sistant Social Services Minis- a reporter, Bonny stated, "We ter, two journalists were al­ The Star further reported that asked for water assistance lowed to vieit various the government itself esti­ from the Welfare Department kampongs in the mated that the number of in February, and in March we Matunggong district and to families affected by the asked for rice. Nothing has interview the affected resi­ drought and who were expe­ reached us" (The Star, 8 April dents. The vivid photographs riencing food shortage rose 1998). and verbal accounts reported from 2,800 families on 1 in The Star hit many urbanites March to 5,729 families on 11 At this point the "look good" in Kota Kinabalu and other March, just 10 days later. politics began to come into its major towns like a thunder­ Some 363 villages in 10 dis­ own. The media became the bolt. Just a few hours' drive tricts were involved (The Star, "political space" of politicians away in the Kudat Selatan dis­ 30 March 1998). and political parties. The trict, the stark consequences Ministries and the political of the prolonged drought on ln response to the deteriorat­ parties began to publicise the Rungus finally made an ing situation, then Chief Min­ their deeds and action plans impact on the consciousness ister Yong Teck Lee an­ in the local newspapers. For of most Sabahans. nounced that RM700,000 had instance, UMNO Sabah Liai­ been allocated to the State's son Committee chief Datuk Rohana Sariong, 55, had to Rural Development Ministry Osu Sukau who is also the scoop water from a hole dug to supply water and other Federal Land and Coopera­ into the dried riverbed that is forms of assistance. There tive Development Minister all that remains of Sunga i was no mention of food aid at announced that UMNO was Sepalan; Malayam Ying­ this point. Yet Yong boldly an­ collecting funds from its kawan, 70, unashamedly ad­ nounced that "the situation is members to alleviate the prob­ mitted, "l have no rice and under control" (The Star, 30 lem (Daily Express, 18 April corn. All the rice I've been March 1998). This assessment 1998). Then Tourism and En­ eating came from my was clearly misplaced. vironment Minister, Tan Sri neighbours. They don't have Bernard Dompok, the new enough to support me any On 31 March, State Rural De­ Chief Minister, announced longer". velopment Minister Dayang that "some 2,500 of the 5,000 Mahani Tun Pengiran Hj people hardest hit in Pitas, Four other families living in Ahmad Raffae admitted in the Kota Marudu and Kudat had the 28-door Knmpong State Assembly that her min­ received food assistance" Paradason Darat long house istry had "no proposal to dis­ through the government's ef­ had had to stave off their hun­ tribute food assistance to the forts. (Daily Express, 23 April ger since early March by eat­ victims" (Daily Express, 1 1998). The Sabah Progressive ing tondut (wild yam) dug up Apri11998). Party (SAPP) announced that from the nearby hill jungle it had launched its "Rice Rais­ because they had run out of Botong Bonny Mutitih, a ing Campaign" among party rice to eat. Some were even Rungus whom I visited in members (Daily Express, 29 poisoned by the toxic latex, Kampong Kodong on two oc­ April1998). Not to be left out, because they failed to suffi­ casions, 13 and 27 April, men­ Raymond Tan of the Social ciently soak the tondut, water tioned to me that no food from Services Ministry, asked the being scarce due to the the government had reached public to make cash donations

AI iran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 29 through the Ministry's house in Kampong Nangka, "stage" where the vested in­ 'Tabung Bencana Alam Morusun Munil from terests of political parties and Kemarau El Nino" Daily Ex­ Kampong Dumpiring whom politicians are being played press, 14May 1998). The gov­ I talked to said, "Till now, out for the public to see. In­ ernment and the politicians there has been no food aid deed, food has become a appeared to be very con­ from the government." politicised item and food dis­ cerned. tribution for the victims has Another newspaper reported been linked to the upcoming These statements were aug­ that villagers in Kampongs elections in Sabah. mented by snapshots of poli­ Sonsogon Megis, Sonsongon ticians handing out food aid Paliu and Sonsongon Call it what you want, and no either to the villagers or to Magandai in Kota Marudu matter how unethical it may organisations concerned with last ate rice in August 1997!! be, this "look good" politics relief work. Sad to say, the (Daily Express, 20 April rides on the back of the suf­ politicians seemed to be more 1998)(See accompanying fering drought victims. In concerned with expressing story). Sadly, one surmises other words, suffering has be­ their concern for the victims from these goings-on that ev­ come a negative state to be than with actually tackling the ery political party is simply responded to, not on the terms crisis. The visits of these offi­ clamouring for a piece of ac­ of the victims but those of the cials and politicians, very tion in this food drama. No victors. No long term solution much a media exercise only, party wants to be left out or seems to be planned; the "look last for a few hours. And then to be perceived to be doing good" politics is utterly unin­ they are off. The food crisis is nothing for the drought vic­ terested in this; perhaps be­ far from over. My conversa­ tims - or else, they may lose cause '1ook good" politics ac­ tions with residents from the favour with the public. tually thrives on the drought South Kudat district indicate situation, year in and year out. that what has been reported It is true that some villagers has barely revealed the seri­ have been helped, their hun­ Dr. Jojo M Fung is a Sabahan ousness of the problem. On ger assuaged with the coming Jesuit priest and anthropologist. 20 April, when food was be­ of rice and salt. Yet it cannot His special interest is the cultures ing distributed at the (Protes­ be denied lhal Lhe drought and life struggles of indigenous tant Church ofSabah) pastor's victims have become the peoples.

I don't know what to do. My hus­ band is dead. My children are all away, I don't know where. I have no rice and corn. All the rice I've been eating came from my neighbours. They don't have much to support me any longer. I don't know how ...

source : The Star 30-3-98

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 30 A Sabah community's cry for help by Sunar Tumiran

hile politicians are busy arguing who among them are championing the interests of the people, several hundred Sabahans living in a remote area of the State's poorest dis­ trict are still waiting for the development they were promised.

The people of Sonsogon Magandai, Soru;ongon Megis and Sonsongon Paliu in Kota l.auton 's family having their lunch of boiled tapioca Marudu - estimated to num­ ber 500 - have no school, Their houses were so simple such as coffee or tea. These are clinic, electricity supply, piped and rickety, it seemed the luxuries and boiled water is the water system, sealed road, etc. structures could collapse any­ preferred beverage. time. One might even face In short, they are devoid of difficulty locating the chicken Biscuits? Even the most infe­ life's basic necessities. coop. rior quality ones are nowhere to be seen. This was evident during a re­ Their diet comprised tradi­ cent visit to the mostly Dusun tional meals like young ba­ Milk, especially infant milk, is Kimarangang villagers by nana shoots, com, yam, tapi­ beyond reach, and this is one Yayasan Salam to distribute oca. Nothing that city folks place serious in practising the rice as the prolonged drought might fancy and, apart from "breast is best" ad vice. had destroyed their crops, es­ starch, the nutritional con­ pecially hill padi. tents are unknown. The Sonsogon folks say prom­ ises of development have To reach the villages from They also plant padi on a been plenty but none of them Kota Marudu township took small scale. has been bankable as yet. almost five hours by Four­ Wheel-Drive via rough log­ What is supposed to be the In one house in Kampung ging roads as they were not kitchen doesn't look like one. Sonsogon Magandai, there suited for light vehicles. One would also not find drinks was some boiled tapioca on a

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 31 plate and mashed boiled tapi- yet to lift them out of poverty. The trip which could only be oca on two plates, believed to taken through logging road be the lunch leftover of The only available education cost RM300 one way. Lauton Nano's family. facility is a class run by the Borneo Evangelist Mission 'We hope our plight follow­ Lauton, 43, his wife, Aruci Church which is supervised ing the drought receives the Ladat, 43, and their six chil­ by a volunteer, Alphius attention of the Government. dren were having their lunch Loinsang, who has been living when the Yayasan Salam team in Sonsogon Magandai for the "Otherwise we will just have called. past four years. to continue living in hardship no matter who becomes Chief Lauton said fishing at the Although they are not starv- Minister," said Loinsang. nearby Sonsogon river is use­ ing, the possibility of the chil- less as the river had dried up. dren being undernourished is There is another educational there since they eat the same facility in Sonsogon Magadai Besides, they have been meals as adults- boiled tapi- whichwassetupbytheSabah forced to put up with misery oca. Journalists' Association in since the PBS Government 1996. permitted logging there in The mothers would chew the 1985. The river that used to boiled tapioca first to mash it It is a small wooden building flow through the area is now before feeding the children. with two classrooms and was blocked due to the logging. built at a cost ofRMlS,OOO. According to Loinsang, tapi­ 'We no longer have clean wa­ oca was the only basic food for A villager, Basil Imah, who ter and can no longer fish in children there. has an educational back­ the river as it is polluted by ground up to Form Five, is the activity," said Kayak Loinsang, who is fromKudat, paid RM250 per month to Angkayau, 42. "The river is said the villagers were depen­ teach the children aged be­ our only source of water and dent on flying doctor services tween five and 15. fish." for their health care but the last call was made six months Stationery such as text books, "We made numerous com­ ago. exercise books and pencils plaints to even the present BN were given free to the chil­ Government urging a stop to As a result, the village folks dren. the logging but nobody seems resort to traditional medicine bothered," Kayak said. such as wild plants to cure There are 49 children study­ their ailments. ing there with 30 girls and 19 Like other children in the boys. three villages, Lauton and The Turadai, a fruit resem­ Kayak's children are also not bling mango, is relied upon The children are taught up to at school as there is no gov­ greatly to cure illnesses. year three level. Year one has ernment schooL 40 students; year two has Although government health eight while year three one stu­ Hence, the three villages have services are available in Kota dent, respectively. 0 more than 150 children, grow­ Marudu, time, distance and ing up without the benefit of money put them out of the Source: Daily Express, 24 April education, the best weapon reach of the villagers. 1998.

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 32 Who~ to blame for the traumatic experience? By Desmond Tate

suppose that we are Almost everybody has had said about that. g getting to the end of their say - from ministers and it now. It rained water experts, environmental­ Then comes the powers-that­ heavily this afternoon, as it ists, academics and social be factor i.e. the role of those has done every afternoon for workers to the person-in-the in charge, who are beyond the several days now. Surely street -and blame has been control of ali other Malay­ some of that water must have liberally and impartially ap­ sians. This factor has been fallen into the catchment area. portioned to almost every­ well and truly examined over If it hasn't, then it must be dpe body including the water­ the past few weeks, and has to an act of God. It could starved victims themselves many facets. The most obvi­ hardly be due to the inactiv­ for their obvious lack of pa­ ous one to the man-in-the ity of Samy Vellu, who has tience. It has provided a field street has been a signal failure been so busy boring holes day for the professional crit­ to deHver- promises not kept, through the Main Range to ics and an unprecedented op­ schedules not adhered to,lack siphon off the waters of portunity for those who have of reliable information (or at Pahang to Selangor. Maybe it got their own pet solutions to times no information at all) is due to a mistake on the part the problem. available and hot lines that of those American - or is it have gone stone cold. Russian?-hi-tech bomohs with There is therefore little point their state of the art cloud­ in repeating all the com­ Extremely irritating as these moving machines that have plaints, accusations, com­ shortcomings have been to the moved the clouds in the ments, theories and proposals public, more serious are the is­ wrong direction? Who which have decorated the sues of organisation and ad­ knows? Nevertheless, I feel pages of our media over these ministration that lie behind sure that we are beginning to agonising days. Instead, let us them -lack of coordination see the end of it. Our water take a detached look at the between key government de­ woes wiY soon be over. whole business and draw partments, issues of State and some broad conclusions. Federal rights (regarding wa­ So perhaps it would be appro­ ter), issues of privatisation. priate now to look back on the First, it is quite clear that one trauma that people living in factor has lain totally beyond But most basic of all has been such waterless areas as the the control of us Malaysians. the issue of planning. As Klang Valley have been going This is the El Nino factor, pointed out in a most percep­ through over the past few which has been such a nui­ tive article on the subject in months in coping with the sance globally and such a use­ The Sun (10 April 1998), de­ problem. Not that a lot has not ful scapegoat locally. There is tailed assessments made by already been spoken about it. very little more that can be experts of the country's water

Ali ran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 33 needs were incorporated in particular! y true in the case of thorities, it might help. the Seventh Malaysia Plan a democracy such as ours. which called for an allocation Why is it that so many of our Are there no heroes in this of some RM4.1 billion to meet officials appear to be slipshod, gloomy scenario? Yes, plenty them. But the Treasury has inefficient, lazy, and, often - mostly unsung, quite a lot only approved 45 per cent of enough, rude? Why is it that unpaid. Officials, who de­ that sum. In these circum­ so often our politicians- espe­ spite all the flak, have done stances the Water Depart­ cially in moments of crisis or their job as best they could - ments of Selangor, the Federal during election time - can but are never mentioned. In­ Territory and elsewhere can promise all sorts of things, dividuals who have cheer­ hardly be held at fault if the and never deliver? fully put up with it all and resources and equipment at have not stinted to chip in to their disposal are inadequate Is it not part of the same syn­ help others. Volunteers who to meet actual needs. drome reflected in open burn­ have given of their best and ing (in defiance of the law), sought no reward. And the The question of allocations, of litter in our streets and dirty Press. Yes, our newspapers, course, raises the issue of pri­ toilets (despite all the by­ so famous for their self-cen­ orities. How much are we laws), recklessness on our sorship, which have really spending on our infrastruc­ roads (despite all the safety risen to the occasion, exposing ture and is it enough to cope campaigns), queue-cutting official red tape and bungling, with the rate of our economic (despite our caring society)? going behind the hot line to growth? Not enough in the case of water, it would seem. But, take heart, in this Malay­ sia is not alone: inadequate Why is it that so often our politicians water supply seems to be a - especially in moments of crisis or feature shared by many other during election time - can promise countries, developed and un­ developed. Perhaps in this all sorts of things, and never deliver? case, a bureaucratic dimen­ sion to Parkinson's Law is at work - the greater the need, the smaller the allocation. As citizens of a young democ- find out what was really hap­ racy, most of us appear to be pening and to let us know, A third factor is one which af­ woefully lacking in many providing useful information fects us all. This is the demo­ things - a lack of a sense of for waterless consumers cratic factor, which extends far civic duty, indifference re- where none else was avail­ beyond the water issue itself. garding matters which are not able, and presenting thought­ Is it fair on our part to heap our private concern, igno- fu1 analyses on the crisis. all the blame for our woes on ranee of our rights and re- the authorities - on our Gov­ sponsibilities. How can we But, I must stop. A glance out ernment? It is after all our expect to control those whom of the window and I can see Government, elected by us we elect to run our affairs if the smoke of at least three and maintained by the taxes we do not show interest- ex- cases of open burning. I must which wepay. It has been said cept when something goes report it at once. Hey, hold that a country gets the govern­ wrong? Of course, if we actu- back a minute! What will the ment it deserves, and this is ally elected our own local au- neighbours say? 0

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 34 on We should behave like a civil society before we proclaim to the world that we are a parliamentary democracy.

liran is deeply con­ ing goes against the the people's confidence so cerned that the police government's professed de­ that the country can formulate llhas banned a forum sire to build a thriving civil strategies and combat its eco­ that was to be organised by society, in which ordinary citi­ nomic woes. Preventing pub­ the Federation of Malaysian zens are expected to be politi­ lic discussions of important Consumers' Associations cally conscious and active. It social issues is a surefire way (FOMCA) to discuss the wa­ is ironic that Education Min­ of alienating the people and of ter woes affecting thosein the ister Najib Razak launched a telling them that they have no Klang Valley. book, "Civil Society: A Pre­ say in the way the country is view", in Universiti Malaya run - as if finding solutions is It is tragic that ordinary Ma­ on the same day the FOMCA the sole prerogative of the laysians are prevented from forum was banned. politicians. discussing vital daily issues and problems that affect them This undemocratic action only We call upon the authorities in a country that professes al­ confirms the suspicion that to stop acting high-handedly legiance to democratic prin­ the government is beginning and allow peaceful public fo­ ciples and practices. to clamp down on activities rums and meetings to proceed that promote political con­ as usual. We should behave lt is the inalienable right of sciousness among ordinary like a civil society before we every citizen to meet and dis­ Malaysians at a time when the proclaim to the world that we cuss issues of public concern economy is facing a tremen­ are a parliamentary democ­ without fear or favour in dous crisis. racy. keeping with the notion of a democracy. In the economic crisis that we Aliran Executive Committee are now facing, the Malaysian Penang Banning such a public meet- government should try to win 3 June 1998

It is the inalienable right of every citiz-en to meet and discuss issues of public concern without fear or favour in keeping with the notion of a democracy.

Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 35 tion that the Attorney-General's charges against Um are politi­ cally motivated. (Lim had ac­ cused the Attorney-General of selective prosecution in a statu­ tory rape case which implicated the former Malacca chief minis­ ter Rahim Tamby Chil<.)

This perception has gained fur­ ther credence following the underaged rape victim's public disclosure in the court not long ago that Rahim had sexual rela­ tions with her. TheAttomeyGen­ eral, however, had previously

\ rt>cord ot \/,,,,•, .,t.1nd on l"Urrl'lll Jfl.lir... not filed charges against Rahim because he claimed there was in­ sufficient evidence. Conflict And Religious ing messages of these faiths. Understanding Regrettably, the mass media were Aliran supports the recent move restrained by the authorities, par­ by leaders and organisations rep­ ticularly in the initial stages of the resenting both Muslim and conflict, a situation that led to Hindu communities to take ap­ rumours spreading like wildfire. propriate measures to rebuild confidence, trust and mutual re­ We believe that in a conflict like spect in the wake of the temple­ this, what is needed it not only mosque conflict in Kampung swift, bold and just action from Rawa in Penang. the authorities to control the situ­ ation, but also adequate informa­ We hope that the initiative will tion about the actual situation. not only help promote peace and Article 10 of the Federal Consti­ security in the area concerned, Aliran Executive Committee tution explicitly guarantees the but also foster much-needed in­ 4April1998 fundamental right of freedom of ter-religious understanding. expression. Given his responsi­ Court's Decision: bility as Member of Parliament The recent ugly incident indi­ Politically Motivated for Kota Melaka, one would ha vc cates that some people arc only thought that Lim was m~ly car­ capable of turning religion into Aliran is dismayed and dis­ rying out his duty in protecting a source of strife and tension, turbed by the Court of Appeal's the interests of the rape victim, a thus going against the true teach­ decision to jail opposition MP Malacca resident. ings of revealed religions, which Lim Guan Eng for a total of 36 call for love, compassion and un­ months, thus enhancing the High If even MPs are denied the right derstanding. Court's earlier sentence, which in to raise issues as representatives any case would have already dis­ of the public, how can we call Perhaps it also shows that too qualified him as a Member of ourselves a caring, democratic much emphasis is being placed Parliament. nation? by certain religious leaders on forms and rituals at the expense The latest sentence has not dis- Many Malaysians are as deeply of the deeper universal underly- pelled tl1e widespread percep- disturbed as Aliran over the

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 36 court's decision - as the govern­ bound to gain currency, if not cre­ We find this penchant for a lav­ ment must surely be aware by dence, if Najib chooses not to ish lifestyle rather distasteful and now. They cannot fail to notice give sufficient and credible ex­ vulgar, particularly when the that Rahim is free, while Lim - planation for his ministerial ac­ rakyat arc constantly reminded to who fought for justice for the tion. follow the (good) example of our rape victim - will go to jail and leaders. be disqualified as MP if the Fed­ It would be a great pity if an Edu­ eral Court upholds the Court of cation Ministry that is poised to Such an atrocious example only Appeal's verdict. project Malaysia as a centre of erodes the confidence the people academic excellence is seen as have in their leaders because the Executive Committee being undemocratic, averse to in- taxpayers' money in this case 4 Apri/1998 dependent thinking and lacking was not spent prudently and ju­ in openness. diciously. Abu Hassan must be Matnor ancl his made accountable for his short-llvecl posting Gan Kong Hwee misdemeanour. Executit-e Committee Member Aliran urges Education Minister 18 April1998 Furthermore, at a time when Datuk Seri Najib Razak to clear Selangor and the Klang Valley in the air regarding the planned re­ Between particular, are experiencing an moval of Datuk Matnor Daim Homelessness acute water shortage, when thou­ from his present position as di­ ancl Moderation sands of people are without de­ rector-general of the Ministry of cent shelter over their heads, Education. such indulgence in luxury will hurt the feelings of the affected Najib owes it to the general pub­ people because such an amount lic, in particular, teachers and stu­ of money could have easily come dents and Sarawakians, to pro­ in handy for the larger benefit of vide a full explanation as to why the people. a director-general has to leave his post under questionable circum­ Would the status and stature of stance, six months prior to his re­ the Menteri Besar be diminished tirement. had he opted to stay in his own private house while waiting for ln the name of transparency and his official residence to be ready? democracy, the Minister must On the other hand, if he had come forward with adequate and stayed on in his own private satisfactory clarification particu- home, this would have shown larly to counter the numerous 106!a. him up as someone capable of speculations in circulation re- appreciating the mood and sen­ garding this issue. Aliran is shocked to learn that timents of the people he leads. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk One speculation has 1t that Abu Hassan Omar had allegedly Finally, there's no better time Mah1or was being sidelined be­ spent a total of RM77,642.07 on than now for leaders to show that cause he is a Sarawakian, thus in­ hotel accommodation and other living in moderation is not only sinuating a racist inclination on related matters while waiting consonant with the teachings of the part of the Minister. Another for the renovation of his official Islam and other revealed reli­ suggests that Matnor is indepen­ residence to be completed- in­ gions, but it also makes good eco­ dent in his thinking, and there­ credibly at a time when the en­ nomic sense. fore was perceived as an "ob­ tire nation IS facing a financial stacle'' to his immediate boss. crisis and when ordinary Malay­ P Ramakrishnan sians have been asked to tighten President Rumours such as these are their belts. 18 Apri/1998

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Ali ron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Page 38 Encouraging response Leap in number ol subscribers in recent months

ell, what do you know, phone has been ringing with the number of people people asking how they can subscribing to the subscribe to the Monthly. Monthly has been ris­ ing following our appeals in We still have a long way to go. previous months! There's been Our long-term aim is to double a jump of about 10 per cent in our subscription base to over­ recent months. come distribution problems through newsagents. That's good - but not quite enough. Our immediate goal is Don't worry, you have nothing to achieve another 20 per cent to fear in subscribing to Aliran increase in subscribers in the Monthly- we have a publish­ near future - and we think we ing permit and therefore we can do it with your help. That are a perfectly legal magazine. will ease our cashflow problems What's more, we keep our considerably, save on commis­ subscribers' details confiden­ sions ( 35%) to middlemen and tial. help avert a price increase. So, if you are not already a sub­ Some of you have been wonder­ scriber, please subscribe now. If ful. We had one subscriber who you are already a subscriber, ask took out six gift subscriptions your friends to subscribe or why for his friends. Another reader not surprise them with a gift has brought in almost 30 new subscription. subscribers in the last few years. One reader phoned us from as We genuinely feel we can put off far away as Labuan pleading a price increase if more of you with us to improve our market­ readers were to chip in to do ing and to avert a price hike. He your bit in our long-term too has brought in several new struggle to promote social jus­ subscribers. Everyday, the tice in Malaysia. 0

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Aliron Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 39 Anwar. blacked out in Malaysian media

Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made some positive remarks in London recently about reform­ ing certain unjust Malaysian laws. His comments were, however, blacked out by the Malaysian media. We reproduce below a Bernama report on his comments.

Reform may be necessary, says Anwar of 11Expose Law''

Deputy Prime Minister Anwar said this in reply to a "I am sorry I do not have the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim questionfromalawstudentwho answers," he added. said the government might asked what answer should he need to study and undertake have given to friends who asked During his visit here earlier reforms of the countrfs law about the ''patent injustice" of a in the week, Lim Guan Eng, which punishes a person system which punished a person the opposition party's assis­ who exposes alleged wrong- who exposed alleged wrongdo­ tant Secretary-General and doings but takes no action ings but took no action against Youth leader gave an inter­ against the persons accused the person accused. view with the BBC Radio 4 of such wrongdoings. programme "Choices" "It is a very difficult question. I which described the Malay­ "Certainly this is an area that don't want to be seen to be con- sian law as "draconian" . I think we need to study and doning excesses in the system. It undertake reforms/' he told is the decision of the courts. It's Anwar, who was here on a Malaysian students at a beyond us and beyond the gov­ stopover visit after attending gathering at Malaysia Hall ernment," he said. an Asia-Pacific Economic Co­ here late Thursday night. operation (APEC) forum "I can't question the wisdom of meeting in Canada also He said this when asked the courts but I honestly asked young Malaysians to about the decision by the At­ sympathise and understand and act as the "conscience of the torney-General to prosecute appreciate your predicament be­ majority" in reforming the DAP Member of Parliament cause it reflects my own personal Malaysian social and eco­ Lim Guan Eng and the three­ predicament and I have great dif­ nomic system. year sentence imposed on ficulty in responding to ques­ him by the court for his re­ tions such as this," Anwar said. This he said was necessary to marks on the alleged sex bring greater transparency scandal involving former He said that he was questioned and weed out corruption. Melaka Chief Minister Tan on this in the United States last Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby month and again in Canada ear­ LONDON, 29 May 1998 Chik. lier this week and here. (Bemama)

Aliran Monthly June 1998: 18(5) Poge 40