Chief Secretary to the Government announces appointment Of 13 Secretaries-General

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan has announced the appointment and transfer of 13 senior Administrative and Diplomatic Officers.

In a statement, he said, the appointment and transfer were following the restructuring of agencies and divisions in several ministries in line with the changes in the Cabinet's structure announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on April 9.


Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry
Secretary-General. : Datuk Dr Halim Man Halim (Previously Energy, Water and
Communications Ministry Secretary-General since March 1, 2006.)

Deputy Secretary-General (Policy): Datuk Nor Azmal Mohd Nasir (Previously the Deputy
Secretary-General (Heritage) of the Ministry of Culture,
Arts and Heritage.)


Information, Communications and Culture Ministry
Secretary-General : Datuk Kamaruddin Siaraf
(Previously Information Ministry Secretary- General since Aug 7,2007.)

Deputy Secretary-General (Culture): Datuk Mohammed Mohd Daud
(Previously the Deputy Secretary-General (Culture)the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.)

Senior Divisional Secretary of the Management Division: Datuk Dr Rothiah Omar
(Previously the Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) of the Information Ministry.)

Deputy Secretary-General (Communications): Dr Mohd Ali Mohamad Nor
(Previously the Senior Divisional Secretary of the Communications Division, Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications.)


Ministry of Works
Secretary-General: Datuk Thomas George a/l M.S. George.
(He succeeds Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Munit Kasmin who has beentransferred to the Public Service Department.)


Human Resources Ministry
Secretary-General: Datuk Segarajah Ratnalingam.
(He takes over from Thomas George who has moved to the Works Ministry).


Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Secretary-General: Datin Madinah Mohamad Madinah.
(She takes over from Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut who has moved to the Public Service Department.)

Deputy Secretary-General (STI Policy):
Datuk Paduka Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad
(She succeeds Madinah who was promoted as Secretary- General of the ministry.)

Privatisation and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Unit of the Prime Minister's Department
Director-General: Datuk Dr Ali Hamsa Dr Ali
(Previously Deputy Director-General of the National
Transformation and Advancement Programme,Economic Planning
Unit of the Prime Minister's Department.)

National Transformation and Advancement Programme, Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's Department.
Deputy Director-General:Datuk Dr Muzahet Masruri Dr Muzahet
(Previously Secretary-General of the Ministry of Unity,
Culture, Arts and Heritage.)


National Registration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
Director-General: Alwi Ibrahim Alwi,
(Previously Deputy Secretary-General (Development) of
the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.)

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Fairus Khairuddin QUIT--- by-election ploy looms, rakyat already fatigued with costly polls

Fairus Khairuddin finaly quited as Deputy Chief Minister I of Penang and also as the state assemblyman for Penanti, following allegations that he covered up illegal quarrying activities.

In an interview with Nanyang Siang Pau recently, the PKR leader threatened to expose potentially damaging information about Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) state government, claiming that he had been framed by party insiders. He also claimed that he was a victim of internal politics

It is understood that internal bickering is the main reason why Anwar has been unable to fill the DCM post vacancy. The squabbling has put Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in a fix. It is also a by-election that the CM would not want.

The by-election for the seat, which falls under Anwar’s parliamentary constituency, will be the sixth after the March 8 general election last year. And it is the 3rd by –election called for by PKR as the result of the resignation of PKR leaders due to personal reasons or `tainted –representative` issue.

This is a costly affair for taxpayer and a waste of time. The five by-elections which have been held following the 2008 general election have already cost Malaysian taxpayers RM 33.4 million.

Amount Spent:-
P44 Permatang Pauh (26.08.08)-- RM 409,000.00 (EC) -- RM 2.5 mil.(Police)
P36 Kuala Trengganu (24.01.09)--RM 580,000.00 (EC)---RM 11.5 mil.(Police)
N29 Batang Ai (07.04.09 )---RM 400,000.00 (EC)-- - RM 5 mil.(Police)
N25 Bukit Selambau (07.04.09) --- RM 400,000.00 (EC)--- RM 5 mil.(Police)
P29 Bukit Gantang (07.04.09) ----RM 600,000.00 (EC) ----RM 7 mil.(Police)
Total spending ---- RM 2.4mil.(EC) ----RM 31 mil.(Police) =RM33.4mil.
Where did the money go?:-
Election commission(EC)-for paying election workers, staff allowances, printing costs, transportation including helicopters and accommodation.

Police- for temporary bases and tents, logistics and transportation, accommodation, rental, electricity and outstation allowances.

Political parties- millions on printing billboards, banners, posters, newsletters, logistic, transportation, accommodation and food for volunteers.

Deputy Election commission chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said the potential Penanti by-election could cost Election Commission another RM 300,000.00 depending on the number of registered voters and the remoteness of the area.

Phew!! What costly polls alright ?

PM: Too much being spent on unnecessary by-elections

Speaking at a recent press conference, after opening the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysias (ACCCIM) 63rd annual general meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said,
" National Resources are being wasted on calling for by-elections when the nation should be concentrating on strengthening its economy,”

“It is different if an elected representative has passed away, then he has to be replaced but resignations are political decisions which can also be regarded as a political ploy for specific reasons,” he added.

“Malaysians did not like by-elections that were held deliberately.”

Good news is that BN may not contest Penanti by-election, if it obtains the consensus of all component parties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in another event in Pekan today.

Najib said he did not rule out such a possibility as the latest by-election in Penang was clearly a "political ploy" by the Opposition.

"No, we are not afraid of losing to them but it is a sheer waste of public funds.”

"Whatever decision we make, we will take into consideration whether it benefits the people.”

Anwar - who is believed to have "forced" the by-election to prevent the graft allegations against Fairus from blowing up and to avert any possibility of him defecting to the United Malays National Organisation - has come under fire for the decision, but kept silent about the issue over the last week.

HOW Anwar handles the controversy surrounding the resignations of Penang Deputy Chief Minister and assemblyman Fairus Khairuddin will be one of the main issues in the upcoming by-election in Penanti, said Penang’s Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

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FOOD, TASTE & HUNGER - Chicken A La Carte‏

Take a minute and watch this true story. Most probably filmed in the Philippines. This film topped the competition in the 56th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2006. Count our blessings that we are indeed very fortunate...


http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a-la-Carte

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

HAPPY EASTER

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PM Najib unveiled a new-look 28 member Cabinet

Najib was sworn in last week with an ambitious reform agenda, including plans to overhaul the ruling party UMNO.

"This is our team which I hope will provide strength for the Barisan Nasional and help us to regain the confidence of all people," Najib said.

"We need to understand that the era of government that exerts excessive control, and has an attitude of 'government knows best,' is over," he said in a televised address.

The number of Cabinet ministers was cut to 28 from 32, and several ministries were amalgamated with 40 Deputy Ministers.

Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak

Deputy Prime Minister
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department
- Tan Sri Datuk Dr Koh Tsu Koon (Unity Affairs and Performance Management)
- Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (Justice and & Parliament)
-Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop (Economic Planning Unit)
-Maj. Gen (R) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (Islamic Religious Affairs)

Deputy Ministers
-Datuk Liew Vui Keong
-Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim
-Datuk S. K. Devamany
-Ahmad Maslan
-Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Minister: Datuk Seri Najib Razak
Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlan
Deputy: Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Deputy: Senator Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputy: Datuk Dr. Wee Ka Siong
Deputy: Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi

Transport
Minister: Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Deputy: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri
Deputy: Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew

Entrepreneurship, Agriculture and Commodities
Minister: Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Home
Minister: Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein
Deputy: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop
Deputy: Encik Jelaing Mersat

Information, Communication and Culture (New)
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum
Deputy: Senator Heng Seai Kie

Energy, Green Technology and Water (New)
Minister: Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Rural and Regional Development
Minister: Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputy: Datuk Hassan Malek
Deputy: Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun

Higher Education
Minister: Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin
Deputy: Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Deputy: Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Minister: Datuk Mustapa Mohamad
Deputy: Datuk Mukhriz bin Tun Dr Mahathir
Deputy: Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan

Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister: Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Encik Fadillah Yusof

Natural Resources and Environment
Minister: Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Minister: Datuk Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries
Minister: Datuk Noh Omar
Deputy: Datuk Johari Baharum
Deputy: Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Minister: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad

Works
Minister: Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Minister: Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Minister: Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputy: Datuk Razali Ibrahim
Deputy: Encik Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Minister: Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan (Senator)

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Minister: Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Minister: Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Datuk Lajim Ukin

Women’s Development, Family and Community
Minister: Senator Datuk Shahrizat Jalil
Deputy: Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign
Minister: Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputy: Senator A. Kohilan Pillay
Deputy: Datuk Lee Chee Leong

Federal Territories
Minister: Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan

Several figures were dropped, amongst which were Rural Affairs Minister Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman and Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

Khairy was omitted from Najib's new line-up.

Traditionally the youth chief sits in the cabinet but Khairy was philosophical about the decision, and said Najib had asked him to concentrate on building support for UMNO among younger voters, who have been shifting to the opposition.

"It's a difficult time that requires extraordinary measures... I have been asked by the prime minister to focus on the party and I accept the challenge,"

The functions of the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development will be absorbed by other ministries -- for example, small and medium enterprise development will come under International Trade and Industry, while Mara and Tekun will be overseen by Rural and Regional Development.

Najib also announced that he would be forming a Council of Economic Advisers, consisting of between six and eight experts who will advise him directly on economic matters. The chairman of the Council will have ministerial rank but would not be part of the Cabinet.

The new ministers and deputy ministers will take their oath of office at Istana Negara at 9.30am Friday

We are a partner now--1 MALAYSIA, PEOPLE FIRST, PERFORMANCE NOW !!!!

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BN RETAINS BATANG AI, LOSES BUKIT GANTANG AND BUKIT SELAMBAU—reactions in Bukit Selambau

PKR retained the Bukit Selambau state seat with a slightly increased majority of 2,403 votes.



S. Manikumar polled 12,632 votes against Barisan Nasional's Datuk S. Ganesan's 10,229 votes. There were 415 spoilt votes.

All the 13 independent candidates lost their deposits as they failed to poll one-eighth of the ballots cast. Collectively they polled just 1,326 votes.

A scene at the Bukit Selambau by-election which ended with its much anticipated heated hue-cry from both sides of the supporters .

The Bukit Selambau by-election was called after incumbent and Kedah state executive councillor V. Arumugam resigned over morality issues.

A quick analysis of the votes showed that BN had gained some ground in rural areas of the constituency but fared badly in the urban polling stations in Sungai Petani.Some 12,000 of the seat's 35,140 voters reside in Sungai Petani town.

PKR, which began campaigning for this election high on confidence of retaining the seat with an increased majority, was somewhat subdued as polling neared as it had to deal with the "feel good effect" from Datuk Seri Najib Razak's assumption of the prime ministership.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's campaign sojourn here on Thursday also rattled PKR.

But PKR kept plodding on and repeatedly told voters that Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak had committed to appoint the winning candidate as an exco member.

Victorious Manikumar said he will work hard to justify voters' faith in him.

Manikumar is to be made Kedah Exco on april 19 after Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak sought consent today from the state ruler.

"I feel good and happy. Thank you to the Bukit Selambau voters for giving me the mandate to be their representative," he said,

Ganesan accepted the outcome."I will continue to serve the voters here. I will take a break for a while. It has been hectic," he said.



Crestfallen, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said that the Indian votes had improved significantly for BN.


"Even though we are disappointed, we accept the verdict. We will continue to work hard to gain the confidence of the Indian community and the people."



BN election director Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the coalition had to work harder to convince people that there is a change in the coalition's leadership and convince them of the positive impact it would bring.



"BN has taken note of the result and will rectify any shortcoming. PKR is the incumbent and it was expected to have the advantage over the BN."



State BN chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the coalition accepted the result and would continue to work for the people of Bukit Selambau.


PKR vice-president Azmin Ali said the PKR and PAS' win in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang, respectively, brought a message to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the need for Umno and the Barisan Nasional to work hard to win the people's hearts

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