Manifesto atau pun AKU JANJI Barisan Nasional Malaysia (BN) dan Manifesto PR

Look up the Barisan Nasional Manifesto here

(http://www.manifestopru13.com)

at the same time if you have a lot of time to spare can have a look at the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto
here 

GE13: YAB Dato Sri Najib unveils action-oriented Barisan Nasional manifesto at Putra Stadium

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday unveiled a people-centric Barisan Nasional manifesto focusing on an action plan to raise the quality of life of all Malaysians in the next five years.

Unlike previous manifestos which provided a broad overview of the coalition's policies, the new manifesto themed “A Promise of Hope” offers focused, compelling and concrete pledges that will also spur the country's economic growth.

Over the next five years, Barisan will, among others gradually raise the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) payment from RM500 to RM1,200 for households and RM600 for singles which will be maintained on an annual basis and to build 1 million units of affordable homes.

Other highlights include the construction of a 2,300km Pan Borneo highway stretching from Sematan near Lundu located at the western most tip of Sarawak to Serudong near Tawau in the east coast of Sabah.

To ensure continuous strong economic growth, the manifesto has outlined detailed plans to attract RM1.3 trillion worth of investments and to create 3.3 million new jobs over the next five years.

In explaining why the country's 13.3 million voters should stick to Barisan, the manifesto presented the coalition as one that has a track record on delivering all its pledges to bring 55 years of undeniable success to the country.

“We will continue to build on this track record - now is not the time for risks. Do not experiment with our future,” the manifesto said.

The manifesto argued that Malaysia needed a strong government to safeguard its achievements and one that was capable of delivering the national transformation agenda towards achieving a fully developed high income nation.

The manifestio also pointed out that Barisan practiced an effective power sharing formula and abhorred the politics of hatred and division, and that it was committed to sharing the people's hopes and aspirations.

To address an escalating cost of living faced by many Malaysians especially in urban areas, Barisan would introduce a range of measures that would allow the people greater access to affordable goods and services ranging from essential goods, internet broadband, healthcare and education.

To ensure a steady supply of affordable housing, the manifesto offers initiatives to make it easier for the people to own homes, such as through a new lease and own scheme for government housing projects, and to assist poor and low income home owners to rehabilitate their houses.

With 70% of Malaysians now living in urban areas, a new ministry will be set up to handle urban affairs and to address public transportation, expand the Rapid bus system to every state capital, complete with facilities for the aged and the disabled.

To improve access to quality health services, new measures will be introduced, including the setting up of heart and cancer centres in major hospitals nationwide, and the introduction of a support system for the home care of the aged and terminally ill.

To provide the people with better road infrastructure, the manifesto pledged to ensure rapid expansion of the North-South Expressway with more lanes and exit points.

The manifesto also contains commitments to help preserve the country's natural resources, including more financial incentives to commercial and private premises which invest in renewable green energy resources such as biomass and solar.

On the international front, Barisan will continue to pursue a foreign policy that mirrors the country's image as a moderate and progressive Muslim country.

Among others, the manifesto said that a Barisan government will vie for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to play a more prominent role in regional peace and international security through the policy of moderation.

3hb April, 2013 Pembubaran Parlimen Malaysia. Genap empat tahun YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak memimpin Malaysia.

Bismillahirahmanirahim,


Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi  Wabarakatuh,
Salam  Sejahtera dan   Salam 1 Malaysia

Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

1. Pertama-tamanya marilah kita memanjatkan rasa syukur ke hadrat Allah SWT kerana dengan izin dan rahmatnya saya, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan anggota jemaah menteri dapat bersama-sama secara langsung dengan Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan sekalian pada pagi ini.

2. Saya ingin memaklumkan kepada rakyat Malaysia bahawa pada pagi ini saya telah pun menghadap Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong dan menyembah warkah kepada Baginda memohon perkenan supaya Parlimen ke-12 dibubarkan pada hari ini Rabu, 3 April 2013. Sehubungan dengan itu selaras dengan peruntukan Perlembagaan Persekutuan baginda telah pun memperkenankan bagi Parlimen Ke-12 dibubarkan berkuat kuasa hari ini.  

3. Sehubungan dengan itu saya menasihatkan kepada ketua-ketua kerajaan negeri yang berkenaan untuk menghadap Ketua-ketua Negeri mereka bagi mendapat perkenan pembubaran Dewan Undangan Negeri masing-masing agar pilihan raya umum dapat diselaraskan secara serentak di seluruh negara.

Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

4. Hari ini, 4 tahun yang lalu, pada tanggal 3 April 2009, saya telah pun mengangkat sumpah untuk memikul amanah serta tanggungjawab sebagai Perdana Menteri negara Malaysia yang tercinta. Dalam tempoh tersebut saya bersama-sama Timbalan Perdana Menteri, anggota Jemaah Menteri dan anggota-anggota pentadbiran yang lain telah dengan segala ikhtiar serta upaya mencetus dan melaksanakan perubahan dan pembaharuan berpaksikan kepada Falsafah 1Malaysia, Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan serta dipandu oleh Dasar Transformasi Nasional.

5. Dalam tempoh empat tahun yang lepas rakyat Malaysia telah dapat mengalami dan menyaksikan sendiri bagaimana fasa perancangan Prakarsa Transformasi Nasional yang melibatkan Program Transformasi Kerajaan, Ekonomi, Politik dan Sosial telah dilaksanakan seterusnya membuahkan hasil dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan hidup mereka dan kemakmuran negara.

6. Kerajaan yang ada pada hari ini ialah kerajaan yang bertanggungjawab, kerajaan ini ialah kerajaan yang meletakkan kepentingan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan rakyat Malaysia di atas segala-galanya. Kami merupakan kerajaan yang apabila berjanji menepati janji, kami merupakan kerajaan yang apabila diberi amanah akan menjunjung dan memeliharanya. Bukan sikap kami menanam tebu di bibir. Sesungguhnya bukti komitmen kami mampu dinilai serta diukur daripada prestasi dan “Track record” kami sepanjang empat tahun yang lalu.        

Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

7. Pembubaran ini akan membuka laluan kepada bermulanya proses pilihan raya umum bagi kali yang ketiga belas untuk negara semenjak tahun 1959 iaitu apabila kita mula mengadakan pilihan raya umum pertama pasca merdeka.

8. Malaysia ialah sebuah negara yang mengamalkan sistem Demokrasi Berparlimen dan Raja Berperlembagaan sebagai asas pemerintahan. Kuasa mutlak untuk memilih kerajaan berada di tangan rakyat.

9. Sejarah telah menunjukkan bahawa kebugaran demokrasi Malaysia telah berjaya menyediakan asas yang subur untuk kestabilan dan kemakmuran nasional yang telah dinikmati warganegara ini selama lebih lima dekad.

10. Amalan demokrasi di Malaysia kekal dan berjaya kerana walaupun bersifat sengit dan amat berdaya saing namun pada akhirnya ia berjaya kerana semua pihak menghormati proses dan keputusannya.

11. Saya ingin menyeru agar tradisi ini diteruskan demi kesejahteraan rakyat dan kestabilan nasional. Semua parti politik yang memilih untuk terlibat di dalam proses pilihan raya kali ini perlulah bertanggungjawab. Janganlah kerana tidak yakin dengan sokongan rakyat terhadap parti masing-masing maka ada pihak yang cuba menyemai racun syak wasangka dan seterusnya merosakkan kepercayaan kepada integriti proses pilihan raya yang bakal diadakan.

12. Insaflah dan ambillah iktibar dari apa yang telah berlaku di negara-negara lain di mana taktik ini telah cuba diguna pakai. Kesan akhirnya proses dan keputusan pilihan raya di negara-negara tersebut tidak lagi diyakini dan mana-mana kerajaan yang dipilih termasuk dari parti yang mengamalkan taktik tersebut telah ditolak rakyat. Negara akhirnya menjadi tidak stabil, pelabur hilang keyakinan, kemakmuran nasional merudum dan akhirnya rakyat menderita.    

13. Sejarah selama ini telah membuktikan bahawa di Malaysia semenjak merdeka lagi proses pilihan raya yang diadakan bersifat berwibawa, adil dan telus. Kerajaan yang telah dipilih hasil pilihan raya umum sama ada di peringkat persekutuan mahupun di peringkat negeri ialah kerajaan yang mendapat sokongan serta keyakinan majoriti rakyat sesuai dengan amalan demokrasi sarwajagat.

14. Amalan demokrasi sebagai teras pemerintahan merupakan mekanisme terbaik yang pernah dicipta manusia. Hakikatnya perbezaan pendapat, idea dan pandangan bukannya penyebab malapetaka atau punca perpecahan malah jika ditangani dan diurus secara baik sejarah telah menunjukkan ia mampu mendatangkan rahmat yang akan membahagiakan rakyat dan memajukan negara.

15. Marilah kita sama ada parti kerajaan mahupun parti pembangkang memberikan komitmen untuk memelihara keutuhan proses demokrasi dan menghormati keputusan yang akan dibuat oleh rakyat. Marilah kita sama-sama berdoa agar pilihan raya ini akan berjalan dengan lancar, aman dan selamat.

Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

16. Saya ingin memberi jaminan bahawa kerajaan yang ada akan meneruskan tugas dan tanggungjawabnya sesuai dengan prinsip keluhuran perlembagaan dan kedaulatan undang-undang sehingga selesai proses pilihan raya.

17. Saya juga ingin menyeru di samping memberi jaminan kepada semua rakyat Malaysia serta parti politik yang terlibat, bahawa jika berlaku sebarang peralihan kuasa sama ada di peringkat persekutuan mahupun di peringkat negeri ia akan dan perlu berlangsung secara aman dan tertib. Inilah iltizam kita dalam menjunjung prinsip demokrasi, inilah tekad kita dalam menggerakkan transformasi politik, inilah komitmen kita dalam menghormati suara dan mendahulukan kepentingan rakyat.

18. Kepada semua rakyat Malaysia terutamanya yang tinggal di Pantai Timur Sabah janganlah bimbang dan takut. Laksana dan tunaikanlah tanggungjawab tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sebagai warganegara Malaysia, pihak keselamatan negara akan menjalankan tugas mereka untuk memastikan persekitaran yang selamat untuk tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian.

19. Setiap undi tuan-tuan dan puan-puan adalah penting, jangan bazirkan ia, janganlah dipertaruhkan masa depan anak-anak dan negara Malaysia.  Fikir dan renungkanlah dengan sebaik-baiknya sebelum membuat keputusan, ini kerana undi saudara dan saudari akan menentukan bukan sahaja hala tuju negara dan negeri tetapi juga untung nasib anak cucu kita semua.

20. Dalam pilihan raya ini tuan-tuan dan puan-puan bukan sahaja bertanggungjawab memilih wakil saudara dan saudari bagi setiap kawasan Parlimen dan Dewan Undangan Negeri tetap juga memilih kerajaan yang akan mendukung aspirasi tuan-tuan dan puan-puan.  
Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

21. Saya berdiri di sini dengan penuh rasa tawaduk dan terhormat kerana diberi kepercayaan untuk mengkhidmati tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian. Saya dan rakan-rakan amat menghargai dan menjunjung tinggi kepercayaan yang telah diberikan oleh rakyat dan akan memberikan yang terbaik demi untuk Malaysia dan warganya.

22. Di sini saya selaku Ketua Kerajaan Barisan Nasional ingin merakamkan rasa penghargaan dan ucapan kasih kepada rakyat Malaysia kerana telah memberi kepercayaan kepada kami Kerajaan Barisan Nasional untuk menerajui kepimpinan negara semenjak lima tahun yang lepas. Mulai hari ini saya dan rakan-rakan kepimpinan BN akan turun dan bertemu rakyat di seluruh pelosok negara bagi meyakinkan warga Malaysia kenapa kami BN perlu diberi peluang kembali untuk membentuk kerajaan dengan majoriti yang kukuh.

23. Kami akan menggunakan mandat kukuh yang diberi,  Insyaallah untuk melipatgandakan lagi usaha bagi melakar masa depan yang lebih baik, yang lebih bermakna, yang lebih sejahtera untuk saudara dan saudari serta anak cucu kita semua. Ayuh teruskan perjalanan kebangsaan untuk mencapai wawasan nasional ke arah Malaysia yang maju dan berpendapatan tinggi. Ingatlah pencapaiannya bukan secara automatik ia memerlukan kita melipatgandakan usaha dan meneruskan kesinambungan kejayaan yang ada.

24. Marilah kita bersama-sama berganding bahu, berpimpin untuk menjadikan impian ini sebuah realiti, Malaysia yang maju, makmur dan selamat, penuh dengan peluang serta sarat harapan bagi semua. Demi Malaysia, usaha bakti kita curah, kepada Tuhan kita berserah.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.    

Sekian, terima kasih.

AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE: Transcript of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's speech at the 206th Police Day celebration yesterday

FIRSTLY, let us together raise our thanks to Allah SWT, for with His blessings, we are able to gather at the guard of honour and parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day celebration this morning.
I would like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation and gratitude to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for inviting me and wife to join this glittering and meaningful ceremony.

Indeed, our beloved Malaysia will not be in the present state -- a country that is becoming more and more successful, a modern industrialised country with medium-high income -- without peace and stability made possible by the noble sacrifice of patriots from the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian armed forces.

Since the eras of Emergency until the confrontation, your good selves and predecessors have been loyal and relentless in answering the clarion call of the beloved motherland.
We hold in high regard the 10 fallen national warriors, eight of them members of the PDRM, who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Let us make their sacrifice the example of an absolute sacrifice and an inspiration to us.

Indeed, your service will not be in vain as mocked by certain quarters.
On behalf of the government, the people and the country who are indebted to you, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of you who are still adorning and had adorned the security forces' uniforms.

Your good deeds will be remembered for all time. The government will continue to look after the welfare of members of PDRM and the armed forces.

The government's commitment to the welfare of PDRM officers and men cannot be denied. The government of the day has always fulfilled its promises. We walk the talk.

As announced at the Civil Service Premier Gathering, or MAPPA, recently, effective Jan 1, 2013, the government has agreed to harmonise the ranks in PDRM to match the structure in the civil service in line with the levels of posts or salary grades. This entails changes in the scope of job functions, rank structure and qualification in the PDRM.

For example, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) on Grade 48 will have the post harmonised to the civil service Grade 52, while a superintendent on grade 41 will have the post harmonised to Grade 48.
As for the harmonisation of other ranks, firstly, a corporal on Grade 17 in PDRM will have the post harmonised with Grade 22 in the civil service. Secondly, a sergeant on Grade 17 will have the post harmonised with Grade 20 in the civil service.

The government has also streamlined the rates of PDRM allowances, such as the housing, entertainment and fixed allowances.

In the quest to improve the welfare of PDRM officers and men, I would like to announce that the government has agreed to approve the implementation of a group insurance scheme that will benefit 112,145 police officers and men.

NKRA to reduce crime

The government would also like to congratulate PDRM for its success in reducing the crime rate by 27 per cent in the past three years since the implementation of the National Key Results Areas (NKRAs).
Hence, the government will ensure that PDRM's capacity is upgraded and restructured to meet the demands of crime-fighting.

Indeed, we cannot be complacent. Instead, we should redouble our efforts and cooperation with various quarters to ensure that the crime rate can be reduced to a minimum level by 2020.

Thus, the police will be transformed from a security force to a people-oriented police service. This is because the police service will not succeed without the support of the people.

PDRM's era as a paramilitary police has ended. Today, PDRM should change to a community-service policing service endowed with high professionalism and integrity.

Thus, I would like to urge the people to work hand in hand with the police and authorities, for the security and stability of the country is a joint responsibility.

The government will always give support and encouragement to PDRM in ensuring the rule of law, and that peace and public order are maintained.

Declaration of Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone)

To provide a legal basis for the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and to protect the democratic rights and process for the people of Sabah and to strengthen security, public order and prosperity in eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that I have received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as enshrined under the Preservation of Public Safety Ordinance 1962, to declare the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone, comprising 10 districts -- namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau -- effective today.
The 10 districts will be administered by a committee that will be formed under the Public Security Regulations 2013 promulgated by the home minister. The committee, which will also be known as the Eastern Sabah Safe Zone Committee, will be headed by the Sabah chief minister and assisted by a chief executive officer and members who will be named later.

The chief executive officer, who will be a member of the public, will be responsible for coordinating and safeguarding the functions and activities of the security forces and government departments and agencies in implementing all initiatives in Esszone. The committee, which will be based in Lahad Datu, will be responsible to a steering committee headed by me as the head of government.

I would also like to inform you that, today, three cabins that will be used to serve as the headquarters of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) have arrived in Lahad Datu. This means that Esccom will become functional in several days.

Apart from this, seven police posts will be set up in eastern Sabah. All these have been verified by the chief secretary to the government, which I have discussed the matter with, the home minister and the inspector-general of police.

The seven posts will be in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Banggi, Pulau Mabul, Tambisan, Tanjung Labian, and Cenderawasih in Felda Sahabat, while the Sandakan police headquarters will also be beefed up.

It is anticipated that the areas will get cabins that will be used for the posts in early April. This means the implementation is very fast by capitalising on pragmatic methods.

By setting up the Esszone Committee, the government is adopting a holistic approach and not purely a military approach to protect eastern Sabah and find a solution to the intrusion issue.
Let me reaffirm that the declaration is not an emergency declaration under Article 150 of the Federal Constitution.

Secondly, it will not deter a fair, transparent and democratic general election process at all.
Thirdly, the regulations imposed under the ordinance will not give additional powers to the police. The police's existing authority is adequate to deal with the situation.

Fourthly, anyone who feels that his rights have been undermined can take the government to court through legal process. And finally, life will go on as usual in the designated areas but with heightened security to ensure the people's wellbeing.

Hence, I would like to explain that the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which is applied to conduct investigations and make arrests in all cases involving the terrorists in Sabah right now, is merely procedural.

It was not enacted as an act to give power to declare a security area like the Internal Security Act 1960.
People arrested under Sosma will be charged under ordinary laws and subjected to trial just like in other criminal cases.

The Attorney-General's Chambers will hold a news conference today to answer questions pertaining to the legal aspects.

Resettlement

Realising that the vulnerability of several settlements to the easy infiltration of illegal immigrants and stateless persons was the primary cause of the Sulu terrorist intrusion into Lahad Datu and other parts of eastern Sabah, I would like to announce that the government will launch an initiative to resettle people living in several locations in eastern Sabah to maintain public safety.

The initiative, under Part III of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013, will enable the government to resettle any individual or a group of people, particularly any individual or a group of people who are illegal immigrants or stateless persons, in a safe and suitable area determined by the government.

It must be emphasised here that the decision to resettle any individual or a group of people is for the sake of maintaining public security.

In undertaking this resettlement, the government will take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of not only the people to be relocated but also the people living in the designated area of resettlement.
Apart from this, the government will consider all resettlement aspects, including the sources of income of the people involved, and hold discussions with district, native or village chiefs of the community living in the designated area of resettlement.

The need to discuss with district, native or village chiefs is to ensure that the interests of the people already living in the area of resettlement are protected.

As I have mentioned earlier, in pursuing the government's goal of ensuring the people's fundamental rights and the rule of law will be preserved and protected, the government will ensure that the resettlement:

WILL not prevent any aggrieved citizen in the designated area from challenging the government's decision on the resettlement; and,

WILL not prevent any citizen from exercising his right as a voter in any parliamentary or state election.
Realising that the resettlement will involve Malaysians, either as those to be resettled or those already living in the area of resettlement, the government will help those citizens whose rights under the Federal Constitution have been undermined by the relocation.

Under the resettlement initiative, the government will provide a place to live and ensure the safety of the people relocated. This is because the government is aware that the relocation decision will give a major impact on the future of those involved. Migration to a new place involves adapting to a new environment.
On humanitarian grounds and to ensure that the people involved can benefit from the relocation initiative, the government will ensure that public healthcare, medical services and sanitation will be provided to the people living in the area of resettlement, besides opportunities for basic education and employment.
The government will provide training and equipment, if necessary, to the people living in the area of resettlement to start life anew.

Towards this end, the government will request for cooperation, assistance and contribution from organisations or bodies locally or abroad.
I would like to announce that the resettlement initiative is not only to benefit those to be relocated but also those living in the surrounding areas, for the government will carry out programmes for their welfare and wellbeing.
Although the initiative is confined to eastern Sabah for the time being, it does not mean that western Sabah is being neglected. For the time being, the need for safety is now more pressing in the east. The initiative will be extended to the whole of Sabah at a suitable time.

On the whole, I would like to stress that the government has never doubted the loyalty of Malaysian citizens of Suluk descent.

They are citizens who enjoy the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution and the other laws of the country, and the government will continue to protect their legitimate rights and champion their welfare.
I would like to praise the people of Kampung Senalang in Semporna for their bravery and sacrifice in overcoming a terrorist on March 3. In their attempt to defend themselves and the country, the terrorist was killed. Their deed and bravery are most appreciated.

Conclusion

To conclude, I would like to congratulate the Royal Malaysia Police on the 206th anniversary celebration. It culminates a long journey for a towering organisation.

Let us join hands to chart a better future for us, and our children and grandchildren.

The people of Malaysia and I dream of having a professional, effective and exemplary police service. A service endowed with exemplary police officers and men, equipped with adequate and latest equipment, and a well-trained force having world-class skills to implement the 21st-century policing service.

We dream of a high-income developed country where the streets, housing areas and public places are free from crime to ensure that Malaysians and their families throughout the country do not fear that their safety is at stake. Let us come together to make this dream a reality.


Read more: Police's deeds will be remembered - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/police-s-deeds-will-be-remembered-1.241791#ixzz2OcIwJm4K

FOR THE PEOPLE: Well-conceptualised, designed and executed policies can raise the lot of the people .

PEMANDU's Annual Report was unveiled last week to much praise and, of course, criticism. Given the tumultuous political times that we live in, this is only to have been expected.

Before we get caught up in the heat of the moment, however, we may want to stop and remember that economics, for our purposes, is not about winning arguments but people - real, living, breathing people; our people.

Bad economic policies have the power to cause untold human misery. We see this in many parts of the world. Good economic policies, on the other hand, have capacity to uplift, enlighten and empower, in other words, to transform.

Of course we need hard numbers to help us chart and navigate our course. But these must be treated with absolute respect, scrupulousness and objectivity so that we are not turned into cynics.

Economic statistics tell us about the past. What they mean for the future is entirely more debatable.
All the flashy presentations or populist rhetoric in the world cannot raise the living standards of ordinary Malaysians one iota. Only well conceptualised, designed and executed policies can raise the lot of the living.

So what are good and bad economic policies? How do we tell the difference between what is currently on offer? Listed below are seven suggested indicators.

The reader is free to add or amend them and then critically evaluate the various proposals and manifestos being floated or implemented to see how well they fit.

Having done so, there should be good solid debate.

Rather than childish name calling, we ought to welcome diverse views, knowing that difficult as they are to stomach, they contribute to better final outcomes.

FIRST, good economic policies are practical.

It is all nice and good to have high-sounding goals but if they do not work and cannot be put into practice then they are for all intents and purposes useless.

There was, for example, a time when socialism looked like the solution to the world's woes.
After almost a hundred and fifty years, however, we now know that common ownership of the means of production does not work.

SECOND, good economic policies fully recognise interdependencies.

So long as there is scarcity of resources, actions taken will face trade-offs and will have effects that are transmitted to other sectors of the economy.

As incomes rise, for example, the quality of life increases but so, too, do costs.

If real costs do not rise, then any so-called increase in incomes and the ensuing quality of life would be extremely doubtful indeed.

THIRD, good economic policies do not reward unproductive behaviour and penalise productive behaviour. They do not present opportunities for rent-seeking, moral hazard and entitlement mind sets, much less corruption.

It is debatable whether rent seeking is a necessary evil in the early stages of development. What is certain is that if economic growth is to be an activity of the many rather than the few, this cannot and must not continue.

FOURTH, and at the risk of sounding dreary, good economic policies are financially sustainable. They do not force bad choices to be made in the present, and they do not pose a financial burden to the next generation.

The discussion about public debt in this country is wrongly based. It is not about bankruptcy, which is a very remote possibility, but much better decisions for our present and future Malaysians.

FIFTH, good economic policies are all about innovation. If the policies are not about doing things differently but are grounded in the status quo, they are likely to be reactionary rather than forward-looking.

Innovation must be large-scale and micro in nature. It must lead to radical change not just of industries and infrastructure but also organisations, systems, practices, values and attitudes.

SIXTH, good economic policies are externally oriented. Malaysia's future lies as much, if not more, beyond its borders as within. If economic policies are productive, they will have an external frame of reference.

Policies that seek to resist or delay external pressures are extremely suspect. They come at a cost and that cost is borne by Malaysians, not just households but businesses and the government itself.

SEVENTH, good economic policies build social capital and inclusiveness. Inclusiveness is much overused these days but for countries like Malaysia it is particularly important given the size of existing disparities.

Malaysia urgently needs a new robust and systemic framework to rebuild social capital and roll-back disparities -- not just of income and wealth but abilities and opportunities -- without returning to outdated models and practices.

These indicators are by no means complete and can be added to. It might also be argued that two or more are, to some degree, conflicting. This, however, is the real nature of economic policy - making the best choices among the options open and then acting accordingly.


Read more: Good, practical economic policies - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/good-practical-economic-policies-1.241796#ixzz2OcANS7Vf

Nothing to fear from automatic dissolution By Alang Bendahara | alang@mediaprima.com.my

BUSINESS AS USUAL: Negri Sembilan's administration will continue serving the people until the next general election
IF Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not call for a dissolution of Parliament and advise other states under Barisan Nasional government rule to jointly do so by today, then at the stroke of midnight on March 27, Negri Sembilan will make national history on Thursday to become the first state legislative assembly to enter automatic dissolution.
According to the state legislative assembly Speaker, Datuk Razak Mansor, the assemblymen took their oath, signed the watikah and held its first session on March 27, 2008, thus making tomorrow the last day of its five-year mandate from the people.
According to Election Commission (EC) data, Negri Sembilan is the only state in Malaysia (excluding Sarawak, which held its 10th state assembly sitting on June 22, 2011) which will dissolve in March as it was among the earliest states to convene its state assembly after the 12th general election on March 8, 2008.
Other states' first assemblies were held as follows: Pahang, April 7, 2008; Johor and Malacca, April 21, 2008; Selangor, April 22, 2008; Perak, April 25, 2008; Perlis and Kelantan, April 28, 2008; Penang, May 2, 2008; and lastly, Terengganu, Sabah and Kedah, May 5, 2008.
The Dewan Rakyat's first session was on April 28, 2008.
With the dissolution of the Negri Sembilan state assembly, the EC will have 60 days to call an election for the 36 state seats, and that date ends on May 28.
It should be noted that last week in Pekan, EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar told the media that their decision to hold state and parliamentary elections simultaneously in the upcoming 13th general election is final and it was made after considering several factors, including cost savings.
If the prime minister decides to stretch and let Parliament serve its full term, and counting the 60-day period from Negri Sembilan's automatic dissolution, as well as what the EC said, the 13th general election could fall anywhere between April 28 and May 28 this year.
Public holidays during this period are May 1 (Workers Day), May 7 (Hol Day of Pahang and only for Pahang), May 17 (Birthday of Raja of Perlis and for Perlis only), and May 24 (Wesak Day for all states).
Coming back to Negri Sembilan, a lot of people who are not well informed on automatic dissolution voiced their fears that the state administration will come to a halt due to the automatic dissolution of the state legislative assembly.
This is not true, said Prof Datuk Abd Halim Sidek, a political analyst and law professor at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
According to Halim, Malaysia follows the Westminster style of government which has three branches of power -- the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
"At the stroke of midnight on March 27, only the Legislature would be automatically dissolved, while the Executive and Judiciary still runs.
"This means the state legislative assembly can no longer hold any session, which means the assemblymen can no longer go into the Dewan, they cannot table, debate, pass, or amend any laws.
"But the executive power which is the state secretary, the Menteri Besar's office, and state administration can continue running the state administration based on any policies, rules, laws that have been approved before the automatic dissolution, but they cannot sign new decrees, approve or ban any projects," said Halim.
Thus, during this period, a caretaker government will be formed from the existing administration as its services need to run as usual. For example, people need to go to land offices to get their sale and purchase agreements signed, and the police will continue to do their job.
Halim said the Judiciary would also function as usual with courts going into session and people could be prosecuted, charged and even hanged.
At the same time, state assemblymen would still receive their salary through warrants as they are still the people's representative until the 13th general election result replaces them.
"Assemblymen still need to serve the people right until the day a new person is elected to replace them, so their salary will continue as they need the money to meet and help the people. They may no longer be able to enter the dewan (but) they are still the representatives of the people," he said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has also repeatedly told the people that the administration will continue serving the people even after the end of the mandate until the next general election.
For the state's more than one million citizens, this is reassuring as the current leadership has proven its capabilities in bringing steady development to Negri Sembilan.
The 557,022 registered voters in the state, meanwhile, will be eagerly awaiting the EC's announcement for the nomination and polling dates.


Read more: Nothing to fear from automatic dissolution - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/nothing-to-fear-from-automatic-dissolution-1.241794#ixzz2Oc9NpqJ4

Negri Sembilan state legislative assembly to dissolve

TERM ENDS MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY: State govt will function in caretaker role from Thursday
SEREMBAN: THE Negri Sembilan state legislative assembly will be dissolved on Thursday, making it the first in the country to be automatically disbanded after the 2008 general election.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said after the dissolution, its state executive committee would continue to function as the caretaker state government as provided for under the state constitution.

"Under Article 56 (3) of the Undang-Undang Tubuh Negeri Sembilan 1959 (the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959), unless the state assembly is dissolved earlier than the end of its five-year term, then it will be automatically dissolved five years from the date of the first sitting of the assembly.

"Under the Interpretations Acts 1948 and 1967, the end of the five-year term falls on the day after the first sitting of the assembly and not on the 'hari kejadian' (date of occurrence) which falls on March 28," he told a hastily-called press conference at his official residence yesterday.

Previously, Mohamad was reported to have said that today was the last day of the state assembly and that the state legislative assembly would be automatically dissolved tomorrow.

Earlier at a function where he handed over loans and tithes to some Negri Sembilan Islamic Council-sponsored students from the Middle East, Mohamad said since the five-year period had automatically lapsed, there was no need for him to obtain the consent of the state ruler for dissolution.

"Starting Thursday, I will cease to be a 'wakil rakyat' as the state assembly is dissolved but I am still the menteri besar heading the caretaker government to oversee the daily running of the state administration, including taking care of the well-being of the people and salary payment of civil servants.

"There has to be a caretaker government because we will have to pay wages and look into other matters during the period... Without a caretaker government, there will be anarchy.

"However, we will not draft any new policy or make big decisions such as approving the sale of thousands of acres of land.

"We cannot do that as it is immoral and unethical even though we are still in power."

Mohamad, who is also Negri Sembilan Islamic Council (MAINS) chairman, handed over per capita allocations to Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri, Sekolah Agama Bantuan Rakyat, Sekolah Agama Rakyat, Kelas Al-Quran and Fardu Ain, Sekolah Tahfiz and Tadika Islam.

Mohamad said after the state assembly was dissolved, the Election Commission has a maximum of 60 days to call for a state election.

Mohamad, who is also Barisan Nasional state liaison committee chief, said there would be no changes in the allocation of seats for state BN component parties in the next general election.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has also been informed about this when we met during the nationwide BN state liaison chiefs meeting held recently."



Read more: Negri state assembly to dissolve - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/negri-state-assembly-to-dissolve-1.241940?localLinksEnabled=false#ixzz2Oc8M5cBk