Rightways: Governance

Showing posts with label Governance. Show all posts

Friday, January 20, 2023

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Malaysia Madani similar to Islam Hadhari

Madani – a humane concept

PUTRAJAYA: A country that believes in humanity and values like fair, just and effective governance – that is the Malaysia that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim envisions.

Calling it the Malaysia Madani concept, the Prime Minister said it was to ensure an equitable economy as well as good governance where leakages are prevented and public funds are prudently and justifiably spent.

Anwar said he did not intend to introduce a new vision or build a new “monument”, but the Malaysia Madani concept would be for leaders and the people to realise their responsibility towards the country.

ALSO READ: Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies

“Our aim is not just to strengthen the economy but also to ensure that the core values of ethics and morality that are accepted and propagated by all religions are practised,” he said when launching the concept at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.

“I have great confidence that, with cooperation between the political leadership and the civil service, Malaysia will be able to regain its good name on the global stage.

“We do not want scandals, problems or racial and religious disputes.“Malaysia must be known as a Madani nation that is prosperous, fair and rejects any form of cruelty towards any individual or race.

ALSO READ: A good concept, but it has to work, say Johor folk

“It must be a nation that is known for its renewed spirit,” he said when unveiling the Malaysia Madani concept.

Madani is an acronym for a policy that embraces six core values – keMampanan (Sustainability), KesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya Cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust) and Ihsan (Compassion).

Anwar said the unity government’s plans took into account the global realities of today where there were uncertainties, complexities, contradictions and chaos.

He said the Madani concept was part of a strategic framework that was comprehensive and could absorb the changes in these post-normal times.

ALSO READ: Zahid: Efforts can take nation back to glory

“The time has come for us to stop measuring human progress and successes just on economic growth.

“Growth and development must be attained through a larger context, through the humane economy which prioritises the needs of the people, especially the poor and the marginalised.

“They must be released from the clutches of poverty in a capitalist system that breeds inequality in wealth and living standards,” the Prime Minister said.

He expressed confidence that a democratic market economy based on social justice could help achieve this goal.

The issue of a humane economy had been deliberated in his The Asian Renaissance book more than two decades ago.

“Fast forward to 2023, I believe the theme is still relevant and, in fact, imperative to achieve a sustainable economic growth that cares for the people and can save the country,” he said.

On governance, Anwar said that while each political bloc that had governed the country had its own strengths, it was more important to eliminate the weaknesses.

He said bad management and the enrichment of small groups were the biggest weaknesses.

“I am confident that if there is good governance, we will be able to tackle the economic storm with confidence,” he said, adding that one way to stop leakages and mismanagement was for ministers to review the Auditor-General’s Report and rectify issues.

“If the political leadership and civil servants work hand-in-hand, between RM5bil and RM6bil of public funds can be saved, just from the Auditor-General’s report alone,” he said.

To boost the economy, the system and laws of the country must be upheld, with no favouritism or discrimination.

“If the government machinery functions optimally, and we resolve the issue of governance, God willing, the wheels of the economy will turn faster. We will see better and greater growth,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers and senior civil servants.

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PETALING JAYA: Prime ministers come and go. And so do the snappy slogans that come with each leader.

Taglines such as Wawasan 2020, 1Malaysia, Malaysia Prihatin, Keluarga Malaysia, and now Malaysia Madani are not just punchy but important to present a prime minister’s brand and mark their legacy.

ALSO READ: Madani – a humane concept

The slogans are used to identify a prime minister’s policies and political philosophy as well as encapsulate their image or brand, says National Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir.

“Every time a new prime minister comes along, he will come up with his own slogan,” he said.

So far, no prime minister has chosen to continue with his predecessors’ slogans.

The practice of having a slogan or brand for a prime minister began with Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he launched his Wawasan 2020, which envisioned a Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian nationality).

ALSO READ: Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies

His successor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had his Islam Hadhari, followed by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Malaysia Prihatin was the most recent, followed by Datuk Seri Ismail’s Sabri’s Keluarga Malaysia.

The latest – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani – is very much on-brand with Anwar’s Islamic background, identity and philosophy.

ALSO READ: A good concept, but it has to work, say Johor folk

“Anwar has chosen a theme similar to that of the Islam Hadhari. Both have Islamic elements,” said Dr Jeniri.

He said Anwar’s challenge would be to realise his brand effectively, and he would need the media and his communication teams to play their roles well.

While taglines are an important political marketing tool, they also bring an extra burden on the public purse to promote them, said Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.

“For example, the Keluarga Malaysia slogan saw a lot of public spending to promote various related aspects throughout the tenure of the ninth prime minister’s (Ismail Sabri),” he said.

Awang Azman said slogans could leave a lasting and deep impression depending on the length of the prime minister’s tenure.

“Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad introduced the Wawasan 2020 concept in 1991. It left a deep impact because he was in power for a very long time, and it was even picked up by his successors to some extent,” he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia professor of political sociology Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said the practice of using slogans was also done in other countries such as India and the United States.

“Slogans are important to set an agenda for any leadership, and the expectation is for others to react in order to understand the way forward, vision and mission through the tenure of any leadership.”

Thursday, December 29, 2022

China - World Leader

China - World Leader.

Share all facts about China and discuss how China leads in key areas globally.

855 Contributors
41.3K followers 184 posts today

The US has two options with China, prepare to be #2 or stop China from being #1. What's the best option for the US?

The best option for USA and the rest of the world is to accept that it is no longer the #1 world power. There is no way to stop China’s rise, unless USA goes to war with China in which case everybody loses.

What will happen next in China?

Well, this is very clear.

But, as always, none of this is reported in the West. So most Americans, Brits and Europeans are unaware of the announcements that China has made regarding their plans and the actions that they are involved in.

Here’s a summary of the plan.

Related:

Quora

Quora Digest english-personalized-digest@quora.com

Why will the USA be dethroned from being a superpower?

Nathan James, Geopolitical pundit and blogger. • Answered December 2, 2021

It won’t be. It will simply lose its #1 position in the world. USA will remain a superpower for many decades to come.

China will overtake USA for the #1 spot, probably withi...

180

Why is Chinese taught in all the schools in Saudi Arabia, starting in first grade though university? Why not English?

Robert Vannrox, former Operator at Office of Naval Intelligence (1981-2007) • Answered December 8

I was surprised to learn that this is the case. I was under the impression that the native language was taught, and then English was provided as an extra curriculum. But du...

Why will the USA be dethroned from being a superpower?

Nathan James, Geopolitical pundit and blogger. • Answered December 2, 2021

It won’t be. It will simply lose its #1 position in the world. USA will remain a superpower for many decades to come.

China will overtake USA for the #1 spot, probably withi...

180

Why is Chinese taught in all the schools in Saudi Arabia, starting in first grade though university? Why not English?

Robert Vannrox, former Operator at Office of Naval Intelligence (1981-2007) • Answered December 8

I was surprised to learn that this is the case. I was under the impression that the native language was taught, and then English was provided as an extra curriculum. But du...

Malaysian judicial appointments need reforms

All for equal justice: Tuanku Muhriz (right) holding a copy of the ‘Upholding The Federal Constitution: The Judicial Thoughts of Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus’ with the author Hishamudin at the book launch. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: A more diverse and independent mechanism can be introduced when it comes to the selection of the five eminent members of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), says the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan.

Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir said the persons selected must not only be independent from any form of political influence, but also be inclusive, reflecting the diversity of our multi-racial society and the composition of the Federation, namely the Peninsular Malaysia states, Sabah, and Sarawak.

“The inclusion of members from diverse and independent backgrounds will allow more stakeholders to be represented, thus broadening the expertise in the judicial appointment process whilst maintaining the commission’s independence,” he said in his royal address at the official launch of Upholding The Federal Constitution: The Judicial Thoughts Of Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus here yesterday.

Also present at the event was Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat

The Negri Sembilan Ruler also reminded the audience of his recent address as the Chairman of the 260th Ruler’s Conference, where he emphasised the need to reform the existing judicial appointment process.

Tuanku Muhriz said while the main intention of the commission is to uphold the independence of the judiciary, it appears that its governing provisions may not be in accordance with such intent.

“As it stands, the prime minister appoints five of the nine members of the JAC.

“Under the Constitution, he also has the final say in the appointment of judges to the superior courts.

“We need to be guided by the principle of separation of powers of the Executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

“To achieve this, some reforms need to be considered to strengthen the independence of the commission, and ultimately, the judiciary.

“We could introduce diverse and independent mechanisms when it comes to the selection of the five eminent persons on the commission,” he said, adding that he had also been advised that it is equally important for the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 to be made part of the Constitution, and not remain as an Act of Parliament.

“I urge civil society and other stakeholders to take the lead for meaningful discussions to be taken to achieve this aspiration of judicial independence as a means to uphold the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.

“Lest we forget, the rakyat go to court to seek and obtain justice.

“Be it a criminal appeal, an appeal against the decision of the government or one of its agencies, or a private matter, the public sees the courts as their avenue to seek justice,” said His Royal Highness.

“It is no surprise that the recent political developments in Malaysia have led to many discourses on the Constitution.

“Matters pertaining to governance of the nation require us to consult and be guided by the Constitution,” he said.

“Our courts have observed that the Constitution is not a mere collection of pious platitudes.

“It is the supreme law of the land embodying three basic concepts, one of them is that the individual has certain fundamental rights upon which not even the power of the state may encroach.

“In this regard, the judiciary has a constitutional role to perform as they are the guardians of the Constitution,” he said.

On the book launch, he applauded Hishamudin, a former Court of Appeal judge, whom he described as someone who has “given his life to many provisions in the Constitution, especially those 10 relating to fundamental rights”.

“His years on the Bench are remembered for his integrity and independence, which paved his unwavering commitment to uphold the supremacy and sanctity of the Constitution,” said Tuanku Muhriz.

He added that Hishamudin’s decisions, including his many significant dissenting judgments are based on his appreciation of the law, where he had elegantly embraced the ever-evolving common law principles and applied them judiciously with the sole aim of delivering justice without fear or favour.

Currently an arbitrator at the KL Regional Centre for Arbitration, Hishamudin, 73, is a law graduate from the University of London who previously served as the Malaysian Court of Appeal Judge, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Senior Federal Counsel, and the President of the Sessions Court.

With 45 years of legal experience, he has written more than 750 judgments in his illustrious career.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

How much is the pay to that MP in the Dewan ? At least RM25,700 per month each

Here’s a look at the pay and allowances our elected reps get, and it’s a pretty sweet deal.

I AM writing this week’s column on Monday, a public holiday, courtesy of our newest Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

We can thank YAB for it but let this be his last “playing to the gallery” crowd-pleasing act. It was a nice but unnecessary gesture. In fact, it was more disruptive, especially to businesses and schools, than helpful.

Not everyone’s happy with sudden public holidays

Instead, what we need from Anwar and his government is hard evidence that they will be able to effect changes that can finally bring about Malaysia Baru. And it starts with how he assembles his Cabinet which he assures us will be lean and mean. But we also want ministers who are people of calibre, intelligent, efficient and with integrity.

On that, everyone – from politicians, commentators, academics and NGOs to retired civil servants and the public – has his or her take on it. Whether Anwar has had the time to watch or read the deluge of advice, suggestions and even veiled threats is something else. He’s keeping it very close to his chest; we don’t even know who his closest and most trusted advisers are.

Anyway, Aunty here will refrain from joining the “can I advise you something” cluster. Instead, inspired by Anwar’s promise to cut his and his minister’s salaries and allowances, I will take a look at how much our elected representatives are worth in terms of pay and allowances.

This is an issue that’s been close to my heart ever since I wrote a feature article published in The Star on March 31, 1989, in which I compared the rewards given to politicians versus civil servants.

Politicians were not entitled to pensions or gratuities until the passing of the Administration and Members of Parliament (Pensions and Gratuities) Act 1971.

That Act was repealed and replaced by the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 [Act 237] which provides for pensions, gratuities, benefits and allowances.

Various people, including MP for Muar and former Youth and Sports minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, have raised the issue of pension entitlements and allowances for assemblymen, MPs and ministers, which Syed Saddiq claimed could exceed RM100,000 per month for some.

Both MPs and state assemblymen (adun) are paid salaries and enjoy many allowances and benefits. There is an even longer list of rewards for the PM, DPM and Cabinet ministers but due to space constraints, I will focus on what serving MPs get.

Now, there is no denying our elected representatives have a lot of work to do and they should be rewarded accordingly. But are they being over-compensated? What are these benefits and allowances?

You can find them in Statute Paper 235 of 1983 on the Official Portal of Parliament of Malaysia (bit.ly/malaysia_mp).

First off, an MP’s monthly salary is RM16,000. He/she also has a phone allowance of RM900 and a fixed travelling allowance of RM1,500 a month without the need to submit any claims.

An MP is also eligible to receive RM400 a day for attending Parliament and RM300 a day for official meetings, workshops, briefings, seminars, etc; a daily subsistence allowance of RM100 while on official duty within the country or RM170 outside Malaysia; food allowance of RM340 for every night spent outside the country; hotel charges of not more than RM400 a night, if the fixed allowance is not enough to cover all these claims.

There is also a “special payment” of RM1,500 a month for MPs who are not a member of the administration as defined under Clause (2) of Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, meaning he is not a minister, deputy minister, parliamentary secretary or political secretary.

If they travel by air on official business, they are entitled to business class seats and every month they get allowances for fuel (RM1, 500), toll (RM300) and entertainment (RM2,500).

They get a driver’s allowance of RM1,500 even if they don’t hire one, so they get paid for driving themselves. Extra benefits include getting a motor vehicle licence or a firearm permit FOC.

There are many other benefits like allowances for medical care, warm clothing, ceremonial and black tie attire; and loans for cars, housing and computers. All in, our MPs are pretty well looked after.

The above salary and allowances, which amount to at least RM25,700, while not really exorbitant, is still a very high income for most Malaysians. What’s more, MPs, after completing 36 months of reckonable service, get a pension after they turn 50.

That’s why it’s important we elect worthy persons to represent us in Parliament and state assemblies because we are their pay masters.

Besides, they are not expected to fork out any of this money to help their constituents. That’s where development funds and grants come in.

However, under both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan governments, whoever was in power discriminated against those in the Opposition in how funds for MPs were allocated.

In 2020, Pakatan government MPs reportedly received RM2mil for development, such as facilities for the community, another RM1.5mil for grants and donations, and RM300,000 to run their service centres. Sabahan and Sarawakian MPs got an extra RM500,000. Opposition MPs got a mere RM100,000 as development funds.

This is patently unfair. Citizens should not be punished for voting for who they want to represent them. Years ago, there were photos of roads being nicely paved in a Barisan constituency that ended right at the border of an Opposition-held seat.

That’s why there have been calls, including from Bersih chief Thomas Fann, that there should be equal constituency development funding. This can be institutionalised by new legislation to ensure the allocation of funds is dispensed by Parliament and not at the discretion of the Prime Minister’s Office.

One of the conditions of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government’s memorandum of understanding with Pakatan, signed in Sept 2021, was equal funding for all MPs. That should be still honoured and implemented under Anwar’s government.

If that is in place, we can judge how fairly, responsibly and with full accountability our MPs spend these precious funds for the betterment of their constituencies.

They must also show their attendance record, what they have raised or spoken on in the Dewan Rakyat. We can do that by making it mandatory for MPs and assemblymen to publish their report cards just before the annual Budget session in Parliament.

From my years as a journalist covering Parliament meetings, many MPs are seat warmers who hardly ever speak on anything, spend more time in the cafeteria and lounges and even leave before the day’s sitting has ended. That’s why the hall is often very empty, barely making the quorum of 26 MPs from the total of 222.

Fortunately, there are representatives who do take an active part in the Dewan Rakyat; who study new Bills and debate them; raise issues important to their voters and national interest and are really service oriented; they are on the ground and readily available to attend to the needs of their constituents.

These are the kind of dedicated, selfless MPs with integrity we want and we have no qualms about paying them well. Probably the finest example we have is former MP for Bukit Bintang Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. In the present generation of MPs, the one seen as Lee’s most likely successor is the much loved and admired MP for Segambut Hannah Yeoh.

I started this column by saying I won’t tell Anwar who to appoint. But in the best political tradition of backtracking, I will say I do want to see Yeoh appointed to a meaningful ministerial post in the Cabinet.

The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

By June H.L. Wong

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Related:

Angry Malaysians are demanding ministers to take pay cuts as ...

One of the major reasons for this movement to even happen is the fact that many of these ministers - majority of them viewed as incompetent by Malaysians - have bloated salaries.

In 2020, it was revealed that on average, a Malaysian minister makes an average RM55,650 (US$12573) a month. Their salaries include travel, entertainment, housing, and car allowances. And if you're a people's representative, you enjoy additional salary increments.

Fahmi Reza

@kuasasiswa

#PotongGajiMenteri

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

China's corruption battle paying off as officials voluntarily surrender

Situation showed them 'public power is not for personal use', expert says

China's efforts to fight corruption have paid off, with its anti-graft systems improving and the central government dealing with corruption as strictly as possible.
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Last year, 25 officials under the management of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, including 19 provincial-level cadres, were put under investigation, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, the country's top anti-graft bodies.
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Another 30 officials under the management of the Organization Department were given disciplinary and administrative punishments for violations of Party discipline and national laws.
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The officials came from different fields, including the judiciary, education and finance.
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Yang Weidong, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said that the number of officials investigated showed that anti-corruption work remains strict and efforts have been intensified.
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"Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has emphasized full and strict governance over the Party," Yang said. "It has not lowered standards as time has gone on."
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According to information about corrupt officials investigated by the two disciplinary watchdogs, more cadres have voluntarily surrendered in recent years.
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Last year, four under the management of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee and 62 officials under the management of organization departments of provincial-level CPC committees voluntarily turned themselves in.
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That showed the fight against corruption has achieved good results and formed an effective deterrent to corrupt officials, Yang said.
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"Officials' awareness of the 'bottom line' required by the central government has greatly improved in practice, and the anti-graft situation has clearly shown them that public power is not for personal use," he said. "Once they cross the bottom line, they shall be held accountable.
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"Once the awareness is rooted in the officials' minds, a virtuous circle will gradually be formed in which public power serves the country and the people. It will also play a positive role in preventing duty-related crimes and corruption."
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In the first nine months of last year, discipline inspection and supervision organs across the country penalized 1.47 million people, with about 52,000 of them expelled from the Party, removed from public office and transferred for criminal investigation for serious violations, the authorities said.
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In March, the CPC Central Committee issued a document on strengthening the supervision of top leaders and leading groups of all government organizations.
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The document said the importance and urgency of strengthening supervision over top leaders and leading groups should be fully recognized. Many effective practices and experiences have been formed in the supervision of leadership, but the oversight of top leaders is still a weak point, and the task of improving the intra-Party supervision system and fulfilling oversight responsibilities remains urgent.
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It said dereliction of duty by top leaders and leading group members must be investigated seriously, and ordered leading officials at all levels to properly accept supervision by Party organizations and the public and get used to working and living in an environment under supervision and constraints.
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Universities become focus
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A crackdown on graft in university management was another significant part of anti-corruption work last year, with a number of university officials punished.
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Yu Zhigang, former vice-president of China University of Political Science and Law, was accused of taking bribes of 6.9 million yuan ($1.1 million) and using public power for private purposes in July.
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Liu Chuansheng, a former Party chief of Beijing Normal University who retired in 2016, turned herself in to a central inspection group in July. She is under investigation for suspected serious violations of Party discipline and State laws.
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"The campus is where people are educated, and corruption in universities could seriously hinder the formation of professionals and affect the development of universities, and even science and technology in the country," said Ji Naili, a professor of anti-corruption studies at the Zhou Enlai School of Government at Nankai University in Tianjin.
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Corruption among university leaders mainly occurs in areas like enrollment and promotions, which is known to only a few stakeholders, making it difficult to investigate, he said.
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"Strict anti-corruption campaigns now also target university management, which was usually a low-key position, reflecting that the central government's efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption has revised the traditional understanding of anti-graft work," Ji said.
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"It also shows that the system of institutional anti-corruption is becoming tighter, leaving less and less space for corrupt officials."
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- China Daily/ANN/The Star