to Councillor Arrifin bin Osman

[chuinkee]

Hi,

I read the post about your view on the color of MPSJ logo. I have something to say about it:

1. can u like spend more time on giving constructive advise to MPSJ and not something personal like this?

2. what's wrong with green?

3. don't bring this kind of politic crap to MPSJ. btw, the traffic situation sure can use some good advise.

4. if u dun want to wear the logo patch, fine. we on the other hand, love the logo. Green is a nice color with that logo

5. are u a SJ/USJ resident? if yes, did u complain about the logo when it was first used? if not, please find other place to work.

Thank you

Ben-G

[jeffooi]

<img src="http://www.mpsj.gov.my/mpsj/gif/ahlimaj/ariffin.jpg">

<font size="+1">MPSJ Councillor Arrifin bin Osman</font>
No. 5-181, Jalan 3/6,
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor D.Ehsan
Telephone: 03-5757 1252 (Office) 03-8948 7644 (Residence)
Mobilephone: 019-2171 103

[jeffooi]

<font size="+1">Response from MPSJ ratepayers</font>
Writers' emails are withheld by the EdTeam to avert harassment by the authorities.



From: AC Hussin
To: edteam@usj.com.my
Cc:
Subject: Re: MPSJ must change logo as it has PAS colour
Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 08:44:23 +0800

There is always a solution to a problem. Do not create another
problem to a problem. We change Arrifin. To change Arrifin we
need to change those whoe fears green ie. umno. That can be
done in the coming general election. That should be the mission
of all taxpayers country wide. It is sickening to have sick people
what more holding office around you.

People who fear colours are sick realy sick. From head to toe. Just
to think out loud.


From: "m.z. hussain"
To: edteam@usj.com.my
Cc:
Subject: usj logo
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:39:20 +0800

saya dapati tahap pemikiran banyak penyokong umno masih
kebudak-budakan termasuklah yang serekor ni. macam tak ada
benda lain yang lebih berfaedah untuk dibangkitkan. bodoh
macam lembu!

[xweird]

We might as well abolish the colour green from our country... no green proton cars, no green plants, no green clothing, no green anything. in fact, anyone caught with the slightest green object will be subject to fine under the scrutiny of our mpsj counciller

[JoeJaffar]

more greens to go:
1) green traffic lights
2) green grass and trees
3) petronas and bp stations
4) the dome
5) masjid darul ehsan's dome
6) green shirts
7) green underwears

it's so nice to know that some people think that ratepayers' money are to be used for personal agendas..

[joker2107]

come u fellas, don't just look at the negative side of things and run people down. times are bad, nothing much to do, nothing much moving. someone somewhere's got to get a ball rolling. let it be. look at the good side, the business opportunities. listen to the ringing of the cash register. ;) :D

please don't copy me. please don't steal my idea. i running off to set up a hardware shop. i'll sell paint - only blue paint. more precisely, only the blue of umno. petronas will be my first and biggest customer. then i'm going to sell blue glass lenses which fit traffic lights. i'll get a contract to replace all the green lights to blue. towards november, i'll have a warehouse full of white x'mas trees - they'll surely sell like hot cakes as people rush to replace their illegalised traditional green x'mas trees - no one will complain cos white x'mas trees will add more meaning to the song i'm dreaming of a white christmas. a dream come true? sure will be for me. cannot reveal my other plans cos some one out there will surely try to run me out of biz - u just can't trust anyone nowadays.

like i begged, please don't steal my ideas. intellectual property u know. copyrighted. but if u want partnership, just offer me capital for initial cash flow. i don't really trust their 30 days term (esp for the traffic lights deal). when u call me, just quote the password - read btw the lines.:D :D :D

[chookyan]

To our Dear Councillor,

For your information, the background of the badge of Sek. Keb. Dato' Onn Jaafar at Kompleks Sekolah Wawasan is also in GREEN. If this colour is not acceptable then our Dear Councillor should sponsor a new badge instead !!!!

[in]

Please excuse my ignorance about these things..... but who exactly elects/appoints these people? If its us, then we know what to do during the next election.

When I first read the article, I just burst our laughing. How can people be so dumb, and they are suppose to be leaders ...? Its a scary thought isn't it?

[kwchang]

:D :p Dear joker2107,

Where is the BLUE in UMNO? I thought that was for Keadilan? My meagre political knowledge says UMNO colours are RED and WHITE, no blue. Or were you thinking Red-White-and-Blue of the USA flag? I guess you got it right for WHITE Christmas trees. And for the traffic lights, you will need WHITE as well, not blue.

Ever wondered why the USJ dot com pages have a WHITE background? ...well, so do the pages of Malaysiakini, CNN, TIME, and a lot more :)

Shell has Selangor colors (or was it the other way around?). Would be interesting to see Petronas and BP change their corporate colours!

My "garden" at home has NO GRASS, it is all tiled up in an off-white surface - because I'm not political?

Would be fantastic to see the rainbows minus one colour whenever it drizzles in Malaysia!

[joker2107]

oops. :eek: :o chang is very right. the blue belongs to bn not umno. i'm not blaming age for the blunder. could be something to do with overdose of cny celebrations.

can't use umno colour cos traffic lights already has red. would be interesting tho to see when red means stop and red also means go.:eek: :eek: :eek:

if the rainbow had one colour less, it might look like ur garden without grass. was it ur foresight chang? :D :D

[jeffooi]

Hearing of demands like that from our appointed councillors, what shall/can we do?

They draw RM750 allowance per month.
RM750 x 12 = RM9,000 per year.

The get RM50 per meeting.
RM50 x 12 = RM600 per year, let's say.

Ratepayers' burden per Councillor:
RM9,600 per year.

There are 24 of them, total
RM9,600 x 24 = RM230,400 per year.


Wait a minute, computer literate or otherwise, they get a Fujitsu Lifebook notebook per 2-year term.

Assuming the notebook PC cost RM9,000 per unit (the last batch was around this price), so how much?

RM9,000 x 24 = RM216,000 per 2-year term, even it out, equals RM108,000 per year.

RM230,400 allowance + RM108,000 = RM338,400 per year... you money.


Wait a minute... trips for lawat sambil belajar...
Wait for the next story on USJ.com.my :D


Meanwhile, we can't do nothing with folks like Arrifin Osman, right?

[Roy883]

It's pathetic..... the green siginifies 'environmental' care. it has NOTHING to do with politics!!!!!

I can't believe that someone will have such a parochial view on such a contemporary logo like MPSJ's. I think it looks really great the way it is.

What next?? Ban green coloured logos throughout the country?

What's worse is that if PAS changes their colour to BLUE next year and our local council will have to start tearing down their signages to replace new ones that won't have blue on them (with tax-payers money).

Brilliant leaders!!!!

[U_four]

it's so sad to have people who only looking for cheap publicity ... I'm not surprise that this kind of people exist as there are many of them ,, thinking that they are immune and believe they can do what they want.. remember at one time petronas station have to spend milllions to change the color of logo .. just b'cos it resembles an opposition logo .. very sad ooo .. :o

[jeffooi]

MALAYSIAKINI.COM
1:37pm Sun Feb 9th, 2003

<FONT SIZE="+1">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</FONT>
Yusof Ghani

An Umno division leader who was appointed a councillor of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) last July has insisted that the council changes its logo because the colours - green and white - which he associated with an opposition party are too prominent in it.

Arrifin Osman, the Seri Kembangan Umno branch secretary, said the green and white colours in the MPSJ logo were too glaring and he was embarassed to wear the council's tag o_n his shirt.

"As an Umno member, too much green touches my sensitivity," he conceded when contacted by malaysiakini.

Arrifin's call to MPSJ to change its logo was reported in the <A HREF="http://www.usj.com.my/usjXpress/details.php3?table=usjXpress&ID=313">Subang Jaya community website</A> and The Sun. He brought up the matter at a recent full board council meeting and suggested that all MPSJ logos be removed immediately.

Despite being told by the council's deputy president Arpah Abdul Razak that having a new logo would unnecessarily cost ratepayers some RM500,000, Ariffin insisted that was not an issue and "the change is a must".

Changed two years ago

Ariffin, a political appointee in the council, was also told that MPSJ had o_nly changed its logo two years ago.

"We have spent much more money than that for other purposes before, and why not for a better logo," he argued.

Alternatively, he insisted that the council uses plastic paint to cover those logos which were displayed in public areas so as to save costs.

"Or perhaps, the MPSJ can just revert to the previous logo, where the green and white are not too dominant," he said.

Ariffin said he was not demanding that the colours be changed to red and white (Umno's colours), "but any colour will suffice to replace the prominent green".

The Umno politician said he was embarrassed when people made fun of the logo and saying that MPSJ staff are supporting PAS.

"PAS thinks that green is more Islamic and that's why the party picks the colour (for its flag).

"This is not true... I don't think even Prophet Muhammad himself wore green everyday," added Ariffin.

Commitment to the environment

The MPSJ website, however, indicates that the green in its logo is to signify the council's commitment to preserve the environment.

"As a whole, the logo reflects MPSJ as a committed and progressive local government," the website explains.

In 1999, Kelantan Umno maverick leader Ibrahim Ali complained that the logo of Petronas, Malaysia's premier oil and gas multinational, was similar to that of PAS.

His point was taken seriously, resulting in the company having to spend over RM50 million just to change the logo.


SOURCE:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php

[chuinkee]

Arrifin Osman,

I feel shameful to have you as a councillor to the most advance township in Selangor. Please step down.

Benjamin Ho

[in]

I totally agree with Benjamin. Can we start a petition or signature campaign or something like that.......

[nasihat]

I didnt know Seri Kembangan is in Subang Jaya? That is news to me..

Taxpayers money are our money given to the MPSJ with trust, so that they will use it accordingly, for the betterment of the community not for one's personal embarrassment among its friends?

Quote from Arrifin:
"As an Umno member, too much green touches my sensitivity,"

"We have spent much more money than that for other purposes before, and why not for a better logo,"

"Despite being told by the council's deputy president Arpah Abdul Razak that having a new logo would unnecessarily cost ratepayers some RM500,000, Ariffin insisted that was not an issue and "the change is a must"

...err Hello, this is not UMNO cawangan Subang Jaya but MPSJ we are talking.. just because youre appointed to be the head man doesnt mean you can show how great your power is or how good you have been to PM. Why im not suprised, so typical of them whenever they get the power...

Is time for a change in our country, vote for the person (qualifications/ background/ achievements) not the party

[JoeJaffar]

err.. my wife just booked a green proton waja. so how, must change color so that we can drive in mpsj area eh? but technically, it's called petrol blue, so i guess it conforms to bn color eh? :D

now kesas must change signboard too, highway signboards are in green. joker2107, more repainting business for you.

my mama said, stupid is as stupid does.

[jeffooi]

Just a point of clarification.

Basically, the geographical boundary of MPSJ covers three townships:
1. Subang Jaya & USJ, and part of Bandar Sunway
2. Seri Kembangan
3. Puchong

Subang Jaya & USJ covers about 50% n terms of holdings
(residential and commercial buildings) and population - and
revenue paid in the form of assessment (and penalties).

In summary, to answer nasihat, Seri Kembangan is not part of Subang Jaya township, but part of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council's jurisdiction.


ALSO, I think, the crux of the issue is not just about colours, but the quality of the political appointees into the Council. It's also about the quality of governance.

Whether you get a goat or a saint as your councillors, we the ratepayers have absolutely no say under the present system.

The state government of the day, and the political parties that make the government, call the shots.

Think harder about this.

[yokeimmvivian]

The goat must be re-educated.
There are stretches along Persiaran Tujuan, from SS19 (after USJ3) to right before the former KFC exit, which badly needed resurfacing and repainting of the white lines. These lines are hardly discernible. In fact the white lines are hardly discernible in and around USJ 3 and USJ 4. Even the yellow ones are playing hide-and-seek. It would be nice if some of our money are spent on these. And we need more trees....... with lots of leaves. Preferably the flowering ones...those pinky ones are very pretty. Not those that are not quite alive and not quite dead. Asking too much? :) Dont say i no try.:D

[xweird]

has anyone written to the great counciller?

[jeffooi]

This writer focussed on the colour, and may have overlooked the governance aspect.

That, must local councillors be only political appointees? Can't we elect them to serve us instead?


MALAYSIAKINI.COM
3:27pm Mon Feb 10th, 2003

LETTER
<FONT SIZE="+1">Ludicrous to spend more on new logo</FONT>
Lynn Tiew

As what Subang Jaya Municipal Council deputy president Arpah Abdul Razak said, having a new logo would unnecessarily cost ratepayers some RM500,000 (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"TARGET="NEW">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</A>).

There must be more meaningful and effective way to demonstrate o_ne’s distaste for and distance from PAS’ politics than to pick o_n the colour of MPSJ logo that will cost us another RM500,000.

There is yet another reason. PAS has no monopoly o_n the green colour.

Countries don't pick random colours and symbols for their flags. Every element has a reason for being there. The Arabic region’s countries have flags that appear similar in some respects, due to shared symbolism.

Libya’s flag is a simple green rectangle. Saudi Arabia flag is similar, with the Arabic words in the centre in white. Jordan, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all have green bands o_n their flags, while Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and Morocco have symbols in green. Green has been taken by all these Muslim countries to be o_ne of the symbolic colours representive of Islam. Rightly or wrongly, that is the symbolism of green which should be accorded respect, even if Arrifin Osman, the Seri Kembangan Umno branch secretary, cannot do so for PAS politics.


SOURCE:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302100033852.php

[jeffooi]

MALAYSIAKINI.COM
3:25pm Mon Feb 10th, 2003

LETTER
<FONT SIZE="+1">Public funds, city councillors and party politics</FONT>
Yee

Your article o_n an Umno politician demanding that the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) change the colours of the logo (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"TARGET="NEW">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</A>) just shows the reckless waste of public funds for political reasons.

We would then have to request Giant, a prominent landmark in Subang Jaya to change its colour as well, and perhaps the greens which beautify the township should also be changed. Petronas has a green spot, which is an even closer resemblance of the detestable opposition party, so it should also be banned from Subang Jaya.

This statement o_nly reaffirms my suspicion that state and federal government officials and ministers are too concerned about their party's political performance. Sometimes the public benefits from this political game but it all depends o_n how strong the opposition is in that constituency.

May I remind elected and appointed government officials that they do not represent the Barisan Nasional but are there to govern and manage the country? They represent all Malaysians regardless of the people’s political choice.

Unfortunately this is not true in Malaysia. If you find yourself driving o_n a bad road or an underdeveloped town, chances are the people there have elected the opposition and the federal government has chosen to strangle them of any development as backlash. Look at Terengganu, for example.

As result of all with this politicking, the people suffer.

Instead of ensuring we get clean piped water, a dengue-free township, covered drains, clear traffic flow, the MPSJ is discussing changing the MPSJ logo because it too closely represents an opposition party. This is a clear case of obsession and misplaced priorities and I as a resident of Subang Jaya think it disgusting.

If o_nly the people could actually vote for their councillors, we could get things done in a more efficient manner.


SOURCE:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302100033851.php

[joker2107]

finally i got it, thanks to yee.

ever heard of green spot, the best orange drink in the market during the good old days? it's made its reappearance. seeing it again rekindled my imagination as to how and why an orange drink is named green.

well green spot is an american baby. now i think its not a matter of putting a name to a product, but putting a product to a name. knowing how much uncle sam hates the muslim world and equating the symbolism of green to the muslim world, i think the texan cows must have concocted an orange stuff to name green so that the world would see green in a different light. ya, green is now orange. so all those jokers who claim that their colour is green has gotten it all wrong, its time for them to repaint the green to orange.

[lord]

Does this mean I can now join PAS?! I wear green boxers!!

" If you want to
soar like an eagle.
Stop thinking like
a turkey, Councillor!":D

[chuinkee]

I just don't know how can he come out with the statement of "We have spent much more money than that for other purposes before, and why not for a better logo"... and despite being told by the council's deputy president Arpah Abdul Razak that having a new logo would unnecessarily cost ratepayers some RM500,000, Ariffin insisted that was not an issue and "the change is a must" (quoted from post by Jeffooi). Even MPSJ VP is making perfect sense. Hey, Ariffin! just how on earth did you managed to get appointed? I am REALLY interested to know.

Benjamin Ho

[sfliew]

Only stupid guy think like that, how can he be a MPSJ councellor?
What is his background?

[satish]

For all to note:



These are the email addresses of relevant staff of MPSJ.
Obtained from their website.

SENARAI E-MAIL PEGAWAI - PEGAWAI MPSJ
BIL
NAMA PEGAWAI
E-MAIL

1
EN. AHMAD FUAD BIN ISMAIL
fuad@mpsj.gov.my

2
PN. ARPAH ABD. RAZAK
arpah@mpsj.gov.my

3
EN. HAJI SLAMAT BIN HAMZAH
slamat@mpsj.gov.my

4
PN. HAMIZUN MOHD BASAR
hamizun@mpsj.gov.my

5
EN. MUHAMMAD ZAKI YUSOFF
mzaki@mpsj.gov.my

6
EN. AHMAD FAIZAL AZHAR
faizal@mpsj.gov.my

7
EN. MUHAMMAD AZLI MISWAN
azli@mpsj.gov.my

8
PN. NORAZIAH ALI
aziah@mpsj.gov.my

9
TN. HJ. MD. ISA BIN JAAFAR
isa@mpsj.gov.my

10
PN. AIDA OMAR
aida@mpsj.gov.my

11
EN. AEREN BUKHAIRI
aeren@mpsj.gov.my

12
EN. HAZMAN BIN MAHAYUDDIN
hazman@mpsj.gov.my

13
EN. IR ROSLI MUHAMMAD YUNUS
rosli@mpsj.gov.my

14
EN. NAZARUDIN BIN MASHTUKI
nazarudin@mpsj.gov.my

15
EN. NOORAZMI BIN NOORDIN
noorazmi@mpsj.gov.my

16
EN. Y. M. RAJA AMIR ISKANDAR RAJA AZLAN
raja@mpsj.gov.my

17
EN. NORAZMI MOHD ROSLI
azmi@mpsj.gov.my

18
PN. NORSHAFRIZA ZAHARI
norshafriza@mpsj.gov.my

19
PN. AZLINA BT. MAT SALEH
azlina@mpsj.gov.my

20
PN. ROSANIZA BT. TUMAN
rosaniza@mpsj.gov.my

21
PN. AZURA MOHD DON
azura@mpsj.gov.my

22
EN. ZULKURNAIN CHE ALI
mzul@mpsj.gov.my

23
EN. MOHD FADZIL MAHAT
fadzil@mpsj.gov.my

24
PN. SHARIFAH ROHAIDA ABD RAHMAN
sharifah@mpsj.gov.my

25
PN. IR UMI KALTHOM BT. AHMAD
umikalthom@mpsj.gov.my

26
PN. ANITA ABD. JALIL
anita@mpsj.gov.my

27
CIK ROSLAILATULHANI MOHD SAWAL
roslaila@mpsj.gov.my

28
PN. SITI RAHAMAH KARNAIN
mira@mpsj.gov.my

29
CHE REMI AZIZI BIN AHAMAD ZAHARIN
remi@mpsj.gov.my

30
EN. SAMZOL BIN SAAT
samzol@mpsj.gov.my
31
EN. MOHD. FADZLI
mfadzli@mpsj.gov.my
32 EN. AMIRRUDDIN BIN MOHAMAD amirruddin@mpsj.gov.my

33 EN. ADNAN BIN DERAHMAN adnan@mpsj.gov.my

34 EN. ROSLE BIN HASAN rosle@mpsj.gov.my

Feel free to send in your complains.

Rgds




;)

[xweird]

conveniently missing...

[jeffooi]

<font size="+1">MPSJ website removed email addresses of the Councillors after we ran this story in July 2001:

<a href="http://www.usj.com.my/usjXpress/details.php3?table=usjXpress&ID=187">Only 6 Councillors have emails that really work!</a></font>
(Update : Jul 04, 2001)
About RM250,000 was spent to provide notebook computers for
all MPSJ Councillors so that ratepayers can reach them by emails
to get responsive service. Our survey shows only 9 Councillors
have their emails listed on MPSJ website - 3 are unreachable!

<a href="http://www.usj.com.my/usjXpress/details.php3?table=usjXpress&ID=187">Click here</a> to view archive.

Read the <a href="http://www.usj.com.my/usjXpress/details.php3?table=usjXpress&ID=313">usjXpress Team</a> report on Arrifin Osman, which was based on a story by The Sun and found its way to <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"target="new">Malaysiakini</a>.

:D

[nasihat]

thanks jeffooi on the Seri Kembangan thingy..


err.. u guys better becareful maa.. u know he's from um** so normally what they will usually do, make a complaint.. usj.com.my is a threat to the community.. or worse to the country.. n within a few hours.. come them police.. see what they did with malaysiakini... tsk tsk tsk..

[jeffooi]

Don't lah like that talk :D
We are trying to nurture a Knowledge Society, kan?

Malaysia is no Uganda or mainland China, I strongly believe.

[clarence]

We all loves USJ. com.my and we all also loves our country Malaysia. We don't want our web site to katput and we too do not want Malaysia to go down the drain. I hope that we can contribute our small part to built our nation.

[jeffooi]

MALAYSIAKINI.COM
3:07pm Tue Feb 11th, 2003

LETTER
<FONT SIZE="+1">Green is forbidden!</FONT>
Al-han

With Iraq and US at the brink of war, the political tension boiling again between India-Pakistan, violence sprouting everywhere and world economy facing a global slowdown, I find it absolutely amusing that an Umno division leader is idiotic enough to be babbling about the colour of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) logo (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"TARGET="NEW">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</A>).

For heaven’s sake, can’t people like Seri Kembangan Umno branch secretary Ariffin Osman for once fight for the welfare of the people?

There are other pressing issues we face every day. Figuring out how to prevent people from dropping dead because of dengue would bring Ariffin more fame and glory. Reducing the prominence of green in the MPSJ logo won’t bring him respect. In fact, how does it even benefit the people? Ariffin’s reaction is more personal rather than professional.

I wonder what is next. Change the traffic lights from green to blue? Paint all the grass purple in the MPSJ municipality? Maybe all the signboards, especially the ones on the Plus highway should also be redesigned - there’s simply too much white and green. Wait, those signboards have onLY white and green!

Ariffin should stop reacting like a five-year-old. Otherwise, get someone else to sit on the MPSJ board. I'm sure there must be a few more mature people left in Umno.


SOURCE:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302110033862.php

[jeffooi]

MALAYSIAKINI.COM
3:40pm Tue Feb 11th, 2003

LETTER
<FONT SIZE="+1">Time to bring back council elections</FONT>

Jacob George
Subang Jaya


An appointed councillor in Klang, Selangor has claimed trial at the Klang Magistrate's Court to a charge of assault, under Section 323 of the Penal Code.

At the e-savvy Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), it is rumored that o_ne councillor is busy lobbying to secure a "Lawatan Sambil Belajar" (educational trip) ticket to attend an international IT conference in Germany.

All this while, his counterpart indulges in political rhetoric and theatrics to force MPSJ to change its present logo, as he claims it depicts green - the official colour of PAS, an opposition party. (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"TARGET="NEW">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</A>).

He is not at all bothered that it would cost the council over a further RM500,000. After all, it is not his father's money.

He can say and demand whatsoever, as he is not accountable to the ratepayer, except perhaps his "political masters", and they rarely interfere unless their own positions are threatened by the intervention of the federal government.

Some when exposed play the race and religion card - pretending to be religious and a "wira bangsa dan agama" (champion of the race and religion) - when they are a disgrace to both party and religion for their hypocrisy and Jekyll and Hyde political tantrums!

To prevent such rogue councilors and ministers from continuing to take office, the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa), with the assistance of the civil society, grassroots organisations, women's, youth and religious groups will lobby the incoming federal administration under the leadership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to bring back council elections and to initiate stringent scrutiny of candidates nominated for positions of political power.

However, there has been no other position as "abused and raped" in the political arena as the appointed councillor's position where suspect candidates - ones who are indisciplined, have no grassroots work experience, neither academic qualifications nor strength of the language or issue discussed at length - are repeatedly selected by political parties to fill their respective party quotas.

Like the quota positions filled for state assembly representatives, members of Parliament, for senators, the federal government machinery does not screen the candidates proposed in by respective Barisan Nasional component parties, so as not to "rock the boat".

Of course, I am aware that the Special Branch will give their report on the candidates, but, how persuasive can their report be, if individual "power brokers and gatekeepers" of respective component political parties want their candidate nominated at all costs?

After all, as one senior politician told me at Health Minister Chua Jui Meng's recent Chinese New Year open house celebrations, right in front of deputy premier Abdullah, that there is an unwritten understanding for decades between component parties in the Barisan Nasional to not question each others' nominee for government positions, even if there is a better candidate - academically qualified, has the grassroots support and strength, a proven record and good family background.

Against this backdrop, one cannot expect a drastic change as local political power brokers act as gatekeepers to keep out better suited candidates in order to protect their own agenda and political interests.

But I want to sound optimistic that there can be all-round changes in the Malaysian political system when deputy premier Abdullah takes over the nation's leadership.

I believe that there will be a drive to replace ageing politicians and various political leaderships and appointment with young qualified candidates, religious, family man, candidates with a proven track record, transparent, accountable and free of corrupt practices.

I believe that the 'winds of change' to this end will begin after October 2003 and those few who have abused their respective positions and accumulated questionable wealth and gains will be told to go quietly as it is in their interest to do so.


SOURCE:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302110033863.php

[jeffooi]

THE SUN
Wednesday, February 12, 2003

LETTER
<font size="+1">Councillors must use funds prudently</font>


I WAS shocked to read in "See red over green" (theSun Valley, Feb 4) that newly elected Subang Jaya municipal councillor Arrifin Osman does not care how much money is needed to remove the green colour in the MPSJ logo, just because he does not want to be associated with one of the opposition parties.

This is truly unacceptable behaviour for a people's representative, who has been entrusted with a public duty to ensure that the people's money is spent wisely. Instead, he is more concerned with distancing himself from the opposition party. Surely, this is for personal, rather than public, benefit.

The MPSJ deputy president had even informed him that the logo had been changed just two years ago at a cost of RM500,000. But the councillor does not care. He feels that RM500,000 is not much to spend on his idea.

Is he a councillor or a politician? His job is not about politics and he should know it. It is nonsense to think that the council's image should be altered to suit his personal needs, just so that he won't be made fun of. He should grow up and just do his job.

Only those who need not work to make money have this kind of attitude. It is so easy to spend the people's money, isn't it?

Mr Councillor, you are holding office in the people's trust, so please think harder about what you can do to enrich our lives. Changing the colour of the MPSJ logo should not be on your agenda.

MPSJ resident
Subang Jaya

[tupai]

Arifin,

you are who you are...small minded and nothing better to do.

I am even more ashamed that the people who appointed you to MPSJ board, cannot differential petty politician's ambition and service to councils!
Pleave leave national politics OUT of local council (In case you are not not been briefed, Majlis Perbandaran's role is to serve the local population).

SHAME on YOU and the people who appointed you.

Keith Khoo

p/s Political appointees to local councils are more of a pain than a benefit! How do we opt for an election instead???

[jericho]

Arrifin Osman should tell UMNO to change the color of their logo as well since white and red is related to DAP logo minus the blue circle.

[joker2107]

in todays sun nades takes a look at how appointed councillors defy good sense and ignore legal obligations as they do not have to bear any liability nor lose their job. although the context of the article is in a different arena, arifin's call is definitely an intrusion into dangerous territory, within the ambit of nades comments. pm has spoken of voluntary resignation. public response has echoed the inability of arifin to serve in a public office. if he cannot do what dr m suggested, perhaps it is time his higher ups act and remove him b4 things take a turn for the worse. this is simple episode with an obvious inference. if he cannot handle cold water, what will happen when temperatures rise?
btw with all the advances in medical sci, have they p[erfected brain transplant yet? there's a ready candidate for beta testing in humans.

[jeffooi]

MALAYSIAKINI.COM
4:44pm Thu Feb 13th, 2003

<FONT SIZE="+1">Can politicians articulate something relevant, insightful?</FONT>
Tai Lo Chin


...What about Selangor MB’s instructions of December 23 last year to restaurants, coffeeshops and hawkers centres to take down all signages that carried beer advertisements? Wouldn’t this imply that Carlsberg breweries too have to relocate from Selangor or Formula one championships at the Sepang

Circuit (with their large banners and billboards advertising Fosters Beer) called off? What is the message here? That playing golf with drinks is as dangerous as driving under alcohol? Come on!

...One common thread is the attempt to jump on the band wagon of enforcing morality.

But they are not upping the ante on PAS in enforcing stricter morality in Terengganu and Kelantan, are they?

Why are they following Pas style of appearing moralistic as the sole basis of political platform?

At least this Umno division leader (Seri Kembangan Umno branch secretary Ariffin Osman) came out with something original - not following PAS. He wants the green and white colours in Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) logo changed, never mind that it costs ratepayers RM500,000 (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/200302090019127.php"TARGET="NEW">Umno councillor dreads green colour, wants MPSJ logo replaced</A>).

As your reader Al-Han said, "For heaven’s sake, can’t people like Seri Kembangan Umno branch secretary Ariffin Osman for once fight for the welfare of the people? There are other pressing issues we face every day. Figuring out how to prevent people from dropping dead because of dengue would bring Ariffin more fame and glory" (<A HREF="http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302110033862.php"TARGET="NEW">Green is forbidden!</A>).

The heart of the issue is quality.

Can politicians articulate something relevant, insightful and good for the multicultural communities and the nation that can, at the same time in the march to personal political fame and glory, also win support on rational grounds from NGOs, national leaders, opposition members alike?

The record so far has not been encouraging. They back fire just like the report of sedition lodged against your online bulletin.


FULL STORY:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200302130033871.php

[uchangeng]

:o :o :o :o Ariffin,

Anyone can tell that the councillor is probably running out of issue and desperately seeking cheap publicity. UMNO is changing boss, remember?

Stop this thread and he is not getting anymore free publicity!

:p

[chuinkee]

hello... where are you Ariffin? why so quiet already? are you still there? we want to hear from you ler...

Benjamin Ho

[jeffooi]

THE MALAY MAIL
Friday, February 14, 2003

<font size="+1">QUIT! MB hits out at lazy councillors</font>
Annie Freeda Cruez


COUNCILLORS in local authorities who cannot perform or have no time to serve the community should resign, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo today.

"Councillors are representatives of the people and they are duty bound to help the public. If they have no time for the people, then they should resign," he said after chairing the State Executive Council meeting.

Dr Khir said he was aware that some councillors were slow in their work and not carrying out their duties as expected.

However, he added that most of them were carrying their weight by bringing about infrastructural development in their respective areas.

He said councillors were given RM100,000 each to implement programmes for their respective areas.

"We want quality councillors who are committed to their job," he said, adding that it was about time those who had been neglecting their duties, buck up.


SOURCE:
http://www.mmail.com.my/Friday/National/20030214120155

[sfliew]

Post your complaint to MB at http://www.mbselangor.com

[azman]

Once this goat finds out that not everyone in subang jaya/usj is an Ummm....no supporter (thank god), I wonder if he'll be choosy in what projects to implement where.

BTW I dont see your supporters propping you up at this site. Are they too damned ashamed of you too?


I'm seething.

[uchangeng]

I am a kampung boy from Kedah, a predominantly Malay kampung.

In the kampung politics, we have this saying that a politikus has to show to his kampung folk that he is "berani"; "berani cakap", "berani bodek", "berani mati" and "berani makan" also.

So, if we analyse Arifin's bizzare behaviour along this line, we can see the similarity here. He is telling everyone here that he is "berani cakap"(I am not too sure what else he is "berani" at?). In another words, this man is playing kampung politics here in USJ.. Unforturnately. like Azman says it well, where are Arifin's supporters in this IT literate township like Subang Jaya ?

Are we seeing a kampung poltikus playing his kampung politics here ? We should report him to his boss and see if he can still keep his job till the next election. This man is fast becoming a liability to BN..


:eek:

[Roy883]

Usually in a controversial issue, there are always two sides of the coin. Some will argue for the case, while others argue against the case.

With regards to this particular matter, there is NO CONTROVESY because there are NO 2 sides. Only 1 side of the story...and that is simply that the proposal by Arifin is downright idiotic, childish, thoughtless and selfish!!!!

Hence, I really don't think anybody in their right mind, is going to write in to support this ridiculuous proposal of Arifin.
:o

By the way, how did someone with such mentality get into this position?????

[ray2k]

OK, the good councillor has said something that most, if not all, people disagree with.

Does anyone know if he's done anything useful? Practical? Helpful? Might be nice to hear about it!!!!

We all make mistakes, but if he has also contributed, then we should not castigate him so readily.

On the issue at hand, what rankles is that when he's appointed, he goes around complaining that he's embarassed to wear the logo. In that case, he should really have never accepted the appointment in the first place. Now that he has, he should step down and make way for someone else who would be proud to wear the logo and work for the rakyat!

[xweird]

looks like no more further news on this issue...

[empress_julz]

I spend a lot of my time trying to convince ppl in Europe that Malaysians are very intelligent and mature in the mind, and then you hear the one off story of some idiosyncratic semi-elected nut go off his rocker and you wonder why you even bother to try.

It's not like MPSJ has the Nazi Swastika on it's logo! Come on, it's the colour green... drawing a connection is ludicrous and absurd. Does he intend to go for the recycling logos, petronas, and what have you not? Ban the colour green from Subang Jaya?

There's so much more to worry about in Subang Jaya, like the cleanliness for instance.... that awful rubbish dump at SS15 in front of the mamaks is a fine, fine example. That's been there for years and no one says anything. We have to wait for someone to catch some weird disease before anything happens. Then someone draws a ridiculous inference to a patently common colour and boom... we have a big (albeit stupid) story.

Do we get to vote for our Subang leaders? Let's put some real cronies in power. Smashing.


///EJ