DAP strengthened grip on Subang Jaya

Two years following the grand entry of a new assemblyman for Subang Jaya, the DAP finally had a major function to meet up with the local residents. March 12 was a special night for those residing and voting in Subang Jaya because a breakthrough event took place that night.

Ean Yong Hian Wah, Selangor State Chairman and Tunku Abdul Aziz, National Vice Chairman

Teresa Kok, DAP National Organising Secretary and Senior Selangor State Exco brief the audience on the historical background of the Taman Subang Ria controversy.

  

   

Part of the dinner crowd, listening to updates from DAP elected representatives while enjoying a good meal.

 People who are unable to get a seat in the hall listens to Gobind Singh via a link-up telecast.

 About 1200 supporters gathered at a local shopping mall to witness and support a historic occasion which happens due to the decision made two years ago i.e. March 8, 2008. The people of Subang Jaya then voted for change and changed they did. The people of Subang Jaya had then elected a very dedicated and courageous young lady to serve the people.

Hannah Yeoh, the Subang Jaya assemblywoman was the toast of the crowd for her speech and two years report card. Her "report card" touches on many issues of concerned to the people of Subang Jaya, including education,  unity, infrastructure, environmental, healthy lifestyle and so on.

For the first time in Subang Jaya history the Democratic Action Party had a memorable Chinese New Year gathering which were graced by leaders of the DAP including its icon Lim Kit Siang, Tunku Abdul Aziz, Teresa Kok, Gobind Singh, Ean Yong Hian Wah and Adun for Subang Jaya Hannah Yeoh.

Kit Siang who was the final speaker of the night, spoke on many issues affecting Malaysians including the GST, NEM, GTP and Malaysian Malaysia.

The speakers lineup for the night.

After winning the state constituency of Subang Jaya for the first time in 2008, DAP are expected to further strengthen its grip on the state seat with the recent registration of a new branch and establishment of another pro-tem committee for another branch in USJ. While the first branch mostly managed by members below 35, the less than three months old branch pro-tem committee in USJ East are led by a group of grass-root supporters who are mostly in the 40s and above.

  

The team from the DAP USJ East branch with YB Hannah and YB Gobind Singh

The on-the-street experience and networking of these new branch members can be noticed when they managed to organised a major fundraising event within two months which surprises many, even those in the party's state leadership. The team that form the pro-tem committee and organizes the dinner are just ordinary guys next door who had the courage  to be directly involved in a political party for the first time in their life and to fly the flag of democracy through the DAP. - Loka

Rakyat tidak boleh fikir?

Apa perlu adanya pilihanraya kerajaan tempatan? Ia tidak semestinya akan membawa apa-apa perubahan dan kemajuan dalam pentadbiran. Betulkah? Biarlah hanya golongan tertentu sahaja yang melantik diri mereka sendiri sebagai pemimpin dan menguruskan hal ehwal masyarakat selama-lamanya. Bukankah begitu bagus, rakyat tak perlulah berkobar-kobar mendaftar sebagai pengundi, menyemak senarai pengundi untuk pastikan nama ada, berbaris dari awal pagi untuk ambil kertas undi dan memerah otak mereka untuk fikirkan siapa yang harus mereka pilih. Menyusahkan saja kan? Lagipun tak perlulah rakyat menanggung beban menjaga mata pencarian segelintir orang yang menguruskan pilihanraya.

Biarkanlah saja mereka yang taksub kuasa politik terus pegang tampuk kekuasaan. Kita orang biasa yang daif ini manalah tahu untuk bezakan siapa yang layak ataupun sesuai untuk jadi wakil kami. Kita ni kan senang dilayan macam kanak-kanak. Kanak-kanak tidak tahu membuat keputusan yang secara bernas dan berhemah. Itukan telah dikatakan apabila sebuah sekolah di Pulau Mutiara mengadakan pemilihan "ala" pilihanraya umum baru-baru ini. Kalau merajuk disumbatlah dengan lolipop agar kita didiamkan supaya mereka boleh hidup senang dalam mahligai hasil keringat rakyat biasa. Mungkin hanya mereka yang takutkan bayang-bayang sendiri saja yang tahu segalanya?

Tambah lagi mereka yang takutkan bayang-bayang, "pilihanraya akan makan belanja yang besar". Baik wang yang akan diguna itu disalurkan kepada mereka yang memerlukannya (mengikut penilaian mereka yang berkepentingan sajalah!, kroni namanya). Kalau gini logiknya, mengapa pula ada pemilihan di peringkat parti mahupun pilihanraya umum kebangsaan dan negeri. Itu kan juga menggunakan duit. Itu tak membazir ke kalau ikut logik mereka? Tambah lagi, kalau tak mahu terus  berpolitik, undur sajalah dari dunia politik.

Amatilah negara-negara yang telah sekian lama mengadakan pilihanraya pelbagai peringkat. Rakyat mereka diberi peluang menyuarakan isi hati mereka dan memberi kepercayaan kepada orang yang difikirkan paling sesuai untuk mentadbir melalui peti undi. Rakyat biasa dihormati dan di beri hak untuk membuat keputusan menetapkan hala tuju pembangunan tempat mereka bermastautin dan di beri peluang mengorak masa depan mereka sendiri. Rakyat dilayan secara bermaruah dan dihormati. Bukannya dilayan seperti anak-anak kecil ataupun beruk di dalam sangkar yang terpaksa menerima apa sahaja yang dilemparkan oleh tuannya.- Loka

MCA Bian Lian Pte Ltd

The master was able to change his face within less than a second. He did it with such slick movement that the audiences watching the opera clapped with awed and astounding excitement. With modern day acoustics, the performance became even more dramatic and entertaining. The audience just do not know and comprehend what face the performer going to change into next.

Well, that was the art of China's Szechuan Face Changing or bian lian ( 變臉) in Chinese. This art began in China 300 years ago. Performers can changed their face into different look to depict characters in Chinese opera shows. It has been very popular in the local scene especially during cultural performace or dinners attended by the Chinese community.

But for those who did not have the opportunity to watch the Szechuan bian lian so far, they can count themselves lucky as Malaysia has their very own version of bian lian which are performed widely throughout the country and to the whole world too. And it is for free. These performances are presented by a local troupe who endeared themselves as MCA Bian Lian Pte. Ltd.

Frankly, I used to follow closely on these performance with "interest" because I personally knows some of the top performers and used to give moral and spiritual support to some of them. But now, I think like many who has been concern about the standard and quality of the troupe, we just don't care anymore. These performers  face changing skills are so expected that people do not bothered with what appearance they are changing into next. Except maybe the performers themselves!

People are no more excited and concerned whether this MCA Bian Lian troupe is going to close down or even taken over by corporate raiders and run by outsiders who are least concern with the survival, dignity and importance of the Chinese bian lian.

I think it's better for me to stick to the professioanlly tested and consistent Szechuan bian lian. At least I know they are putting up a show to earn a honest living for real. - Loka

AIG to sell AIA

 AIG TO SELL AIA TO PRUDENTIAL FOR APPROXIMATELY $35.5 BILLION

Transaction to Yield Approximately $25 Billion in Cash upon Closing to Repay Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Transaction Underscores AIG's High Priority to Repay Taxpayers as Quickly as Possible

NEW YORK, Mar 01, 2010 -- American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (NYSE: AIG) announced today a definitive agreement for the sale of the AIA Group, Limited (AIA), one of the world's largest pan-Asian life insurance companies, to Prudential plc for approximately $35.5 billion, including approximately $25 billion in cash, $8.5 billion in face value of equity and equity-linked securities, and $2.0 billion in face value of preferred stock of Prudential, subject to closing adjustments.

The cash portion of the proceeds from the sale, the largest to date in AIG's ongoing restructuring efforts, will be used to redeem preferred interests with a liquidation preference of approximately $16 billion held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) in the special purpose vehicle formed to hold the interests in AIA, and to repay approximately $9 billion under the FRBNY Credit Facility. AIG intends to monetize the $10.5 billion in face value of Prudential securities over time, subject to market conditions, following the lapse of agreed-upon minimum holding periods. All net cash proceeds from the monetization of these securities will be used to repay any outstanding debt under the FRBNY Credit Facility.

"In considering two viable, very attractive alternatives to successfully monetize AIA, including an initial public offering, we decided that a sale to Prudential enables AIG to realize value on a faster track to repay U.S. taxpayers," said Bob Benmosche, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer. "This transaction, the most significant milestone to date in our ongoing effort to repay taxpayers, also gives us greater flexibility to move forward with AIG's restructuring and focus on enhancing the value of our key insurance businesses, which will benefit all stakeholders.

 

"Combining Prudential, which has long been committed to enhancing its profile in Asia, and AIA, a remarkable Asian franchise, will create an unrivalled life insurance powerhouse in Asia, one of the world's fastest growing markets. This transaction assures AIA of a well-respected, highly-rated, financially strong partner in which its management, customers, employees, agent sales force, and distribution partners can have confidence. Indeed, in undertaking this transaction, both we and Prudential are committed to preserving the AIA brand and the unique strengths of each of our sales forces, which is key to capitalizing on AIA's long term potential," Mr. Benmosche concluded.

 

Founded 160 years ago, Prudential is a leading international financial services provider. The transaction includes all of the companies of the AIA Group operating in 15 geographical markets across Asia Pacific, including the company's international network of more than 320,000 agents and approximately 23,500 employees serving the holders of more than 23 million in-force policies and the more than 10 million participating members of its clients for group life, medical, credit life coverage, and pension products.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both AIG and Prudential, and is expected to close by the end of 2010. The transaction is subject to approval by Prudential shareholders, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions.

AIG is a leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services around the world. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.

The AIA Group is a leading pan-Asian life insurance organization that traces its roots in the Asia Pacific region back more than 90 years. It provides consumers and businesses with products and services for life insurance, retirement planning, accident and health insurance as well as wealth management solutions. Through an extensive network of 320,000 agents and 23,500 employees across 15 geographical markets, AIA serves over 23 million customers in the region.

SOURCE: American International Group, Inc.
American International Group, Inc.
Christina Pretto, 212-770-7083 (News Media)
Teri Watson, 212-770-7074 (Investment Community)

DAP breakthru dinner in Subang Jaya

At last, the assemblyman in my area Hannah Yeoh, managed to secure a venue to hold a DAP dinner in Subang Jaya after all. The latest from her blog reveals that a number of DAP big guns including Lim Kit Siang, Tunku Abdul Aziz, Teresa Kok etc. will be converging to Subang Jaya on 12 March 2010 to attend the dinner to be held at the Summit Shopping Mall.

As far as I know, this will be the first time DAP having a major dinner function with the people in Subang Jaya. The dinner which is organised by a new DAP branch in USJ was initially planned to be held at the SJK (C) Chee Wen school hall. The application to rent the hall was withdrawn few days later even after a deposit been paid. Seige mentality and deluded mind cause the school to loose out some much needed income to pay back close to RM2 million debt still owed to the contractor.

What will be the implication to the school image and Chinese education if the contractor obtained a court order to seal the school hall if the debt still unpaid after many letters of demand?

So, SJK (C)  Chee Wen Board of Governors especially those responsible for the school hall management, what say you? - Loka