launching of basic medical check up and awareness services campaign in Ipoh

Speech by M.Kula Segaran on the occasion of launching of basic medical check up and awareness services campaign in Ipoh
---------------------------------

Malaysia has done a remarkable job in containing the Covid 19 pandemic in comparison to other countries who are much developed.

 Inspite of this success it is vital for Malaysians  not to be complacent,and learn from the new spike of Covid 19 cases in other countries.

According to medical professionals  the covid 19 related death rates are higher among  people with pre-existing illness and those who are in the margins of society who cant afford medical check ups.

In this context  it is vital that Malaysians with pre -existing illness follow a  schedule medical check up with commitment  to ensure pre-existing illness like diabates and hypetension are kept under control.

Those who feel they are healthy  should also  go for frequent  medical check ups as a preventive measure.

Keeping this in mind , Team
Ipoh Barat
would be launching a basic medical check up process for Ipoh  residents with the presence  of a doctor.

We have been   providing consistent basic services to our constituents over the years and this new medical check up and awareness campaign are in addition to that.

We hope in a small way we can assist people to be aware of the current medical condition and  to take necessary follow up action.


Health is wealth and all efforts must be streamline to assist the B40 and the less fortunate.

Team Ipoh barat is commited to make this medical project inclusive to all irespective of race and religion.


M. Kula Segaran

Member of Parliament for Ipoh Barat, Perak

National Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Action Party

Former Human Resources Minister, Malaysia

The resignation Art Harun reinforces a historical deficit

Dear Editor
The resignation Art Harun reinforces a historical deficit


Conviction to a certain cause is what makes an institution meaningful and respected and credible in the eyes of the people


In the 14th general election Malaysians who desired change did not just vote for political parties to represent change, there was also a desire that individuals with courage and integrity would helm important institutions like election commission, MACC and even GLCs so that meaningful check and balance could be initiated and implemented.


One of those areas that was in a dire need of reforms was the election commission and culture of its operation. It is in public knowledge how this institution was manipulated especially in the delineation exercise over the years to ensure victory for the Barisan Nasional, besides the lack fair play in the conduct of elections.


The appointment of Azhar Azizan Harun was the most awaited appointment done by the PH, as he was set to make historic changes to the Election Commission.

He was even studying the anti-party hopping law, a move that would have discouraged party hopping which violates the people’s mandate.

The work that he could have done could be compared to what Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan, has done in India when he was appointed EC Chairman of India.


Seshan single-handedly brought changes that not one of his predecessors could ever have done. He put his foot down to bring meaningful changes which have been felt and emulated globally.


He identified more than hundred electoral malpractices and reformed the election process. Some of the reforms he implemented include enforcement of election code of conduct, Voter IDs for all eligible voters, and a limit on election candidates' expenditure. He curbed several malpractices like bribing or intimidating voters, distribution of liquor during elections, use of government funds and machinery for campaigning, appealing to voters' caste or communal feelings, use of places of worship for campaigns, use of loudspeakers and high-volume music without prior written permission.


Unfortunately, EC chairman has decided to resign without instituting much needed reforms. This reveals a clear repudiation of people's aspiration in 14th General election.


The question is why has Azhar decided to resign in the crucial stage of the nation's history where a backdoor government has been formed and Malaysians would want to see institutional leaders with courage who would not succumb to any pressure or waiver from a given cause?


The fact is Malaysia is in a historical deficit of such leaders since it has been under the BN hegemony for 60 years and now Perikatan Nasional. It seems that leaders with liability exceed those with integrity.


Malaysia has lost a great opportunity for electoral reforms and now it is in the hands of the young to bring about change.





Ronald Benjamin
Secretary
Association for Community and Dialogue