Latest news with #AyerHitamMCA
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Full support for Onn Hafiz from Ayer Hitam division
Close ranks: Dr Wee and Ling taking a group photo with party members after the Ayer Hitam MCA division annual general meeting at a restaurant in Yong Peng, Johor. YONG PENG: Ayer Hitam MCA has unanimously expressed its full support for Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to continue leading the state. The division also passed another resolution for MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong to lead the party and be nominated again as a candidate in the next general election. Dr Wee is the incumbent Ayer Hitam MP. The delegates also want MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon, the Yong Peng state assemblyman, to defend the seat. They said Onn Hafiz has been an effective Mentri Besar, citing his strong leadership and vision for the 'Maju Johor 2030' agenda. The agenda has six key thrusts – good governance, sustainable economic development, an enhanced social safety net, improved facilities and basic amenities, security, cleanliness and the environment, and special focus on youths – to ensure its vision of becoming a developed state by 2030. During the division annual general meeting yesterday, some 200 delegates voted strongly in favour of Onn Hafiz to lead the Johor Barisan Nasional machinery in the upcoming state polls. A total of six resolutions were passed during the meeting, which was also attended by Dr Wee and Ling. Besides expressing support for all three leaders, the division urged the Education Ministry to review the new matriculation entry requirement, where those who scored A- in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia are not considered to have attained an A. The delegates also want an explanation on why lesser allocations were given to Chinese schools in last year's budget. On a localised issue, they were against the implementation of a paid parking system in Yong Peng, which they felt could lead to other issues such as illegal parking. The move could affect the livelihood of residents and businesses in the area, they added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt must clearly state if small traders can use subsidised LPG, says Dr Wee
YONG PENG: The government should clearly state if hawkers and small traders are allowed to use subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "If the government intends to allow them (hawkers and small traders) to use the (subsidised LPG), then it should be put in black and white," the MCA president said after officiating the Ayer Hitam MCA annual general meeting here on Sunday (June 1). Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said there was no enforcement done on the ruling that requires a permit for the use of more than three 14kg cylinders at one time, although it was introduced during his time in Cabinet. "It is this government that is enforcing the rule and going after hawkers," he said. He said there has been widespread panic among hawkers nationwide following a Petronas directive dated April 30, which instructed gas distributors to stop selling subsidised LPG (12kg and 14kg cylinders) to all commercial premises, including food stalls. "This directive has caused confusion, anxiety and panic among small traders and hawkers. "Aside from social media, many hawkers have also approached me to voice their grouses," he said. He said many hawkers have more than three gas cylinders on standby as it would take time and extra costs to order more if they run out. As of May 1, eateries including hawkers are required to use 14kg commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70 each. The ministry also launched Ops Gasak to combat any misuse of subsidised LPG. On May 23, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said LPG subsidies have cost the government RM3.4bil and said premises using more than 42kg LPG (which amounts to three 14kg cylinders) must apply for a permit under the Control of Supplies (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MCA receives 214 complaints from straight-A SPM students failing to secure matriculation
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (left) and party youth chief Ling Ting Soon (right) showing the results of SPM a straight A's student consisting of A and A only but still did not get a spot in Matriculation. YONG PENG: At least 214 straight-A students have reached out to MCA after failing to secure a spot in matriculation following an abrupt change to the entry requirements. Party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that as of 10pm on Saturday (May 30), MCA had received matriculation-related complaints from 394 disappointed students. "Out of the cases we received, 214 of them are mostly students who scored straight As in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), but had one or two A-. "They were supposed to be eligible for the programme, but suddenly the Education Ministry changed the requirement and A- is no longer considered 'cemerlang' (excellent). 'There were also cases where the students have even fulfilled the new requirement after getting straight A's consisting of A+ and A only, but still did not get a spot in matriculation,' he said. He said this in a press conference after officiating the Ayer Hitam MCA general assembly here. Dr Wee also pointed out that these were just cases MCA has received, and the number of students facing the same plight is a lot higher. "Last year, we also raised the matriculation issue after the Prime Minister said that only those with 10As can enter the programme. "There are students who only took nine subjects. How are they supposed to get 10 As?" he said, adding that the government has yet to respond to the matter. In a video on Friday (May 30), Dr Wee said that the Education Ministry had released a circular on April 30 stating that only students with 10As comprising A+ and A in all subjects would be given an automatic offer to enrol in the matriculation programme for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee pointed out that this move, which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook, was a significant shift from the government's policy last year when students with 10As in SPM were allocated a place in matriculation. In June last year, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above, would be given a place in the matriculation programme.
