Racial policies enforced Malaysia’s brain drain, admit BN leaders

Senior Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders admitted today that race-based policies had contributed to Malaysia’s brain drain problem, which the country needs to plug if it is to join the ranks of high-income nations by 2020.

They were responding to former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s remarks in his new book that Malaysia’s acute loss of talent was due to Putrajaya’s insistence on promoting “one race” above all others.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that the rise of “Ketuanan Melayu” or Malay supremacy had previously caused local talents to quit the country.

“I will say in the past the issue of Ketuanan Melayu in fact caused some migration of people from the country but we want to emphasise that Malaysia is a multiracial country and we preserve harmony and unity in this country.

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In brewing MCA revolt, Soi Lek backs Matang-Scope deal

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (pic) denied today that the party was undergoing any asset-stripping exercise, throwing his weight behind the proposed reverse takeover (RTO) bid by Matang Holdings Bhd in a move that could spark a major dispute with his deputy Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.(left)

Just hours after Liow and several senior party leaders slammed the deal at a press conference, Dr Chua issued a statement to insist that the planned takeover of listed electronics firm Scope Industries Bhd was meant to “add value” to the Matang Holding’ shares.

“It does not involve the sale of the any Matang Holdings asset and it is wrong to construe this transaction as asset stripping by MCA,” he said in the statement.

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Liow: MCA leaders, members must united to regain Chinese support

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was visibly distraught today when responding to reporters' question on the party's fate following MCA'S dismal performance in the 13th general election (GE13).

He said MCA had struggled for 64 years and now the party's leadership had to face the awesome challenge of ensuring that the party remain relevant, especially for the Chinese community in the country.

"It was a big blow to the party in the GE13. What we can do now is that all leaders and members of the party must be united to regain the community's support. We have to come back together.

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Liow: H1N1 Outbreak under control

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai says the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak at the National Service (NS) camp is under control.

PKR: WWW 15 gift to Liow shows ‘collapse’ in RTD tender system

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai’s claim that he had been given the WWW 15 vehicle registration number for free shows a “collapse” in the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) open tender system, PKR said today.

Pressing for more answers in the unravelling saga, PKR investment and trade chairman Wong Chen asked why the RTD was willing to forego revenue of RM24,200 for the plate, adding that this move would have also shortchanged other bidders for the WWW 15 and for other plate numbers.

New strategy to combat suicides

 Five-year plan will address root of the problem, says health minister

CONCERNED over the increasing suicide rate, the Health Ministry is set to initiate a five-year plan to tackle the issue.

Dubbed the Strategic Action Plan for Suicide Prevention, the plan, expected to be launched in October, will map strategies to address the root of the problem.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Liow Tiong Lai (pic) said his ministry was concerned over the rising number of suicides in Malaysia, with 1,516 cases recorded from 2007 to 2010.

Doctor was planning his wedding

Condolences: Liow meeting Dr Lee’s father at his house in Kajang where the wake was being held yesterday.


Dr Lee Chang Tat (pic), who was found dead in a restroom at Kajang Hospital, had been busy planning for his wedding ceremony in December.

His sister said there was no reason for the trainee doctor to kill himself, adding that the 29-year-old had registered his marriage last November.
“I did not notice anything unusual in his behaviour. Since his wife is staying with us, he would usually be home after work.

“His wife told me that he was still messaging her as at 2am on Wednesday – the day he was found dead,” she said at their home in Taman Mahkota, Kajang, where the wake is being held.

1 Care merely ‘upgrade’ of current healthcare system, says minister

1 Care merely ‘upgrade’ of current healthcare system, says minister
The health minister today denied 1 Care would force Malaysians to contribute 10 per cent of their salaries to finance the scheme

Putrajaya’s controversial 1 Care proposal is merely an “upgrade” of Malaysia’s current two-pronged healthcare system, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.

The health minister told reporters that any discussion of 1 Care was “premature”.

He repeatedly stressed that the matter is at a “discussion level” in what appears to be an attempt to allay the public’s alarm and fury following disclosures on the internet by prominent healthcare professionals, including those who were involved in talks with the government over 1 Care’s execution as far back as three years ago.

Stiffer penalties for sale of unregistered medicine

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob (2nd from right) Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (2nd from left) give a go at calligraphy at the CNY Open House organised by the Kuantan Tionghua societies in Kuantan.

The Health Ministry is considering the proposal of stiffer penalties, such as imprisonment, for those found guilty of selling unregistered medicine which endangered the public, said its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The ministry is amending several laws related to acts governing the sector, to protect consumers and take sterner action against those who breach regulations, he said.

Anti-obesity Act could discriminate

Why is there a need for an anti-obesity law when there is no guarantee skinny people are a healthier lot?

This was among the responses from those on the "heavier side" regarding the Health Ministry's intention to enact an Anti-Obesity Act by 2020.

Pauline Wong of Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, said the law will clearly discriminate against big-sized people.

"It's not fair. If they want to institute such a law, they have to also include a bylaw that allows discriminated people to sue the companies or organisations which discriminate against them," said the 25-year-old journalist.

Wong said employers who judge people based on their physical appearance as opposed to ability and productivity, would appear less attractive to other potential employees.

Wong also said an anti-obesity law is an infringement of human rights.

"Everyone has the right to look the way they choose. If you determine shape and size for everyone, it negates their rights," she said.

Sunfert IVF - Malaysia's one stop fertility centre

Health Minister Dato' Sri Liow Tiong Lai launched Sunvert IVF, an international fertility centre in Sunway Medical Centre, Wednesday.

Ministry bans another beverage

Another beverage has been found to be contaminated with the cancer-causing plastic additive diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).

This time, it is the Lennox Firm-Up Collagen Drink.

The Health Ministry has instructed Leton Products (M) Sdn Bhd to withdraw its products as traces of DEHP was found in one of its ingredients, a grape-flavoured concentrate from Taiwan that is produced by CZC Bubble Tea Supplier.

The hazardous additive was also found in CZC's strawberry syrup.

Liow orders change of maintenance crew at Penang Hospital

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai today directed contractors at the Penang Hospital to urgently change their maintenance crew after an "act of negligence".

He was speaking to reporters after visiting Penang police chief Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob who was warded last Friday after he fell into an uncovered drain at the corridor of the hospital, injuring hi body and right leg.

Liow said that there had been too many cases of neglect at the hospital, including an accident of a ceiling falling on some people.

He said he had asked the director of the hospital to ensure that the new crew adhered closely to maintenance and safety guidelines.

Liow: Only doctors, pharmacists can supply contraceptives

Oral contraceptives can only be supplied by medical practitioners and licensed pharmacists.

Tainted food & drinks from Taiwan alert

Food and drink products from Taiwan tainted with toxic chemicals di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) are prohibited in Malaysia, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Liow said among the restricted products are Uni-President Asparagus Juice by Uni-President Enterprises Corp Taiwan.

Also prohibited are Sunkist Lemon Juice, Sunkist Lemon Juice Drink with Aloe Vera Pulp, Sunkist Orange Juice and Sunkist Orange Juice drinks manufactured by Country House Inc in Taiwan and exported to Malaysia through Sunlight Foods Corp, Taiwan.

MCA presidential council backs Chua’s stand

All the president’s men: Dr Chua walking out of the brainstorming camp with MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha (right) and other party leaders at Ayer Keroh, Malacca, Friday.

The MCA presidential council is backing its president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's call for the party to give up all government posts if the Chinese community did not support its candidates in the next general election.

Dr Chua said the decision was taken after much consideration as this was to show our respect to the electorate, especially the Chinese community, hence we will turn down any offer for Government positions, he told reporters after the meeting at a resort here.

Government Hospitals seek help to cut huge electricity bills

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (centre) chatting with a patient, Wok Kamid, 86, during his visit to the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital’s orthopaedic ward in Temerloh, Pahang, yesterday



Hefty electricity bills at government hospitals have prompted the authorities to seek help from the private sector.

The private sector has been asked to propose the most suitable solution that can help reduce the monthly bills.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the company that could come up with the best solution would be given a percentage of the money saved by the hospitals.


He said the plan would not incur extra cost to the government as the company would get the money from the savings.

"This is how we can save as the power and water consumption at government hospitals is very high," he said after visiting Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital (Hoshas) here yesterday.

Liow: Eggs are the real thing

Preliminary tests on eggs seized from a market in Penang following the fake egg scare have shown them to be genuine.

They are the real thing. Preliminary tests on eggs seized from a market in Penang following the fake egg scare have shown them to be genuine.

The eggs, however, will still be sent for DNA tests to determine – once and for all – if they are fake.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the first tests found the protein content, yolk and shell’s calcium were no different from normal eggs. However, the ministry wanted to be certain.

“So, the Chemistry Department is now doing DNA tests on the eggs.

“This will determine, once and for all, whether they are real or fake,” Liow told reporters after opening the national-level World Health Day 2011 celebration here yesterday.

He said the final confirmation would be known today.

Liow: RM35.3 billion in earnings by 2020

Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, believes the target is possible due to the six entry point projects (EPP) under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) for healthcare services.

Over 11,000 waiting for organ, tissue transplants

Health Minister Datuk Sei Liow Tiong Lai said despite the increasing numbers of organ pledges and actual donors, the numbers of actual organ donors are still very small. He said that in his speech before launching the National Organ Donation Awareness Week 2010 celebrations on Sunday.