Author Archives: jacobg

WHO’S FINANCING THE FAKE NEWS THAT DRUNK DRIVING IS THE CAUSE OF ALL ACCIDENTS/FATALITIES IN MALAYSIA?

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‘Or as I have repeatedly stated and gone on record on national television, that the lack of attention, reckless driving, lack of proper protection, speeding, bad personal habits, social and behavioral misconduct and inconsiderate drivers of larger vehicles are some of the problems that cause accidents.’

WHO’S FINANCING THE FAKE NEWS THAT DRUNK DRIVING IS THE CAUSE OF ALL ACCIDENTS/FATALITIES IN MALAYSIA?

The latest obsession in Malaysia is to play up isolated accidents and fatalities as alcohol related!

It is a concerted conspiracy by various vested groups.

But what happened to the larger statistics of deaths caused without the presence of either alcohol or drugs but simply recklessness?

What about the cases of a bus plunging into a ravine or involved in a highway collision resulting in body bags of fatalities, which gets reported by gets no attention from Malaysian politicians?

What about the fatalities of an entire family because of driving recklessness?

What about the arrogant, criminal intimidation by Rempits on our roads and highways and these days by those involved in the gig economy as they speed, cut lanes, damage vehicles, cause accidents not getting a mention by these puritans?

These politicians supported by a media whom they control want to be in the news constantly and the only way is to manipulate the news across race and religion.

What sells well than race, religion and attacking Malaysian minorities?

Perhaps, some are having dreams to be Malaysia’s next Prime Minister instead of addressing issues under their ministerial portfolio.

I have addressed the whole issue of road carnage in Malaysia comprehensively.

Go check my blog at www.drjacobgeorge

But do not play up an isolated incident using it in a ‘political conspiracy and weaponise’ it to harm the lifestyles and rights of those who are not from your religious and racial persuasion.

Right let us get to the facts.

Is alcohol the cause of the huge number of fatalities in Malaysia?

Or is the abuse of substance and drug addiction also a probable cause?

Or as I have repeatedly stated and gone on record that the lack of attention, reckless driving, lack of proper protection, speeding, bad personal habits, social and behavioral misconduct and inconsiderate drivers of larger vehicles are some of the problems that cause accidents.

In Malaysia, motorcycle fatal accidents (60%) warrant a high degree of concern.

Can the real non compromised media practitioners please prove me wrong?

I have always advocated heavy penalties.

And the law is clear so please media do not play one up and another down.

Under Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, those who drive under the influence of liquor or drugs (liquor or drugs – mind you) can be punished with a fine not exceeding RM1,000 and shall also be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.

Why have we not regularly checked for drugs and substance abuse by drivers of commercial and heavy vehicles which includes busses?

I have for the last 12 years lobbied for this.

So we do not need busy body prime minister ‘wannna-be’ politicians to urge the freezing of new licenses for the sale of liquor pending new guidelines and laws nor the banning of alcohol in Malaysia.

All we need as Prime Minister, Muhyiddin Yassin stated the current legislation to be tightened and the penalties heavy with mandatory jail terms, heavy fines and a driving ban up to 5 years!

I just cannot understand why certain Malaysian media publicize such idiotic statements, when the statements made does not provide concrete answers based on facts, figures or the current reality of road carnage in Malaysia.

CASSA SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT ACTION ON ILLEGALS IN MALAYSIA!

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‘We have been far too lenient in the past on matters revolving around documented, undocumented workers and economic migrants taking advantage of the goodwill extended to them in the past.
As a result illegals have become bolder and demanding.
They have today conducted a hostile takeover of several critical sectors of the country which includes food security and this cannot be allowed to continue – period!’
CASSA SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT ACTION ON ILLEGALS IN MALAYSIA!
The Malaysian government has every right to take action against immigrants living illegally in the country without valid documents!
The situation today is one of homeland security matter and only the government and their pool of advisers are in a position to know the clear and present danger posed by this rather large pool of economic migrants and others, allegedly totally 4 million or more!
It is the duty of the government, in fact, all governments of the day to protect their borders and it is obvious those who are critics of the government handling of the issues are a pathetic lot whose agenda the government needs to probe!
CASSA fully agrees that the government cannot simply allow illegal immigrants to roam freely even if they had previously completed their Covid-19 quarantine in areas placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
These groups are a security risk!
As for the criticism from by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) over the arrests of illegal immigrants in the city during the pandemic, these are just noise makers, and others recycling old tainted allegations which has been their forte from the early 90s.
There is no reason for Malaysia which is a sovereign country that has its own sets of laws rather than to protect the nation and ensure the well-being of its people to pay any attention to person non gratas or international pressure groups of the world who have no locus in the issue.
We have been far too lenient in the past on matters revolving around documented, undocumented workers and economic migrants taking advantage of the goodwill extended to them in the past.
As a result illegals have become bolder and demanding.
They have today conducted an hostile takeover of several critical sectors of the country which includes food security and this cannot be allowed to continue – period!
CASSA calls upon the government to continue a comprehensive round up to arrest and detain all illegals and post medical treatment deport them to their own countries.

REMAIN CLOSED COUNCIL OF CHURCHES STATEMENT LAUDED SAYS MALAYSIAN ASEAN APEC CONSUMERIST!

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‘It has brought a new sense of life into our spiritual life and journey as the Christian community comes together to pray and uphold each other and most importantly, the front-liners who put their lives in harm’s way for others, hidden from that media blitz, talk-shows, image fronting and personality cult building!’
REMAIN CLOSED COUNCIL OF CHURCHES STATEMENT LAUDED SAYS MALAYSIAN ASEAN APEC CONSUMERIST!
I must applaud the statement by the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM), that churches under its umbrella will remain closed until the conditional movement control order (CMCO) is lifted!
Dear friend, fellow theologian and CCM’s general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri’s statement that CCM will only allow churches to open if there is assurance from the Ministry of Health that Covid-19 no longer poses a threat to the general public is a great call.
This is not the time for political expediency and playing to the gallery of interest groups and one’s political base!
It is shocking when we witness what can be stated as different strokes and action with different folks!
And we cannot but be glad that in these circumstances we have a calm view from the CCM that the council will decide judiciously when the time comes.
Priority is certainly the safety of our people as our paramount spiritual duty.
The government is advising but are the people listening?
Looking at the recent scenario at various epicenters, the irresponsibility of communities not adhering to government guidelines there is that fear and anxiety, the possibility of spikes post this festivity adventurism, careless and cavalier attitudes, that cross state border runs, the double standards and vague interpretation, the presence of millions of documented and undocumented foreigners and since the country’s situation is still very precarious and volatile in view the Wuhan virus @Covid 19 – this is the best decision to be taken by the CCM!
Actually personally speaking this lock-down has indeed facilitated believers to pray and worship at their respective homes.
Now with online streaming offered, for the worship service on Sundays, worship has indeed become more meaningful.
It has brought a new sense of life into our spiritual life and journey as the Christian community comes together to pray and uphold each other and most importantly, the front-liners who put their lives in harm’s way for others, hidden from that media blitz, talk-shows, image fronting and personality cult building!
I am certain that the CCM will have additional rules for its churches when they reopen in the future, taking into cognizance international, national and state SOPs.

ATTACKS ON PRIVATE HOSPITALS MISLEADING, VICIOUS AND FRIVOLOUS SAYS MALAYSIA ASEAN APEC LEAD CONSUMERIST PROF DR JACOB GEORGE

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‘If you cheat and overcharge, the said patient will not return!
I know of specialists who on many occasions, refuse to charge their professional fees, to help patients who claim to be poor, only then to be seen driven off by their driver in a BMW 7 or other high performance cars!’
ATTACKS ON PRIVATE HOSPITALS MISLEADING, VICIOUS AND FRIVOLOUS SAYS MALAYSIA ASEAN APEC LEAD CONSUMERIST PROF DR JACOB GEORGE
Did a private hospital violate Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 selling a three-ply face masks higher than the ceiling price?
We are told that the said hospital will be charged in court if it fails to pay the compound within the stipulated time.
There are allegations now that there are ‘back-room’ activities to address the matter by certain quarters!
As an expert, I will still comment on the issue at length.
We are told that on May 13, KPDNHEP conducted an inspection at the hospital following a viral story of a patient in a private hospital who was allegedly charged RM201.60 for 18 pieces of three-ply face masks used by the nurses.
The amount equals to RM11.20 a piece, while the ceiling price for the face set by the government is RM1.50 per piece.
Also seized from the hospital were several documents, including the three-ply face masks of the same type for further investigations.
At the time of writing this matter, others have gone viral and I am asking if certain government agencies especially the Domestic Trade Ministry are going overboard with the narrative by making statements and comments that creates not just confusion but perhaps wrong in law?
I add that it is critical and good that KPDNHEP is serious in ensuring the face masks supply are readily available at a price that is not more than the maximum price, but remember for consistency and in view of reality, one should not get carried away making statements which provides fodder that all adventurous patients will use to defame, threaten and blackmail a private healthcare institution based on the interpretation of this mask and other healthcare issue!
KPDNHEP went further to state that patients can, from now on, expect reasonable prices for treatment at private hospitals and can demand that private hospitals provide an estimate of their treatment costs, including the prices of medication, as well as the costs of nursing and treatment services, before undergoing treatment.
I have worked in a leading premier private hospital as its senior administrator before falling victim to high powered politics, racism, and eventual retrenchment of one person, me, and a battle over 12 years in both the industrial and civil courts that gave me eventually redemption to a certain degree but not compensate the pain, agony, loss of dignity, pressure on my family due to these roller-coaster rides!
Despite my deep resentment and hurt based on what happened to me personally, I still say we should be fair and truthful!
The pertinent question is are private hospitals really bleeding Malaysian consumers?
Are professionals and specialists in the Private healthcare facilities daily cheating and manipulating the figures to hurt the purse of patients and insurance companies?
Was it not for this allegation, we came out with the PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES ACT 1998, during the tenor of the then Health Minister, the proactive and no nonsense tolerating Chua Jui Meng in which as lead consumerist, I was also consulted and assisted in the drafting of the said Act!
The issue was the need to address profiteering.
And thanks to the legislation – PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES ACT 1998 we can now address this!
But first, the perimeters that must be made clear.
A private hospital is one which is owned and governed by a person or many people or a public listed company who are managing the whole finances on their own.
A public hospital, on the other hand, is completely and entirely run on the government’s funding and money.
This is a private institution and there is a separation of the tenants read specialist of various disciplines who provide a professional service within the hospital by taking space, paying rent, not just for work space but also for car park and they charge a professional fee for their area of expertise and service and the landlord read hospital charges a separate bill for the utilization and usage of services and facilities which the hospital as an entity provides.
The problem of interpretation is from ignorance and plain unadulterated stupidity!
Are consumers who have decided to go to a private establishment now screaming to be charged government rates?
Where is the profiteering?
Who is profiteering?
The specialists have their fee structure and the hospital has its own management structure and billing system that is widely regulated by the legislation and where there are avenues for appeals on chargers.
Nothing is cast in stone!
So it is plain greed and a vicious attack on the system when consumers making an informed choice, knowingly briefed on chargers, the medical issues and where there is a need for intervention no one can dictate exact figures that surrounds the treatment of cases which may be simple, complicated and others with risks based on the patients’ health and issues.
Is it just jumping on a bandwagon for any, even a consumer group, with no experience to call upon all groups, medical insurance providers who are the main culprits to protect their clients against being overcharged by private hospitals?
Before making statements which are cavalier and foolish like stating in blanket form or claiming all private healthcare institutions have profiteering tendencies, please do your homework if not, shut up!
Are we so stupid to say out of all groups, that medical insurance providers do not micro manage and scrutinize the bills submitted by private hospitals and question them if the charges are exorbitant?
Let us not challenge the intelligence of the masses!
This is 2020 not 1969!
As I write this piece, there is another case where another individual is blackmailing a private hospital on chargers for healthcare despite being advised thoroughly by the physicians!
This individual is now also using the social media to tarnish the image of the physicians both very reputable individuals just because he is politically connected?
I told the physicians to take him on!
I will assist!
CASSA Malaysia is ready to assist in a probe not just on the allegations but on this individual at the same time!
As for KPDNHEP, my advice is – please be careful.
Are you also going to charge all Malaysian 5 star hotels for profiteering for the costs of the say, Nescafe Ais or Nasi Lemak because it is far more costly than the Mamak restaurant?
Daily consumers make choices in their lives.
It could be choices on the purchasing of property, holiday trips, vehicles, goods and services, and healthcare!
Unless there is premeditated intention to cheat a consumer, it is perhaps better for government agencies and consumer groups to first investigate the allegations and not play patronizing politics!
Consumers are not always right!
Neither are all establishments’ thieves!
For the record, Singapore’s Health Ministry published a benchmark fee structure for common surgical procedures, to help patients make better-informed decisions.
But there was none on doctors’ consultation fees.
England and Australia’s private practitioners are free to determine their own fees; although the Australian Medical Association publishes an annual list of medical services and fees, it serves only as a recommendation.
In Japan, medical fees are regulated and reviewed every two years.
Basically I am advising the Malaysian government that there is nothing wrong for the government to allow market forces to determine medical practitioners’ fees.
But it would be good if a ceiling price is set so consumers are not forced to pay excessive charges.
But then again, let us be fair!
If you cheat and overcharge, the said patient will not return!
I know of specialists who on many occasions, refuse to charge their professional fees, to help patients who claim to be poor, only then to be seen driven off by their driver in a BMW 7 or other high performance cars!
One final note!
In 2018, there were around 240 private hospitals and certainly here consumers have an informed choice platform!
So let us all stop contributing to this circus of fake news, consumer groups and online media included!

WUHAN VIRUS@ COVID 19 – WILL THERE BE A SPIKE A SECOND WAVE BECAUSE OF IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR ASKS PROF DR JACOB GEORGE?

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‘Sadly, I do not see the national flags except that in the US flying at half-mast in addressing the grief of the US fatalities!

I wonder why?

We had casualties in this war against Covid 19!

So far there have been no apologies from China either, only threats, and grandstanding at any who questions the Chinese version and narrative!

All we see and experience is death, destruction, fear, anxiety and a massive change of lifestyle, the total collapse of business both global and territorial!’

WUHAN VIRUS@ COVID 19 – WILL THERE BE A SPIKE A SECOND WAVE BECAUSE OF IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR ASKS PROF DR JACOB GEORGE?

As I update my blog, which is very popular abroad, in policy circles, I am advised the ‘war of words and of intimidation goes on between the Chinese, the US, Australia and others in Europe, which includes CASSA calling for a global group of scientist to be appointed by the United Nations to investigation the origins of the Wuhan Virus@Covid 19!

I do not want it to be a Chernobyl moment for China!

It must be based on facts!

It must be a high powered respected task force investigating this pandemic so that lessons can be learnt from it to equip us for something similar in the near future!

There are so many unanswered questions!

The reasons are there with deaths crossing the 344,338 mark and exposure at 5,424,165, with devastated economies, livelihoods, lives and recovery not immediately the fallout is just destructive – period!

But we remember that it only took 91 days for the death toll to pass 100,000 and a further 16 days to reach 200,000, according to the Reuters tally of official reports from governments.

Sadly, I do not see the national flags except that in the US flying at half-mast in addressing the grief of the US fatalities!

We had casualties in this war against Covid 19!

I wonder why?

So far there have been no apologies from China either, only threats, and grandstanding at any who questions the Chinese version and narrative!

All we see and experience is death, destruction, fear, anxiety and a massive change of lifestyle, the total collapse of business both global and territorial!

Communities have failed to realize or  understand that the Wuhan virus @Covid 19 is no respecter of race, religion, social or political status, political mantras, or of supremacy trends!

But despite that, in many parts of the world there is still super arrogance and a reluctance to change!

Or at least kill yourself IF you want to but not spread the infection to innocents by one’s own folly, misconception, racial and religious and theological ideologies, prejudices and bias!

In Malaysia, I am glad to hear that there were no deaths on May 24th 2020!

But there have been 60 new cases bringing Malaysia’s total to 7,245.

But a total of 1,185 people are still being treated, with nine of them in the intensive care unit (ICU), four of them requiring respiratory assistance, which is a worry.

With no new deaths reported, (operative word) linking it to the pandemic the death toll remains at 115, for now!

But the fact remains numbers of infections all depends on the numbers tested!

No great rocket science there!

But having stated that I am rather surprised that the advice of newly minted Special advisor to the prime minister on public health Dr Jemilah Mahmood position for a lockdown during Hari Raya Aidil fitri been necessary as a preventative measure against a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country was not taken seriously!

Again, I am certain her observations were based on the rise in Covid-19 cases in South Korea and Germany after things were relaxed there!

So I will join others who are worried that Malaysia could see a new wave of Covid-19 cases, possibly during Hari Raya, and post, with the abrupt end of most lock-down measures on May 4.

So far we have seen thousands of vehicles trying to cross state borders despite warnings and advice from the government!

We have seen despicable behavior by those out shopping, purchasing food post fasting, throwing wind to the protocols of safe distancing!

The careless and irresponsible behavior of certain individuals, communities and clusters just shocking!

While others, are behaving as if the world has seen the last of this pandemic, by going crazy, shopping with their children, even infants and not following safe distancing guidelines, while a third are beating their own breast boasting that they saved a nation and a fourth cashing in on the fears of a frightened lot?

Then we have our tertiary students who violated the mandatory 14-day quarantine as reported, in the media on May 19, which I concur is an irresponsible and criminal act, that can put many others in danger of getting infected with Covid-19.

Did they not realize that they were indeed putting their own – elderly loved ones, children and those with a history of chronic diseases at serious risk of complications from Covid-19?

Today the first day of the Eid festivity, we witnessed thousands of cars on the road, massive jams, and their occupants were certainly visiting others, based on their festivity attire.

I thought the government had advised all Malaysians to restrain themselves as not to be the cause and source of new clusters and a second super wave which will result in more infections and fatalities?

Based on today’s observations, we cannot deny that there is a very large cluster of recalcitrant in Malaysia who do and behave as they wish.

Their behavior undermines all our sacrifices from previous Movement Control Orders (MCOs)!

Based on what I witnessed today, I fear for our front liners because of these recalcitrant, idiots and morons, these kurang ajar groups!

I feel sad for Malaysia’s two real national heroes, the two who should be the ones receiving the accolades and the praise for a great work done addressing this pandemic!

One is in HKL and the other at Sungei Buloh Hospital, front-line!

So cruel is life, when the politics of the 3Rs play a pivotal role in public policy initiatives and deliberations?

So wide is the hypocrisy and greed! 

In academia, we call them plagiarism!

In this case, what do we call it?