GEORGE TOWN: A motion for the state to boycott the National Civics Bureau (NCB) courses and for it to be revamped was rejected by State Assembly Speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.

In rejecting Ong Chin Wen’s (PKR - Bukit Tengah) motion, Abdul Halim said the Cabinet had already planned a revamp of the courses.

“I am also rejecting the motion because there is a lack of urgency.

“Furthermore, state civil servants are already barred from attending the courses so there is no need for the motion,” he said.

The House later passed motions by Sim Tze Tzin (PKR — Pantai Jerejak) and Ng Wei Aik (DAP - Komtar) for private companies to assist in new voter-registration initiatives and to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances and cause of death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock.

“A total of 3.8 million Malaysians between the ages of 21 and 39 are not registered.

“Among the reasons cited are that they are busy and do not know where to register.

“Private companies can assist by either giving their employees an hour off to do so at the post offices and Election Commission (EC) office or even get the EC to conduct the exercise at their premises,” Sim said.

Ng, who was supported by Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP-Datuk Keramat) and R.S.N Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima), said the motion was important in pressuring the Federal Government to set up a commission to ensure justice for Teoh.

During the last day’s sitting, the state 2010 Budget was also passed.

Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman’s two motions to appoint Mohd Salleh Man (PAS - Permatang Pasir) to the State Legislative Assembly’s constitution and accounts committees were passed.

The positions were left vacant by the late Permatang Pasir assemblyman Mohd Hamdan Abdul Rahman.

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