iGeorgeTown NetBuzz offers links to items on society, culture and heritage, about George Town and Penang in particular, and Malaysia in general, that are published on the Internet. It is updated daily. Views and opinion expressed in the links are solely those of the authors and/or their respective organisations and do not necessarily represent those of iGeorgeTown. Please contact them directly to comment or interact.

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Malaysia bloggers campaign for trams: Last spring, bloggers and webmasters in Penang, western Malaysia launched a Penangites for Trams campaign. Some tracks still exist from prewar days. A spirited exchange between advocates of trams, bus, LRT and mixed public transit ensued. (mecteam, 28.03.09)

Is Penang really free from hardcore poverty?: Our lecturers in the citizen journalism course reminded us to do our homework well. Know our subjects before we approach them for interview. So, I knew that the PR led Penang State Government has issues with the MCA Ng Yen Yen from the Fed Gov. It gets to be a pain when there are all these finger pointings, accusations and challenges between them. (Lilian, 30.03.09)

Penang needs an economic plan, not tigers: MARCH 27 — I am amused by the tiger talk in Penang. In actual fact, we need a forwarding-looking and well thought-out economic plan and not tigers. The premise of having a tiger park is to attract more tourists. Tourism is touted as the next big thing in Penang. Hence, it is clear that the state government was not really that fond of tigers but wanted to use the strong appeal of the animal to enhance tourism.(Malaysian Insider, 27.03.09)

Penang govt must change tack: WHEN Penangites voted overwhelming for the Pakatan Rakyat last year, the message they were sending to the outgoing BN state government was crystal clear. It meant that Penangites no longer felt industrialisation and economic development alone were sufficient to win their electoral approval. The vote was a reflection of the deep disenchantment and a groundswell of anger that had accumulated over the years on various issues such as perceived unfair national economic policies, inadequate heritage preservation, environmental degradation, unchecked hill-slope development, pathetic public transport system, horrendous traffic congestion, poor governmental accountability, lack of public consultation and transparency over key projects. (the Sun, 25.03.09))

One vote for tiger park: DESPITE all the drawbacks presented by the MYCAT in "Drop tiger park plan", (March 23), I would vote in favour of the tiger park or, better still, a zoo. A zoo, or wild life park, is a wonderful place for a family outing. Many children and city folk will never see real animals, especially wild animals, unless they visit a zoo. We share this planet with animal life, and a zoo or wild life park is the perfect place to educate children and adults on the need to respect the wild life. (theSun, 25.03.09)

Let’s save our tigers; Leave them in the forests: JUST scrap this inept idea. There are other ways of bringing the roar back to Penang besides creating a tiger park. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s proposal to create such a park on 40ha of land owned by the Penang Municipal Council in Relau certainly doesn’t fit the description of an eco-tourism project. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

Tiger Park? How about a People’s Park…: Please, no tigers on the island! That’s the plea of an experienced vet in Penang whom I spoke to. “Penang as an island is not the place for wild animals especially tigers. The whole concept of having animals is not like those days when they were caged. (Anil Netto, 22.03.09)

Quite possibly, a DAP's PGCC is mishandled: MARCH 23 - The mantra of ecotourism is take only photographs and leave only footprints. Due to far too frequent violations of that principle, I maintain the position that the term ecotourism in Malaysia has been perversely interpreted. (Malaysian Insider)

Scrap tiger park, focus on heritage and culture: REFER to “Scrap tiger park, work on heritage status” (The Star, March 18) and “Rethink plan to build tiger park, Penang urged” (The Star, March 17). I agree that building a tiger park in Penang is not wise. Instead, the Penang government should focus on the state’s key areas such as heritage, food, and culture. (Star Online, 23.02.09)

Seek the roar elsewhere in Penang: This is my second piece on the proposed Tiger Park in Penang. I am not going to say anything about the tiger. What I want to highlight is that Penang has many natural attractions that can be better developed and attract hordes of visitors. (Planet of the Monyets, 23.02.09)

Add value to buses, trains and taxis: WE are in dire need of a good public transport system. Its development should be a major part of the stimulus package. Enough of the many studies just do it. Common sense tells us that a good system is the signature of a developed nation. A good public transport system comes with a strong political will. Before Rapid Penang, the transport system in Penang was in a shambles. (theSun, 20.03.09)

EPF link to Penang Sentral: The proposed RM2 billion terminal, but not enough funds for public transport?: Worried about low EPF dividends? Here’s some food for thought. Did you know that EPF is somehow associated with Penang Sentral? (Anil Netto, 19.03.09)

Tiger Park in Penang?: The CM of Penang is proposing to build a tiger park in Penang (The Star, 17 March 2009). He surely must be kidding. The only tiger Penang is remotely connected to is Karpal - the tiger (or is it the lion) of Jelutong. Why on earth would anyone build a tiger park in Penang ? Penang has had little connection to tigers, never really been a tiger habitat and can never become a tiger habitat. (Planet of the Monyets, 18.03.09)

Mass transit, the elixir of growth, has no place in the politics of stimulus spending: The RM60 billion stimulus spending is a big disappointment for mass transit advocates, it totally ignore the need to improve mass transit in a desperate attempt to rescue the national car project. The calls for mass transit at the peak of oil price hike have been conveniently ignored by our politicians. The only thing our politicians know is asking for more and more billions of ringgit to be spent but not a single cent for mass transit. (Eu Soon, 16.03.09)

Scrap tiger park, work on heritage status: I AM utterly surprised to read the report “Rethink plan to build tiger park, Penang urged" (The Star, March 17). What do tigers and Penang have in common to justify the setting up of a tiger park as a tourist attraction in the island state? I concur with the views made by the Penang branch chairman of the Malaysian Nature Society that the island in the sun has no record of the animal’s existence whatsoever. And, to simply build such a park is a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money! (Star Online, 18.03.09)

Industrial production limbo: How low can it go? The old model is dying. It can never be business as usual again. We have to come up with a new model to replace the old. A model that is more just, more sustainable, more resilient to external shocks, and ecologically friendlier. A model that does not rely so heavily on FDI, which is rapidly drying up. A model that empowers local communities, respects workers including local farmers, fisher folks and those involved in traditional trades. A model that puts people above profits. A model that can harmonise human activity with Nature. (Anil Netto, 17.03.09)

1-year assessment of Penang government: half-full or half-empty? - Suaram organised a forum entitled "CAT Ruling: Change or the Same?" at the PCTH on Sat Mar 14. The panelists were Choo Chong Kai (Suaram), YB Chow Kon Yeow (DAP), Lim Kah Cheng (MPPP councillor representing NGO) and Teh Leong Meng (Gerakan). Below are the take-aways from the forum: On PORR, PGCC and land scams: Teh objected strongly to the word "land scam" regarding PGCC as he said there was no evidence of corruption and the PGCC was not even approved by MPPP at that time. This raised several comments from the floor. One speaker said that Equine benefitted from the reconversion of the turf club land. (Penang Watch, 17.03.09)

A tale of two pekans - Telok Kumbar and Bayan Lepas: In case you wonder why I have so many posts today, it is BECAUSE I HAVE NO VOICE AND IT IS DARN FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I CANNOT SCREAM OR YELL OR TALK OR TAKE A CALL ON THE PHONE, WOKAY!?!?!? MY EARS ARE STUFFED AND I CANNOT TELL SWEET FROM SALTY AND MY HEAD IS POUNDING. SO I BROUGHT MY LAPTOP TO THE LIVING ROOM, LIE ON THE COUCH AND TRY TO AMUSE SELF. Ok, ok, I feel better now. This is a down memory lane photos, which I think my brother in PJ will want to see. For some reasons, Bayan Lepas never seem to develop. It is a good thing actually. Our old kampung house is still there but I cannot find a way to walk there and I don’t think I even remember which is my childhood home. I know it is number 32 though. (Lilian, 16.03.09)

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Penang mega projects will proceed: PM: KEPALA BATAS - The RM4.5bil second Penang bridge project and RM2bil Penang Sentral transportation and logistics hub will proceed as planned, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. The Prime Minister said the two federal government projects, which incurred slight delays, would proceed even after he was no longer the premier. (Star Online, 29.03.09)

Penang to hire expert to revive manufacturing: PENANG Development Corp (PDC), the state government's development arm, is due to hire a former bond trader from an international bank to revive the state's weak manufacturing industry. Business Times has learnt that Kuala Lumpur-based Julian Candiah will assume a senior post in PDC next week. (Business Times, 26.03.09)

CM: Business strategy must benefit society - THE Penang Government encourages businesses to seek profit but there must be a ‘triple win’ for the state, society and company itself. When developing growth strategies, companies must keep this in mind,Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after launching the ‘Meeting of the Minds: Progressive Business Strategies Forum’ at Suntech Tower in Bayan Baru on Tuesday. (Star Online, 26.03.09)

Golden Frontier embarks on RM6mil expansion project: GEORGE TOWN - Golden Frontier Bhd is carrying out a RM6mil expansion project at its main plant in Sungai Bakap to meet rising demand from multinational corporations (MNCs), said group executive chairman and managing director Datuk Khor Teng How. The packaging materials producer was also expecting better results in its second quarter due to new orders from the MNCs and a drop in paper prices, he said. (Star Online, 26.03.09)

BHB opens RM500,000 outlet: DESPITE the global economic slowdown, Ban Hin Bee Sdn Bhd’s (BHB) one-stop kitchen centre, Kitchentech Penang, has spread its wings by investing about RM500,000 in a second outlet in Penang. Its general manager Wilson Yeoh said the new outlet, located in Chai Leng Park, Prai, was meant to cater to its growing customers in Seberang Prai. (Star Online, 26.03.09)

Ibiden defers PCB production at RM1.2bil facility: BUTTERWORTH - Ibiden (M) Sdn Bhd is deferring production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) at its RM1.2bil manufacturing facility in Penang. Managing director Masahiko Yamamoto said the group had wanted to start production this year. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

Penang gets RM10.2bil in investments last year: GEORGE TOWN - Penang received RM10.2bil in investments last year that helped create 22,215 jobs, contrary to certain quarters who cast doubts on Penang’s ability to attract foreign investments, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said International Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had confirmed this in a written reply to his oral question in Parliament on Mar 16. (Star Online, 20.03.09) [related links]

MAVCAP seeks to buy ICT firms: GEORGE TOWN - Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (MAVCAP) wants to acquire companies whose technology is compatible and synergises with those of its investee companies. The global recession would have caused many companies to face a shortage of funds and they would be looking for fresh investments, chief executive officer Husni Salleh said. (Star Online, 20.03.09)

ZTE Corp bags RM102m deal with P1 WiMAX: KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 - Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1) today signed a US$28 million contract with ZTE (Malaysia) Corp Sdn Bhd to plan, design and deploy equipment for its wireless broadband service. With the agreement, P1 will complete its phase two national Worldwide Inter-operability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network rollout plan this year, Bernama reported. (Malaysian Insider, 19.03.09)

Penang software firms see growth: Downturn has created new business opportunities for them: GEORGETOWN - Software companies in Penang are expected to perform reasonably well this year despite the downturn in the electronics manufacturing sector, said Software Consortium Penang (SCOPE) chairman Jeffrey Lim. (Star Online, 19.03.09) [related links]

Dell offers VSS to all 5,000 workers: GEORGE TOWN (March 18, 2009) - Computer giant Dell is reducing its global workforce, including the 5,000 workers at its plants in Malaysia. A company spokesman said a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) offer has been made across the board to its operations here. Dell has three Malaysian centres, comprising two manufacturing facilities in Bayan Lepas and Bukit Tengah in Penang, and a business centre in Cyberjaya. (theSun) [related links]

Firms still doing bit for charity: MOST multinational companies in Penang are still committing themselves to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes despite the global economic slowdown. Intel Malaysia corporate affairs manager Loo Cheng Cheng said the company continued to encourage its employees to volunteer at schools under its Intel Involved Matching Grant Programme (IIMGP). (Star Online, 18.03.09)

Malaysia wakes up to crisis: PENANG - A big new economic stimulus package unveiled by Malaysia's Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak is being viewed as belated official recognition that the country is being hard hit by the global economic and financial turbulence, with worse to come. (Asia Times, 18.03.09)

During challenging times what are Perlis, Penang and Kedah doing?: During these challenging times, StarBiz looks at what Perlis, Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah, and Penang have to offer to rope in investments. PERLIS is rushing along with Kedah and Penang to attract investments in this economic crisis. Perlis State Economic Development Corp (PSEDC) general manager Zulkafli Ahmad said PSEDC was now developing a 161-acre site in Pauh into an industrial zone. “The Pauh High Technology Park will have first-class power and telecommunications infrastructure. For the first phase, we are developing 77 acres of the 161-acre site. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

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Chinese culture and education should be discussed openly: CHINESE education and culture should be discussed openly and not regarded as a sensitive issue, said Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) deputy chairman Datuk Lam Wu Chong. “One of the main objectives of Chinese education is cultural enhancement. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Plan for 20 centres of excellence: GEORGE TOWN (March 23, 2009) - The Higher Education Ministry plans to turn 20 academic centres at public institutions of higher learning into national centres of excellence by 2020. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today six centres had been identified, including two at Universiti Sains Malaysia. (theSun)

Aid for Penang mission and vernacular schools: Several Chinese, Tamil and mission schools in Penang will benefit from a total allocation of RM7.4mil under the Government’s first stimulus package of RM7bil announced last November. State education director Ibrahim Mohamad said the first batch of 33 Chinese schools in the state received about RM1.4mil last month. “Today, we are presenting cheques for about RM1.5mil to 13 mission schools in the state, while another 12 mission schools will get their funds soon. (Star Online, 21.03.09)

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Do your bit to mark Earth Hour, Penangites urged: WALK, cycle, carpool or use public transport today to pledge your support for Earth Hour. This is the plea made by Penang Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang. “The Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (Atap) came up with the ‘No Car Day’ campaign as a run-up to Earth Hour this Saturday. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

Call to save Penang's mangroves: GEORGE TOWN - The rehabilitation and preservation of mangrove swamps in Penang has been poorly executed and should be made a priority, said Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Penang chairman Kanda Kumar. He said among the reasons for the poor preservation of the ecosystem was the incomplete listing of protected areas. (NST Online, 25.03.09)

RapidPenang Declares March 25 Car-free Day: PENANG, March 24 (Bernama) - In conjunction with Earth Hour 2009, Rapid Penang and Tropical Spice Garden have declared March 25 as Car-Free Day, with tremendous show of support from thousands of Penangites who have pledged to keep it.

Vision for a clean river: SUNGAI Pinang, a heavily polluted river in Penang, may be clean enough for swimming in five years. This is because the river’s water quality will be upgraded to Class II, which is clean enough for people to swim in, under Phase Two of its rehabilitation which will commence after 300 families are relocated. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

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Muslim convert can go back to Buddhism: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Sya­riah Appeals Court has upheld an earlier order made by the High Court here to allow a Muslim convert Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah to revert to Buddhism. A three-member panel who presided over the case as the highest authority in the Syariah Jurist System here, found that the respondent did not practise Islam from the start of her conversion, which began after she took an oath of allegiance and recited holy words in Arabic. (Star Online, 17.03.09)

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Penang Food - Dim Sum @Aik Hoe Restaurant: The day started with a “yum cha” session at the old eatery, Aik Hoe Restaurant located in Carnavon Street. This restaurant which occupied two shop houses still managed to retain its old nostalgic charm after fifty over years. The fixtures of old ceiling fans with flooring of small squares of blue and white tiles still remain there after all these years, making this place a real heritage in its own way. (what2seeonline, 30.03.09)

Multicultural Snacking in Malaysia: Truth is, this quote applies to just about everyone in Malaysia. And why not? Like many of its neighbors in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is home to the holy trinity of street food enjoyment: availability, quality and price. From stink bean squid sambal to giant prawns in huge buckets of satay sauce, Malaysia delivers an experience of culinary and cultural diversity. Here’s a wee taste of the wide-ranging (Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian) bites you might find. (uncornered market)

By Invitation: Karaikudi Restaurant at Market Street, Little India - My family and I eat regularly at Karaikudi (Hillside) Restaurant, but we’ve never gone to the original outlet at Market Street. I’ve always enjoyed the food there which serves Chettinad cuisine and immediately said yes when the invitation came in from PenangTuaPui. I was excited to see what the original outlet had to offer! The menu for the night mainly focused on South Indian cuisine and we were told that the food is cooked fresh everyday! (lingzie, 25.03.09)

M1.20 Nasi Lemak @ Sri Weld Food Court, Beach Street: PJ has a famous RM1.20 nasi lemak, in Penang we have it too. Same price, same quantity, similar packaging but a whole lot more spicier. Definitely for those nasi lemak lovers looking for sambal pedas in their rice. The funny thing is, the photos you are about to see are already one year old. That time, I knew I was going to move to Selangor so it was my last attempt to try as many Penang food as I could. (vkeong, 24.03.09)

Haven Delights at Penang Times Square: Prior to the grand opening of another of Penang’s glamorous landmark, Penang Times Square in June/July 2009, a few restaurants had already popped up recently within the premises, namely Haven Delights, Express Café and Tsuruya Sushi Bar. One of the notable ones would be Haven Delights, a restaurant that served many varieties of cuisine from Shanghai, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. (Criz Bon Appetite, 23.03.09)

Curry Mee, Air Itam, Penang: Oh I love coming back this place… my favorite Curry Mee in Penang. It feels like going down the memory lane. I haven’t been back to Penang for many years. But every time I am in Penang, I gotta try the Air Itam Curry Penang. (Madam Kwong's Kitchen, 19.03.09)

Penang Food | Greenlane Market Apong: While we were having our breakfast at Delima Mas waiting our foods to arrive, a light breeze carried some nice, fragrant smell that the food database in our brain quickly searched for association of this fragrant smell. The flashed images of apong quickly came into our attention. (travelhappily, 19.03.09)

2009 Penang International Food Fest: Outside the tea shop, we noticed a sign for the 2009 PIFF. It started the next day. Interesting… We went online, got the details and decided to stay an extra day in Penang. PIFF was three things: Food Fest - i.e. companies trying to pitch you on their latest and greatest food inventions both digestible (think processed food) and machine (I saw my first ever “rice paste” maker - I didn’t even know I needed that!) (2 for 1Sale, 18.03.09)

Hawker Food | Greenlane Market Hokkien Mee: Another weekend foodhunt…hehehe. Saturdays used to be a day that we would sleep much longer to recharge our body after whole week’s work but these days, it has become our food hunt day of the week especially given the amount of time that we can drive around Penang to search for food. Our food hunt started with first stop at Delima Mas Kopitiam at Greenlane Market, the one opposite Hamid Khan secondary school. This kopitiam is also on the other end of Genting Kopitiam where we covered chee cheong fun and mua chee before. (Penang Tua Pui, 18.03.09)

Time to relax and enjoy buffet: AFTER three days of ‘battle,’ it was finally time for 460 chefs, cooks, students and service staff members of food and beverage outlets to sit back and enjoy a catered buffet spread. The event was the closing ceremony of the 12th Battle of the Chefs held at the Penang International Sports Arena. Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter chairman Audee Cheah said the participants came from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan. (Star Online, 17.03.09)

The 15 Malaysia Food Blog that I Read: As a Penangite, I love food especially the hawker food. A simple economy fried bee hoon will makes me smile. That’s me. I don’t fancy restaurant food though from time to time I do hunt for it. And just like most Penangite, I know a lot of good food outlet, hawker centre, nice and cozy restaurant in Penang. But sometimes, my mind may go completely blank at what and where to eat. (samyeap, 17.03.09)

Malaysian pancake for tea: Adam’s Karipap Ayam (chicken curry puff - RM1.50 each) in Pulau Tikus Market along Jalan Pasar, Te Chang You Tiao Wang (the longest Chinese cruller at 14” length – RM1 each) along Jalan Paya Terubong, 8o varieties of kuih-muih (local finger snacks – 40sen each) at Mat Relax Corner along Jalan Jones or even some authentic Cantonese snacks at Guangzhou Cake House along Lebuh Carnarvon. Who could resist such temptation even at odd hours of the day? (Criz Bon Appetite, 17.03.09)

Yu Lin Seafood Restaurant @ Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam: Yu Lin Restaurant is a new Chinese restaurant I visited during the last Chinese New Year with my family. It currently occupies the same building in which another old and established restaurant used to operate in Kampung Baru - Mei Xiang Way. Although Yu Lin is new, it has already received good recommendations for the good and cheap Chinese dishes. One of them being my close friend and another my family members themselves who have been there before this. (vkeong, 15.03.09)

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Penang halts 3 quarries under investigation: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has frozen the operations of three quarries implicated in investigations related to underdeclaration of royalty payments to the state. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the underdeclaration of royalty payments had caused loss of revenue to the state government. (The Edge Malaysia, 31.03.09)

inimum RM500 income for Penang’s hardcore poor: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has ensured that each of the 728 hardcore poor families in the state has an income of at least RM500 per month. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government had carried out a survey with Universiti Sains Malaysia on the actual number of hardcore families. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Penang Achieves Zero Poverty Target: PENANG, March 30 (Bernama) - The Penang government has achieved the target of zero abject poverty when 728 hardcore poor families in the state received an income of at least RM500 per month. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that under the eradication of hardcore poor programme, the state government would assist each family earning less than RM500 per month.

Public tiff highlights problems in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - The public tiff between state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's chief of staff Ooi Chuan Aun clearly shows all is not well in the state government. (Star Online, 28.03.09)

Teng wants Guan Eng to explain: BUTTERWORTH - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng owed the people an explanation over the detention of his deputy, said Gerakan state liaison committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan. "This case contradicts the state government's principles of competency, accountability and transparency. (NST Online, 27.03.09)

Did CM Pick Wrong Men, Gerakan Ponders: PENANG - Has Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng picked the wrong men to run the state government State Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan thinks so. He said Gerakan was also unsure whether the state government was currently facing a crisis. For starters, Dr Teng, who is former Pulau Tikus assemblyman, said Lim owed the people an explanation over the detention of the chief minister's deputy, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). (Mysinchew, 26.03.09)

Survey: Penang govt must fulfil promises: GEORGE TOWN - A survey by Suaram has shown that the people of Penang are demanding that the state government make good its promise of a competent, accountable and transparent administration. Most respondents want Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive committee members to make public their assets as is being done by their counterparts in Selangor. (NST Online, 26.03.09)

Jeff Ooi stays, focuses on wireless project, by-elections: GEORGE TOWN - Jelutong member of parliament Jeff Ooi, who is also chief of staff for Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, says he is committed to the various tasks which he has pledged to carry out in Penang. Responding to rumours that he was quitting as the chief of staff, Ooi declined comment in a telephone interview but elaborated that the post was temporary to start with. (The Edge Malaysia, 25.03.09) [related links]

Talk of Ooi quitting as Penang CM’s chief of staff: GEORGE TOWN - Speculation is rife about Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi resigning as the Penang Chief Minister’s chief of staff. Ooi, when contacted in Parlia­ment yesterday, did not deny or confirm the speculation. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

PAS VP named as PBAPP director: GEORGE TOWN - In a bid to portray a unified and well represented Pakatan Rakyat (PR) front in the Penang state adminstration, PAS vice president Mohamad Sabu has been appointed as a director of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang or PBAPP). Prior to Mohamad Sabu's appointment to the PBAPP board, PAS did not have any representation in the state adminstration. (The Edge Malaysia, 24.03.09)

Penang to let locals run state depts and agencies: BUTTERWORTH: More jobs in executive and management positions in state departments and agencies will be made available to Penangites. “We will carry out an inventory to determine the exact number of vacancies and types of positions available,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said. He said the government wanted locals to fill up positions in the state administration to help improve the public delivery system. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

State Government Still Stable: Lim: PENANG, March 24 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today stressed that the state government's administration was still stable even without former Deputy Chief Minister I, Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin, who quit effective April 8.

Firm desire to be heard: THE Penang Municipal Council's meet-the-people session at the City Hall at the Esplanade yesterday received overwhelming response despite the downpour. Council senior public relations office Ridzuan Merican said more than 30 people attended the session held every third Friday of the month since 2003. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

Penang Govt to recruit 'geniuses' into team: PENANG will be bringing in talented and young ''geniuses'' soon to enhance its administration, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. To survive the economic crisis, he said, the state needs a smart government helped by brainy talents. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

Religious Dept a dumping site?: THE Penang Islamic Religious Department is often seen as a ‘dumping ground’ for problematic civil servants, said state Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim. “I have yet to investigate the claim but this is the general perception of the department,” he said. (Star Online, 20.03.09)

Tenants may get reprieve on eviction: THE Penang Government is mulling the possibility of extending the eviction deadline for the remaining 40 tenants of the pre-war houses between Lebuh Tek Soon and Jalan Maxwell after they failed to move out by the March 1 deadline. Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik said the state would resort to evicting them “by force” only if they failed to cooperate and move out voluntarily. (Star Online, 19.03.09)

Lukewarm ratings: TANJUNG DAP elected representatives in Penang have received lukewarm marks in their report cards from voters in their constituency. In an ‘Employer Appraisal Session on the Performance of Tanjung Elected Representatives’ held last night, all three assemblymen scored an approval rating of less than 65%, with two first-time representatives lucky to make the passing grade. (Star Online, 19.03.09)

MACC digging up info on dodgy dealings by Penang PKR duo: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has started investigations into allegations that two senior Penang PKR leaders are working with several quarries to cover up illegal activities. It is learnt that MACC officers in Penang quizzed several people following the allegation made by national PKR Youth executive council member Amizudin Ahmat during a Seberang Prai Municipal (MPSP) full council meeting on Feb 27 while he was still a councillor there. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

Speed up PR applications: THE Immigration Department should be consistent and transparent when processing applications for permanent resident (PR) status, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said there was a need for the department to keep abreast with the demand for PR and to process applications without delay as the world had become globalised with a hectic pace of transboundary movement among her global citizenry. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

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Choong: Penang could compensate developers or lose Unesco Heritage status: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state government and the people will have to decide what price to pay following the fiasco with the Unesco World Heritage site listing. Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Choong Sim Poey expressed surprise that the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) could have allowed such a major slip-up in failing to apply Unesco heritage guidelines on the four building applications which have come under scrutiny by Unesco. (The Edge Malaysia, 31.03.09)

Penang hotel expansion pending clarification on height: EASTERN & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is halting expansion work on its E&O Hotel in Penang. According to the heritage guidelines submitted by the local authorities to Unesco, buildings in the heritage zones must not exceed 18m in height. Group communications and investor relations director Lyn Chai says E&O has recently stopped work and will wait for clarification from the relevant authorities, which is expected in June. (Star Online, 29.03.09)

PHT lauds Penang Government’s stance: THE state government’s height restriction in line with Unesco guidelines on four controversial high-rise projects proposed within the heritage site should set a clear direction for future developments. Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Dr Choong Sim Poey (pic) said they applauded the stand taken by the state government and the Penang Municipal Council following the advice of the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

Penang tourism's dilemma: To build or retain its UNESCO status: Penang's future as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is under attack from property developers who see selling more hotel rooms as the future in the tourism industry. It is believed four hotel projects within the heritage core zone and buffer zone are now under the scrutiny of UNESCO for contravening height restrictions. (ETN, 26.03.09)

Planning permission for highrises withheld: GEORGE TOWN (March 23, 2009) - The Penang government has withheld planning permission on four contentious highrise projects in the Unesco-listed heritage city of George Town in order not to pre-empt or contravene any order of the world body. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) was treading cautiously until a Unesco decision on the status of the projects in June. He said the state had been advised by the UN body as well as the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry not to publicly discuss the matter but to deal with it confidentially. (theSun)

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Officers closing an eye to illegal extensions: SEBERANG Prai Municipal councillors have rapped some council building department officers for allegedly misleading houseowners that they need not submit building plans for house renovations and extensions. DAP whip Soon Lip Chee said a few houseowners claimed that the officers had informed them that such plans were not necessary. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

April 15 deadline for residents: THE Penang Government has pledged to help residents of Kampung Tanjung Tokong to reach an amicable solution with UDA Holdings Bhd regarding their resettlement and compensation. State Housing and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the residents had until April 15 to forward their input and resubmit names which were left out in the Tanjung Tokong resettlement programme. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Settlers to get new flats soon: THE 200-odd families living in temporary long houses in Rumah Hijau, Mak Mandin will be resettled in a new low-cost housing project in Ampang Jajar by the third quarter of the year. Penang Town and Country Planning and Housing committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the project developer Silver Channel Sdn Bhd was confident that the 20-storey block would be completed on schedule. (Star Online, 30.03.09)

Penang to see new development year-round: KUALA LUMPUR-BASED developers will execute projects with an estimated gross sales value of RM2bil on Penang island this year despite a challenging economic climate and price the new products competitively. IJM Land Bhd, for example, is launching projects with estimated gross sales value (GSV) of RM350mil in the second and third quarter of 2009. These are high-end sea-fronting projects comprising the RM200mil Light Linear, RM102mil Light Point, and the RM48mil Lots 28 located near the Jelutong Expressway. (Star Online, 28.03.09)

A softening housing sector: THE property market in Penang experienced a slight decrease in sales for the first three months of 2009, compared to the previous corresponding period, and the housing sector is likely to soften further by end year. Although there is a drop in sales, there is no corresponding decrease in property prices. (Star Online, 28.03.09)

Waiting out the crisis: KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The Malaysian property market was relatively bullish at the start of last year, but as economic problems in the United States mounted and spread, interest headed south. Many launches were put on ice. In the popular Klang Valley, for example, the launch of new residential units declined by 57 per cent from 2007 to 6,747 units in 2008. Holding back made sense given the over-supply — especially in the luxury and serviced condominium segments, noticeably in the prime Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Mont Kiara areas. (Malaysian Insider)

Project’s construction hours curtailed: THE Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will direct the developer of the upmarket RM650mil Gurney Paragon project to restrict its construction hours from 8am to 6pm daily instead of pre-viously allowing work to end at 10pm. This follows a written complaint to the council from a foreigner living next to the project site. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

Residents: Guarantee us new homes - RESIDENTS living in the Rumah Hijau temporary longhouses in Mak Mandin want the Penang Government to guarantee them replacement flats at an ongoing project in Ampang Jajar, north Seberang Prai. Their representative A. Tamilsalvan, 33, said most of the 200-odd families wanted the state to issue them letters confirming their eligibility to obtain the units. (Star Online, 23.03.09)

‘Persistent weakness’ in property sector this year: KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian property sector will likely see “persistent weakness” for the rest of this year, according to panellists for the discussion on Capitalising on Property and REITs. Property consultancy Regroup Associates executive chairman Chris Boyd said the country’s property sector had peaked late last year. (Star Online, 19.03.09)

Penang’s eternal property shine: AS PENANGITES remain edgy over the economic crisis, keeping an anxious eye for signs of retrenchment and factory closures, one sector has appeared to survive the global gloom that threatens to shroud the state. The property sector, it has been said, has always shone in Penang like the “Pearl of the Orient” that the state is symbolically referred to as. (theSun, 19.03.09)

Developer steps in to avert Bandar Perda air-con crisis: GEORGE TOWN (March 18, 2009) - The developer of Bandar Perda in Bukit Mertajam is stepping in to avert an embarrassing situation that threatens to leave high-profile occupants of several buildings in the township without air-conditioning. Aseania Development Sdn Bhd has agreed to meet the common supplier of chilled water who has been given until Friday to settle pending power bills amounting to about RM800,000 owed to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). (theSun)

Air-con woes: Perda chief denies responsibility: GEORGE TOWN (March 17, 2009) - The fate of high-profile occupants of several buildings in Bandar Perda in Bukit Mertajam is in limbo as the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) has denied any responsibility for the sprawling urban township. The Seberang Perai Tengah police headquarters, a Jusco shopping mall, the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) complex and the Inland Revenue Board office are among several establishments to be without air-conditioning from this Friday as the chill-water supplier to their buildings has failed to settle its power bills. (theSun)

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NEC Computers closing Asia-Pacific head quarters: Some 240 workers will be affected by shutdown: GEORGE TOWN - NEC Computers Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd is closing its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bukit Tengah Industrial Estate, Penang. Executive vice-president Bernard Saw said some 240 workers would be affected by the shutdown. “We will initiate the shutdown process in May and the whole exercise should be completed before the year ends. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Apply For Jobs Through CAT Centre, Urges Guan Eng: BUKIT MERTAJAM, March 23 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is urging job seekers to apply for jobs through the state's Career Assistance and Training (CAT) Centre. Lim said the CAT centre launched in late January, had recorded about 2,623 job vacancies but only 732 applicants.

Multinational companies offer VSS packages to employees - GEORGE TOWN: Two multinational corporations, Jabil Circuit and Flextronics, recently offered voluntary separation scheme (VSS) packages to their employees. Jabil Circuit offered VSS to more than 200 of its 5,000-odd employees based in Penang. Flextronics operations in Seberang Prai is targeting about 5% of its employees in Penang for the VSS it initiated early this month. So far, about 100 employees out of the 6,000 workers employed in Penang had taken up the offer, a source told The Star. Flextronics, which has its headquarters in Singapore and operates five facilities in Seberang Prai, recently laid off some 1,382 workers from its assembly plant in Shah Alam and will shut down the facility by the end of the month. (Star Online, 21.03.09)

CAT links job for 441: OUT of the 2,623 job vacancies available through the Penang’s Career Assistance and Training (CAT) scheme, 441 applicants have already been linked to potential employers. InvestPenang executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said as of Tuesday, a total of 732 people had already been registered with the centre. (Star Online, 20.03.09)

More job cuts loom in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Penang is bracing for more lay-offs and cut in work days as factories feel the effects of the global economic crisis. Some 1,600 people were retrenched in the first two months of this year. State Labour Department deputy director Abdul Razak said most of those laid-off were in the manufacturing sector. (NST Online, 20.03.09)

Up to 5% of Dell employees offered VSS: GEORGE TOWN - Up to 5% of the 5,000 employees of computer maker Dell here have been offered a voluntary separation scheme (VSS). A spokesman for the com­pany said employees in Penang and Cyberjaya had been informed on Wednesday of the plan by the human resource department. (Star Online, 20.03.09) [related links]

Dell to lay off 700 staff in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Dell Malaysia will lay off at least 700 employees in Penang under a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) in line with its global downsizing exercise. Invest-In-Penang Bhd executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said InvestPenang was informed of the reduction in workforce by Dell. "We have been informed that the VSS will be for 700 of its employees in Penang," Lee said when contacted by The Edge Financial Daily. (The Edge Malaysia, 19.03.09) [related links]

2,623 vacancies in Penang: GEORGE TOWN (March 19, 2009) - The state Career Assistance and Training (CAT) Centre, which is charged with linking up people who have lost their jobs with potential new employers, recorded a total of 2,623 vacancies in Penang as of Tuesday. In disclosing this, InvestPenang executive chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said there were ample opportunities for people laid off to seek alternative employment, even during the economic slowdown. He said the state was informed that some 700 workers operating in computer giant Dell had been offered voluntary separation scheme (VSS) in Penang. (theSun)

No need for foreigners in healthcare and hospitality fields: THE Penang Labour Department needs to monitor more closely the job opportunities in the healthcare and hospitality sectors. Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy told a press conference that a proper mechanism had to be put in place to ensure that companies in the healthcare and hospitality sectors do not engage foreign labour to perform the tasks that a local could also handle. (Star Online, 18.03.09)

Service sector in Penang still needs workers: GEORGE TOWN - While the manufacturing sector is freezing employment, offering voluntary separation schemes and cutting down workdays to tide over the current economic downturn, the services sector in Penang is still in need of workers. However, most of the establishments, mainly in the health and tourism sectors, are hiring foreigners who are much more proficient in English. Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy, who is also the state economic planning, education and human resources, science, technology and innovation committee chairman said these jobs could be taken up by locals, especially those who are laid off. (The Edge Malaysia, 17.03.09)

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Poetry not appreciated enough, says writer: MOST of us grew up listening to poetry in the form of lullabies and nursery rhymes, but as we get older, we get detached from the literary arts due to a misplaced sense of intimidation, according to writer Alina Rastam (pic). (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Persistence the key to success: DON’T think that going out to “sell and promote” your book is “beneath” the job of a writer. That is Penang-born author Tan Twan Eng’s advice to aspiring Malaysian writers. “Right from the start, I knew I had to work hard to promote my work. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Lure of the Stage!: LOCAL lass Michelle Quah, the actress who played the role of Lisa Doolittle in ‘Pygmalion, The Musical’, is back from the United States and is scheduled to make a comeback in the theatre musical, ‘Stage!’ after a two-year hiatus from public performance. The musical will kick off tomorrow and Saturday at 8.30pm at the Actors Studio in Greenhall, Penang. (Star Online, 19.03.09)

Sensuous dance: PENANGITES are up for a treat with the upcoming show, Rasa Unmasked by renowned Indian classical dance maestro Ramli Ibrahim and his dancers from Sutra Dance Theatre. Also featuring in the April 15 show at 7.30pm at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town will be Indian classical dance icon Anandavalli who will be returning to stage after retiring from performance five years ago. Music for the performance is composed by ethnomusicologist Alex Dea. (Star Online, 19.03.09)

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Karpal says it again - lift ban on newspaper: GEORGE TOWN - DAP chairman Karpal Singh has reiterated that the Penang state government should lift the ban on an English daily from its government functions and activities. He said he had spoken to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng about the issue and was told that the move was an act of self-defense because the newspaper had refused to publish Lim’s rebuttal on a particular report. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Revoke ban on newspapers, says Karpal: GEORGE TOWN: DAP chairman Karpal Singh says he will talk to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today about Lim’s decision to ban certain newspapers from covering his press conferences and those of the other state executive councillors. “Lim should reconsider his decision, particularly on banning the New Straits Times. We believe in the freedom of the press as it looks at both the right and wrong side of the administration of the government,” he said. (Star Online, 29.03.09)

When press freedom works both ways: AS a champion of press freedom and free speech, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has found himself in an unlikely position of being accused of attempting to silence the very institution he has taken upon himself to defend. When newspapers were issued show-cause letters, when a reporter from the vernacular press was picked up "for her own protection" under the Internal Security Act, and when restrictions were imposed on political and religious publications, Guan Eng – a Kamunting alumnus – was among the first to voice his condemnation on the assault on the fourth estate. (theSun, 27.03.09)

Take criticism in good faith: I READ with great interest the report “Guan Eng hits out at critics” (The Star, March 26). It would seem that the Chief Minister of Penang had missed a great chance in carefully listening to and respecting the views of the public including NGOs, and requesting them to submit their counter-proposals in promoting tourism in Penang, rather than take a swipe at their disagreement with the proposed Tiger Park. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

NUJ concerned about suspension of Opposition papers: KUALA LUMPUR - The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) on Thursday expressed concern over the suspension of two party newspapers, Harakah and Suara Keadilan, for allegedly distorting facts. It said the Home Ministry's decision to suspend the two publications for three months was untimely as it occurred close to three upcoming by-elections in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary and Bukut Selambau and Batang Ai state constituencies on April 7. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

Penang slams NST coverage : GEORGETOWN, March 19 - Penang today demanded the New Straits Times state bureau chief to back his claims that chief minister Lim Guan Eng has shown preference to some businessmen, slamming the broadsheet for its "disparaging opinion pieces and columns'". Lim's press secretary Cheong Yin Fan said the chief minister "believes passionately in freedom of the press but not in the freedom to lie", accusing bureau chief Sharanjit Singh of repeating allegations of preferential treatment without backing up his claims in an article titled "SHARANJIT SINGH: What's your beef, Guan Eng?" on March 13. (Malaysian Insider) [related links]

Guan Eng draws flak over call to boycott NST: KUALA LUMPUR - Gerakan has criticised Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's call to boycott the New Straits Times. Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan said contrary to Lim's claims, NST has always been fair and balanced in its news coverage. "If the DAP boycotts NST, NST does not have to worry because Gerakan will support the paper. I will get our members and supporters to subscribe to NST." (NST Online, 17.03.09)

Penang will not bow to pressure: GEORGE TOWN - While he accepts criticisms of his administration in newspapers, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng hopes they do not carry lies or slander. Singling out a particular daily, he said criticisms were fine but the state government would not tolerate lies and slander published in newspapers. He said the daily had to get used to his style of administration. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

Guan Eng may bar NST from covering his functions: PENANG (March 15, 2009) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng(pic) said he would consider barring New Straits Times (NST) from covering his press conferences or functions in response to articles in the newspaper which he alleged were slanderous and false. He said he was willing to accept criticisms but not statements with elements of slander and certain agenda intended to disparage him and the state government. (theSun, 15.03.09)

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Arches & Archways in George Town, Penang: The architecture of Penang reflects the 171 years of British presence in the Malaysian state of Penang, coalescing with local, Chinese, Indian, Islamic and other elements to create a unique and distinctive brand of architecture. On this particular photo essay, I chose to focus on the arches and archways found at most of the buildings which have been strongly influenced by the Colonial and other distinct eclectic styles. (Malaysia travel guide, 30.03.09)

Penang Toy Museum: According to the Malaysia Book of Records certificate, there were about 100,800 toys inside the museum but that was in 2003. I think Mr. Loh have added more figures since then as it was really packed inside. Still, these are 1/10 of the total photos I took.. So just imagine how many toys were inside the museum. (razmanshah, 30.03.09)

A Walk Around Georgetown Heritage Trail – Penang (Photos) (shaolin tiger, 19.03.09)

Malaysia, Penang Cherry Blossom: Reminder that this is not in Japan... but the Cherry Blossom really here in Malaysia, Penang! (miccgal, 16.03.09)

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Penang Government hopes for new era with Najib: PENANG - The state government hopes that incoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will mark a new era for the country. “We hope for an open-minded leadership that respects all cultures and recognises the Chi­­­nese community’s culture, economic and social contributions to the country’s development,” said state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, who represented Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the 26th Malaysian Chinese Cul­tural Convention flag-raising ceremony in George Town yesterday. (Star Online, 30.03.09)

Penang DCM1 Fairus picked up by MACC for questioning: KUALA LUMPUR - Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin was picked up at the Johor Immigration and Quarantine complex (CIQ) by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers for questioning over alleged illegal quarry activities in Penang. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

No Directive For Mohammad Fairus To Vacate Office: PENANG, March 25 (Bernama) - The Penang state secretary's office has not issued a directive for Deputy Chief Minister I, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, to vacate his office following his resignation notice. Deputy state secretary, Muhammad Yusoff Wazir, said Mohammad Fairus still held the post till April 8. However, he said, the Penanti state assemblyman had to surrender the office keys and equipment as per the office inventory before he departs.

Penang delegate wants Ahmad Ismail back, and Anwar jailed: KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 - Penang Umno Youth has asked for a reversal in fortunes for two of the island state's most well-known Malay sons. They want Datuk Ahmad Ismail's party membership to be restored and for former deputy president and now the opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be sent to jail. Mohd Zaini Mohd Said, a Penang delegate at the Umno Youth assembly, said that Ahmad, the former Bukit Bendera division chief who was suspended for three years from the party for calling Chinese Malaysians immigrants, should instead be hailed as a hero. (Malaysian Insider)

Guan Eng: No decision yet on filling posts: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said no decision had been made to fill posts in state government-linked agenices which would be left vacant when Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin resigns next month. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

Fairus to be queried over quarry issue: KUALA LUMPUR - Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, who recently resigned as Penang Deputy Chief Minister (I), is expected to be called up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in investigations into illegal quarry activities allegedly involving two senior state PKR leaders. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

PKR fails to come up with DCM candidate: GEORGE TOWN - PKR failed to come up with a candidate to take over as Deputy Chief Minister I after holding a marathon four-hour meeting here last night. Despite much speculation that state executive councillor Abdul Malik Abul Kassim may take over, State PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said no name has been picked yet. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

Penang CM Dismisses Penanti By-election Rumours: BUKIT MERTAJAM, March 23 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has dismissed speculation that the state will be facing another by-election following the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin.

Fairus: I will stay on as ADUN: BUTTERWORTH - Deputy Chief Minister 1 Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin, who announced his resignation as deputy chief minister and executive councillor last Saturday, will hold on to his Penanti state seat. In a texted message to The Edge Financial Daily, Fairus said he would not vacate his seat. (The Edge Malaysia, 23.03.09)

Looking forward to a tough job: GEORGE TOWN - Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Abdul Malik Abul Kassim is all geared up to take up the Penang deputy chief minister I's post left vacant by the resignation of Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin. Malik, who is state assemblyman for Batu Maung, said he had no qualms about assuming that role. (NST Online, 23.03.09)

PM: Pakatan simply out to distract us: KUWAIT CITY - The resignation of Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin proves that Pakatan Rakyat is facing problems. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Pakatan, however, preferred to talk about Barisan Nasional so that the ruling coalition would not be able to do the same back. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

CM Lets Anwar Clarify Fairus' Conspiracy Claim: PENANG, March 22 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is leaving it to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clarify outgoing Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin's claim that he was the victim of an internal conspiracy. Lim said he would not comment on the claim by his deputy because it was a PKR domestic matter.

PKR Expects Outcome Of Corruption Probe Next Week: PENANG, March 22 (Bernama) - Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said the outcome of the probe into an allegation of corruption involving two of the party's state leaders would be known next week. He said the panel headed by Penang State Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain had been given three weeks to investigate the allegation by Kepala Batas PKR Youth chief Amizudin Ahmat.

Fairus: " I will be back!" PENANG (March 22, 2009) - Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin(pix), who resigned as Penang Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday, said he is a victim of a conspiracy within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and would strike back once he has gathered enough evidence against the plotters. Mohammad Fairus told Nanyang Siang Pau on Thursday he was victimised by people from within PKR and denied allegations that the Mercedes Benz and BMW he owns were bought with cash. (theSun)

With PKR the weak link, there was no way but out for Fairus: KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — If one were to draw up a checklist of all the major problems faced by the Pakatan Rakyat since its formation last year, Parti Keadilan Rakyat would stand out as the source of much that ails the political alliance. The resignation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Fairus Khairuddin is but the latest in a laundry list of scandals, missteps and embarrassments which have threatened PR’s existence and already cost the alliance the loss of one of five state governments it controls. (Malaysian Insider, 21.03.09)

CATcalls for Penang over Fairus issue: SOMETHING is not right with the continuing controversy surrounding Penang Deputy Chief Minister Fairus Khairuddin. He has been caught in one unending controversy after another - from being incompetent to mismanagement and of late the more serious allegations of misuse of power - soon after becoming Deputy Chief Minister. (Star Online, 21.03.09)

Fairus quits as Penang's Deputy Chief Minister 1 - GEORGE TOWN: After several days of speculation, it has finally been confirmed. Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has resigned. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told the press yesterday that he had received a faxed copy of the resignation letter and it would be effective from April 8. Mohammad Fairus, who holds two Masters degrees, has often been criticised for under-performing and rumours of his resignation began swirling after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission started investigations into allegations by a PKR member that two senior state party leaders had been working with local quarry operators to cover up illegal activities. (NST Online, 22.03.09)

Fairus: Accusations against me untrue - GEORGE TOWN: Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin yesterday tendered his resignation as deputy chief minister I and state executive councillor effective April 8, confirming speculation that his days in the state government were numbered. He said in a text message to the New Sunday Times that he was the victim of an internal conspiracy. Fairus said he had done no wrong in his year-long tenure. (NST Online, 22.03.09)

Abdul Malik looks set to become deputy CM - GEORGE TOWN: With the resignation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, the spotlight is now on who will replace him. State exco member and Batu Maung PKR assemblyman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, a Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara (UiTM) graduate seems to be the frontrunner for the post. Abdul Malik, 55, who has been involved in politics since 1977, is the Tanjung PKR division head and the former state PKR state liaison committee secretary. (Star Online, 22.03.09)

Penang’s DCM Fairus is on leave, likely to be back Monday (Update): GEORGETOWN - Controversial Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has taken leave for the rest of the week but should be back by Monday unless he extends the leave, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. “I was informed by (PKR de facto leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday (on Thursday) that Fairus had asked for leave. Although it was sudden, I approved the leave at Anwar’s request,” he said on Friday. (Star Online, 20.03.09) [related links]

Anwar coy about Fairus’s future: KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 - Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was forced today to dispel swirling rumours that he had asked PKR’s Penang deputy chief minister Fairus Khairuddin to resign amid a cloud of suspicion. But The Malaysian Insider understands that Anwar is planning to announce Fairus’s resignation at a public rally in Bukit Gantang, Perak tonight. Anwar appeared uneasy when asked by reporters in Parliament about speculation over Fairus’s position. (Malaysian Insider, 19.03.09)

Fairus is still Penang Deputy CM: Guan Eng: KUALA LUMPUR - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng denied that his deputy Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin has been sacked. He said on Thursday that Fairus was still doing his job as usual and the talk about his sacking was a mere rumour. "My political secretary has contacted him to ask about the matter but he denies quitting. I know this thing being spread through text messages. It is only a rumour. (Star Online, 19.03.09) [related links]

Speculation that Penang DCM Fairus on way out: GEORGE TOWN - Speculation has risen that Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has been asked to vacate his post by Thursday, but party leaders have dismissed it as mere rumour. An SMS has been circulating that PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the controversial Fairus to quit. (Star Online, 18.03.09)

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Fostering closer China-Malaysia ties: CHINA will continue to forge better economic ties with Malaysia as well as with other countries to ensure a stable growth in the world economy. China’s National People’s Congress standing committee vice chairman-cum-secretary general Li Jianguo said the country aimed to secure an 8% economic growth this year. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

Penang appeals to Indonesian Govt to revise high exit tax: GEORGE TOWN (March 17, 2009) - Concerned about declining numbers of Indonesian tourists, Penang has appealed to Indonesia to revise its new policy to charge higher exit tax on citizens departing the country. Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy recently raised the matter during a meeting with Indonesian vice-president Yusuf Kalla while leading a state delegation to Jakarta. (theSun)

Palembang link needed: THE Penang Government hopes that direct flights will be introduced between Penang and South Sumatra to nurture closer cooperation in economy, social ties and culture between both governments. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the only obstacle standing in the way of promoting cooperation between the two governments was the lack of direct access from Penang to South Sumatra’s capital, Palembang, and vice versa. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

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Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers, public warned: GEORGE TOWN (March 17, 2009) - Consumers who come across tour packages that are too good to be true should check with other travel agencies before making purchase, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) advised today. Matta Penang chapter chairman Ann Tan said package prices offered by the various legally registered travel agencies do not differ much. (theSun)

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A Walk Down To Weld Quay and Chew Jetty - Penang: So after our Walk Around Georgetown Heritage Trail - Penang, we walked on down to Weld Quay where the clan jetties are in Penang. Just before we left the foodcourt for the jetty I spotted this jolly old fella who made me think of a Chinese Popeye! (Shaolin Tiger, 26.03.09)

Taking the Penang Ferry to Butterworth: The Penang Ferry is one of the public transport in Penang for ferrying people to and fro from the island and mainland. I lives in Penang like 17 years and I’ve never sit the ferry for more than 10 times. I’ve been on it twice or thrice when I was small in my dad’s car and while on foot was like 2 times and this recent ferry ride was my third time. (Nick Chan, 26.03.09)

The forgotten Pearl of the Orient: Even in a big country like this one, we can have trouble fathoming how big China is. I was just thinking, China has a bit more than a billion people...about 1.3 billion on the 2007 numbers. You know it's a big country when the rounding error is the population of the U.S. (latest CIA estimate, 307 mm). China feeds about 20% of the world's people on 7% of the world's arable land. (eisengeiste, 24.03.09)

12 Things You Must Do in Penang: Penang, Malaysia has been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations for many years now. Aptly called as "Pearl of the Orient", Penang offers amazing cultural heritage and diverse population which cannot be found anywhere else around the globe. In general, Penang is a great place all by itself and travelers find this small place full of interesting things to do and many places to visit even on foot. (Nowal Khan, 2009)

It’s the Little Things: Obstacle-removing turtles, cavorting monkeys, remarkable chana masala and free shoe repair. We didn’t find entries for these in our guidebooks, but we did find them on the streets and in the hills of Penang, Malaysia. Guidebooks certainly give us places to go. But the most memorable moments of cultural experience, introspection and human kindness often pass somewhere between all the “must see” stars plotted on tourist maps. (Uncornered Market, 18.03.09) [related photos]

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Sampan cruises down the quay: A CRUISE tour of the famous Chinese clan jetties in Weld Quay, Penang, is in store for tourists. Penang Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said he was negotiating with some of the jetty residents to provide such cruises on sampans on a regular basis. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

Wrong of Guan Eng to lash out at critics, says Gerakan: GEORGE TOWN - It is not right for Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to lash out at those who criticised the proposed Tiger Park project in Relau, a Gerakan leader said yesterday. Penang Gerakan treasurer Ng Fook On said Lim had sought the public’s views when he mooted the idea. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

Uproar over tiger park plan: The claws are out against Penang’s tiger park idea as it is unsuitable for the urban island and infringes the spirit of tiger conservation efforts. THE response has been ferocious. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s proposed plan to create a tiger park on 40ha of hilly terrain in Relau has been slammed by all and sundry. (Star Online, 26.03.09)

Accept tiger park criticism, CM urged: GEORGE TOWN: The people have given constructive criticisms on the state government’s proposed tiger park project, and it was not right for Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to lash out at critics. State Gerakan treasurer Ng Fook On in a press statement said that groups such as the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat), Sahabat Alam Malaysia and World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) had already given their professional views. (Star Online, 26.03.09)

Tiger park only a proposal, says Guan Eng: GEORGE TOWN (March 24, 2009) - The idea of a tiger park will be scrapped if it is not feasible, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today. Defending his proposal to set up a tiger park in Relau here based on public-private partnership, Lim said he had mooted the idea after seeing two tigers locked up in a cage at the Bukit Jambul hibiscus, orchids and reptile farm, which has closed down. (theSun) [related links]

Gerakan: How safe is the Tiger Park?: GEORGE TOWN - The state government’s proposed Tiger Park project has attracted a litany of criticisms with the latest questioning the project’s safety aspects and blueprint. Penang Gerakan treasurer Ng Fook On said the people’s safety was of paramount importance and placing wild animals especially tigers in densely-populated residential areas was inviting danger. (Star Online, 24.03.09)

Activists Slam Proposed Tiger Park In Penang: KUALA LUMPUR - Conservationists have slammed plans to create a tiger park in Penang, warning Saturday that the project would be too expensive to maintain and could lead to illegal wildlife trade. The Penang state government recently proposed setting up a 40-hectare tiger park to boost tourism, a key revenue earner for the northern state. (Mysinchew, 22.03.09)

Medical Tourism Board for Penang to promote hospitals overseas: A Medical Tourism Board will be set up in Penang to help promote its hospitals overseas, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai on Saturday. He said that hospitals in the state would contribute to support the board that would then run campaigns abroad to attract medical tourists. However, he was unable give further details for now. (Star Online, 21.03.09)

Tiger park is bad idea, say NGOs - GEORGE TOWN: A coalition of non-governmental organisations has warned the state that the proposed tiger park will have negative implications. The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat), which comprises the Malaysian Nature Society, Traffic Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society-Malaysia Programme and World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia, said building zoos and wildlife parks always sounded simple and exciting. "Malaysia already has more than 40 zoos and monitoring them is a huge task for the authorities, who are also holding the responsibility of protecting wildlife in the wild," it said in a statement yesterday. (NST Online, 22.03.09)

Penang hopes to boost Kazakh tourist arrivals: THE Penang Government plans to introduce more chartered flights from Kazakhstan to Penang to further expand the Malaysian tourism niche market there. State Tourism, Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said Kazakhstan and Malaysia shared many demographic similarities, particularly in terms of religion where 80% of the Kazakhs were Muslims. (Star Online, 20.03.09)

CM defends tiger park idea: GEORGE TOWN - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has defended his proposal to start a tiger park in Relau, saying that the state needed a new eco-tourism project. “Some people have suggested a zoo but it is not economical to have one presently. The people, especially children, are generally interested in big animals. The ‘wow’ factor is there,” he said when asked to elaborate on his idea. (Star Online, 20.03.09)

Rethink plan to build tiger park, Penang urged: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang government has been advised to reconsider its intention to build an ambitious tiger park in the state. Malaysian Nature Society Penang Branch chairman Kanda Kumar said setting up the park would not be right as Penang had no record of the animal’s existence. (Star Online, 17.03.09)

Penang plans tiger park at Relau: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang government plans to open a tiger park at the Relau Community Park aimed at attracting more tourists to the state. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the ecotourism project would be implemented only after considering views from non-governmental organisations (NGO) and the local community. This was in line with the state government's competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) principle of implementing projects transparently and fairly by listening to views from others. (The Edge Malaysia, 15.03.09)

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Penang Govt awaits response to counter proposal: THE Penang Government is awaiting a response to its counter proposal to help facilitate Rapid Penang’s expansion. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has outlined the state’s terms and conditions in response to requests by the company during a meeting with Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop on Wednesday. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

Penang Ready To Lease Land To RapidPenang: PENANG, March 23 (Bernama) - The Penang state government is willing to lease land to Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad to put up infrastructure for bus services in the state, said Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

Bus firm and state govt reach agreement: GEORGE TOWN (March 18, 2009) - After a week of acrimonious exchanges, RapidPenang and the Penang state government have reached an amicable agreement following meetings to sort out land tenure and rental issues. RapidPenang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said that he had not threatened to take away the new buses if they were not able to build the required facilities for the new buses which will be arriving in May. (theSun)

Minister wants Penang Sentral project expedited: SECOND Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop wants the RM2bil Penang Sentral transportation and logistics hub project to be expedited to create spillover economic activities to the locals. Disappointed that the project had been delayed by a year, he ordered its developers Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) and Pelaburan Hartanah Bumiputra Bhd as well as the local authority to resolve any related problems as soon as possible. (Star Online, 17.03.09)

Rapid Penang denies threatening state govt: GEORGETOWN - Rapid Penang is not trying to threaten the state government as reported by local dailies on Tuesday, said chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad on Wednesday. He said there was no plan to send its 200 buses, due to arrive in batches in May, to RapidKL. "We do not mean to take away those buses bought by the Ministry of Finance Inc, but if there are not enough depots to accommodate the vehicles, we will have to lend them to RapidKL for use while we look for a new depot," added Azhar. (Star Online, 18.03.09)

Don’t threaten Penang: RAPID Penang has been told not to threaten the state government with its plan to send its 200 buses that are due to arrive in batches in May to RapidKL if it does not get the five sites it wants to house the buses. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the company was holding the state to ransom “when all it does is facilitate the public transport service.” (Star Online, 17.03.09)

Better times for Penang Port: BUSINESS at North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) has improved since February, despite the global economic crisis. Penang Port Sdn Bhd general manager Obaid Mansor said cargoes coming in from the extended hinterland helped to improve business. Obaid Mansor observing the handling of containers at North Butterworth Container Terminal. “Late last year, we offered very attractive discounted cargo-handling and sea freight charges. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

RapidPenang owers Penang RM1.63 million: GEORGE TOWN (March 16, 2009) - RapidPenang owes the Penang state government some RM1.63 million in rental dues, unpaid since the company began operations on 31 July 2007, for state lands it has been using as bus depots. In revealing this, state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow today welcomed Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop’s gesture to resolve tensions with the bus company. RapidPenang is owned by Ministry of Finance Inc. Chow said it was unfair for RapidPenang CEO Azhar Ahmad to tell to the press that the company’s 200 new buses would be diverted to RapidKL in Kuala Lumpur if the state did not provide new lands to house the buses. (theSun, 16.03.09)

Guan Eng: RapidPenang should have approached us: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state government is appalled with the accusations levelled against it by RapidPenang of not being helpful in allocating three sites to house another 200 buses which will arrive beginning May. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who welcomed Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamad Yaacop's statement on Sunday that he would discuss the matter with the Penang state government following RapidPenang's outburst, lambasted RapidPenang for going to the media before discussing the issue with the state government and exco members concerned first. RapidPenang CEO Azhar Ahmad was reported saying recently that if the state government failed to provide a site for the extra buses, the buses would be handed to RapidKL instead. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.03.09)

Gerakan’s ‘CAT Watch’ zooms in on first case: GERAKAN’S ‘CAT Watch’ which was launched recently to monitor the Penang Government, has zoomed in on its first case — the lack of depots to house Rapid Penang’s new 200 buses. State party chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said it would be a shame and a great loss for Penangites if the bus company redirected the buses to Kuala Lumpur. “Since the state government is showing an indifferent attitude, we urge Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop to intervene on this matter. (Star Online, 16.03.09)

Guan Eng's help sought to solve RapidPenang problems: SEBERANG PERAI (March 15, 2009) - The federal government is taking an unprecedented initiative to seek Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's help to resolve problems faced by RapidPenang in getting proper land to house 200 new buses. Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop said he will personally meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Parliament this week to request for land from the state. He said a positive outcome would be evidence that the state and federal governments, although from opposing political coalitions, can work together for the betterment of the people. (theSun, 15.03.09)

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Magnanimous effort: CORPORATE companies are encouraged to join the Penang Government in rewarding senior citizens for their contributions to the state. Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Environmental Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said more hearts would be touched with the corporate sector’s participation. (Star Online, 31.03.09)

Free WiFi at 26 hotspots in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - The public can now surf the Net at 26 hotspots in Penang for free under the state’s Wireless@Penang initiative. Provided by the REDtone-Hotgate Consort-ium, the free wireless broadband service is available around Komtar, Penang Road, Chulia Street, Bukit Jambul and Mayang Mall on the island and Permatang Pauh on the mainland. (Star Online, 27.03.09)

Penang Gerakan slams Lim over graft allegations: GEORGE TOWN - Allegations of corruption involving two senior Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders in Penang is a slap on the face of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, a state Gerakan leader said yesterday. Penang Gerakan assistant secretary Goh Kheng Sneah said Lim must also ensure the findings of an internal inquiry into the two PKR leaders were made public. "Lim has always been good at shouting at Umno and Barisan Nasional whenever there is a mistake. (NST Online, 26.03.09)

Penang Port ex-MD cleared of corruption: SHAH ALAM - Former Penang Port Sdn Bhd director Mustafa Kamal Maughani was acquitted and discharged by the Sessions Court here Wednesday of receiving a RM50,000 bribe from a tow boat service company 10 years ago. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

RM52,000 bill for Esplanade field repairs: GEORGE TOWN - The organiser of the Kings of Tennis will have to cough up some RM52,000 for the repair and rehabilitation of the Esplanade field. Contractors have started work on restoring the tarred patch to its original state, Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman told The Star Wednesday. (Star Online, 25.03.09)

Priority To Probe Allegations Related To PKR Members: PENANG - The Penang branch of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will give priority to investigations related to Kepala Batas Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth chief Amizudin Ahmat's allegations that some party members were involved in corruption. Penang MACC director, Latifah Md Yatim, said the investigation papers on the matter would be ready as soon as possible. (Mysinchew, 24.03.09)

Travel agent claims trial to cheating: GEORGE TOWN - A 43-year-old travel agent yesterday pleaded not guilty to cheating 15 customers of a low-fare tour package. Khor Soo Kiang, of Taman Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam, is alleged to have issued them a cheque for RM22,300 as refund for the cancelled tour package but the cheque bounced. (NST Online, 20.03.09)

Penang PKR to wrap up probe on leaders in four days: GEORGE TOWN - The state PKR panel plans to wrap up its probe in three to four days claims that two senior party leaders here are involved with local quarry operators to cover up illegal activities in the state. Panel chairman Abdul Halim Hussin, who is also the state state assembly speaker, said the panel which started its probe on Monday, would record statements from the two leaders. (Star Online, 18.03.09)

Not keen to report dodgy dealings by state PKR duo: BUTTERWORTH - National PKR Youth exco member Amizudin Ahmat has insisted that he would not lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on his allegation that two senior party leaders in Penang are working with several quarries to cover up illegal activities. This is despite the confirmation by MACC yesterday that the commission had opened investigation papers over his allegations. The Kepala Batas division Youth chief said he did not use the word "corruption" when he revealed the wrongdoings of two PKR leaders and therefore was not obliged to file an official report to MACC. (NST Online, 17.03.09)

Penang Deputy CPO Fills New Police Post: KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) - Penang deputy chief police officer Datuk Salleh Mat Rasid has been chosen to fill the new post of Deputy director of General Operations Force (Border Safety Management and International Airport Security) effective Monday. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the creation of the post was in line with the Cabinet's decision last April to allow the police to guard entry points into the country.

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