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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Neglected landscape a disgrace: PENANG has always been the most progressive state in the northern corridor of Malaysia. It serves as a hub for IT, tourism and many other industries in the northern part of Malaysia. However, I am most depressed to see that some things are not going on well in the state lately. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

The DAP’s socialist streak: WHEN the Penang government announced late last month that it had eradicated hardcore poverty within its borders, the news raised quite a few eyebrows. It seemed an incredible, if not impossible, task to achieve. On hindsight, however, when one looks at what the Pakatan Rakyat government executed, the solution seems common-sense. But though it may appear simple, the move was instituted with such impudence and guts it could only come from a political element that is part of the origins and makeup of the DAP – its democratic socialism. (theSun, 16.04.09)

DCM issue: PR falling into BN-style politics - THE prolonged vacancy of the Penang Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) 1 post shows the pitfalls of Barisan Nasional (BN)-style politics and governance that the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government there appears to have fallen into, a political analyst said. The DAP-led state government, helmed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, should not have to depend on PR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to decide on what is essentially a public office issue, Khoo Kay Peng said. (The Nut Graph, 15.04.09)

Permatang Pauh II: Just when you thought it was safe to take a break from by-elections, another one is in the air - in the Penang state assembly seat of Penanti, which falls within Anwar’s parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh. This follows the reported resignation of Penang Deputy Chief Minister Fairus from his state assembly seat. (Anil Netto, 16.04.09)

Crumbling Malaysia relics endanger UNESCO listing: An historic area in Malaysia's Penang island - a small area in Georgetown featuring unique buildings from Chinese, Indian and British cultures - was last year granted heritage listing by the United Nations' cultural body, UNESCO. The father of modern China, Sun Yat Sen, plotted his Canton Uprising from one of the heritage zone's old two-storey shop houses. But now, construction projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars are in limbo while buildings dating back hundreds of years fall apart. And the United Nations has threatened to withdraw Georgetown's heritage status unless action is taken to protect Penang's historical sites. (ABC Radio Australia, 15.04.09)

Public best judge of comments: WITH reference to “Judge CM Lim on his record” (April 13), I wish to reiterate that the writer is continuing his barrage of critical comments based on baseless observations. Although he is entitled to his comments, I believe he should focus on what is best for Penang. After all, asking the present government to give credit to the past government clearly shows that he has a short-term memory that it was the rakyat that was instrumental in bringing progress to the state and not solely residual efforts from the past government. (theSun, 16.04.09)

Penang, Selangor decisions hinge on Anwar: KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 – Both the Pakatan Rakyat governments in Penang and Selangor will make crucial decisions for their executive councils today, and it is all up to one man – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The PKR de facto leader will have to nominate a new deputy chief minister I for Penang and decide whether to reject or accept Elizabeth Wong’s resignation from her government post and Bukit Lanjan seat. (Malaysian Insider)

How was this approved? Can nothing be done now?:The Bolton Surin project in Penang - The photos raise all kinds of questions. Clearly, these are steep slopes we are talking about: How was this project approved in the first place? Why is hill-cutting being carried out so close to neighbouring lots? (Anil Netto, 13.04.09)

Don’t rush into branding: BRANDING Penang requires a long-term commitment because it is not about establishing the brand for ourselves but for our children, a brand engagement strategist said. Nick Wreden, who has worked with Tourism Malaysia in its branding efforts, said the branding was not a one-time exercise but an on-going process. (Star Online, 13.04.09)

Judge CM Lim on his record: I THANK Jeffrey Chew for his letter, "Credit due to state for a job well done" (April 2), which was in response to my assessment of Lim Guan Eng’s performance as chief minister of Penang, "Penang govt must change tack" (March 25). However, after studying Chew’s reply, I find the response to be unsatisfactory, as it did not address any of the concerns I had highlighted and in fact raised even more questions. (theSun, 13.04.09)

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Signs of electronics recovery: Kuala Lumpur - SMALL and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Penang could be seeing the initial sparks of a recovery in electronics component and products exports. Small and Medium Industries Development Corp (Smidec) chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim says industry associations have indicated that “SMEs at least in Penang are already beginning to get back their orders for April”. (Star Online, 18.04.09)

Enclave To Catalyse Muslims' Economic Ventures: PULAU PINANG, April 17 (Bernama) - Pulau Pinang Islamic Religious Council's (MAINPP) move to develop the Muslim Enclave that contains three of Georgetown's oldest mosques is to catalyse economic ventures of Muslims here. The endeavour is also a milestone of MAINPP's effort to create a balance between the economic and religious activities.

Tune Hotels comes to Penang: GEORGE TOWN - AirAsia affiliate Tune Hotels.com has launched its fifth and biggest Tune Hotel in Penang. The new budget hotel consists of 258 rooms, bringing the total guest capacity of Tune Hotels in the country to 58,310 per month, according to Tune Hotels.com chairman Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan. (Star Online, 16.04.09)

Port operators report higher volume in March: PETALING JAYA - A number of port operators in the country have reported higher throughput volume for March but are cautious about volume going forward as the signs of recovery are still weak. (Star Online, 16.04.09)

Govt ramping up construction sector: It is to to offset negative growth in other segments: PETALING JAYA - The construction industry, which saw a dearth of jobs last year, has caught a glimpse of up-coming jobs from the stimulus spending this year. This will be counter-cyclical in the sense that while the industry shrank last year, it may expand in a year of economic slowdown as the Government ramps up construction to offset negative growth in other sectors. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

Initiative To Promote Penang Port At International Level: PENANG, April 13 (Bernama) - Organising the Asean Maritime Transport Roadmap Meeting is seen as an initiative to promote Penang port at the international level through Asean countries. Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the meeting was also an opportunity to raise competitiveness and relations among the world's leading ports with Penang port.

Swettenham Pier set to welcome larger vessels: The cruise terminal is expected to be completed by September 30, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat . PENANG is set to welcome larger cruise ships and passenger vessels by September, when the much-delayed redevelopment of Swettenham Pier is finally completed, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat says. (Business Times, 11.04.09)

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Delicious Penang Food @ Classical Curry Mee, Air Itam: If you asked the people who live in Air Itam on what are the best food around, they will surely tell you the famous laksa at the market place, the Indian noodle near the roundabout and also the curry mee beside the bridge - ”Kio Kar Curry Mee”. There is no specific address or telephone number for reservation, this place is truly a hawker-stall style. (Steven Goh, 17.04.09)

Penang Food | An authentic roti bakar experience at Toh Soon Cafe: It is a known fact that Penang has lots of mouth watering attraction (food, of course!) available anywhere throughout the island and the mainland. Better still, these attractions are considered special and unique due to their originality and authenticity. These Penang Food have been around for ages and the businesses passed down from one generation to the other. (PenangTuaPui, 16.04.09)

Penang Hokkien Restaurant - Ang Hoay Loh: A Saturday lunch was at Ang Hoay Loh which occupied the corner garden space of the State Chinese (Penang) Association in Perak Road. This restaurant is an icon for some of Penang’s most authentic cuisines. I was recommended to try out their specialty Hokkien dishes by my reader, Sky in my earlier post at Sin Lean Heang (another Hokkien restaurant) located in Goh Tiau Lor. (What2see, 14.04.09)

The cheapest dim sum in Penang?: After patronizing more than 14 dim sum restaurants within the Georgetown vicinity, I had found one that suited my taste best. Surprisingly, this barely a year old restaurant is the sister company of the famed Restoran Zim Sum along Jalan Anson and they do share the same premise with another sister company named The Steamboat Restaurant along Jalan Macalister, Penang. The name of this restaurant is Dim Sum Food Restaurant. (Criz Bon Appetite, 13.04.09)

Pleasure Penang Food, Mee Goreng & Rebus @ Persiaran Gurney: Whenever I start to ask around about Mee Goreng (Indian-style Fried Noodle) or Mee Rebus (Indian-style Cooked Noodle), there will be a lot of responses to me and many suggested places, some are hidden in corner of streets that I have never even heard of. As for me, there are lot more to write about as there are really many nice Mee Goreng and Rebus around the corner of Penang. This time I am going to talk about the place that sells good and traditional-style Mee Goreng and Rebus. This place is located at a hotspot but somehow not many people know about this place. (stevengoh, 12.04.09)

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Buck up, rep tells Penang municipality: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) had the dubious honour of finishing behind the embattled Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) in the star rating system for local governments last year. Both councils received a 3-star rating, but MPSP scored 72.05 points and was placed 16th, while MPPP was 21st (68.75), out of 98 local authorities assessed. Jelutong member of parliament Ooi Chuan Aun, who has been highly critical of the council, took a dig at MPPP yesterday branding the rating "a disgrace and an insult". (NST Online, 19.04.09)

No smoking while on duty: THE police force will abide with the government’s no-smoking directive for uniformed government servants if the provision is according to the law. Penang deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm I Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the police had yet to be informed by the government about the issue. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

20 mosque committee members' appointments invalid: BUTTERWORTH - The appointments of 20 mosque committee members in Penang have been declared invalid, as they were not approved by the state Islamic Religious Council. Council president Shabudin Yahaya said the council decided to nullify the appointments following complaints that they were not done according to procedures. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

Term extended for Penang head: KUALA LUMPUR - Penang Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas has had his term extended for four more years. He received the appointment letter from Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara here Wednesday
(Star Online, 15.04.09)

Penang assembly becomes ciggie-free zone : Smokers will have to control their habit when the 12th Penang legislative assembly sits for the first time this year between April 20 and 28 as the state government has officially declared the assembly and its compound area as a ‘smoke-free zone'. (Malaysiakini, 14.04.09)

CVLB needs ‘total overhaul’: GEORGE TOWN (April 13, 2009) - The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) should be completely revamped or scrapped, as it has failed to perform its enforcement and regulatory duties over the past 10 years, a coalition of NGOs on local transport said today. Citizens for Public Transport (Cepat) coordinator Dr Choong Sim Poey said it was pointless to simply move the controversial agency to a new ministry if it remained ineffective.

TNB Must Stop Prosecuting Customers: PENANG, April 14 (Bernama) - The state government must intervene and stop Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) from prosecuting about 3,000 customers in Penang for alleged power theft.Jelutong Member of Parliament Jeff Ooi said the state government should resort to this until a dialogue with the Energy Commission was held to thrash out the matter soon.

Judge heads Appeals Board: THE state Appeals Board in Penang will be headed by Penang High Court judge Datuk Abd Rahim Uda. His deputy is Siti Khadijah S. Hassan — a former industrial court judge. Eleven others, comprising academicians and professionals including a lawyer, engineer, architect and surveyor, have been appointed board members. (Star Online, 13.04.09)

Reduce Water Consumption Or Pay More - Lim: PENANG, April 12 (Bernama) - The chief minister has urged Penangites to reduce water consumption by 10 per cent or pay more, by way of water tariff next year. "The formula is simple, we would not want to charge higher on water tariff for state water consumers but if you force the government to implement more water infrastructure projects for the future, you will end up paying significantly more," said Lim Guan Eng.

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Plans to conserve Penang heritage zone: GEORGE TOWN (April 17, 2009) - Almost a year after George Town was inscribed together with Malacca as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Penang government has finally put in motion some of the plans needed to manage, conserve and maintain the heritage zone. Local government and traffic management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who visited parts of the heritage zone this morning, said one of the main things to be done is to expand the Penang island Municipal Council's (MPPP) heritage unit within its building department into a full-fledged department. (theSun, 17.04.09)

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Fire razes six shophouses: SIX wooden shophouses, including two motor workshops, were burned down in a fire in Jalan Permatang Rawa in Bukit Mertajam. Occupants were jolted from their beds when the alarm was raised after fire broke out at one of the units at about 3am. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

15 squatter families appeal for houses: SOME 15 squatter families in Kuala Muda, Penang, which were affected by the 2004 tsunami, are appealing to the Federal Government to resettle them to a nearby housing scheme. Their spokesman Long Ismail, 65, a fisherman, said they were not eligible for the government’s Desa Kuala Muda housing scheme, where other tsunami victims were earlier relocated, as they were squatting on private land. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

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Celebrating Penang: THE Art International Penang 2009 festival will be held to commemorate the first anniversary of the Unesco World Heritage Site listing for George Town. The four-day festival themed ‘Art, Life and Vision’, is scheduled to kick off on July 23. Its chairman Koay Teng Hai said the event was aimed at promoting the understanding and appreciation of art and culture. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

Indian classical music, anyone?: MENTION Indian classical music and several people stand out in Penang for their untireless efforts in promoting the music especially among the younger generation.. One of them is A. Elangkovan better known as Elango, who started playing the mandolin at the age of eight and has been teaching Indian classical instruments for the past 30 years. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

Penang is still home to Sister Aidan: GEORGE TOWN - Penang is still home, sweet home, for Octogenarian Sister Aidan Fitzgerald, the former SM Convent Green Lane principal, who arrived here from Ireland 44 years ago. Although she retired in 1988, Sister Aidan, who is among the last of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Malaysia, prefers to remain in Penang instead of returning to her birthplace. (Star Online, 13.04.09)

When belief turns out the best policy: Kam Chee Meng had always believed that he would make his living selling insurance. But his parents thought it was not a wise move. IT STARTED with stories told by friends. How wonderful it was to make lots of money and not be tied down to an office, he thought. Kam Chee Meng had always believed that he would make his living selling insurance. But his parents thought it was not a wise move. Sometimes, they quarrelled. (Business Times, 11.04.09)

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Pavilion near completion: WORK on the 20-storey pavilion to shelter the 30.2m Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) statue at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, Penang, is expected to be completed in October. The RM40mil project which started 10 years ago is about 90% completed, said the temple guest recipient guru Ven Chan Jet. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

Iman photo log on the Penang War Museum - A photographers journey through his lens. (iman, 14.04.09)

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Najib says country does not need another by-election: KLANG, April 17 — Newly-minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is weary of by-elections and just wants to move forward with his job: fixing the limp economy and taking Malaysia to a higher level, all in the name of taking care of the public’s best interests, he says. “Too much time, energy and ringgit are being spent on by-elections that are actually unnecessary,” he told reporters today after opening the 63rd annual general meeting of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM). (Malaysian Insider, 17.04.09)

Let's not play Opposition's game, say Barisan leaders: PETALING JAYA: Most Barisan Nasional component party leaders have agreed that the coalition ought not to field a candidate in the Penanti by-election in Penang, saying that by doing so it would be dancing to the Opposition’s tune. Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said yesterday that the by-election was the Opposition’s political game. (Star Online, 19.04.09)

PR vs BN... again: The resignation of controversy-plagued state representative for Penanti and former Penang Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin today has set the wheels in motion for yet another by-election to be called. Although the details of this are yet to be confirmed, Penang state speaker Abdul Halim Hussein acknowledged receipt of Fairus’ letter and said he will inform the Election Commission who will then make a formal announcement calling voters to the polls. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.04.09)

Penanti polls: PKR has the upper hand - Now that former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has resigned as Penanti assemblyperson, the stage is set for another tussle of strength between PKR and Umno. In this bout however, PKR clearly has the upper hand. The by-election - to be held within the next 60 days - will be held in the opposition party’s political bastion. (Malaysiakini, 17.04.09)

PKR Wants To Find Deputy CM In Penanti: KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) - Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said the Penanti state by-election in Penang is just an avenue for the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to find a candidate for the post of Penang Deputy Chief Minister I. Awang Adek, who is Second Finance Minister, said PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had been saying that he would announce the candidate for the post but he had not done so.

No Conspiracy To Bring Down Fairus, Says Zahrain: PENANG, April 17 (Bernama) - Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) liaison chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim has denied any conspiracy or malicious intent to bring down former Penanti assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin. He said, the move by the former Deputy Chief Minister 1 to relinquish his positions in the state government and state assembly was a personal decision after a discussion with party advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

I'm quitting as assemblyman to protect PKR, says Fairus: GEORGE TOWN - Former Penang deputy chief minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin yesterday resigned as the state assemblyman for Penanti, paving the way for a by-election in the Pakatan Rakyat-ruled state. The 34-year-old Fairus, who is under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for alleged corruption involving quarry operations, said he was quitting in the interests of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, a component party of Pakatan Rakyat. (NST Online, 17.04.09)

PR’s chain of trouble from weak link: After one year, Pakatan Rakyat’s dilemma is that ‘little brother’ PKR is using by-elections as a way of winnowing unwanted representatives, something that does not sit too well with DAP and PAS. THE resignation of besieged former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin as Penanti assemblyman has forced yet another by-election. . (Star Online, 17.04.09)

Don't speculate on Fairus' resignation, says Penang PKR chief: GEORGE TOWN - People should not speculate on former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s decision to quit as the Penanti assemblyman, said state PKR chiefDatuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim. He said the decision was made by Mohammad Fairus himself and people should respect it. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

Fairus vows to expose dirt on PKR if it does not clear his name: PENANG (April 16, 2009) - Former Penang deputy chief minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin who has fallen from grace vows to dig up dirt on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the Pakatan Rakyat state government if PKR does not clear his name in two weeks. Fairus, who went into hiding after resigning the state's No. 2 post last month for allegedly being linked to illegal sand quarry activities, contacted Nanyang Siang Pau on Tuesday to convey this message and to clarify accusations made against him. (theSun, 16.04.09)

Resignation a deliberate move to force by-election: Gerakan: PENANG - Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said today (16 April) the Penanti state seat's vacancy is a deliberate move by the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to force a by-election to shore up support to the party. "The party wants to create a 'wave' of support, thinking that they can always win back the seats that their assemblymen had vacated," he told Bernama when asked to comment on the resignation of Penanti assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin today. (MySinChew, 16.04.09)

Fairus quits Penanti, forces by-election: GEORGE TOWN, April 16 — Embattled Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, who quit as the Penang deputy chief minister 1 last week after allegations of graft, today resigned his Penanti state seat to force a by-election that could decide his replacement. (Malaysian Insider)

Is Guan Eng in charge of state or Anwar?: GEORGE TOWN - Barisan Nasional component party leaders have lashed out at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for not keeping to his promise to announce the candidate for the deputy chief minister (DCM) I post yesterday. They want to know who is in control of the state: whether Lim is still in power or de facto Parti Keadilan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. (NST Online, 16.04.09)

Naming of DCM put off: GEORGE TOWN - Political observers have been left disappointed again when the much-awaited announcement of the new Deputy Chief Minister I for Penang was deferred yesterday. After the hype surrounding the appointment, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng once again failed to announce who would replace Penanti assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin who had resigned following allegations of corruption last month. (Star Online, 16.04.09)

Poser over Penang deputy CM appointment: KUALA LUMPUR - The decision to allow the post of Penang deputy chief minister (DCM) I to remain vacant for now in order to give Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim more time to sort out internal issues has raised more questions than answers. (MySinChew, 15.04.09)

Guan Eng: Anwar needs more time: GEORGE TOWN - Despite promising that the new deputy chief minister 1 would be announced today, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng deferred the announcement, saying Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim needed more time. Hounded by the media after handing over cheques to 21 Tamil schools and meeting a delegation from Hunan, China, Lim left abruptly saying he had to catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur and a press release would be issued. (The Edge Malaysia, 15.04.09)

Fairus Has Not Submitted Application For Leave: PENANG, April 14 (Bernama) -- Penanti assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has not submitted an application for leave from the Penang State Assembly sitting beginning April 20. Its speaker, Abdul Halim Hussain said Fairus could still apply for leave even one day before the start of the sitting.

Penang DCM1 remains vacant: GEORGE TOWN, April 15 — Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will not name a new deputy until Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim solves PKR Penang’s internal issues of whether to opt for a by-election in Penanti if he cannot decide between two remaining candidates for the post. He said Anwar had earlier indicated the deputy chief minister I post should go to a Malay, leaving the only choice as Sungai Bakap assemblyman Maktar Shapee but the de facto PKR leader has yet to make up his mind. (Malaysian Insider)

Guan Eng remains tight lipped about DCM1 post: GEORGE TOWN - Is he or is he not going to be charged, will a new deputy chief minister be named or is a by-election in the offing for the state seat of Penanti, which is currently held by the former deputy chief minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin? Wednesday is D-Day for these questions to be answered. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was continuously grilled by journalists for the answers which he could not or would not provide.

Guan Eng slams Muhyiddin for remarks: GEORGE TOWN - Stop blaming the people for your mistakes, urged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in response to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's statement that the Chinese were ungrateful to Barisan Nasional (BN) by voting for the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) during the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections on April 7. "Don't blame others for your mistakes and failures. As the Malay saying goes, when you point a finger at others, remember the other four fingers are pointing at you, too.

MACC in no hurry to charge Fairus: With the media frenzy hitting high on the speculations that former Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin could be charged with corruption sometime this week, a high ranking MACC official however poured cold water over the matter. "Why the hurry to charge him? There is still a long way to go (in the case)," said the official who wanted to remain anonymous. (Malaysiakini, 14.04.09)

Fairus's successor to be announced next Wednesday: The name of the new deputy chief minister (I) will be announced on Wednesday, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said he was still waiting for feedback from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as to who should be appointed to the position. (NST Online, 12.04.09)

Gerakan squeezes Pakatan over Fairus: GEORGE TOWN, April 13 — The Penang Gerakan is pressuring Pakatan Rakyat over former deputy chief minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s replacement apart from asking the Penanti state assemblymen to come clean to his constituents. The state Gerakan secretary Ong Thean Lye also wants Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng to name a replacement immediately, saying any delay would cause work to pile up. The post is reserved for a Malay assemblyman from PKR. (Malaysian Insider)

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Penang Chief Minister meets PM Lee: SINGAPORE - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is in Singapore to meet investors, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday. A statement by the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday said the two discussed the regional economic situation and opportunities for business collaboration between Singapore and Penang at the Istana. It added that the meeting is in line with Singapore's efforts to nurture friendly ties with Malaysia, both at the national level and also with the Malaysian states. (Channel News Asia, 18.04.09)

Penang and Henan, China to promote halal industry: GEORGE TOWN - The state and the Henan province in China will work together to promote the halal industry, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said. He said that Henan, with a Muslim population of 2 million, was an important gateway to penetrate into other parts of China. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

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Firefly expects JB-Penang route to be over 70% full: JOHOR BARU - Budget carrier Firefly Sdn Bhd expects a minimum load factor of 70% for its Johor Baru-Penang route which will start early next month. Its head of marketing/communications, Angelina Fernandez, said bookings for the route, especially from the business community, had been positive. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

Putting into place key measures: THE Penang Port Commission (PPC) will implement two key measures in the Asean Maritime Transport Roadmap, its chairman Tan Cheng Liang said. She said the measures were to develop a database of maritime trade movements and identify required improvement areas in the Asean network’s port performance and capacity. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

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Blitz to clean beach: THE Penang Government showed it meant business by removing some 60 abandoned illegal structures, shacks and boats along the Batu Ferringhi beach under Ops Sinar Batu Ferringhi. Since 6am yesterday, a group of 300 enforcement officers, hoteliers, Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) members and Batu Ferringhi entrepreneurs had been cleaning up the popular tourist attraction under a joint effort, said State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow. (Star Online, 17.04.09)

Penang cops resent public smoking ban: GEORGE TOWN, Wed - Police criticised the Penang Government for announcing a blanket smoking ban in public areas for uniformed police officers without consulting the force. State deputy police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the police would not abide to the state government's directive blindly. (NST Online, 15.04.09)

All hopes on Dr Koh to promote unity in Penang: THE appointment of former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department(Unity and Performance Management) will help the state towards fostering greater unity and better understanding among the people of all races. (Star Online, 16.04.09)

Rep: No land to build futsal court: THE RM250,000 fund required to build a futsal court in Sungai Dua, Butterworth, can be used at any time but the project has to be put on hold due to the unavailability of land. Sungai Dua assemblyman Datuk Jasmin Muhammad said the 5,000-odd youths in the area had been pressuring him over the past year to find out when the project would be implemented as they had been waiting for some time. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

Penang out to make smoking reps a dying breed: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Government is coming down hard on smokers and elected representatives are next in the line of fire. State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh declared the state assembly building a smoke-free zone Tuesday, with enforcement officers set to prowl looking for offenders when the state legislative assembly reconvenes next Monday. (Star Online, 15.04.09)

No smoking for civil servants in uniform: GEORGE TOWN (April 14, 2009) - Disciplinary action will be taken against any civil servant caught smoking while in uniform. Environment, health, welfare and caring society committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said today this ruling has been in place since former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the 'Tak Nak' campaign several years ago. (theSun)

Thousands revel in the ‘rain’: THOUSANDS thronged the Thai Chaiya Mangalaram Buddhist Temple and Burmese Buddhist Temple in Burma Lane, George Town to celebrate the Songkran Water Festival. Known as Thingyan to the Burmese, it also marked the New Year’s Day for them. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

Gerakan to send anti-ISA memo to govt: PENANG Gerakan is now preparing to send a memorandum to the Federal Government, asking for a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the enactment of an Anti-Terrorism Act to replace it. State Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said the party believed that the country needed a new Act to cope with the increase in terrorism cases. (Star Online, 14.04.09)

Gerakan leaders attend forum on ISA: GEORGE TOWN - Several state Gerakan leaders made a surprise appearance at the Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) Consultation forum "Internal Security Act: What Next?" here yesterday. The four present were state Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, secretary Ong Thean Lye, assistant secretary Goh Kheng Sneah and party Youth committee member Dr Thor Teong Gee. (NST Online, 13.04.09)

Penang MIC Youth welcomes new Cabinet: THE PENANG MIC Youth welcomed the new Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, hoping that the people would give the Government a chance to serve them. State MIC Youth chairman M. Suresh said it was obvious that the Cabinet line-up was more people-oriented by placing the interest of the people as the priority. (Star Online, 13.04.09)

Sikhs start celebrating Vasakhi in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Like Sikhs elsewhere in the world celebrating Vasakhi (New Year), those on the island gathered at the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib yesterday. Vasakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, celebrated in April every year. (Star Online, 13.04.09)

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