| iGT NetBuzz: Apr 20 to 26, 2009 |
| Monday, 20 April 2009 19:15 |
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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. Click on headings to read full articles or click through headers below to get to individual sections. OPINION • BUSINESS & INVESTMENT • ENVIRONMENT • FOOD • GOVERNANCE • HERITAGE • HOUSING • HUMAN RESOURCES • PLACES OF INTEREST • POLITICS • TRANSPORT • TOURISM • OTHERS Old style of new politics: APRIL 26 — While Malaysians’ resentment towards the battered ruling government of Barisan Nasional remains high, the caustic relationship and out-of-sync governance among Pakatan Rakyat component members are not giving much confidence to the people either. The tit-for-tat spat between PKR and DAP leaders over the handling of the resignation of deputy chief minister 1 Mohd Fairus Khairuddin as DCM, Exco as well as Penanti assemblyman has put both parties on a collision course. (Malaysian Insider) Really, they were the Good Old Days: Two nights ago, I was with some friends and we were enjoying a bit of a nostalgic yak about the good old days in George Town. Long before KOMTAR was conceived and built, this part of the city was a thriving entertainment and transportation hub from the 1960s to the 1970s. Maybe, even earlier. (Anything Goes, 24.04.09) The Penang Dream Series ( 2 )... Copycat and unashamed sham: There were new developments on the 3-Star MPPP disgrace I raised earlier this week, April 19 in the Press, April 20 on this blog. Firstly, there were copycats -- wholesale copycats -- with a lot of Gerakan hindsight (See The NST, Tuesday, April 21), a lot of shameful Gerakan political innuendos, but none of the saving grace to bear full responsibility for running the local council to the ground after over 38 years under Barisan Nasional/Umno. (Jeff Ooi, 22.04.09) SHARANJIT SINGH: All knotted up in CAT's cradle: A LEADING cast member of the play Cat On a Hot Tin Roof had an interesting line when he asked a fellow actor about a smell in the room. "What's the smell in this room? Didn't you notice it... don't you notice the powerful and obnoxious odour of mendacity in this room?" The quote has since been immortalised and the rest as they say is history. (NST Online, 23.04.09) A Thorough Self-reflection For Pakatan Rakyat: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng admitted that he was unhappy over late informed of Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s resignation as Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) I and subsequently, as state assemblyman. Lim’s embarrassment was absolutely understandable. (MySinChew, 21.04.09) Yours Is Yours: I have came across a term “status quo ante bellum” when I was studying political science. It means “the way things were before the war”. The term comes from Latin. There were wars everywhere during the Roman times. The causes of a war were complex and sometimes, a war just happened without a reason, nor a necessity. And for sure, the wars plunged people into misery and sufferings. (MySinChew, 21.04.09) Penang Dream, anyone?: The Penang Dream Series ( 1 ): Let me ask my fellow Penangites.Penang is the second largest city in Malaysia, and CM Lim Guan Eng wants it transformed into a top-class international city during his term of office? Thank you. Point taken. So, how best do you want the municipal council governing Penang -- the Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP) -- to perform in tandem to our Penang Dream? (Jeff Ooi, 20.04.09) PENANG: Must we hold a Penanti by-election? AS expected, there is growing resentment against the idea of a by-election in the Penanti state constituency in Penang, following the resignation of Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin last week. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomes waiving a by-election but we are yet to know what the official response is. But first and foremost, we should address the question: should there be a by-election at all? (NST Online, 21.04.09) Maxis ups 3G ante: Maxis Communications Bhd will spend RM1.6 billion to improve its network this year, more than double the amount being invested by its rivals. Essentially, the company will upgrade its third-generation (3G) network to handle more capacity. Mobile phone users can access the Internet and make video calls, among other things, using 3G services. (Business Times, 23.04.09) Extend liberalisation, says Guan Eng: GEORGE TOWN - The lifting of the 30% bumiputera equity on 27 sub-sectors should be extended to more sectors, says Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Lim said it was a wise move by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to remove the equity requirement with immediate effect in line with the Asean trade liberalisation and efforts to boost the services sector. (The Edge Malaysia, 23.04.09) Don't Be Too Elated With Signs Of Economic Recovery: PENANG, April 19 (Bernama) - Do not be too happy with the global economy that has shown positive signs of recovery, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. He urged Malaysians not to be too comfortable with the situation for the next two to three months as it may just be temporary. Expansion takes TNT to Penang: TNT is targeting to open a new logistics centre in July, with an official launch in August, in a move to step up its competitive edge in the Penang market. TNT Express Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian arm of Dutch logistics group TNT NV, will open a new logistics centre in Penang in the third quarter of this year, designed to support the group's expanding air and road networks across Asia. (Business Times, 20.04.09) Penang Assembly Sits, Governor Emphasises Investment: PENANG, April 20 (Bernama) - Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas today opened the state assembly sitting and emphasised the importance of setting up Penang Chief Minister Incorporated, saying it would give a new dimension to investment in Penang. He said the corporation was set up to spur investment in all sectors in the state, including real estate, housing, manufacturing and tourism. CM: Moves to sabotage Penang-bound investments: SINGAPORE - Certain government officials have tried to sabotage Penang-bound investments by diverting them to other places, including Iskandar Malaysia in Johor. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was aware of such attempts. (Star Online, 19.04.09) Call to ban plastic bags: SINCE Penang is first to introduce free Wifi services and to eradicate hardcore poverty, it must also become the first to ban the use of plastic bags. Yeoh Soon Hin (DAP—Paya Terubong) said that almost every other day, people used plastic bags to carry things around. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Survey on plastic bag ban: PENANG will conduct a survey over the next few months before deciding on whether to ban the use of plastic bags in the state. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state would adopt a ‘progressive approach’ to formulate a solution that was acceptable to everyone. (Star Online, 21.04.09) 100 cyclists on 20km ride to deliver Earth Day pledge: THE people should practise sustainable consumption of resources as it would help ensure a better tomorrow, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. “This is one of the values which we want to spread among the public, and it goes in line with our aim of making Penang an international city and habitat of choice. (Star Online, 20.04.09) 12 Quintessential City Food Symbols: The innate hesitation some foreign travelers display while abroad ranks as a personal pet peeve. Those who seek refuge in irrational fears provide a collective disservice to international relations. The most troublesome travel trait however, is an obstinate refusal to exercise a sense of wonder at meal time. (crack two, 24.04.09) Tanjong Tokong - Penang: Please have a look at my beautiful, unique, ethnic, mish-mash island. I jumped down from the car and took a short walk to film this video, under the scorching, hot, burning, bright sun on a lazy afternoon. We went to the Hai Choo garden or Sea Pearl Garden to have crabs with roe which is the birthday boy’s favourite. By the time I reached the seafood place, the crabs and prawns were already served so I didn’t manage to capture the seafood part. (lilian, 26.04.09) Penang Hawker Food - Penang Road Iceball, Ice Kacang & Cendol: Penang Teochew Cendol or commonly known as Ang Tau Cendol is a highly popular dessert. This Penang Hawker Food is an all-time favorite among the locals and the tourist. It can be found in a stall off Penang Road. It’s located on the right hand side of Lebuh Keng Kwee. This delicious cooling sweet dessert cost RM1.70 and comes with ingredients of shaved ice, red beans, cendol, coconut milk and gula melaka (brown sugar). (What2see, 23.04.09) Hawker Food | Datuk Keramat Curry Mee: Just a walking distance away from the Stadium Curry Mee is another curry mee stall. This curry mee stall is famous among the school girls from nearby Convent Datuk Keramat. This stall sells koay teow th’ng as well. This shop is located diagonally opposite the Esso station and in front of an electrical shop. Finding parking is a bit tough as it is a small one way street. We parked behind the Honolulu Cafe (previously Federal Cinema) and walked over to this shop. (Penang TuaPui, 23.04.09) Hawker Food | Carnarvon Street Duck Rice: “This is the best duck rice stall in Penang”, according to one of our colleagues who recently brought us there. He claimed that he has been a regular customer for many years and still find it the best. For us, of course, is worth visiting this stall to check it out. (PenangTuaPui, 21.04.09) Jawa Mutton Satay @Chowrasta Market Penang: Satay, originally a Malay cuisine, has been fusioned and adapted by many races, as the idea of meat on the stick has been appealing since the early days. In Malaysia, the more popular type of skewered meat would be the chicken and beef. We came across this satay stall specializing in Satay Kambing (mutton satay) during my revisit for the cooling glass of Ais Tingkap. (What2See, 19.04.09) Seaside land becomes hot topic: GEORGE TOWN - A piece of land which "disappeared" but "resurfaced" later has become an issue after it was revealed that it was given to a state executive council member for a nominal fee. State Gerakan treasurer Ng Fook On said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng must come clean and explain why the state had gone against its own directive that no state exco member or government official would be given land. (NST Online, 24.04.09) Non-politicians on board: THE state government has looked beyond the political party quota system to appoint members to the state Appeals Board, State Town and Country Planning and Housing Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said. He said the members comprised an engineer, surveyor, architect, lawyer and an academician. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Court orders Penang to deposit RM14m: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang government has been ordered to pay a deposit of RM14mil in relation to a land scam involving the previous administration. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that although the case was still pending in the Court of Appeals, the High Court here had on Feb 19 ordered that the deposit be paid to the court within two months. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Penang government has explaining to do: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has been urged to come clean and explain an allegation made by the chief minister's aide that high-ranking officials in local councils here were involved in graft. State Gerakan vice-youth chief H'ng Khoon Leng said at a press conference that the state government could not continue to keep mum over the issue as it involved the good name of the councils. (NST Online, 22.04.09) Appeal for reassessment: THE Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will ask the Housing and Local Government Ministry to reassess the 68.75 marks and three-star rating given to the council. Council secretary Tan Cheng Chui said yesterday that many of the council officers did not agree with the ministry’s assessment. (Star Online, 22.04.09) Open tender for culvert repair works in estate: THE Penang Government will soon be opening a tender for structural repair works on underground culverts in Hong Seng Estate. Penang Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang said the state had approved RM200,000 for the repair works after a study by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) was completed. (Star Online, 21.04.09) Lee to head MPPP?: THE state Gerakan has proposed that former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon be appointed the new Penang municipal council president. State Gerakan secretary Ong Thean Lye said Lee, who is Penang Development Corporation director and InvestPenang executive committee chairman, was the only person seen capable of handling the council and bring it back to a top level of performance. (Star Online, 21.04.09) MPPP’s poor ranking an embarrassment: THE Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) must improve its overall performance within the next three years if the state were to become a world-class city. Jeff Ooi, the chief of staff to the Chief Minister, said MPPP ranked 21 out of 98 local authorities nationwide. (Star Online, 20.04.09) Living heritage seeks papal help over eviction: GEORGE TOWN (April 26, 2009) - The Catholic Church has asked a 100-year-old community in the only kampung left in George Town’s Unesco heritage zone to vacate, prompting the Vatican to be alerted about the matter. Sources told theSun the long-time residents of the historic quarters in the grounds of the Francis Xavier Church have been told to move out by the end of May. (theSun) Penang submitted proposal on management of RM25m allocation for heritage: THE bulk of the RM25mil allocation for heritage conservation in George Town under Budget 2009 will go towards restoration works and other physical works in the core zone area. In its proposal submitted to the National Heritage Department earlier this week, the Penang Government estimated that RM19.25mil will be used for this purpose. (Star Online, 20.04.09) Penang to set up agency on ‘heritage values’: GEORGE TOWN - Penang will form Penang Chief Minister Incorporated, an agency that would conserve, protect and promote heritage values in George Town following its listing as a Unesco World Heritage site. Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas said the agency would stimulate investments to help spur economic growth in Penang in the wake of the current economic slowdown. (Star Online, 20.04.09) Rehda all for building projects to continue: GIVING his backing for the four hotel projects to proceed, Real Estate & Housing Developer Association, Penang Chapter (Rehda Penang) chairman Datuk Jerry Chan said the blanket 18m height guideline for Penang’s inner city was not imposed by Unesco, as popularly believed. “It was inserted by the parties involved in the preparation of the dossier to be submitted to Unesco for the World Heritage Site status (WHS) listing application. (Star Online, 20.04.09) Home in on Malaysia: KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — An over-supply plus gloomy market sentiment are adding up to a rare buying opportunity for investors in Kuala Lumpur, particularly in the prime KL City Centre (KLCC) area. Dr Lee Ville, president of ERA Malaysia, said: “In my personal view, the property market sentiment (of KL) is at its lowest since 2004. This sentiment has sparked a price drop in the KLCC and Mont Kiara locality.” (Malaysian Insider) Call For Special Fund For Low-cost Houses For Poor: PENANG, April 22 (Bernama) - A state assemblyman today proposed that the Penang state government set up a special fund for the purchase of low-cost houses to assist low-income families and the poor own houses. Shabudin Yahya (BN-Permatang Berangan) said this would avoid low-income families from having to put up with the bureaucratic red tape of banking institutions. EIWU exposes electrical firm replacing local workers with foreigners: BUTTERWORTH, April 23 (Bernama) - The Electrical Industry Workers Union (EIWU) today revealed the action of an electrical equipment supply company here dismissing 94 local workers and then recruited foreigners. EIWU industrial relations senior officer N. Balakrishnan said, the company that operates in the Perai Industrial Area discharged its workers on Feb 28 through a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) on the excuse that it was having financial problems and wanted to recover. Invite to Vasakhi celebration: PENANGITES can flock to Fort Cornwallis this Saturday to witness a colourful Vasakhi celebration. The Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (Penang Branch)is organising a state-level Vasakhi Fest 2009 with the aim to showcase the Sikh way of life, culture, customs and traditions. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Gamut of emotions unmasked: RASA Unmasked, a contemporary dance performance held at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town saw several cross-cultural elements in music and dance brought to life. The presentation, a Malaysia-Australia collaboration, saw various dance traditions such as Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Malay/Indonesian dance vocabularies and the merging of Javanese and Indian classical music. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Following an artist’s process: WE see beautiful paintings on the walls of art galleries only after the work has been completed and rarely get a chance to examine the thoughts and processes undertaken by the artist while completing the masterpieces. An ongoing exhibition at the Penang State Art Gallery entitled ‘Bumi Manusia: Revisited’ lets viewers do just that. (Star Online, 24.04.09) 1Malaysia at Penang Old Town: Masjid Kapitan Keling (formerly Pitt Street) in George Town is A Street Named Harmony. And not without merit. It is one fascinating street and has all the ingredients to be the real One Malaysia Street. The street holds a special memory for Mama and Papa. More than a decade ago, both of them visited an old jewellery shop located here to choose the engagement ring. (guikp, 26.04.09) Penang Trip - Day 4: Today is our last day in Penang. We didn't have our usual breakfast at the Hotel. We choose to dine outside as we want to try something new. Restoran Zim Sum @ Anson Road. Restoran Zim Sum is one of the famous Dim Sum spot (which looks like a market place...) recommended by local people in George Town. It is located slightly opposite KDU Penang in Anson Road. (Hobby Horse, 23.04.09) Tourists Drawn To 'Bunga Malai' Fragrance At Jalan Kapitan Keling: PULAU PINANG, April 23 (Bernama) - The fragrance from the garlands of flowers at the row of six stalls on Jalan Kapitan Keling here have never failed to attract the attention of those who passes through this Georgetown heritage spot. But the 'bunga malai' or flower garlands have also pulled in the foreign tourists who are vacationing in this 'pearl of the orient'. Penang: Day 1: Malaysia, Restaurant | Breakfast at a corner cafe a few blocks from the hostel doing brisk business. The customers are all locals; in one corner a man is slurping up soup noodles with eyes afixed to an open newspaper, two women are gossiping over iced coffees, a large group of teenage girls are crowded around two tables outside. It’s not fast-paced, as in people don’t rush past, but they move rhythmically, suggesting familiarity and ease with routine whether server or patron. (thelaygastronomer, 23.04.09) Little India, Penang - My Vanakkam Experience: Ever since covering this year’s Thaipusam procession (on the eve) along the grounds in Little India, I knew I had to come back for more. I had passed by this place several times, mostly for other assignments and each time, the temptation to snap a few shots would get the better of me. So on last Saturday, I made sure that my mind was purely on Little India and anything else could wait. Covering the notable areas around Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pasar (Market Street) that make up Little India in the heart of George Town, I was greeted by the sights, sounds and scents. (Travel Guide Malaysia, 21.04.09) Guan Eng denies any new rift with Anwar: KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng dismissed today talk that his ties with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had again been strained by reports that the de facto PKR chief plans to nominate the winner of the Penanti by-election as the new deputy chief minister. The chief minister described as mere speculation and “media spin” the controversy sparked by reports that Anwar had once again failed to consult Lim on the matter of the DCM. (Malaysian Insider) Ex-PKR Penang leader, PPP want a shot at Penanti: PETALING JAYA, April 26 - Former Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita chief Aminah Abdullah hopes the Barisan Nasional (BN) will skip the possible by-election in the Penanti state seat to enable her to take on a PKR candidate in a straight fight. "Finally, I will come face-to-face with PKR to uphold truth and justice. Let us not conceal the truth from the people. If we are wrong, we have to admit our mistake so that it can be rectified," she told a news conference in Subang near here today. (Malaysian Insider) Fairus stands by his resignation: PETALING JAYA - Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin stands by his resignation as Penanti assemblyman despite being cleared by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission of any wrongdoing. “I repeat strongly my intention to resign as Penanti assemblyman and I want to express my full support towards Parti Keadilan Rakyat under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Fairus stands by his resignation: PETALING JAYA - Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin stands by his resignation as Penanti assemblyman despite being cleared by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission of any wrongdoing. “I repeat strongly my intention to resign as Penanti assemblyman and I want to express my full support towards Parti Keadilan Rakyat under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Guan Eng shrugs off banner wars: GEORGE TOWN - Banners on Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng being a chief minister without power following the recent saga on the resignation of Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin as Penanti state assemblyman have sprung up all over town. However, instead of getting annoyed, a bemused Lim had only this to say: "This is a democratic state and everyone has a right to speak their mind and there is no need for me to get angry about it. (The Edge Malaysia, 23.04.09) Accept tasks as they are, Azhar tells Pakatan: Thursday, 23 April 2009: GEORGE TOWN - Taking over a state government is just like marrying a woman and accepting her for who she is — warts and all. Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (Penaga-BN) said the current Pakatan Rakyat state government should not keep harping on the past, when Barisan Nasional (BN) was in power. (The Edge Malaysia) Guan Eng unaware of PKR's DCM plan: GEORGE TOWN - PKR has apparently kept Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in the dark about its plan for its candidate for the Penanti by-election - if he wins - to be appointed the next Deputy Chief Minister I. Just a day after Lim said PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had apologised to him for not keeping him in the know on Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s resignation as Penang assemblyman, he revealed that he had not been informed that the assemblyman from Penanti was sure to become the next DCM 1. (Star Online, 24.04.09) PENANG ASSEMBLY: State Government's allowance to Mohamad Sabu disputed: GEORGE TOWN, Wed: A MEMBER of the opposition slammed the DAP-led state government over the appointment and the giving of an allowance to a member of the Penang Water Corporation board of directors, Mohamad Sabu, recently. Jasmin Mohamed (BN-Sungai Dua) said apart from being given an allowance of RM1,500 as a board member, Sabu also enjoyed an out-of-state allowance of the same amount although he is from Penang. (NST Online, 23.04.09) MACC Declines Comment On Fairus' Claim: PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s Penang state director Latifah Md Yatim today declined to comment about a claim by former Deputy Chief Minister I Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin that he had been cleared of corruption. Latifah, met by reporters at a function here, evaded answering questions on the claim. "I will only answer questions related to this function," she said at a news conference after a meeting of enforcement agencies here. BN, PR at odds over previous Penang govt's actions: GEORGE TOWN - Just like marrying a woman and accepting her for who she is, warts and all, taking over a state government is similar. Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (BN-Penaga) said hence, the current state government should not keep harping nor dwell on the past when Barisan Nasional (BN) was in power. (The Edge Malaysia, 23.04.09) BN Opposition member slams Penang state government over board appointment: A MEMBER of the opposition yesterday slammed the DAP-led state government over the appointment and allowance given to a member of the Penang Water Corporation board of directors, Mohamad Sabu, recently. Jasmin Mohamed (BN-Sungai Dua) said apart from being given an allowance of RM1,500 as a board member, Sabu also enjoyed an out-of-state allowance of the same amount although he is from Penang. (NST Online, 23.04.09) MACC denies Fairus' claim: BUTTERWORTH - Former Penang deputy chief minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin broke his silence yesterday, claiming the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had cleared him of corruption. But the MACC, when contacted, said otherwise. The 34-year-old Parti Keadilan Rakyat politician told the New Straits Times that he was contacted by a Penang MACC official about 2pm yesterday informing him that he had been cleared and that the commission would not proceed with action against him. (NST Online, 23.04.09) Umno to decide Friday if it will contest Penanti polls: KUALA LUMPUR - Umno will discuss whether to contest the Penanti by-election at its supreme council meeting Friday. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said it was not a question of Barisan Nasional (BN) being afraid to contest. “We will take part in any by-election irrespective of whether we lose or win,” he said after visiting SMK Setapak Indah. (Star Online, 23.04.09) State taken to task over land approved for exco man: GEORGE TOWN - The state government was taken to task for allegedly approving the transfer of two pieces of state-owned land in Seberang Prai to a state executive councillor and his wife. Jasmin Mohamad (BN – Sungai Dua) claimed that the state executive council had, during its weekly meeting on Sept 2, 2008, endorsed the transfer. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Shoulder the blame, Pakatan told: GEORGE TOWN - The state government should take responsibility for the poor performance of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) because the slide came after Pakatan Rakyat began administering the state, said Penang Gerakan assistant secretary Goh Kheng Sneah. Goh said MPPP’s performance deteriorated after the resignation of several department heads. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Lim: Quarries investigation report out in 2 days: GEORGETOWN, April 23 — The result of Penang’s investigation into the three illegal quarries will be released the day after tomorrow, said its chief minister Lim Guan Eng. Further to that, he shared today that the state is looking into another 12 quarries, to ensure they are adhering to requirement presently. (Malaysian Insider) Penang govt completes quarry probe: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has completed investigations into three quarries that are alleged to have under-declared royalty payments to the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Wednesday. He said the state Land Committee, which he chaired, would study the report on the investigations thoroughly before making it public. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Rep’s bone of contention: CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng’s official residence became a bone of contention once again at the Penang state assembly. Shabudin Yahaya (BN — Permatang Berangan) raised a question on Lim’s decision to stay at the residence on Jalan Macalister. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Not Told Penanti Candidate To Be DCM I: CM: PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today said he has not been informed by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) that the post of Deputy Chief Minister I (DCM I) would be filled by the PKR candidate that wins in the Penanti state seat by-election. "I have not been informed that the Penanti state assemblyman would be Deputy Chief Minister," he told reporters here today. Ex-Penang Wanita PKR chief to stand in Penanti: PETALING JAYA - PKR will not have a walkover even if Barisan Nasional decides not to contest the Penanti state seat in an impending by-election. This is because former Penang Wanita PKR chief Aminah Abdullah (pic) will contest the state seat as an independent candidate. (Star Online, 22.04.09) Guan Eng: Zainal right person as State Secretary: GEORGE TOWN - Except to say "we are all together", Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng kept mum on the brickbats he received from several Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders after his outburst on the Penanti issue. Lim was criticised by Penang PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim for voicing his unhappiness about the issue via the media while PKR deputy president Syed Hussain Ali also called for Lim not to raise the matter via the media as it would be exploited by Barisan Nasional (BN). (The Edge Malaysia, 21.04.09) DAP won’t stand for Zahrain standing in Penanti: PETALING JAYA, April 21 – The DAP has ruled out Penang PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim as a likely candidate for Penanti, saying he was “behaving like a little Umno leader” in criticising Lim Guan Eng. The war of words between both Pakatan Rakyat allies is escalating despite discussions yesterday between the Penang chief minister and PKR de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. (Malaysian Insider) Noisy Penang Assembly On First Day Of Sitting: PENANG, April 20 (Bernama) - The issue of security in the compound of the Penang State Legislative Assembly made the first day of sitting today noisy after representatives from both sides wanted to give their views. The commotion began when Datok Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo posed a question about the level of security when the House was in session. MIC To Abide By BN Leadership's Decision On Penanti: KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) - MIC will abide by whatever decision to be taken by the Barisan Nasional (BN) top leadership on whether to contest the Penanti state assembly seat in Penang, in the true spirit of the coalition. Party information chief Datuk M. Saravanan said: "If the BN leadership feels that the by-election is a political ploy by the opposition especially Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and a waste of public funds, then we would follow the decision whatever it might be. Keep funicular railway, says retired engineer: GEORGE TOWN (April 26, 2009) - The Penang Hill Funicular Railway system should be kept due to its historical value and it can be upgraded for much less than RM40 million to keep it running smoothly, says a retired Tramway engineer. Ric Francis, the author of Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways, said the ancient funicular railway system can be upgraded in two stages which would allow residents to alight in the middle station. (theSun) Penang bridge toll discount scheme terminated: PENANG (April 23, 2009) - The discount card for users of the Penang Bridge has been terminated effective April 1, said Lim Hock Seng, state Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman. Lim, who is DAP state assemlyman for Bagan Jermal, said the decision to do so comes after misuse of the card among bridge users. (theSun) NGOs demand tender review of Penang Hill funicular rail project: GEORGE TOWN, Wed - A non-governmental organisation has called calling for a review of a tender on the Penang Hill funicular railway system upgrading project. Friends of Penang Hill (FOPH) is also calling for the RM40 million project to be reviewed. (Star Online, 22.04.09) Review Penang Hill railway plan: MCA Penang wants the state government to review its plan for a single-track funicular railway system on the Penang Hill. Bukit Bendera MCA division chief Tang Heap Seng said the state recently called for an open tender to revamp the system comprising a single track up and a single track down. (Star Online, 22.04.09) End of the track for funicular railway: GEORGE TOWN (April 22, 2009) - The century-old Penang Hill funicular railway, including its carriages and rail lines, is to be dismantled under a RM40 million redevelopment project by the Public Works Department. Plans have been drawn up to replace the current system with a faster modern line connecting the base and the top. Hongkong has the only other funicular railway system in Asia. The project entails a total replacement of all equipment and cables, with extensive modification to the tracks. (theSun) The best of Penang: The state government plans to promote 12 items as ‘must-buy’ products for tourists that visit Penang. Penang Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the products were tau sar pheah, nutmeg, pickled fruit, batik, capal, songkok, rojak (shrimp paste), bahulu, bird cage, belacan, clogs and sesame oil. (Star Online, 23.04.09) State government’s quarry probe unearths startling revelations: GEORGE TOWN - A state government probe has found evidence that three quarries in Seberang Prai had under-declared their royalty payments to the Land Office by RM6.01mil in the last five years. State executive councillor Law Choo Kiang said legal action would be taken against the operators if they do not settle the amount within a reasonable time. (Star Online, 26.04.09) Wall collapses after rain: THE heavy rain on Tuesday caused the collapse of a gabion retaining wall along the jeep track from the Penang Botanical Gardens up to Penang Hill. The wall, measuring 12m high and about 10m long, fell down the slope but not onto the road. (Star Online, 24.04.09) Penang to probe other quarries as well: GEORGE TOWN - The state land committee has decided to initiate a detailed and thorough probe on the rest of the 12 quarries in Penang to ensure that none has under-declared the royalty for quarry products. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who heads the land committee, said this was to ensure fairness following the completion of investigations on three quarries which would be made public on Saturday. (The Edge Malaysia, 23.04.09) Penang Land Committee To Investigate 12 Quarries: PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) - The Penang Land Committee would investigate another 12 quarries in the state to determine whether they had breached a royalty declaration, resulting in loses in revenue to the state said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Lim said the committee, headed by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang, would start investigations by next week. Word 'Bapak' heats up State Assembly: PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) - The word 'bapak' (father) used by the state environment, health, welfare and caring society committee chairman, Phee Boon Poh (DAP-Sungai Puyu), heated up things in the state assembly today when it riled the Barisan Nasional state assemblyman for Penaga Datuk Azhar Ibrahim. Phee used the word to refer to the federal government on the matter of the RM1.1 million allocation to eradicate hardcore poverty in the state. Army Identifies 11 Infantry Camps In Dire State: PENANG, April 23 (Bernama) - The army has identified 11 infantry camps which are in dire state, its chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Ismail Jamaluddin said today. He said the camps, most of which were used by the British and Australian army before the 1950s, were identified in an "Army Care" project which was launched recently. Illegal quarry probe report out this Sat (Update): GEORGE TOWN - The report on the probe into the three quarries alleged to have under-declared royalty payments to the state will be made public this Saturday. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said state executive council member Law Choo Kiang that was appointed by the state Land Committee to conduct investigations on the quarries, would reveal the decision, findings and details of the probe. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Panel to study quarry probe results: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has completed investigations into three quarries alleged to have under-declared royalty payments to the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said. He said the state Land Committee, which he chairs, would study the investigation report thoroughly before making it public. (Star Online, 23.04.09) Penang Turf Club gets tough: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Turf Club has seized RM4.5 million in deposits from Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd for its failure to commence work on the Penang International Equestrian Centre (PIEC) in Batu Kawan. The club also penalised the developer RM10,000 per day from April 2 over the delay in starting work. Club president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan said Abad Naluri had to settle the penalties within three months, failing which the club could terminate the supplemental and original agreements signed with the company. (NST Online, 21.04.09) Penang hit by flash floods: GEORGE TOWN - An early morning downpour that lasted for almost four hours caused flash floods in low-lying areas and roads in Penang this morning. The early morning rush to work which started at 7am saw traffic in many areas come to a standstill, especially near Sungai Ara, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Baru and Bukit Mertajam. (Star Online, 21.04.09) A sea of devotees turns up to pay their respects: DEVOTEES turned out in full force to honour Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, with a grand procession around the streets of George Town in Penang on the occasion of her 1049th birthday. Thousands lined the streets around the city’s heritage areas on Friday to get a glimpse of the deity’s floats and to offer prayers. It was only the second time that such a parade was held to mark the deity’s birth. The previous one was held in 2004. (Star Online, 20.04.09) |
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