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National Instruments secures land in Batu Maung for Penang operations: Last year, I chanced upon a press conference by US-based multi-national company National Instruments to announce their investment of USD80 million in Penang. So this year, it should be appropriate that I follow up on this matter. Yesterday, National Instruments' vice-president of manufacturing Rob Poterfield (the one shaking hands, on the right) was in Penang to ink a land lease agreement with the Penang Development Corporation. The occasion was witnessed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P Ramasamy. (Anything Goes, 30.05.09)

Sharanjit Singh: This surely smacks of hypocrisy - If there is one thing that has become clear from the "Kak Min" CD scandal, it is the fact that Pakatan Rakyat leaders can no longer hide behind the holier-than-thou attitude they have been projecting all this while.  Aminah Abdullah has exposed the kind of intense backstabbing and power struggle that is going on in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and in the Penang state administration. (NST Online, 29.05.09)

Zubaidah Abu Bakar: Slurs and insults spice up race for Penanti - Retaining the Penanti state seat, even without Barisan Nasional’s participation in the by-election, has not been smooth sailing for Parti Keadilan Rakyat after all, writes Zubaidah Abu Bakar. Top Pakatan Rakyat leaders have been pleading for Penanti voters to cast their ballots this Sunday. During night ceramah and meetings with voters, their reasons for why the 15,384 eligible electors should not stay out of the by-election ranged from ensuring the by-election is not marred by a low voter turnout, to the need to prove that Pakatan Rakyat is rejecting Barisan Nasional rule by winning with a bigger majority. (NST Online, 29.05.09)

The Aminah enigma: Aminah Abdullah apologises a lot. She apologises for even slightly raising her voice, for not providing food and drink to reporters, for arriving late at her own press conferences, and even for not being "highly educated", as she puts it. The former Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita chief is contesting the Penanti state by-election as an independent candidate. She has been in the headlines since campaigning started for "exposing" alleged bribes offered to her by two PKR leaders — supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng, and Lim Eng Nam, the special assistant to PKR's Penang exco Law Choo Kiang. (The Nut Graph, 29.05.09)

PKR’s election chief on Aminah, Mansor and the numbers game: PENANTI, May 29 — Saifuddin Nasution has only a few hours of sleep each night. To say that life is hectic for Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) election director is a gross understatement. The past three weeks have been crazy as he has had to juggle over 500 campaign workers spread across 51 operation centres around Penanti while at the same time trying to contain the damage from bribery accusations by an ex-PKR leader now turned independent candidate. He says he is "very confident" coming down the final stretch leading up to polling day in the Penanti by-election and has "pity" for Aminah Abdullah, the ex-PKR Penang Wanita chief who has accused her former party of offering inducements for her to withdraw from the contest or rejoin the party. (Malaysian Insider)

Lunch, lies and an audio tape: Reporters have shared many an exasperated laugh over the clucking and cackling of chickens in independent candidate Aminah Abdullah's 13 May 2009 audio recording of an alleged attempt to bribe her. In the 47th minute of the recording, even Lim Eng Nam — the special assistant to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)'s Bukit Tambun assemblyperson Law Choo Kiang — is distracted by the chickens. (The Nut Graph, 27.05.09)

The rape of our hills: THOUSANDS of people, locals and visitors alike, have felt their hearts sink while travelling along the slow undulating roads that pass through the idyllic Batu Ferringhi and Tanjong Bungah tourism belts, over the past couple of years. Driving past the area today, one cannot help but cringe at the sight of monstrous, seemingly endless scars that have been made on what was once a rolling, green range of hills. Entire stretches of forests have been decimated for a string of high-rise and luxury residential projects on steep hill slopes overlooking the sea. The situation has gotten so ugly that residents and tourism bodies have gone up in arms over the blatant devastation of what was once one of the most pleasant natural thoroughfares in Penang. (theSun, 28.05.09)

Penang should lead with honest asset disclosures: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s comments that Penang state exco members would be asked to declare their assets as soon as possible is reassuring. It shows that the state government is still thinking about it - more than one year after the general election. Guan Eng says that he is now mulling over the best method of doing so. (Anil Netto, 27.05.09)

No place for secrecy please: We read with concern the statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as reported in the media on 13 May, regarding the disclosure of information allegedly by a civil servant that he said included minutes of the state executive councillors' meeting that were confidential.  We realise that the years of Barisan Nasional rule has created a government machinery built on secrecy and favouritsm. It is unfortunate that many civil servants are unable to understand their roles as servants of the public and not the Barisan Nasional and we look forward to the states under the Pakatan Rakyat to set a better standard in terms of transparency and accountability. (Mysinchew, 26.05.09)

Rock-blasting in Tanjung Bunga near housing estate: Rock blasting work at the Bolton Surin project site in Tanjung Bunga on 14 May. The blast sent a rock flying; it landed on the slope and then rolled down to hit a tree, shaking it violently, according to an eye-witness.  A resident in the area managed to capture the blasting on video. . (Anil Netto, 27.05.09)

Preserving Penang's quaint shophouses: It has only been less than a year since UNESCO declared Penang (or Georgetown), and Melaka (Malacca) were declared the very first Malaysian World Heritage Sites. The two joined seven other new sites on July 7, 2008. The rest were Papua New Guinea, Croatia, France, Berlin in Germany, Mantua and Sabbioneta in Italy, San Marino, and Slovakia. (Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, 26.05.09)

Zubaidah Abu Bakar: Where will Umno votes go?: THAT Parti Keadilan Rakyat will not be challenged by Umno in Penanti is already certain.  What is not certain and a cause for worry to Barisan Nasional is where the Umno votes will go in Sunday's by-election.  The voting pattern will have a bearing on the strength of the support of the Malays for Umno (in an indirect way) and its splinter party PKR, as Malays make up 72.68 per cent of voters in Penanti. (NST Online, 26.05.09)

Is Penanti a proxy war?: SEBERANG PERAI (May 24, 2009) - Earlier last month, on polling day for the Bukit Selambau state by-election, a record number of 13 independent candidates watched sullenly as results were announced. Except for two candidates, none managed to garner even 100 votes, getting only double digits. Yet some of these independents had earlier swaggered that they had the means to upset candidates from giants Barisan Nasional (BN) and the PKR backed by Pakatan Rakyat (PR).  (theSun)

Sharanjit Singh: Pakatan out to dispel fragile image - To many, it is a foregone conclusion that Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Mansor Othman will thrash the three independent candidates contesting against him in the Penanti by-election.  If that is the case, there should be little reason for PKR and its allies, Pas and DAP, to dig deep into their resources and waste too much time campaigning. (NST Online, 25.05.09)

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US-based National Instrument commits US$80m in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - US-based National Instruments (NI) has committed to invest US$80 million in next few years in Penang as it expands its operations. NI vice president of manufacturing Rob Porterfield said on May 29 the investment would create up to 1,500 jobs in Penang. The multinational corporation had signed a RM36 million (US$10 million) deal with the Penang Development Corporation to acquire a 17-acre site in Batu Maung for its research and development and operations. (The Edge Malaysia, 29.05.09)

Major investors in Penang staying on: GEORGE TOWN - Most of the investors, who committed RM10.2 billion to implement projects in Penang, are staying on, said Invest in Penang Bhd chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim. Of the 150 projects, only three were affected but he said these were minor projects and involved small investments. One of the three projects, one was deferred while the other two projects, undertaken by the same company, had been shelved. (The Edge Malaysia, 26.05.09)

Penang Attracts RM749 Million Investment In Q1 2009: PENANG, May 26 (Bernama) - Penang has managed to record a total investment of RM74 million for the first quarter of 2009, new InvestPenang chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said today. Abdul Malik, who attended the board meeting for the first time today, said he was satisfied with the amount of investment recorded in 2009 so far. "We are doing quite all right this year and hope to be able to do better in the following quarters," he told reporters during a press conference at the Penang Skills Development Centre here.

Now Penang wants its Sovereign Wealth Fund: GEORGE TOWN - Fresh on the heels of Terengganu receiving federal government support to establish its own Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), the DAP-led Penang state government is seeking a RM5 billion federal government guarantee to set up its own investment fund. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would write to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak seeking a RM5 billion federal government guarantee which it would utilise to raise funds via the issuance of Islamic bonds.  (The Edge Malaysia, 26.05.09)

Motorola Penang to continue developing local vendor base: MOTOROLA Technology Sdn Bhd's (Motorola Penang) role to include enterprise mobility devices in its business spectrum will see a 70 per cent increase in the number of product units being shipped out of the state to other Asian markets. Its managing director T.T. Yew said the company will also continue with its commitment to develop its vendor base and talent resources in the state.  (Business Times, 26.05.09)

Share services centre will be boon to SMEs in Penang: SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in the electrical and electronics sector in the northern region, are set to get a shot in the arm soon when the Penang Skills Development Centre's (PSDC) Shared Services Centre (SSC) takes off. PSDC chief executive officer Datuk Boonler Somchit said an estimated 450 local SMEs, which are operating in Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis and engaged in design and development work, have been targeted as beneficiaries of the new centre. (Business Times, 25.05.09)

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A 'few hundred' turned away by USM because of 'technical error': GEORGE TOWN (May 31, 2009) - A "few hundred" applicants for entry to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), whose names appear on the "accepted" list on the university website, found themselves in the lurch when they were told by the university yesterday that there was no place for them. The students, who had turned up at USM’s chancellory office to register, were told that because of a "technical error", their names had been added to the list of 3,599 who had been accepted. They were among a total of 22,000 students who had applied for places in USM this year. (theSun)

Give green light to building of schools, Govt urged: The Penang Government has allocated land for eight schools to be built in Penang and hopes the Federal Government can approve the permits and construction cost of these buildings soon. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the land was offered to the Federal Government last September to build four Chinese secondary or primary schools, two Tamil schools and two people’s religious schools. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

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State to meet plastic makers: PENANG will not impose a total ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags to preserve the environment, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said. “The state is instead keen on reducing the use of plastics, in a bid to become the country’s first ‘green’ state. (Star Online, 28.05.09)

Penang covered in moderate haze: Penang today experienced moderate haze, which restricted visibility to between four and six kilometres in places.  A spokesman of the Penang Meteorological Department said the level of the haze was not a cause for concern. He said that at 11am, the Air Pollution Index (API) recorded at the Seberang Jaya station was 68 with visibility up to four kilometres. (NST Online, 25.05.09)

Modern twist to legend: Worthy effort: Members of various NGOs hurling mud balls into the sea off the Gurney Drive coast. LEGEND has it that friends and supporters of scholar-poet Qu Yuan threw dumplings into the river to save Qu but some 80 women threw mud balls instead into the sea off the Gurney Drive coast in Penang on Sunday to save Mother Earth. The group of women from various non-governmental organisations (NGO) in Penang was spotted throwing a total of 2,589 effective microorganisms (EM) mud balls and 100 litres of EM activated solution into the sea with only their hats and umbrellas as their shields against the blazing sun. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Illegal Dumping at Hillside: CJ Jimmy Leow stumbled on four huge illegal dumping sites located at the hillside of Bayan Baru, Penang. The worst part is, there is this beautiful stream located at the bottom of the hill and it will be destroyed if such illegal dumping continues. Citizen Journalism Malaysia hopes that the related government agencies with take the necessary actions to save this stream and put those involved in this act behind bars. (Jimmy Leow, 24.05.09)

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Project still short of funds: Construction of the RM6.8mil Christian Community Centre in Sungai Ara, Penang, which will house the Chapel of Divine Mercy for parishioners in the surrounding areas, is on schedule for completion by early July. The project’s fundraising committee chairman Datuk Joseph Kow said the structural work was about 90% completed, and they hoped to obtain the certificate of fitness (CF) by September. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

A temple stands proud Sculptors from India specially brought in for renovation work: One of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang which was founded in 1886, will be holding its consecration ceremony this July, 83 years after the first consecration ceremony was held in 1926. Chairman of the Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Air Itam N. Letchumanansamy said a Hindu temple would usually see a consecration ceremony also known as Maha Kumbha Abishegam being held once every 12 years following structural renovations. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Air of gloom as Church orders villagers to vacate land: Tamil Catholic villagers in a dozen households in a little village next to the St Francis Xavier’s Church face uncertainty after receiving three letters from lawyers acting on behalf of the Catholic Church in Penang. They have been ordered to vacate their premises by 31 May. In the last letter dated 19 May 2009, they have been granted a one-year extension until 31 May 2010, provided they agree in writing to compensation of RM10,000. If not, they have to vacate their premises by this Sunday. (Anil Netto, 29.05.09)

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Stuffing your face in Penang: Ready for a food binge this school holidays? Try our gourmet trail in Penang for the best bites. IT’S amazing there aren’t more people with weight problems up here, considering all the good food we have. Penangites don’t just have breakfast, lunch and dinner; that’s for ordinary folk elsewhere. We have elevenses and a teatime snack, and let’s not forget a bit of siew yeh (supper) to take us through to the next morning. (Star Online, 31.05.09)

Rice Dumpling - Bak Chang: In line with tradition, every year my MIL prepares her own Bak Chang (rice dumpling).  This time around, I decided to put up a post in my food blog on this savory rice dumpling which is literally a meal on itself as it is stuffed with various types of ingredients. (What2See, 27.05.09)

Eat until you drop buffet at JL Steamboat Restaurant: The management of JL Steamboat Restaurant had individually invited some of us recently to try out their food. Instead, we ended up having a group review. It was actually a fun gathering with the wacky companies of some of our Penang floggers which consist of Steven, Buzzing Bee, Jian, Allen Ooi and Mary Teo. The place was rather cozy with soft music and yet dimly light cubicles. It would be a bonus for those people who love to dine in privacy. Each table would come with an electronically temperature control hot plate which you do not see much at many steamboat restaurants. (criz bon appetite, 26.05.09)

Penang Delicacies-Joez Coconut Jelly: We have heard and read much about the new fad in town, Coconut Jelly. Thus, during the Labour Day weekend after much request from our church members, we organised a ‘makan’ trip in the Georgetown and Tanjung Tokong area. And for the finally of the trip we brought them to the current food fad, Coconut Jelly, located in one of the old districts on the Penang Island.  (Star Online, 27.05.09)

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MRCB may start Penang project this year: Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB)is awaiting the vacant possession of land from the state and federal governments to start work on the Penang Sentral project, group managing director Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said today. He said that bus and taxi operators as well as hawkers have to be moved to the completed temporary terminal building and temporary hawker centre. (Business Times, 28.05.09)

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MPSP officers told to be proactive: ABOUT 80 enforcement personnel from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) took a break from their routine duties for a two day refresher course at the Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth. The course on Tuesday was attended by enforcement personnel from various departments which included building, engineering, health, legal, licensing and town planning. (Star Online, 28.05.09)

Penang mulls best asset declaration method: PENANG, May 27 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is mulling the best method for his state exco to declare their asset, ranging from using tax to bank statements in a long-awaited move towards greater transparency. "I prefer using tax declaration statements as it gives a better picture. Giving out bank account numbers can be risky," Lim told The Malaysian Insider. (Malaysian Insider)

Guan Eng warns civil servants not to leak info: GEORGE TOWN - A civil servant who deliberately gave wrong answers to questions raised during the April Penang state legislative assembly has been transferred to another department and given stern warning. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also warned civil servants who leaked information to the opposition and outsiders including businessmen. (The Edge Malaysia, 27.05.09)

Councils may offer rebates for summonses: THE two municipal councils in Penang may offer discounts on parking summonses in its bid to collect more than RM1mil in outstan-ding summonses owed to each of the council. State Local Government and Traffic Management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said councillors in the Penang Municipal Council and Seberang Prai Municipal Council were looking into the proposal. . (Star Online, 25.05.09)

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Guan Eng Proposes Open Tender For Sale Of Medical Supplies: PENANG, May 30 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today asked the Federal government to call for open tender in the sale of medical supplies, saying the country was losing about RM10 billion annually owing to the involvement of middlemen in the industry. "We want to buy the best quality products at the best prices. I will be writing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Ministry of Health to urge for open tenders when it comes to the sale of medical supplies," he told reporters after the B. Braun Family Carnival in Bayan Lepas, here.

Medical middlemen may prompt MNC to shift ops: GEORGE TOWN - A multi-national company may move part of its operations aboard because it claims it is unable to “compete effectively”. B. Braun corporate controlling, finance and information technology vice-president Dieter Gemmer said the company was considering moving part of its operations, specifically pharmaceuticals, from Penang to Indonesia because it does not wish to go through “medical middlemen” to sell its products. (Star Online, 31.05.09)

Doc: Don’t stress over flu: WORRYING about influenza A(H1N1) may be more harmful than helpful as stress will affect a person’s immune system and make him more susceptible to falling sick, according to a consultant cardiologist and physician in Penang. Dr Ong Hean Teik said stress or depression reduced a person’s immunity. “Whatever you do, please don’t get yourselves stressed or depressed,” he said. . (Star Online, 25.05.09)

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No more tall buildings in Penang’s heritage zone: GEORGE TOWN - There will not be any more new high rises in the heritage enclave. The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) officially endorsed the abolishment of exceptions to the council’s original 1996 policy of limiting the maximum height of buildings to 18m. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Uphill hotel makeover: The century-old Crag Hotel at Penang Hill will be given a new lease of life soon as the state government has planned to renovate the dilapidated building. Also in the plan for repair and upgrading is the Canopy Walk - a hanging bridge on the hill. An open tender for works to be carried out at the two sites will be called out soon. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Penang to send group for Unesco conference: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is disappointed that the Federal Government is not sending a delegation to the annual Unesco conference in Serilla, Paris next month. He said the decision by Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim could be interpreted as a lack of interest by Malaysia in preserving heritage structures. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

A heritage in ruins: There are many dilapidated buildings in George Town, 212 at last count, and a five-year plan is in the making to have them spick and span. Old and decaying pre-war houses have become an eyesore in George Town but the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) is on the job to ensure all dilapidated buildings are restored in five years. The council’s building department director Patahiyah Ismail said a strategy plan had been drawn up to address the 212 crumbling buildings in the state’s capital. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Rich history of a clan: Penang has a total of 11 museums now with the recent reopening of the Khoo Kongsi Museum at the imposing Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple at Lebuh Cannon in George Town. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who opened the refurbished museum said he was glad that museums were becoming an added attraction in the state, especially among tourists. (Star Online, 25.05.09)

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Housing evolution: The Penang Government wants to transform the image of low-cost or affordable housing projects in the state. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state was exploring the possibility of setting up a board to resolve the problems in low-cost housing schemes. “The state legal advisor is looking into the matter. The board will look into problems such as the lack of competency in the development of low-cost housing projects and the over-regulated situation,” he said. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

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Chinese Cultural Celebration of Summer Solstice | Duanwu or Dragon Boat Festival: It is the time of the year again that we are celebrating Dragon Boat Festival. Fall on 5th day of the fifth month in Lunar calendar every year, 28 May 2009 is the real celebration day for this year! Some of us may recognize this festival when local folks started selling and eating rice dumplings or zongzi. Obviously, this event is a true association with Dragon Boat Festival but what is more that most of us may not know?  (My Wise Wife, 27.05.09)

Carnival fun at national horse show: The 15th National Horse Show will be held at the Penang Turf Club on Jalan Bukit Gantong, Penang, next weekend to showcase equestrian-related activities. And there will be a carnival at the event scheduled for June 5 to June 7, from 10am to 6pm daily. (Star Online, 27.05.09)

Heavenly inspiration: Five young and upcoming female artists are exhibiting their works in a joint exhibition titled ‘Seeing Is Believing’ at the Galeri Seni Mutiara in George Town from now until June 7. Malaysians Chan Sean Huvi, Juleen Sew Ju Leen, Koh Liu Ching and Mikie Yap Li Yong as well as American Stephanie Beach are showing over 40 artworks in a variety of mediums, from oil on canvas to videos. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

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Granny hopes to pass on art of making dumplings to her grandchildren: GEORGE TOWN - Unlike many youngsters who spend much of their time in front of the computer or shopping, the Yeoh siblings have been learning to make chang (dumpling) from their 68-year-old grandmother. Yeoh Keng Teong, 20, and his sister Ai Feng, 15, both tried the art of making the centuries-old delicacy and found it interesting although “not easy”. (Star Online, 28.05.09)

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Mansor’s challenge is to convince sceptical voters: PENANTI, May 31 – Newly-elected Penanti state assemblyman Dr Mansor Othman now faces an immediate challenge to uplift the spirit of the voters, especially the sceptics among them, in his constituency once he is sworn in as the Penang deputy chief minister this Wednesday. Mansor had won the seat, vacated by former DCM Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin, after gaining 6,052 from the total of 7,100 votes cast today. (Malaysian Insider)

Mansor wins, heads for DCM office: PENANTI, May 31 - Dr. Mansor Othman is the new state representative of Penanti and Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Penang after winning today's by-election, a whopping 6,052 out of the total of 7,100 votes. His closest rival was Nai Khan Ari, an independent who received just 494 votes while Aminah Abdullah took 392 votes. (Malaysian Insider)

Polling closed with lower voter turnout: The Penanti by-election balloting has closed. Voter turnout as at closing at 5pm was 46.15 per cent or 7,100 voters. The Election Commission described the turnout as the lowest in history. EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said a study on the turout would be carried out. The first ballot box polls was brought into the counting centre at 5.42pm. As at 6.23pm, all 33 ballot boxes have been delivered to the centre. (NST Online, 31.05.09)

Pakatan: Low voter turnout still our biggest fear at Penanti - At the halfway mark of their Penanti by-election campaign, Pakatan Rakyat believes its chances for another thumping win will hinge on getting voters to come to the ballot boxes this Sunday, rather than on the competition put up by the three Independents, including the controversial Aminah Ahmad.  Said PKR strategic affairs director Tian Chua: “Our main focus remains on how we can encourage people to turn out to vote. Many of our supporters here are too sure of victory. We have to work extra hard to persuade them not to be too confident and to make the effort to come to the polling stations this Sunday.” (Malaysian Today, 28.05.09)

Koh Surprised Huan Wants To Quit: PASIR MAS, May 30 (Bernama) - Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today he was surprised that Gerakan vice president Huan Cheng Guan intended to quit the party. "I am surprised and saddened that he is resorting to this drastic action all because he could not agree on the issue of appointment of area coordinators," he told reporters here today.

Yale man gets set for Penang DCM job: PENANTI, May 30 — Barring a stunning upset Dr Mansor Othman, PKR's candidate in the Penanti by-election, is set to become a state representative and will go on to take the Penang deputy chief minister's post (DCM), a post reserved for a Malay leader from PKR. Expectations that it would be a quiet campaign without the Barisan Nasional (BN), however, was smashed by former PKR leader-turned-independent candidate Aminah Abdullah, who accused his party of offering inducements to withdraw from the race or rejoin the party. (Malaysian Insider)

Now PPP has two chairmen in Penang: PENANG (May 29, 2009) - The political crisis in the People's Progressive Party (PPP) continues to deteriorate when its former Penang vice-chairman V.Nanda Kumar today claimed to be the party's state chairman while Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan is still holding the post. Nanda who held a press conference today said he was appointed by Senator Datuk T. Murugiah as the new state chairman. "I was appointed by Murugiah after the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held in Putrajaya last Sunday," he said. (theSun)

Aminah has more to reveal: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Former state PKR Wanita chief Aminah Abdullah, an independent candidate in the Penanti by-election, is claiming she has another audio recording. This one, she says, is of her being ridiculed by five PKR male leaders, including state chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hasim, during tea break at a party gathering nearly two years ago in a hotel in Jawi near here. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Fairus not cut off from by-election campaign: BUKIT MERTAJAM - PKR has denied that it has deliberately excluded former Penanti assemblyman Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin from the by-election campaign at the constituency. Elections director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also said Fairus’ presence in Penanti would not be a liability to the party and that there was no party directive telling Fairus not to come to Penanti. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Aminah's threat to discredit PKR turns out to be a dud: SEBERANG PERAI (May 28, 2009) - The latest threat by independent candidate in the Penanti by-election Aminah Abdullah's to "expose" an incident that allegedly discredited the PKR turned out to be a dud when she produced another secret voice recording - of a senior party leader scolding her at a meeting.  The 56-year-old former Penang PKR Wanita chief who quit the party in 2007 had called for a press conference today to "reveal" the incident that she had earlier hinted at involving the conduct of Penang PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Mohd Hashim at "a hotel in Nibong Tebal". (theSun)

It’s an easy ride as Nai-Khan reaches out to far flung voters: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Instead of the usual walkabout, Penanti by-election independent candidate Nai-Khan Ari has opted to ride a motorcycle to reach out to the voters. The 41-year-old Malaysian-Thai local from Kampung Teluk Wang in Penanti combed Kam-pung Setumpok Lat 1, Penanti Estate and Bukit Langkap Estate accompanied by campaign assistants on three motorcycles yesterday. (Star Online, 27.05.09)

MACC interviews PKR’s Cheah and Aminah’s son: BUKIT MERTAJAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has taken statements from PKR supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng in connection with the bribery allegations made by Penanti by-election independent candidate Aminah Abdullah. “I gave statements regarding the voice recording of our meeting and they asked me to explain what really transpired. (Star Online, 28.05.09)

Polls to go on as planned: GEORGE TOWN - The evidence submitted by independent candidate Aminah Abdullah to back her claims that two Parti Keadilan Rakyat members had tried to bribe her will not affect the Penanti by-election.  State Election Commission (EC) director Morat Pora said campaigning and polling would proceed as planned. Morat said he had submitted Aminah's evidence to the EC's legal adviser in Putrajaya for further action. (NST Online, 27.05.09)

I quit PKR because I felt betrayed: Aminah: PENANTI - Former Penang PKR Wanita chief Aminah Abdullah said she quit the party because she felt betrayed when five male leaders ridiculed her at a public function nearly three years ago. And she said she had recorded that conversation as well. (Star Online, 28.05.09)

Penang PKR chief says he's not afraid: PERMATANG PAUH - Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim has branded independent candidate in the Penanti by-election on Sunday, Aminah Abdullah, a "compulsive liar".  He was unfazed by the challenges and accusations hurled at him and the party by the former state PKR Wanita chief.  (NST Online, 27.05.09)

Government says 'No' to Chin Peng: The government will not allow former Communist Party of Malaysia secretary-general, Chin Peng, to return home. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Chin Peng would not be allowed to come back.  "Why? Because this will only open old wounds and create dissatisfaction among families and next-of-kins of the dead and others who died during emergency," he said.  (NST Online, 27.05.09)

Meeting Not A Trap, Says Aminah: BUKIT MERTAJAM, May 27 (Bernama) - An Independent candidate for Penanti state by-election, Aminah Abdullah has denied that she had laid a trap for two Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to come to her house on May 13. "Kak Min have cordial relations with both of them and they have always come for 'makan', receptions and hari raya at my house.

Penanti by-election: What happened at a hotel two years ago? asks Aminah - What happened in a hotel in Nibong Tebal, Jawi, near here, back in 2007? And how is Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim involved? Independent candidate for the Penanti by-election Aminah Abdullah dropped no hints but challenged Zahrain to reveal all. “Or I will make it public,” she warned. Aminah said she had confronted the party leadership on numerous occasions over what happened in the hotel while she was still state PKR Wanita chief, but no action was taken. (NST Online, 26.05.09)

PKR Admits Two Of Its Members Made Offer To Aminah: BUTTERWORTH, May 26 (Bernama) - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is not denying that two individuals who were alleged to have made an offer of cash and the post of Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 to Independent candidate for the Penanti by-election, Aminah Abdullah, are members of the party. PKR election director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail however said the offer was not from the party.

Tape suggests PKR wanted Aminah back: PENANTI, May 26 – The audio recording provided by independent candidate Aminah Abdullah appears to suggest that two PKR men were in discussions with Aminah over her possible return to the party as well as a possible withdrawal from the Penanti by-election. The former PKR Penang Wanita chief had claimed that her former party had tried to bribe her by offering the Penang deputy chief minister (DCM) post and made available a hefty three-and-a half-hour audio recording containing rambling conversation about PKR-related matters, to back her allegations. (Malaysian Insider)

PKR demands Aminah retract accusation, seeks damages: Penanti, May 26 — PKR is taking legal action to defend itself against accusations by independent candidate Aminah Abdullah that it had tried to bribe her and is demanding that she retract her statement and issue a public apology. The party is sending her a letter of demand today which gives her seven days to respond to its demands and is also seeking financial compensation for damages to the party’s reputation and that she refrain from making further defamatory statements. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Penang Gerakan Historically Blind, Say Former Commandos: JOHOR BAHARU, May 25 (Bernama) -The Johor Former Commandos Association has lambasted Penang Gerakan chairman Dr Teng Hock Nan as historically blind, following his suggestion for the government to allow former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) leader, Chin Peng, to return to the country. Its adviser, Datuk Abdul Aziz Sapian, said the communist party was responsible for the deaths of and injuries to many soldiers and civilians.

Aminah lodges report with EC, MACC begins probe: GEORGE TOWN - Independent candidate for Penanti Aminah Abdullah has lodged a report with the Penang Election Commission, alleging that PKR representatives had tried to bribe her with posts and money. The former Penang PKR Wanita chief claimed that PKR leaders had offered her the Penang Municipal Council president’s post and RM80,000 to withdraw from contesting. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Aminah claims she was offered top posts, RM80,000: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Independent candidate Aminah Abdullah claimed she had been offered the post of Penang Municipal Council president and RM80,000 in compensation if she would withdraw from the May 30 Penanti by-election. If she did contest and won, she would have been given the Deputy Chief Minister 1 post, she claimed at a press conference at her makeshift election centre in Kubang Ulu here Monday morning.  (Star Online, 25.05.09)

PKR tells candidate to lodge reports: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Independent candidate Aminah Abdullah has been urged to lodge reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission if she has been offered money not to contest in the Penanti by-election. PKR strategy director Tian Chua said she should do so if she had proof. (Star Online, 25.05.09)

Not Fair For PKR To Use BN, Umno As Campaign Material: PENANG, May 24 (Bernama) -  The move by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and its allies to use Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno as campaign material for the Penanti by-election is a clear indicator that they have no specific plans for development and community programmes in the area. Penang Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman said, it was not fair that PKR and other parties were filling up their ceramah sessions by condemning BN and Umno because they were not contesting.

Mansor pledges to complement Guan Eng: PENANTI, May 24 - PKR candidate Dr Mansor Othman has pledged to play a complementary role to chief minister Lim Guan Eng as the new deputy chief minister I after his likely win in the Penanti by-election. The scholarly politician is a shoo-in for the win in this PKR fortress, especially after Barisan Nasional boycotted the contest and he has been tapped for the senior state post, which is reserved for PKR. (Malaysian Insider)

PKR Candidate Issues Election Manifesto In Penanti: BUKIT MERTAJAM, May 24 (Bernama) - The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate for the Penanti state by-election, Mansor Othman, 59, today issued a manifesto which focuses mainly on the welfare of the Malays and the Muslims in the state. Among the issues outlined were the efforts to empower Qariah management in mosques, to set up a Penang Islamic Foundation to develop 'wakaf' (endowment) land, to use tithe collections and Baitulmal to help poor students and to develop the Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the state.

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Committee to study plans for dedicated bicycle lane: Penang has set up a working committee to look into the idea of a dedicated bicycle lane in the state. State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative was an “official step forward” to making the roads in Penang bicycle-friendly. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

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Malaysian Day 10: Day 10 Today we went on a half day afternoon tour to Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple and the funicular railway up Penang Hill overlooking Georgetown and the whole eastern side of the island.  In the morning we spent a little time around the pool while David and Amary also went for a walk along the beach. In the evenings we tend to get back rather late after going to the markets so we tend get up later each morning than we would at home. (travelblog, 28.05.09)

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Penang tourism: Proactive measures needed to bring back the shine - Tourism industry in Penang - the Pearl of the Orient - will only shine when proactive measures are taken to address various chronic issues, says international real estate consultant Jones Lang Wootton (JLW). And this will need the cooperation of all the relevant parties to both spruce up the island and promote it aggressively. (Business Times, 25.05.09)

Penang targeting 10 million tourists soon, says Guan Eng: GEORGE TOWN - Penang has set a target of 10 million tourists in a few years, says Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said as a start, the state hoped to maintain the tourist arrival figure of 6.3 million visitors it recorded last year despite the economic downturn. (Star Online, 25.05.09)

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Chin Peng not a Malaysian but a British national: Historian - Chin Peng, the former secretary-general of the outlawed Community Party of Malaya (CPM), is not a Malaysian citizen but a British national, according to historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim.  Dr Khoo said Chin Peng, whose real name is Ong Boon Hua, was born in 1923 in Sitiawan which is in the Dindings District. (NST Online, 28.05.09)

‘Eggs-traordinary’ lesson for kindy kids: GEORGE TOWN - A group of pre-schoolers squealed excitedly when an egg seemed to magically “stand” on its end. The Learning Garden Kindergarten kids were conducting an experiment to see if it was true that the strange phenomenon could only occur during the Chinese Bak Chang Festival. (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Healthy response: Some 100 senior citizens from the Bagan Dalam state constituency in Penang turned up at the New Town market off Jalan Heng Choon Theam in Butterworth on May 16 to register themselves for the Penang Government’s Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme. The registration drive was conducted by Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan’s service centre team. They were assisted by Bagan Dalam Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman A.Vasan and Seberang Prai municipal councillor M. Chandrasekaran.  (Star Online, 29.05.09)

Penang - Indian Garland Making: Garland making is a part of the Malaysian Indian culture and is commonly seen especially during festival celebrations. These colorful garlands are also in demand for religious occasions like moving house and weddings.The material used to make the garlands is the more fragranced type.  (Zoom2see, 26.05.09)

Parents of disabled children urged to register with Welfare Dept: Parents of children with special needs are advised to register their children with the Penang Welfare Department. The state estimates that there are some 12,000 children who suffer from disabilities and have special needs but the figure could even be higher as many parents have yet to register with the authorities. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Forum on Penang’s growth potential: A two-day forum with the theme ‘Restructuring and Reshaping Penang’ is scheduled to take place at the E&O Hotel in Penang beginning on June 1. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s policy advisor Liew Chin Tong said the forum was aimed at providing a platform for assessing Penang’s past achievements, present capabilities and future growth potential. (Star Online, 26.05.09)

Penangites still giving despite economic crisis: The gloomy economy may have resulted in a shrink in donations but this did not dampen the spirits of the 20 committee members from the San Jiao Sheng Ren Temple trying to raise funds for four Penang charitable homes in conjunction with Wesak Day. They managed to raise RM12,000 in the end.  (Star Online, 25.05.09)

Chaplain loses battle to cancer: Little Sisters of the Poor chaplain Father Benedict Nieukey lost his battle to kidney cancer yesterday. He was 74. Father Nieukey, a Penang-born Dutch-Chinese, was ordained as a priest in 1974 and previously worked as a teacher at the St Xaviers Institution. He later obtained a doctorate in psychology and for a time, was a student counselor and social science lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia. (Star Online, 25.05.09)

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