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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Good Practical Approach from Penang Government in Fighting Graft: The recent move by the Chief Minister of Penang to award RM 10,000 to its civil servants for reporting of corruption cases within government department is indeed a wise move. Speaking as a citizen of Malaysia I am fully supportive of this practical idea and Penang effort to achieve zero corruption rate. (Star Online, 04.06.09)

High noon at Penang's 'High Chaparral': Five more days. That’s the remaining time the residents of Kampong Buah Pala in Gelugor have, following a Court of Appeal decision on 11 May giving them 30 days to vacate their homes. The village, known as High Chaparral because of its history of cattle rearing, is at the centre of a controversial land dispute with luxury apartment developers. (anilnetto.com, 06.06.09)

Penang DCM1 - Help Penanti before helping Penang, please: The other day, when we were in Penanti, I have a shock of my life to see the house flies buzzing. They are all over the place and while the interview with Nai Khan Ari was going on, I can see the flies crowding on his feet. Nai Khan Ari was running as an independent candidate and he was a former Gerakan youth leader. He shared that many houses in Penanti are without tap water. It is such a shame. What was Barisan doing there? Was the former DCM 1, Fairus aware of these situations? (lilian, 03.06.09)

Arts for All – Penang as an inter-cultural hub?: International performances are staged rarely here in Penang which, despite its extraordinary cultural heritage, can be something of a desert when it comes to theatre and performance arts, so last week many people jumped at the chance to see one of the most expensive performances ever staged in Penang. Dewan Sri Penang, Penang’s only theatre space of a size sufficient to put on major performances, staged ‘Breakout’, an ‘extreme dance comedy’ from Korea. The group has performed around the globe, including an extended run on New York’s Broadway. The show went down a storm. The audience loved it. (Malaysia Inside Out, 04.06.09)

After Fairus’ failure, Mansor will have to deliver: The newly sworn-in Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 (DCM1) Mansor Othman has a major burden placed on him to prove himself as the most senior PKR leader in Pakatan Rakyat state government. Mansor, the PKR state deputy leader, knows that he has got to perform to the high expectations of his party and Pakatan leaderships to finally lay rest the ghost of his predecessor Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin. (blogckchew, 03.06.09)

Malaysia's opposition on a roll: PENANG - Malaysia's opposition alliance has chalked up its fifth by-election win out of six since a general election last year. This time, the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front - BN) coalition did not put up a candidate, perhaps fearing that another by-election defeat would be demoralizing. That left the coast clear for the Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) to brush aside three independent candidates on Sunday. (Asia Times, 03.06.09)

Housing the middle class in Penang: When opening a recent real estate seminar, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng expressed concern that young professionals and mid-level managers are finding it difficult to buy living quarters. This was, of course, not a “Eureka” statement as many others have said it. But it was important that he said it as the chief minister’s post is what the American media refers to as a “bully pulpit” that lets the occupant speak out and be listened to. It should set the agenda for state and local council leaders and civil servants to focus on this issue. Equally important, it should also tweak the consciousness of developers and their professional consultants. (theSun, 02.06.09)

Spinning the Penanti victory: On paper, the 5,558-vote winning majority of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)'s Dr Mansor Othman during the recently concluded Penanti by-election looks stunning. Indeed, it is more than a two-fold increase of the 2,219-vote majority polled by Mansor's predecessor, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, during the March 2008 general election. (The Nut Graph, 02.06.09)

Penang N12: A hollow victory for PKR...: Mansor Othman won Penang N12 Penanti. PKR is the runaway winner with more than 85 % votes. Still, it is a hollow victory. Why? (dnight caller, 01.06.09)

Not all are “BN stooges”: Are independent candidates part of the BN's ploy? Independent candidates have become a sort of joke in Malaysian politics, ever since the record-breaking 13 independents decided to slug it out in Bukit Selambau in April 2009. All 13, however, lost their deposits on polling day on 7 April, during which it was clear that voters were still largely split between choosing the Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat (PR). (The Nut Graph, 01.05.09)

Bad habits call for tough measures: Penang is famous for its street food but hawkers are slowly killing one of the island's tourism attractions.  They are paying no heed to cleanliness, blatantly flouting food-handling regulations and driving some visitors away by their dirty habits. They don't wear aprons or headgear, and also do not use utensils when handling food. (NST Online, 01.06.09)

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Penang Port calls off listing on main board: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had called off its listing to the main board due the RM21mil losses last year by its ferry operations division, even the though the company made net profits. Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said PPSB revealed to her recently that despite having recorded RM23mil in net profit after taxes, it could not go for public listing because of the losses incurred. (Star Online, 05.06.09)

Daya Materials has RM85m contracts in hand: GEORGE TOWN - Mesdaq-listed Daya Materials Bhd (DMB), which has applied for a transfer to the main board, has RM85mil worth of contracts in hand that will last until yearend, said executive vice-chairman Datuk Mazlin Md Junid. Fresh contracts total about RM35mil and were secured via wholly-owned subsidiaries Proffscorp Sdn Bhd, Seca Dyme Sdn Bhd and CMT (Penang) Sdn Bhd, he told StarBiz. (Star Online, 05.06.09)

Developer to send new plans for The Pier Hub: GEORGE TOWN - Property developer Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB) will resubmit plans to the Penang Island Municipal Council next week for its The Pier Hub @ Weld Quay project in the historical enclave here.The move is to comply with recommendations made by United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) officials who were here in April to monitor four projects affecting the city's inscription on the World Heritage List. (NST Online, 04.06.09)

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Penang to go green every Monday starting next month: GEORGE TOWN - Penang will make every Monday a “No plastic bag day” from next month in a bid to become the country’s first ‘green’ state. It is learnt that shoppers who do not bring their own reusable bags will be charged 20 sen for each plastic bag when making purchases from shopping complexes and hypermarkets. (Star Online, 05.06.09)

For the sake of the environment: Since the MPPP-Dell Computer Recycling Programme was introduced in 2004, a total of 90,559kg of unwanted computers have been collected. This year’s target is to collect 31,500kg or 15% of estimated computers disposed on the island annually, said Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow. (Star Online, 03.06.09)

Mini-trams a hit at garden: GEORGE TOWN - The mini-trams, which began a one-month trial run at the Penang Botanic Gardens yesterday, have proven to be a hit among visitors. The trams – with 1,300cc engines running on unleaded petrol – journeyed around the gardens to enable visitors to view sights of the country’s oldest botanical garden.  (Star Online, 01.06.09)

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Report on USM technical error submitted to Cabinet: GEORGE TOWN (June 04, 2009) - The Higher Education Ministry had yesterday submitted to the Cabinet details of the technical error on Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) announcement of its admissions list, following the incident last Sunday when hundreds showed up for registration only to be turned away. Its deputy minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said today a task force has also been set up to look into the incident. "The university and the ministry are also in the midst of discussions over the incident," he said after visiting the National Apex Development Indicator (NADI) centre in USM this morning when he launched the USM Mentor Programme, a support programme for undergraduates to obtain psycho-social assistance through experienced and trained USM staff. (theSun)

Probe into USM blunder begins: GEORGE TOWN - The Higher Education Ministry has sent a team of officers to investigate the blunder which led to 4,574 Uni- versiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entrance applicants being mistakenly accepted. And while the investigation is taking place, the affected students hoped that they would be given priority to enrol into the university of their choice. (Star Online, 04.06.09)

IIT-Kanpur To Help Set Up Research Centre In Penang: NEW DELHI, June 4 (Bernama) - The Kanpur - based Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is in discussion with Khazanah Nasional Bhd to set up an industrial research centre to assist electronics companies move up the value chain. Under an international collaboration, IIT-Kanpur, University Sains Malaysia (USM) and several global partners, likely from Singapore, Stanford University in California and Taiwan, are to be involved in developing the project to be based in Penang.

Reps to visit Chinese and mission schools: Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen in Penang are expected to start visiting all Chinese and mission schools soon to personally assess the premises and its surroundings for aid distribution. Penang Chinese Education Affairs Coordinating Committee chairperson Chong Eng said the state had received aid application from the schools for RM23.4mil when the state had allocated RM4.5mil only under the annual state budget (for this year). (Star Online, 03.06.09)

PCCC scholarships: Students, irrespective of race or religion, in need of financial aid can apply for scholarships and study loans from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Charity Fund Committee. (Star Online, 03.06.09)

USM asks for report on 'technical error': GEORGE TOWN (June 1, 2009) - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has called on its departments which were involved with the "technical error" in the application entry into the Apex-status university to produce a report on the matter. Acting Vice-chancellor Prof Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal said the report will be given to the university administration and the Higher Education Ministry.  "We regret that the error had occurred, which has caused a lot of problems for applicants and their parents," he said. (theSun)

Reveal names of rejected applicants, USM urged: KUALA LUMPUR - MCA Youth has suggested that Universiti Sains Malaysia reveal the names of rejected students to ensure they get a fair chance to apply to other universities. It wants to monitor them to ensure that they get a fair chance of gaining a place in other universities.  (Star Online, 02.06.09)

More study centres in pipeline: GEORGE TOWN - More preparatory centres for students will be set up in mosques and libraries here, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.  He said many students faced constraints in their studies due to lack of space in their homes. "Many of them live in small houses, with just one or two rooms and this makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies. The preparatory centres will enable them to get on with their studies." (NST Online, 01.06.09)

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Penang church not selling land to hotel: GEORGE TOWN - Bishop of Penang Antony Selvanayagam has refuted claims that the Catholic Church is selling a piece of land where 14 families have been asked to vacate to a hotel group. Describing the claim as “absolute nonsense”, he said the land, located on the grounds of the St Francis Xavier Church in Penang Road, had been earmarked for religious and charitable purposes. (Star Online, 02.06.09)

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Village: The Village no-frill restaurant, just opened about 3 months ago has been quickly gaining popularity as a place to get a decent seafood bee-hoon th'ng/porridge. The broth can be served in clear soup or tom yam.  They pride in the their fresh seafood and minced pork meat and pork balls. Mind you the chef even wear a executive hat for a no-frills restaurant. (All about Penang Food, 01.06.09)

Te Chang You Tiao Wang at Penang Paya Terubong: Another invited food review by Criz. This time, we headed to Paya Terubong for the famous Te Chang You Tiao Wang. This is the very first time I went there although I heard and read from others for many times. It is easy to find since you will see a big banner in front of the stall. (Yummy Station, 03.06.09)

Palm Village Café:  A few of us were invited to the official opening of one of Penang’s newest restaurants named Palm Village Cafe located in the upcoming Lembah Permai business area of Tanjung Bungah this morning. The whole concept behind the restaurant would be that of a homely cooked food with a casual dining experience surrounded with paintings of the various lifestyles through time. (criz bon appetite, 31, 05.09)

Kozue Japanese Restaurant, Gurney Plaza Penang: Since Kozue’s opening in Penang Gurney Plaza in December last year, business in this modern and chic restaurant has been good; and has since developed a solid group of regular customers. My family have been to Kozue’s several times and have tasted many of its innovative fusion dishes which can be seen in my previous post. (What2See, 31.05.09)

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Councillors boycott swearing-in: BUTTERWORTH - Eight of the nine PKR Seberang Prai municipal councillors boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of new council president Mokhtar Mohd Jait, saying they had been betrayed by the state government. PKR whip in the council Johari Kassim said the post should have been allocated to the party. (Star Online, 05.06.09)

Auditors to probe MPSP's RM230 million losses: SEBERANG PERAI (June 4, 2009) - The Penang state government has instructed the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to appoint an independent audit committee to look into losses of RM230 million incurred by the council between 2000 and 2007. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the formation of the audit team was one of the civil service reforms the state government was undertaking. (theSun)

Lim Announces Transfer And Appointment Of District Officers: BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 4 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today announced the transfer of two district officers and appointment of a woman as acting district officer, effective Monday. They are South West district officer Hassan Mat Daud, who will be transferred to Seberang Perai Utara as its district officer to replace Mokhtar Mohd Jait, who is now Seberang Perai Municipal Council president.

Guan Eng stands firm on council appointment issue: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reiterated the state government's stand that the post of president for the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) and Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) would be helmed by civil servants. Speaking after the swear-in of new MPSP president Mokhtar Mohd Jait at the MPSP headquarters here which was boycotted by six Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) councillors, Lim said the matter had also been discussed with PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on May 31. (The Edge Malaysia, 04.06.09)

Penang CM tells PKR councillors to think about public interest: GEORGE TOWN (June 5, 2009) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng appealed to the PKR councillors who boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of the new Seberang Perai Municipal Council president Mokhtar Mohd Jait on Thursday to think about public interest and not about private benefit. "The decision has been made and it should be supported by all. They should give Mokhtar a chance to perform first and prove himself," Lim said in a press conference in his Komtar office today. (theSun)

Penang exco members to declare their assets soon: GEORGE TOWN - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his state executive councillors will soon declare their assets for public scrutiny. Declining to announce the exact date of declaration, Lim said they had agreed on a time frame to do so and were looking at a format to ensure it fulfils the CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) principles. (Star Online, 04.06.09)

Penang Govt Appoints Tan as MPPP President: PENANG, June 3 (Bernama) - The Penang state government has appointed the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) acting president, Tan Cheng Chui, as president of the MPPP. Mansor Othman, who was sworn in as the Penang Deputy Chief Minister I today, said the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting Wednesday decided to appoint Tan to fill the position which was left vacant after former president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman was promoted as State Secretary.

Penang exco portfolios reshuffled: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state executive council (exco) portfolio has been reshuffled following the swearing-in of newly elected Penanti state assemblyman Mansor Othman as the Deputy Chief Minister 1 (DCM1). Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will retain his land portfolio and has taken on the entrepreneur development, information and heritage portfolios. Lim also announced that he would be taking over the Invest in Penang Berhad chairmanship from state exco Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim, who just took over the post previously held by former DCM1 Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin. (The Edge Malaysia, 03.06.09)

Penang offers RM10,000 integrity award: GEORGE TOWN (June 2, 2009) - Civil servants who bravely report wrong doings within the state administration will be rewarded with RM 10,000 awards. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Integrity Award (I-Award), the first of its kind in the country, would help the state administration be in-line with the state government's CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) principle. (theSun)

Reward for exposing corruption: GEORGE TOWN - Penang offers RM10,000 reward to civil servants who come forward voluntarily to expose corruption in departments, says Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. (Star Online, 02.06.09)

Lim clears mystery over appointment: GEORGE TOWN - A day after his curt manner in which he an-nounced the state’s new Financial Officer, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was yesterday more forthcoming in explaining the appointment. “He deserved to be promoted as he had turned around the finances of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council,” Lim said of Farizan Daud, who will take over the new post today. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

Liow: Ministry practises open tender policy: GEORGE TOWN - The Health Ministry has always practised the open tender process when buying pharmaceutical and medical products, says Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said those registered with the Ministry of Finance could go through Pharmaniaga Bhd that had the exclusive rights to distribute pharmaceutical and medical products to the ministry. However, he said that companies which had issues with the matter could write in to the ministry. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

Head of problematic council gets Penang’s second highest civil service post: GEORGE TOWN - Farizan Darus, president of the problem-riddled Seberang Prai Municipal Council, has been promoted to state Financial Officer from Monday. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Farizan would replace Datuk Supiah Md Yusoff. “I just want to announce his appointment. No more comments,” he said before distributing Farizan’s curriculum vitae at a press conference here yesterday. (Star Online, 31.05.09)

Penang Will Receive International Status By Year-end: PENANG, June 1 (Bernama) - A blueprint to reshape Penang and give it international status would be completed by year end, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said the Penang Blueprint was aimed at providing sustainable development based on the government, economy, society and the environment. "This blueprint must also rest solidly on a local system that is properly regulated and monitored, one that is transparent so that neglect and incompetence cannot hide within it," he said in his speech before officiating the Penang Outlook Forum here today.

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Council tells developers to obey height limit: GEORGE TOWN - The city is set to keep its heritage status after the local council said all developers must follow an 18-metre height restriction in the heritage area.  The status, which could help boost tourism in Penang, has been in question ever since it emerged that four high-rise projects were in breach of rules set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). (NST Online, 05.06.09)

More emphasis on George Town's heritage?: I just noted a slight reshuffle in the Penang state government yesterday. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has assumed responsibility over heritage, which I deem as a good move. He has got to take over this role in order for the Penang government to be seen as serious in protecting George Town's UNESCO world cultural heritage listing. Good for him, good for George Town and good for Penang! (Anything Goes, 04.06.09)

'Have federal veto over heritage sites': GEORGE TOWN - It has been suggested that Malaysia introduce new legal provisions for the protection and management of its World Heritage sites. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) made the suggestion as a means for the federal authorities to review and, if necessary, veto major development projects in heritage-listed cities such as Malacca and George Town. The legal provisions should empower the government to draft special area plans and other relevant planning controls and policies for both states, according to a mission report compiled by two Unesco assessors who visited Penang recently. (NST Online, 04.06.09)

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Artist’s back with best of litho collection: After being missing for many years from the art scene, veteran artist Lee Kian Seng is back with a solo exhibition. From his collection of lithographs comes a selection capturing his life experiences and inspiration from things like the ashtray, drinking bottles and an assortment of ordinary things that many of us take for granted in life. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

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DAP guns for PKR whip Johari: GEORGE TOWN - The DAP is gunning for the head of Johari Kassim, who led eight PKR councillors in boycotting the swearing-in of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council president on Thursday. State exco member Chow Kon Yeow said PKR should evaluate Johari’s position as a councillor. “As the PKR whip in the council, he should lead the councillors but his action showed he had a personal agenda,” he told reporters after launching a gender equality workshop here yesterday. (Star Online, 07.06.09)

Penang Gerakan: Lead by example, practice racial tolerance: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan has called on politicians, leaders of organisations, media practitioners and others who have influence on society to lead by example and practice racial tolerance. Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said everyone should respect each other’s culture. "It is this diversity of culture that has made Malaysia what it is today," Teng said in a statement today. "We should play our role to minimise racial slants which is the stumbling block towards unity. (The Edge Malaysia, 04.06.09)

Future of Malaysia is Pakatan, says Saifuddin: KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — In the first part of the The Malaysian Insider's interview with PKR's election director Saifuddin Nasution last week, he talked about the outcome of the Penanti election. As expected, his party won, but he had hoped for PKR to get 7,000 votes, 1,000 more than the actual result. He says the party is analysing the result but can only talk about it after he presents it to the party leadership on June 7. Meanwhile, in the second instalment of the interview, the former Umno leader and political secretary to Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar talks about how he was relieved to find that support for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was not affected by negative press and how the informal coalition is heralding a new, more open political culture. (Malaysian Insider, 05.06.09)

Huan and 1,000 Gerakan members to join PKR, says Zahrain: GEORGE TOWN (June 3, 2009) - Embattled Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan may soon jump over to PKR with some 1,000 party members following his recent public spat with the party leadership. Penang PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Hashim said Huan had spoken to him about the matter and was now "waiting for the right time" to join the Pakatan Rakyat coalition party. "He has contacted me, and we have been in touch," said Zahrain after the swearing-in of the new Deputy Chief Minister (I) Mansor Othman in Seri Mutiara, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negri here today. (theSun)

Penang PKR chief welcomes Gerakan's Huan: PENANG, 3 June 2009 - Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) would be happy to welcome Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan to join PKR if the latter decides to do so, said state PKR chief Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim. Zahrain said Huan had earlier voiced his intention to cross over to PKR but nothing had been finalised yet. (The Nut Graph, 04.06.09)

Penang PKR councillors to boycott ceremony: GEORGE TOWN - PKR’s Seberang Prai Municipal councillors will boycott the swearing-in ceremony of the council’s new president. PKR whip and councillor Johari Kassim slammed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for failing to consult the party when deciding on the appointment. (Star Online, 04.06.09)

Huan 'waiting for the right time': GEORGE TOWN - Embattled Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan has expressed his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) soon. Penang PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said Huan has been in touch with him on the matter. Speaking to reporters after the swear-in of PKR Penang deputy chairman and newly elected Penanti state assemblyman Dr Mansor Othman as the new deputy chief minister 1, Zahrain said Huan was an old friend and they always kept in touch. (The Edge Malaysia, 03.06.09)

Huan to decide whether to quit party in two weeks: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan is glad that the party's central working committee (CWC) is now aware of his grouses with the state Gerakan leadership. Speaking to The Edge Financial Daily in a telephone interview from Kuala Lumpur, the former Batu Kawan MP said the rumblings of the grassroots to the Penang leadership had fallen on deaf ears. (The Edge Malaysia, 02.06.09)

Guan Eng: Appointments based on ability: PENANG (June 2, 2009) - Giving credence to the concept of meritocracy, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said state officials in Penang are appointed based on their ability and qualification. "We appoint people based on their ability and qualification, not on their race or political affiliation," he said.  "We want the best to be above the rest," he said at the swearing-in ceremony of former Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Farizan Darus as the new state finance officer (SFO) in Komtar today. (theSun)

Gerakan veep slams party leadership over show-cause letter: GEORGE TOWN: A defiant Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan has slammed the party again, following its show-cause letter to him for criticising the party leadership. Huan said he was “happy” to have been issued the letter as it showed that party leaders were concerned about him. (Star Online, 03.06.09)

Show cause letter for Gerakan’s Huan: PETALING JAYA, 1 June 2009 - Gerakan will issue a show cause letter to its vice-president Huan Cheng Guan for making statements that have "tarnished" the party. These statements include his threat, made through the media, to leave the party in three weeks. (The Nut Graph, 01.06.09)

Embattled Gerakan leader seeks grassroots support: KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 – Trouble is brewing in Gerakan as embattled vice-president Huan Cheng Guan is considering crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat, making it the second Barisan Nasional component party to have a crisis after the PPP. Huan is now on a road trip to explain his side of the story to branches across the country, telling The Malaysian Insider that the party leadership has failed to change and is ignoring the grassroots. (Malaysian Insider)

Mansor takes oath as new Penang Deputy CM 1: GEORGE TOWN - Penanti state assemblyman Mansor Othman was sworn in Wednesday as Penang deputy chief minister I before the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at his Seri Mutiara official residence here. Mansor, 59, was handed his letter of appointment and proceeded to take the oath of office and loyalty and the pledge not to divulge official secrets. (Star Online, 03.06.09)

Najib: Penanti not the yardstick of party's popularity: JEJU ISLAND (South Korea), (June 1 , 2009) - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) victory in the by-election for the Penanti state constituency yesterday is not the yardstick in gauging the popularity of any political party. ThePrime Minister said it was also not an impressive win because the number of voter turnout dropped to less than 50% and the total votes obtained by the PKR fell by about 1,300 votes. He said the PKR's victory over the Independent candidates was not an absolute victory or an achievement that they could be proud of. (theSun)

MCA's Sungai Dua Branch Office Sealed: PENANG, June 1 (Bernama) - The Penang government Monday sealed MCA's Sungai Dua branch here after its lease was found to have expired 30 years ago. It is learnt that the state had leased the land for the office to MCA for 15 years but the lease lapsed on April 30, 1979. North East District Officer Azizi Zakaria could not be reached for further explanation on the matter as he was in a meeting today.

It was one big yawn in Penanti: The Penanti by-election was a waste of time but PKR got the man they wanted into the state government and the fact remains that the political sentiment in Penang has not changed since March 2008. There is only one way to sum up the Penanti by-election - a waste of time. The locals seemed to agree because only 46% of voters bothered to come out and vote. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

PKR's Win Does Not Reflect Full Acceptance: BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 1 (Bernama) - Although Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) won the Penanti state seat on Sunday, the victory does not reflect full acceptance of the constituents there considering the poor turnout of voters during polling. Political analysts opined that the support given to the PKR should be looked from the vote-majority obtained by its candidate, Mansor Othman, compared with the number of majority votes obtained by the incumbent, and the total number of voters who went to the polls.

Mansor's test has only just begun: Now comes the hard part for Dr Mansor Othman - fulfilling expectations.  Winning the Penanti state seat for the Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate was a breeze, unlike his last three electoral contests, where it was defeat all the way. But there is no cause for any chest-thumping in PKR -- there was no contest at all, in the absence of a Barisan Nasional candidate. Mansor's final 5,558 vote majority was an easy feat despite the low voter turnout, as his challengers were relatively unknown. (NST Online, 01.06.09)

Unraveling Pakatan’s Penanti win: With Penanti, the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has added yet another convincing victory to its already impressive by-election resumé. Doubtless, many are viewing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate Dr Mansor Othman's thumping 5,558 winning majority as par for the course in PR's onslaught on Malaysian politics. (The Nut Graph, 31.05.09)

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Penang Ferry Operator Mulls Handing Over Operation To Government: PENANG, June 4 (Bernama) - Penang ferry operator, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), intends to hand over the ferry operation to the federal government as it could no longer bear the increasing losses, which have been accumulating since the past 10 years. Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang said that PPSB, through the commission, had sent a letter to that effect to the government recently.

Penang Port to hand over ferry ops to govt: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is expected to hand over its loss-making ferry operations to the Federal Government.  Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Cheng Liang said yesterday PPSB had incurred huge losses since it took over the ferry services from the PPC in 1994. "Plans are afoot to work out an exit for PPSB." (NST Online, 05.06.09)

AirAsia to start Penang-Chennai flights in October: GEORGE TOWN - AirAsia will have direct flights from Penang to Chennai by October. AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said the Transport Ministry had approved its plan and the airline is currently ironing out the details. “We hope to have a daily flight there. It will take us three to four months to finalise the details,” he said after a ceremony to mark the inangural Singapore to Penang direct flight at the Penang International Airport (PIA) here. (Star Online, 02.06.09)

SilkAir to focus on leisure packages in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - SilkAir, which commenced flights to Penang from Singapore yesterday, is working with Penang Global Tourism Sdn Bhd, the state government’s tourism promotion agency, to package Penang as a tourism destination. SilkAir chief executive Chin Yau Seng said the airline would focus on leisure packages, flying in to Penang from its various routes and those serviced by its parent company Singapore Airlines. (The Edge Malaysia, 02.06.09)

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Malaysia Day 12: The day dawned absolutely gloriously and the fine weather was back so we decided to head to George Town today. I learnt that it’s two words not one.  We caught the bus to the jetty where we arrived form Butterworth 7 days ago. This is one of the main terminals for the buses in the city, the other being the Komtar Building, the highest on Penang. (Travel blog, 01.06.09)

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IT Consultant To Ride A Trishaw From Melaka To Penang: MELAKA, June 6 (Bernama) - An information technology consultant who worked in London and Spain, today embarked on a mission to ride a trishaw in a 600km-journey from Melaka to Penang. Bukit Cina-born Frankie Tan, 40, began the ride at 9.15am in Bandar Hilir here and is expected to arrive in Penang in a month's time.

Penang Mulls Withdrawing From Sukma 2010: PENANG, June 3 (Bernama) - Penang may not send its contingent to the 13th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Melaka next year if the sports infrastructure for it is not certified safe. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he had asked the executive councillor in charge to ensure the facilities that will be used were certified safe for athletes.

First Hard Rock Hotel in Malaysia to open in September: Hard Rock Hotel Penang is offering fabulous packages to celebrate its opening come Sept 19. Take a break and soak in the sun during the day, and watch live band performances and party during the night as Hard Rock Hotel Penang promises the ultimate fun-filled vacation for holidaymakers by infusing elements of Rock ’n’ Roll music and entertainment. (Star Online, 03.06.09)

Ex-Penang Museum Curator Gets Thumb-Up for Project: Penang conservationist Khoo Boo Chia, shows why he is still the best in his league when his latest museum project at Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi received rapturous applauses recently. (Starmetro, Rich history of a clan, May 27, 2009) Khoo, the former Penang Museum curator, grabbed the headlines in 2006 (theSun, March 24, 06 ) when he was forced to vacate his post in Penang Museum after he fell out of favor with the then Penang BN councilman holding the cultural and heritage portfolios. (Malaysia heritage, 02.06.09)

Equestrian facility proposed for park: The public can look forward to an equestrian facility at the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) Park soon if the proposal is found to be feasible. The council has agreed to set up a technical committee to study the feasibility of leasing out a 2.02ha plot of land at the park for 35 years to promote the sport of riding endurance. (Star Online, 02.06.09)

Standard rules for Chingay competition: The Penang Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee has formulated specific rules and regulations for the national Chingay competition on July 26. Its chairman Danny Law said that previously, there were no proper rules and regulations but the committee decided that there needed to be a standard format. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

Status quo: Incumbent N. Gobalakrishnan retained his post as the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce president at the chamber’s AGM on Saturday after a heated contest.  (Star Online, 01.06.09)

Polishing neglected jewels: The state government has pledged to turn the Penang Museum and Art Gallery into the crown jewels on the cultural map of Penang once the economy improves. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state had one of the best state museums and art galleries in the country but it was far from being world class. (Star Online, 01.06.09)

Enhance state competitiveness, Ong tells Penang Government: Criticising the Pakatan Rakyat-led Penang Government as only good in lip-service, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat told the state government to play its part in enhancing state competitiveness. Unlike the state government, the Federal Government was always sensitive to the needs of Penang and industries operating here amidst the current economic climate. (NST Online, 01.06.09)

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