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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 • EDUCATION • ENVIRONMENT • FAITH • GOVERNANCE • HERITAGE & CULTURE • INFRASTRUCTURE • LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT • POLITICS • REGIONAL AFFAIRS • SOCIAL ISSUES • TRANSPORT • TRAVEL LOGS • 
Rapid Penang: Focus on good governance: I refer to the comments on a sustainable public bus transport system by Moaz Yusuf Ahmad of the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit ("Best to review every aspect of the system" -- NST, June 3.) Rapid Penang was established on July 31, 2007. Since then, we have faced many challenges but we have persevered and gone from strength to strength. In the first quarter of this year, our monthly ridership was 1.65 million and the figure continues to grow. (NST Online, 12.06.09) Penang right to save ferry service: Your report “ Penang floats rescue plan” (The Star, June 9) and the swift action taken by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to let the Penang Municipal Council take over the responsibility is the right step. I am all for the support to rescue and improve the loss-making iconic ferry service to make sure that Penang’s star attraction remains intact as not only a state, but a national treasure as well. (Star Online, 12.06.09) Penang gov’t right in revamping ferry service: The Penang government’s decision to take over the ferry service is a good move especially given the poor performance of Penang Port in running the service. Penang Port could have done better. It’s a pity that it was unable or unwilling to revamp and expand the ferry service (including introducing new routes) for reasons best known to itself. There was no reason for such a poor service, evidence of which could be seen in the long queues of motorists on the island heading to the mainland at night. There was no shortage of demand, and yet the service was largely neglected. (Anil Netto, 10.06.09)
Bitter pill to swallow for Penang developers: The decision that all projects within the heritage core and buffer zones must stick to a five-storey height will affect Asian Global Business, Boustead, Eastern & Oriental and the Low Yat Group. The Penang government's move to take a firm stand in deciding once and for all the fate of four property developers who were said to be affecting George Town's status on the World Heritage List is commendable. (Business Times, 10.06.09)
Growing pains in Penang: Trouble is brewing in the northern state of Penang where a young Pakatan Rakyat government is experiencing growing pains. Since taking over in March 2008, the DAP-dominated state government have been accused of being arrogant and uncooperative. The recent instance of DAP’s Jeff Ooi asking several unhappy state exco members to step down for boycotting the June 4 swearing in of newly appointed Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Mokhtar Mohd Jait is also being seen as intervening in PKR’s internal affairs. (The Edge Malaysia, 09.06.09)
To improve democracy, exercise it: Recent events involving the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition will help Malaysians appreciate the axiom that democracy is a work in progress. That is to say, it is naive to imagine that the serious issues of governance that have marred the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) record would be mostly rectified if only a new government could be voted into power. (The Edge Malaysia, 10.06.09)
'Tis the season for discontent...in Penang: KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 – Trouble continues to dog Penang’s fledgling Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government. Despite the fresh public mandate easily won in the recent Penanti by-elections, the relationship between the three opposition coalition members remains strained. The public spat over the appointment of a civil servant to head the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) is only the latest sign of widening cracks between the DAP and its political ally PKR. (Malaysian Insider)
Evictions: Penang Bishop’s office issues statement - Rev Michael Thoo has released a press state statement from the office of the Penang Bishop. Here is the statement in full: In response to recent and current newspaper reports on the “eviction exercise” of’ 14 houses within the grounds of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Penang Road, 10000 Georgetown, Penang, the church wishes to clarify as follows:- There are 14 semi-concrete pre-war houses within the grounds of the Church of St. Francis, Penang Road, George Town, Penang. The houses are old and have no architectural value. (Anil Netto, 08.06.09)
Evictions controversy: Penang Bishop responds - Citizen journalists Jimmy Leow and Lilian Chan have managed to get the Penang Bishop’s views on the controversy over the eviction letters issued to villagers residing on the church’s land at St Francis Xavier’s Church along Penang Road. (Anil Netto, 08.06.09) Back to top 
Penang seeks better commercial, people links with Singapore: PENANG, Malaysia - Penang's chief minister wants to develop more trade, commercial and people links with Singapore. In an interview with Channel NewsAsia during Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's visit to the northern Malaysian state, Mr Lim Guan Eng said Penang has very close bonds with Singapore and the Republic should not hesitate to invest fully in Penang. (CNA, 13.06.09) PSDC to help Penang SMEs diversify into medical devices: Small- and medium-sized companies in Penang engaged in precision-machining for the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector, will soon be thrown a lifeline to diversify into medical devices. Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) is set to play matchmaker between these firms and multinational suppliers of medical equipment in Europe and North America. (Business Times, 12.06.09)
Belleview launching projects worth RM500mil on Penang Island: GEORGE TOWN - Belleview Group is launching residental and commercial properties on the island with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of more than RM500mil this year. Group managing director Datuk Sunny Ho told a press briefing that the projects comprised 227 houses for Palmyra Residences in Balik Pulau, 1,300 condominiums at three high-rise schemes in Air Itam, 62 terraced and semi-detached properties in Bukit Dumbar, and the 1st Avenue shopping mall complex in George Town. (Star Online, 11.06.09)
PBA in talks on bottled drinking water deals: GEORGE TOWN: PBA Holdings Bhd is looking to produce bottled drinking water via subsidiary Island Springwater Sdn Bhd, says business development manager Amiruddin Kemat. “PBA is in talks with parties in Aceh to produce bottled drinking water under their brands. We hope to start the business this year,” he said after the company AGM yesterday. (Star Online, 10.06.09) PBAHB's bottled water unit could draw RM3m annually: GEORGE TOWN - PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB) will start its bottled water production next week which will generate RM3.36 million towards its coffers annually. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is also the PBAHB chairman, said to date RM3.5 million had been invested for the Island Springwater plant and machinery which is fully owned by PBAHB. (The Edge Malaysia, 09.06.09)
Hydro Hotel Penang for sale: The four-star Hydro Hotel Penang in Batu Ferringhi is up for sale for an estimated RM100 million, sources say. The property, previously known as Hydro Majestic Hotel and before that Ferringhi Beach Hotel, was bought by the Mah family of Penang in early 2006 from Asia Pacific Land Bhd. The 350-room property, now 28 years old, was bought for RM43 million. (Business Times, 10.06.09)
Texchem unit to invest another RM7m: GEORGE TOWN - Following overwhelming demand for its one-stop analysis solutions service, Texchem Resources Bhd subsidiary Acumen Scientific Sdn Bhd, which started services in February, will invest another RM7 million over the next two years to expand its services and also buy state-of-the-art machines. Texchem chairman and CEO Tan Sri Fumihiko Konishi said to date, RM3 million had been invested and in five years, Acumen could contribute 10% towards the group's profits. (The Edge Malaysia, 08.06.09)
Texchem unit in Penang aims to contribute profit in 5 years: GEORGE TOWN: Texchem Resource Bhd’s (TRB) new family care subsidiary Acumen Scientific Sdn Bhd is likely to contribute about 10% of the group’s pre-tax profit in five years. Group chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Fumihiko Konishi said Acumen Scientific had a lot of growth potential as the analysis solutions services market was worth about RM300mil per year. (Star Online, 09.06.09)
Texchem Launches One-stop Analysis Solution Provider: PENANG, June 8 (Bernama) - Texchem Group today launched its new subsidiary Acumen Scientific Sdn Bhd, a one-stop analysis solution provider which provides analytical testing and consultancy services in the environment, chemistry and microbiology fields. Its chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Fumihiko Konishi said with an investment of RM3 million, Acumen started its operations in Penang in February this year.
Texchem brings a touch of scientific Acumen to Penang: Texchem Resources Bhd (TRB) (8702) expects its newly-established subsidiary Acumen Scientific Sdn Bhd to make a 10 per cent contribution to group profits in five years. TRB chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Fumihiko Konishi yesterday said although satellite laboratories are being planned by the company in cities like Singapore and Bangkok, Penang will continue to be the focus for continued investments. (Business Times, 09.06.09)
Accelerating Penang to the next level of growth: GEORGE TOWN - To prepare Penang for the next wave of economic growth, the Penang Development Corp (PDC) is accelerating the infrastructure development of Bukit Minyak Science Park (BMSP), Batu Kawan on the mainland and the Bayan Mutiara project on the island. “We want these two infrastructure projects to coincide with the completion of the second bridge in 2012. (Star Online, 09.06.09) Gurney Plaza plans budget hotel near shopping mall: Gurney Plaza Sdn Bhd, via subsidiary G Hotel Sdn Bhd, is planning its second hotel on Penang island. The company, which owns the five-star G-Hotel fronting Penang's famous esplanade, Gurney Drive, is looking to build a budget-cum-boutique hotel near its existing property. (Business Times, 08.06.09) Back to top 
Schools in disrepair: Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai had a rude shock on his first day visiting vernacular and mission schools in his constituency yesterday. Koay was surprised to see that the schools were in dire need of repair. “It turns out that both SK St Xavier and SJK (C) Shang Wu are in bad need of repairs. They could use some of the allocation from the RM4.5mil fund. (Star Online, 12.06.09)
Reason for USM bungle to be known next week: GEORGE TOWN - The Higher Education Ministry has sent a team here to investigate Universiti Sains Malaysia's student registration fiasco last week. USM vice-chancellor Professor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said the outcome of the evaluation would be known next week. (NST Online, 09.06.09) Back to top
 Haze shrouding Penang cleared by rain: Haze hit parts of the island in the morning but a downpour in the afternoon helped clear the situation slightly. Large ships at the North Butterworth Container Terminal which were usually visible from Persiaran Gurney were seen instead shrouded in a thick fog this morning. The Meteorological Services Department said Penang experienced moderate haze which restricted visibility to between five and eight kilometres in various places on the island and mainland. (NST Online, 09.06.09)
Pouring life back into stream: GEORGE TOWN - A cleaner Sungai Nibong Kechil is in the offing, thanks to the greening efforts of the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). The centre, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, plans to join hands with some of the world's top technology giants and residents of neighbouring Bayan Baru to get the waterways of the area teeming with marine life again. (NST Online, 09.06.09)
Haze due to open burning: Open burning in Sumatera has contributed to the haze in Penang, state Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said. He said he was informed about the open burning by the state Meteorological Department. (Star Online, 08.06.09) Back to top 
Silver chariot lights up festival: BUTTERWORTH - The silver chariot bearing the statue of Arulmigu Sree Maha Mariamman Devasthanam here was taken in a procession around town in conjunction with the annual fire-walking festival on Wednesday night. The Hindu festival, the second biggest in the state after Thaipusam, has been celebrated at the same venue for more than 130 years and is touted as a mini-Thaipusam. (NST Online, 12.06.09)
Church pays RM10,000 exgratia to ease relocation: Residents living in the vicinity of St Francis Xavier Church on Penang Road have until the end of May next year to relocate. In a statement issued by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang Antony Selvanayagam’s office on Friday, Father Michael Thoo said the church was mindful of the economic plight of some of the residents and had previously agreed to give them two years to deliver vacant possession. (Star Online, 09.06.09) Back to top 
Peranakan Nyonya Restaurant - Hot Wok, Penang: Many of you would definitely be familiar with Hot Wok! The name is associated with the abundant of Nyonya food coupled with beautiful decorations and authentic Peranakan ambiance. Customers who have frequented the restaurant in Penang knows that Hot Wok Nyonya & Local Cuisine has established itself as the premier restaurant in serving authentic Peranakan or commonly known as Nyonya food from its earlier years in Gurney Plaza and later shifted to Tanjung Tokong. Now they still continue serving their customers in a double storey pre-war house along Jalan Burma, near to the many food eateries of Nagore Road and New World Park. (What2See, 09.06.09)
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Suaram disappointed with Penang Government: Suara Rakyat Malaysia has expressed regret that the Penang Government had failed to push for a better democratic system and was in the midst of a power struggle. Suaram Penang coordinator Lau Shu Shi said today among the five Pakatan Rakyat led states striving to rebuild a more democratic system in the country, the Penang Government still had a long way to go. (NST Online, 09.06.09)
Keep election promises, Suaram tells Guan Eng: PETALING JAYA - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng needs to make local council elections a priority as promised by his elections manifesto, Suaram Penang said today. "The process in which the Penang state government appoints its local councillors now is problematic. The people don't have a say," Suaram Penang co-ordinator Shushi Lau said. (The Nut Graph, 09.06.09)
Market in sad state of disrepair: The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) has been urged by the Penang DAP Action Team to improve the Anson Road market which is in a state of disrepair. Action team chief Tham Weng Fatt said he had informed Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik about six months back but nothing had been done to date. “The market’s gutters are leaking, the toilet door broken and the roof damaged. I was also told by a council officer that the market is under the licensing department while the toilet is the jurisdiction of the town planning department. (Star Online, 09.06.09) State pledges to resolve High Chaparral dispute: GEORGE TOWN - The state government is not washing its hands of the dispute involving 300 residents of Kampung Buah Pala, Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang Bhd and Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd. Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said: “The Court of Appeal has made a decision in favour of the developer and the residents have also applied for a stay of execution to delay carrying out the eviction order, so the state government cannot interfere.” (Star Online, 09.06.09)
Penang Municipal Council asked to run ‘iconic’ ferry service: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has asked the Penang Municipal Council to take over the operations of the loss-making ferry service. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was confident that the council could improve on the running of the ferry service and turn it around. (Star Online, 09.06.09)
MPPP asked to take over Penang ferry: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has asked Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to take over ferry operations, which had incurred RM21mil in losses, from the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB). Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was ready to take risks, challenges and losses as the ferry services had an historic and heritage background. (Star Online, 08.06.09) Back to top 
Redeveloping and conserving Penang's heritage: IT is long overdue for Penang to come out with holistic and well thought out plans and programmes for the redevelopment and rejuvenation of George Town’s inner city. Proactive and concerted efforts by the state government, the private sector and Penang folks should be initiated soon for a workable blueprint in order for the state to regain its glory as the “Pearl of the Orient”. (Star Online, 13.06.09) Lim: They must comply with 18m height regulation for hotel projects: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) has instructed the developers of the four controversial hotel projects in inner George Town to comply with the 18m height or five-storey ruling. The MPPP acted on the instructions of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who has decided that commitment to George Town’s status as a World Heritage Site (WHS) should take priority over the hotel projects, following consultation with heritage experts from Unesco. (Star Online, 10.06.09)
Penang govt slams developer's 'bullying tactics': GEORGE TOWN (June 10, 2009) - The state government has issued a warning to developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd to find an amicable solution in the Penang High Chapparal case instead of resorting to bulldozing the village tomorrow. Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said even though the developer has a court order to take vacant possession of the 2.6ha plot in Kampung Lorong Buah Pala, this does not mean they can resort to "bullying tactics". (theSun)
Developers Ordered To Reduce Height Of Buildings In World Heritage Site: PENANG, June 9 (Bernama) - The Penang government has ordered four developers to reduce the height of buildings they will construct in the buffer and core zones of Georgetown's World Heritage Site so as to conform to Unesco guidelines. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said following the discussions with the two Unesco experts who came to evaluate the site recently, the state government was asked to ensure that the buildings to be constructed there to be not more than 18 metres or five storeys high.
Cut down to five storeys, developers told: GEORGE TOWN (June 9, 2009) - The developers of two of the controversial high-rise projects within the George Town Heritage site core zone, have been instructed to reduce the height of the projects to five storeys or 18m. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) has instructed the two developers to comply with this as per the recommendations made by Unesco officers during their visit here recently. "So far, one of the developers has responded favourably to this and agreed to conform while another has yet to respond," he told a press conference after chairing the PBA Holdings Bhd annual general meeting here today. (theSun)
Guan Eng: 2 Penang projects must reduce height: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state government has directed the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) to instruct two projects within the heritage core zone to scale down their projects to 18 metres or five storeys high. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after consultation with the Unesco experts, Paris-based World Heritage Centre chief of unit for East Asia and the Pacific Giovanni Boccardi and International Council on Monuments and Sites member David Logan, it has been decided that the two projects namely the Pier Hub @ Weld Quay and the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel have to reduce its height. (The Edge Malaysia, 09.06.09) Back to top
Malaysia mulls financing options to deepen Penang Port: Besides the private finance initiative model, the government may opt to use its own coffers for the project. The government is exploring the possibility of using a private finance initiative (PFI) model to deepen the north channel of Penang Port. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said besides the PFI model, another alternative is for the government to use its own coffers for the project, which is estimated to cost RM1 billion. (Business Times, 08.06.09) Penang Port Upgrading May Be Under Private Finance Initiative: PENANG, June 7 (Bernama) - The Transport Ministy is studying the possibility of implementing the project to deepen the waters around Penang Port under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Its minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kiat said the study was expected to be completed in September. "We are studying whether the project should be under PFI or otherwise. We are in the process of identifying the company to carry out the project and the cost involved," he said after launching the MCA's 60th anniversary celebration, here, Sunday.
RM1b plan to deepen Penang Port channel: GEORGE TOWN (June 7, 2009) - The Transport Ministry plans to expand Penang Port by deepening its channel at an estimated cost of RM1 billion, as part of its programme to enliven the state’s economy. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the project was critical to determining the lifeline of Penang Port, which currently operates only as a feeder port despite its glorious past. (theSun) Back to top 
Swingin' hot spot: For Hard Rock Café fans, Sept 19 is a date to mark on their diaries for that is when Malaysia’s first Hard Rock Hotel will open its doors in Penang. The 249-room hotel, located along the Batu Ferringhi tourist belt, will surely add a new dimension to the island which has been long in want of something new. Hard Rock Hotel Penang general manager John Primmer says Hard Rock Hotel Penang, originally scheduled to open in June or July, will offer an experience that Hard Rock Café fans will never forget. The hotel, complete with its famed Café, is one of two out of the 12 Hard Rock Hotels in the world run by the same management, the other being the Hard Rock Hotel and Café in Pattaya, Thailand. (The Edge Malaysia, 08.06.09) Back to top 
DAP rep willing to step down: BUTTERWORTH - Embattled DAP Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat yesterday handed over an undated resignation letter to the party expressing his willingness to give up the seat if graft allegations against him are proven. His letter comes a day after a fellow party member accused him of corruption. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded a statement from him in connection with allegations that he had profited from a sponsorship for a charity organisation. (NST Online, 12.06.09)
PR has a major conflict, says Koh: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon took a swipe at Pakatan Rakyat yesterday, saying it was ironic for the coalition to propagate a unity government amidst the confusion and conflict of ideas among its members -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat, DAP and Pas. While acknowledging there were problems within Gerakan, Koh said they were minor ones concerning administration and clash of personalities. (NST Online, 12.06.09)
Party bosses were informed, says DAP chairman: GEORGE TOWN - Nibong Tebal DAP chairman Teh Hock Yong claims that he had informed the party’s top leaders about the alleged misappropriation of funds by Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat for a karaoke set. He said he informed party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy about the matter. (Star Online, 12.06.09)
PAS Bent On Islamic State: Penang Gerakan Chief: PENANG, June 11 (Bernama) - The co-operation between the DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS is merely to woo the people to support the Islamic party's cause, said Penang Gerakan Chairman, Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan. Teng said PAS had not changed its ideology and objectives even after its co-operation with DAP and PKR.
Penang govt faces expenses scandal: NIBONG TEBAL - The DAP-led Penang state government could be in for another scandal involving one of its assemblymen. Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat has been accused of misappropriating funds in the form of sponsorship of a local charity organisation. (NST Online, 11.06.09)
DAP Leadership Urged To Explain Irregularity: NIBONG TEBAL, June 10 (Bernama) - A DAP division chief in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) Wednesday hit out at the party's state leadership for failing to act on a complaint of irregularity involving its elected representative. Nibong Tebal division head Teh Hock Yong claimed that the DAP leadership had kept mum although the complaint involving a sum from the elected representative's allocation was made over two months ago to Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
DAP rep denies any wrongdoing: NIBONG TEBAL - The DAP assemblyman for Jawi, Tan Beng Huat, has denied doing any wrong in connection with a RM2,000 sponsorship for a charity organisation. He said he had merely approved the sponsorship application and was not involved in the purchase of a television set and a compact disc player. (NST Online, 11.06.09)
Penang DAP roiling in funds misappropriation scandal: The DAP-led Penang Government could be in for another scandal involving one of its assemblymen. Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat has been accused of misappropriating funds in the form of a sponsorship for a local charity. The matter has since been reported to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC). This was brought to light by the DAP Nibong Tebal division, which has also accused state DAP leaders of keeping mum about the matter despite being informed about it. (NST Online, 10.06.09)
SMS attack on Lim adds to DAP-PKR squabble: GEORGE TOWN - The DAP-PKR spat over the appointment of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president is far from over. An SMS currently doing the rounds describes Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as an autocrat. The message, in Chinese, claims Lim made the appointment of Seberang Prai Municipal Council president all by himself. (Star Online, 10.06.09) About-turn for Gerakan V-P: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan vice-president Huan Chen Guan has decided to make an about-turn and will reconsider his decision to quit the party. Huan said he would also ask the party leadership for more time to reply to a show-cause letter issued to him over his recent outburst. (NST Online, 10.06.09)
PKR willing to discuss increasing Pas seats...but not just yet: More seats for Pas in Penang is something that can be discussed, penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said today. However, he said this was not the time to do so. Zahrain said the issue should not be confined to just the PKR and Pas. "It has to be dealt as a Pakatan Rakyat matter, and our counterpart, the DAP, must also be in the picture. But now is not the time to discuss this because seats are not the issue at hand," he said. (NST Online, 09.06.09)
PKR-DAP ties tested again: PENANG (June 7, 2009) - The relationship between Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP in Penang is boiling again following dissatisfaction over power distribution in the state government administration. Although the leaderships of both parties try to deny the unfriendly relations between them, dissatisfaction at the grassroots appears unable to be contained, triggering reactions that affect ties between the two parties with different ideologies. (theSun) Johari brushes off calls for him to resign: GEORGE TOWN - It’s business as usual for Seberang Prai municipal councillor Johari Kassim despite mounting calls from the DAP for him to resign. Johari, who is the PKR whip in the council and also state PKR liaison committee member, said everyone has a right to express his opinion but the issue should be laid to rest. (Star Online, 08.06.09) Back to top 
Penang Sets Up RM3 Mln Micro-credit Scheme: PENANG, June 12, (Bernama) - The Penang state government will set up a micro-credit scheme for entrepreneurs with an allocation of RM3 million to help the poor overcome the global economic crisis. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the scheme was expected to help at least 1,000 people.
Solve High Chaparral dispute, developers told: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has warned the developers of a 2.6ha land in Kampung Buah Pala here not to come with bulldozers today – the deadline given by the Court of Appeal for the residents to vacate the land. Instead, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy has asked Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang Bhd and Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd to come up with an amiable solution to the dispute.
Residents Allege Irregularities In Land Acquisition: PENANG, June 9 (Bernama) - Kampung Lorong Buah Paladi residents have alleged irregularities in the acquisition of land in the village for a development project. A report has been lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the claim, said Kampung Lorong Buah Paladi Residents Association secretary C.Tharmaraj. "We have furnished the information to the MACC and we hope the state government will also intervene in the matter," he told reporters after lodging the report at Penang MACC here Tuesday. Jerit shouts out to aid villagers: GEORGE TOWN - Residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor, who are facing the possibility of losing their homes on Thursday, have found an ally in a non-governmental organisation. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit), which has been petitioning for a minimum wage since the 1990s, has called on the Pakatan Rakyat state government to intervene and act swiftly to help resolve the residents' plight. (NST Online, 09.06.09)
Penang's sole Indian village under threat: GEORGE TOWN - Residents of Kampung Lorong Buah Pala in Bukit Gelugor, who are facing the possibility of losing their homes on Thursday, want the Pakatan Rakyat leaders to make good their promise to save the village. They claimed this promise was made during last year's general election. The village's residents association chairman, M. Sugumaran, said its members were promised that as long as Pakatan Rakyat ruled the state, their village would be spared. (NST Online, 07.06.09) Back to top 
Shared history but DAP is not PAP, says Guan Eng: GEORGETOWN, June 13 — After hosting Lee Kuan Yew for two hours, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng says his party differs from Singapore’s People’s Action Party (PAP) despite their shared history. The minister mentor of Singapore made his first official visit to a DAP-led government today when he called on Lim in Penang this afternoon. But with the conspiracy theories that DAP is PAP’s agent in Malaysia resurfacing in the run-up to and during Lee’s week-long visit to Malaysia, the chief minister of Penang distanced the party from its historical links with Singapore’s ruling party. (Malaysian Insider)
MM meets Penang leaders: PENANG - MINISTER Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on Saturday packed into his one-day visit to Penang a noon meeting with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and other state government leaders, plus talks with two former chief ministers of the north-western state.Penang is the only non-Malay-majority state in peninsular Malaysia. Since last year's general election, it has been governed by the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance, with the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP) in the driver's seat. (Straits Times, 14.06.09)
LKY remark sparks blame game in Penang: GEORGETOWN, June 13 — Lee Kuan Yew’s visit to Penang has sparked a blame game between Gerakan and DAP over the island’s infrastructure, after Singapore’s minister mentor commented that Ipoh and Seremban were moving ahead of the island. Chief minister Lim Guan Eng tried to lay the blame on his predecessor, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, for “18 years of graceful decline” and called on federal support for remedial measures after his meeting with Singapore’s former prime minister. But just hours later, Koh finished his own discussion with Lee and expressed surprise that the minister mentor had focused on the condition of the roads in comparison to Ipoh. (Malaysian Insider) Penang Should Buck Up On Infrastructure: Kuan Yew - PENANG, June 13 (Bernama): The Penang Government should buck up on its infrastructure as it is inferior, in comparison to those in Ipoh and Seremban. This is the view of Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. "That was the reflection of the graceful decline that Penang has undergone over the last 18 years, and we need to improve in order to make up for the previous neglect," noted Lim. Back to top 
30 new buses in service: GEORGE TOWN - About 30 new RapidPenang buses will be put into service in the state by the end of this month. The WiFi-enabled buses are expected to be deployed on RapidPenang's main routes on the island and the mainland. RapidPenang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the buses were originally supposed to be handed over to the company in May. (NST Online, 11.06.09)
Penang Govt Decides To Take Over Ferry Service: PENANG, June 10 (Bernama) - The Penang state government is to submit an official application to take over the operation of the mainland-island ferry service from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Wednesday. He said a letter would be sent tomorrow to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) which supervises the Penang port. Ferry takeover: Let's have proposals, says PPC head: SEBERANG PERAI (June 9, 2009) - The Penang Port Commission (PPC) welcomes any proposals or suggestions which would improve the ferry service in the state. PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said that any parties who have interest in taking over the ferry services would have to prepare a proper proposal on how to turnover the ferry operations to rake in profits. "Don't just talk about it, because anyone can say what they want," she said. (theSun)
PPC: Submit Application To Operate Ferry: PENANG, June 9 (Bernama) - The Penang Government should submit an official application to take over the ferry service, connecting the island and Seberang Perai, from the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB). Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the application should be submitted to the PPC before it was forwarded to the Federal Government. He said, although PPC was the governing body for the Penang port, all matters pertaining to replacement of ferry operators would be finalised by the Government. Back to top
War Museum - Penang: This recent opened museum could be something new for even some of the Penangites. There are much to be ventured because this place is kinda vast to be explored. Some of the relics of the previous World War 2 had been well retained and taken care of. (piecesofme, 11.06.09)
George Town: George Town is the historic state capital of Penang, Malaysia. It was recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where in Singapore everything is all shiny and new, Georgetown is a stark contrast with run down buildings that have been around since the city was founded. It was like stepping back in time when walking around the city. (technicolorboogie, 10.06.09)
Penang Trip Part 5: Khoo Kongsi: Khoo Kongsi deserved a dedicated post from me for its definitely unique kind of culture that offers me. I really like that place very much. As of other post, I will present the photos. (Chamber of Dreams, 09.06.09)
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