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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OPINION • BUSINESS & INVESTMENT • ENVIRONMENT • FOOD • GOVERNANCE • HERITAGE & CULTURE • INFRSTRUCTURE • PLACES OF INTEREST • POLITICS • REGIONAL AFFAIRS • SOCIAL ISSUES • TRANSPORT • TOURISM • OTHERS •

Planning a better city with the people: For cities to thrive and stay relevant, it is important to have in place well thought out and clearly defined vision and master planning. And these need to be communicated to the local population to ensure they participate in the process of city building. It is imperative for the local administration to engage with the local population and other stakeholders so that they can communicate their needs and ideas on the important aspects that should be included in a city’s planning. (Star Online, 20.06.09)

A Humble Suggestion to CM: Dear Chief Minister, I'm writing this email in response to your call recently for ideas in developing Penang. Here are some of my thoughts… [on signature community, transport around George Town, connectivity, creative city]. (Architecture Lifestyle, 20.06.09)

Accessible buses - but what about accessible streets?: Prototypes of RapdPenang’s new fleet of 200 accessible buses reportedly were introduced in Penang recently - something that people with disabilities especially have long waiting for. These buses are Scania K-series models from Sweden with bodywork made locally. (Anil Netto, 18.06.09)

SXI brother-director’s retirement marks end of era: St Xavier’s Institution director Bro Paul Ho’s retirement draws to a close the 157-year presence of the brothers in the La Salle schools in Malaysia. It began with SXI in Penang and it ends with SXI. (Anil Netto, 21.06.09)

Politicians and local councils: The spat between Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP over the appointment of Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP) president Mokhtar Mohd Jait began with a boycott, by PKR councillors, of Mokhtar's swearing in. This then led to DAP leaders calling for the resignation of Johari Kassim, the PKR whip in MPSP which led the boycott. (The Nut Graph, 18.06.09)

The RM40m Penang Hill railway “upgrading” controversy: The federal government is planning a RM40 million project to “upgrade” the historical Penang Hill funciular railway. See theSun’s report here. What exactly does this entail? (Anil Netto, 19.06.09)

Penang truly lagging behind: The Mentor Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew made an honest and fair comment on Penang after a visit. There is no reason for Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to go into denial and make accusations. Dr Koh was the Chief Minister of Penang for 18 years with the full backing of the ruling party BN but what he contributed to the development of Penang to first world standards remains hazy. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

Learn from Singapore: According to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had commented that Penang's infrastructure was not as good as that of Ipoh and Seremban.  Always a politician, Lim not only revealed this nugget of an observation, but also took the opportunity to point to the 18 years of graceful decline under the leadership of Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. (theSun)

Vision, talent, renewal — Lim Guan Eng: JUNE 15 — Once upon a time, and not long ago at that, Penang was a brand name instantly recognised globally. In those days, Penang's progress signalled Malaysia's coming progress. It was the state that defined the country's economic future. All that seems a long time ago now. Over the last 10 years, Penang's household income actually increased the least among all Malaysian states, including Sabah and Sarawak. From 1999 to 2004, Penang's household income grew by only 2.5 per cent annually, while the national average was 6.6 per cent. (Malaysian Insider)

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MNCs to invest US$200m in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Two multinational corporations (MNCs) are expected to invest about US$200mil for their operations in Penang. investPenang executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon told a press briefing that the company was finalising negotiations with the MNCs on the location for their operations. (Star Online, 18.06.09)

Keep politics out of development, InvestPenang chief says: GEORGE TOWN - The federal government should not "cut its own nose to spite its face" by punishing Penang as far as development allocation is concerned. InvestPenang Berhad executive committee Chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said if this was the "modus operandi" following the change in the state leadership from the Barisan Nasional (BN) to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR), the country would suffer in the end. (The Edge Malaysia, 17.06.09)

Penang Set To Get RM700 Million In Investments: PENANG, June 17 (Bernama) - Penang is set to receive about RM700 million in investments from two companies this week, says InvestPenang's executive committee chairman, Datuk Lee Kah Choon. Lee said the state government would be finalising the deals with the companies which would then be followed by the signing of agreements to purchase the land for their plants.

Penang to set up investment office in Singapore: SINGAPORE - In its aim to attract foreign investors, Penang will set up a promotions representative office in Singapore.  The office could open by the beginning of next year and it “will be staffed by people passionate about Penang”, Lim Guan Eng, chief minister of Malaysia’s third largest state by GDP, told The Edge Singapore while on a business promotion visit. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.06.09)

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The Gurney Drive swamp: One of the charms of Penang used to be the hawker stalls along Gurney Drive.  Crowds still throng the sea-front to savour Penang’s street food. But I doubt they go there for the “invigorating” sea breeze now! Whatever happened to the Gurney Drive of yesteryear? It wasn’t always like this, if you are old enough to remember…(Anil Netto, 21.06.09)

After plastic bags, Penang now targets polystyrene packaging: PENANG, June 15 – Penang has banned the use of polystyrene boxes and plates at all of official state functions. State executive councillor for health, welfare, caring society and environment, Phee Boon In addition to environmental concerns, Poh said, the use of polystyrene boxes as food containers could also pose problems for health. Recently, the state decided to make shoppers pay for plastic bags in an effort to promote reusable shopping bags and cut down on waste. (Malaysian Insider)

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Kambli’s Bubur at Penang Road: It was a hot late afternoon and what the hack my appointment was canned, so we detoured to the old “Bubur” push-cart-stall on the sidelines of the busy Penang Road in the heart of Georgetown. The stall is no other than the famous “Kamblis Bubur” at the junction of Penang Road and Jalan Dato Koyah. It is just directly opposite of Ho Ping coffee shop and just at the door steps of the once famous Kayu Nasi Kandar. (Gourmet Garden, 17.06.09)

Lorong Selamat - Penang Hawker Fare Series: Penangites find good food in many places usually unknown (and even odd) to tourists. It’s best to check with your local tour guide, if you have one. If you can’t find any, there’s always your friendly neighborhood food bloggers. Just google and you’ll have a whole gastronomic itinerary listed out for you. Don’t be surprised to find some stalls that are set up beside a busy road are considered to serve very good food by the locals. Don’t worry about cleanliness as most of these outlets are clean, unless proven otherwise. The most important thing is to be adventurous with your tongue and to look at the condition of the stall and its surroundings. If there is a water tap nearby and if the food is served hot, you should not be worried.  (3 Meals, 15.06.09)

Penang Hawker Food - Kek Seng Ice Kacang: There are plenty of ice kacang (shaved ice) with many variations in town but there is one ice kacang that really stands through time and it is found in Kek Seng coffee shop. It is located along Penang Road in Georgetown and has been in business for many years. Many people will agree that Kek Seng is the best place for ice kacang with its signature homemade colorful agar-agar jelly and durian ice cream besides other toppings of red bean and jagung (creamy corn). The bowl of ice kacang is drenched with colorful sweet sugar syrup and dose with evaporated milk. (Wht2see, 15.06.09)

Hail the hardy kopitiam: It’s good to see the old coffee shop still popular today. OUR ancient coffee shops used to be the heart and soul of old Penang, where people would meet not just to eat but to while the time away. I bemoan their slow but inevitable passing as one by one they are replaced by yet another faceless modern outlet. (Star Online, 14.06.09)

Miraku Japanese Restaurant: Most people will have the preset thinking that dining in a Japanese restaurant could be real expensive, especially when the restaurant is within a hotel. I was one of them too until I stepped foot in Miraku Japanese Restaurant located within the premises of G Hotel which was located along the promenade of our Gurney Drive beach front in Penang. Miraku is actually part of the Texchem Group with another sister company by the name of Sushi King. The restaurant is totally a different entity to management of the hotel. (crizbonappetite, 14.06.09)

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Trade in its twilight: A traditional Chinese medical hall that has been operating for 214 years in Penang is moving out from its current premises on China Street in George Town. This move has prompted calls for investors or traditional medicine practitioners to step in by setting up a traditional medical hall-cum-museum to preserve the ‘living heritage’ of the building. (Star Online, 19.06.09)

Nyonya Needlework from Penang: A preview of the chapter on this topic to form part of the forthcoming monograph on Peranakan Chinese Networks and Identities. (see A Monograph on Peranakan Chinese Networks in the Making 2 Jan 2009 http://www.peranakannetworks.com/blog/?p=61)  Cheah Hwei Fen’s chapter touches on an aspect of Peranakan Material Culture in the Northern Littoral of Southeast Asia, nyonya needlework, a subject which has received relatively little attention in the scholarly literature on the Peranakan. (Peranakan Networks, 18.06.09)

Penang Heritage - Yin Oi Tong: A 124 years old Chinese medicine shop, Yin Oi Tong located in Georgetown, Penang which is the UNESCO Heritage site is on the verge of moving out and making way for new tenants. (chanlilian, 17.06.09)

Historical site in grave condition: CJ Chan Lilian and Jimmy Leow visited the Protestant Cemetery in Penang to find out where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang was laid to rest. The atmosphere in the cemetery was spooky and the place was not properly taken care of. Both citizen journalists requested the state government and related organizations to take up the challenge to beautify this heritage site for visitors and the generations to come. (Malaysiakini, 16.06.09)

Help maintain Unesco listing, private firms urged: Private corporations must help George Town maintain its UNESCO World Heritage site isting. Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen said corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes undertaken by private companies were important to complement efforts by NGOs and the public sector. “Corporate concerns should be centred not only on heritage buildings but also on preserving our unique streetscape, endangered traditional trades and culture as these are what set us apart from other heritage sites in the world. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

RM4.49mil to Restore Penang's Heritage Buildings: KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) - Penang has been allocated RM4.49mil for the restoration of eight heritage buildings under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), Dewan Rakyat was told Monday. Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister, Senator Heng Seai Kie said the allocation was based on the application received and justification.

State trying to keep traditional living cultures in heritage zone: GEORGE TOWN (June 16, 2009) - The Penang government is working on ways to arrest the decline of traditional trades and living cultures in the Unesco heritage zone of inner city George Town. State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said numerous traditional businesses and residents have moved out of the city following the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2000. (theSun)

Reconsider height limit on hotel projects, Penang council urged: The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda) has called on the Penang Island Municipal Council to reconsider the restriction made to limit Penang's inner city hotel projects to 18m height or five-storey. "We respect the decision made by the Penang state authorities to preserve George Town as a world heritage site, but the restriction is unfair to the industry," Rehda president Datuk Ng Seing Liong said in a statement. The association said it is concerned that the state planning department is now applying the 18m height blanket restriction despite having given approval for the four projects initially. (Business Times, 15.06.09)

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Crucial for opposition states to work with federal government: KUANTAN, June 16 — States governed by the opposition alliance, such as Penang, risk becoming economic laggards unless their new leaders are able to work with the federal government to secure revenue to build new infrastructure. That was the assessment of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and two Singapore ministers after an eight-day visit to the country. (Malaysian Insider)

Proposed RM4mil market project shelved: The proposed RM4mil new market complex project in Chai Leng Park, central Seberang Prai, has been shelved indefinitely. Penang Deputy Chief Minister II and Prai assemblyman Dr P. Ramasamy said the Federal Government could have frozen the project due to the present economic slowdown. (Star Online, 16.06.09)

Illegal hawkers in action despite summonses: Illegal hawkers are still operating outside the wet market on Jalan Bunga Raya, Bukit Mertajam, despite having been issued several summonses by the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) enforcement division. MPSP councillor Oon Neow Aun said many of them simply did not respect MPSP and in view of this, he had directed the enforcement officials to step up licensing checks or find ways to legalise the hawkers. (Star Online, 16.06.09)

Road safety campaign targets m-cyclists: The Penang Road Safety Department (JKJR) will focus its campaigns on motorcyclists and pillion riders following an increase in deaths involving this category in two districts. Its director S. Jegan said based on the statistics for the month of April, there were 35 deaths involving riders compared to 17 deaths in the same month last year. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

Port slammed over overweight containers: International container shipping lines operating at Penang Port have slammed the terminal operator for not penalising shippers who overload their cargo containers on a vessel, saying it could lead to an accident. International Ship Owners' Association of Malaysia (ISOA) secretary Fong Keng Lun said requests for enforcement have been sent to Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) as early as June last year, but so far the calls have gone unheeded.  (Business Times, 15.06.09)

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'Not a corporate welfare project': The Penang Second Bridge is not a corporate welfare project awarded to UEM but a project to provide better traffic flow in the state, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany said yesterday.  Replying to the adjournment speech by Liew Chin Tong (DAP-Bukit Bendera), he said the government always had the interest of the people at heart and would put the people first before any development project. (NST Online, 18.06.09)

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Little Penang Street Market: The sunlight really brightens the day. It was a good day to start walking and visit this event that being held at Upper Penang Street. They call this event as Little Penang Street Market. People outsiders may think that it is such a normal morning market. They are wrong. (Telapak Warisan, 17.06.09)

Fruit Farm, Teluk Bahang at Penang: This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I visited this fruit farm which is located after the Teluk Bahang dam (from Batu Ferringhi’s direction) and probably one with the worse view as it was hazy.  My other visits there had a clear sky where you can see from the fruit farm the hills, valley and the sea, which makes it quite a sight. (Life Thru The Lens, 17.06.09)

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Gerakan VP Huan suspended three years: KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 - Gerakan vice president Huan Cheng Guan has been suspended for three years from the party, reigniting speculation that the Penang politician would be heading soon towards a Pakatan Rakyat (PR) party. The beleaguered Barisan Nasional (BN) party, which has been reduced to a minor party after it lost all its seats in its Penang stronghold in last year’s general elections, decided at its central working committee meeting last night to suspend Huan’s membership. (Malaysian Insider)

Malaysia's DAP says opposition PR alliance will not be easily torn apart: SINGAPORE: Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) says the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance will not be easily torn apart.  DAP’s secretary-general, Lim Guan Eng, admits that cracks have appeared but says prophets of doom will be disappointed. (Channelnewsasia, 18.06.09)

Johari to face PKR disciplinary action: GEORGE TOWN - PKR whip Johari Kassim is ready to face the music from his party for his role in organising a boycott of the swearing-in of former North Seberang Prai district officer Mokhtar Mohd Jait as Seberang Prai Municipal Council president on June 4. Johari, a Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) councillor, said yesterday he was unaware of any intention to act against him but would accept the party’s decision. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

DAP man to lodge two more reports: GEORGE TOWN - Nibong Tebal DAP division chairman Teh Hock Yong plans to lodge two more reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya against Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat this afternoon. This will bring the total number of reports to six since Teh first lodged a report to the MACC on June 10 alleging Tan of misappropriation of funds for a karaoke set. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

Let MACC Investigate, Says Penang DAP: PENANG, June 16 (Bernama) - Penang DAP will let the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate into the alleged abuse of power and use of the state government logo to solicit donations by its Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat. Its chairman Chow Kon Yeow said he would not want to interfere in the investigation or comment on the case which had been reported to the MACC.

DAP man lodges four reports with MACC against Jawi rep: GEORGE TOWN - Nibong Tebal DAP division chief Teh Hock Yong has lodged four reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat. The reports allege abuse of power, misappropriation of funds allocated to state assemblymen, and using the state logo on a letter to raise RM5,000 for a Chinese temple. (15.06.09)

Tsu Koon comes under fire for interruption: KUALA LUMPUR - Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had a hard time from Opposition MPs in the Dewan Rakyat when he “violated” the Standing Orders – he wanted an explanation from Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who had himself stood up to ask a query. “Minta penjelasan (seeking clarification),” the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department asked Lim, who had just finished asking a supplementary question on why allocation for conservation work in Penang was much less than that for Malacca. (Star Online, 16.06.09)

Penang rep wants cops to probe cash-for-title allegations: BUKIT MERTAJAM - A state assemblyman yesterday lodged a police report, seeking an investigation into claims over a report in a Chinese daily here that a former state Barisan Nasional leader was soliciting a Datukship title and was willing to fork out RM195,000 for it. Padang Lalang assemblyman Michael Tan Cheong Heong lodged the report at the Central Seberang Prai district police headquarters. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

Huan to stick with Gerakan after all: BUTTERWORTH - Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan says he will remain in the party and is willing to face the consequences for expressing his earlier intention to quit and perhaps join a Chinese-based party that is being registered. He said many grassroots members, especially from Seberang Prai, had persuaded him to stay on. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

Division chief to lodge report against rep: SEBERANG PERAI (June 14, 2009) - A DAP division head will lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission tomorrow against an assemblyman from his own party for alleged misuse of state funds totalling RM2,000.  Teh Hock Yong, the DAP Nibong Tebal division chairman, told reporters today he would lodge a report against Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat. (theSun)

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Guan Eng-Tsu Koon spat goes to Singapore now: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng took his spat with his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to Singapore as he and Gerakan leaders continued attacks on one another over Penang’s infrastructure. Lim, who was on a two-day visit to the city state that ended on Tuesday, used financial figures to strengthen his claim that Penang had been in a “graceful decline” over the last 18 years. (Star Online, 18.06.09)

Penang leaders still smarting from Kuan Yew’s barb: GEORGE TOWN - Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s hurricane tour of Malaysia is over, but his comments on Penang’s lack of infrastructure and communications networks still appear to rankle with some parties. Penang Gerakan issued another statement on June 16 saying that if facilities were found to be wanting in Penang, it would not have attracted over RM10 billion in investments last year. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.06.09)

Gerakan: No shortage of investors in Penang: GEORGE TOWN - Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has long left Penang and Malaysia but his comments on Penang's lack of infrastructure and communications networks still seems to singe some parties. Penang Gerakan issued another statement Tuesday saying that if these facilities were found lacking in Penang, it would not have attracted more than RM10 billion in investments last year. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.06.09)

Kuan Yew may have been misled by tight schedule: Gerakan: GEORGE TOWN (June 15, 2009) - Singapore's Mentor Minister Lee Kuan Yew may have been misled about the infrastructure in Penang because of his tight schedule when he paid a one-day visit to Penang on Saturday, state Gerakan secretary Ong Thean Lye said today. "Lee could have been misled as there were several major infrastructure projects that were completed in Penang between 1990 and 2008," he said in a press statement. (theSun)

Remarks spark reaction: GEORGE TOWN - Comments by Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew that Penang’s infrastructure is found wanting have led to the Chief Minister and his predecessor pointing fingers at each other. “Lee mentioned that our infrastructure is inferior compared to Ipoh and Seremban. “Perhaps this is a reflection of the ‘graceful decline’ that Penang has undergone over the last 18 years,” said Lim Guan Eng, who is also DAP secretary-general. (Star Online, 14.06.09)

Lee too quick to judge Penang, says Chang: IPOH - Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had been too quick to judge Penang when he was there only for a day, said Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn. Coming to the defence of the former Gerakan-led state, he said Lee’s visit was too brief for the latter to make comparisons. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

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More pondoks soon: The police will soon rent premises in crime hotspot areas in Penang to keep better tabs on illegal activities. State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob said this would be done under the ‘pondok komuniti’ (community centre) programme. (Star Online, 18.06.09)

Out to be better: Penang police have one of the highest case solving rates in the country with 53% being achieved in the first five months of the year. State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob said the national target is only 40% but the state managed to record a 54% rate last year. (Star Online, 18.06.09)

Penang To Build More Community Police Beats To Reduce Crime Rate: PENANG, June 15 (Bernama) - Penang is expected to build more community police beats, especially in housing estates, to ensure the safety of the public and reduce crime. Penang police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob said building community police beats was to cater for an increase in the number of housing estates and improve the relationship and understanding between the police and the public.

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Ferry take-over plan: Guan Eng slams PPC: GEORGE TOWN (June 18, 2009) - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed concern that the Penang Port Commission (PPC), a federal agency chaired by MCA’s Tan Cheng Liang, would be prejudiced against the state’s proposal to take over operations of Penang’s cross-channel ferry service.  Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the PPC’s response to the state’s idea would be "skewed or biased" as Tan had now announced the PPC was planning to take over the operations. (theSun)

PPC Also Interested In Ferry Services: PENANG, June 17 (Bernama) - The Penang Port Commission (PPC) is interested in taking over the mainland-island ferry service operations from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB). PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the commission was preparing a working paper to be handed over to the Transport Ministry in 2-3 weeks.

Special transport unit to be set up: A special transport unit will be set up as one of the measures to improve traffic flow. Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Cpommittee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the unit would be placed under the State Secretariat. (Star Online, 16.06.09)

Solve bus problem first, Tan tells Penang govt: GEORGE TOWN - Don't bite off more than you can chew. This is the advice of the Penang Port Commission to the state government. PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the state should resolve the RapidPenang depot issue before harping on plans to take over the ferry services. (NST Online, 16.06.09)

Ex-PPC chief to rescue Penang’s iconic tourist attraction: GEORGE TOWN - Former Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Syed Aidid Syed Murtaza (pic) has agreed to help oversee the running of the ferry service should the state government decide to take over the operation from the Penang Port Sdn Bhd. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Syed Aidid had been asked to meet current PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang next week. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

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H1N1 flu threat no deterrent to tourism: The increasing cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Malaysia has not deterred foreign tourists from visiting Penang, said state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang. “So long as the state takes the necessary precautionary measures, the state will still be a favoured holiday destination due to George Town’s declaration as a Unesco World Heritage site. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

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1Malaysia unity carnival: Seberang Jaya will be the first constituency in the country to kick-start a unity agenda to achieve the 1Malaysia aspiration aimed at bringing the people together. Seberang Jaya state assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah said a week-long carnival comprising more than 40 events had been lined up to create awareness on the concept among the people. (Star Online, 19.06.09)

Holiday bargains galore: Despite the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is anticipating more crowd to its 13th annual fair in Penang next month. Its venue chairman Goh Thean Eng said with great bargains offered at the fair, both for domestic and international locations, the public would definitely take advantage of the offers. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

Guan Eng: Penang has lost many of its talents: GEORGE TOWN (June 17, 2009) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has upped the ante in the debate over the decline of Penang's economy under the previous government, lamenting that the state had also lost many of its talented people over the past few decades.  "Penangites have not only been losing in relative income, we have also been losing our people especially to Singapore where many of you have prospered," he said in his speech at the Penang Free School and Chung Ling Old Boy’s Dinner in Singapore on Monday. (theSun)

‘Ang mor gao’ authors Hokkien dictionary: When Dutchman Luc de Gijzel overheard a shopowner saying “Ang mor gao lai liao (Caucasian coming), his immediate response was “Lu bor leh mao (You are being impolite). “But of course, I said it in jest. The shopowner was obviously taken aback knowing that I actually understood what he meant. Both of us immediately broke into laughter,” said the 39-year-old de Gijzel who is the author of Penang Hokkien Pocket dictionary. (Star Online, 17.06.09)

No DAP leaders, members on Penang honours list: GEORGE TOWN - For the second year in the running, DAP leaders and its members will not be awarded in this year's state honours list in conjunction with the Governor's birthday in July. Penang Chief Minister And DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng said this was to demonstrate that political power was all about public interest above private benefit as always envisaged by the state government. (The Edge Malaysia, 16.06.09)

Tapping young brains: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has come out with an extraordinary suggestion yesterday by asking youths who have creative ideas on how to develop Penang, to email them personally to him. The state might make use of the suggestions if they are found to be applicable, Lim said. (Star Online, 16.06.09)

Penang Warga Emas: The Penang State Government under CM Lim Guan Eng has pledged to help senior citizens in the state. Citizen journalists Chan Lilian and Jimmy Leow met with Sim Tze Tzin who is the ADun for Pantai Jerjak at an Indian temple to find out how this Warga Emas works. (Malaysiakini, 15.06.09)

CM: No gender bias: The Penang Government will not allow gender bias to creep in when it comes to promoting a qualified candidate. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government had always recognised the role of women in the workplace, adding that women had a right to fundamental freedoms. (Star Online, 15.06.09)

Mr Lee, meet the new PA, same as the old PA: GEORGETOWN, June 14 – Yesterday, just like most other days, Ong See Fook went through a routine little changed over 39 years. He put on a starched white shirt, knotted his tie and donned his plain black jacket. Then he commuted from his home in Minden Heights, near the Penang bridge, to his office on the 28th floor of Komtar. (Malaysian Insider)

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