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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WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS NOW FOR THE PR GOVERNMENT ON THE KG BUAH PALA ISSUE?: First some history. I see a piece of land lying seemingly unattended and then I work out a scam to sell it. I disguise myself as a buyer and I then buy the land from my undisguised self who is selling the land. How is that for disingenuity. Well, this is more or less what seems to have transpired in the case of the land on which sits Kampong Buah Pala. Let me lay out the facts for all to know. All of these facts and associated arguments can be corroborated with documentary evidence and be supported by appropriate Acts of Parliament. (The Might of the Pen, 12.07.09)

High Chaparral: What happened to the trust document?: The Kampung Buah Pala land in Gelugor was once owned by David Brown, a wealthy spice plantation owner during the early British colonial era in Penang who died in 1825. Title to the land eventually reached one of his descendants, Helen Margaret Brown. For more information on David Brown and his descendants, go here and here. (Anil Netto, 10.07.09)

Kpg Lorong Buah Pala: GEORGE TOWN - The state government has been slammed for playing politics with Kampung Lorong Buah Pala residents by giving them false hopes that the village may not be demolished. Penang Gerakan legal and human rights bureau committee chairman Baljit Singh said it was irresponsible of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to give such high hopes to the villagers. (NST Online, 10.07.09)

High Chaparral: Should Koh give a detailed explanation?: Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy has reportedly said that the High Chaparral case is another example of a land scam. A-ha! Just as we thought. (Anil Netto, 08.07.09)

A lesson from Unesco: Just last week, at its annual meeting in Seville, Unesco’s grand World Heritage Committee (WHC) concluded that of the 890 properties inscribed as world heritage sites, just three were to be demoted into its "danger" list.  The three sites – Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System, Colombia’s Los Katios National Park and Georgia’s Historical Monuments of Mtskheta – were considered to be under severe threat for various reasons. If nothing is now done over the next year to convince Unesco that they are being safeguarded, the sites may be removed from the heritage list altogether. (theSun)

Heritage: Penang's early years - Over lunch yesterday, my colleague and I were discussing my earlier post on David Brown and we were asking ourselves who exactly was David Brown (1776-1825)? He might have owned large tracts of land on Penang island (known as the Prince of Wales Island in those days) but how did he get his hands on so much land? (Anything Goes, 07.07.09)

Opinion sharply split on Pg govt’s hill-slope management: It looks as if you are sharply divided on how well the Penang government has handled the issue of property development projects on steep hill-slopes, if the opinion poll (now closed) on this blog is any indication. (Anil Netto, 07.07.09)

Nusmetro Ventures: The Balik Pulau connection: Who exactly owns Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd, the developer of the Oasis luxury condominium project? According to the latest records for the developer filed with the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Asia Link-up Sdn Bhd holds 96 per cent of the RM250,000 issued share capital of Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd. (Anil Netto, 05.07.09)

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Butterworth container terminal sees better quarter: BUTTERWORTH - North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) registered about 12% increase in the volume of cargo it handled in the second quarter, compared with the first quarter this year, Penang Port Sdn Bhd general manager Obaid Mansor said. (Star Online 06.07.09)

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What’s happening at the Penang Botanic Gardens?: A couple of Penangites have expressed concern about what’s happening at the Penang Botanic Gardens. The Lily Pond was drained some time ago by the Gardens Department to carry out some work, but few seem to know what its plans are. (Anil Netto, 11.07.09)

Storm causes flash floods in Penang: GEORGE TOWN (July 12, 2009) - Strong winds lashed Penang, causing flash floods and damage to houses on Friday night and early Saturday morning. State environment, health, welfare and caring society committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the unusually strong winds were brought about by currents influenced by a tropical storm that hit the coast of Vietnam. (theSun, 12.07.09)

Preliminary EIA to be done for project to deepen Penang channel: GEORGE TOWN (July 9, 2009) - The Penang Port Commission (PPC) is undertaking a preliminary environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the federal government’s RM350 million project to deepen the Penang channel. PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said the findings of the EIA report, which would include hydraulic studies, would then be put forward to the Transport Ministry for consideration in how the project should be carried out. (theSun)

Residents drag old man from car: Motorist escaped unhurt when his car was partially buried in a landslide which occurred during a downpour at the Kayangan Puri Mutiara apartments in Fettes Park in Tanjung Bunga, Penang. The 70-year-old man had just dropped off his friend at the apartments and was driving through an underpass when the incident occurred at about 10pm on Tuesday. (Star Online, 09.07.09)

Aye to green campaign: The Penang Government launched the ‘No Plastic Bags Day’ yesterday with one aim — no more free plastic bags to shoppers on Mondays. Over 300 hypermarkets, mini-markets, departmental stores, pharmacies, pet stores and other participating stores and shops in the state pledged their support for the initiative with the objective of cutting down what the state estimates to be 2.1 million plastic bags distributed in the state each month.  (Star Online, 07.07.09)

More ‘no plastic bags’ days likely: BUTTERWORTH - More days in a week will be designated “No Plastic Bags Day” in Penang. But Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would first have to gauge public response towards the move, which begins today. Every Monday is “No Plastic Bags Day,” for now. (Star Online 06.07.09)

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Two police reports lodged against writers: GEORGE TOWN - Two police reports have been lodged against two magazine writers for allegedly entering a Kuala Lumpur church which they claimed was converting Muslims into Christians. Joachim Francis Xavier, 33, who made a report at the Patani Road police station yesterday, said entering the premises with the intention to spy had angered many Catholics in the country. (Star Online, 09.07.09)

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Sisters' Char Kway Teow, Penang: Want to start a vigorous debate with a Malaysian? Make it about food, specifically the best or most authentic version of something or other. Char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles with egg, prawns, bean sprouts and other good things) is an all-time classic of the Malaysian-Chinese culinary canon. If I could only eat one noodle dish for the rest of my life it would be this one. So what better place to search for the best CKT in the world than Penang, the spiritual home of Malaysian-Chinese cookery? (Eurasian Sensation, 12.07.09)

Old Ways of Life: Handmade Mee Koo at Hoe Peng: We all talk about preserving the historical building, endangered animals, etc. But why don’t we also put in more effort to promote and support our locally unique heritage hand-made products and traditional trades. In this competitive world many trades have turn to mass production through new technology, but through this change we have loss the rich character of hand-made products that was once the pride of our country and culture. (Gourmet Garfen, 07.07.09)

Penang Food - Tai Buan Porridge: Penang has a number of stall selling porridge and one particular stall that is worth mentioning is the Tai Buan Porridge. It is housed in a shoplot on Muntri Street serving good rice porridge and side dishes. This Teochew style porridge is very popular and most of the customers are back for return visits. (what2see, 09.07.09)

Ang Hoi Lor | Authentic Penang Restaurant: A true Penangite would definitely have heard about Ang Hoay Lor and the food that is served there. It is truly synonymous with Penang’s local delights and flavour. This quaint shop located right in the heart of Old Georgetown is famous for its oyster mee, bak khi, fried tang hoon, pork leg beehoon, fried oyster and tauhu suan na, to name a few. (Penang Tua Pui, 07.07.09)

Curry Puff Making: Taking a bite of a curry puff is simple, one bite and goes inside the stomach. I took it for granted until I visited a nyonya kueh maker’s kitchen. There the whole family was involved in the making this simple delicacy and only realize that the process is  really time consuming. (Zoom2see, 06.07.09)

David Brown's legacy: I went to change the tyres on my car yesterday. Went to this tyre shop called LITA in Dato Kramat Road. It's right across from the Esso and Shell stations, and located smack between the CIMB Bank and Public Bank. Nobody can miss this prominent shop. While I left the car at the shop, I walked to the hawker centre at the corner of Perak Road and Anson Road. This hawker centre must have been around for at least 50 or 60 years, or maybe even longer. It's appearance hasn't changed at all, though. On one side was the Chinese section and on the other side were the Malay stalls. My favourite Chinese food here are the popiah and the yong tau foo. (Anything Goes, 04.07.09)

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Penang may also reduce licence fees for petty traders: PENANG - The Penang government is ready to consider giving a 50 per cent discount on fees for petty traders licences, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.  Lim said he had instructed state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow to study the matter. (NST Online, 12.07.09)

MACC nabs senior Penang consultant: KUALA LUMPUR - A senior consultant acting for the Penang state government has been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged graft involving RM350,000. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

The way forward for council: A Seberang Prai Municipal (MPSP) councillor has suggested that council staff nurture critical-thinking minds to avoid becoming “yes men”. Mohd Kamil Abu Bakar said that without compromising on loyalty to their superiors, the staff should use their creativity to find solutions to problems. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

Johari Apologises, Given A Month's Suspension Instead: PENANG, July 8 (Bernama) - Johari Kassim, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) who was sacked from his councillor's post recently, today made an open apology over the negative remarks he had made about the Penang government in the media.

Penang CM's U-turn surprises Gerakan: GEORGE TOWN - Gerakan Penang has chided Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for bowing to pressure from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and its "paramount leader" Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reinstate sacked Johari Kassim from Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP). Penang Gerakan secretary Ong Thean Lye said the move to reinstate the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) council whip was a surprise. (The Edge Malaysia, 08.07.09)

July 7 a public holiday in Penang from 2010: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Government will declare July 7 as a state public holiday beginning next year to commemorate George Town receiving the Unesco World Heritage Site status. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced this yesterday when launching the month-long anniversary celebrations at the century-old Town Hall here.  (Star Online, 08.07.09)

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Health Authority Monitored International Cruise Passengers: PENANG, July 9 (Bernama) - The Penang Health Department has stationed its officers at the Tanjung City Marina here to scan the international cruise passengers to ensure that there is no further transmission of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Law Heng Kiang said on Thursday the authorities had taken all precautions to enable the passengers to enjoy Penang's tourism activities when their cruise anchored at the marina.

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Conference To Revitalise Georgetown As Heritage Site: PENANG, July 6 (Bernama) - Penang will organise an international conference on sustainable cultural development to commemorate Georgetown's first anniversary as Unesco's World Heritage Site. InvestPenang executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the conference, themed 'The Economics of Revitalisation' will be held here on Oct 8 and 9.

30 bids for Fort Cornwallis: The Penang Government has received over 30 bids from international and local companies interested in refurbishing and managing Fort Cornwallis, one of Penang’s most well-known landmarks with over 200 years of history. investPenang executive committee chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon said in an interview that the companies that had tendered for the project would be judged on the basis of their business concept and the bid amount. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

Penang council urged to reconsider hotel directive: GEORGE TOWN - The city’s old trades, culture and lifestyle of Penangites are some of the key reasons why George Town was awarded the World Heritage Site (WHS) status, not solely because it has heritage buildings that could be conserved, said Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) (Penang) chairman Datuk Jerry Chan. (Star Online 06.07.09)

Penang urged to adopt Italian model in preserving heritage properties: GEORGE TOWN - Initiatives to conserve Penang’s heritage properties could assume the Italian model which involves the collaboration between the private and public sectors, according to the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). (Star Online 06.07.09)

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Developers keen to resume launches: High-end property developers are expected to resume their project launches in the coming months aided by strong take-up in the first half of the year and more positive outlook in the economic front. At least two luxurious residences in Kuala Lumpur and five high-end residential projects in Penang will be unveiled soon. (Star Online, 11.07.09)

KL, Penang property markets looking good: KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Always a favourite, landed real estate is receiving more interest in the current property lull. According to property agents, there has been a slight pick-up in the past two months, mainly in primary sales and landed properties located in popular suburbs. (Malaysian Insider)

Inclining demands in luxury Penang properties: More than 600 high-end condominiums will be launched on Penang island before the year-end. Local property prices have been sturdy, but the volume of transactions has dropped slightly since January. Currently, RM600,000 to RM700,000 are the holding prices of landed properties in Penang. (Property Report, 05.07.09)

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Federal government allocation inadequate - Lim: PENANG - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Penang government is thankful to the federal government for the allocation but it is still inadequate to support the state's infrastructure development. "Because of this, infrastructure development in Penang has not been as fast as that in other states," he said at the investiture to present awards and medals to mark the 71st birthday of Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas here today (11 July). (Mysinchew, 11.07.09)

Piering into a bright future: The Swettenham Pier, which is undergoing a RM65mil expansion, is expected to be operational by early next year, Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said. She said the project consultant, Ahmad Zaki Yahya, had informed her that the project would be handed over to the PPC by September. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

Geo-technical report on sunken road submitted to MPPP: GEORGE TOWN (July 8, 2009) : A geo-technical report on the cause of the sunken driveway adjacent to Hunza Properties Bhd’s super condominium and commercial complex project, Gurney Paragon, on Gurney Drive has been completed and handed over to the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP). Local government and traffic management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow told theSun the report was completed on Monday evening. “The report was submitted to the council president for further action. So please contact the president for more information,” he said while refusing to elaborate on the contents of the report. (theSun)

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Penang past and present: With over 35 years experience in aerial photography, advertising consultant Don Law is no stranger to shooting photographs from an elevated position. Law, born and bred in Penang, decided to hold an exhibition entitled ‘Penang in Retrospective — Air Photo Exhibition’ at Queensbay Mall to showcase some 60 panoramic photographs from his pictorial collection to tourists and the younger generation for them to compare the old and new, Penang. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Heritage in striking hues: The streets of George Town were overrun by budding talents as young artists took to the streets to capture the beauty of their cultural legacy in paintings. In conjunction with the month-long state celebrations to usher in the city’s first anniversary of being awarded a Unesco World Heritage Site listing, an art competition entitled A Glimpse Through Our Heritage was held on the streets of the inner city. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Big talent at little market: The monthly Little Penang Street Market has become synonymous with local artistic talent, serving as a platform for local aspiring dancers and musicians to showcase their skills and abilities. Held on the last Sunday of every month at Upper Penang Road, the street market features a host of local craft stalls selling everything from antiques to handmade trinkets, as well as The Space, a stage that highlights culture and creativity unique to Penang.  (Star Online, 07.07.09)

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Penang PKR chairman warns against "secret meetings": GEORGE TOWN: State PKR chairman Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim said show-cause letters would be sent to members found organising secret meetings. He said that as far as he was concerned, he had not heard of any such meeting organised by those unhappy with his leadership. (Star Online, 11.07.09)

DAP, PKR getting their house in order in Penang: GEORGE TOWN (July 7, 2009) - The DAP and PKR have agreed to put their partnership in Penang in order following a series of fallouts in the past few months. PKR state chief Datuk Zahrain Hashim today led 15 senior party members to a “heart-to-heart meeting” with DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow in Lim’s Komtar office. (theSun)

Lim proposed as Penang Pakatan chairman: GEORGE TOWN: Penang PKR has proposed that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng be appointed the state Pakatan Rakyat chairman. State PKR head Datuk Zahrain Hashim said that previously, the coalition had agreed that the respective parties would take turns chairing the coalition meetings. “Our first Pakatan meeting was chaired by myself in January. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Tunku Aziz appointed as first DAP senator: Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim was appointed as the first DAP senator and likened his experience to that of a young boy on his first day at school — so much to see and learn. “I intend to spend the first few days just watching and listening. I will do my best to promote the interest of Penang in the Dewan Negara,” said the 75-year-old DAP vice-chairman after taking his oath yesterday. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

Gerakan leaders trying to finish me off, says Huan: BUTTERWORTH - Suspended Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan is claiming that two Gerakan leaders have initiated a signature campaign to “finish off” his political career. He said the Gerakan members were being asked whether they agreed with his three-year suspension from the party or if he should be sacked. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

There is no rift in Pakatan Rakyat, says Anwar: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim denied there is a rift in the Pakatan Rakyat coaltiton. "There are no major problems within the coalition. If there are any, they are basically minor issues which can easily be resolved through discussions and dialogue."  Anwar said this at a press conference, jointly attended by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman, at Wisma Yayasan Aman in Penanti here yesterday. (NST Online, 06.07.09)

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Lim Denies Promising Return Of Land To Kampung Buah Pala Residents: PENANG, July 10 (Bernama) - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in blaming the former state government for the predicament faced by Kampung Buah Pala residents, denied making any promises to return the land to them. "All these problems started from the previous government which approved the project and they should be the ones who must try and solve it and not 'trapping' us in the matter because I never made any promise to return the land to Kampung Buah Pala residents," he told reporters after issuing appointment letters to the state transportation council here on Friday.

Kampung Buah Pala issue: State files police report: PENANG - The State government has filed a police report regarding the ownership of the land in Kampung Buah Pala, Bukit Gelugor, here. The report was made by Komtar state assemblyman Ng Wei Aik at the Timur Laut police district headquarters at 1.20pm today. (NST Online, 11.07.09)

High Chaparral: Hindraf to 'turn the screws' - The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) will step up its pressure in coming weeks on the Penang government to preserve Kampung Buah Pala as a state Indian heritage village. (Malaysiakini, 12.07.09)

Koh: DAP should also publish promises to residents: KUALA LUMPUR - Former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, in welcoming his successor Lim Guan Eng’s move to declassify files relating to the Kampung Buah Pala issue, said the DAP should “do the same by publishing the chronology of the promises” it had made to residents there. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

Buah Pala Village Developer Upset Over State Govt Plan: PENANG, July 9 (Bernama) - Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd, the developer of Kampung Buah Pala, is disappointed with the Penang state government's plan to invoke Section 116 of the National Land Code to prevent the company from carrying out the demolition of the village. Its executive director, Thomas Chan, said today the company had in good faith agreed to the state government's request to extend the deadline from June 2 to Aug 8 for the purpose of negotiating and finding an amicable solution but instead the state was taking action to stop the company from carrying out the project.

BN to blame for Kampung Buah Pala fiasco - Guan Eng: The declassification of documents relating to the chronology o f BN Penang Exco decisions prove beyond a shadow of doubt that Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and his UMNO, MCA, MIC And Gerakan cohorts had robbed Kampung Buah Pala residents of their land without consulting them. The Pakatan Rakyat Penang State Exco had in yesterday’s meeting decided after consulting and getting approval from the State Legal Adviser, to declassify and reveal the decisions behind the BN State EXCO led by the present Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in alienating Kampung Buah Pala to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang. (Mysinchew, 09.07.09)

Buah Pala villagers disappointed yet again: GEORGE TOWN - About 20 Kampung Buah Pala villagers were turned away from their planned meeting with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng yesterday after they insisted on having their lawyers present. Lim, instead, wanted a “heart-to-heart” talk with the villagers without the lawyers influencing them. Speaking to reporters later, Lim said the state would invoke Section 116 of the National Land Code to prevent any demolition. (Star Online, 09.07.09)

Penang declassifies Kg Buah Pala files, points finger at BN: PENANG, July 9 — The Penang government has declassified files relating to the on-going Kampung Buah Pala land sale, accusing the former Barisan Nasional (BN) administration of robbing “Kampung Buah Pala residents of their land without consulting them”. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive council decided to declassify and reveal the decisions by Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon’s government made in 2004 and 2005 to sell the land to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang, adding the state legal department has approved the disclosure. (Malaysian Insider, 09.07.09)

Guan Eng to invoke land code to halt demolition: GEORGE TOWN - The Kampung Buah Pala saga continues with the Penang state government now scrambling to prevent the demolition of the houses by invoking a clause from the National Land Code. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is under pressure from the villagers and other parties who have jumped on the bandwagon to fight for the residents, said the state government will invoke Section 116 of the National Land Code, which requires the developer to have written permission from the state authorities before demolishing the houses. (The Edge Malaysia, 08.07.09)

State Permission Needed To Demolish Houses: PENANG, July 8 (Bernama) - The Penang state government will make an application to the courts to use Section 116 (1)(D) of the National Land Code to prevent developers from demolishing the houses of villagers in Kampung Buah Pala here, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. He said under the section anyone given land had to have written permission from the state government before buildings on the land can be demolished.

Fulfill pledges to villagers, CM told: KUALA LUMPUR - Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon yesterday told the DAP-led Penang government to fulfil the pledges it made to Kampung Lorong Buah Pala voters during the last general election, and not ask the Barisan Nasional to resolve it.  The former Penang chief minister said: "They cannot ask us (the former BN state government) to deliver on their broken promises. It is on the basis of those promises that a lot of people had given them support, especially the Indian community and the (banned) Hindraf movement. (NST Online, 08.07.09)

Kit Siang passes it on to Federal Govt: The Federal Government must take responsibility for the Kampung Lorong Buah Pala controversy that is plaguing the Penang government, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said yesterday.  He said former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is minister in the Prime Minister's Department, should shoulder the responsibility for the problem. "If he (Koh) retired and became a hermit then fair enough. But he is now the KPI (key performance indicator) minister which is an important position. (NST Online, 08.07.09)

Kg Buah Pala dispute: Land deal inked after March 8: GEORGE TOWN - The land deal between the state government and Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang, which is at the heart of the Kampung Buah Pala dispute, was signed on March 26 last year, after Pakatan Rakyat had taken power, villagers said. Representative C. Tharmaraj said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should know that the land transaction was sealed when he was in control of the state government. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Honour pledge to villagers, Koh tells DAP: KUALA LUMPUR - The DAP should be responsible and honour its pledge made before the March 8 general election to the people of Kampung Buah Pala, former Penang chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said. Saying that he did not want to wage a war of words with his successor Lim Guan Eng, Dr Koh said it was time for the DAP to deliver on its promise now. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Penang DCM: Kg Buah Pala dispute is another land scam: GEORGE TOWN - The Kampung Buah Pala land dispute is another example of a land scam plaguing the state, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said. He said the state government intended to lodge a police report “very soon” based on preliminary investigations into the case. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

Penang govt to lodge police report on ‘High Chaparral’ land sale: GEORGE TOWN (July 7, 2009) : The Penang government will lodge a police report alleging the fraudulent sale of the Kampung Buah Pala land by the previous state executive council. Deputy Chief Minister (II) Prof Dr P. Ramasamay said the report would be lodged very soon following “new found evidence” questioning the legitimacy of the transaction. “This is a commercial crime case. The evidence we are getting shows some tentative grounds that this is potentially another land scam.” (theSun)

Take charge of village issue, Guan Eng told: BUTTERWORTH - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should assume responsibility over the Kampung Buah Pala issue, now that Pakatan Rakyat is in control of the state. State Wanita MCA chief Tan Cheng Liang said it was unacceptable that Lim kept pointing fingers at the previous Barisan Nasional administration over the matter. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

Folk to finally meet CM: GEORGE TOWN - After more than two weeks of acrimony, the committee members of the Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association will finally get to meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over the impending demolition of the village, popularly known as High Chaparral. Association assistant secretary C. Tharmaraj said the meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, was arranged by Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

Penang Gerakan breaks its silence: GEORGE TOWN (July 6, 2009) - Penang Gerakan has broken its silence on the Kampung Buah Pala land transaction controversy, saying the onus is on the current state government to take action if there were elements of fraud. State Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said the party, which led the previous Barisan Nasional state government, would not get involved in the matter as it was up to the government of the day to resolve the problem. (theSun)

Kampung Buah Pala: Government Will Not Intervene In State Matters - Najib: KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the federal government will not intervene in the Kampung Buah Pala issue as it was a state matter which must be dealt with by the Penang government.

Najib washes federal hands of Buah Pala case: KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the Kampung Buah Pala land tussle must be settled by the Penang state government, passing the buck back to the DAP-led Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration in what is turning into a racial powder keg. The Penang state government said yesterday it would be writing to Najib to seek assistance from the federal government to take over the piece of prime land. (Malaysian Insider)

Penang To Write To Najib On Kampung Buah Pala Issue: PENANG, July 5 (Bernama) - The Penang government will write to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to seek assistance from the federal government to take over a piece of prime land in Kampung Buah Pala here. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government could not afford the the high cost of taking over the land to enable 23 families to continue occupying the area.

Federal Government looks to help Buah Pala villagers: PENANG, Sun - The Federal Government is ready to help the embattled residents of Kampung Buah Pala, Bukit Gelugor here, solve their problem, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk T. Murugiah. Having monitored the situation in the village for some time, he said he was willing to discuss the matter with the residents.  (NST Online, 05.07.09)

Koh tells Lim to act like CM, resolve problems: KUALA LUMPUR (July 5, 2009) - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon says Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should act like a CM and solve the problems on the island himself, especially that concerning the Kampung  Buah Pala or High Chaparral villagers' problems. He said Lim and his DAP party had promised a lot of things for the villagers in the last general election, "therefore they should fulfill their promises". (theSun0

Buah Pala villagers refute Guan Eng’s freehold claim: GEORGE TOWN: Kampung Buah Pala residents have hit back at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, claiming that their village sits on leasehold land and not freehold as stated by him. They passed out certified copies of a state land registry document detailing the transfer of a 2.6ha piece of land on which their village is located. (Star Online 06.07.09)

‘High Chaparral’ woes due to politicians’ promises: GEORGE TOWN (July 5, 2009) - The Kampung Lorong Buah Pala or “High Chaparral” issue has become mired in controversy because of promises made by politicians, says land law expert and academician Prof Salleh Buang. He said the politicians, mainly from DAP, had made promises to the villagers right from the beginning that they will resolve the issue for the residents. (theSun)

Guan Eng prepared to invoke Land Acquisition Act if ...: GEORGE TOWN (July 5, 2009) -  Penang is prepared to invoke the Land Acquisition Act to resolve the Kampung Lorong Buah Pala issue but the federal government must bear the cost. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would be writing to the Prime Minister and his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, to ask the federal government to bear the acquisition cost so that the villagers can remain there. (theSun)

Anwar tells Mansor to speed up report: BUTTERWORTH - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman to complete his report on the Kampung Buah Pala issue in a few days' time. "I hope Mansor will not take longer than necessary. He should hand in the report to the state executive council and Chief Minister in two or three days' time," he told reporters after meeting Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak here today. (The Edge Malaysia, 05.07.09)

Federal govt “ready to help”; Koh: Don’t blame me: Now we hear that the federal government is “ready to help” the High Chaparral residents, says Deputy Minister T Murugiah. “Although the Barisan Nasional (BN) is not in power in the state, the Federal Government still belongs to BN and we should help the people, regardless of their race,” he said. (Anil Netto, 06.07.09) 

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Penang To Establish Efficient Transportation System: PENANG, July 10 (Bernama) - The Penang government intends to establish an efficient integrated transportation system involving hybrid buses, monorail, trams and water taxis to facilitate movement of people in the state, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said on Friday. He said such a progressive system of transportation was necessary as the number of vehicles registered in Penang had risen to 1.4 million and resulted in traffic congestion.

Buses for the disabled: Rapid Penang began deploying disabled-friendly buses with six put on the streets yesterday. The buses operate on the 101 Batu Feringghi – Weld Quay – Batu Ferringhi route with the first bus leaving the Batu Ferringhi terminal behind Holiday Inn Hotel at 7am. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

AirAsia aims to park 10 planes in Penang to start new hub: GEORGE TOWN - AirAsia Bhd’s plan to park more planes at the Penang International Airport can materialise faster if Penang has a low-cost carrier terminal. Regional head of commercial Kathleen Tan said the budget airline operator had plans to park 10 planes in Penang, which was in line with its goal of making the island its eighth hub. (Star Online, 08.07.09)

AirAsia establishes Penang as a hub with direct flight to HK: KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is expanding its route network in the northern gateway by adding  another international flight from Penang to Hong Kong and the new service will start on July 31.  The low-cost carrier said it was establishing Penang as its eighth hub after Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Bandung, Bali, Jakarta, Bangkok and a "virtual hub" in Singapore. (The Edge Malaysia, 06.07.09)

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Vision to turn Penang into golfing haven: The Penang Government will look into ways to turn the state into a golfing haven in a move to further enhance its sports tourism. The prospect was brought into focus by state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang who said that Penang was blessed with both good weather almost year-round and had well-planned golf courses. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

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Gerakan gives Guan Eng ultimatum over luxury bungalow: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Gerakan Youth has given a three-day ultimatum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to answer its queries on the luxury bungalow where he is now temporarily staying pending repairs to his official residence or step down. Its vice-chairman H’ng Khoon Leng said they would make a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should Lim fail to do so by Wednesday. (Star Online, 12.07.09)

Alleycats Vocalist Posthumously Conferred Datukship: PENANG, July 11 (Bernama) -- Susan Lovie, widow of Alleycats lead singer A. Loganathan on Saturday received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), on behalf of her late husband. Loganathan was among 793 recipients of honours and medals conferred in conjunction with the 71st birthday of the Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.

Do more, consumer watch groups told: The Penang Consumer Watch group has been urged not to be rigid on checking profiteering only, but to also look into other consumer related problems. State Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Com-mittee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the group could also monitor other problems pla-guing the people. (Star Online, 10.07.09)

Penang Gerakan Youth Wants Lim To Explain Luxury Bungalow: PENANG, July 8 (Bernama) - The Penang Gerakan Youth on Wednesday called on Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to explain to the people on the renting of his luxury bungalow. The movement's vice-head, H'ng Khoon Leng, said the explanation was in line with the concept of 'Efficiency, Accountability and Transparency' practiced by the state government led by Lim.

Anxious over telco towers: More than 300 people living in Kimberly Street in George Town are urging the authorities to dismantle two illegal telecommunication structures that were erected on top of two buildings there. Their representative Khoo Chin Hock, 78, said they were worried about the potential health hazard caused by radio waves emitted from the towers. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

CM’s residence ‘perfect’ for insects, says geomancy expert: GEORGE TOWN - The official residence of Penang Chief Minister Seri Teratai is – according to Chinese geomancy – unlucky based on its location. Experts of I-Ching (the Book of Change) say the mansion is sitting on an “insectarium” and is politically unlucky. (Star Online, 07.07.09)

Gerakan quizzes CM over rented bungalow: GEORGE TOWN - The state Gerakan wants Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to explain his recent move from his official residence to a newly-renovated bungalow.  At a press conference here yesterday, state Gerakan Youth vice- chief H'ng Khoon Leng sought clarification by posing 10 questions to Lim, calling on the latter to practise the principle of transparency as advocated by him. (NST Online, 06.07.09)

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