THE KAMPUNG Buah Pala issue has opened up a side of politics in Malaysia that is rather interesting and unique. Its many twists and turns, just in the last week alone, suggest that the final outcome is anyone’s guess.  For events leading up to the week, please read here and here. Below is a series of what happened last week in chronological order:

• The Penang Government lodges a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over a 50% discount given to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang by the previous state government in the lease of the Kampung Buah Pala land.  Read here
• In response, lawyer Darshan Singh Khaira, who is representing the Kampung Buah Pala residents, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng can invoke Section 320 of the National Land Code to set aside the transfer of land title from the state government to Koperasi if there was fraud over the land transfer. Read here
• Meanwhile, Kampung Lorong Buah Pala Residents Association chairman M. Sugumaran decided to resolve their differences with the state government by apologising to CM Lim. Read here
• This move puzzled many residents who stated it was done without their consent. Read here
• After many stops and starts regarding a meeting with the CM (read here, here and here), the villagers finally agreed to meet him. However, only seven out of the 23 families attended. Read here
• The saga continued with the dismissal by the High Court of the villagers' application to set aside the bailiff’s notice and execution and enforcement of the writ of possession of the plot their homes. Read here and here
• On a more personal front, legal adviser Darshan Singh lodged a police report against CM Lim for sedition. Read here. This was followed by two Islamic bodies making similar charges. Read here
• Finally, the state government was threatened with a legal suit up to RM150mil if it blocked the proposed development by Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd at the village. Read here
  

For more news on SOCIAL ISSUES, read here

Other noteworthy news

• Water taxi system for Penang: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has approved a plan to set up jetties for the operation of regular and chartered water taxis on Penang island and Seberang Prai. Read here
• Spansion Penang to close plant: Spansion (Penang) Sdn Bhd which announced a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) for more than 700 of its 1,300 workers in February, will cease production by end July. Read here
• SPNB set to take over Rapid Penang, ferry service: Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB) will take over Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd soon under a restructuring exercise, and the ferry service may follow suit. Read here
• Unesco commends Penang for heritage integrity: Unesco has commended the Penang state government for maintaining the integrity of the George Town World Heritage Site during its recent session in Seville, Spain which decided on the fate of the joint listings of George Town and Melaka. The world body has requested the Penang government to submit a report to the World Heritage Centre by Feb 1, 2011 on the progress made on several recommendations. Read here
• Penang exco to discuss Johari’s reinstatement: The possible reinstatement of former PKR Seberang Prai municipal councillor Johari Kassim will be decided at the state executive council meeting on Wednesday (22.07.09). Read here
• October target for must-eat food list: The Penang Government hopes to produce its proposed special tourist leaflet highlighting the 12 best must-try food items in Penang in three months. Read here

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