Pakatan Rakyat Penang

High Chaparral: State documents declassified - Star

2009-07-09T16:26:00.001+08:00

Jul 9, 2009 By ANDREA FILMER

andrea@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has declassified confidential state executive council (exco) minutes of the previous Barisan Nasional administration pertaining to the alienation of Kampung Buah Pala land to a co-operative.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state exco decided at its meeting Wednesday to declassify the documents after consulting and getting approval from the state legal adviser.

He said the records showed that the state government land was approved to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang twice on Aug 18, 2004 and June 8, 2005.

“The premium of RM6.42mil or RM20 per sq ft was subsequently reduced to RM3.21mil or RM10 per sq ft.

“So far, (former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon) has not explained why he approved this project without consulting the villagers or why he sold it to the co-operative at such a low price,” he said in a statement here Thursday.

“If Barisan was in power now and not Pakatan Rakyat, the residents would have been evicted and the village would have been demolished since last year,” he claimed.

The impending demolition of Kampung Buah Pala, popularly known as Penang’s High Chaparral and regarded by some as a cultural icon, has become the biggest headache facing the Pakatan Rakyat administration.

Penang: Glimpses of Hope

2009-07-02T09:37:00.001+08:00

Watch the 3-Part video:

Part:1

Part:2

Part: 3

Free WiFi on Rapid Penang buses - Star

2009-05-13T14:09:00.001+08:00

May 13, 2009

GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd will be providing free WiFi access to its passengers, the first bus company in the country to do so, beginning with a three-month trial on two buses.

Its chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the company was installing the facility in two buses: The first plies the route between Balik Pulau and the Bayan Lepas International Airport, and the second on the Teluk Bahang-Batu Feringgi-Weld Key route.

He said use of the WiFi facility would be free and that the buses would have special stickers for easy identification by passengers.

“After three months, if response from passengers is good, we’ll have the facility installed in stages in all of our 180 buses, and also the additional 200 buses which will be delivered to us by the end of the year,” he told a press conference here Wednesday.

Azhar said the facility was provided to enable passengers to surf the Internet in the bus before arriving at their destinations. -- Bernama

Mansor tipped to be PKR candidate for Penanti - Sun

2009-04-27T20:56:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (April 27, 2009) : Speculation has intensified that Penang PKR veteran Dr Mansor Othman will be nominated as the party's candidate in the Penanti state by-election.

Mansor, the former PKR Penang chief and a member of PKR since 1999, was missing when the Penang state assembly announced its two nominees as senators today.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced Mansor and DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim as the state's choice for the vacant senators' seats last month.

Instead, the state assembly meeting adjourned today after approving Abdul Aziz and Penang PKR secretary Mustafa Kamal Mohd Yusoff as the nominees for the senators' posts.

PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow night at Yayasan Aman in Penanti, and it is widely speculated that Mansor will be revealed as the party's candidate for the by-election.

Anwar earlier said if the PKR candidate wins, he will take over the post of Penang deputy chief minister I.

Penanti by-election: Nomination on May 23; polling May 31 - Sun

2009-04-27T20:52:00.001+08:00

by Maria J.Dass

PUTRAJAYA (April 27, 2009) : The Election Commission (EC) is gearing up for the sixth by-election to be held just a little more than a year after the March 2008 General Election in Penanti a constituency on Penang mainland. Nomination day is slated for May 23 while polling will be held on May 31.

The seat fell vacant following the resignation of its assemblyman Mohamad Fairuz who was also Penang Deputy Chief Minister I on April 16.

Mohamad Fairuz who was last week cleared of corruption allegations pertaining quarry operations in that state cited continuation of post graduate studies as his reason for leaving.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof who announced this at the EC headquarters in Putrajaya today, said this time around, the commission means business in enforcing election regulations and laws- which if broken could lead to the winner losing his seat or a campaigner losing their voting rights for five years.

Abdul Aziz said police are empowered to arrest campaigners who do not adhere to the law.

“We are giving ample campaigning time from May 23 to 30 but on the eve of polling day - Stop it!” he said.

“This will allow for a conducive environment for voters to go out and vote in a calm and peaceful atmosphere and not worry about tense situations at polling centers,” Abdul Aziz said adding that election workers can still speak to passengers being ferried in their cars to polling centers.

“We cannot control this, and messages being sent through SMS and over the internet,” he said.

Abdul Aziz said this time around the EC will be strict in enforcing regulations pertaining campaigning on polling day and said that “pondok panas” or voters reference stations set up by political parties just outside polling centers will be banned.

Abdul Aziz’s deputy Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar said: “If this law is breached- the candidate is responsible, and EC through the Returning Officer (RO) can charge the candidate for going against the law.”

“This is serious because it can nullify a victory for the candidate involved, while a campaigners can lose voting rights for five years,” he said.

“We have informed political parties of this ban in our recent meetings with them,” he added.

These “pondok panas” have become a campaigning hubs which have resulted in tense and chaotic atmospheres around polling centers,” Wan Ahmad said.

“The police and RO will be tasked to ensure no “pondok panas” are set up, we can stop them and this is provided for by law,” he said.

Abdul Aziz earlier admitted that the commission had been lax in enforcing this in the past though this is a regulation in the Election Act.

“Because in the past we don’t see the number of people getting bigger and bigger and the behaviour of people… I don’t know how to describe it- sometime they are like possessed, not conscious, in a trance,” he said.

When we chide them they say we are being emotional, but this happens because they are in high spirits and in large numbers, Abdul Aziz said that the general perception was that a large crowd demonstrated the strength of a party.

“The whole country turns up at these constituencies to campaign causing traffic congestion in the area and inconvenience to genuine voters,” he said.

Abdul Aziz earlier said it was not necessary for the “pondok panas” to be in existence as the EC had ample avenues for voters to check their details and polling stations.

He said the electoral roll will be out on May 8 and voters can check their details on the EC website at www.spr,go.my or via SMS by typing: SPR SEMAK (MyKad no) and send to 15888.

Alternatively they can call the EC office in Putrajaya at 03-88856500 or in Penang at 04-2617692.

Abdul Aziz also dismissed insinuation that the delay in announcing the dates was to accommodate the decision and outcome of the Umno Supreme Council meeting held on Friday.

“There was no postponement to accommodate the outcome of this Umno meeting, we just needed time to make sure that the arrangements with the Returning Officer (RO) and his assistants were settled and then we met with the political parties and had to work on securing the needed venues and facilities,” he said.

Our announcement today has nothing to do with the Umno supreme council meeting, he added.

“The Election Act states that a writ on the vacancy of a seat is to be produced no earlier than four days and no later than 10 days from the official date of the vacancy, thus the timing of our announcement is permitted and provided for by the law,” Abdul Aziz said.

Seberang Perai Tengah district officer Roslan Yahaya has been named as the RO. He will be assisted by assistant district officers Masirah Che Ani, Hisan Abu Bakar and Kamarul Haizal.

The 2008 electoral roll with 15,384 registered voters as at April 16, 2009 will be used for the by-election. Of these 72.68% are Malays, 24.22% Chinese, 2.39% Indians and 0.71% other races.

Approximately 15,360 are ordinary voters and 24 are postal voters.

The Dewan Besar Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) in Bukit Mertajam has been named as the nomination and vote tallying centre.

Abdul Aziz said the estimated cost incurred by the EC alone for the by-election is RM500,000, while other agencies like the police will decide on how many personnel they need to send, and money to be spent based on their intelligence report.

Fairus says it again: I quit - Malaysiakini

2009-04-24T16:42:00.001+08:00

Apr 24, 09 4:03pm

Former Penang deputy chief minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin has reiterated his resignation as Penanti assemblyperson in a press statement today.

“I reaffirmed my position to resign as Adun N12 Penanti and pledge full support to the PKR leadership under de facto leader Ibrahim Anwar,” he said in a statement issued by the party’s information bureau at 3.30pm.

Fairus' Press Statement: (Click on pix to enlarge)

MACC clears Fairus of corruption charges - Sun

2009-04-23T22:17:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA (April 23, 2009) :

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said the statements it had taken in its probe on former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin over alleged corrupt links with quarry operations in the state did not provide a basis for prosecution.

It said in a statement that its legal and prosecution section took into account all testimonies and found no grounds to prosecute Mohamad Fairuz, and that the Attorney-General too was informed and concurred with the decision.

Newspapers had on Wednesday reported that Mohammad Fairus, 33, claimed to have been cleared of corruption and that he was told this by a MACC officer.

Mohammad Fairus who had been linked to an investigation into corruption related to quarry operations resigned as Deputy Chief Minister I on April 8.

He also quit as Penanti state assemblyman on April 16 saying he wanted to continue post-graduate studies.

The MACC statement said Mohammad Fairus' portfolio in the state government did not directly cover quarry operations, but noted that he was given the task of handling an investigation into the award of Lot 954 and 955 in Mukim 20 of Seberang Perai Tengah to an individual.

"Investigations found that Mohammad Fairus had asked for and received sponsorship from a quarry operator to attend a course in London, but this operator has no direct link to the investigation undertaken by him."

The MACC said Mohammad Fairus had attended the international course in London together with the Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy who was funded by the organiser and the Penang government.

"With regards to this, the MACC wants to draw the attention of all state governments, ministries and departments towards the need to adhere to procedures and guidelines in the procurement and receiving of contributions from sponsors," the MACC said.

The Commission will be send an officer to Penang to conduct a study to enhance the transparency and accountability through guidelines and procedures when receiving contributions from sponsors.

The MACC will suggest that the results of the study be applied in other states and in ministries.

This is in line with the duties and responsibilitites of the MACC as provided for under Section 7 of the MACC Act 2009, the statement said.

The Election Commission has been informed of a vacancy in Penanti but is only expected to make an announcement on Monday.

Don't speculate on Fairus' resignation, says Penang PKR chief - Star

2009-04-17T17:21:00.000+08:00

April 17, 2009

GEORGE TOWN: People should not speculate on former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s decision to quit as the Penanti assemblyman, said state PKR chiefDatuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim

He said the decision was made by Mohammad Fairus himself and people should respect it.

“I am sure he has good reasons for resigning, and I am also sure that (PKR de facto leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been briefed about it,” he said when contacted on Friday.

A statement bearing Mohammad Fairus’s signature, announcing his resignation and his reasons for it, was e-mailed to the media by the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya on Thursday.

The resignation comes a day after a scathing interview with a Chinese newspaper in which Fairus claimed he was being fixed by his own party.

Asked if Mohammad Fairus had alerted him about the decision, Zahrain said he (Mohammad Fairus) was dealing with Anwar directly.

“Datuk Seri had alerted me about the matter. I did not receive any letter from Mohammad Fairus,” he added.

Fairus resigns as Penanti assemblyman; Another by-election imminent - Sun

2009-04-17T17:12:00.001+08:00

By Opalyn Mok

GEORGE TOWN (April 16, 2009) : Former Penang deputy chief minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin yesterday resigned as Penanti state assemblyman, confirming weeks of speculation that a by-election for the Penanti state seat was likely.

In a press statement, Mohammad Fairus, 33, said he took this step to resign as a state representative to protect the interest of his party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

He said he also wanted to give full attention to pursuing his doctorate, as well as spend more time with his family, something that had to take a back seat as he had to fulfill his duties as an assemblyman.

"This will also give me space to focus on efforts to clear my name from all accusations hurled at me all this time," said Mohammad Fairus who is under probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for corruption.

He voiced his gratitude to his constituents for their support throughout his tenure as assemblyman.

Mohammad Fairus had been under media glare for all the wrong reasons in recent times, the latest being the MACC probe for aalleged corruption relating to quarry activities.

Over the past few days, reporters had waited at the Butterworth Sessions Court, just in case he is charged.

The politician tendered his resignation as DCM I and state executive councillor effective April 8 and since then, PKR has yet to name a replacement.

Just a day ago, Mohammad Fairus had issued a threat, through an interview with a Chinese daily, to PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clear his (Fairus's) name or else he will disclose a scandal involving the Penang state government and also PKR. (see page 8)

With Mohammad Fairus's resignation as the Penanti state assemblyman, the Election Commission will have to hold a by-election for the seat within 60 days of being informed by the State Assembly Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain.

Penang PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamad confirmed that Mohammad Fairus' resignation was sent to Abdul Halim today.

Abdul Halim later confirmed receiving Fairus' quit letter.

The Penanti seat is under the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat, held by Anwar. It has an electorate of 15,421, of which 70% are Malays, 26.7% Chinese and 2.7% Indians.

It was reported that DAP and PAS, PKR's partners in the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, are not happy about forcing another by-election as the people were suffering from election fatique. There have already been five by-elections since the March 8 2008 general election.

Fairus quits his Penanti seat - Star

2009-04-16T14:40:00.000+08:00

April 16, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Mohd Fairus Khairuddin resigned as Penanti assemblyman effective Thursday.

In a press statement, he said that he would now focus on his post-graduate studies and in clearing his name from the allegations hurled against him.

He also said that he looked forward to spending more time with his family.

He thanked his constituents for supporting him and said that he was quitting for the good of Pakatan Rakyat its struggle under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Guan Eng: States ruled by Pakatan still strong - Star

2009-02-10T10:41:00.000+08:00

Feb 10, 2009 By DERRICK VINESH

NIBONG TEBAL: States ruled by Pakatan Rakyat are still strong despite rumours that Barisan Nasional might topple the governments in those states, says DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

He said Pakatan had faith in its assemblymen and that they would not cross over as what had happened in Perak.

He said the party would also not ask its assemblymen and MPs to sign an “Aku Janji” document (pledge of loyalty) as was once practised by Barisan Nasional to prevent party-hopping.

“We have faith in our assemblymen and there is no need for an Aku Janji. Loyalty from the mouth is not as important as loyalty from the heart,” he told newsmen at Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat’s Chinese New Year open house here Monday.

DAP won 29 parliamentary seats and 79 state seats in the last general election.

However, Jelapang assemblyman Hee Yit Foong quit the party last week and became an independent, pledging her support for Barisan.

Guan Eng: Don ‘t harp on funds allocation - Sun

2009-01-19T09:32:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (Jan 18, 2009)

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) not to harp on the state government’s priority in fund allocation.

He said the funds were limited and could only be used for social activities which benefitted the state government.

Speaking to reporters after putting up Chinese New Year cultural and heritage celebration banners in the city today, Lim reiterated that the PCTH celebration is a private function, not a state initiative.

It was reported last week that the state government did not give the allocation of RM15,000 to PCTH due to the economic crisis.

"The issue should be put to rest, as PCTH received the allocation from the federal government through the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry recently," Lim added.

He said the state government will hold its Chinese New Year celebrations at Campbell Street from 6.30pm to 10.30pm on Jan 29.

The Chinese New Year cultural and heritage celebrations will be held in the George Town heritage area on Feb 1, from noon to midnight, and will feature cultural performances.

Penang waives premium for leasehold title change - Star

2008-12-21T21:00:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Dec 21, 2008

Some 20,000 owners of low and medium-cost flats developed on state land need not pay a premium to convert their leasehold titles to freehold status.

The exemption was made ''to give hope'' to low-income homeowners for the coming new year, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after presenting aid to the underprivileged in Komtar.

''The decision was made at the state executive council meeting yesterday.

''These flat owners will only have to pay the processing fees for the applications.

''The majority of those who will benefit are those who own flats under the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Properties housing schemes,'' he said.

In June, Lim announced that residential leasehold landowners in Penang could apply for their property to be converted to freehold status upon paying a land premium and processing fee.

Lim said the state might consider giving those who had landed leasehold property on state land a discount on the premium price.

On another matter, Lim said Penang would boycott Arianna Events Management " the organiser of the aborted Kings of Tennis event.

''We supported the event because we took into account the views of people like Penang Heritage Trust president Dr Choong Sim Poey and Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen, who both supported the project.

''Now, the organiser has failed to deliver.''

Lim said the government would not make the same mistake again. ''Once bitten, forever shy,'' he said.

On Saturday, the company's director Arianna Teoh agreed to restore the damaged Esplanade field to its original state, five weeks after the event was cancelled.

Guan Eng warns Gamuda about making allegations - Sun

2008-12-18T07:17:00.002+08:00

Dec 18, 2008 By Opalyn Mok

GEORGE TOWN:

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has warned Gamuda Bhd to think carefully before making allegations against the state government.

"Don't play the fool with the Penang state government," he said in response to Gamuda's statement today that its RM12.5bil double-tracking project linking Ipoh to Padang Besar was delayed due to land acquisition problems in Penang.

"My advice to Gamuda is to think carefully before they bring up allegations that we caused the delay," said Lim.

He said MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Gamuda and MMC Corp Bhd, was issued a stop work order back in October because they had damaged the river bund and caused floods in several areas on the mainland.

"The company had admitted causing the problem and even paid compensation to a farmer for losses he suffered due to the floods, and then they went and told the Transport Ministry that they did not cause the floods," he said.

Lim said he will prepare a full reply to Gamuda's statement tomorrow but repeated his warning to the company to not play around with the Penang state government'.

It was reported on Wednesday that Gamuda group managing director Datuk Lin Yun Ling said the double tracking project will be delayed by at least a year due to the delay in acquiring land in Penang.

He reportedly said there are substantial delays in Penang due to the huge number of squatters between the railway and the rights of reserve.

Lin said the government should have handed the land over within nine months of the start of the contract but that it will take at least another year for the land to be handed over.

The project, which commenced in January, is expected to be completed in early 2013.

Penang mulls developer fund to fix hillslope projects - Star

2008-12-17T20:25:00.001+08:00

Dec 17, 2008 By K. KASTURI DEWI

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will consider asking developers of hillslope projects to set up a fund to tackle remedial works which arise after their projects are completed.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state will hold discussions with developers to come out with a formula on the setting up of such a fund.

“This fund will be specially set up for the treatment and remedial works of hillslope projects.

“Such a fund is necessary because of cases where a problem arises after a project is completed and OC (Occupation Certificate) is obtained but the developer cannot be traced to do the remedial works,” he told reporters at a press conference after the opening of the Pacific Komtar Departmental Store in Komtar Wednesday.

He said this when asked to comment on the Selangor government’s proposal to impose higher assessment rates or a levy on hillside property.

It was reported that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the assessment collected would be used to monitor and maintain sensitive areas and also as a relief effort for those living in low-lying areas who are affected by hillslope development.

Lim indicated that he wanted the fund to be of substantial amount to tackle any problems that arose and also to drive home a message to developers that the state was serious in ensuring that any future hillslope projects were “really safe.”

Earlier in his speech, Lim said Penang expected 3.5 million tourist arrivals next year with anticipated earnings of RM1.4bil.

Guan Eng stumped over agreement to pay RM33.18 million advance to IJM - Sun

2008-09-30T11:42:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 29, 2008)by Himanshu Bhatt

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today he was confused by the former state government’s agreement to give RM33.18 million as “advance payment in the form of a loan” to IJM Corp Bhd for the Jelutong Expressway project.

Lim told reporters he was curious why the state had decided to give the amount in a 1997 agreement when it had already given IJM land for the project which cost RM672.2 million .

“In addition to giving land, the state has to give an advance. It does not make sense,” he told a press conference at Komtar here.

Lim said his confusion was compounded by the fact that IJM also owed the state RM24.1 million for payment of the 132ha land, which is supposed to be settled only after the state had given the advance of RM33.18 million.

“I don’t understand why they can’t settle both payments by contra,” he said when asked to comment on the non-payment by IJM to the state.

Lim said he needed to get more information from state government officers.

He noted that the state was supposed to give the RM33.18 million in stages over over five years from 2005.

Meanwhile, on MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai’s call for Gerakan and MCA to merge, Lim said such a merger would only be cosmetic if the policies of the Barisan Nasional (BN) did not change.

“The problem is not Gerakan or MCA, the problem is the BN.” he said.

He also noted Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s statement that 60% of the party’s members were inclined to leave the BN.

“If 60% of the members want to the leave, why are they still stuck in the BN?” he asked.

“If they want a leader who doesn’t listen to their views, I wish them luck!," he added.

Open tender for tourism development on Pulau Jerejak - Star

2008-09-22T20:34:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Sept 22, 2008 By ANDREA FILMER

The Penang state government will have an open tender for a tourism development project on Pulau Jerejak by year-end.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced Monday that the project would entail “billions” in investment and take at least 10 years to complete.

He said the state wanted to promote holistic development on the former penal colony, including eco and sports tourism.

“There are also ideas for medical and film tourism on the island,” he said after meeting with Sime Darby Berhad representatives in Komtar.

“We are looking at billions (in investment) and if all goes well, we can call for tenders before the end of this year,” Lim added.

He said the state had received great interest from both foreign and local investors regarding Pulau Jerejak and other development projects on the island.

“To date, we have at least two Middle Eastern and one Asia Pacific investor who have expressed interest in creating a holistic masterplan for Pulau Jerejak. “On the local front, Sime Darby has come forward with proposals on the project and other related projects in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER),” Lim said.

He added that the foreign investors involved were all linked with local companies and all tourism-related initiatives in the state would be conducted by open tender.

Lim added that there had been significant progress in other development projects in the state.

“From this Thursday to Saturday, the public will see various development policies that we have worked so hard on for the last few months. All these projects are on track,” Lim said, adding that they involved tourism projects on the state’s mainland and plans for Komtar, a state icon that houses the offices of local, state and federal authorities.

On another matter, Lim said the state would take strong action on debtors who failed to settle their state student scholarships and loans.

“There is still RM15.6mil owed through these loans from 3,416 debtors. The state intends to make these names public through newspapers and the Internet and if all fails after warning letters are sent, we will sue them,” he said.

ISA detentions keep CM away - Star

2008-09-18T18:48:00.001+08:00

Sept 18, 2008

PENANG Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has apologised for turning down and cancelling several fast-breaking dinners recently.

He said in a statement that the reason was mainly due to the Sept 12 incident which saw the arrest of Sin Chew Daily’s senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng as well as Seputeh MP and Kinrara assembly- man Teresa Kok, and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the Internal Security Act 1960.

“As a CM, I have to cooperate and work with various organisations to provide support for Tan and her family.

“I have to thank state Chief Police Officer Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob for his cooperation in the matter, too.

“As things were back to normal and stabilised with Tan’s release in less than 24 hours, I had to rush to Kuala Lumpur to show my support for the other detainees – Kok and Raja Petra, together with their family members,” he said.

He also said he hoped that no more innocent victims would become political toys for those who were irresponsible.

“Therefore in this Ramadan month while the Muslims are observing fasting, let’s unite and fight against the ISA,” he said.

PENANG COUNCIL:Balik Pulau National Service built without permission - NST

2008-09-11T20:09:00.000+08:00

PENANG, THURS: Sept 11, 2008

The Sri Mutiara National Service Camp in Balik Pulau, site of a landslide two days ago, was built without permission of the local authority .

Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman said the camp supervised by the Defence Ministry had never submitted plans to build the camp.

“The camp’s management had promised to submit us the plans but we never received them,” he told reporters after visiting the landslide site here today.

Zainal said the municipal council will conduct an investigation into the three year-old camp.

He did not discount closing it down for safety reasons.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Penang and Seberang Perai Municipal Councils had been asked to ensure that national service camps were built according to procedure.

“This kind of thing should not have happened. Although national service is under the Defence Ministry, the burden to ensure that the camp is safe for trainees lies with the operator,” he said.

National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said yesterday the camp would be closed if it was deemed unsafe for occupation.

The landslide behind the camp building shocked nearby residents and also destroyed several durian trees.

All victims can seek aid - Star

2008-09-09T22:45:00.001+08:00

Sept 9, 2008 By DERRICK VINESH

THE Penang government hopes to amend a state Welfare Department ruling to allow flood victims to apply for welfare aid despite not staying at flood relief centers.

State Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the ruling, which was inherited from the previous state administration, stated that victims should stay at flood relief centres before they could apply for aid. He said the ruling was outdated.

“It has been a longstanding problem faced by flood victims whenever they wanted to seek aid to help cope with their losses.

“We understand many of them do not want to stay at the relief centre as they fear their belongings in their houses could be looted by irresponsible people,” he said in an interview yesterday.

On Sunday, several flood victims from Kampung Permatang Tok Subuh, Bukit Minyak, were unhappy when officers from the Central Seberang Prai Welfare Department disallowed them from registering for aid.

Sharifah Samariah Syed Ahmad, 46, a businesswoman, said an officer prevented her from registering because she did not stay overnight on Saturday at the village’s temporary flood relief centre.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng assured the victims that all victims could apply for aid from the Yang di-Pertua Negri’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Phee said the welfare officers were merely following standard operating procedures to register only those who stayed at flood relief centers.

“Since Lim has asked for those who did not stay at the relief centers to be included in the list of flood victims, we will do the necessary as soon as possible,” he said.

Penang State Govt lodges police report on Azhar's - NST

2008-09-09T22:36:00.001+08:00

PENANG, TUES: Sept 9, 2008

The Penang state government today made a police report on Penang Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim in relation to a statement on a Sin Chew Jit Poh journalist that allegedly represents criminal intimidation.

Ng Wei Aik, political secretary to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, made the report at the Jalan Patani police station saying that Azahar, at a news conference at the Umno building here last Friday, had allegedly said: “If anything happens among the races, he will be the first one to be shot.” Ng also forwarded a video compact disc which had a recording of Azhar’s statement at the news conference.

Timur Laut police district chief ACP Azam Abdul Hamid when contacted said investigations were being conducted.

Lim: Islam a universal way of life - Sun

2008-09-02T23:29:00.002+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 1, 2008): by Opalyn Mok

Islam is a universal way of life and does not discriminate against race, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The DAP secretary general, in his statement wishing Muslims a happy and well Ramadhan month, said he believed that Islam is based on the core value of justice without taking into account the differences in races.

"This I fully respect. So, I hope this will be the main core to all efforts to strengthen the unity between all races in this country," he said in a media statement today.

He said the Ramadhan month is a time to test the patience and strength of Muslims while fasting and the non-Muslims should also reflect on this together with Muslims.

"He said the understanding between all races will only unite all and continue to bring development to the nation," he said.

He said he was confident that Ramadhan would fill every Malaysian's heart with the spirit of genuine unity and that the month brings justice and harmony.

"Ramadhan should be used as the basis for us to rise and fight against negativity such as corruption, abuse of power, wastage and work hard to create a society that is fair with equal opportunities for all as encouraged by religious teachings," he said.

As the Penang Chief Minister, Lim gave his guarantee that the CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) principles will be practised without fear or favour to ensure a clean state administration.

"As the DAP secretary general, I give the assurances that our fight which is also based on CAT will ensure our efforts to fight for a clean country and society," he added.

PDC to lodge police, ACA reports against Ahmad - Sun

2008-09-02T23:27:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 2, 2008): By Himanshu Bhatt and Opalyn Mok

The Penang Development Corporation is lodging police and Anti-Corruption Agency reports against a now-defunct company, of which Umno Bukit Bendera division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail was a director, over its failure to return some RM500,000 to the state after a failed land deal.

Chief minister Lim Guan Eng said he has directed the PDC to make the reports tomorrow (Sept 3) after his administration found that Popular Profile Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had wrongfully taken and kept the money from the state in 1998. PPSB wound up in 2005.

Ahmad is currently at the centre of a storm over the alleged racist remarks he made during the Permatang Pauh by-election, which had in recent days attracted numerous police reports filed by MCA, Gerakan and DAP grassroot leaders.

Speaking at a press conference at InvestPenang here today, Lim said PPSB, with Ahmad as director, had bought a 4.2ha industrial land in Bukit Minyak from PDC for RM5.5 million in 1997.

The company placed a 20% deposit totalling RM1.1 million on May 9, 1997, but was unable to pay the full amount later. It subsequently asked for the agreement to be cancelled and the money refunded on May 30, 1998. PDC agreed to return 10% while the remaining 10% was to be forfeited.

"But the 10% that was to be returned should have been payable to Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB), the body that had financed the purchase, not to the company," Lim said.

Noting that PPSB did not then pass the amount to the bank, Lim said PDC had to then fork out an additional RM500,000 to be paid directly to PUNB to get back the title for the land.

Lim questioned why the state did not pay the amount directly to the bank.

He also questioned the state’s rationale for giving Ahmad a "first-class datukship" by awarding him the Darjah Mulia Pangkuan Negri, which carries the title ’Datuk’ in 2002 after his company had taken and kept the money from the state.

Also present were InvestPenang executive chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon and new general manager Wan Zailena Noordin.

Meanwhile, Penang CID chief SAC II Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said said investigations on the police reports lodged against Ahmad for allegedly uttering racist remarks are now underway.

He said the police will investigate all the police reports lodged by DAP, Gerakan and MCA against Ahmad.

"We will identify witnesses and they will be called in to give their statements on the case."

The reports lodged against Ahmad had alleged that he uttered racist comments that the Chinese are 'only immigrants' and that 'it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races as the Chinese were only immigrants'. He allegedly uttered those words in a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25.

There was much furore over these alleged comments by Ahmad in the last few days, including by Barisan Nasional's component parties.

There were also calls for discipline action to be taken against Ahmad. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said he would tell Ahmad not to repeat the offending words again.

Till now, any attempt to reach Ahmad through his handphone has proved futile. It is learnt he was overseas when the furore over his remarks were building up and had only returned to Malaysia on Aug 31.

Pressure mounts for action against Umno division chief - Sun

2008-09-02T23:20:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1, 2008) : Opalyn Mok, Himanshu Bhatt and S. Tamarai Chelvi

Pressure is mounting on the Barisan Nasional leadership and the government to act against Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail for the alleged racist remarks he made last month during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign.

Today, the DAP joined grassroot leaders from MCA and Gerakan in lodging police reports, urging that investigations be carried out under the Sedition Act, and that Ahmad be made to withdraw his statement and to apologise to the Chinese community for the hurtful remark.

In Port Klang, MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he advocated penalty under the Sedition Act for members of BN component parties who make racially sensitive remarks.

He said such action was necessary to ensure that the remarks by the individuals were not reflective of the stand of the parties they belonged to.

"If a party wants to show that the remarks were not reflective of its stand but represented an opinion of the individual (party member), it must discipline the member so as not to give a wrong picture to the people," Bernama quoted him as saying after a visit to Westport Malaysia here.

Ong was asked to comment on Gerakan's intention to suggest to the BN supreme council that leaders of BN component parties who utter racially sensitive remarks be hauled up under the Sedition Act or other relevant laws.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had claimed that a racially-sensitive comment by a politician in Penang during the Permatang Pauh by-election recently had eroded the Chinese support towards the BN.

When contacted, the Penang Umno Liaison Committee said it will leave it to the BN leadership to deal with the matter.

Its deputy chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah said they did not receive any official letters, references or complaints regarding Ahmad's statement.

He declined to comment directly on the alleged remark as he had not received any references or complaints, and also did not know whether the vernacular papers which carried the report had reported the matter correctly.

He said this matter only became an issue after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim won the Permatang Pauh by-election.

“Ahmad had allegedly made the statement on Aug 25 but nothing was mentioned at that time. Now, after BN was defeated, all sorts of issues come up,” he said.

“So many people have called me to comment on this but I can't comment when I don't even know what he said. The alleged racist statement only came out in the

Chinese newspapers and I can't read those. I didn't receive anything about it so I can't comment on something I have not seen or read,” he said.

Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omah Shah, who had contested in the by-election and lost, also refrained from commenting on this as he was not there when it happened.

Arif Shah however echoed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's comment that Ahmad "may not have meant what he has said".

On Saturday, Abdullah had said that he would make sure Ahmad did not repeat his remarks.

He claimed that Ahmad probably did not mean it and that he would tell him not to do it again.

Ahmad had allegedly said the Chinese are "only immigrants" and that "as the Chinese were only immigrants, it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races". The report upset many leaders from MCA and Gerakan.

Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan expressed disappointment that Abdullah managed only a “light and non-deterrent” response to Ahmad’s remark.

“If leaders of any component parties who uttered such racist statement could be let off so lightly just like that, how can the BN leadership ensure that such racist statement will not be uttered again by any other BN political leader, be it in UMNO or any party in future. We therefore call on the UMNO and BN leadership to review its stance against Datuk Ahmad Ismail and give the public a satisfactory answer.”

In Petaling Jaya, DAP said they have simultaneously lodged police reports in all states against Ahmad.

DAP Selangor's secretary and Kampung Tunku Assemblyman Lau Weng San lodged the report at the Petaling Jaya police station at 12.43 noon.

He said they are not satisfied with the explanation given by the prime minister.

MP for PJ Utara Tony Pua said citizenship cannot be questioned and if it is questioned it is seditious and against the law.

He spoke on Clause 3 (1) (e) and (e) of Seditious Act and Federal Constitution on the citizenship.

In GEORGE TOWN, DAP Socialist Youth lodged a similar police report, urging action against Ahmad under Section 3(1)(e) of the Sedition Act 1948.

Dapsy Tanjung division secretary Ng Wei Aik, who is also the chief minister’s political secretary, made the report at the George Town district police headquarters at 11.39am yesterday. He called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan to state police’s stand on the matter.

“The law is fair to everyone, whether it is a member of the opposition or the Barisan Nasional (BN),” Ng said.

He was accompanied by Sri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer, Dapsy national executive committee member Teh Lai Heng, and Dapsy Bukit Mertajam division chief Tan Khong Chong.

Ng said Ahmad’s reported comment that Chinese were “squatters” in Malaysia and therefore could not enjoy equality with others had “injured the feelings of the Chinese community.”

“We gave him until Aug 31 to retract his statement and apologise, but he has refused to do so,” Ng told reporters later.

Ng also defended the reference to the Sedition Act in his report.

He said the Act, which had previously been used against opposition figures like DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and DAP chairman Karpal Singh, was legally applicable until another legislation like a proposed Anti-Hatred Act was in place.

Holiday on Sept 16 next year, says Penang CM - Star

2008-09-01T16:54:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Sept 1, 2008 By WINNIE YEOH

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would definitely make Sept 16 a public holiday.

He, however, said the day would probably only be made a holiday next year.

“We probably cannot have it this year as we already declared a public holiday on Aug 26. We have to take the business industry into consideration, as a day off would greatly impact the sector,” he said Monday after attending a drainage cleanliness campaign in Tanjung Bungah near here.

Lim said this in response to PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal that all Pakatan Rakyat states make Sept 16 a public holiday.

Anwar had said the Government should declare Sept 16 as a public holiday to mark the anniversary of Malaysia’s formation as it was the day when Sabah and Sarawak joined the country in 1963.

He proposed that all states ruled by Pakatan Rakyat declare the day as a public holiday.

“Let us start our celebration on Aug 31 and end it on Sept 16,” he had said in his speech at a thanksgiving feast at the Seberang Jaya Expo site on Sunday to celebrate his victory in the Permatang Pauh by-election

Police reports lodged against Ahmad - Star

2008-09-01T16:52:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Sept 1, 2008 By BERNARD SEE and STEVEN DANIEL

Komtar assemblyman Ng We Aik has lodged a police report against Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who allegedly called the Chinese pendatang (immigrants) during a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25.

Ng said Ahmad's statement had hurt the feelings of all Malaysian-Chinese in the country and he should not be let off with just a light slap on the wrist.

"The DAP wants Umno leaders to take stern action against him; moreover, the police should also investigate him under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

"DAP divisions in Selangor, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Malacca have been told to lodge police reports against Ahmad, whose statement is liable to cause disharmony in a united society," he told reporters after a lodging a report at the Patani Road police station on Monday with Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N Rayer, DAP national Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Bukit Mertajam chief Tan Khong Chong and Dapsy national executive committee member Teh Lai Heng.

Rayer said that while the DAP supports freedom of speech, this did not mean that one could make statements that insulted other races.

"We had asked Ahmad to retract his statement and issue an apology but till now he just kept quiet about it. He has also been missing and no one has seen him over the past few days," Rayer said.

A police spokesman said the report would be handed over to the Bukit Mertajam investigating officer for further action.

In PETALING JAYA, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San also lodged a police report, accompanied by DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua, Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu and several supporters.

Lau said Ahmad should apologise and retract his statement, and also urged the party whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad as a lesson that seditious remarks which could destabilise the country's unity would not be tolerated.

"I also urge the police to conduct their own investigations into this matter and I hope appropriate action would be taken against him to quell the anger of the people," Lau said.

Melting pot of harmony - Star

2008-09-01T14:10:00.003+08:00

Sept 1, 2008 By CHRISTINA CHIN

MULTI-CULTURAL unity took centre stage during the state-level National Day celebrations in Penang on Sunday.

Clad in traditional costumes, 150 cultural performers added a dash of colour to the coastal road in front of Queensbay Mall.

The mall’s front entrance on Persiaran Bayan Indah was filled with students, avid photographers and Penangites keen on catching the National Day parade.

Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi was spotted — not among the VIPs, but among the professional photographers with their SLR (single lens reflex) cameras and bulky equipment.

Ooi admitted to having a soft spot for the latest cameras.

On the main dais, with the iconic Penang Bridge standing proudly behind it, were Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, several elected representatives and their spouses.

To mark the start of the celebration, the Rukunegara was recited and seven shouts of “Merdeka!” broke the silence of the clear, blue morning.

Colourful show: Performers in traditional costumes parading at the coastal road in front of Queensbay Mall.

A traditional Malay kampung ‘house’ (an elaborate prop) served as the stage, while a huge Jalur Gemilang that draped the mall, provided a patriotic backdrop for the Semarak Merdeka cultural show.

Featuring a combination of songs, sketches, boria and sajak presentations, the show was a summary of Penang’s history and traditional heritage.

The main event — a procession of 7,672 participants from 96 contingents — was up next.

All the participants were from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), uniformed bodies, schools and learning institutions, and the private and public sectors.

In full camouflage: The armed forces contingent marching in the parade.

While the school bands impressed the crowd with their musical talent and well-rehearsed marches, the armed forces, po- lice and rescue and fire department drew loud cheers as they showed off their artillery and vehicles.

The huge fire trucks, rescue boats and jet skis as well as the newly-polished superbikes were among the wheels that were on parade.

Wearing everything from spiffy uniforms to vibrant batik shirts and formal kebaya, the participants seemed oblivious to the sweltering heat as they sang and waved to the crowd.

The crowd watching a band marching past.

Prizes were later presented to the top three NGOs and uniformed bodies, school bands, private sector organisations, institutes of higher learning and training institutes, and government departments.

The champions of each of the five categories were: Former Malaysian Armed Forces Regiment (NGOs and uniform bodies category); SM Heng Ee (school bands category); Agilent Technologies (private sector organisations category); Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) Training Institute (institutes of higher learning and training institutes category); and the Inland Revenue Board (government departments category).

More than 150 policemen, enforcement officers from the Penang Municipal Council, Rela members and Civil Defence Department officers, were deployed to control the traffic and crowd.

Guan Eng and aide lodge police report over death threats - Star

2008-08-26T19:19:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Aug 26, 2008

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his political secretary Ng Wei Aik said they have received a death threats for exposing land scams.

They said they received a letter, written in Chinese and in red ink, warning them that they would not be alive after the Hungry Ghost Festival, which ends Aug 30.

Lim said the letter addressed to Lim and Ng was sent to the chief minister's Komtar office on Thursday. Both men lodged a police report at the Petani Road police station at 9.13am yesterday.

Lim said that despite the threats the state government would continue to expose land scams.

The letter read: “You are both mad dogs, smelly dogs who are barking incessantly. Do you know how the word ‘death’ is written? God is seeing everything you are doing. Both of you will definitely get what you deserve, especially Wei Aik, because too many people want to finish you off. Perhaps, you won’t be alive anymore after the Hungry Ghost Festival.”

The writer signed off as a Penangite. The writer also enclosed two articles dated Aug 16 from a Chinese daily.

The first article was on Lim questioning his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon about financial loss incurred by Penang Development Corporation. The other one was about Ng asking Dr Koh not to play with the people’s emotions by fishing for their sympathy.

Many Penangites skipped live telecast of debate - Star

2008-08-21T21:18:00.004+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Aug 21, 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

While many Penangites were glued to their television sets for the debate on land issues between the current and former chief ministers, many others gave the live telecast a skip.

A street poll here showed that many did not catch the live debate on Wednesday night between Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Those who did catch The True Story Behind the Land Controversy in Penang said they were dissatisfied that there was no definite conclusion reached at the end of the programme.

Convenience store worker Azlan Rahim, 24, said he felt frustrated with the outcome.

"The reason I watched the debate was because I wanted a clearer picture of the situation. It was also a chance to see our new and old leaders respond to each other," he said.

He added that he would have preferred to watch a live debate on other matters such as the welfare of the rakyat and Penang's infrastructure, rather than on the land issue although it involved millions of ringgit.

Insurance agent Annie Cheong, 33, said she was eager to watch the debate but felt let down after that: "I don't think there is any result from the debate. It's just the same things I read in the newspapers. Nothing new."

She said that instead of a debate, it should have been a live call-in programme to answer questions from the public.

Programme consultant Suriany Che Ani, 31, complained that both sides kept highlighting the same points again and again.

"If both of them were to debate again, I think they better do it in English instead. Although they both speak Bahasa Malaysia well, they would have been able to express what they wanted to say better in English," she added.

College lecturer Tan Ching Mei, 32, said the beginning of the programme was boring but the pace picked up after a while.

"I was not one of those keenly anticipating the debate. I just watched the programme for a chance to hear both sides at the same time and know what is happening," she said, adding that she missed the ending, as she was busy.

Her colleague Prakash Vello, 38, said he was sorry he missed the debate even though he heard from others that it was inconclusive.

"This was an opportunity for both parties to shed light on the matter," he added.

Auctioneer Angeline Woo, 32, said she badly wanted to watch the debate but had other matters to attend to.

"I heard that it was an intense debate with no conclusion," she said.

Chong Wei ‘manipulated’ by BN, says Guan Eng - Star

2008-08-21T21:18:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Aug 21, 2008 By SIM LEOI LEOI

Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei has clearly been "manipulated" by the Barisan Nasional when he agreed to receive his RM300,000 cheque in Permatang Pauh.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there was no need to send Lee back to Permatang Pauh using an airplane provided by the Defence Ministry and landing at an airforce base for the purpose of the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign.

"In fact, I understand that he's back here today. Why can't the cheque presentation take place in Kuala Lumpur?

"It's quite clear that he's been manipulated and Barisan is using the ceremony to their advantage for the campaign.

"Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also been using the ministry's facilities in his campaign by flying to Penang.

"The use of the Defence Ministry's facilities for the by-election is improper, a form of abuse and a waste of public funds," he told reporters Thursday at the Parliament lobby here.

Lim said on the contrary, neither he nor any other DAP members use their official state cars when they go campaigning.

"We drive our own private cars. This should be the way. Clearly, Barisan has not learnt its lesson from the March 8 general election," he said.

The badminton player received the cheque from Najib in a ceremony in Butterworth on Wednesday night.

He also received RM3,000 being the pension reward the Government had promised for the feat. The payments which begin next month are for life.

Lim said Najib should differentiate between private political interest and his government posts.

Asked about the conferment by Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas of the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) award on Lee on Aug 30, which carries the title "Datuk", Lim said the ceremony would take place after the polling date in Permatang Pauh.

"This is because we don't want to be seen as taking advantage of him," he said.

On the clash between Chong Eng (DAP - Bukit Mertajam) and Zulkifli Nordin (PKR - Kulim-Bandar Baru) in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Lim said it was up to PKR to discipline the latter.

In the disagreement between Chong and Zulkifli on the Bar Council "Conversion to Islam" forum, the latter had called Chong "racist" and "anti-Islam".

Lim said he knew for a fact that Chong was not racist as her husband is an Indian and she is extremely popular with Malay voters in her constituency.

"I am disappointed with Zulkifli. I would expect such a statement to come from Umno and not from him - a PKR member," he said.

Dr Koh: BN state govt had near perfect land record - Star

2008-08-20T23:30:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Aug 21, 2008

Penang under the Barisan Nasional government had a near-perfect record in handling land matters if not for five to seven "botched" cases, former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said.

He said the state Exco's performance would have been more than 99.9% if not for the botched cases in a debate entitled The True Story Behind the Land Controversy in Penang organised by online media Agenda Daily. In replying to the land scam allegations by current Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that the previous state government was still trying to cover up their tracks, Dr Koh said: "Don't use two or three cases to blame the previous government and tarnish our name.

"Every year the state Exco solved more than 500 land papers, which meant that in 15 years it was almost 10,000 cases. If there were mistakes in not more than seven cases, our performance is already 99.9%," Koh said yesterday.

His debate opponent Lim Guan Eng, however, had a cynical reply at hand.

"It's worrying enough to have only six or seven cases as it already involves up to millions of ringgit," he said.

Lim had also questioned Dr Koh repeatedly as to why the officer involved in the RM40mil botched land deal was only given a warning, to which Dr Koh replied that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) had investigated the matter twice, but did not have "solid evidence that a crime had occurred".

Dr Koh then took his turn to pry Lim instead.

Dr Koh: The case is still open. The Chief Minister can still take action. Why has he not conducted a deeper investigation than the one done by the previous government?

Lim: Why didn't we do more internal investigations? It's double jeopardy. How can we punish him twice for the same mistake? But in the first place, why was he let off with only a warning?

To a question that Lim had also accused Koh of leaving him with an empty office without any files, Dr Koh replied: "His accusation is altogether baseless. The Chief Minister's office on the 28th floor (of the Komtar Building in Penang) is 4,267sq metres (14,000 sq ft). And the Chief Minister's office alone is less than 609 sq metres (2000sq ft).

"But most important is the bilik sulit (private room). In the office there are thousands of files. This is a case of shooting before looking, and one that causes misunderstanding to the rakyat," he said.

Chong Wei to get Datukship - NST

2008-08-20T15:27:00.002+08:00

PENANG, WED: Aug 20, 2008

Penang will award shuttler Lee Chong Wei, the state’s first Olympic silver medallist, with the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) award, which carries the title Datuk, on Aug 30.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Chong Wei was being honoured because he had done not only Penang but also Malaysia proud with his achievement as the first Penangite to win a silver medal at the world’s biggest sports event.

“Even though Malaysians were disappointed that he failed to win the gold medal, we are proud of his singular achievement which has brought joy to both state and country,” he said at a news conference here today.

He said the Penang state government hoped that this recognition of his achievement would spur Choong Wei to break more records and achieve greater success to win greater glory for both Penang and Malaysia.

Lim said Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas consented to award the Datukship to Chong Wei in his meeting with the chief minister at the governor’s residence, Seri Mutiara, here yesterday.

Penang orders review of 10-year-old Bayan Lepas land deal - Star

2008-08-14T13:08:00.001+08:00

BUTTERWORTH: Aug 14, 2008

The state government has ordered a review of a 10-year-old deal involving industrial land in Bayan Lepas brokered during the previous state administration that resulted in the state losing RM500,000.

“The company paid a RM1mil deposit, which was 20% of the land price. When they could not pay the balance, 10% of their deposit was forfeited.

“The state should have made a profit of RM500,000 from the forfeited deposit but instead, it used the money to pay a financial institution to get back the land,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told reporters after launching the DAP’s Permatang Pauh by-election operations room.

“No explanation was given. We don’t know what happened and I’ve asked for a review. Why did we lose RM500,000?” he said.

Lim had previously unveiled two cases that he claimed could have caused RM124mil in losses to the state.

Lim and former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon are set to debate on the state's land issues on Aug 20.

RM1 mil PDC blunder - Sun

2008-08-14T00:45:00.001+08:00

SEBERANG PERAI (Aug 13, 2008) By Himanshu Bhatt

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng spiced up the run-up to the Permatang Pauh by-election by disclosing yet another land transaction blunder by the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) state government.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, revealed that a company related to a "big" BN personality had been unduly given RM500,000 as deposit refund by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

But it made a mistake by giving the money directly to the buyer, instead of the buyer's financing institution.

The PDC was then forced to fork out an additional RM500,000 to pay the financial institution, Lim disclosed. The company folded up without returning the money it had taken, he added.

The refund was given after the company failed to make full payment for a piece of land in the Bayan Lepas industrial area that it bought from the PDC.

Lim questioned why no action was taken in this case that occurred 10 years ago.

"Why was such an error allowed to happen?" he asked.

He said this while opening the DAP’s Permatang Pauh by-election operation centre here.

At a separate event, former chief minister and acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon declined to comment except to say that the facts would be made known in due course.

"Let Lim reveal whatever he wants to reveal," Koh said.

Lim earlier explained that the company had paid a 20% deposit to obtain the land, but when it could not pay the remaining 80%, it appealed that its deposit not be forfeited.

The PDC then decided to return half the deposit amounting to RM500,000.

Lim said he has asked for an internal investigation and that the case be reviewed.

"We (Pakatan Rakyat) want to have a new approach in government. We have to start cleaning up all the dirt," he said.

He also cautioned that the PKR cannot be guaranteed victory in the by-election, and asked supporters not to be over-confident.

"We have to work hard to convince the people that this by-election is important for the future of Permatang Pauh, the state and the country.

"This is the first time a by-election will determine the design of the government not just for the state, but for the whole nation."

On a complaint by Umno that the returning officer’s administration in Permatang Pauh had been infiltrated by the opposition in the last general election, Lim questioned why such an issue was being brought up now.

"If they were unhappy, they should have filed an election petition," he said.

"Why complain now?" he asked.

CM and former CM to debate land controversy - Star

2008-08-12T22:30:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Aug 12, 2008 By TEH ENG HOCK

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his predecessor Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon have agreed to debate the land controversy in Penang.

Organiser Agenda Daily said both participants had on Tuesday confirmed their attendance for the public debate, which will take place at 9pm on Aug 20.

Lim and Koh had also agreed on the topic of the debate, which is entitled "The true story behind the land controversy in Penang" (Kisah benar kontroversi tanah di Pulau Pinang).

The debate will also be aired live on either NTV7 or TV9.

Agenda Daily editor Hanafiah Man said about 200 people would be invited to attend the event, which would either be held at the Media Prima studio in Shah Alam or at Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur.

"It is only by invitation as we have to control the crowd. If anyone is interested in attending, they can fax Agenda Daily at 03-4042 5100," he said.

Hanafiah said the format of the debate would be similar to the recent public debate on fuel prices by Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 15.

Lim and Koh will each speak during six five-minute intervals in the debate, which will be moderated by Datuk Johan Jaafar.

Penang seeks RM200mil soft loan for conservation - Star

2008-08-08T19:56:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Aug 8, 2008

Penang is seeking a RM200mil soft loan from the Federal Government for its heritage conservation action plan after it was listed as one of the world’s heritage site.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he sent a letter on this to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday.

“The loan will enable the state government and private owners to conserve and repair heritage buildings here.”

He said the action plan would be implemented in stages to ensure success and effectiveness.

Lim also urged Abdullah to note that such a loan was approved for RM80mil in 2000 for the previous state government’s urban renewal and restoration of decontrolled pre-war houses programme.

“In the same year, the first round of loans amounting to RM20mil was given out. However, in view of poor awareness among the locals, the loans did not get much response and were returned with interest to the federal government in 2004,” he said.

With the George Town’s Unesco listing and increasing public awareness, the state greatly hoped its appeal for the loan would be granted, he said.

Copies of the letter were distributed to the media during Lim’s press conference Friday.

Report dirty eateries, council urges public - Star

2008-08-07T20:54:00.002+08:00

Aug 7, 2008 By WINNIE YEOH

THE public will have to take on a ‘watchdog role’ and report dirty and unhygienic eateries to the authorities whenever they come across such places.

Penang Island Municipal Council’s (MPPP) Urban Ser- vices, Public Health and Licensing department director Dr Goh Kok Yeung said public tip-off would come in handy as the council’s enforcement officers who conduct checks on restaurants, food outlets and street hawkers every week had a large area to cover.

He also said since January, the council had issued about 3,000 compounds to food operators who flouted health regulations and guidelines.

Dr Goh also said the council was continuously conducting awareness programmes for food operators and handlers for free to encourage cleanliness.

Keep your eyes peeled:Fill the tummy but tell on hawkers who fail to uphold hygienic food handling practices.

“It is compulsory for them to attend the programme and they have to be vacci- nated for a minimal charge of RM20,” he said, adding that the council vaccinates an average of 6,000 food operators and handlers yearly.

He said so far the council had not revoked any operation licences but had issued warnings to stall operators who failed to comply with the council’s regulations like wearing aprons and protective caps, gloves, using utensils when handling foods and having proper disposal bins .

He also said each offender would be fined RM20 to RM80 depending on the gravity of the offence.

“These stall operators might ‘behave’ when our officers are there but do otherwise after we leave,” he added.

He also said the council was working closely with the private sector to relocate some hawker stalls to a suitable site

He added that public tip-offs on dirty eateries could be channelled to MPPP’s 24-hour hotline at 04-2637637.

Dr Koh and Guan Eng to debate Aug 20 - Star

2008-08-07T20:52:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Aug 7, 2008

The open debate between acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is on.

It will be organised by news portal Agenda Daily on Aug 20 in Shah Alam, at a venue be announced later.

The debate, to be aired live by a television station belonging to the Media Prima Group, will touch on various current issues with specific focus on matters related to Penang, including the so-called "land scam controversy" which is being heard in court.

"Both sides have agreed on the location (Shah Alam). They have agreed that the debate would be in Bahasa Malaysia, based on the US presidential debate format and moderated by Datuk Johan Jaafar," Agenda Daily news editor Hanafiah Man said.

However, they had yet to reach a consensus on the title for the debate although they had agreed that the topics should be current and concerning Penang, he added.

The news portal had earlier set up a debate between Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the fuel price hike and its socio-economic implications. The debate, also moderated by Johan, was held last month at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here and was aired by several TV stations.

This will be the second meeting between Dr Koh and Lim in a debate. They had their first discourse 20 years ago at the Penang Town Hall when both were Youth leaders of Gerakan and DAP respectively.

When contacted on Thursday night, Lim hoped that Dr Koh would not set any conditions for the debate.

He also said it should be on the land scam issue in Penang.

"What the people want to know is about the land scam. If you want to debate on other issues, it will defeat the purpose," he said. - Bernama

CM signs miniature boat - Star

2008-08-07T11:25:00.000+08:00

Aug 6, 2008

A MINIATURE dragon boat made of aluminium cans caught the attention of spectators at the Dragon Boat Races at Teluk Bahang Dam on Sunday.

And the owner was eagerly waiting for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to autograph the boat.

Construction worker Yeoh Seng Hoo was waiting for Lim to arrive at the 6th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships (IDBF CCWC) and 8th Asian Dragon Boat Championships.

Lim (centre) autographing Yeoh's miniature dragon boat.

Lim was accompanying Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman to grace the function.

“It took me three months and 30 aluminium cans to complete the miniature boat,” Yeoh said, referring to his masterpiece that was made of recycled materials.

Aluminium cans were used to make the base of the boat, tissue paper for the dragon’s head and tail and newspapers to make the six dolls sitting in the boat.

“I hope this boat will remind the Chief Minister of the need to promote recycling,” he said.

Debate unconditionally, Guan Eng tells Dr Koh - Star

2008-08-05T15:40:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Aug 5, 2008 By LOOI SUE-CHERN

Former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon should debate on the state's land scams during his administration without setting pre-conditions, said his successor Lim Guan Eng.

"Dr Koh should be decisive and make up his mind whether he wants to debate the RM124mil twin land scams in Penang instead of desperately setting conditions and making excuses," Lim said Tuesday.

He was commenting on the two conditions set by Dr Koh on Monday for a debate between him and Lim. Dr Koh had asked that the debate be conducted fairly and only after the conclusion of a court hearing on a land scam case involving a RM40mil suit.

"Why should Dr Koh behave differently by imposing all sorts of conditions when he should debate like a true opposition member seeking the truth, promoting public participation and accountability?" Lim told a press conference.

"It is clear that this act is politically motivated as part of Barisan Nasional's preparations for the upcoming Permatang Pauh by-election."

He also accused Dr Koh of trying to "gag" him by demanding that he immediately retract and stop mentioning the potential loss of RM40mil due to a land scam that occurred during the previous administration.

"If he does not want to debate on the scams, the state government is willing to meet him privately to get to the bottom of this scandal."

Lim clarified that he had never issued a challenge to Dr Koh for a debate but said he would take part in one if that was the only way for Dr Koh to come clean on the land issues.

He also said he had requested to meet with Dr Koh privately many times since becoming Chief Minister in March but the latter had yet to meet him.

"The recent admission by a former deputy chief minister and state Land Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya that the previous state government made a mistake on one of the land scams and his accepting full responsibility for it leaves Dr Koh no choice but to concede that the state government faces a potential RM40mil loss.

"Why didn't Dr Koh come clean about it when the scam happened five years ago instead of waiting for a change of government to have it exposed? This may be interpreted as an attempt to cover up."

Hilmi admits RM40 million blunder - Sun

2008-07-28T20:11:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (July 28, 2008) : By Himanshu Bhatt

Former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya today admitted responsibility in the Penang State Assembly to a land deal blunder that will cost the state government some RM40 million.

Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi, the BN assemblyman for Teluk Bahang, surprised the assembly when he stood up to take responsibility for the "error" which occurred when he was the Religion, Land, Planning and Development Programmes Committee chairman from 1999 to 2004.

He said this when Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Air Putih) was reporting to the assembly about their findings into several land transactions that went awry because of "negligence" and poor decision making, costing total estimated losses of RM124 million to the state.

"I feel responsible because the error happened then," said Hilmi. "An error occurred and the decision was already made."

According to Lim, this particular case may bring losses worth RM40 million while losses from the other cases involving questionable land acquisitions (collectively investigated as they involved the same government officer) amounted to RM84 million.

Lim revealed in his winding-up speech that the previous administration had approved a 10.6 acres (4.3ha) plot to an individual, apparently a quarry operator.

"A plot of land as big as 10.6 acres is too large to be given only to an individual, which should not have happened," he said.

The case was brought to the courts when the state government cancelled the transfer of the land, he said. "Due to this, the state government incurred losses when the court’s decision sided with the concerned individual."

Lim said a negotiation process to settle the case out of court was held. "In the negotiation process, at one stage the concerned individual agreed to receive compensation that was far lower, which was RM1.8 million, but the previous state government did not agree."

He added the court later ordering the state to pay RM29 million (reduced from RM40 million on appeal).

With interests accruing at a rate of 8% per annum since 2004, the losses incurred from this case may touch RM40 million, Lim said.

"This is another case that has caused losses to the state government and wasted the rakyat’s money due to negligence and improper decision-making."

Lim said the other cases involved "embezzlement" in land acquisitions.

Although the acquisitions were done according to legal procedure, the state government was forced to bear RM84 million in subsequent losses, he said.

In one instance, the payment award by the land administrator was not in accordance with the amount recommended by the Valuation and Property Services

Department, Lim pointed out.

Lim said investigations are underway before appropriate action, including reports to the police and Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), are made.

"While investigations are underway, the government officer suspected to be involved, has been transferred to another department."

He stressed that the reports must be based on evidence that is "beyond reasonable doubt".

Lim thanked Hilmi for confessing to the mistake in the quarry case and for taking responsibility.

"If you have new evidence, please raise them and we will see how we can help," he said.

Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN-Telok Ayer Tawar) stood up to ask how such cases could be prevented.

With a broad smile, Lim simply replied: "Gunakan CAT (use CAT)! Competency, accountability, transparency!"

Penang may ask to buy Toyota Camry as official cars - The Star

2008-07-26T20:38:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 26, 2008 By NG SU-ANN

Penang might buy Toyota Camry cars in future for official use, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said Penang might buy the cars, which he said were cheaper than Proton Perdana V6, after seeking Federal Government approval.

"Since Terengganu is allowed to keep 14 Mercedes-Benzes costing RM3.43mil, Penang should be allowed to buy Toyota cars in future," he told newsmen Saturday at the clan jetties' open house in Weld Quay.

Lim described the decision to allow Terengganu to keep its Mercedes-Benzes to be used for foreign dignitaries as inappropriate and a waste of money especially when many people were suffering during the economic slowdown.

"This doesn't make sense. What's the regularity of foreign dignitaries visiting Terengganu? How often do even the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or Sultans visit the state?

"If the cars are not going to be used often, what's the point of keeping them? This is an example of how public funds are misused by Barisan Nasional leaders. A leopard can't change its spots," he added.

Lim said he was surprised that no action would be taken against Terengganu for defying the federal directive that stated that Proton Perdana was the official car for executive council members and ex-officio members.

In March, the new Penang government had cancelled an order for five new Perdana V6 cars worth RM623,000 ordered by the previous administration for its exco members.

Lim said: "Instead of buying new cars, we had cancelled the orders. Instead of buying new Perdanas, Terengganu had bought Mercedes Benzes.

"Who doesn't want to sit in new cars? However, I believe that as long as a car, even if it's an old boneshaker, can still move, that's good enough," he said, adding that his official car was 14 years old.

Open tender for govt magazine - The Star

2008-07-25T11:14:00.001+08:00

Jul 25, 2008

THE publication of Suara Rakyat Pulau Pinang, a state government magazine that keeps readers abreast of state policies and developments, will soon be open for tender.

State ad-hoc information committee head Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said any company could apply to publish the magazine starting from its second edition that will be released in September.

“We are planning on changing certain aspects of the magazine and are currently identifying things we want in the new edition,” he told reporters during the lunch break of the state assembly sitting.

He said the new publication would incorporate views and suggestions of the rakyat, adding that the state was looking into changing the format and concept of the publication.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng launched Suara Rakyat, a 52-page trilingual publication, on Wednes-day as an incorporated version of three state-published magazines – Wawasan Rakyat, Hong Yuan (Vision), Makkal Madal (Message to the Rakyat).

Abdul Malik said the printers of the three magazines were retained to print the first edition of Suara Rakyat but they would have to submit tender applications for future editions.

On criticism from opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim that the publication’s annual RM276,000 allocation could be better used, Abdul Malik said Suara Rakyat was an important communication tool for the state government.

“The previous state administration was spending this amount but they did not say it was wasting the money then. Moreover, the state will be able to get a much better price for the publication after going through the tender process,” he said.

He added that RM85,000 was spent to publish 20,000 copies of the first edition.

“The editorial board, which consists of media members, non-governmental organisations and representatives, will meet after the state assembly sittings and we hope to start the tendering process in mid-August,” he said.

Take a pay cut, Guan Eng and exco members told - The Star

2008-07-25T08:14:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 25, 2008

Take a 10% pay cut if Pakatan Rakyat is serious about helping the rakyat –that is the message Datuk Roslan Saidin (BN – Pinang Tunggal) has for Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said the money could then be used to lighten the people’s burden.

“Lim and all his state executive council members should take a pay cut instead of harping about their CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) philosophy.

“The state has been talking about travelling economy class and all but what is it really doing for the people?

“The state is playing politics just for publicity’s sake when it should be concentrating on improving the lives of the people,” he said.

Roslan, who was debating a motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertua Negri’s speech, later challenged Deputy Chief Minister (I) Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin to come up with a blueprint ensuring development for bumiputras.

“Tell us what social, economic and educational development you are going to bring for the Malays who cannot even afford low-cost housing?” he asked.

At this point, A. Thanasekaran (DAP – Bagan Dalam) interjected, saying that housing problems were not confined to one race.

‘Voice of unity’ launched - The Star

2008-07-24T11:20:00.001+08:00

Jul 24, 2008

SUARA Rakyat Pulau Pinang - the state's magazine, is a step towards fulfilling the Penang Government's dreams and hopes for the state, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The 52-page Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil publication is aimed at making Penang an inter-national city where everyone can participate in the sharing of the state’s wealth.

“We want to create a caring society and one that is fair to all. We want to let the people know the opportunities that are available in all sectors. We welcome all feedback and opinions,” he said, commenting on the purpose of the magazine.

The magazine was launched by Lim at the state legislative assembly yesterday morning.

Lim flicking through the Suara Rakyat Pulau Pinang.

State ad hoc information committee head Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the trilingual magazine represented a voice of unity.

“We printed 20,000 copies of the first issue to be distributed free to all government agencies, village security and development committees, Rukun Tetangga sectors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“This is only a start. Of course, we will improve on the look and content later on,” he said, adding that an editorial board would be set up after the assembly sitting.

“By next month we will have an editorial board comprising members of the media, NGOs and elected representatives,” he said adding that comments and suggestions could be sent to abdmalik@penang.gov.my.

“For now we will have three issues a year but eventually we may progress to six issues a year before coming out with monthly copies,” he said.

Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim described the publication as a “political propaganda”.

“I estimate each copy to cost about RM5. The state is planning to print three issues a year so that would cost about RM300,000. This money can be put to better use.

“The articles that are in the magazine have already been published in newspapers so I don’t see the point.

“Instead we should be supporting a magazine like In Penang which highlights our heritage sites and is also distributed free,” he said, adding that In Pe-nang only cost the state RM25,000 per year and yet funding had been discontinued.

He noted that the previous state government had also published magazines in three languages.

“Not all the languages are in one magazine but it is still the people's voice,” he said.

In 2002, Barisan Nasional published a bimonthly Tamil magazine, Makkal Madal (Message to the Rakyat), making it the first in the country to publish magazines in three languages – Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

Similar to the Malay and Chinese state-published magazines – Wawasan Rakyat and Hong Yuan (Vision), the magazine is to inform readers of government policies, development plans and also get feedback from the community.

Wawasan Rakyat was published in 1994 while Hong Yuan, in 1999.

All three free publications targeted similar readers of Suara Rakyat.

Penang Umno wants road signs in Chinese removed - NST

2008-07-23T23:02:00.003+08:00

PENANG: Jul 23, 2008

PROJECTING DIVERSITY: Tanjung Umno Youth chief Shaharrudin Hassan (second from left) and other Youth members taking a look at a Chinese road sign put up by Gerakan members.

Penang Umno wants six road signs in Chinese put up by Gerakan Youth in Georgetown on Monday to be removed as soon as possible.

The state Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said he had contacted Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman on the matter.

“If they (Gerakan Youth) refuse to take down the road signs, Datuk Zainal assured me that MPPP will pull them down,” said Azhar, who is also Penaga assemblyman.

He was commenting on Penang Umno Youth’s protest against the move by a group of Gerakan members who put up six road signs in Chinese here to tell the DAP that it had to come up with such road signs since the party was now helming the state.

The state Umno Youth urged the local government and government agencies to only allow road signs in the national language.

Penang Government agrees to multi-language signs for tourists’ benefit - The Star

2008-07-23T11:54:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 23 , 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

The state government plans to put up street names and road signs in multiple languages at heritage areas here for the benefit of tourists and visitors.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said yesterday that the languages would depend on the cultural characteristics of the streets in question.

“There have been requests for road signs in various languages now that George Town has received Unesco recognition as a world heritage site. The state has, in principle, agreed to have signs in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese and Tamil, and maybe even Arabic,” he said.

Chinese signs: Penang residents riding past one of the six new road signs in George Town yesterday. The six signs were put up by a group of Gerakan members on Monday.

Chow noted that the Federal Government had also approved an allocation to put up signboards in various languages around George Town.

On the six street signs put up by several Gerakan members, led by former Penang Municipal Council councillor Dr Thor Teong Ghee, Chow said he had instructed the council to give notice to the group to remove them.

“The council will advise them to take down the signs themselves, unlike in the past when the council under the previous administration used to pull down signs put up by the DAP within two hours,” said Chow.

On Monday, Dr Thor and six others put up the road signs in Chinese to remind the DAP that it had to keep its word to come up with such road signs now that the party was helming the state. The six signs were for Beach Street, Burmah Road, Macalister Road, Carnarvon Street, Chulia Street and Jalan C.Y. Choy.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there was no reason for anyone to politicise the issue as this was the people's aspiration. He likened the need to have multilingual road signs to the multilingual announcements at airports which were a necessity.

However, Tanjung Umno Youth division chief Shaharrudin Hassan urged the local government and government agencies to only allow road signs in the national language.

“If the Malays can compromise with not having road signs in Jawi or Arabic, we do not see why the other races cannot practise a similar thing,” he said.

When contacted, Dr Thor said he would wait for the council's notice, but hoped that the signs could remain until the council put up its own.

Koh's administration accused of bridge defect cover-up - The Sun

2008-07-22T20:31:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (July 22, 2008) : By Opalyn Mok

The Penang State Assembly was told today the the previous state government had covered up the fact that some couplings for the Penang Bridge had been badly damaged and the bridge could have collapsed if not repaired.

"The previous state government kept this secret and the safety of the people was ignored," state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh (DAP - Sungai Puyu) told the House today.

Phee did not give details on when the damage took place and when it was repaired. Couplings are devices that link the segments that make up a bridge.

"It is due to this that the Opposition should actually support the Penang second bridge project as we would need an alternative," said Phee, who had interjected into Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim's (BN - Penaga) debate on the motion of thanks to the Penang Yang di-Pertua for his speech at the opening of the assembly.

Azhar, who was arguing against the need for a second bridge for Penang, then replied that the matter was kept secret because the previous state government did not want to create widespread panic amongst the people.

"We did the repair work. See! it did not collapse at all," said Azhar, a former state executive councillor in the previous state government.

" We can't be announcing to the whole world just because of a few cracks," said Azhar who accused Phee of acting like a small child.

During the state assembly meeting in November last year, Jasmin Mohamad (BN-Sungai Dua) had asked for a full report as he had heard of serious structural cracks on the Penang Bridge.

Then Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had said he had not received any report on cracks on the bridge and that the repair work on the bridge at that time was the usual maintenance work to replace the cables.

Contacted today, a spokesperson for Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd said the bridge undergoes scheduled maintenance and monitoring work annually.

"There were no such thing as cracks or anything of that nature at all," she said, denying they had to repair cracks under the guise of maintenance work.

Earlier, Azhar said there are 1.78 million vehicles in Penang and if there is an additional bridge, it would cause even more congestion on the island.

To this, Public Works, Utilities and Transport exco Lim Hock Seng (DAP - Bagan Jermal) said there are actually 2.3 million vehicles registered in the state.

"The traffic congestion on the bridge is very serious now and if we do not build the second bridge, in one to two years' time, we will not be able to use the current bridge without sitting there to wait for two hours," he said.

Azhar said the figure of 1.78 million he quoted was obtained from the answer given to him by the current state government, to which Lim admitted he had miscalculated.

Meanwhile, Tan Cheong Heng (DAP – Padang Lallang) asked the government to explain why the cables in the middle of the Penang Bridge were being replaced now.

He noted that when the bridge was opened in 1985, it had been guaranteed to last 100 years.

Sparks fly over 'RM30m embezzlement' - The Sun

2008-07-22T20:29:00.000+08:00

Himanshu Bhatt and Opalyn Mok at the Penang State Assembly yesterday

PENANG (July 22, 2008) :

State Opposition leader Azhar Ibrahim (BN-Penaga) today raised the ire of backbenchers and state executive councillors in the Penang State Assembly when he chose to use the word menyeleweng (embezzle) to describe the state government's move to waive summonses issued by both local councils here after taking over the state administration.

"The state government keeps talking about cutting costs, flying economy and cutting down wastage but it has menyeleweng RM30 million just like that so that all are happy," he said.

He had, earlier, listed out the total summonses waived by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) at 180,000 cases amounting to RM4.4 million for parking offences and 351,000 cases amounting to RM10.5 million issued to hawkers and petty traders.

The total summonses waived by the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) were 581,670 cases amounting to RM14.5 million for parking offences and 2,360 cases amounting to RM0.6 million issued to hawkers and petty traders.

Penang Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh (DAP-Sungai Puyu) stood up and asked Azhar to explain what he meant by menyeleweng RM30 million.

"This RM30 million in summonses should have been collected from the people but it was not collected, so this is menyeleweng. RM30 million was gone and that's menyeleweng," Azhar replied.

Phee stood up again and said Azhar should refer to a dictionary so that he knows the meaning of menyeleweng.

"Can he understand the meaning of menyeleweng? This is a wild accusation that the state had menyeleweng RM30 million when the state government did not take even a single sen," he said.

At this juncture, Speaker Abd Halim Hussain concurred by saying:

"So, this is not menyeleweng."

Azhar then stood up and changed his tune by stating that what he had meant was that the state government had menyeleweng from its responsibilities.

"The state government is supposed to collect the summonses but it did not do so," he said.

A.Tanasekharan (DAP-Bagan Dalam) then interjected that the RM30 million was the people's money and it was inside the people's pockets.

"We didn't take the people's money. We are not like the Barisan Nasional (BN) who like to say it is the people's money but they keep it and do not use it for the people's benefit," he said.

Shabudin Yahya (BN-Permatang Berangan) jumped into the fray to state that there is an Act to enable the state government to collect the summonses.

"The people will be the ones suffering because this money could have been used for their benefit," he said, adding that the state government kept saying it has no funds but it did not want to collect this RM30 million.

Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP-Datuk Keramat) interjected and pointed at the Petronas profit that the BN government had but the funds did not go to the people.

"Why weren't part of the profits channeled to Penang?" he said, and asked Azhar to withdraw his menyeleweng accusation.

"Azhar asked where the RM30 million had gone, implying that the state government took the sum when we didn't. He should withdraw his statement," he said, adding that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has the right to give amnesty to the people to waive their summonses.

Phee agreed with Jagdeep and demanded Azhar to withdraw his statement as it was a baseless accusation.

What followed was more exchange of words between Shabudin, Phee, Azhar, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya (BN-Telok Bahang), Datuk Jasmin Mohamed (BN-Sungai Dua, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P.Ramasamy (DAP-Perai) and even Lim (DAP-Air Putih).

Azhar denied that he said the state government had menyeleweng RM30 million but that the state had shirked its responsibilities.

Jagdeep then raised the Point of Order 13 (c) which prohibits them from uttering words that hurt the feelings of others in the state assembly.

Lim said the state government did not even take a single sen, what more RM30 million from the people and asked for Azhar to withdraw his statement.

Finally, Abd Halim interrupted to say that he will make a decision but again the backbenchers and Opposition started arguing until the Speaker silenced them all by raising Point of Order 28 where all assemblymen must be seated when the Speaker is talking.

"My decision is that menyeleweng is not a suitable word to be used in here so stop using it and stop discussing this matter," he said before instructing Azhar to continue with his debate.

Gerakan puts up road names in Chinese as reminders to state govt - The Star

2008-07-22T11:25:00.004+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 22, 2008 By TAN SIN CHOW

A group of Gerakan members has put up six road signs in Chinese here to tell the DAP that it has to come up with such road signs since the party is now helming the state.

In what appears to be a tit-for-tat move, former Penang Municipal councillor Dr Thor Teong Ghee, who is a Penang Gerakan Youth committee member, said such road signs were now vital as George Town had been listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

“But now that they are at the helm, I sincerely hope they will keep their word by putting up such road signs,” he said before putting up one of the road signs in Chinese at Beach Street yesterday.

The other roads where the Gerakan members have put up roads signs in Chinese are Burmah Road, Macalister Road, Carnarvon Street, Chulia Street and Jalan C. Y. Choy.

Signing up: Dr Thor (third from right) and other Gerakan members showing the road signs in Chinese during a press conference at Beach Street. The signs were later put up under the original road signs at the six roads.

Interestingly, except for Jalan C.Y. Choy, the road signs are of the Chinese names used by locals to refer to these roads, and take into account trades or features peculiar to the road such as Lam Chan Ah (Muddy Padi Field) for Carnarvon Street which used to be home to padi fields in the early days of Penang.

Beach Street is referred to as Tho Kok Kay (Wholesale Street), Burmah Road (Chia Chooi Lor - Water Carriers Road), Macalister Road (Tiong Lor - Middle Road) and Chulia Street (Gu Kan Tang - Cattle Pen Street).

In June last year, Penang DAP Youth had put up road signs in Chinese at several roads to pressure the previous government to come up with Chinese road signs.

Dr Thor said that the Penang DAP youth wing had said the Chinese road signs could boost tourism, especially in attracting tourists from China.

Penang Municipal Council enforcement officers later took down the signs put up by the DAP members as they were illegally erected.

Dr Thor said although the Gerakan members had also illegally put up their road signs yesterday, he hoped this would serve as a reminder to the present state government.

“At least eight of the DAP members who supported the move for road signs in Chinese to be put up are now state assemblymen and, as such, should aggressively pursue its implementation,” he added.

When contacted, DAP national Socialist Youth (Dapsy) organising secretary Koay Teng Hai, who is also Pulau Tikus assemblyman, said Dapsy was not only proposing road signs in Chinese but in other languages as well.

He said Dapsy was in the midst of drafting a proposal on the matter before submitting it to the municipal council and state Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow for approval.

“Apart from Chinese, we will also have road signs in Tamil and Jawi, depending on the cultural background of the area,” added Koay.

Penang State Assembly Live Telecast July 21 - July 31

2008-07-22T11:18:00.002+08:00

The live telecast cab be viewed using the following link:

http://dunpenang.ipglobal.tv/

PAS-Umno talks not a cause for concern, says CM - The Star

2008-07-21T23:22:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 21, 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG and CHRISTINA CHIN

The talks between PAS and Umno are no cause for concern to Pakatan Rakyat, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"If Pakatan Rakyat can be disturbed because of one meeting, then it is completely not a pakatan (coalition)," he said Monday, responding to the high-level meetings between the two parties.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Sunday that he had met with "very high level" PAS leaders three times and their talks had advanced to another stage. In an immediate response, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang confirmed that the meetings took place and said that the discussions had centred on Islam and Malay issues.

Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, said it was normal and within Abdullah's rights to meet anyone.

"That is not unusual. It is what they are discussing that is more important. I've also met the PM before, but we met to discuss issues relating to the rights of the people of Penang.

"I'm sure that he's met with others. Our emphasis is that when we talk about issues, it should be issues that contribute towards Malaysian unity," he told a press conference after the opening ceremony of the 12th state assembly.

On the possibility of PAS jumping ship and Pakatan Rakyat breaking up, Lim said:

"We have no indication of that for now; let us cross that bridge when we come to it."

Asked if he would be meeting with PAS leaders to check with them what transpired at the meetings, Lim said there was no necessity and it was not going to affect the Penang government anyway.

On the position of the state's Opposition leader, Penaga assemblyman Datuk Azhar Ibrahim of Umno, Lim said the state intended to move the necessary amendments to accord him an allowance and other privileges.

"We intend to give him an allowance just like in Parliament and recognise his position as Opposition leader, which had never been recognised in the past. The state legal advisor has said that the necessary amendments would only be ready at the next state assembly session," he said.

Lim also said the state was pursuing an earlier proposal for loans from the federal government for conservation efforts, and hoped the federal government was willing to give soft loans amounting to RM200mil for such purposes in light of the inscription of George Town as a historical city under Unesco’s World Heritage Sites.

A heart to serve people - The Star

2008-07-21T12:55:00.002+08:00

Jul 21, 2008 By DERRICK VINESH

MONETARY reward is not the main reason for one to serve the community – this is what the state’s newly-appointed Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairmen say.

The 148 leaders, who were appointed for the 2008/09 term, have accepted their monthly allowances of only RM200, instead of RM600 as received by their predecessors.

Pepper Estate JKKK chairman Geoffrey Gan, 55, said under the previous state administration, JKKK chairmen used to receive an allowance of RM450 from the Federal Government and RM150 from the state government.

“We understand the financial situation of the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government and do not expect high allowances from them.

Lim sharing a light moment with Sungai Nibong JKKK chairman Ideris Othman (in white) and Kampung Seronok JKKK chairman Sharifah Nooryati Syed Ameruddin after presenting them the appointment letters.

“Our ultimate aim is to help people and not to seek fat allowances,” he said after Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had presented letters of appointment to the JKKK leaders at the Seberang Prai Municipal Council headquarters in Bukit Mertajam yesterday.

Gan, however, said he hoped the private sector and the public would help support JKKKs through cash and kind when they organised various community activities.

Bagan Ajam JKKK chairman Alias Wan Chek, 47, a businessman, said the JKKK post was a part-time job for him.

“I view this appointment as an honour to serve the people. I will do my best to help curb crime and immoral activities in my area,” he said.

Pantai Molek JKKK chairman Cheah Sze Phatt, 57, a businessman, said he hoped the state government would gradually increase the allowance.

“But we are very happy to serve the people,” he said.

Later, during a press conference, Lim said he was glad these leaders have placed sincerity to serve the people above their own interest.

Lim also announced that the monthly allowance for JKKK secretaries would be RM150, while RM10 would be given to every committee member who attended a meeting.

The state, he added, would also allocate RM1,000 to all JKKKs as annual administration costs.

Lim said the appointment of the Juru JKKK chairman had been temporarily deferred following a request from his deputy Dr P. Ramasamy.

Tree felled for safety reason - The Star

2008-07-21T12:47:00.001+08:00

Jul 21, 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

A HUGE healthy rainforest tree in Jalan Lembah Permai in Tanjung Bungah, believed to be more than 50 years old, was chopped down over the weekend because it was obstructing the view of motorists.

Penang municipal councillor Lim Cheng Hoe said this has resulted in several accidents along the busy stretch.

He said the council approved the residents’ request for the tree to be chopped down by the Public Works Department.

Lim said in the latest accident about two weeks ago, a motorcyclist was seriously injured after a car exiting from a small lane at the junction knocked him down.

The rainforest tree beside Jalan Lembah Permai in Tanjung Bungah has to give way due to several accidents along the busy stretch.

“The car driver did not see the motorcyclist as the tree had blocked his view,” he said.

Lim added the council did not simply allow the tree to be chopped down on flimsy grounds.

“No doubt, the tree was healthy, but we have to consider the lives of people,” he said.

“There have been many accidents at the junction in the past,” said Lim, adding that the small lane led to a village and a parking lot of a nearby coffee shop.

Lim was commenting on public complaints to The Star on the felling of the tree. A reader complained that workers began axing the tree on Friday and the job took three days.

He also claimed it was the third three to be chopped down in two years in the area.

Another caller was concerned that the felling was illegal as it was being done over the weekend.

Lim dispelled the claims, saying no other tree in the area had been felled in recent years.

“I live in the area and there has not been any felling of trees there, only the occasional trimming of one or two trees with large branches,” he said.

Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu, who has been vocal about a greener Penang, said it was unfortunate that the tree had to be felled but human safety was of prime importance.

“We still want more trees to be planted all over the island,” said Teh, who had in March announced his target of having a million trees planted in the state within five years.

Guan Eng: far cry from what was promised - The Sun

2008-07-20T23:24:00.000+08:00

SEBERANG PERAI (July 20, 2008) By Bernard Cheah

As much as the Penang government welcomes the federal authorities’ move to reinstate RM40 million of the state’s original 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) allocation, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today the amount is a far cry from the total RM 4.7 billion that Penangites had been promised.

Responding to Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop’s announcement recently that the allocation for upgrading the Penang Hill funicular railway, would be topped up with RM100 million for purchase of new RapidPenang buses, Lim said the RM140 million is a mere 3% of the allocated RM4.7 billion shelved in the 9MP mid-term review.

"It's not 10%, it’s not 5%, but just only 3% of the RM4.7 billion promised to Penang," said Lim who expressed hope that the federal government would reconsider its decision and not defer the pending allocations for the Mengkuang Dam expansion, Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and the monorail.

"These are promises made, and promises made should be fulfilled," he stressed, adding he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for a fourth time, to discuss this matter.

"Penangites are also tax payers, and they have a right to these projects," Lim told reporters after giving out letters of appointment to 148 Penang Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) chairpersons at the Seberang Perai Town Hall here today.

Lim also said each JKKK chairperson would only be given an allowance of RM200 per month, compared to the previous allowance rate of RM600.

"We don't want to see a person taking up this post for money. He should do this to provide service to Penangites."

The state government will allocate RM 1,000 for each JKKK's annual administration cost.

Lim: Funicular train reinstatement just a start - The Star

2008-07-20T23:19:00.002+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 20, 2008 By ANDREA FILMER

The Federal Government's move to reinstate the RM40mil project to upgrade the Penang Hill funicular train service is a good first step, but the state is far from satisfied.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said although he welcomed the move, he would continue to press the Government to reinstate the other shelved projects.

"We do not want the Federal Government to get the impression that the state is satisfied.

"There are so many other projects that need attention and assistance from the Government and we will continue to press for the reinstatement of other shelved projects," Lim said after flagging off the Penang Hill Climb from Youth Park on Sunday.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop had announced on Saturday that the project to upgrade the funicular train service had been reinstated into the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
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Penang may consider taking PORR and monorail projects private - NST

2008-07-18T19:29:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN, FRI: Jul 18, 2008

THE PENANG state government may consider taking the Penang Outer Ring Road and monorail projects private if the federal government continues with its decision to defer both projects.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would get the relevant state agencies to furnish him with the necessary details before deciding.

He, however, said the state government's priority was to urge the federal government to pursue both projects.

"We hope the federal government will keep to its words ... after all, both projects have been promised to us much earlier.

"If at all it fails to implement both projects, then we may seriously consider taking them private," he told reporters after the executive committee members of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce called on him yesterday.
The proposed RM2 billion monorail and RM1.5 billion PORR projects have been deferred under the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

GUAN ENG: RM100 aid for Penang's low-income families - NST

2008-07-18T19:28:00.001+08:00

PULAU PINANG, FRI: Jul 18, 2008

Penang residents whose monthly household income is less than RM1,500 qualify for RM100 aid from the state government, says Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

The financial aid will be channeled through the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) or Penang Water Supply Corporation to assist the low-income earners to cope with rising costs of living.

“Those interested in applying for the cash aid only have to fill in a form which will be distributed with their waterbills. The completed forms can be submitted at the PBAPP offices before Sept 30,” he said.

The PBAPP offices are located at Komtar, Perai, Bukit Mertajam, Jawi, Rifle Range, Kepala Batas, Taman Selat and Balik Pulau.

The one-off payment would be credited into their account with PBA before year end, he said.

Look to private sector for mega project funding, Penang govt told - The Sun

2008-07-18T19:26:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN(July,18,2008) : By Opalyn Mok

The Penang State government was today urged to to take up the challenge of privatising mega projects instead of relying on funding from the federal government.

In making the call, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping said the state government should look towards the private sector for funding of mega projects such as the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) project.

"Collaboration with the private sector would solve the shortage of funds and it is better than having to be dependent on the federal government's allocations," Tan said.

In an immediate response to PCCC's call for the state to start looking towards privatisation for funding of PORR, Lim said the state will continue to pursue the federal government for the project to continue.

"This is a promise made by the federal government to the taxpayers in Penang. We want the federal government to fulfill its promises because it is the taxpayers' right," he said.

However, the state government will consider privatisation if the federal government continue to refuse to fund the PORR and monorail projects, Lim added.

Tan who led the PCCC executive committee to pay a courtesy call on Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also handed in a memorandum to the state government listing out proposals on several main issues.

They include heritage conservation, the tourism industry, the transportation and infrastructure upgrade system and private enterprise investments.

PCCC proposed that the state government set up a management committee with entrusted powers within the heritage zone in line with George Town and Malacca being listed as one of Unesco's World Heritage Sites.

"Not only does the state government need to apply for extra allocation from the federal government but there is also to encourage private enterprises to start a conservation and beautification project on the old buildings within the heritage zone," he said.

Tan also proposed that the state government set up a Heritage Trust Fund to raise funds so that the state can use it to purchase heritage properties, renovate and sell them to interested foreign or local parties at market price.

On tourism, Tan proposed that an international-class marine aquarium be built and also to encourage local and foreign companies to develop and build a luxury marine park-resort in Tanjung Bunga.

He said a theme park, based on the Disneyland concept, should be built in Balik Pulau through a joint venture between local and foreign companies.

Commenting on the deferred monorail project Tan said it was not necessary for Penang to have it.

"There should be other alternatives as replacement because we are worried that the monorail would be a 'white elephant', flashy and impractical," he said, adding that the government cannot not afford to keep on subsidising the fare.

Drop in crime rate - The Star

2008-07-17T21:08:00.001+08:00

Jul 17, 2008 By NG SU-ANN

PENANG’S violent and property crime rates have been reduced in the first six months this year compared with those in the last six months of 2007, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said 1,620 violent cases were reported in the last six months of 2007 but the number has dropped by 38 cases in the first half of this year.

For property crime, the rate had dropped by about 4% (325 cases) from the 7,447 cases between last July and December to 7,122 between January and June this year, he said.

“Overall, Penang is among the top states in solving crime cases,” he said at a dinner held in honour of newly appointed state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Ayub Yaakob at the Esplanade on Tuesday night.

Exchanging pleasantries: Lim having a chat with Ayub (centre) while state executive councillors Chow Kon Yow (second left) and Danny Law (right) looked on.

He said that in view of the global economic slowdown, the state government was concerned that Penang’s crime index would rise.

However, the state and police would work hand in hand to ensure the situation was under control, he said.

“This is because our investment’s prestige and tourism are closely linked to the state’s security level. If we have a high crime rate, this will scare investors and tourists away from Penang,” he said.

Lim said the authorities had identified 165 crime-related hotspots in Penang based on the reports lodged by the public.

Fairus staying put as Deputy CM - The Star

2008-07-16T16:36:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 16, 2008 By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin denied rumours that he is quitting the post.

He called on the police to investigate those responsible for spreading such rumours via SMS.

"I am shocked why such baseless speculations are being spread," he told a press conference here on Wednesday.

Fairus claimed the rumours were being circulated to divert public attention.

"It never crossed my mind to quit the post. I am committed to helping solve the woes of the rakyat," he added.

He described his relationship with the Pakatan Rakyat state government as good.

Fairus said the issues concerning the fate of the rakyat were more important than anything else.

He said spreading such rumours could be part of a smear tactic to demoralise the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

In an immediate response Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive council members did not have any problem with Fairus.

"I am always in discussion with (PKR de facto leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. We do not have problem with Fairus," he said at a press conference after chairing the state Exco meeting.

Promote Penang products to enter new markets - The Star

2008-07-13T22:16:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 13, 2008

(from left) Pristine Creation Sdn Bhd Phileas Wong, Bigkad marketing director Christine Leong and State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang looking at Bigkad products during the opening of the “I Love Penang Brand” campaign at the New World Park in George Town in Penang last night.

There should be ongoing promotions for Penang products to enter new markets, State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said.

He said goods that carried the Penang brand must be of good quality.

Law was speaking when opening the inaugural "I Love Penang Brand" campaign at New World Park here on Friday night.

The three-day event organised by Pristine Creation Sdn Bhd attracted 25 participants.

Among the activities lined up are a series of talks on market trend in retail, manufacturing and services sectors, and programmes for children.

“Such an event will provide a new platform to jointly promote business and tourism under one roof,” said Law.

Pristine Creation managing director Phileas Wong said many people viewed Penang island as a food paradise, a heritage attraction or a beach and resort destination.

“We want the world to know there is more to Penang than its famous char koay teow and hokkien mee,” he said.

Wong said there were many brands that were established in Penang and exported to many parts of the world.

“This event will provide a platform to showcase Penang products. We want to make this event an annual affair,” he said.

He added the company had drawn a series of events and activities to promote local brands.

I’m all for PORR project, says Law - The Star

2008-07-04T17:46:00.001+08:00

Jul 4, 2008

DAP elected representatives hit back at former Gerakan's Batu Uban assemblyman Goh Kheng Sneah over comments that the state government had sent “confusing signals” over the shelved Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) project.

Penang Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said he was all for the project, provided several concerns were addressed.

“I tabled a motion in the state assembly in 2002 to postpone PORR as there were several concerns about the project. Firstly, there was no open tender and the selection of the company to build the road was not transparent.

“Secondly, we were against the (then) state government's plan to allow the acquisition of 202ha of land in the Gurney Drive area and its agreement to give 30.8ha of prime land in George Town for the project.

“We were also against the cross subsidy concept (that allowed the company to undertake property development on reclaimed land to fund the cost of road) as we felt the Federal Government had sufficient funds to build the road,” Law said, adding that he had asked for a postponement and not cancellation of PORR.

He also said that DAP had been concerned about the proposed three toll gates on PORR as it felt it was the government’s responsibility to provide transportation routes for the public.

Law, who was speaking at a press conference in Komtar yesterday, was commenting on Goh's allegations that DAP had been against the PORR project before taking office on March 8.

On Monday, Goh, who is also Gerakan Youth Small and Medium Industries (SMI) Bureau chairman, said the state government had an inconsistent stand on PORR by citing examples of Law’s postponement motion and objections by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik made in August 2007.

When contacted, Ng said he was against the proposed alignment and toll collection of PORR.

“The alignment was made without any public consultation and there were many reservations on the toll collection.

“I believe some aspects of PORR need to be abandoned to ensure that the road benefits all parties,” said Ng, who is also the Komtar assemblyman.

Lim's appeal letter asks Govt to reconsider mega projects - The Star

2008-07-04T17:36:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jul 4, 2008 By TUNKU SHAHARIAH

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had sent an appeal letter asking the Federal Government to reconsider the four mega projects on the island state, including the deferred RM1.5bil Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and RM2bil monorail projects.

In the four-page letter handed personally to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday, Lim had also pressed for the implementation of the RM1.1bil Mengkuang Dam expansion project and RM40mil upgrading of the Penang Hill Railway system.

“Lim had expressed the disappointment of Penangites and the state government over the deferment of the four projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan’s mid-term review,” said his press secretary Cheong Yin Fan in a statement on Friday.

He had stated that the projects were “people centric” and its implementations were important to provide the facilities to the locals and tourists.

Lim also said among reasons why the projects should not be deferred was because the monorail project, which was an important public transportation network system, would ease the burden of the rakyat following the hike in petrol prices in the world market and the restructuring of the oil and gas subsidies by the Federal Government.

The PORR project, he said, would ease traffic congestion and indirectly spur economic activities in the state while the expansion of Mengkuang Dam would ensure cleaner water supply for Penangites after 2010.

Lim also said that the Penang Hill railway system should be given priority as it was a key tourism attraction for Penang.

Lim had also expressed that “the upgrading of its funicular train system was important as the existing system was no longer safe and could be dangerous for passengers,”

In his letter, Lim said he was made to understand that the allocation of projects in Penang under the Housing and Local Government Ministry and Tourism Ministry, which involved “millions of ringgit”, was also affected.

On Thursday, Abdullah confirmed he had received the letter from Lim during the first Northern Corridor Economic Region meeting in Kuala Lumpur but added that the PORR and monorail projects were not raised at the meeting.

State studying proposals to build RM1bil MICE centre - The Star

2008-07-03T20:31:00.001+08:00

Jul 3, 2008 By ANDREA FILMER

THE Penang Government is looking into three proposals to build a RM1bil Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) centre.

Penang Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said a decision would be made in three or four months and if green light was given, it would be one of the first projects approved to boost the state as a tourist destination.

“The state is looking into three proposals to build MICE centre to cater for large confe-rences and seminars.

Light moment: Kee (right) chatting with Law. Looking on is Nazir Ariff.

“The first location proposed is in George Town where 8.1ha of land will have to be acquired and reclaimed.

“The second proposal is by a Penang-based conglomerate to build the centre off the Jelutong Expressway in which the company owns the land.

“There is also another proposal that comes from a joint venture of Middle Eastern and local investors to build the project on 2ha of state-owned land in Bayan Mutiara,” Law told reporters after a Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) dialogue with Penang tourism players.

Law said the MICE proposals, each totalling to about RM1bil, would be able to house 5,000 to 8,000 people.

On proposed theme parks in the state, Law said two proposals using land in Balik Pulau were being looked into.

“Both Chinese and Middle Eastern investors in joint ventures with local companies have shown interest in building a theme park in Balik Pulau.

“One proposal is to build an 81ha theme park with lodging facilities and other attractions while the other proposal is to build a 16ha Eastern-style theme park,” he said.

Over 40 tourism representatives from hotels, airlines and tour agencies attended the luncheon-cum-dialogue at Traders Hotel.

Among those present were Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen and MICCI Penang branch chairman Datuk Nazir Ariff.

CM: Don’t be afraid of lodging police reports - The Star

2008-07-03T20:29:00.001+08:00

Jul 3, 2008

THE public should not be afraid of lodging police reports as the reports would help police in data collection, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said by lodging reports the public would also be giving much required information and tip-off to the police to combat crime effectively.

“The police have identified 165 crime hotspots in the state with the North-East District topping the list with 80 locations, followed by southern Seberang Prai (41), South-West (23), Central Seberang Prai (13) and North Seberang Prai (8).

“The hotspots were determined based on the frequency of police reports lodged at the particular area,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from new state chief police officer Deputy Comm Ayub Yaakob at his office in Komtar on Tuesday.

Lim reminded policemen that they must accept all reports.

The Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, he said had repeatedly reminded the police that it was their responsibility to accept reports failing which they were at risk of losing their jobs.

On another matter, Lim said he had yet to be questioned by the police over his remarks relating to the New Economic Policy.

Lawyer Abu Backer Sidek Mohamad Zain had lodged a report against Lim on March 14, claiming that the statement by the chief minister was a “very sensitive statement”.

On April 3, then acting state police chief Datuk Salleh Md Rasid was quoted as saying police would not hesitate to call up Lim for questioning as it was a standard operating procedure during the process of an investigation.

Make clear your stance on mega projects, CM told - The Star

2008-07-01T14:19:00.000+08:00

Jul 1, 2008

THE Pakatan Rakyat-led Government has been told to make a clear stance on the monorail and Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) projects which were deferred in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) mid-term review.

Gerakan Youth Small and Medium Industries (SMI) Bureau chairman Goh Kheng Sneah said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has held inconsistent views on the two projects.

“Before DAP took office, they were always against the implementation of the RM2bil monorail and RM1.5bil PORR,” he said.

He said a Chinese daily had even quoted Lim proposing a subway rather than a monorail on March 27.

Penang projects: (From left) Gerakan publicity bureau chief Khaw Veon Szu, Goh and Gerakan Wanita chairman Ng Siew Lai showing an articla on DAP members opposing the PORR.

Last August, Lim’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik was also quoted by the Chinese dailies as saying PORR should be called off.

In 2002, state executive councillor Danny Law, who was then a Batu Lanchang assemblyman, had even tabled a motion for PORR to be postponed.

“But when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said both projects would be deferred, Lim had apparently jia xing xing (shed crocodile tears), saying he would press Abdullah in Parliament for answers over the deferment.

“I hope they will have a clear stance on the whole issue, whether for or against the projects,” he told a press conference at the Gerakan headquarters yesterday.

Goh said, “In contrast, Gerakan has always maintained a firm stand that the two projects must go on.”

On Friday, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Lim had sent “confusing signals” to the Federal Government that contributed to the shelving of the projects.

In respond to Goh’s comment, Lim said Gerakan leaders should not skirt the issue by trying to distract attention.

“When have I ever given conflicting statements on the issue? I have never given any statements, either before or after I took over as Chief Minister, that I am against PORR or the monorail project,” Lim said after launching Penang Hepatitis Day in Queens-bay Mall.

He said he was unaware of previous statements made by Law and Ng and emphasised that he had the final authority as the official voice of the state government.

“The stand of the Government is decided by the Chief Minister and state exco members. The Chief Minister has the power to overrule any contrary statements given by others and I have been consistent in saying that these two projects should go on,” he said.
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'No need to consult Penang govt on mega projects' - NST

2008-06-30T22:42:00.002+08:00

BUTTERWORTH: Jun 30, 2008 By : S. Arulldas

There was no need to consult the state government when the decision was made to defer the RM2 billion monorail and RM1.5 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) projects in Penang.
"What is there to consult? These are federal projects," said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

He was commenting on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's statement that the state was not consulted on the matter.

Nor Mohamed said it was not for him to answer whether the government would review its decision.

He said the Federal Government had decided to defer the mega projects to concentrate on relieving the people's burden after the recent increase in fuel price and other goods.
He said both the projects were of no priority in the current economic situation.

"The government is more focused on relieving people's financial burden right now."

Nor Mohamed was speaking after attending Sri Murugan Centre's Renaissance in Education programme at the Dewan Besar in Tasik Gelugor here yesterday.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department S.K. Devamany, Sri Murugan Centre director Datuk Dr M. Thambirajah and organiser and the co-director of the centre, L. Krishnan.

Nor Mohamed said the government had also decided to improve the state's public transport system by increasing the existing fleet of 150 RapidPenang buses to 250.

"If it is not found to be sufficient, then we will add 100 more buses."

He said the government had set aside RM100 million under the Amanah Ikthiar Malaysia to help the urban poor "as statistics revealed that majority of the Indians would benefit from the fund".

During the event, Devamany's mother, Nagarathinambal Krishnansamy, was honoured "Mother of the Year" for raising five children as a single parent for the last 10 years.

Penang seeks rest of promised funds - The Star

2008-06-30T22:36:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 30, 2008

Will Penang get all of the RM40mil it had been allocated for the upgrading of the Penang Hill funicular train service under the Ninth Malaysian Plan?

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he had heard talk that the allocation had been withdrawn and condemned the move, saying that it was “in line with former actions (of the Federal Government)”, referring to the shelved monorail project and Penang Outer Ring Road.

“The Federal Government seems to have washed its hands of the funicular train service. This is not the right way to do things,” Lim told a press conference after launching the Penang Hepatitis Day at Queensbay Mall here.

He said there had been no word on when the funds would be released but was still hoping for the allocation so repair works for the service, which was halted last Wednesday, can go on.

He said the funds had been promised under the Ninth Malaysian Plan to change the tracks and cables. It was reported in May that the state government had received an undisclosed “small portion” of the allocation.

He added that the state government would try to coordinate things with the Federal Government.

The train service was halted after defects were found on the cable between the middle and upper stations.

Small investments in cutting-edge projects - The Star

2008-06-23T22:22:00.001+08:00

Jun 23, 2008

THE PENANG government is prepared to support cutting-edge projects by making small invest-ments in them.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the projects would include those involving biotechnology and advanced medical enhancements.

“The investments will not be a lot because of our financial constraint. Our aim is to give the projects a form of backing,” he said after opening the SME Forum 2008 at Penang Skills Development Centre yesterday.

On incentive packages for investors, he said the state would have to work with the Federal Government on the matter.

“We will also try to marry or match funding resources with those who need venture capital,” he said.

Lim said the first forum held by InvestPenang under the present state government was for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) because they formed the backbone of the state’s economy.

In his speech earlier, he said: “We understand your (SMEs’) language. You’d be surprised to see how much the state government understand your needs. Your needs are to increase revenue, reduce cost and improve productivity. We want to help you achieve all three.”

He said he believed the business of the government was not to do business but to help enterprises drive the state’s economy and make Penang the SME capital of Malaysia.

He also hoped the contributions by SMEs to the state’s Gross Regional Product would be increased from the current 20% to 30% soon.

More skills training centres needed - The Star

2008-06-23T22:00:00.001+08:00

Jun 23, 2008

THE Government needs to build more skills training centres to provide training for those who failed in public examinations, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said.

He said these youths could do well in life if given the chance to get skills training.

He said he was extremely concerned, especially over those who failed in the PMR and SPM examinations.

He said this might result in them entering the job market at a young age.

“Society calls them failure because they did not pass their exams. But, success should not be measured by academic excellence alone,” Dr Ramasamy said when closing the Academic Forces’ awards presentation for high achievers at the Penang state public library in Butterworth yesterday.

Ramasamy, who is also state Economic Planning, Education and Human Resources Committee chairman, said if society did not lend them a hand, they might get involved in social ills.

He said necessary guidance and opportunities should be made available for the youths to make infor-med decisions.

He praised Academic Forces, a group of undergraduates, for their commitment in helping to nurture Indian youths to be successful in life.

Guan Eng: Equal treatment for all major religions - The Star

2008-06-22T20:56:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 22, 2008 By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

Penang will allocate state funds fairly to all major religions to ensure no religion is discriminated against or marginalised, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said the state government would treat all religions equally.

“We have also formed an inter-religious council called Majlis Silaturahim to promote goodwill and understanding among all religions,” he told newsmen after opening the National Maha Sanghika Dana 2008 at Penang International Sports Arena here on Sunday.

The event is organised annually by the Malaysian Buddhist Youth Foundation to provide a platform for devotees to do good deeds.

"All religions are equal according to Buddhist teaching,” he said. He also reiterated that Penang would not become an Islamic state. “Islam is the official religion of the country, but the freedom to worship other religions is enshrined in our Federal Constitution.

“Nobody can take away this freedom and this right must be enjoyed by all of us forever,” he added.

Lim noted that Buddhism, with 370 million followers, was the fourth largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

Earlier at another function, he said the state government was promoting the “Faith, Hope and Love” concept to restore lost trust, to give hope to future generations and to create a loving environment.

“We want to restore the lost trust among the people. Government that comes from the people should serve the people.

“We also want to give hope to the young generation that there is a future in Penang where there will be equal opportunity for all to benefit from the growing economy,” he said.

Lim also said there was a lack of “love” in the state.

“People who do not have the loving spirit will be selfish and uncivilised,” he said.

The state was keen on promoting the loving culture to create a cohesive and harmonious society, he said after flagging off a convoy of luxury cars participating in an overland trip to Bangkok.

The event was organised by the Lions Club of Bayan Baru.

Price hike: 'What measures to help the people?' - Malaysiakini

2008-06-20T10:37:00.000+08:00

Pakatan Rakyat coalition partners DAP and PKR appear to have different perspectives regarding the sharp increase in fuel prices announced by the BN government on June 4.

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has gone on record as promising to reduce oil prices if he becomes prime minister. However, DAP seems to be of the opinion that the price rise is unavoidable.

Penang chief minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng today said the party would accept the rise in oil prices provided the government furnishes a mechanism to cushion its impact on the people.

Foreign colleges interested in setting up base in Penang - The Sun

2008-06-19T23:15:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (june 19, 2008): By Himanshu Bhatt

Several foreign educational institutions have expressed interest in opening schools and colleges here.

Deputy Chief Minister (II) Prof Dr P Ramasamy told reporters today institutions from India, South Korea and Europe have made site visits to assess the possibility of setting up campuses here.

Representatives from an international school from India had come with officials from the Indian High Commission yesterday.The school, which has a centre in Kuala Lumpur, is willing to look at Penang as a possible site due to the large number of expatriates and Indians here.

Ramasamy told reporters this when announcing the Penang Education, Training and Career Expo 2008 to be held in Penang on Dec 20 and 21.

Also present was Social Economic and Research Institute (SERI) chairman Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon, who is the event’s organising chairman.

Ramasamy added that an agricultural university in the Netherlands involved in food production had also expressed interest to open a campus in Penang, while a school in South Korea is considering setting up a centre here.

"I have linked them up with state agencies that can help them in this matter," he said.

Currently, there are five international schools in Penang.

Ramasamy said while the course approval would be given by the Education Ministry, the state government would look into availability of land and buildings for the institutions.

"We need to give them necessary confidence and information so they can make a choice," he said.

Ramasamy also said many private colleges in Penang offered scholarships, which the public were not aware of.

He said students should be exposed to financial aid schemes to make private education more available, especially for those who excel.

"Why should private colleges be the domain of the rich and well-to-do? We have to bridge the gap," he added.

Guan Eng makes surprise 'raid' on land office - The Sun

2008-06-19T23:12:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (June 19, 2008): By Bernard Cheah

The staff of the state Land and Mines Department here were caught unawares when Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made a surprise visit just before lunch hour today.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (right) making a suprise visit to the Land and Mines Department office in Komtar.

Lim made his surprise move after receiving complaints from the public that they had been given wrong forms for the state’s land renewal policy.

A few officers who were standing outside were seen rushing in when they spotted the throng of photographers and reporters accompanying the chief minister as he stepped into the 50th floor of Komtar.

Lim walked straight to the main counter and was seen seeking clarifications and updates from the staff there.

He was later taken inside to view the online application procedure.

When he emerged later, Lim told reporters he was disappointed that the public had been given incorrect forms. The forms available online were also the wrong ones, he said.

"If there is a flaw, we are prepared to admit it," he said reporters.

"As a state government practising competency, accountability and transparency (CAT), we are responding immediately to rectify the situation," he said.

It is learnt that at least 100 people had picked up the forms.

Lim announced on Monday (June 16) that all industrial and commercial property owners on state land can have their leases converted to the maximum of 99 years. Additionally, all residential landed properties are to be made freehold.

He said the measures were part of the state government's plan to return ownership of land to Penangites, and would have significant impact on the industrial and commercial sectors, especially with their ability to obtain financing.

"I'll make sure that (Penang State Land and Mines Department director) Ariffin (Awang) will check the forms again and the information on the website is corrected and made more user-friendly," he said.

Lim, who is also State Land Affairs and Land Development Committee chairman, said he was dissatisfied with the officers' performance as they had undergone briefing sessions on the matter.

The amended 12A and Schedule 1 forms can be obtained from any of the five land offices or downloaded from www.ptg.penang.org.my from Monday (June 23).

Lim said those who had picked up the wrong forms will be contacted to collect the amended forms.

In order to apply for land conversion or extension, the public is required to submit two completed copies of the Schedule 1 form, four copies of 12A form, copies of the property’s location plan, land grant and Memorandum of Articles of Association.

The location plans at RM20 are available at the land owners’ respective District and Land Offices. A payment of RM200 is required for the application.

For details, the public can call 04-2615459.

Govt rewarded with 80 out of 100 marks for its practices - The Star

2008-06-18T17:19:00.001+08:00

Jun 18, 2008 By NG SU-ANN

FEDERATION of Malaysian Manufacturers (northern branch) chairman Datuk O. K. Lee said generally, the new Penang Government was proactive and obviously trying to do its best.

“As far as its policies are concerned, they are quite sound and acceptable in line with a democratic practice. The CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) principle is good.

Lee gave the government 80 marks out of 100 for its practices and 70 to 75 marks for performance.

He said the government should also be commended for appointing non-political people in the municipal councils, adding that this would lead to “a better check and balance in the system.”

He said the federation was the first group the state initiated a dialogue with after the general election.

“The new government wanted to assure us that its policies would be business-friendly.

“And when the flash floods hit Seberang Prai in May, it was there instantly to solve the problem. That's fast and efficient,” he said.

Lee said it was heartening to see that the new government chose the best people for the job regardless of their background.

Quoting former Chinese reformer Deng Xiaoping, he said: “Black cat, white cat; The one which catches the rat is the good cat.”

Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Penang branch) president N. Gobalakrish-nan said: “Now that the government has settled down after taking over the state, it should come out with a blueprint to help the Indian community as promised during the elections.

“I know it's not easy but we hope it can be done within the next 50 days. The chamber is willing to work with the government to achieve this.”

He said the state could take the lead in developing the blueprint for other states to follow.

Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia adviser Datuk Haji Faudzi Naim Hj Noh said: “It is not really working yet. There’s still a lot of things to be done.”

He urged the new government to strengthen and empower the people.

He agreed that the CAT principle was a good one, adding that anti-corruption efforts should be the core struggle of every government.

Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping said it was clear that the new state government was doing its best despite not having the experience in managing a state.

“I hope it will continue to fulfil what it promised the people during the elections,” he added.

Guan Eng to Petronas: We want full disclosure - The Sun

2008-06-17T22:50:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA (June 17, 2008): by Rathi Ramanathan and Bernard Cheah

Opposition politicians today charged that Petronas' 84-page 2007 annual report available on its official website does not reveal adequate details and the public deserved full diclosure.

Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Eng Guan, a trained accountant, said: "The report only gives a snapshot view and detailed expenditure is not made transparent. We want to know whether unecessary expenditure like lavish banquets and private jets had been spent.

"DAP has been pressing for detailed accounts since 1986. The annual report was only made available on the Petronas website three years ago."

Petronas chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Merican was reported today as saying Petronas has been publishing its annual report for the past 18 years and is easily available. This was in response to queries by various quarters both Opposition and Barisan Nasional that the national petroleum corporation's accounts be made public.

Parti Keadilan Raykat (PKR) treasurer William Leong, who is also Selayang MP, also expressed similar concerns. "We know that a sizeable amount is given to the government but we would like to know how that money has been spent. Even if the money has gone to certain activies like Formula One, we would like the detailed breakdown. Financial details like rescuing Bank Bumiputra have never been disclosed."

Umno Youth vice-chief and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin was also reported over the weekend calling for Petronas' accounts to be made public. He reportedly said he would raise the issue in Parliament because the public wanted to know why the national oil corporation was unable to absorb the rising cost of fuel despite the profits.

Under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Petronas is obligated to pay the government taxes, dividends, royalties and duties Over the last 33 years some RM336 billion was channelled back to the government. Hassan was reported saying that for financial year 2007, RM52.3billion or 66.2% of the total profit was paid to the Government as tax, dividends, royalties and export duties. Hassan, has also been reported saying that that it was the governments responsibility to respond to how that money is allocated.

In GEORGE TOWN, Lim lashed out at Petronas directors, calling on them to stop living and behaving “like kings”.

"Theublic needed to know how many private jets and expensive cars the company’s directors and top management had bought and used. hile everyone else is suffering during the current financial difficulty, they are enjoying themselves,” he added. "It's very un-Malaysian."

He said the directors should instead let the national oil company share its profits with the public during this trying period in the nation’s history.

"Why is money not channelled to the masses?” he said. “As long as Petronas does not share its profit, it is working against national interest."

Lim spoke to reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony between Axon and SAP on SAP Education Partnership here.

"Petronas must realise that there is mounting public anger against it. We did not hear in the past of people boycotting Petronas," he said, noting a growing email and SMS campaign asking Malaysians to boycott Petronas stations.

Lim said the financial statement in the report on Petronas' website was not exactly public.

"Releasing information in bulk and in general terms does not really throw any light on how the expenses are accounted for," he said.

Lim also queried the RM500 million spent by Petronas to maintain the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra of which more than 90% are foreign musicians.

"Who authorised you to spend the money? Are you accountable to yourself or to the prime minister?" he asked.

Giving back to society - The Star

2008-06-17T20:49:00.002+08:00

Jun 17, 2008

A SEBERANG Prai municipal councillor used his maiden councillor's allowance of RM600 to buy ceiling fans for a school and groceries for five poor families in his hometown in Nibong Tebal.

Teoh Seang Hooi, 48, a tuition teacher, said he merely wanted to give back to society.

Since his appointment as councillor in May, Teoh said his 10-year-old son Marcus of SK Methodist Nibong Tebal, had been constantly reminding him to help his school.

Teoh (left) handing over the ceiling fans to Idris at the school.

“I have seen the children sweating profusely under the hot zinc roof while waiting for their parents to fetch them after school.

“So, I decided to install two ceiling fans at the cost of RM400 at the school porch,” he said yesterday.

Teoh said he would use the remaining RM200 to buy groceries for the families of five needy rubber tappers in Byram Estate.

Coming from a relatively poor background, Teoh said his parents, who were hawkers, had to work hard to raise nine children.

“My family and I experienced hardship and poverty in the past. So, when we are blessed now, we believe we should bless others, in whatever way that we can,” he said.

The school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) chairman Idris Hasan thanked Teoh for the kind gesture, noting that the 110-year-old school had an enrolment of about 600 pupils.

“We hope our old boys will also come forward and render their services.

“Apart from additional computers and a fresh coat of paint for the school building, we also need about RM50,000 to raise the school field, which often floods during a downpour,” he said.

Council to install 24 CCTVs in district - The Star

2008-06-17T20:45:00.002+08:00

Jun 17, 2008 By TAN SIN CHOW

TWENTY-FOUR closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed at the south-west district areas and Bayan Lepas free industrial zones (FIZ) as a move to increase surveillance on traffic flow and combat crime.

Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman said the Housing and Local Government Ministry had agreed to fund the project at an estimated cost of RM4mil.

He said the council and police have consulted each other on where to place the cameras.

A CCTV installed at the Penang Road-Jalan Datuk Keramat junction.
Six cameras will be placed at Bayan Lepas FIZ while the rest will be installed at strategic locations in Balik Pulau.

“We submitted our proposal early this year and the ministry gave us the green light two months ago.

“The ministry has yet to decide on the date of installation,” he said over a telephone interview.

In October last year, the council installed 31 CCTVs in George Town and its surrounding areas at a cost of RM5.8mil.

Monitoring is done round-the-clock in Komtar, the George Town district police headquarters and the state police contingent head-quarters.

The cameras were installed at Upper Penang Road (UPR), Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Lebuh Campbell, Jalan Magazine, Lebuh Carnarvon, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling, Gurney Drive, Jalan Air Itam and Persiaran Midlands.

A public announcement system is installed next to each camera to alert the people during an emergency.

Zainal Rahim said that since the installation, the high-definition cameras, which could zoom in at a distance of up to 100m, have proven to be an effective tool in monitoring traffic flow.

“When we noticed there are double or triple line parking at a particular location, enforcement officers will move in to issue summonses to vehicles causing traffic obstruction.

A CCTV installed at the Penang Road/Jalan Datuk Keramat junction.

“By doing so, the traffic flow can be smoothen immediately,” he said.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said with the aid of the electronic surveillance, policemen could move in in the event of a crime.

He said on several occasions, patrol cars were deployed to the scene when cars were found to have stopped for a certain period of time in front of jewellery shops and banks.

“Our patrol cars will move in immediately should we come across such cars with drivers or passengers behaving suspiciously.

“We do not want to take the chances as who knows, they might be there to check out the location before deciding to strike,” he said.

He added that the police would be able to play back the footage in the event a crime was reported in a CCTV zone.

‘You can report corruption to my office’ - The Star

2008-06-17T20:42:00.002+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 17, 2008 By LIM AI LEE & CHRISTINA CHIN

Penangites can report any corruption direct to their chief minister's office in Komtar.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said apart from the police and the Anti-Corruption Agency, the public could report directly to his office if any government officials or leaders approached them for bribes.

“Action will be taken. We want the government to operate efficiently based on rules and laws, not based on bribes,” he said, adding that those who reported such cases must however provide proof to back their claims.

He also called for public cooperation to ensure the success of the state’s competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) policy and prove that corruption was not part of Malaysian culture.

“We ask the people to help us fight corruption - do not give bribes to any government officials or leaders. If they approach you, report to us, the ACA or police,” he said during a media session held in conjunction with his 100th day in office.

He also said he would remain "plain Mr Lim" and not accept any Datukship in conjunction with the Penang Governor’s birthday awards ceremony next month.

“I will not be accepting nor awarding myself titles,” he stressed.

On making Penang a safe place for locals and investors, Lim said the crime rate in the first five months had dropped by 2% compared with the corresponding period last year.

He was happy to note that Penang had dropped to 10th spot in the country in terms of crime but ranked first in solving crime cases, with a 52% success rate.

On the state’s financial standing, he claimed it was better than before and the state government should be able to reduce its RM35mil deficit.

“We can manage on our own but without the federal funding promised us, it will make things tougher. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We will find a way.”

Guan Eng takes your questions - The Star

2008-06-17T20:38:00.002+08:00

Jun 17, 2008

WHEN the opposition swept into power in Penang in the March 8 general election, no one was more surprised than DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who led the election campaign.

Three days later, Lim, a qualified accountant from Malacca, was sworn in as Penang’s fourth Chief Minister.

The new chief executive has introduced some populist measures and claims to be the first to implement the CAT (competency, accountability, transparency) policy in the country.

In an interview in conjunction with his 100 days in office, Lim described his CAT government as a new political and social experiment to prove that a clean government is possible and at the same time, allow people to share in the prosperity.

He also answers questions by The Star readers on what he has achieved to date and his plans to make Penang regain its lustre and lead again.
What are your administration’s achievements since coming into power? (Kenneth Khoo, Penang

Among the things we have done are cancelling all summonses issued before March 8, implementing an open tender system for government contracts and introducing a new land reform policy that allows the people to take back ownership of the land.

We have cut down the state’s expenses by cancelling the order of new cars valued at over RM600,000 and also instructed government departments and officers to cut cost when travelling.

For example, they should fly economy instead of business class and take a deluxe room instead of a suite which they are entitled to. When holding government functions, we do it in government complexes and have cooked food that is catered so that small time businesses can earn some money.

We also distribute welfare aid to fire and flood victims within 24 hours. In the past it was besok lusa (tomorrow or the day after).

In view of rising costs, we want to give every poor family a small gesture of RM100 each.

We do all this belt-tightening so that we can channel back the savings to the rakyat.

I feel that there is not enough of “caring” so we want to take the first step. The people should have a renewal of faith in the government that represents them and there should be hope for the future and love for each other as Malaysians.

Our future is here – good or bad. We have faced lots of challenges, especially when trying to push for the open tender. When we made efforts to attract foreign investors, we were also challenged.

One company wanted to invest billions and billions of ringgit here but because of some irresponsible opposition party’s statement about the Second Bridge being cancelled, they decided against it. We are still trying to convince them but it is not easy.

The fuel price increase is not our doing but we have to bear it. We have to bear all these but we will be strong.

Finally, we are the first CAT government in Malaysia to adopt the principles of competency, accountability and transparency.

We can have good governance in Penang because we have good people. A government is as good as its people. We want to allow them to reclaim ownership in this government – we want their voices to be heard and for them to participate in making decisions which are made for their benefit and not for any private gain.

To encourage excellence, we recognised the top SPM and STPM top students. This is to show our emphasis to retain brain power. We hope those outside of Penang will come back because there is opportunity here.

We have many, many ideas in the areas of medical tourism, soft skills and software.

It is really a heartache to see Penang lagging a century behind Singapore where at one time we were ahead. Will we be able to lead again? (Tan the Penangite

No doubt Penang has lagged behind. How to reverse that is to make Penang dynamic again and we will focus on our core competencies.

In terms of the manufacturing sector, that means leveraging on brainpower, superior skills, superior supply and superior chain network.

Another area is tourism. There are eight key thrusts we want to focus on. For heritage tourism, we want to leverage on the fact that Penang is the most prominent heritage city in Malaysia and hopefully, with the Unesco listing, we can attract more interest. That’s number one.

Number two is educational tourism. We believe Penang has great potential with our established academic history as well as brainpower to attract students from foreign countries to study in Penang.

Number three is medical tourism. We believe that the natural surroundings coupled with the best doctors and nurses in Malaysia will provide the best synergies to make Penang the premier medical destination for those who seek treatment.

Fourthly, we want to make Penang a convention city – you need an icon to push Penang.

Fifth is to make the state a culinary centre. We want Penang’s food to attract tourists.

Sixth is eco tourism. Go up to Penang Hill and you will realise why Penang is called the Pearl of the Orient – it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth so let’s regain its lustre.

Seventh is making Penang the regional headquarters for MNCs – we want them to relocate here and bring along their friends and families.

Finally, we want Penang to be a cultural, film and arts centre. We have a long tradition and history of arts and artists who reside in Penang. Here we have the advantage of international city living but at the same time, the green comforts away from the rat race.

This effort to promote tourism is different from the previous administration which did not have focus, sustainable effort or icons. What are the icons they have built for Penang?

To promote Penang, we should have a list of “Top 10” products to recommend to tourist – we must have products from the native communities – a few items from the Chinese, India and Malay community each.

For example – nutmeg, coffee, pottery and traditional biscuits – these can help generate income and promote Penang.

I went on a business networking trip recently and met all the big boys in Hong Kong. They have all been here 20 years ago but they have not been coming back since. Why?

Because there is nothing here for them. They prefer to go to Bali because somehow, they feel they can get what they want there – to bring them back is not easy but we must focus. We can be as safe as Bali, we have good food and hospitable people who speak English.

Do you have a structural development plan for Penang? (Kong Leong Teng

As far as tourism is concerned, we have a master plan which we are proceeding full steam ahead. We want to put it on paper but we are worried that there won’t be any land left then. Land is going like hot cakes.

Your new land policy to convert leasehold to freehold land may be popular among the people but won’t it hamper future development by the state government. (Cheah, Kuala Lumpur

It’s only residential, not commercial and not industrial. What we are doing is returning land to the people. That is why we do not allow Penang state leaders to apply.

What do you hope to achieve with CAT (competency, accountability, transparency) policy? (Mohd. Anwar, Penang

We believe we should have a new political paradigm - a new course where we choose the best and the brightest.

But when we did that, we were criticised heavily because they say that you should have greater loyalty to your party - you cannot serve the government, you cannot have both feet in two different boats but what I say is which is a higher loyalty? Loyalty to the country and to the people or loyalty to your own political party?

We are not asking you to leave or abandon your political party but to serve the people and if that can be done in the west - for example America - whether you are Republican or Democrat, if you are selected to serve, you still serve - that is the norm internationally but in Malaysia it is seen as abnormal. We regret that our efforts to improve excellence, to choose people based on their ability and honesty has been criticised by those who oppose but we will continue to establish our CAT government in line with principles of democracy and transparency to have a clean government.

This is something new - never done before in Malaysia because corruption is seen as a part of life. We want to show that corruption is not our culture and we can have a clean government that can bring prosperity which we can then share with the people.

I do not know whether we will succeed but I am willing to fail trying than failing to try.

Finally, we believe in the people. We believe that the election results show that the people want to reclaim their ownership in the government. And this government belongs to them. We must let them decide and decide and work for their own benefit - not our own benefit.

That’s why we say no leaders of administration can apply for state land because state land belongs to the rakyat.

But with regards to the land scam, we cannot give all juicy details now because of legal issues but you can see how frightened the previous administration is – they refuse to even see me and talk about it – neither (former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh) Tsu Koon or (his deputy Datuk Seri Abdul) Rashid.

Your exco members are required to declare their assets but this has yet to be done. (Cheng Heng Tan

We wanted to but the Prime Minister’s department communicated to my state secretary that they wanted uniformity. And since we want to maintain good federal relations, we are waiting for them to send us the new forms because we also want to declare openly.

If they do not give us the forms, we have to do this on our own but we do not want to use this issue to score political points.

How does the state plan to lessen the burden of the people in light of the price increases? (Clement Chiang

Actually this is the federal government’s responsibility. They should be cleaning up the mess – after all they control Petronas. With the fuel increase, they have windfall profits which should be distributed among low and middle income owners.

Having said that, while we detest the unwillingness to share Petronas profits, we also rap Petronas for willing to indulge in extravagant expenses like buying private jets and sponsoring the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (which is only Malaysian in name) and throwing extravagant functions which are a waste of money.

They spent RM500mil in 10 years on an orchestra which is 90% made up of foreigners. What is the point of the private jets and helicopter? If it is to conduct oil explorations, it is alright but this is for the comfort of their executives. Why can’t they fly with MAS and let the national carrier earn some profits instead of wasting more than RM100mil on the jet?

Don’t spend money indiscriminately.

What we are asking is that each family be given RM6,000 a year for households earning less than RM6,000 a month. Share – let all of us have a stake in the economy because natural resources belong to the people of Malaysia.

As an MP, these are things I must speak up on yet when I do, I am accused of trying to get publicity.

Back to Penang – we don’t have much money but we want to show that we remember the people and we know what they are going through. That is why I announced that I want to give at least 100,000 families at least RM100 each. This will cost the state government at least RM10mil.

This is the concept of “kongsi bersama rakyat” because if we manage to attract RM1.2bil or more than RM100mil in investments, the rakyat must feel like they are “stakeholders” in the Penang economy.

They should have a right to share but this is a one-off - we don’t encourage giving cash but people are suffering from the price hike.

We are not talking about those who don’t want to find jobs - we are talking about those with jobs and are having difficulty making ends meet - and they tell me they don’t know what to do.

They say if they force their company to increase their pay, the company will close down because the company is also affected by the price hike. They just don’t have enough money to make ends meet and they feel abandoned, they feel like the government doesn’t care. We want to show that the state government does.

How do you plan on tackling the traffic congestion problem in the state? (Nyak Cheek

It is not only the traffic congestion – we have to deal with the three Cs which are congestion, cleanliness and crime.

Our efforts to upgrade public transportation is limited by the constrains to get the necessary permits by the CVLB and LPJP. This takes time so we are trying to work out some kind of format so that we can do our bit to reduce traffic congestions. These are all under federal authority but we are working towards it.

We are looking at reintroducing the “Central Area Transportation” (CAT) busses to make the city more accessible.

More importantly, the federal government has promised us the monorail and we have to work around it.

When it comes to cleanliness – Penang hawkers themselves are among the main problems and I will come down hard on them at the risk of being unpopular because tourists will only come back when the state is clean again.

On the crime rate, it is heartening to note that for the first five months of the year, it dropped by over 2% compared to last year. Penang is number 10 in the country in terms of crime rise and in terms of solving cases, we are number one in the country at 52%.

However, this is not enough. We need to have a “Safe Penang” – we have to do much more. We have the plans and we will announce these in the coming weeks.

What are the things you want to do but have failed to either because of the structure or the fact that it is impossible? (Ahmad Idris, Butterworth

Make the Penang airport and ports more dynamic. It is under the NCER but the government should try and secure direct flights from India, Korea, Dubai and Japan and increase flights from Medan, Jakarta. These are important destinations for Penang.

Does your flying economy class really work in terms of a significant and practical cost-saving measure? (Selvi, Bagan Ajam

It is very tiring and I get a migraine but we must send a message that we must save and the only way to do it is leadership by example. If I can do it in the past, why not now? You are using the people’s money, you should treat it as your own.

How are you planning on improving the state’s financial performance? (Wong, Penang

First is to increase revenue. Two is to cut cost and three is to add value – how do we do that? You must have good governance and get the civil servants to work with you. Get them to work hard, work smart and work clean.

The Perak Menteri Besar and DAP leader got their titles very fast after assuming power. I am curious how you what is your stand on this as you yourself will be recommending titles. (Jeff Cheah, Penang

I will not be accepting or awarding myself titles. As for the Menteri Besar of Perak’s title, it was decided by the Sultan, so that’s in a different context and I think they can explain themselves. I am only responsible for my own state and will not be accepting any titles.

During the election, PAS did not mention anything about an Islamic state because they wanted the non-Muslim votes but now as we approach the 100 days, the PAS Youth chief has started talking about implementing the Syariah laws. You have come out to say that it is never going to happen in Penang. Can you elaborate on that? (Simon

It is a non-issue. PAS Penang has not even raised that issues. Even talk about wanting to ban the Magnum 4D outlets – it is not going to happen. You want me to reduce the number of draws maybe because you may find that there are too many draws but close down? No way! These are just voices on the margin. I think we should ignore them.

Do you think a single term is enough for you to fulfil all your promises in the manifesto? (A. Hishamuddin A. Bakar

Even two terms is not enough.

How to you address the problems of Malays being marginalised in the development of the state? (Mohd Azlan Abdul Majid

One of the first things I did when I came into power was to increase the allowances of religious teachers by RM600 a year.

But let’s not talk of race. We want equal opportunities for all. Once we start talking about race, we fall into Umno’s political trap.

Instead, let’s focus on national unity and globalisation. In the past, we spoke of geo-politics but now we talk about globalisation, competitiveness, human interaction and your competency. These are what we should be talking about because we don’t want to be Jaguh Kampung. We want to stand up together and make Penang an international city.

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Earlier, Lim gave an hour-long interview with members of the local media. Here’s what he had to say.

On still having the Opposition mentality and seeking cheap publicity

Is publicity for the federal government not cheap publicity? What does one consider cheap publicity? I think the question is whether the publicity is beneficial to the rakyat. If I were to announce everything I do, I would need 20 press conferences in a day – then you can say I am seeking cheap publicity.

On the state’s financial situation Well, we have some money because we implemented some cost cutting measures. But our financial situation is much better than before but still if we work on the basis of a RM35mil deficit, we should be able to reduce that.

In government accounting there is no provision for contingent liabilities - there is a substantial sum because of excesses and scandals. And these contingent liabilities will make your financial reports and estimates go haywire.

I do not know the extent of the contingent liabilities. As I had mentioned, one land scam can cost you tens and tens of millions of ringgit, I’m not talking about 10 or 20, I’m talking about much more than that. That is where it gives rise to concerns.

We can manage on our own but without the federal government funding promised, it will make things tougher but like I said, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We have to find a way. Life finds a way and Penangites will find a way.

We are sure that the federal government is mature and will respect the decision of the voters. As I have said before, I respect Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as my prime minister just as I hope that he will respect me as his chief minister being anak negeri Pulau Pinang. And I think on that basis, he wants Penang to develop, he doesn’t want to see Penang go backward when he is from Penang just because of the decision of the voters - I don’t think he wants that to happen.

I believe he will respect the wishes of the voters and work together with the state government to ensure development, progress, prosperity shared by all.

On his achievements

We are thrifty in our expenses. Barisan Nasional criticised me for taking economy class (and seeking publicity) but I didn’t ask the reporters to come – I was exposed in a blog and the press picked it up.

It happened that the person who saw me was Ning Baizura – maybe because it was Ning that it attracted attention. This is just my small way of saving. Treat the government’s money like your own money. Be thrifty.

On development

We will assess any development plans and hear views and suggestions but must be sustainable eco-development but at the moment none. I may not agree with your views but I will listen.

Same like PGCC – I won’t say that I reject you outright so that you won’t even bother to submit your plans – no - submit and let us decide, approve and vet it on its merits.

On mega infrastructure projects

Those promised to us like the monorail, we are still awaiting word from the federal government. The Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) is up in the air because the compensation demanded by the company is too high even for the federal government to stomach.

I think PORR for the moment doesn’t seem to be on the table. What we want is a project that will alleviate traffic congestion at a minimal cost to Penang. PORR is contentious because we do not know about the costs and all that.

But the monorail is a project financed by the federal government and I don’t think it is wise to reject a project funded by them. That is why we are willing to wait for them to deliver the project to us. When I say finance, I mean fully borne by them, you understand that right.

On alleged land scams during previous administration

There is an investigation headed by my deputy and he will submit this report to the exco on July 1. The problem is that the ACA has conducted initial investigations and found no evidence.

We want to see if there is evidence or not. We are not happy with the findings. After all, the ACA can make mistakes – even investigations into the judiciary was re-opened after being instructed by AG.

We want to see if we find new evidence to reopen the investigations. Even to get the initial investigations going we found obstacles. We want to say that the previous government cannot just wash its hands of the responsibility.

If the ACA does not reopen the case, we will let everybody know but it will take time because this thing is still being dealt with in court.

His thoughts on being CM

Nothing is ever as easy as we think. Being a mother or a father is the same. That is life. As long as we have the perseverance commitment towards a certain objective, we can prevail – most important thing is the team around us.

On working with the Pakatan States I think we are all too busy in our own states – we just share stories of what we went through but I don’t foresee any difficulties – no time to even sit and talk where are the common areas we can work towards.

But we were the first state to adopt the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) to implement the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) so this is a sign of cooperation. It also reflects our willingness to work with the federal government.

On how his life has changed

It is easier to ask you all (the media) to come to my press conference and nowadays, I don’t have much opportunity to have social drinking because it makes me tired and since I deal a lot with civil servants (many are ladies).

I don’t want to offend them because alcohol breath is not that pleasant – tak manis (not sweet). I have stopped drinking since March 8.

But I am not a heavy drinker so it doesn’t really matter. Nowadays I am dull and boring company. No time for football and no time for golf also. I heard the US Open is very exciting. Sometimes social drinking is nice just to interact with people. My working hours are the same – 24/7.

On his family

Do I miss my wife? She misses me (laughs). I see my children only when I come back. When I get home they are sleeping, when I leave, they are still sleeping.

On reconciling irregularities approved by the previous administration

When you talk about irregularities, Hunza (the developer) has actually sent their submissions to the appeal board but they withdrew their suit and complaint, so no irregularities are proven. They also did not lodge a police report.

I can only review a case when there is evidence of mala fide (bad faith). But how do I prove mala fide when the complainant withdrew his submission on his own accord.

The other thing you have to consider - PGCC- the zoning thing - you make decisions like that where there is no mala fide, there will be huge costs involved. Under the law, to pay expectations of profit is huge - you want to put that at risk?

The legal question when you talk about a land scam, you talk about expectations of profits, you are talking about tens and tens of millions of ringgit one case - which is still in court.

When you make decisions, much as you like to do things, we are also bound by the legal framework we operate under. Let’s say we want to review any project, you can prove any mala fide, good. But if you can’t, I just listen to you, who will bear the cost finally? The people of Penang and I have a responsibility to them.

In the Kampung Buah Pala case where the land is still occupied and the units for the proposed development sold, we have formed a committee to look into the question to see whether we can actually prove mala fide. This issue is also in court.

And this has given rise to worries from those who bought but we want to make sure legal issues are resolved. If it is all hanging in the air, it is no good for anyone. But I think we should be coming to a conclusion in the next few months.

We do not want to approve, sanction or approve, or endorse something where there is fraud, mala fide or corruption. The question is to prove these corrupt practices first.

On reviving George Town

We have certain projects lined up to bring back life to the inner city. This is part of tourism. MICE, eco-tourism, heritage. If we can get projects to come in we can do it – let us unveil slowly.

Look at our land reforms – let the effects show. Let its economic value show. My main focus is to build the necessary infrastructure and allow the private sector to drive the economy subject to certain regulations which ensure social needs are provided for.

On local government elections

We are subject to federal laws, much as we would like to do so. We can only push for the necessarily amendments at federal level. But we have given our commitment to push for it at the latest, the next general election. If we do that on our own it will cost a lot of money.

On the NGOs’ high expectations

These high expectations are something we have to deal with. We also have high expectations but we have to be realistic - we work within the perimeters because when we come in, the civil service also has to adjust to us.

When you talk about reducing red tape, ensuring accountability and transparency, the implementers are the civil servants. We have to guide and lead them and make sure that they also have the same spirit and culture. It is not that they do not want but they are not used to it.

Of course there are some bad hats, bad eggs in the basket - but that is normal in any organisation. The real challenge is to root them out. This is a process of transition, adjustment, accommodation - so that we can go together as one team to forge ahead.

On whether the ongoing feud between the previous and new administration has affected investment

So far it has not been affected. People are still showing interest. What is important is that we show our commitment and sincerity towards delivery. I think we have shown to them that we can deliver. One of the companies that came was actually looking at another site in Malaysia, and were thinking of choosing that site after the elections but finally after meeting us, they decided not only to come to Penang but also to increase their investment by 50%.

That says a lot. If foreign investors are making us their choice destination, local investors should also have the same confidence by investing in Penang.

We are not denying that other people have contributed but closing the deal is not easy. For those who have done business, closing the deal is often the hardest part.

Just like when you talk about getting the lady of your dreams to say yes - it’s not easy at all. So as I said, when you talk about these efforts, it is the combined efforts of all people from Penang.

On living up to the expectations of the people of Penang

That is very subjective. We try to live up to their expectations. We are still sempoi (simple) saja. We still lead a simple lifestyle.

Penang CM Guan Eng celebrates 100th day - The Star

2008-06-17T20:33:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 17, 2008 By LIM AI LEE

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was a picture of confidence as he took questions at a special news conference held in conjunction with his 100 days in office.

Except for his policy advisor Liew Chin Tong, there was no entourage -- unlike his first day in office on March 11, when his father and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang sat by his side and Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives and party comrades stood behind him.

If he had seemed rather overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead then, Guan Eng was more at ease this time, fielding questions on his achievements to date and the challenges ahead.

With his hair swept back, Guan Eng’s face seemed even more angular these days and he admitted to having lost 15 kg since he took office.

On how his life has changed in the last 100 days, the DAP secretary-general quipped that it was now easier to get journalists to cover his press conferences.

Guan Eng said he had also given up social drinking but leisure time was now practically non-existent.

“I no longer have time for football or golf. I have not been able to catch the Euro 2008 and I heard the US Golf Open is really exciting this time,” he lamented. “Work is 24-7."

Even family has to take a back seat.

"Do I miss my wife (Betty Chew)? She misses me. I see my children only when I come back. When I get home they are sleeping, when I leave, they are still sleeping.”

The Malacca-born has picked up a smattering of Penang’s sing-song Hokkien but his southern accent is still a give-away.

One thing that has remained unchanged for Guan Eng though is that he still flies AirAsia and MAS economy class, even on long distance travel.

Guan Eng said he believes in a “sempoi” or simple lifestyle.

“If I can fly economy before, I don’t see why I can’t still do it now.”

He would like to take advantage of the "zero-fare" offers but that would require early planning, something he could not do due to a punishing schedule.

To cut costs, he said the new government had scrapped the purchase of new cars, held functions in government complexes instead of expensive hotels, and catered cooked food for guests.

At the media session held at his office on the 29th floor of Komtar, journalists were served a packet of nasi lemak wrapped in newspaper and a piece of nyonya kuih each.

“It’s a sign of hard days,” Guan Eng quipped.

STATEMENT BY LIM BOO CHANG AND HIS 350 SUPPORTERS JOINING PKR

2008-06-16T20:26:00.000+08:00

Jun 16, 2008

A group of us numbering 351 people of all races and from different trades and different strata of Penang have decided to join Parti KeADILan Rakyat after careful evaluation of the present political scenario of our country and a deeper understanding of the political objectives of PKR.

Our applications to join PKR as members had been accepted by the party as announced by Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader of the Party, in Bayan Baru, Penang, last night.

We felt that a two-party system has emerged after March 8th, 2008, and it is healthy for Malaysia not to be dominated by any single party as before, if our aim is to achieve a true parliamentary democracy and a free society.

There are a few important reasons as to why we chose PKR:

Firstly, it is truely multi-racial in its set-up and is steadfastedly and consistently against racism, chauvinism and religious extremism.

Secondly, it practises politics of moderation, accountability and transparency and has proclaimed a war on corruption, croynism and nepotism.

Thirdly, its stance for social juistice made it more relevant to the middle and lower strata of our society which cut across race while it is pro-business and progress.

Fourthly, its fight for democracy, justice and freedom such as the exposure of Lingam’s video clip have contributed to a helthier growth of our judiciary system to become more independent and trusworthy.

Fifthly, it is very important to strenghten PKR and hence Pakatan Rakyat to assist them in their adminitration of the 5 states under their charge as popularly decided by the people on March 8th, and to ensure that Pakatan Rakyat is always a viable and credible alternate government to the Barisan Nasional.

We collectively and strongly beleive that our decision to join PKR is a matter of public interests and we should inform the public of our move. We also hope that more people could join the PKR in the process of causing constant social change which has been stepped up lately through the reform movement.

Some of us had been involved in politics but some are new blood in politics. However, all of us sincerely wish to see a better tomorrow for Malaysia as championed by Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team as comprehensively laid out in the New Malaysian Economic Agenda.
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We look forward to the society’s support to carry out our political struggle so as to make Malaysia a better and safer place for everyone to live in.

Awaiting nod for schools - NST

2008-06-16T10:18:00.002+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 16, 2008 By Phuah Ken Lin

The state government will urge the Education Ministry to fast-track the approval of additional national and vernacular schools to overcome the shortage of such schools.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there had been delays in the construction of schools after the land was handed over by the state government to the ministry.

"To make matters worse, the state government cannot reclaim the land ownership once it is given up. As such, I want the ministry to give its assurance that the construction works will start immediately after the land title is surrendered to the federal authorities," he said after opening the DAP Bayan Baru community centre here on Saturday

Lim said there had not been any new vernacular schools here for a very long time and the state administration wanted the federal government to address this matter.

Asked on the number of schools to be built, Lim said he would leave it to the ministry to decide.

He said the government should increase its allocations for new national and vernacular schools in tandem with population growth

Know your state rep: No more games as Jagdeep gets to work - NST

2008-06-14T09:45:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 14, 2008

Jagdeep Singh Deo is happy to be a state representative.

Datuk Keramat state assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo used to swim and play squash and badminton regularly, but since the dissolution of Parliament, he has had to give them up.

The lawyer, who is married with three children, said he also used to go to the gymnasium with his two older children three times a week.

"But now, I do not have the energy to do that as I am working seven days a week."

Jagdeep finds that he has very little time for himself as he battles to juggle his roles as a lawyer, assemblyman and family man.

But even with the increasing workload, Jagdeep is, in his own words, "extremely happy to be a state representative".

In the elections, Jagdeep defeated Gerakan incumbent Ong Thean Lye with a 1,855-majority.

"Now is the time for me to serve the best I can. I hope I will be able to discharge my duties well."

A typical day for Jagdeep begins at the courthouse, after which he will rush to his service centre at Jalan Datuk Keramat here.

Jagdeep has his hands full overseeing his constituency.

The issues he has to deal with include drainage and irrigation problems and people being unable to secure low-cost housing, he said.

During the state assembly sitting, Jagdeep will be raising the issue of transportation and reduction of traffic jams and crime, as well as the status of complaints on abuse of power and corruption involving the previous state government.

E-tracking complaints from voters - The Star

2008-06-14T09:38:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 14, 2008 By LOOI SUE-CHERN

A state representative here has introduced an online e-tracking system for his constituents, which he believes is the first of its kind in the country.

Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin said the system would record details of individual complaints such as the number of days since the complaints were received, who in his staff they were directed to, pending actions and the urgency of the problems.

“I don’t think any elected representative has introduced a proper system to handle online complaints like this,” he told reporters yesterday during the soft launch of his service centre located opposite Bukit Jambul Complex at Jalan Rumbai.

PKR Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will launch the centre tomorrow.

Sim said the people had all along been e-mailing their representatives about their problems.

“The system that I have introduced will remind me or my staff and volunteers of the complaints that are pending for action,” he said.

Like e-mail applications, it also allows attachments of documents and pictures.

Sim’s service centre IT manager and financial planner Sam S’ng said it took about a month to develop the system.

He said the system would also show what had been done to resolve community problems as well as record the assemblyman and his staff’s performance just like a report card.

To lodge complaints to Sim and his staff, Pantai Jerejak constituents can log on to www.pantaijerejak.com/etracking/login.aspx.

The service centre is open from 2pm to 8pm every Tuesday and Thursday and 10am to 2pm every Saturday.

Those seeking help from Sim can call the centre’s hotline 019-4432088 during the operating hours.

Penang land scams to be made public soon - The Star

2008-06-14T09:36:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 14, 2008 By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

A report on alleged land scams in the previous state administration will be submitted to the state executive council in the first week of July.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said they would make public the findings as former deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah had failed to give an explanation before the April 28 deadline.

“Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin who is leading the investigation will table the findings during the first exco meeting of July,” he told newsmen.

Abdul Rashid had earlier challenged Lim to expose the alleged discrepancies, complete with specific details including lot numbers, locations and names of landowners.

Lim also said the state was mulling over the possibility of re-introducing free shuttle bus services to help ease hardship faced by the people because of the drastic increase in fuel price. He also announced that the state government would go ahead with the Penang Bridge Marathon in October, after the Hari Raya celebration.

On the proposed second bridge project, Lim said the state was of the opinion that the project should continue although the estimated cost increased from RM2.7bil to RM4.3bil.

Lim added that the construction of the second bridge was scheduled to be completed by 2011 and work on the pre cast beams was already 50% completed.

Kah Choon's plan: Penang a MICE hub - The Sun

2008-06-13T22:43:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (June 13, 2008): By Opalyn Mok

InvestPenang aims to turn Penang into a premier hub for meetings, incentives and exhibitions (MICE) in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Golden Triangle (IMT GT).
InvestPenang executive director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said one of the shortcomings of Penang is the lack of international standard MICE facilities.

"So we are seriously looking at pulling in investors to develop MICE facilities here," he said.

The state government has already identified four sites on the island and mainland which can be used to build a MICE centre, complete with infrastructure and facilities.

"We will need to conduct feasibility studies first to see the suitability of the land," he said, adding that the plots identified include state-owned and reclamation land.

The project will be opened up for tender by any foreign or even local investors. The whole process will include a request for concept, request for proposal and request for quotation from the interested investors.

"Only the most competitive bidder will get the job and we hope to kickstart this whole project in two to three years," he told a press conference on the future plans and current investment issues in Penang at InvestPenang office in Bayan Baru here on today.

He added that InvestPenang is also streamlining its expenditure due to rising costs but this does not mean it is cutting down its staff or its investment missions.

"We will continue to intensify investment missions internationally and locally but we will do it at lower costs by flying economy, staying at three-star hotels or less and car pooling for domestic travel," he said.

Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, who is also a member of the board of committee of InvestPenang and who was present at the press conference, said there is a need for the federal government to look at giving tax reliefs for the industries and investors here to cushion the effect of the petrol price hike.

"One of the companies have told me that due to increasing costs, the company will have to fork out additional RM42 million per year," he said.

He added although the government introduced measures to cushion the effects for Malaysians at large, the industries and investors were forgotten.

"They are the major consumers of energy and they should at least be given tax relief or have their corporate tax abolished for this year," he said.

Sorry, no free water in Penang - The Sun

2008-06-12T21:11:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (June 12, 2008): By Opalyn Mok

The Penang government will not do away with water tariffs like Selangor nor will it increase the rates this year.

"We have no plans to provide free water to Penangites because the rates here are still the cheapest in the country," Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said the water consumption rate in Penang is also one of the highest in the country, so it is not feasible to provide free water.

"Maybe it's because water tariff rates are low, that's why Penangites tend to waste water, and we want people to conserve water," he said.

He said only when water is expensive will people not waste it.

However, this does not mean the state government plans to increase the water tariff rates this year.

"It is also unlikely that we will increase the rates next year," he said.

The only reason the state government would consider increasing water tariff rates is if water consumption jumps astronomically.

"Then we may consider increasing it to save water," he told a press conference in the Penang International Sports Arena here today.

On another matter, Lim described the 60% increase in the cost of the Penang second bridge from RM2.7 billion to RM4.3 billion in one year as frightening.

"Even with increasing prices of petrol and materials, how could it increase by RM1.6 billion within a a year?

"The inflation rate last year was only about 2% so the costs should only increase by 2%, not 60%," he said.

Lim said the higher cost will only burden the people of Penang as it would mean higher toll rates.

"They should get Petronas to sponsor the bridge project. What is RM4.3 billion to them if they could spend extravagantly on gala dinners overseas and buying their own private jets?" he said.

He also said the federal government should explain to the people why the costs have increased so much within a year.

Penang to Fed Govt: Explain 60% hike in bridge cost - The Star

2008-06-12T21:08:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 12, 2008 By ANDREA FILMER

The cost of the second Penang Bridge has ballooned from RM2.7bil to RM4.5bil within a year and the state government wants an explanation.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there was no reason for such a huge increase as the official rate of inflation in 2007 was around 2.3%.

“On one hand, the federal government says there is a 2% inflation rate, but at the same time they have allowed a 60% increase of about RM1.6bil for the second bridge.

“If the inflation rate is 2%, then the cost of the bridge should only rise by 2%, and if inflation is truly at 60%, then our salaries should be raised 60%,” Lim said after opening a building exhibition at the Penang International Sports Arena.

He said the federal government had to explain the steep increase in costs as Penangites would eventually have to bear the expense through toll rates.

When asked about the rising cost of raw materials such as steel, Lim said the producer price inflation was set at about 5% last year.

“The rise in the price of raw materials would also have been included when counting the inflation rate.”

On talk of Federal Government opening up the second Penang Bridge project for tender, Lim said he supported the move.

“The Penang government has always welcomed the idea of an open tender as it will produce the best and most competitive price for the second bridge. If the Federal Government plans to review the project and introduce an open tender, the state would be 100% behind the move,” he said.

The project was awarded last year to UEM World Bhd which formed a joint venture with China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) to build the second bridge.

Penang sets up 'freedom of info' committee - The Star

2008-06-11T23:52:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 12, 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

Penang has formed an ad hoc committee to set guidelines on information that the public and the media can access directly from government departments without any hassle.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the committee’s aim was to create a "freedom of information" culture at a level that was comfortable to all.

“We want to provide an avenue and opportunity for the mass media and the public, where information that is not sensitive or classified as secret can be obtained freely and for free,” he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting on Wednesday.

He said state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim would head the committee, assisted by state Town and Country Planning and Housing committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and a representative from the state secretariat.

Lim said the committee would direct the departments to categorise and classify information that can be released to the public.

He said it would also ascertain whether these categorisations were proper, appropriate and reasonable.

He said the committee would then hold discussions with media representatives and non-governmental organisations for their opinions, and come up with guidelines on how such information could be obtained directly from the departments.

MPPP gets injunction against Gurney Plaza developer - The Sun

2008-06-10T19:45:00.001+08:00

GEORGE TOWN (June 10, 2008): By Bernard Cheah

The High Court here granted the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) an inter parte injunction to prevent a developer from carrying out extension works on the Gurney Plaza mall after working hours.
The inter parte injunction against Etika Cekap Sdn Bhd, as well as Gurney Plaza Sdn Bhd, BEP Arkitek Sdn Bhd and RB Contracts Sdn Bhd, was made to stop construction work of the nine-storey building beyond 8am to 6pm from Mondays to Saturdays as well as Sundays and public holidays.

High Court Judge Datuk Ghazali Cha granted the order in chambers yesterday after hearing submissions from both the plaintiff and the defendants yesterday.

Ghazali said it was clear from the evidence that MPPP had given numerous notices and warnings to the developer to stop work beyond the permitted hours.

However, there were still breaches in the limitations imposed on the working hours.

Ghazali found that the reasons given for the said breaches were "remeh" (trivial), stressing that the defendants could overcome their problem with proper planning.

He said the issue not only attracted public interest but also of the government, including the chief minister, wherein the developer had placed economic interests over public interest.

No trial date has been fixed.

The defendants asked for an oral application for stay of execution but were told to submit a written application.

The defendants, represented by Jeyasingam Balasingam, K. Kirubakaran and Mureli Navaratnam, indicated they will appeal.

The plaintiff's counsels were Dominic Pillai, Karin Lim and William Lim.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and MPPP president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman had visited the construction site on May 14.

Guan Eng had then reportedly expressed dissatisfaction that the developer did not heed warnings by the local authorities not to conduct construction work beyond the permitted hours.

'Call to scrap bridge undermined investors' confidence' - The Sun

2008-06-10T11:31:00.002+08:00

SEBERANG PERAI (June 9, 2008): By Opalyn Mok

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says Penang Umno's call for the second bridge to be scrapped had undermined foreign investors' confidence in the state.

"Umno's call in March has particularly affected investments from (South) Korea," he added.

"My trip to (South) Korea was to restore their (Koreans) confidence and although we know that the bridge will commence and be built due to assurances from the second finance minister, we have to try very hard to convince them about this," he said.

He added that if necessary, he may have to make another trip to (South) Korea to give them further assurances that the bridge project will commence.

Lim said his recent trip to Hongkong and (South) Korea was a business networking visit to reintroduce Penang to investors.

"Many in Hongkong have not been to Penang since 15 or 20 years ago, so it is time for them to re-visit Penang," he said.

Speaking in a press conference after the ground breaking ceremony of Ibiden Electronics Malaysia Sdn Bhd in the Penang Science Park in Bukit Minyak today, Lim said there are companies in the biotechnology, high technology, manufacturing and service industries with high wage job opportunities that are interested in coming to Penang.

"It is not appropriate for me to announce which companies are coming here as confidentiality is important. We have to respect the confidentiality of the companies and let them make their announcements," he said.

Lim described vernacular Chinese newspaper reports quoting certain politicians as revealing foreign investors' plan as "irresponsible".

"These politicians, especially those who have been in this for 18 years, should understand that this should be kept in strict confidentiality. It could be efforts by them (the politicians) to discourage investments here," he said.

"We should not identify companies which have not finalised their decisions to invest here as we must respect their need for strict confidentiality," he said.

It is believed one of the politicians Lim was referring to is former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon who has been quoted by the vernacular newspapers.

Lift the burden, govt urged - The Star

2008-06-10T11:22:00.001+08:00

Jun 10, 2008 By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

The Penang Government can inject over RM93mil into the economy by reducing assessment rates and rental of public housing, and waiving hawker's fees.

The Penang Gerakan local government bureau suggested the move as short-term positive measures for the state to help Penangites in view of recent price hikes.

The bureau’s six former municipal councillors, led by Teh Leong Meng, proposed that the state grant a 50% reduction in assessment for all residential and commercial properties, and a 70% reduction in rental of public housing owned by the state and its two municipal councils.

Making proposals: Teh (right) speaking at the press conference. With him are Dr Lim and Mohan.

They also proposed that the state waive the rental and licensing fees for all stalls in markets, hawkers' complexes and temporary hawker sites owned by the state and the municipal councils.

The six – Teh, Tan Yeow Joo and Lim Kean Guan from Penang Municipal Council (MPPP), and Dr Lim Boon Han, A. Mohan and Phee Boon Choon from Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) – made the proposals at a press conference at the Penang Gerakan headquarters yesterday.

Teh said that based on the 2007 budgets of the local councils, the proposed steps would cost the MPPP RM53.99mil and the MPSP RM39.38mil.

“For MPPP, the amount is only 28.14% of its total income of RM191.86mil. We believe that with a competent government bent on cutting down on unnecessary overheads and excesses, the council will be able to make it,” he added.

Dr Lim said that for MPSP, the sum was only 26.5% in reduction from its yearly RM148mil income.

“It is not a very big amount, especially with the state government’s idea of transparency, good governance and prudent spending,” he said.

Teh said the measures should reduce the inflationary pressure and help the people, especially the poor and needy, to tide over the difficult period brought about by the fuel price increase and the price hike due to the food crisis.

”While we wait for the Federal Government to help the people throughout the nation, the state government can do something concrete to help the people of Penang,” he said.

Asked if the previous state administration could have introduced such steps, Teh said the situation did not arise in the past as the people were not facing such abnormal circumstances brought about by the food crisis and the Federal Government reducing petrol subsidy.

Council gets cracking on woes of residents - The Star

2008-06-04T19:08:00.000+08:00

Jun 4, 2008 By DERRICK VINESH

A Panel of professionals will look into allegations that construction work on an apartment project in Taman Sutera Prima, Seberang Jaya, had caused cracks on several double-storey houses nearby.

Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Farizan Darus said the developer was slapped with a second stop-work order effective last Friday after the first order, issued in April, was lifted in May.

“We will station our enforcement officers at the project site. If there is any truth to the residents’ claim, the contractor has violated the second stop-work order,” he said after visiting the project site and affected houses on Monday evening.

He said the council would decide on the next course of action after the panel’s findings and recommenda-tions.

Getting to the root of the problem: Farizan (second left) at the site of the project.

Farizan said the panel comprised representatives from Malaysia Public Works Institute (Ikram), Cons-truction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and technical officers from the council.

On May 6, Taman Sutera Prima residents highlighted their fears to Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin who instructed the relevant authorities to sort out the matter.

Taman Sutera Prima Residents Action Committee chairman Amirudeen Saidu Mohamed, 30, said cracks had appeared especially on 38 units in Lorong Sutera Prima 7 which were merely 12m away from the project site.

“We have been staying here for 18 months. The cracks started appearing when piling work on the project began last December.

“It has been four months since we complained to the relevant authorities, but the matter has yet to be resolved,” he said.

He said they wanted an assurance that their homes were safe to stay despite the cracks.

The project comprises a 38-storey and a 24-storey apartment block as well as a 10-storey car park block.

Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah said the developer must give due attention to the residents’ safety when carrying out construction work.

“Instead of hammering columns under the present spun piling method, the developer should switch to the bore piling method using drills when constructing the two other blocks later on.

“This may help reduce the impact on the nearby housing units,” he said.

From leasehold to freehold - The Star

2008-06-03T16:59:00.001+08:00

Jun 3, 2008 By CHRISTINA CHIN

FOR many, it’s like striking lottery. Leaseholders of state land have welcomed Pe-nang’s new land policy allowing them to convert their property to freehold status as it would mean an increase in property prices.

Pioneer Bayan Baru resident and the area’s Rukun Tetangga chairman Chai Tsing Boo, 64, said he would meet with the township’s various residents associations (RA) and Bayan Baru MP Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim to discuss the procedures for getting their residential leasehold titles converted.

“Everything we know so far is from the media. I think it is im-portant to speak to a state representative who can advise us on what needs to be done so that we can submit the relevant forms collectively,” he said.

According to Chai, “thousands and thousands” of Bayan Baru township homeowners would benefit from the policy as a majority of the homes there were built by the Penang Development Cor-poration (PDC).

“Developed in 1974, my single storey terrace house was under the first phase of PDC’s Bayan Ba-ru development comprising 477 single-storey terrace houses and 74 units of single-storey semi-detached houses.

Big change soon:These leasehold flats at Gat Lebuh Macallum were built by PDC.

“The unit was originally priced at RM29,500. Today, despite being a 99-year leasehold property, the value has increased by sevenfold.

“Some of my neighbours who have renovated their homes ma-naged to sell them for about RM300,000,” he said, adding that there was “about 30 years” left on his lease.

“Of course I will take advantage of the conversion policy because I want to leave our family home to my children,” he said, adding that under the last administration, a si-milar conversion policy was allo-wed but only for certain areas.

Food outlet owner Azhar Ramli and his mother, Halijah Yusof, were both unaware of the new policy but welcomed the news.

“Between my two siblings and me, we own two commercial shop lots and four flats in Bayan Baru – all are 99-year leasehold properties by PDC.

“We definitely want to convert our residential titles and will find out more at the Land Office on the procedures involved. Hopefully the premium won’t be too high,” Azhar, 36, said.

Halijah was “very happy” but hoped the policy could be extended to include conversion of commercial leasehold units into freehold titles as well.

A photographer who only wan-ted to be known as Ch’ng, said he would not be “rushing” to convert his land just yet.

“We don’t know how long it will take for the re-alienation to take place. If it is within six months, then I will consider.

“For people like us who are not planning on selling our units, the increase in value after conversion doesn’t really make a difference. In fact, we may end up paying more in assessment after conversion,” the 56-year-old said.

Penang Development Corpora-tion Properties Sdn Bhd (PDCP) chief executive officer Osman Kallahan said he was in “total agreement” with the new land policy as it would benefit the rakyat.

“The change in title will add value to the property, making it more ‘bankable’. This will allow PDC home owners to upgrade their lives and standard of living,” he said, adding that prior to 2005, all PDC development projects in the state were leasehold properties.

“In the past 35 years, PDC had built 22,000 homes but since PDCP was incorporated three years ago, we have developed four freehold projects on the island and mainland.

“With this new policy, we hope

Govt has legal right to convert - The Star

2008-06-03T16:58:00.001+08:00

Jun 3, 2008

A senior lawyer in his 80s said all land matters came under the purview of the state government – including conver-sion.

“Allowing conversion would ensure that property remained in the family,” he opined, adding that once converted to freehold status, the government could only compel the landowners to sell the property under the Land Acquisi-tion Act if certain conditions were met.

“Among these requirements are that the state would need to acquire the land for some public purpose and even then, compensation according to mar-ket value must be made,” he said.

Lawyer Goh Kok Thye said the Federal Constitution and National Land Code (NLC) clearly empo-wered the state to convert the land’s status.

“Although there is no specific provision under the NLC for land conversion, the law clearly allows it,” he said.

Another lawyer, Geeta Suresh Chand said state-owned land could be alienated through free-hold or leasehold grants and the government was well within its rights to facilitate any conversion it deemed fit.

“All conversion premiums will go to the state’s coffers which can then be used to further develop Penang,” she said.

However, lawyer Eugene Cheong said a systematic conver-sion application mechanism must be developed.

“Normally, the state alienates its land to the Penang Deve- lopment Corporation (PDC). The majority of those who will bene- fit from this policy are low and medium cost leasehold home-owners who may not have access to legal representation and are not well-versed in procedural land matters.

“Lim’s announcement is timely and much welcomed but now that the floodgates are open, we must make sure that the layman is able to benefit,” he said, adding that to convert the property’s status, a formal appli-cation must be made to the Land Office which will then forward the application to the state land executive commit- tee.

“Usually, it is the developer who will apply for the conversion on behalf of the home owners but if the property has already been transferred to the individual, he or she will have to do it,” he said.

Cheong noted that the NLC did not specify the premium payment but the state should consider lowering the sum for low-income earners.

Describing the conversion poli-cy as creating a “win-win situa-tion” for everyone, he said an individual would benefit as free-hold property was more valuable and the state would increase its funds.

Seven errant parking operators to be replaced

2008-06-02T13:37:00.001+08:00

The Star - Jun 2, 2008 By LOOI SUE-CHERN

THE services of seven parking operators will be terminated by Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) after they are found to have cheated and over charged motorists of their parking fees.

The seven operators will be replaced next month after MPPP found them to have overcharged, issuing tickets for cars parked outside the parking lots, not issuing tickets according to the collection time and not wearing badges to identify themselves as authorised parking attendants.

MPPP councillor Tan Hun Wooi said the operators were identified when they conducted spot-checks around the island following public complaints.

He said all the operators involved were found to have violated their maximum demerit points to allow them to operate the business.

“The seven companies had accumulated demerit points of between 85 and 196,” he said.

The maximum demerit points allowed are 75.

Tan said MPPP was in the process of appointing new contractors via tenders to replace the errant operators.

“The selection process for the new operators is being held and the operators are expected to start next month.”

He said the current operators’ contracts, which lapsed in May, had not been renewed but the operators were allowed to continue operations on a monthly basis until replacements were found.

He also said motorists should take extra efforts to inspect their parking tickets and receipts to ensure they were not cheated by the unscrupulous operators.

Tan said this after officiating the third Penang Cheshire Agoonoree at Penang Cheshire Home at Babington Avenue on Saturday.

He said MPPP was also looking at introducing a new parking system for Penang starting March next year.

“Among the systems proposed are the coupon system, prepaid scan system and automatic ticket system like the one in Petaling Jaya,” he said.

Stopwork order if project has caused cracks

2008-06-01T11:07:00.002+08:00

The Star - June 1, 2008

State Local Government, Traffic Manage-ment and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said they have directed Malaysia Public Works Institute (Ikram) to examine and ascertain how the cracks appeared in the residents’ houses.

“If the cracks were related to the cons-truction works, a stopwork order will be issued,” he said in a statement.

It was reported in newspapers yesterday that some 150 residents in Jalan Kuantan claimed that cracks, which first appeared in early January and were growing larger by the day, had appeared on their pre-war houses and shops.

The developer, Ivory Gleneory Sdn Bhd, is undertaking the construction of the RM1bil project on a 5.2ha site in Jalan Datuk Keramat.

Let state get on with its job, chamber urges NGOs

2008-06-01T11:05:00.000+08:00

The Star - June 1, 2008

Its president Datuk Khor Teng Tong said yesterday that the Pakatan Rakyat government was new and still working to bring in tangible changes to the state.

“However, many NGOs are overly eager to give their opinions on the running of the state administration.

“They should only act within the scope of their organisations and not to get involved in everything.

“At the end of the day, the state government will be bogged down by having to deal with only trivial issues (by responding to their comments),” he said at the PCCC annual general meeting yesterday.

On May 23, it was that a coalition of 12 NGOs had advised the state not to agree to federal-funded infrastructure projects until a transport master plan was in place. A month earlier, an NGO, called the Coalition for Local Government Elections, had expressed dismay at the “over representation” of chambers of commerce representatives in the two municipal councils in the state.