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.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Free WiFi on Rapid Penang buses - Star
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
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
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mansor tipped to be PKR candidate for Penanti - Sun
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.
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
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.
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.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Fairus says it again: I quit - Malaysiakini
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)
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)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
MACC clears Fairus of corruption charges - Sun
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.
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.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Don't speculate on Fairus' resignation, says Penang PKR chief - Star
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Fairus quits his Penanti seat - Star
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Guan Eng: States ruled by Pakatan still strong - Star
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.
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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Guan Eng: Don ‘t harp on funds allocation - Sun
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.
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.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Penang waives premium for leasehold title change - Star
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.
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.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Guan Eng warns Gamuda about making allegations - Sun
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Penang mulls developer fund to fix hillslope projects - Star
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Guan Eng stumped over agreement to pay RM33.18 million advance to IJM - Sun
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Open tender for tourism development on Pulau Jerejak - Star
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.
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
ISA detentions keep CM away - Star
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 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.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
PENANG COUNCIL:Balik Pulau National Service built without permission - NST
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
All victims can seek aid - Star
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
