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And so the PGCC PR battle begins…

PGCC roadshow Queensbay Mall

The PGCC developer has taken its road-show to Queensbay Mall

Looks like the PR battle has begun. The Penang Global City Centre developer is on a road show promoting its project in Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza in Penang.

Just received in the email the following hypothetical conversation between the pro-PGCC lobby and a member of the public.

Would have been hilarious if there wasn’t a ring (more like alarm bells) of truth about the details of the project. Though the conversation below is probably hypothetical, I am told that those promoting the project do not have all the answers when questioned by people who are more in touch with what the plan actually entails. Makes you wonder if they really believe what they are being paid to promote.

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Tuesday, 30 October 2007 Posted by anilnetto | Development issues, Environment/climate change, Malaysian finance/business, Public transport | | 16 Comments

Milan and Penang: Trams vs Monorail/PORR/PGCC

Monorail Penang routeGreetings from Milan! I am here presenting a paper at a conference.

Walking around the city, I must say I have been impressed with Milan’s excellent network of underground trains, trams (old and modern), buses and taxies - though locals tell me there is still room for improvement.

But first, what’s this? Someone alerted me to a Penang monorail route map posted on Wikipedia. I am not sure who posted that entry:

“The Penang Monorail is a future monorail line to be constructed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). It will be located on Penang Island. Two lines will be built, with possible extensions to Province Wellesley in the future. The 37km system is expected to cost RM 1.1 billion.

“The names of all the stations on the monorail are still mostly unknown, although the main stops are confirmed. The Red Line will run between Tanjung Tokong and the Penang International Airport via Scotland Road, Jalan Air Itam and the Penang State Mosque. The Green Line will run between Paya Terubong and Weld Quay Terminal, via Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Dato’ Keramat, and Komtar. The interchange will be situated at Jalan Air Itam.”

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Sunday, 28 October 2007 Posted by anilnetto | Development issues, Energy resources, Environment/climate change, Public transport | | 16 Comments

“It is people like Hishamudin who should be heading the judiciary”

Justice Hishamudin has created waves with his decision to punish the government for its detention and torture of activist Abdul Malek Hussin. In the wake of his decision, some Malaysians are even suggesting that if the government really wants to restore the shine back to the judiciary, then judges like Hishamudin should be allowed to head the judiciary.

RIGHTS-MALAYSIA: Damages Award Exposes Internal Security Act

By Anil Netto

PENANG, Oct 24 (IPS) - A stunning court decision awarding a huge sum in damages to an activist who was detained without trial and tortured has galvanised activists campaigning for the repeal of Malaysia’s harsh Internal Security Act (ISA).

It has also put a little shine back in the judiciary, which has been rocked by an explosive video clip apparently revealing the fixing of judical appointments and promotions by a coterie of well-connected individuals in legal, business and political circles. Full article

Friday, 26 October 2007 Posted by anilnetto | Accountability, Democracy, Human rights, Judiciary, Malaysian politics | | 2 Comments