Look who’s breathing down Patrick’s neck…

 Development issues, Environment, Malaysian finance/business, People's Park/PGCC  3 Responses »
Nov 302007
 
Look who's breathing down Patrick's neck...

Priceless moment: A bemused Patrick Lim, the developer of the Penang Global City Centre, turns to look at heritage conservationist Loh-Lim Lin Lee as she presents the PGCC Campaign Group’s grave concerns about his mega project during the Penang Local Government Consultative Forum on 23 November. On Patrick’s right is Nasrine Seraji, the PGCC master planner. Seated behind the pair are half a dozen activists and others critical of the PGCC, including environmentalist Gurmit Singh (in blue shirt) who mocked the proposal to put up wind turbines, pointing out that the country just doesn’t have enough wind for it to work. Lots of hot air, yes… but just not enough wind, sorry guys! (Photo credit: PHT) One of the questions raised was: “Carbon-0 is really carbon off-setting or carbon trading, isn’t it? Buy carbon reduction projects elsewhere (and) leave all the carbon emissions of PGCC in Penang?” Patrick replied, “I [Read more]

 Posted by Anil Netto at 10.36pm

Can Media Prima take on Malaysia Today and Malaysiakini?

 Civil society, Democracy, Human rights, Malaysian finance/business, Media  5 Responses »
Nov 292007
 

This is a piece I wrote for Asia Times about Media Prima’s intention to plunge into the Internet in a big way, ostensibly to diversify its revenue base and tap into on-line advertising revenue. Telekom Malaysia is spending billions to prepare the ground with high-speed broadband around the country. Though the main focus of Media Prima – which owns TV3, ntv7, 8TV and TV9; yes all the private stations! – appears to be entertainment, it also recognises that news is going to be crucial. Will the combined resources of Harian Metro (the country’s top selling newspaper), Berita Harian and New Straits Times prove more than a match for independent websites such as Malaysia Today and Malaysiakini? Malaysian media giant grasps for Internet By Anil Netto PENANG – The media battle for Malaysian hearts and minds, pitting the government-controlled print and electronic media against critical Internet websites and blogs, is heating [Read more]

 Posted by Anil Netto at 1.47pm

When human rights activists let their hair down…

 Civil society, Democracy, Development issues, Human rights, Marginalised groups, Media, Politics, Poverty, Workers' rights  2 Responses »
Nov 292007
 
When human rights activists let their hair down...

The Aliran Singers re-united and in full flow! Aliran turns 30: A heart-warming celebration of justice It was all so different from the official Merdeka celebrations, monopolised and dominated by members of the ruling coalition, recalls Anil Netto, of a night to remember. Full article Why not support the cause of human rights and justice by subscribing to Aliran Monthly, Malaysia’s leading independent English-language current affairs journal.

 Posted by Anil Netto at 1.45pm
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