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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 don’t know about the carbon off-setting you are talking about.”

But on page 19 of the glossy PGCC launch booklet, it is clearly stated:

After efforts to reduce energy requirements and maximize renewable energy sources are exhausted, carbon offsetting can neutralise the remaining emissions associated with the city to achieve carbon zero status.

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 up in the run-up to general elections. Now, Malaysia’s largest private media conglomerate, Media Prima, has unveiled big investment plans to generate Internet content, a revenue diversification strategy aimed at getting a larger slice of the growing on-line advertising pie. For the full article, click here.

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

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