These days, those who go to the market often complain about the high prices of foodstuff including vegetables. It’s the stuff that many household heads talk about, especially the working class. How on earth to make ends meet…
We are now forced to rely on vegetables from Cameron Highlands, transported by lorries to various markets in towns and cities in the peninsula.
But it wasn’t always like this. In Penang for instance, until the 1980s, large quantities of vegetables were grown on the island. Vegetable farms in Thean Teik supplied close to eight tonnes of vegetables daily and lots of fruit to meet a huge portion of the needs of Penangites. There were other vegetable farms, notably in the Tanjong Tokong area.
But then, our city planners and the BN-led administration, in their wisdom, allowed developers and land trustees to kick out these farmers to make way for “development”. In the Thean Teik case, it led to a bitter confrontation, which the farmers lost.
Some development. Now, we have to get our vegetables from elsewhere. Factor in higher transport cost, higher demand, the rising cost of chemical pesticides and fertilisers and fewer urban vegetable farms, and it’s no wonder vegetable prices are rising.
The argument was that land in Penang was scarce and the farmers had to make way for development.
So looking at the issue from this perspective, I am bewildered that the Pakatan state government is rejoicing because Korean “investors” are planning a US$100 million golf course in Batu Kawan in Penang – a state which cannot find land to grow enough vegetables to feed its population.
How much is PDC selling the land for? How many acres are we talking about here? Is this really the most productive use of land that PDC and the state government can think of in land-scarce Penang, which already has golf courses in Bertam and Bukit Jambul?
Speech By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng During The Signing Of The Memorandum Of Understanding(MOU) Between Penang Development Corporation (PDC) And DK ENC Company Ltd In Seoul, Korea On 30.10.2008 Released In Penang On 1.11.2008.
The US$ 100 Million Golf Course In Batu Kawan Is A Testimony Of The Confidence Of Korean Investors In Penang’s Future Despite The Global Financial Crisis And Belief In Our Commitment To Transforming Penang Into An International City.
The Penang state government welcomes the signing of the MOU between PDC and DK ENC to build a US$ 100 million golf course in Batu Kawan as a testimony of the confidence of Korean investors in Penang’s future in spite of the global financial crisis. By proceeding ahead with the golf project during such uncertain times, Korean investors have also signalled their belief in the new government’s commitment to transforming Penang into an international city.
To transform Penang into an international city, we want participation from all nationalities. We have investors from many countries. But we need to work harder to get more investors from some countries such as Korea, without which Penang can not claim to be a truly international city.
Korea has achieved tremendous success in growing its economy from a poor war-torn state to a developed nation. The success of Korea can be seen by its per capita GNP of only US$130 as compared to Malaysia’s US$350 in 1966. Korea’s GNP per capita is now more than US$18,000 as compared to Malaysia’s US$6,000/-. From almost three times better off than Korea 42 years ago, Malaysia is now three times worse than Korea.
The remarkable economic success of Korea was achieved without any natural resources such as oil and commodities, except for its people. There is much to learn from the success of Korea’s economic transformation based on a culture of excellence, a strong work ethic, openness to new ideas and mastery of technology.
Penang bears some similarities in that we are also without natural resources. Penang’s success was built on our human resources and our faith in the ability of the people. Korea’s GDP of US$982 billion in 2007 comprising of 57% services and 40% manufacturing mirrors Penang’s small US$7.5 billion economy. Penang hopes not only to attract investors and tourists to the beautiful city of Penang but also learn how we can replicate Korea’s success.
Everyone knows that Korea’s success does not rest in economic performance alone but also in its popular pop culture, famous throughout Asia, and its sporting athletes. Korean lady golfers are the best in the world reflecting the Korean love for golf.
This US$ 100 million project by DK ENC, which has a track record of building golf courses not only in Korea but also in Ho Chi Minh city, will not only give opportunity for Koreans to indulge in your love for golf but also offer employment and business opportunities for Penangnites. This US$ 100 million mixed development golf project when completed in 2013, will be the most expensive in Penang.
To make Penang a unique attractive destination, we will be taking measures to improve safety and security on one of the safest cities in Malaysia. We will also be improving on traffic and transportation systems as well as communications facilities. Penang will be the first wifi state in Malaysia when our free wireless and affordable wimax services are completed in 2 years. By then anyone can be connected to the Internet any time, any place and any where in Penang for free.
Penang is proud to be the only state promoting Korea in Malaysia. We organised the Korean Food Fest last month and will be organising a Korean cultural performance at the end of this year. By heading a 52-member business delegation to participate in the Asia Pacific Tourism and Investment Conference during the middle of the global financial crisis shows that Penang is committed in welcoming Korean investors or tourists and sincere in being your friend. We offer our friendship and co-operation towards greater prosperity together.
LIM GUAN ENG
Interesting that Penang is described as one of the safest cities in Malaysia…
To show us how CAT works in practice, the state government must also tell us how much the whole trip cost and who paid for it. Even if the state government did not spend a cent, we want to know who is picking up the tab for state government representatives on official duty.
A few other questions:
- Why do we need Koreans to build a golf course in Penang? Can’t locals or Penangites build one on their own if there is land available? Not that building a golf-course is the smartest thing to do…
- Which plot of land are we talking about? Shouldn’t there be an open tender for this land?
- What other investments have been secured? Was it the right timing for such a trip given the major economic problems right now? Aren’t Korean firms feeling insecure about their own economic well being in the face of Korea’s own economic problems now?
- Why do we need to wait for someone to return from China (according to a Malaysiakini report) to know how much the trip cost? Isn’t there a Penang state government-approved budget for the trip?
- What have we got to show from this mission? An MOU for a golf course?
The larger issue is that we can no longer rely on FDI to spur economic growth. FDI is drying up all over as the global economic slowdown and US recession kicks in, and if we think that a golf course will attract the almighty foreign investors, then we are going to find ourselves disappointed. The neo-liberal economic model and “free market” fundamentalism have flopped spectacularly and it’s time to go back to the basics. Like ensuring our self-sufficiency in food, upgrading public transport, providing better schools and skills training institutions, and enhancing facilities for SMEs.
we need investment, but not in form of golf course of course!!
———————–
Alat Cegah Kehamilan Makin Canggih
Your Guide to Better Sleep
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I might not live in Penang but I wonder why do you really need so many golf course on an island? Is Guan Eng out of his mind? Seriously, you can do lots of development with that piece of land but to waste it on a golf course?
What we need now is ‘operasi pembersihan’, cleaning up all the mess done by the previous Gerakan state government, not adding more ridiculous project. Look into his speech :
“This US$ 100 million project by DK ENC, which has a track record of building golf courses not only in Korea but also in Ho Chi Minh city, will not only give opportunity for Koreans to indulge in your love for golf but also offer employment and business opportunities for Penangnites.”
INDULGE IN OUR LOVE FOR GOLF? What the !@#$ Our people is living in poetry, try to meet the month end and yet do you think we have time to think of golf? How many people will you hire to manage a golf course? 10? 50? 100? 500? 1000?
Anil, please look into this issue. We need to know why Guan Eng approved this project. Is he under pressure from his ‘cronies’ as they had contribute lots of money for DAP during the last general election and now looking for rewards? (all politic parties has their own cronies, do not deny truth!)
I believe Penang people would want something more reliable then a golf course!
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There are two golf course in Sbg.Prai Selatan if not mistaken,another coming up at Batu Kawan?wah Penang boleh!this is what the state govt.utilise the limited land.A normal Penangite can give LGM a constructive idea,how the land at Batu Kawan can contribute more advantage to the potential of human capital in Penang state.LGM,your son can tell you that Penang need the semiconductor industries not golf course only for the elite groups.
At the 12GE the present state govt.strongly reject PGCC,Why?Penangites don’t want the project so win the support.Now the golf course issue at Batu Kawan,can the state govt.let Penangites suggest?
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Do you think the Korean would want to invest “tanam Sayor ” in Penang?
We are not short of space at the mainland for the tanam sayor project. Surely the CM is aware and will the state exco concern comes up with a long term strategy to meet the demand of sayor in Penang if it is true the Penangites are facing shortage of sayor.
Anil, surely when the decision was made the state government has weighed the opportunity costs of such involvement in the selected industry. Unless the CM is ignorant, and I believe he can come out with an explanation and the bigger picture of the future of Penang placing the interest of the rakyat.
So, don’t eat the golf balls yet.
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I’m with you on this anil(green at heart hippie that you are) but having weighed opportunity cost for the use of said land(farming and housing vs recreational) in Bt.Kawan, the spin off from this Korean funded venture if successful, would prove beneficial for the longer term.
From years past, Taiwanese and Japanese corporations built up these same golf clubs as a draw for company employees ie Malacca whenever they set up plant for industry. In S.Korea and Japan(membership run into hundreds of thousand, millions during the boom years), don’t be surprise many a golfer never ever set foot on a golf course but their game centres around hitting and putting on the driving range. Consider it practice till the time they take their game onto a real course in the many golf clubs in M’sia, Thailand and Indonesia. In short, the game of golf can be tailored as the main part of a vacation package to these golf crazy citizens.
In and around KL, especially in Ampang – Korean families number in the thousands. A brief count would suggest Korean expats have overtaken the numbers of Japanese expats. A golf course in Penang would prove a big draw, invalueble tourist dollars flowing into the island state. Don’t know how successful but tail end last year, Penang Turf Club send a delegation to S.Korea for the same purpose to promote horse ownership. Such initiatives will go some ways to make Penang the pearl in once was.
Regards anil.
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Anil,
It doesn’t augured well for LGE when questioned about his decision on sending 52 delegates, he instead question why BN didn’t question the Federal government on multi-billion dollars scandal in the federal level. Is he trying to imply that it is ok to waste tax payers money if it doesn’t go up to billions? It is a shame if he take an economy class while traveling domestically (probably for a publicity stunt) and take business class when going oversea, thinking people won’t know about it! Also please ask him whether his wife Betty Chew has traveled on state government expenses? And come to think about it, they have just been in power not even 1 term. I shudder to think what they will do if they are given 50 years to rule.
This is exactly the reason why we need to watch all these politicians, whether they are from BN or PR closely like hawk, to ensure no abuse at all on their part. No more blindly supporting any political party!
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I salute you for being neutral and treat BN and DAP with the same critical analysis.
Let wait for the full report and hopefully we dun have another wasteful state Gov in Penang.
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we must not oppose anything the gomen do (whether BN or PKR) just because it involve high cost and come out with our own ‘noble righteous’ suggestion, which, like eagle pointed out, may not be feasible at all. look at it at the gomen’s point of view too.
anyway, that is just a general view but for this particular golf course project from the koreans, i strongly oppose… not because of its high cost or i have lots of other suggestions but merely because all along, i oppose the construction of golf course. when they want to build the golf course in bkt. jambul, i had also voiced my opposition. why? to me golf course only benefit the rich! it is an expensive sport. lots of money should not be spend on something that benefit only certain people.
anyway, i also support the last 3 Qs that anil asked at the end – yes the penang gomen should satisfied us with the answers. as for the 1st Q – it is kind of irrelevant on this issue of korean investment. for sure locals should be able to build the golf course BUT since here the gomen was talking about korean investment, so they want koreans to build it.
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If a local build the golf course, the money comes from within. Any local developer willing to take a risk on this project?
I do not dispute your concern about the environment, “eating golf balls” etc., but I believe what the govt is trying to do is to bring in foreign exchange and employment to our locals.
e.g. US$20,000 is given as a bonus to a banker + big salary + Biz class travels + 5-star hotels + car + food. He signs up to US$50 – 100 mio worth of fixed deposits. What is US$50,000 spent on him in a year? I used to work for an international bank, and the money they pump into seminars, offsites, and training their staff is enormous … but they look long-term for returns.
Yes, I am not for more golf courses too, especially if the Koreans drive me mad when they do not observe any golf etiquettes on the course … but job opportunities and churning money for Penang seems to be valuable and a priority at this time.
Objectively, I would also think the CM is smart enough not to abuse his powers.
Cheers … ylcw
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Smart move by PR Penang Goverment to bring in tourist dollars to spearhead the tertiary sectors.
BeeEnd opposition losers could only oppose as their agenda .
BeeEnd Federal Govt allowed Penang Hill cable Cars to rot away , right.No one attack BeeEnd ? Strange ?
My salute to all Peacemakers.
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Island of Penang
A tourist map in the world
It isn’t about vegetable farms
It is about amenities and tourist dollars
Island of Penang
LGE needs investments to grow
On running the state not for a term
But for many terms to come
Tourism is the key
For Penang Island to get the money
Asking Federal Government for assistance
He can try; he knows he will not get it
Unless Pakatan takes over the Federal Government
Otherwise all Pakatan states must find ways
To grow the states they are running
I am no fan of golf courses
It is always the rich man game
It is also environmentally unfriendly
Yet for attracting tourists the state must try
For it will become the huge earner in tourist dollars
When it is managed properly
The state economy must improve
Otherwise the locals will cry
With the current economic situations
Every one is hard pressed to earn
Keep the flow going………….
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I think right now any foreign investor would be tight-fisted with money. Industrial n manufacturing sector is expected to take a hit; I am not surprised that the golf course is the only venture they can get. I wonder if this will be the case for the next few years. I heard even the Singapoer banks are reviewing facilities already given to clients.
Still, this investment is a positive contribution to the local economy; I thought Anil’s comment was splitting hair and missing the woods for the trees. Are we going to say no when the Koreans say they want to pump in USD 100m or any amount for that matter for a golf course?
It is not as if the government is running out of land for cultivation of foodstuff anyway. Koreans here for sayur planting? Expertise and capital for this can be sourced locally, right?
What I don’t get is why the delegation had to be so big. There must be a very good reason for it and it must be explained to the rakyat. If (say, Betty) had paid for this working trip out of their own pockets, then it must also be made known, and that she had leave from her official duties to be in Korea. We have had so many hooror stories from BN officials and ministers going on junkets; it is imperative PR stays out of such scandals. Even now we are hearing UMNO ministers and YBs campaigning for party positions without leave from official duties.
The PR government must prove themselves to be different from BN. We have no other alternative !
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Korea has achieved tremendous success in growing its economy from a poor war-torn state to a developed nation. The success of Korea can be seen by its per capita GNP of only US$130 as compared to Malaysia’s US$350 in 1966. Korea’s GNP per capita is now more than US$18,000 as compared to Malaysia’s US$6,000/-. From almost three times better off than Korea 42 years ago, Malaysia is now three times worse than Korea.
Comment 1: 2.7 times better off, my man and this considering the price of rubber and tin hovering near their highs post-korean war boom. yeah-u didnt mention that the koreans were recovering from a japanese occupation and the korean war. Also dont mention anything about the role Uncle sam in helping his buddy economically to keep the bear behind the North marauding down the DMZ. And what about the gringgos (contribution to the local economy) themselves. Stationed there, they lived in red indian tepees ( to save on infrastructural expenditures), ate army rations and generally did not have money to spend, i guess.Plus keep silent about US Aid program infusion ala Marshall plan + preferential access to the biggest consumer market in the world. also dont talk about Synman Rhee, it is pernicious to the argument.
The remarkable economic success of Korea was achieved without any natural resources such as oil and commodities, except for its people. There is much to learn from the success of Korea’s economic transformation based on a culture of excellence, a strong work ethic, openness to new ideas and mastery of technology.
Comment 2: Yeah, right first take a veiled potshot at you know who to explain why we fell behind and hide the fact that Korea’s rapid development can be historically traced back to strongman government who laid the foundation via a strong nexus of govt-private sector entities known as chaebols. To the former read Park Chung Hee, Chun Doo Hwan, Roh tae Woo whilst to the latter read Samsung, hyundai, Daewoo, Lg and a host of others. Funny thing any such nexus here in malaysia is condemned as cronyism, corrupts etcetra even as the chaebols in Korea were mired in the same quagmire in the Asian Financial crisis and prior to that and were bleeding money. But then, we have brainy accountants who have scant knowledge of economic and political history what with knowledge dichotimised and compartmentalised in seculardom..so what else to expect.
2. Regarding the politics, that strong arm rule persisted until 1988 or so despite Kwangju et al and laid the foundation for the modern Korea, we see today. after that we had the reformer Kim young sam who arrested his 2 predecessors but whose son ate from the same bowl, his zeal led to the collapse of certain chaebol and triggered the Korean Financial crisis before Dae jung swallowed IMF medicine to straighten the ship in the process hawking off national assets to foreigners. later, DJ created a bubble to prime economic growth which unravelled in 2003. talk about sound economic policies by democrats, ha, ha, ha!. OH why not slip in a paean for Chong Eu..oh he was from BN.Try applying the same formulae (strongman) in Canland, then see the results..but oh i forgot, we cannot as we are democrazy….
This US$ 100 million project by DK ENC, which has a track record of building golf courses not only in Korea but also in Ho Chi Minh city, will not only give opportunity for Koreans to indulge in your love for golf but also offer employment and business opportunities for Penangnites. This US$ 100 million mixed development golf project when completed in 2013, will be the most expensive in Penang.
comment 3: Sheesh the hype. Its only a MOU and already counting chickens. Dont expect koreans to throw 100 grand into a green valley especially when the recession bites. You can picture the expected outcomes by looking at what’s happening at Sentosa casinos project in Spore. so dont get overexcited. and Blimey! 52 member delegation to witness a MOU. the problem with all pols, be it BN or PR is that they love to pull off these publicity stunts and as long as there gullible gullivers amongst us who are game for it every once in 5 years, why not? Ini isu cari makan nak alas perutlah man, kerja lain susah, kerja ini yang paling senang! after all its OPM- a very addictive drug, OPM?? (Other People’s Money)
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Looking at a broader prespective, Korean golf course investment would produce multiplier economic effects. Koreans will come as tourist with the tourism receipts will increase. I know for a fact that playing golf is very expensive in Korea and my Korean friends find it cheaper to fly to Malaysia to play golf. On the other hand the State government should also allocate land for vegetable and marine farming especially on the mainland so as to increase the food supplies availability and to reduce the cost of these items.
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we’ve become like third countries who have opened up their market and forced to become import dependant from self sufficient
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Another golf course?
Where is the development for the people?
We need a good public transport. We need a better library. We need a better equip schools with capable (enough paid) teachers.
We need Penang to be clean. We don’t need more mud in Gurney Plaza. We need to reform the parking attendance (thugs).
Golf course is way below on Penang priority list.
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Have you ever been to Batu Kawan?……..What is your first impression when you are in B.Kawan? A city or rural area. A white elephant stadium is still there. If you are an investor, are you going to put your money in B.Kawan.
Previous BN goverment try to develop B.Kawan by building a stadium.It still fails to develop B.Kawan into a third satelite city. What happen to B.Kawan if state government turns this area into farming industry. I think you better ask Lee Kuan Yew.
Singapore is a small island like Penang facing scarce of land. How Mr.Lee can feed its 2 million population at that time? Now, they even use their valuble land to build two casinos cum resort. Luckily, MR.Anilnetto is not a Singaporean. Otherwise, he will hold demostration against Singapore government.
Why not we make B.Kawan a sport residential city where it has a stadium, golf course, Penang turf race track and a Public Park that can be connected well through Second Bridge. Prai, Bukit Minyak and Penang science Park is very close to B.Kawan which can cater industrial needs. I hope state government sincerely repackage B.Kawan into a well planned city not only known as seafood haven.
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“mut on November 3rd, 2008 at 11.02am
What I don’t get is why the delegation had to be so big.”
Overseas missions normally do not consist solely of govt officials. Local businessmen interested in biz opportunities with Koreans are invited along. I believe they make up the majority, and they pay for their own expenses!!
I notice there is a Korean on this website. Sorry if I offended you, but I am sure you are one of the nice Koreans who will let me pass when you are playing slowly or not hitting a golfball on my head when I am in front of you!!
To “Ree on November 3rd, 2008 at 11.45am
Another golf course?
Where is the development for the people?
….. Golf course is way below on Penang priority list.”
Pse read the poem from “caravanserai on November 3rd, 2008 at 10.36am”
Let’s admit it – the present government is broke – by the previous BN government, and you are not going to get any help from the Federal govt. You have to be capable, pull yourselves together, find the means to get back in the black again – THEN can you look into your grievances. First the chicken, then the egg.
I am saying this, not becos I am a golfer, it is not important where I play … but this is reality!
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As an ex-Pengangite, I congratulate LGE to come back with at least a big project. A beggar has no choice and Penang today is no longer a shining attraction like before. Take what you can and hopefully, more will follow. Don’t think for a moment that the Koreans are push-overs. Show them your hospitality and I am sure, Hyundai might even consider opening a manufacturing workshop later. But without a golf course to attract them, you have no chance. Therefore, so long as the project is above board, count yourself lucky. Who knows, there might just a another Vijay Singh in your midst and this time, make sure his talents are recognised early instead of playing with skin colours and calling each other pendatangs!
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my 2 cents thoughts
DK ENC Company Ltd may see what ordinary folks don’t. i.e. big Korean investment in Penang. A huge Korean community in Penang in the future.
Korean are very similar like japanese (correct me if i am wrong), they would want to make their presence felt and proud of it.
Look at KL, how many golf courses managed by Japanese n how many of thier members are Japanese. How they felt at home at their “own club”.
Same is going to happen to the Koreans when they invest in Penang, they want a place that they feel confortable with. A place where they can indulge in thier favourite pastime and leave thier family at the club house to mingle around. (it may sound selfish on thier part) but if you can see the benefits that Penang is going to get few years down the road you will say LGE had vision n done a great job.
On top of that, tourism will also benefit. Winter last a few months back home and if they can come here and spend their money in Penang, who is complaining???
As mentioned above by TOKOMITSU, it is cheaper to fly here to play golf than playing back home in Korea.
Before i forget, if you think penang do not have enough land, please GOOGLE and find out how many golf courses there are in tiny Singapore !!!!!! i am sure you will not believe it.
It is how you manage and balance things up. Do not criticise just for the sake of it, there is always 2 sides of the story.
As long as CAT is practiced, i do not see anything wrong with it.
p/s i think other Bee End led govt would be kicking themselves for not coming up with this idea / vision from LGE and his team !!!!
Go ahead, it’s time Penang leads again.
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Will growing vegetables in Penang be the real solution to our problems? If we really are able to produce significantly cheaper vegetables than Kedah, Perak, Cameron Highlands, or the rest of Malaysia, what is there to stop these vegetables from being sold nationwide at greater profit for these farmers? What guarantee is there that vegetables sold in Penang will automatically be cheaper in Penang?
Prices of staples will always rise, there is only so much we can do temporarily to stem this rise. But this is in no case permanent. The solution should be to have the income of our residents grow faster than the prices of vegetables. Singapore doesn’t have an inch of farmland, yet they still can eat comfortably the daily recommended portions of vegetables everyday. Why didn’t they stop their casino projects and convert those lands into farmland?
So let’s say we convert our lands back into farmlands for the benefit of this nation, just so that some other state can build a golf course that serves our vegetables on their menu? Come on Anil, you’ve got to be kidding me.
Penang as a metropolitan environment has passed its farming days. The fact of the matter is no matter how cheap Penang can make their vegetables, we can’t beat the even more rural states of this country. No potential farmers living in Penang, without government aid, would rationally farm when they can be compensated better working in a factory, a sales clerk, or some repairman.
Why don’t we build a golf course in Batu Kawan to attract some development in Seberang Prai that might one day make the mainland an attractive enough place to stay to ease the crowding of Penang island? How many workers would a golf course employ? And how many complements are there to a resort golf course? There are hotels, souvenir shops, town life, night life that complements these visitors who stay, and accommodations and facilities for the people who work there.
In time, we can have more of the kampung residents that could barely make it month by month to have more vegetables on their plate and maybe even some meat.
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Guan Eng, it irks me to hear your waffling like your predecessor. Give us substance men! You said you were different and we believed in you. If you haven’t got it then look around for good resources to help you — and for heaven’s sake not cronies and salesmen again!!
What is this US100 million golf course going to mean, truthfully? Has proper market research been done? Where are the facts and figures? Don’t just tell us jobs will be created la, we want to know what jobs and how many jobs and how much.
Don’t just tell us golfers will come, tell us how many golfers have been going where, how much, seasonal or not, where’s and what’s the competition etc. And finally is it going to be worth OUR INVESTMENT?
Stop giving us superficial PR garbage like all the others la!!!
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I am a businesswoman — not a “green genie” nor a “greedy politician”. I only believe in earning a good honest living.
I want progress, progress that is sustainable and that which is not going to rear its ugly monstrous head on us several years down the road, when every broker has got his money and left town.
I want sustainable development that does not hurt the people and generations to come.
For that matter I disagree with people who are defeatists — I say you are not qualified to say that WE PENANG PEOPLE have no choice but to take up projects which may be fundamentally flawed and in the case of WIFI and WIMAX, technology that is already rejected in the developed countries.
I believe it is a question of whether our leaders have the foresight and the quality of heart; and the people a knowing of what is truly needed for their children’s(not theirs!) wellbeing.
If a leader loves his people and look at them as their very own children, he would automatically know what is best for them — economically and socially. Here, I leave out the word spiritually!
Mr and Ms Politicians out there, if any of you out there do not see the rakyat as fools that can be xxxxx around, please put up your hands.
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I know of 5 Korean families — all living in middle range apartments in Penang. Out of these five, two families are living on some sort of charity and sponsorships. One of the families is using Penang as a stop gap while awaiting residency approvals in a cooler climate. In the meanwhile the children are all studying in local public Chinese schools and they shop in our local wet markets.
Hmmm… maybe we are targetting this sector of Koreans?
Maybe, the government is talking about those who are living in the 2.5 million ringgit condos? Actually, I only know two persons who own these condos and one is a Singaporean yuppie who is hardly here and the other is a Malaysian datuk who has bought it with a proxy. Now, I wonder if these are potential golf players in Batu Kawan.
Oh, and i also know of a golf player who lives in KL and collects a gold ball from each place he plays a game — todate, he has over 500 from all over the world. Hmmm… I wonder if this is the type of golfer we are looking at… Of course, these are just unique samplings… no doubt a bigger sampling will give a far more accurate picture.
As someone suggested, maybe we are building a golf course to lure Hyundai and company to Penang…. hahahaha…
I don’t know, can someone enlighten?
In any case, someone told me that the Malaysia 2nd Home with the rather liberal conditions is aimed at eventually displacing Penangites so as to reduce the impact of Penang people power in the interest of the federal government? ? Does this make any sense? I don’t know…
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In the interest of CAT, Lim Guan Eng should come out and explain the benefit of this golf course project to the people.
No use talking transparency if he does not practice. What is the cost to Penang? What are the benefits. Is there a better to use the precious land.
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