The Kg Buah Pala villagers have been portrayed as greedy, demanding, and unreasonable. This is partly due to the mixed signals coming from the committee, the seemingly conflicting statements and misrepresentations of those speaking on their behalf including those with vested interests and even those in the state government.
Guan Eng even claimed – incorrectly as it turned out – the villagers want RM3.5 million bungalows or compensation. Where did he get that from? But the damage is already done as it is all over the media.
As a result of such statements in the media by those intent on portraying the villagers as greedy – and the village committee’s own public relations blunders along with outsiders taking advantage – public opinion may have swayed against the villagers.
I have been to the village a few times, and I have never heard of a demand for RM3.5 million bungalows or any similar demand.
I did see the RM3.5 million figure mentioned once, in one of the handouts given. But look at the context: that was when the residents were reacting to accusations that they were greedy. They retorted that the real greedy parties were those who were coveting their respective property lots, some of which they claimed could be worth an average of RM3.5 million. That’s quite different from purportedly asking for compensation of RM3.5 million or demanding a RM3.5 million bungalow.
I contacted Sugumaran, the residents’ committee chairperson, for comment and he said the claim that the villagers wanted RM3.5 million bungalows is baseless. “They are just using that figure to turn public opinion against the villagers and to portray us as unreasonable,” he lamented.
Few have actually walked in their shoes and lived in the village to experience what life is like for them. It’s a different life-style closer to nature than what most city folk can understand – and I don’t claim to fully understand it either. Only the villagers know their real situation and what they really need to continue living in dignity, if and when they are wrenched apart not only from their homes but their land, their livelihoods and their community.
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Quick Facts
August 10th, 2009 at 4.02am
Quick Facts – Statistics on comments above
For KBP villagers : 20.4%
Neutral on the issue : 12.2%
Irrelevant comments : 4.1%
For LGE government : 63.3%
Cheers,
Mike
====
This only speak that PR supporters dominate online media like in the Raja Petra blog, etc.
LGE (administration) in one hand condemned previous state government for this dubious land deal and in another hand approved the deal after he became CM in last March.
What kind of moral ground he is trying to project?…
PR supporters praise him as a hero for this cartoon job.
Any amount of compesation does not relieve him from paying a cohort role for developer.
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Bigjoe,
That RM3.5million was a lie by LGE. He said the source was a news report. He didnt even verify his source. Is that how a CM behaves? I think that claim was calculated to create maximum damage to the villagers’ image.
Why is it always the villagers fault when they are the victims. The villagers cant have a lawyer to represent them but LGE is entitled to legal advise and the developer is free to have a lawyer to draft their letters. Why such a short deadline for the villagers to comply? Isnt that intimidation.This landowner has been waiting since 2005, surely they can give 2 weeks for the villagers to consider.
Since the time this controversy erupted the villagers were not give assurances, but threats. LGE has been subtly intimidating them with (the silent spectre) of demolition if they dont compromise.
What happened to the fraud allegation, why has it not been investigated? If this angle is probed the landowner may lose the land. Why is LGE favouring the landowner and developer??
Who told you that the houses are worth RM500k. What are the specs and material to be used and their location? If they face an oxidation pond will they still be worth so much? What is the delivery date? Since you seem to know so much why dont you publish the details for everybodys benefit.
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All the bodek kaki don’t know what they are talking about. They don’t know what is social justice, rule of law not rule by law. They don’t even know what is development. To them getting rid of the green and people like the villagers of kampong Buah Pala is call progress. The CM who claimed that he has an ear for the poor has through out this whole episode demonstrated that he is looking for lame excuse to get out of the controversy. By accusing the villagers of greedy and refuse to give ample time for the villagers to consider the offer and imposing strictly no bargaining attitude, LGE just shown his true color. He is not just a fool, he also a real coward. WE will make sure that his government will only last one term. Bye bye to dream of get rid of BN…. Let BN become very happy over our own infighting.
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Every Penangite knows and so do the Koh Tsu Koon-apologists on this blog, that if KTK is the CM today, the houses would have been demolished a long time back.
These villagers should be grateful for all the effort that the present state government have put in for them.
A terrace house in that area is not something to sneeze at. RM400k to RM500k no less !!!
Go after Koh Tsu Koon if you, the detractors, have the guts. After all, he is still a serving politician and an active one at that.
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nkkhoo:
I know you are sad and symphatise with these villagers.
Please check the facts. We penangites are trying to help. But now blindly. There is a limit of assistant anyone can give.
All you arguing about is the land transfer or whatsoever is illegal. Can you tell me that it belong to the villagers at the first place? If you think you can : watch this first and listen carefully to what they admit who the land belong to ok? here :http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/17564.html
So now, it is not your and peoples trying so hard to fight for a deal to get them compensate you with the best deal Malaysian ever seen in compensation history, just accept and be grateful. Smile and kiss your CM on the cheek.
They have to realise that they are not in any Bargaining position. Because you have nothing to bargain about.
Secondly, I personally felt the demand to extend the house to house from 24 to 61 is completely un-reasonable. Why i say so? Well.. they are basically being stubborn and unreasonable. House by house is fair. Of cos i will only compensate for the actual family. You cant expect me to give house to each of your son that is married and still live with you. Because they should bought 1 theirself just like evry single one of us. When we grew up, we married when work our …. and buy a house if we can or we rent a place and be independent. Else we stay with our mum cramped in her tiny flat. Right? You expect peoples to buy you a house a well? This is so no right my friends.
Helping others is good. Being a sweetheart is a great thing. But doing it blindly is plain naive.
Another thing. heritage? Man… i live 10 minutes from them in Island Glades… Never heard of them till this came up. Don’t over do it please peoples. I really having a hard time understand what you are thinking mates. Cheers
Anil : I hope you let this thru, cos you delete my previous and very 1st post. Thank you.
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eagle-eye:
So you confirm the CM is lying? Where is your source? Did you verified yours? This said that, that said this. How you verified who is telling the truth?
Why is the villagers a victim? You said so because you are looking at the villagers point of view. Everyone involve is a victim, including the developers.
Because he is a CM, he need a law adviser for most thing. Developer did not get a lawyer to draft then you will said they just give you a piece of … A4 won’t you? As for the villagers, you are coming to seek CM help.. talk to him directly. That would avoid any “bad-dude” manipulating things in between. That is why you shouldn’t bring a lawyer. I am helping you. …. Else, why don’t you get the lawyer and see me in court? right?
Assurances? Isn’t that what the state government is doing? To break a deal for the villagers? What threats? to demolish the village is not the state government. It is the developer. CM have no right to stop it. CM is not your GOD!
because to persuade the fraud it will takes time. The developer have the right to demolish the place now. You put everything aside and concentrate in fixing them a deal first, otherwise you see 24 (61) families will be on the street. GET IT? You can investigate this and that but the demolition will go on. Understand? If state government favour the landowner and developer, the village is already gone by now and they are knocking your door to get some shelter as Penang is raining.
Are you from Penang? the location and with the current development of the condo and everything around it… it will worth at least 500k if not more. I live there so I KNOW. where do you live? Kelantan? Get me a double storey in that area and sell me if you think it is cheap. This is Pulau Pinang (ISLAND) mate!
Since you know even more than anybody else, why don’t you come to Penang and speak with the developer and CM on behalf of the villagers?
Thank you all.
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eagle-eye: my humble reply to you
So you confirm the CM is lying? Where is your source? Did you verified yours? This said that, that said this. How you verified who is telling the truth?
Why is the villagers a victim? You said so because you are looking at the villagers point of view. Everyone involve is a victim, including the developers.
Because he is a CM, he need a law adviser for most thing. Developer did not get a lawyer to draft then you will said they just give you a piece of … A4 won’t you? As for the villagers, you are coming to seek CM help.. talk to him directly. That would avoid any “bad-dude” manipulating things in between. That is why you shouldn’t bring a lawyer. I am helping you…. Else, why don’t you get the lawyer and see me in court? right?
Assurances? Isn’t that what the state government is doing? To break a deal for the villagers? What threats? to demolish the village is not the state government. It is the developer. CM have no right to stop it. CM is not your GOD!
because to persuade the fraud it will takes time. The developer have the right to demolish the place now. You put everything aside and concentrate in fixing them a deal first, otherwise you see 24 (61) families will be on the street. GET IT? You can investigate this and that but the demolition will go on. Understand? If state government favour the landowner and developer, the village is already gone by now and they are knocking your door to get some shelter as Penang is raining.
Are you from Penang? the location and with the current development of the condo and everything around it… it will worth at least 500k if not more. I live there so I KNOW. where do you live? Kelantan? Get me a double storey in that area and sell me if you think it is cheap. This is Pulau Pinang (ISLAND) mate!
Since you know even more than anybody else, why don’t you come to Penang and speak with the developer and CM on behalf of the villagers?
Thank you all.
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(One of the committee members) already owns a high class apartment,lah.The issue is no longer about solving the settlers problems.It’s now pure politics.HINDRAF@PAHAM is goin to kick start their campaign(at batu Kawan) to win 15 MP seats .Get the picture?
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HINDRAF/PAHAM is probably using people like “k”,Sugumaran,Tharmaraj to win supportlah,and kampung Pala folks are trapped in this dangerous political game.
Please note:No condemnation from HINDRAF/PAHAM/MAKKAL SAKTI on Samy Vellu,Kugan,MIC,UMNO,Gerakan,or BN
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eagle eye,
Oklah, LGE is the devil incarnate.Now,what about Uthaya/Waytha’s proposal to turn KBP into a heritage site?And what about money collection from world wide to save KBP?
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The Hidraf duo – they were to sue the British government and get compensation for every Malaysian Indian.
Have they done it?
If they had done it, that money would be enough for the KBP folks.
But where are the two?
Far away from the clutches of Malaysian law, under some arrangement, but issuing statements from afar.
Malaysian Indians need such ‘leaders’.
PAHAM?
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Chris CK,
You and others like you have come to the stage where you have actually started to believe your spin.
Land matters are in the hands of the state govt and the NLC and other relevant laws give extensive powers to the state.
No, their demands are not growing larger. It is LGE’s spin that make it look so. From the begining the villagers had wanted their land back. It is the state govt that is forcing the compensation on them. Now dont come back with the … about the Ct decision. Pls educate yourself on how that came about. If the fraud allegation is probed there will be no need to pay damages to the landowner/developer.
BN initiated the sale yet for so many years it was pending but LGE’s govt concluded the sale in super quick time. Can you explain why??
DAP is getting the flak because of the promises made by DAP reps before GE12, which they did not honor despite having knowledge of the alleged fraud
Why is it left to a PSM MP to forward the villagers concern to LGE? Where is RSN Rayar the DAP ADUN, where is Karpal Singh the MP for that area. In January 2009, Rayar is on record (youtube video) saying ” as long as PR is the govt, this land will be yours and this festival will be an annual affair”, and Karpal Singh was there as well. Karpal, the DAP national chairman, risked a Sedition charge to speak out on the Perak debacle but he is strangely silent on this matter. Something is definitely not right with DAP.
Federal takeover??? DAP doesnt even have the leadership to handle the KBP issue, how are they going to run the federal govt?? Looks like DAP is only fit for opposition politics. I feel sad for PR.
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crash,
My source is this posting by Anil. (You seem to be commenting without even reading the article!)
No, the developer is not a victim. They knew what they were getting into. They probably knew about the controversy. They (allegedly) sold houses even before the land title was transfered, that is not right. The landowner/developer are the greedy ones, not the villagers.
The villagers are not well educated, they would be the ones who would need a lawyer the most. If discussions are above board there is nothing to fear about manipulations.
What assurances did the state govt give. After the first deadline DCM2 Prof Rama went to the village and told them that there will be no demolition that day but hours later the demolition team was there and the police had to step in. Was that assuring? LGE said he will revoke the DO, then he said he will invoke S116 to stop demolition but till today nothing happened. Is that assuring, can ppl take LGE’s word at face value? Is he inspiring trust and confidence?
At the last offer the villagers had to make a decision, without knowing any details, within 2 days. Is that fair and assuring?
The state govt had all the time since Mar2008 to investigate the alleged fraud but so far there is no indication of that. If fraud is uncovered the transaction can be revoked at no cost. This is what the villagers have been claiming even before GE12.
Can you explain why this was not done??
You still have not explained how you arrived at a value of RM500k. Value is based not just on land size. Just bcos you live around there it does not make you a valuation expert.
//Since you know even more than anybody else, why don’t you come to Penang and speak with the developer and CM on behalf of the villagers? //
Are you admitting that LGE has been ineffective?
LGE has shown poor leadership in this issue. I think he is only fit to be an opposition politician
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So exactly do the resident want to do a deal or they do not want to do a deal? All the talk here and it does not help move things forward because its the most important issue. The shout for land back and RM3.5mil is of course out of question.
Do those people want the deal? This blog has implied it so except they want changes to conditions BUT all we hear is rejection of the deal NOT want to talk more about the deal. Its all very confusing.. It seem the people representing even KBP are not honest. Its all too cynical for this thing to have a happy ending…
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Chris CK,
Since some villagers have been arm twisting the stae government in acheiving their objective (having a piece of prime land ) to live in (pertuity or temporary, never mind), I have been proposing the state government to do this. Follow Singapore or LKY style.
1) Invoke Land Acquisition Act.
2) Arm Twist Numentero to build spanking new Public
Housing in Kampung Buan Pala hosuing 3.5 to 4 thousand
Penangites
I can organise a study tour in Toia Payoh itself how massive HDB flats build bring prosperity to the settlers there. In one swoop, it acheives Anil’s belief. Even that PSM bloke’s belief. It’s socialism at its best. From now on, more land for public housing. In future, all KBP like lands to be bullbozed for Public Housing.
Problem is we will probably end up with luxury condos instead of public housing, given the pro-developer/business orientation! – Anil
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Anil
I think its going to be pretty clear what is going to happen here.
Villagers agree to the house deal and a win win situation.
villagers do not agree and and get nothing. The law will take its course.
In the meantime people with agenda are hijacking the issue.
What does it matter if LGE says 3.5m or otherwise, if the villagers do not take the house they will have nothing. I stand corrected if wrong – is there a third option? I think a little focus on the issue here will help the villagers more.
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crash
August 10th, 2009 at 1.50pm
nkkhoo:
I know you are sad and symphatise with these villagers.
Please check the facts. We penangites are trying to help. But now blindly. There is a limit of assistant anyone can give.
All you arguing about is the land transfer or whatsoever is illegal. Can you tell me that it belong to the villagers at the first place? If you think you can : watch this first and listen carefully to what they admit who the land belong to ok? here :http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/17564.html
===
Why LGE and developer never pay compensation to me? This speak volume for who are the rightful owners for the land.
If KBP residents have to accept whatever compensation or no compesantion at all, this does not make injustice to justice with such blatant abuse of power in the executive (LGE and KTK) and jurisdictive (Federal Court) institutions.
Federal Court still got one final chance to restore justice on 18th.
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eagle eye,
Now,u,k,and this khoo fella thinks LGE & Pakatan are all criminals..ok,fine.What’s the main objective?Solving the problem,right?Since,LGE and Pakatan are in the “tak boleh pakai” category,what’s thet result of other alternative moves such as declaring KBP as a heritage site,and funds from overseas?Jawablah..
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Problem is we will probably end up with luxury condos instead of public housing, given the pro-developer/business orientation! – Anil
Hehe..one of the commitee member of KBP is an owner of a luxury condo..don’t believe?go and check..
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Haha..now BN/MAKKAL SAKTI/HINDRAF/PAHAM/Nusmetro are trapped in their games lah..very soon they r gonna tear at each other..LGE memang cool..he has received much info,feedback,and is sincerely doing his best to solve the issue.
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Listening to that Sugumaran talking at http://www.malaysiakini.tv/video/17564.html
it’s clear to me it’s a politician talking. It’s not a person with the intention of solving the issue.
Just the first few sentences of his “political speech” will show him for what he is. He said, “PR want to demolish, demolish only but BN will talk and talk but won’t demolish.” Does this sound fair to you?
I sympathize for the residents to be represented by people with political agenda. It’s clear where is political affinity lies.
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Looes74
You had been staying in Singapore too long that you had been infected by a severe case of Kiasuism.
Don’t talk about HDB-style flat bringing prosperity and happiness to people. HDB flats are government owned over-priced, pigeon-holes that dehumanaise people and eradicate culture and heritage.
People of KBP not interested in such useless flats that restricts their cultural and heritage practices.
You seems to be talking in paradoxes. You speak about justice and civil society and then also advocating ugly dictatorship that disrespects people’s fundamental rights. What LKY/Singapore practices is not socialism but a capitalist dictatorship.
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“Why LGE and developer never pay compensation to me? This speak volume for who are the rightful owners for the land.”
Think twice before you comment. In Law, The DEVELOPER are the rightful owners.
In other country, You GET NOTHING but the developer coming to your home and ask you to leave and if you failed to comply, you will be charged against the court order and send to jail.
The “compensation” only happend in MALAYSIA.
Get the Fact right. From the developer site of view, KBP residents accept or not does not make justice to injustice. Please remember JUSTICE in on the DEVELOPER SIDE NOW! LGE abuse the executive power to force the Developer to “compensate” the KBP resident with 24 double-story house cost RM 500k each and yet the resident refuse to obey the law and court order.
Now you see? the developer can also argue that they are in the right side.
The developer, Nusmetro, is not the land-owner. The Koperasi is. – Anil
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Jeff
The solution is simple. Provide alterative land to the developer and NOT to the residents. I am sure the condo buyers are not poor farmers or homeless people. I am sure that LGE can find alternative sites in the Mainland. In fact I am sure Prof Rama would be happy to have condos in the Batu Kawan area which has seen a surge in land prices with the coming of the 2nd bridge.
It was never the intention of the residents to ask for double-story houses or luxury condos. They just want to live in their current houses. In fact they are willing to compromise by staying in a kampung tersusun. But our kindly Cheap Minister just refuses to meet them. Instead he has started an orchestrated and massive campaign to … demonise the villagers as greedy land-grabbers. We can see that the massive force of Pakatan “cybertroopers” (are now) attacking the villagers, abetted by the DAP sympathisers in the MSM.
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//People of KBP not interested in such useless flats that restricts their cultural and heritage practices.//
I see..since when milking and rearing cow and staying in rumah with bocor roofs are signs of an advance “cultural and heritage practices”?What’s the feedback from UNESCO sir?
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