2000: The Penang Government Officers Cooperative is adamant that it wants to demolish the Kg Buah Pala houses tomorrow, reports the NST/Bernama here. “We are not cruel, but our decision to demolish the village still stands because the court has decided the land is ours,” the cooperative chairman Abdul Razak Mansor is quoted as saying.
This effectively throws a spanner in the ongoing talks between the state government and the developer, Nusmetro, to resolve the crisis, according to a source.
Meanwhile, villagers reportedly have taken a week off from work to protect their homes from demolition. They are also expecting many activists and sympathisers to turn up tomorrow to lend their support, reports theSun.
1500: The developer and state government leaders are believed to be holding round-the-clock talks to resolve this crisis, a source informs me. The talks, which could continue tomorrow, may be extended if they fail to come up with a solution.
1300: The villagers are now waiting for a detailed blueprint from the developer/state for them to evaluate the proposal that they could co-exist side-by-side with the condominium project, says Sugumaran, the chairperson of the residents committee.
The villagers are in the midst of a heritage festival in the village.
0058: Today is the the day – the deadline given for Kampung Buah Pala residents to vacate their land.
There’s still considerable uncertainty over what will happen tomorrow.
According to one activist, as late as yesterday, the villagers were still hoping for the state to intervene and save their land by acquiring it.
Today, the villagers will be holding Ponggal celebrations with mixed feelings.
They will probably issue a press statement as well.
And then, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Related posts:
To all that responds, hey i think the only way now is the legal way.. law must take its course and Mahkamah has already ruled in favour of the developer.
Rajan, hey im talking about the “trash” there, Only solution now is “Clean the Trash”.
kris khaira, that is the TOL agreement AFTER the sales/transfer of the land. Do you have the original copy of the 2004 TOL ?
Eagle eye,
27/9/2004
Pada 27 September 2004 koperasi terima surat kelulusan pemberimilikan daripada pej. Tanah dan DTL, Pulau Pinang.
12/7/2005
Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang telah terima surat kelulusan daripada Pejabat Lesen pendudukan sementara telah dibatalkan dan pembayaran sambung tempoh lesen LPS dihentikan sejak tahun 2006
Its approved by the state govt land office, if there is a blame then it should go to the state land office error in approving the land transfer and approvals.
p.s – they have gain alot cause they occupied state land for so many decades for such a low price..
remember, the courts has rejected all 3 appeals made by Darshan singh & Co
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Don’t expect Umno to abolish ISA
Aug 2, 09 6:22pm
‘Umno will never do away with the Internal Security Act because it is a weapon that they can use to save them from losing power.’
KS: Umno will never do away with the ISA because it is a weapon that they can use to save them from losing power. Malaysia has more than 50 years of experience with this draconian law. The victims were mostly opposition members. On the pretext of public interest and security, the police have thrown people into jail without good reasons.
Other countries have peaceful demonstrations and the police do not harassed them. Our neighbours use laws to curb politicians who bring up racial and sensitive issues. In Malaysia, it depends on who is talking. Usually, Umno members have a free hand to talk on any issues.
Generally, the people see that the government does not use the ISA fairly. For the opposition, anything they do is against public order. They are not given a chance to present the issues to the people. The government has the entire media – newspapers, TV and radio – to help them with their propaganda but the opposition have only newsletters limited to their members.
So demonstration is the only logical thing to do to make people aware of burning issues. But the police will use ISA to stop it. Only people of dubious character will want this type of law to run the country.
Faidhur Rahman: As a Malaysian with a pro-ISA stand who notes the often negative assessment of the preventive detention law by the alternative media, I would like to let it be known that not everyone opposes the Internal Security Act as it would seem.
To me, yesterday’s demonstration against the ISA in Kuala Lumpur organised by Pakatan Rakyat parties and their supporters was completely unnecessary, uncalled for and rather needless, not to mention underlines the worrying state of affairs with regard to our national security and stability.
Sim Kwang Yang in his article, ‘Currents of change in the river of history’ mentioned that such protests would be unthinkable 30 years ago. Adding another 10 years to that number would probably explain at least partly why.
It’s not like most of the 20,000 who took part were ever arrested under the ISA themselves. One wonders why other preventive detention laws such as the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and laws that are a legacy of the 1969 Emergency, namely the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 1969 and the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 are not mentioned as “unjust and draconian laws that need to be repealed” at all. Is it because these laws are only used against common criminals and not opposition politicians?
Some of us do actually believe that the threats of chaos, disorder, anarchy and terrorism are very real, and would like the ISA retained to guard against those threats so that we can have the political stability necessary for a healthy economy and so earn a living.
Here’s hoping that the ISA is retained, lest we become another Nigeria and hoping that you would publish this letter, so the stand of this segment of Malaysian society is known.
BK: We need answers from the powers-that-be – can anyone tell me how many people at the pro-ISA rally were arrested and if they were subjected to tear gas and water cannon treatment?
If they were not, can we hear from the BN government on the reason why they were not subjected to the same treatment as those against ISA?
Since when has it become a crime to distribute pamphlets questioning government policies? Are we a dictatorship or a democracy?
Peter Ooi: The demonstration against ISA was planned and those involved had said time and again that it would be a peaceful one. All they wanted was to hand over a memorandum to the king.
Since it was a multiracial efforts, racial tension will definitely be out of question. In this aspect, Umno or Umno-sanctioned protest were more racial in nature and yet virtually no police actions were taken. As such, the anti-ISA protest will not incur the wrath of any race and our country’s peace was not threatened.
Then why must force, tear gas and water cannon be employed against the protestors? This showed the immaturity of our leaders.
The police need not be confrontational to the demonstrators. Its role is to maintain traffic flow and make sure that no public or private properties are vandalised. After handing the memo to the king, I believe the crowd would be satisfied and dispersed orderly.
As the laws of physics goes, ‘ For every action, there is an equal reaction’. Thus, if the police were to treat the demonstrators with respect, they would be reciprocated with similar respect.
A Selangor Rakyat: The recent embarrassment caused by Gerakan Youth chief Lim Si Pin shows that Gerakan also does not have KPI.
What right does Dr Koh Tsu Koon have to become the KPI minister when Gerakan doesn’t even know how to follow basic guideline in submitting a memorandum to the palace?
And why was the pledge given by Gerakan Youth to support the GMI gathering not fulfilled? Is this the standard practiced by Gerakan – giving empty promises?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I agree with eagle-eye, the sitting CM is LGE, all the powers of state are in his hands.
Lim Guan Eng,You are the CM of Penang but not Ketua Pembangkang of Penang.
Only you can help people of Kampung Buah Pala !
Please don’t point out your finger to others anymore.
Please………….
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Eagle-eagle,
Another thing which I don’t like is that the villagers seemed to hold the state government to ransom.
Tell is it not that LGE has been too accomodating to their complaints.
Tell me if LGE has the means to get the land back, is there any reason why he will not?
He has at legal eagles like Karpal Singh and children to give him advice on this legal matter. If Karpal, a very capable lawyer, had found a loophole for Lim to get back the land cheaply, he would jump inot it.
At the same time, why must they condemn Ramasamy who is far, far more sincere and trustworthy than MIC fellas. And again Rama would jump to grab the land back iff he could find a loop hole in the law.
There is a limit to what they can do which the villagers do not believe.They listen to advisers who have their own political agenda.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I understand that every household in Kg. Buah Pala will receive RM 200K compensation from the developer if they agree to move out. The offer still stays even after Federal Court’s ruling on the ownership of the land.
The villagers are indeed very well compensated, considering the fact that compensation received by squatters in KL/Selangor area of merely a few thousand ringgit as relocating fee and part of downpayment of a low cost flat.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Isnt it a fact,80% of the settlers took the money,and left Kpg Buah Pala?LGE wants to solve the issue,but the problem is,BN wants to create unrest.Now,all of us are aware of the fact that BN is despearte.They badly want to “reclaim” their authority and control,and BN will go all out to topple Pakatan States.So what do they do?They resort to to thier usual tactics lah,kacau sana,cucuk sini.Today buah pala,tomorrow some god knows what.BN dont give a damn bout the people of kpg buah pala,because they r the main culprits in selling off the land way back in 2007!!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
One more thing .The moment Uthaya Kumar left kamunting,he started attacking LGE,Prof Ramasamy.Why?Uthaya also issued a statement that indian need to be given land..ummm..intersting isnt it.All has been pre planned?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Some of u guys here talk as if LGE is doing nothing for the residents. Can’t u see the current government is working very hard to come up with a win-win deal so that all the parties involved would not lose all despite the High Court decision that has ruled in favour of the land-owner ? R u blind ? And he is doing his best despite the fact, some of the residents had done so many nasty things, like issuing threats and innuendoes, spewing out racialist statements against him, the DCM and the current government. It’s a wonder he still has the urge to contunue helping to strike as best a deal for the Kg Pala people. Come on, be fair to him and the current government. U should be supporting him instead of sabotaging him. Or is it that u want him to fail so that u guys can put all the blame on him and the current government.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
i) umno-agents (could be) behind all these. there (could be) some in the buah pala committee. look carefully. u know who i am talking about.
ii) guan eng, DO NOT waver from your position. you cannot please all. stick to your decision. you are the CM. those who can see the big picture will be 100% behind you, sir!!
iii) keep the heritage; and be damned 4ever living in squatters. that’s THEIR choice!
iv) these buah pala folks are being … by their own people; and they dont …. realise it. poor folks… they are not to blame.
v) may those who take advantage of these poor ignorant folks…be condemned to hell for generations to come …
4RAKYAT
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I personally think the previous BN govt led by KTK is morally wrong to just stand aside and pretend they had no role in this. Let us not forget for even one second, they owe penagites an answer. While I know they state govt is trying to find a solution that all parties can live with, the state govt should be reminded to look at the big picture and be careful about any precedents they might be setting.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
DAP is racist like UMNO!
Im very upset why i voted for them during the general election.
Next time no more vote for DAP!
They only care for the Chinese!
Damn it…
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Let’s start a campaign to plead with purchasers of the Oasis condo to cancel their purchases and get their down payments back from the developer asap.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
just would like to add that i share peter’s view.
in the beginning i too felt a lot for the villagers but as the drama unfold, it looks like they are becoming too demanding… but to be fair, it is not all of them but only a handful. it was understood many of them are actually willing to move out – why not with such good compensation. it was only a handful villagers who made noise, instigated by outsiders (and sorry to say some NGOs too).
jeff, yes that was what i heard too – about 80% of them already agreed to move out with the compensation of RM200K compensation. everything would have gone by smoothly, there would be no issue at all BUT some of the villagers had been influenced by outside force, particularly BN, that made all the noises!
i wonder how many have heard of kg buah pala before this issue cropped out? i’m a penangite and i have not heard of it before until this issue cropped out (ok maybe i’m one of those who had not been around). ok for those who heard of it and have been there – does the village looks like a traditional village?
all these stuff of it being a traditional village – i wonder what made the village a traditional/heritage village? in what way? just because it had been there a long long time? or because they rear cows? i thought for a traditional indian village means like all the villagers wear the traditional indian costumes, their houses consists of traditional stuffs like cooking with charcoal only, no cable tv or internet in their houses and so on. well… let’s see… who was this person… a villager or a hindraf member… who went to paris to appeal for the village to listed as a heritage village… what he will bring back.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
“I understand from those developers who are well versed inland deal, LGE has to accept the last payment and dutifully transfer the land title because that was the agreement sign between Koh Tsu Koon on the deal. No way that LGE can refuse the trnsfer!!!” — Peter
No Peter, you are mistaken, you cant believe whatever the developers tell you. There are many conditions imposed by the NLC, one of which is timely payment of premium. The Koperasi paid the premium out of time. This alone is a good enough ground to revoke the deal. But for reasons we do not know the state govt did not do this.
Furthermore LGE had prior knowledge of the alleged fraud, he could have put the transfer in abeyance pending an investigation.
“Tell is it not that LGE has been too accomodating to their complaints.
Tell me if LGE has the means to get the land back, is there any reason why he will not?
He has at legal eagles like Karpal Singh and children to give him advice on this legal matter. If Karpal, a very capable lawyer, had found a loophole for Lim to get back the land cheaply, he would jump inot it.” — Peter
Well Peter, what we see is not what we really see. LGE and his legal advisors are brilliant and competent. Yet they have been dragging their feet since GE12. Could there be other factors that are stifling them?
Have you heard of political contributions, a little spoken of subject? Business groups and individual businessmen make donations to political parties and to hedge themselves they contribute to both sides of the political divide. They use this as leverage to lobby for favors and favorable policies. It is quite well known that the housing developer industry is the most powerful lobby in the country. The pertinent question to ask is, ” how much did the housing developer industry contribute to DAP’s political funds.”
When DAP was in the opposition they could whack anybody to kingdom come. But as a ruling party they cannot ignore their powerful benefactors. In case it missed your notice please look at the press statement by Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping of The PCCC.
Can the Nusmetro cyber-troopers please answer this question – ” how much did the housing developer industry contribute to DAP’s political funds.?”
Anyway Peter, we may not agree with each other, but I appreciate your patience and civility. You are not rude like some commentors here. It was a pleasure engaging you.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Anil, If I may….
Some of the questions asked above had been answered by CM Lim when Malaysiakini interviewed him on 15 July. The video is on Malaysiakini.tv but it is for subscribers only. So, I had put them on my Facebook and linked on my blog.
http://www.chanlilian.net/2009/08/02/what-will-happen-to-kampung-buah-pala-on-3-august-2009/
Hope that clears some of the misconceptions like ‘squatters’, ‘stroke of a pen’ and ‘is it DAP who approved’ etc.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I see LGE doing his best within the law to help resolve this situation. Those who demand using millions of taxpayer money to buy them out of this mess can go fly kite. If the compensation currently offered is not enough how much is? Lets put the numbers up so we can decide ourselves how resonable these villagers are.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
“It’s simple. It’s Economics! Stupid. State geovernment going to pay 150 million dollars. It’s not 3.2 million dollars. If that’s true, LGE would have done it long time ago” –looes74
looes74,
we can disagree but there is no need to be rude. As matured individuals we should be able to debate issues objectively and with civility.
How did you come to the conclusion that it would cost RM150 million?? LGE plucked this figure from the air and you are blindly following him. Did LGE get the govt valuers to value the land?? There is no evidence to that effect. This is still village land and there is no improvement on the land, how can the value suddenly inflate to RM150 million?? Land value is based on valuation principles. If you dont know please find out, dont simply rant your ignorance.
“Use your head & think! It’s supposed to be for all Penangites not just 30 village families.” — looes74
Aren’t the 30 village families Penangites??? Are they not entitled to protection from the state govt?
What does it take for them to be protected by the state… ????
“Why not you fork out your money & pay for them?” — looes74
Please dont be childish. When you cant debate issues, attack the person. Typical BN mentality.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Comment,
Its great if you dont vote DAP, vote for your masters UMNO who will give you equal rights or newly formed party that is going to form the next federal govt – PAHAM, led by … Uthayakumar who is now hiding in UK, after promising to fight for Buah Pala. LGE went to jail for a Malay girl, Manoharan and Ganabatirau were arrested under ISA fighting for Indians. And you call DAP racist? Must be a total idiot, and DAP doesnt need idiots like you to vote for them. I am sure they rather lose elections like last 50 years (except in 2008) rather than bow to pressure against ethical considerations. DAP has always been in opposition and it wouldnt be a culture shock if they return there – meanwhile you idiots wont scare DAP to make decisions that will put the greater interests at risk….
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
LGE should caveat the land and revoke the development permit.
That ought to teach BN UMNO GERAKAN a permanent lesson when there are other more kampung like this.
By not doing this, thus shows DAP state govt
loose income from the development ie Building plan, OC,…..
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I recall the pretty candleights that were lit by the KBP residents sometime ago in an effort to raise awareness to their plight and help moblise public support to save their homes and livelihoods in KBP.
In reciprocity for that heartfelt gesture, I will light some candles here tonight and in the hope that the powers of truth and reason and compassion will somehow coalesce to save KBP for the people who truly want it saved from destruction.
So all the best tomorrow to ALL in KBP in Penang, where perhaps an overwhelming thirst for some reasoned justice and a synchronous hunger for some good sense to prevail will overcome all the previous and current human mess created from the usual tiresome, destructive human blame and measurement game based on the usual underlying irrationalities of self-inflicted human madness and soul-destroying human greed.
GOOD LUCK!
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Comment – speak for yourself. I think the Cooperative is more racist than we think.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The whole episode is an opportunity fo BN to sabotage the PR government.
BN started the whole problem and then blame it on the present government. I do agree that LGE is to be partly blamed for transferring the land title so quickly. But the real culprit is Gerakan and UMNO.
Now with the Cooperative bent on demolishing the village, it put LGE on the spot.
I feel the LGE is playing into their hands.
It is like a game of poker now.
If Lim prevent the developer from carryingout their projects the Peang state would be sued for to a tune of RM150 million which it could ill afford to pay assuming it loses the case . Bear in mind the state of our judiciary. The chances of loosing is very great.
Yes, even of it takes 5 years to conclude the case, at the end of the day, the developer will win even bigger – RM150million in compensation and the right to continue developing.
I belive they have better plans!!!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
At this moment, the only possible legitimate criticism of LGE is that the land-title supposedly states the transfer is illegal. This argument also presumes MANY things. No one knows if they have looked into the matter in detail within the context of the state power.
I have seen land titled changed and against National land codes and procedures. Agri land turned into residential. 30 year lease turned into freeholds, even Malay reserve land turned into non-Malay reserve land.. So those who speak of illegality of the transfer, also need to get ALL the details right. Just because the title that the critics got says it cannot be transfered, it does NOT mean the state (in this case Koh Tsu Koon administration) cannot change it…
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Rajan,
I do agree with you very much. I pray that if those guys are bent on the villagers, do think twice.
But I believe if they move in to do so, I hope the police be there to maintain a neutral stand and not to take side.
I pray that this will not happen.
I PRAY THAT NO VIOLENCE WILL ERUPT…
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
What the hell is MIC doing there? They started it and stayed on to watch it. Till to date, Gerakan, MIC and MCA as well as UMNO are the culprits. They must answer.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0