Uninhabited land next to Kampung Buah Pala which could be turned into an eco-village – Photos by Anil
The worried Buah Pala village folk are at a loss over what to do. Few outside the village seem to understand them. They have been labelled as greedy and demanding after being offered 24 two-storey terrace houses – which they feel is not enough as there are about 40 families in the village.
One lanky village youth keeping watch, a walkie-talkie attached to his waist, told me his household has 12 members. “How are we to fit into a terrace house?”
Villagers say a strip of uninhabited state land lies adjacent to the village. A villager pointed out to me where the land stood. I ambled down the slope, past the enclosure of grazing cows on the right and found an open space, filled with undergrowth along a fairly long monsoon drain. I ventured in cautiously – the strip seemed to extend deep inside, and it appeared wide enough for houses to be built. This was probably the 2.4 acres of state reserve land a few had been talking about.
As I trekked inside, I thought this could be turned into a model eco-village where residents could be encouraged to pursue projects that promote sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
If, for whatever reason, the state is unwilling to pursue the land scam angle to try and nullify the deal or reacquire the land (despite several MACC reports), why is it baulking at pressing the developer to provide more houses or using the state reserve land or the nearest available space? It is not as if there is not enough land around to relocate the village in the vicinity as an eco-friendly ‘kampung tersusun‘ or to provide additional housing if the developer is unwilling to provide more than 24 houses.
The Pakatan Rakyat government in Penang was voted in to do things differently from the BN. This would be as good an occasion as any to show that they are really different and more committed to marginalised communities.
Mutu,
… Who knows what and how things are spinned these days, for all you know you could be a chinese, malay or lain-lain? Anyway, what has your Indian race got to do with what you are being ashamed of. You could be another ghost, but those people in Kg Buah Pala face the reality.
You see this is the problem, everyone jumps into the boat not knowing what really matters for what is the truth and justice but only what appeases them or their own hidden agenda.
Nobody would take the trouble to understand the issue but placate it for their own needs. What more can I say other than watch why Malaysians are such androids for their own self need. So much for a humane and just cause and of course the environment.
Anil, keep up your goodwork as truth has no substitute and the more we highlight it, the better we get at it sooner or later. Nothing like a good fight for truth to emerge as oppose to an artificial drama for populace and self imposed hidden agenda.
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… Koh Tsu Koon, the (political) eunuch responsible for all this… and yet does not even have the decency to provide an explaination to the people of Penang.
It does our PM no credit to have the likes of KTK in his cabinet.
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There were many comparisons made to other places where many people were made to move away from their land of dwelling. If we felt strongly at the way in which businesses in collusion with civil servants to prey on helpless individuals or group of people then we should be equally angry at the way in which these people were treated. Injustices in the past under the bn government was a dime a dozen. We hear and read of how the common man gets trampled upon by predatorial businesses and a government supportive of such culture. “It is the law” said the bn government and the law gets twisted to such an extend that justice – a living expressiion of just laws – gets swept away by the greed and avarice of the rich and infamous. It was a classic case of “harap pagar, pagar makan padi.”
When there was a change in government there was hope that perhaps now at least such justice gets to see the light of day. LGE was given a pile of s… to sort out by the previous government and I am not saying that he was not sincere in tackling the problem but a solution that is not based on justice or basic principle will set a dangerous precedence that such a culture of running roughshod over helpless individuals is acceptable.
There was acknowledged of fraud by lge. Whether this fraud could be proven or not is less important than for the government to at least try to prove it – to convince themselves and the residence one way or another. In the interim couldn’t the state government take out an injunction to stop all the contracts ? LGE must also remember that the civil servant with vested interests must also be put in their place. What better way to set the tone and tenor of lge’s governance than to send a strong reminder to one and all under his charge that he will not stand for such corruption ?
KBP issue is unfortunate also in that so many opportunistic politicians and politicians wannabe used the issue to embarass pr government to get some attention. Some of the residence there were also willing pawn and from my experience with a similar issue here I bet that person was paid.
This is why it is so important to see beyond all these rhetorics, comparisons, accusations and political posturing.
If we do not know what is wrong whatever solution that we come up with would be wrong. When we know what is truly wrong the solution presents itself – that’s the nature of life.
All problems have a solution but a solution that will not be a burden and a problem is one that conforms with our instinctive sense for fairness, justice and compassion.
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“I always thought that real justice could only be served if a similar compensation is given for a lost.” – morning dew
What is justice? who determines it, who interprets it? No matter how much you are against Federal Court judgment, it needs to be upheld. The incident of Nizar being thrown out as Perak MB is the an example of respecting court judgment. Like it or not, you have to go through the legal way to appeal. I do not agree with LGE’s decision of revoking the development plan, but that action is well defined within his executive power. I am glad that he does not fall into the trap of acquiring the land at 3.2million, with so called “a stroke of pen”, which easily would portray Penang state government is one that disrespect law. However, I do agree that Penang state government should continue investigating the corruption claim.
So, is it wrong to compensate KBP villagers with a state reserve land? Of course it is wrong. Just imagine what a chaos it would be if all the court-judged-illegal-villagers in Malaysia ask for a piece of land from respected state government. It is a extremely dangerous precedent to be set by Penang state government. Like it or not, you are the victims of the power-money-corrupted BN government, until a clean judiciary system is in place, you and I have to respect the court decision. Like it or not, we have to appeal through legal means, not doing another wrong to right a wrong!
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Hi SH TAN,
Yes,chinese are a highly resilient race group,and dont like to show much emotion.These are the qualities that must be admired by every one!!
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Despite all the sufferings,tragedies,the chinese have quietly managed to survive and have t built a huge wealth reservoir.There is unity and understnding amonst themselves and the chinese can overcome any form of cahllenges..but what about the indians?…
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4Rakyat,
Stop making assumptions and trying to justify what LGE is doing.
When you say something than do it. do not putar belit.
Another, what about LGE and his (assistants’) proclaimation that the land deal is fraudulent, and they will investigate and file action in court. Are you going to tell me another attempt to bring the developer to the table…….
Be objective about everything you hear and say. I am only taking to task that when our leaders say something , they fulfill it , not just wayang lor.
Further an advise to you , do respond but do not get personal. 4Rakyat not 4Developer or 4Politicians
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It might interest for those who had been following the KBP issue of the below nugget of information. This explains why a certain KBP resident had been sabotaging the residents’ efforts in asking for a fair compensation and also posting some highly upbeat comments about LGE and his gutless administration.
This comment below was taken from the NST and was attributed to M. Sugumaran, the Village Resident Assoc Chairman.
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“But as far as we know, only two accepted the offer,” adding that one of the two was working for a state executive councillor here.
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I do not know what had transpired in the court case but subsequent to that some documents were found and made public and lge himself acknowledged that there were elements of fraud.
From your very own statement you seemed to agree that with a corrupt or rather pliant court justice would not be served. Justice is not what you and I say but what you truly felt – without any intervening rationalisation – deep within the fibre of your being.
If all else failed the plot of land next to the present site would be just compensation as there would be a continuation of a lifestyle that many of the older folks are accustomed to. These folks would be most affected.
A responsive government would be one who would listen to what is really on the ground and act accordingly. This incident in kbp would not set a dangerous precedence but a precedence of care and compassion. These people are not squatters but settlers. And there were elements of fraud to deny these people of their life.
In future if there were similar fraud I would want to have a government who would listen and act with consideration and compassion and justice. Isn’t this a wonderful precedence for the new government to set ?
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soohuey,
Your assumption that the developer’s offer to the Kg. Buah Pala folks is a whitewash is not tenable. Of course everybody wants safeguards but when you buy a house from a developer, tell me what safeguards do you have that the project will be completed and you will get your house? For your info, here are hundreds of uncompleted housing projects all over the country with buyers left in the lurch.
For the KBP folks, I would say their risk is minimal. The developer is building luxury apartments so they should have the financial strength to complete 24 terrace houses. The Penang govt is watching over them so they cannot renegade on the deal. The state govt still holds the power of approval for layout plans, building plans and C.F.
As for rental compensation, are they entitled to it? I don’t know if it’s over compensating them or not but I won’t judge the deal is a bad one just because no rental compensation was offered.
If the KBP villagers want to fine tune the offer, they should accept in principle first and continue to negotiate. But they rejected it outright. To many people, this was a good deal. Why should I feel sympathy for them?
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“A caring government do not throw up its hand in resignation just because the solution they proposed is not accepted. It is very much like a caring parent who stand by their children – without ever giving up. A caring parent will continue to try to find a solution. – morning dew
But these residents have been abusing, loud mouthing and attacking the PR state govt who were trying their best to help them. Even someone with the patience of saints would throw up their hands. No, the govt is not their parent to take all the abuse lying down.
“If the government could not stand up for them what hope do they have ?” – morning dew
Precisely, so why keep abusing the very people who may be the only ones who have the power to help you? Maybe they should seek help from Hindraf and MIC who have been using them as a political platform to attack PR
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They asked for a few houses for their extended families. For those with small families, can they accept half a house ( one room ) ? These people are greedy and arrogant. They deserve not a single room.
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To add on to what Ethan is saying. Is it wrong to compensate the villagers with state reserve land?
may I ask those folks, to whom the land belongs to? KBP villagers or 1.5 million Penangites?
If LGE were to revoke the court order, wouldn’t my idea is more acceptable?
Build Public Housing that houses 3.5 to 4K people in Kampung Buah Pala.
Perhaps, the villagers can have a slight bigger houses. Let all Penangites have a piece of KBP
I thought that’s what Anil’s been espousing? Social Justice
I might be cruel to say it’s only 300 folks. How about so many of those who are struggling to buy a house in Penangite.
State coffers & lands belong to 1.5 million Penangites. State Land inclusive of KBP
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I wish LGE and the Penang state government washed its hand off this issue all together. Let MIC or Hindraf negotiate with the developers on the KBP residents.
LGE should get on with governing Penang and for all Penangnites , instead of pandering to these greedy demanding residents.
Penang needs a government more than those KBP residents. I’d venture to say, forget about the whole issue. There’s MIC and Hindraf to take care of them. The state government should now concentrate on more demanding matters and not be tied down by these bunch. Its been going on long enough.
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If I were the developer, I will immediately accept the residents’ request of building more house to accommodate all their extended families of 64 as they claimed. I’ll
1.) build a storey of flat worth let say RM70k each of 700 sq ft house and give each to the so-called 64 EXTENDED families for FREE. ( u get a RM 70K 700sqft flat in PENANG, i believe it’s a good deal)
2.) and the rest i’ll open up for sale.
3.) all families get their houses all to them with their uncle and aunty staying next door.what a harmoniuos life
4.) may build a swimming pool, gym community hall etc
5.) WIN-WIN situation
6.) everyone happy and I the developer got to save more than half of what i’ve to fork out if i built 24 double-storey houses
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For many people here, their anger is more to do with the perceived “boldness” of the KBP residents in “attacking” and making demands to LGE’s administration.
To these people, LGE is beyond reproach and represents the “Good” while those opposed him must be surely “Evil” by default.
So the question now arises that what would these people do if the Najib’s govt also adopts such anti-people and intolerant attitude and approach ? Can Najib by the same token reject and refuse to negotiate in an issue when the Pakatan politicians get involved ?
For a political nuetrals like me, this KBP issue has been an eye-opener on the mentality and the true colours of my fellow Penangites and Malaysians. I have witnessed how so called civil society activists, NGO fighters, Citizen Reporters and others had mutated from their principles to shameless and starry-eyed fanboys and fangals of LGE and Pakatan.
(To one of the commenters here),
It was the Chairman of the Resident Assoc Sugu who had exposed your real identity as a staff for the state exco member and your real motivation in posting numerous comments here in support of LGE and Prof Rama. So please don’t blame me Ok !
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“This comment below was taken from the NST and was attributed to M. Sugumaran, the Village Resident Assoc Chairman.” -K
K, if you accept everything said by the partisan Sugumaran as Gospel truth, then you may as well believe that PR is the devil and BN is the angel.
Listening to him on malaysiakini.TV makes me want to puke! The guy is so anti-PR and pro-BN that he may as well be a politician. I sympathize with the villagers for having a person like him represent them.
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Aiyah. Let them stay in Komtar lah. So many empty space there.
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Prof Ramasamy and Rayer are striking back!!Bout time!!Hah,it’s high time Waytha/Uthaya,… be exposed!!
(They and others) have (collected) 100′s of thousand of RM from poor indians…
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Koh Tsu Koon is a political eunuch with no pride, no self-respect and no honour.
He simply washes his hands off the whole saga.
All his apologists here masquarading as political neutrals should be ashamed of themselves.
This is a land grab done with the connivance of the previous CM. Make no mistake about it.
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Unlike a reporter who went to France at his “own expense” konon and hoping that the public reads the trash he writes. Will the real reporter stands up? Oh…why nobody talks about Selvaraj’s claim that the land is worth RM3.5Million? So who is trying to gain symphathy here ? He or my CM?
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KB,
K is in fact also very anti PR and very pro BN. He is what we call a “s*** stirrer”. Its very clear cut that KBP has to go and if all 24 households were to sign and accept the compensations, then they have the clougt to get more info of the offer and also negotiate for other benefits through the state govt. But unfortunately, some of them are asking for the moon and so there is no unison to ask for better benefits through the state govt. Guess the remaining ones who refuse to sign can just sit there and wait till the cows come home and by then, there will be no more home for them.
I guess these KBP residents can thank K, Sugu, Hindraf and MIC for the situation there are in now. Please remember that for other areas, residents have to pay for the flats offered to them and its NOT free. You KBP guys get a house worth few hundred thousands and yet still ask for more.
Please wake up and take what’s offered. Dont be a fool…for when the bulldozers come, no one can help you as the law is now on the side of the bulldozers and the police will be there. Remember what happened to the folks in Kg Berembang, Ampang? Everything is cleared and case now closed and residents accepted what was offered and you can see its futile to fight when the law is not on your side.
Shouldn’t all relevant information (temporary accommodation, completion date, what happens if the company is unable to proceed with the project) be given before – not after – they are asked to sign? If we were them, would we sign without such information? – Anil
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K, don’t paint yourself as politically neutral. You are definitely not neutral. You seem to enjoy attacking LGE and PR while ignoring any wrongdoings by Gerakan and BN. Just like Hindraf.
To you, anybody who has a different opinion from you are “shameless and starry-eyed fanboys and fangals of LGE and Pakatan” even if it involves a wide segment of society. In your own little world, you’re the only person who is right. If you just step outside and look at yourself, you are no better than the people you condemn.
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Whoa!!! 12 members can’t fit in a double storey house.
Are they telling us that now they are staying in a mansion?? Whoa, then they must be a millionaire, i guess!
Finally what they want is a 12 room bungalow, lah!!!
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To me, the offer of a double storey terrace house is already over generous. It sets a dangerous precedence. Will this mean that, in future, anybody occupying land under a TOL will have to be compensated with a double storey terrace house or a piece of reserve land if his TOL is terminated for any reason? We should look at past practice in deciding the level of compensation to be given. Decisions should not be based how fierce the TOL occupier is in making his demand or the amount of political backing he has.If people are too demanding, it would discourage the State Government from granting TOL in future. It would also discourage genuine development. Everybody will suffer. Given the situation and the Court’s ruling on this matter, we should be reasonable.
I would also like to declare that I am a Penangite who is not a member of any political party and who would give the vote to whichever political party can do the best for the country.
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