A friend of mine provides an eye-witness account and pictures of the pro-NEP demonstration around Komtar, Penang, this afternoon. (The Komtar tower houses the offices of the Penang state government offices and the Chief Minister.) The crowd, which included several Umno leaders and reps in the state, were protesting against Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s declaration that the new DAP-led state government would discontinue New Economic Policy (NEP) policies.
Here is the eye-witness account:
At about 2.55pm, I was walking through Komtar and out from the third floor at the Maybank entrance. At first, I saw people lining the balcony railing looking down to three FRU trucks being loaded up with personnel. There was a strong police presence (though not intimidating), vehicles and personnel and a curious but not ruffled crowd.
When I asked, I was told the new chief minister was coming. A bit of a heavy welcome, I thought. So I followed the crowd and walked to Jalan Ria where I could both see and hear a large banner-waving crowd.
As I could not hear what they were chanting and could not decipher their banners, I can only describe what I saw and felt. Firstly, there was, at that time, no sense of tension either from the crowd or the marchers. The marchers at the front were young mainly male and evidently Muslim. Further back, the marchers were a mix of ages and sexes as well as ethnicities, though I would say they were probably all Muslim – Indian and Malay.
All seemed to be peaceful when I left the scene. Although there was a helicopter overhead, there didn’t seem to be any tear gas or water cannon truck lurking in the background, just FRU directing the march and guiding the traffic.
One thing though – there was a slight awkwardness in the marchers… and unfamiliarity… as if they were not from Penang, at least not from the island. They looked a little out of their familiar territory – just an observation.
———-
Well, thankfully everything ended peacefully. Indeed, the FRU should be commended for acting with restraint in sharp contrast to the way their counterparts in KL handled the Hindraf protests.
Earlier, theSun quoted Chief Minister Guan Eng as saying:
“We believe in the freedom of speech and assembly as long as it is peaceful. Anybody who wants to protest, we have no qualms about it but please do it based on facts and not based on certain interests or to try and test the state government,” he said.
Speaking in a press conference after a meeting with 21 Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in his office in Komtar, Lim said the state government is a united front that should not be tested on their commitment to represent all Penangites.
“Don’t test us on our commitment towards establishing integrity and accountability and don’t test us on our commitment to listen to all the voices of Penangites,” he said.
“If they want to come and give their views, we are willing to listen but if they want to demonstrate, that is their right. I hope they won’t provoke sentiments that are not true,” he added.
He was commenting on a plan by certain groups to stage a protest in Komtar against the state government’s stand in not using the New Economic Policy (NEP) but an open tender system instead.
“We will not back down on the open tender system because the NEP is associated with corruption, cronyism and inefficiency,” Lim reiterated.
“We want an open tender system but they raised so much hue and cry. If they want to test us, they can go ahead and test us. We have the full exco support on this and we won’t back down on that,” he said.
Earlier, on his meeting with the 21 Muslim organisations, Lim again reiterated that the state government has no intention of sidelining any group or races.
“We are a state government for all and we listen to the voices of the people and we want to represent everyone in Penang,” he said.
He reassured Muslims that the state government emphasised on integrity and the status of Islam in the state will never be disputed.
“Please do not listen to any rumours about the state government wanting to tone down Azan (the call for prayers) or anything like that. In fact, this is the first time I’ve heard about such things,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini quotes Zaid Ibrahim, the former Umno MP for Kota Bharu as saying that Guan Eng should not have been too hasty:
“I find it very shocking to see today that DAP is being very arrogant too. First day in office – Lim Guan Eng (Penang chief minister) made this statement about NEP,” he said.
“This is not the time to stir everyone’s feelings. Our race relations are still fragile and those elected should just stop talking and get on with the job.”…
“A good leader should be able to say the good part of NEP, which is to help the marginalised group, should be continued. The NEP which helps selected individuals to enrich themselves will be stopped. That’s all he should have said, not provocative statements,” said Zaid.
“This is something which Guan Eng should be mindful of. TV3, the newspapers and the radio stations must also stop pitting the Malays against the non-Malays. It is so dangerous.
Interestingly enough, Penang Umno leaders have proposed to the federal government to withdraw funding for all mega-projects in Penang. Guan Eng has described the call as akin to cutting their nose to spite their face – and an act of revenge.
Actually, Umno’s call to end the Penang mega projects such as the Penang Outer Ring Road could be a blessing in disguise. Everyone knows that Penang is already terribly congested. A delay in the mega projects would give civil society groups and the new state government in Penang more time to look into more sustainable alternatives to improve public transport, preserve the environment, reduce traffic and create more green spaces and parks. Guan Eng should explore these alternatives rather than rely on mega projects that earn huge profits for a few privileged corporations.The state government must also implement development projects that truly empower and uplift the lives of marginalised communities – in other words, people-centred, holistic development – rather than put much hope on mega projects.
Here is an article I wrote for Aliran Monthly:
Is the BN’s economic model sustainable?
Is our current model of economic development sustainable in the long-run, wonders Anil Netto. What will happen when our oil wells dry up? What has been the environmental cost? These are issues that our political parties – both the BN and the Opposition – must address. Full article
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Hahaha. Bayar saja RM50 ramailah kelauar.
Saya menyokong Guan Eng walaupun ap akan terjadi … masa Makcik kat Melaka tu tadak sorang pun org DEB UMNO datang nak tolong .. hanya Guan Eng sampai masuk jel dan hilang pencen.
Sekirang-kurangnya dia telah buktikan ….. BERUANG TANPA MENGIRA BANGSA DAN UGAMA dan bukannya BERJUANG UNTUK PENUHKAN POKET DEMI BANGSA DAN UGAMA
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Any country that harps on race and religion to advance their political ploys will never last.
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The protester came in a number of buses from neighbouring state being a public holiday on Friday. Obviously they were brought in to show make up the numbers for the elite UMNO leaders with bad intention, that is to cause chaos.
These people are sore losers. One mention of the bad elements of NEP being discarded, these people trembling with fear. This is the result of having the NEP as the ‘tongkat’ for such a long time. Take it away and they fear they will drop like a ton of bricks.
How are we going to compete with the world when our fellow Malaysian loves the ‘tongkat’ so much??
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abolishing the NEP will only benefit EVERYONE except those corrupted politician that used to abuse it.
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Exactly, Guan Eng has proven that he aint a racist when he helped a poor Malay girl against a well known UMNO politician. He went to jail for it for many years.
The NEP only benefited UMNOPuteras and created a racial divide and resentment between non-Malays and Malays and all the stigma that Malays are a lazy bunch etc… Without this Never Ending Policy there would not have been such a polorised Malaysia as it is now.
For the Malays who are still doubting about the abolishment of the NEP, give Guan Eng 4 years to show you how life would be much better without it and how corruption will be reduced 10 fold. If not just vote him out in the next election.
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First of all ,…… we all youth from penang states support and trust on GUAN ENG’S leadership. UMNO guys are troublemakers. Their totally paralized in penang states. This is the reason , why they want to do demonstation.
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UMNO, didn’t u say “Demonstrasi bukan buday kita” ?
Bunch of useless hypocritical…. LEARN HOW TO ACCEPT LOSSES!
the NEP doesn’t benefit the poor malays at all!
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I’ve wrote before the election all over that PAS is double-face. It is only interested in gaining as much ruling power as it can and will say anything to gain that power. It’s a party that is based on racial, religious and ultra-nationalism (of a supreme Islamic nation-state) politics and hence will forever stands in contradiction to a mature and progressive of truly democratic Malaysia in the future that promotes true equality and liberation for all. I don’t think it’s too late to rectify this grave mistake of having Pas in the Opposition coalition in the first place as I believe if Anwar & Keadilan plus DAP stands firm with their conviction (I applauded Anwar’s and DAP brave stand against NEP); there is great potential for Anwar to intensify the effort of changing the mindset of brainwashed Malays. Especially from the ordinary population; who are still brainwashing into supporting the undemocratic and unjust NEP and “Ketuanan Melayu” ideology. For many educated Malays NEP is no more relevant since many have been exposed to liberal and progressive democracy system and human rights in the west. And they are the ones who might be able to influence their parents from the rural Malay population particularly.
And to also have in mind that UMNO is going to play more dirty in the next election by having “indigenous/bumiputera/Malay” identity as constructed from religion rather than race. This’s the reason for Chandra Muzaffar’s … outburst against Anwar; in order to prepare the groundwork …
This is also very dangerous for the opposition as this will enable UMNO to buy increase voting support for UMNO in the next election. Besides (possibly) granting citizenship to Muslim migrant workers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia and Filipino, Burmese and Southern Thai Muslim refugees including in Sarawak and Sabah in order for that increase votes and loyalty to Umno (why also the big winning in Sabah and Sarawak for BN).
So I fully support the bravest and wisest opposition leader of all, Lim Kit Siang for taking such a firm stand against Pas on the issue of MB Perak’s position. Besides, there you can see how greedy for power and double-face Pas is; they already gain two states of Kedah and Kelantan. Why can’t they back-off and compromise from the Perak MB issue if they’re genuinely co-operating with the coalition partners especially since DAP won the most seats anyway? I never trust Pas and never will; because I’ve grown up and realize true democracy and universal human rights that cuts across race, religion and ultra-nationalism are the greatest rewards for humanity. Particularly in a world dominated by greed, arrogance and selfishness. And as long as the capitalist system and class rules the world and humanity! And male politicians including from the opposition; please do listen and take advise from the women sometimes!
But definitely, long live DAP & Keadilan! I feel I could breath a little bit again in this sorry nation-state!
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And I thought that ‘ini bukan budaya kita’? Hypocrites!
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There was no untoward action like tear gas and chemical water, let them protest, they have the right to be heard, that is how democracy works.
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how come when others protests … they got lock up … and now, they themselves organizes protests …
thumbs up for G.E. for the abolishment of NEP … the right thing to do
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Brother Anil,
The ones who demonstrated are most likely clueless ones who would have no bloody idea about the subject matter @ NEP if you had gone and interviewed any of them about it?
As we know being the trend in Penang, we have the Indian Muslims who want to be known as Malays and being from Penang, I know very well the mentality of such folks.
i can safely say that those who gathered might have been paid because practically speaking, not many common folks would know a s*** about the NEP?
If it was Malay nationalists from UMNO, then one might just let them protest all they want because it is their reality.
Those who protested must be folks who are used to getting something without doing anything and can be considered as freeloaders.
The trend now for UMNO would be to fork out RM50 a head to gather such a crowd just to show that they are looking out for the rights of the Malays?
Yeah right!
The Penang Malays have mostly sold out their meagre lands on the island and moved to Seberang Perai areas such as Bertam, BM, etc.
Why did the FRU not teargas them as usual? Well, maybe Barisan Rakyat areas should have no problem’s with protests and demos as the PAS President had promised.
So protest all you want UMNO Penang!
That might be something to attract more tourists to my home island!
All right!
Hidup Hidup! Hidup DEB! Hidup Hidup! Hidup DEB!
Undur Undur! Undur Abdullah Badawi!
oops…wrong battlecry lah!!! Hahahahahahaha!
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UMNO members protested in KOMTAR area complained the open tender system by DAP_PKR_PAS government is the demolition of New Economy Policy and an act to marginalize Malays. This is absurd, we Penangites are not stupid. We will unite behind our new government to reject any bad intention to prohibit transparency in Penang state administration and to stir racial issues. By the way, who is the one behind the protest? Why didn’t the police prosecute them as they did to Hindraf?
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Our CM has done good move by abolish the NEP. As everyone knows that NEP only benefit high ranking UMNO people. Our BN leaders should realise that now our malay friends are educated. They know whats happening around in our beloved nation. What is our BN’s comment on protest at KOMTAR today? “Not Our Culture”? What about the UMNO leaders in Penang calls to end the big projects in Penang. Do all of you trying to tell us that this nation runs by UMNO and not by BN? Pak Lah kindly think, you are down because of your own people around you and not because of rakyat.
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I am so happy that they actually demonstrated! IMHO, they must be allowed to do just that and hopefully keep the state government on its toes. This way Penang will be great again!
However, UMNOputras are clearly hypocrites. If the marchers were Indians in an UMNO state (say Johor), they would have been (condemned).
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around 500 and not 2k! i was there.
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What’s wrong to abolish NEP if all the poor Malaysians irrespective of race and religion gets financial/moral/social/education/medical assistance to that one day they can be independent. We want to see all Malaysians irrespective or race and religion prosperous. We want to see all Malaysians irrespective or race and religion can stand tall one day and be pround to be Malaysians and contribute the nation growth. Poorest of the poor may one day be a grateful rich man who will pay back to the society.
If the poor gets poorer rich gets richer then something seriously wrong with NEP. UMNO pro-NEP, you must be joking!
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Saya fully support the new CM. Abolishing some of the NEP is not a bad idea like abolishing the corruption that are happen in the country for decades… even openly.
Why are ppl acting so foolish. If a system its good and being rule by another race or religion, I think it is ok. This is a multi-racial country. Why do we have to say Melayu, Chinese, Indian..etc
Kita mesti bersatu macam “Melayu” di Singapura. Mereka guna OTAK dan mereka support their minister jugak walaupun minister kebanyakan orangnya cina. So what’s wrong with being rule by a chinese?
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halo pak lah, use ISA to lock those who led this demonstration. Lock them up in Kamunting jail as what you did to Hindraf leader, DAP leader, PKR leader, etc…
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I think its good that they had the demonstration. Let them make a fool out of themselves.
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This is blatant violation of the law. It’s illegal gathering. Given the BN govt, there would be arrest if the protest was organised by the opposition.
The question is…”Was there any police permit granted”? If there was, what was the criteria for granting it? Is it because, it’s a “BN event” that the police gives or what? Could it be BNinstigating a march of the same measure as Bersih or Hindraf?
The answer is clear. The UMNO hegemony and its ugly face spelling the famous idiom:-
What I do is always correct, correct, correct and what you the opposition does is always incorrect, incorrect, incorrect!
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only UMNO people benefit from NEP because they can get the so called ‘commission’.
Please abolish this … NEP.
Every race must united to say TAK NAK to BN!
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Anil
The actual number of marchers is about 200 to 300 people only. The rest were curious passersby, lunch time crowd, passengers waiting for bus/taxi/trishaw, bank customers, etc, etc. It was planned to demonstrate at Komtar after Friday prayers. They intended to get alot of participation as the news was spread earlier but looking at the marchers, paid or otherwise, true Penangite malays are smarter nowadays. They have meaningful things to do than to participate blindly. 1,000 is giving them tooooo much credit and misleading. I hope the pro-BN papers and TV won’t be giving them front page and top news, as they look more like a boys scout-girls guide outing in the city on a Sunday Friday afternoon.
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UMNO selalu berslogan ( ini bukan budaya kita ) but whats happening now ?
ohhh yaaa i forgot, umno can do this , but other cant do, this is malaysians fate….
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PAS leaders has already ask all Muslim not to participate in any UMNO rally.(HarakahDaily)
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