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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Classic example of UMNO can but others cannot. Did anyone from UMNO Perlis helped the woman in (the) scandal (there)? Or former Melaka CM’s scandal (UMNO Melaka)? Or the Mongolian’s murder case? Did (a certain top leader) share any of his commissions with the poor Bumi? Did Khairy do anything to help the poor, weak and helpless? Just now PM was on TV and continued his (spin).
Barisan Rakyat – pls save the people from UMNO.
malaysia is a peaceful country, why demonstrate to create such a fuss?? dun be a sore loser, just learn to accept losses & learn what the rakyat wants. the rakyat has spoken & give others a chance to make changes… malaysian rakyat is more educated and they will be able to see for themselves what is right and what is wrong.
who is creating racial tension now?? malaysia is a multi racial country and all luv peace. stop all the nonsense…
you know lah many people will talk here and there and one of the thing i heard was that “most of the crowd were imported from KL by the son-in-law”.
To commenter Noor Aza Othman (6.06pm , 14 march)
Why you so angry with PAS. Did you know how the selaction of MB in Perak?
All the BA team are request by Sultan to submit 3 list of names and the Sultan will make the decision. ( u ni buta perlembagaan ke?)
Sultan dah buat keputusan dan nampaknya awak kene belajar lagi undang2 dan perlembagaan negeri. Jangan main hentam kromo sahaja.
Saya tidak nampak PAS gila kuasa. Apa kamu cuba untuk memburukan parti yang menperjuangkan agama. Adakah PAS megenepikan org bukan Islam. Jgn celik mata sahaja tapi buta hati.
hey I saw some page saying getting RM80 per person, how come I only get RM50?????????
Let them do whatever they want to… Ignore / Snub them.. Don’t give them our attention.. They’ll fade away in time… The ruling party has got better things to do.. Do not disturb them.. These are BN (Opposition) tactics… to distract and provoke…
Anyone heard about current happenings in Perlis?? MB (old) vs MB(new)….
Pak Lah should say something against such demonstrations as it is not good for the economic stability of Malaysia as a whole. He should remind all citizens that we are after all, a Democratic society and as such, the minority must respect and comply with the majority consensus as we have practised for 50 odd years.
Such demonstrations are anti-democratic and as such should be regarded as a threat to the constitution of our beloved country and all that we ( Malaysian ) stands for.
I hope Pak Lah will do the right thing…such demonstration can only be percieved as shameful in the eyes of developed nations all across the globe
wow it is very heartening to see so many people of diff races on all this forum/blog whatever we call it, unite and say no to corrupt practises as well as nepo-thingy, crony-thingy and so many other flawed policies that were supposed to help the poor-daif rakyat.
Hey frens i salute all of u n we as the Rakyat must unite to stamp out these childish if not contradicting ways of our current few who are purely sore losers. KUDOS RAKYAT….I used to dislike Malaysia n felt left out as our polarisation could be felt, but now i am totally convinced that Malaysia has its potential n people of all races should and must live together as one, stand as one and never be coerced! regardless of race, language and religion!
I agree with Penang Youth, UMNO can only play with slogans but in practicality they have zero values. Today’s march is a strong evidence that UMNO can only preach but can’t follow what they preached. I understand today’s gathering was illegal and police didn’t give any permit. This was a racist gathering. threatening the DAP and Non-Malays again. Pak Lah used to say that, “I am a Prime Minister for all”, and our IGP Musa said, the police will remain neutral, but today I saw both were biased. No efforts were made to dispersed the crowd. Police helped them a smooth passage by barricading the roads leading to KOMTAR. Unlike the Hindraf gathering where thousand were brutally attacked by our police force with water canons, tear gas and physical violence, today no water canons or tear gas were fired.
And these idiots are saying that they are not ‘RACIST’ pointing fingers at others being ‘racist’. Sheer stupidity unveils itself after the election.
Further to make the matter look simple and to avoid being questioned, medias carrying out news that this gathering today was a mere individual gathering and not organised by anyone. … A gathering without permit should be followed by water canons and tear gas. Our police is good at attacking the innocence. Today they didn’t do that because, ayaaaa……
And Pak Lah said, he is a PM for all.
Oooii Musa, Be it individuals or group, if they gather without permit, all must be treated the same.
Hello Anil ! You have written a very insightful article arising from the Sub-prime mortgage problem, of which I was not too clear about. After reading your article I can see that it looks very much the 1997 problem that got Asia undone by the same people from the US and I suppose from EU.
I believe in one wise and ancient saying that nothing comes from nothing; and no matter how clever you are you just cannot pump up hot air and expect it to remain the same all the time, what goes up must eventually come down. The BN government have for the last 50 years been about shaving off a percentage of (many) government generated contracts and franchises for their own selfish benefit; I would go as far as to say that about 25% of all government contracts have been shaved off and pass on as waste due to corruption. Grandiose projects are thought up that are not of any urgency or requirement are implemented merely because the bigger they are the more the politicians can shave off for themselves. Looking at the second bridge project for Penang I can only say that this is another white elephant that will costs the state several billion ringgit and the shave off will make another crony very rich.
I have been back to KL and the huge highway that runs through KL to Penang must have costs several billions, and from my observation there is no urgency for such a huge project, Penang is a sea port and Penang could have a first class air-port to improve much needed infrastructure, but instead you plan to put in a billion dollar second bridge project; where is the need for such a project ?
In KL the hugely expensive FREEWAY does not merit the expenditure because it has not loosened up traffic at all, there are still very long traffic chock points that were there before the highway was put in use as it is now when it is in use. These projects were built merely to benefit those in power. To give them the opportunity to collect toll and to shave off a percentage of the contract sum. The BN government has wasted billions upon billions over the past 50 years. Compare the returns on investment between Singapore and Malaysia and you can see what they have and how they have put their investment dollars to good use. Malaysia wasted their billions upon billions of their ringgit merely to profit a few in the government. While Singapore has invested billions of dollars towards building up one of the world’s finest educational system and a world renown R & D facilities, Malaysia is still “clomping” along at bullock-cart speed; there is just no comparison, a case of cheese and chalk. Singapore has catapulted into the front ranks of a 21st century economy, while Malaysia is still chugging along at a leisurely “kampong” pace.
I have forever said that Malaysia had the good fortune to discover oil at the time that I left Malaysia, and that discovery of oil saved Malaysia from becoming a case of a SUDAN OR AFGHANISTAN. Malaysia has no manufacturing to speak off. What is passed off as manufacturing in Malaysia is nothing more than mere assembly of discarded Japanese technology as eg. The assembly of the Mitsubishi that passes for the Proton. Yes Malaysia bought the British Lotus and what profitability has it generated ? Look at the Malaysian icon of cheap flights, like Asia Airlines a success story, but it was bought by Fernandes for 1 ringgit and turned around. The Malaysian government lost billions in that project only to be turned around by a non Malay. There are hundreds of other similar examples, that proves the rule that AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS A WASTE OF SCARCE RESOURCES; it did not really benefit the Malays because all the projects that were supported by Affirmative action went into huge losses and they did not benefit Malaysia in any meaningful way.
The Malays ought to by now at least by trial and error, realize that it takes a certain type of individual to become an entrepreneur …
Penang is an excellent test bed for Malaysia (and by that I mean the BN government) to find a more effective model for development than just sticking to a failed model that is hooked on affirmative action that has gone on for the last 50 years. I agree with DAP that the NEP needs to be scraped because Penang is mainly Chinese, may I guess about 75% Chinese ? Therefore, 75% of the population will not need affirmative action (are there 25% Malays in Penang ? ) In the case of Penang therefore, may I suggest that CM Lim Guan Eng need not take any step back from what he has declared, that he will scrap the NEP(I think he will scrap it too ). My suggestion is for the CM to implement a public announcement of all the good stuff eg. Government contracts up for tender and scholarships and jobs in government.
My suggestion is that if qualified Malays win any government contracts by fair tender then government assistance may be available to the successful Malay contractor to complete the project. This model is built on the foundation that merit is the basis of success and that if the Malay candidate has merit but not sufficient means to complete his project, the government will render assistance to him. This system will therefore remove the “Malay Sultan syndrome”; the Chinese dubbed this the Malai Wong system, whereby the China-man enlist a Malay as the chairman and under his name takes on a government contract and pays off the Malay chairman a percentage of the contract but the whole project is managed by the Chinese. This system has gone on ever since the first days of Merdeka and it is the greatest indictment of the failure of Malaysia’s failed affirmative action. Let us be blunt about it, if the Malay is not able or qualified to take the job then where is the common sense for taking him on ? His inadequacy only blow up the costs of the project and this has gone on forever.
I can say that I speak for most Chinese that we do not object and for that matter we had never ever objected to a fair and equitably administered affirmative action, meaning that this assistance are given justly to deserving cases of Malays who need assistances to progress. We Chinese only object to the wastage brought on by nepotism and corruption. If affirmative action only benefits an elite then the Malays will never progress to the point when they will not need any assistance. This is our objection. That being the case CM Lim can experiment with a system that will ultimately create a class of Malay entrepreneurs that will draw level with the other races. What CM Lim has said is just common sense and good thinking. We Chinese do not need any affirmative action.
On the issue of the award of scholarships and government jobs, if I remember rightly, there is provision in the original Malaysian Constitution that mandates a ratio of 3 : 1 in other words, a 25% places reserved for non-Malays; but this provision had been perverted by those administer the government to give ALL THE PLACES to the Malays. All we need do is to revert to the original Malaysian Constitution and enforce that provision according to the law. We need to name the successful candidates in the press, like the publication of the HSC results. Who are the Malays and who are the non-Malays to show transparency and just administration of the required affirmative action. I believe that transparency is the key and it applies even in the case of the Malays.
… look our neighbour singapore is one of the top in asia without BN!
DEB hanya menguntung besar kepada elite-elite & coloni-coloni Umno saja. Itu sebab ramai kaum Melayu masih hidup sensara & miskin. MAS, Celcom, Maxis, Proton & Produa, Bank-bank, Lembaga-lembaga cukai, air, lektrik, perumahan, & jambatan-jambatan traffic, empangan, kejuruteraan, import-export, hasil-tanah dll…….. semua disebut tu dipegang oleh Melayu tu sendiri, “so” 50 tahun dah. kenapa Kaum Melayu masih miskin? “so where is the money gone???”
if Anwar Ibrahim is a traitor for telling the world that Malaysian leaders were corrupt and racist isnt UMNO Penang a traitor to the Penang people for asking the Federal Government to stop all Mega projects in Penang ?
…UMNO Penang is behaving like a sore loser. Just because they cannot (allegedly) “membelot harta rakyat” in the name of Mega projects they want the projects to be cancelled all together.
Just a few days ago Prime Minister said that DEB is for all Malaysians irrespective of race so no reason to dismantle the DEB. All the UMNO yes men also said the same.
Now suddenly when the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says that DEB will not be used in Penang, Prime Minister is asking Lim Guan Eng not to stir racial sentiments.
So is Badawi now accepting that DEB is actualy to uplift ONLY the Malays and not all poor in the country ?
When will … UMNO ever learn ?
I was there and I witnessed quite a number of them, especially the Malays, were at a loss as they trooped up Komtar to the 2nd floor. Looks like they are unfamiliar with the surroundings. Ppl from elsewhere – that’s my educated guess….Troublemakers imported by the sore losers, UMNOputras!
The thing about this protest is I see there were lots of dark (complexioned) Malays. Most look like Indian Muslim anyway and they were shouting Hidup Melayu on top of their voices. These Indian Muslim will do anything to become a Malay. And I saw the ex deputy CM of Penang speaks, what a shocking display, can’t even talked properly, wonder how he became the deputy CM. The UMNO leaders were threatening openly about this is not the last demo and it is only the beginning of major big one and it is only going to be bigger. Talk bout threatening peace and order. All this because they are not in favour of OPEN TENDER?? Bunch of hypocrites.
It really sadden me to see such actions taken by the UMNO Looking at it it is the Leader of Penang UMNO who incite racial tension in this issue. No doubt the principle of NEP is good but the BN have used it to benefit themselves rather than the poor malay at the bottom. I pray that all parties concern will give the new state government a chance to prove themselves
I believe if the new Barisan Rakyet of Penang prove themselves to be a model Government, it will create a domino effect and I believe this is what the BN is fearful of.
Someone should stop TV3 from airing slanted views and issues that only that potray the DAP-PKR-PAS as the enemy of the state.They show interviews of illegal demonstrators in Penang.Not one but three.They show the wrong side of the picture to create hatred among the people who have voted DAP-PKR-PAS.They are afraid and not willing to show the real story of Malaysians not voting for the Barisan National.There are Malays who do not want the NEP. They should interview these people and see the real picture.
Someone should stop TV3 and RTM.
I hope the new selected Penang Government will not be as arrogant as BN. It’s truth that being a goverment will not be the same as being opposition.Changes need to be done but it need to be carried out wisely. If it is effective the people of Penang will see it. It would not be necessary for Penang”sCM to made publish annoucement on NEP.It only leading to more coax or giving opportunity for those who wish to create conflict.Peace is foundation for the new government to move on and prove their leadership in Penang.I truly hope the CM take this advise and rule this state wisely.Talk less and do more, so that this will not be the first and last term for DAP in Penang.
umno ppl whom lost in polls no idea wat to do n trying plot like this to street demonstrate for making tings goin worst n try bringing up country down. the umno ppl way of thinking not matured still left behind as a primary school kids n worst part is they re ppl nvr use their own brain to think wat is rite n wrong as they could not judge by their ownself but listen to wat this umno idiot manipulate them.If once lost in seat jus get lost or learn up la wats ur own mistakes but stil wanna make things go bad by manipulate public for umno own use for wat as PM ownself is good for nothing as he knows to talk only but not in action at all ever since he in PM post up to now he n his followers trying make business in name of politics but they making ownself profit but not public or even for malay race itself whom re still poor up to now. Why PM can buy certain non related things n non related gov trip wit his new wife while as malaysia itself facing so much problems and he good for nothing jus a selfish n useless PM.Dear public all do open ut eyes don be narrow minded like umno ppl whom re useless most of them n they wil do anything jus to get power as tat their main target to gain money. As penang state CM n ex-premier Mr.Anwar re the most great person frm all way n mentally jus tun mahathir spoiled everything at 1st n putting up blame to others now.He thinks so great tat he can brain wash all ppl but no more as nowdays ppl re more educated n not stupid to believe BN n UMNO ppl all.Its a grateful tat penang CM never took any action for the demonstration as wat our stupid PM did coz of scared n no dare to face reality.
Hope the best future begins for us and i believe one day MR.Anwar wil be our leading new PM then the bright future wil shine to of all ppl
Clearly the losers, UMNO(BN) are stiring up the feelings by bringing in indian muslims from the mainland. If they continue not to uphold democracy and making things so difficult for the barisan rakyat in the 5 states and continue their past to make the UMNO putra richer, at the expense of the common folks we must unite again to throw them out totally in the next elections.
Bravo Guan Eng and team, I salute all of you, do a good job and be there for many years to come. Be fair to all and get rid of those bad hats in the MPPP and MPSP who are making things so difficult for those trying to renew and get licences. yek
anil,
if they are going to get upset about losing, might as well dun call for an election…
if everytime during the elections, these people want to pull threats another may 13…threatening this and that…then dun have elections…
the komtar demostrations is a clear cut example of umno’s behaviour.
…
no wonder racial divide in nthis country will never heal…..
ive seen pas is so quiet on this peneng isues, pkr & dap ada berani,
…………………tak caya kat pas
Why the protester only from BN people only? if really not satisfy should have different people take part on the protest from every party. i think they lost the election so they hope can use protest to WIN back?if like this can then everywhere malaysia can happen any protest to WIN back so why need election?just gain people to protest to WIN la but say the true la since our PM Abdullah in position as PM all the things raise and said need keep raise again who will not affraid….i need a PM can help us not add more burden to us i dont think our PM can do it (Abdullah) if cannot better step down and let who have ability to step up and HELP ok….
I grew up calling myself Chinese. I know my nationality as Malaysian, and statehood as Penangite. But I could never bring myself to call myself a Malaysian when people ask me what my race was. The answer is still Chinese.
But I sincerely hope one day, that I could answer differently. That I could proudly call myself of Malaysia Race. I love Malaysia. I love the people, the land, and oh yes, the food too. But today, I remain “Chinese”, as long as there are some race which are “more equal” than the other, as long as there are some race enjoying more privelege than the other.
2008 is the turning point. Fortunately for Malaysia. Otherwise, it could very well achieve utopia, where you would have almost 100% population of the priveleged race. Simply because the other races have left for better place where there is real equality.
One day, there will only be one race – Malaysia. Can we share this little dream of mine?
Is the NEP still exist? The NEP already lapsep upon expiry in the 1990s. The successor of NEP is National Development Policy (NDP). It is unhealty for political leaders of different of different races to be for or againts the NEP purely on racial prejudice.
LGE should be careful walking on thin line, THINK BEFORE YOU ACT. It was very noble to discard NEP straigth away but you must know Malaysia. LGE would have anticipate this protest and knew it was coming. He should have prepare with some Malay leaders (PKR or PAS) to support him. ACTUALLY WHERE ARE THEY WHEN LGE NEEDS THEM?
I BELEIVE NEP SHOULD BE PROGRESSIVELY HANDLED INTELLIGENTLY BY PHASES UNTIL IT DISAPPEARES.DO IT IN 2 YEARS.
GOOD LUCK BA…..THE RAKYAT IS LOOKING AT YOU
BOTH OPPOSITION AND BN SHOULD BE AWARE EMOTIONS RUNS HIGH ON RACIAL ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN MALAYSIA.
DON’T PUT THE RAKYAT ON YOUR POLITICAL AGENDA…CARE FOR THEM
Stop using racial issues to take over Malaysians. DEB is a thing for the past. you do not see some new contractor getting government contracts. Only the cronies of UMNOs get them. So what is the point of DEB?
Few days ago I had read the local news paper and it was reported that they are not going to be like Singapore. The … UMNO people must overview that the developement of our neighbourhood country is much better that ours. Because they evenly distribute the wealth among all races. UMNO stop your dirty politics and if can, help our new CM to develope Penang. Congrates to Mr Lim Guan Eng and people of Penang.