Yesterday, I wrote “Penang boleh!”
I spoke too soon. It should be “Penang” tak boleh! Apparently, any group, publication or event that wants to use “Penang” in its name must now get approval from the state government?
What???
“People should know that ‘Penang’ is not a name that they can simply use,” the Chief Minister is reported as saying in theSun. “The Penang government is the sole authority to decide whether anyone can use the state brand.”
What nonsense is this? Who appointed it the sole authority? The name of a place belongs to its people, not to the state government. Just because of a few abuses, it wants to control the usage of the place-name and claim ownership over it.
And since when has Penang become a “brand”? (Want to copyright and patent it?) Such giveaway words reflect a corporate-business mentality, not a people-centred mind-set.
This is the same kind of corporate developer-friendly mentality that allows a private company to block and close a public road – Jalan Kaki Bukit – just because the firm is carrying out a construction project. (Is this a permanent or temporary closure? Don’t tell me the road has been sold as well – the local government must clarify. If it has been sold, use the Land Acquisition Act to reacquire the road as it is for a public purpose. Where is CAT? It looks as if Penang tak boleh stop a developer from breaking up and blocking a public road.)
The Companies Commission and the Registrar of Societies already have their own requirements on the usage of place names. Is there a need for other “approvals” now? What is the criteria for such “approvals”?
What is the state government’s position on websites such as Penang Story, Penang Media and Penang Watch?
What about the civil society event called Penang Forum, organised by Penang-based NGOs after the general election last year?
What if someone opens a blog or magazine called Penang Char Koay Teow or Kuih-muih Pulau Pinang? Is the state government now saying that such names now require “approval” – because it supposedly owns the Penang “brand”?
Give me a break.
The question is: are we sliding down the road to (fascism)? First a DAP themed restaurant in KL, complete with portraits of political figures looming over diners, and now this. What’s next…?
… Ve vill make zure all you socialist vermin do not stand in ze vay of progress.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
[...] to wait for other newspaper to report it – only one did, and it adds to the confusion. A lot of bloggers and commentators alike ridiculed the government on this policy, but I decided to [...]
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Just a clarification, both copyright and patent do not protect a name. Trade mark does, and only for use in trade to distinguish products and services.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Lim Guan Eng showing his true fascist colours now… This DAP/PR government is led by a developer friendly, money-minded, anti-people, autocratic fascist.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Sounds rather idiotic. Have LGE gone bonker or what?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Looks like Penang is short of money and LGE is looking for ways to raise money. Once a while he gets some crazy idea. Looks like he is adopting the Shaolin monks’s strategy.
But you have to give him credit. He is creative. A lot more than that silly Koh Tsu Koon.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Koh Tsu Khoon is not silly!!! … He is also very good at kowtowing to survive for so long.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Hey, Koh Tsu Koon is also very prone to bouts of sore throats – not a word on Kampung Buah Pala or the destruction of the Tanjung Bungah / Paya Terubong hillsides.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Anil you should vote PR out if you are so displeased with the government and put back BN/Gerakan in power
Democracy means more than just voting every five years. It’s involves public participation and discussion of issues as well. – Anil
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The name of a place belongs to its people, not to the state government. Remember that, LGE!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Anil,
I wonder if you are aware that this ruling on the use of the Penang word has been in existence for many years and to be used when there is a problem implicating the state government?
It’s just that lately a lot of unscrupulous people are organizing events using the Penang word giving the impression that they are endorsed by the state government.
Please note that CM Lim Guan Eng did not make this ruling, merely reiterating that such a ruling exists.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Democracy means more than just voting every five years. It’s involves public participation and discussion of issues as well. – Anil
Well said. You should revisit the comments on LGE and the Penang state government regarding the KBP issue!
They thought KBP was the be all and end all for LGE and the rest of the Penangites.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It’s very amusing that LGE would think in such a narrow context. However I wonder if it is his inability to communicate effectively his message or the newspapers’ inability to understand what LGE meant.
LGE has to be very thorough before he announces anything in future.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I thought DAP and LGE are guided by the principles of Social Democracy but it seems that he has been mutated himself into … part LKY and part … Great Leader of North Korea.
Like LKY, he talks Corporate-speak and attends numerous forums overseas dispensing his “wisdom” on how to run a country (did anyone notice his numerous overseas trips ?). And despite the big publicity over his economy-class travel, I was told that he and his wife Betty travel (in comfort) …. using foreign premium airlines.
Like LKY, he (is friendly to) Big Business and (appears to) consider the poor, illiterate and minorities as nuisances… Like LKY he (appears to) considers the media’s role as to be his personal PR machine and he bans those (media) who (displease him). And just like Harry, he defines development and progress as turning the island into a concrete (jungle) filled with meek and mute citizenary.
On the other hand, he follows the Great Leader of North Korea in cultivating a cult of followers and (an authoritarian style). And like the Great Leader he and his father (seem to) believe in political and leadership dynasties….
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
So now the state govt owns the name “Penang” ? I can only guess what LGE has in his mind.
I think he doesnt want anyone else claiming to represent Penang doesnt matter in what field, be it private or public in order to strengten his political power. (Is this) meant to undermine his opponents by having a complete monopoly over all events and bodies so they cannot hold any state-level events?
So what’s next ? No police permit for any events unless sanctioned by DAP ? Or even ban on any bodies or societies not approved by LGE ?
Welcome to Penang, Truly North Korea !!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
LGE is becoming paranoid now.
I have domains pulaupinang.com and penang.biz, LGE is gonna sue me for promoting Penang long before PR formed the new government?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
nkkhoo
LGE suing you is least of your problems if PR comes to power. You might end up in Penang’s own Guantanamo for violating the Penang “brand” name.
In fact I fear that I might be also violating LGE’s IP rights to (call) myself a Penangite !
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
i also use a lot of “penang”(in mandarin) in my blog… does this means that i have to wait for letters from lawyer firm??
*******!!!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Romerz, thank you for the explanation. Accurate information is a very rare commodity this days. Another example, whether MPPP did give the approval and did a U Turn is anybody’s guess.
Funny even after explanation given, people just find other things to complain .
I have heard of genuine feedback to see an improvement but this is “witch hunt”
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Can someone tell me how to get approval for using the name “Penang”? I want to set up a new NGO called Livable Penang , should I meet up with Big Brother, LGE? Hi! What about DAP’s own assembltmen using the Penang name and state emblem in private activities like donation in the name of charity? (Do they need to get) approval from the state or LGE?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ong Eu Soon
Good observations ! To add to your list of questions, I wish to include the below.
- how about the hundreds of posters and banners put up by DAP, PKR and PAS using Penang state emblem on various issues like ceramah, Hari Raya & CNY message, dinners,etc ?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
There must be a reason why the so-called ruling had not been enforced previously…..isn’t it obvious?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Since when does the State government have proprietary rights over the name of our beloved island? What the hell is this and who the hell is LGE to proclaim this?
Is this his brand of fascist autocracy disguising itself as corporate styled hegemony?
I thought Penang belongs to its people and not its government – as proclaimed loudly and repeatedly prior to March 8.
Sigh…looks like I thought wrong.
Just what the hell is going on?!
This is NOT the kind of change I voted for!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
yep!
LGE has gone bonkers. the goodwill happy bandwagon wheels are falling off now! well done DAP! what a day to announce it too! right on the anniversary of Anwar failure to take over Putrajaya. i myself celebrated this FAIL-NIVERSARY yesterday by watching anwar talking … on Youtube. that was the best comedy clip i’ve seen all year.
prime minister in waiting? HAHAHHA….. funny guy that … Anwar is
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I am a strong supporter of DAP.I have one thing to say and that is the CM may be a great politician but is a damn lousy Administrator.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0