Beyond the glossy brochures of Penang boasting of sandy beaches and promising an unforgettable stay, what do tourists actually make of the place?
Blog reader Sean describes his recent experience on the island. Notice that the need for proper and unobstructed pedestrian walkways figures prominently in his impressions of the place:
It wasn’t awful! There are bits and pieces that are quite good, but it didn’t give us the impression of a proper tourist destination – more somewhere that had moved on from being popular with tourists and had its sights focussed elsewhere now. Perhaps we were just not Penang Tourism’s target market. We were impressed by Rapid Penang – with two small kids, the reliable, clean, cool, inexpensive buses with their cheerful, helpful drivers were marvellous. The ‘frequency’ schedule was great for us on holiday, but I guess it might not be ideal if you’re commuting to work.
I think my biggest difficulty with some of the better-known South East Asian tourist destinations (not just Penang, though I think Penang was among the worst in this aspect) was that it was almost impossible to walk anywhere. You can’t really ‘experience’ a holiday destination – particularly on a short visit – from the inside of a taxi. We have to drive a lot in our day-to-day lives, so we expect to be able to really relax and walk around on holiday.
I did have to laugh, while dodging the obstacles on the destroyed path along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah (in contrast to the path along Jalan Kelawei?), about the only other people we saw trying to walk along it: other tourists! We live at PD, so Batu Ferringhi seemed a familiar experience. It seems like the beaches don’t have quite enough people caring that they should be great places at which families can relax to prevent them being taken over by people racing speedboats and jetbikes up and down close to the shore, and people racing quadbikes on the sand. Those activities always mean that a tiny number of people monopolise the beach. Perhaps a few people running those businesses make a small amount of money, but I suspect the loss to the tourism industry from people who can’t enjoy a safe, peaceful holiday is far greater than that gain.
I really enjoyed the old places where we ate between the newer buildings . The old place between Tune Hotel and the new Food Court was the kind of thing I expected. Eating at the pasar malam on Gurney Drive was good too, but crossing the road outside was a bit of a nightmare. I don’t mind eating at Starbucks or Old Town when I’m at Jaya Jusco or the airport, but it’s not what I go on holiday for. The laksa (with no plastic chairs, tables, bowls nor utensils!) near the T-junction below Kek Lok Si (so many elderly beggars) Temple was superb. We saw too many temples – perhaps a poor choice on our part. The kids were bored stiff, and even we were “uh-uh, more temple” by the end. We enjoyed a trishaw ride, but worried about such an old man and obviously poor emissions controls on exhausts. My wife was obviously concerned – she didn’t haggle over the generous fare (I won’t tell you how much we paid to go 500 metres) – a very rare event!
Street signage was something we appreciated. It makes a huge difference when you’re trying to find your own way between the attractions that you can easily find out where you are. I think Penang Tourism could do themselves and Penang a big favour if they just got out their sun-hats and string bags for a week and attempted to walk around Penang as a tourist would, and try not to keep a friend in a car waiting near the kerb – as a tourist can’t.
Bangkok (or was it Chiang Mai?) does a good job of mapping out a network of quiet side-streets and alleyways that are kept in good condition where its possible to get around on foot – maybe Penang could consider something similar. Just having some sort of consistent path between adjacent buildings that isn’t used for motorbike parking or as a business extension might be sufficient.
On the subject of whose fault it is, I honestly think Penang should be honest (not finger-pointing) with tourists and rather than just provide a glossy list of attractions, some of which are shut or were photographed and described in what I can only imagine were better days, actually say that some places are either ‘undergoing repair’ or are ‘earmarked for badly needed restoration’ or such similar phrases whose real meaning will not be lost on visitors. The problem with marketing that doesn’t accurately describe reality is that it can raise expectations which leave a lasting bad impression if disappointed.
I think it would be interesting for tourists (and perhaps even for locals!) to see a comprehensive plan for Penang tourism that includes not only the highlights, but also those areas where planned improvements might make a return visit more likely. If a comparison helps (and I know I’ve only made short visits to these two), while I’m in no hurry to return to Penang, I’m looking forward to a second visit to Melaka. Melaka seems like a much smaller destination than Penang, but I found it much more amenable to me as a tourist – I think the large pedestrian areas may have made all the difference.
Genuine and constructive comments raised from this tourist. Any effort to forward this mail to the Penang Tourism Board? I can’t agree with him more especially on issues pertaining the pedestrian walkways.
I stayed near the foothill of Penang Hill. Everyday I saw scores of tourists (mostly caucasians) walking up the Hill Railway Rd, bracing the scorching sun only to find that Penang Hill is shut down for upgrading.
I wonder how could it possible that no any form of information (e.g. flyers at the airport, hotels, or online website etc)available to notify the tourists regarding the shutdown?
As for the pedestrian pathways, it is as if the entire island is solely catered for the motorists and parking lots only. Many times I have to drive even it is only two blocks away as the walk path is simply not in existence. No doubt the trishaw peddlers are sleeping on their own trishaw most of the time. Which tourist would want to ride a trishaw on our super duper dangeous and congested roads?
I can fully comprehend the angsts from the tourists. Penang really has a long way to go to catch up with places like Bali, Phuket or Singapore!!
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This tourist has a point. For the life of me, I don’t get it how KTK/Gerakan has not been able to match Melaka in organising downtown Penang for tourist. Historically there was the rent-control issue before but that ended in 2001. If you look at brochures for Tourist in Penang, it basically directs you to all over the Island which is pain or expensive.
Personally I like Penang downtown not being touristy but that is just me I guess.
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“I don’t get it how KTK/Gerakan has not been able to match Melaka in organising downtown Penang for tourist.”
Very funny. Very very funny !
This Big Joe is living in the past. For him Koh Tsu Koon is still the Chief Minister and Gerakan is still holding the State Government seat.
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A soothing evening breeze caressing your presence…”I may not be perfect but, I am inviting”
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Sean,
We – Penang folks in particular and Malaysians in general – do thank you for your views and comments on the good and bad aspects about the place we, Malaysians, called our home.
The Penang you described with such fondness or yearnings is the Penang of the 60s – it is long gone and will never come back. Even I, a Penang resident in my 50s long for those days when we could wander around the city on foot, from the ferry terminal, along dainty Chulia Street with its cheap motels and open bars, up to Penang Road where the biggest attractions were the shops along here and Campbell Street. Chowrasta Market too was a great place to shop and look for second-hand books and cheap clothing (apart from the delicious food at hawker stalls that lined the perimeters of the market).
There were yellow-colored Council buses – clean, cool and convenient – running from the ferry terminal to all places on the Island and life was much more carefree and easy-going. Even with such nice buses going everywhere we chose to walk along covered corridors – cool, sheltered and unhindered – to save maybe 10 or 15 sen on bus fare.
Penang during the 60s was truly the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ – with uncluttered development, nice sidewalks, cheap shopping, tasty food of all kinds and variety, and of course, lovely and clean beaches at Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. To top it off – Penang Hill was really ‘cool’ and a ride on its funicular train was truly a fascinating experience.
See, Sean – those days were truly long gone! Sigh!
Despite all the not-too-nice experience and sights you might have had while traveling around the Island, do come back for a visit – if not for the friendliness of its folks but for the spiritual nostalgia of the place.
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“those days were truly long gone!”
Let’s face the reality. If those ‘old trades’ in Penang is still making money and attracting tourists, and there is no exodus of ‘brainy Penangites’ (particularly to Singapore since the 80′s), then those ‘new developments’ would not have been engulfing the ‘Pearl of Orient’.
By the way, my friends and I are those who ‘temporarily migrated’ to Singapore to work 30 years ago. We have worked hard to earn some Singapore dollar. Now we are coming back for retirement in Penang. Needless to say, we are buying those condominiums by IJM and Ivory!
Moral of the story, if you have been staying in Penang in the last 30 years happily accepting Gerakan’s leadership, do not blame the world that you cannot afford those new condos in Penang. But the consolation is that you can continue to ply your ‘old trade’ to promote ‘human heritage’ in the Heritage Zone for the tourists, while I bask in retirement sunshine in Batu Feringghi.
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I agree with Sean.
Yes, Penang is an unfriendly place for the walking tourists.
Even in the heritage area where we have the old 5 foot ways, one cannot walk freely on them as obstacles like motorbikes are placed on their paths.
Moreover, poohs from the neighbourhood dogs and cats make strolling a very unpleasant experience.
Tourists who drive in Malaysia also find clear road signs wanting. Unless you have a good GPS, you will need a navigator to help you to identify the names of the roads you are driving to.
In many foreign cities, large road signs are hung across horizontal bars at every junction to reveal the names of cross roads.
That makes driving in an unfamiliar town so much easier.
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Please improve on the hygience of the hawker food in Penang.
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Penang looks terrible. lets be honest. firstly get rid of all the asbestos roofs and fences. secondly fix our roads lah. thirdly everywhere one way road is leceh lah. fourthly the ‘tidak apa’ attitude of penangnites really sucks man. I remember 30 years ago we Penangnites had a special bonding and care for each other. today anything goes lah. Development in Penang is a joke lah.
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Come on let’s be fair, half a century of UMNO/BN rule has not capitalized on the natural beauty of the island. Is this author expects miracle to happen with two years of PR rule?…for that matter, Malaysia is not China…where the whole landscape of the cities can be transformed in the shortest period of time.
If I ever visit Penang, it will be the hawker foods…and, forget about “leaning arches” and all the craps!
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You are right. Under Tun Maverick’s time, Penang was neglected (while KTK meekly accepted the decision…) while he promoted Langkawi (for personal reasons). Penang island has Chinese majority and it is not surprising why umno made those decision.
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Under the previous govt of Gerakan & KTK Penang has become one of the dirtiest in the country. Under LGE & Pathayiah cleanliness has improved tremendously.
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Sean say Bangkok does a good job and thats his opinion. To me it is one of the worst. Ask any whether they prefer Bangkok, Hainan or Penang 10 out 10 would chose Hainan while 7/10 for Penang. Most probably Sean is talking about Patpong but it is not as before. Penang is definitely better of than Bangkok.
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The more I think about it, I’m sure it’s Chiang Mai I remember for having the network of friendly back-streets, and not Bangkok.
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Sean, Your comments indicate you are not very sure or have not been to those place but if you think of Chiang Mai I would certainly agree with you.
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It has been nearly 3 years since I was last in Chiang Mai – I went there 3 times over the course of a couple of years. Bangkok is a bit more frequent a visit – I often meet friends from Europe there who are travelling the region but who don’t have Malaysia on their itinerary. I wrote that part of the comment in a bit of a hurry because Thailand wasn’t the point, and it was only a reply to a question from ‘kee’ – it wasn’t intended to be an rticle! An additional complication is that while I’ve taken my family with me to Chiang Mai, I’ve only ever travelled to Bangkok alone and have never spent much time sober there.
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Yang,
I am commenting from Narai Hotel in Silom, Bangkok, I can tell you that Patpong now is so deserted unlike previously, just like Chinatown in KL..
Bangkok, is not too badla, I love Bangkok because it is so busy and active unlike Penang which is quite a sleepy place. Bangkok is nice and the food is wonderful. And after the red shirt demo, life is back to normal though tourists are few, but business is catching up. Anytime better than KL.
And Patpong, the bar top dancers, also got no business…
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“Is this author expects miracle to happen with two years of PR rule?”
I didn’t refer to to Penang politics (except to answer a question kee posed that prompted this comment – also the source of the “it wasn’t awful!” opening statement – that’s a reply to another kee question). As some other commenters have mentioned, Penang does still have tourist spots, but maybe they’re not really ‘joined up’ into a cohesive experience – for anyone.
A thought strikes me that there is an opportunity for Penang to take advantage of the current popularity of ‘disaster tourism’, and to host an honestly reflective “Penang Then And Now” tourism campaign, which deliberately emphasises the long period of decay (which is apparent to the stranger’s eye anyway) in an informative and interesting way. That would only be productive if there were also recent successes to point out and a credible, detailed plan to address the decay. Tourists (like me and those of my friends who like to visit SEA) like to see something very few other people ever will, so examples of heritage which faces the axe (like Anil’s recent pre-emptive demolition) could actually be highlighted (though not encouraged!) by Penang Tourism in concert with local conservation groups. The message would be something like “Catch a glimpse of Penang’s disappearing heritage while these bodies attempt to save it (list the bodies and places to go to find out more about conservation efforts and perhaps even join in or contribute)”. The neglect of decades is apparent – perhaps it could be made to work in the incumbents’ favour?
Has anybody visited Phnonmh Penh recently? I can’t recommend it, it wasn’t excellent (a dizzying mix of fantastic experiences and harrowing ones) while a woman friend of mine – a Social Worker on a busman’s holiday – was there, but being hassled after she’d gone with “ladies?” and “kiddies?” when I said ‘no’ was intolerable. An unmistakeable part of the current Phnomh Penh visitor’s experience is to *get involved* with (so they claim) solving some of the issues the place apparently faces. For PP, the most apparent one is street kids. For Penang, perhaps something similar could be attempted for its material heritage? It’s just a suggestion: Penang’s Tourism feasibility problems need much more than a couple of years to fix, and I suspect some staggering investment, but it doesn’t seem fair to point out flaws without at least making an effort to explain how they might be addressed.
One last thing – this is just my view, another person might see it entirely differently. It would be good to obtain a decent quantity of views from Penang visitors, so that a shared view more representative of the bulk of visitors might be constructed.
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Our towns and cities are designed to serve the almighty private-car, road and petroleum industries as we pursue the mirage of development and progress. Why heed the developed countries on mistakes to avoid when you can can make twice the profit, first developing and then cleaning up? One minister actually had the cheek to say we do not welcome low-budget travellers. The UN recognition of Penang as a heritage site may have come too late.
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Memang betul. kalau kasi tourist jalan kaki dengan selesa, kita drebar teksi tak boleh cari makan-lah!
Dulu umno punya polisi memang untuk menjaga kepentingan orang teksi, pasal (mungkin kroni) mereka dapat untung lesen teksi.
Tka payah jalan, pakai teksi saje.
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It is regrettable that even under Pakatan Penang has not improved much as far as making tourist friendly concept and facilities. This is due to the 2nd class treatment dished out to Penang Governmen by the BN led Federal Government. Even though Malacca is a smaller area double the allocation for tourism is given to Malacca whilst the allocation for Penang is handed over to BN appointed people and (bodies such as) Khazana to manage and not to Penang Government or City Board.
As such the money is beingt whisked away in (questionable) ventures by Little Napoleons like Nik Ali spending on unsightly arches at the Botanical Gardens only to be torn down, suspension of Penang Hill railway, allocations for heritage buldings upkeep etc which seem to be Bn’s way to tear down Pakatan Government which in turn brings down Penang in area of investments and Tourism. Bn seem to want to cut its nose to spite its face. They sem to be bent on punishing the people of Penang for voting Pakatan. They don’t care about the future of Penang or its ablilty to bring in FDI and tourism. Penang Government should also take note for the comments made by Sean and act on it not play the blame game. It seems to be the habit of Malaysians to park their cars and motor cycles anywhere and everywhere even on pedestrian areas so much so there is no place for pedestrians to walk. The police and City Hall shoud take strict measures to prevent this from happening by issuing summons, clamping or towing away such vehicles.
By the way Yang when was the last time you were in Bangkok. Bangkok is a better place than KL or Penang for tourists. People don’t jay walk, they have very good pedestrian overhead connecting bridges with escalators. The walkways are broad and unobstructed. Bangkok is very safe hardly any snatch thieves etc. I feel very safe in Bangkok especially in Pratunam, Sukomvit areas which are heavy tourist areas.
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“It is regrettable that even under Pakatan Penang has not improved much as far as making tourist friendly concept and facilities.”
Yes, it is indeed very regrettable.
“This is due to the 2nd class treatment dished out to Penang Governmen by the BN led Federal Government.”
Here we go again.
Blame game.
Are we going to play this blame game for the rest of our lives?
Blame this, blame that, blame everybody else but the one who _IS_ in charge right now?
And who the heck is in charge today?
Gerakan/ Koh Tsu Koon?
Or DAP / Lim Guan Eng?
Who is on the CM-ship today?
And what is the current CM doing anything about this?
Why not ask the current CM on what he is doing rather than blame this, blame that, blame the whole damn world?
If you think by blaming everything Penang will automatically (and magically) gets better please continue to blame.
But if you have a brain you would know that blaming won’t get you anywhere.
So why not get the current CM to do something?
The current CM has too much free time on his hands. So much free time that he keeps talking nonsense.
Why not take some of his free time away an put him to work for the people of Penang instead?
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Pearl cakap tak logik.
Kita kena bidas CM dulu kerana tak jaga Penang dengan baik. Ini kerana media BN selau kata KTK cekap.
Dengan kenalpasti kelemahan KTK, baru kita boleh cari kaedah baru untuk memperbaiki keadaan.
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Pearl, if you are such a smart …, why not throw in some valuable and constructive suggestions! No politics please….
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Everything good or bad are always turned or blamed on politics, this is a true fact in Malaysia.
For the so call tourist such as the author of this posting, his view is as a tourist and those follow up comments will see it in a political point of view.
I am very sure many people do not have a chance or simply do not want to get a true picture of what is happening before they open their mouth.
If the author is a genuine tourist speaking out and not like a poison pen mail recently circulating bashing the State government, I think it is good and the State government should look into it.
Base on this author writing, the pro-umno/bn supporters will used the opportunity to bash at the PR Government, likewise the pro-PR supporters will have to defend or counter attacked.
Pro-umno/bn supporters will never like to see a successful Penang under PR and hoping to capture back the State. Good things carried out by the PR government will always be countered by them and turned into racial issues.The simple fact is that they can never accept the truth because of their failures over the 50 years that they ruled.
Pro-PR supporters will stress the good points carried out by the State and trying to defend certain unpopular moves which may or may not benefit the people.
Malaysians wanted progress and to be an advance State comparable to world standards but when progress encroaches into their lives, they scream and shout. This point the author/tourist must take into consideration.
Constructive criticism must be given in good faith and those concern should accept and acknowledge them in good faith as well.
Those trying to champion for their political parties must do it in a way that benefit the people and not in a destructive way.
Pro-umno/bn supporters must not stir unnecessary or unwarranted issues just for the sake of them being the opposition.
Pro-PR supporters must be honest to accept criticisms, good or bad. Work on the basis of truth, honesty and integrity will get you through.
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There r at least 3 different categories of tourists coming to Penang.
One that stay at feringghi belt of 4-5 star hotels; prefer cozy setting and majority don’t venture out but stay at beach resort ==> money spent mainly for established big corporations.
Another one r those backpackers along Chulia St/Rope Walk (picking back it’s 70′s pace) who r more daring to try out whatsoever along the alleys/5 foot way/DVDs. The money spent from this group favours small-time business folks.
Third one r mostly domestic tourists (Cuti-cuti type) that know Malaysian taste well and can forgive the cleaniness/hygience of Penang roadside/hawker food.
So Penang Tourism must be strategic to identify many such niched market such that $ exchanges benefits all sectors of the economy.
Need to pint out that do not glorify Penang hawker fare too much if cleaniness/hygience has been neglected. Be truthful to know that many Foreigners like Japanese prefer to eat hawker food served at hotels and not coffee shops/gerai/kaki lima. Why ? Because our hygience standard is still below world standard. On this aspect, we can learn from Singapore.
Agree with me ?
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What type of tourist Penang need to target?
We should target those big spenders to create multiplier effect to the economy.
If you depend on those cuti-cuti locals, they will jammed the road with their cars, pollute the air, haggle for every little thing they are buying to stretch their ringgit, littering the streets and beaches. Little multiplier effect.
If you look at Singapore, they are not focusing on the back-packers. Each tourist atraction they have would make the tourist stay an extra day, thus earning their money (dollars, poinds, yen, remimbi). Visit Zoo, stay one day, visit Sentoa, stay another day…
Don’t syiok sendiri with those day-tripper from the cruise ship that dock for a day in Penang. They do not spend much. Only walk around to give you the impression that Penang has attracted tourists. Such ‘tourists’ do not stay in Penang hotel and dine in Penang hawkers (they will go back to the crusie to eat and sleep after a few hours of walk). The penang government should impose a ‘heritage levey of RM10 per such day trippers.
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The most telling part in this story is to read the comments, they mostly blames the government.
The government does not do this or that, past or present.
Well, the government probably does not park their bikes and cars everywhere, does not litter all over the place etc.
Infra structure in general may be a government responsibility, but the daily up-keeping has a lot to do with the local individuals.
If each individual put a little more effort in keeping tidy and clean up ‘own’ mess, perhaps some resources (money and man-power) may be freed up to improve the underlying problems.
However this is not only Penang, but all over Malaysia.
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As an American expatriate living here for past 5 years, I would say the present Penang government has done better tourism work compared to previous one; although i must say they can still deliver more (productivity is sadly lacking in general in Malaysia). For instance, there are more culturally balanced, diversed and interesting Tourism Brochures generated lately compared to the “lack original and sincerity” brochures produced in the past.
Penang must identify its uniqueness and sell that to the world. I understand it’s not easy as Penang is trapped in promoting heritage (tradition) vs development (commercialism). So some creativity is needed to balance and excel in many aspects.
For a start, Penang Tourism must come up a plan to integrate the attractions to optimise tourist satisfaction. I was at Snake Temple just 2 days ago and realized how disappointed some foreign tourists. They came by bus all the way from Chualia St, spent nearly an hour and half travelling by bus (same time also to go back) and not aware of what’s next after Snake Temple at Bayan Lepas. Tourism Penang can work out easy access route for such travellers to visit Snake Temple, Batu Maung Museum etc so that they can spend a few hours on a few attractions within the vicinity. That’s I call Integrated Planning.
Any, i say “Syabas” to Chief Minister and team for gearing up for better Penang ahead (u still can go at faster pace than present moment i believe).
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Well said.
If you go to Melbourne, they have many readily-made 1-day, 2-day trips with itinerary for you to choose.
Penang should have such facility since our public transport are not that advanced for the tourists.
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Anil,
From the comments made by your readers, I gather that you could be a Gerakan Party member or a closet Gerakan supporter. Is this true? If this is so, then I can understand your fixation with the failings of the Penang State Government. The relatively large number of articles you have presented about the ills of Penang gives the impression that other State Governments are performing well, compared with the DAP Government in Penang. Until recently, I have had very high respect for your blog and admire your unbiased analysis. I am not a member of any political party and neither do I have any axe to grind. All I would like to see is justice and fairness for all.
I hope you will tell me that I am wrong about your political inclination. Regards.
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Thanks for reading this blog.
This is not about me, Ken, but the issues I put forward. I leave it to readers to judge whether what I say is fair or otherwise.
But if you really want to know my political inclination in the broadest sense – it is to try and do my bit to further the cause of justice, democracy and environmental sustainably. It’s all there in the page “What I believe”.
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Poor poor Anil, finally you have been accused as a closet Gerakan supporter. Seem like after 308, if we still critised those in power, we are all bad bad guys. End of the day, I can bet with all those DAP supporters that Anil will vote for the lesser evil even if he is reluctant to do so. What choice do we have? BN ? LGE? Both are bad, but one of them is a lesser evil which we really don’t like.
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Ken,
Part of why Malaysia is in such a mess is because too many blindly supported BN for too long. Now, just because people want BN out, too many are blindly supporting PR components too. Blind support for any one party (or any one person) is not healthy.
For me, I love Penang and for the betterment of Penang, I will voice myself whenever something is not up to standard in Penang, regardless of who is in government. Just because a person points out areas for improvement in Penang, does not make him/her a Gerakan supporter. Simply a Penang supporter, or a supporter of what is right.
I don’t know where Anil grew up, but I believe he now lives in Penang, which is probably why his writings are Penang-centric and therefore end up being more critical of the Penang government than, for example, the Negri Sembilan government.
One last off-topic comment in case you think I’m a blind Anil supporter — Anil, stop posting about Jho Low! It makes your blog tabloid-esque. Speculations on where he gets his money from are merely speculations, so it is poor form to be denigration another person’s private life based on speculations. It devalues your blog. The comments that it attracts are equally unattractive.
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Thanks Soo Huey.
As for Jho Low, okay, no more party pictures. Actually, I am more interested in the business background and connnections.
He reportedly played a key role advising for the setting up of the Terengganu Investment Authority, which raised RM5 billion initially.
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Najib (allegedly) stole (someone’s) idea in setting up the TIA. Full stop.
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After 308, if you critise those in power especially those in Penang, you will be labelled as BN supporter. A guy told me he respect my right to vote for any party I wish. When I started critising the power that be in Penang, he immediately accusing me of try to bring BN back to Penang. This is a guy who used to call me buddy! This kind of story used to happen to PAS before 308. Now it is our turn to play this stupid and silly game.
For far too long, Malaysians used to support BN without questioning. When I critised BN I was told to leave this country. Now I critise the power that be in Penang, I was told to leave Penang.
Do we need to surrender our rights as the boss to all the politicians in our quest to get rid of BN? Some guys are so stupid to challenge me to stand against LGE. I may not have sufficient vote to beat him personally. But I believe that I have the potential to sway away significant voters to cause his defeat.
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Ong
It is a poor reflection of Malaysians’ political maturity that people like you are being accused as “enemy of the state” or anti-Chairman Lim.
Rather than encouraging non-political and impartial critics like you, these Pakatan supporters work hard to suppress any traces of dissent.
I admire your independent spirit and guts to stand up for what’s right for Penang and Malaysia even though I might not always agree with what you say.
I think it is probably Penang’s karma that we have been punished by having LGE as the CM. The kind of destruction that he has inflicted on Penang is incalculable.
Personally I don’t see a single redeeming point that he has. However his legion of rabid supporters think he’s (can) do no wrong.
… We might as well produce another dictator if DAP supporters have their way.
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Dear Mr. Wong,
If you think Mr. Anil is doing a bad job why don’t you start your own blog proclaiming how wonderful Lim Guan Eng is?
In your own blog you can highlight how wonderful Lim Guan Eng’s each and every single action is.
You can also point out to the world that no one else can do what Lim Guan Eng can do – even his machine-gun mouth is superbly qualified to be listed in the Book Of Malaysian Records.
Go on and start your own blog, Mr. Wong.
Don’t get disappointed by Mr. Anil’s blog.
Start your blog and gather the machai there so all of you will have a definite fine time there making each others happy.
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Pearl
Can you list some specific achievement from Gerakan and KTK that the current Penang government should emulate?
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I don’t think so. Not an ounce to show for the 18 years under KTK.
Answer this, Pearl? Gerakan K?
Talk is cheap, isn’t it?
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Ken…
It is so typical of Pakatan..it is always “you are either with us or against us”.
You want fairness ? Why then only get riled up when Anil’s critical of Penang govt and not when he whacks the Federal govt or Sarawak CM ?
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Thanks, Anil, for your reply. I am a Penangite who loves Penang. I am of the opinion that after 50 years of BN rule in Penang, we have nothing to lose by giving DAP a chance to run the State Government. What I fear above all else is that the continuos nit-picking and fault finding against the present State Government could be blown out of proportion, resulting in a return to the old regime. I say that the DAP should be given sufficient time to prove themselves. They are new at this game and have only run the Government for slightly more than two years. Let’s give them at least two terms of office to prove their mettle. If they do not measure up, we can always vote them out again. Demonising the current State Government when it has operated for less than 3 years does not appear to be fair play. Thank you, Ken.
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Thanks Ken.
I understand your concerns.
I think the worst thing we can do to any government is to not provide any criticism or to hold back from highlighting shortcomings.
Such feedback provides a government, especially an inexperienced one, with valuable input in shaping policies, which can only improve its performance.
If governments are surrounded only by supporters and listen only to glowing views, how are they supposed to know what people out there really think and feel?
In this case, the Penang state government can learn from Sean’s critical views and strive to significantly improve pedestrian walkways. This could have the effect of attracting more visitors to Penang and ultimately helping the local economy, no?
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Nothing to lose ? You have everything to lose by letting such incompetent as LGE to rule the state. It is not like we are like Kelantan. We are the most industrialised and 2nd richest state. At this rate, even … Kelantan will beat us in a decade if Cheap Minister is in power.
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That is an exaggeration K. Kelantan’s oil royalty has been held back by the federal government. How would you expect them to overtake Penang in terms of development? The state government of Kelantan for the last 20 years has been running on a tight budget, and being prudent as possible. But that doesn’t mean they can’t help the people. They have always served the people, which is why PAS has helmed Kelantan since 1990, despite only having Internet penetration of around 10-15%. They don’t even need to look at blogs nor do they really read Utusan Malaysia. Most of their information either comes from their relatives in KL or through kedai kopi conversations. And also, they’ve experienced 1st hand how well PAS representatives served the people. And I hope it continues to be that way.
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Oil royalty is an excuse. How many states in Malaysia enjoy oil royalty. Melaka, NS and Johor do not yet they are far ahead of Kelantan.
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But of course, you tend to forget that Malacca, NS and Johor are under BN rule. Obviously the BN federal government will release a lot of funds to those BN-led states. Why the double standard?
All states, regardless of who is helming the state government, should be treated equally, which means, state governments will be in control of the funds given to them by the federal government, depending on how much tax payers in each state contribute to the federal government.
Thus, there should be a restructure of federal-state relations in this case. If you are the PM Gerakan K, will you be willing to give federal funds directly to state governments ruled by the opposition? (other than obviously giving to BN state governments) [And then you'll probably say I cannot be PM by constitution as I am not a Malay or a Muslim. But think about it, put yourself in the shoes of a PM, will you treat all states fairly, regardless of who helms the state governments?]
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I remember in my school days walking around Penang. Well sections of the city. More specifically around the Hospital area as we used to go to Penang Sports Club for Cricket practise. Ah the old days(this was in the 90′s).
These days when I go back to Penang, I’m reminded how the island has become a gridlock with traffic congestions. But I’m some what pleasantly surprised to see how the cleanliness has improved. I personally would love to see more emphasis put on public transport, reducing the number of cars, and yes make it easier for people to walk around the city.
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Ken cakap memang benar.
Kerajaan Penang & Pusat perlu memperbaiki “pedestrian walk” supaya senang orang (terutamanya pelancung yang tak giti biasa denagan jalan raya di Penang) berjalan.
Saya masih ingat waktu saya buat survey untuk Tourism Malaysia 9 tahun dahulu di airport. Kebanyakan pelancung luar agak kesal dengan “pedestrain walk” yang tak sama rata & susah untuk “movement” terutamanya untuk mereka yang sudah berusia.
So MPPP haruslah memberi prioriti untuk membaik-pulih “pedestrian walk” di Penang.
Sekian terima kasih.
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Ken, am with you.
You are fair with your comments – 50 years of BN’s rule and with no criticism whatsoever compared with less than 3 years of PR/DAP over Penang and with so much of adverse criticisms on Lim Guan Eng…
Those who have eyes will agree that Penang has indeed improved generally as a whole, and Lim Guan Eng is only taken over slightly more than 2 years, and our criticism on him is like he has to transform Penang overnight???
Fair???
Anyway, except a few sour grapes here, maybe they are related to Dr Koh or Dr Teng or they may have promised some positions in the last GE but those dreams have turned into bubbles, hence, the tantrums and whinings and sulkings…
Cant blame them actually… If i were them, i will do likewise, human’s ugly nature afterall… what to do???
Well, let all who love Penang let us be genuine in giving constructive criticisms and support to the present state government to build up the Orient of Pearl once again!!!
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The main issue here is the “tug of war” between the PR State Govt & the Tourism Ministry concerning the promotion of Tourism to Penang.
How can you have a “Visit PENANG YEAR 2010″ when,for instance,S’poreans in general DOES NOT know about it?? No ads in their mainstream newspapers, TV and other media. Only their officer like Mr Teoh will often come to S’pore during their Travel Fair[Twice a year]. He will take that opportunity to visit the Travel Agents to promote Penang. Thats about it.
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Penang state gomen under the excellent guidance of Madam Kee Phaik Cheen did an excellent branding for Visit Penang Year 1999. That campaign alone created an unforgettable impression on foreign tourists with the tagline: “Timeless Impressions” which set the motion for Penang’s future promotional icons and symbolism.
After that year, the branding changed!
Brand continuity was not taken into consideration and foreign tourists with the unforgettable experience were confused and wondering what happened.
It is frustrating for Penangites and tourism industry players when Penang tourism promotion is not sufficiently funded, properly implemented and brand-cared for, locally and internationally.
It is high time for private initiatives to collectively and financially support Penang’s tourism promotion abroad.
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Do you think Penang is the only state in Malaysia ? There are other 13 states FYI.
Tourism Malaysia does not exist solely to promote Penang. Wake up. The world does not revolve around Penang.
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Penang brings in SUBSTANTIAL tourist dollars compared to other states and for so many years already. The gomen also gains in terms of taxes from so many tourism-related industries and national exposure due to UN Heritage recognition.
So what’s wrong to highlight more (compared to existing MEAGRE exposure) on Penang tourist attractions (since it is a world heritage site) to garner more diversified tourists to come to Malaysia?
Heritage recognition is our national (not a state) strategic advantage which we should maximize instead of taking an indifference attitude for whatever dubious/self-defeating reasons! Only a fool will not do anything or do more than it is now!
Isn’t it fair and proper to give more tourism promotion budget to Penang as it already helps our Malaysian economy as tourism is a major industry now and in the future?
Would one already hungry throw away one’s bread and butter just because it doesn’t look nice to eat according to one’s fancies and prejudices?
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LGE is no “saint” but it’s obvious where their loyalty is, not Penang, when same-same ppl keep bashing or picking on LGE, never anything nice to say….even when he has done some good for Penang. So before accusing ppl for “blind loyalty” look in the mirror and ask ourselves are we “witch hunters” or a ” little devil in disguise”
Perhaps, we are even guilty of “blind loyalty ” to the opposition, I mean the present opposition party in Penang. And why not ? They are the opposition, so they will oppose…right ? It’s their job.
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Certain streets need to be pedestrianised so that tourists can walk around. I totally agree with the lack of paths and indeed in Macau which is where i live also, we have the same problem. This is something the local council needs to bear in mind and do something about. I also like the hop on/off buses that are prevalent in European countries for tourists. They need to see the sights, not spend hours in traffic jams being on limited time. My one and only visit to Penang Tram was sufficient not to make me wish to return in a hurry. We found we had a 7 hrs wait. Never explained and with hordes of people in sweltering heat we decided there were better things to do with our time. Penang as a whole we love. There is much to be done and to be hoped the Govt. will do it. The waterfront area could have many al fresco restaurants..much like they have done in Singapore. GO FOR IT PENANG and BRING BACK THE PEARL. There is much that has charm all it needs is a bit of polish.
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Penang councillors can take Bas Expres to Signapura for ‘Lawatan sambil Belajar’, but stay in JB hotel to save cost – also provide a perspective appreciate why Johor government never capitalise on its proximity to learn from Singapore.
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Lol…Probably Johor thinks it’s way more advanced than Singapore? ;P Hehe.
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