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Guan Eng on Penang-related issues

Anil Netto
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Guan Eng on Penang-related issues

Lim Guan Eng, the Penang state assembly member for Air Putih, has raised a string of issues at the state assembly today: higher tariffs, a water infrastructure mega-project, the landslide, the Karpal Singh Drive reclamation, Batu Kawan industrial development…

Pay attention to the whopping RM24bn water costs due to water treatment in Perak: RM8bn capacity charge and RM16bn supply charges. Over a 40-year period, that comes up to RM210m a year in capacity charges and RM1.70 per cubic metre in supply charges. How will these costs be passed on to industrial and residential users in Penang? How much subsidy can PBAPP give consumers when its own net profit currently amounts to just over RM115m for the 2025 financial year?

Here are several excerpts:

Saya bangun menyokong Belanjawan Negeri 2027 sebanyak RM 1.074 bilion yang dibentangkan oleh YAB Ketua Menteri dengan peningkatan baki Akaun Hasil Disatukan (AHD) daripada RM522.87 juta pada akhir 2025 kepada RM 651.28 juta pada akhir 30 Oktober 2026. Prestasi ekonomi yang baik adalah pertumbuhan Keluaran Dalam Negeri Kasar atau KDNK sebanyak 7.3% kepada RM 130.3 bilion pada 2025, melebihi pertumbuhan KDNK negara sebanyak 5.2%.

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A Penang landslide that was waiting to happen

Anil Netto
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A Penang landslide that was waiting to happen

And so it came to pass… and tragically, another live is lost. Check out the statement by SAM below. And to think that the draft 2040 Penang Structure Plan wants to relax the restriction on building on hill slopes higher than 76 metres (250 feet) above sea level. How scary is that.

We never learn, do we? Is that because Greed or other considerations cloud the better judgement of those who should know better.

Doctor’s death in Penang landslide demands answers

Sahabat Alam Malaysia is very shocked to learn about the death of a doctor following a landslide that happened in Paya Terubong today.

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Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040: Who are they building for?

Anil Netto
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Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040: Who are they building for?

This plan, the draft Penang Structure Plan 2040, is already well in progress. It has been put up for public display and feedback – but chances are, most people in Penang are not even aware of it.

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Najib’s ‘house arrest’

Anil Netto
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Najib’s ‘house arrest’

Aliran has released a statement on the latest developments:

The news has made headlines both at home and abroad, and for good reason. For many, this decision has crossed a red line.

The political significance of the Pardons Board’s decision can hardly escape the attention of various groups of people.

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BN-PN topple PH in Negeri Sembilan

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BN-PN topple PH in Negeri Sembilan

The Negeri Sembilan state assembly has 36 seats.

Actual results:

BN 18 seats + PN 7 seats = 25 seats

PH 11 seats

Ilham Centre’s prediction:

  • BN-PN: 22 seats
  • PH: 9 seats
  • Five seats too close to call

Ong Kian Ming’s prediction:

  • BN-PN: 23-25 seats
  • PH: 11-13 seats (including PKR one seat)
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BN retains Johor in state election

Anil Netto
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BN retains Johor in state election

Total seats up for grabs: 56

Unofficial results:

  • BN: 48 seats
  • PH 8 seats
  • Others: 0

Let’s see if the dark horses Bersama and the progressive block of Muda and PSM can upset the durian cart and confound mainstream analysts and even AI.

Abdul Rahman Kasim, who is now campaigning for Pas in Endau, predicts:

  • Pas: 4-5 seats
  • Bersatu: 1-2 seats
  • Total PN: 5-7 seats
  • BN: 30-35 seats
  • PH: 16 seats
  • Bersama: 2 seats
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Poll: Which party will implement pro-people reforms?

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The ucoming state elections and general election are set to be the most unpredictable so far, with multiple parties entering the fray. Which party or parties do you think will implement progressive or pro-people reforms to improve the quality of life and enhance our democracy? (You may choose more than one option.)

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Penang Island: One big construction site?

Anil Netto
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Penang Island: One big construction site?

Residents around Karpal Singh Drive today submitted a memorandum at the Penang State Assembly protesting reclamation plans in their area.

The plan refuses to go away even after the Department of Environment rejected the environmental impact assessment report for the fifth time (yes, you read that right). The must be some kind of record! Read this piece on the Aliran website.

Mega-projects are dotting many parts of Penang Island so much so some people are calling the place “one big construction site”.

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Open mic for Penang: Residents ‘rant and rave’ about state’s growing pains

Anil Netto
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Open mic for Penang: Residents ‘rant and rave’ about state’s growing pains

Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) and Aliran held a Rant & Rave 2.0 session in Penang on Saturday.

This was a platform designed to let participants speak openly, without fear or favour, on the performance of the “unity government”.

True to its concept, the session had no keynote speakers. The floor was given entirely to participants, encouraging authentic, ground-level feedback and diverse perspectives.

Held at Coex @ Kilang Besi, the event drew active engagement from participants who valued the openness and inclusivity of the platform.

Traffic congestion, overdevelopment and housing affordability were the issues that dominated the discussion. These are longstanding concerns among people in Penang.

God, oil and empire: Behind the US-Israel war on Iran

Anil Netto
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God, oil and empire: Behind the US-Israel war on Iran

Picture the scene: a group of about 20 Christian pastors at the Oval Office, a couple of them with their hands placed on Donald Trump’s shoulders, praying for him during the second week of the US-Israel war on Iran.

As Trump closed his eyes and clasped his hands, the pastors prayed for “wisdom from heaven to flood his heart, his mind” and for divine protection for the president and his troops.

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