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.
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Why use such negative terms ‘rant and rave’, no different from local slang Kpkb. Need to be more positive to be constructive!
To “rant and rave” means to express intense anger or frustration by talking loudly, wildly, and uncontrollably, often at great length. It describes a passionate, often irrational, outburst or furious complaining about a topic. While “rave” can sometimes mean to praise enthusiastically, in this combined idiom it indicates negative, wild speech.
Negative connotations indeed. Sounds like noise making session for the frustrated folks that have difficulty keeping up with time.
It was actually a lively discussion about some of the key issues facing Penang.
Next time can call it ‘lively and positive’ to give good vibes!
Meanwhile it is Rain n Rave in Bukit Bintang… Can bring in more tourist dollars? Can try at Gurney Bay too?
Care to elaborate those lively discussion? Any video recording uploaded to youtube?
Nothing to show?
Let readers judge if the session is constructive.
Yes, be positive for positive change.
Already too much noise everywhere.
” PM Anwar proposes Asean food security standby arrangement during crises ”
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/08/pm-anwar-proposes-asean-food-security-standby-arrangement-during-crises
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When the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022, politicians, economists and business leaders were loudly talking about food self-sufficiency and national security. Then the Madani government took over in November 2022.
Fast forward to 2026, and they are still repeating the same talking points amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The real question is: between then and now, what meaningful structural changes were actually made? My guess: very little.
” PJ fatal crash involving elderly river sparks racist chants after police wording confusion ”
https://focusmalaysia.my/cops-miswording-of-skidded-vs-speeding-senior-citizen-driver-in-pj-fatal-crash-triggers-racist-chant/
========
Malaysia’s roads have become like war zones. One may enter to travel, but may not come out alive.
Every day, reckless driving and dangerous riding have become a common sight, as many motorists show little concern for their own safety or the lives of others.
The daily death toll on our roads now feels worse than that of a war zone, affecting people regardless of ethnicity.
” Nearly 40 hours on, no news of M’sians abducted on Global Sumud Flotilla vessels ”
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/774109
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We, the Rakyat, have our own problems here and are struggling with the rising cost of living in Malaysia. It has not been resolved since the Madani government took over. The cost of living continues to increase and is getting worse day by day.
As for yourselves, since you made the bed, you have to lie in it. As the Malay proverb says, “Sendiri buat, sendiri tanggung.”
More schools, companies and community groups in Singapore are setting up micro-gardens to grow their own greens, with some urban farming providers reporting up to a 30 per cent increase in demand. The rising interest comes as Singapore steps up efforts to strengthen food resilience.
Even if the plants grown are not food, every square metre of metal, glass, masornry or road shielded from sunlight means the “heat island” effect becomes more tolerable for the non-rich, and nights cooler and more restful for all. Though Singapore is closer to the equator, its peak daily temperature is consistently below ours.
But we have a long way to go. A few days ago, a highway authority said building highways is good for the economy.
Half a month later today on 30th of April 2026 the following statement was made –
” PBAPP seeks federal intervention to avert water crisis in Penang, Kedah ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/122437/pbapp-seeks-federal-intervention-to-avert-water-crisis-in-penang-kedah
” PENANG Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) has sought immediate intervention from the Federal Government to avert a potential water crisis in Penang and Kedah following declining levels of Sungai Muda and increasingly worrying capacity at key dams.”
>>> Note the words ” immediate intervention “. What happened to ” piped water is stable ” mentioned just 14 days ago?
Gentrification of Penang, slowly becoming a reality….
https://youtu.be/3cgqK7G23BA?si=vXCba28_J2cfobN2
The title may overstate the case.
What is shown appears to be the commercial transformation of selected heritage districts, particularly those tied to Chinese urban history, rather than the gentrification of Penang in its broader historical and multi-ethnic context.
Penang’s story has never belonged to one quarter alone.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government said all negotiation efforts with Waterfall Cafe had failed, with the operator rejecting multiple relocation proposals despite repeated notices to vacate the premises.
This came as enforcement action today saw the demolition of the 103-year-old structure at Taman Botani here.
If one does not own the land and redevelopment is moving ahead, the smartest move would have been to negotiate the best exit package, then focus on expanding the business, not fight a battle that was unlikely to be won.
They may have made a costly strategic mistake if they rejected a workable relocation despite lacking ownership of the land.
Residents and community groups in Gelugor, Penang, are actively opposing a proposed high-density mixed development project on Lot 642, a site often used as an informal green space. Locals are urging the government to scrap the, “mega project” and protect the area from becoming a “concrete jungle”.
” AI just a progress in technology, not aimed at replacing workforce, says Penang CM ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/culture/115563/ai-just-a-progress-in-technology-not-aimed-at-replacing-workforce-says-penang-cm
While ,
” AI is changing careers: What SPM graduates must do next ”
https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2026/04/17/ai-is-changing-careers-what-spm-graduates-must-do-next
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The two statements reveal a clear difference. Penang CM says AI is only a progress in technology and not aimed at replacing workers, which seems reassuring.
” Muhyiddin more acceptable to non-Malays than PAS, say analysts ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/13/muhyiddin-more-acceptable-to-non-malays-than-pas-say-analysts ======== Since DS Najib, with the exception of TMM, almost every former national leader thereafter has been linked to some form of alleged corruption. One is still going in and out of court to resolve his cases, while another reportedly returned money allegedly taken from government coffers. Then we also have the many DNAA cases involving both past and present political leaders. So, who exactly are these opposition politicians claiming that certain leaders are still favored by the Rakyat? Why are they continuing to promote politicians whose reputations are already… Read more »
Statements such as:
“While non-Malays would prefer former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin over a PAS leader,”
“Urimai chairman P. Ramasamy claimed that no PAS leader could match Muhyiddin’s national political experience,”
and “Pakatan Harapan fears the Pagoh MP more than any PAS figure because of his broader non-Malay appeal,”
raise a serious question.
What exactly are the appealing qualities these opposition politicians are referring to?
As mentioned earlier, one leader is still repeatedly attending court over ongoing cases, and even his son was reportedly said to be hiding in the Middle East over another alleged corruption-related matter.
Does the opposition not have leaders who are untainted and free from allegations of corruption to lead the nation? The rakyat do not want recycled leaders associated with corruption controversies.
Has Urimai completely lost its direction? Why continue supporting politicians facing such allegations? If they continue doing this, eventually their own integrity will also come into question.
If we want less congestion, more freedom, and cities built around people instead of vehicles, we need to rethink how we build and move through our urban spaces.
” No compromise on cleanliness at all levels, stresses Penang Exco ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/122871/no-compromise-on-cleanliness-at-all-levels-stresses-penang-exco
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And yet, the DAP government compromised and made a U-turn by removing the ban on single-use plastics after previously claiming and boasting about being the first state to implement it.
” Brickbats hurled at DAP-led Penang for wanting to gazette Hungry Ghost Festival as state heritage ”
https://focusmalaysia.my/brickbats-hurled-at-dap-led-penang-for-wanting-to-gazette-hungry-ghost-festival-as-state-heritage/
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What is the plan anyway with UNESCO this and UNESCO that, by the Penang state government ?
Is the plan to turn Penang into a heritage colony. One DAP leader has already said that Penang is their Crown Jewel.
Maybe, later may come and say since time immemorial.
” Historians want to protect their rice bowl, Khairy ”
https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/774634
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With language AI now accessible to the Rakyat, historical interpretation is no longer confined solely to professors, academicians, historians, or politicians.
AI allows ordinary people to critically examine historical narratives without depending entirely on traditional gatekeepers.
Why are most Americans broke — even though America is the richest country in the world? In this video, Prof. Jiang Xueqin breaks down the hidden economic trap that keeps working Americans stuck in debt, unable to save, and falling further behind — no matter how hard they work.This is not about personal choices. This is about a system that was deliberately designed to extract wealth from working people.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DSta_g7FjY4&pp=iggCQAE%3D
Similar trap in Malaysia?
Whether or not same thing is happening here? Can Glisantia comment on this?
Lim Guan Eng says strong banking profits should translate into support for MSMEs facing rising cost pressures and cash flow strain. He said Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% has helped banks sustain robust earnings (RM6.5b profits), while many micro, small and medium enterprises are under mounting financial pressure.
” Kedah exco blames federal govt for Langkawi’s tourism woes ”
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/06/kedah-exco-blames-federal-govt-for-langkawis-tourism-woes
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Langkawi tourism is not controlled by only one side. The federal government handles flights, tourism promotion and infrastructure, while the state government influences local policies, investor confidence and tourist perception.
Both sides have responsibilities. We, the Rakyat, pay taxes for both governments to do their jobs, not publicly shift blame onto each other.
If this continues instead of proper cooperation to improve transport, tourism experience and investor confidence, Langkawi will keep falling behind competitors like Thailand and Bali.
Langkawi tried to be muslim friendly without beer and bikini but could not attract the Arabs. Most people will go to Phuket fir more freedom.
” Don’t stop learning: Ramanan urges workers to upskill, bosses to invest in training ”
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/01/don039t-stop-learning-ramanan-urges-workers-to-upskill-bosses-to-invest-in-training
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Even our Federal government is heavily promoting it. It is true that, ” The AI challenge is real, and every skill you learn today will be an asset for tomorrow.”
Easy to talk but what kind of skill training opportunity available for them?
Why don’t you take the trouble to find out about it. Everyday they are talking about it in the news. Even in this blog we have highlighted it in the comment section.
Can you tell us more since I don’t see on the news?
As said earlier, there are already many AI and digital upskilling programmes being promoted by both the government and private sector.
For example, the government’s AI Untuk Rakyat initiative provides free basic AI learning modules for the public, while Microsoft Malaysia has partnered with the Digital Ministry on AI and digital skills training programmes.
These initiatives are regularly covered in the news. Before assuming others are “simply talking”, perhaps it is better to first look into what has already been publicly announced.
Government-backed public AI literacy initiative:
https://www.mydigital.gov.my/empowering-malaysia-ai-untuk-rakyat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Microsoft Malaysia partnership with the Digital Ministry on AI:
https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/features/malaysia-deepens-national-ai-partnership-with-microsoft-expanding-whole-of-nation-skilling-across-educators-enterprises-and-communities/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
” Malaysia’s water loss problem exposes deep structural weakness ”
https://focusmalaysia.my/malaysias-water-loss-problem-exposes-deep-structural-weakness/
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What are the Federal and State governments doing to address losses amounting to billions of ringgit from non-revenue water (NRW) ?
Ex-MP C Santiago as chairman of SPAN was focusing too much on this….
The Federal government should consider amending the Federal Constitution to place water resources and management under Federal control, with stronger national coordination for long-term water security and infrastructure sustainability, similar to how Tenaga Nasional is managed.
” PBAPP: Penang piped water supply stable for now ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/121916/pbapp-penang-piped-water-supply-stable-for-now
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” THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has assured consumers that the supply of piped water is stable for now, with dams recording reasonable levels despite the prolonged dry and high humidity levels the state is experiencing.”
>>> The above statement was made on the 16th of April 2026.
” Lim Kit Siang urges DAP to accelerate reforms, warns against “Dead Refroms” narrative ” https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/122039/lim-kit-siang-urges-dap-to-accelerate-reforms-warns-against-dead-refroms-narrative ======== ” Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the state as the “crown jewel” of DAP, stressing that it must continue to be governed with integrity and strong leadership.” >>> During DAP’s 60th anniversary celebration, senior party leader and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described Penang as the party’s “crown jewel”. As a top-ranking leader and representative of the party, his words naturally reflect on DAP as a whole. No previous ruling party in Penang, not even Gerakan, which governed the state… Read more »
But DAP did. Is this not arrogant or tone-deaf?
Does such a phrase not suggest ownership, entitlement, treating Penang as party property, taking voters for granted, or pride in political dominance?
A state belongs to its people, not to any political party. Such wording can sound boastful and possessive.
Politicians should be careful with language. Even symbolic phrases can come across as entitled. Is DAP telling the Rakyat that it feels entitled?
” Mid-career middle-aged middle managers – watch out, the robots are coming”
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/04/27/mid-career-middle-aged-middle-managers-watch-out-the-robots-are-coming
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But our Penang DAP leader said,
” PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow wants the local workforce not to be intimidated by the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it is just a progress in new technology.
It is not aimed at replacing workers, said Chow. “
” PN will exploit pig-farming controversy, warns Loke ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/04/25/pn-will-exploit-pig-farming-controversy-warns-loke ======== ” They will claim that DAP does not respect the Sultan of Selangor. But I want to emphasize that DAP has always respected the royal institution and the Sultan of Selangor ” >>> If DAP is sincere about respecting the Sultan of Selangor, then that respect should be reflected in its actions, not only in words. If the Sultan has made his position clear, it should be taken seriously. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Political leaders must also learn to communicate their policies clearly and sensitively… Read more »