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
========
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.”
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/05/18/anwar-slams-israel-demands-release-of-16-malaysians
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It’s like a badly written script repeated over and over again — by a PM, no less.
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.
” PAC: GL holders charged excessively compared to cash-paying patients ” https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/124341/pac-gl-holders-charged-excessively-compared-to-cash-paying-patients ======== Yes, have experienced this sort of things before. One of the first questions they ask is whether you are insured. Sometimes, one cannot help but feel that the response changes once insurance coverage is confirmed. PAC may also want to look into pharmacy practices in some private hospitals. There have been instances where patients are given medication that is due to expire within two or three months and are also charged for the full bottle even though only three or four tablets were used. Some may question… Read more »
If a deeper investigation is carried out, there may be other questionable practices worth examining, such as admissions being extended longer than medically necessary and with that charges for doctors making very brief visits twice a day, and various daily nursing or ancillary fees.
It also raises another question: do insurance companies thoroughly vet the invoices submitted by private hospitals?
Given the large sums involved, one would expect robust checks and audits to be in place.
” Penang: Old age is not a problem, but a new reality to embrace, says Exco ” https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/124320/penang-old-age-is-not-a-problem-but-a-new-reality-to-embrace-says-exco ======== There is often repeated reference to Penang’s participation in the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, along with claims that the WHO’s eight domains have been implemented through MBPP since 2023. On paper, this sounds very structured and reassuring. But the real question remains: what has actually changed on the ground for seniors? Being part of an international framework is one thing. Translating it into visible, everyday improvements is another. At the moment, there is still very limited public… Read more »
For example: Public transport – Are buses in Penang genuinely easier for seniors to use, with low-floor access, reliable frequency, and safe, comfortable waiting conditions? Or do elderly passengers still struggle with boarding, long waits, and limited accessibility? Walkways and public spaces – Are pavements consistently safe, smooth, and wheelchair-friendly, or are uneven surfaces, broken walkways, and obstructions still common? Are pedestrian crossings truly designed for slower walking speeds, or are they still rushed and unsafe for older citizens? Healthcare access – Have clinic systems actually improved for seniors in terms of waiting time, accessibility, and ease of access without… Read more »
These are the real indicators of whether “age-friendly” policies are working, not just participation in global networks or policy announcements.
Without transparent reporting and measurable, lived outcomes, there is a risk that these statements remain at the level of framework participation rather than actual structural improvement for seniors.
If the intention is truly to support an ageing population, then the focus should be on clear, visible, and accountable implementation that elderly citizens can genuinely feel in their daily lives, not just international affiliation on paper.
” Penang: Old age is not a problem, but a new reality to embrace, says Exco ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/124320/penang-old-age-is-not-a-problem-but-a-new-reality-to-embrace-says-exco
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The phrase “old age as a social disorder” is a very unfortunate and poor choice of words.
It suggests a mindset that ageing itself is something abnormal or problematic, when in reality, ageing is the most natural human process there is.
If anything, it is a sign of progress , people living longer because of better healthcare, living conditions, and development.
The real issue is not old age. The real issue is whether society is prepared for it.
When we talk about an ageing population, it should push us to ask harder questions: why are systems still underprepared?
Why do we still see gaps in healthcare access, elderly support, and age-friendly infrastructure?
Framing ageing in negative or dismissive terms risks shifting attention away from responsibility and planning, and instead subtly normalizing the idea that seniors are a “problem” to manage rather than Rakyat to support.
And that is a dangerous direction for any society, because every single one of us is headed into that same direction, that same stage of life.
” We do not believe in political divorce and remarrying’ – PM Anwar”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/123849/we-do-not-believe-in-political-divorce-and-remarrying-pm-anwar
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Then, all the political rhetoric against UMNO should stop in the current Johor state election.
” Penang government comes under fire from Protect Karpal Singh Drive members” https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/123846/penang-government-comes-under-fire-from-protect-karpal-singh-drive-members ======== The state government is not so accountable and transparent after all, are they? After being the state government for over 20 years, they now seem to be engaging in a lot of political gymnastics. This is more than enough proof of why we should think carefully before continuing to vote for them. They no longer seem to practice the C.A.T. principles they once championed. In the meantime, what happened to MP Rayer? Was he not the one who said that the Chief Minister would not proceed… Read more »
One reason this may be happening is that any political party which believes it enjoys guaranteed support from its voter base can gradually become less responsive to criticism.
Accountability is strongest when voters are willing to question and scrutinize every party equally, regardless of political loyalty.
Given what we are seeing today, should Penangites continue placing their trust in DAP?
” Johor MB’s exclusionary rhetoric betrays the people, exposes UMNO’s political hypocrisy ”
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/opinion/123818/johor-mbs-exclusionary-rhetoric-betrays-the-people-of-johor-and-exposes-umnos-political-yypocrisy
========
The problem with this article is that it repeatedly conflates refusing to work with DAP with refusing to represent all Johoreans.
The writer is interpreting a political disagreement with DAP as a rejection of non-Malays or a rejection of Bangsa Johor, when those are not necessarily the same thing.
A political party can choose not to cooperate with another political party while still governing for all citizens regardless of race, religion or background.
Bangsa Johor has always been about the people of Johor as a whole, not about any particular political party.
Political cooperation is a choice. Governing fairly is a responsibility. The two should not be confused.
Having said that, if Johor UMNO’s position is unacceptable to PH, then what does PH intend to do about it at the federal level?
” Chinese apathy may see PAS take Putrajaya, says ex-MCA chief ”
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/10/chinese-apathy-may-see-pas-take-putrajaya-says-ex-mca-chief
========
Yet again, PAS is being made the political bogeyman.
Is this all these politicians know how to say?
After years of repeating the same warning, perhaps it is time to tell voters why they should support you instead of constantly telling them who they should fear.
If your case is strong, it should be able to stand on its own merits.
” Penang financially strong, don’t compare with Johor, says Chow ” https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/06/08/penang-financially-strong-dont-compare-with-johor-says-chow ======== Penang was already in a strong financial position under the previous administration. As the next Chief Minister, you inherited a state with substantial reserves. Yet within just over four years, the state’s reserve fund reportedly fell from RM2.1 billion to only a small fraction of its previous level under the current adminstration. The question is: why? The state embarked on programmes that required millions of ringgit in funding, many of which people would argue were unnecessary or simply duplicated efforts already being carried out by the federal… Read more »
At the same time, annual operational expenditure grew significantly while development spending lagged behind, steadily eroding reserves that had been built up over many years.
Having depleted much of the state’s reserves, the government then began increasing revenue through higher charges and fees linked to state-controlled assets and services.
Why has this become the preferred approach?
Has the state exhausted all other avenues of generating revenue? Or does it simply not know how to do so?
Utility charges, parking fees, quit rent and assessment rates are not optional expenses. The Rakyat cannot simply switch to another provider. We are effectively pushed into a corner with little choice but to pay. It is easy to claim financial strength when revenue continues to rise. The real test is whether that financial strength is achieved without placing a heavier burden on ordinary Penangites. Financial strength should not be measured solely by the amount of money collected by the state. It should also be measured by whether the people can afford the cost of living or does not the DAP… Read more »
” Ramasamy: Blame PAS if PH emerges triumphant in GE16, PMX returns to office for a 2nd term in office ” https://focusmalaysia.my/ramasamy-blame-pas-if-ph-emerges-triumphant-in-ge16-pmx-returns-to-office-for-a-2nd-term-in-office/ ======== Ramasamy says Malaysians will lose a strong opposition if PAS and Bersatu part ways. But has the Opposition really provided strong and effective checks and balances since 2023? Criticising the government is one thing. Offering credible alternatives, influencing policy, and holding the government meaningfully accountable is another. The Opposition may have the numbers, but numbers alone do not automatically translate into effectiveness. Perhaps before worrying about a split, we should first ask whether the Opposition has been… Read more »