Calling all Penangites, researchers, policymakers and community leaders. Come and share your opinions and ideas for a better, more liveable Penang.
This is your chance to be part of an open dialogue on the issues that matter most — from the environment and development to transport, heritage and housing.
Date: Sunday, 30 November
Time: 1.30pm – 6.00pm
Venue: MCKL (former Pykett Methodist Primary School), Lebuhraya Pykett, 10400 George Town, Penang
Your voice matters. Let’s shape Penang’s future together.
Register now: https://tinyurl.com/ybdrct62
Supported by a group of Penang-based NGOs
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Douglas Lim’s new comedy special, “Made In Malaysia”, feels like the result of all those years of insights and experiences grounded in local, everyday life – now available on YouTube. It was recorded at Lim’s sold-out performance at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas last year.
Anil has outsourced commentary to Rakyat 8. Now the views expressed are very different from before. No more Anil’s touch.
It is the value chain of Anil Universe.
Just like the Mind Flayer gets Henry to find 12-year olds as vessels to connect The Abyss to the world in the Stranger Thing.
Putrajaya has clarified that there is no prohibition disallowing halal-certified establishments from displaying non-Islamic festival decorations.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan affirmed this following backlash over a directive from the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim), which banned Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and food premises in the state.
Merry Christmas to all!
Peace on Earth.
Feliz Navidad.
Rakyat 8 may speak out very soon about new high rise projects now shifting to Bukit Gambier slopes,afterall island reclaimed along the east coast of Penang island have been designated IJM projects.
The installation of railings at the No-Stopping Zone along Jalan Burma has been implemented to reduce traffic congestion, ensure smoother access for emergency vehicles, and enhance pedestrian safety following repeated public complaints about illegal parking causing bottlenecks.
Vehicles have been stopping illegally, narrowed the road and delayed traffic flow, including ambulances and fire engines heading towards the Jalan Gottlieb and Jalan Mount Erskine junctions, raising safety and emergency response concerns.
Motorists lazy to walk prefer to park on the roadside to buy food causing unnecessary traffic congealing that road!
(No legal move yet by Kedah on Penang claim, says CM) https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2025/12/1342612/no-legal-move-yet-kedah-penang-claim-says-cm ======== The recent establishment of a museum dedicated to antique cars is a welcome cultural initiative. However, it highlights a significant gap in Penang’s institutional memory: the absence of a dedicated museum that documents how Penang emerged as a major trading center and how it attained full statehood within the Federation of Malaysia. Penang’s historical narrative is far richer than a simplistic portrayal of Francis Light as its “founder.” He was not. He arrived in Pulau Pinang in search of a suitable base to establish a trading outpost… Read more »
Penang’s rise was not the result of a single individual’s actions, but a gradual process shaped by maritime trade, regional commerce, and the collective contributions of diverse communities from across Asia and beyond who settled on the island. A Penang History and Statehood Museum should comprehensively document this transformation, from early trade and settlement to Penang’s development as a cosmopolitan port city. Such a museum would present Penang’s plural heritage accurately and responsibly, grounded in historical evidence. Equally vital is the documentation of Penang’s political evolution. The museum should record the period leading up to independence, the constitutional negotiations, and… Read more »
Penang’s statehood did not emerge in isolation. Discussions involving Kedah and Penang’s status during the drafting of the Federal Constitution form an important part of this history and should be presented factually, free from contemporary political reinterpretation. The museum should also clearly explain how the State Constitution came into being, identify Penang’s first Chief Minister, and outline the constitutional framework that defines Penang’s position within the Federation. Since independence, Penang has existed as a full and equal state under the Federal Government, with rights and status no different from those of other states. This constitutional reality has been settled since… Read more »
In this light, policies or proposals that deviate from the constitutional settlement , such as financial arrangements not grounded in the original agreement , should be carefully reviewed.
Upholding what was constitutionally agreed upon at independence remains the most responsible and sustainable approach.
The establishment of a Penang History and Statehood Museum would serve as a lasting educational institution, preserving historical truth, strengthening civic understanding, and reinforcing Penang’s rightful place within the Federation of Malaysia.
It would ensure that future generations engage with Penang’s past through documented facts, constitutional principles, and shared historical responsibility.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2025/12/29/seri-negara-in-kl-reimagines-the-museum-experience-for-a-modern-audience
“ Seri Negara in KL reimagines the museum experience for a modern audience “
========
Don’t the current state government and its leaders feel any pride and honor in their ruling state and the Rakyat’s need to be well-versed in the rich history of their home?
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/culture/116613/penang-ratepayers-association-clarifies-earlier-statement-on-development ======== Am calling it the ‘dumb vision.’ Funds are simply thrown around to give away for free this and free that, all in the name of supporting our Rakyat needs ( probably for votes). When the state runs out of money, they borrow from the Federal Government. Still short? They scratch their heads and suddenly remembered: ‘Oh, we haven’t raised quit rent in Penang for past 30 years.’ After some internal deliberation, they decide on a 29% to nearly 200% hike in quit rent, with a short-term discount of two years to temporarily placate the Rakyat. And of course, it’s subject… Read more »
So, on one hand, the state gives away free money, thinking the Rakyat are in need and struggling; on the other, when their coffers run nearly empty, they tax the Rakyat kaw-kaw. Dumb, isn’t it, these leaders thinking ?
How are the Rakyat suppose to pay the higher tax?
Why no video (on YouTube) on the’Soeak up for Penang’ event?
Are the topics and points raised by the participants are not what the organiser want?
It was not filmed. But journalists were present. See the news reports of the event.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/30/larger-pet-friendly-signs-needed-gurney-paragon-mall-told ======== Why is there a need to bring pets to malls? Why can’t they be kept at home? What has changed from before to now? Is this progress, or are some people simply becoming foolish? Are we really allowing our civilization to deteriorate? Even if a homeowner wants to keep a dog, they often must get approval from their immediate neighbors. Why, then, is the council allowing these policies to exist alongside such restrictions? To the Malay community and anyone else who disapproves of or is dissatisfied with this policy: consider voting for change in our state’s governance in… Read more »
Is there truly no one among the entire array of individuals in the state government who possesses both the common sense and the basic decency to assert that allowing animals to enter shopping malls is a misguided policy?
Such a decision is simply nothing short of pushing civilization to the dogs.
For those who feel that dogs, cats, or any other animals are part of your family, we suggest keeping the animal members at home and bringing only the human members when you go shopping at malls or other enclosed public areas.
Previous comment below on seniors dated 30 Dec 2025 11.44am, that event took place on Sept 2024.
In Jan 2025 the same thing was repeated with no much of a change. For these leaders, seniors seems to be only found in Taman lip Sin, Penang.
https://www.buletinmutiara.com/first-age-friendly-park-in-penang-set-to-transform-taman-lip-sin/
===
And then towards the end of year 2025 they opened a sort of a community center for seniors , also in Penang ( Air Itam. ) . Another group of seniors must have been found there.
https://penanghyperlocal.com/penang-unveils-new-senior-activity-centre-to-support-growing-elderly-community/
In the meantime, we, the Rakyat, are wondering what the state government and MBSP are doing for seniors on the mainland or is it that no seniors have been found there yet. Why was MBSP left out and why it is quiet on this matter? Perhaps focusing on setting up more cookie stalls in the lobby of their council office is deemed more important. We are also curious about who these people are, selling these cookies. Are they in any way related to the council staff ? This raises questions simply because this is a state government building, and it should reflect that. Meanwhile, we… Read more »
https://www.sinardaily.my/article/221230/focus/national/penang-targets-age-friendly-status-by-2028 “ Penang targets age-friendly status by 2028 Based on the department of statistics’ 2024 projections, 80 per cent or 143,805 of Penang’s population will be senior citizens (aged 65 and above), with 73,975 living on the island and 69,830 in Seberang Perai. State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the initiative involves a tripartite collaboration between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) consultants. “ ======== Where is the MBSP’s involvement in all this? Are they only good for having cookie… Read more »
And why only in Penang? Are there no seniors living on the mainland? If this is how the Penang state government think and operates, it might be better to combine both council offices into one.
There is no need to have two council offices. A lot of money can be saved from the state’s annual cost allocation, and this could help stop the unnecessary increase in all forms of state rates and taxes.
Please note that we are living in difficult times due to the increasing cost of living.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/25/don039t-embarrass-malaysia-nga-slams-public-littering-in-city-centre
========
Yes, we the Rakyat agree. The statement ‘Don’t embarrass Malaysia: Nga slams public littering in city center’ highlights a pressing issue with some members of our society.
With this type of attitude, it is concerning that some individuals are suggesting bringing animals into malls. It would be better to focus on improving public behavior to uphold our national image.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/22/animal-welfare-groups-call-for-controlled-pet-access-to-malls
========
Earlier, there were calls to allow pets into malls without clear limits, which led to public backlash. The proposal has now shifted to “controlled” access, but the core issue remains unchanged.
Malls are enclosed, high-traffic public spaces designed for people — including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with allergies or compromised immunity. Introducing animals into such environments raises unavoidable concerns about hygiene, safety, noise, and stress, both for the public and for the animals themselves.
It is also important to recognize that malls are used by people of different religious and cultural backgrounds. Among them are Muslims, for whom contact with certain animals, particularly dogs, involves religious sensitivities and additional cleansing requirements. Public spaces should remain comfortable and accessible to all, without placing anyone in an awkward or exclusionary position. Enforcement is another major problem. Rules may look good on paper, but in practice it is difficult for mall staff to consistently monitor pet behavior, cleanliness, and compliance. One lapse is enough to cause discomfort or health concerns. Pet-friendly spaces already exist, such as parks… Read more »
https://focusmalaysia.my/ramasamy-appalled-by-hr-min-ramanans-misguided-start-of-low-wage-solutions-for-jobless-indians/
“ Ramasamy appalled by HR Min. Ramanan’s misguided start of low-wage solutions for jobless Indians “
*** The above was recent. But about 5 years ago, a more or less similar statement was made by then HR minister with the link below
https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2020/08/09/better-to-have-a-job-with-low-paying-wages-than-none-at-all-says-hr-minister/
*** And a member of our Rakyat says,
“ Madani critic ad tech consultant Pemikir Malaysia (@pemikirmsia) summed up best:
“Steven Sim has proven himself and delivered. He is replaced by an ex-MIC guy (Datuk Seri R, Ramanan) who joined PKR less than five years ago with next to no ability nor credentials. “
Some people continue to raise the UEC issue, yet their demands appear contradictory. They criticize the national education system for being of poor quality, but want the same system to recognize the private UEC certificate. Will the recognition increase university quotas for non-Malays? No. Will it displace the number of Malays entering universities? No. The total number of seats and current allocation by race remain unchanged. More UEC students may compete for the same spots, and those who do not secure a place will need to consider private universities or studying overseas. In short, the impact is minor and benefits only… Read more »
Anwar’s new language policy focuses on strengthening Bahasa Melayu (BM) as the national language and language of knowledge (especially in AI/digital era) first, then promoting English for global competitiveness, while also addressing Chinese education like the UEC by integrating it within this framework, requiring all schools (including international ones) to ensure BM mastery for national unity, balancing national language elevation with multilingualism for a globalized world.
The phrase ‘Language is Knowledge’ misrepresents what language is. Language is a system of communication with its own vocabulary, grammar, and rules.
Knowledge is separate. Knowledge refers to facts, understanding, skills, ideas, or information. Through language, knowledge can be conveyed, but language itself is not knowledge. Language is simply a tool for communication.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2025/12/06/when-transport-policies-are-a-walking-contradiction
Experts have repeatedly provided comprehensive recommendations for improving our nation’s transport system.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/07/loke-calls-for-fewer-parking-bays-near-transport-hubs
Meanwhile, our policymakers will continue floating piecemeal ideas that claim to make things better but rarely address the core issues. This pattern isn’t new — and it certainly won’t end soon. Not in this decade, nor the next.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/05/how-spore-helps-workers-affected-by-ai-induced-job-losses ======== Loss of jobs due to AI is no doubt going to happen, if it isn’t happening already. Singapore, like many others globally, is preparing for it. But our CM says the opposite. He wants the local workforce not to be intimidated by the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), calling it merely progress in new technology and claiming it is not aimed at replacing workers. So this would mean there is no need for any action to be taken by the state administration. The state government seems to think it’s no big deal, taking a “nothing to worry about”… Read more »
Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Azmin Ali has described DAP and Pakatan Harapan’s significant losses in the recent Sabah polls as a rejection by businesspersons and the Chinese community.