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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Anil has outsourced commentary to Rakyat 8. Now the views expressed are very different from before. No more Anil’s touch.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Since raising the water rates last year ( 1 February 2024. ), what has PBAPP done so far in terms of upgrading water infrastructure? How many of the old pipes have been replaced, etc ?
Are the Rakyat at the southern end of the mainland able to enjoy normal water pressure now? All kinds of excuses were given before.
What about non-revenue water, which was reported to be 28% in February 2024? How much has it been reduced by now, at the end of 2025? Its chairman is also the Chief Minister — one person wearing many hats ?
Complaining has been described as a cultural phenomenon in Malaysia, with the belief that public outcry—especially on social media—can force action from officials when formal channels move slowly. The perception is, “if nothing is being done,” people get angry, but seeing visible progress (like a minister addressing a pothole issue after public shaming) encourages further public grievances.
Rakyat 8 should voice his unhappiness at the Speak up Forum but did he attend?
A complaint is fundamentally an expression of one’s dissatisfaction or unhappiness about a situation or condition.
This meaning is universal and does not vary across cultures, across the world.
What differs culturally is how such dissatisfaction is expressed—directly, indirectly, emotionally, or through other communication styles.
These variations should not be conflated with the core nature of a complaint.
Thus, describing “complaining as a cultural phenomenon” is misleading, regardless of whether the claim comes from scholars, academics, or other intellectuals, because a complaint and its cultural expression are two distinct matters.
As for attending the forum, there are more than one way to express one’s view or complains.
When our Rakyat highlights work by the Federal or State government as unsatisfactory, it should be regarded as constructive public feedback rather than public shaming.
At the same time, the way these complaints are voiced can vary across cultures, reflecting cultural differences in expression.”
One person with so much comments help to sustain this blog as Anil no need to write new posts?
No, that’s not it. Maybe its because many individuals are uncertain about how to express their concerns, their views or engage meaningfully in public discourses and just shy away.
It could also be that they simply do not have the time or they just plain do not care about what is happening in the state, etc.
It is said that around 500 people annually experience suicidal distress and this raises some serious questions about the effectiveness of current social support measures by the state, despite millions in financial aid ( free tax payers money ) being handed out on one side while higher taxes are imposed by the state on the other.
This reflects the impact of 20 years of state development that has largely emphasized physical infrastructure (brick, concrete, mortar, and land reclamation ), over social and environmental well-being of the Rakyat and the State.
It is unclear whether the state truly understands the consequences of its actions.
What about the other issues, Holly ? Would you care to highlight them?
Almost all public intrastructure needs repair or replacement after a while. Contingency for that means extra cost stated when evaluating the contract bid. So, it is often suppressed. Even if such a fund is set up, politicians find it hard to resist diverting it under various excuses. So, we have recurring budget allocations and additional allocations after emergencies without any shame.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/03/jagdeep-explains-viral-video-of-him-scolding-contractors ======== If they have no respect or show no respect for a Deputy Chief Minister, their contract should be terminated immediately. There is no reason to allow them to continue. Does the State Government and the council have no sense of self-respect? You are leaders elected to represent the Rakyat of Penang. We, the Rakyat, can clearly see from their actions that they were not properly briefed or trained on how to carry out their work in public. Our tax money is being used by the council to pay these contractors, and they are expected to carry out their work competently… Read more »
” PODCAST DR M Episod 21 | Penang Hak Kedah & Malaysia Jajahan Takluk Amerika ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhgGO0JqULc
========
Here is that interview where Tun Mahathir says he suggested about 1 to 2 million but it seems his finance minister gave 10 million.
He says his finance minister was, ” Murah hati. Dia bagi 10 juta ”
Rakyat tax money.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/01/kedah-has-bigger-plans-than-just-making-penang-special-territory-says-mb
========
For 150 years, there was no change in the annual payment of 10,000 made by the British to Kedah, right up until 1957. After independence and the establishment of the federal government, the same payment continued for the next 60 years.
Then the PH government took over. The PH coalition leader suddenly decided to increase the amount to around RM1–2 million, according to his own interview. Why? For what reason? Did the state of Kedah requested for it ?And why only in 2018, and not at any point during his earlier 22 years as Prime Minister under UMNO?
His Finance Minister from DAP it seems, reportedly suggested raising the amount to RM10 million instead — which is how we ended up with the figure being paid today.
On what basis did this Finance Minister arrive at RM10 million? Where in the Malaysian Federal Constitution does it state that the amount payable to Kedah must be periodically reviewed or adjusted to “current values”?
As for the Kedah MB, he now seems unclear about what he actually wants, shifting his demands and appearing increasingly confused.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/12/01/kedah-has-bigger-plans-than-just-making-penang-special-territory-says-mb
========
“The Kedah government has larger designs on Penang than merely making it a ‘special territory’, says the menteri besar.”
++ We, the rakyat, think this is all just cakap-cakap only. Until today, it’s still talk, talk, and more talk—nothing of substance.
“Our researchers and lawyers have yet to propose to the state exco what reliefs Kedah can sue for in court.”
++ Why? Is it because your researchers, historians, and lawyers are lost on the subject and are now facing difficulties?
msia school history textbook cannot be fully trusted because there are some extravagant self-praise. Local historians also describe history at their own perspective. normally the authors are malays/muslims. so definitely they will relate something to their religion and dislike some other points n facts. many history of other races have just a little bit of informations about them only or sometimes not mention yet.
“We want more (than just to make Penang a special territory). I can’t say more on this because (Penang) is always ready to respond.” ++ Sorry, but we, the rakyat of Penang, are not interested in whatever you are planning. The Kedah government still hasn’t gone to court to sort out its claims, no decision has been made, and yet you are already talking about ‘special territory’ and whatnot. Syiok sendiri, yah? “They respond every time we reveal our plans. They study us constantly and adapt to the situation. If we reveal our plans, we won’t have any appropriate legal… Read more »
https://focusmalaysia.my/fancy-ancient-egyptians-used-camphor-imported-from-kedah-to-preserve-their-mummies/
As for the other grand, feel-good historical stories revealed one by one by the academia and others, please provide us, the Rakyat, with the timelines of when these events occurred so that we can verify and understand the history accordingly.
Sanusi has the support from that infamous Professor to stake a claim on Penang?
Johor can also claim back Singapore using the same logic?
It does not matter who is supporting the MB.
It was claimed that his team of researchers, historians, and lawyers have compiled approximately 20,000 pieces of historical evidence to support their case.
However, to date, they have not brought the matter to court and have only provided various justifications for the delay.
We, the Rakyat, are still waiting for them to show proof of their claim on Penang.
It would be shameful if they were to drop the case after making such claims.
Regarding the Singapore case, believe Johor is considerably more prudent than Kedah.
Actually, we, the Rakyat of Penang—and probably Kedah as well—are eager to know the results of your team’s research (the researchers, historians, and lawyers) after having travelled the world in search of evidence.
What evidence have your teams of historians and researchers found, and how soon will you bring the matter to court to argue your claims? Do not delay or procrastinate by playing ‘Tai Chi’ or by coming up with all sorts of excuses now, after speaking so much and so highly about it.
Humpty Dumpty must have thought the same too, until it slipped and fell. I’m sure you know how that ended.
Also, am not sure why your team did not look in your own backyard. After all, was Kedah not the party of interest in this matter?
Sets of documents on various agreements throughout history, especially since the arrival of the British, should have been filed and preserved. If others have these documents, why does the state of Kedah not have any?
Are food or refreshment provided?
Difficult to give feedback is hungry.
Some light refreshments but you have to register first and bring your own utensils to reduce disposable waste.
The state government has been in power for almost two decades (20 years), yet it remains unclear what substantial or strategic development has been achieved during this period. Large areas such as the western corridor, parts of the northern and southern corridors, and most of the mainland have seen little development—apart from some progress in Seberang Jaya. Even where development has occurred, much of it feels like hodgepodge planning without a coherent vision, appearing inconsistent and lacking cohesive urban strategy. Take the eastern corridor, for example: it is messy, cramped, and appears overdeveloped, and now the LRT is planned to… Read more »
Certain area are best left untouched not developed. Don’t you think so?
Then there is The Light waterfront residence along the shore facing the First Bridge—painted white but now stained, blackened, and dirty at the lower sections. It has become something of an eyesore. Gurney Bay, which began in 2016, is still not completed almost 10 years later. From the road, it resembles a dumping ground. And this is without even mentioning the condition of the road leading to Batu Ferringhi. What about traffic and congestion, housing density and overdevelopment, flooding and drainage issues, environmental concerns such as land reclamation and the loss of green spaces, severe public transport limitations, and persistent… Read more »