It looks as if the Singapore Straits Times has cottoned on to the discontent that is brewing over the RM46bn Penang transport land reclamation and property development masterplan, which has been described by critics as a ‘property play’. Check out the video above.
‘PTMP’ – or property play and greenwash?
Proposed elevated LRT in Penang too early and too late
The following piece by Lim Mah Hui is bang on target. I doubt the pro-elevated LRT camp will be able to refute his figures for KL ridership figures and projected LRT operational losses, no matter how much they spin to try and justify this exorbitant mega project.
Grave environmental concerns as Penang ushers in 2019
A sobering message as we usher in 2019. Wishing you all the best in the coming year. See also this Aliran statement about the need to work together to achieve the vision of a new Malaysia.
Youth Park regulars worry about breathing fumes from proposed mega overpass
Activists from Penang’s emerging green movement gathered at the Penang Youth Park this morning to display a model of an 80-foot-wide six-lane overpass that will cross over the green haven, a popular spot for exercise and recreation.
Taiping listed in Sustainable Destinations Top 100 list
Taiping has just been included in the 2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100 list.
A Christmas tribute to the Crazy Ones
On a dark night, in a distant frontier of the oppressive Roman Empire, a child was born who would go on to proclaim Good News to the Poor and point to a new way of living, based on a different set of values.
This Christmas Day, let’s pay tribute to those who dare to be different – the ordinary people who speak truth to power, who raise awareness of a gentler, more holistic model of development that is in harmony with our environment.
Students say political rights amendment falls short
The recent vote in the Malaysian Parliament to pass amendments to three acts to allow students greater political freedom has been generally welcomed – but not everyone is happy.
Restore local elections
No racial trouble broke out as a result of local council elections in Penang in the 1950s and 1960s (at least, not that I am aware of) until they were suspended in 1965. So why can’t they be reintroduced in Penang and the rest of Malaysia? Penang Forum has just released a media statement:
Saving Sungai Ara – and the PIL threat
The popular linear park of Sungai Ara (River of Figs) is likely to be severely compromised by the six-lane Pan Island Link flying over it, with its huge pillars rising from the river banks.
Umno’s shocking implosion: Onn Jaafar’s vision is the party’s last hope
With most people absorbed by the ongoing implosion of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), a major shift happened a couple of months ago which may have gone largely unnoticed.
Jho Low’s gift: This is what a see-through piano looks like…
This is the sort of piano that Tanjung Bungah boy Jho Low reportedly gave to supermodel Miranda Kerr in 2014.
Aliran releases music video to commemorate Human Rights Day
Check out this new music video released by Aliran.
Is Penang turning into another Hong Kong?
Take a look at these photos taken by a concerned Penang resident.
If you think the background of the photo above looks ominous, wait till you see what is in store for the foreground – the area presently being reclaimed near Gurney Plaza.
Pop quiz: If you led a state government …
Let’s assume a hypothetical situation:
These two Zunar cartoons sum up the situation in Malaysia today
As usual, cartoonist Zunar has captured succinctly in a picture (above) what might otherwise take a thousand words to describe. It is a battle between the new more inclusive Malaysia and the old Malaysia, where the politics of race and religion reigned supreme. Pests (the toxic old communal politics) are now trying to devour the young shoots of a vibrant new nation.
Seafield Hindu temple situation: Stand together in peace, compassion, solidarity
Civil society groups have come together to condemn the recent violence at the Seafield Hindu temple and urge all peace-loving Malaysian to stand together in peace and solidarity. They have also urged the authorities to uphold the rule of law. This is the statement just released by Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia.
Who is plucking Penang population figures from the air?
This statement has just been released by Penang Forum:
Penang Forum would like to respond to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s statement that the Penang population, as projected by the project delivery partner for the RM46bn transport proposal, would be “at least 2.3 million” by 2030.
ICERD controversy: Tackle B40 insecurities first
It is obvious that certain parties are using the ICERD to whip up ethno-religious support for their defeated parties. At the same time, the insecurities felt by many among the B40 are all too real and this has to be addressed; otherwise their fears of being left behind are likely to be easily manipulated by unscrupulous politicians.
I wouldn’t say that this is the end of the new Malaysia. It is just that the government will have to be more astute in how it proceeds, plan carefully, raise awareness, eliminate insecurities and then move forward. The new Malaysia is a work in progress, and we all have a hand in it.
Aliran has just released the following statement:
3D drone video of landslides on Penang Hill REMOVED from YouTube
A drone video originally put up on YouTube depicting the serious landslide scars on Penang Hill was removed by the user after it was highlighted in this blog yesterday. The above still image was captured before the video was yanked out.
Save Penang Hill 2.0 call goes out as 23,000 sign online petition in six days
The online petition to save Penang Hill can be found here. 23,000 signatures in six days is impressive by any standards. Expect more people to sign on.
Clearly the Save Penang Hill campaign of 1990 has been forgotten by those who have fantasies of turning Penang Hill into a mini-Genting Highlands complete with cable cars and throngs of visitors. With an express train already carrying more people up the hill, the sound of cash registers on Penang Hill going ka-ching! must seem like music to their ears – never mind the limited carrying capacity of the hill and the many landslides there over the years. And now, two proposed hotels could open the floodgates for even more ‘development’ pressure on the hill.