Penang, paradise lost…

Anil Netto
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Here are more telling signs of the worsening environmental situation in Penang. Time we woke up and did something about it. Blog-reader Steve Oh shares with us what Penang was once like:
Anyone who knows Penang will tell you it is such a beautiful island with an alluring and rare charm that even beguiled Somerset Maugham the novelist, who spent time there. But take a drive along its unique sinuous coastal road round the island and you will see how the poor island has suffered a tortuous existence since development hit the island. It is like Cinderella ill-treated. The Pearl has lost its lustre, and without its blue seas, perhaps greenish at ground level, it has lost its natural appeal. I inspected a beachside property and was aghast to see several illegal houses built of concrete and zinc roofs that had been there for some time right smack on the beach in front of it. And you can even find illegal food shops on some beaches! You wonder where all the sewage go. There are big open monsoon drains that flow into the sea and you can find some beside those beautiful hotels. Do they seriously want people to swim in the sea? Ask a silly question! Sigh. Yes, we remember our childhood days on the beaches of Penang. We used to dig for siput at Gurney Drive. They were plentiful and you could play on the sand and the water was typically Penang but not as crystal clear as the sea at Muka Head but still relatively unpolluted. The rape of Penang’s natural heritage will not stop until Penangites themselves mobilise to stop the rot. The new government has a challenge on its hands but it is a challenge that requires every Penangite to feel a sense of ownership and chip in.
Mut recalls what it was like fishing off the coast of Penang:
Even in the early 80s we could still find nice sandy beaches; for me, the srtongest signal that something was going wrong came when fishing trips yielded worse catches.
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What happened to the blue waters of Penang?

Anil Netto
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Ever been in a plane and looked down carefully at the sea around Penang?

These satellite images paint a thousand words. Look at the mess around the island and mainland. And take a careful look at the colour of the rivers leading to the sea. Black. Siltation and pollution. Ugh!

Now, would you really want to swim in these waters? You can see the contrast between the murky waters around Penang and the deep bluish green hues of the Andaman Sea farther north leading up to the breathtaking islands of south Thailand.

Is this the price we have to pay for industrialisation and ‘progress’? Is this an acceptable price, do you think? Who is to blame for this? Industry (untreated discharges that flow into the sea)? Property developers (hill-cutting that leads to siltation and sedimentation)? Lack of effective sewage and effluent treatment plants? Government (for its ‘pro-business policies’ that fail to take into consideration compliance with tight enivironmental regulations and standards)? Or all of the above?

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Hindraf turns up at Anwar’s open house

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Hindraf and Makkal Sakthi supporters had a great time at Anwar’s open house (Photo credit: abinesh.com) More surprise guests showed up at Anwar’s open house, this time in KL on Sunday. Blogger Abinesh reports:

The exact same group visited Dato Sri Anwar’s PKR Hari Raya open house last weekend at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman at Kg Baru. Like the previous open house, the group met outside the venue where they were chatting up the other Malay friends wishing them “Selamat Hari Raya“, with the passers-by wishing them the same and some chanting “Makkal Sakhti” (back at them) in the process. How do I know, you may ask? I was there! 🙂
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A special guest at Anwar’s open house

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The Governor of Penang exchanging greetings with Anwar at the latter’s open house in Cherok To’kun on mainland Penang on Saturday. He spent about an hour there. (Photo credit: anwaribrahimblog.com)

Time for fuel prices to come down

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Latest: Pump prices will be reduced by 10-20 sen from Wednesday Isn’t it about time local fuel prices are lowered in line with global prices? After all, we haven’t seen much improvement in our public transport with all those government subsidies we were supposed to have saved, have we? With global prices now down to US$80-85/barrel, our policy planners should reduce prices to ease the effect on the lower income group. A 20-sen reduction would be reasonable for now, bearing in mind that global prices could fall to a more realistic range of US$60-80 in view of the likely slump in global demand. It was a blunder to have raised the price so drastically in the first place, when all the signs were that the recent price uptrend was the result of excessive speculation.
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18-24 months global recession likely – and stagnation?

Anil Netto
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It looks as if we are staring at a 18-24 month global recession, at the very least – no thanks to the greed that was on display in Wall Street and among global capitalists, financial institutions and commodity speculators until recently. The latest stock market rally on Wall Street is likely to be temporary as the underlying problems are still there. Drastic measures by central banks world-wide are needed to prevent a financial meltdown and a long period of stagnation like what happened in Japan. Already, such measures have been initiated in Europe and the US, but will they be enough to contain a further slide and an even longer stagnation? The damage has been done, says economist Nouriel Roubini:
… major sources of future stress in the financial system remain; these include the risk of a CDS market blowout, the collapse of hundreds of hedge funds, the rising troubles of many insurance companies, the risk that other systemically important financial institutions are insolvent and in need of expensive rescue programs, the risk that some significant emerging market economies and some advanced ones too (Iceland) will experience a severe financial crisis, the ongoing process of deleveraging in illiquid financial markets that will continue the vicious circle of falling asset prices, margin calls, further deleveraging and further sales in illiquid markets that continues the cascading fall in asset prices, further downside risks to housing and to home prices.
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Uh-oh, Mahathir calls for return to “strong” government

Anil Netto
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With the reactionary forces now taking over Umno, Mahathir has fired a broadside calling for a strong, powerful government. He said in his latest blog entry that a weak government would be incapable of dealing with racial and religious conflicts:
We now have a weak Government and clearly it is incapable of dealing with the tendency towards conflicts because of race and religion. Because of its weakness it commands little respect and even the weakest parties would thumb its collective noses at the Government. The Government apparently has no idea how to handle these problems. We see it apologising only to have it’s apologies rejected.
Hang on a minute. Who are the ones actually stirring these conflicts? Who exactly is responsible for “race politics”? If the government is weak today, it is because of its inability to reform the oppressive structures, many of which were put in place during Mahathir’s time. It is this inability to reform and undo the damage of the Mahathir era that led to the Abdullah administration losing much of its popular support. In fact, the Abdullah administration’s initial popularity was premised on the hope that Abdullah’s softer approach promised to usher in an era of liberalisation that would be in stark contrast to Mahathir’s repressive rule. Of course, we know that Mahathir’s use of the terms “strong government” and “stability” are but code words for authoritarian and even repressive rule.
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Guan Eng questions Maybank’s RM8b BII acquisition

Anil Netto
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Maybank could have given out cheap loans of RM8.25 billion to the public to face the global financial crisis instead of wasting it on acquiring PT Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), said Guan Eng. By investing in the the Indonesian bank, Maybank has suffered “almost immediate losses of RM4 billion”. The current global financial crisis could lead to a severe Depression and will hurt many economies. Ordinary Malaysians are unlikely to be spared. “Why not use RM8.25 billion to help tens of thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of ordinary Malaysians instead of buying one bank?” he asked in a statement on Saturday.
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Disappointment as RPK’s trial is postponed to Nov

Anil Netto
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Supporters cheer and wave at RPK as the van he is in leaves the courthouse this morning (Photos by Rakyat@Work)

The crowd knocks on the side of the van: “We are with you, RPK!” Blogger Whisperer sums up the mood:

Many teary eyes around today. I won’t put it as disappointment. It’s purely sadness. I went into the courtroom to convey my support to Pete. I could sense something was wrong as Pete wasn’t himself today. I suppose he expected the postponement. My heart bled and my tears broke free. I wasn’t alone. Perhaps you need to be here to understand. There is this special bond… a bond that binds all of us together like a big family. Yeah… a big compassionate family. A new era? Another new beginning? Certainly, a positive one. Come 10 November, come and be part of this special bond and let this special bond rise and spread across this Nation. Again, I would like to say this: It’s worth the sacrifice to be here!
Rakyat@Work reports on what was supposed to be Day Four of the RPK trial:
0940: The van finally leaves the compound, much to the sadness and disappointment of those present, who had wanted to spend more time with RPK. Some quickly send out text messages to friends who had plans to come later. Everyone starts dispersing and reminding one another about the next dates: 10-12 November. We will be back! Long live RPK, Long live Marina, Long live the true rakyat of Malaysia. Long live Justice! 0930: People are still walking, oblivious to what’s happening. Well, everyone is reluctant to leave until RPK leaves. So, all of us wait for the familiar van to move out. We have a little more time to see the van ‘cos it is blocked by another car. The van backs up and excitement mounts as some of the crowd knock against the side of the van to let RPK know we are still with him. “He’s blindfolded, isn’t it?” asks a woman. The crowd continues to shout in Raja Petra’s direction: “We are with you!” Then the van stops. What’s happening? “The driver needs to go to the toilet,” someone remarks and everyone bursts out laughing. I suppose RPK is also laughing inside. More pictures below
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300 turn up for PJ candlelight vigil

Anil Netto
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A group of young people at the vigil last night in PJ (Photos by Rakyat@Work)

Part of the “NO 2 ISA” message on the ground where the vigil was held

kkitsam tells us about the messages from Marina and others:
I will say yesterday was a special night, even though the date was bought foward last Friday, and rain from 3.00pm to 6.00pm around KL (after being cloudy all day) failed to prevent a strong crowd of 300 people from turning up. Marina got the crowd going by lighting the “NO 2 ISA” candles and delivering a message. She thanked the crowd for their continuing support and spoke of RPK’s medical check up a day earlier. The doctor revealed RPK has a good heart, but his back was bad. Then Gobind got the crowd roaring to fight against the ISA. Both Zorro and Haris also said a few words. It was declared that there would be a Vigil every Sunday at 8.00pm at the same place until every ISA detainee is released.

Rakyat@Work sends in another eye-witness account:

2130: I gotta go ‘cos I have just met a couple who have volunteered to give us a lift back. We leave at 9.30pm. The crowd is still there. As we drive past, our driver honks, like someone else did earlier. Sounds of support and freedom for RPK and the rakyat. Yes! Great night, very satisfying. Please continue to keep RPK and family in prayer. 2100: LKS arrives. Now the crowd has swelled to more than 250 or even 300. Sea change? Fireworks tomorrow? Too noisy now, can’t hear what’s going on in front. Be patient, I suppose. Shortly after this, Marina’s walks around: more hugs, more thanks, then goodbye. 2045: Marina’s here; so is Gobind. Marina leads the way: she lights the candles, making out the words “NO 2 ISA” on the ground. Gobind helps out as well. Next, Marina updates us with what’s going on and asks all of us to visit the Malaysia Today website ‘cos she has launched ‘My little scrapbook’. Please visit the website – it’s self-explanatory. She thanks everyone for coming from near and far for their support and urges us to continue to seek the truth for justice. Next Gobind gives us some updates followed by addresses by two well known bloggers.
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Scenes from the RPK trial

Anil Netto
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RPK returns after a morning break on Day Two of the trial

(Court photos by Rakyat@Work for anilnetto.com)

Anwar rushing to his own court case after dropping by on Day Three of the RPK trial

Women Power on Day Three of the RPK trial

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High risk of “severe global Depression”

Anil Netto
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The real cause of the global financial crisis: This may be a comedy clip, but it provides a more accurate analysis – in layperson’s language – of the root causes of the financial meltdown than anything you may read in the mainstream The big ‘D’ word – that’s D for Depression – is now creeping up on the global economy. What really caused the crisis?
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Look who’s at the RPK trial

Anil Netto
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This was the scene outside the PJ Sessions Court this week. The woman in red holding the cane is RPK’s neighbour.

This is the van they use to transport RPK to court (Photos by Rakyat@Work)

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20,000 throng Anwar’s open house

Anil Netto
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Anwar speaks about the political transition in Umno a couple of days ago Some 20,000 people flocked to Anwar’s Raya open house in Cherok Tokun on mainland Penang this morning. According to my contact at the scene, reporters pressed Anwar for a timeline for the parliamentary defections from the BN to take place. “Soon,” he said. “Very soon.”
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Guan Eng explains wi-fi/Wimax plan – plus another view

Anil Netto
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I thought I would give the w-fi issue a rest, but then I received a couple of phone calls from assistants in the office of Penang Chief Minister Guan Eng, followed by an e-mail from his press secretary 🙂

After reading your blog with the posting of “Other concerns about wifi project”, CM have instructed me to send you 2 of his press statement during the launching of Wifi and WiMAX project which issued on 18 Sept and 25 Sept respectively.

So let me share those press statements with you. This one is on w-fi:

PRESS STATEMENT By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Penang On September 18, 2008 PENANG State Government launches Wireless@Penang Which Will Provide STATE-WIDE FREE WIFI BROADBAND Within 2 Years. GEORGE TOWN – Wireless@PENANG is taking shape and Penang is set to become the first in Malaysia to offer free broadband services on WiFi deployed on a state-wide basis.
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Downpour fails to stop 150 from showing up at vigil

Anil Netto
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Aliran president P Ramakrishnan addressing the crowd at the vigil

Music and song lifted the spirits of those present

Regular participant Jennifer with her brother-in-law Dato’ Kam U Tee

Heavy rain last night failed to deter some 150 people from turning up for the Friday candlelight vigil in front of the Dewan Sri Pinang. The downpour, which thankfully cleared up by about 9.10pm, did not dampen the spirits of Penangites who once again turned up to call for the release of all ISA detainees.
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Turning journalists into corporate media propagandists

Anil Netto
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Ever wondered what a “professional journalist” needs to do to get promoted or succeed in a mainstream media organisation? (Image courtesy of homepage.mac.com forwarded by Surind. The Asian version is shown below courtesy of bigozine2.com forwarded by Michael.) Here’s an excerpt of a brillant must-read article about how the corporate media weeds out and sidelines journalists who think independently and differently (i.e. those who don’t subscribe to their corporate values). It’s written by the Nazareth-based freelance journalist Jonathan Cook.
If they are to survive long, writers must quickly learn what the news desk expects of them. Newcomers are given a small amount of leeway to adopt angles that are “not suitable”. But they are also expected to learn quickly why such articles are unsuitable and not to propose similar reports again. The advantage of this system is that high-profile sackings are a great rarity. Editors hardly ever need to bare their teeth against an established journalist because few make it to senior positions unless they have already learnt how to toe the line.
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Abolish ISA candlelight vigil in Penang tonight

Anil Netto
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The Gabungan Mansuhkan ISA (Abolish ISA Movement) is holding another of its weekly candlelight vigils today at 9.00pm in front of Dewan Sri Pinang. Show your support for the call to abolish the ISA.

End of the road for BN’s reforms?

Anil Netto
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Was Abdullah’s announcement that he would not be defending the Umno presidency due to the BN’s poor electoral performance? Or did it have more to do with flagging investor sentiment, which sparked a huge outflow of portfolio investments in the second quarter? That was something I mulled over when writing this article for IPS:
It took exactly seven months after a severe general electoral setback for Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to announce that he would not be defending the presidency of the dominant party in the ruling coalition in party polls next year.
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RPK in high spirits as new faces show up (updated)

Anil Netto
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Blogger Whisperer sizes up the scene on Day Four of the RPK trial:
The crowd was more than usual this morning with many new faces adding to our undying support for RPK. Say or think what you like… there is something special about this crowd. They are there for one common cause and yeah, they are extremely sentimental about it too. That explains the daily atmosphere around the courthouse. And it is this sentiment that moves many to tears everyday. By all means, it certainly has nothing to do with sympathy here. Those who were present should understand what I mean here. All the gestures (big or small) come purely from the heart…. Nurul Izzah made her appearance with her small entourage today. She took time to mingle with us before she left. Over the past four days, we have had Lim Kit Siang, Ronnie Liu (daily basis), Anwar with Wan Azizah, and Teresa Kok gracing this hearing. I don’t remember meeting so many parliamentarian in such a short span in my entire life. Good change, eh?
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