Extensive clearings scar Paya Terubong hills
While much attention has been given to Botak Hill, that controversial hill actually blocks the view of many Penangites from the extensive hill-clearing and scarring further inland at Paya Terubong, especially at Bukit Kukus.
Why the sudden loss of interest in the Penang tunnel?
In the months before the general election in 2013, the DAP vowed it would go ahead with the tunnel if it was returned to helm the state government. It was a juicy carrot to dangle before voters tired of the privatised (and then run down) ferry service and to alienate critics. It also added legitimacy to the plan to reclaim land off Gurney Drive for massive property development.
Now, it’s land reclamation in front of Queensbay
More land reclamation in Penang. This time in front of Queensbay, south of the first Penang bridge, almost facing Pulau Jerejak, and north of the second Penang bridge.
The CCCC connection in Penang
Yesterday, Sarawak Report made an explosive allegation about an inflation of costs in the proposed East Coast Rail Line from RM30bn to RM60bn so that 1MDB debts could be paid off.
Why is SRS proposal so secret? How many shops, houses will have to be demolished?
SRS Consortium claims their transport proposal is superior than the Better, Cheaper, Faster framework put forward by Penang Forum. But why are their 20 volumes not available for public scrutiny online then?
Is Gerakan serious about supporting public transport in Penang?
This is a statement by Penang Forum:
It was reported in Star, 20 July 2016, that the Gerakan party in Penang supports Penang Forum’s proposal for a Better, Cheaper and Faster (BCF) transport masterplan.
US attorney general: Corrupt officials treated 1MDB as ‘personal bank account’
US Attorney General Loretta E Lynch delivered these remarks at a press conference yesterday to announce “significant kleptocracy enforcement action” to recover more than US$1bn obtained from corruption involving 1MDB.
Snap polls for Penang unwise, unnecessary
Update: Looks as if there was no consensus between DAP and PKR on the issue. Azmin says they are “yet to be convinced on the objective”.
Talk of snap polls has been rife – though I fail to see the need for it when the next general election can’t be too far off.
Severe flash floods swamp Teluk Bahang; Penang airport also affected
This doesn’t look good. Probably the worst flash floods in memory in Teluk Bahang after heavy rain in the afternoon.
BCF transport framework made public; SRS’ RM40bn proposal still under wraps
While Penang Forum’s Better, Cheaper, Faster transport framework is now available for public scrutiny on the bettercheaperfaster.my website, the proposal put forward by SRS Consortium is still under wraps.
Sign the petition for a ‘Better, Cheaper, Faster’ Penang transport masterplan
We support the idea of a transport master plan for Penang that is truly environmentally friendly and financially viable. We reject the SRS and Penang state’s proposal for prioritising road building ahead of public transport. We want the state to adopt a Better, Cheaper, Faster Penang Transport Master Plan using BRT and trams as the preferred mode of public transport.
Penang Forum launches ‘Better, Cheaper, Faster’ transport masterplan
Penang Forum has launched a ‘Better Cheaper Faster’ Penang transport masterplan report and website (www.bettercheaperfaster.my) today, 13 July 2016.
RM160bn property development scheme in Penang
The transport infrastructure proposals for Penang put forward by the Gamuda-led SRS Consortium is expected to cost a whopping RM40bn.
On the l-word (loyalty)
This is an excerpt from Guan Eng’s clarification on 8 July 2016 regarding his remarks to Penang Institute, which stirred a controversy:
It’s time to act: A clock like no other
What do you think of this clock? If you like it, contact Aliran to get one for yourself and support the group in the quest for justice, freedom and solidarity.
You can also support Aliran by attending the group’s fundraising dinner in KL on 23 July. It promises to be a happening event. Details here.
Prime Minister’s Department – more staff than European Union’s bureaucracy?
Those behind the Brexit vote often painted the bureaucracy of the European Union as bloated.
So let’s take a look at the EU staffing headcount: 32,900. According to Malaysia’s former head of mission there in the 1990s, these EU civil servants responsible for 28 nations were of the highest quality.
How does this compare with Najib Razak’s Prime Minister’s Department? Well, the last figure I could find was reported in Utusan in 2010. Headcount: 43,544. (What is the figure now?)
Guan Eng’s arrest
Chow Kon Yeow’s response:
Over 1,000 attend raucous debate on Penang tunnel, highways
Just back from the debate at the Caring Society Complex in Penang, and I can’t say I was edified or any the wiser from what transpired.Penang debate of the year on undersea tunnel: Dap LimHockSengvsGerakanLiangTeckMeng @caringsociety @malaysiakini pic.twitter.com/iJf8YKwlvY
— susan loone (@susanloone) June 28, 2016
Why are vested corporate interests influencing Penang’s urban planning?
Today an important meeting in Penang was held, away from the public eye, to discuss a revised Local Plan for Penang Island.
Behind Miami Green, a project higher than 250 feet above sea level?
The MBPP has to explain this project on a 5.0ha plot of land on environmentally sensitive steep hillslopes. About two thirds of the plot is above the Penang Structure Plan threshold of 250 feet above sea level.