In all my years of observing politics, whether local or foreign, I have never before come across an administration that so frequently warns of the possibility of having to pay “(hundreds of) millions in compensation” to developers or landlords. To me, this mantra seems to be a favourite fall-back position (to browbeat critics into silence?).
Penang Forum highlights hill degradation to chief minister
Statement for the 11 January 2016 meeting with the chief minister of Penang issued by the steering committee of Penang Forum:
‘Unmitigated disaster’ on Botak Hill, Penang Forum tells chief minister
The Penang Forum steering committtee released the following ‘executive summary’ to the media during its meeting with the chief minister of Penang:
55 highrise blocks approved on hills of Penang in recent years
How is this possible? Not really heading towards a greener Penang, are we?
Save our hills declaration at Penang Forum
Over 200 people participated in the forum organised by Penang Forum on 12 December, reflecting the concern felt by many Penangites. At the end of the forum, the following declaration was made.
Hill degradation: Penang Forum steering committee to meet chief minister tomorrow
Some 16 steering committee members of Penang Forum, a loose Penang civil society network, are scheduled to meet the Penang chief minister tomorrow afternoon at Komtar to discuss property development on hill land in Penang and illegal hill clearings.
Penang transport masterplan flawed; more study required
The Penang Forum steering committee has just released this:
The chief minister of Penang recently used the accident on the first Penang bridge to justify his proposed RM27bn transport masterplan. This is disingenuous; it is like arguing that more highways are needed because of traffic jams caused by accidents on the North-South highway.
As Mustapa Mohamed talks up TPPA, USM students, activists stage protest
Some 30 university students and activists led a protest outside USM this morning against the impending Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which would allow large multinational corporations greater powers in the national economy. It is believed to be the first protest against the TPP by university students in the country.
Penang ferries: Service to public, not profits, should be main criterion
Penang Forum has released the following letter to the press:
The people of Penang Island and mainland Penang are suffering because of political malaise. Do those in power in Putrajaya realise how much distress is endured by every user of the Penang ferry service, everyday, not just on festive weekends? When did you last queue for an hour to board the ferry?
Poll: Does Penang need more shopping malls?
Does Penang really need more shopping malls in the next five years?
Check out this report in The Star: