At Penang Forum 5, the discussion centred not so much on whether Penang was an international liveable city – but rather what constitutes an international liveable city.
Sabah a state to watch this weekend
Pass the popcorn. We could be in for more political theatre from Sabah this coming weekend.
Live – Penang Forum 5
Join me here for live coverage of Penang Forum 5 this afternoon. The event will see Penang Forum NGOs and residents groups engaging with the Penang Chief Minister and the MPPP and MPSP presidents.
[liveblog]
BFM Uncensored interviews Tariq Ramadan
Visiting scholar Tariq Ramadan made heads turn with his elucidation of Islamic principles, and his call for justice, non-discrimination and ethics in public life.
BFM Uncensored interviews Rafizi Ramli
Arrested whistleblower Rafizi Ramli, the man-of-the moment, is clearly a politician to watch. Listen to what motivates him in this interview by BFM Uncensored.
Syed Mokhtar eyes the big one
This is the big one, folks. Tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary is reportedly proposing a merger of the national sewerage and water businesses in a joint venture with the national water assets management corporation.
‘Amazing coincidence’ in bidding for Prai power plant
A business weekly has questioned an “amazing coincidence” in the bidding for the Prai combined cycle gas turbine power plant.
Proposed Penang Heritage Square near Komtar (updated)
Update (2 August): What is this huge (five-storey?) building in this plan? (It reminds me of the aborted ‘airport terminal’ building for the Penang Hill Railway.) Something to keep the developers/contractors happy? Do we need yet another ‘iconic’ building when we already have sore thumb Komtar, 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall nearby, with lots of unutilised space in them? Please, not more concrete structures when the space for a green lung is so limited. Thanks to QuercusBen on twitter for raising this concern.
Also, do we need even more boutique hotels etc? Be careful that this place doesn’t become a another gentrified heritage area, devoid of authentic living cultural heritage.
Original entry (31 July 2012):
The proposed Penang Heritage Square has the potential to be a landmark if done properly, with ample public consultation, plenty of green and public spaces, and a showcase of heritage street food.
Whistleblower Rafizi’s arrest: Aliran responds
Aliran has responded strongly to the arrest of whistleblower Rafizi Ramli under the charge of violating section 97(1) of the Banks and Financial Institutions Act (Bafia), which carries a maximum jail sentence of three years and a fine of up to RM3m.