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PICC still on the cards

Anil Netto
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It looks as if the Penang government is still keen on the Penang International Convention Centre (PICC), going by a Bernama report.

The state should think again whether this is really a prudent use of our precious – and limited – financial resources. Even during colonial rule in early 19th-century Penang, the island’s British administrators experienced difficulty in raising funds. Little has changed now, with the BN federal government denying the state its rightful allocations and even by-passing the Penang state government by channelling funds through Finance Ministry-owned entities and parallel federally-overseen state development offices.

The way I look at it, the PICC is a luxury (or white elephant) we cannot afford especially when other privately built convention centres are already in the pipeline in Penang. Penang has so many other more pressing needs requiring the use of public funds e.g. the upgrading of public markets and a new computer system for the MPPP.

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Second Scorpene submarine arrives

Anil Netto
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A second Scorpene submarine, the KD Tun Razak, has arrived in Malaysian waters.

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Speakers’ Square: Hecklers enter the fray

Anil Netto
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Another historic day for Penang, Sunday, 27 June 2010: That’s when hecklers first made their presence felt at the recently opened Penang Speakers’ Square.

Hecklers are of course a regular feature at London’s Speakers’ Corner, and now they have become part and parcel of Penang’s Speakers’ Square. It’s good practice for up-and-coming public speakers when they have to contend with a less than receptive crowd. And all part of the fun.

The Penang Speakers’ Square, open in the evenings on Wednesdays and Sundays, is fast turning into a local attraction and a must-see for visitors to Penang. Dozens turn up especially on Sundays to listen to the speakers – and now the hecklers.

This report from theSun:

Gerakan speakers heckled

Mon, 28 Jun 2010


A senior citizen waves the front page of a Chinese daily which featured a report on Gerakan losing Penang in the March 8 general elections, while Kedah Gerakan secretary Tang Hing Lye was giving his speech at Speakers’ Square in George Town.

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Drop in Felda reserves: Make accounts public

Anil Netto
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Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ahmad Maslan revealed that Felda’s cash reserves had dwindled from RM4.1 billion in 2004 to RM1.4 billion last year.


Photo credit: Utusan/Felda.net

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The agreement to buy Menara Felda at the Platinum Park Site, Jln Stonor, KL, for RM641 million was signed in 2008 and the building was reportedly expected to be completed in four years (2012). Has the full payment for the building be made now? When will the building be ready?

Felda’s cash reserves have dropped by RM2.7 billion in five years. This was explained as follows:

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When it rains in northern Penang…

Anil Netto
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This is the scene when it pours in Chee Seng Gardens, next to a controversial condo development project, which has exposed the hill-slopes. Elsewhere, the sea off Miami Bay and Moonlight Bay turns a muddy orange.


Photos by Chee Seng Garden residents and Hymeir Kamarudin of Batu Feringghi

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Abolish ISA protest in Trafalgar Square

Anil Netto
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The Abolish ISA Movement (UK) held another demonstration outside the Tourism Malaysia office on Saturday, 26 June 2010.


Click on icon on bottom right of frame to toggle to full-screen mode – Photos by Danny Lim

Economic parallels to England’s World Cup flop

Anil Netto
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Germany 4, England 1. The English Premier League may be the most popular league in the world with its players paid ludicrous wages, but for all the league’s global mass appeal, the host nation, England, is hard-pressed to deliver a top-class national team.

(Check out the ref’s funny blind spot here.)

The influx of foreign players and coaches and the lack of space in the top clubs for the development of promising English talent have contributed to the stagnation – if not regression – of the England national side.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-27

Anil Netto
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  • Thanks to all those who turned up for the Aliran dinner at the PJ Civic Centre for your support. Wish I had more time to chat with all of you #
  • Gearing up for the Aliran fund-raising bash tonight at the PJ Civic Centre. The Aliran Singers are raring to hit the big stage! #
  • Tourism Minister is expected to hold a press conference at TAR College at noon to announce decision on Botanic Garden leaning arches #
  • Chow Z Lam's Bakun documentary (that was not shown on RTM) is now on Youtube http://youtu.be/Dkd-RSDfbbc #

Botanic Garden arches to come down!

Anil Netto
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The much criticised Penang Botanic Garden arches, one of which is tilting, are to come down, the Tourism Minister announced today.

Apparently the decision was made after another survey in USM revealed that 71 per cent of 1,225 respondents surveyed at the Garden wanted the arches removed. I am told Ng Yen Yen also said that in future, all Ministry projects affecting Nature and the environment would require consultation with civil society. I don’t think she mentioned the tilt at all.

The decision comes after weeks of public complaints and disquiet expressed in opinion polls and civil society protests.

The whole saga provides several salutary lessons for us; in fact, the decision to bring down the arches is highly symbolic.

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Turmoil in PKR over Selangor

Anil Netto
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The way I look at it, the tussle in PKR over the leadership of the Selangor state government is essentially between a party which was elected to power to serve the people’s interest and a faction within that party that appears more interested in personal ambition.

Some politicians – and they can be found in all political parties – are in the game for self interest. This type is always on the prowl, on the look out for contracts, positions of power, largesse. Serving the rakyat takes second place. They have gone into politics not primarily to serve the public but to serve their own interests and personal ambitions. These are the types who think political party workers and leaders must be rewarded for their efforts through the award of contracts and appointments to positions of influence or power.

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