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Speakers’ corner for Penang?

Anil Netto
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15

Penang may soon set up the country’s first public speakers’ corner.

(I use the term ‘public’ because a speakers’ corner at the Perdanasiswa Complex in Universiti Malaya has just been re-opened after about 40 years.)

The Penang state government said yesterday that it was thinking of a permanent stage at the Esplanade for candlelight vigils, open forums and demonstrations. It would be at a distance from traffic, said a report in today’s Sun.

“The stage can be used on request by anybody, provided it has not been reserved for other events,” said exco member Chow Kon Yeow, who added that a committee may be set up to liaise with NGOs in this matter.

Now this is a positive development, especially if the state government folks are going to discuss the exact location with civil society and the public – but why do we need a stage?  In London, the Speakers’ Corner does not require any prior request or approval for speakers to address whoever is willing to listen. On weekends, anyone can step up on a crate (no stage is needed) and speak to whoever cares to listen. At any one time, there could be around half a dozen different speakers animatedly addressing small crowds at different spots in the area while engaging with or ignoring hecklers. We should not follow the farcical Singapore ‘Speakers’ Corner’.

All the same, the loss of the fine public space in front of Dewan Sri Pinang still saddens me.

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Housing rights activist James Aru passes away

Anil Netto
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6

The Sentul-based activist James Arunasalam passed away on 22 January.

He championed the cause of the poor – Photo by Tian Chua

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Tian Chua in car crash, escapes unhurt

Anil Netto
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27

PKR MP Tian Chua had a narrow escape when his car smashed into the divider of the the North-South Highway during heavy rain early this evening.


The smashed Camry – Photo by Tian Chua

The impact crumpled the front portion of the white Camry, but the MP for Batu escaped unhurt.

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Anwar’s ceramah stopped by police

Anil Netto
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12

Police put a stop to a ceramah by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim last night in a blow for freedom of expression.

The crowd of about 500 at the PKNS Flats in Kampung Kerinci, Kuala Lumpur expressed their displeasure by chanting “reformasi!”.

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S’pore, M’sia fare poorly in ‘quality of life index’

Anil Netto
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5

Many Malaysians look up to Singapore for its quality of life.

But have a look at the ‘quality of life index’ compiled by International Living based in Ireland. Singapore has an overall score of only 61, just above Malaysia’s 58. Both are way down the list.

Of course, this ranking isn’t entirely objective as it is based on a combination of data obtained from official sources and editors’ and readers’ perceptions. Moreover, the compilers of the index admit they have a Western bias when it comes to matters such as climate preference.

Malaysia
Cost of Living 70
Leisure & Culture 71
Economy 48
Environment 62
Freedom 50
Health 68
Infrastructure 44
Risk & Safety 86
Climate 24
Final Score 58
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9 pro-democracy students held in Dang Wangi

Anil Netto
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11

The nine students arrested in front of Sogo this morning are now being held in Dang Wangi.

The nine were among were among a hundred who had gathered this morning for a rally organised by various student groups reportedly to express concern over campus election procedures.

Latest update from Suaram:

Altogether 9 persons were arrested by police for demanding campus autonomy and freedom of academic on 23 January 2010, between 11.30am and noon in front of Sogo shopping mall. Until 1.45pm, they are in IPD Dang Wangi.

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Reflections on the Penang dragon boat tragedy

Anil Netto
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27

Still coming to terms with the dragon boat tragedy in Penang.

For a gut-wrenching and descriptive eye-witness account of the scene in the aftermath of the tragedy, go here.

If what she says is true, the authorities and rescue services should seriously look into their response times – especially the helicopter and marine (including divers) search-and-rescue teams. Press photographers (and their editors) too need to be more sensitive in their work. And note that victims’ families do not appreciate onlookers gawking and gossiping…

Thanks to blog reader Iron for alerting me to the findings of a safety inquiry panel in Singapore which looked into another dragon boat tragedy in Cambodia in November 2007. That tragedy left five Singaporeans dead.

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Questions re: 1MDB’s RM100 million CSR fund

Anil Netto
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22

Whenever I see the word “foundation”, my antenna is inclined to buzz.

On 11 January, Bernama reported that PM Najib had announced the “establishment of Yayasan 1MDB to manage a RM100 million Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund“.

The 1MDB Foundation will soon launch “several key initiatives in bridging socio-economic gaps towards fulfilling the aspirational values of 1Malaysia”. Najib would be the chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees.

I have a few questions:

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Two suraus in Muar now…

Anil Netto
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26

Berita Harian reports that two suraus in Muar, two kilometres apart, are the latest religious sites affected.

Surau Silaturahim di Jalan Ismail mengalami kebakaran pada langsir dan cermin manakala Surau Parit Beting pula mengalami kebakaran di ruang solat wanita, permaidani dan pintu.

Hmm, what’s going on here? So far, the general Malaysian reaction to all this has been admirably ‘cool’ – a reflection of increased maturity, wisdom and discernment. Let’s hope it stays that way.

This brings the tally of religious sites affected since 8 January to 16.

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Penang transport masterplan in the pipeline

Anil Netto
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13

From what I hear, a Penang transport masterplan is in the pipeline, with the state government believed to be working now on the terms of reference.

Once the TOR are finalised, an open tender is likely be held, perhaps in the second quarter of 2010, for the actual work of formulating the masterplan, which could take about a year to complete.

The emphasis of the plan is likely to be on sustainable transport. I hope the masterplan will try and wean people away from private vehicle ownership and encourage them to switch to public transport. In line with this, the focus of new infrastructure spending should be on public transport and pedestrian networks (and perhaps even cycling facilities) rather than new highways. The masterplan should also try and maximise the potential of water-based transport in the state.

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