The first irony: We are now into the new Malaysia, where we are supposed to be celebrating our diversity. But one of the ironies of our time is that this celebration stops short of embracing the ‘other’ in our midst – migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers.
Selamat Hari Raya in the new Malaysia
Wishing all of you, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahid dan Batin – our first major festival in the new Malaysia.
German transport engineer: Penang making ‘serious mistakes’ with elevated LRT
German urban planner Alex Koenig warns that Penang is about to make “two serious professional mistakes” as it plunges headlong into SRS Consortium’s proposal for an RM8bn elevated LRT system from Penang airport in southern Penang Island to Komtar in the George Town city centre.
Klang Valley double-tracking to be reviewed; what about Penang mega projects?
The Transport Minister said the upgrading cost of the second phase of the Klang Valley rail double-tracking is estimated to be RM5.9bn for 110km.
Trees chopped down in Tanjung Bungah – with permit
13 June 2018 Update: So it looks like 24 trees are going to be chopped or have to make way: 21 of these are supposed to be diseased but a nature lover said they looked fine to him. Today, some residents in the area turned up to stage a protest against the tree-chopping:
Independent filmmaker Andrew Ng investigates what happened near the Tanjung Bungah market.
Should Penang follow the path of Hong Kong and Singapore?
Someone from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce has said, “If you ask me or the young, they want Penang to be similar to Singapore and Hong Kong where there are plenty of economic prospects.”
Pennag Forum meets new CM Chow, calls for review of RM46bn transport mega project
Penang Forum met up with new Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar yesterday evening. Among the issues raised:
We have a situation in Rifle Range… two arrested, families evicted
Midnight update: Karthi and Nathan were released after 9pm soon after MP Wong Hon Wai turned up at the Patani Road Police Station and spoke to police. Meanwhile, a Muslim group is helping the evicted families. So all is well for now. The state government should now come up with sound, more inclusive policies to protect the housing needs of the lower-income group, including foreigners.
7pm update: Karthi and Nathan are still being held at the Timur Laut Police Station. Activists have been trying to contact the police to seek their release. Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim says he will contact the local MP Wong Hon Wai to assist in securing their release.
All this drama is totally unnecessary and is just a reflection of the low-income housing situation here.
Three reasons why Tommy Thomas would be an excellent choice for attorney general
I think Tommy Thomas would make an excellent attorney general for the following reasons:
Buka puasa solidarity: Creating a new narrative for the new Malaysia
A group of ordinary people from diverse backgrounds came together yesterday in solidarity in George Town, Penang for the breaking of fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.