Penang Truly Lagging Behind

SM Lee Kuan Yew isn't so smart after all

SM Lee Kuan Yew recently remarked that Penang has not developed at all for the past 20 years while we Penangites have known it all this while - that's why we kicked Koh Tsu Khoon out!


ERIC C MANUEL writes in The Star today:

-Quote-
THE Mentor Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew made an honest and fair comment on Penang after a visit. There is no reason for Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to go into denial and make accusations.

Dr Koh was the Chief Minister of Penang for 18 years with the full backing of the ruling party BN but what he contributed to the development of Penang to first world standards remains hazy.

Let’s start with the Penang airport. There is little development and the airport is only a shade better than the Pudu Raya bus terminal. Comparatively, there are several airports in the country which make the Penang airport look like a poor cousin.

The railway station and bus station in Butterworth have remained the same as they were 20 years ago. They are dilapidated with poor infrastructure and a poor feeder transport system to towns and the island.

It was during this period that the Sentral Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur was built. What a disparity between the two railway stations within one country and within the development scope of the same government.

Looking at the state’s inland transportation systems and the bus terminal, one would think that the state government stopped work for 20 years. Compare this with the Jalan Duta bus terminal. Had Penang embarked on an MRT or LRT project 18 years ago, Dr Koh would have left behind a legacy in the form of an effective transportation system that would resonate his name.

Now head to the ferry terminal of Penang. It is like getting into a time machine and cranking the wheels of time back into the 1960s. A historical and busy port, it could have been turned into one of the most modern sea terminals and gateways to the East. Its cousin terminal at Port Klang is way ahead in all the makings of a modern facility.

I could go on and on. But all said and done, Penang is about 20 years behind in comparison with Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak and Johor.
-Unquote-

JR: I couldn't have said it better. Let's see if Ah Khoon or his secretary cares to reply!

Is the Proton Exora worth it?

Proton's new MPV has everyone lining up to...bail them out?

I know I am side tracking from my usual topics but I just can't get the idea why Malaysians are so exalted over Proton's new MPV the Exora.



Read blogger Azwan's gushing review of Proton's new kid on the block

Read blogger Paul Tan's unbiased test drive review

I know looks are subjective, but does the Exora look better than the Grand Livina or the ubiquitous Avanza? The Exora does seem to have the edge in features (read Azwan's review) over both the Avanza and the Livina, but then looks and features aside.... the price!


Look who's leading??

The Exora is RM70k. I mean this Malaysian MPV is RM70k! I don't know about you guys but I don't mind plonking for a Nissan or a Toyota for that amount of money... but for a Proton quality car/mpv? You must be joking!

For RM70k or the equivalent you could buy the Toyota Prius Hybrid in Japan!

And don't get me started on what you can buy with RM70k in the US or the UK!

From the price list the nett selling price is stated as RM68,784.50 including tax.
So how much did the total tax (excise/sales/whatever) come up to?
If my reckoning is correct I think Proton would still make a profit if it sold the Exora at RM40k!

So why are we paying RM70k? Is this another case of getting the public to bail-out Proton?

And don't get me started on how Proton managed to launch this car from development in only 2 years! (My God, what kind of research did they do - or was there any??)

Anyway to those whom have already bought the Exora, this country (or is it Proton) is indebted to you!

Proton's profits up due to Exora and Persona (Thank you, suckers!)

Latest: Proton Exora - the good, the bad and the ugly

PKFZ RM4 billion scandal finally lands in MCA's backyard

Persons responsible reads like a Who's Who list from MCA top brass



The Star reports on 22 December 2008:

The total amount paid by the PKA to KDSB for the land eventually amounted to RM1.088bil, to be paid over 15 years.

A letter supporting the project was issued later by the then Transport minister Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Ling Liong Sik to Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Bhd and Pacific Trustees Bhd confirming the land purchase.

Former Transport Minister Datuk Seri (now Tan Sri) Chan Kong Choy also issued three supporting letters to the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd at each stage where PKA signed agreements with KDSB.

These agreements were for KDSB to develop PKFZ and amounted to RM2.25bil.

Read The Sun's latest uptake on their 5-year old investigation

Over the years, we have written dozens of stories on the wrongdoings. Today, five years after theSun broke the story and after denials, clarifications and the lot, we stand vindicated. The report prepared by PriceWaterhouse-Coopers is testimony to why we chose to pursue the issue relentlessly – taxpayers’ money was involved but there seemed to be neither transparency nor accountability – the cornerstones of good governance. The figures quoted in our reports may not have been spot-on but the facts remain.

PWC's Report

PKFZ audit report

Najib losing the plot, washes his hands

Ong Tee Keat on the run as scandal looks set to skyrocket to RM12.5 billion

How it all started (The Sun's report dated 13 Aug 2007)

Forbes: Why the PKFZ issue is important to potential investors

WHAT IS PKFZ? The Port Klang Free Trade Zone (PKFZ) started as a joint venture between the Port Klang Authority and the promoters of the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in 1999 to attract foreign investment and promote Malaysia's main ports situated near Kuala Lumpur...

JR: MACC.. err have you finished reading the report?? I mean the one reported to you 5 years ago...

MCA and BN still struggling to serve the nation

MCA's new president struggles with old unresolved issues:

MCA president and minister wants PKFZ to reveal audit report on RM4.6b fiasco but PKFZ doesn't want to

PSD will still not give scholarships to those deserving


Najib's Ministry continues to sow seeds of discontent among the youth:

1Malaysia Najib's officers continue to preach racial hatred among youths

JR: ...and they wonder why everyone is rejecting BN?

Shahrizat: Don't say BN not ready to face by-elections, say we boycott

PAS: BN should avoid all by-elections for the good of the nation

"Barisan will surely lose. So it might as well not bother to contest"

JR: BN should avoid more elections to "save cost" or AND to "save face"?

A black day for all Malaysians, Najib

Ride and Surf on Penang Buses

Penang buses (some, not all) equipped with WiFi capability

Rapid Penang is believed to be the first bus company in the country to roll out a high-speed WiFi service which will be useful to passengers, especially during a traffic congestion.

Its chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad launched the free service in two buses here yesterday for a trial period of three months to gauge the public’s response.

“The service is not password protected. Now, our passengers can surf the Net, check e-mail, Facebook or watch videos on YouTube with their laptops or handphones while on board.

“A lot of people think that public transport is only for the lower income group, but we’re offering services that private car owners don’t have – hands-free and Internet access at 3.5G speeds to entertain you in traffic jams,” he said while taking press members on a bus ride around town to try out the new service.



Read more

A Win For The Malaysian People (and of course the citizens of Perak)

Najib makes a mockery off the Perak State Assembly, gets a slap in the face...


“This is a great day for the rakyat (people) because the Law and the Constitution are the true winners,” - Nizar.

The High Court today declared Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin as the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak and his bid to regain office will come sooner than expected after the same court denied the application of rival MB, Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, for a apply for a stay pending an appeal.

In his ruling, Justice Abdul Aziz Abd Rahim stated that a new Mentri Besar could not be appointed as the office had not been vacated. A mentri besar can only be dismissed by a vote of no confidence, one in which Aziz noted that the Perak Legislative did not carry out.

Court said the fatal Barisan Nasional mistake was despite the majority of 31 against 28, the coalition failed to take a no-confidence vote against Nizar in the state assembly.

The Judge said once appointed as chief executive of the state, the Menteri Besar is only answerable to the state assembly.

JR: Er... so who gets the Toyotas now? On a more serious note it does look like Pakatan can intepret the law much better than BN!

Bloggers take on this issue:

Court decides on Nizar, Zambry to vacate his seat

Perak Sultan must get it right this time

On whose side will the Police stand next?

Tan Sri Ramon V Navaratnam: Police behaviour unacceptable

Tengku Razaleigh: BN has brought shame to the monarchy

Malaysian Bar Council: The answer lies not in the courts but in the hands of the people.

The Star: UMNO eats humble pie for its 63rd birthday

Latest: Najib retaliates... Zambry gets his seat back!

JR: Here we go again!

Najib wrestles his way into Perak

Perak Opposition's Speaker forcefully removed from his seat

Is this Najib's brand of politics? A constitutionally elected Speaker dragged out from the state assembly so that Najib's men can rule Perak. Wow! We are in for a new form of democracy now here in Malaysia!





JR: I hope this is not Najib's solution to save money by not holding any more elections!

More videos here

Najib: Now the world can see the new Malaysia

NST: BN has brought unprecedented shame to Perak

Radio Australia: Najib's shows off his power by arresting MPs and activists

Latest: Court rules PAS' Nizar is THE legitimate MB

Latest: Najib to wrestle off High Court judge next?

Malaysian Politician Gets Free Disney Trip

Ex-Mentri Besar of Selangor Dr Khir Toyo spent almost RM1 million of state's monies for a Disney trip for his family

While other country's politicians can only boast of spending their people's money on watching porn, Malaysian politicians are at the top of the game with free Euro Disney trips for their family and friends!

It was revealed yesterday that Dr Khir spent almost RM1mil for a trip to France and Morocco with money "funded" by the state's development authority PNSB.

PNSB chief executive officer Datin Khairiyah Abu Hassan re-vealed this at the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) inquiry yesterday.

She said that among others, RM81,723 was spent on Dr Khir, RM366,000 on a recce team (sadly, no details here on who were on the recce team) which went earlier to prepare for the trip and RM2,300 for an economy class ticket for the maid.

PNSB also paid an additional RM9,000 for Dr Khir and his family’s accommodation during a four-day transit in Dubai.

The inquiry heard that PNSB paid RM750,000 for Dr Khir’s trip to the United Stated in December 2007, which included tickets to Orlando Disneyland.

An additional RM110,000 was spent on Dr Khir’s seven-night stay at a hotel suite in Honolulu, Hawaii.



Dr Khir's wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik was of course not to be outdone when she spent RM34,600 for a Hong Kong trip in March 2007 and RM88,388 for a trip to Tokyo in June 2007 all of which were also "funded" by PNSB.

Now is it any wonder why many are fighting tooth and nail for a position in the Supreme Council in UMNO? Once you are in all it takes is a bit more "luck" to be "selected" as the next Mentri Besar and then its LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

If only we have an anti-corruption agency in Malaysia which not only go after the the cows. Sigh... MACC why are you so silent on this??

Mahathir loses his legacy

Mahathir a no-show at General Assembly

The results are in. Mahathir's final vestiges in UMNO have been booted out. His son Muhkriz lost in his fight for Youth presidency against Khairy. And his last surviving colleague, the Iron Lady Rafidah Aziz lost to Shahrizat for the post of Wanita President.



With all his influence gone what will Mahathir harp on now? More allegations of corruption? What would UMNO be without corruption? Why would anyone want to join UMNO if not for the money? To fight for the Malay race? Give me a break...

The new Chiefs in UMNO

Malaysia's next unwelcomed PM-to-be

A Tribute to Paul Harvey

I missed this somehow. My all-time favorite radio commentator Paul Harvey has passed away earlier this month on 1st of March, 2009.



I first discovered Paul Harvey in the early nineties when I was sent to Tokyo (of all places to discover him!) for an overseas assignment by my company I worked with at that time. Being a radio freak then I scoured the airwaves for an English station and soon chanced upon the US Army radio station based somewhere in Japan. It was THE only English station in Tokyo I could find and it was broadcasting in AM!

I soon found that I could catch the early morning news and some music just before I leave for work from my small hotel room. It was during that time that I keep hearing someone on the radio keep mentioning ... "this is Paul Harvey..." and it was always accompanied by some interesting news of the day. Now I am sure you would think that there can't be anything that interesting EVERY day that would warrant a special presenter to present. There wasn't. But it was Paul's style that captivated me from the moment I heard his voice. He could make something uninteresting sound so wonderful and would cheer up your day the way he presented it. It was a gift he had.

I managed to listen to him a few more times when I did returned to Tokyo but I never could find out much about this man since it wasn't the age of the internet yet then. Years later I have forgotten about thim and it was only recently I remembered about Paul Harvey (after really giving up on our pathetic local radio stations). I searched the internet and found that I could listen to Paul again now over the internet.

I can't believe he is dead now although he has lead a long and productive life. I wished our Malaysian radio presenters could learn something from this American radio icon but I know now that would be trying to expect the impossible to happen.

I guess no one else can pay a tribute to Paul Harvey as high as Larry King when he said:
"Paul Harvey could read the phonebook and you would pay attention" - Larry King

ABC's tribute to Paul Harvey

Sultan to clean up Najib's mess in Perak

Najib's quest for silver (Perak) is wrecking the nation

Excerpts from various newscast:

"If Sultan Azlan Shah wants to avoid a continued impasse, or worse, to have his appointments booted out through a vote in a special sitting, he would have to make a new decision on whether to allow a dissolution," Perak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) legal adviser Mohamed Asri Othman said.

Even without the suspensions, Perak was likely heading for a showdown in elections anyway.

"If the House is in constant deadlock, if bills cannot be passed, it would be bad for the state. Investors would not come, the state budget cannot be passed, the administration would grind to a halt. Ultimately, elections would be required," says Asri, a former DAP deputy secretary-general, and the Dermawan assemblyperson in 1990.

All scenarios hinge on Speaker Sivakumar who holds wide-ranging powers and whose position gives him the authority of a High Court judge, Asri notes.

Law lecturer Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari of the International Islamic University adds that the Speaker ' s decisions, if reached according to the House ' s standing orders, are final and difficult to challenge in court.

"This was BN (and Najib's) biggest mistake. They overlooked the problem with the Speaker," he says.

Malaysiakini: Ball now in Sultan's court

The Star: Nation looking towards the palace to break this impasse


The Star: BN humiliated by "boy speaker" who is now the pride of the nation

The Edge: Disgruntled UMNO members planning to block transfer of PMship to Najib

Malaysiakini: More allegations of corruption against Najib surfaces

The Sun: Najib threatens those who report him to MACC

Help Save Perak from BN: Sign an online petition to the Sultan

UMNO Youth's Mat Rempit Behaviour

UMNO Youth blames their gangsterism show in Parliament on wheelchair bound Karpal Singh

Outgoing Umno Youth vice-head Khairy Jamaludin has blamed the incident whereby his members stormed into the august Parliament and tried to assault MP Karpal Singh on Karpal himself. The wheelchair bound Karpal was said to have intimidated his members and they therefore had the right to assault him in Parliament.

He said the movement had never encouraged or condoned such acts by its members "but a the same time, I wish to stress that all this cropped because of Karpal Singh's abrasive remarks in the Dewan Rakyat".

Again this goes to show that if your father or father-in-law is the PM in this country you can get away with almost anything.

As usual no action will be taken on the infamous son-in-law nor his goons since he IS PM's son-in-law!



IGP: We cannot take any action

NST: Condemn UMNO Youth

The Star: UMNO thugs a big shame in the Parliament

Khairy interviewed: "I know my image is bad"

UMNO Youth: No comment. Our blog has not been updated since July 2008!

JR: I guess this is what happens when only Mat Rempits want to join your club!