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AS THE Penang Pakatan government struggles to spring clean its store of socio-economic and political baggage (read here, here and here), national developments, notably the resurgence of the ulama class at the recent Pas muktamar (read here), are piling on more complications. Like having to deal with Pas President Hadi Awang’s call to resume unity talks with Umno (read here, here, here and here). Like circumventing fallout from the call to ban Sisters in Islam (read here and here). Both moves are opposed by PKR and DAP. This has given an opportunity for the opposition Gerakan to take a dig at the state ruling coalition. Read here
Meanwhile, Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s visit to Penang over the weekend attracted a fair bit of attention and reaction. For example, a comment by LKY on the state of the state’s infrastructure (read here) started a blame game. Read here. And after his meeting with the MM, CM Lim Guan Eng hastened to mention that while DAP and PAP shared some common roots, they are not the same. Read here. Penang, along with the other states, is seeking more commercial and people links with Singapore. Read here For more on POLITICS, read here
Other noteworthy news - 18-metre height restriction within George Town World Heritage Site: In a bold decision, the state has decided that buildings within the WHS should be restricted to five storeys. Read here, here and here. For an analysis, read here.
- State government to take over ferry service: The state government has decided to take over the Penang ferry service (read here and here) after the Penang Port decided it might give it to the federal government. Read here. The state’s decision has been well-received. Read here and here
- Storm over a RM2,000 karaoke set: The case of a DAP representative, accused of misappropriating money meant for charity, has led to him submitting an undated resignation letter. Read here. This case has attracted a string of media attention. Read here, here, here and here
- Penang port to be deepened, expanded: The Transport Ministry plans to expand Penang’s port at a cost of RM1 billion. Read here, here and here
- Gerakan VP about-turn: Huan Chen Guan has decided to ask for more time to reply a show-cause letter by his party and has shelved immediate plans to join the PKR. Read here
- To the aid of High Chaparral: The state has asked developers of land at Kampung Buah Paladi, the last traditional Indian village in urban Penang, to come up with an amiable solution (read here) while residents allege irregularities in the land acquisition. Read here
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