LAST Friday (05.02.10) saw some 300 people from the Peninsular Malay Students Alliance (GPMS) and the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce, protesting against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s state administration. While the objective was to hand over a memorandum concerning the alleged state’s move to victimise the Malays by unduly demolishing unlicensed premises operated by Malay traders, the organisers refused to hand over a memorandum to Lim’s officers. They then went on to burn an effigy of Lim. Read here and here

This was despite the decision of the state government to defer the said demolitions for at least a month. The temporary reprieve was to enable the state government to find an amicable solution to the issue. Read here

The Chief Minister reacted strongly to the incident.

• He expressed sadness over the actions of some parties who are playing the race card to garner support. “I believe Penangites will not stand for such actions and will not believe in the allegations. It has never been the Pakatan Rakyat government's policy to carry out enforcement against one race as alleged or discriminate against any group, organisation or race... Our system is a fantastic social experiment to empower every race to stand on their own two feet and achieve success based on their own abilities.” Read here
• He expressed concern about the mob behaviour displayed during the protests. “This type of uncouth and rowdy behaviour is cause for concern… This is something Malaysians feel repulsed about... This type of behaviour is not Malaysian.” Read here
• He referred to the list of tenders approved by Pihak Berkuasa Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) from May 26, 2008 until Dec 14, 2009, where out of 66 tenders totalling RM113.17 million in the period, 66.67% or 44 projects worth RM67.84 million were awarded to bumiputra companies, while 20 Chinese-owned companies won 30.30% or RM43.83 million worth of projects. Read here

Meanwhile, the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce supported the state’s decision to act on unlicensed and errant traders. Its president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping stated the chamber gave its full support to the state to act so as to bring greater order and cleanliness to Penang. Read here

Blogger Anil Netto observed that the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMMPP) has had three current office bearers successively appointed to an allotted seat in the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) since 2008. “It is within the jurisdiction of MPPP councillors to decide whether to grant 'illegal traders' a moratorium or to enforce strictly or to determine which areas or categories comes first... An MPPP councillor has the opportunity of championing the hawkers and food-stall operators’ cause within the MPPP. He or she can ask for statistics, which the MPPP should provide to clear the air or to disprove allegations, and question the figures. This would thus seem to be the obvious platform for the DPMMPP to raise such issues with the MPPP.” Read here

The police are currently investigating if permit conditions had been breached during the protest (read here) while a police report has been made against the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMMPP) for allegedly making a false statement against the Penang state government. Read here

Other news

• Good response to halal park: The halal park in Bukit Minyak, Seberang Prai in Penang, has attracted good response with the first phase, which covers more than 11ha of the 53ha-park, almost all taken up. Read here
• More coastal areas affected by serious erosion: The assemblyman for Tanjung Bungah, where a popular stretch of beach recently suffered severe erosion due to bizarre tides, has warned that many other coastal areas in Penang face even more serious erosion. Read here
• Creative way to fill council’s coffers: In an effort to earn more revenue, the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) is inviting companies to put up lighted box advertisements on lamp posts throughout Seberang Prai. Read here
• Historic iron bridge demolished: A historic railway iron bridge in Nibong Tebal built in the 1800s by the British was demolished by KTM Bhd after seeking permission from the National Heritage Council. Read here
• Aglow with CNY spirit: The main tourist spots in George Town, Penang, have been transformed into a fairytale land with LED lights and decorations put up at various streets to usher in Chinese New Year. Read here
• Hunza plans multi-billion ringgit township in Penang: A mini township is set to take shape on the southwestern end of Penang island in three years, if Hunza Properties Bhd's (HBP) (5018) plan takes off. Read here
• Swettenham Pier to undergo further expansion: The Penang Swettenham Pier International Cruise Terminal will undergo further expansion in the coming months. Investors will be invited to submit their proposals soon, Penang Port Sdn Bhd chair­­­man Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said. Read here
• Regal beauty of the seas: The majestic Queen Mary 2 (QM2) has sailed into town and is now casting its imposing shadow on the Penang Swettenham Pier International Cruise Terminal. Read here
• Beautification project finally done: The RM500,000 beautification project at the Gurney Drive promenade in Penang has been completed with just some touch-ups to be done. Read here

For more news on Penang from February 1 to 7, 2010, please click here

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