Labour Day: Najib's minimum wage lower than Penang

PM Najib Abdul Razak has set Malaysia's minimum wage at RM900 on Labor Day but Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Penang had set its minimum wage at a higher RM1,100 (including allowances and cost of living) but excluding overtime pay.

Lim Guan Eng also stressed that implementing minimum wage alone is not sufficient to raise the people's standard of living. It also have to be accompanied by structural reforms in the economy, higher productivity jobs and increasing women participations in the workforce.

7,000 including Penang CM rally at Esplanade

7,000 including Penang CM rally at Esplanade

Susan Loone
2:31PM Apr 28, 2012

At least 7,000 people gathered at the Esplanade in George Town this afternoon and Aliran president Francis Loh was the first to address them.

Loh expressed surprise over the number of people who turned up.
He said he thought only 200 to 300 would turn out, and was encouraged by the number of people committed to clean and fair elections.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Pakatan leaders were also present.

There were no disturbances whatsoever throughout the rally.

Around 2.20pm, everybody was asked to sit down, including the hantu(phantoms) present, and the crowd laughed.

The crowd then began chanting, Bersih! Cuci! and Bantah! three times each.
The crowd then got excited and shouted sit down at those who were standing. And every time a group sat on the ground, the rest of the crowd broke into applause and cheered.

'Crowd not really from Penang'

Later about 2.30pm, the crowd swelled to about 7,000; bottles of water were distributed, litter bags were provided, and participants did not leave the field filthy after the protest.

A regular ice-cream vendor when asked, said cheerfully: "Business is good. I wish there are events like this at least once a week."

A special branch police officer whom Malaysiakini spoke to complained that the crowd was “not really from Penang”.
“They came from Sungai Petani and elsewhere, I saw them walking from the peer,” he said.
Other than chanting Bersih songs and the national anthem, the event included the reading of national laureate A. Samad Said’s poem by Aliran’s Mustafa K. Annuar.
Members of women’s group Women Crisis Centre were seen participating in the affair, with anti-Lynas supporters who wore green and carried posters and banners promoting the cause against radioactive risks.
A group of Malaysians from Los Angeles, the US, were also on the field carrying posters with slogans ‘allow overseas voting’ led by engineer Caterine Chow, a first time voter.
“If I can make it, I would surely come back to vote but we need to be prepared. We hope the authorities can make it possible to vote from where we are,” she added.

Rumours of trouble

Meanwhile, the crowd grew ecstatic as Lim addressed them.
He praised the crowd for their courage in turning up at the venue despite “rumours of trouble” created by certain quarters.
Lim joked: “There might have been some who are anti-Bersih, but when they saw the 10,000 strong crowd they must have left.”
He told those who opposed Lynas and a dirty election “you know what to do”, referring to the upcoming 13th general election.
“Do you want your life to be dirty?” he asked, and the crowd responded with a resounding “no".
“What I say is not important, but the fact that you are here at the sit-in, braving the rain and the fear of trouble is testament to why we need Bersih,” he added.
Then he prodded the crowd to shout “Bersih so loud that even Rosmah (Mansor) in Putrajaya can hear you”.
The crowd, including Lim, dispersed at about 3pm, when rain started to pour.
However, several protestors continued to stay on the field conducting their on activities.
Malaysiakini later saw a smiling Penang Perkasa Youth chief Risuan Azuddin on his motorcycle with several bikers near the Esplanade.

Penang State Anthem - Untuk Negeri Kita & lyrics

Pulau Pinang State Anthem "Untuk Negeri Kita" (For Our State)



Lyrics

Selamat Tuhan kurniakan,
Selamat Pulau Pinang,
Negeriku yang mulia,
Kutaat dan setia,
Aman dan bahagia,
Majulah jayalah,
Negeriku yang ku cinta,
Bersatu dan bersama,
Untuk negeri kita.

English Translation:

May God grant safety,
Safety to Penang,
My noble state,
To which I am loyal and faithful,
Peaceful and happy,
May you progress and succeed,
My state which I love,
Be united and together,
For our state.

Bumiputera contractors praised Penang for ending crony capitalism and patronage politics

Bumi contractors hail Penang for ending patronage politics

12:38PM Nov 30, 2011

Winning a government contract during BN rule in Penang used to be all about ‘know-who’, according to Class F Contractors Association of Penang president Tahir Jalaluddin Hussain.

"(It) had nothing to do with how efficient or competitive you are," he was quoted as saying in a focus paper released by non-profit group Research for Social Advancement (Refsa), which cited various sources.

Tahir reportedly said the open tender system has encouraged greater productivity among bumiputera contractors where previously, “the road to a government contract was through the local Umno division head".

"There was no other way. And you had better be prepared to pay a commission... they don't help you for free," he said.

“The biggest difference is that genuine Malay contractors are now getting contracts based on nothing but their own capabilities.”

In its analysis, Refsa considered this to be the most important achievement of the open tender system being implemented in Penang.

It also said rehabilitation of the image of Class F contractors is another positive outcome.

"Those who flourish in Penang do so, not as cronies but on ... merit. Professional pride is replacing the once negative image associated with Class F contractors," the paper said.

"More importantly, it has eliminated rent-seeking and patronage politics."

The paper noted that Malay contractors have won more than 70 percent of tenders awarded by the state government.

In the three years that the system has been implemented, the Malay contractors’ ‘win’ rate has exceeded 90 percent at several state government agencies.

Criticism of policy

Umno leaders had criticised the policy change as an attempt to curtail Malay entrepreneurship and an affront to bumiputera rights, said Refsa.

However, MCA had charged that Chinese interests have been threatened since the DAP came to power.

Lim had produced figures from 2008-2010 to show that 18 projects valued at RM41 million had been awarded to bumiputera contractors.

They also won 98 percent of state contracts through the Public Works Department from January 2008 to November 2010, valued at RM20.4 million.

Refsa, however, said it is "all in the numbers", since the federal government stipulates that only contractors licensed by the Finance Ministry may bid for contracts - and 94 percent of licensed contractors are bumiputeras anyway.

Furthermore, Class F licences for jobs below RM200,000 are exclusively for bumiputeras, the report noted.

"It follows then that most contracts in Penang are won by bumiputeras. The (Penang) government is not being discriminatory. It is complying with federal government policies," the report added.

Why UMNO/BN must be evicted from Putrajaya

With Pakatan Rakyat in power in a few states while UMNO/BN still sits in Putrajaya with Federal power, UMNO/BN is in a position of sabotaging the proper running of the various state if it so wishes. The disclosure that the Federal government not supplying various documents and parts for the smooth operation of the new Penang Hill funicular train smells of sabotage.

That is why Malaysians must vote UMNO/BN out from federal power in the next general election:

Could dogs actually paralyse a RM73mil train?

Susan Loone
May 22, 11
3:14pm

10 friends can read this story for free

After insisting that the new Penang Hill train was recently incapacitated by stray dogs, it's operators are now beginning to question if such an 'expensive' vehicle could be so vulnerable.

They have also slammed the Tourism Ministry for failing to hand over critical documentation needed for the train's operations.

General Manager Lee Kah Choon (left) said today that the Penang Hill Corporation will be seeking clarification from the train maker of 120 years why essential spare parts were not delivered for the train's day to day operations.
He added that the Corporation would like to stress that all employable staff sent for training in Switzerland had been fully absorbed into service from day one.
"(But) the Corporation is puzzled how a RM73 million train supplied by a reputable funicular train manufacturer can be incapacitated by a dog," said Lee in Penang.
"Surely more protection should have been incorporated in the train design, knowing full well that the train will be operating on an open track," he added.
Last Wednesday, the Corporation's independent contractor ruled out any kind of sabotage by insisting that a collision with a pack of three dogs rendered the tourist train inactive for about two days.
Earl Kohler (left), who launched a probe into the incident that left Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng fuming, said, "Everything that I have examined at the place where the incident took place confirms that what I have been informed of really did take place".
Lim had vowed to act against those responsible for any sabotage, and responded in disbelief that an accident with the dogs was the source of the train's problems.

Ministry failed to furnish documents
In Kuala Lumpur the next day, Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen (below) told the media that there should not be any finger-pointing over the incident.
She said that the Ministry wanted to see that the service runs well so that tourists can reach the hill top.
"They should stop pointing fingers at everyone," she told reporters after launching the ministry's Facebook Citrawarna 1Malaysia online dance game contest.
This did not stop Lee from ticking off the Tourism Ministry for failing to deliver important documents for the new hill train and rail, despite repeated requests.
Speaking in Penang yesterday, he said that these documents and contracts are critical to the operation of the new train.
The list of 'essential spares' was never given to the Corporation, in spite of requests made through emails and letters as well as orally, stressed Lee.

He added that the Corporation's primary objective is to ensure the train functions well and operate smoothly without jeopardising public safety.
"However, this is greatly hampered by the lack of information about the train,” said Lee.
"Despite repeated requests and promises the Ministry of Tourism has failed to provide about 10 important documents," said the former Gerakan deputy secretary-general.
These include contract documents for funicular systems, such as built drawings, testing and commissioning reports, independent tester's report, inventory list, Public Work Department (JKR) defects list, special tool's list, tunnel and viaduct strengthening report, and electrical installation manual and fitness certification by the Fire Department (for buildings and coaches).
Also owing from the federal government are the train's spare parts' list or the manufacturer's original list as stated in contract document, that has to be certified by the JKR, as well as ticket rolls for 50,000 momento tickets and the warranty for the installed electronic system.
Lee, who was a former Gerakan MP for Jelutong, said the non-availability of the spare parts, in particular the tow bar, that had to be fabricated, led to the delayed repairs.

Training Workshop on “Dealing with Urgent Arrests”

Invitation to a Training Workshop on “Dealing with Urgent Arrests”

(jointly organized and supported by ALIRAN)

Over the years, we have witnessed various situations where members of the public, including civil society activists, have been arrested and detained for taking part in peaceful assemblies – BERSIH, HINDRAF, JERIT, GMI. Those arrested are often vulnerable and do not have access to legal counsel. They may not be fully aware of their rights and their various options. In almost all such incidents, the Malaysian Bar through its volunteer lawyers has consistently played its part by rendering legal advice and assistance to those affected.

In line with this effort, and in the light of increasing protests by the rakyat in the form of peaceful assemblies, candlelight vigils and other actions, the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (Penang) together with ALIRAN feels it is both necessary and timely to conduct a training workshop for volunteer lawyers, human rights activists and other interested individuals in the northern region (Penang, Perlis, Kedah and Perak) on “Dealing with Urgent Arrest”.

This is an opportunity for lawyers to make a real difference and get involved in an issue that affects all Malaysians, and to build networks with activists in ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Objectives of training include the following:

● To introduce participants to laws and procedures pertaining to arrest and detention

● To provide participants with a human rights-based perspective and understanding of peaceful assemblies and other protests

● To highlight specific roles of volunteer lawyers and rights of arrested persons in urgent arrest situations

● To increase the pool of lawyers who are able to deal with urgent arrest

Details of the training are as follows:

Date : Saturday, 28th May 2011

Time : 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Venue : ALIRAN office, No. 103 Medan Penaga, 11600 Jelutong, Penang, Malaysia

Fees : RM 20 per person (inclusive of lunch & refreshments)

To register, please complete the attached reply slip and submit the same to ALIRAN by fax (Fax No. 04- 6585197) or by e-mail at aliran@streamyx.com NOT LATER THAN 21st May 2011.

GPS Coords & Location map

GPS Coords: (5.389283765768421, 100.30844807624817)
6 decimal places: (5.389283, 100.308448)

Seri 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue at Wawasan Open University

Event: SERI 2011 MALAYSIAN BUDGET DIALOGUE
Date: 22nd October 2010 (Friday)
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Wawasan Open University (see location map)
Organizer: Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
10 Brown Road
Penang 10350
Tel: 03-228 3306
Fax: 03-226 7042

Discussion on: "SERI 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue"
3.45pm: Registration
4.00pm: Introduction by Chair Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon SERI Economic Chair
4.15pm: Presentation by Speakers
5.30pm: Discussion and Question and Answer
6.00pm: Light Refreshment

SERI will be organizing a SERI 2011 Malaysian Budget Dialogue at Wawasan Open University on the 22nd October Friday from 4pm to 6pm. The Dialogue seeks to provide a succinct analysis of the 2011 Budget and the implications of the various policies and measures introduced. The 2011 Budget is expected to provide an insight int the directions and strategies that the government plans to execute in implementing the 10th Malaysis Plan, New Economic Model (NEM), and the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) as far as Penang is concerned.

The Dialogue will feature 3 distinquished corporate and academic figures in Malaysia who will share their views and perspectives on the impact and implications of the Federal Budget to the economy, market and business.

The Speakers:

YB Liew Chin Tong, Executive Director of SERI
Manokaran Mottain, Senior Economist at AmResearch
Dr. Chan Huan Chiang, senior research fellow at SERI

For more details, click the image below to enlarge and read:

Location map: Wawasan Open University, Georgetown, Penang

View Larger Map

Are The Police The Protector of The People? 警察是人民的保镖?

Public Forum : "Are The Police The Protector of The People?"
Date: 21st September 2010 Tuesday 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi (Location map)
12000 Butterworth, Penang

Bahasa Malaysia
Bahasa Cina 汉语

Public Forum : " Are The Police The Protector of The People?"

A public forum entitled " Are The Police The Protectors of The People " will be held on the 26th of September 2010, Sunday, at 8.30pm at Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth. The forum will be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia.

The rakyat has been debating the many controversies surrounding the Royal Malaysian Police, including that the Police has become a third force unto themselves and that the police has eroded the civil rights of the people. There have been many instances when the police have severely transgressed against the basic human rights of the peoples, such as the use of violence against peaceful demonstration. During the demonstration against the ISA held on the 1st of August 2009, a total of 589 persons including a child were arrested.

Besides this, during the tenor of the former Chief of Police Musa Hassan, the Royal Police of Malaysia have shown a very poor record on the upholding of basic human rights. According to official statistics, from the year 2007 to 2009, a total of 183 persons died from police gunfire. Among these, the most notorious cases include the death of a14 year old Aminulrasyid and that of Mohd Afham. Both were gunned down by the police.

From 1999 to 2008, a total of 153 deaths have occurred while in police custody. Among these cases, the most well known include the death of A Kugan, G Gunasegaran and Mohd Anuar Aharip who died while detained in police lock-ups.

It is hoped that through this public forum, the rakyat can examine and discuss the many concerns the public have towards the Royal Police of Malaysia and the various suggestions that have been proposed for the reforms of the police force.

The panel of speakers are:
1) Mahfuz Omar ( Vice President of PAS, MP for Pokok Sena, Kedah)
2) Lawyer Mr. Wong Hong Wai ( The Chief of Political Education DAP Penang, A member of Exco Penang State Government)
3) Lawyer Mr. Ong Chin Wen ( Vice President of Youth Wing PKR Penang, ADUN Bukit Tengah )
4) Mr. Arulchetvan ( Secretary General of PSM, Municipal Councillor of Kajang)

The Moderator:
Nora Murat ( Executive Director of Amnesty international Malaysia)

For further enquiries please contact Mr.Ong Jing Cheng 012- 758 3779 or email suarampg@gmail.com

Pengumuman Program

21hb September 2010 (Selasa)

Kepada pengarah,

Wacana Rakyat: “Adakah Polis Pembela Rakyat?”

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Negeri Pulau Pinang bersama-sama dengan badan bukan kerajaan (NGOs) seperti Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM), Sembang-sembang Forum dan Persatuan Muafakat Kesejahteraan Rakyat Pulau Pinang (PERMUAFAKAT) serta parti politik iaitu Lajnah Penerangan PAS Negeri Pulau Pinang, Angkatan Pemuda KEADILAN Negeri Pulau Pinang dan Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP) Negeri Pulau Pinang menganjurkan Wacana Rakyat bertajuk “Adakah Polis Pembela Rakyat?” pada 26hb September 2010 (Ahad), jam 8.30 malam bertempat di Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi, Butterworld.

Banyak persoalan telah dibangkitkan terhadap Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) termasuk kuasa ketiga dalam pasukan polis dan juga isu-isu yang pelanggaran dengan hak asasi manusia.

Pelanggaran hak asasi manusia yang serius boleh dilihat di dalam tindakan keras anggota polis terhadap peserta perhimpunan-perhimpunan aman, termasuk perhimpunan aman membantah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) pada 1 Ogos 2009 di mana seramai 589 orang, termasuk kanak-kanak telah ditahan.

Di bawah pimpinan bekas Ketua Polis Negara Musa Hassan selama empat tahun sejak 2006, PDRM mempunyai rekod dan reputasi yang teruk di dalam isu hak asasi manusia.

Statistik rasmi kerajaan menunjukkan bahawa seramai 183 orang telah mati akibat ditembak polis dari tahun 2007 hingga 2009. Antara kes yang paling serius adalah penembakan mati remaja Aminulrasyid dan Mohammad Afham oleh polis.

Selain itu, terdapat sebanyak 153 kes kematian dalam tahanan polis antara tahun 1999 hingga 2008. Pada tahun 2009, seramai tujuh orang telah meninggal dunia di dalam tahanan polis. Antara kes-kes yang diketahui umum termasuk kematian A. Kugan, R.Gunasegaran, Mohd Anuar Sharip.

Kami berharap mendapat maklumat mengenai polis dan idea-idea reform melalui wacana rakyat kali ini.

Panelis:
1. Y.B. Mahfuz Omar (Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena, Naib Presiden PAS Pusat)
2. Y.B. Ong Chin Wen (ADUN Bukit Tengah, Naib Ketua AMK Pulau Pinang)
3. Y.B. Wong Hon Wai (EXCO Kerajaan Pulau Pinang, ADUN Ayer Itam, Pengarah Pendidik Politik DAP Negeri Pulau Pinang)
4. Sdr. Arutchelvan (Setiausaha Agung Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)

Moderator:
Nora Murat (Pengarah Eksekutif Amnesty International Malaysia)

Sebarang pertanyaan boleh menghubungi Saudara Ong Jing Cheng 012-7583779 atau suarampg@gmail.com


大马人民之声槟城支部
SUARA RAKYAT MALAYSIA
Penang Branch:
Address: 63B – 01 – 07, University Heights, Jalan Sungai Dua,
11700 Penang.
Telephone / Fax: + 6 04 658 2285
E-mail: suarampg@gmail.com

活动预告

2010年9月1日（星期三）

至：新闻编辑

人民论坛：“警察是人民的保镖？”

人民之声槟城支部，大马国际特赦组织（Amnesty International Malaysia），Sembang-sembang论坛，大马国际特赦组织，Persatuan Muafakat Kesejahteraan Rakyat Pulau Pinang (PERMUAFAKAT)，槟州回教党宣传局，槟州公青团，及槟州行动党联合于2010年9月26日（星期天），晚上8点30分在北海Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi举办“警察是人民的保镖”。此论坛将使用国文进行。

人民对马来西亚皇家警察的争议不曾停止过,包括警队有第三股势力及对人权的侵犯。一些严重违反人权的例子，包括警方暴力对待和平集会者，如：2009年8月1日的反对内安法令大游行，共有589人包括一名小孩被扣留。
除此之外，在前警察总长慕沙哈山领导过去的四年，马来西亚皇家警察在基本人权议题上的记录和表现非常不佳。政府的数据显示，在2007至2009年期间，共有183人被警方用枪击毙。当中最严重的案件为14岁少年阿密努拉希（Aminulrasyid）以及莫哈末阿夫汉（Mohd Afham）被击毙的案件。
在1999年至2008年期间，共有153宗扣留所死亡案件，而当中最为人知的包括印裔青年古甘（A. Kugan），古纳斯加兰（R.Gunasegaran）以及莫哈末安努亚（Mohd Anuar Sharip）在扣留所死亡案件。
希望透过这次的人民论坛能让人民探讨整个皇家警队面对的问题及改革的建议。
主讲人：
1）马夫兹Mahfuz Omar（回教党全国副主席，吉打波各先那区国会议员）
2）黄汉伟律师（槟州行动党政治教育局主任，槟州行政议员）
3）王敬文律师（槟州公正党青年团副团长，武吉丁雅州议员）
4）阿鲁哲文（社会主义党秘书长，加影市议员）

主持人：
诺拉Nora Murat （大马国际特赦组织执行长）

任何疑问，请接洽王泽钦 012-7583779或电邮suarampg@gmail.com。


人民之声槟城支部协调员
王泽钦启
63B-01-07, University Heights,
Jalan Sungai Dua,
11700 Penang.
电话/传真: 04-6582285
电邮: suarampg@gmail.com
http://suarampg.blogspot.com/

Location map

View Larger Map

Penang for Teoh Beng Hock needs your support

Updated with new speaker Ms Nora Murat from Amnesty International Malaysia.

=====================================================================

Teoh Beng Hock's body was found on the morning of 17 July 2009 below the 14th floor window of the Selangor MACC office in Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam. A purported suicide note by Beng Hock emerged at the eleventh hour of the inquest into his death. Interests were also generated internationally by the MACC counsel for his comical (and nationally embarassing) line of questioning during the inquest.

Will Teoh Beng Hock get justice and will the real truth on the cause of his death be uncovered?

Welcome to a public forum at the Han Chiang College in Penang this Sunday afternoon. Show your support to Beng Hock's family as his sister will also speak in this forum.

***********************************************************************************************

Public Forum: "Penang for Teoh Beng Hock"

Date:
Sunday 5 September 2010

Time:
2.30 - 4.30pm

Venue:
Han Chiang College,
Jalan Lim Lean Teng, Penang.

Speakers:
Ms Teoh Lee Lan (Teoh Beng Hock's sister)
Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon (President, Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre)
Mr. P. Ramakrishnan (President, Aliran)
Ms Nora Murat (Executive Director of Amnesty International Malaysia)
Moderator:
Mr. Ng Eng Kiat (Secretariat, SUARAM Penang).

Co-organisers:
SUARAM Penang
Aliran
Sembang Forum Group
Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre, Penang Branch
Amnesty International Malaysia

ADMISSION IS FREE. ALL ARE WELCOMED.

Location map: n Chiang College, Jalan Lim Lean Teng, Penang

View Larger Map

Little Napolean face: Nik Ali Mat Yunus

Photo of Little Napolean Nik Ali Mat Yunus courtesy of Malaysiakini.com

So there you are folks, the photo of Nik Ali Mat Yunus, the SDO (State Development Officer) of Penang who is "biadap" (rude) and bold enough to call the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng "biadap" for criticizing him (Nik Ali) in an UMNO press conference. So now folks you can see the person Lim Guan Eng accused of wasting public money.

Lim Guan Eng“That's why I cannot tolerate people who waste money like Nik. No chief minister dares to upbraid a civil servant. I have been told that I was a 'terror' for doing so. I was told that the civil servants will chop you into pieces. You know (what) these civil servants are (like) - they are fearless and untouchable, but I have taken them on. Now you know (what) a Little Napoleon looks like, now there is a face to him. He is arrogance personified. I just do not how they are given so much power to control hundreds of millions of ringgit of the people's money.”

Sibu by-election review at Penang

There will be a multi-perspective review of the Sibu by-election This Sunday in Penang.

THE OBJECTIVES: to learn positive lessons for democracy from the Sibu by-elections from the experiences of those who have been there or are doing work related to Sibu by-election. Perspectives included are: political party, election observers, media and legal.

Organisers: Penang Chinese Journaist Association, Malaysian Voters Union(MALVU),
Date: May 30th (Sunday), Time: 7.30pm
Venue: 62 Weld Quay (2nd floor) (near Penang Ferry terminal, opposite Lee Jetty.)

Speakers:
1. Liew Chin Tong (DAP)
2. Kapten (bersara) Zambri, Election Director for PAS in Sibu(PAS)
3. Ong Boon Keong(Sibu Election Watchers(SEW) election observer)
4. Media rep : Joseph Sipalan (Malaysiakini) – my colleagues!!!
5. Cheah Kah Seng (Electoral roll analyst for Malaysian Voters Union -MALVU)

Enq. 013-5900339(Ong BK), Yi Chan (019-4150331); All welcome! Please forward to all your friends!

Location map of Weld Quay, The Clans Jetty

View Larger Map

Penang Local Government Consultative Forum

This is to let you know about the Penang Local Government Consultative Forum (Pembentangan NGO untuk Forum Perundingan Kerajaan Tempatan Pulau Pinang), an initiative under the Penang State government.

Basically this is an opportunity for the public/community groups to voice their concerns/issues. The procedure is that you send your concerns/issues via
fax 04-2616402,
email: oonlk@penang.gov.my,
or by letter to
Oon Lai Kuan,
Ketua Penolong Setiausaha,
Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang,
Bahagian Kerajaan Tempatan,
Tingkat 20 KOMTAR,
10503 Pulau Pinang.

There is at present no closing date for concerns/issues to be sent in.

The Secretariat (under YB Chow Kon Yeow) will consider the issues sent in and select ones to be discussed. Contributors (those who sent in their issues) will be contacted to make their presentations in the forum. Half an hour will be set aside for each of the presentations, including time for discussion with participants.

So this is a chance for people to voice their specific concerns to the local government. Please do make an effort to participate in this Penang Local Government Consultative Forum.

Forum Perundingan Kerajaan Tempatan P.Pianng
Date: 1 April (Thurs) 2010, Time: 2-5 pm
Venue: Dewan Bosch, Kompleks Penyayang.
Chair: YB Chow Kon Yeow

Location map of Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang, Jalan Utama, Penang

View Larger Map

Lim Guan Eng "black or white CAT"

Lim Guan Eng at the DAP PJ Utara fund raising dinner at the banquet hall of the Civic Center: "It doesn't matter if it is a black CAT or a white CAT as long as it can catch mice."

CAT stands for Competency, Accountability and Transparency which the Penang state government has adopt as it motto. "It doesn't matter if it is a black CAT or a white CAT" refers to it non-racial stance. The mice represent corruption, lack of competency and accountability. Hip hip hurray for Lim Guan Eng and the Penang state government. May the Malaysian federal government eventually follows Penang state government's example.

Malam Bangsa Malaysia (One People, One Nation) at Penang, Pearl of the Orient

Haris Ibrahim, Human Rights lawyer, prime mover of The People's Parliament and PELITAR plus fellow blogger has asked me to help spread this message:

Event: Malam Bangsa Malaysia
"One People, One Nation"
What: Informational Meeting
Host: PELITAR - Penyayang Legasi & Inspirasi Tunku Abdul Rahman
When: Saturday, November 3 at 5:00pm
Where: Dewan Sri Pinang

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
Facebook: Malam Bangsa Malaysia - One People, One Nation

If you have problem getting through to Haris Ibrahim for further information (don't want to sign up for Facebook, for example) make a comment, make your Blogger profile public or leave your email address in the form of

myemailname at yahoo dot com

or something like that and I will forward the message to Haris Ibrahim.