| iGT Netbuzz: Jan 16 to 31, 2009 |
| Friday, 16 January 2009 09:44 |
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iGeorgeTown NetBuzz offers links to items on society, culture and heritage, about George Town and Penang in particular, and Malaysia in general, that are published on the Internet. It is updated daily. Views and opinion expressed in the links are solely those of the authors and/or their respective organisations and do not necessarily represent those of iGeorgeTown. Please contact them directly to comment or interact. Regular features include Opinion, Personality, Photos, Travel Logs, Penang Food, Places of Interest, and news -- Heritage, Culture & Tourism, Economics, Politics and General. Click on headings to read full articles or click through headers below to get to individual sections. OPINION • PERSONALITY • PHOTOS • TRAVEL LOGS • PENANG FOOD • PLACES OF INTEREST • HERITAGE, CULTURE & TOURISM NEWS • ECONOMIC NEWS • POLITICAL NEWS • GENERAL NEWS • HAPPENINGS
The language of race: Unity and Malaysian friendships are based on respect, honesty and the like, but it is not easy to be politically correct and sensitive at all times. (Dina Zaman, A Writer's Life, Star Online, 29.01.09) Response to Rawlings - Frowning upon wayang: Rawlings was seeking explanations as to why the shadow play is “frowned upon” in Malaysia, and why, given such an attitude towards it, I have been involved in wayang kulit research. I tried to briefly explain the rationale behind the restriction on, or ban of, traditional theatre forms, particularly wayang kulit Siam and mak yong, in Kelantan from the perspective of the State authorities, and the apparent contradictions or ambiguities in the policies between Kelantan and other Malaysian States on the one hand, and the nation on the other. (Ione traveller, Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof, 29.01.09)
Jimmy Choo-ses Malaysia: GEORGE TOWN - Datuk Jimmy Choo hopes to open his dream Couture Shoe Academy in Malaysia. “It has to be well-planned and reputable." (Star Online, 30.01.09) Doing good for society: ONE look at Penang-born Professor Danny Quah and you can tell he fits in perfectly with what one already knows about him. He is one of the world’s highly respected economists and head of department and professor of economics at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). (Star Online, 24.01.09) Cheongsam couture: Couturier Keith Kee is the proud owner of two boutiques, one in Tanjung Tokong, Penang and another in Amansuria Damansara, Petaling Jaya. It was a hard-won success, for he had to face two problems: his father and finances. (Star Online, 24.01.09) PENANG on Kasturi Photoblog (harizhafiz, 28.01.09) Texture of Georgetown, Penang: A 30-photo set by Achiam on flickr (from 11.01.09)
i will miss malaysia!! Our day was a bit random, we drove (and got lost so many times in penang and georgetown) around the island. we swam in the sea and had the local speciality on the sands!! it was phenomenal!!! we had tea in the street ... (29.01.09) Penang hill solo hike: Woke up at 9.30am today, was supposed to wake up earlier for my hike up to Penang Hill. Got up and quickly rush out. It took me about 30 minutes walk to reach the starting point, a temple right next to the clinic my aunt brought me for a jab (No Stranger To Heng, 23.01.09) Ikan Bakar Adnan Hassan, Teluk Tempoyak, Penang: It is advisable to be there early esp. weekends. We arrived at 6:15pm. Got our parking. I took some shots and breeze. Relax my mind and body in the serene environment. We went choosing the fresh seafood. (World Windows, 30.01.09). Click here for Part 2. Penang foods: This post is all about foods in Penang. Again, I will use the ’star’ system to rate food. It is my personal opinion, so don’t sue me if you have different opinion ok. By the way, I have also noticed that Penang people also have different opinion on their homegrown foods. (HP84, 18.10.08) Eating at Padang Brown in Penang: A few weeks ago, we made a visit to Penang Island. Penang Island is where I first got inspiration to start Food Safari years ago so going back again felt a bit of a homecoming. Our first stop was at Padang Brown. This place is famous for a 'salad' called "Che Hu" (translation: Green Fish). No, there's no fish in it, but it has jellyfish. (Food Safari, 26.01.09) Refreshing picker-upper: Check out the Coconut Jelly, the latest in a line-up of delicious Penang offerings. (Star Online, 25.01.09) Mee First: I don't suppose I'm qualified to pronounce Hameed's mee goreng the Best In Penang, but it is pretty darned fabulous, certainly one of the best versions we've ever had in Malaysia. (Eating Asia, 21.01.09) Kek Lok Si Lighting 2009: Each year during Chinese New Year, Kek Lok Si at Air Itam, Penang will be lighten up with beautiful lights at night and will last for about 30 days. I did not visit it previously but this year, I paid it the first visit in the evening. (noweating, 29.01.09) Welcome to Gurney Drive, Penang: You’re currently reading “welcome to Gurney Drive, Penang,” an entry on photography is dead. (29.01.09) Old Cemetery Visit In Penang: Three of us walked almost blindly around the cemetery. With a map near the entrance, I kept looking out for the tomb of Francis Light which was located almost in the centre of the cemetery. (Umbrella Rec, 29.01.09) Snake Temple back to former glory: Hokkien Kongsi Penang chairman Datuk Lim Eng Soon said the restoration work was now 90% complete. “The temple was semi-opened to the public during the restoration and therefore for safety reasons, no snakes were placed at certain areas. Now the temple is restored back to its original glory,’’ he told a press conference at the temple on Saturday.(Star Online, 26.01.09) Kek Lok Si by day and Kek Lok Si by night: Kek Lok Si is like the symbol of Penang. Long before we have the tallest building in Penang, the KOMTAR, we already have Kek Lok Si temple. It is a pagoda that sits atop a hill in Air Itam. (Malaysia Best, 24.01.09) Air Itam market: Chinese New Year is just around the corner (a very near 2 days away) and this is the time where it gets the most exciting (not so during the days itself actually)- for me at least. One of the highlights of pre- CNY preparation would be the grocery shopping in Air Itam market. Somehow this very old and famous wet market in Penang stands through the test of time and has always been one of the epitome of what represents Penang. (evelyn unplugged, 23.01.09) Back to top Urban design plan for George Town Inner City: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) has proposed an urban design plan for George Town Inner City, which will help preserve and maintain the Unesco World Heritage site in the long-term. "This plan will enable us to protect, preserve and promote the heritage characteristics of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage site," said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. (sun2surf.com, 30.01.09) Off a liner – and into tender boats: GEORGE TOWN - Cruise passengers are being sent ashore on tender boats when they reach Penang because the international cruise terminal at Swettenham Pier has yet to be completed. Lawrence Pakianathan, the national manager (operations & cruises) of Pacific World Destination East Sdn Bhd, said that when the Arcadia cruise liner sailed here yesterday, tender boats which could seat about 80 to 150 people each were used to ferry them ashore. (Star Online, 30.01.09) No regrets in making big move: THE warm hospitality, lower cost of living and affordable healthcare are the main reasons Malaysia My Second Homers choose Penang. And a close fourth reason is the delectable food. (NST Online, 26.01.09) Intricate work on Penang bull mascot: BUKIT MERTAJAM: Workers are rushing against time to complete a giant sculpture of Wang Niu (Prosperous Bull), the mascot for Penang’s Chinese New Year Cultural & Heritage Celebration 2009. The imposing polystyrene sculpture will take centrestage at the Khoo Kongsi for the Feb 1 event organised by the state government, the Penang Chinese Clan Council and the Clan Associations More bilingual road signs put up: THE second phase of the bilingual road sign project was carried out yesterday with the installation of an additional 19 road signs in the inner city.The road signs costing RM3,000 were put up along roads such as Lebuh Campbell, Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Cannon and Pengkalan Weld. (Star Online, 22.01.09) Stop Making Issue Of Road Signs, Says Penang CM: PENANG - Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng Wednesday (21 Jan) called on everybody in Penang to stop making an issue of the bilingual road signs in the Georgetown heritage site. Instead, he said, they should accept the move as an initiative to attract more tourists to the state. (My Sinchew, 21.01.09) Clipped CNY do edges closer to debate dare: A controversy over the Penang Chinese Town Hall's (PCTH) request for state funds to hold a Chinese New Year open house took on a new dimension on Monday when Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping challenged PCTH chief Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong and his deputy Datuk Lam Wu Chong to a public debate to determine who should apologise to the Chinese over their mud-slinging regarding the hot issue. (sun@surf, 20.01.09) Free Bus Ride At Penang Heritage Site: PENANG, Jan 20 (Bernama) - Visitors to the World Heritage site in Georgetown can enjoy a free bus ride in the area ride starting Friday. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the service known as the Central Area Transit (CAT) would be operated by Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd (RapidPenang). Penang’s WiMAX coverage to hit 70% in 18 months: GEORGE TOWN - The first batch of the seven locations for Wireless@Penang WiMAX coverage commenced with a test drive launch yesterday of Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd’s fast-speed wireless broadband. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who launched the WiMAX test drive at a hotel in Gurney Drive, said the service also would be rolled out at other locations in the next six months, and over the next 18 months, 70% of Penang Island and Seberang Perai would have WiMAX coverage. (The Edge Daily, 20.01.09) Hindus upset over board’s interference in procession: GEORGE TOWN - The Hindus in Penang are unhappy with the Penang Hindu Endowment Board’s interference in the organising of the silver chariot procession on Thaipusam eve. Hindu Action Network chairman G. Mugunthan said yesterday that from the public feedback he received, the Hindus were “disturbed and uncomfortable” with the board’s interference in the running of the procession by the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple trustees. (Star Online, 20.01.09) Tamil lads undergo test of manhood: GEORGE TOWN - It was a test of manhood for young men at the 100th annual Ponggal festival at the “High Chaparral” of Penang. In honour of the Harvest Festival, the Tamil community gathered to give thanks for the year’s prosperity and prove their worth through a series of daring competitions. (Star Online, 19.01.09) Stop the public spat: Lim on CNY open house: GEORGE TOWN - The public bickering between the state government and Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) over the former’s decision not to subsidise PCTH’s Chinese New Year open house should be put to rest. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng viewed the issue as having come to an end since the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry had already provided PCTH with RM15,000 to host the event. (Star Online, 18.01.09) NY Times readers choose Penang as No.2 must-visit destination for 2009: GEORGE TOWN - Readers of The New York Times have chosen Penang as the second best destination among “44 Places To Go in 2009”. In top spot in the recommendations found on the paper’s website (http://www.nytimes.com) was Beirut. The only other South-East Asian destination in the ranking is Phuket, which is in 15th place. (Star Online, 18.01.09) Gerakan - Put up road signs immediately: Penang Gerakan wants the state government to immediately put up multi-lingual road signs in Georgetown, especially at the heritage enclave which has received Unesco World Heritage listing. (sun2surf.com, 16.01.09) PDC urged to maintain inner city communities: THE Penang Development Corporation (PDC) should maintain inner city communities instead of opting to displace them. Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Dr Choong Sim Poey (pic) said yesterday PDC should initiate the move as part of the Unesco management plan to maintain communities in the inner city. (Star Online, 15.01.09) Living Treasures: The Penang Heritage Trust is calling for entries for the Living Heritage Treasures of Penang Awards 2009, a project orga-nised with the support of HSBC. Resubmissions of entries from previous years are welcomed. The closing date for entries is Jan 31. Entry forms can be collected at 26, Church Street, Penang. For details, call 04-2642631. (Star Online, 16.01.09) Malaysia’s first Hardrock Hotel opening in Penang: Penang Island’s Batu Ferringhi Beach will soon be rocking to a new beat. Malaysia’s first Hard Rock Hotel is due to open later this year right on the beachfront. What was once the landmark Casuarina Hotel is in the midst of a multi-million dollar transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel Penang, which will offer luxury with friendly, quality services and a unique rock’n’roll edge. (etravelblackboardasia, 15.01.09)
Steps to boost IMT-GT: THE Penang Government is taking an aggressive approach to promote the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and make the grouping a viable option to boost the regional economy. (Star Online, 30.01.09) Penang air freight forwarding dives: THE freight forwarding business in Penang experienced the most significant dip last month. Penang Freight Forwarders Association (PAFFA) president Joachim Loo said December was the worst month in the past seven years for the air freight business.(Star Online, 26.01.09) Making Penang a pearl again: GEORGE TOWN - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will implement infrastructure projects this year that will unlock the value of state-owned land and equip the state with WiFi and WiMAX to generate revenue for the state during the current economic downturn. He said for example, the second bridge, when completed, would enhance the value of the state land in Batu Kawan. “We have also put in place local authorities that can fast-track the approval of necessary development projects needed to ‘unlock’ the value of the land,” Lim told StarBiz. (Star Online, 23.01.09) Penang Approves RM10mil To Help Unemployed Get Jobs: PENANG, Jan 22 (Bernama) - The Penang state government has approved a RM10-million grant for the Career Assistance and Training (CAT) centre to help the unemployed in the state during the economic downturn, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today. He said InvestPenang had been entrusted with the task of being the implementation agency for the purpose. Penang CM - Consider building a LCCT in Penang: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants the Ministry of Transport to urgently consider the state’s proposal to build a Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). Lim, reiterated that building a LCCT in Penang was important to stimulate the economy, especially in the tourism sector. (NST Online, 17.01.09) Penang has no intention of boycotting US goods: GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state government has no intention of boycotting US goods or companies in protest of the US government's lack of action against the Israeli aggression. (The Edge Daily, 16.01.09) Penang’s new growth engine — Tourism: KUALA LUMPUR — With economic prospects looking gloomier by the day, Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng has turned to tourism to be the island’s next growth engine. He said this at the 11th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference 2009 organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute. “Exports have been hit and so we want tourism to be the alternative growth engine, “ he said. (Malaysian Insider, 15.01.09)
CNY Thaw To Penang UMNO-Gerakan Relations: The Chinese New Year of the Ox seems to have brought the much-needed thaw to the somewhat uneasy relations between UMNO and Gerakan in Penang. (My Sinchew, 27.01.09) Arif Shah declines Penang Govt’s offer: BUKIT MERTAJAM - Seberang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah has declined the state government’s offer to be in the Freedom of Information Committee. He said he rejected the offer after consulting state Umno secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim and to abide by the party’s decision banning members from participating in programmes organised by Pakatan Rakyat. (Star Online, 25.01.09) 3 out of Penang PKR line-up: GEORGE TOWN - PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has dropped three top leaders from their posts in a key party committee in Penang, raising afresh talk of a leadership tussle. (Straits Times, 25.01.09) Penang PKR wants more prominent role in state govt: PERMATANG PAUH - Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Penang state government including the chief minister Lim Guan Eng for being sidelined and not consulted when important decisions were made. While stressing that the relationship between DAP, including Lim, and PKR including Lim was good, Penang PKR liaison committee chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamad Hashim wants PKR to be given a more prominent role to play in the state government's administration, agencies and statutory bodies. (The Edge Daily, 23.01.09)
Phee: Only the fittest will thrive: IN light of the global economic slowdown, Penangites must be prepared to face many challenges in a world where only the fittest thrives. Besides being skilled and knowledgeable, one also needed to be in good health as it would be an advantage in these testing times, said Penang Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh. (Star Online, 30.01.09) CM's clean up call spurs councils: A LOCAL political bigwig, used to doing things his way with scant regard for the local authority in Penang is finding out the hard way that the rules of the game have changed. The controversial politician cum businessman was recently slapped with a Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) notice to vacate a "sup tulang" outlet that had been operating illegally on state government land for years. (NST Online, 29.01.09) Stopping the jaga kereta boys: THE extension of parking collection hours at four tourist hotspots in George Town to curb the activities of jaga kereta or illegal parking attendants has drawn mixed response from Penangites. (Star Online, 26.01.09) Flood mitigation project behind schedule: THE Transfer Road flood mitigation project in George Town, Penang, is 10% behind schedule after seven months of work. The RM2.7mil federal project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan is now only 44% complete. It is scheduled for completion this June. (Star Online, 19.01.09) Northern M'sia can expect a cooler CNY: GEORGE TOWN - The country's northern states are currently experiencing cooler weather, with temperatures of between two and three degrees Celsius lower than usual. This cool weather, particularly in the evening and night, is expected to last at least another month. (AsiaOne, 17.01.09) Guan Eng warns subversive civil servants: GEORGE TOWN - The Pakatan Rakyat Penang government has cautioned any civil servants in the state who harbour ulterior motives not to try making things difficult for the new administration. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today his office had received feedback that certain quarters had been deliberately mismanaging government work and even stoking racial issues. (sun2surf.com, 14.01.09)
‘Secret Chamber’ in Penang: The on-going protest against the unjust ISA takes on a different form this time around. Ex-ISA detainee Hishamuddin Rais has written and will direct ‘Bilik Sulit - Secret Chamber’, a play that explores the mental anguish and psychological pressure faced by ISA detainees. The play will be staged in George Town, Penang this weekend. (Mustafa Anuar, 15.01.09)
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