Rectangular-shaped road divider causes safety concerns to road users

GEORGETOWN: A rectangular-shaped road divider at the junction of Jalan Pisang Rastali and Jalan Pisang Embun in Kampung Pisang, Air Itam, has raised safety concerns among road users. Many drivers ignore traffic rules to avoid taking a detour and reach their destinations more quickly.

A driver who declined to be named, said, “The corner is extremely dangerous for road users, especially when cars suddenly rush across the road at the bend and cannot be seen by the oncoming drivers from the opposite side of the road.

Air Itam state assemblyman, Joseph Ng Soon Siang acknowledges that complaints have been received regarding the divider and that the matter has been brought up to Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) already. “Although the area is under the jurisdiction of Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR), we always forward our complaints to MBPP so that they can liaise with JKR.

“Actually, road users should adhere to the traffic rules. Before Sunshine Central was completed, it was a triangular divider, but after that, it became rectangular in anticipation of heavier traffic in that area,” he said, adding that, if the authorities closed off one of its accesses, it might result in traffic jams. Sunshile Central is a mixed-development project comprising various components, namely luxury serviced apartments (Sunshine Residence), a shopping mall (Sunshine Mall), a hotel (Sunshine World) and an office tower (Sunshine Tower).

The rectangular divider is situated at the crossroad intersection of Jalan Pisang Rastali and Jalan Pisang Embun. Jalan Pisang Embun extends in three different directions. Currently, vehicles are allowed to turn from Jalan Pisang Rastali into Jalan Pisang Embun for travel to Jalan Zoo or to Jalan Thean Teik. Vehicles approaching from Jalan Thean Teik can only turn left towards Jalan Kampung Pisang, while those from Jalan Kampung Pisang can only turn left to proceed towards Jalan Zoo. Vehicles from Jalan Zoo can also only turn left to reach Jalan Air Itam via Jalan Pisang Rastali.

However, some vehicles from both Jalan Pisang Rastali and Jalan Pisang Embun treat the rectangular divider as a small roundabout, cutting across the roads at the intersection, ignoring traffic rules, and endangering other road users at the same time.

Residents living around the area said that the rectangular divider only appeared several months ago. “You can see many vehicles crossing the road where they are not supposed to. I use this road every day to travel to and from work, and nearly got hit several times,” said one resident.

“Perhaps the police should monitor the traffic around the area, especially during peak hours. Sometimes, not a minute goes by without motorbikes or cars breaking the rules,” said Mohan Veerasamy, 58, a Safety and Security Manager who lives on Jalan Pisang Embun. “It is indeed very dangerous for road users and homeowners, like us. Many accidents have occurred here, and it is also dangerous to cross the road.”

Mohan also expressed worry that something untoward would happen if nothing was done to improve the situation. “Perhaps the authorities could consider making this into a one-way road,” he suggested.

However, another resident who is a retiree, also commented, “When Sunshine Central was built, nobody came to discuss with us. Anyway, I must admit, I sometimes do use the shortcut too. I mean, who wants to go one big round just to arrive at either Jalan Thean Teik or Jalan Kampung Pisang?”

Despite the apparent danger, the Timur Laut OCPD, ACP Razlam bin Ab Hamid revealed that only one accident was reported over the past year for Jalan Pisang Rastali while no accidents have been reported for Jalan Pisang Embun.

* This article was first published in theSun on April 23, 2024.

 

 

 

 

Can Forest City Be Malaysia’s Economic Lifeboat

Lim Teck Ghee, Murray Hunter and Carolyn Khor

As the nation battles insufficient tax revenue, growing government debt and GLC inability to provide the catalyst of dynamism and change to the economy, young Malaysians are increasingly unable to find rewarding employment and losing hope that their future in Malaysia will be promising and secure. 

The writing was on the wall from a long time ago with worker out migration to Singapore and elsewhere increasing with arithmetic progression since the launch of the NEP.

According to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar some 1.13 million out of 1.86 million Malaysians who have migrated overseas resided in Singapore. Two Malaysian diaspora studies conducted in 2022 and the findings of which were recently announced found that 39 per cent of the diaspora working in Singapore are skilled workers and 35 per cent are semi-skilled workers, while in Brunei, 68 per cent of the working diaspora are skilled workers and 24.1 per cent are semi-skilled workers.

Our national brain-drain rate of 5.5 per cent of the population revealed recently compares badly with the 3.3 per cent for the world. It may not only be an underestimate. It may also conceal the disconcerting fact that a disproportionate number consisted of some of our brightest talents and entrepreneurs.

How to stem the outmigration and provide a sustainable and game changing stimulus to the economy is amongst the biggest, if not the biggest challenge for the nation. Can Forest City and the South Johore SSEZ emulate the Shenzhen model which propelled the earlier sleepy Pearl River delta region into a powerhouse of global economic development?

Background 

Forest City in Iskandar Puteri Johor was initially planned as an integrated residential development commenced in 2006 by a consortium of Mainland Chinese real estate developers, as an adjunct to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Its developer, Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd, is a joint venture between Country Garden Group and the Esplanade Danga 88 Sdn Bhd (EDSB), a Malaysian government-backed company. Country Garden, a company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s Main Board, is listed among the Fortune Global 500 and top 3 developers in China.

The grand vision of the project was to create a luxury township enclave for well-to-do citizens from the People’s Republic of China. It was envisioned that the township would attract Chinese wealth and investment and build a new modern city, built on four man-made islands on the Straits of Johor adjacent to Singapore. The first island was planned as the High Tech Industrial Zone, followed by the second one, as the Central Business District and Tourism Zone. The third island was supposed to be the Financial and Economic Districts, while the fourth island was intended as a Conference and Forum Zone. The entire development was supposed to be completed by 2035.

However, the project was hit in 2018 by then prime minister Mahathir Mohamed, who declared foreigners will not be granted visas to live in Forest City, currency controls introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2019, which drastically restricted potential customers and the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Today, the Forest City project, dubbed the “city in the sea”, is a ghost town and a lost opportunity for the Johor and national economy. Forest City’s strategic position between the southern tip of Johor and Singapore, as a potential city  to take the overflow from Singapore, in a similar manner Shenzhen did for Hong Kong remains unfulfilled. 

What will it take to revitalise Forest City so that it can live up to its real promise as a game changer in the national economy? 

A reconfiguration and revision for Forest City requires the setting up of a number of parameters to revitalize the project. The challenges ahead can be very clearly seen in the SWOT analysis below:

Strengths

·        Location, location, location: The primary strength of Forest City is its strategic location in relation to Singapore, easily accessible by road and water. Located near Johor’s second link into Singapore on the Jurong Industrial side, it can be the gateway connecting Singapore and Malaysia in future growth plans.

 

·        It is also located in the heart of ASEAN, currently the world’s seventh largest economic bloc. ASEAN has the world’s third-largest young population after China and India: approximately 61% of its total population is under 35 years old. The region also boasts a growing middle class, with a consumption power projected to grow rapidly. The total nominal GDP of the ten ASEAN nations measured in US dollar terms amounted to USD 3.6 trillion in 2022, a size larger than India in 2022, which had an estimated GDP of USD 3.5 trillion.

·        Completed Infrastructure: Much of the infrastructure and buildings are already onsite in Forest City. Approximately RM 20 billion has already been spent. Consequently, the needed physical infrastructure development is already there. What is missing is the human resources development.

·        Support from the Malaysian Government: This project is fully backed by the Malaysian government.

·        Support from the Sultan of Johor: The Sultan of Johor has on many occasions voiced support for the Forest City project.

Weaknesses

·        Reputational Damage. Forest City is presently viewed as a failure with some media  describing it as a ghost town. According to reports, Forest City is only one percent occupied. The Covid-19 pandemic and MCOs wrecked any positive momentum the project was able to attract before the pandemic. 

·        Severe blockages at the customs and immigration checkpoints across both Johor Baru and Singapore has led to a non-starter for efficient business trips and regular commuting between Forest City and Singapore. This has been an issue for 20 years now and constitutes perhaps the single biggest obstacle to investment flows into Forest City. 

Opportunities

·        The major opportunity for Forest City can come about if it is able to move away from its initial residential property market orientation to one in which it becomes the hub of hi-tech and value added manufacturing industries looking to expand out of Singapore and Penang or new investment flows that are attracted by the cheaper labour, land and other establishment costs available in Johor. 

·        If this can take place, it can attract the ancillary service businesses that can ensure the sustainable growth of Forest City. When this development attains critical mass (the incubation period for Shenzhen’s development stretched over 15 years), considerable multiplier effects will come to Forest City and the surrounding areas. This could make Forest City the go-to place to take up overflowing growth from Singapore where land is severely limited and expensive; and the importation of labour increasingly out of favour with the local electorate

·        If the high-speed railway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is built, this will add impetus to the future growth of Forest City as it would become easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Threats

·        Strong competition from neighbouring countries: In terms of FDI inflow, Malaysia ranks 4th in ASEAN at US$17.1 billion, after Singapore (US$141.2 b), Indonesia (US$22 b) and Vietnam (US$17.9 b). Many globally renowned companies are headquartered in Singapore, Hong Kong and other up and coming Asian cities and countries that are seen as having superior investment potential than Malaysia 

·        Rivalry with Penang : In 2023, Penang ranked first in Malaysia for its investment performance, especially in the E&E sector.  The comparative advantages that Johor can offer to local and foreign companies is not yet apparent

·        Potential institutional threats may come from future governments that may cease to support the city. This has happened once before with the former prime minister withdrawing long-stay visas for Chinese real estate buyers in Forest City, and changing the criteria for MM2H applicants.

 

·        Economic conditions and changes in capital outflow rules in Singapore and China, the two nations whose participation in Forest City’s present and future development is essential

·        Bureaucratic foot dragging and corruption compounded by political instability

 

How can Forest City become Malaysia’s economic lifeboat?

Forest City’s original mission must be scrubbed, and substituted with a new one. The new mission should encompass building the area into one of the nation’s major innovative growth areas. This should be inclusive of both micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large established international corporations. 

This requires a dual strategy. The first is straight ‘high pressure’ selling of the location to foreign and local corporations, highlighting the advantages of moving to Forest City. 

The second strategy is much more difficult. The key is about developing local home-grown innovation and nurturing this until export-oriented MSMEs can grow alongside the corporations in the area. 

A new dimension of education, nurturing and mentoring of MSMEs is needed. Unfortunately, traditional universities are not good at this. Neither are traditional TVET colleges adequate. We hold to the premise that entrepreneurship cannot be taught effectively and can only be learnt and sustained through experience. Once this is recognized, the education system must be re-arranged accordingly.

Our proposal is that Forest City would become a massive entrepreneurial incubator, with mentors available to nurture innovation based MSMEs. TVET institutions must teach both the principles of start-ups and the technologies that these new enterprises will require.

In this way Forest City would be one big start up. 

The key is pushing Forest City up to a critical mass where new businesses will add synergies to the old, and create community multiplier effects, thus incubating a bustling community economy that will flow over to services, entertainment, tourism, finance, and construction. Apart from Shenzhen, Penang and Rayong (in Thailand) are good examples that can be studied, and the lessons applied to Forest City. 

If Forest City can create its own ‘champions’ this will attract and inspire others to succeed. Thus, instead of Forest City being an enclave of well-to-do PRC Chinese, Forest City could become a truly Malaysian entrepreneurial and innovative city which may well become the nation’s economic lifeboat alongside Penang.

Our immediate priority proposal

If a quick QR code or RFID enabled travel pass can be set up for easy daily usage by car, rail or water taxi across the causeway, it will open huge opportunities for Forest City and Johore to benefit from the Singaporean and expatriate communities. 

LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.

CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

 

 * This article was first published on Malaysiakini on April 21, 2024.

How East Malaysia Can Lead in Political Transformation

Carolyn Khor, Murray Hunter and Lim Teck Ghee

 

Amongst the advantages of an East Malaysian-led or influenced government is its potential to reject pressure from racial and religious extremism. Unlike the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have historically been more tolerant and diverse in their religious and secular practices. By promoting inclusivity and pluralism, an East Malaysian bloc can mitigate the influence of extremist ideologies in politics and the civil service.

 

Another is the much more multiracial and polyglot communities in the two states and the absence of the traumatic May 13 racial chapter of history which not only transformed Peninsula politics and society.  Its  dark shadow is repeatedly raised by Peninsula politicians to stifle the nation’s progress to a psychologically and mentally liberated society.

 

To address the challenge of political transformation effectively, we have compiled a list of  issues and assessed how East Malaysian parties and leadership can create and provide much-needed change to the current political landscape. From social cohesion to economic development, and environmental sustainability to indigenous rights, there are numerous areas where East Malaysia can lead the way in driving positive change.

 

The success of political transformation in Malaysia also hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders from East and West, especially the younger generation, including think tanks, professional elites, NGOs, media, and businesses— both big and small. It is only through collective action and collaboration that we can overcome the barriers to change and build a progressive, more inclusive and equitable society.  Collaboration among stakeholders from wherever they are - and not just from Putrajaya and the capital cities - is key for leveraging local and regional interests and driving national change.

 

Here's a possible framework for how parties in East Malaysia could collaborate to form a cohesive bloc:

 

1. Identifying common goals and priorities

Parties in East Malaysia should convene to arrive at shared objectives and priorities that resonate with the people’s interests and aspirations. Common goals could include identifying and effectively addressing the root causes of racial and religious tensions; strengthening the everyday ways to fight against racism and injustice; and taking action against growing systemic racism by reforming structures, policies, and practices that contribute to the wealth gap, socio-economic disparities, and to inequalities in educational access, outcomes, and beyond.

 

This includes the clamping down on extremism such as that we are witnessing today with “Sock-gate” that threatens not just the spirit of multiracialism but also the livelihoods of innocent employees and their families. If unresolved, it constitutes a danger to the retention and influx of local and foreign businesses and investment and may trigger an emergency.

 

Once this balance has been restored, only then can we progress, as other countries in the region have, without the distractions from extremists and polarising forces intent on  imposing their narrowly constricted racial and religious values onto the rest of the country.

 

 

2. Continuous dialogues among East Malaysian parties and stakeholders

Any ongoing dialogue and collaboration should be strengthened and expanded, allowing participating parties to engage other parties and stakeholders to discuss strategies, coordinate actions, and address differences constructively. The recent merger between the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is one good example. The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (UPKO) current good relationship with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are positive indicators for a more inclusive and forceful voice from Borneo at the federal level. These parties must also prioritise building trust and solidarity among themselves, recognising the diversity of perspectives and interests within the bloc to foster a strong sense of unity and purpose. And they can and must reach out to the smaller Peninsula parties.

 

Collaboration should extend beyond political parties to include civil society organisations, community leaders, and grassroots movements. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, the bloc can strengthen its legitimacy, broaden its support base, and ensure that its agenda reflects the needs of the people.

 

As a united bloc, parties in East Malaysia can then leverage their collective influence to advocate for policy reforms and legislative initiatives that advance the region's and national interests. The bloc can also amplify its voice and effectively negotiate with other political stakeholders.

 

3. Coordinating electoral strategies

Needless to say, political parties exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration to maximise their collective impact should start discussions as early as possible to avoid potential problems and to start groundwork early on a common platform. If candidate selection can be agreed upon sooner than later, voters will be more inclined to decide on the right candidate on election day. 

 

4. Commitment to save Malaysia

The bloc can withstand any challenges or opposition from detractors by creating a strong force through cementing relationships and institutionalising cooperation. This includes collectively winning as many seats as possible to empower the bloc to effect positive changes in parliament. The window of opportunity is now evident, considering the fragmented government formed after the 15th general elections. The East Malaysian grouping can take heart that their current 25% share of the 222 parliamentary seats will increase substantially after the next redelineation  exercise. But it is not only numbers that count. Is there the quality, pragmatism and most important of all, idealism in the East Malaysian leadership that can make the difference in policy making and implementation that comes after the next GE?  We have seen Pakatan falter, and many now conclude, fail in reformasi.

East Malaysian parties now possess the advantage of being courted in national issues and policies due to the evolving and fluid political environment. With the current power dynamics, contrasting ideologies and competing interests, East Malaysian parties and politicians now hold the opportunity to drive bold messages and actions of reform and unity which can contribute to a better - and not the same - Malaysia.  Immediate action can begin by East Malaysian activists and political parties taking the lead in organising parades, marches and similar events to bring home to Malaysians the diversity and unity that they are committed to protecting and nurturing.

 

See these links as examples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhFO7Bj8eL8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-BColWKoLs

 

 

The leaders in Sabah and Sarawak may not be perfect, but there are no other options since the Semenanjung leaders appear to have their hands tied and mouths gagged. Indeed, an East Malaysian bloc offers a unique opportunity to break the Peninsula-centric and Malay bureaucracy-dominant mould that has long defined and continues to hold back Malaysian politics and national progress.

 

Last but not least, collaboration among parties in East Malaysia with the West presents a promising avenue for contributing to a broader transformation that brings the nation back to our original secular roots and identity.

 

 

LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

 

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.

 

CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

 

 

 

Policy Transformation: A Truly Malaysian Leadership and Ideology Is Needed

Murray Hunter, Lim Teck Ghee and Carolyn Khor

Two recent news items reveal the enormity of the policy challenges that the country faces in dealing with not only domestic issues but also in keeping up with a rapidly transforming region and world. 

The first is the disclosure by PMX of our education. According to Anwar, “If we look at the bare facts, some of these are concerning. Let us refer to the latest Pisa report, which is a compelling case (of the country's) level of success.

"Out of 81 countries selected in the analysis, we are number 51 particularly in Science, Mathematics and English language. Even among seven Asean countries,we are the worst of all."

The second is by the World Bank which, in its most recent report, stated what has been evident but which the politically correct institution for the longest time ever has refrained from emphasising in its reports during the previous decades.

"Malaysia is another country which has underachieved. It has tremendous potential and should not be satisfied with the growth rate we are seeing.

"It is a country which has continued to restrict competition especially in the services sector.

"Its skilled people choose to leave and work in Singapore. Malaysia's challenge is to generate that virtual cycle between creating human capacity and encouraging new opportunities for Malaysians within Malaysia".

The policy malaise and failures of politicians and the policy makers and implementers in the civil service are much worse than that officially acknowledged.

For half a century now, Malaysia has experienced the stutifying effects of the NEP and its successor policy frameworks.  West Malaysian-dominated political elites and policymakers have attempted to appease racial and crony interests by designing and implementing a raft of policies that have brought some economic growth.

This has been at great cost to the nation’s development, its human resources and its capacity to equitably share within the country and keep up with the rest of Asean, Asia and the world in productivity.

It is not only Pisa and world universities rankings that we need to be concerned about. In 2000, we stood at 61 out of 174 countries in UNDP’s human development index. Today we stand at 62 out of 191 countries. In 2010 we ranked 10th in world competitiveness. The latest International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness ranking places Malaysia at a dismal number 27.

Over the last six years, Malaysia has seen several changes in government. However, no change of government has led to substantive policy change that has brought fairness and equality to all citizens and induced our brightest and most talented to remain in Malaysia. 

Leakage and corruption, under performance, mismanagement, wrong priorities - these have hobbled and continue to hobble our economy and society. In the next phase of the nation’s development, they may be the strait jackets that can bring Malaysia to its knees - and worse.  

This scenario could well develop as the two main engines of growth for the nation’s economy during the last half century begin to falter.

Diminishing oil and gas revenues combined with the structural decline of the fossil fuel industry and the country’s loss of attraction to investment from abroad and what is retained domestically point to a fiscal and economic crisis that is just around the corner as the political situation of instability and policy ineffectiveness deepens.

The intrinsic changes than can make a difference

For the sake of Malaysia, there needs to be a radical change in mindset and practice, and the development of empathy to connect with the people the government serves. It is not just policy, but the intrinsic changes that will make the difference.

Thus, the most important impetus of any government led by an East Malaysian element is the stance that would make way for a new culture and ideology within the government and bureaucracy. People and our children can then wake up each morning with excitement about what is happening in Malaysia and come onboard the journey.

Those who have visited the seats of government in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will have some understanding of the changes in perspective that such a government could make. This could potentially realign the bureaucracy back towards inclusion and pluralism, where decisions are made with consideration for merit and worthiness, and with social justice, irrespective of race or religion, also taken into account.

 

Back to inclusive grass roots government

Due to the strong sense of community in Sabah and Sarawak, ministers turun ke padang or go down to the ground to look at problems and issues with a sense of solving them to the stakeholders’ satisfaction. Ministers in Sabah and Sarawak are usually well-versed in their respective portfolios and spend a lot of time dealing with citizens’ issues in their local constituencies.  Some in West Malaysia do similarly but partisan race and religious political agendas and a Malay dominant bureaucratic apparatus have undermined the impact and sidelined minorities. For example, the issue of vernacular education continues to fester and poison in West Malaysian when it is a non issue in Sabah and Sarawak. 

Taking a wider perspective of MA63

It is time to bury old hantus (ghosts). The MA63 has been a bone of contention in East-West Malaysian relations for too long. Many East Malaysians feel colonised due to Putrajaya’s lip service to the agreement over the decades. For instance, the 20 per cent oil royalty has not yet come to fruition even though it was one of the promises made before the general election.

There is also renewed talk of secession on both sides of East Malaysia. The failure to meet expectations of the MA63 and the continuing advance towards Islamization the nation is taking has dismayed many in Sabah and Sarawak, making cession a talking point of late. The recent outpouring of hate in the KK Super Mart sock issue may look like political wayang in the peninsula, but it has potentially calamitous repercussions for nationhood in Sabah and Sarawak.

These are symptoms of a much bigger problem. A snatch of power has been going on for years in Putrajaya.  It has produced not just the  marginalization of Sabah and Sarawak, but of all the states. It is time to shift the balance of power back to the states through decentralisation, with a completely new look at how federal-state relations are conducted.

This should become the new template that the government in Malaysia would operate upon. No more top-down decision-making. More power of the states to run their own governments. What we need are leaders from  political and civil service sectors with qualities that inspire change and growth. Serving the people must be the mantra in everyday practice and not just as rhetoric or as a slogan.

Reinstating local elections

This delineation of power philosophy must run down to local government. Local government must be re-empowered through the reintroduction of local elections. Being a councillor should not be a reward for political hacks. Councillors should be representatives of the people to solve people’s problems at the local level.

Local government should be a nurturing field for future leaders. This is very important as a source of new blood in Malaysia’s political leadership.

Financial management

After the hefty spending during the Covid-19 pandemic, and building a public debt of up to RM 1.5 trillion, a period of prudence is required in budget management. Balanced budgets are needed and surpluses would be even better. It is time to make Malaysia a financially responsible and self sustaining nation.

This means cutting back on government wastage and leakages. This means introducing zero-based budgeting and program-based budgeting to prune down costs. Inefficiencies within the civil service must be tackled immediately and over the next decade to obtain an efficient administration. Corruption at all levels must be tackled head-on, including at the lower and middle levels of the service. Procuring must be transparent. Punishment for corruption and money laundering must be made much more severe to be a real deterrent. 

These actions could potentially trim 30 per cent or more from government spending. New taxes on the T20 would help lift revenues. Together with eliminating inefficiencies these budgetary measures would make Malaysia one of the more fiscally responsible nations in the region.

Affirmative action has reached its used-by date

The most robust development comes from fiscal policies which are needs-based, rather than based upon any form of affirmative action. Affirmative action has created an ‘assistance-reliant culture’, and a sense of entitlement, which has eroded the ‘hunger’ inside our economy and the competitive drive that brings innovation. This drive can be clearly seen in our neighbouring countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Projects should not be created and sponsored by the government, which are biased to benefit corporations or parties; but in effect are rent seeking and have little economic justification or social utility.

New values, philosophies and ideology will go a long way in creating a Malaysia for all citizens. An East Malaysian-led government implementing the above proposals could break the nexus of favouritism, privilege and entitlement in favour of an egalitarian and communitarian vision for the nation.

If the above could be the nature of a new government, then it must have the people who can make it happen. Part 3 will consider this issue.

 

●       Second of a three part. The first can be viewed at

 

LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.

 

MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.

 

CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

 

The East Wind as Game changer in GE16

 

Lim Teck Ghee, Murray Hunter and Carolyn Khor

For years there has been talk of a ‘third force’ to radically change the nature of politics and government in Malaysia. The noble objectives included unity, opportunity and socio - economic growth, while avoiding race, religious, and geographical divisions. Although these principles have some general support, attempts of launching new parties have come and gone, leaving the race-based Semenanjung dominant party status quo intact and unchallenged.

Malaysia is losing its competitive position in the region. The economy is not evolving in a way to structurally prepare for the future, and the wellbeing of the Rakyat is deteriorating. These are undeniable truths which the great majority of Malaysians from all races and sides of the political divide are in agreement.

The government needs to be run by people, with a clear intent of being for the people, and driven by a vision of a Malaysia that can evolve and cement an inclusive and cohesive nationhood that all citizens will be proud of.

This emergence can come from the political leadership of East Malaysia, who have repeatedly shown they are capable of transcending the race and religion divide. East Malaysian leadership can lead the change towards a new generation of younger leaders, with new ideas for policy development, with implementation by people who care about what happens.

The political leaders of Sabah and Sarawak have long governed with philosophies very different from what Malaysians have experienced in Semenanjung. Adenan Satem stands out as the role model for a new united Malaysia but unfortunately he was not able to complete his mission with his early demise.

The East Malaysian people have a sense of nationalism that others in Semenanjung have lost to other narratives. These narratives are perpetually causing division and regression, at the cost of cohesion and advancement.

Many in Sabah and Sarawak also have a sense of patriotism which has withstood the test of MA63, the unequal relationship of the three component states of the federation, their status as stepchildren in budget and development allocations, and the numerous other ways in which they have been discriminated against by Semenanjung dominant coalition governments.

Frankly, it’s time to look east to Sabah and Sarawak and for the Semananjung dominant political pundits to stop ignoring what is happening in the other half of Malaysia. It is time to take their principles, culture and lessons and incorporate them into an administration and government that governs for all Malaysians.

The East Malaysian political leadership can unite and nurture Malaysia towards maturity and new hope. This is not to underestimate the challenge as society, economics, and politics of Sabah and Sarawak are also diverse, and there has never been a strong and resilient Borneo perspective. However, both territories have enough in common to provide a fresh look at where Malaysia should go. And this can begin with GE16.

There are two basic strategies for this possibility to be rolled out and achieved.

1. Create a movement in Semenanjung and Sabah and Sarawak with local citizens, activists, and politicians.
2. Work with a bloc of existing parties in a coalition (a reverse takeover of the unity government). This would mean East Malaysia parties with Semenanjung partners becoming the largest bloc in parliament after the next election and leading a new government.

 

It is indeed very possible for East Malaysia as a bloc to be the largest grouping in the next sitting parliament after the GE. The East Malaysian bloc will not just be the kingmaker in the next election, it can take the leadership.

Besides being established partners of past BN governments and the present Unity Government, coalitions such as GPS and GRS would fare even better if they continue to engage and form alliances with one another to present themselves as a united East Malaysian front in preparation for the next election.

This is so that, in the event, talks between PH and UMNO break down in the future, the East Malaysian bloc may continue to push for inclusive policies, including MA63 and other policies, and in doing so, become the stabilising and positive factor in the fractured political landscape that is likely to emerge after GE16.

With 56 seats up for grabs in the next election, and perhaps more seats after the delineation exercise, GPS and GRS may safely hold at least 30 seats and may even be in a position to add more to their new partnership. Should the delineation exercise result in expanding East Malaysia’s parliamentary representation to at least 1/3 of the total parliament seats, this will greatly increase East Malaysia’s weight and participation in the country’s na

 

It is evident that East Malaysian MPs have more gumption when it comes to matters related to racial and religious issues. In contrast, Semenanjung parties are either too emotionally and financially invested to think straight or are just trying to score political points by fanning matters and issues to the extreme. The issue of using only Bahasa Melayu for communication with government departments was promptly shot down by Sarawak Premier Abang Jo. Similarly, the UEC has been accepted by the Sarawak government since 2014, whereas this remains a contentious matter on the peninsula. Other than that, Tiong King Sing regularly stands his ground when he broaches issues that no other non-Muslim MPs dare to talk about.

 

Looking at the political situation today, Semenanjung parties are all established and have little room left for improvement. This is especially the case, ever since reforms have taken a backseat to compromises and power-brokering, and procuring a larger slice of the political cake.

 

That being the case, smaller parties on the Peninsula should also form alliances with Borneo parties such as Warisan. Although Warisan’s attempt to enter the peninsula fizzled out during the last election, it would be beneficial if there is communication between Warisan and all the smaller parties of the peninsula, such as PSM, PRM, Muda, Gerak Independent and the Green Party as soon as possible. This can be the foundation for strategically engaging other coalitions further down the road.

 

Some independent observers are forecasting that there will most likely be a hung parliament after the next GE, similarly to GE14. Should this happen, there is opportunity for existing blocs to realign with a East Malaysian grouping leading to potentially more than a new coalition government. This bloc, led by East Malaysia parties and including  parties based in the Semenanjung, can reignite reformasi and lead to a new type of politics.

 

Malaysians from all communities are sick and tired of the same-old, same-old polemics of the past, and GE16 is the time to get it right. If the existing Unity Government needs a push in the right direction, it can only be achievable if the East Malaysian bloc unites and 'serbu' (charges into) West Malaysia to keep the old guard on their toes.

 

We are confident that many voters will agree with the above premise. We recognise that some will see it as improbable or will scoff at the idea of an East Malaysian party bloc leading a future coalition. The pundits may dismiss or disregard the above proposition, but can they present a better alternative?

 

There is an urgent need for a new unity in the country. This can be shaped by the outcome of GE16. The east wind can be the transformative catalyst.

 

●       first of three parts

 

 

Lim Teck Ghee is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank. Murray Hunter is an independent researcher and former professor with the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis. Carolyn Khor is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.

Medical specialists and hospital staff volunteer at free medical camp

GEORGETOWN: In an inspiring display of compassion and dedication, medical specialists and hospital staff generously volunteer their expertise and time to provide essential healthcare services to the underprivileged at the Sivasanta Medical Camp, located at 11 River Road, adjacent to the Tamil school.

The free medical camp, established by the welfare subcommittee of the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) at the request of Swami Shantanand Saraswathi, TFA's founder and advisor, embodies the organisation's motto ‘Love for God and Service for Fellow Beings.’ TFA, a non-profit organisation, nurtures young artistes in performing traditional Indian dances and musical instruments such as the harmonium and sitar. It also demonstrates its commitment to serving others through its charitable initiatives. In the spirit of this motto, the medical camp operates with a sense of servitude, offering essential healthcare services to those in need without expectation of anything in return.

P. Murugiah, 67, the coordinator of the medical camp, shared that TFA has been extending care to the less fortunate since 2000, offering a range of free general and specialist consultations and treatments. “Over 45 specialists and general practitioners (GP), and more than 20 nurses and hospital staff volunteer at Sivasanta. On service night, which falls on every Thursday, we usually have two specialists and one GP on duty, and at least five other volunteers to help with taking the patient’s blood pressure and sugar level,” he said. On average, the medical camp receives 30 visitors over two hours from 7 pm to 9 pm.

"The specialists who take turns volunteering their services include ear, nose, and throat, eye care, dermatology, orthopaedics, respiratory care, paediatrics, gynaecology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, dentistry, oncology, and urology.

“Our doctors will also prepare and make recommendations for patients to seek further treatment at the Penang General Hospital.

“I coordinate the roster with our volunteers and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Most of our volunteers are also members of the Penang Hindu Association (PHA),” said Murugiah, who is also the president of PHA.

"Over the past five years, we have donated more than 20 medical beds for bedridden patients and 45 wheelchairs to the disabled and senior citizens of all races,” he said. “Other than that, we also provide milk powder and diapers for infants and the elderly and provide free prescription glasses for the poor. So far, we have donated more than 500  pairs of spectacles to schoolgoing and college students, especially those who face financial difficulties.”

The Sivasanta Medical Camp operates from a building owned by the local council. “Without our local council’s generous support, all these would not have been possible. We are really grateful for the continuous assistance and cooperation provided by the council,” said Murugiah. “Apart from that, we are also thankful towards our regular donors for supporting us financially.”

These selfless individuals, who dedicate themselves to transforming the lives of the vulnerable, truly embrace the essence of humanitarianism and community spirit — ideals to which everyone can aspire.

 

 

 

 

Free ‘tennis coaching’ for underprivileged children

 

GEORGETOWN: Underprivileged children in Penang now have the opportunity to learn tennis from qualified coaches with at least an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Level 2 Certification and assisted by a group of senior and experienced coaches.

“The entire training programme will take six months to complete, and it is open for students aged between 7 and 14 years old,” said K. Manimaran, 56, the founder and head coach of Proace Tennis Academy, which operates from two tennis courts at the St. Xavier’s Institution at Lebuh Farquhar.

“Tennis, like many other sports, is not just about the sport itself. It is about character building and integrating life’s lessons such as discipline, integrity, and ethics into the sport itself. In the past two years, we have had students participating in Penang School Sports Council (MSSPP) and Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) with a few medals won,” he said.

Last year, sisters Agasini, 18, and Agilasini Chandramogan, 17, represented their respective schools in MSSPP. Agasini went on to represent Penang State in MSSM. Currently, Agasini is taking her SPM exams at SMK Tunku Puan Habsah, while Agilasini is attending SMK Convent Green Lane.

“We have about 200 children who have registered with us since our programme started in 2018. However, this is the first time we are getting funded by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA). Previously, we were running the programme through public funds,” said Manimaran, who was a Penang State tennis player in the 80s.

“At the moment, we have more boys than girls, and we hope to get more girls interested in pursuing tennis as a career,” he said. “We hope to produce talented tennis players who will excel and represent our country in major tournaments overseas. With proper training, these students can also participate in international workshops and tennis clinics by professional tennis players.

"We also have 15-20 participants from Ramakrishna Ashrama in our academy, and some students even travel from as far as Juru and Kepala Batas,” he said. Ramakrishna Ashrama is an orphanage and Tamil primary school for Indian children aged between 6 and 20 years old and is located at Scotland Road in Penang.

Manimaran established Proace Tennis Academy in April 2018 with hopes of enhancing the lives of underprivileged children. “It will be my dream come true if one of our students secures a college or university tennis scholarship to further their studies overseas. In fact, some tennis scholarships cover up to 100% of the costs.

“Years back, Datuk Dhinagaran, a good friend of mine kept encouraging me to start coaching. He even sponsored me with equipment such as rackets and tennis balls to start the programme. Later on, Ramkarpal Singh, the former Deputy Minister of Law and Institutional Reforms, became our academy’s patron and continued to help us financially.” Datuk Dhinagaran Jayabalan owns Jaya Catering and Restaurant in Gelugor.

“Sports is one way to keep children occupied and stay away from bad influences. Proace Tennis Academy provides the children with skills and knowledge, and valuable life lessons such as teamwork and humility. This tennis academy adapted to the new normal and took tennis to the next level,” said Ramkarpal.

The new intake will commence classes from 22 January 2024 until 22 July 2024. The classes will be held weekly on Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at St. Xavier’s Institution on Farquhar Street. Each coach will be responsible for 8 to 10 students, and equipment will be provided.

Penang Port Charterd Ferry for Penang Bridge Sunset Cruise

Penang Port Charterd Ferry for Penang Bridfe Sunset Cruise

https://thesun.my/spotlight/penang-port-charters-ferry-for-penang-bridge-sunset-cruise-HP11870513

Link to article on Community Farming in Penang

Link to article on Community Farming in Penang

https://thesun.my/local_news/community-farms-start-to-flourish-in-penang-DO11860210

Lefty Julian's graphic storytelling

Link to article on Lefty Julian's graphic storytelling 

https://thesun.my/local_news/lefty-draws-it-right-with-graphic-storytelling-ML11836587?fbclid=IwAR13jJKPQ79U-vrSal1DeMT6c2UWih-8dqucNm2iAOPrFfaeYfL4HuxsZg8

"Lu Ho Bo" Baba Nyonya Community

Link to theSun's article published on 16 Nov 2023.

Archive copies of articles I wrote for MSN Malaysia

Here are two articles that I wrote for MSN Malaysia, which are no longer available on their website. I have included the articles below for your convenience:

1) 50,000 Signatures sought for Chee Gaik Yap

2) Prosecutors fail to deliver justice on Chee Gaik Yap's case

Unfortunately, I cannot locate more links to my previous articles, and if I do, I will update them to my portfolio.

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

MSN Malaysia News

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 02:30:00 GMT | By Carolyn Khor

50,000 Signatures sought for Chee Gaik Yap

50,000 Signatures sought for Chee Gaik Yap

A total of 2058 signatures were collected during a signature campaign in Farlim, Penang to petition against the discharge and acquittal of a suspect involved in the rape and gruesome murder of the Chee Gaik Yap. Chee was abducted while jogging around her neighbourhood in Sungai Petani seven years ago. Shahril Jaafar, 32 walked free after the high court ruled, last Thursday, that the prosecution failed to prove aprima facie case. Shahril, a car salesman and the son of a VIP, had absconded to Perth in 2006 but was apprehended when he landed at the Sepang Airport in January 2012.

The signature drive at Farlim where the pictures were taken, is part of a nationwide effort to collect 50 thousand signatures addressed to the Kedah High Court, latest by tomorrow.

MSN Malaysia News ‏@msnnewsmy 4 Jul

50,000 Signatures sought for Chee Gaik Yap http://on-msn.com/19V4TOU

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MSN Malaysia News

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 03:45:00 GMT | By Carolyn Khor

Prosecutors fail to deliver justice on Chee Gaik Yap’s case

Nationwide signature campaign to petition against High Court’s acquittal and discharge of suspect.

Reeling in from the shock and anger over the prosecution team to provide a prima facie case against a rape and murder suspect, civil societies, state and national leaders all helped collect signatures and make police reports nationwide to urge the Attorney-General’s Chamber file an appeal in 14 days. Today is the eighth day.

A free man now, Shahril Jaafar was discharged and acquitted by the Alor Setar High Court last Thursday. Shahril had absconded to Perth in 2006 while out on bail during trial. He was only apprehended by the police when he landed at the Subang Airport in January 2012.