Thursday, December 23, 2010
Gangguan bekalan air di P.Pinang pada 28 Disember
PENANG, 21/12/2010: Orang ramai di negeri Pulau Pinang dinasihatkan hari ini untuk membuat persiapan bagi menyimpan air yang mencukupi untuk kegunaan pada 28 Disember 2010.
Ketua Menteri Y.A.B Lim Guan Eng mengingatkan orang ramai untuk bersedia menghadapi gangguan bekalan air berkala kerana Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) perlu menjalankan kerja-kerja penting untuk penaiktarafan dan penyelenggaraan di beberapa loji rawatan air dan paip agihan di negeri Pulau Pinang.
Beliau berkata kebanyakan kawasan di Negeri Pulau Pinang akan mengalami gangguan selama 12 jam, dari jam 7.00 pagi sehingga 7.00 malam. Gertak Sanggul & Teluk Kumbar mungkin mengalami gangguan selama 24 jam (dari jam 7.00 pagi 28.12.2010 hingga 7.00 pagi 29.12.2010) kerana kawasan-kawasan ini terletak di hujung rangkaian paip agihan.
Kawasan-kawasan yang berdekatan dengan loji rawatan air yang sedia ada seperti Air Itam, Balik Pulau, Batu Ferringhi, Penang Hill, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjong Tokong dan Teluk Bahang tidak akan terlibat dengan gangguan ini. (Sila rujuk kepada peta yang disertakan.)
Kebanyakan kilang-kilang dan bangunan tinggi di dalam kawasan yang terlibat mempunyai tangki simpanan air untuk menampung penggunaan sekurang-kurangnya 24 jam. Rumahrumah persendirian juga kebanyakannya mempunyai tangki simpanan air.
“Mereka yang tiada tangki simpanan air di rumah masing-masing dinasihatkan untuk membuat persediaan untuk menyimpan air bagi kegunaan asas seperti air minuman, memasak dan dalam tandas. Sila siapkan simpanan air sebelum jam 7.00 pagi.” kata Y.A.B. Lim.
“Kita sedar yang gangguan ini akan menyebabkan sedikit kesulitan untuk orang ramai di Pulau Pinang. Walau bagaimanapun, kerja-kerja ini perlu dijalankan untuk mengekalkan pembekalan air yang baik secara berterusan kerana penggunaan air telahpun meningkat.”
“PBAPP perlu menghentikan operasi di Loji Rawatan Sungai Dua selama 12 jam untuk melaksanakan empat kerja utama di loji ini pada 28 Disember 2010. Tiga lagi kerja utama akan dilaksanakan di Bukit Dumbar; simpang antara Jalan Sungai Dua dan Jalan Pekan Darat; dan Jalan Bukit Tengah,” tambah beliau lagi.
“Kita berharap orang ramai di negeri Pulau Pinang faham bahawa kesulitan ini akan memberi manfaat jangka panjang dengan mengurangkan risiko berlakunya gangguan air yang tidak dijadualkan, kekurangan air atau tekanan air rendah di masa hadapan.” kata Y.A.B Lim.
Y.A.B. Lim menyatakan tarikh 28 Disember dipilih sebagai tarikh yang paling sesuai untuk mengurangkan kesan gangguan bekalan.
“28 Disember ialah hari bekerja dimana kebanyakan orang ramai bercuti hujung tahun; dan kebanyakan kilang-kilang tidak beroperasi pada tahap maksima.
“Oleh kerana skop, jenis dan juga skala kerja-kerja yang perlu dijalankan pada 28 Disember, ianya perlu dilakukan pada siang hari. PBAPP juga perlu mengambilkira aspek keselamatan pekerja dan orang ramai. Lebih kurang 300 pekerja PBAPP akan terlibat untuk memastikan kerja-kerja ini dijalankan dengan sempurna dan mengikut jadual.” jelas beliau lagi.
Y.A.B. Lim juga menyatakan bahawa Kerajaan Negeri meluluskan tarikh ini pada akhir bulan Oktober 2010, dan PBAPP telah memaklumkan hal ini kepada semua pengguna utama dan kritikal.
PBAPP juga telah memaklumkan hal ini secara rasmi kepada semua Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri, jabatan dan agensi kerajaan (termasuk Jabatan Bomba), hotel-hotel serta hospital mengenai gangguan sejak awal bulan Disember.
“Ini bukan kali pertama terdapatnya gangguan air berkala seperti ini diadakan, dan kali terakhir ia dijalankan ialah pada tahun 2006.
“Semua badan yang menyediakan perkhidmatan kritikal seperti hospital dan Bomba mestilah mempunyai rancangan kontingensi untuk menghadapi gangguan 12 jam ini.
Organisasi berkenaan sepatutnya mempunyai rancangan sebegini bukan sekadar untuk 28 Disember, malah ianya lebih penting untuk mengatasi gangguan air yang tidak dijadualkan.” kata beliau.
Untuk maklumat lebih lanjut mengenai gangguan bekalan air pada 28 Disember 2010, sila hubungi Pusat Panggilan Pelanggan PBAPP 24-jam melalui talian 04-509 6 509.
Sg. Nibong Fire causes excitement among local politicians
Suspected faulty electrical wiring may have caused two families to lose their homes in a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon at Sungai Nibong Tengah, near the Shell station at Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru. No casualties were reported.
"The fire was put under control within 20 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation," said Arifuddin Atis, the chief fireman.
Arifuddin also confirmed that the Jalan Tengah fire station received a call from the public at 2:29 p.m., and that the fire engines arrived at the scene in less than five minutes.
“..I saw smoke coming out of his house and immediately dialled 999,” said Mohd Rashid Hasnon, representing the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak, Sim Tze Tzin.
Sim presented RM1500 each to the two families today.
"The financial aid is from my allocation, Tabung TYT and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat," he added.
“I have also initiated the volunteer fire-brigade with Arifuddin today,” commented Sim, indicating a need for more volunteer services in the community.
According to Chan Kim Beng from the Residents’Association of Bayan Baru, several notable people were present at the scene. Wong Mun Hoe, the BN coordinator for Pantai Jerejak, together with Tan Lai Theng and K.Sathiaselan; both chairman of the Bayan Baru division of MCA and MIC respectively.
Independent MP for Bayan Baru, Zahrain Mohd Hashim will visit the site tomorrow morning.
Ong Poh Siang resided in the squatter house together with his family. His father, daughter and son-in-law, Lim Seng Teong lived next door. Everyone except the elderly man was at work when the fire broke out. The elder Ong had shouted for help which caught the attention of his neighbour some ten minutes later. His daughters are Lake Koon, Lake Hoon and Lake Cheng.
Four fire engines arrived at the scene. However, only a small fire engine managed to squeeze through the narrow paths of the squatter area to the site. During which, the fire had already razed the whole house leaving behind only some walls.
The total amount of loss is not known yet.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Press Statement by Teng Hock Nan
Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan today slammed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for his outburst against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over the plastic bag ruling, saying Lim’s remarks were “unbecoming, petty and unwarranted.”
Dr Teng said Lim’s comments also contained elements of threat against NGOs and his unwillingness to accept differing views.
“It also reflects his dictatorial style of administration. He approves the ruling of plastic bag ban and must accept responsibility. Don’t pass the buck to the NGOs, if things are not going his way,” said Dr Teng in a statement.
Dr Teng said an NGO’S role is to provide views and options on the subjects they were set up and not to go around helping the government to implement policies.
On the use of plastic bags, Dr Teng said he agreed that there should not be an over-use but any action to ban the usage completely, especially when it could cause inconveniences, loss of income and affect the state’s economy, must be properly studied.
“We must always consider the views and plight of all interested parties including hawkers, petty traders, the lower-income group and plastic manufacturers,” he added.
On Tuesday, Lim hit out at NGOs for deserting the state when its no free plastic bag ruling came under fire.
“I am disappointed that they have not come out in full support of the ruling which they were pushing for,” he said, also describing NGOs as pandai cakap (good at talking). The ruling will come into effect daily from Jan 1.
Penang Gerakan State Chairman
Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan
Dr Teng said Lim’s comments also contained elements of threat against NGOs and his unwillingness to accept differing views.
“It also reflects his dictatorial style of administration. He approves the ruling of plastic bag ban and must accept responsibility. Don’t pass the buck to the NGOs, if things are not going his way,” said Dr Teng in a statement.
Dr Teng said an NGO’S role is to provide views and options on the subjects they were set up and not to go around helping the government to implement policies.
On the use of plastic bags, Dr Teng said he agreed that there should not be an over-use but any action to ban the usage completely, especially when it could cause inconveniences, loss of income and affect the state’s economy, must be properly studied.
“We must always consider the views and plight of all interested parties including hawkers, petty traders, the lower-income group and plastic manufacturers,” he added.
On Tuesday, Lim hit out at NGOs for deserting the state when its no free plastic bag ruling came under fire.
“I am disappointed that they have not come out in full support of the ruling which they were pushing for,” he said, also describing NGOs as pandai cakap (good at talking). The ruling will come into effect daily from Jan 1.
Penang Gerakan State Chairman
Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Press Statement by Baljit Singh
Be realistic and stop playing politic
Penang Gerakan does not support nor condone the plans of the Malaysian
Historical Society (Kedah) to seek the return of Penang to Kedah.
Penang is a State of its own within the Federation of Malaysia. The society’s
plans are not realistic and may open a “Pandora Box”. It may also give rise
to other claims including Thailand claim over several states in Malaysia.
The society’s action is neither realistic nor accepted by Malaysian
especially Penangites. It is also alarming that the Pakatan Rakyat state
government in Kedah have actually admitted writing the letter to the
Federal Government.
The question now is whether Penang chief minister knew about it and
whether he also supported it. It would not be surprising that Lim Guan Eng
would now claim that he has no knowledge about the letter and act like
a “hero” rejecting the society call.
Let’s watch another plot unfold.
Baljit Singh
Legal and Human Rights Bureau Chief
Penang Gerakan
Penang Gerakan does not support nor condone the plans of the Malaysian
Historical Society (Kedah) to seek the return of Penang to Kedah.
Penang is a State of its own within the Federation of Malaysia. The society’s
plans are not realistic and may open a “Pandora Box”. It may also give rise
to other claims including Thailand claim over several states in Malaysia.
The society’s action is neither realistic nor accepted by Malaysian
especially Penangites. It is also alarming that the Pakatan Rakyat state
government in Kedah have actually admitted writing the letter to the
Federal Government.
The question now is whether Penang chief minister knew about it and
whether he also supported it. It would not be surprising that Lim Guan Eng
would now claim that he has no knowledge about the letter and act like
a “hero” rejecting the society call.
Let’s watch another plot unfold.
Baljit Singh
Legal and Human Rights Bureau Chief
Penang Gerakan
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Statement by Sim Tze Tzin
Kenyataan Ketua Cabang Bayan Baru YB Sim Tze Tzin berkenaan kenyataan Zahrain.
1hb December 2010
Parti Keadilan Rakyat Cabang Bayan Baru berasa kesal ke atas kenyataan Dato Seri Zahrain yang mendesak pingat Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim dan Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah ditarik balik.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru berpendapat bahawa ini adalah politik murahan Zahrain yang sekarang ini menjadi pencacai UMNO dan Barisan Nasional. Beliaulah pengkhianat besar dalam sejarah politik Malaysia.
Beliau mengkhianati mandat rakyat yang diberikan kepada beliau sebagai ahli Parlimen KEADILAN dengan melompat keluar parti. Beliau mengkhianati prinsip perjuangan KEADILAN yang memperjuangkan politik pelbagai kaum dan keadilan untuk semua. Beliau mengkhianati rakyat kerana tidak lagi bekerja untuk kawasan Bayan Baru tetapi lebih ghairah mengikut Dato Seri Najib ke Amerika Syarikat. Beliau mengkhianati pingat “Dato Seri” yang dianugerahkan oleh kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat yang berprinsipkan politik pelbagai kaum.
Kalau ingin dipertikaikan kelayakan penerimaan pingat, Zahrain harus dilucutkan pingat beliau terdahulu.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru walau bagaimanapun tidak ingin memperlekehkan isu pingat. Pingat penghargaan adalah hak dan kuasa Raja-Raja serta Yang Dipertua – Yang Dipertua Negeri.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru ingin mengingatkan semua pemimpin UMNO-Barisan Nasional dan juga Zahrain jangan memainkan sentimen perkauman sempit. Jangan jadi jaguh kampung melaung-laungkan sentimen perkauman tetapi menggadaikan negara.
KEADILAN memperjuangkan prinsip “Ketuanan Rakyat” dan Keadilan untuk Semua. “Ketuanan Melayu” adalah slogan yang digunakan oleh sekumpulan kecil elit Melayu yang berkuasa untuk memperdayakan orang Melayu yang ramai, demi kepentingan diri sendiri. Mereka adalah pimpinan UMNO yang melakukan rasuah, korup, pecah amanah dan pelbagai kebejatan lagi.
Selama 53 tahun mereka berkuasa, nasib kelompok ramai Melayu, Bumiputra Sabah dan Sarawak, India, Orang Asli dan Cina masih tetap terabai. Pakatan Rakyat akan terus berjuang membela nasib semua rakyat Malaysia yang terpinggir bukan pembesar-pembesar UMNO-BN.
Zahrain harus bertaubat. Kalau beliau betul-betul memperjuangkan hak Melayu, mengapa pula lompat parti akibat tidak dapat kontrak, sedangkan ramai lagi rakyat yang susah di kawasan Parlimen Bayan Baru? Apakah program dan khidmat yang beliau lakukan kepada rakyat sejak menjadi ahli Parlimen?
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Ketua Cabang Bayan Baru, Parti KEADILAN
1hb December 2010
Parti Keadilan Rakyat Cabang Bayan Baru berasa kesal ke atas kenyataan Dato Seri Zahrain yang mendesak pingat Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim dan Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah ditarik balik.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru berpendapat bahawa ini adalah politik murahan Zahrain yang sekarang ini menjadi pencacai UMNO dan Barisan Nasional. Beliaulah pengkhianat besar dalam sejarah politik Malaysia.
Beliau mengkhianati mandat rakyat yang diberikan kepada beliau sebagai ahli Parlimen KEADILAN dengan melompat keluar parti. Beliau mengkhianati prinsip perjuangan KEADILAN yang memperjuangkan politik pelbagai kaum dan keadilan untuk semua. Beliau mengkhianati rakyat kerana tidak lagi bekerja untuk kawasan Bayan Baru tetapi lebih ghairah mengikut Dato Seri Najib ke Amerika Syarikat. Beliau mengkhianati pingat “Dato Seri” yang dianugerahkan oleh kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat yang berprinsipkan politik pelbagai kaum.
Kalau ingin dipertikaikan kelayakan penerimaan pingat, Zahrain harus dilucutkan pingat beliau terdahulu.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru walau bagaimanapun tidak ingin memperlekehkan isu pingat. Pingat penghargaan adalah hak dan kuasa Raja-Raja serta Yang Dipertua – Yang Dipertua Negeri.
KEADILAN Bayan Baru ingin mengingatkan semua pemimpin UMNO-Barisan Nasional dan juga Zahrain jangan memainkan sentimen perkauman sempit. Jangan jadi jaguh kampung melaung-laungkan sentimen perkauman tetapi menggadaikan negara.
KEADILAN memperjuangkan prinsip “Ketuanan Rakyat” dan Keadilan untuk Semua. “Ketuanan Melayu” adalah slogan yang digunakan oleh sekumpulan kecil elit Melayu yang berkuasa untuk memperdayakan orang Melayu yang ramai, demi kepentingan diri sendiri. Mereka adalah pimpinan UMNO yang melakukan rasuah, korup, pecah amanah dan pelbagai kebejatan lagi.
Selama 53 tahun mereka berkuasa, nasib kelompok ramai Melayu, Bumiputra Sabah dan Sarawak, India, Orang Asli dan Cina masih tetap terabai. Pakatan Rakyat akan terus berjuang membela nasib semua rakyat Malaysia yang terpinggir bukan pembesar-pembesar UMNO-BN.
Zahrain harus bertaubat. Kalau beliau betul-betul memperjuangkan hak Melayu, mengapa pula lompat parti akibat tidak dapat kontrak, sedangkan ramai lagi rakyat yang susah di kawasan Parlimen Bayan Baru? Apakah program dan khidmat yang beliau lakukan kepada rakyat sejak menjadi ahli Parlimen?
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Ketua Cabang Bayan Baru, Parti KEADILAN
Keputusan Rasmi Pemilihan Majlis Pimpinan Pusat
Presiden
Wan Azizah Binti Wan Ismail (19,543)
Naib Presiden
Nurul Izzah Anwar (13,211)
Tian Chua (11,744)
Fuziah Salleh (8,927)
Mansor B. Hj Othman (8,576)
Ahli Majlis Pimpinan
Elizabeth Wong (10,897)
Badrul Amin (9,672)
Hee Loy Sian (8,473)
Khalid Jaafar (7,889)
Johari Abdul (7,719)
Abd Rahman Yusof (7,719)
Haniza Talha (7,588)
Fariz Musa (7,511)
Zakaria Abdul Hamid (7,170)
Roland Chia Ming Shen (7,095)
Siti Aishah (6,876)
Ismail Yusop (6,332)
Latheefa Koya (6,242)
Kesavan Subramaniam(6,139)
Shuhaimi Haji Shafiei (6,095)
M.R. Summugam (5,964)
Yusmadi Yusoff (5,810)
S. Manikumar (5,789)
Mustafa Kamal Yusoff (5,745)
Christina Liew (5,707)
Wan Azizah Binti Wan Ismail (19,543)
Naib Presiden
Nurul Izzah Anwar (13,211)
Tian Chua (11,744)
Fuziah Salleh (8,927)
Mansor B. Hj Othman (8,576)
Ahli Majlis Pimpinan
Elizabeth Wong (10,897)
Badrul Amin (9,672)
Hee Loy Sian (8,473)
Khalid Jaafar (7,889)
Johari Abdul (7,719)
Abd Rahman Yusof (7,719)
Haniza Talha (7,588)
Fariz Musa (7,511)
Zakaria Abdul Hamid (7,170)
Roland Chia Ming Shen (7,095)
Siti Aishah (6,876)
Ismail Yusop (6,332)
Latheefa Koya (6,242)
Kesavan Subramaniam(6,139)
Shuhaimi Haji Shafiei (6,095)
M.R. Summugam (5,964)
Yusmadi Yusoff (5,810)
S. Manikumar (5,789)
Mustafa Kamal Yusoff (5,745)
Christina Liew (5,707)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Team Rakyat cries foul
Disgruntled members from the PKR Bayan Baru division are crying foul over the election results which revealed a resounding victory and a clear mandate for Sim Tze Tzin, the current state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak. Sim garnered 499 votes and a landslide majority of 234 votes.
M.Ngnana Sagaran who lost to Sim was clearly disappointed by the results but nevertheless exhibited good sportsmanship in the spirit of healthy competition and as a PKR team member. Both posed for pictures for the press after the announcement of the results last Saturday.
However, less than 24 hours after the election and citing bias within the Election Committee, Operations Manager for Team Rakyat, Anuar Ismail announced that their team does not accept the results and the whole election process. He felt that the election process had been compromised.
“We do not accept the results and the whole process; and will lodge a police report over this”, Anuar conveyed, stressing his dissatisfaction over the results. “We also intend to collect a vote of no confidence against Sim”, he said, indicating a total of between one to two thousand signatures.
The Bayan Baru division has a total of 5495 members. According to statistics, 52% are Indian, 23% Chinese and 15% Malays. M.Ngnana Sagaran had brought in about 3500 members.
An observer who was present at the election, insisted that the majority of the voters who turned up were Indians; and that it had seemed strange that M.Ngnana Sagaran only secured 265 votes. He added that although many voters turned up, the total voter’s count was only 785. There were 21 spoilt votes.
Further allegations were made regarding the 30 minutes break time before the counting of votes. It is also alleged that pro-Sim election workers were involved in the distribution of ballot forms; handling the collection of payment from members; and also guiding the voters to wrongly vote for Sim.
Ex-division deputy chairman, Tan Seng Keat attributed the accusations as being `portrayals of a sore loser’.
“Sim won the contest fairly. Both Sim and M.Ngnana Segaran were in the hall when the Election Committee locked up the hall to rest”, Tan exclaimed, putting at least speculations to rest.
M.Ngnana Sagaran who lost to Sim was clearly disappointed by the results but nevertheless exhibited good sportsmanship in the spirit of healthy competition and as a PKR team member. Both posed for pictures for the press after the announcement of the results last Saturday.
However, less than 24 hours after the election and citing bias within the Election Committee, Operations Manager for Team Rakyat, Anuar Ismail announced that their team does not accept the results and the whole election process. He felt that the election process had been compromised.
“We do not accept the results and the whole process; and will lodge a police report over this”, Anuar conveyed, stressing his dissatisfaction over the results. “We also intend to collect a vote of no confidence against Sim”, he said, indicating a total of between one to two thousand signatures.
The Bayan Baru division has a total of 5495 members. According to statistics, 52% are Indian, 23% Chinese and 15% Malays. M.Ngnana Sagaran had brought in about 3500 members.
An observer who was present at the election, insisted that the majority of the voters who turned up were Indians; and that it had seemed strange that M.Ngnana Sagaran only secured 265 votes. He added that although many voters turned up, the total voter’s count was only 785. There were 21 spoilt votes.
Further allegations were made regarding the 30 minutes break time before the counting of votes. It is also alleged that pro-Sim election workers were involved in the distribution of ballot forms; handling the collection of payment from members; and also guiding the voters to wrongly vote for Sim.
Ex-division deputy chairman, Tan Seng Keat attributed the accusations as being `portrayals of a sore loser’.
“Sim won the contest fairly. Both Sim and M.Ngnana Segaran were in the hall when the Election Committee locked up the hall to rest”, Tan exclaimed, putting at least speculations to rest.
Bukit Gelugor: Lawyer vs lawyer
The might of one lawyer pitting against another lawyer might seem gargantuan to the public; although it is but child’s play to both Lim Boo Chang and Raveentharan, both PKR nominees for the head of division in the Bukit Gelugor constituency.
To date, Lim has sent Raveentharan four different notices claiming defamation in retaliation to police reports made with regards to an incident which occurred early Saturday morning, on the 2nd day of Raya at Sungai Dua, Penang. Guang Ming, a Chinese daily is also recipient to a notice of demand for allegedly publishing defamatory statements about Lim.
While Lim resorted to legal means, Raveetharan sought police intervention.
2nd day of Raya
Escalating tension and provocation by some Malay youths led to a gang fight which resulted in bodily injuries, four burnt motorcycles and the destruction of a recently erected hut that cost about 14K.
According to Mahindren A/L Muniandy, the Raya open house was organized by some Indian Muslim youths at the JKKK hall in Hamna. Lim and his wife attended the function together but left at around 9.30pm.
“The Malay youths threw taunts at us. However, I was not around to break the fight as I was already in police custody”, Mahindren lamented; while the big fight broke out at around 1am. Mahindren is a prospective candidate contesting to be a committee member in the division.
On the other hand, Raveentharan lodged a police report based on how he was being informed of the incident. Although privileged and confidential, Lim managed to lay hands on the police report and in turn filed a notice of defamation against Raveentharan.
“He had accused me of being drunk, and claimed that when the police arrived, alcoholic drinks and gambling apparatuses were found in the premises. I had left earlier and do not know anything about it”, emphasized Lim.
Although Raveentharan has instructed his lawyers to reply to Lim’s notices, he retorted that he was not affected in any way.
“These notices are going to end up in the rubbish bin”, he said nonchalantly.
To date, Lim has sent Raveentharan four different notices claiming defamation in retaliation to police reports made with regards to an incident which occurred early Saturday morning, on the 2nd day of Raya at Sungai Dua, Penang. Guang Ming, a Chinese daily is also recipient to a notice of demand for allegedly publishing defamatory statements about Lim.
While Lim resorted to legal means, Raveetharan sought police intervention.
2nd day of Raya
Escalating tension and provocation by some Malay youths led to a gang fight which resulted in bodily injuries, four burnt motorcycles and the destruction of a recently erected hut that cost about 14K.
According to Mahindren A/L Muniandy, the Raya open house was organized by some Indian Muslim youths at the JKKK hall in Hamna. Lim and his wife attended the function together but left at around 9.30pm.
“The Malay youths threw taunts at us. However, I was not around to break the fight as I was already in police custody”, Mahindren lamented; while the big fight broke out at around 1am. Mahindren is a prospective candidate contesting to be a committee member in the division.
On the other hand, Raveentharan lodged a police report based on how he was being informed of the incident. Although privileged and confidential, Lim managed to lay hands on the police report and in turn filed a notice of defamation against Raveentharan.
“He had accused me of being drunk, and claimed that when the police arrived, alcoholic drinks and gambling apparatuses were found in the premises. I had left earlier and do not know anything about it”, emphasized Lim.
Although Raveentharan has instructed his lawyers to reply to Lim’s notices, he retorted that he was not affected in any way.
“These notices are going to end up in the rubbish bin”, he said nonchalantly.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Undercurrent in PKR Bayan Baru
Zahrain Mohd. Hashim may have quit Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) but his influence still runs deep and wide within the party. As an Independent Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru, he allegedly has a vested interest in the ongoing PKR party elections especially in the Bayan Baru and Bukit Gelugor divisions.
Jurinah bt. Hassan, a contestant from Bukit Gelugor was allegedly asked to withdraw from contesting in the PKR election, and subsequently to resign from PKR altogether. She was branded as a traitor to Zahrain by Ismail Ali, personal assistant of Zahrain.
The Bayan Baru division election is touted to be the second most important division election after Permatang Pauh. During the 2008 General Elections, PKR Bayan Baru had won all three state seats and one parliamentary seat it contested.
Jurinah the traitor?
Jurinah, or Kak Inah, is also the chairperson of Single Mother’s Association of Daerah Timur Laut, Penang. According to her, she had bumped into Jamil Mohd. Nor and his wife Fauziah Mahadi at Rope Walk while having breakfast one morning. She said that Jamil had asked her to contact Zahrain if she needed financial assistance to aid the Single Mother’s Association.
“I spoke to Zahrain on the understanding that this contribution was for the Single Mother’s Association and has nothing to do with politics. We accepted the donation in the capacity of the association and had used the association’s letterhead for all communications”, claimed Jurinah.
Upon her announcement to rally behind Raveentharan, she received an sms from Ismail Ali accusing her as a traitor and threatening her to expose her pictures taken with Zahrain during the presentation of gifts to the single mothers.
She also claimed that Ismail asked her ‘kenapa nak sokong orang India itu?’ (translated as: why would you want to support that Indian?).
However, Jurinah reaffirms her loyalty to PKR and Raveentharan.
“They can publish the pictures if they want to. I will not back out and will not withdraw”, she said with conviction.
Bukit Gelugor division
Incumbent for head of Bukit Gelugor division is Raveentharan A/L V.Subramaniam. His lineup for the party election includes Johan Johari as deputy chairman; Cheah Peng Guan as vice chairman; Muhammed Annaruddin bin Akbar Ali as youth chief; and Jurinah binti Hassan as women’s chief.
Lim Boo Chang spearheads the other team with Roslan bin Ramansiah as deputy chairman; and Asokan A/L Kannan as vice chairman. Other names have not been announced.
“Birds of a feather flock together”, said Raveentharan. “However, we will not give up without a fight”, he continued.
To date, Raveentharan has received several notices of defamation from Lim. This is with regards to a police report which was made against Lim in reference to a Raya open house gang fight which broke out at Hamna, Sg. Dua. Police were there to ease the tension by firing a warning shot. It is claimed that playing cards and some beer bottles were found in the premises.
Bayan Baru division
Two opposing teams will be contesting to head the Bayan Baru division this Saturday at the Silver Jubilee hall in Sungai Dua. `Team Reformis’ is headed by Sim Tze Tzin; and `Team Rakyat’ by M.Ngnana Sagaran.
Sim Tze Tzin, has a clean record and is a tested candidate; and currently the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak. His line-up includes Hj Mohd Rashid Hasnon as his deputy chairman; Zainuddin Hanif as his vice chairman; Azriral Tahir as youth chief; and Kak Pah as women’s chief.
M.Ngnana Sagaran on the other hand was initially from MIC then hopped to Gerakan, and then hopped back to MIC. His last held position was as the division head of MIC Bayan Baru. After the 12th general election, he again hopped over, this time to PKR Bayan Baru division and was appointed by Zahrain to be the vice-chairman for the division and also the assistant state secretary. His line-up includes Sallehuddin bin PDK Abdullah for deputy chairman; Swee Tuck Wah for vice chairman ; Hazril bin Hassan as youth chief; and Safinas binti Salleh as women’s chief. Seven of his committee members are ex-MIC members.
Sources from the Bayan Baru division office reveal that M.Ngnana Sagaran, Anuar Ismail amd Jamil Mohd. Nor frequently meet up with Ismail Ali at the Bayan Baru Old Town Café. Ismail Ali is the special assistant to Zahrain. Anuar Ismail will be contesting as a committee member in M.Ngnana Sagaran’s camp; whereas Jamil, frequently known as JJ6 (Jamil Jari 6) mediates between parties.
In the run-up to the division election day which is just two days away, this heated contest is worrying to Sim as M.Ngnana Sagaran may have the upper hand considering that he has managed to register 3500 Indians as PKR Bayan Baru member since joining in 2008.
“We may lose by between 50-100 votes if party members do not fully come out to support us”, quipped Sim Tze Tzin.
Jurinah bt. Hassan, a contestant from Bukit Gelugor was allegedly asked to withdraw from contesting in the PKR election, and subsequently to resign from PKR altogether. She was branded as a traitor to Zahrain by Ismail Ali, personal assistant of Zahrain.
The Bayan Baru division election is touted to be the second most important division election after Permatang Pauh. During the 2008 General Elections, PKR Bayan Baru had won all three state seats and one parliamentary seat it contested.
Jurinah the traitor?
Jurinah, or Kak Inah, is also the chairperson of Single Mother’s Association of Daerah Timur Laut, Penang. According to her, she had bumped into Jamil Mohd. Nor and his wife Fauziah Mahadi at Rope Walk while having breakfast one morning. She said that Jamil had asked her to contact Zahrain if she needed financial assistance to aid the Single Mother’s Association.
“I spoke to Zahrain on the understanding that this contribution was for the Single Mother’s Association and has nothing to do with politics. We accepted the donation in the capacity of the association and had used the association’s letterhead for all communications”, claimed Jurinah.
Upon her announcement to rally behind Raveentharan, she received an sms from Ismail Ali accusing her as a traitor and threatening her to expose her pictures taken with Zahrain during the presentation of gifts to the single mothers.
She also claimed that Ismail asked her ‘kenapa nak sokong orang India itu?’ (translated as: why would you want to support that Indian?).
However, Jurinah reaffirms her loyalty to PKR and Raveentharan.
“They can publish the pictures if they want to. I will not back out and will not withdraw”, she said with conviction.
Bukit Gelugor division
Incumbent for head of Bukit Gelugor division is Raveentharan A/L V.Subramaniam. His lineup for the party election includes Johan Johari as deputy chairman; Cheah Peng Guan as vice chairman; Muhammed Annaruddin bin Akbar Ali as youth chief; and Jurinah binti Hassan as women’s chief.
Lim Boo Chang spearheads the other team with Roslan bin Ramansiah as deputy chairman; and Asokan A/L Kannan as vice chairman. Other names have not been announced.
“Birds of a feather flock together”, said Raveentharan. “However, we will not give up without a fight”, he continued.
To date, Raveentharan has received several notices of defamation from Lim. This is with regards to a police report which was made against Lim in reference to a Raya open house gang fight which broke out at Hamna, Sg. Dua. Police were there to ease the tension by firing a warning shot. It is claimed that playing cards and some beer bottles were found in the premises.
Bayan Baru division
Two opposing teams will be contesting to head the Bayan Baru division this Saturday at the Silver Jubilee hall in Sungai Dua. `Team Reformis’ is headed by Sim Tze Tzin; and `Team Rakyat’ by M.Ngnana Sagaran.
Sim Tze Tzin, has a clean record and is a tested candidate; and currently the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak. His line-up includes Hj Mohd Rashid Hasnon as his deputy chairman; Zainuddin Hanif as his vice chairman; Azriral Tahir as youth chief; and Kak Pah as women’s chief.
M.Ngnana Sagaran on the other hand was initially from MIC then hopped to Gerakan, and then hopped back to MIC. His last held position was as the division head of MIC Bayan Baru. After the 12th general election, he again hopped over, this time to PKR Bayan Baru division and was appointed by Zahrain to be the vice-chairman for the division and also the assistant state secretary. His line-up includes Sallehuddin bin PDK Abdullah for deputy chairman; Swee Tuck Wah for vice chairman ; Hazril bin Hassan as youth chief; and Safinas binti Salleh as women’s chief. Seven of his committee members are ex-MIC members.
Sources from the Bayan Baru division office reveal that M.Ngnana Sagaran, Anuar Ismail amd Jamil Mohd. Nor frequently meet up with Ismail Ali at the Bayan Baru Old Town Café. Ismail Ali is the special assistant to Zahrain. Anuar Ismail will be contesting as a committee member in M.Ngnana Sagaran’s camp; whereas Jamil, frequently known as JJ6 (Jamil Jari 6) mediates between parties.
In the run-up to the division election day which is just two days away, this heated contest is worrying to Sim as M.Ngnana Sagaran may have the upper hand considering that he has managed to register 3500 Indians as PKR Bayan Baru member since joining in 2008.
“We may lose by between 50-100 votes if party members do not fully come out to support us”, quipped Sim Tze Tzin.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Palestine leader thanks Malaysian aid
Hamas senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh recently praised Malaysian delegations that had made trips to Gaza in order to provide medical and utility relief.
Haniyeh thanked the delegation and also Malaysians who have donated without any prejudice to help the beleaguered state’s plight.
Two different delegations had left Malaysia for the Gaza strip during this Ramadan month, with the first of them making a safe return on August 20.
The delegation of 44 people was dubbed ‘Ramadan March for Freedom’, and was headed by PKR Central Committee representative Ustaz Badrulamin, in co-organization with Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPPIM).
The second delegation of 67 people, sponsored by the Putera 1Malaysia club, arrived in Gaza on August 12, where they had also met Haniyeh, who is one of the two disputed Prime Ministers for Palestine.
While the Freedom March delegation went to deliver donations offered to Gaza by Malaysians and also to survey the aid of further developments, the Putera 1 Malaysia delegation, which consisted of 39 doctors, concentrated on providing medical relief.
MAPPIM chairman Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said that based on the observations by the delegation, few suggestions will be dished out to the Malaysian government to help with the rebuilding process in Gaza, among them being a hospital, a university and a mosque.
The two delegations managed to make it safely to the troubled state after Egypt opened its Rafah border in the wake of Israel’s recent attacks on boats transporting aids to Gaza.
Haniyeh thanked the delegation and also Malaysians who have donated without any prejudice to help the beleaguered state’s plight.
Two different delegations had left Malaysia for the Gaza strip during this Ramadan month, with the first of them making a safe return on August 20.
The delegation of 44 people was dubbed ‘Ramadan March for Freedom’, and was headed by PKR Central Committee representative Ustaz Badrulamin, in co-organization with Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPPIM).
The second delegation of 67 people, sponsored by the Putera 1Malaysia club, arrived in Gaza on August 12, where they had also met Haniyeh, who is one of the two disputed Prime Ministers for Palestine.
While the Freedom March delegation went to deliver donations offered to Gaza by Malaysians and also to survey the aid of further developments, the Putera 1 Malaysia delegation, which consisted of 39 doctors, concentrated on providing medical relief.
MAPPIM chairman Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said that based on the observations by the delegation, few suggestions will be dished out to the Malaysian government to help with the rebuilding process in Gaza, among them being a hospital, a university and a mosque.
The two delegations managed to make it safely to the troubled state after Egypt opened its Rafah border in the wake of Israel’s recent attacks on boats transporting aids to Gaza.
Namawee investigated under Sedition Act
Wee Meng Chee, popularly known as Namawee will be investigated under the Sedition Act.
“Three police cars finally came to my Muar home to arrest me. This happened 15 minutes before our 53rd National Day Celebration, Yes, I'm still here but for how long more, I don't know ... my beloved Malaysia, where is our justice system?!”, reads a posting in his Facebook page.
The 27 year old rapper was not at home when police arrived at his house. However, he will be investigated for sedition due to a video he uploaded onto Youtube for allegedly stoking racial tension. If convicted, Wee faces up to three years of imprisonment.
The video entitled ‘Nah’, which is a slang word for ‘no’, used strong obscene language to refer to an incident where a Johor headmistress, Siti Inshah Mansor asked Chinese students to return to China; and made references to the Hindu's prayer strings as dog leashes during school assembly, which irked the non-Muslims.
In Namawee’s official blog, there was an entry which explained the expletives he used.
“I have used obscene language blatantly as a form of communication in some of my videos but that does not mean I am not educated or that I have committed a serious crime. Vulgar content was chosen only with the objective of bringing forward my point of view (and the view of many people) with more impact”, he said.
In 2007, Namawee made headlines with another of his video posting 'Negarakuku' which was regarded as a mockery to the national anthem. In the video, Wee touched on issues like corruption. He made a public apology and the matter was laid to rest.
“Three police cars finally came to my Muar home to arrest me. This happened 15 minutes before our 53rd National Day Celebration, Yes, I'm still here but for how long more, I don't know ... my beloved Malaysia, where is our justice system?!”, reads a posting in his Facebook page.
The 27 year old rapper was not at home when police arrived at his house. However, he will be investigated for sedition due to a video he uploaded onto Youtube for allegedly stoking racial tension. If convicted, Wee faces up to three years of imprisonment.
The video entitled ‘Nah’, which is a slang word for ‘no’, used strong obscene language to refer to an incident where a Johor headmistress, Siti Inshah Mansor asked Chinese students to return to China; and made references to the Hindu's prayer strings as dog leashes during school assembly, which irked the non-Muslims.
In Namawee’s official blog, there was an entry which explained the expletives he used.
“I have used obscene language blatantly as a form of communication in some of my videos but that does not mean I am not educated or that I have committed a serious crime. Vulgar content was chosen only with the objective of bringing forward my point of view (and the view of many people) with more impact”, he said.
In 2007, Namawee made headlines with another of his video posting 'Negarakuku' which was regarded as a mockery to the national anthem. In the video, Wee touched on issues like corruption. He made a public apology and the matter was laid to rest.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Press Statement from Parti Keadilan on Penang Second Bridge
Press Statement from Parti Keadilan on Penang Second Bridge
22 June 2010
In March, 2008, YB Sim Tze Tzin revealed a letter written by UEM Managing Director Dato Ahmad Pardas Senin to Director of Economic Planning Unit of Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob. The letter dated August 2007, titled “Projek Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang – Analisa Kewangan” was sent to Parti Keadilan Rakyat by a whistle-blower.
There were several main points in the letter.
- Concession period 45 years.
- UEM requested the Government to provide Soft Loan (GSL) at 4%.
- UEM asked as high as RM22,872 million government assistance from the Government including Investment Tax Allowance (ITA), Government Grant, JBIC Loan and Soft Loan.
- Construction price was RM4,068 million.
- Projected Toll charges would amount to RM7,065 million
- Penang 2nd Bridge’s Beginning Toll rate to be RM9.40 (Class 2) with 2% every year till end of concession 2051, to be reviewed every 5 years.
- Penang First Bridge to be adjusted together with Second Bridge to RM9.40, and eventually reached maximum toll rate of RM11.50 and continue till 2051. (In fact concession ends in 2018, why till 2051?)
- No more 20% discount for Touch & Go cards.
Former Chief Minister denied Sim’s statement at that time. With recent developments, Sim’s revelations have proven to be true. Recently, first came the controversial cancellation of Touch & Go discounts. Under immense public pressure, the Gov flip-flop and announced that non-Penangites will no longer enjoy the discount. Last week, Prime Minister has confirmed that Penang Second Bridge Toll will be RM9.40, consistent with Sim’s revelation. Now, we are worried that the Government will just go along with whatever proposal the UEM in this letter.
Something is not right with Penang Second Bridge Project. At a time where federal minister warned that the country would go bankrupt, huge amount of money has gone to subsidized crony companies (please refer Government Assistance section). Federal Government gave Penangites various construction costs, the construction cost keeps escalating although material prices have come down significantly, the toll rates jump 34% from RM7 to RM9.40. The terms and conditions of the contract are shrouded with secrecy. All these have to stop. Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat demands accountability from the Federal Government.
Penangites have been short-changed for the first time when the Government proposed and selected the current alignment and design without consultation with the Rakyat. Then, the government again direct negotiated with UEM without open tender.
We believe open tender will bring the best deals for Penangites. Competitive bidding will bring the cost down significantly. Competition will also bring in the best expertise and technology to construct the bridge. Competition will benefit the Rakyat. Unfortunately, with the current Barisan Nasional usual practice, their crony companies “didahulukan”.
We need to put a stop to all these corrupt practices. Today, we are revealing the document that we got in 2008. This letter has not been disclosed to public before. It is an old document, we believe there will be more recent development. Under BN administration that has never practice transparency, this is the only financial analysis we have had. In the name of transparency, the rakyat has the rights to know.
Therefore, Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat call upon the Prime Minister to de-classified the Penang Second Bridge Toll contract between The Government of Malaysia with UEM. Penangites have the rights to know what is in for them. They are the people who will use it everyday. They are the people who pay for it for the next 40 years.
Failure to do so, Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat will intensify our campaign to halt the Toll Hike. We will mobilize the Rakyat to tell the Prime Minister, we don’t want toll hike. We want Competitive, Accountability and Transparency in Second Penang Bridge Project.
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Ketua Biro Komunikasi Parti Keadilan Rakyat Pulau Pinang
ADUN Pantai Jerejak.
YB Yusmadi
Member of Parliament Balik Pulau
22 June 2010
In March, 2008, YB Sim Tze Tzin revealed a letter written by UEM Managing Director Dato Ahmad Pardas Senin to Director of Economic Planning Unit of Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob. The letter dated August 2007, titled “Projek Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang – Analisa Kewangan” was sent to Parti Keadilan Rakyat by a whistle-blower.
There were several main points in the letter.
- Concession period 45 years.
- UEM requested the Government to provide Soft Loan (GSL) at 4%.
- UEM asked as high as RM22,872 million government assistance from the Government including Investment Tax Allowance (ITA), Government Grant, JBIC Loan and Soft Loan.
- Construction price was RM4,068 million.
- Projected Toll charges would amount to RM7,065 million
- Penang 2nd Bridge’s Beginning Toll rate to be RM9.40 (Class 2) with 2% every year till end of concession 2051, to be reviewed every 5 years.
- Penang First Bridge to be adjusted together with Second Bridge to RM9.40, and eventually reached maximum toll rate of RM11.50 and continue till 2051. (In fact concession ends in 2018, why till 2051?)
- No more 20% discount for Touch & Go cards.
Former Chief Minister denied Sim’s statement at that time. With recent developments, Sim’s revelations have proven to be true. Recently, first came the controversial cancellation of Touch & Go discounts. Under immense public pressure, the Gov flip-flop and announced that non-Penangites will no longer enjoy the discount. Last week, Prime Minister has confirmed that Penang Second Bridge Toll will be RM9.40, consistent with Sim’s revelation. Now, we are worried that the Government will just go along with whatever proposal the UEM in this letter.
Something is not right with Penang Second Bridge Project. At a time where federal minister warned that the country would go bankrupt, huge amount of money has gone to subsidized crony companies (please refer Government Assistance section). Federal Government gave Penangites various construction costs, the construction cost keeps escalating although material prices have come down significantly, the toll rates jump 34% from RM7 to RM9.40. The terms and conditions of the contract are shrouded with secrecy. All these have to stop. Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat demands accountability from the Federal Government.
Penangites have been short-changed for the first time when the Government proposed and selected the current alignment and design without consultation with the Rakyat. Then, the government again direct negotiated with UEM without open tender.
We believe open tender will bring the best deals for Penangites. Competitive bidding will bring the cost down significantly. Competition will also bring in the best expertise and technology to construct the bridge. Competition will benefit the Rakyat. Unfortunately, with the current Barisan Nasional usual practice, their crony companies “didahulukan”.
We need to put a stop to all these corrupt practices. Today, we are revealing the document that we got in 2008. This letter has not been disclosed to public before. It is an old document, we believe there will be more recent development. Under BN administration that has never practice transparency, this is the only financial analysis we have had. In the name of transparency, the rakyat has the rights to know.
Therefore, Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat call upon the Prime Minister to de-classified the Penang Second Bridge Toll contract between The Government of Malaysia with UEM. Penangites have the rights to know what is in for them. They are the people who will use it everyday. They are the people who pay for it for the next 40 years.
Failure to do so, Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat will intensify our campaign to halt the Toll Hike. We will mobilize the Rakyat to tell the Prime Minister, we don’t want toll hike. We want Competitive, Accountability and Transparency in Second Penang Bridge Project.
YB Sim Tze Tzin
Ketua Biro Komunikasi Parti Keadilan Rakyat Pulau Pinang
ADUN Pantai Jerejak.
YB Yusmadi
Member of Parliament Balik Pulau
2nd Penang Bridge completion in 2013
The 2nd Penang Bridge in Penang connecting Batu Maung in the south-eastern part of the Penang Island to Batu Kawan on the mainland will supercede the existing bridge in being the longest in the country and South-East Asia when completed. Its total length of 23.5km will take approximately 20 minutes to travel across at 80km per hour. In the latest update, the bridge is scheduled for completion in September 2013, after numerous delays.
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong raised questions at the Dewan Rakyat pertaining to the cost of the second bridge which now stands at RM4.5 billion. It was formerly RM4.3 billion in 2008 when the price of oil was at its peak. He further asked for clarifications for an amount of RM20 million which was being allocated for ceremonial duties and RM63.51 million which was for overhead and support expenses. The Prime Minister, Najib Razak in his reply stated that the cost of the bridge had not risen but did not elaborate on the RM83.51 million. He also confirmed that the said cost includes the construction of the casting yard by CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. And UEM Builders Bhd.
In a press conference held at the CHEC office in Batu Maung, CM Lim Guan Eng revealed that the 2nd Penang Bridge was now 25% completed. The substructure of the bridge,at RM2.2billion is managed by CHEC Construction, a China-based company, while its superstructure, at RM1.5 billion by UEM Builders. Three other companies were awarded to build the highways. Cergas Murni for the Batu Maung area at RM67 million; IJM Corp Bhd for the Batu Kawan area at RM350 million; and HRA Teguh Sdn. Bhd. for the roads joining the North-South Highway at RM152 million.
An impact study on the bridge showed that it could withstand collision of up to 1 Mega Newton; and has a seismic loading of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale. The 2nd Penang Bridge has a lifespan of 120 years.
Commenting on the toll increase in 2013, CM Lim said that Penang will oppose the hike and that there will be an anti-RM9.40 Penang Bridge Toll Rate meeting. This will be a 34% increase from the current RM7.00. Drawing parallels to Najib’s Persian cat which he recently purchased to which he asked for suggestions for names, Lim was peeved that the PM did not consult the 1.5million residents in Penang Island for the hike in toll rates.
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong raised questions at the Dewan Rakyat pertaining to the cost of the second bridge which now stands at RM4.5 billion. It was formerly RM4.3 billion in 2008 when the price of oil was at its peak. He further asked for clarifications for an amount of RM20 million which was being allocated for ceremonial duties and RM63.51 million which was for overhead and support expenses. The Prime Minister, Najib Razak in his reply stated that the cost of the bridge had not risen but did not elaborate on the RM83.51 million. He also confirmed that the said cost includes the construction of the casting yard by CHEC Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. And UEM Builders Bhd.
In a press conference held at the CHEC office in Batu Maung, CM Lim Guan Eng revealed that the 2nd Penang Bridge was now 25% completed. The substructure of the bridge,at RM2.2billion is managed by CHEC Construction, a China-based company, while its superstructure, at RM1.5 billion by UEM Builders. Three other companies were awarded to build the highways. Cergas Murni for the Batu Maung area at RM67 million; IJM Corp Bhd for the Batu Kawan area at RM350 million; and HRA Teguh Sdn. Bhd. for the roads joining the North-South Highway at RM152 million.
An impact study on the bridge showed that it could withstand collision of up to 1 Mega Newton; and has a seismic loading of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale. The 2nd Penang Bridge has a lifespan of 120 years.
Commenting on the toll increase in 2013, CM Lim said that Penang will oppose the hike and that there will be an anti-RM9.40 Penang Bridge Toll Rate meeting. This will be a 34% increase from the current RM7.00. Drawing parallels to Najib’s Persian cat which he recently purchased to which he asked for suggestions for names, Lim was peeved that the PM did not consult the 1.5million residents in Penang Island for the hike in toll rates.
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