Malaysiakini reported that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng requested his predecessor Koh Tsu Koon to guide him on how to re-zone PGCC project site to its original zoning. I am baffled. I thought that with the full resources of the Penang State government this task is as easy as ABC. I would suggest CM Lim Guan Eng arranges the Pakatan Rakyat led government to pay consultancy fee to Koh Tsu Koon subject to his agreement. No free lunch for you.
Koh Tsu Koon is no more in the government, he have no obligation to guide or to teach LGE how to do re-zoning. LGE talk....talk.... & talk only but do not know how to do & solve problems.
LGE should just ask his officers how to do it. They are paid to do that. Maybe they had explained to him the processes and procedures but unfortunately he can not comprehend it....probably still thinking like an opposition....
I got an idea. He should ask his Chief-of-Staff, the ex-Gerakan & ex-teacher (Jeff Ooi) to learn re-zoning and then give him tuition classes on that.
Malaysiakini, Athi Veeranggan,May 12, 08 12:38pm
PGCC project: Lim wants answers
The controversial mega Penang Global City Centre project saga continues with the present Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng requesting his predecessor Koh Tsu Koon to guide him "on how to re-zone the project site to its original zoning".
"After all, he was the one who had reclassified the site zone previously.
Therefore he should guide us and explain explicitly on how to reclassify it again," said Lim, when officiating Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong's service centre in Pulau Tikus yesterday.
Originally earmarked as a recreational and open space zone, the Penang Turf Club (PTC) site in Jalan Batu Gantong, George Town was re-gazetted under the Penang Structural Plan 2020 on June 28, 2007 as a new township zone for mixed commercial development for the PGCC project. The turf club is to be relocated to another site.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, the state planning committee, in which the Chief Minister would be the chairperson by legal requirement, re-gazetted the land as for commercial use in pursuant to the Structure Plan........
22 comments:
If so simple you think LGE cannot do meh?? There's more to it la, you think can main main ah?
If you simply re-zone back the state will get sued badly because the deal was done in a hanky panky manner by Koh Tsu Koon and gang. Mind you, this problem is started by KTK. LGE is just cleaning up KTK's shit.
Why is your hero Koh Tsu Koon not even defending himself in this? Scared ah? or don't know where to put his face in Penang anymore because now Penangites know that he was just AAB and Khairy's robot?
What's your stand on the whole PGCC (PTC land, batu kawan land, PGCC) fiasco? As a Penangite, do you think it was a fair deal for the ex-state gov to sell the PTC land worth 25bil to abad naluri at 488mil?
I am not "main-main". Those words are LGE own words. These words were taken from Malaysiakini, a Pakatan Rakyat ardent supporting meda.
If LGE is smart, there are many ways to skin a cat.
If he can not do it, just vacate his seat to me and I will show him how to do it because I am NOT a PGCC supporter. I do not want the area around PTC to be raped.
What I just said sound "sombong", but there is something seriously wrong with him if he can not resolve this. I am not the first one to offer this, our Youth Chairman had already made an offer much earlier.
LGE, please seriously consider and go home to Malacca for vacation.
Extra comment:
I am not Sdra. Koh supporter or fan. He is definitely not my idol.
But, he is Gerakan's Acting President. I respect the position that he hold.
I hope that Sdra. Koh will re-invent himself so that he could be my idol. Active Tanjong youth members and my friends know that in our youth meetings, Sdra. Koh will be the first to "kena" from me.
I visualize myself bashing Sdra Koh with a baseball bat whenever I cross the Penang Bridge especially if there is a traffic crawl or jam.(see Michael Douglas movie)
Now, I have to visualize bashing LGE if nothing improve.
(Note: I do not condone violent, but we have to let off steam, imaginatively)
Additional comment:
I am serious when I said I have the solution for this PGCC problem. I enjoy solving problems.
Maybe, that is why Pakatan Rakyat is also trying to entice me (a small fry, an ikan bilis) to join them.
The talker(LGE) is the current CM. He is extremely good in publicities. How about solving problems?
Great to hear your stand.
Regarding the land matter I don't have the full picture. But I'm certain that there are more legal consequences that what I (and most people) think from what we read through the media, so it can be tricky to solve. I'm no lawyer anyway. Maybe you do have a much better picture so the solution is clear to you.
Anyway, looks like you and I are stuck with LGE for the next term since he has the majority of penang's support. Giving you the benefit of the doubt that your intention is to help improve Penang and not politically motivated, perhaps you can list down the steps you have in mind and pass to LGE's people. Or better still post it here. Don't la be so secretive, share share a bit. This is your blog ma. If the solution is really that simple, perhaps you can influence me to criticise LGE for being stupid too.
extra comment:
Do you really think LGE is asking KTK for help? It's just politics la.. killing two birds with one stone, pressure KTK to come out of his hiding while making it look like LGE is being nice to AAB.
Where is KTK anyway?
This blog writer say about Guan Eng is truth. My friend who is a repoter told me Guan Eng ask Jeff Ooi many time during press meeting.
Penang is the only state in Malaysia with CHIEF OF STAFF, now I understand.
KTK is not in hiding.
Personally, my thought is that his main responsibilities is to Gerakan not LGE or even Penangites at this point in time.
I do not know what is his view.
He is somewhere on the ground now rebuilding Gerakan. Please remember Gerakan is a Malaysian party, we have members in every states except Sarawak.
Frequently, he issued press statements. It may be better for Sdra Koh to share his view thru a weekly/fortnightly column in a newspaper so that people would not think that he is hiding.
Gerakan policy is not to control any newspaper. Gerakan have discuss this frequently, we don't control not because we don't have the fund, we don't control because it is the right thing to do. Therefore, no opportunity yet as the press is controlled by other political parties.
It was only after GE12, that press coverage became fairer for Gerakan. Our State Youth Chairman, Sdra Huan sometime sarcastically would ask certain reporters why they bother to attend our functions when they don't report at all.
There are many things that Gerakan did for the people that went unreported. We also want press freedom.
I also personally know a few gerakan people who are out there to help people. That's why I don't generalise that all gerakan members are bad. Neither are all PKR members good.. some are just plain troublemakers.
I'm just picking on some of the leaders whom in my opinion have not acted in the interest of the people, either for personal gain or through manipulation by other parties.
A question, why do you refer to fellow gerakan members as sdra? Is it a gerakan thing?
PGCC: Former state gov't 'did not mislead Abdullah'
Malaysiakini, Athi Veeranggan, May 13, 08 5:27pm
Former Penang executive councillor Dr Teng Hock Nan has accused Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of playing a political game over re-zoning the site of the proposed Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project.
MCPX
“Why there is so much publicity on a simple issue? Either he is naïve about how to re-zone the land or taking potshots at the previous administration to gain cheap political mileage,” said Teng (left).
He was commenting on Lim’s call last Sunday to predecessor Dr Koh Tsu Koon to guide him "on how to re-zone the project site to its original zoning" since it was the previous administration that had reclassified the site about a year ago.
“Either he already knows about it or he can learn about it from relevant officers (and government authorities). He should not blame the previous state government.”
He said the former Gerakan-led state government did not mislead the public or the federal government about the project, which was launched by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi last year.
The developer had organised the ceremony on an "iconic concept", said Teng, and the premier was fully aware that the project had not been approved by the Penang Island Municipal Council at the time.
“If one were to recall the PM’s speech, he called on the state government to expedite the project,” said Teng.
Originally earmarked as a recreational and open space zone, the Penang Turf Club (PTC) site in Jalan Batu Gantong, George Town was re-gazetted under the Penang Structural Plan 2020 on June 28, 2007 as a new development zone, a move believed to be expedited for the PGCC project.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, the state planning committee, in which the Chief Minister is the chairperson by legal requirement, re-gazetted the land for commercial use in pursuant to the Structure Plan.
As current Chief Minister and head of the state planning committee, Lim now has the final say on approving or rejecting the project and the type of development to be carried out, noted Teng.
Claims brushed off
Project developer Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd had bought the PTC site, which had been classified as Grade One land, for RM488 million.
PTC members, who lodged a police report alleging discrepancies, claimed that the re-zoning exempted Abad Naluri from paying a premium estimated to be worth RM200 million to the state government for land conversion.
However, Teng, who was in charge of the local government portfolio, brushed aside such claims as being off the mark.
He said that, with Grade One land status, the need to convert the PTC site did not arise and that a premium would not be charged on non-existent conversion - all that is needed to facilitate new development is to re-zone the site.
The state government would earn revenue when the local council imposes a levy on the developer for the project. The quantum would depend on the type of development involved.
Koh’s government had agreed to the RM25 billion PGCC proposal after considering all aspects such as traffic dispersal, public transportation and use to the public, said Teng.
Abad Naluri is an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd controlled by businessman Patrick Lim, who is known to be a close friend of Abdullah. Equine Capital holds 25 percent of Abad Naluri.
The PGCC, located in the heart of Georgetown, has been billed as the country’s largest private sector development project. It is also the single-biggest component of the Northern Corridor Economic Region development plan, launched last August.
The proposal includes two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, retail complex, two office towers, residential properties, world-class convention centre, observatory tower, parking space, monorail transportation and public arena.
Gerakan are naive if they think media are actually free. Whether they are controlled by political parties, individuals or special interest groups, all are controlled. Even if one person control the media, such as Robert Murdoch, he can manipulated it to achieve his own goals. Even alternative media are controlled, look at Malaysiakini its reports are mainly one-sided. Gerakan should start its own newspaper or control one. If not, it will be outplayed in the political games.
Yes, Lim Guan Eng Talking laud and moving around but just waorking for nothing, and like to complaining ex government a lot, where have the ex CM need to teach the current CM system, i think LGE head grow big already, he tot Penang easy to handle mah, let him handle lah, at least we can have some holiday
All this no ball DAP supporter show your identity lah, is all the DAP supporter also like LGE talk laud laud doing nothing and like to complaining ?
Dr Khoo have more brain than your LGE lah fishhook, KGE is naive politician use to play sand in beach and shouting laud , Dr khoo where have time to entertaining him lah stupid LGE, remember ah i am from Gerakan JOHOH OK
Oh Ya, ask LGE to Lin Kah Choon Lah, stupid LGE
Yes, i think their supporters really have NO BALLS... hahaha. NOT even can leave their identities!
NO BALLS, PLEASE DON'T TALK TOO MUCH!!! GO BACK AND HELP YOUR LGE, I THINK HE'S STILL IN THE DARK OF BEING A CM!
Please tell LGE to behave like a truth state government, don't act like an Opposition... He knows how raise up the "problems" only, does he know HOW TO OVERCOME?
Talking about the problems is easy!
Solving the problems is not easy!
So, please stop talking and solve the problems immediately.
All his supporters, please don't follow his foot step, too much.
To Jason Ang-Blog Shooter:
Thank you for reading my blog. You must be a totally loyal Gerakan member.
I would like to suggest 2 Penang based bloggers sites for you to comment(shoot).
These are Pakatan Rakyat bias bloggers especially Anil Netto who coincidently is originally from Johor. It will be difficult to comment as he moderate his blog.
Another is Susan Loone, her blog is fairer.
Happy commenting or shooting!!!
http://anilnetto.com/
http://sloone.wordpress.com
Jason Ang and Iggy, Are you talking about me? My identity is fishhook, not anonymous. My pseudonym is consistent throughout all blogs that I post comments. BTW, I can't even access Iggy's profile so what's so different from being anonymous? Dr Khoo may be smarter than LGE but not Dr Koh..Apalah Jason, can't even get your leader's name right! Learn from Gerakan school is it?
Anyway, It's great that FINALLY someone (Dr Teng) from the previous gov has spoken. That's what we call ACCOUNTABILITY of our actions. Just because you have been replaced doesn't mean you are free from the responsibility your past actions. So LGE.. the ball's in your court.. we're waiting... the people here want to hear something smart.
Hey guys. Kay Peng has this to say about the issue:
http://khookaypeng.blogspot.com/2008/05/ignorant-lim-teng-none-better.html
Any comments on WHAT HE SAID (not who he is). I think what he said make sense.
Wah lau.. for a Dr, Teng doesn't seem to understand things and not in touch with Penang people. That's why he got voted out and if he continues along these lines perhaps gerakan should vote him out too.
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=22439
Don't he get it that the issue is not what is developed on the PTC land, people don't want ANY development at all and want the land for recreation. That's why LGE is asking KTK why he changed the zoning from recreation to new development in the first place.
Teng: Rezoning does not restrict other plans
Himanshu Bhatt, Sun
GEORGE TOWN (May 16, 2008): The disputed change in zoning by the former state administration on land privately earmarked for the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project does not restrict other plans or ideas from being implemented in the area.
Former state local government committee chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan refuted claims by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that the developer had been given leeway due to alteration in zoning from "open space and recreation" to "new development".
"New development can mean any development," Teng, who is also Gerakan vice-president, told a press conference in Wisma Gerakan here today.
"The state government still has the final say on what type and scale of development that can be allowed which will determine the value of the land ultimately."
"The developer can submit the sky. You can still say no."
Lim had asked his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Teng to explain why the former administration had changed the zoning status when the Penang State Structure Plan was gazetted in June last year.
Teng replied that the change was for the general future development requirements of the state, and not to accommodate the PGCC.
"The previous state government has in actual fact rejected and has asked the developer to amend the plan," he stressed.
Teng asked if the new government will consider allowing new development at the site.
"Will the new state government give priority to affordable housing at the project site for the benefit of the people?" Teng added. "Or approve in total, the development proposal which the CM has projected it to worth a whopping RM25 billion?"
He stressed that the RM25 billion figure Lim has attributed as the value of development on the land was based on valuation made by the developer for the PGCC project.
"Are you saying you are going to approve in toto all that the developer had submitted?"
Teng also asked if Lim was aware that a planning bargain could be arranged with the developer to reach an amicable agreement on the site’s development "as a way out".
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