by G. Krishnan
High Chaparral, the pig abattoir, the race card, double standards…. What you see is not what you get. It seems as if many politicians – and I use that term to also include some activists – have gotten all hot under the collar about the DAP’s failings in the Kampung Buah Pala and for locking horns with PAS on the pig abattoir matter in Kedah.
Get a grip people. First, Hindraf and Uthayakumar needs to cool-off; perhaps have some refreshing chendol and think through the High Chaparral matter a bit more constructively. Does he really think Lim Guan Eng is in bed with the developers? For a lawyer, he must know better the potential implications of a breach of contract – in this case, a contract the former state government – had undertaken – under the former chief minister’s watch. Yes, perhaps a stroke of the pen by the current chief minister may save the homes of the residents of Kampung Buah Pala. But at what cost to the rest of the residents of the state? Now that the current DAP state government finds itself in a dilemma like this, does it not matter what it might cost the rest of the residents of Penang to go back on their word?
As I’m sure we all – including Hindraf and Uthayakumar – surely understand, the former state government under Gerakan/BN was supposedly acting on behalf of the welfare and interest of the state when it undertook the agreement the developers. This is where Gerakan has put the residents of Kampung Buah Pala and the people of Penang. No, unlike what some might like to think, it doesn’t just take a stroke of the pen, to undo the BN’s mess. Indeed, Uthayakumar ought to know better. If he’s worried about the marginalised Indians in Kampung Buah Pala – as is understandable – just imagine the legal and financial bind a stroke of the pen by the current chief minister to undo the agreement with the developer may cost the state government. The multi-millions that this will cost the people of the state will inevitably impact lots of other marginialised people who again will have to endure the consequences of further depletion of the state’s resources.
Am I suggesting the residents of Kampung Buah Pala should therefore just become sacrificial pigs? No. They’ll have to accept the reality that the former Gerakan/BN state government did them in. And they have to be willing now to work with Lim Guan Eng and find a solution that can be a win-win situation for them, the developers (who now have a legal stake in the property), and the rest of Penangites who also have a big stake in the matter.
Probably much like the hullabaloo about the pig abattoir controversy in Kedah, what you see about the Kampung Buah Pala is not all that simple and straight forward as some would make it out to be.
So, Hindraf, sit down with your one hope – the DAP and Lim Guam Eng and find a compromise where the residents can be reasonably compensated and relocated while the rest of Penangites are also not unduly screwed by your intransigence due to a situation created by the DAP’s predecessor.
#1 by monsterball on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 9:40 am
Those hot headed Hindraf fellas should think twice before accusing and insulting Lim Eng Guan.
LEG is no Superman…but genuinely doing his best to make Penang better for everyone.
G. Krishnan said it all.
They have made UMNO very happy.
I hope they are satisfied.
#2 by a2a on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 9:57 am
If every land owner do not allow to develope, there will not be any developement and improvment in Penang state.
It was a former government case leaded people into these.
There is no one 100% percent perfect.
The most important is DAP uphold equality, justice and democracy.
3-5% percent unperfect they are consider Grade A in performance.
#3 by TomThumb on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 10:27 am
a pig is a pig is a pig.
#4 by k1980 on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 10:36 am
Why can’t this thambi buy up Kg Buah Pala for a fraction of his RM460.6 million bid for Newcastle United?
From the Malaysian Insider:
Billionaire Malaysian media mogul T. Ananda Krishnan is the man reportedly behind an £80 million (RM460.6 million) bid to buy English football club Newcastle United, according to The Sun newspaper in the United Kingdom.
The Sun reported that Ananda, who controls Maxis Communications, gaming group Tanjong plc, Measat and Astro, is closing in on the deal to end Mike Ashley’s nightmare two-year “Toon” reign.
An official announcement on the deal is expected next week.
The British tabloid said the deal represents loose change to the 71-year-old, who is Southeast Asia’s third richest man reportedly worth £4.5 billion.
#5 by ALLAN THAM on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 10:49 am
There are many blatant disregards of the welfare of people by BN and their prime objective is to benefits the cronies.
It was not that easy to undone what was wrong by the former BN state government. What ever the course of action is all come down to the people money and off course the politic consequences from the action it take. PR and more specific will not easily take action that will not benefit them politically. This is a real headache faced by DAP and off course the BN is laughing while they go to sleep especially the Koh fellow should be more than happy to pass this hot potato to LGE.
The wise handling of this hot potato will have great political implication to LGE lead state government. That see how best he can handle and this will test his maturity in his political leadership and his future political life too.
#6 by YK Leong on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:03 am
Hopefully, the learned Uthayakumar reads G. Krishnan’s article and think carefully over the Kampung Buah Pala crisis. We hope that Uthayakumar will come to his sense and will be willing to work with YAB LGE for a “win-win” solution in the interest of the people of Penang. So, calm down and cool down over the Kampung Buah Pala crisis and start finding a “win-win” solution.
#7 by marineman09 on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:22 am
fellow friend k1980, we should not handle this issue as an indian issue as we are above race…let AK bid what ever he wants….still its not his job to help the penang people, its the governments jobs. that’s why we voted PR and i voted PR so that issues like this (race/religion) will be dealt with the utmost consideration and sensitiveness…..as the previous guys made a mess of it…hidup PR
#8 by lee wee tak_ on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:40 am
it is easy to shout from the outside rather than working to resolve an issue from the inside.
BN used to chide opposition about the above but the difference between BN and PR government can be gauged from the level of diligence and sincerity in “working to resolve an issue from the inside” so that voters can make their informed choices.
LGE also have to look at the bigger picture. Would business community have confidence to deal with a state government that can dishonour a contract, influenced easily by a group of minority and not firm in maintaining rule of law and consistency?
Granted, the folks have a real case of being victimised and if they are willing to be flexible, they should accept a different location with compensation; and I suppose LGE’s administration is capable and willing to come up with such an alternative
Choice 1) breaching a state government award, antagonising business community in the time of economic downturn plus spending a huge sum on a few families at the expense of the whole Penang population
Choice 2) be flexible and accept an alternative site (and of course the administration has to put forward a reasonable alternative)
If Hindraf and the villages are willing to burn effigy and let cows on the loose, why not target at the previous bunch who had years to resolve their issues and yet did exactly to their detriment? It is like aiming at the wrong toilet bowl.
#9 by lee wee tak_ on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:42 am
don’t forget, PR inherited a lot of mess cast in agreements and stones plus an army of civil servant with, frankly, a majority that is of unfit state of mind to serve the people who pay for their comfortable livelihood.
we need a generation or 2 to really get rid of this, provided PR has a sustained period of power and has the political will and wisdom to unravel all this
#10 by a2a on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:57 am
Those residents of Kampung Buah Pala, they want well compensation.
If they get fair and well compensation, they will shut up.
Mayb they may very thankful to PKR too, being richer.
#11 by wanderer on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 12:55 pm
“Charity starts at home”, so they say. This bloke Uthayakumar, should be starting a rescue fund with the Indian community, buy over the land and called it their “Little India” ….rather than, throwing threats at the current State govt. Nothing will emerge from this BN created problem if this leader of Hindraf insisted on showing his ugly face!
Remember, no one owes these villagers a living…especially, when they are not legal owners of the land.
If you want the general public to sympathise with their cause, Mr Uthayakumar, behave like gentleman and no threats please!
#12 by KennyGan on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 1:10 pm
I have brickbats for both LGE and Hindraf and the residents of Kg. Buah Pala as well.
LGE’s initial handling of the affair was weak. Instead of wringing his hands that he was powerless, he should have talked tough to the developers from the start. After all, the state govt. still holds power of approval for the project. Doesn’t matter if there’s not much power behind his tough talk, politics is about perception after all. This would have mollified the residents and Hindraf. Only now is LGE doing some tough talk after all the brickbats thrown at him.
As for Hindraf, they have jumped on this like shameless political opportunists. Harsh words for LGE and DAP with not a word against the ones who caused the mess speaks of a political agenda. Waytha and Uthayakumar are riding on the miseries of the poor Indians to promote themselves and revive their flagging popularity. They don’t even know or care who their friends are. Calling for demos are the acts of political gangsters which cannot solve anything.
The residents have let emotions rule them. Insisting that the Penang govt. save their land as per some vague election promises made is not reasonable. Harsh words for DAP and LGE does not help any. They should understand that if Gerakan is the state govt their houses would have been flattened by now. However, I can concede that when one’s house is going to be demolished, it’s difficult not to get emotional. LGE’s mistake was not to meet them, mollify them and talk tough to the developers before it all escalated.
As for Hindraf, they will fade away soon. Turning themselves into a political party will assure that.
#13 by sheriff singh on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:14 pm
I suggest that PR just ignore the Hindraf rabble rousers. Its no use having them as your “friends” when they are ever ready to stab you in the back. If they wish to withdraw support and vote BN then let them do so and see what BN will do for them. Its best without them.
These fellows do not contribute anything positive but are merely people with chips on their shoulders on just about everything. They only know about demonstrating, making demands and threats and think everybody else owe them a living and should kow-tow to them, give them everything they want on a platter. They won’t help themselves in any way.
In this case, they have turned a land issue into something more volatile – “Tamil Hindu Cultural and Heritage” thing. The words speak for themselves. They are emotive. But actually they are looking for alot of money. One resident mentioned RM 600,000 for each family. You can no longer talk to these irrational people. They just want their way. And there are many opportunists and dalangs in the background stoking them.
The state government should just ignore these 23 families and let the law take its course. You can only do so much.
But this does not mean that the state government should stop its investigations as to how the land was sold at a low price to the civil servants cooperative. And to ask Koh Tsu Koon as to how this mess came about.
#14 by dawsheng on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:14 pm
LGE’s initial handling of the affair was weak. Instead of wringing his hands that he was powerless, he should have talked tough to the developers from the start. After all, the state govt. still holds power of approval for the project. Doesn’t matter if there’s not much power behind his tough talk, politics is about perception after all. This would have mollified the residents and Hindraf. Only now is LGE doing some tough talk after all the brickbats thrown at him. – KennyGan
What is the point talking tough to the developer when the Federal Court had ruled in favour of the developer? It is true that under the provisions provided in the NLC that the state has the final say concerning the usage of state land, but in the case of dispute the jurisdiction of the court must be taken into account, in most cases the final jurisdiction override the power of the state. There is also no provision in the NLC or in the State Constitution that says once a new government is voted into power it automatically has the power to reverse the decisions made by the previous government. Such is the nature of laws Hindraf’s leaders choose to ignore in order to manipulate the residents into thinking the CM has absolute power concerning land matters. I don’t see it in anyway Hindraf cares about the predicament of KBP folks.
#15 by raven77 on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:18 pm
Is this some kind of joke..? Running a cattle ranch in the middle of a city? Just as well the Brits run a sheep farm in Hyde Park…
Is Hindraf planning to turn Penang into some kind of Tamil Nadu city where cattle, goats and chicken get to share traffic space on Gurney Road and the Jelutong Expressway….
LGE better be stern on this….being populist now is not the right thing to do…He has to focus completely on doing the right thing for all of Penang…please dont encourage kampongs in cities….one Kampong Baru headache right beside the twin towers is headache enough…
#16 by dawsheng on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:21 pm
As for Hindraf, they have jumped on this like shameless political opportunists. Harsh words for LGE and DAP with not a word against the ones who caused the mess speaks of a political agenda. Waytha and Uthayakumar are riding on the miseries of the poor Indians to promote themselves and revive their flagging popularity. They don’t even know or care who their friends are. Calling for demos are the acts of political gangsters which cannot solve anything. – KennyGan
Totally agree!
#17 by limkamput on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:29 pm
I have said many times earlier, the CM of Penang is not at the disposal of HINDRAF. At least this writer (G. Krishnan) is suggesting that HINDRAF should be reasonable and deal with LGE to seek out an amicable solution. For me, it is simple; No deal with extremists and racists. Let HINDRAF shout and demonstrate whatever they want. The organisation is already a spent force.
I heard over the news that each family in Kampung Buah Pala will be given 200k but we have a resident who so arrogantly claimed he house has 5 families and therefore should be given a million. This is the type of coconut heads with are dealing with. I say be compassionate to the extent with can, the rest can to hell. We have enough of scumbags holding this country to ransom.
#18 by dawsheng on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:33 pm
I am surprise that the Gerakan state government alienated state land with freehold status to the developer for RM10 psf. If Penangites care about fellow Penangites and want to mend the mistakes the did by voting for Gerakan, boycott the sales of the development.
#19 by FY Lim on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:41 pm
Well, we had heard enough of what needs to be said on this Kg. Buah Pala land issue. However, I am of the view that the state government under the leadership of CM Lim Guan Eng can make a thinking out of the box decision to resolve and unravel the damage done by the previous BN government.
If the PR state government can resolve this issue amicably, you will win a lot of people’s confidence and goodwill and will augur well for the future of Pakatan.
Yes, Tsu Koon did sell the land below market price to Pegawai Pulau Pinang. He was wrong.
Yes, it was not the fault of the PR government to inherit this baggage from BN and get blamed for it.
Yes, the developer refuse to negotiate further and had to be blacklisted by the state government.
We can all debate this issue until the cows come home but it will come to nothing.
In all this, we need a solution to house the villagers of KG Buah Pala.
Understandly the vilaagers cannot get back their original house back at Kg Buah Pala. However, the state can look for an alternative place probably on the mainland and purchase estate land at probably RM 50K to RM 100K an acre to develop a village where all the villagers can live in a community again .
The cost had to be shared out by the developer, the state government as well as the villagers. The cost of land purchase and developing house on it may come to a few million dollars. This is worth the effort as it is part of the state government and the developer social responsibilty.
Also, it will not cost the state to the tune of 40 million as reported.
In this way, the state government is seen to be responsive to the needs of the rakyat, the developer is happy that his land can be developed quickly free from the state imposing a development order ban on the area and the villagers are happy to live together in a community of their own.
Great man resolves issues for the betterment of all.
#20 by limkamput on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 3:58 pm
sorry repost, too many typo:
limkamput Says:
Today at 14: 29.17 (1 hour ago)
I have said many times earlier, the CM of Penang is not at the disposal of HINDRAF. At least this writer (G. Krishnan) is suggesting that HINDRAF should be reasonable and deal with LGE to seek out an amicable solution. For me, it is simple: No deal with extremists and racists. Let HINDRAF shout and demonstrate whatever they want. The organisation is already a spent force.
I heard over the news that each family in Kampung Buah Pala will be given 200k but we have a resident who so arrogantly claimed his house has 5 families and therefore should be given a million. This is the type of coconut heads we are dealing with. I say be compassionate to the extent with can, the rest can go to hell. We have enough of scumbags holding this country to ransom.
#21 by KennyGan on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 4:08 pm
dawsheng,
Talking tough doesn’t mean reversing the court decision or not following the law. It means playing some politics, give some vague warnings to the developer, statement of solidarity with the residents, etc so that the developer will be more amiable to negotiation. LGE’s hand wringing that he could not do anything emboldened the developer to declare that they will not offer any compensation and infuriated the residents.
#22 by SpeakUp on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 4:11 pm
FY Lim … what you propose cannot work because the villagers said clearly, they want to continue staying on the land as the village is so superbly amazing as shown to UNESCO reps. :) How do you deal with that sort of people?
#23 by SpeakUp on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 4:14 pm
KennyGan … spot on … as the date draws closer, the developer will get harder. Why bother to pay any more now when they have a writ of possession that cannot be challenged? But it is not LGE fault, its just the way the cookie crumbles for the villagers who did not want to settle out of court. Now wait till they see the developer’s cost for the Federal Court appeal! Hahahahahaa … they need to pay for it unless the court ordered otherwise.
#24 by dawsheng on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 4:51 pm
In any case we don’t want a CM with a magic wand in his hand and can settle problems with a stroke of the pen, look what Koh Tsu Kun have done to Penang.
#25 by SpeakUp on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 5:03 pm
Read what LGE has to say:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/5/nation/4260095&sec=nation
Makes sense …
#26 by KennyGan on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 7:27 pm
Hindraf’s method of settling problems with a stroke of the pen is infantile and short-sighted. What Waytha is suggesting is that the state govt. take over by force using the Land Acquisition Act and force the developer to accept a way below market price.
There are 3 things wrong with this. Firstly, this will make PR no better than BN. The Penang govt will come off as a bully who can grab private land for a song. Secondly, it will cause fear to other landowners and potential investors. Thirdly, the compensation offered can be challenged in court and Penang govt. may lose.
The reality is that the villagers have already lost their land. Yes, the Court may have been unfair (Augustine Paul was one of the judges) but it is still a court decision. The only way now as LGE suggested is to negotiate for an agreeable compensation from the developer. If they want to vent their emotion, go and bang on the gates of Gerakan.
The Penang govt can help by twisting the developer’s arm as it can withhold approval of building plans. If the villagers stubbornly refuse to move or demand unreasonable compensation, then there’s not much the Penang govt can do except leave them to the mercy of the developer.
#27 by SpeakUp on Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 10:26 pm
KennyGan … to withhold building plans when its properly submitted is a bad move. Show’s that they are bullies too. The villagers as you pointed out have had their day in court and have emerged the losing party. The law takes its own course now. Outcome is not nice but that is the way the cookie crumbles.
If the facts in recent articles about there being a trust is true, its too late also. A decision has been made in the Federal Court, if that was not argued then tough luck. It cannot be brought up by the villagers now. Its called res judicata … a Latin term for “a matter already judged”. Basically, case closed.
For all we know, maybe there is no trust, only some joker who says there seems to be one. I am sure the villagers’ lawyers cannot be that bad or dumb not to raise it, with evidence of course.
#28 by lizzie on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 10:00 am
I feel perhaps the people of Penang have a right to speak up on the matter…. The amount to save the land for the sake of the 300 families who have stayed on the land for 200 years, would surely cost the penang people.
I read in the papers that the developer had offered each family RM200,000. With 300 families, that would work out to RM60 million. Now, if the developer could pay RM60 mil to move the residents out, how much do you think the developer would need to paid if they are to be ‘persuaded’ to give up the land?
More disturbing was rumours flying around, that the residents were demanding a payment of RM600,000 each. Now that would cost RM180 million. Even half that, it would be RM90 million. So when the Hindraf claims that the land can be saved with just RM30 million, who are they fooling… or perhaps, they did not do the sums?
I only wish that the Hindraf and the activists had taken a firmer stand and strong stance when Dr Koh Tsu Khoon and the BN were in power… If they had signed off the land to croonies, maybe, who knows, they with the stroke of a pen, can persuade the developer to give up the land..
As an outsider, I would not want to judge… But the people of Penang will have to bear the grunt of the consequence, shld the CM do what the Hindraf and residents ask…. For the entire state to be bankrupt so that 300 families can have what was stolen from them (but regretably been done legally, since the MACC has not have found any wrong doing so far concerning past acts of the Gerakan govt).
About time the people of Penang speak up as well, becuz this is not just about the 300 families, or the Indian communities, but every penangite.
#29 by SpeakUp on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 10:32 am
Reports are that only about 30 families affected now. Unsure if there is more who have not spoken up.
#30 by SpeakUp on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 12:27 pm
Be a typical hard politician without thinking of public relations and this happens:
http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/23986/84/
Now BN will steal the thunder and no one will say its because KTK caused it. If a solution is given then the villagers will sing the praises of BN. High time PR politicians learn about what “PR” really is and what it can do.
#31 by dawsheng on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 12:36 pm
The Penang state government should make public the official numbers and figures in the case of Kampung Buah Pala. How many families are affected by the current land scam occurred during Koh Tsu Kun’s watch, is it 30, 43 or 300, how many more land scam are under investigation, and why are there so many conflicting reports, claims and counter-claims on the amount of compensation, status of land and the court jurisdiction?
Also, the state government must also clarify and rebut the claims that under the National Land Code and the use of Land Acquisition Act to forcibly acquire the land on the ground of public interest, that the Chief Minister has the power to supersede Federal Court judgement, is not true, that if the CM proceed to act as demanded by the residents, his action is close if not, a classic example of abuse of position and power.
I hope that the Penang state government will provide a satisfactory report with regard to the case of Kampung Buah Pala and other similar cases under its purview ASAP, so to avoid the current issue being taken out of context, and use as an advantage by the state’s political enemies to further confuse Penangites and Malaysian in general.
#32 by SpeakUp on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 12:47 pm
Dawsheng … what you say here shows you have no comprehension of the law and all. Just another forumer who regurgitates what he reads all over the net and what he hears in the coffee shop but you want to tell people that they do not know the facts?
If there is any illegality its too late, the villagers should raise it in their case against the developers, its not for the CM/State Government to do it as he is not the aggrieved party. A Federal Court order stands and stop saying its full of corrupt judges. The judges will not be interested to be corrupt in this case, not worth their trouble ok.
The CM DOES NOT have any powers that SUPERSEDES the courts, not even the Magistrates Court. He is BELOW the judiciary in this instance.
You say the CM needs to act as what the LOSING residents want? WOW!!! Then lawless la … why go to court? BN does that and we all used to scream blue murder. So now can la for those villagers? Make more exceptions issit?
Use compulsory acquisition in this case? If LGE does that to appease 30 families then you will see Penang devoid of investors. Let’s see what happens then. Also, no need to pay for the land issit? Idi Amin rules Penang issit?
You talk so much without looking into depth at all. Please la … not so simple ok.
#33 by SpeakUp on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 4:08 pm
Finally, a glimmer of facts:
http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/23991/84/
Look at PAS here, they are not antagonistic, they say that Thomas and gang should not be blamed as they are only involved at the tail end of things. This is being fair.
Best of all I like this:
“Pada tahun 80-an, berhampiran pusat penyembelihan itu juga terdapat pusat penyembelihan lembu dan kerbau. Apabila diarahkan berpindah oleh pihak berkuasa tempatan setelah tempat tersebut dianggap tidak sesuai, mereka berpindah tanpa banyak soal. Tiada pihak pun yang melakukan provokasi perkauman.”
Looks like the piggy businessmen are being unreasonable. :)
#34 by shortie kiasu on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 5:39 pm
Understanding the background and current status of the land issue involved here in Kg Buah Pala, the best solution for the residents now is to move on by taking the compensation package offered by the State government.
The resident should better where they stand and the Federal Court had decided on their case after all due process.
Creating unrest and mentioning threats is unbecoming of them and will reflect poor on their character and their groups.
#35 by SpeakUp on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 5:52 pm
shortie … you have to be ‘crazy’ to saw they should move on, now they will go on a NATIONWIDE CHARITY DRIVE to collect money so they can BUY the land at a fair value. It will be supported by HINDRAF. You do not seem to understand that this is their God given right to live there to tend their cows la. :)
#36 by alhafar on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 6:23 pm
I may have missed something in this but how come no one protested when Gerakan was in charge? Did the residents of Kg Pala JUST ONLY realised their land was to be developed? HINDRAF is fast losing my respect. PR, however, does need intensive training in grassroots communications and public relations, if recent PR disasters have been anything to learn from.
#37 by dawsheng on Monday, 6 July 2009 - 9:38 pm
what you say here shows you have no comprehension of the law and all. Just another forumer who regurgitates what he reads all over the net and what he hears in the coffee shop but you want to tell people that they do not know the facts? – SpeakUp
Care to read again my last comment?