Major newspapers reported that the Penang State Government was disappointed with the federal government's decision to shelve the RM2 billion Penang Monorail and RM1.5 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) in the 9th Malaysia Plan. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called it "irresponsible and detrimental to the state economy".
I think this is very good news for Penangites. The Pakatan State govt can now have a clean slate to prove itself by coming up with a first class blueprint on public transport. I was never impressed with the two projects. The main concern was the awarding of the contracts. The second was the quality; and the third was the maintenance aspect. Anil through his blog has initiated trams, but I think trolley buses are a better choice. With trolley buses, you don't have to lay new and expensive tracks which also will pose danger to the many motor-bikes. The trolley buses can use the existing roads. Wallah! Save money, save petrol, save time and save journey!!
Some others got fed-up and wish for a "third force" to be in the local political scene. A third alternative at this point in time may spell disaster, and BN (UMNO) may again gain grounds with the split votes. This will be a great tragedy for the nation. As I said before in the worst scenario, it’s better to have 2 devils than one. Such is the present political battle ground.
Some sources were disappointed with the DAP in Penang, and alleged that there were 3-4 camps in KOMTAR now. Each with its own personal agenda to fulfill? It was the same cliche, "Apparently they have forgotten about the people who put them there!”.
My opinion is that under our present political culture (which is not much to shout about), I am not surprised the above is happening. Which political party or which government is 100% squeaky clean? Since we are “beggars” now, there is not much for us to choose. Jeff Ooi is a figure of contention in one of the forums which ran to 13 pages going no where and the admin decided to close the thread. The forumers were so disappointed and angry that a new thread was started call "Why Jeff Ooi's thread was closed?"
As for Penang, until we can have the good fortune of effective leaders like Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, it will just be pipe dream for wanting a CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) Government. I came across through blogosphere that there may be such a person who is reflected in his esteemed Blog.
Right now I will just be contented to have a mongrel that can bark loud when strangers approach!
What say you?
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