Pulau Jerejak debate

The game is on in Penang, LGE Vs KTK.... this time is on Pulau Jerrejak, another white elephant...



The other side:

Former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has blamed three international incidents for the financial loss suffered by the state government in the Pulau Jerejak tourism development project.

He cited the global financial crisis, the Sept 11 tragedy in the United States in 2001 and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003 for the loss.

Dr Koh, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, was responding to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who had urged him to explain the alleged RM30mil losses incurred by the state government in the redevelopment of Pulau Jerejak into an island resort.

“The financial condition was unstable in 1997 and 1998. When 9/11 happened, people did not want to travel for a year,” he said after opening a workshop for Penang Barisan Nasional leaders at Pantai Jerejak Resort on Sunday.

Dr Koh said UDA Holdings Bhd was willing to cooperate with the state government to develop the place.

“I have contacted UDA chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and he is interested in its revival. The project, which is still in its first phase did not progress to the next phase due to the 2008 political tsunami.

“There are four phases in the project. This will turn the island into a rainforest resort,” he said.

It had been reported that the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and UDA were involved in the joint venture to develop the Tropical Island Resort (TIR) on the island.

The PDC holds a 49% stake in TIR while UDA Holdings holds the remaining stake.

Dr Koh said Barisan would be ready if Lim decided to take a positive or negative approach on the matter.

“I’m really annoyed over this and we will play the game until the end. The ball is now in his court,” he said.

(source: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com)

That is good news, both are ready for the game. A long waiting report cards for Pulau Jerejak...

The game should be played fairly by the two CMs, a high level debate. We anticipate for more disclosure and more accountability; not only 911, and SARs, these are factors that did not adversely affected the state, at least no long term effect. Moreover it affect all tourism industry, but for short term, plane still fly, people still travel. Just look at Phuket of Thailand and Bali,Indonesia, they recover fast from the Tsunami and Terrorist attack. But Pulau Jerejak is still affect by 911 and SARs?....for 18 years? someone said it make my toe laugh.....

By the way, ask Penang lang, who have been to Pulau Jerejak? Many have been to Sentosa Island in Singapore where their latest development project have start to earn tourism money......

What is the feedback from Penang lang when the project started?....

To look at the island, just stand in front of Queensbay Mall, look at the green island we once have, is it still beautiful or an eye sore?...and it had been 18 years...

Let us open our eyes and see how the game end....