Yahudi Road (Jalan Zainal Abidin) & SM Zainal Abidin
The Jalan Zainal Abidin(再纳阿比汀路) is located between Burma Road and Macalister Road. It is within the rectangular grid between Penang Road, Burma Road, Anson Road and Macalister Road. The entrance at Burma Road is directly facing Kedah Road. Joined with Madras Lane(油较路) by "Z" shape lane, and connected with Lorong Selamat(平安巷) by a straight lane.
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Jalan Zainal Abidin was originally known as Yahudi Road. It got its name from the Jewish presence in the area, a reminder of which being the Jewish Cemetery along the road. It was later changed to Jalan Zainal Abidin, named after SM Zainal Abidin, BA (Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin), retired Inspector of Malay Schools, Penang and politician.
The two most important landmarks are Jewish Cemetery and the 10 storey Menara UMNO(or UMNO Complex), a headquarter of Penang UMNO political party. Incidentally, the two names,Yahudi Road & Jalan Zainal Abidin were related to the two landmarks. Zainal Abidin was the UMNO Penang chairman.
Background of Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin(also known as SM Zainal Abidin, Zainal Abidin b. Sutan Maidin)(b 3/10/1898- ?)
Haji S.M. Zainul Abidin was born on 3rd October 1898 at 167, Argyll Road (Formally known as Cakela Lane), Penang. He was the fourth son of Puan Tangcima and Tuan A.P. Sultan Mydin.
He had his early education in Chowrasta School, Penang in 1903 and then he continued his education to Penang Free School till he passed the Senior Cambridge at the age of 16.
Due to his vast interest in the teaching profession, he became a trainee teacher at Penang Free School in 1915. He was the School Captain of Penang Free School from 1917 – 1918. After normal training, he served in the same school in 1918. As a teacher, he was a strict disciplinarian but popular among the students. It was reported that Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia was one of his students.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was also a dedicated scout master. He was bestowed with "Medal of Merit" and was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Scout. He used the rules and regulation of scouting as his guidance.
One very special attribute of Haji Zainul Abidin was his prowess in mastering many languages such as Malay, English, Latin, Tamil, French, Japanese and Arabic.
Due to his enthusiasm to succeed in education, he enrolled in an out-campus programme with the University of London. He was the first Malay student to be honoured with B.A (Hon) Londonin 1935. In line with his success, he was appointed as the headmaster of Francis Light School in Penang in 1938. In 1945, he became the school inspectorate in Prai.
Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin became well-known in the political arena when he went against the Malayan Union in 1946. With a few friends he set up UMNO Penang. Unfortunately, as a civil servant he was not allowed to be active in politics. After retiring in 1953, he became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang. He won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election. He was offered the post of Education Minister but he declined as he did not want to leave Penang. In his 11 years tenure in Penang, he managed to build UMNO house in Macalister Road.
Due to his vast experience and qualification, Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin was appointed as a member of University Court (Universiti Malaya) for several years. He was also a committee member of Razak Report and Rahman Talib Report and also a member of Alliance Council. He was also involved in the setting of Bahasa Baku Melayu/Indonesia.
In economics, he was active in Penang Malays' Co-operative Society as the president. This co-operative managed to build the first flat in Taman Abidin, Perak Road, Penang in 1973.
Despite is challenging career, he could find time for his interest. He was good in tennis,billiard, chess and draught. He was also a judo exponent until he got a black belt and became an instructor. He also wrote many books. In his free time he indulged in cooking,reading and concorted traditional medicines. His interest in music could be seen through his composition and setting up of 'Dar-Es-Salam Harmonian Party' band headed by him together with his children. He was also a member of Penang Wireless Society which used Penang Radio Station as the headquarter. He became the announcer for the Malay section managing the news and song request. During the Japanese Occupation he was appointed as the station supervisor for Radio Penang.
As appreciation for his contribution, he was bestowed the "Darja Johan Mangku Negara(DJMN) and JP or Justice of Peace(Jaksa Pendamai)medals.
(source: http://smkhzapenang.blogspot.com/2009/08/background-of-haji-sm-zainul-abidin.html)
Family
SM Haniff, elder brother of SM Zainal Abidin
The late Muhammad Yusof b Sultan Maidin or SM Yusoff, brother, was office assistant Education Office, Penang
SM Zainal Abidin & Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena Malaya(PASPAM)
The first national conference of Sahabat Pena, a pen-pal club, was held at Sunlight Muslim Association, 212 Kota Road, Taiping on 11 November 1934. It was "the first pan-Malayan Malay gathering of a non-official kind ever held." Among those present were Syed Alwi bin Syed Sheikh al-Hadi, S.M. Zainal Abidin and Sheikh Abdullah al-Maghribi, literary figures and Kaum Muda Islamic reformist leaders who were later to become prominent in the Malay nationalist movement. One of Islamic reformist Syeikh Abdullah Magribi was elected as Penasihat Umum(general advisor); SM Zainal Abidin was elected as Yang Dipertua(President) and Syed Alwi al-Hadi was General Secretary(Setiausaha Agung).
SM Zainal Abidin & Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang(PEMENANG)
Penang Malay Association or Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang is an association in Penang. Also known by its acronym PEMENANG, the association has its headquarters at an Art Deco bungalow at 60, Jalan Pemenang, formerly part of Cantonment Road.
The Penang Malay Association traces its history to the gathering held at the home of local Malay millionaire Mohamad Ariff Tajuddin(or popularly known as Mohamad Ariff) at Hutton Lane (across the road from Masjid Jamek Jalan Hatin) on a Sunday afternoon in March 27th, 1927. The gathering was attended by members of the Malay intellectuals and property owners. The members discussed the setting up of an organisation to look after the interest of the Malays in Penang and to protect their religion under British administration.
In the 1970's, the state government under Dr Lim Chong Eu granted the association a plot of land at the junction of Anson Road and Macalister Road, where they built Bangunan Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang, a four-storey shoplot. The building, at 117 Jalan Macalister today houses a car showroom on the ground floor.
(source: http://www.penang-traveltips.com/penang-malay-association_pemenang.htm)
SM Zainal Abidin was the President of Penang Malay Association between 1948 - 1951.
SM Zainal & UMNO(The United Malays National Organisation)
After the British returned to Malaya in the aftermath of World War II, the Malayan Union was formed. However, the Union was met with much opposition due to its constitutional framework, which allegedly threatened Malay sovereignty over Malaya. A series of Malay congresses were held, culminating in the formation of the nationalist party, UMNO on May 11, 1946 at the Third Malay Congress in Johor Bahru, with Datuk Onn Jaafar as its leader. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was among the 41 Malay societies to the Malay Congress, the three representatives from Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang were Tuan Yusoff Izuddin as Yang Di Pertua(or President), Tuan Haji Taha Ali, and Tuan Mohamad Zain bin Ahmad(Master Zain).
1946 - On April 1, 1946 the Malayan Union officially came into existence with Sir Edward Gent as its governor. The capital of the Union was Kuala Lumpur.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang had participated with other establishment and institutions in Kongres Melayu or Malay Congress, under the leadership of Dato Onn bin Jaafar was held at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampong Baru, Kuala Lumpur from 1st to 4th Mac 1946. The result of the congress that was attended by 41 society and institution, establishment , it was resolved that a national organization to be formed, and to be named Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (PEKEMBAR) or United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
After the completion of registration , in the second Malay Congress held at Istana Besar, Johor Baru between 11th and 12th May 1946, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (UMNO) was officially announced established on 11th May 1946.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang was one of the 40 establishment and societies that was accepted as Foundation Member( Ahli Pengasas) of UMNO on 11 Mei 1946. With the acceptance of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang as UMNO alliance member( Ahli Gabungan UMNO), all 2,000 members of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang become direct member of UMNO.
UMNO strongly opposed the Malayan Union, but originally did not seek political power. The Malayan Union was a federation of the Malay states and the Straits Settlements of Penang and Malacca. It was the successor to British Malaya and was conceived to unify the Malay Peninsula under a single government so as to simplify administration.
UMNO was comfortable with continuing to play its supporting role to the British rulers. The leaders cooperated with the British and helped to defeat the communist insurgency.
1948 – The Federation of Malaya (Persekutuan Tanah Melayu), a federation of 11 states formed on 31 January 1948, based on Federation of Malaya Agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on 21 January 1948. Comprising the nine Malay states and the British settlements of Penang and Malacca. It went into effect on 1st February 1948.
When UMNO annual conference was held at Francis Light School, Penang on 24th April 1948, it was agreed that direct membership vide the membership of alliance institutions (AhIi Berdaftar Terus, yakni menerusi Persatuan-Persatuan Bergabung) to be terminated, and branches to be established in various states of Malaya.
After the formation of the UMNO branch in Penang, Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang resolved that the society will not involve in political activities, but only concentrated their activities in social, religion, culture art, of Malay community in Penang.
Leaders of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang who were appointed as office bearer in UMNO Malaya were Tuan S M Zainul Abidin had been Pengerusi Tetap Persidangan Agung UMNO Malaya when UMNO was having their annual conferences at Francis Light School, Penang on 1946 and 1948. Tuan S M Aidid was Economic & Treasury officer(Pegawai Ekonomi dan Kewangan), and eventually become Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya in 1948, Captain Mohamed Noor Bin Mohamed was appointed as Treasurer(Bendahari) UMNO Malaya to succeed Tuan S M Aidid in 1950.
1951 - In 1951, Onn Jaafar left UMNO after failing to open its membership to non-Malay Malayans to form the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP). Tunku Abdul Rahman replaced Dato' Onn as UMNO President.
1953 - After retiring in 1953, SM Zainal Abidi became active again in politics until he headed UMNO Penang under the presidency of his former pupil, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
1955 - SM Zainal Abidi won the parliamentary seat in Balik Pulau in the 1955 election
Legacies
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin再纳阿比汀中学
Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965. It was later renamed Haji Zainal Abidin Secondary School, named after a teacher, SM Zainal Abidin.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin was located formally at Scotland Road, Penang. It was opened in 1965 as an extension school. Six other extension schools were also transferred to this school at that time. It was then transformed into a lower secondary school with the name Scotland Road Secondary School with a student population of about 726.
In 1967, the school was officiated by the then cheif minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee. 1986 saw an increase in the number of students to 1371. In 1972 the name of the school was changed to Haji Zainul Abidin School in rememberance to the noble deed of a local Malay educationist who is none other than Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin bin Sultan Mydin of Penang.
On 12th Sep 2009 Sekolah Haji Zainul Abidin, Jalan Scotland officially transferred to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor. SHZA then relocated to Jalan Hamilton and was known as SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin). It is now located at Jalan Hamilton Jelutong, Penang.
Taman Abidin and Jalan Zainul Abidin are the other legacies.
Jewish Cemetery in Yahudi Road, Penang
The first contact between Jews and the inhabitants of Malaya (later part of Malaysia) goes back to the 9th century A.D. on the riverbanks of the Bujang Valley, and later well into the 18th Century A.D. in the cosmopolitan bazaars of Malacca. The presence of Sephardic Baghdadi Jews in Penang probably occurred in the turn of the 19th century as the fledgling British ruled entreport grew and attracted Jewish trading families like the Sassoons and Meyers from India. There was also significant emigration of Jews from the Ottoman province of Baghdad as a result of the persecutions of the Governor, Daud Pasha whose rule lasted from 1817 to 1831.
The Malaysian Jews consist mainly of Oriental Jews (the majority of whom are Baghdadi Jews), with the rest being European Jews (Ashkenazi Jews) and possibly Chinese Jews, who fled from Kaifeng, China, during the Communist take-over of mainland China from the Nationalist Chinese in 1949.
The presence of Jewish cemetery revealed the harmony of the area before WW2, with people from various communities living peacefully together, practicing different religions. Mosques, churches and temples are nearby, especially along Burma Road . There were Malays, Indian Muslim, Jawa Peranakan, Indian, Chinese, Indonesian(Acheh,Java, Rawa etc). The cemetery was established in 1805, by the Legislative Council, opened by Rev Ezekiel Menassah, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Penang,Phillip Dundas(d 1807, Penang).
After WW2, most of the Jews left the place for Singapore , Australia or other places due to political climate changes.
Recommended articles/websites;
1. Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (PEMENANG), http://pemenang.org.my/sejara/sejarah.html
2. Malayan Union, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Union
3. United Malays National Organisation, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Malays_National_Organisation
4. UMNO official website; http://www.umno-online.com/
5. Federation of Malaya, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_of_Malaya
6. My earlier blog dated Sunday, April 12, 2009, Jewish Cemetery in Penang; http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2009/04/jew-cemetry-in-penang.html
7. A Penang Kaddish: The Jewish Cemetery in Georgetown, http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/rart_doc/RaimyCheRoss.pdf
8. Jewish Cemetery, http://www.penang-traveltips.com/jewish-cemetery.htm
9. The Jewish Virtual History Tour Malaysia ; http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/malaysia.html
Sunday, April 24, 2011
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin, had strange history for a school.
1. It had changed name twice, from Scotland Road Secondary School, then to Haji Zainul Abidin School, and now SMK Haji Zainul Abidin.
2. It was formed by 6 extension schools, namely Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown(Georgetown Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong(Tanjong Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister(Macalister Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei(Kelawei Road Extension Secondary School) and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor(Glugor Extension Secondary School). It was originally a lower secondary school, classes from Remove to Form 3, preparing students for LCE(Lower Certificate of Education).
3. It moved from the original school location at Scotland Road(which the original name was based) to now the Jalan Halminton Road, giving way to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor, a residential religious school.
4. It was the school that admit students with special needs, e.g. visually disabled students.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin indeed had a unique history, that no other school will experience.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin(再纳阿比汀中学)
Scotland Road Secondary School(1965-1972)
Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965.
View Larger Map
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin was located formally at Scotland Road, Penang. It was opened in 1965 to formalize the 6 extension schools into a lower secondary school. It was known as Scotland Road Secondary School with a student population of about 726.
In 1967, the school was officiated by the then cheif minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee.
Haji Zainul Abidin School(1972-2009)
In 1972 the name of the school was changed to Haji Zainul Abidin School in rememberance to the noble deed of a local Malay educationist who is none other than Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin bin Sultan Mydin of Penang.
In 1982, students with low vision were also placed in this school via a programme known as Blind Students Assimilation Programme and it was the first school in Penang to have such a programme. Blind and low vision students will study together with normal sighted students using the same curriculum and classrooms. This is to ensure that visually disabled students were able to be part of society and be independence when they leave school.
In 1985, Haji Zainul Abidin school became a full-fledged secondary school, and in 1986 112 pioneer students took the SPM examination for the first time.
1986 saw an increase in the number of students to 1371.
SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin)2009 until now
On 12th Sep 2009 Sekolah Haji Zainul Abidin, Jalan Scotland officially transferred to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor. SHZA then relocated to Jalan Hamilton and was known as SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin).
It is now located at Jalan Hamilton Jelutong, Penang
View Larger Map
1. It had changed name twice, from Scotland Road Secondary School, then to Haji Zainul Abidin School, and now SMK Haji Zainul Abidin.
2. It was formed by 6 extension schools, namely Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown(Georgetown Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong(Tanjong Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister(Macalister Extension Secondary School), Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei(Kelawei Road Extension Secondary School) and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor(Glugor Extension Secondary School). It was originally a lower secondary school, classes from Remove to Form 3, preparing students for LCE(Lower Certificate of Education).
3. It moved from the original school location at Scotland Road(which the original name was based) to now the Jalan Halminton Road, giving way to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor, a residential religious school.
4. It was the school that admit students with special needs, e.g. visually disabled students.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin indeed had a unique history, that no other school will experience.
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin(再纳阿比汀中学)
Scotland Road Secondary School(1965-1972)
Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Westland(Westland Extension Secondary School), which together with Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Georgetown, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Tanjong, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan MaCalister, Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Jalan Kelawei and Sekolah Menengah Lanjutan Glugor to form a new lower secondary school on 11th January 1965, the name of the school is Scotland Road Secondary School, named after the road nearby. The first headmaster was Mr. Lim San Hoe who was transferred from Westland Secondary School on 1st January 1965.
View Larger Map
SMK Haji Zainul Abidin was located formally at Scotland Road, Penang. It was opened in 1965 to formalize the 6 extension schools into a lower secondary school. It was known as Scotland Road Secondary School with a student population of about 726.
In 1967, the school was officiated by the then cheif minister of Penang, YAB Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee.
Haji Zainul Abidin School(1972-2009)
In 1972 the name of the school was changed to Haji Zainul Abidin School in rememberance to the noble deed of a local Malay educationist who is none other than Tuan Haji Zainul Abidin bin Sultan Mydin of Penang.
In 1982, students with low vision were also placed in this school via a programme known as Blind Students Assimilation Programme and it was the first school in Penang to have such a programme. Blind and low vision students will study together with normal sighted students using the same curriculum and classrooms. This is to ensure that visually disabled students were able to be part of society and be independence when they leave school.
In 1985, Haji Zainul Abidin school became a full-fledged secondary school, and in 1986 112 pioneer students took the SPM examination for the first time.
1986 saw an increase in the number of students to 1371.
SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin)2009 until now
On 12th Sep 2009 Sekolah Haji Zainul Abidin, Jalan Scotland officially transferred to Sekolah Menengah Agama Lelaki Al-Manshoor. SHZA then relocated to Jalan Hamilton and was known as SMKHZA(SMK Haji Zainul Abidin).
It is now located at Jalan Hamilton Jelutong, Penang
View Larger Map
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Jawi Peranakan, the Malays of Penang
Jawi Peranakan, the Malays of Penang
Utusan Malaysia 27/5/2004
PENANG - "Mami ... Who's that crying mami?"
"Ooo..that's mami's child ... her name Chom Bee ..."
This is the dialogue line in the Malay film `Ibu Mertuaku' directed and starred by the nation' silver screen idol, the late Tan Sri P.Ramlee, portraying the life of a Jawi Peranakan or Jawi Pekan family in Penang.
Chom Bee is the contraction for the name Kalsom Bee in the Jawi Peranakan community. They have left their legacy in the country's history, they were the ones who introduced boria, published the first daily - Jawi Peranakan - and even were highly regarded by the British colonial masters. Just who are these people?
The Jawi Peranakan ethnic group, also known as "anak mami Tanjong", came into existence through inter marriages between the Malay community and migrants from India who settled down here during the colonial period.
From the sociological point of view, the Jawi Peranakan community is the result of a long amalgamation process whereby different ethnic groups combined biologically and culturally giving rise to a new group with its own unique identity.
Today, the easiest way to identify them are from their last or first names "Shaikh", "Khan", "Shah", "Merican" dan "Mah Wan". Differentiating them physically is difficult as they share similarities in looks, customs and traditions with the Malays and often branded as the Malays of Penang.
The president of the Penang Malay Association Datuk Mohamad Yusof Latiff said, the evolution of the Jawi Peranakan ethnic group began in 1800s when Penang was developing fast as commercial hub and a strategic port.
"During the British colonial period, ships from India came to the Island bringing spices and traders of Indian Muslim origin who later settled down in the island," he said.
With the passage of time this settlers gradually assimilated with the Malays. They married the local Malay women and adopted the Malay language, the Malay customs and tradition along with their own traditions.
Yusoff said, this combination of Malaysian and Indian culture over time created a notable culture and remained exclusive as until 1970s the majority of the Malay Peranakan people would only marry within their clan.
They speak the Malay loghat with some of the words neither found in the Indian or the Malay languages.
Among the words in their vocabulary are "siru" (show off, proud off), "haprak" (useless fellow), "kamjat" (useless), "peran" (mask), "kolom" (old fashioned, not neat), "merudum" (drastik fall), "cempera" (strewn, commotion), "balqo salam" (stupid), "ghoplah" (problematic, confusing), "lokoih" (wet). "arbok" (now pronounced as bohsia) and "ser" (lack sanity).
The same goes to pronouns like "cek" (me and you during conversation between an older and a younger person), "ba" (father), "kuntom" (relatives), "nana" (elder brother), "aci" (elder sister), "mami" (aunt) "mamu" and "mamak" (uncle).
For the Jawi Peranakan community Tamil is an alien language although the tone and the syntax has some resemblance to that language.
The Jawi Peranakan community added flavour to the nations rich gourmet offerings with their own blend of Indian and Malay cuisines. Johara Bee Abdul Rahman, 50, a chef, when met said the Jawi Peranakan people enjoy spicy thick curries added with "halba campur", an assortment of spices blended together.
Their `dalca' (curry made from lentil) is normally spiced up with "kas-kas" imported from India to enhance the taste. The members of the community normally have rice for lunch and bread for dinner and breakfast.
Among pastry of the community that Malaysians may be familiar with are "bamia" (made from flour, coconut milk, sugar and a kind of vermecelli known as semmia), bengkang suji and the `kuih cha'.
Even their houses follow a unique design - double storey houses half masonry and half wood with concrete staircase at the front. Another feature of their homes are the spacious verandah where visitors outside family are entertained.
The songkok or tarbus and the coat distinguishes a married man and the long kebaya the married women. For those unmarried damsels, they can be identified through their short kebaya.
An interesting feature to be noted among the women folk of the Jawi Peranakan people are that the dressing must be of the same colour from the shoes up to their hair ribbon.
Their priority for education were even recognised by the colonial masters. Due to their educational achievements many were given awards and entrusted with key positions. There were also well known figures in the education field who later became among the first Malays to hold key positions in the colonial government.
Among them were Abdullah Ariff, Aisha Hanum Dadameah, S.M.Zainal Abidin, Abdul Hamid Khan, Basha Merican Omar Merican, K.Sultan Merican.
The same goes to the businessmen from the community who were highly regarded by the colonial masters for their businesses acumen and philanthropy. One must take note that their financial contribution helped the British government to set up the first piped water system from Waterfall (now known as Taman Botani).
Among the prominent Jawi Peranakan businessmen in the state in 1800s were M.M. Noordin the owner of Noordin Estate in Seberang Perai who was known for his wealth and philanthropy and as a mark of respect the colonial government appointed him as the Penang Municipal Council (PMC) President and justice of peace.
His import-export business was thriving and he was so rich that he even employed a few British citizens to work in his household. The British who got wind of this and in order to save the embarrassment arrested the British employees and repatriated them back to England.
Another Jawi Peranakan tycoon, Ariff Wanchee Ariffin Mohamed owned so much land and buildings in the town and donated some to Penang Municipal Council and the State Islamic Council. The land donated to PMC today covers Jalan Ariffin dan Halaman Ariffin and the two mosque that he build carries his name Wanchee Ariffin.
Shaik Abdul Ghani a prominent son of the community became the first Malay navigator even before the Penang Port Authority came into existence. He amassed a vast fortune and owned real estates in Lorong Selamat and Jalan Burmah.
The Jawi Peranakan people were highly respected by the community due to the achievements and their status. They remained as a close knit clan until the 70s and this helped safeguard their heritage and traditions. Nevertheless, with intermarriages with the local Malays, there are fears that in time to come the Jawi Peranakan community would lose their distinct identity for good.
(Source - Bernama
Aboo Sittee Lane
Aboo Sittee Lane, Mamak Pushi & Bangsawan
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Aboo Sittee Lane located at the side road between Macalister Road and Burma Road.
I do not know who is Aboo Sittee, but it sound like an Indian Muslim name, or may be Jawi Peranakan. Abu means Father or 'Father of ...'. For example, 'Abu Ahmed' means Father of Ahmed. In Arab countries most people are called Abu X, (where X is the name of the first son or daughter,) by people who know them, instead of their official name. Abu is an Arabic term meaning "father." It is used as a "kunya," an honorific that incorporates the bearer's firstborn child's name into the bearer's own. For instance, if the bearer's firstborn son is called Hakim, the bearer might take the name "Abu Hakim." أبو كريم "Abu Karim" for "father of Karim"
Sittee is Arabic word for grandmother, Abu sittee is the meaning of father of grandmother? Or the father of the person with name of Sittee? But it seems that Sittee should be a female name, like Siti? But as father of Siti, it become a male name......who is Aboo Sittee?......
Among the Chinese, Aboo Sittee Lane was known as Samseng Hang(三星巷, 三牲巷), or Gangster Alley, because it was where Chinese hooligans used to group there. Literally 三牲巷 mean three animals lane, why three animals? Is is the place for the butchers? ; 三星巷 means three stars lane, this may be the simplified version of 三牲巷. In Chinese it sound like Samseng Hang in Hockkien, Samseng means gangster, hang means lane, the name become gangster lane. Which name is earlier Chinese name? Samseng first or later?. The official name, Abu Sittee Lane has no link with its Chinese name, Samseng Hang by Hockkien Chinese?. There must be many gang members or samseng in the area.....
During the period, a number of Georgetown streets became centres of Muslim gangster activities. Chulia Street, Hutton Lane, Macalister Road, Dato Kramat, Malay Street, Argyll Road, Burma Road, Abu Sittee Lane, Kimberley Street, Queen Street, Campbell Street and Pinang Road all earned notorious reputation for such activities. The area from the junction of Jalan Bahru to Anson Road and up to Kramat Road was Jalan Bahru White Flag territories.(source: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Volume 72, 1999, by Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Malaysian Branch). May be the Chinese called it Samseng Hang due to the Muslim gangster in the area....There were two Mohamedan secret societies at Penang; the White Flag Society and its rival the Red Flag. In the Moharram in May 1867, the White Flag Society quarreled with the Red Flag. Full-scale riots broke out in 1867 after a member of the White Flag Society reportedly flung a rambutan skin at one of his rivals. Fighting escalated, knives replaced fruit peel, and hundreds were killed. It was called The Penang Riots in 1867, it was not a racial riots,as there were cooperation between different races group within both opposing parties. Ghee Hin and the White Flag(白旗會)of Masjid Pintal Tali; and Tua Pek Kong(or Kien Tek Society(督公,大伯公), which were mainly Hokkien) with Red Flag of Acheen Street area. Tua Pek Kong was the ally of Hai San. The riot was actually violence conflict or war between two commercially interest parties. The war last for 10 days, all activities in George Town was stopped during the period between 3-8-1867 to 14-8-1867.Penang R
The Malay however called it Lorong Pushi, because this place is the residential place of Mama Pushi, the father of Bangsawan.The name "Bangsawan", which means "nobility" is believed to have been given by Tunku Kudin. Then why the official name is not Lorong Pushi or Jalan Pushi? But some source said the name Aboo Sittee is the name of Mamak Pushi, the man who found Malay opera called Bangsawan in Penang. Mama Pushi, also known as Mamak Pushi and Mohamad Pusi (Edrus 1960:50-4). Mama Pushi was a wealthy Parsi from Penang. It is reported in the literature oh Malay theatre that the company he founded was thè first Malay Bangsawan to travel abroad. His troupe, known variously as 'Wayang Mama Pushi', 'Empress Victoria', 'Jawi Peranakan Theatrical Company', and 'Pushi Indera Bangsawan of Penang',
During an age where there was still no television, street operas and wandering theaters are a popular form of entertainment in early Penang, and even Malaya and Indonesia. It drew a following not only among the Malays, but also the Chinese population.
The Bangsawan opera traces its roots among the Indian Muslims. Indeed Abu Siti was also known by the nickname Mamak Pushi. His Bangsawan troupe, the Kumpulan Pusi Indera-Bangsawan, was formed in the 1890's and staged a touring concert throughout Malaya and Indonesia.
The 'trans-ethnic' theatre came to Indonesia from India through Malaysia (Penang). It was called Wayang Parsi by the Malays. For some reasons the troupe returned to India, and its manager sold the properties, costumes etc. to a Malay enterpreneur, Mohammad Pushi. Mohammad Pushi changed the name of the troupe into 'Bangsawan' (1885). The 'Bangsawan' was a professorial theatre and used Malay language in its performances. The repertoire consisted of local melodramas of kings, queens, princes, princesses and demons, tales from India or the Middle East. It is evident that the theatre was meant for entertainment. And as such it was well received by Malay-speaking and town-dwelling audience in Singapore and Sumatera (Indonesia). When it visited Java (Jakarta, then Batavia) it was not well received and failed financially. It was once again dissolved and sold to a Turk named Jaafar. Jaafar renamed the troupe 'Stamboel' (for Istamboel, the Turkish name for Constantinople). It was successful and another 'Stamboel' theatre was established in Surabaya (1891). The leader of this troupe was August Mahieu (of French-Indonesian parents) was born in Surabaya in 1860. He named his theatre Komedi Stamboel. To avoid the kind of failure suffered by the Bangsawan Theatre, he added to the repertoire the popular local (Indonesian) stories, such as Nyai Dasima, Si Conat, Oey Tambaksia, and stories from Shakespeare in adapted forms. It was assumed that he also used a Malay-dialect more acceptable to the Javanese, rather than the High or Court-Malay used in the Bangsawan Theatre. As a theatre it relied on glamourous costumes and gorgeous set, as for the acting it almost resembled the modern musicals of Broadway. Emotions were expressed through songs, and dances were important parts of the theatre. Though it used Malay language and was well received by many ethnic groups, it could not be classified as the national theatre, because it did not express the awareness and aspirations towards nationhood. The goal of the trans-ethnic theatre was financial, the method was entertainment. But from the point of view of the birth, growth and development of the Indonesian theatre, both the ethnic and trans-ethnic theatres are very important. They prepared the way for it.
(http://www.mindspring.com/~accra/indoXchange/rendraRef.html)
Masjid Tarik Air
Masjid Tarik Air is a small mosque along Burmah Road, George Town, just next to the entrance to Aboo Sittee Lane, off Burma Road. It dates to 1880, to a very different era when pipe water is not readily available in Penang.
In the old days, a battalion of water carriers would convey fresh water collected from the Waterfall (now the Botanical Gardens Waterfall) and carry it all the way to town. Bullock carts and oxen were used to transport the water from the Waterfall, but sometime coolies were carrying water pails on yokes. That is why Burmah Road is known in Hokkien as Gû-chhia-chuí(牛車水), which means bullock cart water. It was later called Chia Chooi Lor(車水路),which means the road of cart water, the word bull(牛)was deleted. May be at that time, no more bullock cart was used to carry water as aquaduct had been constructed. To cut short the street name to Chia chooi(車水), instead of Gu-chia-chui(牛車水), bull(牛) was then missing. The Malay called it Tarek Ayer(which means drawing water), and later Jalan Kereta Ayer, which means "water cart road". The water carriers and water carts were drawing water from the waterfall at Waterfall garden, later aquaduct was constructed from Waterfall to Leith Street, which ran along Burmah Rd.
Masjid Tarik Air was a resting place or stop for the coolies, many of whom were Indian Muslims. It was also the site where they perform their daily prayers before continuing on their journey to the town.
Coconut Stall
Coconut stalls at Aboo Sittee Lane is now a tourist attraction. It is a natural way of quenching your thirst, much better than drinking unhealthy soft drink, while you go walking in the city.
View Larger Map
Aboo Sittee Lane located at the side road between Macalister Road and Burma Road.
I do not know who is Aboo Sittee, but it sound like an Indian Muslim name, or may be Jawi Peranakan. Abu means Father or 'Father of ...'. For example, 'Abu Ahmed' means Father of Ahmed. In Arab countries most people are called Abu X, (where X is the name of the first son or daughter,) by people who know them, instead of their official name. Abu is an Arabic term meaning "father." It is used as a "kunya," an honorific that incorporates the bearer's firstborn child's name into the bearer's own. For instance, if the bearer's firstborn son is called Hakim, the bearer might take the name "Abu Hakim." أبو كريم "Abu Karim" for "father of Karim"
Sittee is Arabic word for grandmother, Abu sittee is the meaning of father of grandmother? Or the father of the person with name of Sittee? But it seems that Sittee should be a female name, like Siti? But as father of Siti, it become a male name......who is Aboo Sittee?......
Among the Chinese, Aboo Sittee Lane was known as Samseng Hang(三星巷, 三牲巷), or Gangster Alley, because it was where Chinese hooligans used to group there. Literally 三牲巷 mean three animals lane, why three animals? Is is the place for the butchers? ; 三星巷 means three stars lane, this may be the simplified version of 三牲巷. In Chinese it sound like Samseng Hang in Hockkien, Samseng means gangster, hang means lane, the name become gangster lane. Which name is earlier Chinese name? Samseng first or later?. The official name, Abu Sittee Lane has no link with its Chinese name, Samseng Hang by Hockkien Chinese?. There must be many gang members or samseng in the area.....
During the period, a number of Georgetown streets became centres of Muslim gangster activities. Chulia Street, Hutton Lane, Macalister Road, Dato Kramat, Malay Street, Argyll Road, Burma Road, Abu Sittee Lane, Kimberley Street, Queen Street, Campbell Street and Pinang Road all earned notorious reputation for such activities. The area from the junction of Jalan Bahru to Anson Road and up to Kramat Road was Jalan Bahru White Flag territories.(source: Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Volume 72, 1999, by Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Malaysian Branch). May be the Chinese called it Samseng Hang due to the Muslim gangster in the area....There were two Mohamedan secret societies at Penang; the White Flag Society and its rival the Red Flag. In the Moharram in May 1867, the White Flag Society quarreled with the Red Flag. Full-scale riots broke out in 1867 after a member of the White Flag Society reportedly flung a rambutan skin at one of his rivals. Fighting escalated, knives replaced fruit peel, and hundreds were killed. It was called The Penang Riots in 1867, it was not a racial riots,as there were cooperation between different races group within both opposing parties. Ghee Hin and the White Flag(白旗會)of Masjid Pintal Tali; and Tua Pek Kong(or Kien Tek Society(督公,大伯公), which were mainly Hokkien) with Red Flag of Acheen Street area. Tua Pek Kong was the ally of Hai San. The riot was actually violence conflict or war between two commercially interest parties. The war last for 10 days, all activities in George Town was stopped during the period between 3-8-1867 to 14-8-1867.Penang R
The Malay however called it Lorong Pushi, because this place is the residential place of Mama Pushi, the father of Bangsawan.The name "Bangsawan", which means "nobility" is believed to have been given by Tunku Kudin. Then why the official name is not Lorong Pushi or Jalan Pushi? But some source said the name Aboo Sittee is the name of Mamak Pushi, the man who found Malay opera called Bangsawan in Penang. Mama Pushi, also known as Mamak Pushi and Mohamad Pusi (Edrus 1960:50-4). Mama Pushi was a wealthy Parsi from Penang. It is reported in the literature oh Malay theatre that the company he founded was thè first Malay Bangsawan to travel abroad. His troupe, known variously as 'Wayang Mama Pushi', 'Empress Victoria', 'Jawi Peranakan Theatrical Company', and 'Pushi Indera Bangsawan of Penang',
During an age where there was still no television, street operas and wandering theaters are a popular form of entertainment in early Penang, and even Malaya and Indonesia. It drew a following not only among the Malays, but also the Chinese population.
The Bangsawan opera traces its roots among the Indian Muslims. Indeed Abu Siti was also known by the nickname Mamak Pushi. His Bangsawan troupe, the Kumpulan Pusi Indera-Bangsawan, was formed in the 1890's and staged a touring concert throughout Malaya and Indonesia.
The 'trans-ethnic' theatre came to Indonesia from India through Malaysia (Penang). It was called Wayang Parsi by the Malays. For some reasons the troupe returned to India, and its manager sold the properties, costumes etc. to a Malay enterpreneur, Mohammad Pushi. Mohammad Pushi changed the name of the troupe into 'Bangsawan' (1885). The 'Bangsawan' was a professorial theatre and used Malay language in its performances. The repertoire consisted of local melodramas of kings, queens, princes, princesses and demons, tales from India or the Middle East. It is evident that the theatre was meant for entertainment. And as such it was well received by Malay-speaking and town-dwelling audience in Singapore and Sumatera (Indonesia). When it visited Java (Jakarta, then Batavia) it was not well received and failed financially. It was once again dissolved and sold to a Turk named Jaafar. Jaafar renamed the troupe 'Stamboel' (for Istamboel, the Turkish name for Constantinople). It was successful and another 'Stamboel' theatre was established in Surabaya (1891). The leader of this troupe was August Mahieu (of French-Indonesian parents) was born in Surabaya in 1860. He named his theatre Komedi Stamboel. To avoid the kind of failure suffered by the Bangsawan Theatre, he added to the repertoire the popular local (Indonesian) stories, such as Nyai Dasima, Si Conat, Oey Tambaksia, and stories from Shakespeare in adapted forms. It was assumed that he also used a Malay-dialect more acceptable to the Javanese, rather than the High or Court-Malay used in the Bangsawan Theatre. As a theatre it relied on glamourous costumes and gorgeous set, as for the acting it almost resembled the modern musicals of Broadway. Emotions were expressed through songs, and dances were important parts of the theatre. Though it used Malay language and was well received by many ethnic groups, it could not be classified as the national theatre, because it did not express the awareness and aspirations towards nationhood. The goal of the trans-ethnic theatre was financial, the method was entertainment. But from the point of view of the birth, growth and development of the Indonesian theatre, both the ethnic and trans-ethnic theatres are very important. They prepared the way for it.
(http://www.mindspring.com/~accra/indoXchange/rendraRef.html)
Masjid Tarik Air
Masjid Tarik Air is a small mosque along Burmah Road, George Town, just next to the entrance to Aboo Sittee Lane, off Burma Road. It dates to 1880, to a very different era when pipe water is not readily available in Penang.
In the old days, a battalion of water carriers would convey fresh water collected from the Waterfall (now the Botanical Gardens Waterfall) and carry it all the way to town. Bullock carts and oxen were used to transport the water from the Waterfall, but sometime coolies were carrying water pails on yokes. That is why Burmah Road is known in Hokkien as Gû-chhia-chuí(牛車水), which means bullock cart water. It was later called Chia Chooi Lor(車水路),which means the road of cart water, the word bull(牛)was deleted. May be at that time, no more bullock cart was used to carry water as aquaduct had been constructed. To cut short the street name to Chia chooi(車水), instead of Gu-chia-chui(牛車水), bull(牛) was then missing. The Malay called it Tarek Ayer(which means drawing water), and later Jalan Kereta Ayer, which means "water cart road". The water carriers and water carts were drawing water from the waterfall at Waterfall garden, later aquaduct was constructed from Waterfall to Leith Street, which ran along Burmah Rd.
Masjid Tarik Air was a resting place or stop for the coolies, many of whom were Indian Muslims. It was also the site where they perform their daily prayers before continuing on their journey to the town.
Coconut Stall
Coconut stalls at Aboo Sittee Lane is now a tourist attraction. It is a natural way of quenching your thirst, much better than drinking unhealthy soft drink, while you go walking in the city.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sarawak election 2011 result
As expected, Barisan(Barisan Nasional) won(55 seats out of 71)the state election 2011 and formed the new state government. But the new state government is a crippled one, without the support and representative of Chinese community in the state. If we taking into the account of distribution of seats in the state, where the urban seats have the most number of the voters, and the rural seats have less number of the voters, actually more seats should be allotted for urban areas based on the population. The ruling party also did not get the support of urban voters. They are only a state government that formed due to marginal win, 41.2% of voters did not voted for them. If you consider the spoiled votes, and electorates who failed to votes, as people who do not support the ruling party, the state government is actually a minority government.
Just look at the votes obtained;
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) obtained 192,785 votes, which was 28.66% of the votes; but it won 35 seats, which was 49.30% of seats. Nearly half of total seats in the state assembly. Looking at the large majority obtained by PBB in Melanau/Malay constituencies, revealed that the areas are the strong hold for the ruling party, especially Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). PBB is ensured of victory even before the counting of the votes. No wonder it always remained the largest parry in the state. So 28.66% of the voters was able to form a state government, you just need extra one seat. What is the logic?, a laughing stock for democracy. Democratic Action Party (DAP)won 134,847 votes, which was 20.05% of the total votes, but only won 12 seats, which was 16.90% of total seats. Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PKR)won 117,100 votes which was 17.41% of the total votes, only get 3 seats, which was 4.23% of total seats. The combined votes of DAP and PKR was 251,947 votes(37.46%), larger than PBB's votes of 192,785 votes by 59,162 votes; but their total seats in the state assembly was only 15 seats(21.13%), compared to 35 seats(or 49.30%) given to PBB. PBB had 20 seats more despite having 59,162 votes less. The seats won did not directly represented the votes people voted, a primary school students will tell you what is wrong with the mathematics....what is the logic?(Note: We also need to change the allocation of seats which did not fairly represent the number of voters as required by a true democracy system.). This system has changed statistically the result of the election, and Sarawak will be ruled by ruling party comfortably even without a fight in election. An undemocratic election?....
A healthy state government should be the one that obtained the support of all races in the state, represented by majority of the people. Not only that, a democratic government should be formed by majority representative of its people in a fair democratic election. There is nothing to be proud for the ruling party on winning the state election, it was formed by marginal victory, using unfair election system. In fact with the long history of its ruling of the state, it is actually a failure for ruling party. It is a shame that the state government was formed in this way....
There were many critical issues for the state, at the end only DAP(Democratic Action Party)was able to deliver the message, but other parties from the opposition were failing in their effort. One of the reasons why DAP was able to attract the votes from Chinese dominated constituencies was there is no division of opposition votes there, practically it was one-to-one fight between the ruling and opposition. Even if there were more than two parties contesting, the other parties were not strong to be a threat.
Keadilan(Parti Keadilan Rakyat)and SNAP(Sarawak National Party) cannot come to agreement in other constituencies, this provide no alternative for the voters, as the ruling party is expected to win. This is the main factor for their failure. If Keadilan can win 3 seats, that means there was chances that they can win more. The rural constituencies are difficult to be visited by opposition campaign workers. Moreover the ruling party has strong base of government machinery and coupled with development fund allocation, which the ruling party can used for their advantage in the campaign. The message for change may not be delivered to the rural constituencies. Moreover, since the opposition votes will be split, the voters will think why should I vote for them? as there is no chance for the opposition to form an alternative government, I will voted for development fund for the constituency. Understand the different scenario in Sarawak politic, a new strategy need to be taken by opposition, local native grassroots leaders has to be train and developed in the long houses and villages. It require time and effort, and for a long term plan. Sarawak is not suitable for a short term political opportunists,it is for sincere politician. Without the votes of rural voters, it is difficult for the opposition to take over the state. Looking at the large majority obtained, Melanau/Malay constituencies are the strong hold for the ruling party, especially Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a solid 35 seats or 49.3% of the total seats in state assembly. Any failure to defeat PBB will mean no chance for ruling the state.
The West Malaysian issue will not help in state election for Sarawak; the opposition need to focus more on the local issues.
The opposition missed the chance during the 2011 election; the next election will be tougher without the issue of "White Hair"....
DAP was the big winner, with the repeat of the political tsunami like 308, the urban voters voiced their discontent, they want the change, not transformation, a change including the change of Chief Minister. The other component parties made some progress, except PAS. This revealed that the Sarawak voters can accept Keadilan but not PAS's politic. DAP have great political future for the next general election. More MPs are expected to be elected.
Looking at the background of the DAP candidates, many of them are young, well educated; yet good orators like their counterpart in the West Malaysia. DAP Sarawak must have prepared their strategy well to select and develop the new leaders. Despite of the victory, DAP is still a long way to go to achieve the dream of forming a state government. DAP need to solicit more support from Sarawak native community, a drive to attract Iban Bidayuh, Orang Ulu membership. Development of local leaders is the prime objective now for future political strategy. Otherwise DAP has no potential to form a state government, when other component parties of Pakatan Rakyat just cannot deliver. The rural communities still desire for development, and their hope is still on the ruling party to help them. It is the question of who have the money for development. The opposition will not have that advantage to allocate fund for development. DAP also cannot be happy too early, may be it was just the political tsunami phenomenon that voted them in, is the party strongly rooted in Sarawak politic?, and able to remain a force in Sarawak for a long time?.... the leaders need to ponder, and move away from being a Chinese dominated party, Sarawak(and Sabah) is the opportunity and the appropriate place for them to change their image.....
Keadilan is still weak in election campaign penetration, especially the inner part of Sarawak, mainly rural areas occupied by Sarawak natives, which included Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and others. The influence of Anwar is slowly fading, it may even be a negative factor if the party is over relied on his personality for their future strategy. It is high time for change, and move away from Anwar factor, otherwise it may be the party's future liability. To remain in Malaysian politic, the party need a long term agenda, moving away from Anwar factor. The two parties system has developed, Keadilan need to prepare as component party in an alternative to rule the country. This require new leadership development, who are faithful to the political aim of the party. Otherwise the party will only produce party hoppers, with consequence that voters will shy away for not having confidence to vote for them; for fear that their mandate will be spoiled by party hoppers. The position of SNAP in Sarawak should be a lesson for Keadilan, both have the same weakness and unable to compromise, otherwise the seats from non-Muslim bumiputra may be more for the opposition, and possibility of denying the ruling party a 2/3 majority.
PAS(Islamic Party of Malaysia)seems to be facing uphill task to find a landing ground in Sarawak in Melanau/ Malay areas or Muslim areas. It is better for the party to focus their resources on West Malaysia in the coming election.
The demise of SUPP and SNAP is unavoidable, if the parties did not change their political agenda and strategy. SUPP, their leader, George Chan Hong Nam even lost his seat.
SUPP(Sarawak United People's Party) will followed the same fate as other Chinese dominated parties, like Gerakan and MCA; slowly lost their baseline of support. Looking at their history, they are long established political party in Sarawak, initially they were opposition but joined Barisan National(a united front for ruling party), and become a component party in the coalition government after 1969. They only won 6 seats, the loses was hard to swallow.
For SNAP, the failure to come into agreement with Keadilan in this state election 2011, may be the last time the party will have an impact in Sarawak politic. It is no excuse for a local party with a long history, not to win any seat in the state election. They have lost totally, looking at the votes gained. It is anticipated that SNAP will disappeared in Sarawak politic as the two party system has developed.
Parti Cinta Malaysia is formed only recently; was too weak to create any impact.
The state politic scenario has changed; and there will be greater change in the coming federal election, the scenario will be different as the state development issue will be less prominent than national issues. Both ruling and opposition have failed in the Sarawak election 2011; a crippled state government was formed, and a dominant Chinese based opposition front developed. An unhealthy political situation for Sarawak.
Both ruling and opposition parties need more effort to overcome their shortcomings in the next election, so that a balanced scenario can be anticipated in future for a healthy two party system.
Congratulation to Sarawak people for a peaceful election....
What did the election result said for Penang?......
Just look at the votes obtained;
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) obtained 192,785 votes, which was 28.66% of the votes; but it won 35 seats, which was 49.30% of seats. Nearly half of total seats in the state assembly. Looking at the large majority obtained by PBB in Melanau/Malay constituencies, revealed that the areas are the strong hold for the ruling party, especially Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). PBB is ensured of victory even before the counting of the votes. No wonder it always remained the largest parry in the state. So 28.66% of the voters was able to form a state government, you just need extra one seat. What is the logic?, a laughing stock for democracy. Democratic Action Party (DAP)won 134,847 votes, which was 20.05% of the total votes, but only won 12 seats, which was 16.90% of total seats. Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PKR)won 117,100 votes which was 17.41% of the total votes, only get 3 seats, which was 4.23% of total seats. The combined votes of DAP and PKR was 251,947 votes(37.46%), larger than PBB's votes of 192,785 votes by 59,162 votes; but their total seats in the state assembly was only 15 seats(21.13%), compared to 35 seats(or 49.30%) given to PBB. PBB had 20 seats more despite having 59,162 votes less. The seats won did not directly represented the votes people voted, a primary school students will tell you what is wrong with the mathematics....what is the logic?(Note: We also need to change the allocation of seats which did not fairly represent the number of voters as required by a true democracy system.). This system has changed statistically the result of the election, and Sarawak will be ruled by ruling party comfortably even without a fight in election. An undemocratic election?....
A healthy state government should be the one that obtained the support of all races in the state, represented by majority of the people. Not only that, a democratic government should be formed by majority representative of its people in a fair democratic election. There is nothing to be proud for the ruling party on winning the state election, it was formed by marginal victory, using unfair election system. In fact with the long history of its ruling of the state, it is actually a failure for ruling party. It is a shame that the state government was formed in this way....
There were many critical issues for the state, at the end only DAP(Democratic Action Party)was able to deliver the message, but other parties from the opposition were failing in their effort. One of the reasons why DAP was able to attract the votes from Chinese dominated constituencies was there is no division of opposition votes there, practically it was one-to-one fight between the ruling and opposition. Even if there were more than two parties contesting, the other parties were not strong to be a threat.
Keadilan(Parti Keadilan Rakyat)and SNAP(Sarawak National Party) cannot come to agreement in other constituencies, this provide no alternative for the voters, as the ruling party is expected to win. This is the main factor for their failure. If Keadilan can win 3 seats, that means there was chances that they can win more. The rural constituencies are difficult to be visited by opposition campaign workers. Moreover the ruling party has strong base of government machinery and coupled with development fund allocation, which the ruling party can used for their advantage in the campaign. The message for change may not be delivered to the rural constituencies. Moreover, since the opposition votes will be split, the voters will think why should I vote for them? as there is no chance for the opposition to form an alternative government, I will voted for development fund for the constituency. Understand the different scenario in Sarawak politic, a new strategy need to be taken by opposition, local native grassroots leaders has to be train and developed in the long houses and villages. It require time and effort, and for a long term plan. Sarawak is not suitable for a short term political opportunists,it is for sincere politician. Without the votes of rural voters, it is difficult for the opposition to take over the state. Looking at the large majority obtained, Melanau/Malay constituencies are the strong hold for the ruling party, especially Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a solid 35 seats or 49.3% of the total seats in state assembly. Any failure to defeat PBB will mean no chance for ruling the state.
The West Malaysian issue will not help in state election for Sarawak; the opposition need to focus more on the local issues.
The opposition missed the chance during the 2011 election; the next election will be tougher without the issue of "White Hair"....
DAP was the big winner, with the repeat of the political tsunami like 308, the urban voters voiced their discontent, they want the change, not transformation, a change including the change of Chief Minister. The other component parties made some progress, except PAS. This revealed that the Sarawak voters can accept Keadilan but not PAS's politic. DAP have great political future for the next general election. More MPs are expected to be elected.
Looking at the background of the DAP candidates, many of them are young, well educated; yet good orators like their counterpart in the West Malaysia. DAP Sarawak must have prepared their strategy well to select and develop the new leaders. Despite of the victory, DAP is still a long way to go to achieve the dream of forming a state government. DAP need to solicit more support from Sarawak native community, a drive to attract Iban Bidayuh, Orang Ulu membership. Development of local leaders is the prime objective now for future political strategy. Otherwise DAP has no potential to form a state government, when other component parties of Pakatan Rakyat just cannot deliver. The rural communities still desire for development, and their hope is still on the ruling party to help them. It is the question of who have the money for development. The opposition will not have that advantage to allocate fund for development. DAP also cannot be happy too early, may be it was just the political tsunami phenomenon that voted them in, is the party strongly rooted in Sarawak politic?, and able to remain a force in Sarawak for a long time?.... the leaders need to ponder, and move away from being a Chinese dominated party, Sarawak(and Sabah) is the opportunity and the appropriate place for them to change their image.....
Keadilan is still weak in election campaign penetration, especially the inner part of Sarawak, mainly rural areas occupied by Sarawak natives, which included Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and others. The influence of Anwar is slowly fading, it may even be a negative factor if the party is over relied on his personality for their future strategy. It is high time for change, and move away from Anwar factor, otherwise it may be the party's future liability. To remain in Malaysian politic, the party need a long term agenda, moving away from Anwar factor. The two parties system has developed, Keadilan need to prepare as component party in an alternative to rule the country. This require new leadership development, who are faithful to the political aim of the party. Otherwise the party will only produce party hoppers, with consequence that voters will shy away for not having confidence to vote for them; for fear that their mandate will be spoiled by party hoppers. The position of SNAP in Sarawak should be a lesson for Keadilan, both have the same weakness and unable to compromise, otherwise the seats from non-Muslim bumiputra may be more for the opposition, and possibility of denying the ruling party a 2/3 majority.
PAS(Islamic Party of Malaysia)seems to be facing uphill task to find a landing ground in Sarawak in Melanau/ Malay areas or Muslim areas. It is better for the party to focus their resources on West Malaysia in the coming election.
The demise of SUPP and SNAP is unavoidable, if the parties did not change their political agenda and strategy. SUPP, their leader, George Chan Hong Nam even lost his seat.
SUPP(Sarawak United People's Party) will followed the same fate as other Chinese dominated parties, like Gerakan and MCA; slowly lost their baseline of support. Looking at their history, they are long established political party in Sarawak, initially they were opposition but joined Barisan National(a united front for ruling party), and become a component party in the coalition government after 1969. They only won 6 seats, the loses was hard to swallow.
For SNAP, the failure to come into agreement with Keadilan in this state election 2011, may be the last time the party will have an impact in Sarawak politic. It is no excuse for a local party with a long history, not to win any seat in the state election. They have lost totally, looking at the votes gained. It is anticipated that SNAP will disappeared in Sarawak politic as the two party system has developed.
Parti Cinta Malaysia is formed only recently; was too weak to create any impact.
The state politic scenario has changed; and there will be greater change in the coming federal election, the scenario will be different as the state development issue will be less prominent than national issues. Both ruling and opposition have failed in the Sarawak election 2011; a crippled state government was formed, and a dominant Chinese based opposition front developed. An unhealthy political situation for Sarawak.
Both ruling and opposition parties need more effort to overcome their shortcomings in the next election, so that a balanced scenario can be anticipated in future for a healthy two party system.
Congratulation to Sarawak people for a peaceful election....
What did the election result said for Penang?......
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Swiftlets Vs Heritage
Recently, the hottest issue in Penang was the issue of swiftlet farming in Penang.
This remind me of the Ipoh city, where many of old shophouses in the city are used as swiftlet house or swiftlet hotel. Whenever you wake up early in the morning, the birds are always flying in the sky, moving in and out of the bird house, it is the same when the sunset. Penang will be like Ipoh, if action is not taken fast....
Some said swiftlets have their right, like human right to stay in Georgetown. So the debate of bird right and human right to stay in heritage city started
Some said swiftlet farming is a living heritage, as the breeding of swiftlets had been around for 20 years; it is a living heritage, and the farmer has right to continue the breeding of the swiftlets in the heritage city of Georgetown. But the Penang land have been in Penang even before 1786(but please don't tell me, the swiftlets have been around even before human occupation in Penang....).
The UNESCO is against swiftlet farming in heritage city....
Residents are against swiftlets farming in residential areas, urban areas due to health reason; the resistance had been initiated some time ago, in Nibong Tebal and many areas around Malaysia.....but the enforcement authority was taking a wait and see attitude....some local council close one eye, as it is a lucrative business....
Later the complaint of the residents was the noise pollution...
Now the reason for the resistance is, due to maintenance of Heritage City Status of Georgetown.
Some even worried that Penang will become Pulau Burong(Bird Island), instead of Pulau Pinang(Betel Nut Island)......
So the fight of Bird right and Human right/Heritage right; has begin.....
Swiftlets
Swiftlets are birds contained within the four genera Aerodramus, Hydrochous, Schoutedenapus and Collocalia. They form the Collocaliini tribe within the swift family Apodidae. The group contains around thirty species mostly confined to southern Asia, south Pacific islands, and northeastern Australia, all within the tropical and subtropical regions. They are in many respects typical members of the Apodidae, having narrow wings for fast flight, with a wide gape and small reduced beak surrounded by bristles for catching insects in flight. What distinguishes many but not all species from other swifts and indeed almost all other birds[1] is their ability to use a simple but effective form of echolocation to navigate in total darkness through the chasms and shafts of the caves where they roost at night and breed. The nests of some species are built entirely from threads of their saliva, and are collected for the famous Chinese delicacy bird's nest soup.
The genus Aerodramus is of special interest due to its use of echolocation and their intricately constructed saliva nests which in some species contain no other material such as feathers, moss or twigs and are collected, selling at extremely high prices (see Bird's nest soup). It has been argued that the high demand for these nests could have had an adverse effect on their populations (Hobbs, 2003; Marcone, 2005) but other authorities (Jordan, 2004) have shown that modern techniques of nest farming have increased the bird population.
The use of echolocation was once used to separate Aerodramus from the non-echolocating genera Collocalia and Hydrochous (virtually nothing is known about Schoutedenapus). But recently, the Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes was discovered making similar clicking noises in and outside their cave (Price et al., 2004). Characteristics of behavior, such as what materials apart from saliva the nests contain, can be used to differentiate between certain species of Aerodramus (Lee et al., 1996).
Bird's Nest
The Chinese name for bird's nest soup, yàn wō (燕窝), translates literally as "swallow's nest". When dissolved in water, the birds' nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup or sweet tong sui. It is mostly referred to as "yin wo" unless references are made to the salty or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine.
Bird's nest soup (燕窝
Bird's nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. A few species of swift, the cave swifts, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup
.
The edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.[Authentic bird's nest soup is made from nests of some species of swiftlet, mainly the Edible-nest (or White-nest) swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the Black-nest Swiftlet. Instead of twigs, feathers and straw, these swiftlets make their nest only from strands of their gummy saliva, which harden when exposed to air. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants. Eating swiftlet nest material is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance qi ("life energy") and reinforce the immune system. It is also believed to strengthen the lungs and prevent coughs, improve the constitution and prolong life. The nutritional value of 100 g of dry nest includes 49.9 g of water-soluble protein (including amido nitrogen, monoamine nitrogen, non-amino nitrogen, arginine, humin, histidine, lysine and cysteine), 30.6 g carbohydrate (glycoprotein and mucin), 4.9 g iron, 2.5 g inorganic salt (including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, silica and other trace elements), and 1.4 g fiber (Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The History of Chinese Medicine and the Nutrition Table).
The energy contained in 100 g of swiftlet nest is 345 kcal. The nests are often served simmered in chicken broth.
Local Council's action
MPPP had divided swiftlet nest farms in the city into four categories and the enforcement action yesterday was the start of the operations against 32 sites which had been illegally converted into such farms.
Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said these farms had been issued with notices to stop operations last year.
“We have earlier acted against 11 new illegal swiftlet farming operators. “The third category are 50 operators who applied for licences but did not get approval while 28 operators who came under the fourth category have received temporary licences,” he said.
The National Council for Local Government had decided on Sept 2 last year that new swiftlet nest farms would not be allowed at heritage sites in Penang and Malacca while existing ones would have to clear out in three years.
Chow said the state would not wait until the grace period ends before taking action.
(source: The Star, http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/12/north/8239245&sec=north)
UNESCO added Georgetown and Malaysia's southern city of Melaka to its list in 2008, saying both "constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia." Penang was a major 19th-century port during British colonial rule and is known for quaint mansions and architecture.
UNESCO has expressed concerns to Malaysian authorities over the impact of the swiftlet farms, said Kishore Rao, deputy director of the Paris-based UNESCO World Heritage Center. Conservation activists claim that buildings converted into swiftlet farms suffer irreparable harm because windows and doors are altered, and sprinkler systems set up at some homes to keep them moist for the birds cause water damage.
Carole Loh, president of the Association of Swiftlet Nest Industry in Penang, said the ban was unfair because some swiftlet farms have been in Georgetown for more than 20 years. The larger farms have thousands of birds. "They are part of our living heritage," said Loh, whose association represents about 100 breeders. "These houses are (the birds') homes. We cannot just move."
(source: extracted from Associated Press with thanks)
MPPP is not the first local council to ban swiftlet farming in the city. Sabah has banned it, Penang followed. Penang has strong justification, being a Heritage City....
A group of Penang people has opened a facebook account to collect support from Penang langs, to voice their support to the action of the MPPP/State to ban swiftlet farming in the heritage city.
If you ask me, what is my view; my vote is for banning the swiftlet farming in Heritage city, but not total ban of swiftlet farming, the breeder can moved their business to area zone for swiftlet breeding. Swiftlet breeding should ban in residential,city area and near the airport. That is my vote.
Swiftlets or Heritage City, what a headache for Penang. It is money and history, which one to choose? There can be alternative site for swiftlets breeding, but no alternative site for heritage city. We need to preserve the city for the future generations. MPPP and the state has done the right thing, to ban swiftlet farming in Heritage City of Georgetown. Penang people need to support the action of MPPP.
The heritage lovers will win the battle of bird and human, or the swiftlets farmers and Heritage lovers .....
Recommended articles/websites:
1. Swiftlet farm shutdown; http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/12/north/8239245&sec=north
2. Lucrative birds banned from Malaysia tourist city, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110310/ap_on_re_as/as_malaysia_bird_ban_3
3. No Swiftlet Houses In George Town; http://noswiftlethousesingeorgetown.blogspot.com/
4. Sarawak cracks down on illegal swiftlet breeders, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/18/nation/3286872&sec=nation
5. When chirpings become a ruckus, http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=41615
This remind me of the Ipoh city, where many of old shophouses in the city are used as swiftlet house or swiftlet hotel. Whenever you wake up early in the morning, the birds are always flying in the sky, moving in and out of the bird house, it is the same when the sunset. Penang will be like Ipoh, if action is not taken fast....
Some said swiftlets have their right, like human right to stay in Georgetown. So the debate of bird right and human right to stay in heritage city started
Some said swiftlet farming is a living heritage, as the breeding of swiftlets had been around for 20 years; it is a living heritage, and the farmer has right to continue the breeding of the swiftlets in the heritage city of Georgetown. But the Penang land have been in Penang even before 1786(but please don't tell me, the swiftlets have been around even before human occupation in Penang....).
The UNESCO is against swiftlet farming in heritage city....
Residents are against swiftlets farming in residential areas, urban areas due to health reason; the resistance had been initiated some time ago, in Nibong Tebal and many areas around Malaysia.....but the enforcement authority was taking a wait and see attitude....some local council close one eye, as it is a lucrative business....
Later the complaint of the residents was the noise pollution...
Now the reason for the resistance is, due to maintenance of Heritage City Status of Georgetown.
Some even worried that Penang will become Pulau Burong(Bird Island), instead of Pulau Pinang(Betel Nut Island)......
So the fight of Bird right and Human right/Heritage right; has begin.....
Swiftlets
Swiftlets are birds contained within the four genera Aerodramus, Hydrochous, Schoutedenapus and Collocalia. They form the Collocaliini tribe within the swift family Apodidae. The group contains around thirty species mostly confined to southern Asia, south Pacific islands, and northeastern Australia, all within the tropical and subtropical regions. They are in many respects typical members of the Apodidae, having narrow wings for fast flight, with a wide gape and small reduced beak surrounded by bristles for catching insects in flight. What distinguishes many but not all species from other swifts and indeed almost all other birds[1] is their ability to use a simple but effective form of echolocation to navigate in total darkness through the chasms and shafts of the caves where they roost at night and breed. The nests of some species are built entirely from threads of their saliva, and are collected for the famous Chinese delicacy bird's nest soup.
The genus Aerodramus is of special interest due to its use of echolocation and their intricately constructed saliva nests which in some species contain no other material such as feathers, moss or twigs and are collected, selling at extremely high prices (see Bird's nest soup). It has been argued that the high demand for these nests could have had an adverse effect on their populations (Hobbs, 2003; Marcone, 2005) but other authorities (Jordan, 2004) have shown that modern techniques of nest farming have increased the bird population.
The use of echolocation was once used to separate Aerodramus from the non-echolocating genera Collocalia and Hydrochous (virtually nothing is known about Schoutedenapus). But recently, the Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes was discovered making similar clicking noises in and outside their cave (Price et al., 2004). Characteristics of behavior, such as what materials apart from saliva the nests contain, can be used to differentiate between certain species of Aerodramus (Lee et al., 1996).
Bird's Nest
The Chinese name for bird's nest soup, yàn wō (燕窝), translates literally as "swallow's nest". When dissolved in water, the birds' nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup or sweet tong sui. It is mostly referred to as "yin wo" unless references are made to the salty or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine.
Bird's nest soup (燕窝
Bird's nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. A few species of swift, the cave swifts, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup
.
The edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.[Authentic bird's nest soup is made from nests of some species of swiftlet, mainly the Edible-nest (or White-nest) swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the Black-nest Swiftlet. Instead of twigs, feathers and straw, these swiftlets make their nest only from strands of their gummy saliva, which harden when exposed to air. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants. Eating swiftlet nest material is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance qi ("life energy") and reinforce the immune system. It is also believed to strengthen the lungs and prevent coughs, improve the constitution and prolong life. The nutritional value of 100 g of dry nest includes 49.9 g of water-soluble protein (including amido nitrogen, monoamine nitrogen, non-amino nitrogen, arginine, humin, histidine, lysine and cysteine), 30.6 g carbohydrate (glycoprotein and mucin), 4.9 g iron, 2.5 g inorganic salt (including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, silica and other trace elements), and 1.4 g fiber (Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The History of Chinese Medicine and the Nutrition Table).
The energy contained in 100 g of swiftlet nest is 345 kcal. The nests are often served simmered in chicken broth.
Local Council's action
MPPP had divided swiftlet nest farms in the city into four categories and the enforcement action yesterday was the start of the operations against 32 sites which had been illegally converted into such farms.
Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said these farms had been issued with notices to stop operations last year.
“We have earlier acted against 11 new illegal swiftlet farming operators. “The third category are 50 operators who applied for licences but did not get approval while 28 operators who came under the fourth category have received temporary licences,” he said.
The National Council for Local Government had decided on Sept 2 last year that new swiftlet nest farms would not be allowed at heritage sites in Penang and Malacca while existing ones would have to clear out in three years.
Chow said the state would not wait until the grace period ends before taking action.
(source: The Star, http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/12/north/8239245&sec=north)
UNESCO added Georgetown and Malaysia's southern city of Melaka to its list in 2008, saying both "constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia." Penang was a major 19th-century port during British colonial rule and is known for quaint mansions and architecture.
UNESCO has expressed concerns to Malaysian authorities over the impact of the swiftlet farms, said Kishore Rao, deputy director of the Paris-based UNESCO World Heritage Center. Conservation activists claim that buildings converted into swiftlet farms suffer irreparable harm because windows and doors are altered, and sprinkler systems set up at some homes to keep them moist for the birds cause water damage.
Carole Loh, president of the Association of Swiftlet Nest Industry in Penang, said the ban was unfair because some swiftlet farms have been in Georgetown for more than 20 years. The larger farms have thousands of birds. "They are part of our living heritage," said Loh, whose association represents about 100 breeders. "These houses are (the birds') homes. We cannot just move."
(source: extracted from Associated Press with thanks)
MPPP is not the first local council to ban swiftlet farming in the city. Sabah has banned it, Penang followed. Penang has strong justification, being a Heritage City....
A group of Penang people has opened a facebook account to collect support from Penang langs, to voice their support to the action of the MPPP/State to ban swiftlet farming in the heritage city.
If you ask me, what is my view; my vote is for banning the swiftlet farming in Heritage city, but not total ban of swiftlet farming, the breeder can moved their business to area zone for swiftlet breeding. Swiftlet breeding should ban in residential,city area and near the airport. That is my vote.
Swiftlets or Heritage City, what a headache for Penang. It is money and history, which one to choose? There can be alternative site for swiftlets breeding, but no alternative site for heritage city. We need to preserve the city for the future generations. MPPP and the state has done the right thing, to ban swiftlet farming in Heritage City of Georgetown. Penang people need to support the action of MPPP.
The heritage lovers will win the battle of bird and human, or the swiftlets farmers and Heritage lovers .....
Recommended articles/websites:
1. Swiftlet farm shutdown; http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/12/north/8239245&sec=north
2. Lucrative birds banned from Malaysia tourist city, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110310/ap_on_re_as/as_malaysia_bird_ban_3
3. No Swiftlet Houses In George Town; http://noswiftlethousesingeorgetown.blogspot.com/
4. Sarawak cracks down on illegal swiftlet breeders, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/18/nation/3286872&sec=nation
5. When chirpings become a ruckus, http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=41615
Deforestation in BUKIT RELAU FOREST RESERVE, Penang
The video is from youtube, with the following message:
This video is to highlight the deforestation activites which are going on in Anjung Indah,Balik Pulau,Penang.As a true Penangite from heart,i was truly disgusted seeing this utter destruction of a nature reserve going on in my paradise island.I felt that if I remained mum,this injustice will continue on,and as like many other forest reserves in the country,it too will succumb to the wrath of chainsaws.I urge the government of Penang,which is truly committed toward making Penang a cleaner,greener state to look into this issue seriously and take the necessary steps to curtail such activities.
Let us keep Penang green for the future!SAVE BUKIT RELAU FOREST RESERVE!!Thank you for watching.
Music:Dead Reckoning~Clint Mansell
This video should let us awake from the over development of our hills in Penang. Is there any control on the hill slope development?.....
Not only Balik Pulau, hill slope development at Paya Terubong is another potential for heavy landslide.....
This video is to highlight the deforestation activites which are going on in Anjung Indah,Balik Pulau,Penang.As a true Penangite from heart,i was truly disgusted seeing this utter destruction of a nature reserve going on in my paradise island.I felt that if I remained mum,this injustice will continue on,and as like many other forest reserves in the country,it too will succumb to the wrath of chainsaws.I urge the government of Penang,which is truly committed toward making Penang a cleaner,greener state to look into this issue seriously and take the necessary steps to curtail such activities.
Let us keep Penang green for the future!SAVE BUKIT RELAU FOREST RESERVE!!Thank you for watching.
Music:Dead Reckoning~Clint Mansell
This video should let us awake from the over development of our hills in Penang. Is there any control on the hill slope development?.....
Not only Balik Pulau, hill slope development at Paya Terubong is another potential for heavy landslide.....
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