Labour Party, the local Chinese called it lau-kang-tong(勞工黨). The Labour Party of Malaya (Malay: Parti Buruh Malaya; Abbreviation: LPM) was a political party of Malaya that was active between 1952 to 1969. It was originally formed as a confederation of state based labour parties known as the Pan-Malayan Labour Party or PMFP(馬來西亞勞工黨).
The 50s and 60s were the days of Labour Party as opposition; DAP was weak compared to Labour Party. When they control the city council, the city bus was called city council bus by the locals even long after the party have dissolved. The supporters of opposition still talk fondly of the city council elections.
The LPM's roots lay in the state labour parties that were established after the British government announced plans to organize local elections in 1950. In 1952, representatives from the state parties, 21 trade unions and the Malay left-leaning organization SABERKAS (or Syarikat Berkerjasama Am Saiburi, not to be confused with the present day SABERKAS in Sarawak) met in Kuala Lumpur and decided to form the PMFP. This organization initially took an anti-communist stand but was not overtly anti-colonial. The party joined the Socialist International as a member.
The party chairman Lee Moke Sang was forced to resigned as public servants were barred from political office. D.S. Ramanathan became the new chairman. With the rise of more radical socialist leadership, the positions gradually took a more anti-colonial form and in June 1954, the organization was renamed the LPM.
The Labour Party of Malaya (LPM) was a multi-ethnic socialist party of the 1950s and 1960s. Its political origins lay in the ‘New Trade Unionism’ of the Cold War period. Before Merdeka, the anti-communist International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), with the support of the colonial government, encouraged the formation of a non-militant trade union movement and moderate Labour Parties located in different regions of the country. Yet, the LPM grew into a mass radical political party whose rise and fall were crucially shaped by circumstances often beyond its control.
LPMP in the Early 1960s
Emerging from its victory in the City Council Election of December 1957, LPMP became the ruling party of Georgetown in 1958 with a majority of eight seats. The five originally elected councilors were D.S. Ramanathan Tan Phock Kin, C.Y.Choy, Sabapathy and David. Ramanathan’s tenure of office was only for a year. He was however reelected together with three other new councilors, Lim Kean Siew, Ooi Thiam Siew, and Lee Kok Liang. With a slate of creditable professionals and trade unionists, the party had won overwhelming support from the city dwellers, especially the down-trodden who had long been neglected by the Alliance Party.2 In the 1959 State and General Elections, the party pledged to achieve ‘power in a democratic state by peaceful, non-violent, democratic and constitutional means’, and comfortably won five state seats and three parliamentary seats in the state of Penang on the platform of a multi-teneted policy statement of the Malayan People’s Socialist Front comprising the Labour Party of Malaya and Partai Rakyat.3 With committed services and remarkable delivery of well-intended social and economic projects to improve the living environment of Georgetown, the multi-ethnic Socialist Front swept its way into electoral height winning fourteen out of fifteen seats in the1961 City Council election.4 Four LPMP candidates, namely the Mayor Ooi Thiam Siew, the Deputy Mayor, N. Patkunam, D.S. Ramanathan and Lim Kean Siew, won with handsome majority in wards that were not purely Indians or Chinese. Patkunam had stood in an entirely Chinese area against an MCA Chinese candidate, and Ooi Thiam Siew and Lim Kean Siew had fought in areas with sizeable Malay votes and all won.5
While appropriate strategy and visionary planning might have ensured LPMP’s electoral successes throughout the years, one other invaluable resource that organisationally linked the party to the masses was the incessant political education activities carried out by party functionaries and cadres. These were leaders and members of the proscribed Malayan Socialist Youth League and Union of General Workers, Penang & Province Wellesley who had joined the party after 1958.6 Many CPM-influenced underground elements had also at this time accepted secret instructions to work within the party to defeat the Alliance.7 (Vasil 1971: 125) The third group consisted of young left-wing Chinese school leavers who had been in one way or another involved in the students’ movement. They joined the party to realise the ideals of ‘social justice and human emancipation’. Their respective roles in propagating the influence of LPMP were indeed significant. There was also the existence of a pre-Council Group to bring the party functionaries and city councilors together. It comprised representatives of all branches within the city limits and all elected councilors. In such an informal arrangement, the party functionaries and cadres could influence party members to the wishes and the desires of the council, and inculcate party ideology amongst the councilors and at the same time, bring the feelings of the masses to the attention of the councilors.8
From a modest number of eighteen branches in 1959, LPMP had by 1963 a total of 38 branches under the umbrella of the division registered at 274, Macalister Road. Georgetown had six branches, and rural districts outside the urban boundaries had seventeen. Province Wellesley was divided into Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan with seven, four and four branches respectively.9 Of the fifteen members in the division committee, two were professionals trained overseas, one teacher, one trade unionist and one senior technical superintendent. They occupied the important portfolios of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer in the set-up. The other ten were clerks and workers who had risen as emerging young leaders, including four of the influential ‘ten marshals’ of the Socialist Front.
If the Labour Party still around today; will they able to take control of Penang, instead of DAP?.... let the historian provide the answer.
1. The Labour Party of Malaya, 1952–1972; http://www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=846:the-labour-party-of-malaya-19521972&catid=75:200810&Itemid=45
2. Riding the Storms: Radicalisation of the Labour Party of Malaya, Penang Division, 1963-1969 ; by Mr. Tan Kim Hong, Inti International College, Penang, http://penangstory.net.my/conference-content-abstracts(c).html
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Piecing Penang history by Winson Saw
This is the person that single handed did the things even our heritage people and the authority did not do. He is Mr Winson Saw. Here is the story of him from The Star.
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Piecing Penang history
By K. KASTURI DEWI
kasturidewi@thestar.com.my
ANTIQUE collector Winson Saw was disappointed when he first saw a book on the Yang di-Pertua Negri Pulau Pinang’s official residence Seri Mutiara when he was 17 years old in 1999.
He noticed that the book had a list of the state’s past administrators but there were no pictures of them.
Saw then began a search by writing to the national archives of United Kingdom and Singapore for some photographs and images.
“I even travelled to Singapore’s national archives to try to obtain some of the photographs,” he said in a phone interview recently.
About five years ago, Saw started a genealogy website (www.cousinconnect.com) featuring governors of Penang’s pre-independence era.
“I would post enquiries on the website and they will show up at any of the search engines.
“This has resulted in the descendants of the early administrators contacting me over the years with information. They also posted photographs on the website,” he said.
The images and information of some 90 governors, who served in Penang since 1786 till today, compiled by Saw are now featured in the ‘Penang’s Governors & Administrators through History’ exhibition at the Town Hall building at the Esplanade.
The exhibition, which is held in conjunction with the George Town Festival 2010 is on till July 31. It is opened from 10am to 5pm daily.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas opened the exhibition which is being held simultaneously with the Penang Peranakan Photo exhibition.
The photo exhibition will also end on July 31.
It is open from 9am to 5pm at the same venue.
Also present was Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Saw said most of Penang’s early administrators were from Scotland while others hailed from England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa.
He said the state’s governors and administrators of different eras had different titles — Superintendent, Lieutenant-Governor, Governor, Resident Councillor and Military Governor but they all embodied the formal political leadership of Penang in various historical epochs.
The exhibition also highlighted that the colonial governors were mainly educated in military colleges or in the Oxbridge tradition and they rose through the ranks.
The governors lived in elegant state homes such as Suffolk House and the Residency on Western Road, which is now called Seri Mutiara.
After the country’s independence, the colonial governors were replaced by local-born Yang di-Pertua Negri, a Malay title which means ‘head of state’.
Saw said he had contributed a copy of a CD containing informa-tion and photos of the early administrators of Penang and Malacca to the National Archives in Kuala Lumpur.
“My quest is still not over yet as I’m still trying to find more pictures especially of the earlier administrators,” he said.
Saw, who started his antique collection business four years ago, said his next project was on the Straits Chinese.
“My ancestors on both sides are Straits Chinese and I’m still in the midst of collecting materials,” he said.
(source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/28/southneast/6739083&sec=southneast)
Bravo, Mr Saw......
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Piecing Penang history
By K. KASTURI DEWI
kasturidewi@thestar.com.my
ANTIQUE collector Winson Saw was disappointed when he first saw a book on the Yang di-Pertua Negri Pulau Pinang’s official residence Seri Mutiara when he was 17 years old in 1999.
He noticed that the book had a list of the state’s past administrators but there were no pictures of them.
Saw then began a search by writing to the national archives of United Kingdom and Singapore for some photographs and images.
“I even travelled to Singapore’s national archives to try to obtain some of the photographs,” he said in a phone interview recently.
About five years ago, Saw started a genealogy website (www.cousinconnect.com) featuring governors of Penang’s pre-independence era.
“I would post enquiries on the website and they will show up at any of the search engines.
“This has resulted in the descendants of the early administrators contacting me over the years with information. They also posted photographs on the website,” he said.
The images and information of some 90 governors, who served in Penang since 1786 till today, compiled by Saw are now featured in the ‘Penang’s Governors & Administrators through History’ exhibition at the Town Hall building at the Esplanade.
The exhibition, which is held in conjunction with the George Town Festival 2010 is on till July 31. It is opened from 10am to 5pm daily.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas opened the exhibition which is being held simultaneously with the Penang Peranakan Photo exhibition.
The photo exhibition will also end on July 31.
It is open from 9am to 5pm at the same venue.
Also present was Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Saw said most of Penang’s early administrators were from Scotland while others hailed from England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa.
He said the state’s governors and administrators of different eras had different titles — Superintendent, Lieutenant-Governor, Governor, Resident Councillor and Military Governor but they all embodied the formal political leadership of Penang in various historical epochs.
The exhibition also highlighted that the colonial governors were mainly educated in military colleges or in the Oxbridge tradition and they rose through the ranks.
The governors lived in elegant state homes such as Suffolk House and the Residency on Western Road, which is now called Seri Mutiara.
After the country’s independence, the colonial governors were replaced by local-born Yang di-Pertua Negri, a Malay title which means ‘head of state’.
Saw said he had contributed a copy of a CD containing informa-tion and photos of the early administrators of Penang and Malacca to the National Archives in Kuala Lumpur.
“My quest is still not over yet as I’m still trying to find more pictures especially of the earlier administrators,” he said.
Saw, who started his antique collection business four years ago, said his next project was on the Straits Chinese.
“My ancestors on both sides are Straits Chinese and I’m still in the midst of collecting materials,” he said.
(source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/28/southneast/6739083&sec=southneast)
Bravo, Mr Saw......
1993: History of The fall of Metropole Hotel(Asdang House)
For those who have forgotten how Metropole Hotel(Asdang House) was demolished under the former state government. The following is the article from Malaysiakini:-
The fall of Metropole Hotel, by Kim Gooi
May 11, 01@ 7:22am
Malaysiakini
They came like thieves to steal and rob with lightning speed in a well-planned move laced with political intrigue and cunning. Metropole Hotel, formerly Asdang House, was one of Penang's most prominent historical-heritage buildings.
It was knocked down and reduced to rubble on early Christmas 1993, while the city slept after a night of good cheers and celebration.
Within minutes, one of Malaysia's finest heritage buildings with historical ties to Thailand was destroyed and with it a part of history of the region. The New Straits Times reported:
"Many people are finding out that the building (after its demolition) has an interesting history and that the list of recent owners is also very interesting. Built at the turn of the century, it belonged to the Khaw (Na Ranong) clan. Here receptions were held for the King and Queen of Thailand. Members of the Thai Royal family also stayed at Asdang House".
The building which stood on 6,581 square meters of land was symbolic of the Sino-Thai relationship during the early part of the century, the paper said. Asdang House was more than a Thai embassy to British-held Malaya.
Together with Chakrabongse house, it was an extension of the Thai Royal Palace to its southern-most zone of control at a time when the British colonialists were making inroads into the region, and eyeing Phuket's rich mineral deposits. It was the symbol of Siam's successful resistance against colonialism when the rest of the region had fallen victim.
In 1897, when King Chulalongkorn visited Europe, he stopped over at Chakrabongse House where he was received by the household of the Sultan of Kedah, at that time a vassal state of Siam. When King Prajadhipok visited Penang in 1929, he stayed at Asdang House.
Asdang House was built over a hundred years ago, together with Chakrabongse House, by Phya Rasada Nupradit of Ranong, also known as Khaw Sim Bee, the legendary Sino-Thai appointed by King Chulalongkorn as governor of the southern west-coast provinces of Siam, stretching from Ranong to Trang.
Rasadanupradit was instrumental in developing the region and successfully thwarted British advances in the south. He outwitted the British by bringing the first rubber seed from British Malaya and planting it in Trang. Today the rubber association of Trang is not above throwing a dinner to members of the Penang-branch of the Na Ranong clan when they come a calling.
The achievements of the clan were indeed outstanding and remarkable. The founding father Phya Damrong Sucharit Mahasomphakdi (Khaw Soo Chiang) was a headman and leader of the "Small Knife Society", an anti-Manchu revolutionary group from Fujian province.
He came to Ranong via Penang during the time of King Rama IV. The area was under constant Burmese threat. Phya Damrong drove off the Burmese pirates and built a wall to protect Ranong, said his great, great grandson, Khaw Cheng Poon in Penang. He became the first Rajah of Ranong by appointment of the King of Siam.
On a subsequent visit to Ranong, King Chulalongkorn commented favorably on the development and praised the comfort and quality of the family mansion. Running a fleet of ships, he was able to bring in goods and coolies from British Penang and opened up the area for development.
In addition to being lord of the southern west-coast provinces of old Siam, the Khaw clan controlled a big chunk of mercantile, mining and shipping activities of the region from Penang. "They were the richest in the region, holding wealth and power," said Khaw Cheng Poon, the great-grandson.
To enhance the prestige of Siam at a time when the British were treating everyone as second class citizens, Phya Rasada donated a piece of prime real estate at the esplanade to the public. Called Ranong Ground, the football-size field was meant for public recreation, added Khaw. Alas, Ranong Ground has completely disappeared. Few people now know it ever existed. Today it is the site of Dewan Sri Pinang (State Conference Hall).
As many prosperous Chinese immigrant families were to do, the Khaw family built large, European style houses and entertained lavishly. Clustered along the exclusive shoreline of Northam Road, with names reminiscent of baronial villas like Brooklodge, Nova Scotia (later renamed Asdang House), and the Exeter, the Khaw houses were a reflection of the family success and its place in the world.
Chakrabongse and Asdang house were the setting of numerous parties and receptions especially for visiting dignitaries from Bangkok. Named after sons of King Chulalongkorn, the two houses were built back to back, with Chakrabongse house facing the sea and Asdang House facing the road.
Chakrabongse House was described in glowing terms by Penang Gazette at its house warming by the Prince Chakrabongse in 1904:
"Mr Khaw Sim Bee has taste and very thorough notions of comfort. Standing on the brink of the sea, with its verandahs opening on lovely view of the harbour and purple heights of Kedah beyond, the position of the new house could scarcely be surpassed in Penang.
"Its snowy whiteness backed by the dark green of palms and flanked with tennis courts will render it the home beautiful indeed. The floors have marble in the halls and on the verandahs. The dinning and drawing rooms are large enough for huge gatherings, and the latter might easily accommodate four or five sets of Lancers."
During World War II, the houses were appropriated by the Japanese military forces. After the war they were returned. Phya Rasada's only son in Penang, Khaw Joo Chye, inherited Chakrabongse House.
It was said that the widow of Joo Chye was tired of the sea, and sold the house for RM150,000 in 1960. She built another bungalow across the road so that she could watch the traffic in her old age, said the grandson. Soon, Chakrabongse House was demolished to make way for luxurious family flats.
Asdang House was inherited by Phya Rasada's nephew, Khaw Joo Tok. After World War II Joo Tok sold it to a car dealer who resold it to a Hainanese restaurant owner who turned it into the Metropole Hotel. It was later sold to a group of politicians of the Gerakan Party controlling Penang.
In 1993 it was designated a heritage building by the Penang Municipal Council. Among the listed owners of the Metropole was the president of the Council who was also the chairman of the Penang Gerakan.
A series of shady deals unfolded: Metropole was allegedly declassified from category I to II, meaning it could be torn down as long as the facade was kept. It was then sold to a RM2 or 20-Baht (paid-up capital) company called Dolphin Square Private Limited for RM9.5 million.
On Christmas day it was obliterated in a lightning operation and the debris carted away. People smelled something fishy and a storm ensued. The hue and cry and the wrath of the people filled the papers, and provided live ammunition to the political opposition.
"How can a RM2 (20 baht) company buy a RM9.5 million house in a designated heritage area, if it is not assured that it could be knocked down for development?" asked opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. "Which bank is going to finance the deal if it is not assured of a quick return?"
The state government's damage control went into full swing. On Jan 3, 1993, the city council ordered the owner to rebuild the house to its original form in six months. Failing to comply would result in a maximum fine of RM10,000 and an additional fine of RM500 for each day's delay. The Chief Minister lauded the council for it's swift action.
On Feb 14, the company was charged in court for demolishing a heritage house without permission and subsequently fined RM50,000. Today, seven years later, the storm has abated but nothing has been done to restore the house. What has happened to the fine accumulated - RM500 a day for each day of non compliance?
At the site where Asdang House once proudly stood, lies a half finished high-rise hotel, a pile of ugly grey concrete and rusty steel in a wasteland along Penang's famous Millionaires' Row. Ironically it was the economic crisis in 1997 that stopped the construction, not the law of the land nor the wishes of the people.
KIM GOOI is a freelance journalist based in Bangkok.
(source: http://www0.malaysiakini.com/news/2898)
We still have many heritage building outside Heritage Zone; Khoo Boo Aun Residence at Bukit Tambun; Relau Villa near Metropolitan Park; Mission House(even within heritage zone); Shi Chung Primary School; and many others which may be waiting for nature to take its toll or not professionally managed as heritage..how many heritage buildings which we still do no know?.....will they meet the same fate as Metropole Hotel(Asdang House) someday in future?.....
Penang lang, we ned to protect our heritage; otherwise only Sungai Pinang is left for us to cry over.....
Related article:
1. The new MPPP council at its first meeting should reinstate Hotel Metropole to the 1989 MPPP list of 20 heritage buildings at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by setting aside the MPPP decision last Oct 28; http://bibliotheca.limkitsiang.com/1994/01/18/the-new-mppp-council-at-its-first-meeting-should-reinstate-hotel-metropole-to-the-1989-mppp-list-of-20-heritage-buildings-at-jalan-sultan-ahmad-shah-by-setting-aside-the-mppp-decision-last-oct-28/(Mr Lim Kit Siang’s stand on Hotel Metropole in 1993)
2. The fall of Metropole Hotel, by Kim Gooi, http://www0.malaysiakini.com/news/2898(Must read for the history of Metropole Hotel(Asdang House)
The fall of Metropole Hotel, by Kim Gooi
May 11, 01@ 7:22am
Malaysiakini
They came like thieves to steal and rob with lightning speed in a well-planned move laced with political intrigue and cunning. Metropole Hotel, formerly Asdang House, was one of Penang's most prominent historical-heritage buildings.
It was knocked down and reduced to rubble on early Christmas 1993, while the city slept after a night of good cheers and celebration.
Within minutes, one of Malaysia's finest heritage buildings with historical ties to Thailand was destroyed and with it a part of history of the region. The New Straits Times reported:
"Many people are finding out that the building (after its demolition) has an interesting history and that the list of recent owners is also very interesting. Built at the turn of the century, it belonged to the Khaw (Na Ranong) clan. Here receptions were held for the King and Queen of Thailand. Members of the Thai Royal family also stayed at Asdang House".
The building which stood on 6,581 square meters of land was symbolic of the Sino-Thai relationship during the early part of the century, the paper said. Asdang House was more than a Thai embassy to British-held Malaya.
Together with Chakrabongse house, it was an extension of the Thai Royal Palace to its southern-most zone of control at a time when the British colonialists were making inroads into the region, and eyeing Phuket's rich mineral deposits. It was the symbol of Siam's successful resistance against colonialism when the rest of the region had fallen victim.
In 1897, when King Chulalongkorn visited Europe, he stopped over at Chakrabongse House where he was received by the household of the Sultan of Kedah, at that time a vassal state of Siam. When King Prajadhipok visited Penang in 1929, he stayed at Asdang House.
Asdang House was built over a hundred years ago, together with Chakrabongse House, by Phya Rasada Nupradit of Ranong, also known as Khaw Sim Bee, the legendary Sino-Thai appointed by King Chulalongkorn as governor of the southern west-coast provinces of Siam, stretching from Ranong to Trang.
Rasadanupradit was instrumental in developing the region and successfully thwarted British advances in the south. He outwitted the British by bringing the first rubber seed from British Malaya and planting it in Trang. Today the rubber association of Trang is not above throwing a dinner to members of the Penang-branch of the Na Ranong clan when they come a calling.
The achievements of the clan were indeed outstanding and remarkable. The founding father Phya Damrong Sucharit Mahasomphakdi (Khaw Soo Chiang) was a headman and leader of the "Small Knife Society", an anti-Manchu revolutionary group from Fujian province.
He came to Ranong via Penang during the time of King Rama IV. The area was under constant Burmese threat. Phya Damrong drove off the Burmese pirates and built a wall to protect Ranong, said his great, great grandson, Khaw Cheng Poon in Penang. He became the first Rajah of Ranong by appointment of the King of Siam.
On a subsequent visit to Ranong, King Chulalongkorn commented favorably on the development and praised the comfort and quality of the family mansion. Running a fleet of ships, he was able to bring in goods and coolies from British Penang and opened up the area for development.
In addition to being lord of the southern west-coast provinces of old Siam, the Khaw clan controlled a big chunk of mercantile, mining and shipping activities of the region from Penang. "They were the richest in the region, holding wealth and power," said Khaw Cheng Poon, the great-grandson.
To enhance the prestige of Siam at a time when the British were treating everyone as second class citizens, Phya Rasada donated a piece of prime real estate at the esplanade to the public. Called Ranong Ground, the football-size field was meant for public recreation, added Khaw. Alas, Ranong Ground has completely disappeared. Few people now know it ever existed. Today it is the site of Dewan Sri Pinang (State Conference Hall).
As many prosperous Chinese immigrant families were to do, the Khaw family built large, European style houses and entertained lavishly. Clustered along the exclusive shoreline of Northam Road, with names reminiscent of baronial villas like Brooklodge, Nova Scotia (later renamed Asdang House), and the Exeter, the Khaw houses were a reflection of the family success and its place in the world.
Chakrabongse and Asdang house were the setting of numerous parties and receptions especially for visiting dignitaries from Bangkok. Named after sons of King Chulalongkorn, the two houses were built back to back, with Chakrabongse house facing the sea and Asdang House facing the road.
Chakrabongse House was described in glowing terms by Penang Gazette at its house warming by the Prince Chakrabongse in 1904:
"Mr Khaw Sim Bee has taste and very thorough notions of comfort. Standing on the brink of the sea, with its verandahs opening on lovely view of the harbour and purple heights of Kedah beyond, the position of the new house could scarcely be surpassed in Penang.
"Its snowy whiteness backed by the dark green of palms and flanked with tennis courts will render it the home beautiful indeed. The floors have marble in the halls and on the verandahs. The dinning and drawing rooms are large enough for huge gatherings, and the latter might easily accommodate four or five sets of Lancers."
During World War II, the houses were appropriated by the Japanese military forces. After the war they were returned. Phya Rasada's only son in Penang, Khaw Joo Chye, inherited Chakrabongse House.
It was said that the widow of Joo Chye was tired of the sea, and sold the house for RM150,000 in 1960. She built another bungalow across the road so that she could watch the traffic in her old age, said the grandson. Soon, Chakrabongse House was demolished to make way for luxurious family flats.
Asdang House was inherited by Phya Rasada's nephew, Khaw Joo Tok. After World War II Joo Tok sold it to a car dealer who resold it to a Hainanese restaurant owner who turned it into the Metropole Hotel. It was later sold to a group of politicians of the Gerakan Party controlling Penang.
In 1993 it was designated a heritage building by the Penang Municipal Council. Among the listed owners of the Metropole was the president of the Council who was also the chairman of the Penang Gerakan.
A series of shady deals unfolded: Metropole was allegedly declassified from category I to II, meaning it could be torn down as long as the facade was kept. It was then sold to a RM2 or 20-Baht (paid-up capital) company called Dolphin Square Private Limited for RM9.5 million.
On Christmas day it was obliterated in a lightning operation and the debris carted away. People smelled something fishy and a storm ensued. The hue and cry and the wrath of the people filled the papers, and provided live ammunition to the political opposition.
"How can a RM2 (20 baht) company buy a RM9.5 million house in a designated heritage area, if it is not assured that it could be knocked down for development?" asked opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. "Which bank is going to finance the deal if it is not assured of a quick return?"
The state government's damage control went into full swing. On Jan 3, 1993, the city council ordered the owner to rebuild the house to its original form in six months. Failing to comply would result in a maximum fine of RM10,000 and an additional fine of RM500 for each day's delay. The Chief Minister lauded the council for it's swift action.
On Feb 14, the company was charged in court for demolishing a heritage house without permission and subsequently fined RM50,000. Today, seven years later, the storm has abated but nothing has been done to restore the house. What has happened to the fine accumulated - RM500 a day for each day of non compliance?
At the site where Asdang House once proudly stood, lies a half finished high-rise hotel, a pile of ugly grey concrete and rusty steel in a wasteland along Penang's famous Millionaires' Row. Ironically it was the economic crisis in 1997 that stopped the construction, not the law of the land nor the wishes of the people.
KIM GOOI is a freelance journalist based in Bangkok.
(source: http://www0.malaysiakini.com/news/2898)
We still have many heritage building outside Heritage Zone; Khoo Boo Aun Residence at Bukit Tambun; Relau Villa near Metropolitan Park; Mission House(even within heritage zone); Shi Chung Primary School; and many others which may be waiting for nature to take its toll or not professionally managed as heritage..how many heritage buildings which we still do no know?.....will they meet the same fate as Metropole Hotel(Asdang House) someday in future?.....
Penang lang, we ned to protect our heritage; otherwise only Sungai Pinang is left for us to cry over.....
Related article:
1. The new MPPP council at its first meeting should reinstate Hotel Metropole to the 1989 MPPP list of 20 heritage buildings at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by setting aside the MPPP decision last Oct 28; http://bibliotheca.limkitsiang.com/1994/01/18/the-new-mppp-council-at-its-first-meeting-should-reinstate-hotel-metropole-to-the-1989-mppp-list-of-20-heritage-buildings-at-jalan-sultan-ahmad-shah-by-setting-aside-the-mppp-decision-last-oct-28/(Mr Lim Kit Siang’s stand on Hotel Metropole in 1993)
2. The fall of Metropole Hotel, by Kim Gooi, http://www0.malaysiakini.com/news/2898(Must read for the history of Metropole Hotel(Asdang House)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Another heritage mansion was demolished????
Penang state again lost another heritage building???. It was reported to be the family residence of Khaw Sim Bee by the local press. According to the Sin Chew Daily and local press, the Mansion was demolished on 26-7-2010 afternoon. The mansion was located at Pykett Road. Today the history repeated 1993 Metropole Hotel(formerly Asdang House) incident?.....
It was filed in Bursa Malaysia on 2-12-2009, reported the announcement that the mansion and the land was sold on 2-12-2009 by Khaw Bian Cheng Sdn Bhd(formerly Bian Hum Sdn Bhd) to wholly owned subsidiary of Mah Sing Group Berhad, Klassik Tropika Development Sdn Bhd for the proposed acquisition of all that piece of prime freehold land in Pykett Avenue, Georgetown, Penang measuring in total approximately 13,694.94 square metres (147,416 square feet or 3.38 acres) held under GRN (First Grade) 33671, Lot No. 951, Seksyen 13, Bandar Georgetown, Daerah Timor Laut, Pulau Pinang bearing address No. 20, Pykett Avenue, 10400 Penang for a total cash consideration of MYR38,651,118 or approximately MYR262.19 per square foot.(source: Bursa Malaysia and Reuters, Wednesday, 2 Dec 2009). The purchase was completed on 20-7-2010 as reported in the Sin Chew Daily newspaper. From the internet, the property sector was fully aware of the acquisition. But the bungalow was described as "is a dilapidated unoccupied small bungalow on the site", no further description on the building and ownership, is the building a heritage building owned by a historical figure, related to Khaw Sim Bee?.
The following are extract from Bursar Malaysia website:
2.1 Information on Klassik Tropika
Klassik Tropika is a private limited company incorporated in Malaysia on 19 August 2009 under the Companies Act, 1965. The present authorised share capital of Klassik Tropika is RM100,000 comprising 100,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each, of which 2 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each have been issued and fully paid-up. Presently, Klassik Tropika is dormant.
2.3 Information on the Land and its proposed development
The Land is subject to two private caveats lodged by Gloria Bay Sdn Bhd and Khaw Cheng Bok (“Private Caveat”). Presently, there is a dilapidated unoccupied small bungalow erected on the Land.
The land is located along Pykett Avenue and Westland Road, and is close to Burma Road and Anson Road. The Land is proposed to be developed into a high end condominium. The location is well established and is considered a high end area in Penang island. The Land is in a matured area and is surrounded by residential dwellings and some low rise condominiums.
(source: http://announcements.bursamalaysia.com/EDMS/edmswebh.nsf/all/482576120041BDAA48257680001CB765/$File/Penang%20Land.pdf)
View Larger Map
If I have not mistaken, the house must be located at the corner of Westlands Road or Jalan Westlands and Pykett Road, just opposite the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pykett Methodist(Pykett Methodist Primary School). The mansion was reported had been abandoned for more than 20 years. Pykett Road was known as Pykett Avenue. The area around Westlands Road and Pykett Road I still remember in 1967, when I first walk the street, this mansion was still occupied, but the gate was always closed. The Mansion was different from the surrounding residential houses, as other houses are double storey houses, but this house is a bungalow, a mansion. That time houses at Lorong Pykett, TNB, KDU College was not built yet. The Bangunan Persekutuan located at the land in front of T junction of Westlands Road and Anson Road, was a bangalow mansion, with very big front field. Westland Primary and Secondary Schools are already there. The Redifussion( the only private radio broadcasting line by wire transmission) was there beside Westlands Secondary School. The building was still there in front of Penang Christian Centre.
Many had walk this road, many have looked at the Mansion. But as time pass by, the mansion was covered with trees, the mansion no longer attract the attention of the passes by. Nobody know this is Khaw Sim Bee's mansion, we all know the Jalan Khaw Sim Bee(Khaw Sim Bee Road) nearby. If the Penang people know this is Khaw Sim Bee's Mansion, someone will alert the authority, but nobody know, not even the residents nearby at Westlands Road.
The last resident of the Mansion was reported to be Khaw Kim Cheng(許綿清)family. From the information gathered the mansion is related to Khaw family, a historical family. This raised the concern by the heritage lovers and mass media. Is the building owned by Khaw Sim Bee, as it is located near Khaw Sim Bee Road?. That is the natural reaction of all natural lovers and citizens. Some said it was not the mansion of Khaw Sim Bee, and of no heritage value....moreover it is outside the heritage zone. The heritage value of the building is for authority and expert to determine.
Is the state's Heritage Monitoring system effective?
It was reported that the mansion was demolished without awareness by anybody, not even the authority. Ironically the MPPP had received the application to demolish the Mansion on 20th March 2010, but rightly they rejected the application. The Sale & Purchase Agreement was completed on 20-7-2010(source: Bursa Malaysia), 7th day after the completion of the purchase contract, the building was demolished. This is a sad story for MPPP, clearly they are aware of the intention of the party to demolish the mansion, yet there is no immediate monitoring system set up to monitor the situation. That is the weakness of our heritage management. We need a monitoring system, a form of heritage police in the statutory bodies, either state government or MPPP. But it seems we still cannot trust them to fully enforce the protection of heritage building. The site should have been placed with a warning sign notice to the public and disclosure that the site is a heritage building. MPPP need to do home work to confirm the historical value of the building first. They seems to be lack of "tooth", or may be political will...or ...tidak apa?.....the responsibility of the lost is on the MPPP, and the State need to provide the answer to Penang people if the building is a heritage building. The Penang people need to set up a voluntary alarming system to monitor the heritage still left in Penang. Otherwise we will lost all heritage....
Who is Khaw Sim Bee?
Khaw Sim Bee(许心美,b 1860 d 1913), the youngest son, Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi(พระยารัษฎานุประดิษฐ์มหิศรภักดี)became governor of Trang(董里府,舊稱什田府)from 1890-1900, and in 1900 commissioner of Monthon Phuket(มณฑลภูเก็ต, 東南六府). He was a bureaucratic tycoon and an appointed Thai Governor of Kraburi, Trang and later the Monthon of Phuket. In Penang, Sim Bee founded the Koe Guan Company Ltd, then one of the biggest shipping companies in British Malaya. He also pioneered the insurance business in Malaya with his Khean Guan Insurance Company. Sim Bee also had business interests in Tongkah Harbour Tin Dredging Co Ltd and Eastern Shipping Co Ltd. While he was so influential in south Thailand, he married a Chinese woman from Penang Lim Seng Kim as principal wife, with whom he had five sons. However, he was also polygamous and a notorious womanizer. This proved to be his undoing, as he was killed by a doctor in Trang whose wife he had his eyes on. The shooting took place on 25 February, 1913. Also wounded was his nephew,the Governor of Trang. Khaw Sim Bee and his nephew were rushed to the Penang hospital, but succumbed to their injuries on 10 April and 2 May respectively. New Strait Times on 6-6-1913, however reported that he was assassinated by a Siamese dresser, Ma Chan, in Trang on 25-3-1913. The accused was sentenced to death by judgment in Penang (source: NST dated 6-6-1913 Pg 8untitled, http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/TOC.aspx?issueid=straitstimes19130606). Sim Bee's illustrious political and business career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1913. The incident was known as the Trang Outrage, the tragedy marked the slow decline of the Khaw business empire. His tomb was located at Ranong. Khaw Sim Bee's only son in Penang is Khaw Joo Chye(许如財), who was the one inherited Chakrabongse House.
However after Khaw Sim Bee's death in 1913, a commissioner from outside the area was appointed to stop the traditionally inherited administrative power of the family. The family essentially divided into the Malaysian and Thai portions of the family. In 1932 all Chinese immigrants and their descendants had to adopt a Thai name after the military coup. The family of Khaw Soo Cheang on the Thai side of the border had been given the name meaning "from Ranong" by the Thai King and became the Na Ranong family. In Malaysia and elsewhere they are still known as the Khaw family.
His contribution to Thailand was the introduction of rubber trees to Thailand, which at his time was only grown in Malaysia. He also initiated the connection of Trang with Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung by road as well as the railroad connection to Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the first railroads of Thailand. A statue of him can be seen at Khao Rang hill in Phuket.
Jalan Khaw Sim Bee or Khaw Sim Bee Road, between Perak Road and Westlands Road was named after him.
(From my previous blog: Thursday, February 25, 2010; Thailand: Ranong( 拉儂)& Na Ranong Family ;Ranong Province; http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2010/02/thailand-ranong-na-ranong-family.html)
Time to disclose List of heritage buildings, especially outside UNESCO Heritage Zone
Chow Kon Yeow, MP for Tanjong, who is also a member of the Executive Council of the state of Penang as Chairman of the Local Government Committee, and represents the seat of Padang Kota in the Penang State Assembly, however did visit the site, immediately after received the news. But the visit was too late, it is merely a reactive action. The MPPP or the state should have been more proactive to have their man monitor the site, after their rejection of the property owner's intention to demolish the place for whatever reason. It is easy to escape the fine or responsibility, I just need to set up a RM2 company, transfer the land into the company, use the company to demolish the building, then I can even sold the building to a developer to start property development. The authority can only fine the RM2 company..... what is the matter, they can do it????. Moreover fine is too cheap for a property developer of prime land in Penang island!. Note: In Malaysia most developer company normally started with RM2 capital, and increased to RM250,000 when they need to apply for building license).
Why only take late action where heritage are concerned. The reason given by Chow was that the mansion is not located in UNESCO heritage area, and was not listed as heritage building. As MP for Tanjong, and since MPPP had awareness of the historical value and the site of the property, there is no reason to claim that the authority is not aware. The excuses that the building is not in heritage zone and not listed as heritage building are all lame excuses. If the building was confirmed by MPPP or state authority that it is a heritage building, then proper action and disclosure should be done. Otherwise incident of demolished heritage building will always happen in Penang. May be it is the time the state reveal the list of heritage buildings in the state, especially heritage buildings outside the UNESCO heritage zone, a disclosure of the list is crucial now, and let the Penang people be the eyes for their heritages.
If it is really Khaw's mansion, it is too late; may be Penang are worst than Ranong, Phuket, or even Trang to give honor to their historical personality.
One word....SAD....we cannot even protect our history in Penang....as Penang lang, we cannot trust our politician on our heritage...look what happen to Asdang House, another house related to Khaw family?..... sad....
...sincere reminder to all politician and enforcement agencies. Penang is Heritage City; Penang is Heritage, no compromise....
Otherwise, if we are not careful, may be one day, Sayonara, UNESCO Heritage City....
Meow, meow, meowwwwwwww......
Related article:
1. My previous blog, dated Tuesday, March 2, 2010, Where is Metropole Hotel & Asdang House ?
2. Ranong Province, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranong_Province
3. MPPP pre-empted as building is demolished, http://anilnetto.com/accountability/mppp-thwarted-as-building-is-demolished/
4. http://www.southgate.com.my/icon-residence/penang/design.php(Developer's website)
5. Icon Residence, Penang, http://www.apartment-penang.com/2010/03/icon-residence-penang.html
6. Mah Sing plans Penang condo, NST Dec 3, 2009, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_8016/is_20091203/ai_n42481792/
7. Mah Sing Group Berhad's Klassik Tropika Development Sdn Bhd Announces Acquisition Of Land, Reuters. Wednesday, 2 Dec 2009, http://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/keyDevelopments?symbol=MAHS.KL&pn=3
8. Mah Sing plans Penang condo, http://www.malaysiapropertynews.com/2009/12/mah-sing-plans-penang-condo.html
9. http://announcements.bursamalaysia.com/EDMS/edmswebh.nsf/all/482576120041BDAA48257680001CB765/$File/Penang%20Land.pdf
10. http://www.klse.com.my/website/bm/listed_companies/company_announcements/announcements/index.jsp
11. 泰國橡膠之父家族前住區‧百年豪宅夷平地, http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/107762?tid=4
It was filed in Bursa Malaysia on 2-12-2009, reported the announcement that the mansion and the land was sold on 2-12-2009 by Khaw Bian Cheng Sdn Bhd(formerly Bian Hum Sdn Bhd) to wholly owned subsidiary of Mah Sing Group Berhad, Klassik Tropika Development Sdn Bhd for the proposed acquisition of all that piece of prime freehold land in Pykett Avenue, Georgetown, Penang measuring in total approximately 13,694.94 square metres (147,416 square feet or 3.38 acres) held under GRN (First Grade) 33671, Lot No. 951, Seksyen 13, Bandar Georgetown, Daerah Timor Laut, Pulau Pinang bearing address No. 20, Pykett Avenue, 10400 Penang for a total cash consideration of MYR38,651,118 or approximately MYR262.19 per square foot.(source: Bursa Malaysia and Reuters, Wednesday, 2 Dec 2009). The purchase was completed on 20-7-2010 as reported in the Sin Chew Daily newspaper. From the internet, the property sector was fully aware of the acquisition. But the bungalow was described as "is a dilapidated unoccupied small bungalow on the site", no further description on the building and ownership, is the building a heritage building owned by a historical figure, related to Khaw Sim Bee?.
The following are extract from Bursar Malaysia website:
2.1 Information on Klassik Tropika
Klassik Tropika is a private limited company incorporated in Malaysia on 19 August 2009 under the Companies Act, 1965. The present authorised share capital of Klassik Tropika is RM100,000 comprising 100,000 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each, of which 2 ordinary shares of RM1.00 each have been issued and fully paid-up. Presently, Klassik Tropika is dormant.
2.3 Information on the Land and its proposed development
The Land is subject to two private caveats lodged by Gloria Bay Sdn Bhd and Khaw Cheng Bok (“Private Caveat”). Presently, there is a dilapidated unoccupied small bungalow erected on the Land.
The land is located along Pykett Avenue and Westland Road, and is close to Burma Road and Anson Road. The Land is proposed to be developed into a high end condominium. The location is well established and is considered a high end area in Penang island. The Land is in a matured area and is surrounded by residential dwellings and some low rise condominiums.
(source: http://announcements.bursamalaysia.com/EDMS/edmswebh.nsf/all/482576120041BDAA48257680001CB765/$File/Penang%20Land.pdf)
View Larger Map
If I have not mistaken, the house must be located at the corner of Westlands Road or Jalan Westlands and Pykett Road, just opposite the Sekolah Kebangsaan Pykett Methodist(Pykett Methodist Primary School). The mansion was reported had been abandoned for more than 20 years. Pykett Road was known as Pykett Avenue. The area around Westlands Road and Pykett Road I still remember in 1967, when I first walk the street, this mansion was still occupied, but the gate was always closed. The Mansion was different from the surrounding residential houses, as other houses are double storey houses, but this house is a bungalow, a mansion. That time houses at Lorong Pykett, TNB, KDU College was not built yet. The Bangunan Persekutuan located at the land in front of T junction of Westlands Road and Anson Road, was a bangalow mansion, with very big front field. Westland Primary and Secondary Schools are already there. The Redifussion( the only private radio broadcasting line by wire transmission) was there beside Westlands Secondary School. The building was still there in front of Penang Christian Centre.
Many had walk this road, many have looked at the Mansion. But as time pass by, the mansion was covered with trees, the mansion no longer attract the attention of the passes by. Nobody know this is Khaw Sim Bee's mansion, we all know the Jalan Khaw Sim Bee(Khaw Sim Bee Road) nearby. If the Penang people know this is Khaw Sim Bee's Mansion, someone will alert the authority, but nobody know, not even the residents nearby at Westlands Road.
The last resident of the Mansion was reported to be Khaw Kim Cheng(許綿清)family. From the information gathered the mansion is related to Khaw family, a historical family. This raised the concern by the heritage lovers and mass media. Is the building owned by Khaw Sim Bee, as it is located near Khaw Sim Bee Road?. That is the natural reaction of all natural lovers and citizens. Some said it was not the mansion of Khaw Sim Bee, and of no heritage value....moreover it is outside the heritage zone. The heritage value of the building is for authority and expert to determine.
Is the state's Heritage Monitoring system effective?
It was reported that the mansion was demolished without awareness by anybody, not even the authority. Ironically the MPPP had received the application to demolish the Mansion on 20th March 2010, but rightly they rejected the application. The Sale & Purchase Agreement was completed on 20-7-2010(source: Bursa Malaysia), 7th day after the completion of the purchase contract, the building was demolished. This is a sad story for MPPP, clearly they are aware of the intention of the party to demolish the mansion, yet there is no immediate monitoring system set up to monitor the situation. That is the weakness of our heritage management. We need a monitoring system, a form of heritage police in the statutory bodies, either state government or MPPP. But it seems we still cannot trust them to fully enforce the protection of heritage building. The site should have been placed with a warning sign notice to the public and disclosure that the site is a heritage building. MPPP need to do home work to confirm the historical value of the building first. They seems to be lack of "tooth", or may be political will...or ...tidak apa?.....the responsibility of the lost is on the MPPP, and the State need to provide the answer to Penang people if the building is a heritage building. The Penang people need to set up a voluntary alarming system to monitor the heritage still left in Penang. Otherwise we will lost all heritage....
Who is Khaw Sim Bee?
Khaw Sim Bee(许心美,b 1860 d 1913), the youngest son, Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi(พระยารัษฎานุประดิษฐ์มหิศรภักดี)became governor of Trang(董里府,舊稱什田府)from 1890-1900, and in 1900 commissioner of Monthon Phuket(มณฑลภูเก็ต, 東南六府). He was a bureaucratic tycoon and an appointed Thai Governor of Kraburi, Trang and later the Monthon of Phuket. In Penang, Sim Bee founded the Koe Guan Company Ltd, then one of the biggest shipping companies in British Malaya. He also pioneered the insurance business in Malaya with his Khean Guan Insurance Company. Sim Bee also had business interests in Tongkah Harbour Tin Dredging Co Ltd and Eastern Shipping Co Ltd. While he was so influential in south Thailand, he married a Chinese woman from Penang Lim Seng Kim as principal wife, with whom he had five sons. However, he was also polygamous and a notorious womanizer. This proved to be his undoing, as he was killed by a doctor in Trang whose wife he had his eyes on. The shooting took place on 25 February, 1913. Also wounded was his nephew,the Governor of Trang. Khaw Sim Bee and his nephew were rushed to the Penang hospital, but succumbed to their injuries on 10 April and 2 May respectively. New Strait Times on 6-6-1913, however reported that he was assassinated by a Siamese dresser, Ma Chan, in Trang on 25-3-1913. The accused was sentenced to death by judgment in Penang (source: NST dated 6-6-1913 Pg 8untitled, http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/TOC.aspx?issueid=straitstimes19130606). Sim Bee's illustrious political and business career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1913. The incident was known as the Trang Outrage, the tragedy marked the slow decline of the Khaw business empire. His tomb was located at Ranong. Khaw Sim Bee's only son in Penang is Khaw Joo Chye(许如財), who was the one inherited Chakrabongse House.
However after Khaw Sim Bee's death in 1913, a commissioner from outside the area was appointed to stop the traditionally inherited administrative power of the family. The family essentially divided into the Malaysian and Thai portions of the family. In 1932 all Chinese immigrants and their descendants had to adopt a Thai name after the military coup. The family of Khaw Soo Cheang on the Thai side of the border had been given the name meaning "from Ranong" by the Thai King and became the Na Ranong family. In Malaysia and elsewhere they are still known as the Khaw family.
His contribution to Thailand was the introduction of rubber trees to Thailand, which at his time was only grown in Malaysia. He also initiated the connection of Trang with Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung by road as well as the railroad connection to Nakhon Si Thammarat, one of the first railroads of Thailand. A statue of him can be seen at Khao Rang hill in Phuket.
Jalan Khaw Sim Bee or Khaw Sim Bee Road, between Perak Road and Westlands Road was named after him.
(From my previous blog: Thursday, February 25, 2010; Thailand: Ranong( 拉儂)& Na Ranong Family ;Ranong Province; http://teochiewkia.blogspot.com/2010/02/thailand-ranong-na-ranong-family.html)
Time to disclose List of heritage buildings, especially outside UNESCO Heritage Zone
Chow Kon Yeow, MP for Tanjong, who is also a member of the Executive Council of the state of Penang as Chairman of the Local Government Committee, and represents the seat of Padang Kota in the Penang State Assembly, however did visit the site, immediately after received the news. But the visit was too late, it is merely a reactive action. The MPPP or the state should have been more proactive to have their man monitor the site, after their rejection of the property owner's intention to demolish the place for whatever reason. It is easy to escape the fine or responsibility, I just need to set up a RM2 company, transfer the land into the company, use the company to demolish the building, then I can even sold the building to a developer to start property development. The authority can only fine the RM2 company..... what is the matter, they can do it????. Moreover fine is too cheap for a property developer of prime land in Penang island!. Note: In Malaysia most developer company normally started with RM2 capital, and increased to RM250,000 when they need to apply for building license).
Why only take late action where heritage are concerned. The reason given by Chow was that the mansion is not located in UNESCO heritage area, and was not listed as heritage building. As MP for Tanjong, and since MPPP had awareness of the historical value and the site of the property, there is no reason to claim that the authority is not aware. The excuses that the building is not in heritage zone and not listed as heritage building are all lame excuses. If the building was confirmed by MPPP or state authority that it is a heritage building, then proper action and disclosure should be done. Otherwise incident of demolished heritage building will always happen in Penang. May be it is the time the state reveal the list of heritage buildings in the state, especially heritage buildings outside the UNESCO heritage zone, a disclosure of the list is crucial now, and let the Penang people be the eyes for their heritages.
If it is really Khaw's mansion, it is too late; may be Penang are worst than Ranong, Phuket, or even Trang to give honor to their historical personality.
One word....SAD....we cannot even protect our history in Penang....as Penang lang, we cannot trust our politician on our heritage...look what happen to Asdang House, another house related to Khaw family?..... sad....
...sincere reminder to all politician and enforcement agencies. Penang is Heritage City; Penang is Heritage, no compromise....
Otherwise, if we are not careful, may be one day, Sayonara, UNESCO Heritage City....
Meow, meow, meowwwwwwww......
Related article:
1. My previous blog, dated Tuesday, March 2, 2010, Where is Metropole Hotel & Asdang House ?
2. Ranong Province, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranong_Province
3. MPPP pre-empted as building is demolished, http://anilnetto.com/accountability/mppp-thwarted-as-building-is-demolished/
4. http://www.southgate.com.my/icon-residence/penang/design.php(Developer's website)
5. Icon Residence, Penang, http://www.apartment-penang.com/2010/03/icon-residence-penang.html
6. Mah Sing plans Penang condo, NST Dec 3, 2009, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_8016/is_20091203/ai_n42481792/
7. Mah Sing Group Berhad's Klassik Tropika Development Sdn Bhd Announces Acquisition Of Land, Reuters. Wednesday, 2 Dec 2009, http://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/keyDevelopments?symbol=MAHS.KL&pn=3
8. Mah Sing plans Penang condo, http://www.malaysiapropertynews.com/2009/12/mah-sing-plans-penang-condo.html
9. http://announcements.bursamalaysia.com/EDMS/edmswebh.nsf/all/482576120041BDAA48257680001CB765/$File/Penang%20Land.pdf
10. http://www.klse.com.my/website/bm/listed_companies/company_announcements/announcements/index.jsp
11. 泰國橡膠之父家族前住區‧百年豪宅夷平地, http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/107762?tid=4
Friday, July 23, 2010
Hong Kong TV on Lim Guan Eng
It's very interesting that other countries all over the world are taking interest in Penang now under a new government ruled by opposition political party.
What is the view of the other countries on the Chief Minister of Penang?
Hong Kong TV program about Penang – Penang people esp. should watch this!
What is the view of the other countries on the Chief Minister of Penang?
Hong Kong TV program about Penang – Penang people esp. should watch this!
Civil servant & Politic
The term civil service has two distinct meanings:
A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations. The body of employees in any government agency other than the military.
A civil servant or public servant is a civilian public sector employee working for a government department or agency. The term explicitly excludes the armed services, although civilian officials will work at "Defence Ministry" headquarters. The term always includes the (sovereign) state's employees; whether regional, or sub-state, or even municipal employees are called "civil servants" varies from country to country.
Article 132 of the Constitution of Malaysia stipulates that the Public Service consist of:
the General Public Service of the Federation
the State Public Services
the Joint Public Services
the Education Service
the Judiciary and the Legal Service
the Armed Forces
For all intents and purpose, Statutory Bodies and the Local Authorities are also considered as part of the Public Service. This is because both these autonomous bodies resemble the Public Service in many respects since they adopt the procedures of the Public Service pertaining to appointments, terms and conditions of service and the remuneration system. Besides that, their officers and staff also receive pension and other retirement benefits similar to the employees in the Public Service.
Federal Public Service (excluding the Education Service, Judiciary & Legal Service, Police and Armed Forces) are appointed by Federal Public Service (excluding the Education Service, Judiciary & Legal Service, Police and Armed Forces). State Public Services in Selangor and Penang are appointed by Public Service Commission (Federal), but other states are appointed their respective state public service commission. No matter who appointed them, the public servants. The civil service is a politically non-partisan and neutral body, with all its officers supposed to function and operate impartially in the implementations of the policies, programmes, and projects of the elected government.
A government is the organization, or agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members or subjects. The government in Malaysia, either federal or state is elected by people. The head of federal government is the Prime Minister; the head of the state government is either the Chief Minister or Mentri Besar. A Chief Minister is the elected [head of government] of a sub-national (e.g. constituent federal) state, the title given to the heads of governments of the Malaysia states without a monarchy.
Civil servants, federal or state level are not under the control of any political parties, be it the government party or opposition. The operational authority over them is the Prime Minister in federal level or Chief Minister in state level. If he is a federal level civil servant under the federal ministries, he is directly under the Prime Minister, with delegated authority given to federal Minister for respective ministries. If he is posted to the state, he has also have doted line responsibility to the state Chief Minister. He is still a civil servant and need to exercise impartially for the benefit of people in the state he have been posted. His role cannot in conflict with the state policies and direction. If he is going against the state policy and direction, and sabotage the state, he is not doing his job as civil servant. If there is role conflict, he should refer to his immediate Head, the Minister. The Minister should decide on the matter with no bias on his own political inclination(even he is appointed through his political party) as it is a civil matter, not political matter. The Minister should then take the matter to the Chief Minister of the state. If the Minister see no chance of any resolution, he as federal head should act responsibly as head of civil service, consider transfer the staff out of the state, to avoid aggravating the situation. If the unfortunate situation escalate to become the conflict between the federal minister and state chief minister, it is consider a crisis, and the state is difficult to function. It then become a political crisis.
There must be communication between the federal minister and the state minister; otherwise the government cannot function. The federal government will be seen as acting with discrimination against the people of the state. The state government is seen as not able to administrate the state. The people of the state will suffer. A responsible federal government or state government will not let this happen. Is the communication actually exist? Is there any communication between the federal government and the state government ruling by different political parties?.
Under the civil servants' code of conduct, no civil servant is allow to make any public statement that could tarnish the government's image; no involvement by the public servant with the political party is allowed to fight his case, as civil servant must not involved the political party into their work and civil service. He can however using legal channel or other internal grievance procedure to fight his case. The Chief Minister is still the Head of state government elected by people; if the said civil servant is posted to the state, he is to serve the state government elected by people, regardless of political inclination. If he cannot work with the state for whatever reason, he should responsibly ask for transfer. A civil servant is not a politician, he should not act like a politician, that is professionalism.
If the Chief Minister feel that the said civil servant cannot function in his role or his role has conflict the state policy, and the state policy has been sabotage; it is always the right of the Chief Minister to request the federal to move him out as the state no longer can function with him. A formal request for his transfer should be requested.
A civil servant, regardless of federal or state must be able to function with the state policies and direction; if not, there is no place for him to be in the state. As a professional, he should have ask for transfer or be transfer by the said Ministry. He must not act in any way that cause detriment to the state government. By acting against the interest of the state, he is also violating the code of conduct.
He must always remember he is a civil servant, his role is to serve the people; state or federal. The Chief Minister is the representative of the people in the state. He is not serving the government party, not Barisan National or Pakatan.........the Chief Minister as the Head of state government is still his boss.
However the issue that happen in the state, the spar between a civil servant and Chief Minister, is not a simple issue. Behind the issue there is the bigger problem of relationship between the federal government and state government ruling by different political parties; the fair allocation of federal fund; the channel that the federal fund are released; how and where the federal fund is released, the frustration of the Chief Minister of opposition party, the barrier and denial of communication channel, and the most important reason is still the hidden political agenda behind the incident.
Ultimately it is still political games; fighting between two political parties. The civil servant should not be involved in the political agenda of the political party. He should know his job function, and professionally do his work. That is his responsibility to the civil service and the people; not to the political party, even a ruling political party. But the problem with many local civil servant, they have been working under the government ruled by the same political parties for so long, and may have perception that the government is the ruling party. There is a role conflict in their mentality, it will be worst if the appointment is by the said political party or recommendation by the party. They will be in dilemma... and it reflect that there is still political influence in the civil service.
It is the responsibility of Public Service Commission to educate their staff of their responsibility and professionalism. The civil servant must be neutral in discharging their duty without any political inclination. The said Commission should be a non-political biased authority, under the non-political Head.
Let not the spar between the civil servant & Chief Minister become political issue, the state will suffer. Now the ball is at the federal level....how are they going to solve the issue involve the federal civil servant? Until today, it is only political talk at federal level, without any concrete action to solve the problem. May be, even the federal minister also wearing a political hat and forgot about the other hat they wear, the appointment as a federal Minister and as head of the ministry. They are playing political magic by changing of hats often. Political games should be over for politician with government post, he is wearing a government hat, A government is the organization, or agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members or subjects. His political hat should put behind, when doing his duty as Head of Government. Rightfully he should discharge his duty without political bias, but how many are able to do it in our local political environment?......
Ultimately, federal or state government, if unable to function effectively they still need to face the people during the next election. That will be the time to see the feeling of the people on the issue.
A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations. The body of employees in any government agency other than the military.
A civil servant or public servant is a civilian public sector employee working for a government department or agency. The term explicitly excludes the armed services, although civilian officials will work at "Defence Ministry" headquarters. The term always includes the (sovereign) state's employees; whether regional, or sub-state, or even municipal employees are called "civil servants" varies from country to country.
Article 132 of the Constitution of Malaysia stipulates that the Public Service consist of:
the General Public Service of the Federation
the State Public Services
the Joint Public Services
the Education Service
the Judiciary and the Legal Service
the Armed Forces
For all intents and purpose, Statutory Bodies and the Local Authorities are also considered as part of the Public Service. This is because both these autonomous bodies resemble the Public Service in many respects since they adopt the procedures of the Public Service pertaining to appointments, terms and conditions of service and the remuneration system. Besides that, their officers and staff also receive pension and other retirement benefits similar to the employees in the Public Service.
Federal Public Service (excluding the Education Service, Judiciary & Legal Service, Police and Armed Forces) are appointed by Federal Public Service (excluding the Education Service, Judiciary & Legal Service, Police and Armed Forces). State Public Services in Selangor and Penang are appointed by Public Service Commission (Federal), but other states are appointed their respective state public service commission. No matter who appointed them, the public servants. The civil service is a politically non-partisan and neutral body, with all its officers supposed to function and operate impartially in the implementations of the policies, programmes, and projects of the elected government.
A government is the organization, or agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members or subjects. The government in Malaysia, either federal or state is elected by people. The head of federal government is the Prime Minister; the head of the state government is either the Chief Minister or Mentri Besar. A Chief Minister is the elected [head of government] of a sub-national (e.g. constituent federal) state, the title given to the heads of governments of the Malaysia states without a monarchy.
Civil servants, federal or state level are not under the control of any political parties, be it the government party or opposition. The operational authority over them is the Prime Minister in federal level or Chief Minister in state level. If he is a federal level civil servant under the federal ministries, he is directly under the Prime Minister, with delegated authority given to federal Minister for respective ministries. If he is posted to the state, he has also have doted line responsibility to the state Chief Minister. He is still a civil servant and need to exercise impartially for the benefit of people in the state he have been posted. His role cannot in conflict with the state policies and direction. If he is going against the state policy and direction, and sabotage the state, he is not doing his job as civil servant. If there is role conflict, he should refer to his immediate Head, the Minister. The Minister should decide on the matter with no bias on his own political inclination(even he is appointed through his political party) as it is a civil matter, not political matter. The Minister should then take the matter to the Chief Minister of the state. If the Minister see no chance of any resolution, he as federal head should act responsibly as head of civil service, consider transfer the staff out of the state, to avoid aggravating the situation. If the unfortunate situation escalate to become the conflict between the federal minister and state chief minister, it is consider a crisis, and the state is difficult to function. It then become a political crisis.
There must be communication between the federal minister and the state minister; otherwise the government cannot function. The federal government will be seen as acting with discrimination against the people of the state. The state government is seen as not able to administrate the state. The people of the state will suffer. A responsible federal government or state government will not let this happen. Is the communication actually exist? Is there any communication between the federal government and the state government ruling by different political parties?.
Under the civil servants' code of conduct, no civil servant is allow to make any public statement that could tarnish the government's image; no involvement by the public servant with the political party is allowed to fight his case, as civil servant must not involved the political party into their work and civil service. He can however using legal channel or other internal grievance procedure to fight his case. The Chief Minister is still the Head of state government elected by people; if the said civil servant is posted to the state, he is to serve the state government elected by people, regardless of political inclination. If he cannot work with the state for whatever reason, he should responsibly ask for transfer. A civil servant is not a politician, he should not act like a politician, that is professionalism.
If the Chief Minister feel that the said civil servant cannot function in his role or his role has conflict the state policy, and the state policy has been sabotage; it is always the right of the Chief Minister to request the federal to move him out as the state no longer can function with him. A formal request for his transfer should be requested.
A civil servant, regardless of federal or state must be able to function with the state policies and direction; if not, there is no place for him to be in the state. As a professional, he should have ask for transfer or be transfer by the said Ministry. He must not act in any way that cause detriment to the state government. By acting against the interest of the state, he is also violating the code of conduct.
He must always remember he is a civil servant, his role is to serve the people; state or federal. The Chief Minister is the representative of the people in the state. He is not serving the government party, not Barisan National or Pakatan.........the Chief Minister as the Head of state government is still his boss.
However the issue that happen in the state, the spar between a civil servant and Chief Minister, is not a simple issue. Behind the issue there is the bigger problem of relationship between the federal government and state government ruling by different political parties; the fair allocation of federal fund; the channel that the federal fund are released; how and where the federal fund is released, the frustration of the Chief Minister of opposition party, the barrier and denial of communication channel, and the most important reason is still the hidden political agenda behind the incident.
Ultimately it is still political games; fighting between two political parties. The civil servant should not be involved in the political agenda of the political party. He should know his job function, and professionally do his work. That is his responsibility to the civil service and the people; not to the political party, even a ruling political party. But the problem with many local civil servant, they have been working under the government ruled by the same political parties for so long, and may have perception that the government is the ruling party. There is a role conflict in their mentality, it will be worst if the appointment is by the said political party or recommendation by the party. They will be in dilemma... and it reflect that there is still political influence in the civil service.
It is the responsibility of Public Service Commission to educate their staff of their responsibility and professionalism. The civil servant must be neutral in discharging their duty without any political inclination. The said Commission should be a non-political biased authority, under the non-political Head.
Let not the spar between the civil servant & Chief Minister become political issue, the state will suffer. Now the ball is at the federal level....how are they going to solve the issue involve the federal civil servant? Until today, it is only political talk at federal level, without any concrete action to solve the problem. May be, even the federal minister also wearing a political hat and forgot about the other hat they wear, the appointment as a federal Minister and as head of the ministry. They are playing political magic by changing of hats often. Political games should be over for politician with government post, he is wearing a government hat, A government is the organization, or agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members or subjects. His political hat should put behind, when doing his duty as Head of Government. Rightfully he should discharge his duty without political bias, but how many are able to do it in our local political environment?......
Ultimately, federal or state government, if unable to function effectively they still need to face the people during the next election. That will be the time to see the feeling of the people on the issue.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ah Nieu - Ice Kacang Puppy Love(初恋红豆冰)
Ah Niu (Chinese: 阿牛), is the nickname and stage name of Tan Kheng Seong (Simplified Chinese:陈庆祥), a popular singer in Malaysia and Singapore in the late 1990s.
Ah Niu (Chinese: 阿牛), is the nickname and stage name of Tan Kheng Seong (Simplified Chinese:陈庆祥), a popular singer in Malaysia and Singapore in the late 1990s.
In 1997, his popularity was restricted to mainly Malaysia and Singapore, until Richie Jen (Traditional Chinese:任賢齊, Taiwanese singer) sung his song (Dui Mian De Nui Hai Kan Guo Lai 對面的女孩看過來 (Looky here!)- "direct translation=Look here, girl from opposite") which became widely popular.
In December 1998, Rock Records sent Ah Niu to expand his singing career in Taiwan. He quickly gained popularity with the Taiwanese masses with his brand of quirky, folk-ish songs that mainly focused on his daily life as a kampung boy in Malaysia and unrequited love.
His popularity gained even more momentum when the likes of Rene Liu and Karen Mok requested Ah Niu to compose songs for them which steadfastly placed him as a firm staple not only in Taiwan, but also in China and Hong Kong.
Ah Niu has been a special guest for many concerts around Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. He also starred in the movie Para Para Sakura by Aaron Kwok in year 2001.
Ah Nieu is from Butterworth(北海), Penang.
Ice Kacang Puppy Love(初恋红豆冰) is a latest Malaysian Chinese film, directed by Ah Nieu, a Malaysian singer; and he is also the main actor, supported by the actor and actress who are also international singers from Malaysia.
http://www.ah-niu.com/
I still remember in the early 90s, when his song "Dui Mian De Nui Hai Kan Guo Lai (對面的女孩看過來)" was so popular, many Chinese loved the song, and become his fan. My daughter was his fan. When he come to Kuantan for a show in Megamall, I bought my daughter to the mall to support him. Not only because my daughter is his fan, I am also fond of the song. Moreover his is from Penang, from Bukit Mertajam(tua sua ka lang), there is more reason to support him.
But the show which is free, cost me RM200 or $200 Malaysian dollars. This is because when I helped my daughter to go near the stage to give Ah Niew flower, someone beside me pick my pocket and steal my wallet. An expensive show for me....
But please dun tell him, it is my secret between daughter and father.
Ah Nieu is a Penangkia....a proud son of Penang. No problem lah....
Ah Niu (Chinese: 阿牛), is the nickname and stage name of Tan Kheng Seong (Simplified Chinese:陈庆祥), a popular singer in Malaysia and Singapore in the late 1990s.
In 1997, his popularity was restricted to mainly Malaysia and Singapore, until Richie Jen (Traditional Chinese:任賢齊, Taiwanese singer) sung his song (Dui Mian De Nui Hai Kan Guo Lai 對面的女孩看過來 (Looky here!)- "direct translation=Look here, girl from opposite") which became widely popular.
In December 1998, Rock Records sent Ah Niu to expand his singing career in Taiwan. He quickly gained popularity with the Taiwanese masses with his brand of quirky, folk-ish songs that mainly focused on his daily life as a kampung boy in Malaysia and unrequited love.
His popularity gained even more momentum when the likes of Rene Liu and Karen Mok requested Ah Niu to compose songs for them which steadfastly placed him as a firm staple not only in Taiwan, but also in China and Hong Kong.
Ah Niu has been a special guest for many concerts around Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. He also starred in the movie Para Para Sakura by Aaron Kwok in year 2001.
Ah Nieu is from Butterworth(北海), Penang.
Ice Kacang Puppy Love(初恋红豆冰) is a latest Malaysian Chinese film, directed by Ah Nieu, a Malaysian singer; and he is also the main actor, supported by the actor and actress who are also international singers from Malaysia.
http://www.ah-niu.com/
I still remember in the early 90s, when his song "Dui Mian De Nui Hai Kan Guo Lai (對面的女孩看過來)" was so popular, many Chinese loved the song, and become his fan. My daughter was his fan. When he come to Kuantan for a show in Megamall, I bought my daughter to the mall to support him. Not only because my daughter is his fan, I am also fond of the song. Moreover his is from Penang, from Bukit Mertajam(tua sua ka lang), there is more reason to support him.
But the show which is free, cost me RM200 or $200 Malaysian dollars. This is because when I helped my daughter to go near the stage to give Ah Niew flower, someone beside me pick my pocket and steal my wallet. An expensive show for me....
But please dun tell him, it is my secret between daughter and father.
Ah Nieu is a Penangkia....a proud son of Penang. No problem lah....
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