Rhetoric

The decision by the Federal authorities not to help solve the Kg Buah Pala issue shows that the 1Malaysia concept might just be nothing more than a bag of empty rhetoric. The Kg Buah Pala issue is one of the many manifestations or consequences that came about as a result of a record of bad governance by the BN. When Koh was the CM, the component groups under him took the opportunity to enrich themselves or their friends and relatives by making all sorts of transactions and business deals often with state property or the state itself as the vehicle. Contracts for this and that especially involving state or local council properties and buildings were handed out to certain favoured parties and money changed hands more often than necessary. State-owned land was sold to groups that had special ties to the component parties and their reps. The CM conveniently looked the other way as the various bigshots who were supposedly tasked with taking care of the people began to take care of themselves and all their friends, business associates and relatives instead. The KOMTAR centre which was once the pride of Penang is now looking more and more like a ghost centre. When the KOMTAR centre was still a crowd-puller, it attracted the unwanted attention of the business tycoons-cum-politicians known for their appetite for swallowing state properties. They took control of KOMTAR, started to squeeze the many merchants and shop-owners with continuously rising rents and bills and the result of all their shenanigans is now plainly visible. State contracts were given by these irresponsible people to companies within their close circle of acquaintance. It was like 'you scratch my back and I scratch your back' form of administration in the state. Land was sold to the people or individuals who had the right connections even though it was in very short supply. Kg Buah Pala was one of the 'victims' of this messy and very questionable state of affairs. When the PR won the state, the land was hurriedly sold to a 'private' firm and today we can see the result. If the so-called 1Malaysia concept is truly genuine and really alive, the Federal government should step in and solve the problem. There is no excuse that the state has the sole responsibility in this particular matter. Do not claim that you have never heard of the saying 'It is the exception that proves the rule'. The Federal government should step in now and help solve this very vexing issue. Later on, the authorities could investigate the whole matter and hold all those responsible

to account. The federal authorities should practise the principle of 'showing no fear or favour'. The undulating Kg Buah Pala area is really not suitable for erecting tall buildings including apartments. It is actually more suitable for building houses or bungalows. The nature of the land is not conducive for highrises. Does the federal authorities want a future Highland Towers incident in the state ? The previous CM was just a human statue when he was in charge. All the other bigshots in the state BN coalition were unashamedly making hay while the BN sun was shining. Today he is no longer the CM and the cat is out of the bag. Kg Buah Pala is not an isolated case. A lot of shady deals were made including those areas in the south-west and western parts of the state. An independent body should be set up to investigate all those shady deals. The Federal government should step in & clean everything up. Only in this way can it prove to the people that the 1Malaysia concept is genuine and not mere empty rhetoric. Otherwise this latest concept would only the same manner as all those others that And in the end it will only be consigned of history. Just mere empty rhetoric and

be remembered in came before it. to the dustheap nothing more.

Malaysia is famous for its leaders who know how to harangue and lambast others but when it comes to the serious matter of solving local problems, it is the well-loved practice of passing the buck that comes to the fore. The state-controlled media and the rising little Napoleons within the BN should stay away from interfering in the problems of southern Thailand and stop paying a too close attention to the local issues there. Pay attention to the problems here instead. Stop trying to 'solve' problems in other people's houses. Solve the problems in your house first ! Why should our politicians neglect our own people while acting as uninvited meddlers for others. The people of Kg Buah Pala fully deserves the help of our politicians. Do not turn them down. Put the squeeze on those who have created the problems in the first place. Now is the time to show to the people that the 1Malaysia concept is no case of empty rhetoric. Not by any means. Forward with 1Malaysia !!!