Penang Watch

September 02, 2008 15:52 PM
The CM LGE had pronounced the ambitious and destructive mega project PGCC dead. However even before the diagnosis is in there are a number of attempts to `revive' the project -not in name but in spirit. There is 1 proposal very much approved by the Chambers of Commerc, that half of the race course be developed for high end housing -with the excuse that the proceeds will allow/fund the other half to be preserved as a park. The original plan also keep a part of the land as park -so there is actually little difference between  the 2 versions!

A similar version is also advanced by other members of the Turf Club -who will personally benefit by getting some units for free! Questions: what have these turf club members done to deserve such wind fall? Wasn't the turf club land given to the club for strictly racing purpose -and as such the land need to be reverted to the state government once it stop to function as a turf club? So PGCC is said to be dead (the `CC' is the name sounds as `dead' in Hokkien) -but the idea to turn the precious land into some high end concrete jungle lives on in the dreams of the turf club members-among them are also the Chambers' members. Penang people should move to stop such `dream projects'!

UPDATE:A forum will be held to discuss the future plan for PGCC on Sept 14th(Sunday), 9.30am, at Dewan Sri Pinang. Come to air your views if you wish.

PGCC Is Dead - Guan Eng

PENANG, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Penang Global City Complex (PGCC) has not been approved as the developer had failed to submit its layout plans, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"The PGCC is dead," he told a press conference here Tuesday.

The PGCC, with an estimated gross development value of RM25 billion, was earmarked to be sited on a 104ha plot where the Penang Turf Club currently stands by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd.

"When we took over the government on March 8, we hoped they (the developer) will observe the law and regulations. When they failed to submit the plans, how can we expect them to observe the law and regulations," said Lim.

He said the project come under the scrutiny of the Penang Municipal Council and the government was informed on its status from time to time.

Lim also announced the appointment of Wan Zailena Nordin as InvestPenang general manager.

The post was created to replace the post of InvestPenang chief executive officer and chief operation officer.

Wan Zailena was involved in the formation of InvestPenang in 2005 and was its CEO until March last year.

-- BERNAMA