THE state assemblyman for Komtar, Ng Wei Aik, was forced into the spotlight when he was accused of making a racist remark when shutting down a nasi kandar operation for illegally extending its business onto the road. In response to the allegations by the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), Ng said that Kimma should be the ones apologising to him, claiming that they had no proof of their allegations. Kimma had staged a protest at Komtar against him. Read here.

Ng, who is also the political secretary to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, would later say that he would resign if there was proof he made those remarks within a week. "If there is proof that I said those words, I will immediately resign from my post as political secretary," he said at a press conference. Read here.

In a turn of events, Ng publicly apologised over the incident. "I sincerely wish to say sorry for the excessive behaviour on that day and do not want it to prolong, and the time has come for the matter to be put to rest without any dispute," Ng said to journalists on Friday. He apologised in person to Syed Kassali Mohamad Aliyar, the owner of Restoran Mohamed Aliyar, the restaurant in question, as well as the restaurant workers and the Indian Muslim community.

Syed Kassali said further action will be discussed, and added, "The incident has resulted in my business suffering a loss of 50 per cent and I had to bear a loss of RM30,000 since the incident on Sunday." Read here.

A group called Suara Anak-Anak Mamak Pulau Pinang (Voices of Penang Indian Muslims) would enter the fray the next day, calling for Ng's resignation. Read here. Analyst Joceline Tan noted that Ng had "overreacted" to the restaurant's presence, and the entire incident is emblematic of DAP's continuing struggle in handling Malay and Muslim constituents. Read here.

Rape and sodomy allegation at children's home

A businesswoman and social worker with an NGO claimed that children at a home have been sexually abused by the staff, committee members and volunteers. State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Com­mittee chairman Phee Boon Poh said that he was aware of the allegations, and his office is making its investigations under the Child's Act 2001. Read here. The police have set up a special task force to investigate the allegations. Read here.

The home, St Joseph's Home, denies the allegations, saying that an internal investigation found no evidence of sexual abuse. “We will cooperate fully with the police. We have nothing to hide,” said Eustace Anthony Nonis, chairman of the home management board. Read here.

Penang to build RM300mil convention centre

Eco Meridean Sdn Bhd have successfully bid for a contract to build a RM300mil convention centre in Penang. Known as the Sub-terranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (sPICE) Centre, it will be the first such centre in the country, with a green park on the roof. “We granted the tender to the company not only based on the price, quality and world class standard building management but also because of the green structure,” said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, adding that the Penang Municipal Council will bear RM50mil of the cost. Eco Meridean is a subsidiary of SP Setia Bhd. Read here.

Lim said that the project is a worthwhile investment, with the city council bearing only a fraction of the total cost. “This is a vote of confidence for Penang, that Penang will be a preferred choice for investors, tourists, young and talented residents who desire sustainable habitats." Read here.

Other news

• Penang Hill funicular train service to resume only after Chinese New Year: The Penang Hill funicular train service, which is expected to resume by the end of this month following upgrading, will be delayed by at least another month, according to state Public Works, Utility and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng. Read here.
• Dog attack victim suffered over 50 bite wounds: The Irish tourist who was mauled to death by two dogs while visiting an organic farm in Penang had more than 50 bite wounds and lacerations all over his body. Read here.
• Grave discovery for heritage advocates: Penang's heritage advocates are distressed to learn that more than 70 graves related to a pioneer family from the 1800s in Batu Lanchang have been dug up. Read here.
• Playing Survivor every day: Almost three years after taking over the Penang government, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is firmly in the seat. On New Year’s Eve, Lim spoke to Himanshu Bhatt of his experiences as a self-confessed "Survivor" and about the state government. Read here.
• Don’t blindly follow call to reduce plastic bag usage, says MCA man: Penangites should know the facts behind plastic bags and not blindly follow the state government’s call to cut down on plastic bag usage, a MCA division leader said. Read here.

For more news on Penang, please click through to iGT NetBuzz Jan 10 to 16, 2011 here. For daily updates, "like" iGeorgeTown on Facebook or join us on Twitter.  

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