Penang News : - Opposition Party, Opposition Reps & GLC Company Sulks

Read a report in the Star / NST (14th & 15th March 2008), that

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. 1) the 11 Opposition Reps will call the Federal Government to scrape all the Mega Projects Plan for Penang as the Rakyat have chosen no development as they have voted other parties in.

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2) the Penang Port Sdn Bhd, is suffering losses of RM14M a year, and wants the Federal Government to.

a. Transfer the Ferry Services to the State Government to bear the loss.

b. Increase Price of the Ferry Services to reduce the loss.

c. Close Down the Ferry Services.

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3) Pro NEP, Demonstration by 1000 persons at Komtar.

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Snapshots wonder; 1) Does voting for other parties by some of the Penangites means that the entire Penang, including those who voted for you, and did not vote at all, do not want any Development? Do you want to deprive those that voted for you as well. Kindly Refer to our PM, Your Party Chief, and State Chief, He said otherwise last night on National TV.

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2) How did you guys a Private Company under the Finance Ministry get the contract to Run the Entire Port, its there some thing involve in like the understanding of running the Ferry Services? Or are you guys thinking of giving up the entire port operation or just the Ferry Services Only? By the Way, who use the ferry? Who runs business around the Ferry? Where is the Railway Located?

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3) Did the Demonstration have a Permit? Don’t you guys know the law?

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Snapshots think .

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1) I think The People voted for a no corruption, better transparency, caring, meritocracy, malaysian government in the state, As the PM him self have stated, in NST 15th March 2008.

2) The Penang Ferry, (an Icon of Penang, Just like Komtar) is part and parcel of Penang Port from ages ago. You have been appointed to run Penang Port take the good with the bad. Don’t be like one airline, which accepted a responsibility and then after a while ran out.

3) Oh the law is meant for the other parties only, Sorry! Snapshots Conclude:

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All this remind me of my children sulks, (merajuk) when they don’t get their way. They scream, shout, cry etc, that no way for any reasonable adults to act and behave.

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Either way you guys have done us the rakyat a great favor, Now we know how you want! .

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Mean while In Perlis and in Terengganu the cat fight continues on who is to be their MB, It’s a circus, and it’s all in a single party, Not like Perak and Selangor which involve 3 separate parties.

What the Latest News in Perlis!

After the Elections (08), First, we had problems in Perak and Selangor, with the Loose Coalition of DAP-Keadilan-PAS, now we have trouble up in Perlis. Among The Last BN held State to announce and swear in their MB.

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In the NST today,

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"The Raja Perlis has consented to the appointment of Bintong assemblyman Datuk Dr Md Isa Sabu as the new Menteri Besar of Perlis, replacing the embattled Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim"

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and After that.

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"PERLIS MB SAGA: Shahidan insists he has PM's mandate to be MB, rebukes successor "

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look like BN and even the BN top party is just like DAP-Keadilan-Pas grouping. Fighting over positions. (worst for them, having been in power for so long, should be united by now)

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I thought That the Circus have gone home, but it is still here in Town, and look like it will be here for a much longer time. Even our PM has been call to step down, together with MCA and MIC president among others.

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Poor Tan Sri Koh, He wants to step down, but it seems that Gerakan want him around for a longer time. I respect Tan Sri Koh, he a real gentleman, a very rare breed. May be that why Gerakan want him.

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Update: Just in from NST on line.

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"KUALA TERENGGANU: Umno is still undecided as to who should become Mentri Besar after Datuk Idris Jusoh seemed unable to garner support to continue with his stewardship."

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Say, What going on? I think it's getting worst. Winds of Change indeed!!

Photo of Penang State Exco!

Photo extracted from The Star, Metro, 14th March 2008, More stories there, More Balance Reporting.

The New Penang Exco!

Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng - Industrial development, International trade, Land affairs and land development.

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First Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin - Religious affairs, Entrepreneur development and cooperatives, information and social relations.

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Second Deputy Chief Minister Dr P. Ramasmy - State’s economic planning, Education and human resources, Science, technology and innovation

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Chow Kon Yeow, (Padang Kota), - Local government, Traffic management and Environment portfolios.

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Lim Hock Seng (Bagan Jermal) - Public works, Utilities (energy, water and telecoms) and Transport (air, sea and rail).

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Law Heng Kiang (Bukit Tambun) - Tourism development, culture, arts and heritage

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Phee Boon Poh (Sungai Puyu) - Health and Welfare and Caring society.

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Wong Hon Wai portfolios, (Air Itam) Housing, Town and Country planning

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Ong Kok Foi Berapit assemblywoman - Youth and Sports and Women, Family and Community development.

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PKR state excecutive councillors,

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Abdul Malik Kassim (Batu Maung) - Domestic trade and Consumer affairs.

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Law Choo Kiang (Bukit Tambun) - Agriculture and Agro-based industry, Rural development and Flood mitigation

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and further to tourism: - )

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Cleanliness is the key for Penang to sweep the tourists off their feet, newly sworn in State Executive Councillor for Tourism Law Heng Kiang said today.

In Penang Some People are saying

I am hearing very funny things from all arond in Penang that with our new gomen that the following is going to happen as a reward, That this has been promise. Some of it also have came out in a chinese paper. Most of it is via SMS or People are talking about it.

. 1. No More / Reduce Penang Bridge Toll. . 2. No More / Reduce Sg Nyor Toll. . 3. No More Water Bill. . 4. Reduce Petrol Price in 5 States. . 5. RM600 bonus for Gomen Workers in Penang .

6. No More Charges for Penang Ferry

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Latest News On Penang!

I went surfing on what Happening in Penang, Am Curious on the Policys that is to be inplemented, Not Much Details in Star and NST till i stumble on this at The China Post which carry much more details.

New Penang government announces economic reforms after election victory By EILEEN NG, AP, PENANG, Malaysia --

The new leader of Malaysia's Penang state announced major reversals in policy Tuesday, including open bidding for government contracts, after his opposition party won elections for the first time in four decades.

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Lim Guan Eng, sworn in for a five-year term as chief minister of the northern state Tuesday, also said his government will review a a 25 billion ringgit project to develop the city center of Penang island, which has raised concern among residents.

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Lim's opposition Democratic Action Party won control of Penang in Saturday's election, unseating the National Front coalition that had been in power since 1969, in one of the biggest electoral upsets in Malaysia's history.

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The reforms are part of the new government's "agenda for change to re-establish rule by the people," Lim said in a statement released soon after he took control of the state, the site of many multinational electronics companies such as Intel and Dell. Besides being the country's industrial heartland, the island of Penang is also known as its tourism jewel. .

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It is the first time the Chinese-based Democratic Action Party has come to power in any state in Malaysia, where 12 of its 13 states have always been under the National Front, a coalition dominated by the Malay-based party representing the country's majority ethnic Malay Muslims.

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Besides Penang, the National Front also lost in four other states to a three-party opposition coalition of which the DAP is a member. At the federal level, the National Front's traditional two-thirds majority in Parliament was reduced to a simple majority as the opposition alliance boosted its strength from 19 seats to 82 in the 222-member house.

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Lim said in a statement that his government will do away with the New Economic Policy, an affirmative action program for Malays, in awarding state contracts. .

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"We will run the government administration free from the New Economic Policy that breeds cronyism, corruption and systemic inefficiency," Lim said in the statement, which effectively pledges to turn upside down most of National Front policies. .

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"We will implement an open tender system for all government procurement and contracts," he said, referring to the practice of state contracts being awarded only to ethnic Malay-based companies in secret tenders.

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"We will also practice transparency by uploading information of such tender bids in an Internet portal to be set up in future for public access," he said. .

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In other reforms, Lim said all state government members and civil servants will be required to publicly declare their assets. .

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"This is a government that is based on democracy. This is also a government that believes in equal opportunity and social economic justice. We are here to build a dynamic Penang for all," he said.

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He said he will also seek to restore elections to appoint local government councils, which until now were appointed by the government. .

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Lim pledged to remain investor friendly and take steps to woo foreign investment that creates high paying jobs.

DAP's Penang pledge.

Penang pledge by DAP's 23 parliamentary and state candidates in the Penang Esplanade on Thursday, 6 Mac 2008:

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We, the DAP candidates for both state and parliamentary constituencies in Penang, make the following individual pledges if elected on the 8th March 2008:

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1) Uphold the Federal and Penang State Constitutions as the highest laws of the land and defend our nation's democracy at all times.

2) Adhere to the highest level of integrity in doing our job and to uphold the trust of the people placed in us as their elected representatives.

3) Abhor all types of abuse of power, corruption, racism, sexism, violence and crime.

4) Reinstate local government election to promote greater efficiency, accountability and transparency at the local government level.

5) Establish our respective service centre to provide community service to all our constituents without fear or favour.

6) Ably represent and speak up for the people in both state assembly and parliament on issues concerning their interests and needs.

7) Provide a credible check-and-balance in both state assembly and parliament to ensure people’s interests are put at the top priority and not political interests.

8) Champion for justice, fairness and equality for all regardless of race, gender, creed, status or belief. .

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Further we stress that both state and parliamentary candidates contest in this general elections and move forward as a team.

A DAP team that makes five additional pledges:-.

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1. We make a pledge that we will not submit to UMNO’s political dominance.

2. We make a pledge to move forward and make Penang dynamic again that is not dependent on BN or UMNO but on the will of the people.

3. We make a pledge to be fair and just, especially for the poor and disadvantaged regardless of race, creed, religion or gender.

4. We make a pledge to be your voice, your dreams, your hopes where the nation’s wealth must be shared, the diligent rewarded and those who do wrong and are corrupt be punished.

5. We make a pledge to make Penang a bastion of democracy, integrity and opportunity. .

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Penang voters have always shown their courage to seize the opportunity and lead Malaysia in both economic development and democratic reforms. Let us all join together and show that beneath our differences in race, religion and background we are one people intent on bringing about dynamic change for Penang. Let March 8 2008 be recorded in history as the people’s victory for a functioning democracy with checks and balances over the one-party state of BN and UMNO's political dominance.For a Dynamic Penang!

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As extracted from DAP Web Site.

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DAP You are now the New Penang Leaders and Government, Now that the shoe is on your feet. Last time you criticise and look for mistakes now you will be criticise. .

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As Tan Sri Koh say, let work together, and let get to work for a Better Penang. Dont forget your Pledge, and Do update us what you are doing, via your blogs or web etc. Take a look at the Penang Gov Web site, Who is the Chief Minister and who are the Exco also cannot find.

Ok, Circus is over.

Winds of Change? Nope its a Tsunami! Nation Wide, In Penang it's Firework's, it look like the people want a stronger voice in Parliment but not Voice the Cabinet? My analisis say that the People think that a stronger voice in Parliment, is better then a voice in the Cabinet.

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Overall, I have to say this, I think this election were loss or won during the last 4 years, not in the last 2 weeks.

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And to think 5 States have been loss by BN, Well......

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Any way now it's time to clear all the Road Decorations that have been put up , Get down to it.

Who to Vote For?!

I am heading back to my parents home, to enable Me and My wife to vote early in the morning on the 8th March, In my case just a km away from my parents house, and my wife, around 10km away near her parents house, both of us in the same state constituency(formerly held by our to be Ex CM for the past 17 years), and of course same Parliament constituency.

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Funny, for Voters in Tg Bungah, We have the Chai bothers both in BN, one for State and the other for Parliament. All in the Family! Vs DAP

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Well with all the road decoration, the circus, the news in the media and blogs for the past few days, I am a bit fatigue with it. It decision time, after all the fun, especially with all the YB's especially ministers , and non ministers and prospective YB's coming around asking us, in some case begging us, the rakyat to vote them in this time, this final time etc.

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For those who are candidates in this election, I hope the past 2 weeks have been a fruitfully one for your self personally, but after all this, it is time for you YB's to serve the rakyat. Please remember the time where you have to pound the streets to get the votes that is required to get in. If you serve all your rakyat in your kawasan equally, the next time will be easier. Start your campaign immediately, Go serve the rakyat where they are! Go to the Markets, The areas where the rakyat is. Walk with them, See them.

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Well what my vote right? That is a secret right? No one is suppose to know!

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I will say this. I will vote to ensure a bright, safe, prosperous, stable, & equal future of my 3 daughters in Penang and in Malaysia.

5 Star Breakfast!

This is my last Post for Hotel Equatorial Bangi, Putra Jaya, (for this visit) and it’s on the Breakfast the Hotel Provide. I will let my snapshots do the talking mainly.

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The breakfast provided with the room has almost everything one would wish for a breakfast, A Japanese Section, A Malay Section, A Chinese Section, Western Pastries etc if fact certain food that is typically not serve for breakfast as well. In Fact even if you take just a bit of each type of food, you will not need to have lunch at all, which is what i did.

. . Pro . A Wide Verity, which will satisfy any one, if you cannot find something to eat well let me know . Con . Too Much Food, Bad for my figure ;-) but seriously, noting that i can think off. . . Verdict . . Skip Lunch if you are having the Breakfast, and give your self a full hour to enjoy the breakfast.

Egg Counter

Wide Verity of Breads Hot Food

Nasi Lemak Counter

Beef Bacon, Chicken Ham

Pastry, of various type

Noodles, Tim Sum, Chinese Section

Cheese Platter

Breakfast Salad

Fruits on Ice

Juice, Cereals and more

5 Star Rooms!

Hotel Equatorial Bangi, Putra Jaya, We were assign a room on the 5th Floor. As mention in my earlier post, our luggage were send down by the Bell Service, and all were intact when we pop into the room to get some documents, snap some photos and we were out again till 1am.

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It was a nice room, with a yellow colour scheme (thanks to the lighting), and utilizing a lot of bamboo materials for the bed headboard, the TV Cabinet, the Writing Table and the Bed Table, That I should say has to do with the Government Call for hotels to be decorated the Traditional Malaysian Method. Well, overall they manage to pull off a suitable combination of traditional and modern comfort. Its not too big or too small, just nice, cosy in fact.

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Room with Sliding Door Close.

Room with Sliding Door Open.

The Room have a balcony equip with a table and 2 Chairs, which sad to say is easily accessible from the rooms on either side. Access to this is a wooden sliding door which open up to a glass door with a warning to latch the door. So even the Management have noted that there is a Security Risk here.

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From The Balcony we have a nice scenery of the Golf Course and Bangi Township.

The Room Balcony

Nice View!

Club House

Golf!

In Room Amenities,

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There is a Writing Table with a lamp (lamp was not working on the day) with Coffee and Tea Facilities Provided.

If you fancy the boiler provided you can purchase it for RM160 + if I am not mistaken.

A TV Cabinet, with a Mini Fridge, A Safe, and A lot of TV Channels, (I did not bother to count the channels or note what type. The Fridge is empty, no drinks.

The Bathroom is with a nice WC, Sink and Bath Tub, I must say that the Sink area is nicely done up decoratively, and with most amenities provided, but no shaver or tooth brush provided like those by Swiss Garden Hotels that I have stay in. Soap were of the 20grms verity. Bath and Face towels provided. . . Bed, Nice and firm, though the room was not provided with Extra Pillow, (at 1am, we just slept) with a bed side table. . . Closet, as usual the Anti Theft Hangers of Good Quality, (No hooks) with a Iron and Iron Board. . . Pro . . Nicely Decorated, Comfortable Beds. . Room the right size not too small nor too big (Cosy) . . Suitable Amenities . . Cleanliness Ok, . Fruits Provided. . . Cons . lacking slightly in terms of toiletries amenities (though each hotel decide on their own standards) . No Turn Down Services (which I would expect for a 5 Star). Signs of ware and tear especially near the toilet, (typical in Malaysian Hotels) . Verdict .

Generally up to par for a 5 Star Hotel Room, except for some small minor problems which you will find in most hotels. For those of you that have security concerns, I think it will be better for you to ask for the 6th floor.

View of 5th Floor Room Balcony

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At the Lobby your will find Computer Display Screens to let your know what is going on, I was surprise not to find them in the Lift as well as with one government building in Penang.

5 Star Pampering at Bangi

This is my first Hotel Post/Review, and of all the various hotel ratings, I have to get a 5 star hotel to review for my first ;-).

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Please note that 1, It is not a paid post and 2, It is my opinion of the place, what I feel, others may feel other way.

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Hotel Equatorial Bangi, Putra Jaya is a 5 Star Hotel with a 27 Hole Golf Course attach to it. It has 252 rooms and 6 Food and Beverage Outlet, a good size hotel.

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Let talk about the hotel first, In this part one of a few posts.

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First Impression counts especially in Hotels, when driving up to the hotel main entrance the bell service was definitely up to the mark, door was open for me (I was the passenger, In Klang Valley it is preferably for me to be the passenger unless you want a tour of Selangor) .

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This bell service guy is efficient, helpful and talkative. While my friend park his car at the car park, En Zul kept me entertain till we were check in. Check in was efficient with rooms assign just in a few minutes. And the Bell Service was happy to send our luggage to the room as we have to run.

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Verdict :

Bell Service 5 Star Standard.

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Reception 5 Star Standard.

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Here are some of the pictures of the Hotel, Its outlets etc.

The Hotel Reception

The Hotel Lobby

The Hotel Lobby II

The Hotel Lobby is a wide spacious area with out AirCondition, as followers the current trend of Resort Concept Hotels. It is not that airy as with most resort hotels as while on one side the doors are wide open, the air do not flow through as the other side is glassed up with the doors two floor below, see pictured below.

View from Lobby Level to Ground Floor

One of the F&B Outlets, In this case it is the Self Service Counter near the Chinese Restaurant.

The Cake Couter at the Outlet. The Drink Counter and Seatings.

The Garden, Pond with Fishers

The Swimming Pool Area

Main Entrance to the Japanese Restaurant and the Coffee House

(Air Con)

View of the Lounge, Just "Tee Off" here for the night

The Lounge is a "Open Air" concept at the Ground Floor extending into the garden, It is split in to two, with the bar on one side while the other feature a Snooker Table for entertainment, by the door into the garden.

The Next post will be the Room I stay in ……

Terrible Trip to KL and Back

I normally enjoy the drive down to KL, but not this trip on the 1st March (early morning) going down to Kl and Back up on the 2nd March.

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The Trip down was not too bad. When i hit the Highway at 3am, all was fine till after Ipoh, when it started raining and the roadworks on going, I arrive in PJ at 7pm in the rain.

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Comming Back on the 2nd, departing at 5pm, It started raining immediately, and it got worst progressively. I made a fast Pit Stop at Tapah Rest Area, and found my self looking at Telok Anson / Telok Intan Clock Tower.

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After leaving the tapah, the rain got worst, and saw two accidents just before Ipoh. One was a Produa Vehical, whose real wheel came off (Sorry No Picture - too dark) and the other was a bus. That told me to be more carefull.

Bus, Facing the wrong Direction.

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It really started to pour at the Ipoh Toll, just after the South Toll, North Bound, travelling at 80kmph, i ran into a pool of standing water, and almost came to a standstill, after that i was driving at 60kmph till taiping, I could hardly see, but Kancils, Bus and Lorry was zooming pass me.

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I made it home by 9.10pm safely. I just wonder, how many malaysians think of safety while driving.

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Traffic Alert at PLUS/NSE

Just would like to inform those travelling on the PLUS/NSE for the Ipoh - KL (Southbound) portion that due to on going works, there are two spots that traffic come close to a standstill as only one lane is open.

A Web Site worth Visiting!

While surfing for more news, I stumble across this site The Malaysian Insider, which have different news (on the election) then the other sites i have visited. . . This is the link http://themalaysianinsider.com . .