Federal actions speak louder than words... unfortunately.

‘Mega Setback’ screamed The Sunday Star. I actually welcomed the news.

It will further prove to the public that the Federal leaders are out to create problems for the opposition-held Penang, despite any denial. Actions speak louder than words.

Following Azalina's narrow-minded bypassing of opposition-held states in channelling of funds for tourism, we have a list of similar policies.

I heard over the radio, Noh Omar as Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, mentioned about certain funds will be channelled through MARA.

I further read about Muhammad Taib’s policy against local elections in the villages giving the archaic excuse that the Malays are a minority in the urban areas and therefore could not be elected in the cities. Why worry about race if the leaders are chosen by fair elections? Why should Federal leaders worry over local problems, which should have been dealt with by the locals themselves?

These are examples of Umno leaders who still did not get it. Most people welcome the ‘better late than never’ but noble apology by Hishamuddin over the keris raising. We cannot help but wonder over his cousin, the PM-in-waiting’s long overdue apology over his more serious keris battle cry, as he is scheduled to assume the position as PM.

Coming back to Penang. To the critics of the Second bridge, monorail and PORR projects, I am sure they will welcome the news. To me, it is more a case of bad public relations for BN and it will encourage Guan Eng and his team to think of alternative solutions and aim towards self-reliance and frugality, which is second nature to oppositionists.

Recently, Anil Netto highlighted a report in The Star on the re-introduction of the tram service as a cheaper alternative. But then again, I just gathered that it requires Federal approval. All is not lost, as a re-look by new leaders at the existing bus and taxi services might solve most of the current problems.

As to the monorail and second bridge, the people of Penang will not miss facilities that do not exist, unlike the present bridge. In fact, the cronies are likely to be more disappointed over the delay than the people who can get used to the problems.

The Star
Thursday, 9 November 2006
by Emmeline Tan

Bring back trams

Keep the monorail out of George Town and bring back the trams for the sake of the environment and heritage.

Engineer Ric Francis, who has been in the tram industry for 38 years, said there were many pitfalls to the proposed RM1.2bil monorail system that would connect the entire Penang island.

“Once the huge monorail structures are built in George Town, the heritage buildings will be totally eclipsed.

“Trams on the other hand, provide a nice, quiet, scenic journey,” said Francis, co-author of Penang Trams, Trolleybuses and Railways – Municipal Transport History 1880s-1963.

Giving a lecture at the Penang Heritage Trust at Church Street recently, Francis said George Town Municipal electrical trams used from 1905 to 1936 reaped high profits until World War I when the supply of replacement parts was hampered.

He estimated that less than RM3.8mil (US$1mil) was needed to get an electrical tram system up and running in George Town.

“Old tramlines such as from Prangin Mall to Weld Quay still exists underneath the bitumen road and can be restored for use,” he said.

A 50m tramline was unearthed at the Chulia Street-Penang Road junction in 2004 during road works and was preserved by the Penang Municipal Council.

“There are many second- hand trams in other countries that are for purchase.”

Existing street poles could be used to support the one-cable electrical wiring for trams, he added.

“Trams are pollution-free and are being used in cities with narrow roads such as Amsterdam and Lisbon.

“There would not be the high cost of diesel to pay, and very little maintenance of parts compared to buses.”

Anil Netto in his blog, among other things, stated:

"To me, a tram system is much more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing than a monorail network, especially for a heritage city like George Town and surrounding areas and even in Butterworth and Prai. The tram system could link up to a cross-channel light rail service alongside the Penang Bridge. Together with an expanded ferry service, an improved bus system, safe cycling paths and more pedestrian walkways, trams could transform Penang into a model city for sustainable public transport, besides enhancing George Town’s heritage setting and its quality of life."

Perhaps, this is worth looking into. Could be a blessing in disguise.

My little complaint is the old-fashioned parking system. As a visitor, it is terribly inconvenient when I am about to leave the island, I have to look for the parking attendant. Once, a car just held up vehicles while paying the attendant as it would have been inconvenient later. Please look into this simple matter.