Projects That Are Successful, Despite the Naysayers

Projects that are successful despite the Naysayers (2 March, 2014)


Over the years, various Penang-based non-govenmental organisations (NGOs) and persons associated to them have objected to projects which eventually prove to be beneficial to the public. Unfortunately, these naysayers are rarely ever held accountable for their meddling nor for the loss of confidence resulting from their negativity. Often, these NGOs are not above "cutting off the nose to spite the face", willing to harm Penang's image and reputation just to get their way.

This list of their past objections is to serve as a reminder that the NGOs are not always a benefit to the public. Their meddling and objections have become a disservice and hampers Penang's progress.

Aliran (6 Aug, 2010): Penang Island Municipal Councillor Lim Kah Cheng objecting to the redevelopment of PISA
Despite her objection, the redeveloped PISA, now rebranded as SPICE, now serves as a major convention venue.

It is the largest convention centre in the northern region of West Malaysia. The facility provides a big boost to Penang's business event industry which has an estimated economic impact valued at RM1.3 billion in 2018. This is 31% growth from 2017, since the opening of the redeveloped SPICE. Restaurants, hotels, local suppliers, and other commercial businesses all benefited from this industry.



Penang Heritage Trust objecting to Gurney Paragon
Despite their objection, Gurney Paragon becomes a major shopping destination and crowd puller in Pennag. To appease local NGOs, the developer preserved the St Joseph's Noviate building, rebranding it St Jo's.



Anil Netto (2 March, 2014): Second Penang Bridge opens: Hello, more congestion!
Despite his Penang Island-biased sneering against the opening of the Second Penang Bridge, the bridge did not bring congestion to Penang Island, but rather brought about the development of Batu Kawan.



Anil Netto (15 April, 2008): Ten reasons why the second Penang bridge is not a great idea
When construction of the Second Penang Bridge began, Mr Netto offered evaluation of the project.



Anil Netto (19 Jun 2009): The RM40m Penang Hill railway "upgrading" controversy
Despite his preference for the alternative proposal, the implementation of the upgrading brought forth a 4-fold increase in capacity and 10-fold increase in speed, allowing for more people to go up and down Penang Hill.



Star Property (29 November, 2012): CAP: Don't axe the trees
Despite objection from the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP), the removal of trees along Jalan Masjid Negeri has improved traffic flow in the area.