‘gifts’ for penangites?

when the 9th malaysian plan (9MP) was unveiled, it was said that penang received not one, but two ‘gifts’… or 2 1/2 gifts if you like.

what were they? a second link, monorail and the penang outer ring road (PORR), which had already been implemented long ago. (thus the 2 1/2, see).

actually the 2nd link is not a surprise too. this had already been laid on the table a long time ago, and we had heard all sort of yak-yak from our semi value guy and penang’s CM. in fact, i too had yak about it on 19 april last year, when it was suddenly announced that the 2nd link project would be scrapped by the samy guy, but our CM insisted no, it was not scrapped but merely on hold. no wonder he was quick to thank the PM for these 2 gifts.

2nd link? as you can see from my post there (at my old blog), i’m not in favour of the 2nd link (which incidentally should be the 3rd link). the reasons i stated there, one of which i would like to repeat – more roads, more vehicles, more vehicles, more congestion. so? how to reduce congestion?

the gomen instead of concentraing on building more roads, should concentrate on a good traffic system integrated with an efficient public transport. when there is an efficient public transport system, less people will be using their own vehicles to travel, thus redusing congestion.

as to the monorail project (which would cost RM1.2 bil.), i’m not too sure if it would be good or not. malvu has asked that wouldn’t it be better for the gomen to improve the public transport system by putting the busese in order before starting on the monorail?