Lili Marleen, the tall ship

Lili Marleen under full sail

Plan of the decks of Lili Marleen

(click on images for a larger view)

LILI MARLEEN

Asiaone Travel Reported a NST story HERE on 21^st July 2008

QUOTE “High living on the high seas

BY: R. Gomathy

MALACCA, MALAYSIA: Fancy sailing aboard a luxury yacht and experiencing five-star dining on the high seas in the Straits of Malacca?

Then check in at the "floating hotel" in the form of the 76m-long yacht Lili Marleen, which belongs to the Halim Mazmin group.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who visited the yacht moored near the Malacca port yesterday, said he believed the floating hotel would be the next big tourism product to attract more tourists to the state.

"I consider this ship as a reward for Malacca being successfully listed (as a Unesco World Heritage Site)."

Anchored off Malacca town's waterfront, the Lili Marleen can accommodate up to 150 passengers ???????? TYPO SHOULD BE 50 ONLY????????.

It offers world class facilities such as deluxe cabins, restaurants, a lounge with bar and a sunbathing deck.

"It is a versatile platform for a variety of social, leisure and business functions. From now on, off-site seminars, conferences and meetings, luxury cruises and sail training can be arranged by the Lili Marleen crew."

Mohd Ali along with hoteliers, travel agents and members of the Malacca Tourism Department and the media, were treated to a cruise along the Straits of Malacca yesterday.

Meanwhile, Halim Mazmin group chief executive officer Tan Sri Halim Mohammad said the crew members were prepared to sail all the way to Penang and Langkawi.

"The Lili Marleen is 15 years old. She was purchased for E 6.5 million (RM33 million), and we are proud to own this one-of-a-kind ship in the Asia Pacific."

"Our concept is very simple -- for the guests to rest, relax and unwind.

"If the response is promising, then we are willing to add another vessel to meet the demand.

"We accept bookings for events such as wedding receptions. All you have to do is to inform us. We will plan the rest." UNQUOTE

Two days later, Star Metro South & East reported HERE

QUOTE “Wednesday July 23, 2008

Luxury yacht offers Straits tours

MALACCA: Tourists in Malacca can now enjoy sailing on a luxury yacht and enjoy the experience of five-star dining at high seas.

The 76.62m Lili Marleen, owned by Halim Mazmin Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Halim Mohammad, can take on 50 visitors at a time.

“It's a floating hotel. Besides sailing, tourists can enjoy fine dining,” Halim told reporters after a visit by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam on the yacht moored near Malacca Port here recently.

He said the yacht with sails bought in Germany would be used for social activities, adding that tourists would be taken to islands on the Straits of Malacca.

“We can also take tourists to Penang, Langkawi or Sumatra,” said Halim.

He said that tourists could liase with hotels and travel agents to arrange trips.

Asked about the rates, he said this would be discussed with players in the tourism industry.

Halim said the service was in line with Malacca’s recent listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said the state and related bodies would help promote the product. – Bernama” UNQUOTE

The Tall Ship, Sailing Vessel “Lili Marleen”, is a3 masted Barquentine with 50 passenger berths in 25 cabins, she was built 1994 and was formerly flying the German Flag, with the International Call Sign: DMJP, her IMO Number is 9086863 (A ship's IMO Number always remains the same throughout her life)

Her Technical Data (from her German Registry)

Length: 74,0 metres

Beam: 9,50 metres

Draught: 3,90 metres

GRT: 704

Displacement: 750

Sail Area: 1,200 m²

Rigging: Barquentine .

Built/Rebuilt: 1994 .

Engine: 660 kW

Whilst under the German flag and ownership she sailed on luxury cruises to many parts of the world including the Galapagos islands, the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Mediterranean and elsewhere.

Lili Marleen was registered as Malaysian Ship in year 2005:-

There are reports about her sailing out of her base in Langkawi, Kedah, on charters (see below) since then until the news reports of July 2008 (see above), stating she now has left Langkawi for Malacca, but her former home in Langkawi, Kedah was surely a far more scenic, viable and suitable place than Malacca to cruise the Andaman Sea, Malacca Straits and perhaps beyond?

Penang too would, in my opinion, be a far better home port than Malacca.

Anyway, let’s just wait see how long she stays anchored far off the, now shallower than ever, muddy coastline of Malacca.

Particulars of Ship from Malaysian Registry:-

Name: Lili Marleen

Ship Type: Passenger Ship

Official Number: 330429

IMO Number: 9086863

Call Sign: 9MGJ2

Date of Malaysian Registry: 2005

Port of Registry: Port Klang

Year Built: 1994

GRT: 704

NRT: 243

Length: 56.46 metres

Bredth: 9.5 metres

Depth: 4.36 metres

Meanwhile, on line this can still be found HERE

Lili Marleen - Tall Ship for Charter

Rental Price: 10,000 EUR Per Day

Location: Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

"Practical politics consists of ignoring facts."

- Henry Brooks Adams, The Education of Henry Adams

"The modus operandi which politicians have loved for so many years is:
'If it doesn't work, do more of it!' "


- Ian Bernard

Georgetown, (Penang) and Malacca (Melaka) gain World Heritage Status

The historic colonial trading towns of Georgetown, Penang, and Malacca (Melaka), now cities in independent Malaysia, are among eight new cultural sites that have been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, this news was publicised by UNESCO on 7^th July 2008.

See the news on the UNESCO web site HERE

This is very good news, it came just in time one could say, as ‘development’ (as noted in earlier posts) has slowly but surely eroded them both somewhat.

Congratulations to the residents of both Georgetown Penang and Malacca.

Malacca has over the recent past been ‘raped’ by several misconceived, state government initiated, reclamation projects and tacky tourist attractions, which have turned the historic town area into a shopping city cum theme park.

Georgetown has been less affected by inappropriate 'development', but nevertheless has suffered to a certain degree too,

The UNESCO listing will, it is hoped, put a stop to unsuitable projects, and provide the catalyst for the proper preservation and presentation of historic artefacts and the remaining historic edifices.

The old parts of both Georgetown and Malacca, still have many old buildings, some with their original shops, some are still homes for resident families, others are workshops for traditional artisans, all provide an vital insight into times gone by.

The preservation of these and other aspects of history are absolutely vital, to ensure that the present and future generations benefit from knowledge of the past.

The historic aspects of Malacca and Georgetown are undoubtedly what the majority visitors to these places want to experience; fun fairs and shopping centres can be found anywhere and everywhere.

Historia est vitae magistra

- History is the tutor of life

"Farewell Historic Malacca"

Mohd Ali Rustam

Big Wheel Keep on Turning, Proud Ali Keeps on Yearning

Malacca’s, [the up and coming “’Disneyland’ State of Malaysia”], soon to be erected RM 40 million Malacca Eye project will have several cheap and nasty features adjacent to it, to make it a ‘one-of-a-kind’ tacky theme park tourist attraction, and will add to the demise of the historic city of Malacca.

What ever happened to Historic Old Malacca and its bid to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam was quoted as saying that besides the 60 metre diameter wheel, (which is a cast-off from Taman Titiwangsa Kuala Lumpur), there would also be a 90 metre high water screen (whatever that my be) and entertainment rides.

"The wheel is scheduled to arrive here in September from Kuala Lumpur and would be operational by 18^th October 2008,” he told had reporters after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony in Malacca on Monday 9^th June 2008.

Mohd Ali reportedly also said a month of festivities along the Malacca River would be held to announce the Eye of Malaysia’s move from Kuala Lumpur to its permanent home in Malacca at a two hectare site on the reclaimed Kota Laksamana coastline next to a RM 24 million marina project.

Once operational, Ali said the wheel is expected to attract 700,000 visitors in a year.

(Wow! that's about 2,000 fare paying passengers per day, oh well, let’s wait and see how that visitor volume materialises.

The proposed marina will also perhaps be less successful than hoped for, as the waters off Malacca town are muddy and tend to silt up and become shallower with time. (I seem to remember a failed cruise ship jetty off Malacca Raya?)

Reclamation in the past has ruined the original coastline, and hence the unique character of Malacca, and many historical artefacts and historic Dutch, Portuguese and British sunken ships have been buried and lost forever, sadly this folly is still continuing to this very day.

The reclamation has caused significant changes in the natural equilibrium of the coastline, and increased rates of deposition and erosion have occurred at several areas along the coast even at great distances from the reclaimed areas.

The approximate alignment of the original coastline of Malacca can be seen drawn in red in the satellite image below. The reclaimed areas, some unused, and various unusable jetties can also be clearly seen.

The Malacca Waterfront [Google Earth image] (click on image for full size view)

Vanitas vanitatum, omnis vanitas

-Vanity of vanities, all is vanity

Ali Rustam’s erection revealed in Malacca.

Earlier post HERE

Taming Sari Tower, Malacca.

This copycat viewing tower (see below), with rides lasting seven minutes, was constructed using Swiss technology and is being touted as the highest of an estimated total 35 viewing towers worldwide, [this of course is pure unadulterated bullshit, as this latest addition to the Malacca tacky theme park concept, is the same height as a similar tower in Singapore, (see below) which is also 110 metres tall!!

If anyone wants to ride up the shaft of this new Ali Rustam vulgar erection in Malacca, in a rotating circular cabin, you had better move fast, it may well be “Rosak” (Out of Order) very soon; as preventive maintenance, or any other type of maintenance for that matter, has never been something Malaysia bothers about.

Another RM 23 million down the drain!

Another giant step backwards from Malacca receiving UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Calsberg Beer Sky Tower, Singapore 110 metres tall, tower rises to 131 metres above sea-level.

Tower height: 110m
View height: 131m from sea level
Tower column diameter: 2.5m
Foundation diameter: 15m
Cabin capacity: 72 persons
Weight of Tower: 200 metric tonnes (197 tonnes)

Carlsberg Sky Tower, Singapore

Standing tall at a height of 110-metres high.

From the tower you will get picturesque 360-degree view of Singapore, Sentosa and the southern islands, during the seven minute rise, be it by day or night.

This constantly revolving air conditioned cabin has a capacity of 72 passengers with a speed of 1.2-metres per minute and travels to a height of 131-metres above sea level.

Once back on solid ground, head down for a Sky Beer from the SKYBAR, right next to the Sky Tower itself. This is just the right place to have a chilled beer with a view. You must try their unique extra-creamy Carlsberg Float, of ice cold Carlsberg beer. Cheers!!

"The difference between a politician and a pickpocket is that a pickpocket doesn't always get indignant when you tell him to keep his hands to himself."

"Politicians never accuse you of 'greed' for wanting other people's money -- only for wanting to keep your own money."

Joseph Sobran

DAP Malacca state assemblymen arrested for mischief during an unlawful assembly

See Star online HERE

Three DAP Malacca state assemblymen were arrested at about 10:30 on Thursday 1^st May 2006 but later released on police bail.

Thw Bachang assemblyman Lim Jak Wong had gone to Taman Kesidang, Kampung Lapan, with Malacca state DAP party chairman Goh Leong San and Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him to remove several potentially dangerous protruding metal rods at the base of an long uncompleted telecommunication pole.

Lim, who is also Malacca state DAP secretary, had apparently used an electric saw to cut off ten of the 10cm metal rods which were protruding from the foundation of the seemingly abandoned pole foundation after he had been unable to break them off with a hammer.

Instead of being applauded for his civic mindedness and safety conciousness, he was subsequently arrested and taken to the Malacca Central police station for questioning together with Goh and Sim who were also arrested later at about noon.

The three were released on police bail at about 17:30, with Lim being taken to the Malacca General Hospital for a medical examination, as it was allegated that he had been assaulted by the police while in their custody at the police station lock-up. Goh said he had lodged a report over the alleged assault of Lim by the police.

It is understood that all three are being investigated under Section 440 of the Penal Code for mischief during an unlawful assembly that carries up to five years' jail and a fine.

Malacca Central OCPD ACP Johari Yahya declined to make any comment on the case.

Once again this appears to be another shameless example of police thuggery and politically motivated policing.

In quaestione versare

- To be under investigation

Wheeler dealer CM to add a bigger wheel to the Malacca fun fare

Malacca already has a teeny weenie wheel, in a little fun fare by the Malacca River, (see video below) it only opens after dusk, and does not seem to be well patronised, this mini wheel must have caused RM millions to go down the drain,

The Malacca state government will, as reported in the local media, now be dumpling RM42 million in a joint-venture project for the construction of an integrated complex and to shift the medium sized (60 metre high) wheel from Taman Titiwangsa, in Kuala Lumpur, after the end of August to Malacca, where it will be permanently erected.

Mohd Ali Rustam the Chief Minister of Malacca said, "the wheel will be sited in a two-hectare site next to the Malacca River, apart from the wheel there will be a water screen display and aerospace walk featuring projections to give visitors a feel of being in space."

Whatever that is supposed to mean.

He said "the state government had agreed that its subsidiary Kumpulan Melaka Berhad" (which also runs the 110 metre high Taming Sari viewing tower in Bandar Hilir, see HERE) 'would enter into a 40:60 j-v agreement with operators of the 'Eye on Malaysia', MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd."

I wonder who owns MST AD Sdn. Bhd.?

Someone with UMNO political connections no doubt?

“On our part, we (the state government) "have agreed to provide land for the project and RM12 million, with the remaining being borne by the company concerned,” “The Ferris wheel will become a permanent ‘tourist landmark’ here and is in line with our effort to promote Malacca as an open-air theme park."

I thought that Malacca was trying to get UNESCO approval to be declared a World Heritage Site, now they had better have a back-up plan and also turn to the Walt Disney Corporation to be listed as a Disneyland look-alike !!!

“Several other projects such as the 52-lane bowling centre and international go-kart track in Ayer Keroh are also expected to be completed this year,” he added.

More money down the drain?

He was reported as saying that "the wheel would earn enough to let the operators get back their investment within four years, based on projected ticket sales."

The 'Eye on Malaysia' in Kuala Lumpur

This may be wishful thinking, since the wheel apparently has not been a money maker as the 'Eye on Malaysia’ even though it was located at a prime site in Kuala Lumpur, in fact the government was reported as having bought tens of thousands of tickets to give away free to schools to boost the visitor numbers and consequently subsidised the operator using tax-payers’ money.

An estimated 6.8 million tourists are expected to visit Malacca this year with the number likely to increase to eight million by 2010.

Big deal!

This visitor forecast may fail to be achieved if the state government continues to destroy Malacca’s cultural and historic heritage!

The new Malacca motto may need to be changed from "Bersatu Teguh" ("United, Strong") to:

"Si tu id aeficas, ei venient. Ager somnia"

- If you build it, they will come

A Big Erection in Malacca

Taming Sari Tower 110 metres

Malacca’s next big distraction, the latest vulgar Malacca monstrosity, is the Taming Sari Tower, which will be open to the public on Monday, 7^th April 2008, The Taming Sari Tower

Many setbacks have delayed the construction and operation of the 110 metre high tower, an unremarkable erection which is not a visually attractive one either.

There is, at the top, a feeble attempt to depict the Malay dagger, the keris, this looks like a pathetic afterthought, and by day is all but invisible.

The tower will be open from 10:00 to 22:00 daily.

Admission for Malaysians will be RM10 for adults, half price, RM5 for children below 12 years old and for senior citizens above 55 years old.

Foreigners however, please note, you will be ripped off and will have to pay RM20.

The tower which was built at a reported total expenditure of a whopping RM23 million, and was said to have been funded by Kumpulan Melaka Berhad (KPMB), the investment arm of the State Government of Malacca, the tower will reportedly be run by a subsidiary of KPMB called Melaka Taming Sari Berhad (MTSB).

Taming Sari Tower, has a revolving cabin (above) from which visitors will have an elevated view of the local area, much of which consists of drab uninspiring commercial buildings built on reclaimed land.

The air-conditioned revolving cabin, can accommodate up to 80 people, it revolves as it rises from ground level to the top of the tower, and likewise when coming down; it has been reported that the viewing session will last only seven minutes, even if this means seven minutes on the way up and seven minutes on the way down, the revolving cabin, estimated fully loaded weight of say 18 tonnes, will move vertically at a rate of approximately 14 metres per minute over the total height of say 100 metres, or about 28 metres per minute if the up and down trips (200 metres) takes just 7 minutes.

What returns this investment will bring is debatable, but it is doubtful if the investment will ever create any profits, even if it is utilised 50% of its 12 hour daily opening time, and assuming that there is half load of 40 persons, all adults, each trip, and that each round trip turnaround time takes say 20 minutes, the monthly takings will be (6 hrs. x 60) = 360 mins. /20 = 18 trips per day x 40 persons all adults = 720 persons x RM15 (assuming 50% + 50% foreigners, all adults) = RM 10,800 per day x 30 = RM 324,000 per month, so if there is no interest to pay, nothing spent on maintenance, no utility bills and zero overheads, it would take 71 months (say 6 years) to recoup the capital outlay of RM23 million.

In reality it would take much much longer to recoup the outlay.

Let's assume that the interest is 10% per annum on the RM 23 million, this will be RM2.3 million per year, or RM191,667 per month, add to this utility (electricity?) costs, salaries, repair and maintenance expenditure, it may be even running at a loss, with little or no prospect of ever recouping the RM 23 million capital spent?

Maintenance will need to be 100%, remember the viewing cabin revolves as it travels quickly up and down the tower.

Better try it out early folks, if you are so inclined, later on it may suffer frequent breakdowns, or be potentially unsafe, since preventive maintenance has never thus far been something Malaysia bothers very much about.

This huge erection staining the cultural heritage of historic Malacca town, follows other such idiotic projects such as the Beady-Eyed Malacca Little Big Wheel, A Multitude of Museums to Anything and Everything and the Great Concrete Galleon!

De gustibus non est disputandum

- There's no accounting for taste

MAYBE SOME GOOD NEWS FOR MALACCA?

Mohd Ali to rethink Malacca city plans.

Ali, minus the 40 thieves

The Star reported:

“MALACCA: Although assuring continued development in Malacca, newly sworn-in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the “drive” to spur development within the city may be disrupted.

Mohd Ali said he would have to “think twice” with regard to new projects coming into the city as hopes of making it a more vibrant one had been dashed owing to DAP’s control of it.

“We wanted to develop it further but the rakyat is not so interested.

If there are new things (projects), maybe I have to think twice,” he said, adding that he would not shift projects which had been previously earmarked.

“I had a vision to brighten and liven up the city but this drive may be disrupted now,” he said, adding that that was the reason for his appeal for voters to support Barisan in the polls.

Despite the setback, he said he would continue towards achieving a developed state status by the year 2010”

The fact that the woolley headed ‘development’ schemes of Mohd Ali will be roped in is really good news for Malacca.

The centre of Malacca has been almost totally destroyed already by previous hair brained projects which seemingly were designed solely for the purpose of self enrichment for a few.

This could be a glimmer of good news for Malacca.

The building of a huge shopping complex on what was the seafront padang was tantamount to rape and pillage!

This monstrosity was built on the Malacca
waterfront padang!

As far as Malacca becoming a developed state by the year 2010, this is a far flung foolish fantasy which obviously will be impossible to realise.

A realistic optimistic target date may be 2100!!!!

But with a low calibre self-centred Chief Minister like Mohd Ali, what real progress can the people of Malacca really hope for?

Many tourist have told me, amongst others, that:

• they are appalled by what has happened to Malacca, the character of the town has been destroyed
• they are shocked that the scenic view from St. Paul's Hill has been obliterated
  
• they find that the environment is now more dusty and much hotter as the sea breezes can no longer reach the town.
• they consider the street market to be very disappointing as most of the goods sold are not made in Malaysia, but are imported from neighbouring SE Asian countries, such as Thailand & Indonesia, and also from China
• they condemn destruction of the padang fronting the sea, as it is a great loss
  

Redeeming features, which have been commented on, are the food and the friendliness of the local townspeople.

God help Malacca!

MALACCA LAND GRAB ISSUE, THE PLOT THICKENS!

ACQUISITION HAS BEEN CALLED OFF,

OR HAS IT?

The Malacca state government has "called off the acquisition of properties along Malacca River", said UMNO Malacca Head, and caretaker Malacca Chief Minister, Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

The issue was raised by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who produced a letter from the land office dated January 17.

The exercise had caused a big stir since it caught local residents by surprise.

In response, Mohd Ali assured them that the state had called off the acquisition.

Below is what he said, according to media reports:

Mohd. Ali is reported as saying:-

“Malacca calls off acquisition of properties”

“The state has rescinded its earlier decision to acquire 143 shophouses and houses along Lorong Hang Jebat, Jalan Kampung Pantai and Jalan Kampung Hulu”.

“The land office made a mistake as the acquisition was to have been only for shop-houses and houses that were abandoned and in ruin, but he admitted that the state Land and Mines Department had instead included properties which belonged to the city council, a bank and several occupied shop-houses”.

“We only want to acquire the land where the buildings are in ruin.”

“Our plan is to rebuild these buildings and rent or sell them to businessmen”

“It’s not profitable for us to take over. If the owners want to carry out the renovations themselves, it will save us a lot of money.”

“However, if they do not want to do it, we will have to acquire the land.”

Is this the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or just an enormous heap of bovine excreta, just first aid pre-ection damage control, a very convenient cover-up, aimed to appease the people of Malacca, since the Elections are to be held very soon on 8^th March 2008?

Time will tell, but I bet most true Malacca citizens don’t believe a single word Mohd. Ali says.

During his watch Malacca has been systematically destroyed and Malacca will, if things are not done to rectify matters, soon have totally degenerated into a kind of theme park.

After the elections there may well be an about face, and the acquisition of all the riverside properties will be put into effect, and then the rape of Malacca will get into full swing once again.

Malacca's fate is in the hands of the voters come 8th March 2008.

Vote wisely, vote for change and the restoration of the real Malacca.

Prost!

MALACCA RIVERSIDE RAPE PLANNED?

The view from St. Paul's Hill is these days, of a concrete jungle, can't even see the sea!
The lighthouse has long been useless.

Once again the historic town of Malacca is going to suffer, already the building of a monstrosity of a mega shopping centre on what was the seaside green, known as Padang Pahlawan, the historic ground where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia Independent, has disappeared, and the massive coastal reclamation and other misguided projects have changed Malacca beyond recognition, and have totally cut the town off from the sea.

In the quaint narrow streets, the air is now choked with dust and the exhaust fumes of vehicles as there are no longer any sea breezes to disperse them. The temperature in the town seems to be several degrees warmer too.

Yet, once again the historic heritage of Malacca is going to be tarnished, by a harebrained scheme to try to transform the town into the "Venice of the East", what a joke!

The newly sheet piled riverbank

The Malaysian print media reported, yesterday, 21 February 2008, that the owners of 143 pre-war shop-houses and houses in old Malacca town were shocked when they told the state had gazetted their buildings for acquisition.

They only knew about the state’s secret intentions after opposition party DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng showed them a letter dated 17th January 2008, from the state Land and Mines Department.

However, state Housing and Development Committee chairman Koh Nai Kwong urged the building owners to ignore the letter, claiming it was a mistake.

“We will investigate how the letter was leaked. I want to stress here that the letter referred only to abandoned buildings or buildings found to be in ruins,” said Koh.

He visited the site recently and found that many of the shops and houses were occupied and in good condition.

“In that afternoon, I directed officials of the state Land and Mines Department to conduct a thorough inspection before proposing which buildings were for gazette,” he said.

The 143 buildings are situated along Malacca River stretching from Kampung Hulu to Kampung Pantai and Jalan Hang Jebat.

They include a bank, warehouses, shops and several homes – some may have been proposed to be classified as heritage buildigs.

The Malacca state government has come up with a plan to restore the Malacca Riverside as the “Venice of the East”.

The plan includes river beautification, RM91.2mil was spent on a water treatment plant, a river walk, a board walk, landscaping and lighting, and this was only the first phase.

At a press conference in late January, Lim said the letter mentioned that the buildings would be acquired in 'the public interest'.

“Such a letter would have been issued only after the state executive council under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam had deliberated on and approved it,” said Lim.

Lim said the views of the building owners should have been sought first.

Someone has now let the cat out of the bag before the General Election on 8th March, so now the denials will come out thick and fast, all will be hushed up, and then after the election, the compulsory acquisitions will probably start, unless the state government get a pounding in the election.
One can but hope for a change for the better! People power needs to come into play!
Otherwise it will be autocracy, or democracy Malaysian style, as per usual!

Cheers!