Latest news with #KhooSalmaNasution
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Explore Seberang Perai as future of Penang, says heritage activist
Seberang Perai mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid signing a poster on Khoo Salma Nasution's new book, 'Exploring Seberang Perai'. SEBERANG PERAI : While most people are familiar with what Penang island is famous for, little is known about what the state's mainland, or Seberang Perai, has to offer. To overcome this, heritage activist Khoo Salma Nasution has compiled a guidebook that outlines the historical facts, cultural aspects, and places of interest on the 'other side' of Penang. 'Seberang Perai accounts for over 70% of Penang's land area and more than half of its population, yet is often overshadowed by Penang island,' Khoo said at the launch of her book, 'Exploring Seberang Perai', yesterday. She said the territory was originally part of Kedah. It came under British rule in 1800 and renamed Province Wellesley as part of the colony of Penang. Province Wellesley remains the mainland's gazetted English name in legal documents and government publications, while Seberang Perai is used in official Malay documents. Khoo said Seberang Perai is referred to by many names – Province Wellesley, Butterworth, or simply 'the mainland' by English-speaking residents, 'koe kang (crossing the port)' or 'pa hai (north sea)' by Hokkien-speaking residents, and simply 'Seberang' by Malay-speaking folk. 'However, Seberang Perai rolls off the tongue more easily, and the original British name transitioned naturally to what it is known as now. 'All these different names have led to a lot of confusion and a lack of what might be called 'destination branding',' she said. In 2016, Khoo researched and produced a bilingual book called 'Province Wellesley: A Pictorial History', deepening her understanding of Penang's 'other half'. While working on her new book, she discovered that many Penangites did not know much about Seberang Perai, and said it would serve to bridge that gap. 'What surprised me was that even Seberang Perai residents may not really know other parts of Seberang Perai that well,' she said. Many of its residents prefer to visit the island instead of exploring places nearer to them. She said Seberang Perai, being one of the biggest city councils in Malaysia, is now enjoying a fast pace of growth. 'We can say the future of Penang is going to be in Seberang Perai,' she said, noting the placement of most homegrown manufacturing plants in Seberang Perai, as well as the expansion of new housing and commercial development projects. Seberang Perai mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, who was present at the launch, said the book was a mini-encyclopedia suitable for everyone from schoolchildren to travellers. 'Exploring Seberang Perai' is published with support from Think City's Seberang Perai Small Towns Grants Programme. Get your copy from Areca Books or WhatsApp +6016-535 1731.
Malay Mail
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zairil withdraws defamation suit after activists retract unfounded allegations in Penang court settlement
GEORGE TOWN, June 6 — State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari yesterday withdrew his defamation suit against activists Ravinder Singh and Khoo Salma Nasution, following their retraction of allegedly defamatory remarks made during the 2023 Penang State Election. Zairil confirmed the withdrawal at the Penang Sessions Court, stating that all parties acknowledged the allegations were unfounded. 'The case has reached its conclusion at the Penang Sessions Court today. Both defendants have retracted their statements and expressed sincere regret over the matter. 'As a result, I have agreed to withdraw my suit against them. May this serve as a lesson to always verify your facts before making unfounded allegations and irresponsible claims,' Zairil said in a statement posted on Facebook. In a joint statement, Ravinder and Khoo acknowledged that their allegations were unfounded and expressed regret for any embarrassment, inconvenience, or reputational harm caused to Zairil as a result of their statements and any ensuing misunderstandings. 'The parties are unanimously of the opinion that bringing the matter to a close is in the best interest of all concerned. Khoo and Ravinder have removed the recording from their respective social media accounts and further undertake not to republish the same,' the statement read. According to the statement, on Aug 5, 2023, a recording was uploaded by Khoo on her X account, depicting an interaction between herself and Ravinder during a civil protest against the Penang South Reclamation project. The same recording was subsequently shared on Ravinder's Facebook page on Aug 22, 2023. The recording referenced Zairil's role as a member of the Penang government and alleged that a familial connection influenced the appointment of the project delivery partner for the reclamation project. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
05-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Activists retract claims against Penang exco in defamation dispute
The dispute concerned a video shared by the activists that linked Penang executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari's family to the appointment of the project delivery partner for the Penang South Reclamation project. (X pic) GEORGE TOWN : Penang executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari has withdrawn his defamation suit against activists Ravinder Singh and Khoo Salma Nasution after all parties reached a settlement. The dispute concerned a video shared by the activists that linked Zairil's family to the appointment of the project delivery partner for the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project. Under the settlement, recorded before sessions court judge Sharmila Abdul Samad via e-review, Zairil, the state infrastructure committee chairman, agreed to drop the suit without costs and waived the right to refile it. In return, Ravinder and Khoo removed the video from their social media platforms and agreed not to repost it. The settlement included a joint statement from the activists, who expressed regret for any embarrassment or harm caused to Zairil or his family. They acknowledged that the allegations in the video were unfounded. 'All parties believe that resolving the matter is in the best interest of everyone involved,' the statement read. The video was part of a protest campaign against the PSR, a land reclamation project off the southern coast of Penang island, now known as Penang South Islands. Zairil was represented by Zharif Nizamuddin. Ravinder was represented by Shamsher Singh Thind and Khoo by Theiva Lingam.
