The opening of the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) access road from the Cheras - Kajang Expressway (Route E7) earlier this week has sparked various controversy. The road was constructed some years ago, however, the expressway concessionaire , Grand Saga Sdn. Bhd. claimed that the access road had resulted in loss of toll collection revenue to the company. As a result, concrete barriers were erected, blocking access to the road, requiring highway users to pay a 90 sen toll and enter BMC via Bandar Sungai Long.

There are 2 toll plazas along Route E7 between Cheras and Kajang. Travelling from Cheras to Kajang, a RM1.00 toll is collected at the first toll plaza, and another 90 sen at the 2nd toll plaza, and vice versa. The BMC access road is located in between the 2 toll plazas, while the exit to Bandar Sungai Long is located after the 2nd toll plaza. The opening of the access road allow road users access to BMC by only paying RM1.00 at the first toll plaza, saving on 90 sen at the 2nd toll plaza. Resident were complaining that the closure of the access road has in fact caused severe traffic congestion at the Bandar Sungai Long access road as residents from both townships are now sharing one single access road to the expressway.

With the new Selangor state government in power, leaders from the Pakatan Rakyat coalition comprising DAP, PKR and PAS have opened the BMC access road earlier this week, with protests from the concessionaire stating the loss of revenue. Former Menteri Besar, Khir Toyo from the previous BN administration stated that the state government will have to compensate RM200 million to Grand Saga.

However, State Exco for the Local Government Committee, Ronnie Liu said the access road is on state-owned land and the state government has the right to open the access road connecting BMC to the expressway. Ronnie said that the state government does not have any contract with the concessionaire, hence the government is not obligated to compensate Grand Saga. The contract with Grand Saga is in fact between the Federal Government and the company.

Ronnie also stressed that the Selangor state government is a government for the people. Therefore, the government’s decision is to be to the favor of the people!

Former Deputy Secretary-General of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, Lee Kah Choon quits the party today, and announced retirement from partisan politics. His decision was made following his controversial acceptance to the appointment for the posts of director in Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang, both state government bodies of Penang which is now under Pakatan Rakyat.

Lee’s decision has come under fire of several BN leaders, particularly from Gerakan. However, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has explained that his appointment has nothing to do with politics, and everyone who is capable and qualified shall be given a chance to serve regardless of political affiliation.

Yesterday, the Gerakan central committee decided to issue a show-cause letter to Lee, requiring him to explain why action should not be taken against him for accepting the posts.

Fifty-five of the fifty-six state assemblymen for the Selangor State Assembly were sworn in today, including the Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. Missing was Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan. He was under ISA detention in Kamunting. Calls were made to release Manoharan to allow him to serve his constituents as an elected assemblyman.

Sungai Pinang assemblyman, Teng Chang Khim from DAP was elected as Speaker of the state assembly while Taman Medan assemblywoman Haniza Talha from PKR was elected Deputy Speaker.

Remember the following dates?

• 29 June 1985
• 29 September 1992
• 3 August 1996

On 29 June 1985, much of Peninsular Malaysia suffered a power failure that started in the afternoon due to a trip in one of the power stations in Terengganu.

On 29 September 1992, again much of Peninsular Malaysia experienced a similar power failure which began around 3.15pm when it was reported that lightning struck one of the power lines in Terengganu.

Then on 3 August 1996, about 5.17pm, the entire Peninsular Malaysia plunged into darkness due to failure of one of the power stations in Terengganu.

Today, a total blackout happened, but in Sabah. The entire state plunged into darkness at 6.45pm due to a trip at the power grid connecting power stations in the state!

The Star reports that former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir has second thoughts about Dato’ Seri Najib succeeding Pak Lah as the next Prime Minister.

“We see that he is a penakut (coward). He is always saying, ‘yes sir, yes sir, saya sokong, saya sokong (I support, I support),” he said when asked after giving a talk at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Dr Mahathir also said Najib failed to explain the reasons behind the setback suffered by Barisan Nasional in the recent General Election.

On the possibility that Anwar will succeed as Prime Minister if Pakatan Rakyat forms the Federal Government, Dr Mahathir said Anwar is not the only candidate. He further said that a candidate from PAS or even DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng could be the Prime Minister.