Kristal Resort members want their rights
GEORGE TOWN: Some 1,400 Kristal Golf Resort members are appealing for their rights as members to be restored
Action committee secretary Lau Heng Loon said Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad had failed to inform members of the situation the resort was in up to the moment it was foreclosed.
"As an arm of the government, Danaharta did not inform us of the entire situation," he said yesterday.
Lau said they only found out about the foreclosure from the media and were also not aware of the sale of the land to another company.
The committee's legal adviser, Lee Khai, said the land was originally bought by Suasa Kristal (M) Bhd and, after the financial crisis in 1997, it was charged to the bank.
Lee said Danaharta took over Suasa Kristal's non-performing loan on Aug 2002 and the resort was foreclosed in 2003.
"The land was initially supposed to be sold via open tender but it was sold to a company under a private treaty deal.
"We found the company had paid RM2.1 million as deposit in June, last year, but the property transfer was only completed 15 months later, in October," he said, asking why the company was allowed such a long time to complete the RM21 million sale.
Lee also asked why the members were not given the opportunity to raise the funds to buy the place, instead of it being sold to another company.
"We also wonder why Danaharta was allowed to transfer the land even though there were seven caveats on the land."
Lee noted that the law did not protect golfing members as they had no proprietary rights to the place.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
光华日报-北马新闻 16/11/2008
水晶高尔夫度假村会员行动委会 吁政府关注球员基本利益
二零零八年十一月十六日 晚上十一时五十八分
（槟城16日讯）水晶高尔夫度假村会员行动委员会呼吁联邦政府，尤其是财政部长兼下任首相拿督斯里纳吉关注全国高尔夫球俱乐部会员的基本权益，同时要求州政府不要允许及批准发展商将该土地进行商业转换用途的申请。
该行动委员会是在升旗山区国会议员刘镇东及代表律师李凯的陪同下，于周六召开的新闻发布会上如是表示。出席者除了该行动委员会的理事之外，也包括约20名会员代表。
义务总务刘庆伦表示，该俱乐部于去年7月23日起突然关闭后，1400名会员（包括400名外国籍会员）即被禁止进入打球。由于有感此举已剥削会员基本权益，因此在去年9月9日成立以杨世灵为首的行动委员会，处理相关问题。
他指出，国民资产有限公司（Tanaharta National Berhad）以低过其他投标者的价格，即是2100万令吉将该俱乐部的土地（管理及资产）转移给一家私人公司。但是，其他高过2100万令吉的投标却没有获得考虑。而最荒谬的是，该土地面积占287英亩，平均1方尺才卖1令吉67仙。然而，以目前的市场预算，该区土地1公尺约可值5令吉。
“1991年买入的价钱为2500万令吉，17年后卖出的价格（2100万令吉）反而更低，这是为什么？何况，在该土地上也曾进行了5500万令吉的发展与建设，包括羽球场、泳池等。国民资产有限公司是联邦政府在1997年金融风暴时所创立的单位，现在到底是不是站在人民这边？”
30％会员是外国人
刘镇东表示，他于10月23日曾在国会上提出此问题。后于周三也在国会走廊就此事会见第二财长丹斯里诺莫哈末，后者承诺会关注此事。此外，槟首长林冠英也于较早前表示关注。
该行动委员会主席杨世灵指出，30％的会员是外国籍人士，其中以日本人占多数。他们大部分来自国际公司集团，包括Pen Group、 Texchem、 Renesas Semiconductor、Sony、 Fuji Electric 及参与马来西亚第二家园计划者等；而此事件已损坏大马的国际名誉及旅游业发展。
球场已成立14年
他指出，较早前曾向首长政治秘书黄伟益求助，后者协助发信予新接管公司，要求聚集一起商讨此事。惟，新接管公司却觉得没有这个必要。对此，他们感到很失望，也觉得很可惜。
“如果全马约有200所高尔夫球俱乐部各拥有1000名会员，每名会员缴交3万令吉，那么涉及的款项就会高达60亿令吉。因此，我们希望联邦政府严正看待此事件，不要漠视我们的权益。”
据了解，水晶高尔夫度假村是在1994年创设，占地287英亩，拥有18个洞的高尔夫球场。成立至今已有14年，是威南首所高尔夫球场。
二零零八年十一月十六日 晚上十一时五十八分
（槟城16日讯）水晶高尔夫度假村会员行动委员会呼吁联邦政府，尤其是财政部长兼下任首相拿督斯里纳吉关注全国高尔夫球俱乐部会员的基本权益，同时要求州政府不要允许及批准发展商将该土地进行商业转换用途的申请。
该行动委员会是在升旗山区国会议员刘镇东及代表律师李凯的陪同下，于周六召开的新闻发布会上如是表示。出席者除了该行动委员会的理事之外，也包括约20名会员代表。
义务总务刘庆伦表示，该俱乐部于去年7月23日起突然关闭后，1400名会员（包括400名外国籍会员）即被禁止进入打球。由于有感此举已剥削会员基本权益，因此在去年9月9日成立以杨世灵为首的行动委员会，处理相关问题。
他指出，国民资产有限公司（Tanaharta National Berhad）以低过其他投标者的价格，即是2100万令吉将该俱乐部的土地（管理及资产）转移给一家私人公司。但是，其他高过2100万令吉的投标却没有获得考虑。而最荒谬的是，该土地面积占287英亩，平均1方尺才卖1令吉67仙。然而，以目前的市场预算，该区土地1公尺约可值5令吉。
“1991年买入的价钱为2500万令吉，17年后卖出的价格（2100万令吉）反而更低，这是为什么？何况，在该土地上也曾进行了5500万令吉的发展与建设，包括羽球场、泳池等。国民资产有限公司是联邦政府在1997年金融风暴时所创立的单位，现在到底是不是站在人民这边？”
30％会员是外国人
刘镇东表示，他于10月23日曾在国会上提出此问题。后于周三也在国会走廊就此事会见第二财长丹斯里诺莫哈末，后者承诺会关注此事。此外，槟首长林冠英也于较早前表示关注。
该行动委员会主席杨世灵指出，30％的会员是外国籍人士，其中以日本人占多数。他们大部分来自国际公司集团，包括Pen Group、 Texchem、 Renesas Semiconductor、Sony、 Fuji Electric 及参与马来西亚第二家园计划者等；而此事件已损坏大马的国际名誉及旅游业发展。
球场已成立14年
他指出，较早前曾向首长政治秘书黄伟益求助，后者协助发信予新接管公司，要求聚集一起商讨此事。惟，新接管公司却觉得没有这个必要。对此，他们感到很失望，也觉得很可惜。
“如果全马约有200所高尔夫球俱乐部各拥有1000名会员，每名会员缴交3万令吉，那么涉及的款项就会高达60亿令吉。因此，我们希望联邦政府严正看待此事件，不要漠视我们的权益。”
据了解，水晶高尔夫度假村是在1994年创设，占地287英亩，拥有18个洞的高尔夫球场。成立至今已有14年，是威南首所高尔夫球场。
Sunday, November 9, 2008
New Straights Times 8th Nov 2008
NST Online » Local News
2008/11/08
300 expats appeal for access to golf course
By : Melissa Darlyne Chow
GEORGE TOWN: Some 300 Japanese expatriates living and working here are appealing to be allowed use of the golf course of the Kristal Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap, which has gone into receivership.
Since the resort closed its doors on July 23 last year, itmembers -- some of whom work with multinationals such as Pen Group, Texchem, Renesas Semiconductor, Sony Corporation and Fuji Electric -- have not been able to use the golf course.
One member, former businessman Tatsushi Yamamura, 63, who is here under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said that he had paid the membership fees and visited the resort only a few times before it ceased operating.
"Golfing is an important social activity for Japanese expatriates here."
In fact, many Japanese retirees were of the view that inexpensive golf in the state was a major reason to retire here. Another member, Kenichi Matsumo, 46, who is Fuji Electric senior general manager, said there should be a law to protect the members.
The resort closed without any explanation and members were not refunded their membership fees.
Corporations had paid between RM40,000 and RM50,000 while individuals paid between RM36,000 and RM42,000.
Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong said he was informed that a new management had taken over the club after it was placed into receivership.
He said the new management was maintaining the golf club but had not reopened it to previous members.
Liew said he had raised the issue in Parliament and was awaiting a reply
2008/11/08
300 expats appeal for access to golf course
By : Melissa Darlyne Chow
GEORGE TOWN: Some 300 Japanese expatriates living and working here are appealing to be allowed use of the golf course of the Kristal Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap, which has gone into receivership.
Since the resort closed its doors on July 23 last year, itmembers -- some of whom work with multinationals such as Pen Group, Texchem, Renesas Semiconductor, Sony Corporation and Fuji Electric -- have not been able to use the golf course.
One member, former businessman Tatsushi Yamamura, 63, who is here under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said that he had paid the membership fees and visited the resort only a few times before it ceased operating.
"Golfing is an important social activity for Japanese expatriates here."
In fact, many Japanese retirees were of the view that inexpensive golf in the state was a major reason to retire here. Another member, Kenichi Matsumo, 46, who is Fuji Electric senior general manager, said there should be a law to protect the members.
The resort closed without any explanation and members were not refunded their membership fees.
Corporations had paid between RM40,000 and RM50,000 while individuals paid between RM36,000 and RM42,000.
Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong said he was informed that a new management had taken over the club after it was placed into receivership.
He said the new management was maintaining the golf club but had not reopened it to previous members.
Liew said he had raised the issue in Parliament and was awaiting a reply
Saturday, November 8, 2008
光华日报-北马新闻
水晶高球俱乐部突关闭事件 刘镇东吁中央插手
二零零八年十一月八日 晚上七时十九分
（槟城8日讯）升旗山区国会议员刘镇东硕士吁请财政部给予一个清楚的解释及回复，有关双溪峇甲水晶高尔夫球俱乐部突然关闭的事件，以免为我国带来负面的影响及有损马来西亚在外资眼中的形象。
他认为，人民也要知道，国民资产有限公司（现在是Prokhas 有限公司）以低过其他投标者的价格，即是2100万令吉获得该俱乐部的管理及资产。但是，其他高过2100万令吉的投标却没有获得考虑。
备忘录获94会员签署
也是槟州首席部长林冠英幕僚长的刘镇东于周五在Tropical Resort Lifestyle（MM2H）有限公司办事处，代表首长接领由水晶高尔夫球俱乐部会员提呈的备忘录后，如是向媒体表示。
出席者包括，其政治秘书丁国亮、法律顾问王忠辉律师，水晶高尔夫球俱乐部会员松野研一、山村辰志、前田元始等。
有关会员提呈的备忘录共获得94名签署，其他会员也会陆续的签名。
备忘录中表示，高尔夫球是日本人在槟城重要的社交活动，目前约有1200名日本人在槟。水晶高尔夫球俱乐部是日本人首选的高尔夫球场，约有300名日本籍会员，他们大部分是来自国际公司集团，包括：Pen Group、 Texchem、 Renesas Semiconductor、Sony、 Fuji Electric 及参与马来西亚第二家园计划者等。假如会员费平均4万令吉，那么，在水晶的投资将是1200万令吉。
会员希望重新开放
会员对于Kristal的关闭感到惊奇，同时也没有获得任何的解释及给予会员作出赔偿，不像在Pearl Island Golf Club于2005年关闭时，会员获得当局归还会员费。
另一方面，他们也认为虽然该高尔夫球场已被接管，但是该俱乐部是涉及众人的利益，因此，会员不能接受水晶高尔夫球场的关闭，并希望重新开放。
对日本投资者欠公平
他们也认为在这项的交易中并没有透明化，及对日本投资者欠公平，日本投资家于1991年以2500万令吉作出投资，Danaharta于2007年以2100万令吉出售。在日本人投资16年及耗资5500万令吉的建筑与装修下，目前的市价最少也有5000万令吉。
二零零八年十一月八日 晚上七时十九分
（槟城8日讯）升旗山区国会议员刘镇东硕士吁请财政部给予一个清楚的解释及回复，有关双溪峇甲水晶高尔夫球俱乐部突然关闭的事件，以免为我国带来负面的影响及有损马来西亚在外资眼中的形象。
他认为，人民也要知道，国民资产有限公司（现在是Prokhas 有限公司）以低过其他投标者的价格，即是2100万令吉获得该俱乐部的管理及资产。但是，其他高过2100万令吉的投标却没有获得考虑。
备忘录获94会员签署
也是槟州首席部长林冠英幕僚长的刘镇东于周五在Tropical Resort Lifestyle（MM2H）有限公司办事处，代表首长接领由水晶高尔夫球俱乐部会员提呈的备忘录后，如是向媒体表示。
出席者包括，其政治秘书丁国亮、法律顾问王忠辉律师，水晶高尔夫球俱乐部会员松野研一、山村辰志、前田元始等。
有关会员提呈的备忘录共获得94名签署，其他会员也会陆续的签名。
备忘录中表示，高尔夫球是日本人在槟城重要的社交活动，目前约有1200名日本人在槟。水晶高尔夫球俱乐部是日本人首选的高尔夫球场，约有300名日本籍会员，他们大部分是来自国际公司集团，包括：Pen Group、 Texchem、 Renesas Semiconductor、Sony、 Fuji Electric 及参与马来西亚第二家园计划者等。假如会员费平均4万令吉，那么，在水晶的投资将是1200万令吉。
会员希望重新开放
会员对于Kristal的关闭感到惊奇，同时也没有获得任何的解释及给予会员作出赔偿，不像在Pearl Island Golf Club于2005年关闭时，会员获得当局归还会员费。
另一方面，他们也认为虽然该高尔夫球场已被接管，但是该俱乐部是涉及众人的利益，因此，会员不能接受水晶高尔夫球场的关闭，并希望重新开放。
对日本投资者欠公平
他们也认为在这项的交易中并没有透明化，及对日本投资者欠公平，日本投资家于1991年以2500万令吉作出投资，Danaharta于2007年以2100万令吉出售。在日本人投资16年及耗资5500万令吉的建筑与装修下，目前的市价最少也有5000万令吉。
Japanese want Sungai Bakap golf resort revived
The Star - Saturday November 8, 2008
Japanese want Sungai Bakap golf resort revived
A GROUP of Japanese golfers have appealed to the state government to help revive the Kristal Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap which stopped operating in July last year.
The group, comprising 90 Japanese from Penang and Kedah, said the affected members had not been refunded the resort’s club membership fees.
The corporate life membership was RM40,000 to RM50,000 while individual life membership was between RM36,000 and RM42,000.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the group said the golf club had about 1,400 members when it ceased operations, of which 300 were Japanese.
Fuji Electric Semiconductor (M) Sdn Bhd senior general manager Kenichi Matsuno, 46, whose company in Kulim was a corporate member of the golf club, said there should be some law to protect the rights of club members.
Another member, retired businessman Tatsuhi Yamamura, 63, who came to Penang under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme in 2006, said he had just paid his annual membership fees to the club before its closure, and only managed to use the facilities a few times.
The group handed a letter of appeal to the state government yesterday through Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, who is policy adviser to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and said they were still in the process of collecting more signatures.
In the letter of appeal, the members said golf was an important social activity for the 1,200 Japanese expatriates in Penang, and large multinational companies such as Pen Group, Texchem, Renesas, Sony, Fuji Electric and others had multiple corporate membership at Kristal Golf Resort, which was also the main golf course for long-stay tourists and MM2H residents from Japan.
They said the original Japanese investor had paid RM25mil for the land in 1991 and spent about RM55mil on the infrastructure and facilities, but national asset management company Pengurusan Dana-harta Nasional Bhd sold it to the current buyer at only RM21mil in 2007.
“If the obligation as golf course is removed, the land should be easily worth RM50mil. The recent transaction of Kristal is not transparent and not fair to the original Japanese investor,” read the letter.
It also gave as example that when the Pearl Island Country Club closed in 2005, the golf club went on to refund the membership fees to its members.
Liew said the state government was taking steps to meet the buyer.
He also said the federal government had to answer why there was no open meeting over the sale of the land, why it was awarded to the buyer when there were higher bids, and why the interest of the club members were not taken care of.
Japanese want Sungai Bakap golf resort revived
A GROUP of Japanese golfers have appealed to the state government to help revive the Kristal Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap which stopped operating in July last year.
The group, comprising 90 Japanese from Penang and Kedah, said the affected members had not been refunded the resort’s club membership fees.
The corporate life membership was RM40,000 to RM50,000 while individual life membership was between RM36,000 and RM42,000.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the group said the golf club had about 1,400 members when it ceased operations, of which 300 were Japanese.
Fuji Electric Semiconductor (M) Sdn Bhd senior general manager Kenichi Matsuno, 46, whose company in Kulim was a corporate member of the golf club, said there should be some law to protect the rights of club members.
Another member, retired businessman Tatsuhi Yamamura, 63, who came to Penang under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme in 2006, said he had just paid his annual membership fees to the club before its closure, and only managed to use the facilities a few times.
The group handed a letter of appeal to the state government yesterday through Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, who is policy adviser to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and said they were still in the process of collecting more signatures.
In the letter of appeal, the members said golf was an important social activity for the 1,200 Japanese expatriates in Penang, and large multinational companies such as Pen Group, Texchem, Renesas, Sony, Fuji Electric and others had multiple corporate membership at Kristal Golf Resort, which was also the main golf course for long-stay tourists and MM2H residents from Japan.
They said the original Japanese investor had paid RM25mil for the land in 1991 and spent about RM55mil on the infrastructure and facilities, but national asset management company Pengurusan Dana-harta Nasional Bhd sold it to the current buyer at only RM21mil in 2007.
“If the obligation as golf course is removed, the land should be easily worth RM50mil. The recent transaction of Kristal is not transparent and not fair to the original Japanese investor,” read the letter.
It also gave as example that when the Pearl Island Country Club closed in 2005, the golf club went on to refund the membership fees to its members.
Liew said the state government was taking steps to meet the buyer.
He also said the federal government had to answer why there was no open meeting over the sale of the land, why it was awarded to the buyer when there were higher bids, and why the interest of the club members were not taken care of.
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