Developers of the Penang Global City Complex (PGCC) has failed to submit planning documents and thus deemed "good as dead" by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"If they had not submitted the layout plans on time and as required, how do you expect the project to get approval? The PGCC project in the original inception is dead," said Lim, according to Star Online.

lim guan eng pkr penang media journalist attacked by pkr security pc 050808 01According to Lim, the developers had failed to submit the necessary documents to the Penang Municipal Council and the project has thus been rejected.

However, Lim stressed that the state government had no hand in rejecting PGCC's application.

The controversial RM25 billion project was mooted by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Equine Capital Bhd owned by Patrick Lim - a close associate of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The land for the proposed project was originally earmarked as a recreational and open space zone which is currently occupied by the Penang Turf Club (PTC).

In June 28, 2007 the land was re-gazetted as land for a mixed commercial development under dubious circumstances and was met with opposition from local groups.

penang global city centre 170907 buildingsThe developer boasted two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, retail complex, two office towers, residential properties, world-class convention centre, observatory tower, parking space, monorail transportation and public arena.

The project was launched by Abdullah last year. It was also included as part of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) by the federal government.

Local activist had claimed that PGCC - spanning 104ha - would have an adverse effect on the island's environment and worsen traffic conditions.

They have also claimed that the authorities were not forthcoming on whether an environmental impact assessment had been submitted or approved.