Pity Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin. When he returns to his constituency of Kuala Muda, Kedah, his residence at Permaipura Resort, developed by Asiatic, a subsidiary of Genting, does not have fixed land lines for phones.

Ironically, the minister of information does not have at his disposal the most basic tool for communication. Neither do any of the other fifty-odd residents of this upscale development outside Bedong, Kedah.

It's been that way for over five years. Talks between the Residents Association and the management at Asiatic have only resulted in stonewalling and inaction.

Maxis and TM, the primary competitors for the phone line contract, have not been able to come to terms with Asiatic to install this most basic of amenities. So the residents continue to live like 'kampung' folk - waiting for the utility company to bring development to their rural outpost.

True, CDMA wireless is an option offered by TM. However, wireless is not as reliable as a fixed line, and advanced features like broadband or DSL remain beyond the reach of the many computer users at the development. Imagine the loss of profits for any business user.

Still, the people wait. Well, enough is enough. It's time for Asiatic to stop stonewalling and deliver basic communication lines to all the residents at Permaipura, not least to the Minister of Information himself.