Penang rapped for pinning blame on previous govt
GEORGE TOWN: The state Barisan Nasional yesterday slammed the DAP-led Penang government for pushing the blame for the illegal factory in Sungai Lembu to the previous administration.
Its chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the question was not only about the illegal factory in Sungai Lembu or about the state government’s policy on illegal factories and buildings, but whether the inaction over the factory was a result of a cover-up or abuse of power.
“Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin had raised the matter numerous times at the district development committee appointed by the state government, but no action was taken.
“Her attempts to raise the matter through motions in the state legislative assembly were rejected every time.
“Can the state government explain to the people why her motions were rejected several times?
“Does the decision to reject her motions not imply that there could be a cover-up or abuse of power?”
Teng said the state government’s claim that it had been handed down 50-odd years’ of problems from the previous BN government was baseless.
“This is a completely ignorant and irresponsible statement as 50 years ago, unlike today, Penang was undeveloped with squatters in many areas.
“In fact, DAP has inherited a well-developed state from BN.
“A vision to transform Penang
into a developed state was formulated by BN 40 years ago and this saw rapid industrialisation and development of new townships such as Bayan Baru, Seberang Jaya, Bandar Baru Air Itam and many other areas,” he said.
Teng said the current state government continued to brag whatever little achievements it had, and even this had been built
upon the successes and strong foundation laid down by the previous government.
Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said the Penang government should desist from politicising every issue, including environmental matters in the state.
He reminded Lim that the people of Penang did not vote in a state government that was only
good at pinning the blame on others, and self-victimisation for the sake of defending its colleagues in DAP.
He said the state government chose not to take action against the illegal factories despite having the authority to do so.
“It is shameful and irresponsible of Lim to play the blame game to justify DAP’s inaction and failure to protect the environment and people despite nine years in power,” Mah said, adding that Lim’s administration had forsaken its competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) policy, and that it would be no surprise if DAP tried to justify its wrongdoings, mistakes and failures in the future.