REAL SOLUTION

the Department of Environment’s approval.

And, what about the floods on Nov 4 and 5? Until today, thousands are still affected, yet, the state government continues to blame the Federal Government for a lack of assistance.

For the record, immediately after the disaster, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had directed the armed forces to help out in relief efforts. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, during a visit, had directed Kelab Putera 1Malaysia to send aid.

Different ministries have also gone to the ground to assess damage and announced millions of ringgit in allocation. So, what is your beef, Penang government?

To be fair, the state government has provided RM700 in financial aid to each affected household and business. That’s laudable, but more should and can be done.

The people are no longer buying the state’s defensive stand. They are not convinced by the promise of an allocation for flood mitigation as proposed in the state budget recently. Some quarters have said it was a repeat of this year’s figure. They are demanding for a real solution. The people are also doubtful of the state’s environmental efforts, with a measly RM10 million for hill protection.

Is this the “Ubah” (change) that Pakatan promised in 2008?