‘PRACTICAL TO CANCEL PENANG UNDERSEA TUNNEL PROJECT‘

Penang government not serious about implementing it, says council CEO

IT is a practical move to cancel the Penang undersea tunnel project as stated in the Penang Barisan Nasional manifesto. National Professors Council (NPC) chief executive officer Professor Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose said the project was not feasible and that the DAP-led Penang government was not serious about implementing the project.

“As we can see, there are many issues surrounding the project. In fact, the project is only for the interest of certain groups.

“In my opinion, the cancellation of the project is a good idea,” he said when contacted by the New Straits Times Press.

Penang BN has pledged to cancel major projects in the state if the coalition wrested Penang from the opposition in the 14th General Election (GE14), including scrapping the controversial undersea tunnel project.

Among the 60 pledges under six initiatives in the manifesto are solving the frequent floods, balding hills, as well as people’s housing and traffic congestion issues.

Raduan said the 60 initiatives in Penang’s BN manifesto would benefit the people in the state as BN was capable of fulfilling its promises.

“BN has a better chance of winning Penang in GE14 through the promises it made.

“Although it may be tough, it is not impossible,” he said.

When asked if the collaboration between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with the opposition coalition, including PKR, which is led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was genuine, Raduan said it was hypocrisy and would not last.

“Now, we see that they are working together. But there may be moments that will open up old wounds.

“Those who had been in jail during Dr Mahathir’s time will never forget easily.

“They (Dr Mahathir and the opposition coalition) have teamed up for certain reasons and they have their own agenda,” he said.

As we can see, there are many issues surrounding the project. In fact, the project is only for the interest of certain groups. In my opinion, the cancellation of the project is a good idea. PROFESSOR DATUK DR RADUAN CHE ROSE

National Professors Council chief executive officer