Sparks fly in state assembly

Dialogue organised by Penang Forum leads to heated exchange

GEORGE TOWN: The Oct 29 dialogue, “Penang Floods: A Call For Action”, organised by Penang Forum became a heated topic during the debate on the Supply and Development Bill at the Penang state assembly.

Two DAP representatives took swipes at the forum, a coalition of some 20 environmental and civil rights groups, which organised the dialogue.

R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) said it was a partisan forum with Barisan Nasional and its supporters criticising the state government without any basis.

“Why is the state government being blamed for every calamity that occurs in Penang? Is Penang Forum being fair with their views?” he asked yesterday.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr P. Ramasamy (DAP-Perai), who joined in the debate, said the views expressed were aimed at bringing down the state government.

He claimed Penang Forum was being used by certain people to discredit the state government.

“Derogatory words against Deepavali were uttered but there were no objections from Barisan assemblymen who attended the event,” he said.

This was rebutted by Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN-Teluk Air Tawar), who said none of the speakers or the emcee used any harsh words.

“YB from Perai, you were not there, as such whatever you say is hearsay,” said Jahara, who attended the dialogue.

“None of us heard any derogatory words being used against Deepavali. It is not our fault if someone in the audience utters such a word,” she said.

Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah (BN-Teluk Bahang) asked Rayer why he was not there and why a woman was sent there, referring to Yap Soo Huey (DAP-Pulau Tikus), the sole DAP assemblyman who attended the event.

YB from Perai, you were not there, as such whatever you say is hearsay.

Datuk Jahara Hamid