‘We are only voicing public concerns’
> Penang Forum defends criticism of state’s development policies
GEORGE TOWN: Civil soceity activist Khoo Salma Nasution has defended Penang Forum’s role of criticising the state’s development policies, saying they were just voicing out concerns raised by the public.
There is nothing political in nature to the forum’s opposition to the proposed Penang Transport Master Plan and the construction of two hotels on Penang Hill, said Khoo, who is a leading member of the forum.
Penang Forum is an umbrella body of non-governmental organisations.
They are concerned that the state’s development policies would result in the degradation of the environment and, to a lesser degree, unfavourable economic effects on Penang, Khoo told a joint press conference with Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka).
Also present was Peka president Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil.
“We are not politicians, but a group of concerned citizens, who wish to see sustainable development of Penang,” Khoo said.
Khoo added the latest controversy was the state’s decision to approve the construction of two hotels on Penang Hill.
“DAP, when they were in the opposition, had disagreed with plans to develop the hill.
“Now, when they are in the seat of power, they do the opposite,” said Khoo.
Despite an assurance by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Cheok Lay Leng that the two hotels would be developed on existing footprint with no hillclearing involved, forum member Rexy Prakash Chacko said the developer must still provide basic amenities such as water and power to meet the demands of some 200 hotel guests.
A petition, “Save Penang Hill,” was launched through the change.org portal, and as of noon yesterday, some 22,000 signatures had been collected.