New Straits Times

Norlela upset over treatment by PKR members

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GEORGE TOWN: Penanti assemblyma­n Dr Norlela Ariffin has taken to Facebook to vent her frustratio­n over the treatment she received following the expose on the illegal carbon filter factory in Sungai Lembu.

In a posting yesterday, Norlela lamented how Pakatan Harapan supporters had accused her of being a “Barisan Nasional mole” over the issue.

“My comrades have distanced themselves from me. It is really sad when the Chinese businesses in Penanti are scolding (me) and sympathisi­ng with the illegal factory. They even called me ‘useless ADUN (assemblyma­n)’ for causing the factory to close down and for disturbing those who are trying to make a living,” she said.

Norlela provided a link to the petition by the villagers of Sungai Lembu, as well as a lawyer’s letter to sue the Village Developmen­t and Security Committee (JKKK) after JKKK sent an SMS to the factory, complainin­g about villagers who had fallen ill, allegedly due to the factory’s operations.

“When people see the signed petition from the villagers and the letters from the Sungai Lembu JKKK, I hope they will understand that as an elected representa­tive, I have to raise the people’s concerns, and that I only went to the police after I was threatened,” she said.

Netizens rallied behind Norlela, questionin­g why she was being ostracised for voicing out on behalf of the people.

Bazlan Shah said: “Pelik sungguh saya. Kenapa PKR tak back up YB? Kenapa mereka jauhkan diri? Where is Datin Seri (Dr) Wan Azizah (Wan Ismail)? DSAI (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim)? AMK Penang? PKR Penang? Are they hiding? Atau takut kepada Lim dynasty?” (I find it weird. Why is PKR not backing you (Norlela) up? Why are they distancing themselves from you? Where is PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Penang PKR Youth and Penang PKR? Are they hiding or are they afraid of the Lim dynasty?)

Asarudin Ashari said: “YB Norlela Ariffin, you’ve done an excellent job. We fully support you.”

Last week, the lawmaker said she would quit politics after losing confidence in her party, PKR.

She was dishearten­ed by the attacks against her by party members and allies over the factory issue.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and several others agencies raided the factory on Aug 10.

This was followed by other raids at the Seberang Prai Municipal Council’s licensing department, State Welfare, Caring Society and Environmen­t Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh’s office in Komtar, service centre, as well as houses in mainland Penang.

Phee was held to assist in investigat­ions.

 ??  ?? Dr Norlela Ariffin
Dr Norlela Ariffin

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