‘ No’ to casino

> Guan Eng: PFP move is contrary to Penang govt’s stand

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has criticised the Penang Front Party (PFP) for reportedly wanting to set up a casino in the state.

He said having a casino in Penang was uncalled for and was against his administration’s stand.

He pointed out that Padang Besar MP Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin of Umno is PFP’s adviser.

“What is Umno’s stand on this matter? Is it Umno’s new policy to have a casino in Penang?” he asked at a press conference yesterday.

PFP sponsor chairman Lee Poh Kong was reported to have said the party will apply to the federal government for a casino licence in the state if the party takes over the Penang government.

He said this was to boost the tourism industry and to make Penang similar to Macau.

On a separate issue, Lim said his administration will be giving the green light to gazette Penang Free School (PFS) and the Batu Uban Mosque as heritage sites under the National Heritage Act 2005.

He said both sites were rich with history – PFS celebrates its 200th anniversary this year while the mosque has served Muslims since 1734 – and urged the Tourism and Culture Ministry to do the necessary.

Lim congratulated Penang-born K. Gurunathan who was elected the mayor of Kapiti Coast in Wellington, New Zealand for the 2016-2019 term

“He has made Penang and Malaysia proud,” he said of the 63year-old, who served as theSun’s special features before moving to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife in 1995.