Teng: Penang Run not organised by state BN

The controversy has also ignited a dispute between the state government and Penang BN leaders over the use of the word “Penang”. — Reuters pic

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 24 — Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) has denied allegations that it was behind the controversial Penang Run that is being held this Sunday, the day on which Thaipusam also falls.

This follows a hue and cry over the sporting event being held on the same day as an important Hindu religious festival with the Penang state government accusing Penang BN’s component party, Gerakan, of being the culprit behind the event.

Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow has denied that Penang BN or Penang Gerakan had anything to do with the event.

“It is purely sports organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO),” he said at a press conference after opening the 1 Malaysia Healthcare Carnival at Penang Times Square here this morning.

He added that the run was confined to the Universiti Sains Malaysia compound and that whatever complaints about it should be aimed at the organisers and not at Penang BN.

The much-disputed sporting event made the headlines when Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy accused the organisers, whom he alleged were Penang Gerakan leaders, of being insensitive to the Hindu community by organising the event on Thaipusam.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has also ticked off the organisers for holding the event on Thaipusam.

He also pointed out that they should have obtained the state’s sanction to use the word “Penang” for the run’s name as it had confused many members of the public into believing that it was a state event.

This sparked another dispute with Penang BN leaders criticising Lim for laying claim to the word “Penang” and Penang BN have even come up with a “Love Penang” campaign, themed “Penang, Penang, Penang” in response.

“This campaign was not meant to confront the state government but to encourage more NGOs and the public to love Penang and to organise more activities using the word ‘Penang,’” Teng said.

They hope to launch the campaign next week.

Penang Run is jointly organised by Tanjung Social Club and Penang Forward Sports Club.

Organising committee member Lim Choo Hooi has also denied that the event is linked to any political party or government departments.