Rockets fired after Norlela’s attack on fellow reps

 

Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Rashid said Penang executive councillor Norlela Ariffin should practise good leadership. (Youtube pic)

GEORGE TOWN: A DAP backbencher says state executive councillor Norlela Ariffin’s remarks over criticisms against her as state health committee chairman are “uncalled for and surprising”.

Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Rashid said in a statement today that it was “regrettable” that Norlela was unable to set aside her personal differences in venting her frustrations.

This was after Norlela had come out to blast three DAP assemblymen who she said were claiming credit over the lower Covid-19 numbers and higher vaccination rates in the state.

Syerleena said as a person holding a key leadership position in Penang, Norlela should be responding to matters with clear-headed judgment and without “any emotional disturbances”.

She said the executive councillor should practise good leadership by setting clear priorities and being transparent about what she was doing in her Covid-19 relief efforts.

“After all, sharing information, consolidating decision-making authority and providing clear directives are elements that exhibit the camaraderie Pakatan Harapan was founded on.

Reports have quoted her as saying ‘these bullies who like to witch-hunt women are sickening’.

“Given someone of her stature, it is most unfortunate because this simply does not exhibit the exemplary leader we need in such trying times,” she said.

Separately, DAP’s Socialist Youth also said it was unfair for PKR Youth to “order” Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit to stop being critical of Norlela.

A joint statement by the DAP youth divisions of Bukit Bendera, Bukit Gelugor and Jelutong, said in the principle of freedom of speech, such an order was not right.

It said Lee’s criticism was aimed to be constructive, especially when a fellow political partner was “going off-track”.

The divisions said the health portfolio was an important one given the current pandemic and had come under fire by Penangites over “why disease control measures” did not reach them.

It said this was because the measures were not conveyed by Norlela’s office on time.

“They are also confused with the ever-changing SOPs and where to direct their issues if there was an emergency case.” - FMT