Rift between Chinese clans and Penang gov't widens

The verbal rift between the Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC) and state government has gone up a notch higher today with the clan's chief being accused of being the "prime instigator" of the quarrel.

At a press conference, DAP Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi accused PCCC president Anthony Chang of worsening the relationship between the clan and state government.

He said the relationship "turned sour" because "one individual has an ulterior agenda".

"Chang gave the impression that it was the state government which had caused the annual Chinese New Year Culture and Festival event to be scrapped for next year when in reality, the person, who killed it was himself," he said.

Ooi has been tasked to liaise with the clan on behalf of the state government.

He was referring to media reports yesterday quoting Chang as saying that the event was cancelled due to lack of funds, adding that the federal government was willing to sponsor the event next year.

The relationship between the duo soured over a dispute for a heritage property in Love Lane, where the PCCC had planned to take over the building for a museum.

Meanwhile, Ooi found Chang's claim that he would be awarded a datukship if he were obedient to the state to be "exceptionally offensive".

"I challenge him to show evidence that any state executive councillor had conspired to offer him a datukship. There was no such arrangement.

"The state royal award is the sole prerogative of the Yang di Pertuan Negri (Abdul Rahman Abbas) and no one else," he said.

Chang is not available for comment.- Mkini