Posters marred clean image of Penang, Chow tells Teng

Penang executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow has urged BN leaders to support the state’s cleaner and greener initiative by refraining from putting up posters which are environmentally unfriendly.

Chow said the posters put up by BN across Penang today have marred the clean image of the state and the environment.

"Some of them may pose a threat to motorists and destroy public properties," said Chow in a statement.

"It is a sheer waste of valuable resources to use a lot of papers for this poster campaign against the Penang chief minister," added the state DAP chief.

He was responding to Penang BN chairperson Teng Chang Yeow who admitted today that BN was responsible for the thousands of posters put up last night and early this morning across the state. 

Teng (photo) had said the posters were a reminder to Penangites that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had yet to answer to the 51 empty promises he made since taking office in Penang since 2008. 

Chow said local council workers had to be redeployed to clean up the mess left by BN's posters.

"Local residents are also unhappy to see their environment impacted by the posters. It is not general election yet," he added.

Chow said if Teng continues to put up such posters, the local councils may not clean it up.

"Instead it would be left there for the people to see and shame Teng until he cleans up the mess himself."

Penang Island City councillor Syerleena Abdul Rashid said Teng gleefully admitted his role as if such "vile and juvenile" tactics are badges of honour.

She said there are certain rules and regulations set by local authorities that must be respected.

Syerleena reminded Teng that he used to serve as Penang exco prior to 2008, and should have known that, in order to put up banners, streamers and posters, permits must be approved by the local authorities of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP), respectively.

"Teng, being a former state leader, should have understood that such an approach would also highlight BN’s weakness and amplify their utter disregard to regulations and laws," Syerleena.

The state DAP assistant publicity secretary said BN had "no shame in twisting the system to meet their very own selfish needs".

"There is no doubt that BN is hellbent on regaining Penang and have proven they will resort to the lowest and scummiest level of political battles just to prove their self-worth to their political masters," she said.

In a press conference today, Teng thanked DAP excos, and local councillors for highlighting the posters in their Facebook accounts.

"We put up 500 to 600 posters in each constituency, did not paste it on government buildings, only on trees and bus stops, and used strings to tie them. We did not simply put it everywhere," Teng said.

"Don't worry, DAP councillors, there will be no more of the posters tonight, you can sleep soundly. We did not hide, we are conveying a message to them, thanks for helping us publicise the posters."

Teng said the poster campaign is part of BN's dry run for its campaign in the coming polls.

He told Chow not to portray the situation negatively as it is in order.

"Just clean it up and there is nothing to worry about. Chow should address why the Relau Hill is still bald. This is worst than the poster campaign," Teng said. -Mkini