What check and balance, Teng? Umno has 10 reps in Penang

GE14 | Caretaker chief minister Lim Guan Eng has denied that the BN-led opposition in Penang was not respected under his rule since 2008 to April 7, when Parliament was dissolved.

Lim said his administration had wanted to strengthen the opposition, as Pakatan Harapan's Penang manifesto had stated a two-term limit for the post of chief minister. 

"That is not the only case, as we have even promised to appoint the opposition leader as the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee in the state legislative assembly," Lim said in a press conference.

"We are also giving PAC additional resources to enhance the office of the opposition leader," added the Air Putih state seat candidate. 

Lim pointed out that BN's Umno already had 10 seats in the 2013 state assembly.

Describing it as "a substantial number", he reminded BN state chief Teng Chang Yeow that they are the opposition in Penang state assembly.

He questioned why BN failed to state any term limit for their leaders or PAC chairperson appointment in their manifesto.

"What check and balance are they talking about? These are all stated in our manifesto but not BN's," said Lim, who is Bagan candidate. 

He had said on Sunday that Penang voters should not allow BN to "win by accident" as there is talk around town to ask voters to vote BN candidates for state seats but vote Harapan in parliamentary seats.

"I said this to defend our 30 seats and retain the Penang state government. We never said there should be no opposition," Lim said today.

"We should make sure we retain all our seats, to show that we do not bow to their bully tactics. Otherwise, they will bully Penangites more," he said.

Lim was referring to Teng's statement yesterday that within the last 10 years, Penangites have allegedly experienced an administration which has had "absolute power and there is no check and balance."

"Do we want to continue to have a state government helmed by a chief minister who is arrogant and vindictive, surrounded by yes men who don’t have the guts to speak their mind on issues and problems faced by their constituents?" Teng had asked.

"Since nobody from within the state government can offer any alternative views, coupled with no Gerakan or MCA representatives in the state assembly, he can extend his tentacles to control everything and do as he likes, allowing him to continue politicking since the day they formed the state government, neglecting proper and sincere governance," the Tanjung Bungah candidate added.  - Mkini