BN’s Sungai Dua rep most likely to lead Penang opposition

Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor is one of only three opposition assemblymen in the state.

Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (right). (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN: Sungai Dua assemblyman Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor, one of three opposition representatives in Penang, is likely to be appointed as the state’s opposition leader.

But the Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblyman, who is in his second term representing the mainland state seat, said it had yet to be confirmed.

“But yes, there is the possibility I will be the opposition leader,” he told reporters today while attending a briefing on the Penang Transport Masterplan (PTMP) held for state assemblymen and MPs here today.

Yusoff’s presence today was unexpected; BN politicians have normally stayed away from such events.

The opposition in Penang was reduced to just three assemblymen from 10 in the previous term.

Two other opposition assemblymen in Penang are BN’s Nor Hafizah Othman (Permatang Berangan) and PAS’ Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (Penaga), both first-time representatives.

Meanwhile, Yusoff questioned how PTMP would ensure people stop using their cars in favour of public transport such as the light rail transit (LRT).

“You could end up with a situation where cars will still jam up the road, and people do not use the LRT or the RapidPenang buses,” he said.

He also criticised the use of the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) as a funding model for PTMP.

“I am against land reclamation, as it will negatively impact the environment as well as fishermen.

“What the state should do is to let the private sector take charge of the LRT project. Let the private sector hold the concession for a long period, like what has been done with highways. It is safer that way, rather than reclaiming land to pay for the project,” he added.

PTMP, which includes roads, light-rail transit and other modes of transport crisscrossing Penang, will be carried out by SRS Consortium, a project delivery partner which will reclaim three islands south of Penang island. - FMT