The Penang government wants the Transport Ministry to arrange a 'tripartite meeting' between the ministry, itself, and the Kedah government in order to seek an amicable solution to the proposal to build the Kulim airport.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the onus is now on the Transport Ministry to arrange such a meeting.
"Penang had raised the matter in the just-concluded state legislative assembly, but will now leave it to the federal government, including the Transport Ministry, for further action and decision," Chow said in a press conference in Komtar today.
"We have used existing avenues, including raising the matter at a meeting in Putrajaya, for example, at the menteri besar and chief ministers’ meeting in February, which was chaired by the prime minister," Chow added.
Chow had expressed reservations over the airport, saying Penang was still concernedabout it even though it would be privately funded.
Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir had said that the airport would focus on transporting cargo. However, Chow said the Penang airport’s cargo capacity is yet to achieve its target.
Chow said a feasibility study conducted by two consultants revealed that the airport would affect Penang "negatively".
Meanwhile, Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong urged Chow to "bravely defend" the interests of Penangites.
"Gerakan is willing to stand by Chow to say no to the Kulim airport.
"But if Chow Kon Yeow is only acting and does not dare to express, then Gerakan will withdraw its support," Oh said in a statement.
"Penang needs a government that dares to fight for the interests of Penang people."
Oh said regardless of whether the airport in Kulim caters for cargo or passengers, it will cause "a great blow" to Penang and affect the state's economy.
In February, Oh had urged DAP leaders to oppose the construction of the Kulim airport.
"Unfortunately, DAP leaders are so keen on their official position (that they) dare not speak out," Oh said. - Mkini
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