Perception that Malay base in Penang is being eroded - Anwar on reclamation

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has told Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to take cognisance of the perception that the Malay base was being eroded due to the controversial reclamation project in the state.

Anwar also denied that he was inconsistent in his stand and views on the Penang South Reclamation project, which is totally opposed by fishermen groups and NGOs.

"But I did say to chief minister to consider the concerns expressed and a larger concern, beyond those expressed by fishermen, is the perception that with this project, the entire Malay base in the island is being eroded," he said at a press conference after attending the state PKR convention in Bukit Mertajam.

"Where is the inconsistency? I never said I agreed or disagreed. I said these are the concerns which have been expressed.

"I did not only say this in front of fishermen and state leaders, but also to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Pakatan Harapan leadership," added the Port Dickson MP.

Anwar was asked to clarify PKR's stand on the reclamation project, which involves three artificial islands in the southern part of the island, as his views appeared to be "inconsistent based on the different groups he spoke to".

In July, Anwar met with fisherfolks in Bayan Lepas, and raised their concerns with the Penang government.

Chow then said he would consider scaling down the project, if the state received funding from the federal government.

Thirty percent of the project, which involves development on state land, would be sold to fund the RM46 billion Transport Master Plan, which comprises a light rail transit system from Komtar to Bayan Lepas.

Meanwhile, Anwar insisted his views were consistent, saying it was not fair to expect him to reject the project outright when there were legitimate reasons why the state wants to proceed with the plan.

"Notwithstanding this, the perception, to me, is if we do not handle the matter properly, there will be a very serious backlash as the community see this as the very bastion of the Malays, a poor segment of society.

"So if we want to proceed, you have to craft a plan with the Penang Development Corporation to redevelop the area, which I have not seen.

"I have been brief about it, that economically, in terms of heritage, it is not beyond what the state or federal can do," he added.

But Anwar conceded that his view is not a clear rejection of the project, saying it was due to the fact that PKR is a partner in the Penang state government.

He wants to continue to support the state and negotiate this deal with the chief minister.

Anwar said Chow had met him and agreed to look at some of the concerns raised by fishermen and NGOs.

"It is better to develop first Bayan Lepas and Gertak Sanggul which is populated by Chinese, before the reclamation project is carried out," he said. - Mkini