Looks like we have to kick out the YBs before they'll listen, says activist

Penang Forum, organiser of a forum themed "Peduli Rakyat" today expressed disappointment that not one of the state's 40 assemblypersons was present to hear the people's woes.

Spokesperson for the NGO, Lim Mah Hui said he had spent two hours last night e-mailing the state elected representatives but only "two or three" had the courtesy to decline his invitation to attend the forum.

"There was no reply from the rest. Today, there are only two former assemblypersons, Muhammad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) and Teh Yee Cheu (DAP-Tanjung Bungah) who are here," said Mah Hui, during the forum's question-and-answer session.

"It looks like we have to kick them out first for them to respond to or attend such invitations to listen to the people's plight," he added.

Lim, who is author of a new book, Local Democracy Denied?, urged the 200-strong crowd at the forum to "act" and write to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow over their concerns.

"Forty reps but not even one could attend. Chow should be accountable and responsible for this. If every one of us writes to him, perhaps Chow will open his eyes," Lim stressed.

At the four-hour forum, some 20 NGO representatives presented their issues which ranged from the fishing community opposing the Penang south reclamation project to the construction of the Pan-Island Link highway to those against the assessment rates hike in Penang.

Sungai Petani Environment Action Group representative Dr Tneoh Shen Jen attended the forum to share about the burning of plastic waste and odour pollution affecting the residents' health in the area.

Lim was then asked whether those representing the various NGOs and their issues could form a "third force" to challenge the state government.

"How many would vote for a 'third force' instead of the two jokers, BN and Pakatan Harapan?" Mah Hui asked.

"(We want) independent (candidates)," a participant was heard saying.

Lim urged the participants to seek for "alternatives" at the local level, adding that it was indeed time to allow independent candidates to speak out for the people.

Lim was also asked if the Penang government had an "exit plan" from controversial projects which did not benefit the public.

He said Penang's insistence on the highway projects including the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan and reclamation exercise in Bayan Lepas were more a "suicide plan instead of an exit plan".

"More people need to be angry, including the housewives and househusbands," said the former local councillor.

"If I were to organise a rally at Komtar, how many are willing to bring their pots and pans and bang them in front of Chow Kon Yeow?" Lim asked.

At the same forum, outspoken activist Khoo Salma Nasution drew attention to the reclamation exercise at the Melaka Gateway.

"It's been abandoned halfway while the fishermen's livelihood is affected," she pointed out. 

"The Melaka Gateway is already suffering, it will stagnate for many years. Do we want a similar situation in Penang?" she asked. - Mkini