Lim Guan Eng must seek public consultation on major road construction projects – Wanita MCA Penang

Not only has Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng refused to accept the NGOs comments, he dismissed the President of the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) Mohamed Idris by labeling him as an “old man”. This reveals his rudeness and arrogant attitude.

Mohd Iris had pointed out that recently some of the major road construction projects that the Penang state government had implemented did not go through consultation with the rakyat. Unfortunately, Lim Guan Eng refused to accept the criticism and he counters every criticism which NGOs have sought to bring to the attention of the Penang state government.

If the mega projects are built regardless of the effects against the ecosystem, it will affect the next generation. Moreover, the Penang government is going to launch a few major road construction projects.

The mega construction project only provided an ordinary report to the NGOs. The statement given to the press and the introduction by the state executive council are just very normal briefings, not a public consultation. Public consultation means the state government should collect the rakyat’s opinion and thence make the decision.

Unfortunately, Lim Guan Eng did not accept the suggestion/advice by CAP. This is parallel to the Lynas issue. Why Lim Guan Eng only knows how to protest Lynas while he himself ignoring public consultation?

Previously, CAP criticized the major projects launched by the state government which did not go through public feedback. The major projects include the 6.5km Gurney Drive-Bagan Ajam undersea tunnel, the 12 km road connecting Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang, a 4.2km Gurney Drive-Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass and a 4.6km Lebuhraya Tun Dr lim Chong Eu-Bandar Baru Air Itam bypass.

If the Penang government is truly implementing the Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) policy, then they should seek public consultation before launching the projects.