In our new Malaysia, there can be critics within your own party. CM thank you for a new Malaysia and a true democracy

Friday June 15, 2012

Listen to critics within your party, MCA tells Guan Eng

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/6/15/nation/11482015&sec=nation

PETALING JAYA: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should take heed of criticisms made by a DAP state representative of the island's hillside development projects, Penang MCA secretary Lau Chiek Tuan said.

He said Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu was merely speaking up for his constituents.

In a statement, Lau urged Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, not to use the party's “famous gag order” to prevent its members from voicing out issues affecting the party and the management of the state.

He was commenting on remarks by Teh on Wednesday against a proposed 49-storey “super-condo” in Batu Ferringhi and other hillslope projects along the north-eastern coast of Penang island.

There has been mounting criticism of such projects, particularly among the islanders, who fear the development would not only lead to environmental decay but also hike up prices.

Teh had reportedly said it was time to stop hillslope development in the state.

In GEORGE TOWN, the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) said it has renewed the approvals of 19 projects above 76.2m since 2008.

“After April 2008, the approval for 19 projects on land higher that 76.2m was renewed under the 2007 Penang Structural Plan's special category',” MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail said.

She said 37 such projects were approved between 1985 and March 2008 but under the current administration, no “fresh approvals” were issued.

Citing an example, Patahiyah said a plan approved in 2006 would be valid for one year and if the developer failed to commence work, the council could renew the approval for a maximum of five times.

Asked if approval for the 19 projects would be reviewed, Patahiyah said it would not if work had already begun on the development.Patahiyah also defended her decision to bar a councillor from talking about hillslope developments as it was done on the advice of the council's legal adviser.

Councillor Dr Lim Mah Hui wanted to give an adjournment speech last month at a full council meeting but was prevented from doing so.

“As there would have been reporters present, I was advised not to allow him to speak on hill land projects as some involved legal issues which are pending in court.