Penang Watch

12th March 2008
TO THE EDITOR - 'Bouquet Catches the Eye'

The PGCC Campaign Group would like to offer our congratulations to DAP, PKR and PAS for their convincing victory and also to Mr Lim Guan Eng for being appointed as Penang's 4th Chief Minister.

We are not able to send a bouquet of flowers, but hope that sincere good wishes from the hearts of the ordinary citizens who make up our membership will matter as much, if not more.

The CM's first official statement gives us much to be happy about. A government that is transparent, honest and puts the interest of the people above that of private groups is what we have long been clamouring for.

A new era is beginning and on behalf of the organisations and individuals who are in this group we offer our full cooperation and whole-hearted support. Our support is not only moral, but we are also prepared to commit our time, energy and skills.

With respect the PGCC, our raison d'etre, we would urge the government to conduct a thorough investigation starting with the manner in which the land was re-zoned from 'open recreational land' to 'mixed development'.

Several years ago when the public was invited (as was mandatory) to give their comments on the Draft Structure Plan, several groups and individuals submitted their views. To our knowledge every one was against the proposal to re-zone the property.

Yet, to our astonishment, in an act which was blatantly against clearly articulated public interest, the final Plan showed status of the land as 'mixed development'. There was no explanation or justification.

It is our view that the Structure Plan should be reviewed and unless there are compelling public interest reasons, the Turf Club land should revert to its original status.

The CM has announced that he will be meeting the YDP and the developer to be briefed. In all fairness he should also give us an opportunity to brief him.

Ahmad Chik
For and on behalf of PGCC Campaign Group