Umno reps boycott Penang Transport Council swearing-in

GEORGE TOWN: Representatives of Penang Umno today refused to take their places in the Penang Transport Council (PTC) which will discuss the RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.

They want to know the ‘bite and powers’ of the PTC in allowing or deferring reclamation projects in the state before joining it.

However, others who have been critical of the transport plan, and who had been invited by the State Government to sit on the PTC, were present for the swearing-in and the first meeting.

Snubbing the swearing-in ceremony, the three Umno representatives – State Opposition leader Jahara Hamid, Shah Headan Ayob Hussain Shah and Nordin Ahmad – said they refused to be part of a “rubber stamp” committee.

In a joint statement, the trio said they would only join the council if its terms of reference, functions and role, powers and jurisdiction were revealed.

“We need these details so that we know the PTC has the power to find alternatives, feasible and sustainable financing options for the Penang Transport Master Plan.

“It also appears that calling us to the committee appears to be a hurried effort, trying to make PTC a ‘rubber stamp’ meeting.

“So, until we get the details we have requested, we will not attend the meeting,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, non-governmental organisation leaders who have been critical of the State Government’s transport plan participated in the swearing-in ceremony and first meeting of the council at the Caring Society Complex today.

Among them were the infamous ‘PKR 5′, assemblymen – Ong Chin Wen (Bukit Tengah), Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti), Dr T Jayabalan (Batu Uban), Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubok) and Cheah Kah Peng (Kebun Bunga). Cheah was part of the earlier 21-member PTC.

The PKR 5 had abstained from voting on a reclamation motion mooted by Umno in an assembly sitting last year.

Also taking their place were DAP’s maverick and nature-loving assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu, and Consumers’ Association of Penang Vice-President Mohideen Abdul Kader who represented its president, SM Mohamed Idris.

Also there were Anil Netto, a blogger, and Penang Forum member and city councillor Dr Lim Mah Hui, who have been critical of the Penang Transport Master Plan.

A total of 21 appointees were inducted into the PTC today. They will be part of the council until September 30, 2017. The members will convene for fortnightly meetings.