Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng must provide honest answers and explanations to the people on the plots of leasehold land in the state that have been changed to freehold status.

Opposition Leader in the State Legislative Assembly, Azhar Ibrahim, said Lim should speak the truth and be honest and transparent to avoid public confusion over the present state government's policies and administration.

"The people want him to give truthful and honest answers at the state assembly and not hide anything," he told reporters.

NONE Azhar said the reply given by Lim on the matter at the state assembly sitting in August conflicted with the information received and recent press reports.

In his written reply to a question from Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhamad Farid Saad on the approval of applications for change of land status from leasehold to freehold between April 2008 and June 2009, Lim said the state government had not approved any.

Lim was also reported to have said that the state government was still waiting to bring up the matter to the National Land Council, which is chaired by the prime minister, at the year end.

He also said that the state government agreed to allow industrial and commercial land with leasehold status to increase their leasehold period to 99 years and residential leasehold land be changed to freehold status.

However, confusion arose when the press recently reported that PDC Heritage Hotel Sdn Bhd in collaboration with YTL Corporation Bhd would build a luxurious condominium and seafood restaurant on Lot 408, Section 19, next to the E&O Hotel in Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown.

It is understood that approval for change of the land status from leasehold to freehold was granted for the project in early June.

CM must be responsible

Due to the conflicting information, Azhar said the BN assemblypersons would raise the issue during the debate at the coming state assembly sitting scheduled to begin on Nov 30.

Asked on the possibility of the chief minister being referred to the assembly's Rights and Privileges Committee, Azhar said Lim would be given the chance to explain before any action would be taken.

Yesterday, Telok Bahang assemblyperson Dr Hilmi Yahaya was reported to have said that the chief minister could be referred to the committee if he was found to have lied during the previous assembly session.

Meanwhile, Penang Gerakan chairperson Dr Teng Hock Nan said the chief minister must be responsible for any statement he made, especially at a state assembly sitting. - Bernama