Penang Gerakan is against the involvement of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) in the RM300 million subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE).

NONE Gerakan local government bureau chief Teh Leong Meng said MPPP’s primary focus should be maintaining cleanliness, roads and other public facilities as well as hawker centres.

“For the past two years, it has been proven that the state government and MPPP could not handle and manage big projects such as the Penang International and Sports Arena (Pisa).

“Let private enterprises build their own hotels, international convention and exhibition centres based on demand and supply,” said Teh at a press conference today.

NONE Teh also urged the state government to unveil details about the project such as tender documents and blueprints to the public.

Similar calls for greater transparency has been made by the Penang chapter of Coalition for Good Governance watchdog group.

Last week, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced that the MPPP would be investing a RM11.5 million in the project, through a public-private partnership agreement with Eco Meridean Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SP Setia Bhd.

sPICE is slated to replace the ill-fated Penang International Convention Centre in Relau. The package will include upgrading and refurbishment of the Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa) and the Aquatic Centre.

Lim said that the project would save MPPP from having to undertake refurbishment work on Pisa and the Aquatic Centre.

NONE Eco Meridean will be allowed to operate sPICE for 30 years, to recoup their investment through rental and related activities before handing it back to MPPP.

sPICE is part of the Penang People’s Park, which includes Pisa, the Aquatic Centre, a four-star hotel, retail outlets and a Green Park.

The public can view plans for sPICE at the ground floor of PISA. Feedback back sent to MPPP or through the council president’s email address .