BN denies involvement in motorbikers' protest
Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives in Penang have expressed disappointment with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s allegation that Umno was linked to yesterday’s noisy demonstration by
motorcyclists who opposed his leadership.
Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives in Penang have expressed disappointment with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s allegation that Umno was linked to yesterday’s noisy demonstration by
motorcyclists who opposed his leadership.
Dr Hilmi Yahaya (BN-Teluk Bahang) described Lim’s accusation as baseless as the demonstration was organised by non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Islam Gabungan Amal (Pertiga).
He said this in response to the chief minister’s sudden question when Salleh Man (PAS-Permatang Pasir) was debating the Supply Enactment Bill 2012 at the state assembly sitting in George Town today.
Yesterday, police detained five people for allegedly taking part in the demonstration in the city, protesting against the state government administration under Lim.
The noon protest saw 200 motorcyclists donning yellow T-shirts and plying Jalan Penang before heading to Komtar and the State Assembly, carrying banners stating ‘Selamatkan Pulau Pinang, LGE Rasis’ (Save Penang, LGE is Racist). They also demanded a race track for youths.
Meanwhile, BN representative Jasmin Mohamed (BN-Sundai Dua) said Lim was full of tricks when tabling the Supply and Development Estimation Bill 2012 as he presented a high deficit but stated the state government had been prudent and managed their finances well, resulting in a balance.
“Where is the balance? The state government did not spend the money allocated in the budget which, according to the Auditor-General’s Report, the Chief Minister’s Office and State Secretary’s Office only used 54 percent of the approved budget,” he said when debating the bill at the state assembly sitting.
He said when money allocated for the people was not spent, it constituted a loss, and not saving.
“If the allocation is not spent, it shows that the state government is not efficient or transparent in managing state finances,” said Jasmin, adding that the state government pulled the wool over the eyes of Penang residents with the RM100 annual aid for senior citizens when in actual fact, money for the public was not being utilised.
“When the people ask for assistance from the village development and security committee, they will say the state government was not provided with funds,” he said.
Jasmin noted that although funds were allocated to develop infrastructure in the state, public amenities and roads in rural areas had yet to be improved.
Activist Hii makes an appearance
Meanwhile, disappointed social activist Hii Tiong Huat, 60, held up a banner in front of the state assembly building today, which displayed the words, ‘ Tolak YB terima dua gaji ADUN dan MP; YB perlu full time ’ (Reject YB with assemblyperson and MP salaries; YB should be full time).
He urged Lim and several assemblypersons who also held member of parliament posts, not to be greedy and focus on their responsibilities as assemblypersons.
“They should not be greedy by taking up two or three posts with high salaries and benefits if they cannot serve the community effectively,” he told reporters.
Hii ( right ), of Sarawak, said Lim should not hold multiple portfolios in the state government as it affected their machinery.
- Bernama
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