DAP has hit back at Umno for claiming the state government is marginalising Penang Malays, pointing out they had made the same accusations even when BN was in power.

Penang exco and DAP Wanita chief Chong Eng said the accusations made during this week's Umno annual general assembly were merely parroting recycled claims.

"When (Gerakan chief) Koh Tsu Koon was the chief minister, the Penang Umno leaders used to protest in front of the then Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, saying that Malays in Penang are being marginalised under the leadership of Koh, and they had to move to Kedah for a living.

"And now, the Penang Batu Kawan representative Rohaya Abu Ismail is nothing but a repeating machine in accusing (Penang Chief Minister) Lim Guan Eng of the same.

"Are these accusations based on facts, or is she just being racist? There seems to be no improvement (in Umno) at all througout the years," said Chong in a statement today.

Penang has been a favourite target at the ongoing Umno AGM in Kuala Lumpur, with delegates claiming Penang has a subtle plot to drive Malays out, to accusing the Chinese there of thriving on illegal businesses.

'Show proof'

Chong told Wanita Umno delegate Rohaya Abu Ismail to show proof of her claims that DAP had bought up "Malay lands".

“When did DAP purchase land in Balik Pulau? These are lies and Rohaya should apologise if she can’t prove.” said exco for youth and sports; women, family and community development.

Chong in turn alleged that Malay land in Kampung Terang, Balik Pulau in Penang was purchased by a Penang Umno leader in 2012 and sold of three months later at a RM5 million profit.

She called on Umno not to play the blame game and instead focus on improving their performance.

"The BN has been the ruling government for more than five decades, however the income disparity and wealth gap are only getting worse.

"There are many more people are still living in poverty.

"Umno should own up to their mistakes, learn to improve and not continue sweeping pertinent issues under the carpet by playing racial card or blaming the DAP," she said.

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