The Penang Umno liaison body yesterday criticised Penang City Council’s (MBPP) for demolishing the Umno signage erected at the entrance of the Menara Umno building on Jalan Macalister in George Town as rash and not according to proper procedures.

According to Bernama , its chairperson Zainal Abidin Osman said Penang Umno felt regret, disappointment and anger against the DAP government's attitude for instructing MBPP to do so, and that it was seen as an attempt to supress the party (Umno).

He said the MBPP had acted irresponsibly and hastily, citing Section 72 (6) of Act 133 which states that MBPP should give at least a 30 days notice to the owner of a building to rectify any non-compliance to procedures.

Zainal ( photo ) said what was disappointing was that the action to demolish the signage was done after Umno had already engaged in discussions with MBPP, and the council had requested Umno to file certain documentation to request for a permit to place the signage there.

“We were going to submit the detailed documentation needed for the permit and we had agreed to send it by Monday morning, but on Friday afternoon, they had already taken action,” he said.

Zainal stressed however, that Penang Umno would still maintain the location for the signage.

Meanwhile, Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said the DAP-led government’s action to give such a directive was considered to be rude and uncivilised.

“The DAP-led state government did this simply to show off their powers,” he said when met by reporters after handing out alms to 59 mosques and 159 suraus in the Pasir Salak parliamentary constituency at Masjid Sungai Ranggam in George Town yesterday.

“We also have powers, but not we're not cruel, we have never maltreated anyone,” he added.

'No permit application received'

Meanwhile according to The Star yesterday, Umno had been informed earlier that the signage was put up illegally but the latter had reportedly refused to comply.

MBPP licensing and public health standing committee alternate chairman Ong Ah Teong was reported saying the signage was demolished because Penang Umno has not obtained a permit for it.

“They promised to send in their application. But the next morning, we were shocked to see everything was already in place.

“That’s why we moved in after serving them a notice,” The Star quoted him as saying.