It was reported in one of the dailies quoting the CM of Penang complaining that the federal government is not providing enough funds for the state’s development.

I am deeply disappointed that the federal government can stoop so low to punish voters in Penang. Or maybe the federal government does not understand the rules of democracy.

An election is just a game between two opponents. The loser must honour the terms and rules of the game.

The loser must surrender the trophy willingly to the opponents. In this case, the winners in Penang are Pakatan Rakyat. They deserve all the rewards, in this case funds, for development..

Australia operates on the same democratic model as our country. Which ever party wins the most number of seats controls the federal government. Just as in Malaysia, there are some states which fell to the opposition in Australia. But never did the Australian federal government deny the opposition states any funds for development. This is the attribute of a world-class leadership with a First World mentality.

It is a shame that the mentality of our leaders is still trapped in the Stone Age era, but trying to behave as if we have first class. What about Najib's ‘1Malaysia’. It is nothing but a hollow slogan.

If he adheres to the spirit of ‘1Malaysia’, he should treat Penang fairly. Are Penangites not a family of ‘1Malaysia’? Or is it just a beautiful slogan just to hoodwink unwary voters that he is a PM for all Malaysians?

Those days of sloganeering all over again? Pak Lah tried it without success. Slogans like 'Work with me', 'I hear you' and what-have-you were pure rhetoric when he failed to act on the many occasions which his slogans could have been put to good use.

In fact, Najib need not crack his head to come up with such slogans. All he can do is to put into action that he is indeed a PM for all. Allocate the funds to all states fairly so that development can be carried out.

The money given to Penang is not to fill the CM’s pocket. It is to be spent for the benefit of all. Why must the federal hold back funds for Penang? A prosperous Penang will benefit the country.

Incidentally federal funds are from taxes paid by all, including Penang. Rightfully it should go back to the state. Witholding the much-needed funds to Penang is despicable and outright selfish.

As a last resort, I believe Penang should dissolve the state assembly and call for a snap election. Only then will the federal government pour billions into the state hoping to recapture it.