MCA rep defends move to depart from BN line

comments     Susan Loone     Published     Updated

While the debate rages on about MCA representatives Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat) for not toeing the ruling front's line in a recent state assembly meeting, a backbencher explained that once a decision has been made earlier by the Barisan Nasional about a motion to be raised, that decision stays.

"We've had a pre-council meeting to decide on the matter. Everyone was there (including Tan and Lim), and once a decision has been made, we have to follow," explained Gerakan state assembly representative Looi Swee Cheang (Sungai Pinang).

Tan and Lim had abstained from voting against a motion submitted by Law Heng Kiang (DAP-Batu Lanchang) for the RM1.2 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (Porr) project to be deferred until the RM400 million Jelutong Expressway project was completed.

They were the only two ruling party representatives present who did not vote against it, with 19 others rejecting it and three opposition members for it.

The duo's stand became a full-blown controversy when Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi issued a warning, saying that they have committed a serious breach of party discipline.

State Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon and state Barisan Nasional whip and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya have been asked to submit a report on the matter. Koh is expected to present it in a day or two.

It is learnt that Koh was in Kuala Lumpur today to attend a meeting in which Abdullah will be present.

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