When the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) has limited resources, how will it be able to allocate a huge chunk of its budget to build the proposed Penang International Convention Centre (PICC)?

Questioning the need for the project, the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) said the ‘mega-project’ has been deemed irrelevant by NGOs.

little india penang 180504 “Many Penangites would argue that MPPP should concentrate on its core services of improving and maintaining basic services, transport and accessibility, public spaces, cleanliness, upgrading amenities at local markets and seeing to low-cost housing,” said Tan Seng Hai, a representative of the group.

“Wouldn’t it be more prudent for other agencies like the Penang Development Corporation to undertake this project?”

The group has submitted a letter to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, urging him to publish a full and comprehensive feasibility study on the project.

“We believe it is through such public information and discussion that the best way forward can be found, not least for projects that involve millions of ringgit of public money ...,” Tan said.

‘Wait for response’

Lim, when asked to comment, confirmed that he had received the letter on July 16.

NONE He said NGOs and concerned citizens who have protested the project and have raised questions about it “are just doing their job”.

“I will only answer their questions after the tender (deadline expires on Sept 19). Many have applied (to manage the project),” he claimed.

In January, the group had submitted a petition with 347 signatures in protest of the PICC, to the state government and MPPP.

MPPP chief Patahiyah Ismail had initially told the media that she was not in favour of using the council’s funds for the project. Later, she clarified that her position was no different from that of the state government.

All protests have fallen on deaf ears, because Lim recently announced the re-opening of the tender and said the state will proceed with the project in Relau.