Penang Keadilan today claimed that three city councillors from Seberang Perai have breached their Akujanji (I Pledge) agreement by abusing their public position for their own personal interests.

Keadilan deputy information chief Law Choo Kiang said the three Gerakan officials - Huan Cheng Guan, Cecilia Wong and Dr Tan Kar Keong - had their names displayed on several sets of marble benches which were contributed by the local council via taxpayers' money.

Law told reporters after handing over an open letter on the matter to the Chief Minister's office this morning that Huan's name was found on 15 sets of benches and tables within the Machang Bubok constituency, Wong 10 in Bukit Tengah and Dr Tan six in Seberang Jaya. He also showed reporters photographs of the benches in question.

Disciplinary action

Koh's special assistant Tan Hock Sim received the letter, saying he would inform the chief minister as soon as possible.

Law, who is special assistant to Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, urged Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon to issue disciplinary action on the three as they have breached the 1993 civil service code on behaviour and discipline.

Law said the party viewed the issue seriously as the councillors have at least breached one of the pledges in their Akujanji agreement.

"They have at least been dishonest, irresponsible, behave in a way that is in conflict with their public duty, created reasonable suspicion that they have abused their position for their own benefit and damaged the good name of the civil service," he said at a press conference.

Akujanji

was made compulsory to the 900,000-odd civil service staff since March last year amidst protests from several quarters.

Other than good behaviour, the pledge also restricts civil servants from political involvement and insubordination.

Manufacturers's job

When contacted, Wong said the names of the councillors were displayed by the manufacturers of the marble benches.

She said the benches were purchased by funds - RM50,000 a year - allocated to city councillors for landscaping and matters that would benefit the people.

"I don't think we have breached the Akujanji and I don't know why Keadilan is picking on this petty issue," she said.

Dr Tan said the councillors received a directive from the government recently not to display their names on public property.

"Those examples quoted by Keadilan is an old issue. New benches do not carry any councillors' name," he said.

"We also wonder why they are only picking on Gerakan. Names of MCA and Umno councillors are also found on other marble benches," he added.

Huan is not available for comment.

Serious breach

Meanwhile, Penang Keadilan deputy chairperson Cheah Kah Peng said that the action of the councillors was a serious breach of public trust.

He urged the chief minister to discipline the three just as he had called for action against MCA representatives Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Dato' Keramat).

The duo were suspended for a year for withholding their vote against the Opposition's motion to review the billion ringgit Penang Outer Ring Road.

"We ask Koh not to discriminate when it comes to disciplinary action," he said.