The people of Penang must be explained how the state government reduced its debt from about RM630 million to nearly RM30 million following the transfer of its water assets to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), a company under the Ministry of Finance Inc.

NONE Opposition leader Azhar Ibrahim said the people should be told that the debt payment was through the transfer of assets and not through cash transaction.

"I've been asking how within three and a half years, the state government could pay back RM600 million while wondering how much money has it been collecting," he said when debating on the Supply Bill and motion on the Development Estimates 2012 at the state assembly sitting in Georgetown today.

Last Monday, when tabling the bill, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ( below ) said the state government owed RM630.13 million as in March 2008 but by September this year, it was reduced to RM29.66 million due to, among the factors, the transfer of the state's water assets to PAAB through an agreement signed on last June 2.

NONE In his debate, Azhar (BN-Penaga) also asked the state government why since 2008 until 2010, no low-cost houses had been built by the state government.

"What has the Penang Development Corporation been doing? This is for the people. This matter was also stated in the Auditor-General's Report," he said.

Azhar said that after over three years (of ruling Penang), the Pakatan state government had still not fulfilled many promises it had made to the people.

"(The state government) had promised to set up a Tiger Park, so where is it? There's nothing until now.

"It was harping that a Korean company would be investing about RM300 million to build a golf course in Batu Kawan. Also nothing...have not heard about it anymore."

Azhar also said that he was still waiting for the state executive councillors to announce their assets as promised.

"It has already been three years and six months. The forms are still not ready?" he said.

- Bernama

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