The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) today expressed “shock” that the Penang government appears to have no understanding of the objective and process of public consultations.

In a press conference targeted at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his political secretary Zairil Khir Johari, CAP claimed Penang has not carried out public consultations on mega projects.

NONE “Briefing NGOs generally on mega projects and making statements about them to the press or in the state assembly do not constitute public consultation,” said CAP president SM Mohamed Idris ( right ).

“Public consultation involves engaging the people at the earliest stage of the decision-making process, providing adequate information about the projects and giving due consideration to the representations and views made by individuals and civil society organisations,” he added.

Good example of public consultation

Idris said a good example of public consultation is the ongoing process in developing a transport master plan for Penang and the special area plan for the Botanic Gardens.

The key question is whether, before signing a memorandum of understanding and calling for proposals for construction of these mega projects, a preliminary study was carried out on the need for and viability of these projects, he added.

He stressed that the economic, social and environmental impacts of the projects should be taken into account as well.

“If such a study has been carried out, why was the information not shared with the public for them to make useful representations to the authorities?” Idris asked.

“It would be disastrous to embark on these projects involving huge costs and serious economic, social and environmental impacts without such a study.”

pakatan pokok sena ceramah 140112 lim guan eng CAP said it was compelled to respond to the “unwarranted outburst” by Lim ( left ) on the party’s complaint on the lack of public consultations by the state government on several recent mega projects.

The projects in question are the construction of a 6.5-km Gurney Drive-Bagan Ajam undersea tunnel, 12km road connecting Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang, the 4.2km Gurney Drive-Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass and the 4.6km Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu-Bandar Baru Air Itam bypass.

Two sessions with NGOs

 

In a recent press statement , Zairil said reducing traffic congestion was the reason for implementing these mega projects.

NONE Zairil ( left ) dismissed the claim of no consultations, saying that the state has revealed public information on the projects, while Lim insisted he had attended two discussions with NGO representatives.

“But the question arises as to why a decision was taken on these mega projects as a solution for traffic congestion even before the consultants had made their recommendations,” Idris said.

Meanwhile, in response to press queries whether the projects were part of the transport master plan, Lim had responded by characterising these projects as a “bonus”.

However, the veteran NGO activist said the notion of a bonus was something that should be additional to what had been agreed upon.

Presumably, Idris added, the chief minister has persuaded himself that he is giving Penangits “a gift” in addition to what they have bargained for.

“That may very well be so, but the point is that this is effectively an admission that the projects were never part of the transport master plan. The attempt to pass them off as a “bonus” cannot make them so,” Idris said.

“If the government is serious about practising the CAT principle with regard to large public projects, then it should introduce and implement guidelines on public participation,” he suggested.

“For over 45 years we have criticised, without fear or favour, projects and policies which do not bring long-term benefits to society and which have serious adverse social and environmental impacts. We will continue to do so.

“In the interest of our people and nation, it is vital that Malaysian politicians, NGOs and the media should embrace a culture of debate and discussion in a spirit of mutual respect.  

“Most importantly, those who hold public office must always be prepared to accept public criticisms and respond to them with due decorum,” Idris added.