The Penang DAP has questioned state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow over his proposal to focus on the services section instead of manufacturing if the coalition manages to regain the state in the coming general election.

NONE State DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow ( left ) said Teng’s proposals are all based on the assumption that the manufacturing section has “peaked and saturated”.

Chow said the state government does not view Teng’s approach as a wise one, saying it is something that is “half-baked and could lead Penang down a regrettable path to an economic slump”.

He added that the state’s economic future needs to be driven by a manufacturing sector that continues to evolve and advance, which helps spur new growth for the services sector.

“We wish to ask if he agrees with the assertion that Penang has too many manufacturing factories already,” asked Chow during a press conference today.

“We are of the opinion that this underlying assumption affects Penang’s future policy direction, including his free port idea as well as the possible privatisation of the port under businessman Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhairy,” he added.Chow was accompanied by Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong and Air Itam assemblyperson and state executive councillor on housing Wong Hon Wai at the press event.

NONE The state exco member was referring to Teng’s ( right ) announcement of a first package of his plans when he was newly appointed, which included restoring Penang’s free port status and transforming the mainland into an international financial district.

Teng had also declared - should BN recapture Penang in the 13th polls - that it would set up an innovation dynamo park, agriculture hubs and replace the manufacturing sector with the services sector.

Chow said Teng was appointed state BN chief because Prime Minister Najib RAzak saw him - compared to his predecessor Koh Tsu Koon - as someone with a “bolder and braver” character.

‘All thunder but no rain’

However, it appears that since his appointment, Teng has been “all thunder but no rain”, issuing nice-sounding announcements that lack any follow-up substance.

Chow express disappointment that the party’s repeated replies to Teng had not obtained any response.

Instead, Gerakan Youth has requested for the DAP not to call for press conferences every two days to question Teng, he added.

Gerakan Youth clarified that Teng’s announcement are promises that will only be delivered after BN captures Penang, he stressed.

“They asked us to patiently await Teng’s further announcements on the detail of the plans, which will only materialise after public opinion is collected,” said Chow.

“We reiterate, these are only headline announcements that have no substance. They sound good, but where are the goods?” he queried.