State BN representatives who viewed hillslope development project papers in Komtar today were disappointed that the Penang government was lacking in transparency.

Penang Gerakan local government bureau chief Teh Leong Meng said the documents provided by the local municipal council (MPPP) on all 38 projects were still treated as “unclassified”.

Teh lamented that it was impossible to view the documents as each session was only provided with 90 minutes viewing time.

He added that the group was also prevented from taking photographs of the papers, while two security guards stood watching their actions.

“There appears to be a certain form of misrepresentation of facts. They (state government) have misled the people to believe the documents have been declassified but they are still treated as confidential,” Teh told reporters at a press conference in Komtar today.

“The state government must be sincere in disclosing the documents so that we can find ways to address the concerns of residents affected by hillslope development in Penang,” he added.

Teh, a former local councillor, was accompanied this morning by other BN leaders - C Mahalingam (MIC), Mohan Apparoo (Gerakan), Tang Heap Seng (MCA) and Baljit Singh (Gerakan) - to view the project papers.

‘Where is CAT?’

Baljit, who is Gerakan’s legal and human rights bureau chief, questioned the state’s freedom of information and CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) policies when there are several restrictions preventing the public from proper access to the documents.

“The state must be honest about declassifying the documents. It is only after pressure and bargaining with the officers that we manage to obtain photocopies of the papers,” he said.

“But we would only be able to obtain it in one week’s time. We will be charged for the photocopy. We hope the cost would not be too exorbitant,” he added.

The papers are revealed after calls by the BN to declassify the documents following the MPPP’s disclosure that the previous administration has approved 37 hillslope projects from 1985 to March 2008.

These documents contain planning permission for projects which are 250 feet above sea level but BN leaders are urging that development below the mark with a 25 hillslope gradient be revealed as well.

Based on the papers, eight projects had been approved in 2007, three in 2008, three in 2009, nine in 2010 and one in 2012.

The group has also asked for maps and contour plans to be revealed to show the location of all the projects.

MPPP responds to complaints

While the BN is reluctant to take the rap for the projects, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been blamed for allowing hillslope development projects on the island that are causing the loss of greenery and dying hills.

NONE In an immediate response, MPPP president Pattahiyah Ismail ( right ) said the viewing period for the documents will be extended from two weeks to three months, ending Sept 30.

Pattahiyah said two groups can view the documents at any one time from 9am - 12 noon and 2pm-5pm on a daily basis (working days only).

She said those interested can provide a list of documents they want photocopied and the local council will provide the sheets for 30 sen per piece.

“For development plans or contour plans, consent must be obtained from the developer and we will provide the documents. This is within the law,” Pattahiyah told reporters at a press conference in Komtar.

“Earthwork plans cost RM48 each but a letter of consent must be obtained from the consultants. Building plans cost RM50 but you may ask from the developer who will provide it for free,” she added.