The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has slammed Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for being “highly irresponsible and unethical” by accusing the NGO of being selective in its criticisms and of being aligned to the BN.

CAP president SM Mohamed Idris said he understood that Lim was under pressure and mounting tension, with the general election so near.

“However, you must be careful with your comments and not make wild allegations. This is what marks a statesman from a quarrelsome politician,” Idris told Lim at a press conference today.

NONE Idris ( right ) was referring to Lim’s public plea to the people to be wary of “hostile and dangerous” NGOs that were now adopting the BN line to oppose the state’s RM6.3 billion fourstage integrated road system.

Lim criticised these NGOs for not turning up at a dialogue with him, saying they never raised their voices against previous BN projects.

He insisted that the tender was awarded through an open tender, and the agreement with the construction company would only be signed after a proper environmental impact assessment study had been carried out.

Lim also claimed that the project would benefit the people on the mainland, adding that those who objected to it had the “islander mentality”.

As the NGOs continue to insist on improving public transport, Lim mocked that those who harped on the issue - despite it being under federal jurisdiction - do not even take buses.

Idris was visibly upset over these remarks and, thumping the table several times, said, “I am not asking for political power.”

He said CAP and another NGO he heads - Sahabat Alam Malaysia - have previously objected to the Komtar tower, Penang Hill and Bakun projects.

He pointed out that a BN politician has also issued a similar accusation against CAP, saying that it planned to topple the government.

No wish to be on the warpath with Lim

But he said he does not wish to be on the warpath with Lim, adding that he is only against the issue and will take up any cause for the people and environment no matter which government was in power.

“They believe in the Bush doctrine of ‘You are either with us or against us’ and look at what it has brought the US,” said Idris.

“Is it so easy to label us? You think people are fools to just believe whatever you say?” he asked.

Idris was so flabbergasted that he ‘chased out’ an alleged Special Branch (SB) officer who came to the press conference.

“He is not invited and not welcomed here. He has no right to be here. I will write to the police chief and the Home Ministry about this. Why are you letting him come in?” Idris shouted at his staff who informed him about the SB.

Meanwhile, Idris denied ever receiving an official invitation from Lim to attend a dialogue on the road and tunnel project to be built by four companies, including two Chinese construction powerhouses, under the Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd.

Lim’s office has organised several public dialogues, including one with Penang Forum, another grouping of NGOs which fiercely opposed the project, slated for completion in 2025.

“I regret I cannot accept the publicised personal invitation because in our culture, we do not invite people to meetings by open letters,” said Idris.

“In any case, a meeting will be futile and not serve any purpose since, according to press reports, the state government has already awarded the project to a private company despite opposition from many NGOs,” he added.

Idris admitted he had met Lim twice - not over the road project - and had a free and frank discussions, adding he appreciated the earlier initiative.