The Penang government has been accused of practicing double standards in its fierce stance on PAS local councillor Iszuree Ibrahim.

Penang MCA Youth chief Michael Lee sniped the DAP-led state government citing how it failed to show similarly stern action against DAP Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Teh Yee Chue, who in 2012 was critical of the administration.

 

He said Teh had at the time accused the DAP-led state government of breaching its 2008 general election manifesto of preserving forests and biodiversity by allegedly approving numerous condominium developments.

“Is it payback time by DAP against PAS? DAP elected representatives was never given any warning.

“At best, he was merely hauled up by DAP to explain to his outburst. Why the difference in treatment for both public officials when they were just voicing out against public policies?” Lee asked.

He said that Iszuree and PAS have legitimate concerns, when they raise the issue of eviction of Malay villagers from Kampung Mutiara and Kampug Selut and chief minister Lim Guan Eng should hear them out.

He also cited concerns raised by villagers from Kampung Siam, whose plight after five generations in Pulau Tikus have hit headlines.

“There is a genuine and legitimate worry that traditional villages with intrinsic heritage value and traditional lifestyles are being demolished and replaced with a concrete jungle,” he said.

BN's hand in Kg Siam

Lee however evaded the fact that in Kampung Siam's case, the development was a decision of its private landowners, which has not stopped BN from attempting to drag the Penang government into the controversy.

 

DAP yesterday hit back on the Kampung Siam controversy pointing out that the land was rezoned from religious use to commercial purposes back in 1996, when BN was in power.

Iszuree, Penang City Council (MPPP) councillor was removed from subcommittees and had his budget frozen after he criticised the state government’s development policy at the PAS muktamar last month.

He claimed he was misquoted by Malaysiakini and that he was never given a fair hearing by the Penang government. Malaysiakini stands its report on Iszuree’s muktamar speech.