Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has hit out at his own DAP assemblyman for “spreading slander” that a casino would be built in the state.

 

Lim, the secretary-general for DAP, said he was shocked to learn that Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu had reportedly brought up the matter in Chinese newspapers last month.

 

“It is slander because our policy is very clear. We will not allow casinos to be built in Penang.

"It is not suitable for our economy or our local community,” Lim told reporters at a press conference today.

 

“I have said ‘no’ to a casino when I became the chief minister in 2008 and my stand has not changed.

 

“I hope Teh ( photo ) will not act like Umno, who likes to spread slander,” he quipped.

 

Teh has often been described as a “maverick” or the “green YB” for his deep concerns on environmental issues in the state.

 

Much to the chagrin of his party, Teh has always championed against projects he considered against the environment, including hillside developments, and of late, reclamation projects in Tanjung Bungah by Eastern and Oriental Berhad.