All is well between Norlela Ariffin (PKR-Penanti), who burst into tears yesterday after lamenting that her constituency was marginalised in terms of tourism and development, and her colleagues in Pakatan Harapan.

Today, during the budget winding-up speech by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Norlela stood up to thank him for allocations for Permatang Pauh, the parliamentary seat that covers Penanti, Permatang Pasir and Seberang Jaya.

However, the funds are for a public hall and swimming pool in urban Seberang Jaya, while rural Penanti continues to hope for some contribution.

Norlela ( photo ) also thanked Lim for meeting with her and discussing the issues she raised - which led to her emotional breakdown - in the House yesterday.

“I was merely debating the rakyat’s issues in Penanti and the details of the 2016 Budget as I am the constituency’s representative,” she added.

“The CM has agreed to increase communication with me, together with the representatives from Pantai Jerejak, Batu Maung and Seberang Jaya and will review the allocations according to the budget. So I thank the CM,” she said.

In response, Lim said he regarded all Pakatan’s elected representatives as one big family, and called on them to unite for the people of Penang.

Open to different views

“We are a family, I am open to different views from all the assemblypersons, and I am ready to meet the Penanti assemblyperson,” Lim said.

He said he was certain that other representatives, like Deputy Chief Minister Rashid Hason (PKR-Pantai Jerejak), state executive councillors Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (PKR-Batu Maung) and Dr Afif Bahardin (PKR-Seberang Jaya) were also open to discuss matters with Norlela.

“I am also open to Teh Yee Cheu (DAP-Tanjung Bungah),” he said, referring to his colleague who tabled a motion in the House yesterday to limit the chief minister’s tenure to two terms.

Lim said whenever issues arise involving any of his assemblypersons, Pakatan Harapan would make a stand as a family.

This is because, the coalition practised the principles of democracy and was open to different and dissenting views.

“I am very touched by Penanti’s gratitude, I regard her as a family member,” he said.

Following this, Muhammad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) urged Lim to treat all constituencies in Penang fairly, including the 10 held by Umno.

Earlier, Lim said the state government allocated RM32.37 million for 2016 for Permatang Pauh, while another RM22.47 million will be spent for flood mitigation works and RM9.9 million for social infrastructure projects.