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PKR backs Penang 5 but issues gag order over reclamation issue
Published:  Nov 24, 2015 1:00 PM
Updated: 6:00 AM

PKR has issued a gag order on its leaders from uttering any remarks regarding the five assemblypersons who abstained from voting against a motion on sea reclamation filed by Umno at the recently concluded Penang legislative assembly.

Party communications director Fahmi Fadzil ( photo ) said that such matters can be further discussed in Pakatan Harapan.

“PKR has reviewed the issue of the five reps who abstained from voting against the Umno motion last Friday.

“In principle, PKR allows conscience vote in certain matters and the five assemblypersons last Friday was based on this as the motion involved a complex issue involving the environment,” he said in a statement.

Fahmi said although PKR does not agree with Umno’s stand on the issue, the motion which called for comprehensive studies to be conducted for future approvals of reclamation projects is generally good.

“We are satisfied with the clarification by five assemblypersons and describe the conscience vote as a normal democratic practise which must be encouraged in this country.

“We will continue to be the voice of the people to the Penang state assembly,” he stressed.

Motion supported by DAP rep

The motion, although rejected due to lack of votes (at least 21 out of 40), was supported by DAP Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu.

It was filed by Umno Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad and supported by nine of the party’s reps.

However, Teh apologised a few minutes later, saying he had made a “mistake” and was willing to be punished for his actions.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had strongly rejected the motion as it called for new projects - which does not benefit the people - to be cancelled.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the cancellation of the projects would cost Penang close to RM1 billion, resulting in bankruptcy.

He has demanded that Umno, being part of the previous state government led by Gerakan, apologise for the reclamation of 3,241 acres, in contrast to Pakatan Harapan which only approved 60 acres.

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