Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has accused Gerakan secretary-general Liang Teck Meng of breaching his duty in a government position to score "political points".

He said Liang had allegedly behaved "most inappropriately and unprofessionally” when he used his position as the National Water Services Commission (Span) chairperson.

Lim further alleged that Liang had issued a statement under Gerakan calling the CM to reveal a letter dated Dec 23 last year from Span to Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

He claimed that the Gerakan leader had disclosed confidential information, which was “incomplete but selectively taken out of context, to paint a false and negative picture” of the Penang government.

According to Lim, instances where Liang breached his duty as chairperson included "pretending to ask for his (CM) permission" to reveal PBAPP's application to Span for an increase in water tariffs.

The CM felt this was inappropriate, alleging that Liang had revealed the contents of the letter in a statement on July 20.

"This makes his request for my permission an insincere and fake request that cannot mask his immature and bumbling eagerness to score political points," said the DAP secretary-general.

In a statement issued yesterday, Liang (photo) had challenged Lim to allow him (Liang) to publicise the letter dated Dec 23, 2016.

Liang said he was offended by Lim’s remarks in the media accusing him of hinting that the federal government wanted Penang to increase its water rates in line with other states, describing Lim’s statement as “pure slander”.

Failed to disclose

Lim said Liang breached his duty again when he failed to disclose that PBAPP had fully withdrawn its application for a water tariff increase when it sent a letter to Span on Feb 21.

Liang also failed to disclose that Span had in writing on April 25 “objected strongly” to PBAPP’s letter on Feb 21 withdrawing the proposed water tariff increase, he added.

Span had again written to PBAPP on June 23, stating that the proposed water conservation surcharge (WCS) did not generate sufficient revenue for PBAPP and that a water tariff increase should be considered.

The PBAPP had planned to double the WCS to cut wastage, as 25 percent of Penang's 504,400 domestic users consume excessive water.

Lim said Liang had breached his duty as Span chairperson when he tried to hide the fact that Span had clearly pressed for a water tariff increase from PBAPP and was unhappy when the state water authority withdrew its proposal.

“Span was also unhappy that the Penang government was willing to try one more time, by resorting to an increase in WCS to try to reduce water wastage or excessive water consumption, by punishing those who waste water instead of punishing all consumers with a water tariff increase,” he added.

Lim challenged Liang to sue him if the latter felt slandered that his remarks implied that the federal government wants Penang to increase its water rates in line with other states.