Penang Umno has expressed shock that PKR has distanced itself from its Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin after she thanked the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for acting on an illegal factory in Bukit Mertajam.

The action led to the arrest and five-day remand of state executive councillor for environment, welfare and caring society Phee Boon Poh, as well as the factory director and manager.

Umno Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhamad Farid Saad said PKR's attitude towards Norlela was "disappointing" as she merely wanted justice for her constituents who had to put up with the ill-effects from the 15-year-old factory.

"It is not right or fair for her to be sidelined just because she thanked MACC for their action on an issue she has raised since 2015," Farid said in a statement today.

"PKR, a party that says it fights for all, should support Norlela in her struggle and not condemn her or ostracise her for doing the right thing to defend the well-being of her people," he added.

Farid was responding to state PKR chief Mansor Othman, who said the party stood with the Penang government on this matter.

'It's her personal opinion'

Mansor said Norlela's "Thank you, MACC" note on her Facebook after Phee's arrest was her personal opinion and that PKR would not punish her for it.

His statement followed complaints by Norlela in the media that she was being blamed for Phee's arrest, but said she was merely doing her job as an assemblyperson.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Phee (photo) was being investigated for implementing a state policy in issuing letters to the local council asking that action be halted on the factory until a solution was found.

Lim said illegal businesses, factories, and places of worship were a BN legacy that the present administration was trying to resolve.

Farid said such policies - allowing a factory to continue operating despite several complaints - were "high risk" that endangered the safety and health of the residents.

"When Norlela cried in the state assembly after her motion on illegal factories was rejected by the House speaker, DAP and PKR representatives laughed at her.

"When it was proven that her concerns had basis and truth, with several agencies, except the Seberang Perai Municipal Council, acting on her complaints, Norlela was left on her own," he added.

Farid asked what DAP or PKR really wanted from their elected representatives, adding "speak out for the people or become a parrot that just mimics the voices of the bosses".

Farid said the same situation could be found in DAP.

He recalled that when DAP Tanjung Bunga assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu criticised the Penang government during the state assembly, he was asked to apologise and withdraw his statements.

Teh had to apologise after he abstained from voting against a motion against reclamation in Penang that was tabled by BN in the state assembly in November 2015.

"If DAP and PKR representatives themselves are not allowed to speak, it will not be suprising if Penangites and media are sued for going against the state government," he added.