The DAP-led Penang government is growing increasingly arrogant, according to MCA central committee member Ti Lian Ker.

He said this is reflected in statements by both Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.

Ti claimed the pair makes condescending, belittling or demeaning remarks to their friends or opponents who have differing opinions or criticise their policies.

“This is in direct contrast to their humility and promises before coming into power. Their behaviour is also in contrast to the expectations of the rakyat who voted for them, hoping for a change with high expectations of transparency, accountability and humility,” he added.

The MCA leader was responding to Ramasamy's statement against NGOs critical of DAP's policy with regard to developers in the wake of a landslide at a construction site in Tanjung Bungah, which claimed 11 lives.

“DAP's profit-oriented policies towards developers, on hill development projects, are unkind and brutal towards their supporters and once friendly NGOs that supported DAP into power, thinking that DAP governance will be more considerate and supportive of the causes pursued by these NGOs.

“On the contrary, DAP does not take kindly to criticisms and chooses to challenge these NGOs to come out of their comfort zones or to form a political party or work with BN,” Ti (photo) said in a statement.

He accused Ramasamy of believing that the Penang government is untouchable, not only by BN but also by NGOs.

“DAP should know better - these NGOs and activists were the ones that helped put it into power and were never in a comfort zone.

“They are driven by a passion for causes for the good of the environment, the safety of the people, etc, and have chosen to be apolitical in order to be true to their causes, despite facing hostility and discomfort.

“It is an insult to demean these NGOs. Ramasamy is adding salt to the wounds with his hurtful words, hostility and arrogant posturings,” Ti said.

Ramasamy (photo) and Penang DAP are engaged in a heated exchange with NGOs, including Penang Forum, which has been critical of the state government's handling of hillslope projects.

Penang Forum committee member Lim Mah Hui had reportedly told state assemblypersons who refused to engage in a dialogue on the landslide tragedy to "get out".

This led to Ramasamy asking the NGO to form a political party or work with BN to oust the current government.

Meanwhile, PSM also criticised the Penang state government for “intimidating” activists.

“This tragedy was man-made. Those responsible must be made accountable, including all parties in the construction as well as those involved in the decision-making process.

“The policymakers who decide on such a development model and authorities who gave approval to the project shall not escape from their responsibilities by claiming the tragedy as a 'construction site accident',” PSM Bayan Baru chairperson Choo Chon Kai said.

Supporting the call from Penang Forum to put an end to all hillslope projects, Choo said the state government must stop its “senseless and inappropriate accusations against civil society groups”.