Penang under the administration of DAP and chief minister Lim Guan Eng has degenerated to become a failed state, Umno information chief Annuar Musa claimed today.

Among others, Annuar pointed to the recent flood tragedy as evidence of weaknesses in DAP’s administration, on top of the Tanjung Bungah landslide which critics claimed was a result of uncontrolled hillside development.

“Uncontrolled development by the state has brought great tragedy to the people of Penang.

“But Guan Eng should be thankful because Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has shown their willingness to set-aside political differences in order to help the people in the state,” said Annuar as quoted by Umno Online.

He pointed out that DAP had all these while labelling Malaysia as a failed state under BN and must now accept the fact they are faced with a similar allegation in Penang after a series of tragedies that hit the state.

“Many parties had criticised the DAP administration seen to only prioritise profit without thinking of future risks…In fact, they often issue arrogant statements, that they are far better than BN.

“If we can recall, on Dec 15, 2013, Guan Eng had boasted that they (DAP) can resolve the issue of flooding in just one term. Tanjong assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik had in 2008 also said the problem can be resolved in just nine months,” Annuar was quoted. 

Contrary to their statements, Annuar claimed that the problem had systematically worsened since 2008, despite the state government’s efforts over the years and the federal government’s latest allocation of RM150 million for flood mitigation works in Budget 2017.

“Where did all this money go? ” he questioned.

Aside from the issue of flooding and landslide, Annuar also highlighted a list of other factors which he claimed, will prove Penang’s status as a failed state.

Among others, he cited alleged sale of state lands without going through proper procedures, increased state debts, as well as reduced investments, as “clear evidence that DAP has failed to administer Penang, and Lim has turned Penang into an utterly failed state.”

In the aftermath of the flood, Lim yesterday thanked all parties that volunteered their assistance, including various federal and state agencies.