GE14 | DAP's Tanjung Bungah candidate Zairil Khir Johari found himself on a slippery slope today when he met a group of angry and emotional residents of a condominium in Batu Ferringhi

Besides Zairil, also present were candidates for the state seat, Teng Chang Yeow (BN), Chua Cheong Wee (PRM) and Lee Zheng Yong (PBM, Parti Bersama Malaysia), along with BN candidate for Bukit Bendera Andy Yong.

At the three-hour meeting at the Miami Green condominium, the residents demanded the candidates make a stand on hillslope development, especially about a new project that is planned behind their units

They were concerned and angry about a hillslope development involving 869 units, eight blocks and a density 101 units behind their condominium

As he was explaining the caretaker government's actions, a resident named Jessica Lee repeatedly hurled insults at Zairil, saying "We don't want developers' representatives here" and "Our lives are not up for debate."

Another resident, Agnes James, a representative from the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA), said the voters preferred an assemblyperson like Teh Yee Cheu who would raise their issues in the state assembly

Teh has quit DAP, and is currently contesting in Sungai Pinang under PSM's ticket.

TBRA member Lee Laine, meanwhile, said that she voted for change in 2008 as they had been at odds with the previous BN government over similar projects.

"And now in 2018, after 10 years, I have to vote for change again," she said, showing off her t-shirt bearing the PRM logo.

Despite the ordeal, the former one-term Bukit Bendera MP remained calm and answered every question from the floor.

In responding to his critics, Zairil said that in terms of public engagement, the Penang government was transparent.

He said the state followed procedures before any projects are approved, and that there are also avenues for objections.

"If elected, I will ensure that residents' views will be heard not only for this development, but others as well," he said

Zairil said development projects would only be approved after getting the green light from the all stakeholders, including federal agencies like the Environment Department.

However, whether the agencies were competent is another debate, he said, adding, "Your safety is our concern."

'Clear and eminent danger'

Earlier, engineer Aziz Noor from environment and geotechnology consulting firm Zeezy Global Sdn Bhd said the project was a "clear and emminent danger" to the surroundings

The dialogue was also attended by Penang Island City Council engineer A Rajendran and seven-term local councillor Lim Mah Hui, who is representing NGO Penang Forum

Meanwhile, Teng said he would ensure that no development above 250ft on hill slopes would be approved

He said the MBPP mayor Yew Tung Siang should be present at the dialogue with residents, as the council is the approving authority for projects

"If a particular project goes against the rules, MBPP should have rejected it. However, the state's policy decision is binding on the council," he said, urging for politicians not to interfere in council decisions.

PRM's Chua, a former reporter, said he would raise the issues at the state assembly if elected.

Lee, the PBM candidate, said the state assembly needed more neutral voices.

"We are not here to say who is right or wrong, but we also question how a 50-storey building can be approved on a hill slope."