GE14 | The contest for Penang's seat of power in Komtar is fast turning into a battle between the two-term DAP-led government and Gerakan's 51-year rule.

The bone of contention between the two administrations is centered on a landslide in Tanjung Bungah which killed 11, and a massive flood which claimed seven lives last year.

DAP's Datok Keramat candidate Jagdeep Singh Deo hit the campaign trail today by firing salvos at state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow, who remarked that the proposed highrise project behind the Miami Green condominium is situated 76m above sea level, the limit for hillslope development. 

On Sunday, Pakatan Harapan's Tanjung Bungah candidate Zairil Khir Johari was insulted by Miami Green residents over the planning permission given to the developer.

Teng, who is BN's Tanjung Bungah candidate, had then defended the residents, saying BN's manifesto stated that any development above 250ft (76m) would be rejected.

He also pointed out that the density limit of the project is 15 units per acre, but the project's density is 102 units.

"That is incorrect as the footprint of the project is below 76m. We would not have allowed it if it were," said Jagdeep, the caretaker state executive councillor for housing, town and country planning.

'Teng out of touch'

Jagdeep also said the density limit in the Penang Structure Plan 2020 in 2007 is currently being reviewed to 2030.

"Teng, a former state exco, might not know as he has been out of politics for so long. He is out of touch, so I'm giving him a little quick update on actual facts," Jagdeep said during his walkabout at Taman Free School.

He reiterated the Penang government's stand that there will not be any development above 76m, telling Penangites to "don't look back, look forward."

"Do you know that during the BN administration there had been many developments above 76m? Can Teng answer to this? So what is he talking about?" Jagdeep asked.

He then refuted another claim by Teng that the density of the project should be 15 units per acre.

Jagdeep said the correct density figure is between 15 to 30 units, and application from the developer to increase the density level may be entertained by the State Planning Committee, especially when it involves the construction of affordable housing units.

"This is because we want more stock for affordable housing, especially when BN has failed to build even one PR1MA housing unit.

"Now that we want to build affordable housing, BN complains of higher density? Where would Penangites go where housing is concerned if we don't allow affordable housing. Let's be gentlemen here," he said.

Jagdeep said the state government incentivises developers who want to build affordable housing by allowing them higher density.

He dared Teng (photo) to ask caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak to stop building above 76m (or 250ft) if BN comes to power, as the national guideline is 300ft.

"They are BN, after all, so Penangites beware. Their manifesto can mention it but their national policy is 300ft for hillslope development, how can BN Penang talk one thing, but the national policy says something different?" he asked.

Jagdeep assured that despite the increased density, traffic congestion will be managed in the area, as a plot of land from the project has been surrendered to the state government for the purpose.

What about flood mitigation?

Meanwhile, Teng was also asked by Jagdeep to explain why flood mitigation projects were not installed 20 years ago while they were in government in Penang.

"They have failed miserably to do it and the people suffered badly.

"The people tolerated their failure for far too long, there is no need to visit the river just because it rained yesterday and today," he said.

Jagdeep was referring to BN Dato Keramat candidate for Lee Boon Ten, who had uploaded a short video on his Facebook page questioning Jagdeep's "absence" at the banks of a river which threatened to overflow following a torrential downpour. 

"We just want to see the flood mitigation machinery at the Sungai Pinang river mouth, the barrage they promised. They have not executed their plan, they have played enough charades," he said.